USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > Mason City > Reunion of the Second Iowa Cavalry Veteran Association, 1893 > Part 3
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I have an acquaintance in Whiteside Co., Ill., a gallant soldier, a captain of an lowa Co., who draws a pension of $24 per month for guu shot wound. A few years ago he was a candidate for shemaff, on ene democratie ticket. It had been rumored for some time that this wound was but a mere scratch, and my repubhean friends were trying to beat him on the ground that he was not entitled to the pension ue was draw ing. Gen. MeMittin, who you will remember as commanding a brigade under Gen. A. J. Smith at Nashville, was the Special paminer of what district, and hearing of the charge of fraud, carted on the capt and ask- ed him to show hin the wound for which he was pensioned. . Certain- ly." And the Capt. showed him a sore on one aukie about as large as a half dollar. "Is that what you draw a pension on?" "Well, isn't that enough? If you want it you may have it all for $12.50." And that is all the satisfaction the General got, and returning to Sterling he found the Examing Surgeon and denonneed him for benig a party to such a fraud, and threatened dismissal. At this point the capt. was driving by and was called in by the Doctor. "i want you to show the General your wound, " and the capt. began to roll up his trousers, to show the sore on ankle, but the doctor stopped him with, "Not that; show the wound on thighs." And a wound was disclosed very similar to the one just de- scribed. Chagrined at his position, the Gen'lexcrammed : "Capt., why in h-Il didn't you show me that this morning?" 'The Capt. replied, "Because I do not have to go around showing my sore leg to every d-n fool in the country!" And ne was right. After having filed his claim and having complied with the law, ant the requirements of the Pension Burean, one does not have to groan and nmp, and exhibit himself to ev- ery one. He has a right to be proudly silent. And the man who groans the loudest is not always the one who suffers most.
* There is no question but what there are numerous cases where pen- sions have been acquired through fraud. It could not be otherwise, even though for twenty years the agents of the pension office have been in- vestigating charges of fraud, and have stricken hundreds from the rolls. But they were and are but a drop in the bucket, and such cases are rare- ly found outside the ranks of the cowardly skulkers, with which every regiment was cursed, and of which number each company bad its quota. Comrade , you will, I believe, bear me out in saying that taking one reg- iment with another these skulkers in each company contd be counted on the thumb and fingers of one hand; and when frand has actually been perpetrated it is in a majority of cases traceable to the rascality of some unscrupulous pension attorney. The brave, true men who per- formed their duty under each and every circumstance, whether on the lonely pieket post or the weary march; on the hotty contested battle line, or in the reckless, daring sabre charge, are not the kind of men to perjure themselves for a paltry pension. And here let me say that no class of citizens are more earnest in their denunciations of fraudulent pensions than the soldiers themseives, and none have rendered more ef- flcient aid to the government in bringing the guilty parties to justice.
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
If pension legislation has been too liberal, charge it not to greed or fraud on the part of the soldier, but rather to the spirit of patriotism and the high sense of honor and justice abounding in the hearts of a loyal and a grateful people.
It is true that the pension voll has grown to vast proportions, but we do not forget that it required a vast army -yes. the "Grand Army of the Republic. " to save the Nation, and to vouchsafe to us the happiness and prosperity we have enjoyed.
Then baek with me for a moment, if you will, to the dark days of July '62. when doubt hung like a pall over the land ; when the mighty chieftain Grant, and the brave and invincible Sherman, with that grand army of the northwest were investing Vicksburg ; when that splendid army of Virginia, under the great Captains, Lee and Stonewall Jackson, had invaded Pennsylvania and were marching on Washington; and when the north, with blanched cheeks. and palsied with fear lest that magnificent army of the Potomac, under the gallant Mead and the su- pero Hancock should fail to drive back or even hold in check the rebel hordes. Imagine the situation if in that supreme crisis when the life of the nation was hanging in the balance, if the union armies as one man had refused longer to risk their lives in battle, even to save the na- tion, and had resolved to turn their backs toward the enemy and march for home and loved ones. O, what a wail of exhortation and entreaty would have greeted their ears! "Oh, Soldiers, halt and turn back! Re- member that you are Americans! Be true to your trust! Do you duty this onea: save us from invasion: save the nation; and with the flag tri- umphant, call upon us for whatever you will ; command us, even to the half of our kingdom, and it shall be yours!"' There would have been no caviling about pensions then. But the boys in blue did not falter ; they did not tuen their backs upon the enemy. They did not forget that they were American Soldiers! They did not refuse to die for their coun- try and their flag! And by their supreme courage, and by their blood, they rent a rift in the dark pall of overhanging clouds, so the nation, aye, the world, canght a glimpse of the glory of the coming of the Lord, at Vicksburg.and at Gettysburg! Yes, they were true to their trust, as they were all along the line from Donaldson to Appomattox! Oh, my countrymen! let us not forget the times, the circumstances, and the peril under which many of these, my comrades, won their rights to pension!
