The Portland daily press., 1862-10-14

perfect record at the close of this war than
the soldiers from the Pine Tree State. In re-
lation to his own I giment, he said nothing
gave him more pleasure than the general good
conduct of the men. No, not even when he
had returned to the command of the regiment,
and the men with a shout exclaimed, 1--WE are
glad Little Johnny has come back again. He
had seen it stated in the papers that at the
battle OF Antetam the 18th hesitated at an order
TO charge in the face of three batteries. No,
said he, the It'll never hesitated at an order,
and the order was promptly obeyed, though at
a terrible loss of life. In conclusion, he
thanked the City and State Authorities for the
kind reception given the regiment, and trusted
there would be enough Of the valiant hearts
Of Maine to come forward and replenish the
ranks, SO that they could soon again be at the
seat of war Col. Mason's remarks elected
great applause. At their conclusion, three
rousing cheers were given for Col. Mason,
three for Lieut.. Col. Conner, three TOR Major
Hyde, and three for the It'll Regiment. The
band then played "Hail Columbia" A bene-
dction from Rev. DIR. Bosworth closed the ex-
ercises in the hall.
The Dinner.
After the exercises in the hall were closed,
and while the immense throng of people were
leaving, a general interchange of civilities was
going on upon the stage, between the officers
of the veteran regiment and Gov Washburn.
As soon as it could be done conveniently, the
procession was reformed and escorted the gal
liant 9TH to Mechanics Hall, where the City
Government had provided a sumptuous enter
tainment. Five rows of tables were spread
longitudinally, and one across the head of the
hall. At the latter was seated the presiding
officer, the field officers and chaplain of the
regiment, and the Governor and his suite.
The other tables were filed with the rank and
file of the regiment, and invited guests. The
entertainment was got up by that popular
caterer, n. j. Davis of the Commercial House,
according to the following
BILL OF FARE.
OYSTER SOUP.
Beef Turkey, Chicken, Goose,
DUCK, ZIG. Lamb.
BOILED.
Corned Beef: Tongue, Mutton, and Caper Sauce,
Turkey, Chicken.
SIDE DISHES.
Chicken Pie, Lobster salad Potted Pigeons,
Apple Fritters.
Baked Sweet Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Squash,
Cabbage, Turnips, Beets, Tomatoes
Cucumber Pickles Beet Pickles Lines.
rUpprsos.
Custard Pie. Apple Pie, Mince Pie, Lemon Pie,
Washington lie, Jelly Tafts.
Fears, Peaches. Apples. Grapes, Raisins.
Pine Apple, Lemon and Vanilla Ice Creams.
The only drinks were hot coffee and cold
water. S. W. Larrabee, Esq, Chairman of the
Committee of Arrangements, called to order,
and invited the chaplain of the regiment to
invoke the divine blessing; after which the
viands were discussed with a relish.
Owing TO the lateness of the hour all speeches
were dispensed with, and the company sepe-
rated informally. Before the separation, how
ever, Col. Mason dismissed his regiment until
nine O'Clock in the evening, telling them they
were at full liberty to enjoy themselves until
that time, only be sure and report themselves
promptly; to remember that Portland was
quiet, orderly city, and not to 90 in at too
many open doors. The cheers with which
the -boys" responded, showed something of
the strength Of their attachment to their be-
loved Commander.
Thus ended proud day for Portland--a day
long to be remembered by the noble fellows OF
the Maine Scventh''-a day back to which
every citizen may turn with honest pride. The
only thing to sadden the general festivities of
the occasion was the thought that so many of
those who once belonged to the regiment now
fill soldiers graves or languish in hospitals,
but even such sad thoughts were relieved of
much that would otherwise serve to depress,
by the reflection that they had fallen or been
wounded while calamity defending the stars
and stripes, the proud emblem of constitutional
liberty.
ORIGIN NAL AND LECTED