o making surprises secured special
transportation and were in the Asylum street depot by eight o'clock.
Here they were received by the Governor's Guard, the City Guard, and
Colt's band, and escorted up High to North Main street, down Main to
State. On the march, though few in numbers, (but one hundred and
thirty enlisted men returning) their tidy and soldierly appearance was
the subject of general comment. Being a Hartford regiment there was an
unusual interest manifested to see them, and signs of welcome were
apparent on every hand. Arriving in front of the United States Hotel,
they were drawn up in line, and Governor Buckingham made a brief
speech congratulating them on their safe return and extending them
cordial greetings on behalf of the State."

Hon. Ezra Hall was then introduced, and welcomed the regiment in
behalf of the city in an eloquent manner as follows:

_Officers and Soldiers of the Sixteenth Connecticut_: Heroes of
many a hard-fought battle, and worthy veterans of a redeemed
country! On a beautiful summer day in 1862, when the nation was
in its greatest peril, and rebel powers seemed successful for a
time in driving back the armies of the Republic, placing in
jeopardy all our hopes and every interest of free government,
you, more than a thousand strong and valiant men, volunteered to
place your names upon the muster-roll among the country's
defenders. That roll of honor will go down the centuries and in
the far off future the lover of freedom will unroll the scroll,
and call your names as among the heroic volunteer force who
cemented the _Union_ of these States, and proclaimed through the
immortal Lincoln, freedom to all mankind. It was hard to leave
your situations, your homes, and those you loved. And a sharper
pang would steal along your feelings as you thought the step
might take you forever from the dear New England hills and all
you held dear. But manfully you resolved, and the pensive
feelings that evidenced so well your better life, while
preparing for the decision, made you braver as you stood on the
enemy's grounds, striking for the very homes you left, and the
government of your fathers. But the question was decided for
country; and you went out from your homes to camp. Hard were
your pillows, and the long and weary days went slowly on.
Friends gathered to see you in your tents, and to pay you a