USA > Ohio > Circulars, papers and annual meeting of the Ohio commandery of the Military order of the loyal legion during the year > Part 2
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STAND OF COLORS.
A stand of colors, U. S. Flag and Commandery Flag, regulation size, best quality of silk, with insignia and lettering embroidered in silk, has been con- tracted for by Committee appointed for that purpose-Gen. M. F. Force and the Recorder-and it is hoped will be completed in time for display and use at the Annual Dinner.
MISCELLANEOUS.
A TOLEDO MEETING.
Owing to the distance from headquarters, by permission of the Ohio Commandery, its mem- bers residing in and near Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio, hold social meetings occasionally during the winter months.
A pleasant meeting of the Companions residing in and near Toledo, was held on Saturday evening, January roth, at the residence of Companion Gen. and Mrs. Jno. W. Fuller, Summit street. About twenty-five Companions were present accompanied by their wives, daughters, and lady friends. Those present were: the host and hostess, Companion Gen. and Mrs. Jno. W. Fuller Companion Ex-Pres. and Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Fremont, O .; Companion Horace S. Buckland (2d Class) and Mrs. Buckland, Fremont, O .: Companion Gen. and Mrs. Jas. M. Comly, Companion Rev. Dr. H. M. Bacon and Mrs. Bacon, Companion Col. and Mrs. J. B. Bell, Mrs. Chas. E. Bliven, wife of Companion Bliven, and Master Bliven (eldest son,, Companion Gen. and Mrs Chas. L. Young and Mrs. Kate B. Sherwood, the latter National President of the Woman's Grand Army Relief Corps; Companion Capt. J. Kent Hamilton and sister, Miss Hamilton, Companion Lieut. (Judge) and Mrs. D. R. Austin and Miss Prentiss, Companion Col. H. G. Neubert, Companion Capt. W. S. Thurstin, Companion Lieut. R. D. Whittlesey, Companion Surgeon and Mrs. S. F Forbes, Com- panion Hon. W. T. Walker (3d Class) and Mrs. Walker, Companion Capt. Henry W. Bigelow and Miss Berdan, Companion Capt. and Mrs. Richard Waite, Companion Lieut. and Mrs. J. L. Wol- cott, Companion Birchard A. Hayes (2d Class), and Companion Major Norman Waite and Mrs. Waite.
Companion Gen. J. W. Fuller presided, assisted by the local secretary, Gen. Chas. L. Young. The generous hospitality of Gen. and Mrs. Fuller was shown not only in the cordial welcome extended, but in the charming supper, which was delightfully served. The tempting and abundant menu was greatly enjoyed, and the bright and fragrant flowers and green plants, gracefully displayed, gave a pleasing finish to the altogether refined and chaste affair.
At the close of the supper, Gen. Fuller, by special request, read in an easy, conversational style, one of the best and most entertaining war papers of all that have been contributed by Companions of the Order. It was received with intense enjoyment by all present. Gen. Hayes being called upon, added some interesting anecdotes and incidents which were much relished.
At a brief business meeting, held during the evening, Companions Waite and Bigelow were appointed a Committee to ascertain who of the Toledo Companions would attend the Second An- nual Dinner in Cincinnati, February 4th, and to provide transportation.
Companions Gen. J. W. Comly and Capt. Richard Waite were appointed a Committee to pro- vide for next local meeting, time, place, and programme.
Letter of regret was read from the Recorder.
A CLEVELAND MEETING.
The Cleveland Companions of the Ohio Commandery, Loyal Legion of the United States, held a pleasant and profitable meeting at the Kennard House, that city, Wednesday evening, Jan. 14th. Fifteen Companions, residents of Cleveland, were present, and, in addition, Companion Capt. J. L. Botsford, of Youngstown, O., and Companion Col. Chas. O. Wood, of Cincinnati, Companion Major-Gen. M. D. Leggett presided, assisted by the local Secretary, Companion Lieut. B. B. Peck.
