USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1890 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 19
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Brandy Station sends us greeting ; Aldie with its tongue of flames Calls us, at this peaceful meeting. Speaks again its hallowed names : Here, we faced a fearful fire, There, a noble captain fell. He who led your boys up higher. Dear old town we love so well.
In that awful day of battle, At whose name our cheeks are white. When men fell like slaughtered cattle Till the welcome gloom of night. On Antietam's field of story, Cireled by its horrors, where Many a brave soul passed in glory, Comrades, some of us were there.
When we met the foes advancing. Steel of purpose clashed with steel.
And the lightning of its glancing Lit up all that hearts can feel, When we sent them southward, reeling Back from Gettysburg, that day. -- Ah! your glances are revealing That we were not far away.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Cedar Mountain, we remember ;
We have been at Chancellorsville, --- Some were there that this September, 'Neath green tents are sleeping still. At Bull Run we saw disaster ; Some have slept in prison walls -- Libby, Danville, - fast and faster Frightful memories each recalls.
On the field, amidst the roaring, How horizons will enlarge, And we saw the world imploring That we keep our sacred charge ; And we felt the joy of knowing That our leader was divine, That the blood from brave veins flowing Was earth's sacramental wine.
Since the thirteen stars shone, never Was our flag so bright before, And its starry rays, forever, Shall illumine Freedom's shore ; Greet it, brothers, greet our banner, With a thousand loud huzzas ! Praise the Lord with loud hosannas Who in heaven set our stars ! Greet the absent who assemble In the heavenly land to-night, They who made foul evil tremble. They who robbed him of his might : Greet our dead, -- ah, no, our living - Comrades, they can never die ; Love for love hearts will be giving While the stars and stripes shall fly.
Lo, they send us back a message Flashing from the heavenly dome, -- Let your happy. meeting presage Our reunion in God's home,
Where each man shall know his brother When the Great Commander calls : "Earthly comrades, greet each other," Fall the words from heaven's walls. Yes, we greet each other, gladly, When we think of those old days: Yes, we greet each other, sadly, When we think of parted ways : We have given sons and brothers, We have given life and limb ; Some could dare and die, but others Needs must watch till eyes grew dim.
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
Where the Southern cross is beaming Nightly, in the Southern sky, By the great Pacific's gleaming, Where Atlantic's waves dash high, Where the Northern lights are streaming And the steady pole-star shines, Lives our praise, - more than our dreaming --- Comrades, who of us repines ?
If the world is growing better For our gospel of the sword, If we broke one evil fetter Teaching men that Christ is Lord,
If our deeds have taught His story, If man knows and helps his neighbor, Then our eyes have seen His glory, We have tasted fruit of labor.
Miss Minta J. Mosher, daughter of Comrade Benjamin C. Mosher, of South Norridgewock, read the following original poem, prepared for the occasion : - -
The battle of Aldie We shall never forget, For deep in our memories Are thoughts of it yet.
There gallant Douty fell. And Summat of Co. H; Who the sorrowing tale can tell, Or relieve our hearts from ache?
Then a reb was seen advancing, Holding Rebellion's flag, The First Maine boys charge forward, And down he dropped the rag.
"Save me! I surrender!" he faltered. In piteous, cringing tones ; The foe came bounding to his aid. And he shot a comrade down.
A bullet from the enemy In a comrade's arm found place. But the reb was seen retreating. For the ground had scratched his face.
But all those times are dim, And many tales can ne'er be told : Yet ever and ever remember that man Is never to be bought or sold.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
And we hope to be finally quartered In ranks secure from sin, When in heaven the bugle is sounded, May we all be mustered in.
These poems were listened to with the closest attention. and were gratifyingly received. The following letters were read : -
HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH INFANTRY, FORT CLARK, TEXAS, Sept. 21st, ISS6.
