The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1864-07-02
CofQI affairs.


nesday evening last we enjoyed one of the
most pleasant episodes Of the war. The
occasion was supper given by the loyal
ladies of Elkton, to what was familiarly
known as the "Big Elk Rangers as well
| come home to those three years veterans of
the war. The "Big Elk Rangers were
recruited by Captain, aferward, Major Ben.
Ricketts,, and were mustered into the United
States service as Co. c, I'd Del. Vols. The
Company was composed of citizens of this
town and vicinity, and left Elkton for the
| field On the 10Th of June, 1861, eighty-thre
strong. During the term of service the
Company was recruited to 1902, officers and
men. Of this number 35 were mustered
| out, and on the return to their homes, this
remnant of brave men, who have played
conspicuous part in the Army Of the Poto.
mac, were welcomed by the ladies of Elk
ton, as the brave deserve to be welcomed by
| the fair.
| Their first battles were on the Peninsula
and their fame is mingled with names that
cannot die; Gaines Mill, Peach Orchard,
Savage Station, (where John Sewers fell the
first sacrifice by the Company to their coun.
try,) White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, An
tietam-where Henry NJ. Bennett and Isaac
Foreacre yielded up their lives in the cause
of Liberty-Fredericks William
Kingston and Philip Johnson fell-Chancel-
lorsville-where Lieut.. Jordan was killed
Gcttysburg-whcre Sergt w. Davidson and
Corp. Samuel Biddle were kiled-Mine
Run, Auburn Hill, Wilderness, Pc River,
Spottsylvania, Telephony Creek, Cold Har-
bor-where Hugh c. Jones was slain-and
Petersburg, which closes the list of bloody
fields SO bravely trod by these now retiring
veterans, and where also their last sacrifice
was made to the bloody Mars Here Will
liam Sewers fell, two days before the Com
panys time expired. His brother John was
the first victim of the ensanguned strife,
William passed through those three memoir
able years of blood and fire. and bore him.
| self-how nobly his comrades in arms may
tell-and died as the soldier hopes to die,
with his face to the foe, midst hurting shot
and shell. Of this band of braves, two per.
ished by the Sable stroke of disease-Thos.
Jeafries and Robert MCGOWAN. Twelve lives
reyielded up in the service of their country,
| 30 were mustered out a few days since, and
honorably discharged. The rest have been
scattered by disease and wounds, leaving
this remnant to receive the cordial welcome
Of 'loved ones at home," which was ten
| dered on the part of the ladies in sumptu-
Gus supper, served up in Mr.. Nicholas Hiss
lot, under tent pitched for the purpose.
The table was well provided with good
substantial fare, and ornamented in the cen
ter with handsome bouquet, the beauty of
which was enhanced by miniature flags min
gled with the flowers I; and at either end of
the well filled board, two large pound cakes
were placed, one Of them bearing the motto
Presented by the Loyal Ladies of Elkton
to Company c, I'd Del. Vols"
While the desert was being served, which
consisted of ice cream and cake, choir of
ladies and gentlemen sang "Home Again"
The song, beautiful in itself, and so appro-
pirate to the occasion, was received with
touching effect.
After the supper was concluded, Jas. T.
Mccullough. w. J. Jones and II. r. Tor
bert, Esqs., delivered short and pathetic
addresses of welcome to this little band of
braves, seated round the festal board, while
the quiet stars looked down, silent watches
from heaven, upon them, as they have SO
often looked down upon the same brave spir-
nc hny S1p,p ~.
crouched watching on the solitary picket
post, or stretched their weary limbs on the
goary battle plain. We remarked, as a sig
nifcant feature of the times, that the slight
est allusion to the name of Abraham Lin
coin, was greeted by hearty cheers, from the
soldier guests.
Remembering the old maxim, that "none
but the brave deserve the fair" Mr. Torbert
made happy suggestion to all Of them who
were single men, now that they had SO nobly
sustained their country through three years
of fierce war, to choose from among those
fair, who had from time to time, manifested
so lively an interest in their welfare The
suggestion was received with cheer from
tuS SuCo'o uhu IL DiuSH anu SlIlllc kupDTONllSJ
from the ladies.
After hearty cheers for General Grant,
Abraham Lincoln, and their fair entertain
ers, this little remnant of the gallant Com
pany of "Big Elk Rangers" of which there
were less than twenty assembled, retired.
Three years ago they left their homes full
of high hope, followed by the cheers and
prayers Of those who now extend to them a
cordial welcome; yet mournful, when We
look back over the well-fought fields they
have so sternly trod, leaving sacrifice of
blood to ballow the ground, where shot and
| shell had thinned their ranks.
Major Hill, of the 9th Nd, who is at his
home, in Elkton, suffering from severe
wound received in the battle of Wilderness,
was invited, as were oil other soldiers in
town. The Major was assigned the head of
the table, and after the repast was conclu-
ded, was presented, by the ladies, with the
center piece of one of the large cakes, with
the compliments Of the fair donors, which
latter, we doubt not, were valued far above
the gift. Captain Shippers, who was the last
commander of the now disbanded Company,
received from the same hands, the elegant
| hon NJ x,b, ob L,,x Al e.. C..