Weed ont the frauds; purge the pension roll of every unworthy name-every true soldier will join with you. But let it be done decent- ly. Let it be done honorably, and with a dignity, a justice becoming this great Republic. Give every one his day in court: accord to the sol- dier, be he ever so guilty, at least the same privilege that would be giv- en the vilest criminal. Let the axe be wielded by the bare arm of Jus- tice, and not by one who suspends upon suspicion, and condenms with- out a hearing. [ Loud and prolonged applause. ]
Col. Horton's grand speech, coming from great earnest, loyal heart, went right to to the hearts of the comrades, and its honest, eloquently expressed sentiments of patriotism were very evidently endorsed by the entire audience of citizens as well as soldiers, who joined in the hearty applanse.
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SIXTHI REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
As a most fitting close to the grand "camp-fire," Mr. C. F. Kayser, in full, rich baritone voice, sang
"THE LAST VETERAN."
I am standing on the summit of a century of years, That hath measured the life of our nati :n, And I see adown the mountam a flood of blood and tears, That was shed for our country's salvation! And I see a mighty legion, who for the nation's life Went forth in young manhood's fresh glory And I see a mighty legion, who perished in the strife, Now sleeping in garments stiff and gory! (Chorus)-
And we're going soon to meet them in that "bivouac of the soul," As the shadows a. ound us give warning, And I want to see my comrades, when the Angels call the roll, All ready for " inspection" in the morning.
We were boys when we enlisted, and these wrinkl'd brows were fair, And our eyes were undimmed in their vision, And the "frosts that never meft" had not gathered on our hair, And our step had not lost its precision; But the years have built their terrace ; on every comrade's brow, And age makes our weary limbs to quiver,
And the frosts are falling thick, and we're on the "double quick, " To the camp that is "over the River. "
(Chorus)-"And we're going soon to meet them, " &c.
But tho' the veterans vanish, their children still remain, The deeds of their fathers to cherish, And the cause for which we battled, our children will maintain, And the foes of our banner shall perish. For we battled not in vain if still that banner waves, Through ages our nation adorning,
And loyal hands shall plant it 'mid the flowers upon our graves, Till the great "reveille" in the morning!
Cho .- And we're going soon to meet them, in that "bivouac of the soul, " As the shadows around us give warning ; And I want to see my comrades, when the Angels call the roll, All ready for "inspection" in the morning!
With very happy and effective closing remarks from President B.A. Beeson, the Association adjourned until 9 o'clock a. m. Wednesday .
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH-9 O'CLOCK, A. M.
Association called to order promptly on time, President B. A. Bee- son in the chair.
Letters and telegrams from absent comrades were read, and the Secretary directed to place these names and addresses in the Report, and publish so much of their letters as will be of general interest to the Association, and space will permit.
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
Complying with this order, your Secretary first presents three com- munications, the last we shall ever receive from these dearly loved com- rades-they having, since our reunion, all answered "HERE" to roll-call on the " Other side" :
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL., Sept. 25th, 1893. W. A. BURNAP, Sec. 2nd Iowa Cav. Vet. Ass'n :
Dear Comrade- Yours of the 2d inst. at hand. In reply will say that it is exceedingly painful for me to inform you that owing to circumstan- ces over which I have no contro!, it will be quite impossible for me to meet with you this year. I cannot express in words my feelings of dis- appointment. The expressions of hearty congratulation that were lav- isned upon me so generously two years ago will never be forgotten while memory serves me. If a kind Providence so orders I shall hope to meet you two years hence, at your next reunion. You have my best wishes that the meeting this year may be in all respects equal to any of a pre- vious date. Accept my best wishes and kind greetings to one and all of the old comrades who may meet you in Mason City,
Yours in F., C. & L., DATUS E. COON.
[The beloved old Commander was accidentally shot by a friend, at San Diego, Ca'., at 9 o'clock, Dee. 16, 1893, and died about 2 o'clock the next morning. Your Secretary presen's with this report a copy of the best memorial likeness of our old Commander he conid procure, knowing that all will be glad to secure it.]
