Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-07-22

VI lllS SltAoS lOSlOlCu " ITO vi lSiidi
tegrty, the constitution of the country pre-
served and maintained, the laws indicated,
and every where and by all men, high and
low, reverenced and obeyed, our glorious flag
shall again wave in triumph over every por-
ton Of free, prosperous, peaceful ana an
undivided country.
After the mayors speech the band played
''Home, Sweet Home" Colonel Sprague re-
sponded, in behalf of mis- regiment, as fol-
lows
Mayo, Lincoln-Accept for yourself, sir,
for the city government and our numerous
friends the acknowledgements OF the officers
and men of my command for the cordial and
| hearty welcome home. Next to an approving
| conscience we prize the good opinion of our
neghbors and our countrymen-andt the man
ner in which it has found expression to- day,
Notwithstanding the inclemency OF the wealth
er, adds new link to the chain which binds
us in a common cause of brotherhood. From
the desolation which marks the pathway of
armies, we come again to gaze upon the hills
and valleys of our dear New England; to
greet familiar faces and receive the warm
embrace of the ''loved ones at home"
The regiment has had varied experience
since it left this city in November last. 1t
participated in the fatigue and danger Of the
GOldsboro expedition, and has done some ser
vice in the department of North Carolina.
Suddenly leaving Newbern on the oath of
June, it reported to Gen. Dix at White House
on the Pamunkey, to join the advance upon
Richmond. This scheme being dropped,
was ordered to report to Fortress Mon
roe for transportation to Massachusetts,.
Before getting away from Hampton Roads,
we were informed Of the critical con-
dition of affairs in Pennsylvania, and the SER
vice of the regiment was offered to and ac-
cepted by the government, and we reported to
Gen. Schenck at Baltimore Assigned to the
brigade of Gen. Briggs, we were ordered to
Maryland Heights, and thence to the front,
near HagerStown, where we arrived about
noon on the 18th inst, in full view of the en-
emy's works and pickets. The enemy having
disappeared from our front during the follow
ing night, we advanced as part OF the LIST
army corps to Williamsport, and thence back
to Berlin. where we received orders to return
home. Surcharged with the poisonous mala-
ria contracted in the swamps of Carolina,
hundred and eighty-three were left when the
regiment departed. At Fortress Monroe,
Baltimore, Sandy Hook, and Maryland
Heights, detachments of sick were left, and l
found myself at the front with an aggregate of
$50. These to-day wear the insignia of the
LIST corps.
The regiment has served longer than the
time named on the muster rolls. But can
not conceive how any regiment could leave
the front while the rebel hordes were invad-
ing the free states and the life or death of our
government and the destruction of the capital
was the question of the hour. None of this
regiment have been killed in action, though
death has been busy in the ranks-37 from
among the most reliable have slept the ''sleep
which knows no waking" A majority of them
mingle their dust with their native hills, while
some have consecrated the soil of North Car
DINA. We know that death sooner or later
awaiteth all, won in freedoms cause is
something gained and nothing lost.
But who to dumb foTgetfuness prey
His PLEASING, anxious being resigned,
Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day,
Nor cast one longing, lingering look behind"
They are as truly offered on the altar of
their country as if they had fallen in the heat
of the conflict. Ever green be their memo
ries with the honored dead who have gone be-
tore us-whose loss the country mourn
whose last sad rites this community has
been called upon to perform-fOr the light has
gone out from many a hearthstone. The
clouds are lifting. Victory is perched upon
our banners. Let us sustain the government
with our lives, our property, and our honor,
and the day Is not distant when they will not
need our services in the field.
After the speeches Col. Sprague called for
three cheers for the escort, which were given
with will, and rounds Of tremendous cheers
followed for Col Sprague, Lieut.. Col. Stud
ley, and Major Hardness. The companies
then returned to Mechanics Hall, where they
were dismissed by their commanders, being
furloughed till the time of their being mus
tered out of the service, which is yet not def
nitely fixed, but will probably occur on Sat
urday or Monday.
The chief marshal of the day was Charles B.
Pratt, city marshal, with the following assist
ant marshals: George w. Bentley, Merrick
Bemis, VIM. A. Smith, S. r. Haywood, II.
NJ. Witter, A. McF Davis, Nathaniel Paine,
Harrison Bliss, j., and Charles 7. Pratt. We
must not forget to mention the Worcester
cornet band, the Shrewsbury band, and the
Boston brigade band, which were in the pro-
cession and enlivened the occasion with ex-
cellent music.
In Maryland the 51st regiment was at
tdCHeu 10 lHe second DIVISION OF the QrSt army
corps. They went directly from Boonsboro
to Funkstown: thence to Hagerstown; and
finally to Willamsport. On the afternoon of
July ID they took their place in the first army
corps, which was drawn up in line of battle
expecting conflict with Lees troops. The
rebel pickets were near ours, and they had
out strong force of skirmshers. On the l4th
OF July they advanced with the first corps
against the rebel lines and went on to Will
lismsport, but Lee had escaped across the river.
The next day, July 10, the LIST corps, witt more
of the army, was ordered to Berlin, on the
Potomac, just below Harper's Ferry. They
moved as rapidly as possible to Berlin, and
arrived in the vicinity of that place about noon
of July 10th. Pontoon bridges were thrown
across the river at several points, and troops
Immediately began to Cross, Buford's cavalry
going first. On the 18th day of July, Lee
being across the river, the regiment was sep
arated from the army and ordered home.
| They left that afternoon, and reached Balti-
more next day.
The fifty -hrstregiment was organized under
the call of the President August 4, 1862, for
300, 200 militia for nine months service. The
| different companies were organized in August