USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Records of the 26th Mass. Regiment Association, 1874 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
CHAPLAIN HAYWARD
was the next speaker. He said a year ago i was your guest: to-day you are ours and we greet you. It has been my privilege to march to-day and keep step with heroes who have stood for truth and the right. There's a tie that unites sol- diers that never can be broken. I thought to-day I never saw a nobler set of men. The time is coming when we shall know each other no more, but to-day we are "the boys," and we feel like the boys marching to the music of the Union. If I desire anything, it is this : That when I shall be ealled away my body, may be wrapped in the glorious stars and stripes and gently laid away by my old com- rades. Since last year. when we listened to one oll veteran esteemed by all, he has passed away. He of the silver tongue, the soldier's champion. the generous Patch. has also left us. We thought last year he would be here to-day to welcome you. But he's gone. Yon know the rest. May we each
-
"so live that when our summons comes to join The innumerable caravan that moves
To the pale realms of shade; where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death,
We go not like the quarry slave at night,
Scourged to hi- dungeon, but sustained and soothed."
In every Future conflict with the wrong woman is to stand side by side and shout- der to shoulder with us. May we meet again another year.
LIEFT. ROBINSON
said he had never been to but one of these reunions before for he had been in other parts of the country, but he was heartily glad to be present at this time and to see those whom he had not seen since the war. Ile recalled a reminiscence of Ship Island where the flag staff was erected.
COMRADE BAL.COM
of Ashland was the last speaker. He re- gretted the time was so short, that so many had been obliged to leave and so few. comparatively. had spoken. He related a story.
President Reed said he wanted five or seven men from among the association to shoot next year for the Wellington trophy. He wanted them to begin to practice for it. for it must be won. This was one of the happiest days of his life, he said. and he was proud to see so many of his old comrades about him. He was glad to look into such pleasant faces and o sce what good eare they had taken of themselves. Hle hoped all would meet next year at Lawrence.
Thus ended one of the happiest of ocea- sions. and thus it is that hearts are kept warm and the fires of patriotism are kept burning in the patriot's soul. -
James F. upham Seentary
181
1
182
183
Report of the IS" annual Reunión of the 26" Mars, Regt, Axiciation held at Laurence Mars, Och,"18" 1888
The Business meeting was held in Needham Hall Post 39 la. R. and was called to order at 11 iclick by the President Lieut Geo, Q. Reed,
The Report of the secretary was read and accepted,
The Report of the Trasuna Sergh, D. H. Hall was also mad and accepted,
The death of the following causades who have died during the year was reported Priv. G. B. Darling La " B " Cent. Rufustr. Cowdin " Priv Suivreon Grow. Cork, Ett. Soaper , " I" 11.
The death of the following Generals under when the Regiment Served in the Shamandrah Vally Campaign were reported,
Seul. Philip H, Shesiden died aug 5/8 11 W. H, Every 11 Dec.1/87
11 11
H. H. Birge Grover
June 1/88 " 6/85
184
The following canrades wen appoint- ed to relin land report a list of officeis to be balloted for to serve for the enowing year,
les , " A , " Serge, D. F. Slater Shuman J. H. Balcom 11 11 Freman Holmes
11
11
11 bork, bol, Prú
1
11
11
1 Sergh. Qui burke,
Pr. At, Chapman a. L. Gilson I lennither I. R. Fulton I. V. Holough Frank Young
Valed- to take a neces during the absence of the committee,
Out the return of the committee the meeting was called to order, they are- posted the following names as officer A serve the coming year.
