The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1895-09-26
A Royal Welcome.

DEER ISLE WILL CELEBRATE RETURN OF
DEFENDERS CREW.
The citizens of De, Isle are preparing to
give the crew Of the Defender red hot vel
come home. A letter has been sent to them
asking them TO all come at the same time
and land at the same landing, and an invita-
Jion has also been extended to Capt. H. C..
Half and wife to accept of the hospitalities
Of the town at the same time, and they are
expected to come. The programme is to
fire salute, then each member will be pre-
sented with a bouquet of flowers. The band
will be on hand to greet them. There will
be reception in some hall, and a banquet.
The success of the affair is assured as it is
in charge Of a committee composed of the
following representative citizens:
A. O. Gross. r. K. Knowlton,
j. j. SpOtford, W. B. Thurlow,
Capt. j. w. Haskell, Thos. Snow,
S. s. Scott, Levi X. Stinson,
Capt. Ed. Richardson, W. B. Smith,
John l.. Goss, E. E. Spofford,
w. L. Greenlaw, Z. II. S. Webb,
Seth Webb, B. 81. Mills,
Sam'l. Goss.
Following is the letter to the crew:
DEER ISLE, Sept. Is.
1O Ill HELL DeTS OL Iuc D6I6 0uGr'S crew who
are citizens of Deer Isle:
Gentlemen: AS far as possible we have
followed you on every tack and gone with
you over the courses you have steered since
you left home. We have not been able to
learn OF any misconduct or any lack of sea-
manship on your part. We have not known
OF any want OF discipline nor any absence of
Willingness and hearty spirit to do your
whole duty at all times and in all ways.
We did not expect any contrary report to
be made regarding you. We were proud
that citizens OF our town should be chosen
to show the world that America can still
produce as able mariners as in times Of yore
and men equal to any that could be gather
ed from all the salty edges of the earth.
You were chosen. We believe that YOU
have proved worthy.
For that reason, on your return home, we
desire to show you honor, to partly prove to
you and others that we appreciate you and
admire your conduct through all that trying
season OF your preparation to meet a foe
whom we expected you would find to be
both formidable and brave.
When your duty is fully done, when your
commander has given you an honorable dis
charge, we wish you all to come home and
we earnestly request you all to come to-
gether, to all land at one place We do not
wish to dictate to you or try to influence
you as to whether you shall land at the
north end or at the south part of the town
settle that point among yourselves.
You know We have but one brass band
and one piece OF heavy artillery; hence we
can make only one satisfactory demonstra-
ton at one time. If you will all come to-
gether you will be the more gladly welcomed.
After noisy reception at whichever pier
you may choose to land upon, you will be
allowed to go to your homes in peace. On
about the second night after that you will be
given q reception at the town hall with 8
grand banquet for you and your ladies.
You are requested to choose one of your
number to make answer to this communica-
tion az early as may be and also telegraph
to US on the day before you will arrive home.
Per order of the general committee,
Ed. A. RICHARDSON,
Corresponding Secretary.
Tuesday and were given a royal welcome
home, as indicated above.