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IVI. L.
74 or
658
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01757 0679
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/reunionofsecondi1891seco
Ja, cavalry. 2d. regt
FIFTH REUNION 5 th.
OF THE
Second lowa avalry
Veteran Association,
9 HELD AT
IOWA CITY, IOWA,
October 7th and 8th, 1891.
President-J. K. WAGNER, Vanhorn, Iowa. Vice-President-T. B. ALLIN, Iowa City, Iowa. Secretary and Treasurer-MOREAU CARROLL, Tiffin, Iowa. Chaplain-J B. ALBROOK, Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
IOWA CITIZEN PRINT, IOWA CITY, IOWA,
1892.
1389658
+ E
1
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For Library holdings see following card
2d rept. , 1861-1865. 2đ Iowa cavalry.
.16 . Reunion of the Second Iowa cavalry. 1st- 18
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- . Magoketa, Iowa
Cetc.), 18 -
v. 23cm.
The fourth reunion was held in 1889; the fifth in 1891.
37977 4th-5th.
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1
Fifth Reunion of the Second lowa Cavalry.
The Fifth Biennial Reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry will pass into the history of this organization as the most interesting and successful one ever held. In the years of 1861-65 the "boys" warmed up to the work as the years wore on, and could march farther, fight harder, go longer without sleeping or eating, and feel better and prouder each time, so now each reunion brings some comrade from a farther distance, and there seems to be no sacrifice too great to make in order to answer to roll call, and why ? The attachment and love that comrades in arms have for each other cannot be measured Another feature of our reunions is noticeable: the attendance of the wives and sons and daughters of the veterans. This is well and as it should be. Every veteran takes special pride in introduc- ing his wife and sons and daughters to a comrade.
Comrades were present at this reunion who had never attended before. They were here from Iowa of course, and from Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, Dakota, California, Wisconsin, Colorado, Kansas, Ohio, and New York.
Comrade met comrade, they clasped hands, stood mute, then a tear and a "God bless you!" They had not seen each other for twenty-five years.
The "boys" came from far and near, they came all day, and they came all night; rain and mud did not stop them; they heard that "same old Coon" would be there, and where he was there they wanted to be.
THE FIRST DAY.
1
The veteran's have been arriving in the city for the last forty-eight hours, and with this morning's trains they fairly poured in. Dame Nature relented and the warm sun forced its way through the dubious clouds, and smiled brightly upon the assembled soldiers. The previous bad weather made plans for decorations on streets and buildings of little avail, though the stars and stripes were flaunted to the breezes from many windows and doors, when old Sol put in his appearance.
The greetings of the veterans 'twas a pleasure to see. The "boys," many of whom had not seen each other for twenty-six years, would rush up, warmly shake hands, and almost embrace each other, in their expressions of good feel- ing and happiness over the coming together after so many years. Perhaps some- times voice and face would seem strange - you know twenty-six years is a long
FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
time-then some blue-coated, grey-haired old man would pause on a corner with a comrade's hand in his own, his face, wrinkled with age, would more closely contract in thought. He would lift his eyes, under shaggy brows, to the face above him, and study it with intenseness for a few moments, then suddenly like a flash, recognition would come. The wrinkles of thought would vanish-a great joy would beam in a puzzled face and with "Jack Brown, God bless you," he would have his more surer memoried friend in his arms.
The enrollment began at ten o'clock at the Opera House, where headquarters were established, President J. K. Wagner presiding.
On motion of Col. C. C. Horton each company named a member for each of the following committees:
Committee on Resolutions-Co. A, C. F. Cadle; Co. B, B. A. Beeson; Co. C, B. T. Stiles; Co. D, F. M. Griffith; Co. E, W. C. Morton; Co. F, W. W. Gates; Co. G, H. B. Waters; Co. H, A. N. Detwiler; Co. I, W. E. Tucker; Co. K, Peter Wieser; Co. L, G. W. Garrett; Co. M, R. N. Woods.
