USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1890 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 18
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Now, comrades of the old regiment, do you propose to submit to such red tape humbug? The subscription books of the Bugle have been inspected by the Postmaster at Rockland, and I have made an exhaustive reply to the P. O. officials at Washington.
While indignant and annoyed by the above conduct, I feel the comical side of the issue, and I want the Third Assistant Postmaster- General to understand fully and emphatically that the First Maine Cavalry boys were, all the time from Sept. 3d, 1861 to Aug. 11th, 1865, just spoiling for a fight, and ever since their discharge have carried a chip on each shoulder, desiring nothing better than that some one should attempt to knock it off.
Now, I want every member of the grand old regiment to arm him- self with the biggest goose-quill he can find, and if necessary, to sling ink as effectively as he unslung carbine, years ago.
If we enforced the search and seizure part of the Maine Law at Newport News, Va., in August, 1865, we do not propose to be balked by the merest kind of a merely technical construction of the Act of March 3d, 1879, Sec. 14.
In fact when it comes to a question of technicalities, the Third Assistant Postmaster-General is much more disabled than our asso- ciation, for the revoking of the temporary permit of Aug. 23d, 1890 does not invalidate the permanent permit of Jan. 26th, 1891. That Mr. Red Tape is way off his base by his own forgetfulness.
If the wolfish appetite of Mr. Red Tape, who stands up stream from the lamb-like First Maine Bugle, propose to find cause for eating the lamb, by accusing him of making the stream so muddy that he can- not drink from it, then twice a thousand men from Maine shall know the reason why.
Turn now to something more refreshing and worthy of endeavor ; consider the advance we have made during the past year, and how
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much closer we stand because the generous subscription of the reun- ion at Skowhegan assured the publication of our magnificent History.
Since that inspiring endeavor we have grown fat on the viands of the Revere House and City of Boston food at Deer Island, and as each Call of the Bugle has reached us " four times a year," we have held a figurative but effectual Dress Parade.
Now then, we are going to hold these imaginative Dress Parades with fuller ranks and better music, till the answering echoes shall warm the coldest heart. " Blow, Bugle, blow, set the wild echoes ringing."
OBITUARIES.
Mrs. Edward (. Cobie.
The funeral of Mrs. Addie (Phipps) Tobie, wife of Edward P. Tobie, local agent of the Journal, was solemnized April 28th, 189i, at the residence of her husband, No. 148 Broadway. There was a large gathering of mourn- ing relatives and sympathizing friends present to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. There were also present a number of the mem- bers of Tower Relief Corps, W. R. C., of which the deceased was a member, besides several of Mr. Tobie's newspaper friends. The remains rested in a cloth-covered casket and appeared very life-like. On her breast was pinned the badge of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the First Maine Cavalry Association, of which the deceased was a member, and also, the badge of the Women's Relief Corps. Rev. J. J. Woolley, pastor of the Park Place Congregational Church, officiated and spoke in eulogistic terms of the life and character of the deceased. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Trafton sang " Beyond the Smiling and the Weeping," and "Shall We Meet Beyond the River." The gathering was given an opportunity to take a parting look at the deceased, after which the remains were conveyed to Swan Point Cemetery, where they were buried in the family lot. Messrs. Charles A. Lee, of the Gazette and Chronicle, Frank E. Greenslitt, of the Evening Telegram, Col. Alonzo E. Pierce and Capt. Henry F. Jenks, serving as pall-bearers. The floral offerings were numerous and appropriate, and included a combination pillow and bouquet with the phrase " Dear Wife " inscribed thereon, from the husband; a re- clining cross upon which was the word " Mother," from her two children; a bunch of roses and mignonette, from her niece, Miss Grace E. Tobie, of Portland, Maine; bouquet of roses, from Miss Clara E. Baker; bouquet of roses, from Mrs. Avah Starbird; a large bouquet of callas tied with white ribbon, from Mrs. Jacob W. Mathewson; a sickle of roses, from Mr. and Mrs. Jacob W. Mathewson : a basket of roses, from Josiah W. Seabury; a bunch of roses, from the employees of the local branch office of the Journal ; a massive reclining anchor, on the base of which was the word " Rest," from the " Newspaper Fellers"; a massive cross, from Tower Relief Corps; a wreath, from Tower Post. No. 17, G. A. R. ; a basket, from Misses Charlotte and Kate O'Reilly; a large basket, from the school committee; and a bou- quet of roses, from Miss Laura Roberts .- Providence Journal.
DEATH OF A BRAVE AND TRUE MAN.
