American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-02-24
Meeting OF Veterans.

Pursuant to previous arrangements a
meeting Of Ueteran soldiers was held in
the Courthouse, in Butler, on Thursday,
the 18th inst. The court room was crowd
ed with ladies and gentlemen, all anxious
to welcome their Couat,y's Dgteadcrs."
The meeting was called to order by
elccting Mr.. VIM. Campbell, President; +;
Maj c. E. Anderson and Geo w. Reed,
Vice Presidents; James S. Kennedy and
Geo, w. Crozicr, Secretaries.
On motion, Rev. a. B. Leonard, open
ed the meeting with srayer.
The President then made few appro-
pirate remarks, welcoming the veterans
and defenders of Liberty and Justice to
the hospitalities of Butler. The Pres
ident called upon Col. j. n. Purviancc to
Introduce the Rev. A. NJ. Stewart, Senior
Chaplain of the army Of the Potomac /;
when Col. Purviancc rose and said:
Mr. President, Ladies and GeaHemen-
1t wllnot be expected that | should make
a speech. | rise merely to introduce to
the meeting, a gentleman who will 'ad-
dress this large and respectable assem-
blage of ladies and gentlemen, on very
interesting subject.
The occasion is one Of great interest,
and one that warns the heart Of every
patriot We have assembled to greet and
cheer and welcome many of the veteran
soldiers of the Union Army,-Heroes Of
many battles. The ladies ever foremost
in every good work, are here also to vel
come the solliers, not only to their homes,
but to sumptuous dinner which they
have generously prepared for them. La
dies you have bestowed your Kindness
upon a most mcritorious class of our citi-
gens. Soldiers who have shared the pri-
vations and perils of the camp and the
field for years, and yet, to maintain the
Government and the free institutions of
the country, have again volunteered for the
War, and viii soon reioin their Regiments
to 60 fortl to attack, pursue and conquer
the rebellious enemies of the Republic.
Such men deserve, and have the thanks,
the gratitude and the substantial support
of every lover of our country.
Although the term of re enlistment may
seem to be long, yet we are hopeful that
this attrocious rebellion will be put down
the Union restored upon an enduring
basis, apd the National authority firmly
established over every foot of our Terri
tory before the close of another summer.
1t is one of the most encouraging fea-
lures of the times to the loyal heart, and
most chrushing to the hopes of the rebel
conspirators, to see the unanimity with
which our veteran soldiers are re-enlist-
ing, and | am pleased to learn that the
old 18th, now 102d Regiment, Pa Vols,
is not behind others in patriotic devotion
to the good cause The effect is cheer
ing-thousands of others too are encour-
aged BY their noble example to volunteer,
by so general a movement in the right
direction, by the veterans. The re,enlist-
,rent of such soldiers whose proved de-
,votion aud courage have been so conspic-
nous in so many hard fought battles, will
ring through rebeldom like the fire bell
that breaks the stiffness of the night
striking terror and dismay into the hearts
of traitors They will never AGAIN want
to meet in deadly strife the brave soldiers
who have fought in the bloody battles of
Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill.
South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg
Musfreesboro, Chancelorville, Chicamau-
ga,Chattanooga Gettysburg, &C., veterans
who have nobly stood by our flag in the
very blaze of the enemies fire. You have
and well deserve the thanks and graft.
tude, and support of millions of your
admiring countrymen,