USA > Georgia > The army reunion : with reports of the meetings of the societies of the Army of the Cumberland; the Army of the Tennessee; the Army of the Ohio: and the Army of Georgia > Part 20
USA > Ohio > The army reunion : with reports of the meetings of the societies of the Army of the Cumberland; the Army of the Tennessee; the Army of the Ohio: and the Army of Georgia > Part 20
USA > Tennessee > The army reunion : with reports of the meetings of the societies of the Army of the Cumberland; the Army of the Tennessee; the Army of the Ohio: and the Army of Georgia > Part 20
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He was received with long and loud cheers, and in response said :
GENTLEMEN OF THE ARMY OF THIE TENNESSEE ; - My first associations in the beginning of the rebellion through which we have so happily passed, were with you. I am heartily glad to be with you and with the other officers of the armies who fought so gallantly with you. I thank you heartily for this reception, and the country thanks you for your deeds. I am now suffering from one of those neuralgic headaches with which I am periodically afflicted, and which prevents me, even were I so inclined, from saying any thing further on this occasion.
On motion of General Force,
Resolved, That it is the opinion of the members present, that officers who served in such parts of the Army of the Mississippi prior to its being consolidated with the Army of the Tennessee, but who were compelled to abandon the service by reason of wounds or disabling sickness, are entitled to membership in this Society.
In the mean time, Generals Schofield and Cox, and Governors Oglesby and Marshall had arrived to visit the Society. In response to loud calls, General Schofield was presented and received with repeated cheers. He made a few remarks, devoted principally to a description of the joint movements of the grand army under General Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, and of the
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other parts in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. At the conclusion, cheers were again given him.
General Sherman was loudly called on for a speech, and in response said :
GENTLEMEN ;- I have spoken to you already, and I will prob- ably be engaged for eight hours to-night presiding at the banquet. I have manifested, and always will manifest, a spirit of submis- sion to the desires of my old army comrades, and will do so now. I wish, however, to preserve my voice and keep it as clear 'as possible for use this evening. For these reasons, I hope you will excuse me from making further remarks at present.
Governor Oglesby was called for, and on being introduced by the President said : That he was a living specimen of the grati- itude of the people to the soldiers. It was because he was a soldier that the people of the great State of Illinois had made him Governor. He was but a new member of the Society, but was glad to meet his associates. They came here for pleasant talk and associations. He thanked God that all political excite- ment was banished from the reunion, and no political talk was attempted to be indulged in. This was a reunion of good and patriotic men, who met to talk of past misfortunes, and of a
future bright with promise.
The people feel proud of the
soldiers, and the soldiers of the people. From their distin- guished Commander-in-Chief to the lowest in the ranks, all were worthy of honor. This State was fortunate, far more fortunate than her sister States, in being the scene of this gathering. The officers must feel they have received gratitude enough. Grant, Sherman, Schofield, Pope and Logan were sufficiently compli- mented by the generous expressions of delight received from the people. [Turning to General Sherman :] Noble, good man, you have saved your country and the cause of human liberty, and
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all honor to you. He was not much of a soldier himself. He served one year, and was wounded at the battle of Corinth, and believed it was that wound that gave him his commission as Major-General of Volunteers, and the governorship of this great State. He received a mortal wound, but did not die. With his brother Governors, Cox, Fletcher and Marshall; he was assigned his duty, and would receive his rations at the banquet to-night. The war did one good thing, as it would give them a grand, good, fat supper. Generals Grant, Sherman, Thomas, and the balance of them, would be at the upper end of the tables, and the Governors take the butt end. He hoped to meet them all at seven o'clock, or before, hungry as bears, with empty knapsacks, empty haversacks, and empty stomachs.
Governor Fletcher of Missouri responded to calls, saying that he was proud of having been a member of the Army of the Tennessee. Though he had left the army before the close of the rebellion, it was only to assume the position of Governor of his State, to which he had been called, and where he had performed duty in the same cause that others had in the field.
General J. D. Cox and Governor Marshall were called upon for speeches, but both declined upon the ground that they did not . wish to occupy the time of the Society that should be used in doing business.