It was voted that the presiding officer should appoint a Committee of three, to ascertain how many of the Cleveland Companions would attend the Second Annual Dinner of the Commandery, in Cincinnati, Feb. 4th, and to arrange for transportation, hotel accommodations, etc. The follow- ing Committee was appointed :
LIEUT. B. B. PECK, CAPT. LEVI T. SCOFIELD,
COMMANDER IRA HARRIS.
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It was also voted that the next meeting of Cleveland members shall be held on the second Wednesday in March, proximo; and that Companions are requested to invite their wives and lady friends to accompany them.
A Committee appointed to secure papers for the meetings reported that Companion Lieut. A. J. Williams will read a, paper at the meeting in March, and Companion Lieut. A. J. Ricks at the meeting in April.
Companion Col. J. F. Herrick read a very interesting and valuable paper entitled, "Contra- bands," in which he related numerous personal experiences of the war. The paper was warmly applauded. Companion Col. Chas. O. Wood, of Cincinnati, briefly addressed the Companions and urged them, one and all, to attend the Annual Dinner in Cincinnati. Letter was read, by Secretary Peck, from the Recorder, giving information about the coming anniversary dinner, February 4th.
At the close of the business meeting an elaborate dinner, delightfully served, was greatly enjoyed.
XVIII. Until further notice the stated meetings will commence at 7:30 o'clock.
XIX. The success of the Ohio Commandery depends on its increase in mem- bership, and upon the character and standing of its members. It is hoped that Companions will use their best endeavors to add to the Commandery as many new members as possible, from among deserving officers, but remembering to be extremely careful in their selection and endorsement of those applying.
XX. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Order can be obtained on application to the Recorder.
XXI. All circulars should be considered confidential.
XXII. Desiring to form a library for the Commandery, Companions are solicited to send to the Recorder contributions of any books and papers, maps and plans of battles and campaigns of the late war, or relating to that period. It is proposed, also, as soon as it can conveniently be done, to have an album of the pictures of Members of the Commandery.
XXIII. Rule 16 of the Rules and Regulations governing this Commandery is published for the guidance of Companions, and will be strictly enforced.
RULE 16-Companions may invite any member of the Order temporarily in the city, to any meeting or entertainment of the Commandery, but no person, not a member of the Order, shall be present at any meeting, nor shall any non- members be present at any entertainment, except members of the press, and those whose services have been engaged. Upon such invitation being extended, the name of the invited guest, and of the member inviting, shall be furnished to the Recorder, who shall extend an official invitation, and record his action, and they shall be considered guests of the Commandery.
In accordance with the above, applications for the introduction of guests should be made to the Recorder, to whom is delegated authority to issue cards of invitation.
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XXIV. The following extracts from the Constitution (see Article V), in regard to membership, are hereby published for the information of Com- panions :
The Members or Companions of this Order shall be of three (3) Classes : First (Ist) Class :
The eldest male lineal descendants, according to the rule of primogeniture, of officers who have been killed in battle, or died in the service of the National Government during the actual existence of the Rebellion, and who would have been eligible for membership in the Order had they survived.
Also the following for the information of COMPANIONS HAVING SONS:
2d Class-The eldest sons of living Companions of the First (Ist) Class, provided they be twenty-one (21) years of age.
Upon the death of the Companion of the First (Ist) Class, through whom eligibility of membership is derived, a Companion of the Second (2d) Class shall become a Companion of the First Class. * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
Special blanks for the above Classes can be obtained upon application to the Recorder.
MONTHLY REPORT.
Charter Members (on the Roll)
26
GAIN-(Since date of organization, February, 1883).
By Election and Transfer up to December 3, 1884, inclusive. 245
By Election, January 7, 1885 ...