Committee on Place of Next Reunion-Co A, E. L. Emery; Co. B, R. A. Carlton; Co. C, Isaac Gilmor; Co. D, T. C. Lewis; Co. E, I. N. Harmon; Co. F, Jacob Waltz; Co. G, E. T. Rigby; Co. H, E. Pearson; Co. I, W. A. Burnap; Co. K, Thomas Bell, Co. L, F. J. Hammond; Co. M, R. F McMeans.
Committee on Officers-Co. A. M. H. Sweet; Co. B, J. L. Herbert, Co. C, Alfred Wells; Co. D, T. T. Anderson; Co. E, James McDonald; Co. F, S. S. Westgate; Co. G, Charles Cope; Co. H, John Stahl; Co. I, J. C. Smith; Co. K, D. Gilbrath; Co. L, Henry A. Kolp; Co. M, H. D. McCombs.
On motion of Comrade C. F. Cadle the president appointed a memorial com- mittee consisting of W. P. Hepburn, D. E. Coon, J. B. Albrook, J. A. Gillispie and U. M. Kelsey.
On motion of Comrade J. E. Jones a committee was appointed to wait upon Ex-Governor S. J. Kirkwood, and appoint him an honorary member of this association. J. E. Jones and C. C. Horton were appointed such committee.
The following communication was received and referred to Gen D. E. Coon and Col. C C Horton.
STATE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, IOWA CITY, IOWA, October 7th, 1891. & Moreau Carroll, Secretary Second Towa Cavalry Veteran Association.
SIR -- On behalf of the University I have the honor to invite the Second Iowa Cavalry Veteran Association to visit the grounds and buildings, and especially the museum, at any time that may be convenient Should you decide to visit the University in a body, if you will be kind enough to inform me of the hour I shall see that you are properly received I am, Sir,
[ Dictated. ]
Very sincerely yours, CHARLES A. SCHAEFFER, President.
Col. C. C. Horton suggested the propriety of showing in some manner our love and esteem for our old commander, Gen. Datus E. Coon, and suggested that the "boys" raise a purse and present him with a cane; and on motion of Ed. F. Jones a collection was taken by companies for that purpose, and the money to be placed in the hands of Col H. Egbert, and on motion of Comrade
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
Gillispie any surplus above the amount required to purchase the cane should be turned over to the treasurer of the Association.
The executive committee made the following recommendations, which were adopted.
To the Comrades of the Second Towa Cavalry:
The executive committee would offer the following recommendations: That the dues of this Association be fixed at one dollar, as the present amount of fifty cent , will not pay our expenses.
That at our future reunions we order and pay for our own banquet. By so doing we will relieve the local committee from a great responsibility
AAdjourned until 2 P. M.
THE FIRST DAY.
2 P. M. .
The comrades assembled about the time adjourned to The committee reje cted in favor of visiting the University and campus at 4:15 P. M to-day Adopted
The committee appointed to wait upon Ex-Gov S J Kirkwood reported the duty accomplished. Report accepted and committee continued to escort the Ex-Governor to the hall.
Motion of Comrade Beeson and amended by Comride Coon, to send greeting to the Thirty-Second lowa, in reunion assembled at Marshalltown, and to the Army of the Tennessee at Chicago, also to the Northwestern Nebraska Veterans Association, all in reunion assembled Wednesday.
The committee on location reported in fivor of holding our next reunion at Mason City, Iowa. Report adopted.
The committee on officers reported as follows:
For President- B. A Beeson, of Des Moines, Iowa. For Vice-President - T. T. Anderson, of Indianola, Iowa. For Secretary and Treasurer- - W. A Burnup, of Mason City, Iowa. For Chaplain-J. B. Albrook, of Mt Vernon, lowa.
For Executive Committee -H. B Sudlow, Will Ed Tucker, F. M. Griffith. Report adopted.
