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Reception and Speech.--A correspondent of the
Salem Reporter writes from
Demopolis, Ala., Saturday, October 12, as follows:
‘
To day has been a grand occasion in
Demopolis.
President Davis and staff arrived here by the
Eastern train, and were welcomed by a vast concourse of citizens and soldiers — the sweet strains of a military band, and a salute of thirteen guns by
Moor's battery.
The President,
General Johnston,
Lieut.-General Hardee and Hen.
F. S. Lyon, rode to the residence of the latter in a handsome phæton followed by a number of open carriages containing the
President's,
General Johnston's and
Hardee's staff.
At 3 o'clock, the
President, accompanied by a splendid cortege, reviewed the brigades of
General Cockrell,
General Pettus and
Gen. Moore.
The line was formed on the end of the main streets of the town, and was nearly a mile long.
The troops made a creditable appearance, and Ellette the highest encomiums from the
Chief Magistrate.
Each regiment, as the
President reached its colors presented arms and drooped its ensign, and greeted the
President with rapturous cheers.
When the
President came opposite the flag of the First Missouri (
Bowen's regiment,) he halted and made a few stirring remarks as follows: "Gallant Missourian!
I look with sadness upon you reduced ranks, and feel it a high honor to be in the presence of such chivalrous soldiers.
I have heard of your heroism upon the bloody fields of the
West, and must express to you the high regard which I cherish for your privations and positive sufferings in the cause of liberty.
I thank you from the deepest seat of my heart — from its every fibre, for your dauntless courage and untiring devotion to our common cause.
Be assured that I express but the sentiments of our entire countrymen when I address you in the most fervid terms of gratitude and admiration.
You have but to be true to the past and the memory of your ascended Chief, yet to see the realization of your proudest desires for our country.
May you live to see the flag of our infant republic the ensign of a great nation, floating proudly among the national colors of the world!
When this vision of joy is yours, it will be due to your own brave hearts and stout arms.
Again, I thank you."
’
The whole scene of the review was inspiring, and so enthusiastic upon the part of the soldiers as to cause all croakers to hide their diminished heads for shame.
The President and suite left on a special train for the
West.
Wherever he goes he will revive the hearts of the braves.