I TOTAL. 272
Loss .- By transfer to Commandery of District of Columbia, Jan. 10, 1885: Brigadier-Gen. W. B. Hazen, U. S. A I
Commander A. G. Kellogg, U. S. Navy
I 2
Total 270
First Class Members 259
Second Class Members
5
Third Class Members. 6 Total,
270
XXVI. The expenses of the Commandery can only be met by the prompt fulfilment of the obligations assumed by every Companion; and Companions are respectfully referred to Article XIX of the Constitution, which relates to arrearages.
XXVII. The Chancellor of this Commandery is Brigadier-General Joshua Hall Bates, to whom all applications should be made concerning Diplomas,
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PROCEEDINGS
-- OF THE -
SECOND ANNUAL DINNER
- OF THE-
+
IO COMMANDERY,
- OF THE -
MILITARY ORDER
-OF THE.
LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES,
- - GIVEN AT THE -
BURNET HOUSE, CINCINNATI, O.,
FEBRUARY 4, 1885.
CINCINNATI : WOODRUFF, COX & CO. 1885.
SECOND ANNUAL DINNER
OF THE
OHIO COMMANDERY, OF THE
MILITARY ORDER
OF THE
oyal Legion of the nited tates.
In accordance with the By-Laws and Rules of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Second Annual Dinner of the Command- ery, in charge of the Council, was given at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, O., Wednesday evening, February 14, 1885.
The Council was composed of the following Companions : Major James L. Foley, Captain J. Milton Blair, Brevet Major-General C. C. Walcutt, Brevet Major-General James Barnett, Major George A. Vandegrift.
CIRCULAR AND INVITATION.
December 27, 1884, the following Circular (No. 21, series of 1884, whole number 40), was issued to Companions :
(3)
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COMPANION :
I. According to the instructions from the Commandery, contained in Rule 15 of the Rules and Regulations (see Circular No. 19, series of 1884), the Council have taken charge of the arrangements for the Second Annual Dinner of the OHIO COMMANDERY, LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES.
II. The Dinner will be given at the Burnet House, Wednesday evening, February 4, 1885, at 8:30 o'clock.
III. The stated business meeting of the Commandery will be held the same evening, promptly at 7 o'clock. Applicants elected at this meeting will be invested immediately after their election, to enable them to attend the dinner if it is desirable to do so.
IV. The Dinner last year commemorated the first anniversary of the Ohio Commandery, and, in honor of the event, no expense or effort was spared to make the affair perfection. The elaborate decorations, exquisite floral designs, and the handsome souvenir "knapsack," appropriate as it was unique, were costly, making it absolutely necessary to place the price of the dinner ticket at ten dollars.
The price of the dinner ticket this year has been placed at Six ($6) Dollars, and it is hoped these figures will enable all Companions to attend. A first-class dinner, with all its appointments-music, flowers, good wines, and excellent service-can not well be given for less. If the decorations are not quite so elaborate as they were at the first dinner, the menu card is in a less degree novel, and the appointments and surroundings not so near perfection, it is hoped the warmth of the welcome extended, and the efforts made to have one and all enjoy themselves, thoroughly and without re- straint, will compensate for what may possibly be found lacking in this way.
V. Dinner tickets can be secured of the Recorder, in advance, on and after January 20th, and of the Recorder, or at the office of the Burnet House, on the day and evening of the dinner.
VI, The principal object of the anniversary meeting is, after all, the reunion of Companions, and the Council desire and hope, above all things, for a large attendance, and beg of every member to use his best efforts to be present and bring a Companion with him.
VII. In the toasts, the Council have endeavored to select topics not only adapted to the occasion, but "out of the old line," and with which all have not been made familiar at soldiers' reunions for years past.
The responses will be by Companions distinguished for their eloquence.
VIII. The Song Book of the Commandery is now in the hands of the printer, and it is to be hoped will be ready for use at the dinner.
