The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1863-06-11

that those true hearts which we had so
often tested at home, could safely be
trusted away. We knew that those
strong arms which had been 80 active
'Iy employed in honest toll at home,
would deal heavy blows to traitors
away. Our expectations have been
fully realized. You have the credit
FROM those who were in authority over
You, credit which you may ever wear
rs proud distinction. They fought
6rarely." 700" q iss".t
The fortunes of war are ever varying.
A c"ntending army to-day, may be in
the presence of a glorious victory, to-
morrow may be overcame by terrible
defeat. Some OF these fortunes of war
you have experienced during your ab-
sencs. In that holly contested battle
of Franklin, You witnessed a defeat
which only the force of circumstances
compelled. You only surrendered
when an overwhelming force surround.
ed you; and to resist longer would
have been madness. You finally sur
rendered, not as faltering towards, but
AZ valent soldiers. 5"
. When you were hurried away to the
privations of Southern prison a gloom
was thrown over our spirits and again
we waited with intense anxiety to get
news from you. There are some among
US, who, could they assume ETHEREAL
forms, like those spirits who ministered
to the wants of the prophet of Korab
in the days of his solitude, would have
flown to those prison walls to minister
to your wants and give you relief But
that omniscisnt eye above was upon
You, and that kind providence which
Protected you in the midst of the battle
strife, was not willing that you should
perish in al snxmy's country and in a
rebels prison, and therefore you have
been guided safely back. Those days
of prison life, were days OF hardship
and privation but they well mark a
promlnent era in your history. -
1t is good to suffer for ones country,
and when IN future years, after peace
shall have been restored to this land,
and yon shall sit down las we sincerely
hope You may to recount the scenes of
this terrible war, the thought that, 6" |
was true patriot, have fought and suf-
fsred for my country" shall be to you
a consolation and a rich inheritance.
You have needed your Country's call,
a country fully redeemed from the ruth
less hand of traitors, and the applause
of coming generations shall yet be your
legacy.
One of your number who went from
this community is not with us to day,
but you have brought to us the inteIl.
gence that he is safe, and that he de-
ported himself well upon the field of
battle.
Soldiers we welcome you to these old
familiar scenes. We meet you within
these consecrated walls this day, where,
in your absence, fervent prayers have
been offered up for your safety. We
welcome you to this entertainment
which fond friends and approaching
have prepared for you.
But soon again you will hear the call
to duty. We know that you wait to
give cheerful and ready respond. As
you again 60 to the field of strife or
should you again be taken into rebel
prison (which may God forbid) let the
scenes of this day remind you that you
II ave friends at home. Friends who
will keep up no " fire in the rear" when
you are away; friends who will regard
you as the bold defenders of our homes
aud liberties. We trust this thought
may cheer you. This assurance may
enable you to grasp the helmet of war
with firmer hold, may enable you to
bear the grand old flag more proudly
aloft.
When you 60, you shall 60 with the
benediction Of friends upon you.
When You finally return, to 60 no more
To the deadly strife, then our welcome
shall be as cordial as the one we give
you this day, and the interests of that
day shall be greatly enhanced and
cheered by the reflection that the strife
is ended, that you have done your duty,
and that you have returned to us again
to enjoy the society of home and friends
without interruption. $50 oii s-}5si = =
Fitz John Porter, Esq" who
was formerly general in the United
States army, and was casbiered for
unoficer-like conduct, is making
speeches to the copperheads in New