Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-06-30

II.
sided at the head of the table, where were
placed the old, shot-riddled colors OF the reg
iment that were borne at Bull Run, Ualns-
Vile. Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam,
Charlottesville, Gettysburg, &C., together
with the new colors that had been consecrated
in the terrible battle of the Wilderness.
And all about the table were suspended from
the o7e rshadowing trees the torn and riddled
battle flags sent home by our other regiments
the sacred trophies of the patriotism and
valor of Wisconsin men-hags that waved
victorious in the van at Stone River, that
were borne at vicksburg, and Port Hudson,
and Perryville, and Pea Ridge, and PralEie
Grove, and Chickamauga, and Mission Rluge,
and carried at the head Of the Forlorn Hope
that stormed the heights of Fredericksburg
flags representing all the great battles OF the
war, and which, in all its vicissitudes, have
never been dishonored.
After a song of welcome by the Giee Club,
and the invocation of the Divine blessing by
Rev. Mr. Matson, the dinner was served, and
enjoyed with keen zest by the tired and
hungry soldiers. During its progress rela-
| tives and friends of the veterans were pres
sing around, and many touching incidents oc-
Cured. Here and there amid the general
10y might be seen woman in mourning
weeds with fearful eyes. The general glad
ness only heightened her sense of desolation.
Her boy, or her husband, was among the un-
returning brave. One mother was eagerly
looking after her son. He had passed IN
harmed through all the battles, but she could
not find him. He must be somewhere at the
table Would some gentleman find him for
her? She gave his name, and inquiry was
made. Her boy had not come home, but had
re-enlisted for the war in another egiment !!
Though proud of the patriotism of her boy,
it was grevious disappointment to the poor
mother.
After dinner was concluded Gov. Lewis
welcomed the regiment in the following ad-
dress:
Officers and Soldiers OF the Second Vas. Reg:
Three long years ago, when danger threat
ened on every side, when, the dark clouds
of war seemed thickening fast, and to portend
destruction to our fair land, noble body of
Wisconsin's sons sailed forth to breast the
impending storm. Grand and ennobling was
the spectacle. A band of freeman, thous-
and strong, going out to the sacrifice at a
nations bidding, going out to defend the
right, and carve,a still higher niche in their
home and all its endearments, tearing asunder
the ties which bound them to friends, and So
ciety, showing by their acts that they had
higher ends, and aims in life than mere per-
sonal ease and enjoyment, and that they in
tended to perform that higher duty, one of
the first and highest duties of man, their duty
to their country.
For the first time the hand of rebellion had
been raised against our nations flag and the
noble Second Wisconsin Regiment was on
the war path to avenge the wrong. For
three long years has it followed that rugged
path. For three long years has nation
watched it on its perilous course. For three
long years have nations prayers assembled
| to Heaven for its safety
Wherever the fight was fercest, there
might be found this noble regiment There
did it rally around the flag" At Bull Run,
GAINESVILLE, South Mountain, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Gettysburg
| w
gagements was among the first and forarnoot
to meet the foe.s OF its gallant leaders the
brave O'Connor is no more, Fairchild, part
of him is here and the balance he has made
sacrifice in his country's cause. Thank God
for what is left of him. He can serve his
country still, and is ready to respond at the
bugle call. (Cheers.)
Mansfield is now wounded and prisoner in
the hands of the enemy, God grant him a
safe return. And oh how many others,
who went forth with this regiment have made
the last great sacrifice, the sacrifice of life it.
self on the altar of their country. The few
we now see before us tells the sad tale.
The honored dead! nation mourns their
loss, it's tears have fallen like the rain drops,
it's voice of mourning is as the wailing wind, F"
but there is consolation in the fact that they
died in noble cause They sleep in hon
ored graves, their memory is embalmed in
the hearts of their countrymen.
Those who have been wounded, who are
sick and in rebel prisons, are not forgotten
We would that they were with US to-day
They have our sympathy they have our
prayers, ind shall have all the aid we can
give them; and those that are still fighting in
the ranks God bless and protect them; and
may they soon return with honor crowned to
receiue the welcome plaudits of grateful
people.
And now what shall we say to this noble
little band see before me, who, after pass
ing through all the perils of war have return
ed to meet and greet their friends once more,
returned with palms of victory in their hands
to receive soldiers welcome, returned to
enjoy the blessings of government they
have so nobly fought to preserve, to take
shelter under that glorious old flag they love
| so well and have so hravplY 6afandad
| "Flag Of the free hearts hope and home,
| By angel hands to valor given,
Thy stars have lit the welkn dome,
| And all thy hues were born in heaven
Noble patriots! for your valorous deeds
you have nations gratitude, nations
thanks. With warm hearts we greet you and
bid you welcome, yes, thrice welcome home
again. Your deeds have gone before you,
| your names are inscribed on the roll of fame.
| With your own right arm have you written
| your own proud history-inscribed your own
| bright page. That page, which covered
| with letters of living light shall live when
we are gone, to be read and honored by mil
lions yet to be, who shall say when time hath
hurled
&c The kingly toll of ages down,
How brightly from this western world
Shall beam the light of your renown.'
And oh let us not on this festive occasion
forget our country, our bleeding country
She is passing through the fiery ordeal;
like gold in the fuanace she is being tried,
and, like that pure metal may she come out
purer and brighter from having passed
through the flames
" God bless our native land;
Firm may she ever stand,
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave,
IN of md and