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IX. Letters already received from non-resident Companions, making inquiry about the "Annual Dinner," and signifiying their intention of being present, indicate a large attendance. Companions proposing to attend the meeting will confer a favor by notifying the Recorder at as early a date after receipt of this Circular as possible, so that arrangements can be made in advance for all who may come.
X. Applicants for membership, upon whom action will be taken at the business meeting on the evening of February 4th, who propose being present at that time to be invested (if elected), and who will attend the dinner, should notify the Recorder, so that covers may be laid for them. Recom- menders of such applicants will please so notify them.
XI. The headquarters of the Commandery are established at the Bur- net House, and non-resident Companions will find it pleasant and conve- nient to secure apartments at that hotel during their sojourn in this city. Every effort will be made by the proprietors to take good care of the visit- ing Companions.
XII. The Council would suggest that where a number are coming from the same city, it would be well to appoint a committee to secure reduced railroad rates and make hotel arrangements. Companions residing at various points along the same railroad might have one committee make arrangements for rates for all places where Companions live.
XIII. The Recorder, A. H. MATTOX, will be happy to make arrange- ments for securing hotel accommodations for Companions, and both he and the Council will do any thing they can toward securing reduced trans- portation. Would be pleased to receive suggestions in regard to making arrangements.
XIV. It is absolutely necessary that the Council should know positively - by February Ist, and as much earlier as possible, how many Companions will be in attendance. Please notify the Recorder at the earliest date possible, BEFORE FEBRUARY IST, AND NOT LATER THAN THAT DATE, if you will be present.
XV. Urging upon all Companions the importance of making this, our Second Annual Dinner, a complete success, we respectfully ask you not only to attend yourself, but prevail upon others to be present, assuring you of a cordial welcome.
Very respectfully,
JAMES L. FOLEY, J. MILTON BLAIR, C. C. WALCUTT, JAMES BARNETT, GEORGE A. VANDEGRIFT,
Council.
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In addition to the Circular of information, engraved in- vitations as follows were issued :
The Commandery of the State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States requests the pleasure of your company at the Second Annual Din- ner of the Commandery, to be given at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, Wednesday, February 4, 1885, at eight a clock D. M. An answer addressed to A. S. Maddox, Recorder, is respectfully requested.
J. L. Soley, 6. 6. Walcutt, J. Milton Blair, James Barnett,
George A. Vandegrift, Council.
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The responses were numerous and evinced great interest on the part of Companions in the coming event.
December 31, 1884, the following additional Circular of information was issued :
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.
HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
CIRCULAR NO. 22. SERIES OF 1884. WHOLE NUMBER 41. )
CINCINNATI, December 31, 1884.
I. The following resident Companions of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, are appointed a COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION, to serve and act as such on the occasion of the Second Annual Dinner of the Commandery, Wednesday, February 4, 1885.
II. Companions so appointed are respectfully requested to be present at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, on Wednesday (in the morning and throughout the day), Feb. 4th, to welcome our non-resident and visiting Companions-see that they secure pleasant quarters, and are entertained during the day. Each Companion will please give as much time as pos- sible to the visiting Companions on that day and during their sojourn in the city, and endeavor to make the visit pleasant.
III. The headquarters of the Commandery is in parlor No. 12, office floor of the Burnet House.
IV. The headquarters of the Reception Committee will be in room 8, office floor, near parlor 12. Both rooms will be open constantly during the reunion.
V. There will be no special arrangement for seating guests at the dinner-table. It is suggested that Companions, before entering the dining- hall, shall select some one comrade, or more, with whom acquainted, and with whom intimacies are pleasant for a vis-à-vis, or associate. Resident Companions, however, are especially requested to take charge of the visitors, each Companion making it his duty to see that those he chaperons are seated at the table, and proper attention given them.
VI. The business meeting will be held in parlor No. 12, and will com- mence promptly at 7 o'clock. Members elected on that evening can present
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themselves for investiture immediately after election and attend the dinner, if they desire to do so; but notice of their intention to be present to be invested and to attend the dinner, must be given the Recorder at once, that covers may be laid for them.