For President Pri, J. M. Balcan
" Vice Aries, Priv Henry hood DVia Posled, In A . lo hapan Jeary. J.F. Upham Tras, Sergh D. H. Hall Valut to accept the report,
Valed. That the seem deposit a ballot containing the above names, they were then declared by the chan elected
185
Votet, That the same can, retin and bring in a leer of names to serve on the Executive committee, The committee imported the following names,
Paix, Lehar M, Kent 11
11 bork, Fireman Holanes 10.08 11 11 11 Lait, S. P. Blod gett 11/11 Priv, l. H. Giles 11 11 1/ PHIL Hogan - Serat. J. R. Huithow
" "A, 11 11 "K"
M. a. Lathrop
11 F. M. Balcon the committee was
The report 11
of accepted, and it was
Viled that the seentry defecit a ballot containing the above named for Executive committee, they was declared elected by the Chair,
The next business in order being The place for the next reunion, the chairman stated that he would mad kellers from bath &M. Thompson 12"Marie Regt, and leal, Saley q" I am, Regt, inquesting the 26" Regt, and Others who Belonged to the old Brigade to join in a Reunión at Camp Chance Lowell Sept, 19" 1889, after rehuanks by leach Thanksen 12" Marine who was procent and others belonging to our Next it was Voted Jeunanimously to hold the next Recumin Sept, 199 1889 av le amp Chase Lowell Mars,
186
Genel. Banks our old Dept, Com- mander having arrived was warvely greeted as he was excited to a seat near the chair,
Valed. That all members who sexide at Lowell constitute a committee to arrange for the next Reunion,
The kill being called the following comrades were found to be present, Col. J. a. Sawtell lo, "a" 12 Lo,"B" Continued Priv, Lamin Atesley
Leul b A. Richaule on SI, Upham Sergh, Joseph Field
1 Beny , W. Parker 11 Priv. M. L. Barrett. 11 a. I Dunnnella
11
J. B. Wilson 11 Henry Mod
Chat, M, Kent 11
11
У. Е. Аркадия
11 I'm a. Johnson 11 Cha. Johnson Serge . I.F. Slater Cook S. O. Deau
leo," B " 13 Luis G, C. Messer Cansezam, Fr, Going Clark, ON, Both 11 Dmuma J. H. Balcon Priv. A. E. achor 11 a. B. Brown 11 Gilbert book 11
6, Capelle
Corps, Freeman Holmes 11 11 6, E, Porcheron John MC allister Musician N. E. Story Pri Eest, Peterson 11
11
11 Peter Gulick J. a. Parker J. L. Hov and,
60. "D' 4 Sergh Heran In Gordon Cork, & M, blond Priv, Chat D, Wells Dev . In Grave 11
187
60. " 16 Lol. W. H. Chapman Lecit S. P. Blodgett 11 Geo. A. Reed Can Sergh D. H Hall lenk , & R. Burrough Musician J. H. adama Pris, Rob, Fletcher 11 De Filed 11 2, Smith g, H. Slevan 11
11 S.F. Vedle & A, Wood 11
11 Samuel Whitney
Everitt Wheeler 11
1, 2, E, Wheeler a. B. Wheeler
60, 5,12
Ceaper J. a. Try Sergh ans & Jones Thomas & Pamish Corp I. P. Banes Pri, alonzo Bouman 6. Dane. Jacob Foxx 11
11
a. L. Gilson
11 6. St. Giles
11 Geo. Ingensom John Burner 11 amos L, Poole 60 ."C" 5 leaten, James Brady Lacut, a. Starkweather look & Gunther 11 Lo. English Pris, Patrick Hogan
Sergh J. F. alexander J. R. Fulton Priv. E. F. bushing Walter M. Fulton Fireman Hutchins 11
60. ""11 Sergh 6 has. T. Noulburg Musician Calvinils, Greenword Priv, I. V. 6 lough 11 Thomas &, book 11 6, 8, Drew 11
Patrick Higgins
11
D, E, Worthley
E. Sullivan 11
11
Ser. Mr. Farmington
11 Peter Ward Chat. F. Ham 11
Co . "K" 6
Capt. d. R. Fletcher bank, F. young C. h. Dame Pris, FIM, Balcon 11 Daniel S. Vaughn
11
Meander Patrick
Total present 94
188
The secretary informed the comrades that Geul. Jones had sent a picture of himself and that they would be distributed during the driver hour after remane by the Chairman wi relation to a nifle match which was to take place within a few weeks at South Thamingham Was, and calling for Volunteers to make up a team to represent the Regiment is was Noted to adjourn
Immediately after the adjournment of the business meeting a line was formed in the street, and headed by Drummer adams of lea "l" and a fifer the comrades marched to the common. to the soldier monument, around which they marched with uncovered heads the city hall was som reached, on the steps of which the boys arranged Themselves with Geul, Banks in the
Centre. to have a large picture taken, after being photographed a short manch thought the comrades back to the grand army Hall, to partake of the bountiful driver which had been provided from the funds raised by our cannade Patrick Logan, Extract from the Lawrence Daily Eagle, orary member of the association. He was followed in turn by Mr. Greenhalge, Lieut. Richardson. Capt. E. W, Thompson, Capt. Brady and Be dress, all of whom made elo- quent remarks.
