Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-07-21
Reception of the I bird Vermont.

1t was announced Friday morning. that tn
Third Vermont Regiment, Col. II. W. Floy,
Z commanding. was on its way here, to b
mustered out; but they were not expected
till the latter part of the day. The ringin,
OF the Baptist bell, however, at few min.
utes before twelve. announced the near ap
proach of the regiment, and the cannon al
quarter after one p. NJ . their arrival al
the depot. The regiment was there met by
Col. Platt, Surg, on General Thayu. and
Messrs. Miller and Flanaga Of the Reception
Committee, and marched up to the CITY Hall,
where Col. Platt introduced Rev. G. B. SAT-
ford. who spoke as follows
Mr.. sAFFoRD's sPEEcH.
Col Eoyd, Officers and men Of the Third
Regiment VtrmoHt TeterGR Tols:
To the city of Burlington is accorded the pri-
vile, Of welcoming back our veteran soldiers,
and it is one that We highly esteem. We have
heard before, the tramp OF armed men through
our streets, when Vermont troops went out to
:.
to meet our and your foes, and We were glad.
But We are more glad when they return, show
ing what they have done, bringing promise Of a
better nationality than We had before. And We
welcome them to a citizenship made more pre-
cious by their own yalor.
We have followed you through your cam
paigns We have sought as best We could to
recruit your ranks when thinned and 10 supply
all things needed. The Christian and Sanitary
Commissions have eXeried their energies 10 aid
you, and We, as best We could. have assisted
The records of your deeds we have studied
from day TO day From the battle Of
Lees Mills,-which won you praise even
from your enemies,-from that battle,
which gave promise Of valor that the future
most gloriously fulfilled, you have shared
nay in good part made, the iortun,s
Of the old Vermont Brigade history never TO
be forgotten, which our sons will read with JOY
and thanksgiving.
Words cannot tell the Joy with which we greet
you, nor is it possible for one man TO express the
emotions Of hundreds Of hearts at your return.
Your last battle is fought your last march IS
over; and now you come TO other duties. not less
essential than those you have so long and vel
fulfilled. To those new duties as citizens we well
come you. Let your future dut e. be performed
II tut lhtk uhNt Nffu. utaH ue INM 10 Nuiil ul
stronger and better nationality, which The
whole world shall be glad to initiate and which
God shall approve.
At the end OF many previous march. you
have been greeted by fellow-soldiers We have
though: at the end OF this your last march. you
should have something different. and our ladies
have done what they could, at the short notice
given, 10 provide rei.eshment for you, 70 which
you are now gladly welcomed
Col. Floyd, or response to the address,
called for three cheers for the citizens Of Bur
lington, which were heartily given. Tie
citizens then answered Col Platts call f
three cheers for the Third Regiment; and
the men were marched Up into the hall above,
where tables were spread, covered with an
collation. Of cold meats, cakes, pies,
Lluc berries, and other choice catables. all
palatable and excellent, after the liberal !
5lshlon OF our Burlington houso keepers.
The galleries were filed with ladies. who |
waved their handkerchiefs and rained boquet,
IN the troops below, while a chorus sang
latriotic songs. The soldiers appeared much 1
,leased with their reception, and left the
,all with three loud cheers for the citizens
# Burlington.
Collected in front of the Hall, the troops
md citizens were addressed by Rev. D. \.
lack, the worthy chaplain OF the regiment.
vho recounted some Of the memorable events
f the history of the regiment and with hearty
nd appropriate words. returned the thanks
the soldiers for tins generous reception.
'hree cheers by the troops tor the " Ladies
Vermont, three more rousing ones for the
Ladies OF Burlington. and a final round
Y the citizens for the Soldiers. Officers and
'haplain Of the Third Vermont" closed the
eriormance, and the regiment marched to
leir quarters a; the Hospital