USA > Ohio > Circulars, papers and annual meeting of the Ohio commandery of the Military order of the loyal legion during the year > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
Truly and faithfully yours,
S. D. OLIPHANT.
COL. J. H. WEEKS.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 1885. A. H. MATTOX, EsQ., Recorder.
Dear Sir :- The kind invitation of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U. S., to be present at their second annual dinner, at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, is received. I re- gret my inability to be present on this pleasant occasion, owing to severe ill- ness that has kept me confined to my bed for the past month. I am much better now, but shall scarcely be able to travel for some time to come. With my best wishes that you may have an enjoyable time, I remain,
Yours truly,
J. H. WEEKS.
CAPT. F. W. GRUGAN.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 30, 1885. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L. U. S.
Dear Sir :- I regret my inability to accept the kind invitation of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, for Feb. 4th, prox. The happy occasion of its institution nearly two years ago, and the royal hospitality extended to its guests, will always be remembered with the sincerest pleasure. Please express to the Companions my thanks and best wishes for its continued prosperity. With much respect,
Yours very truly, CAPT. F. W. GRUGAN.
COL. F. D. HOWELL.
Mr. Frank D. Howell regrets that he cannot accept the polite invitation of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, to attend the second annual dinner of the Commandery, on Wednesday, Feb. 4th, next.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 1, 1885.
-45-
CAPT. RICH'D WAITE.
TOLEDO, Feb. 2, 1885.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
Dear Companion :- I regret very much to have to say that I shall not be able to attend the annual dinner on Wednesday. My partner is sick, and I am consequently so crowded with work that I cannot possibly spare the time for this pleasure. We expect that some six or eight of our members from here will go. Yours truly,
RICH'D WAITE.
GEN. C. F. RUFF.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 2, 1885. CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L., Ohio Commandery.
Dear Sir :- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your polite invitation to the second annual dinner of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, at Cincinnati, on Wednesday, 4th inst., and to express my regrets that I will be unable to attend. With many thanks, I am,
Very truly yours,
C. F. RUFF, Brevet Brig,-Gen. U. S. A.
COL. S. GOODMAN.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 1885.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
Dear Sir :- I truly thank you for the invitation to be present at your second annual dinner of the Loyal Legion, and I sincerely regret that it will be impossible for me to be present. Wishing you and all the brother officers a pleasant reminder, and hoping to have the pleasure, in the near future, of again visiting your pleasing city, I am,
Sincerely yours,
S. GOODMAN.
BIRCHARD A. HAYES.
TOLEDO, Jan. 28, 1885. CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
Dear Companion :- I regret that I cannot attend the banquet at Cin- cinnati next week. I have delayed responding to the invitation in the hope that circumstances would so shape themselves as to allow me to get away. Fraternally yours,
BIRCHARD A. HAYES, 2d Class.
-- 46-
GEN. H. W. SLOCUM.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 1885.
Dear Sir :- Please accept my thanks for the kind invitation to the dinner of the Ohio Commandery. I regret that my official duties will pre- vent my acceptance.
Yours truly, H. W. SLOCUM. A. H. MATTOX, EsQ., Recorder.
GEN. J. T. OWEN.
Jan. 20, 1885. TO COMPANIONS J. L. FOLEY, JAS. BARNETT, GEO. A. VANDEGRIFT, J. MILTON BLAIR AND C. C. WALCUTT:
I very much regret that, owing to a previous engagement, to-wit: an official visit to the New Orleans Exposition, will prevent my acceptance of your kind invitation to annual dinner of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, on the 4th proximo. JOSHUA T. OWEN.
GEN. JNO. A. LOGAN.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 1885.
A. H. MATTOX, ESQ.
My Dear Sir :- General Logan is in Illinois, and will be unable to ac- cept your kind invitation to attend annual dinner of the Loyal Legion of your State, on 4th of February.
Very truly yours, W. B. TAYLOR, Sec'y.
COL. O. M. POE, U. S. A.
DETROIT, Mich., Jan. 12, 1885. A. H. MATTOX, EsQ., Recorder, etc.
Dear Sir :- I am in receipt of the invitation of the Commandery of the State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, to meet with them at the second annual dinner of the Commandery, to be given at the Bur- net House, Cincinnati, on the 4th proximo.
I greatly regret that I am again compelled to forego the pleasure which I know would arise from meeting so many of my old comrades; but my duties here will prevent my absence at that time.
' Sincerely yours, O. M. POE.
-- 47-
COL. OLIVER M. WILSON.
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 20, 1885.
My Dear Sir and Companion :- I have the honor to acknowledge re- ceipt of invitation of Ohio Commandery, to attend second annual dinner of Commandery, February 4, 1885.
It will give me great joy to set at the festive board with companions many of whom were my comrades in the field going around Vicksburg, and if possible, will report for duty.
