New-York daily tribune., 1865-12-23
Reception OF Battle FiGgs at Bo-ton-
Con,memoration Excrciscs--Addrcss Of
Gov. Andrew.
PosToN. FRIDAY. Dec. e. lsG5.

BOsION, Friday. Dec. 1. leGj.
The formal reception of the battle flags OF
Massachusetts regiments day was the occasion Of
very imposing and interesting military display There
about 600 veteran officers and men IN the march
ing column representing 90 regiments and battles and
displaying some 20 battle torn h1gs. All along the
route Of the procession these veterans and their ban
ners greeted in the most enthusiastic manner.
On reaching the State House the color bearers advanced
ia front formisg on the steps Of TIE Capitol while the
regiments fled into the gounds either side. The
whole space filed mp and with the crowd outside
the grounds 8nd In tue streets, and the spectators
the balcony and at the windows Of the State House and
the nelghbOiug dwellings formed one of the most
striking scenes ever exhibited ia Ills city The salute
OF the artillery the waving of all the banners and the
cheers having subsidized prayer was offered by The Rev
DR.. LathiOp haJOr-Gcn. Couch, On behalf OF the
Massachusetts volunteers then presented tho c0oIs 10
the keeping Of the Commonwealth, IN brief and ap
propTiae address, TO Which Gov Andrew responded as
follows;
GrSERAL: Thi. pageant 90 full OF Pathos and Of
glory forms the concluding scene in TIE long series OF
vigiblc actions and events In which Massachnset bes
borne part for tho overthrow Of the Rebellion ana the
yndcation Of the Union. The banners return 10 the
Government Of the Commonwealth through welcome
hands Borne one by one ont Of this capital during
more than four years Of civil war as the symbols Of the
nation and the Commonwealth, under WHICH mo bat
taiops Of Massachusetts departed 10 the field, they
come back again borne hb6T ~ Surviving representa-
tiyes of the same heroic regiments and companies to
which they were intrusted NJ the hands. General Of
yourseif the ranking officer Of the volunteers OF tue
commonwealth, one VI the earliest who accepted q
regiinental command under the appointment Of the
Governor Of Massachusetts, and Of this grand column
OF SCARED and heroic veterans who guard them homc
they are returned with hOnos becoming relies 80 ven
crable soldiers brave and citizens 80 bcoved-poud
memories OF many n field; sweet memories alike OF
yalor and friendship; sad memories OF irsternal
strife, tender memories Of our fallen brothers and
sons whose dying cyes looked last upon their
flaming folds grand memories Of heroic virtues sub
lime by grief; exuitant memories Of tho great and
Gnal victory OF country, Union and tie night
eous cause; thankful memories OF deiiyerance
wrought out for hnDan nature itself. une1ampied by
nny former achievement Of arms immortal memories,
with immortal honors blended twiDc around these
splintcred slaves weave theDselves along the warp
and woof Of these familiar 1acs-wat'worn, bcsrned
and bsptized vita blood. Let the brave heart the
trusty heart the deep, unfathomebe heart In words
of more than mortal eOqneBce uttered though uneI
nressed speak the emotions OF grateful yeneration. for
which these lips Of mine are alike too feeble ana un
Worthy General accept these relics in behafo the
noonIe of the Government. They will be preserved and
cherished aipd all the vicsiitutes OF the future a.
mementoes Of brave men and noble eotlons
Upon the conclusion Of the address OF Gov Andrew,
the exercises closed