PRESTON, IA., Sept. 25, 1893. WV. A. BURNAP, Mason City, Iowa:
Dear Comra le-Your letter requesting my attendance at our Regi- mental reunion Oet. 4 and 5, is received. Nothing would give me great- er pleasure than to once more meet my oid comrades harms. My health is such it is dangerous for me to leave home. Any excitement brings on my old complaint, heart disease, and I am fearful of the result, knowing that the last time I met with the boys it was months before I recover- ed so as to be around again. Give all the boys my kindest regards, and say to them if I am not permitted to meet with them again on this earth, that I hope toanswer the bugle call on our last camping ground an I see the old band again united. Ever your old comrade,
SAMUEL FOSTER, Late Major 2nd Ia. Cavalry.
[Maj. Foster died at his home Oct. 31, 1893. ]
DAVENPORT, IA., Sept. 7. 1893. W. A. BURNAP, Sec'y :- Reserve a seat for me at my Co. table. I ex- peet to answer roll-call once more with the boys at Mason City. Tell
them I am coming. S. A. BISHOP, Late Capt. Co, 1, 2nd lowa Cav.
[Capt. Bishop did not come. He was stricken with illness before the reunion, and died at Davenport Dec. 5, 1893. ]
This have passed away since our reunion, three of the loved com- manders in the ol Regiment. . "Peace to their ashes."
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
CAMBRIDGE, ILL., Sept. 27, 1893. W. A. BURNAP, Mason City, lowa :
Dear Comrade- Your kind invitation to your next reunion has been duly received, for which accept my many thanks. Our Circuit Court will then be in session and I cannot for that reason get away then. I regret it. I know you will have a good time ; you always do. I will always have a warm side for the 2nd lowa boys. I have been with you so much, that I feel like the girl at Collierville, Tenn., (where the 2nd la. camped so long) that " there is a little 2nd lowa Cavatry in me." Feel- ing assured that you will have a splendid time, and that this may be one of your best reunions, and feeling that not to be there is my loss, I say, "Comrades, God bless you!" I am yours, &c.,
A. R. MOCK, Late Col. 9th Ill. Cav.
[Telegram]
WASHINGTON, D. C. Oet. 4, '93.
To W. A. BURNAP, Mason City. Iowa :- It is impossible for me to be with my old comrades to-day, but I am with you it all of my sympa- thies and affections. Hope your meeting may be in every way enjoya- ble, and future prosperity come to each and all. W. P. HEPBURN.
[Telegram] WHARTON, O. T., Oct. 4. 1893. W. A. BURNAP, Mason City, lowa :- Am with you, heart and soul. Sickness prevents bodily presence. G. W. BUDD.
[Telegram] OMAHA, NEB., Oct, 5. '93.
To 2nd lowa Cav. Vet. Ass'n-Comrades: Expected to be with you to-day, but business prevents. Remember me to the boys. God bless you all. J. A. GILLESPIE, Co. G.
POST-OFFICE, HOLTON, KAN. Oct 3rd, 1893.
Comrades of "I" :- I enclose $1.00 Keep me in good standing. Send me a badge, and such other good things as you have left after the feast. I am sorry that I failed to be with you. None would have enjoyed it more than I. It seemed impossible for me to come. We have a reun- ion the 11th and 12th of Oct. You, my comrades are especially invited to be present. Make my home yours. Eat my food; smoke-O, smoke my cigars; wear my clothes, and all shall be as free as the water you eat or the air you drink. You shall run the camp-fire, run the city, run the jail, it you desire, and no one shall molest or make afraid any member of the 2nd lowa Cav. We have no World's Fair, but, if you come down, we'll "go through" the gayest "Midway Plaisance" you ever beheld. (This is confidential and should be read in a lower tone of voice) eelips- ing even Louisville in her best days. Hoping to be remembered by all, and to meet you at the next reunion. I remam as ever "JONES, OF KANSAS."
CoL. J. P. SANFORD, from Wheaton, Is., through his Secretary writes: "Has been sick for six weeks, so it will be impossible for him to meet the boys in reunion, much as he wished to do so. It is a great disappointment to him as he has been looking forward to it with much pleasure. Remember him kindly to the boys. Ile feels that it will not be long that all the boys can meet together. [Signed ] I. L. LYON, Seely.
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
CHICAGO. Oct. 2nd, 1893.
W. A. BURNAP-Dear Comrade: A severe accident to my chief As- sistant renders it impossible for me to leave home. I am very much di appointed as I had anticipated great pleasure in meeting the old members of the 2nd la. Cav. My connection with the Reg. was com- paratively brief and very unsatisfactory to myself, as to the service I was able to render, but I formed many very pleasant associations which I shall fondly cherish as long as I live. It has always been a great dis- appointment to me that the reunion generally takes place the same week as my conference, which it is absolutely necessary for me to at- tend. This year I shall not be able to attend either. Remember me af- fectionately to all the dear old comrades and tell them to come and see me in Chicago -51-53 LaSalle St .- where they will receive a hearty com- rade's welcome. Hoping that you may have a grand time, I remain Very truly and fraternally yours, C. G TRUSDELL.