After the inner man had been thoroughly satisficd, cigars were lighted and all settled back prepared to enioy the eloquent and pithy speeches which followed. The first speaker introdued was Mayor Mack. He eulogized the soldier and spoke words of welcome to the boys in bluc. The next speaker was Gen. N. P. Banks and he re- ceived an ovation. When his name was mentioned cheer after cheer was given and it was some moments before he could be heard. Rising, he said: "I am deeply touched at the reception you have accorded me. I do not know that there is a regiment under my command during the war that has for me so many pleasant recollections as the 26 Massachusetts." He then recounted inci- dents that had occurred in h's relations with the regiment which had. he said, become stamped for all time upon his memory. In closing he said : "Never shall I forget you or your gallant services " At the close of his remarks, the general was made an bon-
The committee of arrangements wish +o extend thanks to all those citizens who gen - erously contributed toward defraying the expenses. And the association, besides vot- ing thanks to Mr. Patrick Hogan, the chair- inan of the committee, also passed a vote of thanks to Needham post for the frce use of the hall.
After giving three hearty cheers for Gen Banks, voting thanks to the members in this city who had done all in their power to make the occasion a success, and after a few »hort remarks by the president, an adjouin - ment was made unnl the next reunion
J.F. Wpham Secondary
189
190
191
Report of the 16' annual Reunión of the 26" Mage, Regement Neeviation, held at Camp Chase Lavill Mark Seph 19" 2889
The Business meeting was field in the lange building on the Fair grounds and was called to order at 10:30 by the President of the association Frank M. Balcon,
Report of the Secretary was mail and accepted.
Report of the Treasure Vergh D. H. Hall was also read and accepted,
The death of the following 12 laurades who have died during the you won reported 1
Private "Richard allen Co. "6"
Reuben Coleman George Brooke "
IL
J. W. Koffer "
Benj Skinner
11 6 11 R. Hay worth 12 Henry F. White" 11
11
lente
Patrick L you 11
James Kidd, 11 Samuel Morchance" IL 11 Dennie Mele arte" 11 James N Mc Kenna 11 also our old Sutter Otro Tarbell died in aug 189
Voted that a committee of one from cach Company be appointed and that they active ated bring in the names of the office to be balloted for
192
to serve for the caring year,
Voted- That each company afabout a conrade to serve on that afin can,
The committee appointed wen as follows les, a lenk. I. B. Wilson 11 11 Sev. a. adams 11 le 2 Sergh, Is Crockett lehav. T. Hayden Cal Nim H, Chargeman 11 Sergh, Sev. H. Muzey
こ い
4
4 4
K,
Jevist Walter M. Fulton Piwo, Ser. W. Farrington thank young
The abom committee after consultation reported the following list of officers to serve for the enruling year For President
First Vice Prix, Henry Mod,-Secon Vice Pour Leal, M. A. Cheapen Secretary James t, Whom Trax.
D. H. Hall Executive Committee
lei Fa
E. R.Davis Via
A
11 "le" S. Mcallister "& LIFE lloyd a & S.P, Blodgett
"K"
Q. le worther Q R. Füllen M. a. Lothrop S. H. Abbott
Voted, that the report of The Committee be accepted
193
Vated That the secry, deposit a balot containing the names of the officers recommended by the committe.
The Mall bring called the following named comudes won found to be present.
