USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1890 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 33
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The president, Edward P. Tobie, called to order, and divine bles- sing was invoked by Comrade Francis E. Sanders, of Lowell, Mass. Then the seventeenth annual " action" began -- the sword and car- bine exchanged for the knife and fork.
While this peaceful though destructive engagement was in prog- ress, the Bar Harbor Cornet Band enlivened the air with some choice selections excellently performed. "Recollections of the War"-bugle calls -- brought down the house with rounds of applause, recalling the old camp life in most vivid style.
When this " charge of the light brigade" had resulted in the utter rout of edibles, the president called out Comrade Simeon A. Holden, of Co. D, chairman of the committee of arrangements, who de- livered the address of welcome. Twenty-seven years ago the summons was issued for the organization of a cavalry regiment in the state of Maine. Within thirty days of the call, twelve hundred men were in line, who, with uplifted hand, took oath to do or die in defense of our common country. Depleted in the field by death and disease, the grand State of Maine stood back of them, and sent twice twelve hundred men, good and true, to fill the wasting ranks. Ile bid the survivors of the war welcome to the hospitalities of Bar Harbor, and described the beauties of the island of Mount Desert in glowing terms. As an illustration of the changes that take place in a genera- tion, he pointed to the fact that when " the boys " went to the war, the valuation of the entire estate comprised within what is now known as Bar Harbor was less than that of single cottages that now adorn the village.
The president responded to this very hearty welcome. Moreover, he was glad to know that these reunions fostered the pleasant rather than the sad reminiscences of the bivouac. He then introduced the new president ---
Col. Albion C. Drinkwater, who was at a loss to know why they had elected him as president of their honorable association, unless it was a job put up on him in recognition of his reputation as a forager. If it had already been determined to meet in Boston next year, he would accept the election as a just tribute of appreciation. For, , without doubt, he understood that department of camp life better than any other. Fully believing in his personal qualification to fill
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SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
the larder, he extended a most pressing invitation for the whole as- sociation, together with their wives and daughters, for it would be a delight to once more test his quality as a provider, and he wished it to be put to the severest test. Massachusetts was made up largely of Maine men and women - there are nearly a hundred of " the boys " in Boston and vicinity. Come, one and all, and you shall receive a most loyal reception. He closed by thanking the associ- ation for the honor conferred upon him.
The president vouched for the colonel's avowed qualifications, and then introduced Col. Samuel H. Allen, who had served as mil- itary governor in Virginia. Col. Allen said, " During the day he had noticed that the First Maine boys were still true to their old- time instincts. Formerly, when, in pursuance of his official duties, he was obliged to make excursions into the surrounding country, it was universally true that some of " the boys " had been there ahead of him. Especially was this true if there were ladies about -- the First Maine was proverbially gallant. He had started on a tour of inspection of this new territory, but wherever he turned "the boys" had already been there, and the gallantry of " ye olden time " was still their guide - the ladies were just as attractive as ever. Some one remarked that we are growing old ; but it is not so. Incidentally he had referred to the wife of one of the comrades, when a lady present exclaimed, in astonishment : "Why, he isn't married, is he ! he doesn't look old enough." But young or old, our war record is something to be proud of. . Hlad it not been for the part we and others played, it is doubtful if we should have a country now, or a flag. All honor to the gallant First Maine !
The president knew a man who was too small to hide behind, as when on duty once he had tried it. He introduced-
Col. Cilley. He referred to Gen. Hooker's question, " Who ever saw a dead cavalryman?" The trouble was that they could not be killed. Comrade Holden was run through by a sabre, another was shot through the body-both are lively as any one here to-night. A cavalryman was picked up on the field of Gettysburg and was about to be buried, but objected on the ground that he was not dead. It would seem a valid reason. He related in an inimitable manner many incidents of army life, and, pointing to the blood-red cards that hung along the sides of the hall, said, these are emblematic of the blood and carnage of battle ; and, turning toward the white cards at the end of the hall, these the eternal camping ground they have gone to prepare.
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FİRST MAİNE BUGLE.
