Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/603

Rh cheering and firing salutes in honor of our arrival. Who wouldn't be a soldier in time of war, when you are greeted with such honors? Speeches were made by several intelligent gentlemen, which were responded to by our Col. Wynkoop. After an hour's stay, we left in the midst of cheering and the booming of cannons, and just as we left, William Thomas, a recruit of Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, died.

Friday, July 14, 1848.—This morning early we passed Wellsville, O., where the citizens greeted us with hearty cheers.

About 10 o'clock,, we crossed the line, arriving once more in old Pennsylvania, for which we gave six hearty cheers, and at the same time firing off our little cannon thirteen times in honor of the thirteen original States.

At 3 o'clock,, we arrived at the thriving town of Beaver, Pa. Here we halted, and at the same time tolling the steamboat-bell for the purpose of notifying the citizens of the death and burial of a soldier (Wm. Thomas), who died last evening. The tolling of the boat-bell had the effect of bringing large numbers of people from all parts of the town to the wharf, inquiring, "What is the matter?" "Who is dead?" etc.

After the boat was fastened to the wharf, we landed, formed into line with drum and fife, and attended the funeral of William Thomas in a body; besides, it was accompanied by a large number of citizens, who paid all due respect to the honored dead by closing their business places and tolling nearly all the church-bells in the borough while the parade was marching to the cemetery—it being the first soldier who served in the Mexican war who was buried in that beautiful little town. A minister of the Gospel volunteered his services, and spoke with great eloquence suitable to the occasion at the grave, promising the soldiers that the grave of William Thomas, of Co. D, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, who has fought life's battle to the end, will forever be well taken care of by the citizens of Beaver.

After the ceremony was over, we returned to our steamboat, where we were met by the Committee of Arrangements from