Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1863-12-10
Our Prisoners in Richmond-Grea
Relief Meeting in Philsdelphia--
Speech by John Brough.

Our Prisoners in Richmond-Great
Relief Meeting in Phllsdelphia-
Speech by John Brough.
An immense meeting in behalf Of tho
prisoners in Rebellion was held at the
Church Of Epiphany, Philadelphia, on
Thanksgiving Evening. The North Amer
lean says
The sexton, who for sixteen yesrs has
been the door-keeper oi that house of Israel.
informed us that IL al cxperient elhe new
or Witnessed the like crowd. Very soon
after the doors were open the entire place
was filled The church has two tiers Of
galleries, the upper of which is sarc'y open
ed or occupied. Last night both were as
densely tilled as the main body of the church,
and the entire sssemblage could not have
boen less than three thousand people. Not
less than half that number were unable TO
gain entrance. The front seats were re-
served for the clergy spd for gentlemen
specially invited to be present. Among
them we noticed the hsie. burly form of
Governor-elect Brorgh, Of Ohio. Governor
Brough has 8 daughter residing in Phila-
delphia, the wife of the Presbyterian min
rian Churckon Nintecnth and Green streets.
A number Of gallant officers, who have ex-
psrisneed the miseries Of the Libby, were
also present, some Of them mutilatsd by
cannon shot.
Bishop Potter presided, Addresses were
made by various Cergymen. Major Bolles,
iately an inmate of Libby Prison aud Hon
John Brougb. The latter spoke as follows
This is an occasion on which 1t seems
that nothing need to be said. There can be
nothing more said than that our brethren are
there, and suffering and this alone will move
every heart aud unloose every hand for the
performance of work so noble. There is
broad plain duty incumbent upon US all, to
do our best in the good work. Others
know the details of this association. The
speaker could only urge the best efforts to
accomplish its object.
WAR is a necessity. With us it is a duty
1t comes with all its woes, its sufferings,
and its wants. Death, sorrow and anguish
msetits every step. Yet in this country,
in this war, what has not the mighty North
to be thankful for? The desolation of war
has not touched our hearths,ones. Be-
reavement has stricken us, but those who
have suffered have suffered for just and
holy cause We have not suffered. No
confiagration has ravaged our country, no
enemy's hand despoiled U.s. The seed time
and harvest have been blessed. Our store
houses are filled; our commerce whitens the
seas; oil the channels Of wealth are flowing
with the healthy blood OF peace. There is
no sorrow or trouble among u.s. We have
oil our civil and religious rights; all tho
blessings Of = benign Government are ours
why is all this2 Know you anything
Of the blasted fields of tho South, Of the war
that. like the srocco, has withersd all it
touched2 Know you anything Of tho thur.
der ofcannon and The rattle OF muskstryE-
No. And why? Because noble band of
men arc standing between us and the serried
hosts ready to invade us at ATTY time that an
opening is offered. They are guarding our
homes standing like wall Of fire between
Us and the Invader. Is there no gratitude
due 70 them? In suffering, what limits
shall DO placed to what we do for them, even
to the hall of our means? OF what value is
wealth, IL the enemy come to take it from us!
From the dungeons. of Richmond these
brave men, sorrowing and suffering sppeasl
to Us for aid. We are but the stewards ofI
Gods bounty, and to US the cartives appeal
Our course is plain. Our duty Is high and
holy, and imperative. 1.-THE suffering we're
ordinary, it would claim your charity. How
much more should it appeal to us now, when
tho ery is from the soldier who has fought
our battles-from the horrible prisons of
the South History knows no parallel to
the devotion Of our soldiers. Never yet did
people, like them, rush to arms at the
call OF their country. Search the annals of
the world, aud nothing like it can be found
such let cur acts be ns to cheer them in
their captivity, Nothing has ever awaken
cd my emotions like rejecting upon the no.
bility Of tho men who thus went to the sue
cor OF the Government when threstened
with annihilation"
The speaker could say no more, If he
spoke all the evening.
Al the close of tho meeting very liberal
collection was taken up.