Queis Cal, Sna. Sawtelle
adjutant Geo. E. Davis ant Surgeon Lowcugo & For Band
Jame Palson
60, "a"18 60, "13"18
Lieur D. T. Upham Ihlal I. S. Cook
Et Emergo
Luis 6, 6, Mexer
look, Joseph Packard Q.B. Wilson
leonseight. Fr Going lemp. Sen a. adama ON, Booth A. M. Griess
Priv. S & auetin
9
Mich, Bassett
SM. Wheeler
Chat, A, Emerson Patrick Aallein Musician D. H. Balcan 11 Chas M, Kent
Priv. H. E. achoru 11 a. 13, Brown
Isaac Peabody &, a Sawyer Robb Spencer 1
8. L. Davis
S.W. Griffith
4
11
F. E, Sprague Janet. Tarfor CI
S. a. Ritelfield
Ricarica Brown 1
4 Joah moulton
11 I'm a. Johnson 4
John Shattuck
11 Char Johnson
6, P, Sawtelle 4
Samed Jackson
Co 6. 8
Carje le, E. Porcheron John mccallieten 4 ST. Peterem Musician V. E. Story S. a. Nowlou 4 Prú James L. Howard a
Pris. Johnle guin
6. a. Parker
194
leo, 0, 8 1"Sergh Chas. F. Hayden
Pris. U.F. Barne 4 4
a. Chickening Chas D Wells Awrace Butter
4
HIF Flood wMC Lane
60, 8, 33
Cal, Mr. A. Ce hartman Liest SP, Blodgett. E. E. Haynes
11 So. a. Need Can Say Dat, Hall. Sergh le, W. Parklumet Etrk S.F. Blove 11 Privi SRBonmighe
6, a Banks Robb Fletcher Sev. Flood 4
4
11
le, WiFletcher
9
4 4
. S. Handle, a. b hamphere fabrice Monroe
4
4
G
4
G. S, Puffer D. Shee han Fr H, Stevens S. F. Teele & B, Taft James A. Model
les. E. Continued Prio, METB, Whitney Saml, Whitney E, Wheeler John Wayne a, B, Wheeler Mason Wheeler Seo. N. Sawyer Henry de, Pense Traothy Sheehan leoit.12
Sergh, R. H. Foster Sau H. Muzzy 11 Corp. T. P. Barnes Priv alonzo Boroman I, E, Barnes 11 Jac of Free a. L. Gilou
John Turer Clio Sticking a. & Podle + V
4
leash Jane Brady In 6, P, Pickard Lient, a, Starkweather
Seighle P Hoan Gmp & le mother Se
Seo. England Pris. andrew Farcry Patrick Biff Syan
195
lo, "K" !!
leerp. "
of, H. abbott Nr. E. lerle E. L. Goddard 4 I. T. Hammond
4 WW K, Ingraham Frank young
11
Char th. Same F. H. Balcon O. W. Balcon
11
Edward Naves
Patrick Menander
"
leo , "A" 9 Leur 8, 8, Hay I'Dergh J. F. Alexander Seo. N. Frich
4 Samer R, Fulton 4
Priv E. F. busting 1 Walter M. Fulton John Brooks
Mich Havard
4 8.2, Ripley
60, ", "14
Munician 6, N. Greenwood Priv. L. V. Clough
11
Thomas Cook
11
alfred Nydle
11
Thomas Will
m. a. Dochup
/1 B. R. Thomas 11 D. E. Worthley
11
11
11
P. A. Romney 11
12
11
4
14
a
13
4
142
8 4 9 K 11 11 Co. Fr, Nach 11 J. A. Howard
18
18
33
Voted- That the next Rocumin be held at Boston Mare Och 18 - 1890
Voted, That the secretary of the association and lownade &E. D Now exist the Executive Con, in arranging for the next Reunion,
Field Staff
3
Band
/
lev, G.
7
8
11
Total Sercecant. 142
11
11
196
a letter was read from OUR. alice le. Wielu (mec Hammer) of West Clarins Mo, sending greeting to men- bere of the 26" Regiment to whom she and her mother became acquainted with while visiting the quarters of the Regiment in Lafayette Son and the Custom Itouse and Makitales inviten Orleans, she requested a water of the Regiment it was voted that the secretary acknowledge the reciph if her communication, and send over the Rester as requested,
a large abel flag which was captured by Ale, Story les 6, and others near leank blase in 1861 was shown to the Comrades by the secretary bunade story who was present and when thought the flag with him to the recurring explained to gounite a number after the close off the wines Meeting the circumstances connected with it display from Fost Hill, and the exciting time I in its caption, and bringing same vinto chunk, after a work of thanks to our sturing Asident S, M, Balcone for the table manner mi which she has performed the duties of his office, it was Voted to adjourn,
Secretary
197
From The Lowell Morning Times Sept. 20/89
VETERANS' REUNION.
Memories of Camp Chase Revived at the Fair Grounds.
Half a Regiment Eat Beans and Listen to Speeches.
Comrades Meet for the First Time
Since the War.
The long expected reuniou of the Camp Chase veterans took place yesterday at the fair grounds and was a signal success in spite of the steady rain which prevent- ed the parade. The organizations includ- ed were the 26th and 30th Massachusetts, 9th Connectleut and 12th Maine regiments of lufantry and the 3d Massachusetts cav- alry. The meeting was suggested at the annual reunion of the 12th Malne veteran Infantry last year, at which it was de- cided that this year the regiment should meet in Loweil.
