Theirs but to do or die.”
THE RECEPTION.
The morning of the 13th dawned, but no bright sunlight gave promise of a pleasant day; many forebodings of rain, troubled the good citizens of Cambridge, which, as the day progressed, were banished by the dispersion of threatening clouds, and nature exhibited as magnificent a day as the most critical could desire for the reception of the gallant heroes of the Thirty Eighth.
The regiment arrived at Cragie’s Bridge about half past twelve,—when the Cambridge Light Battery, Capt. Adams, consisting of ex-members of the Ninth and Eleventh Batteries thundered forth the loud welcoming notes, which proclaimed to the anxiously awaiting citizens that the hour of doubt had passed; that Cambridge had at last received her noble heroes within her own borders.
Warm, indeed, was the reception at the bridge; great, indeed, was the temptation to break ranks, but discipline overcame the waverings of affection toward relations and friends long separated, and with firm, elastic step, and with joyous smiles, the veterans, headed by their loved lieutenant-colonel, who has been acting colonel nearly all the time they have been in service, passed through the open ranks of the thousands who had assembled to do them honor. On—on through the long line they passed, greeted by cheers which can only be given when the heart is in full sympathy with its object. The gallant colonel, bareheaded, bowed his head on either side in acknowledgment of the tokens of regard, and so they passed to Cambridge Street. Here the procession was formed as follows:—
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
A Detachment of Police, under the command of Chief Stimpson.
Morse’s Brass Band, twenty-one pieces.