Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-08-24
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION
OF THE
Third Ohio Volunteer Cavalry !
Dclightrnl Day, ana a Pleasant Time

inst. some Oh lle memDeGs OF the lNeK
arrived in town on the evening previous,
while many others who reside in Wood
county arrived in town, early in the fore
noon. On the arrival Of morning trains
in Toledo, bearing others from distant
parts of the State, the steamer Frost con-
veyed them and a goodly number of their
friends from Toledo to .Perrysburg. On
arrival Of the boat at the dock procession
of members of the Sd and members from
other regiments we're formed by the officers
of the day, and headed by the Arion Cor
net Band were marched to the Court House
Yard where a stand for the speakers had
been erected.
The assemblage was called to order by
Colonel Rowland, who introduced Hon.
ASHER Cook to deliver the Address oil
Welcome to the "Boys in Blue" The lit
tie ten minutes speech was so repletc with
patriotic and poetic sentiment that we have
since secured the manuscript and publish
it in full, as follows:
Gentlemen Survirors Of the Sd Ohio Cavalry
'
assembled;
Ny friends have burdencd me with the
agreeable task of welcoming you to ourc
peaceful village peaceful, because we no
longer hear the fife and drum beating the
call for recruits to aid you in your deadly
struggles with rebellion peaceful, because
yours and the valor of your compatriots
saved the imperiled nation from overthrow
| by traitor hands. Peaceful, with peace
which bids fair to be shared by the nation
for now, the rebels, convinced of their in.
| Justice to the great body OF the laboring
class amongst them, and the greater inius-
tice to themselves, in seeking TO destroy
the best government ever vouchsafed to
man, to perpetuato the barbarism OF slav-
cry have promised and are giving evidences,
which nre gratifying to patriotic hearts
that they cheerfully accept the situation
and will, in good faith carry out the re-
| forms written in the constitution of our
country by the blood of your fallen COM
rades. To this peace and national prosper
ity, the fruits of the valor and patriotism OF
the armies of the Republic,you are welcome.
And in thus being permitted to enjoy the
rewards OF your labors ere your bodies are
scarce rested from the fatIgues of battle,
you have cause for rejoicing far beyond
the reformers of earlier days, whose labors
only ripened into perfect fruit, as their
bodies were laid away to enrich their
mother earth, and paint with brighter hueg
the flowers that adorn the pathway Of the
patriot.
You took up arms at your country's call
to save the nation from an unwarra nted at
tack on its existence. This, to human APP
pearance was the cause for which YOU
| l. 4
but behind all this a gracious Providence
concealed the greater cause of human
equality.
All nations have been stained with the
sin of slavery, but God, in his righteous in.
dignation, resolved that this fair land
should have the curse no longer, and the
union army executed His decroe
1t is therefore with pleasure we behold
our streets crowded with the veterans of thii
army, which has rendered such distin
guished services in the cause of human
progress. We feel n sense OF greater secur
ity in your presence, for a community mus
always be safe when filled by the virtuous
the free, and brave, and IN danger, only
when crowded by the vicious.
And thus it is, that, all over the land
in every hamlet and city, the people are
welcoming the veterans, and making happy
the days OF their reunion.
And not only in this country are their
great services recognized, but Europe ha.
turned out hel crowned heads, and her la
boring men have risen in the glory of thei
manhood, to welcome the renowned chic
of the armies of The Great Republic -
Ex-President Grant. This homage, paiC
to great abilities and virtuous manhood
is especially gratifying to Americans wher,
the road to greatness is open to all. Blu
as great as is the military genius of Gen
Grant, which eclIpses all other Generals
he, nevertheless, owes much to the intelli
gence and skill of the soldiers under hi
command, for the education acquired il
our common schools made generals Of tn
rank and file of the army.
We welcome you not only for your serv
ices while under arms but, because, sine
your discharge you have given proofs o
yoar loyalty to free institutions, in aidini
to maintain the supremacy of the laws
and this is especially true of the nobl
bearing of the veterans during our re
cent troubles, whom few bad mel
sought to disturb the peace and harmon.
of our institutions by melting insurrection
and forcibly driving honest and peaceful
laborers from their work. Here, our inhu
ence was found on the side of law and or
; der, and many an honest laborer thanke,
God for the noble offer of the veterans
rendered through the Grand Army OF tn
Republic, for the protection of their live
and their property and in their right t
peacefully pursue their usual avocationi
"And thus il will be ever" that "freeme
will stand between their loved homes an
wars desolation."
When we seemed in deep troubles, an
the smoke OF ncendiary fires obscured tn
heavens, the skies were clear around til
homes OF the veterans, and tremblln
hearts took courage; when your arm
wero offered for the protection of life, an,
labor, and property, and that we ma
: more intimately identify our interests wit
/. yours, we welcome you TO our homes an
the hospitalities of our people.
But as free and hearty as this welcom
iS, let it not be supposed it is given alon
, for your exclusive, personal qualification
: 1t is given, rather, in recognition of you
I exalted patriotism that we may eniO
with you the happy deliverance OF OF
country from rebellion, by your yalor, an
e that coming generations, looking back 0
5 the history of their country, may learn
lesson from this days proceedings, whic
will teach them to emulate your exampl
should occasion ever call them TO the liel
. in defense of their own or the liberties
e their fellow-men.
, And finally, gentlemen, We welcome 20
), that under the shadow OF our peaceful prt
l lection you may recount the history
/ your actions and renew the friendship
e formed around the campfire, when il WI
. worth the life of man to accompany h
friend to the pcket-guard. Aud here,
? your reunions, YOU will recall Chatanoog
I Stone River, Atlanta, and other battle
y and many long, weary marches, and 6nalI
> your memories will bring you to ii
morning when "the buglcs sounded truce
and the glorious Sun of peace arose
| an army of ireemen, with their labors a
complished then from the scenes Of stri
your hearts turned to the comforts, an
joys,and happy greetings, which awaited 70
: and your return home. To all these 10,
ous memories, none are more welcome tha
. the survivors Of the 81 Ohio Cavalry.
y But, Notwithstanding the eminent Sc
/ vices you have rendered yonr country, yo
! ,nust uot foi1 vour hands In nnapefnI in o