The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-12-23
EsY TELEGRAPH.
Saturday Morning, December %, 1865.
10 THE DAILY PRESS.

Prese'itation of Battle Flags to the State of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Coz. A''"'eeo'
BOSTON, Dec. %.
The formal reception of the battle fags OF
Massachusetts regiments to-day, was the occa-
sion OF a very imposing and interesting mlnta-
ry display. There we've abolt three thousand
veteran officers and men in the marching col
umn, representing sixty regiments and batter
les, and displaying some two hundred and nifty
battle-torn flags. All along the route of pro-
cession these veterans and their banners were
greeted in most enthusiastic manner. On
reaching the State House the color bearers ad-
vanced in front, forming on the steps OF the
Capitol, while the regiments filed into the
grounds on either side. The whole space was
filled up, and with the crowd outside the
grounds and in the streets, the spectators on
the balcony and at the windows OF the State
House and the neighborings dwelling, formed
one of the most striking scenes ever exhibited
in this city. The salute of artillery, the way
ing of all the banners and cheers having sub
sided, prayer was offered by Rev. DR.. Lothrop.
Mai. Gen. Couch, on behalf of the Massachu-
sets Volunteers, then presented the coiofs to
the keeping Of the Commonwealth in brief
and appropriate address, to which Gov. An
drew responded as follows:
"Geaerdl:-This pageant, so full of pathos
and of glory, forms the concluding scene in the
long series of visible actions and events in
which Massachusetts has borne part, for the
overthrow of rebellion and the vindication of
the Union. These banners return to the gov
eminent of the Commonwealth, through wei
come hands. Borne one by one out of this
capital during more than four years of civil
war as the symbols of the nation, and the
Commonwealth under which the battaons of
Massachusetts departed to the field, they come
back again, borne hither by surviving repre-
sentatives of the same heroic regiments and
companies TO which they were intrusted. AT
the hands, General, of yourself, the ranking
officer of the volunteers Of the Commonwealth,
one of the earliest who accepted regim entail
commaEd under appointment of the govern
ment of Massachusetts, and of this grand col
umn of SCARED and heroic veterans who guard
them home, they are returned with honors
becoming relics so venerable, soldiers so brave,
and citizens so beloved. Proud memories of
many field; sweet memories alike of valor
and friendship; sad memories of fraternal
strife; tender memories of our fallen brothers
and sons, whose dying eyes looked last upon
their flowing folds; grand memories of heroic
virtues sublilned by grief; exalted memories OF
the great and final victory OF our country, our
union, and the righteous cause; thankful mem
cries CT a deiverance wrought out for human
nature itself, unexampled by any former
achievement of arms; immortal memories with
immortal honors blended twice around these
splintered slaves, weave themselves along the
warp and woof of these familiar flags, var
worn, begrimmed and baptised with blood
Let the "brave heart, the trusty heart and
deep, unfathomable heart" in words of more
than mortal eloquence, uttered though unex-
pressed, speak the emotions of grateful vener-
alton for which these lips of mine are alike too
feeble and unworthy.
General, / accept these relics in behalf of
the people and the government. They will be
preserved and cherished amid all the vicisi-
tudes of the future, as mementoes of brave
men and noble actions"
Upon the conclusion of the address of Gov
Andrew, the exercises closed.