The regular proceedings of current business being again resumed, on motion of Lieutenant-Colonel Dayton,
Resolved, That the sincere regrets of the Society are hereby expressed at the absence from this reunion of our worthy, accom- plished, and much-esteemed President, Brevet Major-General John A. Rawlins, and that this resolution be communicated to him in writing by the Secretary.
On motion of Colonel Pride,
Resolved, That the Secretary and Corresponding Secretary act as a committee to publish the proceedings of this meeting for the
V
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members of the Society, one thousand copies to be printed and by them distributed.
On motion of Colonel Pride,
Resolved, That the thanks of the Society are accorded Colonel Dayton, the Recording Secretary, General Hickenlooper, the Corresponding Secretary, and General Force, the Treasurer, for the able manner in which they have performed the duties of their offices.
The Secretary informed the President that, under the present head of business, he had a communication from the Society of the Army of the Ohio, which should be acted upon before the Society adjourned. He was directed to read the communica- tion referred to, which is as follows :
ARMY REUNION, ROOMS ARMY OF THE OHIO, December 15, 1858.
SIR ; - I have the honor to transmit, herewith, copies of reso- lutions this day passed by the Society of the Army of the Ohio. I am, with much respect, Your obedient servant,
JULIUS WHITE, Secretary of the Army of the Ohio.
To Secretary of Society Army of the Tennessee.
The resolutions were, as transmitted, as follows :
Resolved, That a committee, to consist of the President and the Vice-Presidents of this Society, present in Chicago, be appointed to confer with the Societies of the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and the Georgia, relative to a union or consolidation of the whole into one Society.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to confer with the several Societies of the Western Armies, relative to the time and place for holding the next joint reunion.
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Colonel Hartsuff, Colonel Graves, and Colonel Wheeler appointed as such committee.
On motion of General Leggett,
Resolved, That a committee of three, consisting of Generals Leggett, Force and Hickenlooper, be appointed to confer with any committees of other Army Societies relative to a consolida- tion of the various Societies of the Armies of the West into one Society ; also in regard to the time and place where these Socie- ties shall hold their next joint reunion ; but that said committee is instructed to inform such other committees with whom they may confer, that this Society is opposed to any consolidation.
The President now announced that there was no more business to claim further attention from the Society, but that it was ready for the usual form of adjournment. He, however, hoped that when they separated they would do so as they met, with the best feeling toward one another. They were now citizens who once were soldiers. Much they have done has gone to adorn history, but there is much they can do to make as bright a record in the future. He then dwelt feelingly and eloquently on the fallen . brave, urging his hearers never to forget the widows and the orphans of their dead comrades. The nation can pay its debt, but there is one debt it can never pay - the debt of gratitude it owes to the men who fell in her behalf. They should never be forgotten, but they and their children should be held in fond remembrance, and willing hands be extended to aid and relieve the widows and orphans.
MUSIC-" Star Spangled Banner."
On motion,
Resolved, That the Society now stand adjourned.
L. M. DAYTON, Recording Secretary.
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Army Reunion.
The following telegram was received after the Society had adjourned, and is here given to show the interest manifested in the Society by our President :
DANBURY, CT., December 16, 1868.
GENERAL A. HICKENLOOPER,
Cor. Sec'y Society of the Army of the Tennessee :
Please say to those of the Army of the Tennessee, and of its comrade armies, that while my health is such as to prevent my being with them, I congratulate them upon their grand reunion, and hope their happiness may be as great as the names present make the occasion distinguished.
JNO. A. RAWLINS, President Society Army of the Tennessee.
IN MEMORIAM.
DEATH OF GENERAL CASSIUS FAIRCHILD.
IT is with feelings of deep regret we announce the death of General Cassius Fairchild, one of our Vice-Presidents, and United States Marshal of Wisconsin, which took place at the residence of his father-in-law, Robert Haney, at seven o'clock A.M., October 24, IS6S, after a lingering illness, resulting from a wound received in defence of the flag of his country.