With sincere regard, I am, fraternally, your obedient servant,
OLIVER M. WILSON,
Of Washington Commandery, D. C.
COL. W. M. WHERRY, U. S. A.
CHICAGO, ILL., Jan. 6, 1885.
My DEAR CAPTAIN MATTOX.
Accept my sincere thanks for your courteous note of the 5th instant accompanying the formal invitation of your Commandery for me to be present at their annual dinner, February 4th, next, to which I enclose an acceptance.
I have many friends and old comrades in your hospitable town and State, whom I have long wished to meet once again, and I anticipate so much pleasure from a visit to Cincinnati, and the reunion at your dinner, that I hope nothing will prevent our being present.
General Schofield is in Washington, but I will forward your communi- cation to him there.
Yours fraternally,
CAPTAIN MATTOX, Recorder, etc.
WM. M. WHERRY.
GEN. GEO. STONEMAN.
SACRAMENTO , Jan. 17. 1885. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L.
Dear Sir :- In reply to your kind favor and invitation, I beg leave to say in reply, that I much regret the impossibility of my being able to join you on the festive occasion set for the 24th of February, 1885. Hoping you will all have a good and profitable time, I am,
Very truly, yours, etc, COMPANION GEO. STONEMAN,
Governor California.
-- 48 --
GEN. BENJ. HARRISON.
Senator Benj. Harrison acknowledges the receipt of an invitation to attend the second annual dinner of the Ohio Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, to be given at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, Ohio, Wednesday, February 4, 1885, at 8 o'clock p. m., and regrets that he will be unable to be present.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
COL. GOODMAN.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 28, 1885.
Dear Sir :- Your kind invitation to attend the second annual dinner of the Commandery of Ohio received. I had such a delightful time when your Commandery was instituted that I would have been more than pleased to repeat my visit, but am unable to do so. We have heard of your wonder- ful success and large number of Companions with great pleasure Thank- ing you for the remembrance,
I am truly yours, GOODMAN.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
GEN. E. D. TOWNSEND.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 1885. A. H. MATTOX, EsQ., Recorder, etc.
Dear Sir :- With many thanks for the honor done me by the invitation to dine with the Commandery, State of Ohio, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, I regret that it will not be in my power to be present on the occasion.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND.
REAR-ADMIRAL WORDEN, U. S. N.
Rear-Admiral Worden regrets that he is unable to avail himself of the pleasure offered him by the Commandery of the State of Ohio, Mili -. tary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, of dining with the Commandery at its second annual dinner, on Wednesday, February 4, 1885.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 20, 1885.
-49 7
MAJOR H. M. BREWSTER.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., Jan. 14, 1885. CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L. U. S.
Dear Sir :- Many thanks for your kind invitation to be present with you on Feb. 4th. I cannot yet tell with certainty, but shall make a trip West ere long, and if possible for me to do so will be with you on the 4th.
With kindest regards, yours truly,
H. M. BREWSTER.
GEO. F. LAIRD.
CANTON, Feb. 2, 1885.
Dear Captain :- I regret exceedingly that I cannot be with you on the 4th. For months past I have promised myself the pleasure of attend- ing the annual meeting, but " the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee." With best wishes for the Ohio Commandery, Yours truly,
GEO. F. LAIRD.
CAPTAIN A. H. MATTOX.
MAJOR CHAS. E. BLIVEN.
CHICAGO, Feb. 3, 1885.
My Dear Captain :- I very much regret that business matters will prevent me from being with you at the annual feast of the Loyal Legion, to-morrow night, as I hoped and expected to do. Am sure you will have a splendid time-feast and flow of soul. Can'ttell where the reason will be when you get through singing-in the wee sma' hours of morning.
Very truly yours, C. E. BLIVEN.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder."
LIEUT. J. M. GOODSPEED.
ATHENS, O., Feb. 1, 1885.
My Dear Commander :- I hoped by to-day to say that I would attend the re-union on Wednesday. I find now that it will not be possible. I re- gret my inability very much, but there are so many pleasures one cannot enjoy. Yours sincerely,
J. M. GOODSPEED.
COL. W. S. GREGG.
JAN. 30, 1885.
COMPANION A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L. U. S.
Having been one of those present at the birth of your Commandery, it would afford me very great pleasure to accept your kind invitation for 4th prox., but prior engagements prevent. We are all glad to hear such good accounts of your Commandery, and hope you may go on only to prosper. Fraternally,
WM. S. GREGG.
-50-
CAPT. OWEN RICE.
ELKHART, IND., Jan. 5, 1885.
LIEUT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder.
My Very Dear Sir and Companion :- A protracted illness of six weeks' duration, and which in turn placed every member of my family "on the sick list," prevented my personal response to "Roll Call" at the second anniversary. Hence these tears. All are now convalescing, and with better days, I hope, soon again to be permitted to participate in some of the stated re-unions. Very sincerely,
OWEN RICE. -
GEN. R. S. FOSTER. .
