12 ORATION. national standard, the old national anniversary, shall be the common glory of all the States, and of all the people in all the States, then will the blood of the fallen have borne its perfect fruit, and the sorrow of death will be swallowed up in the joy of victory. The swift pursuit that followed the retreating British, and besieged them within the walls of Boston, attested the ready patriotism of our fathers. But it bore witness, also, to the drill and discipline with which those fathers had prepared the militia of New England for their country’s service. Here, too, is a lesson for this day; and here, again, we match the lesson of the past. After the lapse of eighty-six years, Massachusetts was again called on for prompt action in arms. Her response is part of the history of the Union. All honor to the patriotism, that rallied so grandly to defend the Capital. Honor to the noble Governor in whom that patriotism was embodied. And one word of remembrance and of honor to-day and always, for the predecessor of that Governor, who recognized the value of a citizen soldiery, before it was fashionable to recognize it; who helped to raise the volunteer militia from their low estate, and prepared them for the service of their country. “ Holiday soldiers,” men called them once. And, in many a bloody field, they have shown that the day which brings them face to face with armed Rebellion is to them the brighest holiday of their lives.
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