Comrade Joe A. Jones reported that Ex-Governor Kirkwood was proud of the idea of becoming an honorary member of this Association, and if health per- mitted would attend the meeting to-morrow. Great appl use. )
The committee were further instructed to exert the Governor to the Opera I use and on to the stage when he could come
The following letters from absent comrades were read;
SUTHERLAND, IOWA, October 6th, 1891 Not speeding away full of joyful anticipations of the delightful meeting with
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
friends and comrades on the morrow, as we had hoped to be at this hour; but sitting at home and writing this note, to say that we have been compelled to deny ourselves the happiness of meeting with you in Iowa City. Remember us most kindly to one and all of the dear old regiment. "God be with you till we meet again."
Sincerely,
HUSE WOODS AND WIFE.
The following telegram was read .
PASADENA, CAL , Oct. 7. To M. Carroll, Secretary.
God bless the old Second Iowa Cavalry, in reunion to-day. My thoughts are with you. Respects to all. G. P. CANFIELD, Co. D.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., Oct 7, 1891. M. Carroll, Esq., Secretary Second Towa Cavalry Veteran Association, Iowa City, Lowa
DEAR COMRADE-I expected to be with you to-day, but I am more th in sorry to say that important official business prevents me having that pleasure. However though I am not permitted to be with you in person, my thoughts and very best wishes are with you, and for you all I ask to be remembered to all the boys, and trust I may yet have the pleasure of meeting many of you again in this life. I am en- joying reasonably good health, and as many of the comforts of life as I probably deserve. Wishing you all a pleasant and happy reunion (as I know you will have) and hope in your pleasant associations you will think of one who has a warm place in his heart for every one of you, and would like so much to be with you, with kindest and best wishes for one and all, I am, Sincerely yours,
J. W. LAWRENCE, Co A, Sec. Ia. Cav.
LORIMER, IOWA, Sept. 21, 1891. Comrades-I want to see all of you, more especially this time The name, Iowa City, seems dear to me as an old friend; being my chief market in early times, and the memory of school days, but above all the birthplace of Company H. A Two years, is taking us, it seems to me, over too long.a space of time for us old soldiers, so many of ns having already reached our allotted time. Why not make it annual, and at the State Fair, beginning on Old Soldiers' Day; clothing the Sec- retary with power to engage tents to accommodate all comrades that may attend, or put up a building for our special use. Will you please see that a resolution to. this effect is brought up and considered.
Yours in F C. and L , HENRY H LONGWELL.
SOLDIERS' HOME, DAYTON, OHIO.
M. Carroll, Secretary, Dear Commade -Your circular regarding the reunion of the old regiment has been received, and it made me homesick I attended the last reunion and I assure the comrades that it made me happy. My health will
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
not permit me to undertake so long a journey this time. But boys, rest assured that my best wishes are with you, and I hope to meet you all at our next reun- ion I know you will have a happy time. I know the "Kansas Postmaster" will keep things lively. Remember me to all the old regiment I hope you have not forgotten " Toud." Yours in F. C. and L., WVM MYERS.
CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 1891. Capt. Moreau Carroll, Secretary Second Lowva Cavalry Veteran Association.
DEAR COMRADE-I have before me your cordial invitation to attend the fifth reunion of the gallant Second Iowa Cavalry Veterans. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to meet again, in fraternal greeting, the surviving members of the old Second, with whom we of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry stood side by side in many a memorable occasion, and between these two regiments there always existed he warmest feelings of fraternity, that brave men feel one for another when en- gaged (as we were) in upholding the flag of our common and beloved country. I regret that circumstances will prevent my joining you at your camp fire. Kind remembrance to all. Remember the reunion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry next August. The Second Iowa Cavalry are invited.
Fraternally and cordially, E. A. DAVENPORT, Late Lieut Ninth Ill. Cav.
SAINT PAUL, Aug 17, 1891. Ilon. Byron A. Beeson, Treasurer of State, Des Moines, low.
