USA > Iowa > Delaware County > Manchester > Reunion of the 12th Iowa V.[eteran] V.[olunteer] infantry 1st-8th, 1880-1903 > Part 42
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PEORIA, ILL., June 13, 1903. MR. G. E. Cousrock, Fayette, lowa.
DEAR COMRADE :- I have yours of May 15th. Nothing would please me more than to be with you at Clermont on the 19th inst., but it will be impossible for me to be there. I desire to be remembered to all comrades. If General Stibbs is with you he can tell you something about me, as he spent a year or more in our city and we often lived over the old war days.
Sincerely yours. J. W. Gifr, Co. F.
HraniMione, S. D, June 15. 1903. G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
Dear Comprade :-- It is with sorrow and regret that I cannot meet with the comrades. I have been chosen delegate to our state encamp- ment and they come almost the same time. I hope you will have a good time. If spared, will try and answer roll call next time. Hoping to hear from you soon after the close of the reunion. I still remain
Your comrade,
HAMILTON CRAMER, CO. A.
60
EIGHTH REUNION
DEP'T OF THE INTERIOR, U. S. PENSION AGENCY, Des Moines, lowa, May 29, 1903.
MR .. G. E. COMISTOCK,
See. 12th lowa Reunion Association, Fayette, Iowa.
MY DEAR COMRADE :-- Your favor, dated May 15, but postmarked May 28, arrived this morning. I will not be present at the regimental reunion next month. My hearing has become so deficient that I cannot hear the proceedings, therefore it would only be torture to myself to be present. Besides, while the regimental reunion is in session the whole force of this pension agency will be preparing for the July payment of pensions, in which the 12th Iowa comrades are nearly all interested. Every comrade hopes to receive his pension check by return mail, but all of them should remember that this agency pays 55,000 pensioners, and that they cannot all be paid at once. About twelve days are required to pay that number of pensioners.
I hope that the regimental reunion will pass a resolution endorsing the bill introduced by Hemenway of Indiana last February, which pro- vides for the pensioning of all soldiers and sailors who served at least ninety days in the Civil war, at the rate of $12 per month; and all widows of such soldiers and sailors who were married prior to June 27, 1900. I have letters from Speaker Henderson and Congressman Ilull stating that they are in favor of the Hemenway bill, and I think that it can be safely said that the entire fowa congressional delegation will vote for it, and work for its enactment. The laws now provide for the pensioning of all Mexican war soldiers who served sixty days and are 62 years of age, or are disabled and dependent. That has been the law ever since January 29, 1887, and It is a discrimination against the sol- diers of the Civil war, for that law has been in existence for sixteen years, while the Mexican war began but fourteen years prior to the Civil war. It is time for the comrades of the Civil war to make themselves heard against that discrimination, and I hope that the reunion of the 12th lowa at Fayette will pass a resolution endorsing the Hemenway bill and asking that it be promptly enacted into law.
With the kindest regards to yourself, and to the comrades of the 12th Iowa at the reunion at Clermont, I am
Always sincerely yours,
R. P. CLARKSON. Co. A.
ELwoon, lowA, June 16, '03.
G. E. COMSTOCK,
DEAR COMRADE :- I received your invitation in due time and I work- ed and expected to meet with my old comrades of '61 once more, espec- ially as we were to be honored by the presence of Hon. D. B. Henderson. But the past weather and events have so changed my calculations that it will be Impossible for me to attend, and with regret I send this word to you. Give love and greeting to all comrades of the 12th for me.
Your comrade,
REO. TESKEY, Co. I.
TWELFTH JOWA
PORTLAND, OREGON, June 13, 1903.
