All along the line of procession, namely, down Washington Street, Newton Street, Shawmut Avenue, Dover Street, Washington Street, West Street, Tremont Street, Boylston Street, Charles Street, and Beacon Street to the State House, the crowds which greeted the honored Senator at every point were great. At the corner of Washington and Newton Streets, over Washington, there was a fine display of flags and streamers. From the house of Mr. Nickerson, fronting on Franklin Square, was a splendid triumphal arch, between two elm-trees, flags and streamers surrounding the word-- “Welcome!” Newton Street had a large number of flags, the union jack displayed alternately with the national ensign on staffs projecting from Franklin Square. The entire street was strewed with evergreens. It was a beautiful display. At the junction of Newton Street and Shawmut Avenue, the houses of Benjamin Smith and Alfred A. Andrews were splendidly decorated with festoons and flags. Between them, floating above Newton Street, was the following:-- “Massachusetts loves, honors, will sustain and defend her noble Sumner!” The house of E. G. Dudley, at the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Waltham Street, made a fine appearance. Besides flags and festoons, was the following, wreathed in black:-- “May 22, 1856.” Beneath this was the following:-- “Welcome, thrice welcome!” At the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Dover Street, on the house of Rev. Mr. Sargent, was the following significant motto:-- “To the _Right_!” pointing the route of the procession. The house of Dr. Parks, No. 88 Dover Street, was beautifully decorated,--an eagle above the upper-story windows, holding a number of streamers, which were gathered below. The following was inscribed upon the building:-- “Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.” The piano-rooms of T. Gilbert were decorated, with the words in front,-- “Welcome, Freedom’s Defender!” There were many other similar decorations. If longer time had been given, the demonstration would have been other than it was.[2] But it was not in decorations that the citizens of Boston welcomed home the beloved son of Massachusetts; it was rather with emotion too deep for utterance that they received him. The scene at the State House was beyond description. The area in front, the long range of steps leading to the Capitol, the Capitol itself, the streets in the vicinity, the houses even to the roofs, were packed with human beings. The assembled thousands greeted him with long continued cheering.