PROF. N. B. WEBB AT LAST GIVES UP THE STRUGGLE AND RECEIVES HIS REWARD.
The death of few persons in Boulder would cause such universal sorrow as that of Prof. N. B. Webb, which occurred Sunday afternoon, April 19, 1891. His disease was consumption, from which he had long been a sufferer. The funeral services were held at the Rogers block, where he and his wife had rooms, on Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Davis, of the Baptist church. Hundreds of his former pupils attended, each carrying a floral offering, and a large procession of them marched to the cemetery. The members of the school board acted as pall-bearers and the teachers and people generally attended, showing the strong hold the deceased had upon all.
Nathan B. Webb was a native of Maine and in the forty-ninth year of his age. He served honorably through the Civil War, enlisting September 20, 1861, in Co. D, the first Maine Cavalry. He participated in all the marches and battles of that noted regiment, until June 17, 1863, he was taken prisoner at the cavalry battle of Aldie, Va. He remained in prison until Sept. 12 1863, when he was exchanged and rejoined the regiment. March 11, 1864, he was promoted to Sergeant for meritorious service, was wounded at Deep Bottom, Aug. 16, 1864 and, on November 25, 1864, was mustered out by reason of expiration of term.
During his service was laid the foundation of the disease that finally caused his death.
He afterwards chose the profession of teaching, which he followed for seventeen years, the last seven being spent in Boulder schools, resigning last February. He had a gift of inspiring pupils with an enthusiasm and love for their work possessed by few, and was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. Prof. Webb was a modest, unassuming man, but one who did his duty under all circumstance and remained at his post long after nature ordered him to retire. His work and his memory will long survive him, and the universal respect and sorrow of the hundreds of pupils whom he instruct- ed is perhaps the best indication of his real character and of the influence that it will exert in years to come.
On July 24. 1890, less than a year ago, he was married at Cambridgeport, Mass., to Miss Amanda M. Power, an excellent lady, who has the sympathy of all in her early sorrow .- Boulder Col. Paper.
His .. p. 515. Picture, P. 513.
Errata Call No. 1.
Page 75. under date of Feb. 7, 1887, strike out B, and have it read "3 groups of officers."
Page 76, under date of Aug. 18. page 215 Co. L, add " Carson center."
Page 76, under date of Aug. 18, strike out 173, Co. C, and insert "page 4SS. Co. B, Burton center."
Page 76, under date of Aug. 25, strike out 215, and insert "page 632, Co. L, Ricker center."
Page 76, under date of Aug. S, strike out 22, and insert 644.
The account as printed, would indicate that page 215 of pictures was paid for twice, also that page 173 was charged twice, hence the need of the above corrections.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Entered at the Post Office, Rockland, Me., as Second-Class Matter.
CAMPAIGN II. APRIL, 1891. CALL 4.
"The neighing troops, the flashing blade, The Bugle's stirring blast."
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, AND WILL CONTAIN THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE YEARLY REUNIONS OF THE FIRST MAINE CAVALRY, MATTERS OF HISTORIC VALUE TO THE REGIMENT, AND ITEMS OF PERSONAL INTEREST TO ALL THE MEMBERS.
REUNION AT SKOWHEGAN,
September 30th, 1886.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS
AT THE DEDICATION OF THE CAVALRY SHAFT AT GETTYSBURG.
EDITOR, EDWARD P. TOBIE, PAWTUCKET, R. I.
Published by the First Maine Cavalry Association.
ADDRESS J. P. CILLEY, Treasurer, ROCKLAND, MAINE.
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ATTENTION!
C OMRADES of the " First of Maine," you have heard Reveille, Stable Call and Roll Call.
By the exigency of our printer, Comrade Emery. I have been forced to blow this and the two previous calls in quick succession, with hardly time to recover my breath. I never send forth a call to you without seeing in imagination your extended ranks and feeling the inspiration that comes from your presence thus brought before me. But such exaltation of feelings demands some response. Did Reveille awake you? Did Stable Call prompt you to feed your horses? Did you answer at Roll Call ?
I am out of breath. My lips are swollen. They do not fit the mouth- piece of the Bugle. I know not how to designate this call of the Bugle. It is No. Four -- the last of this year's issue.
I feel as I have felt often, after even a day of successful fighting, weary and waiting with somewhat of foreboding and depression to receive from the adjutant's office the report of the losses and gains of the day.
The first call of the Bugle cost $154.05 plus postage. The Roll Call was also expensive. Not one-third of the members of our association have paid for their Bugles at this date, Feb. 2d. 1891. Please read the introduction to the Stable Call in the October number that reached you in January, IS91. and reflect on this subject a moment. If in doubt what to do, consult with your wife and children.
