The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1865-12-23

BosToN, Dec. q. IA
The formal reception Of the battle flags of
the Massachusetts Regiments to-day was the
occasion OF very imposing and interesting
military display. There were about. q 600
Veteran officers and men in the marching
column, representing sixty regiments, and
displaying some $50 battle torn flags. All
along the route of the procession these veter-
ans and their banners were greeted in the
most enthusiastic manner. On reaching the
State house, the color bearers advanced in
front, forming on the steps Of the capitol,
while the regiments filed into the grounds on
either side. The whole space was flled mn:
and, with the crowd outside, formed one Of
the most striking scenes ever exhibited in
this city. The salutes of artillery, the waving
OF all the banners, and the cheers, having
subsidized, prayer was offered by Rev. DR.. La
throp. Maj. Gen. Couch, on behalf of the
soldiers, then presented the colors to the
keeping OF the Commonwealth, in y brief and
appropriate address, to which Gov. Andrew
responded as follows:
"GESERAL: 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 a part for
the overthrow Of the Rebellion and the vim
dieation Of the Union. The banners return
TO the Government Of the Commonwealth
through welcome hands-those banners, that
were borne one by one out of this Capitol du-
mug more than four years of civil war, ~ the
sYnboIs Of the. Nation and The Comnoa-
wealth, under which the battalions of Massa-
chusetts departed to the field. They come
back again, borne hither BY Surviving repre-
sentafives OF the same heroes-regiments and
companies to which they were entrusted At
the hands, General, Of yourself, the ranking
ohcer OF the volunteers of the Common
wealth, one of the earliest who accepted q
regimentai command under the appointment
OF the Governor Of Massachusetts and of this
grand column of SCARED and heroic veterans
who guard them home. They have returned
with honor becoming relics SO venerable, sol.
diers so brave, and citizens so beloved-witb
proud memories Of many field, and sweet
memories alike of valer and friendship. sad
memories OF fraternal strife tender memo
mes OF our fallen brothers and sons, whose
dying eyes looked last upon their flowing
folds; gaad memories of heroic virtues.
sublime BY grief; exultant memories Of the
great and hnal victory Of our country, our
Union, and the righteous cause: thankful
memories OF deliveranee brought out for
human nature itself. unexampled bv any for
mer achieyement OF arms; immortal memo
ries, with Immortal honor blended, twine
around these splendid slaves, weaving them
selves along the warp and woof of these "a
miliar flags, war worn. begrimmed and bap
tised with blood Let the brave heart, the
trusty heart. ,the deep, unfathomable heart, in
words OF more than mortal eloquence. utter.
ed though unexpressed, speak tie emotions of
grateful venerstion. for which these lips OF
mine are alike too feeble and too unworthy.
General, ! accept these relics in behalf of
the people ofthe Commonwealth. They viii be
preserved and cherished amid all the viciss,-
tude OF the future as mementoes Of the brave
men and noble actions.
Upon the conclusion Of the address Of
dovernor Andrews, the exercises closed.