COMRADES, - Although far away from your place of meeting, I shall be with you all on that occasion in spirit and sympathy, and must borrow the voice of some comrade to convey to you this message of greeting, congratu- lations and good will. The First Maine Cavalry was big enough to repre- sent the whole State of Maine, and I hope its survivors with you will be so numerous that their voices are accustomed to awaken echoes in all her hills and valleys, even to her remotest corners. Your place of meeting is well chosen. Skowhegan is a hub on the axle of the State. It is also a centre of great wealth, culture and refinement, and the home of some of our best and most distinguished soldiers. As each reunion comes round I regret my loss at not being with you. If I were only within striking distance, not a single meeting would ever be spared my presence. These meetings should become more and more sacred. Can you realize that you are already a ven- erable body ? There is not a young man among you ; and whatever else you may boast of, the airs and assumptions of youth will never become you again. I have just been forcibly reminded of this fact as it relates to myself. I had occasion to make a tour of duty through a portion of this forlorn Western Texas, which General Sheridan on one occasion unfavorably compared with h-ll: I went without wagons. tents or bedding. I slept, or tried to sleep. on the ground in the open air : but somehow the ground seemed to be harder and far more uncomfortable than it did twenty odd years ago. Even the three-cornered rails of those days were better. I find that fifty-eight years now groan at what even thirty-five years in those days bore as no burden. Then, I say, let our greetings on these occasions be heartfelt, our hand- shaking cordial and earnest, and as the blood becomes thinned by years, let the fervor of friendship supply its warmth. Let the spirit of yore that thrilled us as we rode boot to boot in the conflict. and the confidence that was wont to inspire us. as again and again we rode down the enemy, hold possession of us now and even to the end of our time, in spite of thinned ranks or thinner hair.
At each annual meeting we find that some comrade or comrades have fallen out and gone to their last and lasting bivouac, and while all such are generally and tenderly remembered, each comrade may leave his special friends. In this connection I desire to mention one whose name, I am sure. will be remembered and revered by you all. 1 refer to Major Paul Chad- bourne, than whom a braver man or more faithful soldier never lived. Major
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
Chadbourne entered the service with an unusually clear perception of the duties before him and the magnitude of the war before us. He also had a firm confidence and faith in a victorious outcome of the struggle and vindi- cation of the right. He never faltered in his duties, and I do not think his faith in a triumphant ending ever forsook him. I will relate one incident to illustrate his character. It occurred near Ground Squirrel bridge, Virginia, on the eleventh of May, 1864. The regiment was attacked and nearly over- whelmed by superior numbers. A younger brother of Major Chadbourne was wounded. The Major put forth every effort to save him from capture, but he was finally wrested from his protection and made a prisoner by the enemy. The event, sad as it was, may have its parallel. Indeed there were other scenes quite as touching within our own ranks. But, nevertheless, what a test of fortitude and heroism it was! Major Chadbourne suffered the agony of his grief, but never faltered in duty. He, and that mortally wounded younger brother are now buried side by side at the home of their childhood in Waterboro, in a neighborhood of sympathetic and watchful friends. Requiescant in pace. Major Chadbourne was modest and unas- suming, but affable in manner. He was liberal and charitable, yet firm and true to his own convictions, and, above all, an unblemished Christian charac- ter imparted grace to his daily life. He was loyal to his government, faithful to his comrades and friends, and true to himself. Surely one like him will find his reward.
Comrades. with best wishes for one and all, I bid you good night.
C. H. SMITH. PORTLAND, Sept. 21st, 1886.
MY DEAR VAUGHAN, - Your circular in regard to the reunion is at hand. I would like very much to be present with the comrades this year, but I fear it will be impossible. In addition to my business I have several matters out- side that just at present require my constant attention here. It would give me great pleasure to greet the old soldiers of the First Maine again this year, but I must give it up and wait for a more convenient season.
Yours very truly. S. W. THANTER. PORTLAND. ME .. Sept. 29th, ISS6.
MY DEAR VAUGHAN, -- I very much regret that I shall be unable to be present with you to-morrow at the reunion of the glorious old First Maine members. The regular meeting of the directors of my company occurs at 11.30 A.M., and I necessarily must be present to make my report. Though not with you in person I shall be in my thoughts and feelings. When you shake hands with the boys as they gather, will you give each of them one hearty, extra shake for me. I know I shall be extending my hand. in imagi- nation, every few minutes, to greet some one of the old boys that I have not seen for a long time. Trusting you will have a good day, a good time, and a goodly number present, I remain
Very truly yours. C. W. FORD. Co. K.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
BOSTON, MASS. Sept. 30th, 1886.
CAPT. ZENAS VAUGHAN, President First Maine Cavalry, -- Comrades. we wish you much joy on this annual reunion of our grand old regiment. Though absent in body we are with you in spirit.
JOHN B. DRAKE, HENRY LITTLE, Sergt's Co. G.
CHICAGO, Sept. 27th, 1886. COL. J. P. CILLEY, First Maine Cavalry, Skowhegan, Me.
DEAR COLONEL, - Your notice of reunion received. I regret the im- possibility of being with you. With kind regards to all the comrades, I am Yours truly, PERLEY LOWE, Co. H, First Maine Cavalry. BANGOR, ME., Sept. 30th, 1886.
ZENAS VAUGHAN, First Maine Cavalry, -- Regretting my inability to attend our reunion, I can only send kind wishes to old comrades.