In the latter part of the summer of 1861 a camp ground was established on the fair grounds and named Camp Chase, in hou- or of Hon. Salmon P. Chase, then seere- tary of the treasury. To this camp dur- ing the fall of 1861 were sent a portion of the recruits who were to form part of the companies and regiments that made up the New England division that Gen. B. F. Butler was raising. The first regiment organized was the 26th Massachusetts, commanded by Col. E. F. Jones, now lieutenant governor of New York. "l'be 9th Conn. regiment, commanded hy Col. Cahill, joined the 26th at this camp late in October or carly in November, and on the 22d of November these two regiments left the camp for Boston, and from there were transported by steamer Constitution to Snip Island, which is located in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Mississip- pl. After the 26th Massachusetts and the 9th Connecticut left Camp Chase, Lleut. Col. Jonas H. French took command of the camp, and the recruits that had been gathered there for the Eastern Bay State regiment (afterwards knowu as the 30th Massachusetts) went into camp on that portion of the grounds that had heen oe- eupied hy the 26th Massachusetts. On the left of this regiment the reerults for three companies of cavalry that were respectively commanded by Capts. S. Tyler Read, James W. Magee and Franeis A. Durivage went into camp. In December, 1861, the 12th Malne regiment was sent to this eamp. Jan. 2, 1862, the 30th Massachusetts, the cavalry and the 12th Maine left the camp, proceeded by ears to Boston, marched to Boston eom- mon, where dress parade was held and a flag presented to the 30th Massachusetts, Lient. Col. French commanding, after which the troops embarked on transport Constitution. Jan. 11 the steamer left Boston harbor hound for Ship island. They were delayed about two weeks at Fortress Monroe aud did not arrive at Ship island until Feb. 2. The other troops which formed with these the New England division, eame from Maine, New Hampshire. Vermont and Connecticut, and arrived later, and Gen. Butler com- meneed operstlons in conjunction with Commodore Farragut, which resulted in the surrender of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, with the eity of New Orleans. There were from Lowell three companles In the 26th Massachusetts, A, D, and 1I, and four companies in the 30th Massachu- setts, B, C, Fand H; also about 50 men in the three compaules of eavairy, most of them being in the third company, com- manded by Capt. Durivage and after- wards by Solon A. Perkins.
FORENOON EXERCISES.
The Lowell companies, accompanied by l'ost 120 G. A. R. band, went to the fair grouuds ahout 9 o'clock. The hall of the fair grounds building, where the dinner exercises occurred, was elaborately decor- ated for the occasion, by S. M. Patterson, and some war reilcs and trophies were there displayed. The names of regimental organizations aud batties in which they participated were prominently displayed. When all the veterans had arrived at the fair grounds there were in all 425 present, as follows: Twenty-sixth, 140; Thirtieth, 125; First Malne, GO; Ninth Connectient, 35; First Maine cavalry, 35. Regimental elections took place during the forenoon, As follows:
TWENTY . SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS.
Preahlent, John 11. Balcom of Ashland; vlee president. W. II. Chapman of Everett ; secretary, J. F. Upham of Boston; treasur. er, D. If. Hall, West Acton; executive com- ilttee. F. E. Spragne, E. L. Davis, John McAllister, J. F. Loyd, S. P. Blodgett, Amos Jones, James Crowther, James R. Fulton, M. A. Lathrop, S. H. Abbott.
THIRTIETHI MASSACHUSETTS.
President, Gen. N. A. M. Dudley of Bos- ton; vice presidents, Lewis Toohey of Law. renre, B. F. Whittemore of Woburn; secre- tary, Adams Emerson of Chelmsford; treas- urer, B. F. Whittemore of Woburn; trustees, last year's board with the addition of Col. C. A . R. DImon and Col. Jonas If, French, NINTHI CONNECTICUT.
President, Willlam Wright, New Orleans; vice ' president, Lawrence O'Brien, New Haven; sceretary, Willlam Gleason, New Haven; treasurer, George F. Cook, Bridge. port.
THIRD CAVALRY.
President, Edward J. Noyes of Lowell; secretary and treasurer, C. I. Taylor, Low. ell.