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 1, 1885.
LIEUT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder.
Sir :- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of invitation to be present on the occasion of the second annual banquet of the Ohio Com- mandery, etc. I had intended to avail myself of the kind courtesy ex- tended to me, but at this late date I find it will not be possible to be pres- ent.
I am respectfully, R. S. FOSTER,
Companion of First Class, Washington Com'd'ry, D. C.
SURGEON BROOKS, JR.
CLEVELAND, Jan. 30, 1885. A. H. MATTOX.
Dear Companion and Recorder :- I have delayed until the last mo- ment, hoping that circumstances might alter. I am sorry to say, however, that being confined to my bed with sickness, I shall be obliged to submit to the bitter disappointment of not being present at the second annual dinner of the L. L. U. S. I shall be there in spirit, and know that a good time awaits all who can be there in bodily presence.
With great respect, Yours, M. S. BROOKS, JR.
GEN. W. L. McMILLAN.
LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., Jan. 27, 1885.
My Dear Companion :- I am more sorry than I can tell, at not being able to be present at the annual dinner, on 4th proximo. It would do me a world of good to be among comrades once more, but distance and demands of business will not permit this year. Here such association is as rare as wells of water in the Nubian Desert. Wishing you all a good time, Very sincerely,
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder.
W. L. McMILLAN.
-51-
CAPT. H. W. BIGELOW.
TOLEDO, Jan. 24, 1885.
Dear Captain :- Postal of 22d at hand. As near as I can ascertain there will be from six to eight go from here, but no ladies. It will be the safest to count on the six, as some cannot get away when the time comes. I regret very much that I cannot be present myself, but it will be impossi- ble, as I have to be in your city on the 25th, 6th and 7th to attend the meet- ing of A. A. Rite, and I cannot spare the time for both. Wishing you a happy time, believe me.
To CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
Truly yours,
H. W. BIGELOW.
GEN. JNO. G. MITCHELL.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L. U. S.
Dear Companion :- The elegant invitation to attend the second an- nual banquet at the Burnet House, Feb. 4th, prox., is duly received, and I have held it a short time without reply, hoping I might have the pleasure of accepting, but reluctantly obliged to send instead my regrets. We yester- day had the pleasure of signing the application of Gen. John Beatty for membership. You know him, and his name is a tower of strength. Ohio had no more brilliant soldier of his rank.
Most cordially yours,
JNO. G. MITCHELL.
LIEUT. L. B. BRASHER.
MEEKER, COL., Jan. 26, 1885.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
My Dear Captain :- The invitation to the second annual dinner of the Ohio Commandery of the L. L. has just reached me. Of course, I cannot be present, but it recalls the visions I used to indulge in during '63 and '64, when the memories of the "good things" were supplemented by the realities of "Hard Tack and Sow Belly," of which your dinner and my ranch diet is a new illustration. Have you changed my address from Den- ver?
Cordially yours,
L. B. BRASHER.
COMPANION E. W. COFFIN.
CAMDEN, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1885. CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, M. O. L. L.
Dear Sir :- Your kind invitation to annual dinner of Ohio Command- ery on 4th inst., was received yesterday. I regret that circumstances will prevent my accepting. With thanks and regards to the Companions whom I had the pleasure of meeting two years ago, I am yours truly,
E. W. COFFIN.
.
-52-
CAPT. J. E. BARR.
CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 5, 1885.
Dear Captain :- Your kind invitation to be present at the second an- nual dinner of the Ohio Commandery, of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, was received during my absence from the city, and is my only ex- cuse for not replying at once. I wish very much it could have been my pleasure to have been with you, as the recollections of the meeting two years ago are still bright in my memory. We had a glorious meeting of the Pennsylvania Commandery last evening, and I can assure you that our Ohio friends were not forgotten. With kind regards to all friends, I am fraternally, J. E. BARR.
CHAPLAIN (COLONEL) EDWARD ANDERSON.
NORWALK, Jan. 31, 1885.
LIEUT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder Loyal Legion.
My Dear Companion :- I am sincerly regretting the distance to which I have removed from Cincinnati. Since it prevents my sharing in the fes- tivities of the second annual dinner of the Loyal Legion, and the giving to it the benefit of clergy, though that last it but little needs, I hold in delightful remembrance our (last and first) annual banquet, though the very heavens wept that Cincinnati could be so wretched under its inunda- tion, while we were so happy. But even that sensation was but a reminder that our rare comradeship was born through throes of death and loss. In my official capacity I am happy in thought that the God of battles sees the country at once and can answer to you at Cincinnati the official prayer that will go up from a loyal and loving heart for you, and with a memory keen, as it will be spurred through the meeting at Delmonico's, in New York, where he hopes to be as it will be offered.