D. F. DAVIS. BREWER, Sept. 30th, 1886.
COMRADES, - I intended being with you in Skowhegan, as I have not attended a reunion since the one in Dover, but circumstances prevented me from being with you to-day. I will enclose one dollar for regimental pur- poses, also one for publishing history. Wishing you all the happiness this world affords, I remain yours truly,
G. W. GETCHELL, Go. G.
WATSONVILLE, CAL., Sept. 1886.
COMRADES of the First Maine Cavalry Association, I greet you each and all with a warm heart throbbing with fraternity. As I can not be present at your reunion and ask in person the one favor above all others dearest to my heart, I will now ask through Gen. Cilley, that when you are gathered in re- union around the banquet board, and while toasts and sentiments are being offered, that you all stand with uncovered heads, for one brief moment, in silent respect for the memory of Capt. John A. Heald. A nobler spirit was never set free from its tenement of clay upon the field of carnage. But few knew him as long and well as myself ; it was my good fortune to know him intimately, from the time when he was a boy of nine years until he was a man of twenty-two: when on that eventful sixth day of April, 1865, he fell in front of his command at the battle of Sailor's Creek. A noble close to a brief but glorious life.
BENJ. A. OSBORNE. BANGOR. Sept. 21st, 1886.
DEAR SIR, - I am in receipt of your note of the twentieth inst. inviting me to attend the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry at Skowhegan, Sept. 30th. It would give me great pleasure to meet the members of the Cavalry as re- quested, but I regret to say that my engagements are such that I cannot do SO.
Yours truly,
Zenas Vaughan for Committee. H. HAMLIN.
CHAS. E. MOULTON, Co. G Ist D. C. Cav., Co. 1, Ist Me. Cav. Auburn, Me. Hist. p. 604.
CHAS. E. MOULTON, Co. G. Ist D C. Cav. Co. 1, Ist Me. Cav. Auburn. Me.
CYRUS B. KIMBALL, Co. H, ist Me. Cav. Auburn. Me. Hist. p. 587.
Capt. WILLIAM S. HOWE Co. D. Ist D. C. Cav., Co. D. Ist Me. Cav. Lewiston, Me. Hist. pp. 321, 326, 342-351, 396-402, 513.
JOHN B. KELSEY, Co G ist Me. Cav. Deceased. Hist. p. 569.
GEO. P DAY Co. M, Ist Me Ca, Auburn, Me. Hist. p. 651.
Serg't CHAS. H. WALLACE, Serg't Co. I, Ist D. C. Cav., Serg't Co. G, Ist Me. Cav. Killed neat Sycamore Church, Va., Sept. 3. 1864
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
LEWISTON, MAINE, Sept. 25th, 1886.
DEAR SIR, -- I regret exceedingly that I am unable to accept your invi- tation to meet with the boys of the grand old First Maine Cavalry at their reunion, Sept. 30th, ISS6. Nothing but an imperative engagement to meet with a Committee of the Senate on that date, deprives me of the pleasure.
Wishing you a pleasant reunion, I am,
Very truly, WM. P. FRYE. BANGOR, Sept. 20th, '86.
DEAR SIR, -- Your kind invitation to attend the First Maine Cavalry reunion at Skowhegan, Sept. 30th, received. I regret very much that a prior engagement will take me out of the State at that time, so that I shall be unable to meet with the comrades this year. I know you will have a most pleasant time as the First Maine reunions always are happy events, and you have my best wishes for the success of the gathering. With kind regards to the comrades I am,
Zenas Vaughan.
Yours sincerely,
C. A. BOUTELLE.
LEWISTON, Sept. 27th, ISS6. ZENAS VAUGHAN, EsQ., Committee First Maine Cavalry.
MY DEAR SIR, -- I regret that an engagement to be in Boston this week makes it impossible for me to be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry at Skowhegan on the thirtieth. Trusting that your reunion may be pleasant and profitable, and thanking you for your courtesy, I remain,
Cordially yours, NELSON DINGLEY, JR. PORTLAND, ME., Sept. 20th, 1886.
MY DEAR SIR, - I regret to be obliged to say that I cannot be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry for which I have just received your kind invitation.
Very truly yours,
Zenas Vaughan, Skowhegan, Me.
T. B. REED.
ELLSWORTH, Sept. 25th, '86.
DEAR SIR, -- I have just received your kindl invitation to be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry at Skowhegan on the thirtieth inst. I would be very glad if my engagements would permit me to be present, which they do not. But all my good wishes are with your association, and I only express the feeling of all loyal men in Maine when I say that as long as we live memory will keep bright the deeds of that gallant body of men.
