Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1865-06-16

I
/ GoING HoME.-What volumes might be
written on the meaning of these simple words
going home. Time and time again has the
expression been made, but who ever realized
its trae import better than the soldier now.
Each day as fast as the Government can fur
nish transportation the troops are being sem
off to their respective States to be mustered
out and sent home.
| Yesterday regiment for the last time fell
in line on the soil of Old Virginia, where g
many hardships had been endured and a.
they commenced vending their way towards
the Potomac the band struck up the old fa-
mihar air, Home, sweet Home.
The soldiers marched with cadenced step
to the stirring music and each countenance
bore the impress Of the feelings and enjoy
ments of the heart. When the music ceased
one long and joyful shout Of applause filled
the air, and gave new impetus to the NOV
ing column Of veterans, who realized that
they were going home more clearly than ever
before.
Oh the long weary days Of restless mac
tiyity, the sleepless nights, tho exposures to
heatand cold, the prigations, the sufferings
freeu hunger and thirst, the dangers from sick
ness and in battle, the lying bullets and
bursting shells; all, all looms up as so many
towers Of danger passed BY. The soldier
sees again in his Imagination the old battle
fields and his wounded and dying comrades in
arms. He hears again the rattle of musket-
ry and the roar Of the artillery and imagines
himself again fighting his old battles over.
Going home. Thank God that SO many can
utter those words.
He who rules the universe, and sways the
destinies of nations has brought us safe
through this sea of dangers, and the haven of
safety is reached at last.
The bones of our dead brothersare bleach
ing in the Sunny South on many a hard con
tested field, or half buried perhaps near some
dungeon, where they perished from starva-
ton, exposure to the cold and rain, wintry
storms, or the seorching rays of the sun.
Let their memories ever be cherished by the
American People. Let their noble deeds be
recorded in the annals Of history, and we who
are living go home thankful that we live and
that after four years of bloody war our coun-
try lives also.
We ask no honors, no thanks, no ovations.
We have done only our duty which every 10y
al man was bound in honor to do. We re-
ceiyed the Communications of our brothers
sisters, parents and friends for our noble eff
forts, and now that the work is done we claim
no more.
Our enemies opposed US, and they may op.
pose US still if they ike, for they who were
our country's enemies then, would be now if
they dare. But they win not dare. Justice
and shame viii be sufficient guaranty for
their future good behavior. Going home.
win our friends appreciate it as we do We
know they viii. The long hours and days of
watching and anxiety have not been forgot
ten, and we already see the outstretched arms,
and hear the cheering words, ',celcome home .
Welcome to our fresides and homes, yours
and ours alike. Welcome, thrice welcome
for your long absence
We ask no more. If more is given let it
not be at the instance of a soldier. The CON
sciousness of having done our duty viii be
our triumphal arch, the folds Of the glorious
old stars and stripes our wreathe of honor, the
perpetuity of the Union, and the reuniting of
a free and happy people our highest ambi
ton.
Peace has cast her mantle over the ele
ments of strife, and we shall soon again com
mence the avoeations of civil life.
Encourage us then in the way of well doing
If we are not the beings you would have us
be, bear with us aud make US better by be-
slowing words, sweetest smiles and gentlest
affections, and then how long we shall remem-
Der your sweet, ''wELcoME HOME.
G. P. CALHOUN.
WAsHINGroN. d. c.. June 6, 1866.