General Fairchild was born on the 16th of December, 1829, at Franklin Mills (now Earlville), Portage County, Ohio. HIe was a brother of General Lucius Fairchild, Governor of Wisconsin, and Charles Fairchild of Boston, a son of Hon. Jairus C. Fairchild, first Treasurer of the State of Wisconsin, first Mayor of the city of Madison, and a gentleman of fine ability, high character and great prominence in the early history of the State. Cassius came to Milwaukee in the year IS43, with his uncle, Mr. F. J. Blair. Soon after, his parents moved to the same place, and resided there till the spring of 1848, when they removed to Madison. He was Deputy Treasurer under his father, and was connected with him, for years, in the mercantile business in that city. He was, for several terms, an Alderman, and for one year President of the Common Council. In 1859 he was the Democratic candidate for the Legislature, and was elected by a considerable majority.
Cassius Fairchild was appointed Major of the sixteenth Regiment of Infantry, during the late war, promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on the Ioth of October, 1861, and made Colonel of his regiment on the 17th of March, 1864. In the battle of Shiloh, while in command of a line of skir- mishers, he was seriously wounded in the hip; but, as soon as his wound would permit, was with his regiment, and remained with it until the end of the war, doing gallant service for the flag he loved so well. When the war closed, he was remembered among the deserving and gallant men, and breveted Brigadier-General.
In 1866, General Fairchild was appointed United States Marshal for the District of Wisconsin, and removed from Madison to Milwaukee. It was believed that he had nearly, if not quite, recovered from the effects of his wound; but some months ago a slight injury again developed it, and in a few days brought him to his bed, from which he has never risen. At times, he has rallied, so that his friends have felt strong hopes for his
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recovery ; but these hopes have been dissipated, and on the morning of the 24th of October, he sank gently to rest forever.
There are few men whose death could create more painful feelings in the minds of the community than that of General Fairchild. As a gal- lant officer, as a high-minded and conscientious official, and as a noble- hearted social friend, he was universally known and respected, and his death will be sincerely mourned by all.
There is - connected with the death of General Fairchild - a touching incident. When stricken down upon his bed of sickness, he was engaged to a young lady of Milwaukee, and the day for the marriage was set. When the day arrived, he who expected to be a bridegroom was pros- trate, and the solemn faces of physicians told, in plain words, that there was little hope for his recovery; that death had put forth a stronger claim than the altar; but in this chamber of death, the two hearts which had loved so tenderly, and had looked forward to so much of happiness on earth, were united. It was not the happy bridal scene which had been hoped for, and there were tears instead of smiles, but the hearts which had loved so well, were united. Now death has put forth its claim, and the household is left with a vacant chair, and with sad and aching hearts.
The funeral services took place at St. Paul's Church, Milwaukee, Tues- day morning, October 27, 1868. The remains were taken to Madison by the morning train, the St. Paul Railroad Company having provided a special car for the funeral party. A number of citizens accompanied the funeral from there. A large crowd was in waiting at the depot, and a procession of a mile of carriages followed the hearse - to which the Mil- waukee Light Guard acted as a guard of honor -to Forest Hill Ceme- tery. There the body was laid, beside his father and mother, to its last repose, with the beautiful and impressive service of the Episcopal Church, . performed by Rev. Mr. Spalding, of Grace Church, and Rev. Mr. Ashley, of St. Paul's Church, Milwaukee. The burial casket was covered with many beautiful floral offerings, in emblematic designs.
michi fiche Guel
PRESIDENT SOCIETY ARMY OF OHIO.
REPORT
[ Furnished by the Recording Secretary]
OF THE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
A
NNUAL
M
EETING
OF THE
SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE OHIO,
IIELD AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,
DECEMBER 15TH, IS6S.
.
ARMY OF THE OHIO.
AT a meeting of officers of the Army of the Ohio, held at the Briggs House, in Chicago, on the 15th day of December, IS6S, on motion, General J. D. Cox was elected temporary chairman, and Julius White, Secretary, pro tem.
On motion of General Stiles, books were opened for registra- tion of names of those who desire to become members of the proposed Society of the Army of the Ohio.
General J. H. Ledlie moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws. Motion carried ; and General J. H. Ledlie, General R. W. Smith, and Colonel W. M. Wherry were appointed such committee.
On motion of General R. W. Smith, the following commit- tee were appointed to report names for officers of the permanent organization :
General R. W. Smith, Colonel H. Capron, General Casement, General T. J. Henderson, and Colonel G. W. Schofield.
On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet December 16th, at Caledonian Hall, at nine oclock, A.M.
DECEMBER 16, 1868.
