Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-07-02

destroyed, utterly RACED from its place on the
, earth ? BY the resistless power that rests IN
Freemen's arms, by the unconquerable spirit
and resolution which animate their bosoms,
answer-No: Meier, never | will not
seem to admit by dwelling upon this thought
Il that consider the final result as at all doubt
full. In this year or the next, or in some one
which will succeed it, this atrccious, this
wicked, this gigantic rebellion will be crushed
/ amid the ruin, the dismay and confusion OF
those who inaugurated it. The stars in their
courses fought against Sisera they VIII Ike
: wise fight against this unholy, this wholly
uniustifable rebellion.
Soldiers, will detain you no longer. Am
l mistaken when imagine that you are impa-
tient to see the end of this days proceedings,
grateful as they must be to your feelings
Am I in an error in supposing that while you
favor me with your attention and listen to my
words, your hearts are elsewhere? Am
in error in believing you are very anxious to
| reach your homes and see the dear ones there
now impatiently waiting your coming? Go
/ then to those homes, brave Defenders of your
country, and enjoy your rest under the con-
seriousness of duty well performed. May you
| find those homes the abodes of health, COM
fort, contentment and peace, and may they
long remain so. May you live to let the world
see efuted in your persons the disparaging
! remark that " Republics are ungrateful"
May your eyes soon see these clouds
of gloom and blood which overshadow our
country roll away forever, and the sun
of peace once more shining upon u.s.
May you speedily behold the Union restored
and the Just authority of the Federal govern
ment re-estab!ished in all our States and Ter
ritories where treason has expelled it. May
you also soon see the credit of the National
Government, now suffering a sad eclipse, re-
sLored-its faith ever maintained incorrupti-
bic in all its transactions. May you likewise
speedily behold all the ruin and desolation
which the war has made in our country, re-
paired by the activities, the industries, the
spirit of a free people. May you see the
springs and sources of national wealth and
Individual prosperity soon again flowing in
increased volume and strength. May you see
commerce retrim her trembling sails and
again performing her important mission of
contributing to the wants, while she eivilzes
the nations of the world. May the wonder
full activity of the pillow, the incessant clink of
the anvil, the constant hum of the spindle,
greet your ear and meet your eye everywhere
in the land. May you see all our educational,
charitable, and religious institutions again
flourishing and in full operation; multiplying
and extending their appropriate works with
the increase of their resources, and throwing
across this continent and around the world, a
constantly widening belt of intellectual, NOR
al and religious light to bless and illumine
the abodes of men. May you see that
flag which derives new lustre from your
achievements, everywhere respected and
floating over only race of freemen. And,
finally, may you see spring up and grow, until
it pervades every place like the atmosphere,
haaIfbr 9a3gIIie ont ybiah cball infuco
its spirit into and dominate over all our poll
cies and systems, permeating our national
and state laws and jurisprudence-a senti-
ment utterly intolerant of legaIized acrOng and
oppression to even one of the lowest and weak
est of mankind-a public sentiment which
will demand for all and secure TO all in this
land the imprescriptive rights of nature-the
right to SITE, liberty, and tie pursuit Of hoppi-
ness, "-and secure those rights to every hui
man being, regardless of the place of las birth
or tie color of his skin, BECAUSE he is a Man
and not a Chattd.
The immortal Second, finally hail and sa-
lutte you!
sswelcome thy work Of glory done;
Welcome from dangers greatly dared
Mr. RUBLEE, from the Committee on Reso-
buttons, then read the following, which were
unanimously adopted:
ResoIred, That the warm and heartfelt welcome
which we here extend to-day to the returning vet
Grams of the Second Wisconsin infantry, who for
three years past have stood, living wall, periling
their lives in the defense of their country, is but
an expression of the deep and genuine sentiment
of affection, gratitude and admiration which is felt
for them by the whole people of the State.
ResolUed, That no language is adequate to
press our profound sense of the weight and value
of the services and the magnitude of the sacrifices
made by the faithful soldiers in our national ar
.,sae Tbo bietO Of he firm ish M
brighter examples of fervd patriotism, of steadfast
resolution and self-saeriicing heroism than have
been displayed during this gigantic conflict for the
preservation of the Republic and the perpetuation
of its free institutions by the rank and file of
patriotic soldiery No pecuniary considerations
could secure such services. They have sustained
the toll of weary marches, the privations of the
camp, the slow and tedious days of sickness and
pain ia hospital, and the terrific risks of BATTLE not
for the pttance of their monthly pay but that the
| Government, which their fathers founded in wis
dom and sealed with their blood, might be main
| tanned, indicated and transmitted with all it's
blessings unimpaired to posterity.
Resolved, That in the annals OF this war, abound
ing with the evidences of the courage and patriot
ism of the people OF the loyal North, there is no
chapter more glorious than that which records the
llusrious yalor and distinguished services of the
| Iron Brigade in the Army of the Potomac, mainly
composed of Wisconsin men, and OF which the sold
| Second constituted an important part; and,
while welcome these returning veterans with
the honors they have SO bravely won and so richly
merit, do not forget, but invoke Gods blessing
and protection for their heroic comrades who still
tarry at the 'front.' and who, on the perio US
edge of battle, with inyeterate purpose, still con-
| front the enemies of their country.
Resolved, That how ample soever in other re-
spects may TO the resources of this great people, a
| national debt has been already contracted during
/ the progress of this which can never be dis
charged-the debt of gratitude which we owe to
/ the heroic defenders of the Republic-to the gal
/ liant boys in blue-to whose mistaken fortitude,
| patient endurance, and persistent faith which in
the darkest hours have never known what il was to
| despair more than to all besides, the country
| owes its preservation from the wicked designs OF
| treason and rebellion. They deserve and will re-
| ceiye the thanks of all good men, the applauding
4 smiles of fair women, and the lasting love and
| gratitude OF succeeding generations.
Rssolped, That the memory OF the brave men
who have fallen in the service of their country in
this great national crisis is embalmed in the hearts
| of a grateful people and shall never fade.
| Resolced, That all hope of permanent peace OF
| the restoration of the Union, until armed resis-
| lance to the authority of the National Govern
ment has been crushed beneath the tread of ouI
victorious armies, is delusive and dangerous, and
that the foremost duty of the hour is to hurry for
ward renforcem to the tried and faithful gene
rails now laundering at the gates of the REBEL cap
tal and forcing with indomitabl resolutio theil
| way through the mountain passes of Georgia to
the vital centre of the rebellion.
After music by the Glee Club, the old and
new colors of the regiment were brought for
ward, when Gen. FAIRcmLD proposed to give
three cheers for them, which were given with
wild enthusiasm.
Nothing occurred to mar the harmony o.
the proceedings. The soldiers were wei
pleased with their reception, while to all i
was an occasion of unexampled interest. Goo
grant that the yet gladden. and more glorious