USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 28
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There were captured at Jackson, Miss., July 11, '63, Q. M. Morrisey, Corpla. Cook, Co E; Isted. Co. B; Comstock, Co. C; Coolredge, Co. F; Briggs Co. IT; Thos. Smith, Co. 11. Reports all say: "Q. M. and seven men. " Who was the other follow?
These will be found in the appropriate place in other proceedings.
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Conrado Van Anda reported the death of Comrade Gillman about three years ago, also the deaths of Comrades Hunt and Hammond. Comrade An- derson made some remarks on the cause of the division of the Twelfth łowa on the road from Pontotock to Tupelo. Comrado Batters explained ditfer- ence of opinion.
On motion a business meeting was called for first thing after dinner to- morrow. Motion to adjourn until 9 o'clock a. m., the 11th.
Lettors were then read from Comrades Williams, Zediker. Barr, Hansen, Grannis, Kent, Millett, Kirkland, Cook, Shoemaker, Morgan, Wisegarber, Duncan, Devino, Hartshorn, Clarkson, Blanchard, Perry, Farpeuning, John- son, Van Eman, Koltenbach, Mrs. Crane and Mrs. Pettitt. On motion of Comrade Fuller that our programme for tomorrow be to call the roll from Co. A on, and that each comrade's wife or child prosent be requested to respond in five minute speeches, sing a song, or tell a story, or be put out of the room, carried. Motion to adjonen.
Evening session opened with song, "We are Coming Father Abraham," led by Comrade Eldridge with Miss Weaver at the piano. Mr. Ilont sig, "The Druunner Boy of Shiloh, "that brought the applause of those present. Then came the sad duty of reading the death notices of comrades since our last reunion.
On meeting the morning of the Hth Comrade Weaver at 9:30 called the re- union to order and the reading of the obituary notices of deceased comrades that appear elsewhere in this report, and the reading of letters from absent comrades was continuod. Love feast began and was engaged in by all, being one of the marked features of our last two reunions, all present being convulsed with langhtor at some well timed story; and again melted to tears at the recital of some sad seene or striking incident. On the arrival of Comrade D. B. Henderson who was received with cheers and tokens of delight on every hand, a fifteen min- ute recess was had to shake hands an I rejoice together over this happy meet- ing. During a greater part of the forenoon Comrade Henderson kept the old sold- iers in good humor by telling some of his comical war stories. He was requested to speak, and responded with a short but eloquent speach. He was boartily applauded and the contados were so taken with his words that he was scarcely allowed to conclude. Comrade S. G. Kuve read with due and solemn care and emphasis, as if at the front of the regiment he so ably commanded, the following order:
Special Orders Head-quarters Dist. West Ten .. and 3d seperate Brigado Dep't of Tem. No. 17. Memphis, Toun. January 18th, 1866.
5. Quartermaster property to the value of Seven Hundred and Twenty (720.00) Dollars, for which Captain C. F. M. Noreross, A. Q. M., is respons- ible, having been appropriated and used by men of the 12th lowa Veteran Voluntoor Infantry without authority, it is hereby ordored that the amount be assessed upon the officers and mon of said regiment and charged against thom upon the final Pay Rolls.
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TWELFTH JOWA V. V. INFANTRY. .
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Know is charged with the execution of this forder.
By Order of Brevet Major General J. E. Smith.
WM. W. M. CAMMON, Captain & A. A. G.
Comrade Knee explained that, believing the order to be unjust and in error, he pocketed the same and had kopt it all these long years, and now presented it for the consideration of the Regiment. On motion the thanks of the Regiment were returned to Comrade Knce for pocketing this order for so long a time and the Quarter Master General requested to go to the D- for his bill. On motion adjourned to 2 p. m.
