Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-04-19
Reception of the Eighth Vermont Regiment
at Mnntneller

at Montpelier
1t has been known Tor some weeks that the re
enlisted vererans Of the Eighth Vermont Regl- |
menl, accompanied by its band, were coming
home on Through, aud on Friday last tho
public expectation in this immediate vicinity
was considerably excited by the unexpected
intelligence that they had already arrived in
New York, and had expressed an earnest desire
to come to Montpelier, as a regiment, before
separating for their homes and that they would
arrive IN town the next day. Arrangements
we're Immediately commenced TO receive them,
by the appointment Of committee Of active
gentlemen to take The matter in charge Gov.
Smith was informed Of the expected arrival and
came here, but was uaable to stay to welcome
the regiment
The train bringing the regiment was due here
little before six o clock in the evening, but
was detained so that it did not arrive until eight
o'clock. The ringing oil bells announced its az
rival, and very lorCe number OF our people,
with many from adjoining towns who had
friends and relatives ID the regiment, assembled
at the depot, and as the cars came in rent the
air with cheers Tor the gallant Eighth Bonhes
were lighted, and all the flag stats and almost
every house in the village displayed the Stars
and Stripes. The regiment, in heavy marching
order, and with their arms, immediately formed
and marched to the common west OF The Payl.
ion, where CHARLES REED, Esq, welcomed thCm
from the balcony, in the following appropriate
and stirring address
Col Thomas, officers and Soldiers
Of The oM W. Regiment
For all our fellow citizens, bid you welcome
to the Capital Of your State
Some two years ago, when traitors with per-
jury on their lips aud blood on their hands, had
assallei our national flag, you, al untrird in
the arts Of war, left quiet aud peaceful homes
in Vermont to defend our National Government
and protect our National Union n0w, you re.
turn to us the skilled and veteran soldiers OF
the Department OF the Gulf, with a reputation
for bravery and good conduct as wide as our
land and with the ever memorable words
words that The history OF the gulanuy Of Yer
monters will not let dc COTTJN-BsLAND-
PoRr HUDSON inscribed on the war ront banner
OF your Regiment. These words remind you,
aud tell US, OF the battles you have fought and
won OF the whistling shot and the screaming
shell, and OF the bayonet charge of brave, de-
termlned Vermont men.
Almost thoueands OF miles of, Vermont h
watched you in all your brilliant and dangerous
service, and when your shout Of victory went
up, all Vermont shouted with you. But our
hearts swell with peculiar pride when we can
thus greet our personal friends, our neighbors
and our brothers, as tried and yeterao sol iers
OF the Republic and thank them for their ser
vices to their country. And | but utter the
speech of every soul in this crowd that throngs
around US when | say GALLANT, VETERAN
SOLDIERS, WELCOME ilonI -
But this war is not yet ended. Firm az our
hills IN your determination to save our Govern
Dent from disunion and destruction, and To
overthrow most wicked rebellion, you have
reenlisted for this great service; and before
many months may you again return to US, when
our starry flag shall wave over our whole cout-
try reunited, and at peace, and free, again to
receive our thanks and our blessing
Col. Thomas replied substantially as follows:
Mr.. Chairman, Gentlemen of The
Committee, and Ftlow Citizens:
In behalf OF the officers and men OF the Eighth
Vermont Veteran Volunteers, tenCer to YOU my
sincere thanks for your kind expressions Of regard
for the Regiment, and our generous welcome by
you, to the Capital of our native State. The appro.
val by our ielowcitzens Of our services is TO u,
greater reward than We have coveted and We
do not deem this great demonstration as for Il,
as men, but as an approval Of the cause in which
VT have heen engaged
You speak OF the dangers and hardshps that
We have endured we have but done cur duty.
We went forth for the purpose OF putting down
rebellion, and we're then, and are nov, in favor Of
using all means that may be necessary to accom-.
plish that object 1t is our highest ambition 10
transmit the Government, beQueathed to Us by
our fathers to the next generation and those
who have stayed at home, enjoying the luxuries
OF the land, while We have been battling in the
cause of Freedom and human liberty, we would
now ask to join US in this holy c,use
Let me again thank you for your welcome; and
assure you that the thought of this approval
will animate US amid any dangers, and inspire US
to do our duty in this great cause as long as
strength and lie shall last
will not dstain you longer, for the men have
been travelling tor the last eight days, and With |
out sleep the last two nights.
The addresses were interrupted with cheers
BY the citizens aud soldiers, aud at their close
cheers were given by the crowd for Col Thomas
and his regiment, to which the regiment re-
sponded by cheers Tor Montpelier.
The regiment then marched to Depot Hal, /
where bountliul collation. was in readiness for
them, prepared by Col. Boutwell, of the Pavilion,
Mr.. Newcomb Of the American and Mr.. Burn
ham OF the Montpelier Hotel and the tables
were m de infinitely. attractive by the presence
OF large representation of the beauty Of the
village, who served with grace which added
the highest flavor to the entertainment.
The band, alter the supper, played some delight.
ful airs, and Colonel THOMAS read to the soldiers
= telegram from Governor SxIrn, welcoming
them to the State thu Colonel accompanying
the welcome, with some pleasantly compliment.
airy mention of hi, Exeellency.
The soldiers, having determined to remain in
town over Sunday, quite against the wishes of
Major Austlne who seemed determined to
disp Itch them to their several destinations that
night, made themselves comfortable in the Hall.
Sunday morning they were inspected in front of
the Pavilion, and in their new, dark blue uni
forms made splendid appearance. Many OF
them attended church during the day. At
4 l-2 clock there was dress parade in front