The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-01-08
q GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

charge Of their constitutional duties under
circumstances Of graver responsibility than
those by which you are surrounded.
Approaching the termination Of the third
year Of the war. waged in vindicaiion Of the
authority and integrity Of the nation, in the
prosecution Of which, has been employed a
vastness Of resources, a. amazing to ourselves
~ incredible to the rect Of mankind, the M.
tional exigencies continue to demand further
contributions from the States and the people.
The fierce enthusiasm kindled by the first
outrages upon the flag Of our country. has
been chastened and sobered BY the protrac-
ton and vicssitudes of tho conflict. but 10
that have succeeded the settled conviction.
that for US there il no national future but in
the triumph OF tho national arms, and stern
resolve that that contamination shall be ac-
complished. You, gentlemen, stand here to-
day proofs of the truth Of this declaration.-
As Maine has. in the past of this struggle.
cheerfully responded to every invocation Of
patriotism and duty. in sending you here her
people have renewed the pledge Of their fdel.
ity to republican institutions and the cause OF
civil liberty.
The year lust closed has been signalized to
the people of Maine by the bounteous bene-
factions which How only from the Giver OF all
good. No desola,iug pestlence has scourged
US, but health has reigned through our Dor
ders. Generous harvests have rewarded the
labor of the husbandman; industry in all its
departments has received il, fitting recon-
psnso: no hand willing 10 toll has been oblig-
cd to remain idle for want OF remunerativo
employment.
Tho tolls, the sacrifices and the achieve
menss of the soldiers of Maine, composing a
portion Of the national army, during the year
1858, have been such ms TO cause the hearts
of her citizens to swell with grateful pride.
Upon the fields Of Pennsylvania, Virginia.
Tennessee, Carolina, Louisiana. Florida and
Texas. they have participated in all the per-
lis of march and battle; and whatever Of ad-
vantage has been gained to the national cause.
they can proudly claim their share OF the
glory. The price Of military glory is mourn
ing upon many q hearthstone, and among US
there are many Rachels refusing to be COM
forted. II this war were one Of mad ambi-
ton, glory would afford no compensation for
its manifold woes.
Deploring a. does Maine. the loss Of so
many oil her gallant sons slain on the field Of
battle, or perishing in hospitals, Of wounds.
or Of disease induced by the hardships and
exposures Of military life. far away from
home and kindred, IL may be in prison, with
no voice Of affection near 10 speak word OF
cheer, or farewell TO the soul app oaching the
dark river, all equally the victims Of the strife,
and martyrs TO the hottest Of causes, their
memories will be enshrined in the hearts Of
her people rs the riches, Of her treasures, so
long a. patriotism shall be esteemed honora-
bic among mankind; and the mention OF
their names "in song and In story" shall in.
spire q heroism Kindred 10 that which led
them to tho sacrifice.
On tina. spot at Gettysburg. made immor-
tai by the successful valor Of the national
arms, and classic By the matchless eloquence
Of Everett, has been cUnsecrated cemetery
where slumber the mortal remains OF war
riors, representatives from the land Of the
.'laughing water" from every free State born
Of the immortal Ordinance Of 81, from Mary
land. Delaware and Western Virginia, from
Pennsylvania. New Jersey and New York,
and from New England. every sister there.
not one left out. There. on Cemetery Hill.
where the roar OF artillery in vain assailed the
ear OF the peaceful dead, then reposing be.
meath its surface, these gallant heroes, hav-
ing sealed with their lives their devotion TO
the unity Of that country they had sworn 10
defend. now sleep, and mo sound shall
awake them to glory again."
Upon the invitation Of the distinguished
chief magistrate Of Pennsylvania, whose hap
py conception Of the idea and active agency
in the affair. cntitle him our thanks, my pre-
decessor. cooperating with the Governors Of
other States represented in those terrible
battles, engaged In behalf OF Maine, TO con.
tribute her share OF whatever expense might
DO incurred in making this city Of the dead
worthy Of its illustrious occupants. Moved
as our people are by their sensibilities TO do
homage to the memories Of our fallen soldiers
on that spot, there will cluster around IL in
tho regards Of the citizens OF Maine, an added
interest arising from the fact that IL was chos.
en- and occupied by Howard. their own mod.
CO. and intrepid soldier, as tho ground on
which the final fortunes of the battles OF
those memorable days were 10 be staked, and
which. with his heroic troops, he held to tho
end Of the bloody fight. The correspondence
Of Governor Curtin and the report Of our
Commissioner. will DC duly communicated 10
you, and i shall unhcsi,atingly ask, what you
will with alaerity grant, such an appropria-
ton as shall meet, TO the fullest extent, all
claims upon our State for this holy purpose.
And In this connection would recommend
that provision be made for the erection Of
monuments commemorative of the patriotism
and valor Of all Of Names fallen worthless.
and that IL be so ample that the name OF tho
humblest private shall no, be neglected..
pIscnARoEs AND ESLisraESrs.
During the past year. ten regiments of
Maine Volunteers have been mustered out Of
the service of the United States, the terms of
their enlistmsnts having expired.
OF these the Second Regiment was the
first to leave the State on the call Of the Pres
dent, in April. 1861, and has borne its part in
the battles Of tho Army Of the Potomac.
while In the service. with distinguished gal.
lsntry under It's various commanders. The
Tenth Regiment, largely composed Of the
First Regiment Of three months men. entered
the Geld in the autumn Of 1861. and ON nu.
merous occasions acquitted itself with credit.
A portion of the officers Of this regiment.
since their discharge, have been engaged in
recruiting regiment Of veteran soldiers.
which is now nearly ready 10 leave for the
field. The other eight regiments were made
up Of cnlistments for nine months only. which
expired the last summer. The service Of
these was various. Some were not called on
20 meet the foe in battle: others participated
in the severe struggles at Port Hudson and be-
low, which cvcntuatcd In the opening Of the
Mississippi. All did their duty well.
There now remain ID the service OF the
United States, and in the field, sixteen regi-
ments and one battalion Of infantry, ono regi.
msnt and one company Of cavalry. one reei.
ment Of heavy and six batteries Of light srtil-
lery, and one company Of sharpshoo,er,. dis
tributed from the Potomac 10 the Rio Grsnde.
Tho limits Of this address forbid an extended
notice Of the gallantry Of these v.riou. corps.
and anything less would do them injustice.
] can only say that their conduct has be.r