Alexandria, Va., April 24th, 1865.
One year ago we passed through this city on our way to Richmond. Today we tread its streets with buoyant feet, on our way home, our work accomplished.
I am filled with gratitude that I am permitted to see this day. ‘Tis a long, weary road, the one we traveled, but what matter now? A year’s campaign! Surely it has few parallels in history. Eleven months, lacking nine days, the Ninth Corps occupied the trenches before Petersburg, under fire both night and day; but the grand results more than compensate for all our sufferings.
We are going home, soon as the coils of red tape that bind us hand and foot can be unwound.
