[source: ActivePaper Archive, Penn State University (viewed 8 November 2008)]
ARRIVAL OF THE 91st REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS.--The 91st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers arrived at the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad, about five o'clock yesterday afternoon, from the seat of war. This regiment left the city over two years ago, numbering about one thousand men, and there remain now but four hundred and three men, which includes those in the different hospitals. Those who arrived yesterday, numbering two hundred and sixty-eight, have re-enlisted again for three years or the war, and have been granted a furlough of thirty days. This regiment has participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, and Gettysburg, where they proved themselves worthy of the greatest honor that could be conferred upon them. The neighborhood of the depot was crowded with anxious beings for several hours previous the arrival waiting to obtain the long-wished-for look at those who have been so long away, struggling in behalf of the country's honor. The snow which covered the ground made it rather uncomfortable to remain in one spot very long, but their anxiety overcame the inclemency of the weather. The regiment was detained some time at Gray's Ferry, and on its arrival a rush was made for the cars which contained the bronze-faced veterans. Then ensued a scene easier imagined than told. The crowd around them was so dense that a great many could not get close enough to obtain even a look at the brave boys, while the lucky ones enjoyed themselves hugely until compelled to move away. The men were obliged to stand in the snow almost an hour before they were marched into line, which was a rather unpleasant duty. The detachments and companies which formed the escort were drawn up in line, on Broad street, over an hour previous to the arrival of the 91st, and they, too, suffered considerably from the weather. Shortly before six o'clock the escort formed to the following order:
Birgfeld's Band.Detachment of the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry.
Veterans and new recruits from Camp Cadwalader.
Liberty Cornet Band.
Henry Guards, Captain Epear [?].
Fourth Union League Regiment, Col. McLean
Col. Gregory and staff.
Band of Ninety-first Regiment.
Ninety-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Provost Guard, from Fifth and Buttonwood streets, Captain Sack.
The procession then moved over the following route: Up Broad street to Walnut, down Walnut to Thirteenth, up Thirteenth to Chestnut, down Chestnut to Third, and then back to the front of Independence Hall, where they were dismissed.
The scene at the dismissal of the regiment, in front of the State House, was one of the most thrilling that we have as yet witnessed. Col. Gregory, mounted, as he was, on a spirited horse, in dismissing the men for the night, took occasion to make a ten minutes [sic] speech. He returned thanks, on behalf of the men in his command, for the patriotic reception tendered them. The shouts of Union victory on the battle-field inspired the soul with courage, and the shouts of patriotism at home kindle the flame of love for our country. The brave men of my command have re-enlisted for the war. (Great cheering.) They may not have to serve for three years more, because we think we see the beginning of the end of the rebellion. (Cheers.) He would make one remark, and that is this--the rebellion never will end until the shackles are broken from every slave in the country. (Immense cheers.) The war cannot cease until every black man is set free, and this country becomes, what God Almighty intends it to be in reality, the land of the free and the home of the brave. (Enthusiastic cheers--voice from a window of American Hotel, "Good, good;" voice from the crowd, "That's the ring of the true metal, no copperheadism about that.")
Col. Gregory again thanked the people for the ovation, the band struck up the "Star-spangled Banner," the immense multitude cheered loudly and long, and began to separate, each one brimful of patriotism.
Throughout the entire route flags were flying, and the pavements and steps crowded with lookers-on.
The following is a list of the field officers of the Ninety-first: Colonel Gregory, Lieutenant Colonel Sinex, Major Lentz, Adjutant B. S. [sic] Tayman, Quartermaster D. H. Lentz, Surgeon J. D. Knight, Assistant Surgeon W. G. Keir.