VII. The dinner will be served at or about 8:30 o'clock.
RECEPTION COMMITTEE. Colonel L. M. Dayton, Chairman.
Capt. A. C. Kemper,
Major Geo. B. Fox,
Lieut .- Col. S. A. Whitfield,
Gen. J. H. · Bates,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. G. W. Neff,
Brevet Major Frank B. James,
Brevet Lieut .- Col. E. C. Dawes,
Capt. W. E. Crane,
Lieut. Lowe Emerson,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. Orland Smith,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. A. Hickenlooper,
Major W. R. Lowe,
Brevet Major L. M. Hosea,
Lieut. E. V. Cherry,
Col. C. A. Woodruff, U. S. A.,
Major J. Morris Brown, U. S. A.
Lieut. Jos. W. Wilshire,
Brevet Major L. R. Hawthorn,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. Robt. W. Healy,
Col. F. L. Guenther, U. S. A.,
Lieut .- Col. Geo. M. Finch,
Brevet Lieut .- Col. A.W. McCormick,
Capt. J. V. H. Lewis,
Major J. V. Guthrie. By order of
J. L. FOLEY, J. MILTON BLAIR, C. C. WALCUTT, JAMES BARNETT, GEO. A. VANDEGRIFT,
Council.
In addition, the following, in the form of a postal card, was mailed to Companions, with request to return an answer to the Recorder.
Please sign and return an answer " YES or NO," by not later than February 2d, and as much earlier as possible.
WILL YOU BE PRESENT AT THE
YES!
ANNUAL DINNER,
NO!
February 4th?
Ensign E. Cort Williams,
Col. Theo. Cox,
Brevet Major Frank J. Jones,
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It having been ascertained that a number of Companions would be attended by their wives, daughters, an lady friends', it was determined to extend to Mrs. R. B. Hayes, wife of the Commander, and other visiting ladies, an infor- mal reception, and the following engraved cards were issued :
The Reception Committee present the Compliments of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and ask that yourself and ladies will attend a Reception to be given in honor of Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes and other visiting ladies, on the occasion of the Second Annual Reunion of the Com= mandery, Wednesday, February Fourth, from three to five o'clock P. M. , in the parlors of the Burnet House.
RECEPTION COMMITTEE.
Colonel L. M. Dayton, Chairman.
Capt. A. C. Kemper, Major Geo. B. Fox,
Lieut .- Col. S. A. Whitfield,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. Geo. W. Neff,
Brevet Lieut .- Col. E. C. Dawes, Capt. W. E. Crane, Lieut. Lowe Emerson, Brevet Brig .- Gen. A. Hickenlooper, Major W. R. Lowe,
Brevet Major L. M. Hosea,
Col. C. A. Woodruff, U. S. A. Lieut. Jos. W. Wilshire, Brevet Brig .- Gen. Robt. W. Healy,
Col. F. L. Guenther, U. S. A.,
Lieut .- Col. Geo. M. Finch,
Brevet Lieut .- Col. A. W. McCormick, Capt. J. V. H. Lewis,
Major J. V. Guthrie,
Gen. J. H. Bates,
Brevet Major Frank B. James,
Brevet Brig .- Gen. Orland Smith,
Lieut. E. V. Cherry,
Major J. Morris Brown, U. S. A., Brevet Major L. R. Hawthorn,
Ensign E. Cort Williams, Col. Theo. Cox,
Brevet Major Frank J. Jones,
Lieut. A. H. Mattox,
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FEBRUAY 4TH.
February 4, 1885, brought many distinguished ex-Army and Navy officers, Companions of the Loyal Legion, to Cin- cinnati, headquarters of the Ohio Commandery, to attend the Second Annual Dinner and Reunion of that Commandery. The affair was made unusually brilliant by the attendance of a number of ladies, wives and daughters of the Companions.
