Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-08-05
Isv sung "Unfnrl ila-''las' y :
Mr.. A. In esysiIgfy and eloquently for


Mr. A. II -svrfugly anu elOquently lor
inch under his command as follows:
CAPT. PRATT's RESPONSE.
Mr. Commander, and Ladies and Gentlemen ::
! hardly know how in fitting terms to respond
to this most generous welcome, for to such
kindly greetings we have long been strangers.
For the past three months we have stood in
the enemy's country, where any exhibition of
hospitality or kindness toward us, was of rare
occurrence therefore highly do we appreciate
and most sincerely thank you for this welcome
home. l will attempt no speech, but resum-
ing it may prove acceptable, will briefly state
our experiences since leaving home. 1t seems
but a short hour, Mr.. commander, since
we took up our line Of march responsive TO
our country's call, and the hearty God bless
yous and the cheering words we then received
! assure you, have been worth more to us, in
many an hour OF gloom, than any wealth of
gold.
After proceeding to Boston and procuring
our equipments, we started thence on our
march to the national capital, passing through
Worcester, we again had an opportunity OF
bidding farewell to the loved ones at home.
Our journey hence to New York, was made
amid bonfires, firing of salutes, and other
demonstrations of joy. In New York we
made brief halt, being received with the
same enthusiasm. Alter reaching New Jersey,
and while proceeding through that state, our
march seemed more like the return of some
triumphant host, than that of men going forth
to uncertain fields. AS we entered the city of
Trenton, in the midst of an artillery salute,
and witnessed the stern spirit of liberty, and
love OF country, and defiance to its foes, writ.
ten ON every countenance, it required but a
slight stretch Of imagination to induce the be.
lief that its old battle fires were blazing still,
and that twas the battle thunder of other days
we heard, still rolling out from Trenton's field
of fame.
Between her border lines / candidly believe
ten thousand of her sons and daughters took
us by the hand, bidding US a hearty welcome,
asking US to stand faithfully by the old flag,
and assuring US that as OF old, speedily be-
meath common flag the sons of Jersey would
rally by the Bay States side. God bless her,
say we, for nowhere lives a truer race than
that, whose manly virtues and large hearts
make SO bright the homes of Jersey, Reach
ing Philadelphia, it seemed as though every
previous demonstration had been crowded into
one; SO filled were the streets with our enthu.
siastic friends, that we found it impossible TO
force our column through, and think it re
quired more time for the regiment to make its
way through the ranks of its friends in Phila-
delphia, than it did upon the following morn
ing to cut its way through the ranks of its enc
mics in Baltimore. The air surrounded with
cheers for old Massachusetts, and cries of stand
by the old flag, and the old Bay State, first in
seventy-six, first in sixty one, may God bless
her on every field" Then it was heard from
the ranks the exclamation, "Good God for
such land who wouldn't ight7" During the
night we resumed our march, and after pass
ing the Maryland border, our welcome assum-
ed different character. AT first it seemed TO
partake more of ridicule than hatred, but it
speedily grew into hatred, becoming more vo-
lent IN lis exhibition as we progressed, until it
nnally eliminated in that bloody fight in the
streets Of more than infamous Baltimore. 1t
unnecessary to report the story of that day,
you know 1t we'll Upon our arrival in Wash.
ington' we Were Immediately quartered in the
Senate Chamber of the United States. where
we remained as close garrison. until rein.
forcemenis arrived. Our orders were 70 hod
the Capitol, and we did, as best we could and
allow me TO say, that l believe you have never
been fully aware OF the danger your ean,ai
Sas then in, and think you can have no a,ls.
quate idea OF that heavy anxiety which it was
ours TO feel. during that week when all our
communications and supports were cut of
and your capital lay at the mercy OF its foes,
Could you have stood, as il was sometimes my
fortune to stand, at some council OF war in
that magnificent hall, and listen 10 the oft-conl
ing reports, each confirming the other, as to