The National tribune., 1894-09-27
A DAY IN TTSBURG.
How the 18th Ill. Cav. Was Surprised and
Taken Prisoners There.


Taken Prisoners There.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: / wonder
if amid all the hosts of the boys of olden
times who went TO Pittsburg are any who
remember a reception given by that city to
a regiment Of soldiers in The Winter of 1863
The 18th Ill. Cav. had been relieved from
duty in old Virginia, and for brilliant serv-
ices in the field started for home on regi-
mental lurlough and TO recruit their de-
pleted ranks. They were right from the
skirmish-line on the Rappahannock, to
where they had advanced against opposition
all the way from Gettysburg They were
being hurled, or rather jerked, westward
in box or cattle cars which were well venti-
lated, letting in the SHOWS Of the mountains,
but lacked very much of giving the comfort
able nights rest that had been enjoyed in
the leaves of the Virginia woods.
After two days and nights of that kind of
transit Pittsburg came in sight little be-
fore noon of Nov. 81. Granny, sore, chilled
and hungry I've should all have felt like
emulating the practice of "our army in
Flanders" had we not been going home) we
hoped for halt there long enough to permit
of our strengthening out our legs, and few
would be fortunate enough to clean up the
old pie woman's stock in trade. The SOL
dier's great boon, cup of hot coffee, was
hardly TO be hoped for. And as for atten-
tiOns from the citizens, that said pie woman,
in those days Omnipresent, was supposed to
be the only one to "feel much on the line of
our general welfare. Soldiers and soldering
had become too common, we supposed, to
attract more than a stare and curious
question or two.
Imagine our surprise, if possible, at being
st,,,1i Ia, IF
at the depot, w tn the old Stars and Stripes
waving and bands playing National airs.
They greeted US with hearty shakes, just
like home folks. Hacks and carriages were
in waiting for those who wished TO ride, and
all were hustled off to a large hall, where
what they called lunch, but we feast
galore, had been prepared
No citizen took place at the tables. The
private soldiers, some in the same old blue
that had been worn since Gettysburg
ranked with officers In being served by the
noblest ladies of the city. The wife OF the
Mayor WED with that functioDary himself,
as well as with scores of the best citizens, in
doing honor to their country's defenders.
That was the most complete surprise, /
think, our regiment ever suffered itself TO
be taken by during its long service. Moth
ing of the kind had been expected before
reaching our own Chicago. More than one
eye was dimmed with moisture and more
than one heart received impressions there
that lasted until it's last beat. And some
how we left that hall with still more assur-
ance for faith in the ultimate results of the
war-assurance that the great heart of the
loyal North still had healthy, vigorous
pulsation
The regiment never forgot that reception.
And there lives at least one who, were it
possible for him to return to that loyal city
this Fall, would try TO grasp the hand of
citizen of that loyal band Of entertainers of
nearly 81 years ago.-H. CALKINs, Sergeant,
Co. i, 10Th Ill. Cav, Union, Mo.