The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-04-12
Reception OF the Veterans.

the great TaclHc hOau.
= ozs.-S~---
Reception OF the Veterans.
~ Our citizens were suddenly cleo
trifed on Thursday last, by the reception
Of dispatch from Lieut.. WAGGoNER, da-
ted at Davenport, announcing the graft
flying news that the veteran soldiers OF
Company E, 9th Iowa Infantry, were on
their way home, and would be with us
on Saturday. The time was short, but
immediate and active steps were taken 10
give the boys a hearty welcome home.
There was but little opportunity to cir
culate the news through the county, but
nevertheless, when the cars bearing the
noble fellows, reached our depot, they
found themselves greeted by hundreds
of happy faces, and loving hearts. which
have been turned for three long years
with pride and longing towards them,
rejoicing in the noble record which they
have made on many of the noted battle
fields OF the Mississippi Valley. They
had chased the enemy through Missouri
Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala
bama and Georgia-had met and con.
quered him at New Madrid, Iuka, Cor.
NTH, Champion Hills, Jackson, Vicks
burg, and Chattanooga-and what won,
der that our hearts went out to them
with feeling of pride and affection be
yond expression. And so the cannon
doomed forth its deepest notes Of gratu
lation--tbe band played its liveliest and
best notes Of welcome-and cheers
hand shakings, kisses and tears atlested
the general joy. Still there was sadness;
in the hearts Of many-sadness at the
reflection that while so many had left u.s.
SO few had returned-sadness over those
who had fallen by wounds and disease,
and were beyond reach of earthly wei
come-sadness at the thought of those
who were pining and suffering in un-
friendly prisons, the victims OF traitor
Gus malice.
Hon. l.. w. HART welcomed the BOYS
back in the following earnest, feeling,
well chosen words OF greeting:
Soldiers Of tie Lowa 9Th: l am Sc.
lected on behalf of the citizens Of indie
pendence and Buchanan County, to greet
you aud welcome you home again 10 the
embraces of your friends and relations.
1t is now almost three years since we
passed along your lines on nearly the
same ground where you now stand, gave
you the parting hand, dropped the silent
tear, saw You aboard the cars aud away
10 the battle field.
Since that day what changes have Ia
ken place, what perils and trials you have
undergone is best known to yourselves,
but soldiers, be assured, that although
We have been absent from you IN body,
We have been with you in spirit. Our
sympathies were with you during your
many marches the first winter from home,
as you marched nearly all over the
troublesome State of Missouri we were
with you al your first great victory at
New Madrid, and were as greatly re-
Joiced as were You, at this great success
From here We followed you to the bio, dy
aud holI y contested field of Iuka, and
again at Corinlh. We were with you in
your many wanderings up and down
al d across The Mississippi.
Aud more especially was the heart Of
this people with you in the late and
ever memorable campaign of 1868. We
crossed the Mississippi with you at Fl.
Gibson. We followed you in your rapid
march through that State, wo saw You
filing in around Jackson, the capitol of
the State, then at Black River Bridge, |
The fatal field Of Champion Hill, to Vicks-
burg itself, and one continued victory
all The way around, and could you when
Il the surrender Of Yicksburg have heard
he shouting and leaping and weeping
or JOY, that went up from the great
Northern heart, you would have been
satisfied, il never before, that the heart
If ibis people was in the right place, and
With you IN all your doings. And now
lere soldiers permit me TO assure you
hat We appreciate the fact that your
,ictories are our victories, that your sui
erings are our sutierings, thar your
ounIry IS our country, aud permit me
iumbly TO acknowledge the fact, that 10
he soldiers OF the Union We owe our ex
sten;e, yes our continued salvation, as a