11 January 1864

About three years ago regiment after regiment marched out of Philadelphia, each numbering a thousand men, of whom few had ever slain a foe or felt the fever of battle. The long blue lines glistened with unstained bayonets; the flags they bore were untorn and bright. The streets were thronged with cheering crowds, and were loud with exultant music. Every one of us had a friend or a relative in the ranks, and personal interest was added to the patriotic interest we felt in the story of war. When the news of a great battle came, the first question was sure to be, "Was it a victory for us?" The second was as certaintly, "How fought the 71st?" or, "What of the 23d, the 91st, the 95th, the 29th, or the 28th?" With profound pride we have followed the Phladelphia regiments through the war, for we sent them forth with a confidence of which they have proved themselves worthy.

Now some of these regiments have returned, and of the thousand men come back three hundred. The new uniforms are old and faded, the flags torn and riddled with bullets, the guns no longer bright and polished, the men bearded and bronzed, and marching with that indescribable gait which is learned by long carrying of a knapsack and a musket. They left us as raw volunteers, they return as veterans. Their banners are inscribed with the names of many victories; but war is not merely a glory to them, for they have seen it face to face, and know what it is to march weary miles in the rain, to lie all night without shelter, to want food and clothing, to see their comrades shot down, to be beaten in battle, to be decimated in victory. But they know, too, that they have done well, and none can more deeply feel the necessity and justice of the war than those who have made it successful. Few of them left us as Abolitionists; most of them return Abolitionists. Colonel GREGORY, of the 91st, in his stirring speech on Friday night, was enthusiastically cheered by his brave comrades when he declared that the war must end only with the destruction of the cause of the war. The policy of the Government is the creed of the army, as well as the inspiration of the people.

From the presence of these war-worn veterans we should learn something more than adventures and anecdotes of war. We should more truly know the value of the principles for which they have suffered so long and much. We should know the duty of refilling their ranks, and helping them to finish what they have so well begun. The veteran regiments are welcome to Philadelphia for the honor they have done its reputation as a loyal city; they are doubly welcome because they do not intend to stay. They are the best soldiers in the world, and the Union depends upon them still.