USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 24
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
Tell the boys from me that their country is not unmindful of their acriflees and their sufferings, and that the great act of June 27, 1890, which carried so many blessings into so many homes will not be the last one, but that as our needs increase and our weaknesses develop, the country, ever on the alert, will enlarge its heart for the good of us all, and those in whom we are interested more than in ourselves.
I wish that I could be with you all for the handshake, the laugh, the story and the tearful eye. There is no music to me sweeter than the broken voice of affection as comrade meets comrade. I can look down yet upon the 12th lowa. into their dear faces as I spoke to them last, and see the eyes all moist with affectionate recollections, eyes that scarcely flinched when death was marshaling in front of them. 1 wish I could see them again. I hope to- most of you, although death's ernet siekel is moving with horrid rapidity among our ranks, and re- ducing the numbers that attend our reunions.
In conclusion, comrade, let me wish for you all a joyous time at the reunion. Throw care to the winds, and give yourselves up to a happy period. You all deserve it. To each and all, with their rela- tives, their wives and children, I send the affectionate greetings of a sincere friend and comrade. Very kindly yours,
D. B. HENDERSON.
LOS ANGELES, CAL., April 21, 1892. Major J. E. Simpson, Secretary of Executive Committee 12th Regiment Lowa Veteran Volunteers, Norfolk, Nebraska.
DEAR SIR: Received yours of March 13th, with your kind invita- tion to attend reunion of the glorious old 12th lowa. I would so glad- ly be with you, my dear comrades, but it is impossible this time and I must therefore content myself in living over in memory the meeting at Manchester in 1854, which I so mich enjoyed with you. Hoping
-
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FOURTH REUNION OF THE
that yet many of the old boys may answer roll call on May 18, 1892, and that you may have a good and happy reunion, I remain with kind greetings and good wishes to you dear ones all,
Affectionately, your old Major, S. D. BRODTBECK.
LANSING, ALLAMAKEE Co., IOWA, May 17, 1892.
Dear Friend and Comrade Simpson:
It is now more than thirty years since you and I met every morn- ing at orderly's call, and yet how vivid seem the memories of those times. How much pleasure it would give me to meet you and our old comrades once more. I defored writing to you until the last moment, thinking I might be able to come, but circumstances beyond my con- trol have denied me that pleasure. Not even the tempting offer of certificate of disability from Surgeons Finley and Underwood have dispensed the mundane difficulties in the way.
I received the returned letters of Co. "B" but have been unable to relocate them. Comrade Isted left Milwaukee some time ago and went to Portage, Wis., and I have been informed that since he has moved west. Comrade Samrice I hear is at Roseville, in this county. Comrades J. Il. Huest is and Chas. Ogan have joined the great major- ity. Comtrade John Dowling informed me that he had intended com- ing, but the loss of his home by fire prevented. Of the ninety-seven men who left Lansing in 1861, but Knud Iverson and myself are still left in the city.
And now dear comrade although the fates prevent my bodily pres- ence, I shall be with you in spirit, and with my best wishes for the happiness of yourself and the dear comrades of the old 12th, I am Yours in fraternity, charity and loyalty, JOHN D. COLE.
OMAHA, May 17, 1892.
To Maj. D. W. Reed, President, or J. E. Simpson, Secretary, 12th lowe ยท Reunion:
COMRADES: Mrs. Hobbs and I are here enronte for Sioux City. The railroad agent here discourages our going on, as the floods are en- dangering the possibility of ever getting through. You all know the disappointment this brings us, the long waited for reunion. If this is in any way general I trust you will arrange for a reunion in the near Future. I have prepared a paper on Hospital Department, bringing it with me, but now am unable to get it to you. Will have it before you on next occasion of our coming together, which, may God grant. Be assured, dear brothers, of my endearing love for all that ever marched and fought as 12th lowans, and every dear boy that enrolled at Camp Union. Yours affectionately, J. C. II. HOBBS, Mus. C. E. HOBBS. 1411 G Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
LINCOLN, NEB., May 16. 1892.
