The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1880-10-09

Bhaf Leading Republicans said ~ him In
fS6C-A fF1ss Patriot aud RenoleBed Sol
der, and one 10 eohom ne homage Of the
Natfoa i dao- TiAs Aero Of a kHadred Dat
tles.
Much comment has been occasioned ia Bal
timore by publicity being given for the first
time TO highly complimentary letter TO Gen.
Hancock, which was presented to him in 1866
by the residents of that city, irrespective Of
party. The letter, which accompanied pres
ent Of q lite-sized portrait Of The recipient, is
as follows;
''SErr. 81, 1896.
Mgor Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, y. S. A.
"DsAR SiR-Though the clangor Of arms,
the booming Of cannon, the s1iferings Of the
wounded and dying are no longer heard
throughout the land, coming up from ensan.
gnined battlehelds, quickening the recollee-
tons ofthe imperishable deeds Of those gal
liant spirits who for four long and bloody years
stood bTavely up between treason upon the
one hand and their countrys honor on the
other, yet the hearts Of q sympathizing peo-
pie, while turning with lively gratitude 10 an
overriding Providence for the ultimate tri-
umph given 70 the cause Of justice, righteous.
ness and truth, will ever encircle with the
wreath Of sorrow the holy memories Of those
who have fallen, and place the ehaplet Of
victory upon the Scared and meritorious
brows Of their surviving comrades. The first
defiant note Of the rebellion, Us il tell like a
pail upon the hearts Of the people, reached
you upon the golden shores OF the distant Pa.
eiiic, where the seeds Of treason were prom.
Using Al abundant harvest aud traitors were
rejoicing in the prospect Of a rich domain,
but where, In the emergencies Of the occasion,
your voice and example we're potential in
awakening the spirit Of patriotism in loyal
hearts aud IN strengthening their adherence
to the nag OF their country, the integrity OF
the Union, and the rights of man. From
thence the eyes OF ycnr admiring eouutrymen
and the sympathiss Of their hearts followed
| you in your homcward course to the Atlantic,
and aiterward they accompanied you down
through your active participation in the va.
ripus campaigns in defense Of the Union in
which you and your brave followers bore so
distinguished part As pillar Of cloud by
day and pillar offre by night you led the
invincible columns OF your everglorious old
Second Army Corps from victory unto victo-
ry, gathering new gfories upon your taisered
banners and increased devotion in your On.
faltering heart with each successive conflict
upon hundred battlefelds, BY which the
names Of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Garnets-
vile, Golding's Farm, Savage Station, White
Oak Swamp, Champions Pass, Fredefieks.
burg, Autietam, Chancelorsyille, Gettysburg,
the Wilderness, Spottsyyania Court House,
North Anna River, Tolopotomy Creek, Deep
Bottom, in front Of Petersburg, Ream's Sta
ton, and Boydstown Road have been render.
ed forever memorable and as enduring as the
everlasting continent upon which they stand.
In surveying the vast array Of glorious names
and brilliant achievements hewn out with the
sword and inscribed with the bayonet BY the
grand old Army OF the Potomac, upon which
coming generations will delight TO dwell, the
name and deeds of Hancock will forever shine
with unborrowed lusire, aud carry with them
an inspiration elevating ia its tone, irresisti-
Bile in its influence, and lasting in its results
upon the future military reputation Of our
country. IN rendering, then, sir, within the
narrow confines Of this letter, the accompany.
ing military p4inting ofone to whom the HON.
age OF the nation is so justly due, we trust in
Him whose mighty arm has so often shielded
you amid the carnage of battle, that your life
may be long in the land, TO the unity and in
tegrity Of whose Government your eminent
military services have contributed so much 10
preserve and perpetuate, and that your clos.
ing hours may be as beautiful, Joyous and
full Of promise Of the coming morrow as the
going down Of the evening SUI behind the
distant hills Of your far of Western home
With the highest admiration and regard, we
remain very sincerely and truly
Among the ITO signers to this document,
every one Of whom, with three exceptions,
are Republicans, are the Hon. John L. Thorn.
as, Jr., Collector Of the Port the Hon. Ar.
ehibald Sterling, Jr., United States District
Attorney the Hon, John Lee Chapman, the
last Republican Mayor OF Baltimore Lieut..
Henry W. Jones, U. S. A. WIN. Z. Hooper,
the Republican candidate for Mayor last year;
The late Hon. Columbus 0'Donnel, Mr.. Enoch
Pratt, Vice President of the Philadelphia
Wilmington and Baltimore X. II the Hon.
Washington Booth, collector Of the Port
the Hon. Reverdy johnson, Mr.. Samuel NJ.
Shoemaker, Mr.. j. j. Stewart, Gen. john r.
kenly and Gen. Richard Bowerman. As
nearly all the signers are now prominent in
the Republican party IN this State and are all
merchants and business men Of wealth and DO.
sition, the letter has attracted general atten.
ton. The Democratic State Central Com
mittee will have it printed and distributed
broadcast all over the State.