Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1864-03-28
SOUTHERN NEWS.


papers, which reach Us through the New York
Journals,
The Richmond Wing says:-"We never
saw q greater crowd than assembled to welcome
honet; the Confederate prisoners-slxty officers
and eleven hundred nrlyates-Who came by
flag Of truce boat to City Point on Saturday.
/ he landing at Rock etts anu iha Deenborlng
hills were ttrouged and crowded With those
who received them there and the air was rent
with the responsive accalus Of the ,,eope and
the prisoners Governor Smith WAS at he
landing TO render Virginia S welcome and VII
ginia hospitality 10 ner own and her sisiers'
sons. The State Guard, with It's band Of mu.
sic, escorted them to the Capitol Square, where
another vast crowd hailed them with every
manifestation OF joy, and where abundant re-
freshments had been sent by the citizens. Here
they were met by President Davis, who passed
through the whole line, and gave them a most
cordial greeting. He addressed them at some
length amid enthusiastic cheering.
The President sad:-Friends and Fellow
Soldiers; welcome you to your native land.
When have heard OF the sutferlngs you have
endured, and the indignities TO which you
have been subjected, while helpless prisoners
of cruel captors, my heart has yearned Tor you
with father deep sympathy and afttctlonate
solicitude it has burned with Indignation at
your wrongs but it has slso pulsated with an
unspeakahle pride and exultation at the tortl.
tude you have evlnced under the severeSt trials,
the integrity you have preserved amid the
most insiduous temptations, AND the Calm trust
you have never ceased 20 repose III the right
eousness OF your country cause. Cheers.
A color bearer among you, when captured,
secreted his battle flag in his bosom, and pos
sessed it through long captivity, until the
proud moment arrived when, standing on the
deck OF a Confederate vessel, he gave It's folds,
amid the cheers Of its comrades, once more to
the light OF his native skies. Applause -
With no less jealous care, through the long
weary months OF vile In prlsonment, you have
kept entvined around your heart OF hearts an
unfading love Of that sacred emblem, and your
faithful guardianship earns Tor you the admIIa'
ton Of your Government, and Is hailed by the
plaudits of your grateful conntrymen.
You bave passed through many bitter trials.
You know there are maly more III store tor
YOU. You have followed that flag with unfa-
tering steps, on many battle field. You
will follow it again with no less enthusiasm, as
each day makes it more precious, and sheds q
new radiance On its bright folds 10 the spirit
that has carried ustorward to so many heights
Of victory in the past, will be added the lnspll
ration OF new wrongs and outrages, that Will
strengthen your arms and nerve your hearts TO
resistance that nothing can overcome IN the
future. Your brother soldiers have awaited
your coming with painful anxiety. They will
welcome you With open arms. You will
tell them, by the camp dres, Of the horrors OF
your long captivity. You will contrast your
suferings with the generosity with which their
prisoners have been treated at our hands, and,
though you have felt many times this broad
distiSctien, you responded to the sentiment of
vonr comrades at home, that we must never
forget wharis due ourselves as civilized people,
though the enemy have nothing to claim.
w. ,unaas u;i nxnl,n them to an uncOn.