Called to order by Comrade Weaver at 2:30 p. m. Opened with song, "Marching Through Georgia. " Reading letter from Comrade Jack Stibbs explaining his absence. The business meeting opened by Comrade Simpson saying if he could have his way, his advice to the comrades present would be to vote to hold the next reunion at Manchester in 1896, and that they make choice of Abner Danham secretary, and R. W. Tirrill treasurer, and gavo bis reason from a business point of view why they should do this. And quoting from his first address at the third reunion at Waterloo in 1888, when urging the next reunion to bo held at Sioux City. He said: "We are simply going visiting and thon we will come homo ag tin, for after our pleasant and happy meetings in ISSO and 1881, Manchester will ever roman as a home to the 12th Iowa." Motion by Comrade Soper that a committee of three be appointed to select officers for the association. Carried. Comrades Soper, Van Anda and Nagle were appointed as such committee. Motion by Comrade Andrews that our next reunion be held at Manchester in 1896, the particular time in said year to be decided by the officers of the association. Carried by a unanimous vote. Committee reported the following named comrades as officers: Presi- dent, 11. C. Curtis; vice-president, John Steen; secretary, Abner Dunham; treasurer, R. W. Tirrill; executive committee, H. J. Grannis, M. D. Nagle and J. E. Eldridge. Report approved and said committee declared elected. On motion the following comrades were appointed a committee on resolutions: Tirrill, Knee and Henry Steen. Comrade Eldridge sang his camp meeting song, "I feel Like, I Feel Like, I Feel," being joined by the whole crowd in a gen- oral march around and hand shake, and adjourned to 8 p. m.
The reunion was called to order by Comrade Weaver at 8. p. m., who introduced Comrade Geo. D. Perkins of Sionx City, as chairman of the camp- fire, and the following is what the Sioux City Journal said of the affair:
The feature of the reunion of the Twelfth lowa Infantry now being held in this city was the camptire at the armory last night. It was a typical meet- ing of the veterans, and there was that atmosphere of warm, good feeling, conradship, charity, and all which lingers in the memory of suffering, valor and deeds of patriotism, such as is only to be found in gatherings of this character. The armory was tilled, the best people of Sioux City being in the audience, and the campfire proved an occasion so pleasant that it will long be rememberd by those who participated.
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Abont 100 members of the old Twelfth lowa are in attendance at this rommion, and it is said that not more than too of the members of the galland old rogiment are still living. The attendance, therefore, seems a roma kable ono, when it is remembered that tho veterans, who as boys and young men enlisted in the eastern part of the state, a majority of them in Dubuque, are now scattered all over the country.
Tho regimental fooling in the Twelfth was strong during the war, and it is strong in the remaining regiment now. This was eloquently shown in the meeting last evening, and war, more than ever to appreciate the bonds of comradship which are welded in camp aad fiehl.
The ladies of the W. R. C. were interested visitors. The meeting was called to order shortly after 8 o'clock by Comrade J. N. Weaver. Rev. Mare Darling, Rev C. H. Strickland, Rev. HI. D. Jenkins, Geo. D. Perkins and Hon. D. B. Henderson took seats at the right of the president's table. Comrade Weaver in a brief speech called upon Geo. D. Perkins to preside over the meoting. Mr. Perkins arosa and welcomed the comrades of the Twelfth lowa Infantry in substance as follows:
"Comrades of the old Twelth Iowa: I can assure you that I have in my charge the voice of the people of Sioux City to welcome you here and to ex- tend to you one and all the bearty wishes of our people. In the present year of 1894 yon ean look to the struggles of the battles you have fought and say, as the years aro shipping fast away, that you are proud of the fact that you are members of the grand old Twelfth fowa. " After paying a tribute to to the soldiers Mr. Porkins concluded by calling on the vocal talent of the association to sing.
After the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" had been sung, a letter from Maj. Reed was read stating that he was nable to attend the meeting on ac- count of the death of his father, Comrade J. E. Simpson responded with a brief but eloquent speech in response to Mr. Perkins, and was greeted with applanse.
Rev. Mare W. Darling on being introduced said this was not the first time that he had been mixed up in a programme of the blue and the gray. Ho remembered some other occasions which were not so pleasant, and when it was mentioned to him that he should take part in such programme he felt a shiver run down his spinal column. He was not one of those who believed that there is no difference between the blue and the gray, but it was not a difference of conviction nor of courage.
Rov. C. H. Strickland was then introduced as a representative of the other side of tho controversy. He mentioned the fact of his entering the army of northern Virginia early in 1861 and remained with it until the federal armies relieved him in 1865. When he first enlisted he remembered to have felt afraid that the federal army would get away before he had a chance to got at it, but before the war had progressed far, he changed his mind. He contended that the confederate soldiers never had any personal feeling against their northern enemies, but were sincere in their beliefs, and showed their sincerity on more than twenty-five battle fields. He recalled the circum-
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
stances of his own surrender to the Second lowa cavalry while that regiment was skirmishing down in the south looking for a man named Jeff Davis. There are some men down south who still want to fight, but they are men who didn't do any fighting the other time. For one, he was thankful that the war had ended as it did.