Meeting convened at the hour designated, General J. D. Cox, President, pro tem., in the chair.
On motion it was resolved to proceed to the organization of the Society of the Army of the Ohio.
General Robert W. Smith, on behalf of the members resident in Chicago, delivered an address of welcome.
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Army Reunion.
ADDRESS OF WELCOME, BY GENERAL R. W. SMITH.
MY FELLOW-COMRADES OF THE ARMY OF THE OHIO: We have assembled here to-day in obedience to the command of the distinguished leader of the armies of the West, Lieutenant- General Sherman. We have come from the East, and from the West, from the North, and from the South ; we have come from the office, and from the farm, from the exchange, and the marts of merchandise : thrown aside our briefs and Blackstones, left our offices of state, and our seats in the halls of legislation. We have left behind us the cares and duties of the hour, and assembled here on a common level, for a common purpose -the reunion of our army.
When we all last met, the scenes and circumstances then sur- rounding us were very different from what we witness now. Our meeting then was in the camp, and on the field, beset with threatening danger, in the face of a hostile and determined foe, far from pleasure, friends and home. We met then in the midst of war.
We meet now in peace, not to plan campaigns; or mingle in the bitter strife, but to join joyfully in this grand reunion, and welcome each other with a soldier's greeting. It is well that we thus come together to review the past, and to be enlivened by the inspiration which this occasion will furnish.
In all ages of the world, associations of men, who have been engaged , in the prosecution of great enterprises, when their, labors have been well done, have met together to congratulate each other upon their achievements, and to join in mutual pleas- ures. Families often, after long and wide separations, meet at stated intervals to renew the scenes of long ago, and to repeat the stories of distant years.
While this is true in the civil and peaceful relations of life,
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how much the more should the sunny comrades of a long and terrible war, whose friendships are those begotten amid danger, whose attachments were formed and strengthened by mutual privations and mutual perils, when their work has been accom- plished, their duty done, and history proclaims it well done, come together to look back upon their victories and their triumphs, and renew their vows of friendship and fidelity for the future ! As soldiers of a common cause, we owe this to our- selves, and to each other. We owe it to the patriotism of the heroic dead, that we may pay just tribute to their memory. We owe it to the widowed and orphaned living, that we may assure them of our sympathy, and give them kind promise of our remembrance and our aid. We owe it to our country, that while we remember her struggles and her perils, we can recount her victories, admire her greatness and power, and kindle anew our devotion to her flag.
We say, then, comrades of the Army of the Ohio, welcome !
But, while we most cordially bid you welcome, we are but too sadly reminded that your thoughts, and ours, are not all joyous. Memory true to herself and to us, brings to this scene recollections of sadness. All are not here. Many brave and true, who went forth when their country and duty called, who went as hopeful and willing as we, as gallant and brave as any, are not here to join with us in the pleasures and greetings of this pleasant gathering.
" The brave have gone to rest, The brothers of combats on the breast Of the red field they reaped."
Their lips are silent, and no friendly word of cheer will be heard from them to-day.
19
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Army Reunion.
"On fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn sound The bivouac of the dead."
They died that their country and liberty might live. And, though no towering shaft or storied urn marks well their last resting-place, a grateful republic, in sacredness, will cherish their memory, and the nation's fame and greatness will be their monument. May the remembrance of their heroism, and their willing sacrifice of life to duty, enlarge and hallow the patriotism of the living. But we leave them in silence and in sadness, to welcome you, their survivors, to the reunion.
We welcome you to Chicago - that sent forth thousands of hier sons to battle for their country and for freedom; whose earnest, loyal women followed the soldier to the camp, and to the field, with their blessings and their prayers ; and who gave so largely of their labor and their means to provide for his wants and relieve his sufferings.
We welcome you to our courtesies, and our hospitalities ; to our homes and our hearts. In the name and behalf of your fellow-comrades of Chicago, we say again to the officers of the · gallant Army of Ohio, welcome, comrades, thrice welcome.
The Committee on Permanent Organization reported the fol- lowing nominations :
President :
General J. M. Schofield.
, Vice-Presidents :
General A. E. Burnside, of Rhode Island ; General A. H. Terry, of Connecticut ; General George Stoneman, of New York ; General J. D. Cox, of Ohio ;
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Army of the Ohio.