Of course the Bugle is going to blow. whether you do your part or not : but is it fair to call on the same detail of men time after time to contribute of their means for our financial success ?
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You will notice one growing feature of the Bugle which is rich and prom- ising ; namely, the increasing number of letters from our comrades. These communications possess all the interest of intimate family correspondence. and are read with pleasure by all the members of our regimental family. Simple, natural, kindly letters, just as bright and fascinating as letters from home while we were at the front. New features will be added from time to time, among which diaries kept at the front will be given in the curt, short manner they were kept in the field, and thus bring those scenes again before us, mellowed by the halo of more than a quarter of a century. Every dollar of the money paid for the Bugle will go to improve its contents and increase its size. I wish to insert a little egotism, even as St Paul inserted some egotism in his letters, apologizing for the same as he did by saying, " I speak as a fool." I do it to place the shot where it is needed. It was customary. perhaps necessary, to swear in the army. My word was simply " damn," and that word I have refrained from using since Lee's surrender. Now while I . give the kindest sympathy to every letter from every comrade who is finan- cially oppressed, or who is disabled by injuries or diseases received in the service, and is heavily burdened by cares of family or those dependent on his labors, to all of whom some comrade will send the Bugle as a gift for their encouragement and happiness, I wish to say with soldierly directness to all you who whine, and to you who whine and also find fault because the Bugle has dents on its surface, to you who write you do not consider your_ selves members of the association, to all you who shirk your personal finan- cial responsibility to the association, to all you who wish to be coddled and fed with a spoon, damn you !
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves !
All of which is "respectfully submitted " for your consideration and action by your friend and comrade.
J. P. CILLEY.
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION
OF THE
FIRST MAINE CAVALRY.
The fifteenth annual reunion was held at Skowhegan, Thurs- day, Sept. 30th, 1886, and was heralded by the following kind words in the Somerset Reporter : -
FIRST MAINE CAVALRY.
Every Maine man or woman, in whose breast a spark of patriotism burns, is proud of the record of the First Maine Cavalry. Other Maine regiments are entitled to high praise for their mighty deeds of valor, and there were doubtless just as good men and officers in other organizations that went forth from the Pine Tree State in support of the government during the Southern rebellion; but the cavalry service gave opportunity for a better display of those dashing, daring deeds that Maine men in the war were dis- tinguished for, than the other branches of service : therefore, whatever regi- ment was second, the First Cavalry must be first. It is much to say that it was the best cavalry regiment in the service, but Maine men generally hold this to be a fact, and we strongly maintain that there never was a better regiment of cavalry than this same long-armed, stout-hearted, dashing body of patriotic troopers.
There is the kindliest feeling among veterans of all Maine regiments and soldiers in the infantry and artillery arms of service, and of the navy : while as a matter of course their first love and pride is their own organization, they vie with each cther in doing honor to the glorious First Maine Cavalry.
The citizens of Skowliegan are favored this year by having this veteran association hold its annual reunion with them.
The programme embraces a soldier's dinner for the members of the asso- ciation only, at a room in Hesselton's new block, a parade about town under the escort of Russell Post G. A. R. and Skowhegan band, should the weather prove favorable, and a grand camp fire in the pavilion in the evening. The Ladies' Relief Corps have this in hand which is a sufficient guaranty that it will be a success. The arrangements are all made for a good time with
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
speeches, songs; "yarns," music by glee club and band, recitations, etc., etc. Prominent men are expected from other parts of the State. The waiters at the banquet are to be the daughters of the First Maine Cavalry veterans who reside in the town and vicinity.
The following members are residents of Skowhegan: Zenas Vaughan, George E. Goodwin, Dennis Murphy, Frank Bickford, Dow Baker, Melvin J. Allen, Charles Smith, Llewellyn Goodwin, Henry Bray, John R. Webb, Converse Webb, John H. Wyman, Charles Foster, Daniel Foster, N. S. Hawkes. Our people take pleasure in welcoming the veterans of the late war to our village and thus show their appreciation for their heroic acts dur- ing the period of our country's peril. May the day be far distant when these deeds shall be forgotten.
It was a perfect September day, just the right degree of heat for comfort, bright skies overhead, but a trifle muddy underfoot The first detachment of fifteen arrived Wednesday after_ noon, the second, including the Massachusetts Branch of the First Maine Association, lately organized in Boston, arrived on the early train Thursday morning, and the last and by far the largest number came upon the special train that arrived at 11 A.M. Immediately upon its arrival the veterans gathered at Grand Army Hall, where the necessary business of the organ- ization was transacted.
