With the return of the North Carolina troops from the border it becomes the pleasure of the Governor to offer his congratulations to and to welcome home the officers and men who compose the various units from this State that have been in the service of the United States.

While our troops did not actually participate in hostilities, their presence, in conjunction with that of troops from other States, without doubt, contributed to the safety of our frontier and may have actually averted a war that seemed inevitable.

The training that you soldiers received in the service will make you better citizens, and while you have suffered inconveniences, they are now past, and you have conducted yourselves in such manner that your military superiors and, in fact, all with whom you have come in contact have been most liberal in their praise. The State can therefore feel a just pride in its sons, and be assured of their loyal support in future emergencies.