FIFTY-THIRD MASSACHUSETTS.
The reception of the 53d regiment at Fitchburg yesterday, the 24th, was a fine affair. The regiment arrived at 6 o'clock in the morning, and partook of a breakfast with hot coffee "attached." A great multitude was in attentance from the adjoining towns. Alpheus P. Kimball chairman of the committee of arrangements introduced Amasa Norcross, Esq., who delivered the address of welcome.
The procession formed on Summer street, marched through Main street to the Unitarian church, were they partook of a collation provided by the ladies of Fitchburg. The escort consisted of a cavalcade of eighty horses from leminster, Capt. Leonard Woods, commanding; the military organizations of Fitchburg and neighboring towns; the fire companies; and three Boston bands, assisted by those of Winchendon, Templeton, Townsend, Pepperell and Ashburnham; E. H. Frost, marshelled the cadet drum corps. The procession moved at noon, under the chief marshal ship of Col. Edwin Upton, with Wm. Campbell, Francis Buttrick, Wm. W. Comee, and Joseph Tufts, assistant marshals. "Leominster honors her brave soldiers, Victors of Roanoke Island and Port Hudson," was the motto on the flag borne by the delegation from that place. The Winchendon banner bore the motto,-"Welcome Home!" The memory of the Fallen, the Heroism of the Living, alike sacred to us." The hotel, Town Hall, and many public and private buildings were decorated with the stars and stripes, evergreens, &c.
Music and speaking was interspered throughout the festivities of the reception. The soldiers at the close of the exercises marched back to the depot in regimental order and were furloughed until notified to appear and be mustered out of the service. (Worcester Aegis and Transcript; August 29, 1863; pg. 2, col. 4.)
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