FORT LOGAN, COLO .. Oct. 1, 1893.
W. A. BURNAP-Dear Comrade: I send you all greeting, and my heart will be with you throughout the proceedings of this your 6th re- union. I know Co. I will be well represented and I request that Capt. J. N. W. Rumple make a detail of Lon. Cleaman and old man T. T. Tur- ley, one to pick and the other to eat a pound of those grapes for me that the Secretary mentions in his circular. Hoping that none of your shad- ows will ever grow less, and that I may have the pleasure of meeting all of you at next reunion, two years hence, I remain
Yours, while life lasts, W.M. L. BACKENSTO, Co. H.
GARWIN, IOWA, Oct. 5, 1893
Comrade W. A. Burnap :- Please tell the boys we had expected all along until yesterday to be with them and enjoy once more a hand-shake but circumstances said otherwise, and we had to submit; yet it was with the deepest regret, for we longed to see the boys of old Co. I' again. God bless them, these more than brothers! Burnap, just shake" old ".Pap" and "Bliss, " Hobbs, Smith, Dodd, Jones, Bennett-oh, ALL the boys' hands. and tell them "God bless you!" for me.
B. F. HAMMITT, ('Old Steers').
WEST BRANCH, IA., Oct. 1, 1893. W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: It is with a feeling of regret that I cannot be with you at this reunion. as I have never missed one before; but my wife is suffering with a broken limb. caused by a runaway. * ** Give my respects to the boys. especially of Co. B.
Ever fraternally yours. JOHN LEECH, Co. B.
MOLINE, ILL., Sept. 28, 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: I regret very much to be obliged to write you that as urgent business calls me from my home on the date reunion is being held, it will be impossible for me to be with the surviv- ors of the grand old Reg't. Remember me to all who are present. L hope you may have a grand good time, and that all may live to attend many more reunions of the reg't. Very truly, N. R. ZEIGLER.
,
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
ARNEY, IND., Sept. 30, 1893.
Comrade Burnap-Dear Sir: I regret to tell you that it is impossi- ble for me to get there this time, but if we live to the next reunion. I will make my arrangements from this time on to come- if this adminis- tration don't ent my pension off so Lean't. I do want to live to meet the boys once. Now, Comrade, please notify me where and when the next will be, so I can make preparation for it. Yours in F. C. L., WM. D. SWEARINGEN.
DUBUQUE, LA., Oct. 2, 1893. W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: Iam sorry to say that I cannot at- tend the reunion, as I am not able to travel so far. But my heart is with you all, and I wish you much pleasure. Yours truly,
D. SUTHERLANT.
GILMAN. LA .. Oct. 4, 1893. W. A. Burnap, Sec'y: My health is so that I cannot be with you this time, but my heart is. God bless all members of the old 2nd lowa Cavalry, let them be where they will. Remember me to all. Ever yours, ROBERT ANDREWS. Co. B.
GRAND JUNCTION, IA., Oct. 2, 1893. W. A. Buruap-Dear Comrade: It is with regret that I pen you these lines, as I have been looking forward for a long time to this meet- ing, and now circumstances are such that I cannot be with you. *-
* * * But stand by the old flag and the union which we so nobly de- fended. and we will be all right yet. 1. 11. FORD, Co. I.
MUSCATINE, LA., Sept. 15, 1893. W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: I am getting too old and feeble to undertake such a trip. I tried to attend the last reunion, walked seven miles in the rain, but was too sick to go after reaching the train. Yours respectfully, W. D. LAWRENCE.
CORNING, LA .. Oct. 2d. 1893. W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: Find it impossible to be with you. Give my kindest regards to all the comrades. Yours in F. L. and C., E. H. SHEPPARD, CO. K.
STANWOOD, LA., Sept. 27. 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: Have received your notice of reni- ion of the old 2nd Casa, and it grieves me sorely to say that I cannot be with you. yet such is the case. But I have promised myself that anoth- er one shall not go by (if I know of it ), without my taking a hand, so long as I may stay upon this ball and am able to make the trip. heart goes ont toward yon and is with you in sympathy. My
How i would rejoice to meet yon. to look into your eyes, and
grasp your hands. * I am with yon in spirit if not in per- son. Yours, in F., C. L. - also, in that still stronger bond, the mingling of blood in the strife for the preservation of our common country.