Rov. IL. D. Jenkins spoko briefly, recalling incidents in connection with the war. He remembered a short time ago installing a new minister, and there were gathered around the young man at that time six Presbyterian min- isters who were old soldiers. Sometimes in these gatherings he didn't know whether he was attending a Grand Army meeting or a meeting of the presbytery.
Col. D. B. Henderson then addressed "the boys" around the imaginary campfire with caracteristie cloquence, and with that rare depth of feeling which shows the source of the love which his old comrades bear for him. Col. Henderson most touchingly described his search for the graves of his old regiment on the battle field where they fell, and mentioned that when he found the grave of his brother Tom it was the first time he had known where the poor boy's remains lay. Among other things he said:
"War is a torrible thing. The reason we were there was not becanse wo loved our section bost, but because we loved the union." "He had occasion not long ago to look up some figures pertaining to the war. From 1861 to 1865 the number of soldiers who enlisted was exclusive of reinlistments 2, 198, - 918. The number enlisted for three years was 2,037, 642. The number of officers killed during the war was 4, 112, enlisted were 62,916, with a total killed 67,058, while 297,058 died of wounds and disease This brings the total dead from immediate battle causes to 364, 116. The total of enlistments in the union army was 2,231,911, the dead 1,051, 911, leaving about 1, 180,000 still living. There is another statement which tells a sad, sad story. The number admitted to the hospitals from April, 1861, to June 30, 1866, was 5,825, 180, and the number of deaths in the confederate prisons was 30,212. Let those who sneer at our pension rolls koop that number in their minds.
"From statistics furnished by the government it is shown that about 27,000 survivors are lined down every year. Let me implore yon that the ro- nions of the future may be reunions of broad minds and warm hearts.
"I don't care for war. The causes that led up to it form a problem that no hnman mind, however broad, can solve, and I often feel like the man who remarked, in being presented with a pair of twins, that he wouldn't take $1,000,000 for the ones he had, but that he wouldn't give a 10-cent piece for another pair.' "
Mr. Henderson was glad, however, to see the wounds healing between the two great sections and that the men who fought under two flags were now miting under one cansa as well as beneath the folds of the stars and stripes. Hle spoke of the hospitality of the confederate soldier, and remarked that in recent years ho had often been thrown into their society. He did not wish his comrades to forger the issues of the war, for they will grow with the passing of the ages; but now that the graves have closed and the smoke of battle has
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cleared away, the old soldier should teach his children the meaning of the dag.
Col. Henderson related an ingidont of his experience during the last coa- gross to show the prejudice of some of the democratic members. He said hu was astonished to learn one morning that the name of an old Independence, Iowa, soldier whom he had appointed as one of the door keepers of the house, had been dropped from the pay rolls. The man had done brilliant service in the war, and had become too infirm from maimed limbs and aimments brought on from canses begon in the war to work on his farm, Mr. Henderson bothought himself of an experiment. Ho submitted a bill appointing the old soldier to the position of assistant doorkeeper of the house, I was no sooner read than it was vigorously opposed by an lowa member who gave as an excuse for his antagonism that the republicans should have nothing whatever with the appointments. The democratic majority in the house was 43, the most of whom were ex-confederates. He went among these urging his claims for the union sollier benetit, and despito the opposition of the Jowan the bill was passed by a majority of eighteen.
He closed by saying that "the reunions of the heart will be all the sweeter and more beneficial when they are also reunions of the mind."
The old camp fire song known as "I Feel Like" was then introduced, and overy member of the Twelfth lowa present "turned in" the chorus with a will, and there was no doubt that it was sung as only soldiers can.
Mrs. Mary A. Widner recited a beautiful piece of her own composition with a patriotic sentiment running through it. When she had finished many a soldier's eye was glistening with as many tears.
Miss Ellio Steen, of Lincoln, was introduced by Comrade Simpson for a recitation. "In '61", said Mr. Simpson, "six young Norwegian boys left their log cabin in Winneshick county and went to the war. Three of them are in their graves, and this young lady is the daughter of one of them- Theodore Steen of Company G, Twelfth lowa Infantry."