The Auxiliary Association was called upon and the president, Mrs. Zenas Vaughan, introduced Miss Lorenza Haynes, who spoke in impassioned tones. She did not belong to the association because, under the constitution of the body she was ineligible, as to become a member required that the lady should have had a husband, son, or brother, in the regiment. She had no husband, and of course no son. A brother she had, but he was in the Massachusetts State prison at the time, and Governor Andrew would not let him go. He carried the keys, however. But she had consented to represent the noble sisterhood for her great regard for the most noble lady . who was president. The men who went to war suffered, it is true, but she reminded these survivors of the battles' carnage that the women of those bloody years suffered also. You went to the tented field -- they remained at home, did their own work in the home and much of yours in the harvest field. They gave up their husbands and sons, and their sacrifices nearly equalled yours. They appreciate the sacrifices you made and hope that you appre- ciate theirs. They did a noble work in your absence, by prepar- ing the boys for patriotic endeavor if the government should ever need them in the tented field, which God forbid. ' May the veterans of the First Maine enjoy many more seasons like the present, and may these noble women share in your festivities as they have shared in your sorrows.
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After music by the band, the president referred to the field of Aldie, said there was present a man who was born there, and intro- duced Prof. Taylor, of Virginia. In the presence of the First Maine Cavalry he boasted that, though born in Virginia, he had never drawn a disloyal breath. When you came to Virginia twenty-seven years ago it was not a very hospitable reception you received-come now and you will receive a different welcome; for there is a new South, a South of enterprise and work. Now we invite you to our state - we need your energy, your capital, your indomitable perse- verance. Come and help us make the waste places to bloom as you have your own homes. He had come to learn all he could of New England. and should embrace every opportunity to become acquainted with the secret of her thrift and prosperity. You helped to crush rebellion; but the patriotism that sent you on that mis- sion is no less needed in the years of peace, in which its grandest and most enduring trophies are won.
From the more formal addresses the president turned to the regi-
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SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
ment and announced that he should call upon representatives of each of the companies, and that the comrades called upon must either make a speech, tell a story, or find a substitute.
In response to calls, Co. A was represented by Comrade Charles E. Jacks; Co. M by Lieut. Edward Jordan ; Co. B by Capt. Jacob B. Loring ; Co. G by Comrade Perry Chandler and Co. K by Com- rade Melvin Preble, both of whom gave interesting sketches of the famous free school which these two comrades started and car- ried on successfully at the factory village of Ettricks, near Peters- burg, during the last days of the service of the regiment, as re- lated in the history of the regiment, pp. 446, 447; Co. E by Capt. Black Hawk Putnam; Co. H by Capt. Henry C. Hall, who gave an interesting sketch of the famous rebel Black Horse cavalry (which is to be published in the BUGLE in the series of sketches entitled "After Appomattox") ; Co. I by Comrade Benja- min P. Lowell; Co. C by Comrade Patrick F. Shevlin, and the other companies by comrades whose names have been forgotten, as the notes of the banquet have been mislaid. In the midst of these addresses, which were chiefly camp reminiscences, the band led the regiment in " Marching Through Georgia." The closing exercise, at about 11 o'clock, was " America," in which all joined with fervor.
Says the Record further :-
The entertainment was not concluded till past eleven o'clock, and all agreed that it was one of the most enjoyable reunions in which the regiment had ever participated. All were loud in their praises of the management of the affair and felt themselves especially obligated to the Messrs. Rodick for the hospitable manner in which they placed themselves and their premises at the disposal of the visitors. It was a scene which will long be remembered by those who had the pleasure of witnessing it -- the long rows of tables sur- rounded by the bronzed and in many cases the handsome faces of the vet- erans, and the pretty faces of their wives and daughters; the enthusiasm which lighted up the features of the soldiers as some familiar national air was played by the band; and the long list of battlefields, each recalling to the minds of some of those present the memory of some beloved comrade who had fallen there in defense of his country and home. The noble dead had a prominent place in many hearts that evening.
We have had occasion to mention Mr. Edw. P. Tobie of Pawtucket, the master of ceremonies. Mr. Tobie is a newspaper man, and the historian of the regiment. His magnificent history of the First Maine Cavalry speaks for itself. He follows the regiment from its organization at Augusta, in 1861, through the fiercest battles of the war to the expiration of their service. We find that the First Maine took part in more battles than any other regiment
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
in the service, did splendid work for the country and lost many a gallant fellow in the good cause. Originally composed of twelve hundred, the ranks were filled up with recruits as the vacancies occurred until the roll of the reg- iment showed thirty-six hundred names, or three times the original number. No better proof could be adduced of the mettle of the regiment than the fact that it was kept up to its standard in numbers in spite of its heavy losses. The members were all picked men and volunteers. We trust that Bar Harbor may again be honored at no very distant period with a visit from the gallant sur- vivors of such a noble body, and we are certain that they have carried away with them pleasant memories of the hours spent in our island paradise.