Yours very truly, EUGENE HALE. AUGUSTA, Sept. 29th, 1886. ZENAS VAUGHAN, Skowhegan, Maine.
MY DEAR SIR, - I have to acknowledge and thank you for your cour- teous invitation to the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry. I am extremely
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
sorry that my necessary presence in Portland, at the trial of a case in the United States court, on that date, will prevent my giving myself the pleasure of accepting and attending. With renewed thanks, I am
Yours very truly,
ORVILLE D. BAKER.
ZENAS VAUGHAN, EsQ., Skowhegan, Me.
DEAR SIR, -- Your invitation to be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry, Sept. 30th, was received during my absence from home. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be present on that occasion, but having just returned from New York somewhat tired out, and with a large amount of correspondence to attend to, it makes it very inconvenient for me to accept your invitation. I hope you will have an enjoyable time as it must be very pleasant for soldiers to meet their old comrades and have an evening's conversation, reciting many of the incidents of the war. There is no class of men who are nearer my heart than those who defended our country's flag. Again wishing you a pleasant time, I remain,
Yours truly,
ยท J. R. BODWELL.
Hallowell, Me., Sept. 29th, 1886.
BANGOR, Sept. 28th, ISSO.
MY DEAR SIR, - I very much regret my inability to meet the survivors of the First Maine Cavalry at their annual reunion at Showhegan. I am detained by business which I cannot avoid, otherwise I would gladly accept your courteous and kind invitation.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
CHAS. HAMLIN. Col. Z. Vaughan, Skowhegan.
THE JOURNAL OFFICE, BOSTON, Sept. 27th, 1886.
MY DEAR CAPTAIN , VAUGHAN, -- Accept my sincere thanks for an invitation to be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry Associa- tion. Were I the master of my time, I should surely be at Skowhegan to see the " historic remnant" of a regiment which would have given the dear old State a most brilliant place among those which stood for the Union, if all Maine's other favored commands had made no record whatever. The First Maine Cavalry ! What associations it recalls! What deeds of daring ! What splendid achievements! Every. Maine soldier remembers it with admiration and accords it every tribute because he knows that too much of praise cannot be said of its brilliant and patriotic record.
Permit me to refer to one occasion when its rare courage saved the division, I was in from slaughter if not from capture. It was the twenty-seventh of Octo- ber, 1864, on the Boydton Plank Road. Our advance division had been nearly surrounded by the Confederates. In front and on two sides we had all that we could cope with and even more. To our left and rear the Confederate cavalry were closing in upon us, when suddenly there fell upon our ears a sharp crack of Henry rifles which soon became a roar of musketry. It was brief, for the gallant First Maine Cavalry had said to Gen. Hampton, " no
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
thoroughfare " and sent him to the rear in confusion. But for your gallantry on that occasion, I might not now write you this letter. The next day, re- tiring from the field, I saw at the head of a new-made grave the inscrip- tion, "Lieut. Winfield S. Collins." He was killed in that gallant repulse of the enemy -- a friend of my boyhood and one of those gallant and soldierly spirits which made your regiment famous, and honored the State of Maine by their patriotism. their valor, and too often by their martyrdom.
Again I thank you for your very flattering remembrance of me and beg you to extend to your illustrious comrades my heartfelt regards and congrat- ulations.
Sincerely yours,
Z. A. SMITH.
As the clock indicated that Sept. 30th would soon give way to the rapidly approaching Oct. 1st, Major Brown got in some talk that was about as warmly complimentary to Skowhegan and to Skowhegan ladies as could reasonably be expected from a modest Bangor man, two hours after supper ; and, with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " and cheers, the First Maine Cavalry " broke ranks," apparently thoroughly pleased with their reunion at Skowhegan.
A pleasant episode occurred at G. A. R. hall, Thursday morning. F. J. Savage, an old color sergeant. got his eye upon the old colors while carrying which he was disabled and car- ried from a Virginian battlefield. He had not seen the flag since that day. When his eye caught that particular "Old Glory " he said eagerly, " Let me see it ! Let me get hold of it!" Ile did get hold of it, and carried it joyfully and proudly in the parade, as he had on the field of battle borne it heroically.
The train Friday morning bore the visiting veterans home- ward, after they had given parting shots of successive cheers to the "Skowheganites." who went to the station to bid them good-bye. Should they again visit that village, their welcome will be none the less warm, albeit the ranks may be thinned by time's ruthless hand.
AAmong the former Skowhegan young men who were in attendance on the reunion. were C. A. F. Emery of Boston, and Nat Owens of Cambridgeport. It was with pride that they spoke of the manner in which their old comrades of the First Maine were entertained by the resident members, Russell Post, Ladies' Relief Corps, and the citizens at large.