HEADQUARTERS.
The historic Burnet House, headquarters of the Com- mandery, was in gala dress in honor of the occasion. Not only were banners hung "on the outer walls," but corridors, lobby, drawing rooms and apartments were ablaze with the Stars and Stripes, festive garlands and festoons of the red, white and blue, and above the doors and around chandeliers were trophies of flags, fastened by shields or a glittering bat- tle-ax.
The Burnet is famous for the gatherings of "brave men in blue" that have assembled beneath its hospitable roof, but never, perhaps, in its history has the home-like hostlery been so lavishly and beautifully adorned with the Red, White and Blue as on this occasion.
PARLOR NO. 12.
Parlor No. 12, the headquarter room of the Commandery, was the chef-d'œuvre of the decorator's art, both in design and finish. The immense room was made to appear like a large tent-a hospital or Commissary's tent of war times, many times enlarged. The beautiful stripes of the American flag formed the sides, and the top of the tent was the blue shield bedecked with the "stars of our Union." The entire surface of the walls was hid from view by these bright colors. The effect was startlingly beautiful and artistic in the extreme.
The new stand of colors of the Commandery, finished for the occasion, were displayed in this room, the U. S. flag being draped gracefully over the large pier mirror in the east
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end, and the blue banner, bearing the insignia and coat of arms of the order, adorned the mirror in the west end of the room. The Legion flag is of the finest of blue silk, bordered with gold, and in the center, adroitly worked in silk threads of the finest texture, are the words, " The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States," appropriately guarding the motto of the order (embroidered in the center), which reads Lex Regit, Arma Tuentur-"Law Reigns, Arms Pro- tect." On the reverse side, richly embroidered in silk, with all the varying shades and colors, is the " COAT OF ARMS OF THE ORDER ;" the "Arms," symbolical of unity, repre- senting the States forming the National Government at the commencement of the Rebellion ; the " Crest," a hemisphere on which, in azure letters, appears the word "AMERICA," and perched upon the globe, the American eagle in position of defense ; all supported by a soldier and sailor, the soldier holding a lance in his right hand from which is flying the Standard of the United States, and the sailor, in his right hand, holding a pike from which is unfurled the "Stars and Stripes." The banner is as handsome as a painting, and in exquisite embroidery, attention to detail and perfect finish the " colors" cannot be excelled. The room was a masterpiece in the way of military decoration.
ROOM No. 8.
Room No. 8, the headquarters of the Reception Commit- tee, was also made to look like a bower of beauty under the deft hand of the decorator. Various emblems, grouped with American flags, were here profusely and artistically displayed, and opposite the entrance, on a large shield of red and blue, in letters of white immortelles, were the meaning words, "A Loyal Welcome." Portraits of noted generals and navy officers were displayed upon the walls. The mirrors and chandeliers were brightened with graceful festoons of delicate smilax and feathery vines, and on the opal globes of the gas chandeliers were painted in colors the badge of the Order. A
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Innch table loaded with everything tempting and palatable, and adorned in its center with a huge punch bowl. kept con- stantly filled with delicious claret punch, was one of the evi- dences of genuine hospitality extended by the Reception Committee and resident Companions. Members of the Re- ception Committee were on hand in this room constantly, to welcome arriving Companions. Each member wore a hand- some badge ornamented with a bow of red, white and blue ribbon.
PROGRAMME OF THE DAY.
The following programme of the day and evening, neatly printed on tinted card-board, was distributed to Companions :
I. Reception Committee will assemble at the Burnet House at 8:30 o'clock A. M., or as soon thereafter as possible, to welcome and introduce arriving Companions and ladies, and escort Companions to the headquarter room.
II. Headquarters will be in Parlor No. 12, office floor. The head- quarter room will be appropriately decorated for the occasion, and here the reunion of Companions will take place throughout the day.
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