Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-08-08
tiiy /, repul.ed, no true soldier of the Union can

fty Is repulsed, no true soldier Of the Union can
feel that he is mustered out of service.
10 full recognition Of the glories and sacrifices
Of the past, the duties Of the present, and the
dangers of the future, feel that cannot say TO
the soldiers of the First Name, anything more
truly patriotic and timely than to repeat the hon
est words uttered at the great Springfield Reun-
ion last June, by the ga liant General who COM
msnded the Left wing of Sbermans Grand Army
in the "Msrch to the Sea-" Permit me, there
fore, TO of as a sentmf nj worthy of the occa-
zion, this manly utterance of Major General Hen
ny W. Slocum, which cheered to the echo by
the veterans OF the Society Of the Army of the
4 Potomac:
81 am sure none of you will charge me with
j Introducing political ject, when | say that
"at the hour of our greatest danger | felt CRATE
"ful to the men who ri-ked their fortunes in OUT
behalf. | was grateful to the capitalist who
"loaned the money which supplied the munitions
"of war icds grateful Men. / am grateful
"n0Vi / do not beiong 10 tie class IF soldiers rho
"~ould rob or cast reprodch upon the men eho fur
: "HiShed Me means Uhich enabled tie GOreranent
"tO send M TO the battle feid."
| am that the veterans of the First Maine
will acquit me also of any improper intrusion
/ OF politics. in quoting the noble words Of dstin-
guished political opponent, who sets bis country
and its honor far above the atmosphere of a
bind partsansbip. Let me add few words from
his private letter to myself acknowledging my
commentator of his patriotic remarks They are
worthy to be repeated at any gathering of loyal
soldiers
al am glad nv remarks meet your approval
"Since the close of the war, | have new sr neg
"lected on any proper occasion to express my
"seH fully on the duty We owe 10 the creditors
'of the country. | am no supporter of doctrines
"leading to liquidation and communism, and
| "mi"k any man UhO cures for the honor Of his
"coaHtry should speak PLAINLY these questions. -
rendering the Comrades the above sentiments
with the expression of most ncere regret that
| cannot join in celebrating their reunion, and
hoping that the occasion may be as JOYOUS AS the
| record ofyour grand old Regiment is Jrigkt am
Fraternally yours,
{. A. BoUTELLE, late OF u. S. Navy.
Several other toasts were to be offered, but the
hour of eleven had arrived. and the audience be-
gan to break rank, and so the conn AIDES Join
ed, As a parting act, IN singing the following ode
which was written for the occasion by Maj. j ID.
Mytick
Sound the dear old bugle. boys,
King out the calls once more,
Which thrilled our hearts and nerved our arms
In halowed days of yore;
Which summoned us To victory,
TO glory, Ger AMI O'er,
While we were lighting for the Union.
Chorus
Hurrah Hurrahl The Flag that we revere;
Hurrahi Hurrahi The land we love SO dear ;
The lives we pledged well pledge anew
To God and Country here,
As when we were lighting Tor tne Union.
Grand old calls, whose stirring blasts
Rang out in Dattle peal;
Reused us TO immortal deeds
And barred cur shining steel.
Led our conquerng egions on,
ANA made the fOeman reel.
When We were hung for the Union h0rus
II W those calls bring back to US
The lannon's loom and crash.
The rafting roar OF musketry,
he sabr-'s seam and flash,
The glorious charge, the rebel rout
while through their ranks we dash
As when we were hghing Tor the Unlon.-C Chorus
How those tones recall Tonight
That story Of the past,
How those precious memories
Crowd on IL thick and fast
Memories which sh all brighter grow,
AS long as NE shall last,
VI when We we're lighting Tor the Unon.-C horus
Up. boys up, Let three times three
Our joy and giainess tel,
To rally here once mere, around
The colors loved well,
Which led us to undying tame,
Through storms OF shot aud she'll
Wnen We were lighting Tor the Unioh.- Chorus.
And three times three Wen proudly give
The peerless old FIRST MAINEI
which led the van of freedoms host,
And never led in vain;
Whose shoe torn standards, glory crowned,
Neer knew defeat nor stain,
While We were lighting for the Unon.-Chorus.