Our Campaigns

"Mr. Mayor, Governor and citizens of Harrisburg. In the name of the remnants of what was once a mighty division, I thank you for the reception you have given us here to-day. The people of Harrisburg, represented by their Mayor, have overwhelmed us with their kindness. In reply to these kind expressions, the only response I have to make is the speech familiar to the Pennsylvania Reserves. So, my gallant boys, let us have three cheers, and let them be such thundering cheers as you gave at Bethesda Church before we left the army.

And in response the whole Corps joined in three cheers, that made the old State House tremble from dome to foundation.

Colonel McCandless, who was severely wounded, being called for, made a brief speech in thanks for the Keystone's welcome. "He had only to say, and he did himself honor in saying, that they (the Reserves), in their consciences felt that they had done their whole duty. And we are willing for as many years as our lives shall last and our blood flow in our veins to continue to sustain the old flag which we have carried in triumph in many an engagement.

"We stand upon a sure record. We fought the first battle at Drainesville; at Malvern we were there, and whenever and wherever the Reserves were called, they were there. It shall always be my pleasure to stand by you and lead you where you wish to be led."

Colonel R. Biddle Roberts being called for, addressed the Corps in a few eloquent remarks, which were vociferously applauded by the Corps. He remarked that a hot dinner had been promised them; but he remembered the time when they had a hot dinner, a very hot dinner, with no ladies around to grace it with their smiles.

The Corps then marched to Camp Curtin, where we spent the night.

Although the citizens of Harrisburg had generously offered us a reception dinner, and pressed us to stay and

RECEPTION IN PHILADELPHIA.

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partake of it, we were constrained to decline, as all were anxious to get home to receive that welcome that comes from the heart alone, without any pomp or ceremony. Therefore, the next morning our regiment accompanied by the First and Seventh, under the command of Colonel Talley; proceeded to Philadelphia, where we arrived early in the afternoon of the same day. The First and Seventh did not belong to the city but were ordered there to be mustered out.

Upon arriving at West Philadelphia a salute was fired and a Committee of Councils and other organizations were in attendance. As the battalions alighted from the cars and formed into line, loud cheers arose from the crowd and bouquets of flowers were presented to the men. The line of escort was formed on Market street, east of the bridge, and took up the march in the following order :

Band. Committee of Councils. Committee of Citizens. Committee of Refreshment Saloons. Liberty Band. Veteran Reserve Corps. The Provost Guard. Douglas' Band. Discharged Officers and Men of the Division. The First, Second and Seventh Regiments of Pennsylvania Reserves. The wounded and convalescent soldiers of the Reserves. Mechanics' Band. The Fire Department. Ambulances.

The procession proceeded to the National Guard's Hall where the Reserves were welcomed by Colonel Small on behalf of the City, which was responded to by Colonel Talley. The line of march was again taken up from the Hall to the Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon, the streets through which it passed being densely packed with citizens, who at various points gave hearty cheers. The public buildings and many private houses were decorated with flags and patriotic devices, and a handsomely decorated archway was erected across Third street, at Evelina street by the Hibernia Engine Company, bearing the inscription, "Welcome, Brave Reserves." The bells of the Fire Companies were rung as the procession passed, and St. Peter's bells chimed forth

a merry welcome. At the Refreshment Saloon a handsome entertainment was spread, after partaking of which the boys were dismissed to their homes.

Companies C, "Hibernia Target Company," and D of the Northern Liberty, were taken in charge by the members of their respective companies and marched to their halls where a warm reception awaited them.

As the boys marched along they were not only greeted by strangers but by friends and relatives who rushed to grasp their hands. But all was not joy and happiness that day, for there was the fond mother, the affectionate father, the devoted wife, the gentle sister and the truehearted brother, who gazed with sadness upon the shattered ranks and thought of those--their own dear ones --whom we had left to sleep upon the battle-field. Sad indeed where their thoughts when they remembered the bright eye and flushed cheek, so full of hope, of love, of glory, that bid them farewell as they marched off to battle for the Union and Liberty, and that now are dimmed and faded away. But peacefully sleep their dead, for their blood arises like sweet incense from the altar of their country.

A few days afterwards the members were called together at the hall of the Hibernia Engine Company, to receive the medals that had been prepared for them by a Committee of Citizens. The medals which are one inch and an eighth in diameter, have on one side the Pennsylvania coat of arms inside of a wreath of laurel, with the words "Second Regiment P. R. V. C., June, 1864. On the other side are the words "Honor to the Brave," "Presented by the Citizens of Philadelphia." Colonel James Page made the presentation in behalf of the citizens, and Colonels McCandless and McDonough of the regiment responded.

Shortly afterwards the regiment was mustered out of service, and now the name and the glory of the Second Reserves is all that remains.