DEAR SIR AND COMRADE -Your esteemed favor of the 15th inst. is before me and I hasten to assure you that it gives me great pleasure to know that the cash box of Iowa is in charge of one of my old comrades of the Second Iowa Cavalry. Well, there is nothing on this face of the globe that is too good for them, and I am always pleased to learn of their success. Yes, I served in Company L, join- ed the command at Eastport, Miss., but previously saw service as a "doughboy" etc.
Truly yours, Jos. BOBLETER.
HAY SPRINGS, NFB., Oct. 5, 1891. Moreau Carroll, Secretary, Iowa City, and Surviving Comrades Second lowsa Cavalry Veteran Association.
DEAR COMRADES -- The fourth reunion of the "Northwestern Nebraska Veteran Association," of which I am at present commander, meeting 7th, 8th and gth inst., forbids my presence with you. My compliments, and heartfelt sympathy for you each and all, with prayers for long life continued honor and future glory, is the offering of Your former comrade and present friend, BENJ F. DIFFENBACHER.
LEROY, O., Oct. 2. 1891.
3. Carroll.
DEAR FRIEND -- I had expected to meet with the grand old Second Iowa Caval- ry next week, but am unable to do so. Am troubled with a very lame back and cannot stand the shaking of the cars Enclosed find Si in stamps. Give my best wishes to all the old boys. I am always proud to say I wis a member of
FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
the Second Iowa Cavalry, a regiment that had no superiors and fewequ is in the War of the Rebellion.
Your old friend, J H FREEMAN.
LARAMIE, WYOMING, Oct. 5 1891. Mr. Mortu Cur, Ser tary Seed Low Cherry Y teren Association, Lowa City, lotea.
MY DEAR COMRADE-Receive my thanks for the kind invitation which I re- ceived to-day on my return from the northern part of the state I am very sorry thit I cannot be with you I am totally nofit to travel I was laid up for some time up north with infl unm tory rheumitism, and had great trouble and difficulty to reach home to-day I wish you all a happy reuniom, and if God will spare me I will be with you next your sure Youts fraternally ..
G SCHNITGER.
M. Carroll.
LARAMIE CITY, WYO. TER.
I received your letter and it gave me pleasure to hear of old comrades. Re- gret I cannot be with you Greet all the commules for me
Yours in F C and L , THEODORE SYDENHAM
STURGEON. MO
Dear Comrade.
I regret I cannot be with you and our old comrades in arms at the reunion on the 7th and 8th. My heart and kindest wishes are with you, and I hope you will all enjoy yourselves and have a glorious good old time. It would be the happiest event of my life to meet my old comrades of 25 of 27 years ago in the troublous times that tried men's souls I feel proud to know th it I was one of as noble a regiment as the old Second Iowa Cavalry, and all of you should feel proud of the record our noble regiment mide and has left to the generations that are to come after us, although thit record was mide amid the ro tring of c innon and bloody carnage, and sealed with the best blood thit ever flowed, or was spilled on the altar of our country. THOMAS M. SKAGGS, Co K.
DEWITT, ARKANSAS.
De old Friend and Comrade.
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with our old comrades It seems that I am almost alone here I have never met but one of our boys in this state-Gilpin, of Co M, I believe. I cannot express my feelings on meeting him, but you know we are getting old. If I do not get there, please remember me to the boys. . S A. MORRIS, Co C.
WATROUS, NEW MEXICO, Sept. 27, 1891. Moreau Carroll, Secretary Second Lovea Godly Veteran Association, Tiffin, lowe. DEAR COMRADE - Your circular received. Enclosed please find one dollar for fee I am sorry to write that, as the person has beens backward, my busiest
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
time is now and requires my whole attention. Give my kind regards to all of the old boys, and with best wishes and a good time at the reunion, I remain,
Yours truly, W B. BRUNTON.
