The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1864-02-19


in it.
But in speaking of those addresses we
, must no forget the other, more silent, yet
, not less soul inspiring means of express
ing our hearty and earnest sympathy for
the noble boys of tina camp and field.
Directly above the stage and over tho
heads of the speakers, and surrounded
t by wreath Of evergreens
and flowers the handiwork of our own
fair daughters and mothers, WAS this mot
to, which never ceased to whisper, "Wel
come Soldiers p Beneath this, and sim
lnrty decorated, and nea its centre, was
) "55th." while just to the right of that
WAS small but beautiful silk flag, in.
scribed, presented to Capt. Kirby, by
the ladies of Louisville" Below this
was suspended, and read many anxious
desires, that it might cheer the hearts of
those brave boys before the close Of the
meeting. "Welcome Home Old l5th!"
To the left Of all these, uufurled, was the
beautiful banner Of 55th, just rs it came
from the bloody field of Pope's Bull Run
Battles. Its deep blue ground yet bears
the bloody marks Of its noble bearer. when
its staff was shattered its centre in shreds
and his head scattered to tie winds, all
with the same solid shot, and swift mess
enger of death! Brave mani His was a
proud position! An easy death, and we
hope an easy victory for eternity.
To the right was yet vacant space
it seems to be blank left for something
more noble than all, yet who could SAY
that it would be filled that night? 1t was
nine O'Clock! Fathers, Mothers, Sisters,
Brothers, wives, patriots. and brave sol
disrs were all whispering "wlll the old 10
be hers?" Every heart seemed to beat
in unison and each tongue seemed to
be loaded down with the "Old 18Th"
many of whose brave boys had not seen
home and friends for over two long years!
but who had passed through scores i'i
terrible storms Of iron hail. and yet lived. ,
The chairman proclaimed the next
thing in order to be supper, and after that
the coasts and yet no "old l5th"came!
Soldiers, the wives, mothers, sisters and
"chosen ones" were then invited to be
seated at the table so finely prepared for
them.
Thanks were given by the Rev. Mr..
Webster, and the sweet-meats began to
disappear. 1t was good to be there, and
a we'll deserved feast for Wyando's brsve
and noble sons Whilo tho soldiers,
and their families were discussing cskes,
pies &C., a number of the citizens re-
paired to the depot, still hoping to see or
hear further from tie "Old 10Th"
The Soldiers of the "55ih, aud others
present had hardly closed their "table
exercises" when the heavy tread OF sol
diers on the stair way announced the ar
rival Of the "Old l5th." Their flag was
furled, for they were in the "housa Of
heir friends" whore the voice of wsr
was not and would not be heard. Who
an tell the JOY Of each heart?
Following the old flag. after entering
he door to the large Hail. they filed to
the right. stepped upon the stage dire,tly
under "Wecome home, Old l5sh," and
when their warrior faces turned upon
the joyful throng before them. up rose
tho spontaneous shouts of their admirers
and friends, and only such shouts as
could be given by friends.
Col. KIRBY, was called upon to welcome
the veterans home, for be it understood,
they come not to stay with us, but soon
to return again to the post of danger and
of duty, for their country's good
The welcoming speech was such as
they deserved, such as was promised them
on their return, by nearly every man,
when their country first called them.
Capt s. s, Petit, was called upon to
respond in behalf Of himself and com
rades, but in becoming manner excused
himself, as he wss suffering from very
severe cold, affecting bis voice, by re-
turning thanks only for the grand recep-
ton of himself and veteran comrades.-
During this time their old "battle flag"
was unfurled and made to occupy the
vacant place which so long awaited it!
Well might we say "welcome home, Old
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