The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-07-06 00:00:00

WELCOMING A LUCKNOW HERO.

One of the most enthusiastic add unanimous bursts
of generous patriotism that ever graced our town Was
witnessed on Thursday evening on the return to Dor-
chester of Capt. Gould Read Weston, the brother of
M. C. Weston, Esq., solicitor, (rota India. Just befere
the arrival of the 8 o'clock train crowds of townspeople
went up to the South Western Railway station, and,
in accordance with • spontaneous desire on the
part of the newly formed Bud of Hope Lodge of Odd
Fellows, and which was given expression to, at the
Odd Fellows' dinner, by Dr. Aldridge who presided,
that Lodge, which on Thursday were holding their find
public demonstration, accompanied by banners, Sags,
and all the imposing paraphernalia of the order, left
the gaieties of Wollaston House, and went in proces-
sion to welcome the gallant Captain. The militia band
and several officers, including brothers Dr. Aldridge
and Thomas Coombe, headed the procession, starting
from Wollaston House about 20 minutes to 8, and,
passing along High East-street, and South-street to
the railway terminus, where they formed a double
line, spreading their banners across in the form of
arches so that a carriage might pass beneath. As soon
as Captain Wostou, who since his arrival in South.
ampton on Wednesday week has been staying in
London, appeared, in company with his brother, a
hearty and thoroughly English cheer broke forth from
the crowds, on the platform and outside the station,
met to welcome him. On alighting, hand.s were quickly
thrust forward to grasp that of the much honored
soldier, who continually acknowledged the warm
greeting offered him by raising ha hat. After
some delay he was permitted to enter the carriage
awaiting him, but the bystanders with one consent,
despite every wish to the contrary on the part of the
hero, unharnessed the pair of greys and dragged the
cruyiage hours. Before starting, the cheering was
immense, and when the carriage passed down the
station yard, beneath the flaunting banners, the
land struck up "Auld Lang Syne.'' The Odd
Fellows preceded the carriage, which was every now
and then compelled to stop by the rising enthusiasm
of the crowd thickly strewn all around it. The
carriage was drawn up South-street, where every
win low was alive with spectators, and on purring St.
Peter's church the bells rang merrily out in joyous
gratulation. Up High West-street the windows again
were filled with *railing lookers-on, and again and
again did the carriage atop aml the gallant captain rise
to bow his acknowledgments for the enthusiastic
greetings which rose about him. A very pleasing part
of the ovation was, that it was arranged entirely with.
out the knowledge of the honoured Captain's imme
diate friends; and his brother, who accompanied him
in the carnage, seemed as much surprised at the re-
caption as the hero of Lucknow himself. On reaching
the residence of Mr. Weston the carriage passed under
the banners a second tiine, the Odd Fellows, ar-
ranged Olt either side, standing uncovered. Most
vociferous cheers were given again and again, after
which the baud played a verse of " God Save the
Queen," during which Captain Weston remained
standing in the carriage uncovered ; at the close,
when the bursts of applause had somewhat subsided, he
spoke as follows, in a manner which showed deep stun-
ton: —"Gentlemen and fellow townsmen, I assure you
that lam utiable to express to you my feelings of gratis
licatim for the great honour you have done me. I
assure you it is most thoroughly unexpected, and it
is, therefore, all the more welcome. When I say
that I thank you most heartily, high and low, and
when I say this reception is a reward for all the
troubles and anxieties I have gone through fur the
last year, I say so horn the very bottom of my heart.
I thank you all." The crowd again cheered the
gallant Captain in the most enthusiastic and voci-
ferous manner, and after standing in the carriage
bowing in silent acknowledgment for some minutes,
Captain Weston entered his brother's residence, still
having to turn, as he went up the steps, to acknow-
ledge the hearty cheering of the assembly. The pm-
oe ion afterwards reformed, and marched, hea led
by the militia band, back to Wollaston House
where Wellspring's band had been left to enable
the numer us visitors to continue the dance
in the absence of the Lodge. We understand
Captain Weston is home after 18 yeare'
residence in India—on three years' siok leave, which
leave will count as active service in India in consi-
deration of his eminent services. It will in all pro-
bability be remembered that be pared through the
11 hole of the Luoknow siege tie subsequently
with Sir J 4111611 Outrun at the Alumlniia;(l,h:pas.
pity, has escaped without a wound, rnor to the
=tiny he served in Luaknow and elsewhere under
Colonel Illeenam, Sir J. Outram, and Sir floury
Lawrence,