Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-03-31
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& (INvARIABLY IN ADyANCE.) '.g
SPEECH or JEFF DAVIS.
TO Isetnrned Prisoners at Rich
mOnd.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW SOLDIERS: / well
come you to your adtiUe land.
When have heard of the sufferings you
have endured, and the indignities to which
you have been subjected while helpless pris-
Oners Ofcruel captOrs, my heart has yearned
for you with fathers deep sympathy and
affectionate solicitude; 1t has burned with
Indignation at your wrongs; but it has also
pulsated with unspeakable pride and exu-
tation at the fOrtitude you have evinced un-
der the severest trials, the intergrtv you
have preserved amid the most insid;ous
temptations, and the calm trust you have
never ceased to repose in the righteousness
OF your cOuntrys cause [Cheers.l
A cOlOr-bearer among you. when captur-
cd, secreted his battle-flag In his bosom, and
possessed 1t through long captivity, until
the proud moment arrived when, standing
on the deck of q Confederate vessel, he gave
Its folds, amid the cheers of his comrades,
once more to the light of his native skies.
lApplause.] With no less jealous care,
through the long weary months of a vile
imprisonment, you have kept entwined
around your heart Of hearts unfading love
of that sacred emblem, and your faithful
guardianship earns for you that admiration
of your Government, and is hailed by tile
plaudits of your count,ymen.
You have passed through many bitter
trials. You know there are many more in
store for you. You have followed that flag
with unfaltering steps on many bloody
field. You will follow itagain with no less
enthusiasm, as each day makes it more
precious and sheds new radiance on its
bright folds. To the spirit that has carried
you forward to SO many nights in the past,
will be added the inspiration of new wrongs
and outrages that will strengthen your
arms and nerve your hearts to a resistance
that nothing can overcome in the future.
Your brother soldiers have awaited your
coming with painful anxiety. You will
tell them, by the camp-fires, of the horrors
of your long captivity. You will contrast
your sutferings with the generosity with
which their prisoners have been treated
at our hands, and though you have felt
many times, this broad distinction, you
responded to the sentiments of your
comrades at home, that we must never
forget what is due ourselves as a ciuiiized
people, though the enemy have nothing
to claim. Your words will excite them to
an uncOnquerable determination. They will
excite you to the highest pitch of martial
enthusiasm by accounts of their glorious
deeds In your absence. Together you will
be stimulated to renewed eXertions until
you plant your banner on the nights of
Southern Independence and deck it with the
fruits and flowers of an enduring peace
[Applause.] - +
. - You win find your families suffering less
than you have been led to suppose. You
will find much of our territory devastated,
but the people still true to the spirit of '76
[Applause.1 You will find the old State of
Virginia, bearing her bosom to the storm
with lion heart and eagle eye, defiant as
ever. [Cheers.] After short respite you
will be called again to the front. l know
you will come. [ [Applause.J &Bsgssb
H. May God bless you all. i. b. saao,9 = I