The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-04-12

sword or war and while we have enloye1
peace and plenty at home, you have
stood in battle array against such foe,
that we might be safe. Prior 10 the open
ing of this war, you nor | could not ex
ist among that people who are now fight
ing us, although nominally part of us.
The fact that we were born north of a
certain latitude was sufficient cause for
our destruction. We were hung, quar-.
tered, gibeted and every way maltreated
by these rebels, traitors, fends, these
people who are now laboring TO destroy
us and our nation and government, the
best the world ever saw. And soldiers,
we here assure you we endorse every
blow you have struck them, every pun
ishment you have inflicted upon them,
and we urge you to continual efforts of
like character cut, strike, stab and STAY
them, Z" strike till the last armed Zoe ex-
pires," ill the rebellion is crushed, till
the country is safe. There are now no
mealy mou he'd people among us there
was time when some among us would
quake and turn pale at the announce
ment of Union victory, lest niger
might be made free. But thank God
that time has passed, those people have
disappeared, we are now united, we are
now one, one in heart, one in mind, one
with the soldiers FOR the suppression Of
the rebellion, as these proceedings do de-
monsrate. And again, soldiers of the
Iowa 9th, let me revert to another short
chapter in your history. | refer 10 the
ever memorable, the ever 10 be remember
march from Vicksburg TO Chattanooga,
to relieve that portion of the Union army.
Hardly in the history of the world has
there been another such an undertaking,
performed with such alacrity, and cheer
fulness. We imagine now We see you on
that long march, on half rations, on quar-
ter rations then, on less, half clad, bare
headed, bare footed, sore footed-teariEg
up your blankets and other garments, 10
make moccasins for your sore and bis
tered feet and legs, and at the same time
Joyous and cheerful and happy, shouting
forth the " Battle Cry of Freedom. +"
Then, after marching this incredible dis
lance in so short time, plunging at once
into the thickest Of the fight on Mission
Ridge, Lurling death, like a whrlNind,
among the ranks Of the foe.
Soldiers, for these deeds we honor you,
teach our children to honor yon, and eyer
will we do So Around our hearth stones
shall your praises ever be sung.
And again Soldiers, to day go to any
part of our Country, and the name oil
Iowa stands high among her Sister
States. Yes that name is high up on The
scroll of fame, and how and Why is it
repeat, how and why is This Soldiers
it is you That have placed 1t there. To
you and such as you are we indebted for
the exalted position we now occupy
among the States. And 10 you we bow
in humble alteration for the many and
great services you have rendered US and
our country And again we welcome
you home TO the 5osoms Of your families,
to the embraces of your friends, 10 the
! Inequalities of the citizens and fair
ladies now awaiting you at the Court
/
ladies Of our county have ever been
mindful Of you, and have continued 10
labor earnestly and ardently for your
comfort, and relief and will ever con.
tlnue to do SO, for be assured, il there is
tried patriotism anywhere to be found
it is among the fair portions of our com
munity, among the American women.
And again say to you, Soldiers, "wel
done good and faithful servants" We
welcome you home, enter now into the
festivities of the occasion prepared iol
you, eat aud talk, and sing and be happy
| Welcome Home ! Welcome Home!
After the address, the boys, escorted
| by large cavalcade Of horsemen, the
fire company, and a long procession o
citizens, headed by our excellent bras:
band, were marched TO The Cour
House, where an excellent dinner. prepar.
ed BY the ladies of the village, was await
ing them. In the evening, on invitation.
most of them attended the Ladies Aid
Society, where nearly all Of the town
turned out to greet them. Supper was
furnished them, and everything done 10
make them feel that here at home we
realize the sacrifices they have made, the
service they have done, for us and the
country.
The little company numbered but "a
men, and were under The command OF
Lieut.. Peck. Captain Lee and Lieut..
White are both on detached service, and
could not get away. The Captain is act
ing as division and brigade inspector,
and Lieut.. White as Provost Marshal al
brigade headquarters. Quartermaster
Waggoner came home with the regiment,
and with the company, and we rejoice TO
see him, as well as all the boys, in the
best Of health. There is certainly one
thing TO be noticed and rejoiced at in
these veterans. We know that 1t has
been general dread thai camp life would
unlayorably affect the morals-lower the
the soldiers. 1t has been
e. 1T. e