THE BUSINESS MEETING.
The business meeting was presided over by the President." Capt. Zenas Vaughan.
The report of the Treasurer, Gen. Jonathan P. Cilley, was read and accepted.
The following were appointed a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year : Field and staff, Major George M. Brown : Co. A, Frank I. Smith ; Co. B. Andrew J. Kimball : Co. C, Sergt. Lorenzo Chamberlain ; Co. D, Edwin Hill : Co. E. Capt. George W. Hussey; Co. F, Capt. William S. Howe: Co. G. Lieut. Henry F. Blanchard ; Co. H, Sergt. George E. Goodwin; Co. I, John G. Cummings ; Co. K. Sumner B. Newbegin ; Co. L, Corp. William F. Ricker ; Co .. M. Sergt. George L. Fassett. This committee attended to their duty, and in due time reported a list of officers. The
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
report was accepted, and the officers as thus nominated were unanimously elected as follows :
President, . . COL. SAMUEL H. ALLEN, Thomaston.
Recording Secretary, LORENZO CHAMBERLAIN, Hallowell. Corresponding Secretary, LIEUT. ORRIN S. HASKELL, Pittsfield. Treasurer, . GEN. JONATHAN P. CILLEY, Rockland.
Gen. Cilley male a report on the matter of the publication of the regimental history, urging upon the comrades to every one make an effort to have the history printed. and soliciting subscriptions for a guarantee fund for this purpose. Remarks were made upon the subject by Comrades George M. Brown, John French, Milton F. Ricker, Albion C. Drinkwater, and others, and a large amount was pledged, of which $112 was paid before the adjournment of the meeting. The committee on the publication of the history, which consisted of Gen. J. P. Cilley, Major Geo. M. Brown, and Lieut. Edward P. Tobie, was increased by the addition of Comrades Charles A. F. Emery, Co. A, Albion C. Drinkwater, Co. A, Chas. F. Dam, Co. F, Samuel W. Lane, Co. A, John French, Co. M, Augus- tus L. Ordway, Co. L, and Nathaniel L. Owen, Co. M.
On invitation of a comrade, it was voted to hold the next annual. re-union at Hallowell, but this vote was subsequently reconsidered and it was left discretionary with the officers to call it at some other place, if it should be found impracticable to hold it at Hallowell.
Comrade Charles E. Moulton suggested that the wives and daughters of the comrades of the regiment organize an associa- tion to be known as the " Ladies' Auxiliary of the First Maine Cavalry." This suggestion was approved by Gen. Cilley and other comrades, and it was voted to invite the ladies to so organize, and that they be invited to attend the re-unions of the regiment.
THE PARADE.
In the afternoon the veterans formed a line and took a turn about town on foot, escorted by Co. E. Skowhegan Light In-
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
fantry, and Russell Post No. 96, G. A. R., with music by Skow- hegan Cornet Band. passing along many of the principal streets and breaking ranks about 4 o'clock. When the line was formed for the procession the cavalry was attacked by a com- pany of young ladies, the daughters of veterans, with pins and button-hole bouquets. It is needless to say that the cavalry was not " driven in." Every man stood the attack like a hero: There were no casualties from this sudden surprise.
THE CAMP FIRE.
In the evening a camp fire upon a grand scale was indulged in, and thanks to the Ladies' Relief Corps, assisted by the First Maine men in town, aided by citizens generally, it was a happy success. A gentleman present remarked, " The ladies of Skow- hegan beat the world in getting up suppers," and the cavalry- men concurred in that sentiment, if generous praises, both individual and collective, are an indication. The hall was very tastefully trimmed with the national colors festooned about the platform, bunting and Chinese lanterns pendent from wires strung from the galleries from side to side, and plants, flowers and autumn leaves tastefully arranged. The tables were laid for three hundred, and, under the electric light, with every seat around the long tables occupied, galleries well filled by spectators, with the battle flag, guidons, names of battles etc., made a pleasant picture - an object lesson in patriotism.
Invocation was offered by Rev. C. M. G. Harwood, and then twenty-six young ladies, in white caps and white aprons, daughters of veterans, were introduced as waiters by Comrade Bickford of Russell Post, G. A. R., and on being introduced they sang " The Battle Cry of Freedom." In response to this song, Major Brown proposed three cheers for these daughters of veterans and for the person who conceived the happy idea of providing such exceedingly acceptable waiters. The cheers were hearty ones. At this juncture an advance movement took place in which cavalry, infantry, artillery, State militia, grand army, civilians and even ladies took part. The cavalry fought dismounted, every man engaged, not even leaving No. 4 to hold
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION. .
the horses. After the victory had been won Capt. Vaughan rapped long and loud for order, getting it very gradually, and it was a mild type of order after he got it, but it seemed to be the best specimen of the article that the happy crowd had at hand, and the captain took it for what it was worth.