Can't J. H. Stibbs, Sioux City, Town:
MY DEAR GEN'L: Nothing would please me better than to meet. you and the boys of the gallant 12th Towa, but my office duties this week are such it is out of the question to leave. God bless you all. Very truly, II. C. MCARTHUR. THOTEN, IOWA, May 17, 1892. J. E. Simpson, Acting Sie'y of the Society, 12th Iowa, Sioux City, Lowa:
DEAR COMRADE: It is with the deepest regret that this will have
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TWELFTH JOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
to substitute my personal attendance at this 4th reunion of the 12th lowa. As nothing but a serious sickness in the family could have kept me at home, I am sorry to inform you that my wife being now in a very critical condition, suffering from heart disease, thus making it an impossibility for me to be with you. But, dear friends, I am with you in my mind if not in person, and hoping you will have an exceed- ingly good time at your meeting I will close with my best respects to all the "boys."
Truly yours.
O. P. ROCKWOLD, Late Member of Co. "G," 12th lowa. PARSONS, KANSAS, May 14, 1892. Mr. J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Neb .:
DEAR SIR: Your letter cotaining two badges and an invitation to attend the reunion of the 12th lowa Infantry at Sioux City, was re- ceived this morning. Having previously received two printed invita- tions my conscience smote me when I remembered that in the rush of daily duties 1 had failed to acknowledge their receipt. I assure you it was not indifference that caused the neglect. Great pleasure it would give my mother, who is yet with us but no longer enjoys good health, my brother, and each of my three sisters, as well as myself, to be pros- ent with you and look into the eyes and clasp the hands of those noble men who held such a warm place in the heart of our beloved husband and father.
My mother says that she well remembers when the " boys" marched up to the quarters at Benton Barracks and received their new guns, what a tine regiment they were, and not long after when my father came home wounded, how often he would mourn for his "noble boys" in rebel prisons.
Though none of us can be with you in person we will all be there in heart and spirit. The badges you so kindly sent will be worn by my mother and myself during the time of the reunion, in honor of the regiment, and I will also make mine the subject of an object lesson to the young children in my school room at that time and endeavor to instill in their youthful minds a genuine love for our country and a feeling of respect, honor and reverence for the gallant soldiers who so bravely defended and preserved the nation.
My mother, brother and sisters unite with me in wishing for the surviving comrades of the noble 12th lowa Infantry a pleasant, joyful reunion and many peaceful happy years at the sunset of life.
Very respectfully, CARRIE WOODS.
MEMPHIS, TENN., May 10, 1892.
Captain J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Nebraska:
MY DEAR SIR: The circular sent out by you inviting me to the fourth quadrennial reunion of the 12th Regiment of Iowa Infantry volunteers is received.
It is a matter of profound regret to me that I am unable to attend that reunion in consequence of the fact that I am now engaged in the trial of appeal cases in the Supreme Court of the State at Jackson, Tennessee, where I will be more or less engaged during the remainder of this month.
The absence of so many comrades who have crossed over the river would make the occasion one of sadness rather than pleasure to me. Among those who have left us to return no more is my brother, Col. S. R. Edgington, who presided at the last reunion.
I want, if possible, to meet the survivors of the "old 12th" onee more and renew the friendships of the past.
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FOURTH REUNION OF THE
From the organization of the 12th until the battle of Shiloh, I was the ille leader of the regiment. The regiment dressed on my button and it took its step from me. My step is just as elastic now as it was at Camp Benton, Fort Henry, Donelson and Shiloh.
My heart goes out to the survivors of the Sold 12th" and I hope they may have a good time at the reunion at Sioux City, lowa, on May 18th and 19th.
Permit me through you, to express to the survivors of the 12th my high appreciation of them individually and collectively.
Your old comrade, T. B. EDGINGTON.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 19, 1892. J. E. Simpson, Esp., Norfolk, Nebraska:
DEAR COMRADE: Some time since I received from you an invita- tion to the 4th quadromial reunion of the 12th lowa Infantry, to be held at Sioux City, lowa, May 18 and 19, 1892.
