DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | Lewis Crater diary, 1864-1898

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Diary Page 221a

Headquarters 50th Penn'a Vet. Vol. Infantry, Harrisburg, Pa., August 2, 1865. 
GENERAL ORDERS.
Officers and Soldiers of the Fiftieth Regiment: 
The great work is finished.  By your gallantry in action and steadfast devotion in the service of your country you have won a glorious victory, an honorable peace and an illustrious name. 
The tendrils that have wound around our hearts and held us together in stronger than fraternal affections are about to be severed.  The ties that have so closely bound us as companions in war will unite us as friends in peace. 
The story of the old Regiment, with the incidents of the past four years, will always be remembered and cherished with the memory and virtues of our noble comrades, whose remains are mouldering in ten different States. 
Your deeds of valor and trials of endurance, with the achievement of thirty-two battles, will brighten many pages in the annals of your country's fame. 
Future ages will bless you as the defenders of American liberty.  Nations will honor and respect you, and posterity will praise your names for the invaluable heritage you have so well preserved. 
You will be welcomed to your homes to enjoy the advantages of the government you have so faithfully protected.  In civil life guard carefully what you have gained and so well sustained in battle; let moral goodness and integrity characterize your course, and a grateful people will bless you, and a proud nation claim and reward you as her most deserving citizens. 
With sincere thanks for your uniform courtesy and cheerful co-operation in the performance of mutual duties; fervent prayers to Almighty God for your happiness and prosperity through life, and warmest sympathies for the bereaved families of the heroic dead, your Lieutenant Colonel bids you all farewell. 
SAM'L K. SCHWENK,
Lt. Colonel, Comdg. Regt. 
OFFICIAL: 
L. CRATER, 1st. Lt. and Adjt.

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Headquarters 50th Penn'a Vet. Vol. Infantry, Harrisburg, Pa., August 2, 1865. GENERAL ORDERS. Officers and Soldiers of the Fiftieth Regiment: The great work is finished. By your gallantry in action and steadfast devotion in the service of your country you have won a glorious victory, an honorable peace and an illustrious name. The tendrils that have wound around our hearts and held us together in stronger than fraternal affections are about to be severed. The ties that have so closely bound us as companions in war will unite us as friends in peace. The story of the old Regiment, with the incidents of the past four years, will always be remembered and cherished with the memory and virtues of our noble comrades, whose remains are mouldering in ten different States. Your deeds of valor and trials of endurance, with the achievement of thirty-two battles, will brighten many pages in the annals of your country's fame. Future ages will bless you as the defenders of American liberty. Nations will honor and respect you, and posterity will praise your names for the invaluable heritage you have so well preserved. You will be welcomed to your homes to enjoy the advantages of the government you have so faithfully protected. In civil life guard carefully what you have gained and so well sustained in battle; let moral goodness and integrity characterize your course, and a grateful people will bless you, and a proud nation claim and reward you as her most deserving citizens. With sincere thanks for your uniform courtesy and cheerful co-operation in the performance of mutual duties; fervent prayers to Almighty God for your happiness and prosperity through life, and warmest sympathies for the bereaved families of the heroic dead, your Lieutenant Colonel bids you all farewell. SAM'L K. SCHWENK, Lt. Colonel, Comdg. Regt. OFFICIAL: L. CRATER, 1st. Lt. and Adjt.