BENNETT, NEB , Oct. 3, 1891. Moreau Carroll, Secretary Second Lowe Cavalry Veteran Association, Lowen City,
DEAR FRIEND AND COMRADE-It is with feelings of deepest regret that I find myself compelled to answer your invitation in this way, for I had fully expected to be with you and the rest of the old boys at this meeting and have a grand good time once more. Enclosed you will find a notice of Henry Fuber's (of Co. C) death. He was coming home from Lincoln on Monday, the 21st, and upset his buggy, and was hurt so bad that he never was conscious or spoke after he was hurt, I herewith enclose a dollar to pay my dues, for I want a report of your meeting and a report of your meeting at Maquoketa two years ago if you have any still on hand. Hoping to meet you at the next reunion and that you may have as good a time this year as you have had in years past, and hoping to meet you all in that grand reunion beyond the river, I remain,
Yours truly, A P. VARNEY.
BELLAIRE, MICH.
Dear Comrade.
Would be the happiest man alive to answer to roll-call of the Second Iowa Cavalry at Iowa City on the 7th of October, but as I cannot come I will answer from Bellaire, Mich., this time. Remember me to all the boys, especially Co. H. Hoping the meeting will be a grand success, and wishing you all long life and health to attend many of them, I am CARTER B. GRANGER.
LAMAR, KAN Sorry I cannot be with you at Iowa City. I am proud that I have been a mem- ber of that grand old regiment. . I send greeting to all the old comrades. JACOB KIRBY
DUBUQUE, IOWA. Sorry I cannot be with you. My heart is with you and I wish you all a very pleasant time. INLLON SUTHERLAND.
NEW YORK CITY. I regret I will not to able to attend the reunion on 7th and 8th. Ihave long promised myself the pleasure of meeting my old comrades in arms .and huma- to swap stories and recall reminiscences, and hope another reunion will not pass without my being with you to answer to roll-call. I have grown fat, ponderous and rotund, and, when riding, feel safest and most comfortable in the corner of a street car; and it is hard to convince myself that I once sat astride of
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVARER!
a horse without falling or rolling off. Still you know that I was once a cavalier, and a brave one, too -- on foraging expeditions At the reunion you will probab- ly see Colonels Egbert and Horton and H. B. Sudlow, and others whose names I might recall with ple isant remembrances. May I, then, ask you to give them my warmest regards and fall assurances of my interest and fellow feeling for the members of the dear old Second Iowa Cavalry. CHARLES F RYAN.
At this point "The Battle Cry of Freedom" was sung, led by Comrade E. T. Rigby, the boys all joining in the chorus.
A number of other letters were read, all expressing a deep love for the boys of the old Second Cavalry, and a regret that they could not be present.
"America" was then sung with heart and soul, and the meeting adjourned to 7 P. M.
THE FIRST DAY. +
7 P. M.
THE CAMP-FIRE AND RECEPTION.
At 7 o'clock the Second Iowa Cavalry assembled at the Opera House, a couple hundred strong, many more hundred citizens in company with "the boys," the house being filled by a large and enthusiastic audience.
The house was beautifully decorated, being finer in appearance, from that standpoint, than ever in its history. A vast amount of bunting and festooning had been used throughout the house proper, and the stage itself was a master- piece of decorative art, a beautiful and unique camp-scene being realistically de- picted. Stacked bayonets and sabers, a soldiers' tent and even the camp-fire, were shown, and merrily burned the back-logs all night long. The entire work was done by a committee of one from the Sons of Veterans -Mr Claude Holt --- and Stage Manager Klema. Pictures of generals, flowers, the Stars and Stripes, all blended in perfect harmony It was indeed a scene pleasing to lock upon.
Shortly after 7 o'clock the audience was called to order. The University Band furnished some excellent music.
The old bugler of the regiment, Jack Williamson, sounded the assembly call, and how those boys did cheer ! Then old Jack, bent and slow of walk, was compelled to step out and "blow again."
