Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Indiana) 1864-1865, 1865-06-29
Vol. 2. No. 50.

who had gallantlv led them at Look.
out Mountain, Missionary Ridge,
Ringgold, Dalton, Tunnel Hill,
Rocky Face, Resacca, Kenesaw. Dal.
ton, Colp's Farm, Atlanta, Jones.
boro, Lovejoy, Franklin and Nash
vile. Veteran he-veteran they. Il
was fitting that hearts thus united in
defence of common cause should,
now the strife being over and the
great victory being won, unite in the
expression of mutual confidence and
love. When considering the pro-
gress of events for the past four
years, and more especially for the
last year and half, the great march.
es made, the sanguinary contests
waged, the presence of the living
and the memories of the fallen
brave, the scene was te1ching, and
could not fail to swell with emotions,
akin to commingled JOY and grief.
the heart of every patriot who wit
messed it. Surely we shall not soon
forget il.
The brigade band, under the lead
ership of Andrew c. Smith, and
than whom there was none better in
the service, discoursed, first .Dixie
Land" and then the stirring air of
the Red, White and Blue"
The General then presented him
self to his grand audience of citizen
+ soldierv, and was received with the
most enthusiastic cheers. He had
hardly prepared himself for such an
earnest welcome as their cheers indi-
Gated, and was deeply moved. But
in 4 moment, composing himself, he
proceeded TO address them in one of
the most earnest and touching CON-
mon sense speeches that it has ever
been my fortune TO hear in the army.
He thanked them for the welcome
they had extended him; reviewed
briefly the struggles through which
they had passed; the progress of
humanity and civilization which the
war bad engendered: the triumph Of
our cause, Of liberty and constitu-
tional Government; and referred with
emphasis to tire fact, that now our
land was free in reality as in name,
and that the humblest citizen could
now utter his sentiments in favor of
human rights and democratic doc
trines every where within our bor-
ders. He then spoke glowingly Of
the feelings of the Northern people
in regard TO her patriotic men in the
field, and said they would be hailed
gladly by the great Northern heart
when they should return home. He
gave them sound advice as to the
manner they should conduct them
selves npon resuming the peaceful
avocations of life, remarking feeling
": "Oh, never let it be said that
one Of my comrades in arms, who
for four long years has risked his
life in his country defence, and been
umphantly returns home and dis
graces himself by violating the laws
of the land he has fought to maintain,
or so conduct himself as to tarnish
the bright reputation he had won."
Finally, thanking his true and tried
men for their great kindness toward
him since his connection with them,
he bade them good night.
Never did brave soldier, tried
and skillful General, a pure, patriot
man, utter sounder sentiments, or
give utterance to nobler ideas, than
did General Grose on this occasion.
There was no effort at rhetorical
flourish, but the plain expression Of
manly duty, and the practical inter
ests of life There was not one un-
satisfied heart-not one but who
went away feeling better man, and
proud that his cause was maintained
by SO good man.
w. S. d.
a q