My First Campaign Part 6

The procession marched over the usual route to Exchange Place, where the men stacked arms, and universal hand-shakings and congratulations were the order of the day.

The streets were lined with people. Flags were hung out all along the line of march; handkerchiefs were waving everywhere, and bouquets and wreaths were scattered with a liberal hand. The regiments doing escort duty turned out with very full ranks, and made a most effective demonstration. A fine collation, served by L. H. Humphreys, was provided for the troops in Howard Hall. There were eight tables running the entire length of the room, neatly spread with most acceptable fare, and presenting a most cheerful and inviting appearance. The officers of the regiments were entertained upon the platform. About two thousand plates were laid, and all three of the regiments were amply provided for.

The Rev. Dr. Swain, Chaplain of the Sixth Regiment, invoked a blessing upon the repast, after which His Excellency Governor Smith came forward, and in a very happy manner welcomed the regiment back to the State and thanked them for the services they had rendered in the field.

Colonel Browne responded substantially as follows:

"In my own behalf, and that of the officers and soldiers under my command, I thank you for the kind manner in which you have been pleased to speak of us. Next to the approbation of our own consciences we prize most highly the approbation of those we love. That approbation of conscience we enjoy. To the utmost of our ability since we left this State, we have endeavored to uphold her honor, and to labor for the suppression of the rebellion. We prize this reception as an evidence of your approval.

"Your words of praise show that our services have not been unmarked.

Still it may be well for me to advert briefly to some facts in our history as a regiment. We have travelled over 3,500 miles, five hundred of which has been on foot, literally carrying the houses we lived in, the provisions upon which we were to subsist for six and even eight days, and the arms with which we were to defend ourselves and oppose the enemy.

"On the field of Fredericksburg one hundred and nine of my brave men were lost to my command. Afterwards, when pestilence stalked through the camp, and amid hards.h.i.+p and privation, one hundred and twenty more were swept away in three short weeks; not all indeed to the silent grave, since a few still linger in hospitals.

"But through the constant efforts of my officers to preserve cleanliness and discipline in the camp, we are happy in bringing back to our friends to-day over seven hundred of those who marched with me from Was.h.i.+ngton to the banks of the Rappahannock.

"Our duties have been of the most varied kind. But through them all the uniform kindness of the State has at all times watched over us. While we were in camp where pestilence a.s.sailed us and want made us suffer, your good s.h.i.+p Elizabeth and Helen brought us much needed supplies; and if your bounty burdened our backs, it certainly lightened our hearts and cheered us on the weary march.

"Let me in conclusion congratulate you, the officers who surround you, and all our citizens, that we arrive at home at a time when every thing is so cheering and prosperous. Gentlemen, nine short months more, and you will see this country a re-united country--a mighty nation, whose arms will be more a s.h.i.+eld for every citizen than was ever Rome in her proudest days."

At the conclusion of the collation, the military were dismissed. The Twelfth Regiment were ordered to re-a.s.semble in this city on Wednesday next, at ten o'clock, A.M.

HEAD-QUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, _Cincinnati_, _Ohio_, July 17, 1863.

GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 115.

On the departure of the Twelfth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, at the expiration of their term of enlistment, the Commanding General wishes to express his regret at taking leave of soldiers who, in their brief service, have become veterans. After pa.s.sing through experiences of great hards.h.i.+p and danger, they will return with the proud satisfaction that, in the ranks of their country's defenders, the reputation of their State has not suffered in their hands.

By command of Maj. Gen. BURNSIDE.

LEWIS RICHMOND, _a.s.sist. Adjutant-General_.

THE END.