Capt. G. S. Sewall, Commander of Russell Post G. A. R .. in behalf of the Post, Ladies' Relief Corps and citizens, extended to the visiting veterans words of warm welcome.
At this juncture Capt. Vaughan announced Maj. George M. Brown, the invincible Bangorian, as toastmaster and he "did himself proud" in that position.
The toast, " First Cavalry " was responded to by Gen. Jon- athan P. Cilley who gave some very interesting facts and statistics in regard to this regiment. He spoke of the generous subscriptions made that day by the members of the association assembled there, and promised that by the time of the next re- union the comrades should have a history worthy of the name and reputation of the regiment, because he knew and every member of the regiment knew, that never had. a call been made or a duty required of the regiment wherein the men of the "First of Maine " had not surpassed the high expectations that went forth with such call. He also read the names of those who had died since the re-union of last year, and the members at his request stood with bowed heads during the reading. The names are : Major Paul Chadbourne, whose whistle in battle was nearly as effective as the smooth pebbles in David's sling : Serg't. Windsor B. Smith of Co. K, Late Department Com- mander of Maine, whose measure of joy was filled by his privi- lege of attending our reunion in Portland last year, and the next day, in peace, he departed for " Fame's eternal camping ground ;" Serg't. Christopher A. Page of Co. A, and Charles S. Davis, whose tragic death by railroad accident was followed on the day of his burial by that of his wife.
The sentiment " Our Annual Reunion " was responded to by Dr. S. A. Patten of Skowhegan ; "Our Fallen Comrades," Rev. C. M. G. Harwood of Skowhegan ; " Ladies' Relief Corps and Ladies of Skowhegan," Rev. J. M. Frost of Skowhegan ;
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
". The Grand Army," Gen. Isaac Dyer of Skowhegan ; "The Massachusetts Association," Col. Albion C. Drinkwater of Braintree, Mass. This concluded the regular schedule, after which Major Brown made details with more or less success upon various veterans present. Col. William S. Howe of Lewiston, Milton F. Rieker of Auburn, responded with remarks. and Frank J. Savage stood the detail on a story. The speeches were interesting and appreciated by the large audience.
The exercises were interspersed with music by a choir con- sisting of Messrs. A. R. Smiley, Wm. Plummer. E. E. Sturte- vant. Mrs. G. A. Hawes and Miss Georgie Low, accompanied on the organ by Miss May Smith ; also music by Skowhegan Cornet Band, Harvey Goodwin leader.
Miss Lillian C. Smith, daughter of Comrade Sewall W. Smith of Co. HI, read the following original poem, written for the occasion : --
AROUND THE CAMP FIRE.
Comrades, hark ! Was that the drum To whose roll our pulses beat ? Do you hear the summons come, Blent with tramp of horses' feet? Listen, are our leaders calling ? For, with blood like sparkling wine,
One by one the boys are falling Into martial rank and line.
See the old-time fire leaping Into every veteran's eye, -- Smouldering embers may be keeping Sparks from flames that never die ; Ha! was that the noise of battle. Just beyond the horizon's bars? Do you hear the cannon rattle Round our bannered stripes and stars ?
Nay, we dream; the war smoke, looming From the field we thought to charge, And the cannon's sullen booming Like a desert-born mirage, Fades away ; and comrades meeting, Gather round our camp fire's blaze, While our hearts, in time. are beating Marches learned in other days.
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION ..
We remember many a camp fire Canopied by heaven's blue, Where the red flames, darting higher. Lit up faces bronzed and true; Faces of those seen no longer, Still they bivouac afield - Hearts throb requiems, deeper, stronger, And their praise our memories yield.
Ah, my brothers, cowards linger, Men of Maine could dare and die : Following duty's beckoning finger We have seen our foemen fly ; Where the fight was hottest ever, Were the Pine State's gallant sons. For she never bore one, - never, . Who could fear the rebel guns. Comrades, who forgets, I wonder, That Spring day at Middletown. When Virginia heard war's thunder Up the Shenandoah and down : When we kept back foes, pursuing, While each heart defiance beat, Thoughts of home our strength renewing As we covered Banks' retreat.
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