My Dear Comrade Comstock :-- Your circular letter and program reached me the 8th inst and am sure you cannot conceive the tumult of emotion it stirred in my breast. And then to know I could not join you and the comrades of the Old Regiment-comrades who are dearer to me than my kin. I need not explain to you why. You all know, comrades, just to look in your faces, grasp your hand, shed a few tears together, as the past would come up and drive away the present, and the white hairs of the present be lost sight of in the dark hairs of our boyhood days, we would live them over again. Can we grasp the meaning of such a meeting here? Can it be a foretaste of the hereafter? How strange and satisfying it is that we can look into each other's eyes-into the very soul, and see you in the bygone days-the days of trial, days when there were scarcely enough well men to stand guard and picket.
Then to talk of meeting Rogers, Co. B, Coolidge and Jim Taylor, Co. F, Stewart, Co. D, Jason Mattocks, Co. C, Barden, Co. K, Captain Williams, Co. E, and our old major, Brodt beck, whom I helped lay away, and our good comrade, Col. Henderson, so sorely crippled, and so patient and cheerful. And then to be denied all this, and at Clermont, where I began my life work. But just remember, comrades, and friends of Clermont, I am with you in spirit.
And just let me say here, the Star of Empire is moving West and the Barr latch string is out for the 12th Iowa.
Comrades, give me a place in your thoughts. I do want to be with you.
Your comrade,
JAMES BARR, CO. C.
RANDALL, KAN., June 14, 1903. MR. G. E. COMSTOCK, Fayette, Iowa.
Dear Comrade and Friend :- Yours of May 15th just received, delay I suppose caused by the floods. I am sorry to state that I cannot be with you at Clermont June 19. I have not the time to spare on so short notice and I am so banged up with rheumatism that I would hardly dare to make the trip if I had the time.
'This is indeed a disappointment to me. I continually live in hopes that I will some day greet my old comrades of the 12th at campfire re- union. Memory always dwells fondly and pleasantly in thinking of the boys of our old regiment. I hope you are all on the pleasant paths of life, contented and hopeful. As for me, don't worry on my account. 1 don't. I haven't a kick to make on anything, and in looking back over life's journey so far, I see more to feel thankful for than to regret, and some of the pleasantest and most cherished gems in my memory-box are of our old regiment as a regiment and of the many warm and true friends I had while with it.
And now in conclusion, boys, have as good time as possible while to- gether. It won't last long and may be the last. I will be with you in desire and thought. Hoping that I will some day see each and all of you, I will ch se.
In comradship.
N. G. PRICE, Co. D.
62
EIGHTH REUNION
BULL RUN BATTLEFIELD, Henry House, Va., June 16.
COMRADES OF THE TWELFTH JOWA;
When I say to you that i am sorry that I cannot be with you on this happy day, it is a feeble expression of my feelings. But boys, you see I am too far out on the picket-line, here in Old Virginia, to be able to come home to lowa on short notice; but remember my thoughts are with you and my thanks to the good people of Clermont for the honor con- ferred on our regiment on this happy occasion. I remember you well, and the lively times we had down in Dixie in 1861-5. God bless you, boys. Good bye. HENRY STREN, Co. G.
BIRDSEYE, MONTANA, June 7, 1903.
G. B. COMSTOCK, SEE,
Fayette, lowa.
Dear Sir and Comrade :- Your favor just received. I would like very much to attend reunion of old 12th lowa on 19th, but it is just impossi- ble for me to do so. This is the busy season with mining people and I cannot make the trip and do justice to myself, although I promised Capt. Soper that I would attend next reunion. I must disappoint him again-at the risk of a reprimand.
I wish to be kindly remembered to all comrades of 37 years ago,
Yours truly, W.M. L. LANGE, CO. D.
BARRON, WIS., June 17 '03.
G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
Received notice of our reunion and dedication of Lincoln monument and Col. Henderson statue, the gracious gift of that noble-souled man, Ex-Gov. Larrabee. It is with a sad heart of regret that I pen these lines of my inability to be with you at Clermont June 19th and 20th, to enjoy once more the greetings of the "boys" I love so well. I greet you one and all, far and near and hope you will have the best time of your life.
Yours,
W.M. A. KENT, Co. C.
