A Narrative of the Campaign of the First Rhode Island Regiment, in the Spring and Summer of 1861 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862. Excerpt: ... VII. CONCLUSION. What took place after the battle of Bull Run, requires but little comment. Col. Burnside had his orders on Wednesday to return with his regiment to Rhode Island, but declined complying with them till he had ascertained from Gen. Scott, that there was no immediate prospect of an attack by the rebels upon Washington. Had there been any such expectation, the regiment would certainly have remained to share in the defence. But Gen. Scott assured our commander that there could be no attack, and the prediction of the veteran has been verified. It was therefore thought best that the regiment should return home, with the hope that most of its members would re-enlist. See Appendix D. We left Washington at midnight, on Thursday, and partook most gratefully of the hospitalities of the citizens of Philadelphia on the way. On Sunday, July 28th, the regiment reached Providence. Proceeding by transports from New York, we arrived below the city at daylight. Hearing that extensive arrangements had been made to receive the returning troops, Col. Burnside ordered the steamers up the harbor. The regiment disembarked at six o'clock. Again, the streets of Providence were crowded. The chartered companies of Providence, Pawtucket, Newport and Woonsocket performed escort duty, and the grateful procession moved through the principal avenues of the city, greeted with joyful cheers and acclamations by the multitudes that had gathered to welcome our return. Public services were omitted in the churches for the morning, as all felt that the coming of those who had nobly done their duty in scenes of danger, and the expressions of gratitude which their appearance called forth, were most acceptable worship to the God whose love had been their safeguard. Tears fell from ma...