The Sullivan Harbor correspondence of the Record also had the following interesting paragraph :-
Hon. Eugene Hale and Hon. Mr. Kasson of lowa addressed a small but appreciative audience on the political issues of the day, Thursday afternoon, on the front piazzas of the Waukeag House. The West Sullivan Cornet Band of eleven pieces was present and played some fine selections. The First Maine Cavalry also made us a call that day and a curious incident con- nected with it is worth relating. One lady had her badge fastened with a silver pin, the inscription of which attracted the attention of some one of the party, and she related the following story of it: Her husband wore the pin during the war and lost it on the battle field at Stony Brook, below Rich- mond. About six years ago it was ploughed up by a farmer and sent by a young man in Richmond to the postmaster at Topsham, thinking the soldier must have been killed and inquiring for his people, knowing they would treasure the lost badge. The owner answered the letter himself with due acknowledgement of the thoughtfulness of the young man. The inscription was "A. C. Drinkwater, ist D. C. Cavalry, Topsham, Me."
The next morning very many of the comrades took a ride up Green Mountain, and greatly enjoyed the prospect from the height. Among these were Comrades "Charley," Jacks and "Jim" Wil- liams, who went up on horseback and who were promptly nick- named "Buffalo Bill" and "Capt. Jack," to the amusement of all. By noon the greater number of comrades started on their return trip. A few remained, however, to take in the beauties of Bar Harbor more at leisure. During the day the idea arose that it would be pleasant to acknowledge Comrade Holden's courtesies during their entire stay and his services as one of the committee of arrangements, in some substantial way. The idea found ready acceptance, and in the evening, while all were assembled in the parlor, Miss Haynes called on Comrade Holden and ordered him to step out from the ranks. She said, "I am about to do something I never did in my life before ; give a man'a caning. I hope he will be able to bear it." She then, in a few well-chosen remarks, presented Mr. Holden
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SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
with a handsome cane. The captain was so overcome by the words of the speaker that he nearly broke down while returning thanks for the handsome present and the kindly motives which it represented. But this was not enough. Before Comrade Holden had fairly re- covered from the cane presentation he was again called up by Lieut. Tobie, who called his attention to one day, on a march from Fred- erick, Md., to Washington, early in 1863, when he asked the speaker the meaning of " redundancy" and the latter could not tell him. Lieut. Tobie continued, "I think, Comrade Holden, that you may get an idea of the meaning of the word now," and with this he pre- sented him, in behalf of those present, as a further token of appreci- ation of his services in their behalf, with a bound volume containing all the reunion pamphlets which had been published up to that time. As the tears filled Comrade Holden's eyes, he confessed that he did begin to understand the meaning of the word "redundancy." And those who were present will always remember with pleasure the reunion at Bar Harbor.
THE LADIES' AUXILIARY.
The third annual reunion of the First Maine Cavalry Association of ladies met in the parlor of the Rodick House, Bar Harbor, on the same day as the regimental reunion. The meeting was called to order by the president, Mrs. Olive M. Long. The following were elected officers for the ensuing year :
President --- MRS. ZENAS VAUGHAN, Skowhegan.
Vice-President-MRS. CELIA EMERY, Hampden.
Secretary and Treasurer-Miss GRACE T. CILLEY, Rockland.
Eighteen ladies joined the association. A communication was read from Mrs. E. L. Bickford, and it was voted to hold the next reunion at the same time and place as the First Maine Cavalry.
THE MASSACHUSETTS BRANCH.
A meeting of the "Massachusetts Branch of the First Maine Cavalry Association " was held in the hall of Post No. 7, G. A. R., Boston, on the evening of August 11th, 1888, for the purpose of making arrangements to attend the reunion of the regiment at Bar Harbor. The meeting was called to order by the president. Com- rades Charles E. Jacks and Charles A. F. Emery were appointed a committee to arrange for transportation to Bar Harbor, to report at the next meeting, and an adjournment was taken for two weeks. At the adjourned meeting the committee on transportation reported
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
that the fare for the round trip by rail would be $11, and by steamer $1. It was voted to go by steamer. The officers of the association were authorized to call a meeting as soon as practicable after the reunion, to which the ladies were to be invited. This meeting was called for the evening of November 26th, the following report of which appeared in the Boston Globe of the next day :
MAINE CAVALRYMEN-ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND BAN- QUET AT THE CRAWFORD HOUSE.