I very much regret that it will be impossible for me to be present with the boys on that occasion. I expect to go to lowa next fall, which renders my going this spring out of the question. I hope you will have a pleasant time and I further hope to meet some of the 12th lowa boys at the gathering of the G. A. R. hosts which will assemble in this city this summer.
My address is 1921 6th Street, Northwest, Washington, D. C., and the latch string is always outside.
ent.
Be pleased to present my warmest regards to all who may be pres- Fraternally yours, 11. J. PLAYTER, Capt. Co. "11" 12th lowa Infantry. KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 6, 1892. J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Nebraska:
DEAR COMRADE: Your circular calling on the boys of the glorious old 12th lowa Infantry, to meet in Sioux City, lowa, May 18 and 19, 10 hand. I would have replied sooner but was trying to arrange so that I could tell you I would be there, but I find it will be impossible. Nothing in this world would give me more pleasure than to meet once more with those that are left of our regiment, for I have more than a brotherly love for each and every one of our regiment, be they dead or alive. Give my kindest regards to all the boys; tell them my heart is with them if I am not there in person. My health is poor. Shall be pleased to hear from you or any of the boys at any time. Should any of you ever come to this city don't fail to call and see me.
Your old comrade and friend,
N. E. DUNCAN.
DAVENPORT, IOWA, March 20, 1892.
J. E. Simpson:
DEAR COMRADE: Yours of recent date containing notice of the death of Com. Phillips, received. I am grieved to hear of his death. Ile was a good soldier and a good man. I return yon the card in order that it may be reported at the reunion, and hope some one else of "K" Co. can be found to fill the place assigned to me, which I was not, aware of till the receipt of your circular of a few weeks ago. I am so remote from all members of the company and regiment that I hear nothing of what has happened to any of them. Again, although I regret to say it, I do not expect to be able to attend the reunion. 1 have a matter coming before our state encampment G. A. R. which meets only a few days before that compels me to attend that meeting and it will be absolutely impossible for me to spend the time for both,
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
meetings at one time, which would have to be the case. I was greatly in hopes of attending this reunion and having another good visit with "the boys," and regret exceedingly that I cannot. Kindly remember me to them, and express my hope that all may live to see several more reunions of the regiment. Sincerely yours,
J. B. MORGAN.
BRUMMEN SPRINGS, MICH., May 12, 1892. J. E. Simpson, Norfolk, Nebraska:
DEAR COMRADE AND COMRADES: My intentions have been to be present with you the 18th and 19th, hence seeking to have an old fash- ioned camp visit toget her once more as the old vets love each other, but I write this note to you to let you know I cannot be present with you this reunion, but will try and be present the next reunion of our old regiment. Kindly remember me to all of our "boys" and your family. I am your comrade,
N. J. DAVIS.
SPRING VALLEY, MINN., May 13, 1892. Greetings to the Comrades of the 12th lowu Vet. Vol .:
I had hoped to have been one of the number to attend the 4th quadrennial reunion at Sioux City, it being the first time I have had the pleasure of knowing the date, but it is impossible, as our W. R. C. convention meets in our city about the same time and cannot leave, but feel like saying, "God bless the comrades that are left of the 12th lowa." There is nothing sends the blood coursing through my veins equal to the name of that regiment, perhaps owing some to the ac- quaintances I formed among them while on my visit in the south, but more particularly the many acts of kindness shown me after the death of my husband, A. A. Burdick, who fell in defence of his country.
Accept the best wishes of one who is interested in all comrades that are left and I trust this reunion will be one of the bright spots in your life for "time and tide" waiteth for no man.
Respectfully in F. C. & L., MRS. JENNIE STURDIVANT,
President Burdick W. R. C. No. 38, Auxiliary to Burdick Post No. 3, Spring Valley, Minn.
