It was now fitting that the President, attended by the chief officers of the Government, should welcome them and honor them in the name of the Republic.

They had brought from the field the priceless trophy of American Nationality as the reward of their valorous struggle.

By the voice of the people a "triumph" as demonstrative, if not as formal, as that given to a conqueror in Ancient Rome was now decreed to them.

They had earned the right to be applauded on the _via sacra_, and to receive the laurel-wreath from the steps of the Capitol.
The first day's review, Wednesday, May 23, was given to the Army of the Potomac, of which General Meade had remained the commander since the victory at Gettysburg, but whose operations during the closing year of the struggle had been under the personal direction of General Grant.

A part only of its vast forces marched through Washington on that day of loyal pride and gladness; but the number was large beyond the power of the eye to apprehend, beyond any but the skilled mind to reckon.