Then the Glee Club, comprising Captain and Mrs Cree, Prof. Hastings, J. E. Jayne, Mrs. Bowen, and Jennie Davis, with May Cree accompanying, rendered grandly "A Thousand Years" and gave "Old Shady" as an encore. 4
The camp-fire proper was opened by Comrade W. A Burnap, in response to the sentiment, "Why We are Here "
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND JOWA CAVALRY.
W. A. BURNAP.
"WHY WE ARE HERE."
Mr. President, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Why are we here? For myself, I can say I am here because I could not stay away. Though to-morrow is the last day for filing papers for our October term of court, and though, on account of my absence, some dozen or fifteen lawyers may be around my office, whetting their knives for my political sculp. I conchid- ed to "let the heathen rage" and come to the reunion at any cost. There is an- other reason A dozen comrades have said, "Burnap, you are growing young- er." That's a fact. I have been growing younger for eight years. You see I have attended a reunion every two years and at every reunion I have grown three years younger. Now, if I can keep that sort of thing up, I may in time be as young and good looking as General Coon here
There is something about these reunions that no one can tell and none but an old soldier experience. For nearly fifty years the phrase, " Tears of joy, ' was to me a mere figure of speech. but you and I have time and again seen comrades, brave as lions in the field, and heroes in the fight, wiping from their eyes tears that the joy of meeting their regiment forced to flow
What man of us at Benton Barracks could have been made to believe that that regular army officer and strict disciplined Colonel Elliott, would eve - have been so overjoyed to meet us that he would stand, incapable of saying a word, choked by the sobs he could not master?
Or who, that ever knew that perfectly fearless man, Captain Bandy, would have imagined that anything in the heavens above, or earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth, or in all combined, could cause such tears to course his cheeks as found their way when he first met us at our last reunion?
These tears show not weakness; they only demonstrate the inespressible strength of the tie that binds comrades closer thin brothers How the gates that hedge about our daily cares and struggles and hopes and joys and fears, burst open, and through their portals what a flood of memories pour ! Again we hear the boom of the guns of falling Sumter, and feel the thrill of wild excitement that their echo rolled through the land
Again we see in every town, from east to west, squads of men drawn up in awkward line, while all around are fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters, bidding them a fond farewell, while in every house are partings, many of them never more to meet.
Again we fall in ranks with that mighty army of nearly two million men, that to martial music and with waving flags, marched to the front, and again re-live the four long years when, on the hills and in the valleys and by the rivers of the South, were placed six hundred battle fields, moistened by the blood and dotted by the graves of four hundred thousand of our comrades.
These were days that tried men's souls, and women's, too, and much I doubt which contributed the more to the final result, those who marched and fought at the front, or those who worked and watched and waited at home. These meet- ings deal not with memories alone Guided by a hand we cannot control, their effect will not end when we pass aw ty. The boys now growing all around at
every town where we gather are no mere listless spectators. We all of us are too apt to forget how soon they become the protectors of the flag. You citizens have so long seen us old soldiers carrying that banner that many doubtless think the war of the rebellion was fought by bearded men in the prime of life. Not so; that war was fought by young men and beardless boys. I know when I enlisted my be ird could have been discerned only by microscopie aid, and looking down the line of my company, bearded faces were few and far between, and smooth, boyish ones the rule.
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FIFTH REUNION OF SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
You, my comrades, who followed the flag so long, do you realize that, should men be needed now to protect that flag, that plead as we might, we would not be allowed to rally to its defense?
Old age and dise ise have done their work. Not one in a hundred of us could master; but feir not; the flag would not fall, though our hands should fail. Taught by such meetings as this, the boys of i891 would come to the front, as promptly and as bravely as did the boys of 1861, and no matter what the foe, be it from within or without, would carry that banner to certain and complete victory. Here is an ample why for these meetings, though we had none other. Let us carry the flag before the boys, as long as we can raise it, and let us have it floating from every school house in the land.
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