Of the three thousand two hundred and twenty-six men whose names were borne during its term of service on the rolls of the First Regiment of Cavalry, Maine Volunteers, an organization that was engaged in more than fourscore encounters with the enemy, some twenty-five, representing the First Maine Cavalry Association of Massachusetts, assembled at the Crawford House last evening to hold their annual reunion.
The business meeting was held at 8 o'clock, President Thomas J. Long in the chair. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Presi- dent, Gilbert N. Harris; vice-president's, Captain H. C. Hall and Lieutenant Thaddeus Little; secretary, C. A. F. Emery; treasurer, Colonel A. C. Drink- water ; executive committee, Albert Edgecomb, Patrick F. Shevlin, Charles E. Jacks, Henry C. Whitney and Thomas J. Long.
Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance was not as large as was expected : nevertheless. a pleasant evening was passed. At 9 o'clock the veterans and ladies marched to the dining-hall, where. after Comrade Ord- way had invoked the divine blessing. an hour was passed in the enjoyment of the banquet. At the table were seated President Thomas J. Long ; Briga- dier-General Jonathan P. Cilley, who commanded the regiment during the war: Commander C. H. Whitney of Charles Russell Lowell Post 7, G. A. R .: Colonel A. C. Drinkwater: Lieutenant Edward P. Tobie, the regimental historian; II. C. Whitney, C. A. F. Emery, George P. Phillips, P. F. Sher- lin, S. S. Goodhue, A. L. Ordway, Albert Edgecomb, G. H. M. Barrett, J. McCleary Perkins. Calvin B. Benson, G. N. Harris, James Hatch, Isaac C. Buck, D. W. Gage, N. L. Owen, George W. Gray, C. O. Stone, A. C. Souther, W. R. Lincoln. Also the following ladies: Miss Grace T. Cilley, Mrs. Ellen M. Edgecomb, Mrs. Olive M. Long, Mrs. Edward P. Tobie, Mrs. Kate Shevlin, Mrs. C. S. Harris, Mrs. A. C. Souther, Mrs. Rose Benson, Mrs. Abby G. Gray. Mis. Jennie S. Ordway ..
At ro o'clock President Long called the company to order, and after a brief speech of welcome introduced Brigadier-General Jonathan P. Cilley, the old regimental commander, who was heartily received by the men who had served under him. He related incidents of the war and referred to the pro- posed cavalry monument on the battle-field of Aldie ... Colonel A, C .. Drink- water followed with interesting remarks, alluding to the proposed reunion of the survivors of the regiment in Boston next fall, and to co-operation with the First Massachusetts Cavalry Association in the erection of the Aldie monument.
Lieut. Edward P. Tobie of the Providence Journal, and historian of the association, spoke in a humorous vein, introducing anecdotes of Thanksgiy- ing in the army : Secretary C. A. F. Emery read letters from Hon. Harrison Hume. commander of Gettysburg Post 191. G. A. R .: Major Joseph R. Cur- tis of Portsmouth. N. H .: W. E. Barrett. and others. Brief addresses were made by Gilbert N. Harris, P. F. Sberlin, Commander C. H. Whitney of Charles Russell Lowell Post 7, G. A. R., A. L. Ordway, Calvin B. Benson, W. R. Lincoln and others.
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AFTER APPOMATTOX.
AFTER APPOMATTOX.
BY MAJOR HENRY C. HALL.
When the rebel armies had all surrendered and war had ceased, all secessia was without a civil government or a single governmental officer ; consequently martial law was proclaimed and military men ruled until the old governments could be resuscitated or new ones created. Department, district and sub-district commanders were appointed, the last of whom appointed provost-marshals to command in their several counties. It fell to my lot to be appointed a provost- marshal in the sub-district of the Appomattox, and, with one battalion of our regiment, assigned to the command of Chesterfield county, that part of the Old Dominion that lies between the James and Appo- mattox rivers from a point above Richmond on the former to a point above Petersburg on the latter, and to the confluence of the two rivers. My instructions were " You will administer the oath of allegiance to all entitled to it who desire it; acquaint yourself as soon as possible with the condition and necessities of the county; distribute and explain fully General Orders No. 11, Headquarters United States Forces. Petersburg, Va. ; keep the negroes, so far as possible, with their old masters where arrangements can be made satisfactory to both parties; establish an employment agency from which laborers can be obtained by those desiring them ; repress all disorders and disturbances, and so far as possible prevent pillage ; look properly to the interests of the people and contribute in every way possible to the security, comfort and prosperity of the county."
