Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-03-24
HE RECEPTION OF THE RETURNED PRIs
OaERs-sPEACH OF PKEslDENg DAVIS.

The Richmond Enquirer of the 18th says:
We unable yesterday, for want Of space to pre-
sent the speeches with which returned prisoner
were welcomed their arrival in this city on Tuesday
We give the details to-day.
When the large crowd Of returned soldiers ano citi
zens had reached the Capital Square, halt was made
the Washington Monument. President Davis ther
made his appearance among the returned soldiers,
received by them with rap,urous cheers and wav
ing of has. In response to the .aera wish the Presi
dent took position on the Warrington Monumen
and ADDRESSED the returned soldiers, who crowded
around him with eager desire to hear what he had t
say:
PRECEDENT DAVIS SPEECH
The President says:
Friends ard fellow soditrs welcome you to your
native la. d.
When have heard of the sufftrings you have en-
dured and the indgnites to which you have been sub
iected while helpless prisoners cruel capors my heart
hos yearned for you with fathers deep sympathy and
eectionate soiictude it has burned with Indignation
at your wrongs; but it has also pulsated With I'm
speakabe pride and exutaton at the fortitude you
have evnced under the severest trials the Integrity you
have preserved amid the most psdiCus temptations
andthe calm trust you have never ceased to repse in
the righteousness of your country's cause Cheers)
a coior-bearer among you, when captured, secreted
his battle flag in bis BOSOM and possessed it through
long captivity until the proud moment arrived when
standing the deck of Confederate vessel he gave
its folds amid the cheers of hs comrades once more to
the light of his native skies. (Applause) With no
less jealous care through the long weary months of
vile imprisonment you have kept enwined around your
heart of hearts unfadng love of that sacred emblem
and your faithful guardianship for you the admi
ration OF your Government, aud hailed by the pau
dts of your grateful conntrymen
You have passed through many bitter trials. You
know there are mary m''re In store for you. You
have ullowed that flag with untaering cps on many
bloody f5ld You will follow it again with no less
enthusiasm, as each day makes it precious and
sheds radiance its bright folds To the spirit
that has carried you forward 10 many heights OF
vic'Wy in the past will be added the inspiration of
new wrongs and ou;rages, that will strengthen your
arms and nerve your hearts to resistance that
nothing can overcome in the future. Your brother
fal anxiety They will welcome you with open arms
You will tell them, by the camp fires, of the
horrors Of your long captivity. You will contrast
your su6erings with the generosity with which their
prisoners have been treated at our hands, and though
you have felt many times this broad distinction you
responded to the sentmentofyour comrades at home,
that must never forget what is due ourselves
civilized people, though the enemy have nothing to
claim. Your words will excite them to an unconquer-
able determination. They will arouse you to the high
est pitch of martial enthusiasm by accounts of their
glorious deeds 10 your absence. Together you will be
stimulated to renewed eXertion until you plant our
banner on the heights of Southern Independence and
deck 1t with the rich ruts and fragrant flowers of an
enduring peace. (Applause.)
You will ind your families suffering less than you
have been led to suppose. You will find much of our
territory devastated but the people still true to the
spirit of TO (Appause) You will find the old State
Of Virginia, barring her bosom to the Storm with lion
heart and eage-eye, defiant as ever. So long she
has crust you will share her hospitality. (Cheers
After short respite you will be called again to the
ront. l know you will come. (Applaese)
May God bless you all.