ST. JOHN'S RECTORY, HOME-DE-GRACE, MD., March 21st, 1892.
MY DEAR DOCTOR: Your letter of the 18th inst. came this morn- ing. Your worthy self and the 12th I. V. V. Inft. awake the slumber- ing thoughts of times. deeds and scenes, which seem to be vanishing from material sight and hearing in the past, yet living and bright in thoughts and sight in memory's palace halls. Your committee's cir- culars for the fourth quadrennial reunion" is admirable. To meet the comrade patriots once more would be a joy and delight. Yet there will be sad thoughts awakened by so many vacancies in the regiment caused by death. But our captain is the Prince of life. "Dust thou art, to dust returneth." was not spoken of the soul. God's blessings on the veterans of the 12th lowa Infantry.
For me to be at Sioux City. May 18 and 19, will be impossible. I heartily thank you for your letter and circular. Remember me kindly to the veterans and to your own family. We march under one cap- tain, a few more suns, a few more bivouacs, then the reunion on the "further shore." Yours for God and country,
F. HUMPHREY.
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FOURTH REUNION OF THE
Under severe regime my health in this climate has improved.
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 11, 1892.
Deve Major Reed:
I will be in Chicago on the 18th or 19th. You doubtless will be gone to the 12th Reg. Reunion. I am sorry not to have time to go too. Please give a cordial greeting to the members for me. I cherish altogether pleasant memories of my association with the veterans of the regiment and shall always esteem it an honor to have commanded so soldierly a body of men. Perhaps I will find time to write a brief note of regret and greeting to you at Sioux City.
Yours truly, W. R. MARSHALL. ST. PAUL, MINN., May 20, 1892. Judge J. N. Weaver, Sioux City, Lowa:
MY DEAR SIR: Major Van Duzee and myself started for Sioux City last Tuesday night; we got as far as Heron Lake, when our train was turned around and we returned to St. Paul. We were very much dis- appointed that we could not meet the "boys"; however, from all re- ports that I hear from Sioux City, I fear that our reunion was close on to a failure. I hope, however, that you have only adjourned it for one year. Have the kindness to write me and tell me all about what you did and when the adjournment was to. Your's respectfully.
AL. J. RODGERS.
DES MOINES, IOWA, April 26, 1892. Mr. J. E. Simpson, Secretary 12th Lowa Regimental Association, Norfolk, Nebraska:
DEAR COMRADE: 1 very much regret being compelled to write yon that it will be an impossibility for me to be present at the regimental reunion to be held at Sioux City next month. Therefore, I write you while there is still time for some other member of Co. A to be placed on the program to report for that company, and would suggest Capt. A. E. Webb, or Lt. D. V. Ellsworth, both of Eldora, lowa, for that duty.
Trusting that you will have an interesting and joyful reunion, and hoping that you are and yours are well and happy, I am as over
Always yours, R. S. CLARKSON.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 5, 1892. D. W. Reed, President of the 12th Force Association:
MY DEAR MAJOR: I regret very much my inability to be with you on the occasion of our fourth reunion and can only express to you, and through you to my comrades of the dear old 12th, my great disappoint- ment in not being able to be present and to participate in the warm greetings each will receive from every comrade, to join in and add my little mite of pleasure to that of those whose love for each other is welded together with a fire more fervent, a band more firm, than that of almost any other, not excepting the ties of kindred. We learned to bear with each other and sink our little differences, social and polit ical, when standing in solid phalaux when the bullets of the enemy swept down to death our brother or our mess-mate: when on the long weary march: many tintes when a piece of fat bog and an army crack- or was the sweetest morsel we had ever caten. These bands are stronger and more enduring than those iron ones with which Wertz bound four of us together for eight days and nights, when in prison at Tuscaloosa. Ala., tor displaying the flag for which we fought. I will refrain from alluding further to the past, with which you are all so familiar, and confine my thoughts to the present, hoping that you all
33
TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
enjoy good health and enough of the blessings of this life to be happy. But, dear comrades, I am sensible to the fact that many of you are suffering from the effects of your exposure in camp life and from the ravages of disease contracted during the years you gave to your collu- try's cause. I am happy to say, beloved comrades, that I have reason- ably good health and must certainty retain some of my youthtul ap- pearance as many question my claim to having been in the army, of which fact proof is unnecessary to you. I am again in the service of Uncle Sam. at a fair salary, and am nof anxious for a discharge. Hop- ing to meet many of you here at the National Encampment of the G. A. R. and that you will have a most glorious and happy time al this reunion, tam, Yours devotedly,