!
1
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
It should be stated that on the return home, the day after the reunion, the comrades residing east of Waterville went to Augusta and visited the old camp-ground - Camp Penobscot - where they located the company streets after an absence of twenty-five years, and agreed to meet on the same ground twenty-five years hence.
THE LADIES' AUXILIARY.
In accordance with the action taken at the business meet- ing, requesting the wives and daughters of the comrades to form an auxiliary organization, fifteen ladies assembled at Hotel Hesleton for the purpose of organizing. They were addressed by Gen. J. P'. Cilley and others, upon the pleasures and bene- fits accruing from such an organization,- the meeting at the annual reunions of the regimental association, the becoming acquainted with each other and with the comrades, the joining in the festivities of these reunions, etc., when they decided to organize under the name of the "Ladies' Auxiliary of the First Maine Cavalry," and elected officers as follows : ---
President, -- Mrs. C. E. Moulton, Auburn. Vice-President,- Mrs. Dow Baker, Skowhegan. Secretary,- Miss Ettie M. Vaughan, Skowhegan.
The fifteen present at the meeting joined the association, and subsequently nine others added their names to the rolls, and the "Ladies Auxiliary" started out with twenty-four members.
The meeting adjourned to the next reunion.
FIRST MAINE CAVALRY ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On the nineteenth of September a number of the comrades residing in Boston and vicinity met at the hall of Post No. 7. Grand Army of the Republic, in that city, and formed a tempo- rary organization by the election of Adjutant Thaddeus Little as President, and Charles A. F. Emery as Secretary. The President and Secretary were appointed a committee to make arrangements for transportation to this reunion, and it was decided to effect a permanent organization at the next meeting.
----
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FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
which was fixed for the evening of the twenty-seventh inst., at the Sherman House. At this adjourned meeting a permanent organization was formed under the name " First Maine Cavalry Association of Massachusetts," by the choice of the following officers : -
President, - Thomas J. Long.
Vice-Presidents, - Henry C. Hall, Thaddeus Little.
Treasurer, - Albion C. Drinkwater.
Secretary, - Charles A. F. Emery.
The officers were authorized to draw up a constitution and by-laws, and report at the next regular meeting.
The committee on transportation to the reunion at Skowhe- gan reported that they had made satisfactory arrangements with the Boston and Maine Railroad, (Eastern Division) for one fare for the round trip, which report was accepted, and the meeting adjourned. As a result of this action quite a number from Boston and vicinity were present at the reunion. The new organization started out with fifty-five members.
GREGG'S CAVALRY FIGHT
ON THE
RIGHT FLANK AT GETTYSBURG.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS DELIVERED OCTOBER 15th, 1884, UPON THE OCCASION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE MONUMENTAL SHAFT ERECTED UPON THE SITE OF THE CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT ON THE RIGHT FLANK OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, JULY 3d, 1863, DURING THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.
BY WILLIAM BROOKE-RAWLE,
[Formerly Captain Third Pennsylvania Cavalry and Brevet-Lieutenant Colonel U. S. V.]
We have gathered together, my comrades, to commemorate the good work done here twenty-one years and more ago. What that work was is briefly told by this Monumental Shaft of enduring granite which we are now dedicating to the truth of history. Its inscription tells us that
THIS SHAFT MARKS THE FIELD OF THE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE UNION CAVALRY COMMANDED BY BRIG .- GEN. D. MCM. GREGG AND THE CONFEDERATE CAVALRY COMMANDED BY MAJ. GEN. J. E. B. STUART JULY 30, 1863.
What memories do these simple words recall ! As we stand here, looking upon this beautiful landscape, surrounded by these well-remembered hills, and fields, and woods, the recol- lections of that bright summer day crowd thick and fast upon us. Let us go back together in our thoughts to the eventful time when first we met on this historic field, and sanctified it with the blood then shed, the trials endured, and sacrifices made in defence of the Nation's ( 'ause.
I have told the story of the fight before .* Here, upon
*The account hore given is substantially the same as that published for the first time in The Philadelphia Weekly Times of September 14th, 1878, in the series of " Chapters of Un- written History in the Annals of the War," under the title of " The Right Flank at Gettys- burg," but revised with the aid of additional information and official records, and again revised since the address was delivered.
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GREGG'S FIGHT AT GETTYSBURG.
the ground where it occurred, I venture to tell it once again. It is a simple and an unvarnished tale, with no words of eulogy of men, or of exultation over the defeat of a gallant foe.
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