Norwich bulletin., 1913-08-08
TIE RETURN D. TIE TNEIY-SIxTH
Cannons Were Fired and Bells Rung City of Norwich Sailed Into the Harbor 50 Years Ago with the Survivors of That Gallant Regiment-A Splendid Reception Accorded the Veterans

We mourn their loss, but we leave them without fear in the hands of Him who gaze His life that all men might live Soldiers, during your nine months of service you have endured the hard ships and privations of the camp and the march; you have faced the periiS of sickness, and have braved wounds, mu- tilation and death on the field of bat tie; you have nobly upheld the honor of our state and have proved in com mon with all Connecticut regiments that, though our state is small in size, she is yet preeminent in the valor and manhood of her sons. You have done fore l welcome you home with joy and gladness of heart; but this welcome given you here is nothing compared with that other welcome which I am sure your hearts are longing to receive from the warm lips and tender arms of the loved ones at home, and l hope and pray from the bottom of my heart that you may find all those dear ones spared to meet you and as well and happy as I know they will be proud to greet you home. :. now invite you to partaiSe of the repast which has been provided for you as a very slight tok- en of the sympathy we have felt for you in your trials and dangers, and Of the joy with which we welcome you now that you have returned in honor to your homes.
 SoIderIy Reply by Colonel Kingsley.
 Colonel Kingsley replied in a sol Gierly and unassuming manner, stat ing that they enlisted few months ago with he believed, the most purely patriotic motives to defend the only free government that the sun shines on; they had suffered privations, en- dured hardships and faced dangers without complaint or diScouragement; they had won the praise of their com manding generals and the satisfaction of having done their Guty; and they were willing to renew their vows to their country and enlist again in it's service if it were necessary. His brief remarks, which his glorious wounds made difficult of delivering. were fre- quently and loudly applauded.
 Veterans Claimed by Their Friends.
 After the ovation was finished the
 different companies that formed the escort marched to their several head quarters, and the thousands of patient friends dispersed to their homes talk ing with them the toll and weather worn heroes of siege and battle.
 GalIantry at Port Hudson.
 The~history of the 18th regiment is emblazoned with glory to our common WedltH. III lHe HISI assault oH EoIe Hudson they led the charge, in com pany with one other regiment, and suf- fered the most severely of any in the engagement And all through the weary siege their long list of casual ties are a record of their courage and fidelity They return to us but $50 strong. They buried seven along the banks of the Mississippi, between Port Hudson and Vicksburg, on their way home A few who were unable to come further were also left in hospitals in Memphis, Cairo and Chicago, and one Miles Bromley of Jewett Cfty-died on the steamboat from New York. al most within sight of his home and ex- pectant friends. Seven poor men were unable to leave the dock and partici- pate in the interesting occasion, and were kindly assisted to the Thames ho- tel, where they will be cared for.