S. R. BURCH.
The following telegrams which were received and read at the re- union will serve to show how comrades were trying to get to Sioux City:
FORT DODGE, LA., May 18, 1892. To J. N. Weare:
This wing of the 12 h lowa has been temporarily repulsed. Re- pulse may become a ront. Superintendent says does not think we can get through: track reported washed out in several places between here and Sioux City. There is not one in party who feels like praying. A, Wilson and wife, Kemp, C. Moine and wife, Stuart, Lattimer, Grannis, Ballinger, Hazelette; D, Ayers; E. Schack, Church; T, Dun- ham, Tom and Wayne, Nelson, Coofdridge, McGowan, Preston; II. Fis- chel, Horner; I, MeDermott, and Nagle. Auswer here.
C. E. MERRIAM.
HIERON LAKE, MINN, May 18, 1892.
To Judge J. N. Wearer:
We are storm bound here. Can't you send us an ox team. VAN DUZER AND RODGERS. SIBLEY, LA., May 18, 1892. To Mr. President and Comrades:
Can not advance; must retreat. Sorry to say a 12th lowa man ever retreats but no other show. Kind regards to all. ED IL. BAILEY, And Scott, Barr, Hartwell, Buttolph, Lewis, Mareph.
SHELDON, LA., May 18, 1892.
To J. E. Simpson:
Dr. Barr six others here: since last night dozen more at Worthing- ton and Sibley. Any boys there? E. R. SOPER.
RIDGEWAY, LA., May 18, 1892.
To Major D. W. Reed:
Comrades, greeting to you all. Co. G most of all.
ANTON E. ANDERSON, D. O. AKER.
PERRY, LA., May 18, 1892.
To Judge J. N. Wearer:
Delayed by a wreck. Will be there sometime today. J. H. STIBBS.
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FOURTH REUNION OF THE
LEMARS, LA., May 18, 1892.
To Color Bearer Granis, Veteran:
Trains not running; cannot get down; must see the boys. Can't H. C. CURTIS.
reunion be postponed?
Sioux FALLS, S. D., May 19, 1892.
To 12th Reg't Reunion, 412 6th .:
Will come tomorrow if you are in session. Answer soon.
J. B. HAZELET.
MANILLA, LA., May 19, 1592. To John N. Weare:
Wine me here if I shall make further effort to reach voll. D. W. REED.
ROCK VALLEY, LA., May 19. 1892.
To Headquarters 12th lowa Rejt:
DEAR COMRADES: Owing to the high waters am unable to reach you. Respects to you and yours in F. C. L. T. P. R. KETCHUM. STERLING. NEB., May 18. 1892. To J. N. Weaver:
Cannot get there in time on account of washouts.
PETER KEMENS.
LEMARS, IOWA, May 20, 1892. To J. N. Weaver:
Sick in bed since Tuesday or would have walked down: must come by first train. Have all brave boys go to the Garretson till I can come at my expense. Tell Grannis and Reed to keep Co. C. till tomorrow. I'm me down for twenty-five dollars to Sioux City sufferer's fund. H. C. CURTIS.
DENVER, COL., May 17, 1892.
To Maj. D. W. Reed: Greeting to all: I am with you in spirit. God bless you and yours. Yours under the liag. ELIZABETH A. SORIN.
LETTERS FROM COMPANY "D."