We left camp at Ettricks, a suburb of Petersburg, on Sunday morning, May 21st, 1865, agreeably to orders, arrived at the Court House, twelve miles distant, a little past noon of the same day, and immediately went into camp in the court yard. The Court House we found a plain, two-story, brick structure, unadorned and unim- posing, situated in the middle of a grassy lawn and surrounded by graceful trees. In the second story was the spacious "judgment hall." where I thought to make my abode, and when the evening came 1 spread my scanty bed upon its dusty floor and lay down to needed rest. But I had scarcely closed my eyes for sleep, when I had a hint that I was an intruder; ave, that the apartment was already occupied; indeed, that it was densely populated; and that it would not be conducive to my comfort to longer make my abode
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
there. I did not like to leave in the face of the foe without some show of resistance, but when I could no longer suffer in silence the pains inflicted by my angnawing tormentors, I arose, lighted a candle and prepared for action or retreat. Then all was still. No sound of clattering hoofs ! no yell of rebel raiders ! no enemy in sight! As I sat there in the quiet of that lone room, with its high bare walls which had long echoed the voices of Virginia's venerable judges and eloquent attorneys, its prisoners' box from which the condemned culprit had received his merited sentence, and its dust-bedimmed windows through which the light of no friendly star could come, the scenes of a four-years' strife which I had seen closed but a few weeks before flitted through my mind, and thoughts of peace, of home, of friends and of a country saved, filled me with feelings no tongue can express nor pen portray. At length, tired with my musings and unconscious of real danger, I put out my light and again turned in. But, oh, scarcely had I wound my blankets about me when I received a murderous assault from amighty host - a force innumer- able, invisible, invincible! In an instant they were above me, beneath me and all over me! cannibals all ! "To be or not to be," was a question I had but a moment to ponder. Ah ! I had endured the hardships incident to the long struggle for national life and perpetuity, and had at last seen a single flag with many stars waving over a nation reunited and free indeed, and now must I die like a dog and no longer live to share the gratitude a grateful people prof- fer to those who saved and preserved them a nation? I resolved "to be," and with an extra effort effected my escape. I went below, eaten, beaten, sore and sad, and rallied by the trunk of a large tree in a distant corner of the yard, whose leafy branches would shelter me from the falling dews of night, spread my blankets and closed my weary eyes once more. Visions of that horrid encounter dis- turbed my slumbers, and when the bugle broke the stillness of the morning air, I awoke not half refreshed and with unpleasant reflec- tions of the ordeal through which I had passed. But the new duties, the new cares and the new responsibilities imposed by my new command soon dispelled all these, and they were remembered only as incidents in the struggle of life.
In the corner of the yard to the left and rear was the clerk's office, a one-story brick building, in one part of which was the record room and in the other chairs, tables and desks for the convenience and accommodation of those who had business there. It was here I
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AFTER APPOMATTOX.
had my headquarters and office. The man who occupied when we arrived had been in possession thirty consecutive years as clerk of the county courts. We found him frank and friendly but feeble and failing, and he did not survive the summer. For some years he had been ably assisted by a deaf and dumb son, a worthy and intelli- gent young man, who soon endeared himself to all our men by his kindly nature and his unfortunate condition. In looking among the record books one day a good-sized flag was found -the stars and stripes - where it had been concealed in the early days of the war by the hand of the faithful old clerk, that it might not be destroyed by deluded men. After its four years of darkness it was brought to the light of day, the dust shaken from its still bright stars, attached to a suitable staff, and placed where it was wont to wave in the Union as it was. It was, indeed, a welcome sight to those who had so often seen it in danger and had had a hand in rescuing it from ruin, and it gladdened the eyes of those, too, who had battled so hard and in vain for secession and slavery, for now they saw in its shining folds that welcome word "peace."
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