Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-07-01
From the N. o. National, June TO-
RECEPTION OF THE VOLUNTEERS

In welcoming home the noble spirits VINO SO proud
~ sustained our flag, upon the distant fields OF
Monterey and Buena Vista. Soon after three
O'Clock there was ausplay of military in Canal street
and the different companies of the Mississippi Reg
ment formed In line in front of the Verandah Hotel
The thinned ranks spoke too plainly OF the trials
and hardships they had undergone, since they left
our city, less than one year AFRO. While these
things were progressing, Lafayette square was fill
ing up with our citizens A stage had been erected
under the shade of some of the largest trees. over
which, was iestooned number of flags. The
scene was picturesque, and made most completely
enchanting by the array of beauty that rose I'm sue
cesslve lines, upon the ascending steps of the Pres
byteran church.
About four O'Clock the long and interesting pro-
ceSsion proceeded towards the square, First came
the Legion, iii full uniform, as a military escort.
proceeded by the marshall of the day then the ora
tor OF the day, the wounded officers and tho com
mlttee OF arrangements in carriages ACCOMPANIED
by Col. Watson's splendid company of cavalry:
next powerful band of music, and then the Mis-
slssippI Regiment, two by two. the companies
commanded by their respective officers, followed
by the Governor and staff, officers of the army and
navy, the mayor and aldermen of the city. and the
citizens generally. As the procession approached
the entrance of the square the artillery fired salute
of fifty guns.
The scene was exceedingly animating, and OF
most martial kind. As The volunteers made their
appearance before the stand, they were greeted with
loud huzZas, rs were the orator OF the day. Coils.
Davis and McClung, and other distinguished SOL
dIers and citizens. After all who had access to the
stand had been seated, and The Mississippi regiment
had formed in solid square in front of the stand
Mr. Prentss, the orator Of the day rose 10 greet its
members with welcome in behalf of New Or
! leans.
/ The speech was most happy effort, and the
] WI nj pftn ~ .li, tad
10 the civilian that claimed so much attention in the
present excitement of military glory As he went
on, eyes were filled with tears or were excited with
ieTce enthusiasm, and the suppressed feeling came
forth In cries OF loud eXultation. Mr. Prentss al
luded TO the European idea that had obtained nm
I'll recently, that we Were not. with all our numer-
ical strength. military people, that did not de-
serve nigh place among the nations OF the earth
because our army and navy Were small but, said
the orator. the volunteers, upon the plains of Mexi-
co, have shown that we have IN army of two mil
lions, ready at any instant to DO service for their
country, and do II proudly and we'll
Ills al!usl0n 10 the sudden organization of our
volunteer corps and their disappearance again into
private lie when their term OF service had expired
was slngularly happy. He said it reminded him
OF the sudden appearance OF the daIk thunder cloud
upon the horizon, that rolled up in threatening mas
ses launched its black battery and then disappeared
lnto ether falling in dew drops upon the tender
u
plant and tho oNYoot scented fivwcI. lie alluded 10
the dead In a most touching manner and drew a
truthful and mournful distinction between those who
were iaied to die by disease, and those who more
fortunate, gave up their spirits in the deadly strife
1t was reward indeed to the war worn soldiers
to listen to this conclusion, when he welcomed them
home, and recounied their chvalrous deeds while
their grateful countrymen present manifested their
feelings In joyous shouts.
Upon the orator taking his seat Col jefferson
Davis rose, and in the name Of his regiment thank
ed the citizens of New Orleans for the reception
that had been given to its members and then mod
estly recounted the gallant deeds of the volunteers
Referring TO Mr. Prentiss' remarks relative 10 the
dead. he spoke of Hardin, Clay, McKee, and Others
who had become cemented to him in the warmest
personal friendship, as heroes worthy of the hirh-
est niche in the Temple of Fame After compli
menting his fellow companions from other STATES
he for moment dwelt upon the virtues of the old
hero who had led them all 10 victory. and to whom
! they looked upas children 10 a parent. Col Davis
said that Gen. Taylor had shown himself the dis
tngulShed soldier of the age yet he was equally re-
markable for his kindness Of heart and simplicity
OF habits, his strong Judgment and excellent sense.
lie alluded to the fact that Gen TAYLOR had shared
the humblest soldiers fortune in the campaign that
he had in every thing identified himself with his
troops. He alluded to that hour Of the battle OF
Buena Vista, when the day seemed if not lost, to
De gong against our arns-when Gen. Taylor a.
midst the thickcst of the iron hail. rode upon the
plateau. and calmly surveyed the scene. Vast AS
were the consequences of that hour. he appeared to
fear no danger, expect no harm. From that mo
men:, said Col. Davis, the volunteers felt assured
OF vctOsy. The presence of that old man inspired
q courage that could not be overcome; and not q
soldier present, said he (pontng TO the regiment
before HIM but felt then willing to die rather than
10 yield an inch.
1T was not, continued Col. Davis. alone on the
battle field that we learned to love Gen TAYLOR
The excitement OF the carnage over. the same soul
that could remain unmoye1 when his friends were
falling Ike leaves around him. who could look I'M
blanched upon the front of the thunderinp artillery
become the poor soldiers most sympathising friend
and the eye so stern in battle, was as mild as the
tender hearted matron's.
Col. Davis tools his seat amidst deafeninr cheers
Col. McClung thanked those present for the spop-
taneous call madetIpoa ,9iP. III few words, his
health still being 6o fee'e TO permit him IN ipdploe
in any heightened remarks.
A. The procession then left the SQUARE. and proceed
~ IN the same order along ST. Charles and Char
'<fes streets 10 the Place d'Armes. where they We
received by salute Of fifty guns A splendid re- .
past was here provided for them. Never did more (
agreeable sight present itself to our eyes There.
you could see the gorgeous dressed stsHficer help
ING, with degree OF kindness truly 6Gghtful, the
humble and war-worn volunteer. There group
Of ''yOanr veterans glass ionaud drinking TO
love and home, and telling may tale Of "iood
and field, camp and bivouac- Never was a day
commenced more delghtf1y, or ended more peace
ably-alike honoring OK honored.
TsAvErLrSee--7<s, strong, Jay fellow, who pre-
ferfed Begging teworkiug, called on a gentleman
IN one Of the estern cities, and asked for "vctuals
and old cIoihs." The gentleman asked him what
nc did foTd living.
''N@m much, ;" said the fellow, Except travel
ling