Miss Steen then recited a sweet poem entitled "The Whistling Regiment." Perhaps it was the effective work of the elocationist, or better still, the thought of the brave man whose daughter she was; but somehow, as the beautiful expressions of the piece were caught by her auditors, there Were many weeping eyes ere her work was completed.
Hon HI. C. Cartis, of LeMars, mado a brief speech. He said, among other things, that as he looked along the line of the illustrions men of other nations he was prouder that he fought under the old flag of our country.
Capt. Lathrop made a little talk and the humor of the boys was at once awakened to its utmost. He remarked that unless one has seen a man scared in battle he has never seen a real live coward. To back his assertion he told about a man who lost no time in getting away when a skirmish began, and when reproved by his superior officer for his conduct broke down, and bawled lustily: "You may talk about flying your flags from the school houses and make all the fuss yon want about it, but you will never know
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
what a flag means until you see it in the center of an army-a target for the shell and shot of the enemy who are bent upon cutting it down. "
Geo. D. Perkins said the soldiers had acquired steady habits, and among other things that of retiring at a seasonable hour as one of the most com- mondable. He then stated that the announcements by Comrade Simpson would close the meeting.
Mr. Simpson said that the meeting today would be held at 9 a. m. as a love feast. Companies HI, I and K, as well was the staff of the regiment, are yet to hear from.
When Vice-president John N. Weaver called the lovefeast of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry to order yesterday morning, boing the closing day of the ses- sion, and began by saying that he had beon criticised for omitting from Thursday night's progamme the prayer by Rev. Dr. Jenkins. * I bad rather hear Mr. Jenkins talk for five minutes, " he said, "than to hear him pray for two hours. "
Thon Comrade Simpson arose and said: "My dear comrades, I cannot allow this reunion to close without bearing witness as well as I can, having been in a position to know whereof I talk, to the unselfish, miswerving de- votion of onr comrade, John: N. Weaver, who, as our vice president and resi- dent officer here, has had to carry the load of the work of preparation and arranging for our two reunions-the inability of our president to get hero two years ago on account of the great storm -- and now kept away by the death of his father, has put on Comrade Weaver the whole load of presiding at both of our reunions. His unfailing courtesy, his watchful care, his mnie- mitting work, carly and late, never flagging or halting, the weary miles of walking and hours of anx ons caro to make our reunions a success, I know have been appreciated fully by you one and all. Brought in contact with him before and after our meetings here I have learned to love and admire tho man and bear this most willing testimony to the care and efficiency he has dis- charged the duties enforced upon him by you and in your behalf say to him ' Well done thou good and faithful servant.' "
Comrade Weaver responded in a few words saying he was glad to have beon of service to his comrades towards whom one and all he had the most heartfelt love and respect. If any thing he had done had added to their pleasure and comfort he was fully rewarded for any work or labor done by him, that these two reunions had been pleasant to him, bright spots in life's pathway long to be remembered and treasured by him. Thanking them for the honor conferred on him and the kindness and forbearance shown toward him.
Those comrades who were obliged to leave on account of train timo wero requested to stand np so comrades could go around and shake hands and say good bye. With many a "God bless yon" with tears and hearty hand shakes wo bado good bye to several comrades.
Then Comrado John Steen arose and said: "Mr. President, Ladies and Comrades:
"I accept the position to which I have been elected and most sincerely
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thank you for this honor and confidenco. As a tribute of respect and grati- tudo so richly merited, has been paid to our friend and Comrade Judge Weaver, our retiring vice president, by Comrade Simpson, for the excellent. manner he has at all times discharged the duties of vice presiont of this our beloved association and for the shecess of this reunion, I desire to move a vote of thanks to our retiring acting secretary, James E. Simpson, for his untir- ing energy and self-sacrificing dovotion to the best interest of every member of the old Twelfth lowa and the splendid success of this enjoyable gather- ing. I had the honor as well as pleasure of serving with Comrade Simpson in the war, and know something of the cordial warm-hearted nature, and his dedication to principle, duty and friend, how he forgot self to serve others. I well remember when company G was organizod at Decorah, lowa, in the carly fall of 1861, when be might have gone out with the company as its cap- tain, as its first lieutenant, as its second lieutenant. When the election of officers took place, ho, with his usual magnaminity of soul, made every nomi- nation from the position of captain down, and himself was satisfied with the position of first sergeant. He was a strict disciplinarian, but just and kind, and to no one does company G owo its debt of gratitude for being able to take its proud position among the splendid companies of our magnificont regi- ment, more than to our active, generous, noble and brave Simpson.