General M. S. Hascall, of Indiana ; General T. J. Henderson, of Illinois ; General George L. Hartsuff, of Michigan ; General T. H. Ruger, of Wisconsin ; General Thomas, of Minnesota ; Colonel W. E. Hobson, of Kentucky ;
Colonel Stewart, of New Jersey.
Recording Secretary : General Julius White, of Illinois.
Corresponding Secretary : Colonel J. A. Campbell, D. C,
Treasurer :
Colonel W. W. Wheeler, of Illinois.
The report was accepted, and the election declared to be unanimous.
General Schofield, on taking the chair, said :
FELLOW-SOLDIERS :- I take great pleasure in meeting you in this reunion. In your name, I extend to the local committee of Chicago, our heartfelt thanks for the abundant preparations they have made to make our stay here as pleasant as possible.
The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws reported the fol- lowing, which were adopted :
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I.
This Society shall be called and known as "THE SOCIETY OF THIE ARMY OF THE Outo," and shall embrace all such officers and soldiers as have at any time served in this army, and who have been honorably dis- charged from such service; or who remain in service in the regular
,
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Army Reunion.
army- who shall have subscribed to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society, and paid their initiation fee.
Honorary members may from time to time be elected from among the officers of other armies of the United States who have served with dis- tinction in their armies.
ARTICLE II.
The object of the association shall be to preserve and perpetuate the history of the Army of the Ohio; to preserve and unite those patriotie sentiments, and to maintain and strengthen that courteous and friendly intercourse for which the members of this army have always been distin- guished. To preserve the name and fame of the members of this army who have fallen in the field, or otherwise perished in the service of their country, shall be one of the sacred duties of this association, and no efforts shall be spared to collect and preserve, in' the archives of the Society, the testimonials of their deeds and services.
This Society tenders to the widows and orphans of our fallen comrades its warmest sympathy, and sacredly pledges itself to provide for the wants and relieve the sufferings of all such as are destitute, by the voluntary contributions of the members, or in such other way as may from time to time be determined. It further pledges itself to use all proper effort, and procure for all such disabled soldiers and their families as are entitled thereto, the pensions now provided by law. The welfare of the soldier's widow, the good name and edneation of his children, shall always be regarded as a sacred trust of the association.
ARTICLE III.
The officers of this Society shall consist of a President, and one Vice- President from each State that furnished troops for the " Army of the Ohio," a Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary and Treas- urer. The Vice-President of each State shall be selected by the members residing in such State. The foregoing officers shall be elected at the regular meeting of this Society, and the vote of the majority of the mem- bers present shall elect.
ARTICLE IV.
The meetings of the Society shall be held annually, at such time and place as a majority of the members present at any regular meeting may determine by ballot. All members of the Society shall use their best endeavors to promote the interests of the association, and maintain kind feelings and unanimity among the members. The members are expected to attend all regular meetings of the Society, and in case of their inability to do so, will report to the Corresponding Secretary the cause of their absence.
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By-Laws.
ARTICLE V.
This constitution may be altered or amended at any regular meeting of the Society, provided the alteration or amendment proposed is submitted in writing, or filed with the Recording Secretary at least one month before the regular meeting at which it is proposed to present the same ; and provided, further, that two-thirds of the members be present at such meeting.
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE I.
The regular meetings of the Society shall be opened by prayer by some suitable person, to be selected by the presiding officer.
ARTICLE II. .
All officers and soldiers who have served in the Army of the Ohio, and have been honorably discharged from service, or may now be in the reg- ular service, are entitled to membership, and upon signing the Constitu- tion and By-Laws of the Society, and paying an initiation fee of $5, shall be entitled to full membership.
ARTICLE III.
The regular dues of members shall be $5 per year for officers, and $3 per year, for enlisted men, and shall be paid annually. Any member permitting his dues to remain unpaid for a period of over two years shall be dismissed from membership, and can only be restored by the payment of all back dues and a vote of two-thirds the members present at a regular · meeting.
ARTICLE IV.
.
All dues shall be paid to the Recording Secretary, and no moneys shall be expended by the Treasurer except upon the written order of the Recording Secretary, countersigned by the President; and at each annual meeting of this Society the Treasurer shall report in detail the amount of money received, and the disbursements made.
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