Page:Notes of the Mexican war 1846-47-48.djvu/613

Rh  From the broad beds of the everlasting snowy volcanic hills. Remember that we all were Uncle Sam's men there, And in the common glory had a share. The toils and hardships of battles and march endure; Win glory on our way home, and your country's thanks secure." Pike.

Friday, July 21, 1848.—This morning early we arrived at Dauphin, where we first heard the sad intelligence of the death of Governor Francis R. Shunk. People came rushing from their humble cottages to the canal to see some of Uncle Sam's soldiers, clapping hands. Passed on and arrived at Harrisburg about noon. After the boat was hitched fast, we stepped on shore, formed into line and marched to the Centre, or Market Square, where a fine collation, or dinner, had been prepared for the soldiers by the citizens of Harrisburg; and, of course, having keen appetites, we partook of the edibles with good relish, for it has really been the first regularly cooked dinner we received on our homeward tour. They did not march us through their town, and then dismiss us without anything to eat, as was the case in Pittsburgh, but marched the boys direct to the well-supplied table. After having fully supplied the inner man, we were dismissed for the balance of the day. I must confess that the people of Harrisburg have shown us more friendly and generous hospitality, by uniting and giving the soldiers a fitting reception, than any other town on our way home, giving the soldiers most everything they wanted. Nearly all of our men received clean clothing, fine linen shirts, stockings, shoes, pocket handkerchiefs, etc. In fact, everything in the clothing and eating line that we stood in need of was cheerfully given by the citizens of Harrisburg.

In the afternoon a delegation of citizens from Little York, Pa., accompanied by Sergt. Thomas Ziegle, Peter Ahl, Alburtus Welsh and Samuel Stair, called upon us. They came for the express purpose of taking charge of the dead bodies of William Eurick and Jacob Banner, who both formerly belonged to that patriotic little borough.