TWELFTH MAINE,
President, J. W. Thompson, Bangor, Me .; vlee presidents, E. W. Thompson, Lowell, Edwin Illsley, Elmerick, Me .; secretary,
S. M. True, Belfast; treasurer, S. II. Purm- ton, Portland.
DINNER AND SPEECHES.
The dinner was served at noon by Page & Nuun, 500 plates being set. It was a substantial feast of baked beans and brown bread, cold meats, reilshes, cake, coffee and ice cream, to which full justice was done, some of the vets saying they came hundreds tof miles to get "one sqnare meal at Camp Chase."
Lieut. E. W. Thompson presided and near him sat Mayor Palmer, Brig. Gen. Dudley, Col. Jonas H. French, several members of the common council and well known members of the military organlza- tions.
Lieut. Thompson called to order and made the following
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS :
Comrades : Twenty-eight years ago this autumn, with the fire of patriotic devo- tion burning in your hearts and the ery of "Save the Union" ringiug in your ears, - a large proportion of those before me were mustered into the service of their country at this place. Gathered from the farms and woods of Malne, and from the shops and mills of Massachusetts and Con- necticut, the art of war, the necessary discipline of the service, and the danger, disease and death that, lurked in the future were to you unknown. But the faith of the union soldier was strong within you and It lasted uuto the end. Upon both sides of the rebelllon yon carved a record that is a part of the most glorious history of your country, and when treason was sconrged from the temple of freedom you passed from the flush of vietory, and dis- appeared in the field of peace. For a quarter of a century you have seen the fruits of your valor and devotion aod the valor and devotion of your comrades multiply and increase. You have seen prosperity pouring its treasures from the horn of plenty in the north and in the sonth and in the east and in the west, but how many there are of you and your com- rades who have fallen to the rear in the raee for prizes. Broken In health, hroken in strength, with old wounds, diseases and disabilities, covered, perehance, by a fair exterior, you cannot compete with lusty young manhood or the cheap labor of in- rushing immigration. Let us look back over the years of peace, flushed with in- ereased and increasing valnation, to those four years of terrible struggle, with the pay you had in paper promises, to the prom- ises made when you entered the service. How false they were! How hollow the professions! How base the pay! But there is a gradual awakening regarding your relation to the country, and what the country's duty is to you, and while we are not here to discuss parties or in- dividnais, let us be a unit in saying that the liberal policy that has been inaugu- rated in the treatment of the maimed and broken down heroes who made the union of to-day a possibility should in no wisa he hampered, while the old soldier has a voice to protest and a ballot wherewith to emphasize it.
Comrades, you have stood short pay and short rations, and always took kindly to short marehes and short sermons. Let this he a day for short speeches, in order that we may hear a great manv. I close here to set the example. You have come back this day to the birthplace of your regimeuts, and the city that parted with you with prayers and blessings has taken you again to her heart and hids you wei- eome. I call ou Hon. Charles D. Palmer, mayor of the city of Loweil, to speak in her behalf.
MAYOR PALMER'S ADDRESS.
Mayor Palmer was received with three rousing cheers and made one of his best efforts, his remarks being as follows:
Mr. President, Soldiers of the Union Army, Gentlemen : It Is most gratifying to me to be present on this occasion and to offer you a sincere and cordlai wel- come in behalf of the city of Lowcii. We are pleased that you hold your reunion here, on the very spot from which so many of you went forth to battle, and we are proud that Lowell has a share in your inheritance of honor. Yon bave met to- gether to renew old assoelations, to recall the days that are past, and to ilve over agaln the eventfui success of which you were a part. You will experience once more tho 'righteous indignation against armed rebellion, which burned in every loyal breast. Again you wlli feel that thrill of fervent patriotism which inspired our best and bravest to offer up their lives on the altar of thelr country. You will be filled anew with that resolute purpose which shirks from no danger and ylelded to no discourage- ment. Yon will realize afresh the hopes and disappointments, the struggles and the agony of those four years, and you will rejoice once again over victory, unlon and honorable peace. To our brave and patriotic sons who fought for their coun- try's cause coming generations will give thelr meed of praise, and render unto them the honor which Is their due. But better than any earthly glory is the guerdon they have won in the knowledge that they did their duty. For them, In its hest aud nobiest sense, virtue is its own reward. It is for us, citizens of the ro- publie they have saved, to acknowledge with grateful hearts the debt we owe them and to invoke the blessings of pros- perity and lifelong happiness upon every soldier of the Union army.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.