KROKUK, IOWA, June 5, 1903.
G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
DEAR COMRADE :-- I received your letter and program. Am very sorry, indeed, that I cannot be present at the reunion of the 12th lowa. ] have been very ill for the past month and will have to forego this pleas- ure. It comes as a double disappointment, as I was unable to meet you at last reunion. Remember me very kindly to all the boys. Express my thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee for their loving testimony. They sure- ly have left a monument to their memory and a lesson of patriotism to the rising generation. Very truly yours,
EDGAR C. COBB, Co. I.
63
TWELFTH IOWA
LANARK, ILL., June 30, 1903.
Dear Comrades of the 12th lowa :- One of the greatest disappoint- ments of my life was when I received the invitation to Clermont that I was unable to meet you at that time. I have been bed-ridden for a long time with very poor prospects of getting well. I would have died con- tent could I have met you, my dear comrades, and have had one more look into your faces.
My love for Old Glory has never cooled, and I am so sorry that I was unable to rally round the flag with the Dear Old Twelfth.
If the Great Commander shall see fit to gather me home and I never see any of you again on earth, I hope you will all meet me in Heaven.
Yours affectionately, GEO. W. ANNIS, Co. F.
GEORGETOWN, Custer County, Neb., June 15, '03. MR. G. E. Comstock, Fayette, lowa.
DEAR COMRADE :- I just received the notice of the reunion of the 12th Iowa at Clermont, lowa, Saturday evening, and it increased that longing desire to meet my old comrades at a reunion, a pleasure I have never enjoyed. I did resolve last winter that I would attend the first or next reunion of the old 12th fowa and enjoy once more a good hand- shake: but I regret to say that after all my resolves, I am unable to attend on account of poor health. But I will try again.
I hope that I will be the only one that cannot attend, and I hope that you will have a good time and that the reunion will be a success. 1 remember all the old comrades and I think of them often; and if I can- not see them, I would like to hear from any or all of them.
I would like to write more, but it is with mueh difficulty that i write this, on account of my eyes.
Fraternally, FRANK MORROW, Co. D)-
ABSAROKER, Montana, June 4, 1903. MR. G. E. COMSTOCK, Fayette, Iowa.
Dear Comrades of the 12th Iowa ;- Just received notice of our reun- ion. It found me out here among the hills of Montana and in such shape that I cannot meet with you this time. I came out to this country a year ago for my health and took up a ranch, and as luck would have it, I have advertised to prove up June 20. So comrades, you can see it is im- possible for me to be there; but my mind and well wishes are with you all, hoping you will have a good old time. Think of me while you are having it. I will have to close, hoping if there is another reunion of the 12th lowa I will be able to attend. Love to the boys of the old 12th Iowa. So good bye, one and all.
R. L. BIRD, Co. E.
64
EIGHTH REUNION
WASHINGTON, D C, June 12, 1903.
MR. G. E. COMSTOCK, Fayette, Iowa.
DEAR COMRADE :- I received your kind invitation to be present at a reunion of the 12th Iowa Veteren Volunteers on June 19 at Clermont, at which time and place a statue of Col. D. B. Henderson is to be un- veiled and dedicated by our regiment through the courtesy of Governor Larrabee-a very pleasant privilege, for Col. Henderson was one of us on the bloody field of Shiloh, and is one of us still, whom we are very proud to claim and honor. Il is name and fame have gone far beyond the con- tines of the State and Nation, not only as a military bero but as the peer of any statesman in the land.
I am proud to have been a humble member of the famous old 12th regiment, and I regret exceedingly that I shall not be able to be pres- ent at the unveiling, as I personally would receive more honor and pleas- ure than my presence could impart to the occasion.
My heart and thoughts are with you one and all for evermore.
Fraternally yours, S. R. BuRen, Late Adjutant.
PITTSBURG LANDING, TENN .. July 15, 1903. JOHN STEEN, Wahoo, Neb.