"Since the war no one of the brave boys of the regiment, save possibly one, have been more honored, and filled positions of greater public trust than ho. Having held positions whose hundreds of thousands, yea, millions, of dollars of public funds, passed through his hands and every cent properly accounted for, we love him and we are glad to have him with us today. I am pleased to think that at our reunion at Manchester two years honee, he will be rolieved from all burdens as an officer in this association and that he will have an opportunity to visit among bis comrades, a pleasure of which ho has been deprived at our last two reunions, owing to the active duties de- volved mpon him during these meetings. I now, Mr. President, take great pleasure in moving by a standing vote that the thanks of our comrades be tendered to Contrade Simpson for his miform kindness and courtesy to all, for his untiring devotion to duty as the acting secretary of this association, and for the active part be has taken in making this, our fifth reunion, a de- cided success. "
The motion was seconded by Henry Steen with a statement that he most heartily concorred in every word his brother John had said.
On motion of Comrade Tirrill a vote of thanks be extended to Comrade Simpson, amended and accepted, that the remarks of Conrade Steen be re- duced to writing and published in our proceedings. Carried by a mamimons rising vote.
Comrade Simpson replied feelingly, and said what he had done bad been prompted by feelings of love. His voice trembled as he spoke and tears were in his eyes. All the members of the regiment in the room were on their feet in a moment eager to shake the hand of their fellow, and many there were
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TWELFTH IOWA V. V. INFANTRY.
whose eyes were moistened by toars as they received, perhaps, the last warm hand clasp.
About this time a number of tho comrades seemed to be troubkd with what has been called at our rennions "hump in the throat," and to relieve the same nothing has been found moro efficacions than Comrade Eldridge's song, "I feel like, i feel," and a general handshake all around.
Comrade Andrews, speaking of taking an carly train for home, said ho was not so oldl that he could not go half a mile in an hour, and his train did not leave for an hour. llis talk was replete with army pleasantries.
Col. S. G. Knee of Colesburg, who was mastered out a commanding officer of the regiment, said he could not make a speech, but he would go home with the memory of the fifth reunion of the Twelfth lowa in Sioux City as the pleasantest of his life. Ho closed by reciting James Whitcomb Riley's beautiful poem, "My Trip to Washington."
Comrade W. HE. MeCane made a short speech, relating anecdotes of army life.
"Bob" Fishel of Greely followed. Ho said that for the first time in his life ho was called by name at the fifth remion and his hand shaken by memt- bers of the regiment whom he did not remember. He said nobody loved his associatos better than he loved what was left of the Twelfth lowa, and he thanked the officers for the courtesies shown him.
Comrade J. A. Light of Norfolk was called upon. He said he could not make a speech, but he intended to meet with the boys every year as long as he lived.
Comrade "Hank" Briggs of Marens related a funny incident of the war and then returned to the sober side of the soldier's life, and a lump gathered in his throat. He finished by saying he wished he could control his feelings so he could speak like the other boys.
Col. Kuos, who was sitting at bis elbow, shouted: "A tear on a soldier's check is no disgrace. "
Comrade Van Anda of Fremont followed with a fund of army reminiscen- ces. Hle said his thoughts were ever of his dear old comrades, the boys of the Twelfth.
President elect H. C. Curtis, of LeMars, came in at this juncture, and Vice-president Weaver relinquished the chair. Upon taking his seat Mr. Cur- tis said :
My Comrades and Fellow Citizens :-
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the high and prond honor you have conferred on mo in cleeting me president of this association, there are many of you who are better qualified than I to serve in this capacity, but I assure you I will do all I can to serve yon faithfully my dear old comrades. I would rather be with you and those of your family where I can once more, after a separation of nearly thirty years, look into your honest bravo faces and see the men with whom I fought for one flag and one Union for more than four long years, than be where Grover is today. At our next reunion at
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