"Together we have thus fought, together we have rejoiced and wept,—rejoiced at the success of our united arms, wept for the fallen brave around us.
"Now all is changed. The white-winged messenger of Peace beckons us from scenes of conflict to once more resume the avocations of industry and domestic tranquillity. You are about to leave us and return to your homes in the old Bay State. We have met probably for the last time. Here, under the folds of our colors, let us strengthen these feelings of love and affection which have so closely united our destinies in the field. Let us, also, in remembrance of our comrades who have so nobly fallen, and whose memory we will always cherish, pledge ourselves anew to the flag and the country we love.
"Brave and faithful sons of Massachusetts, the victory is won! Return to your homes, and, as you recount the valor of your arms, say that the Keystone boys of the Forty-fifth, sons of your ancient sires, defended with you the liberties of our fathers assailed by rebellion and wrong.
"Comrades of the Thirty-sixth, we bid you an affectionate farewell!"
This address was received with great applause. Appropriate responses were made by members of the Thirty-sixth; and we returned, late at night, with the conviction that we bore with us the esteem and affection of that gallant regiment.
On the march back to their quarters the regiment halted at the camp of each regiment of the brigade, and exchanged farewell cheers and greetings with our comrades, who were to remain in the service yet a little longer.
On the eighth of June, in accordance with orders, the recruits and the Twenty-first men were transferred to the Fifty-sixth Massachusetts, and the regiment was mustered-out of the service of the United States by Lieutenant Rose, division mustering-officer. At three o'clock P.M., escorted by the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, Colonel Gregg, and the brigade band, we marched to Alexandria. The Forty-fifth had made special preparations for this parade. All the non-commissioned officers carried small American flags on their bayonets, and the regiment presented a splendid appearance. At Alexandria we bade our comrades good-by with cheers, and embarked for Washington. After considerable delay at the latter place cars were loaded with the troops and baggage, and the homeward journey commenced. Many delays and discomforts attended this journey; but they were all borne with a spirit of equanimity and resignation, because we knew this to be the last excursion of the kind we should ever make. Philadelphia was reached at noon of the 9th, and the regiment enjoyed the hospitality of the city at the famous Cooper Shop refreshment-rooms, receiving a warm greeting, and obtaining abundant cheer, and much-needed rest. Late in the afternoon the journey was resumed. New York was reached during the night, and the regiment marched to the battery, where quarters were provided. The next day, about noon, the regiment took the cars on the Shore line. Soon we were within the limits of the dear old mother Commonwealth, and on the evening of the 10th we arrived at Readville, where we pitched our tents for the last time. During the following day, Sunday, many friends and former comrades visited the camp, and warm welcomes were extended. On Monday, the 12th, Company B received an ovation from the citizens of Charlestown, and on Tuesday, the 13th, the entire regiment visited the city of Worcester, and received a most hearty and generous public greeting. The little band of bronzed and hardy veterans presented a strange contrast to that regiment of more than one thousand men, who, nearly three years before, had marched the same streets on the journey to the front; but the reception compensated for these years of toil and hardship.
The following account of the reception is taken from the "Worcester Spy" of June 14:—