Dear Comrade :-. Enclosed find postoffice order for four dollars, the balance I agreed to give for expenses of our regimental association at Clermont, lowa.
Didn't we have a jolly time, and when will we have another? Echo answers when, and should we have one in four years, how many that we took by the hand will have gone to join the final muster, no one can tell.
I am getting along here on the park nicely, except at times I am lonesome. All my partners are away at present on their annual leave of absence. I generally take mine in winter time, for the reason that the line of work I do, I can be better spared from it in winter than at this time of year. Please acknowledge receipt of the order and believe me, Your ever true comrade,
T. J. LEWIS, Co. D.
BURWELL, NEB., June 18, 1903.
DEAR COMRADES OF THE TWELFTH IOWA:
No pen of mine can portray my regret at not being able to answer "here" at roll call tomorrow. But owing to the fact that my aged father of Maquoketa, Ia., is visiting me and I realize that his visits are num- bered; therefore, I am unable to leave home. I desire, however, to join the boys in extending hearty thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee for their kind consideration of us, and especially ask my comrades that when they gather around the campfire they will throw on a rail for me. And I trust our Supreme Commander may permit us to "Rally round the Flag" and enjoy a few more camplires. I commend you all to His care, and remain Yours truly in F., C. and L.,
MELLVILLE B. GOODENOW, Co. 1.
65
TWELFTH IOWA
SEATTLE, WASIL., June 2, '03.
Dear Comrades of the 12th lowa :-- Your secretary's letter of May 15, telling of your reunion at Clermont June 19, and inelosing program, re- ceived yesterday. Yes, I'll be there, in spirit. My body, about that time, will probably be at or near Juneau, Alaska. I'll sing the "Star- Spangled Banner" and I wan't all "you'n's" to "jine in" the chorus.
Do you remember "Pontotoe to Tupelo?" I do not forget it. Some of yon will remember my experience as a nurse, remaining behind to look after the wounded and being afterwards held as prisoner, instead of being returned to our lines, as a nurse should have been.
I am now postal clerk on the steamship, "Cottage City," between Seattle and Skagway. Mrs. Andrews joins in mourning our inability to go to the "banks of the Turkey" to eat turkey with you, also in sending greetings. She also wishes me to add further that she does not forget to remember to scold me occasionally for bringing her so far away from the 12th Jowa rennions. However, we have hopes for the fature.
Yours in F. C. & L.,
Box 1401 Seattle, Wash
HIRAM R. ANDREWS, Co. B.
ADA, KANSAS, June 10, '03.
Dear Comrade Comstock :- Yours of 14th just received, having been delayed by our Kansas flood. I thank you for your kindness in sending me the notice of the reunion. I have a deep interest in lowa where my home was for twelve years. The members of the old 12th have a warm place in my heart. God bless them. flow I would like to see you all. My soldier life was short. When we returned from acting as Jeff Davis' menagerie, and got back to St. Louis, there was just enough left of me to discharge. Reached home at Sand Springs Christmas, '62. The boys as they were before the Shiloh fight are photographed on my mem- ory, and although I have met most of yon since, having been twice at, Manchester. I remember you best as you were in '61-2. I think that ; never loved a man (a man I had never spoken to) as I loved Col. Stibbs, for taking us from Annapolis, Md., as prisoners, to our homes. May his shadow never grow less! Love to all of the boys and especially to any of Co. K. Accept the same for yourself, whom I well remember.
Yours in F., C. & L ..
N. Il. BALDWIN, Co. K.
GRANT'S PASS, Ore., June -- , 1903.
G. E. COMSTOCK, Sec.
Dear Comrades :- It is with regret that I can't be with you this year -I am too far away. I think I shall work back east; Oregon doesn't snit me. I will try to be with you next time.
My health is good. I wish you were all here to eat bear-meat with me today. We got a fine cinnamon yesterday only four miles from town. With love and best wishes to all, I remain Yours, &c., J. 11. Ross, Co. D.