M. I .. SIMMONS, CO. C.
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
SOUTH ENGLISH, LA., Oct. 2, 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: I have deferred writing you from day to day, hoping that my health would be such that I could stand the trip to Mason City ; but this morning I am compelled to attend "sick calle something I never done in my three years of service. Co. G. will attest to that fact. I imagine I hear " Old Jack " sound the bugle .To Horse. " But, boys, Lam done for, for this time. It is not my fault I am not there. . You will remember me as one who was always on hand for duty. May God blessall of you, is the wish of "Old Mont." JOHN MONTGOMERY. Co. G.
ROCK CENTER, Sept. 9, 1893. W. A. Burnap. See y :- It is impossible for me to be present with yon this year, nmich as regret it. Yours fraternally, M. C. HALLETT, Co. II.
BANDON. OREGON, Sept. 24, '93. W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade : I received your kind letter, and you may be assured that I was glad to get a letter from one of the grand old Reg't, as I have met but few since our discharge in '65. One of .D' Company lives in this county. W. H. Worler. He is a commander of Gen. Lytte Post, while your humble servant is com'dr of Bandon Post No. 56, o! this place. Am sorry that it is impossible for me to be with you. 1 will say once more, my kindest regards to all. May God be with you all till we meet again. Yours. in F. C. L., JOHN W. FELTER.
HAYNEVILLE, ALA. Oct. 2, 1893.
Comrade Burnap :- I regret very much that I cannot be with you and the boys of the 2nd on the 4th and ath inst., but at the last moment I find I cannot. Please convey to those of our comrades who may be there my regrets at not being able to meet them. I know it is my loss.
Truly yours, J. V. MCDUFFIE.
OAKLAND, CALLE., Sept. 19, '93.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade : I wish to say to the boys, that my heart is with them. and that even as I read your letter the recollections of '61 to '65 will come like dashes across my mind. causing mingled feel- ings of joy and sorrow, and I well know that those tender sentiments were shared in by the entire reg't. Tell the boys that I visited Gen'l Coon, in San Francisco, a few days since. He looks older than he did in 1855. but his eye is as bright as ever, and his carriage as erect as upon dress parade, The General is the only person I have seen on this coast who was connected with our Reg't. Remember me kindly to every one. I am very truly yours. JOHN S. SCRIBNER. CO. H
KOSSUTH. TOWA, Sept. 26, 1893.
W. A. Burnap -- Dear Comrade : It is with feelings of deepest re- gret that I And myself compelled to answer your invitation in this way, for I had fully expected to be with you and the rest of the boys at your coming meeting. Remember me to all the boys, especially to Co. K. Hoping the meeting will be a grand success. we are with you in heart. Yours in F. C. and L., I. W. BANDY AND WIFE. Co. K.
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SIXTH REUNION SECOND IOWA CAVALRY.
LAMAR, KAN., Sept. 30, 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Sir: It would be one of the greatest pleasures of my life to once more meet the old comrades and again look into their faces and clasp their hands. But this I can never expect to do, being in very poor health. For nearly ten months I have been sick, and for six months out of the ten was confined to my bed and house, and now just able to be out a little. * * May God bless you all, is the prayer of JACOB KIRBY.
Your old Comrade,
MT. VERNON, IA., Sept. 12, 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade : I am sorry to be compelled to fore- go the pleasure of meeting the boys at Mason City. Nothing but sick- ness or the imperative calls of duty could prevent my attending. The Upper lowa Annual Conference of the M. E. Church meets Oct. 4. As a Presiding Elder the interests of thirty-one appointments and of near- ly forty preachers are in my hands. I shall greatly feel * the deprivation of not being able to respond to the hearty hand-shake of the comrades of the grand old regiment. Please convey my greetings and best wishes to the Association, with my thanks for the honor con- fered in making me their Chaplain at last meeting.
Yours, in F., C. and L., J. B. ALBROOK. Co. I, Chaplain 2d Ia. Cav. Vet. Ass'n.
FAIRFIELD, IA., Sept. 30, 1893.
W. A. Burnap-Dear Comrade: I fully expected to be present with the boys at Mason City, and fall in for roll-call and grub call, and all oth- er "calls, " but it so happens the Trustees of the College for the Blind, at Vinton, lowa, have their last meeting for this year, beginning Tues- day, Oet. 3, and as I am one of the Trustees, will have to be present, as this is one of our important meetings, and I want to attend this meet- ing and the reunion also, and will if possible; and if it should happen that I do not get to be present with you this time, remember that my name is BELL, and that I am still ringing for the grand old Second Iowa Cavalry; and hoping that you all, (as I know you will) have a grand good time together, and that the boys will go home feeling that it was good to be there. I do not see how I can stay away, but I may have to this 4
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