The following is an abstract of the letters received from comrades of Co. D. in response to letters of Capt. E. B. Soper, urging their at- tendance at the Sioux City reunion:
Capt. Hiel Hale. deputy warden of U. S. penitentiary at Yuma, Arizona. said: "I very much regret that I cannot be at the reunion. I have been looking forward to this grand rally of the survivors of Co. D and the 12th lowa with great anxiety. and thought all along that I would be there but that it impossible to get away from my duties. It is impossible for me to tell you how great to me the disappointment is and so will not attempt it. Remember me kindly to them all. May the reunion be a great success and may the blessings of the Great Commander rest upon all the survivors and at last when their carthy
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TWELFTHI IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
campaign is ended, may they one and all hear Ilis command to enter into the kingdom prepared for them, is the prayer of
Your friend and comrade,
HITEL HALE.
The Cedar Rapids contingent wrote From Sibley the 19th, as fol- lows: "We left Cedar Rapids at 12:30 the 17th and ran to lowa Falls () K, then trouble began. Rain and wind laid us out at nearly every station, but arrived at Sibley 5:30 p. m., the 18th, and found trains on the C. St. P. M. & O. abandoned, and no prospects of an advance movement but very good prospects of our retreat being cut off. Being members of a regiment that never retreated we bate to set an exam- ple but must. All of us so wanted to see old Co. D comrades but can't. this time. Words will not express our regrets."
HOMER C. MOREHEAD, EDWIN II. BAILEY, ('11.15. W. CLARK, JO N W. ROWAN, JOSEPH O. SARTWELL. EDWIN A. BUTTOLPH, THOMAS BARR, THOMAS J. LEWIS. JOSEPH SCOTT.
Lient. and Adjutant Sylvester R. Burch writes from Washington, D. C .: "The program of the 12th lowa reunion with your note thereon was forwarded to me by my wile. She still remains in Olathe, Kan. I am again in the employ of "Uncle Sam." After I had completed my supervisor's work of the eleventh consus I was ordered here and re- mained in that work umil the first of last September, when I resigned and was appointed an auditing clerk in the department of agriculture division of accounts which I like very much. The salary is suficient to make a good living. There are only three in my family; my dangh- ters are both married. one living in Olathe and the other at Lake Charles, La. I am now 50 years old and grandfather, but my age is more frequently placed at 10 than 50 and my health is quite good. I can only get 30 day leave of absence in each year and am compelled to lise that attending to some business at my old home and will have to forego the pleasure of visiting my old comrades, every one of whom I love."
Wm. Baumgardner writes: "I still stop at Scranton, lowa, and if I am alive and well you will see me at the reunion at Sioux City. I hope to see all the old comrades once more for soon our days are short."
Edwin II. Bailey writes: "If nothing happens more than I now know of I shall be with you at the reunion at Sioux City, May Isth and 19th."
Henry W. Bailey writes: "I will be at Sioux City on time."
Dennis Conley writes: "Yours of the 17th at hand and in reply to your kind invitation and offer I will have to say, nay. I find it will be impossible ror me to come as I have employment and can't leave: must
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FOURTH REUNION OF THE
attend to what I am doing and take the best care I can as I am placed at a disadvantage ever since that "Tupelo affair." The older I get the more I worry over my loss-my great loss. I am the only one that feels it sorely. I can see and feel the difference between the day I enlisted and the day I was discharged if nobody else can. Again thanking you for your kind offer I am as heretofore, Your comrade,
DENNIS CONLEY.
James L. Cowell writes: "I am in receipt of your request to attend the reunion at Sioux City for which I am thankful but am sorry to say that it is impossible. My finances are in such shape that it would not be good policy for me to leave at this time and my health is such that I don't think I could stand the journey. I would like very much to see the old boys once more but fear that I will not unless I get better. I hope to come to lowa during the fair at Chicago and will if my health permits. I send my love to all the comrades and hope they will have a good time. While I can't be with you in person I will in heart. I am now living in the city of Walla Walla, and all communications for me should be sent to this place."
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