PRESTON, MINN., June 16, 1903.
G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
Dear Comrade :- I received your notice of reunion and program. I am very sorry to say that it will be impossible for me to be there, but with this I send greeting to all "the boys." I know you will have a jolly good time. My best wishes to all who may be there. Ever yours. GEORGE IBNen, Co. B.
EIGHTH REUNION
Sioux Crry, lowA, June 16, 1903.
G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
Fayetle, Iowa.
MY DEAR COMRADE :-- It is with profound regret that I am compelled to say in response to your cordial and urgent request in your favor of the 15th that it will be impossible for me to attend at the dedication of Lin- coln monument, Henderson statue and Reunion of the old 12th Iowa, at. Clermont. I have had the extreme pleasure of being present at every reunion of the regiment except that in 1884, and I look back with the highest degree of satisfaction that it has been my good fortime to attend so many of these grand and pleasurable occasions. I only regret that I could not attend all of them, including the one this week. Hope you may have a successful and glorious reunion. Please express my undlying devotion and love to every old friend and comrade of the "old 12th," and while we know that all of us are getting tar down the west ward slope of life, yet so long as we shall travel that way to the great unknown, we will linger and love each other still. May heaven bless all the "old boys" whether able or unable to be at Clermont.
Yours in F. C. & L., J. N. WEAVER, CO. 1)
Dwianr, Kansas, June 16, 1903.
Dear Comrades: - Received your notice of our next reunion. Am sorry to say it will be impossible for me to be with you this time. Cir- cumistances over which I had no control hinder me. I had my house burned and had to rebuild, and the terrible floods in this country washed out the crops and drowned our stock. Were it not for this double mis- fortune I would be with you. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with the old boys once more before the last roll call. ] hope you will have a good time. I know I would were it so I could be with you. If any of the 12th lowa boys ever come to our county, be sure to come and see me. I live in Morris county near the Rock Island rail- road. Fraternally yours,
J. F. LEE, Co. F.
LINTON, N. D., June 19, 03.
MR. G. B. COMSTOCK, Fayette, lowa.
Dear Comrade :- This, the first day of the reunion of the 12th lowa at Clermont, I am away off in North Dakota, but my heart is with you, and I regret that I cannot be with you. I am up here holding down a claim. Will prove up on my claim next spring, then will go back to Plankinton, S. D., to spend the rest of my life.
I hope you are having a good time. Give my best wishes to all the boys of the 12th and especially those of Co. D. I hope that we may live to have lots of reunions yet. With thanks to you for the kind invitation to the remmion, I remain, Yours in F. C. & L.,
R. C. COWELL, Co. D.
LAWTON, OKLA., June 21, 1903.
Dear Comrades :- I received your very kind letter inviting me to your
67
TWELFTH JOWA
reunion, and was glad you had not forgotten "the little red wagon," as the boys used to call me. Comrades, I am well and hearty and chuck full of fun. for that is what will prolong our lives. I feel as young as I used To be. Yes, dear comrades, be cheerful.
I did think that I would be with you at the reunion, but I am so busy in my shop that it is too much of a sacrifice to leave just now. I would have to be out at least $100. Now, comrades, you will have to excuse me. I send you these few lines to let you know that my heart is with you and that I have not forgotten one of the dear boys, God bless them. I have lived here two years. The first year I was sick about all the time, but since I got acclimated I have had good health. I did not draw a claim, I came too late. I am doing very well running a wagon shop. Boys, write to me and tell me how you are getting along. I have been a widower eighteen years, but as soon as I get old enough I think I shall marry again; so if you come across some dashing widow, send her this way. Comrades, this is all and I remain as ever your friend,
ISAAC JOHNSON, "The Little Red Wagon" of Co. 1.
MAQUOKETA, LA., June 16, 1903.
Dear Comrades :- I am sorry to say that I cannot be with you all at the reunion: but as circumstances are, it is impossible for me to attend. I send my best regards to all and wish you all a jolly good time.
