The Portland daily press., 1870-09-27
Visit end Reception of the Providence

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Yesterday was made gala day of the first
magnitude by our home military organiza-
tions; and they made it an occasion that we
know they are glad to experience once in
while, and which gives pleasure to our citi-
zens aud to those whom ii is intended to honor.
Our soldiers are entertaining with generous hos
ptality one of the elder and most famous mil
itary organizations in New England, the First
Light Infantry of Providence, a corps that
dates back to 1918 and has a brilliant history
and enrolls among its present and past mem
bers some of the best of the citizens of IT,
little State of Rhode Island.
The Company left Providence at 915 Mon
day morning and came through to Boston
without any stop. In the latter city a brief
stay of thirty minutes was made, and they
took the regular noon train from Boston fer
Portland. At Kennebunk they were met by
committee of the several organizations that
are to be their hosts and participate in the
celebration OF the next two days. When the
train arrived at Portland its arrival was an
nounced by salvo of artillery fred by de-
tachment of the G. A. R. under the command
OF Capt. John II. B. Morrill,. The visiting
Company at once moved to State Street ard
were received with full military honors by the
Mechanic Blues, Capt. Geo. W. Parker, in
front of the residence of Jas. NJ. Churchill,
Esq, whose residence was splendidly decofs-
ted with flags and bunting.
The battalion then moved through State
and Congress streets to City Hall, its progress
being marked by salutes from Captain Nor
rilfs flying artillery. Machigonne Engine
house, which was on the route, showed q
handsome display Of bunting, and as the COM
panies marched by they received a true fire.
mans salute. Arrived at City Hall, the front
of which was elegantly festooned and around
= which vast crowd had gathered, the battalion
went into line and were welcomed to the city
by Mayor Kingsbury in the following words:
Mr.. Commander and Gentlemen of the Proy;.
dence Light Infantry.
Ii is with no merely official fOrmality that 7
give you a cordial welcome to our city. We
feel honored that, while many other attractive
places have presented themselves to your con-
slderatlon, you have selected Portland for your
visit.
We welcome you as the representative men
of one of the Oldest settlements in the coun.
try. AS far back as 1886 Roger Williams. ex-
lied oy religious persecution, found refuge on
your soil and called the place Providence"
providence to him in his Distress" He was
the first Protestant against religious intoler-
ance in this land and IN favor of religious lib
erty. And the seed he then and there sowed
has a6ounded in rich and glorious harvest.
Providence from this Insignificant beginning is
nov one of the most wealthy and noted of
the prominent cities of the Union.
We welcome you as the representative men
of the State of Rhode Island, State small in
territorial circumference, but laroc in ali that
makaa a StQfa oat II ;s IL
men that give magnitude and breadth to a
State. Rhode Island, long before the Reyolu-
ton, in the war between Great Britain and
France, showed its prowess by its fifty priva-
teers securing the sea, with such men as the
celebrated Paul Jones among its captains,
When our ancestors, few and feeble found
it necessary to break their allegiance to the
mother country, Rhode Island was foremost
among the foremost in fighting the battles for
freedom, AMI history will record the ilustrous
name of Maj General Nathaniel Greene az
son of your State.
In the war of 1912, when in vndication of the
freedom of the seas, we tried title once more
with Great Britain, Rhode Island showed again
that her power was not limited by territory.
her seamen were upon every sea, and that
glorious son of Rhode Island, Com modOre Per-
~, aided by Rhode Island .seamen and ship
wrlghts, won the great battle on Lake Erie.
During the late civil war your noble State
showed itself ready to sacrifice her men and
her means, to the last man and the last dollar
TO save the Union. And am informed oen,
tlemen, that not few of your own nnmher
wear badges of honor 10 the scars rooa;nod
from rebel hands in fighting for the r;aht
And when your muster roll is called. the nm.
swer often comes-"Not herel died on the AL; ola
OF battler' In three days after President Lin.
coins first call for troops, Rhode Island sol
diers were on thelmarch to Washington. Her
Greens, her Perrys, her Rodmans, her Burn
sides, and her heroic and persistent patriotism
will ever make her name glorious. Rhode
Island will rank many another larger State in
the history of the restored Union.
Mr.. Commander and gentlemen, your visit is
preceded bv high reputation. Having held
your charter for more than fifty two years. YOU
have had enrolled in your ranks the chief men
of your State Governors have been your pri.
Yates, United States Senators your corporals
and Chief Justices your sergeants. welcome
you in the name and behalf of the city; in be.
half of our soldiers; in behalf of our citizens
and in behalf of our ladies-tO our homes, our
hospitality, and our hearts.
Capt. Dennis of the Providence company
responded as follows:
Mayor Kings5ury: For your kind and hear.
ty welcome to this beautiful city, in behalf
OF my command / return you nv sincere
thanks. l make no pretence to oratorical re.
presentation, and crave permission to call