Respectfully, MARION ROLLE, Co. 1.
Timer, S. D., June 17, 1903. G. E. COMSTOCK, SEC.
Dear Comrade: I have your announcement of the reunion of the 12th lowa at Clermont, and am reminded by it that "Again the shadow passes d'er the dial-plate of time." I wish I could be with you once more, but business holds me here. Please convey my warmest wishes to all the members of the gallant Twelfth for a most enjoyable reunion.
Yours fraternally. JOHN BREMNER, CO. F.
ST. PAUL, MINN., June 14, '03. MR. G. E. Comsrock, Fayette, Iowa.
Dear Comrades of the 12th and Co. D in particular :- I am still on earth and drawing rations. I came to yon at Eastport, Miss., as a "raw recruit" for one year and was assigned to Co. D. I went with the regi- ment one year and was with you at Spanish Fort, marched with you to Montgomery and Selma, Ala. Now, comrades, I said I came to you as a . raw recruit: but I had served three years before in what I believed the best regiment ever mustered into the service ( the fifth lowa Inf. ). But I found also that comrades of the 12th lowa were good and true and stood right up on the battle line, always ready for duty. It would give me great pleasure to meet with you at Clermont, but cannot. My wife is an invalid and I cannot leave her. May an all-wise Providence bless and comfort you in your declining years, is the wish of your comrade,
W. H. HOWARD, CO. D.
959 Reaney st.
EIGHTH REUNION
SPECIAL.
'To stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance, and to refreshen the memories of us all, as well as to enliven the patriotic zeal of all who may chance to read this book, I herewith insert a part of Lient .- Col. S. B. Edgington's address given at our third reunion held at Waterloo, Iowa, in 1888 .- (G. E. C., Sec. )
When we think of who is most entitled to praise for saving the union, we do not think of our great generals and brilliant commanders-all bon- or to them and their noble deeds-but rather do we think of the brave men who carried their muskets, that stormed the trenches of Donelson and Vicksburg, who stood like walls of living Blame at Shiloh and Gettys- burg; and of the men who carried their muskets and one hundred rounds of cartridges and marched under Sherman from Atlanta to the sea.
These old veterans we have with us here to the gratitude of every American citizen. The men who carried and the men who followed that dear old flag. These are the men who, in 1861, put pleading love aside, unelasped the dimpled hands of prattling babes fast locked about their necks, parted from wife and child because their country called. Boys who forced back their tears, forsook a father's house and the happy home group, the loved maiden and the joys of youth, and with mother's kisses warm on their lips went to the field of battle, following their flag.
When in my dreams, or when my mind dwells on army days and I think of those killed in battle or died in hospital, or were starved to death in southern prison hells, I seem to hear something saying, "Com- rade, we are in a fairer land than earth; we are in and enjoy a realm where the rainbow shines brightly evermore; where the sun, moon and stars are spread out before us like islands, great and small, on the great ocean of eternity; here traitors never come and treason is unknown. We leave robes of blue, for robes of gray are not used here."
Men who left home and loved ones and endured without a murmur the privations of camp and field: men who stood unmoved amid the storms of leaden hail-yes, brave, honorable and true men who never turned their backs on friend or foe-these are the men who saved our country and flag.
No other country on the face of the earth could have survived and come through so fierce a war with her territory intaet, with the rights and liberties of all her people maintained; none other but this our own Columbia, "the land of the brave and the fice."
These veterans of the 12th lowa Infantry were in twenty-three battles. They were under the rebel fire 112 days. They marched dur- ing their term of service-four years and three months - - 2,670 miles. They traveled by water and land 13,809 miles. Total number of casualties 582. Total number killed in battle, 95. Total number died of disease, 217. Total number discharged for disease and wounds, 247. They were first. in the light and last to leave the field. They suffered in southern prison bells for more than six months, and some for more than a year.
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