Your affectionate Chaplain, ever Companion and friend,
EDWARD ANDERSON.
LIEUT .- COMMANDER CLARKE MARCHANT.
Lieutenant-Commander, Clarke Marchant, presents his compliments to the Commandery of the Loyal Legion, of the State of Ohio, and regrets that illness will prevent his accepting their polite invitation to dine on Feb. 4th.
GEO. A. BERNARD.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 1885.
My Dear Captain :- Your kind invitation for the second annual din- ner received. I regret to say it will be impossible to be with you, but give my love to all my old Cincinnati friends. Yours truly,
GEO. A. BERNARD.
To CAPT. A. H. MATTOX.
-53-
COL. E. E. STRONG.
CLEVELAND, Feb. 2, 1885.
LIEUT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder.
My Dear Lieutenant and Companion :- I have deferred replying to your invitation to be present at the annual meeting on the 4th inst., in hopes that it might be possible for me to be present, but regret to say that I find it impossible. Wishing you and all of our comrades a glorious good time, I am yours sincerely,
E. E. STRONG.
HON. R. W. BURNET. GRANDIN ROAD, CIN., Feb. 3, 1885.
CAPT. MATTOX.
My Dear Sir :- I regret very much that the state of my health will not permit me to attend the reception and dinner at the Burnet House to- morrow.
Yours truly, R. W. BURNET.
LIEUT. GEO. A. GARRETSON.
A. H. MATTOX, ESQ.
CLEVELAND, Jan. 31, 1885.
Dear Sir :- I have delayed returning the enclosed card, hoping to send an affirmative reply, but, to my great regret, now find it impossible to attend the meeting and annual dinner of the Ohio Commandery, on Wednesday next. Please present my compliments to the Commander-in-Chief and the Committees, with regards to all Companions and best wishes for the success of the re-union. I remain yours truly,
GEO. A. GARRETSON.
GEN. JOHN O. FOERING.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19, 1885. CAPT. A. H. MATTOX, Recorder, Ohio Commandery, M. O. L. L. U. S.
Dear Captain :- Your invitation to the second annual dinner of the Ohio Commandery is received, and I sincerely regret that I cannot arrange to be with you on that occasion. With many thanks and my best wishes, I remain, Yours very respectfully, JOHN O. FOERING.
RESPONSES TO TOASTS AT THE
Second Annual Dinner of the Ohio Commandery,
LOYAL LEGION.
COMMANDER GEN. R. B. HAYES,
COMPANIONS :
Our greetings and welcome this evening are without alloy. During the past year no place at our Camp-fire has been made vacant. Our second annual banquet finds the Ohio Commandery of the Loyal Legion united, harmonious, and making rapid and grati- fying progress. Since the last annual festival meetings have been regularly held every month in Cincinnati, except in June, when the hospitalities of our Cleveland brethren were showered upon us, with- out stint, in their beautiful city.
Besides the regular meetings, informal, social reunions have also been held at Akron, Cleveland, and Toledo, attended by the Com- panions of those cities with their wives and young people.
At our meetings war sketches have been read, which the Recorder has published and distributed. These papers have generally dealt with the events and scenes of the war from the stand-point of indi- vidual experience and observation. By these sketches very little may have been added to the sum-total of that information about the war which falls within the scope of sober and dignified history. Still less, certainly, have these papers contributed to that contro- versial military literature of which important warlike events are apt to be so fruitful. We may confidently believe, however, that no inconsiderable additions have been made by our Commandery to the materials, which must be familiar to the author, or the artist, who would furnish truthful and vivid pictures of the life of the soldier, and of army scenes on the march, in the camp, during the siege, and in the battle.
In the last year the foundation has also been laid for a war library and museum, in which books, manuscripts, maps, engravings, photographs, relics, and curiosities relating to the great conflict will be gathered and preserved.
(56)
-57-
Our financial statement is not concerned with large sums of money. But we are out of debt, and our Treasurer, General Force, has prudently provided for our permanent fund, by investing our sur- plus in bonds of the United States. This fact, which speaks so much for our financial condition, would not, I suspect, be more impressive if I were to give the exact figures in the case.
Our Commandery consumes very little time in what is termed business, and none at all in mere formalities. The initiation of members is an affair of scarcely more ceremony than the presenta- tions usual among gentlemen when strangers become acquainted with each other, and the installation of officers is equally brief and simple.
The historical side of our organization, interesting as it is, must, perhaps, yield the first place in attractiveness to the social gatherings around the dining-table, where conversation and off-hand speaking, narratives and anecdotes, songs and music-all remind us of those now golden days, when touching elbows with much-loved comrades, we kept step to the music of the Union, under the dear old flag, which to our minds and hearts was the glorious emblem of the best, the divinest cause for which men ever risked their lives in deadly warfare.
The doings of our Commandery in the year that has passed, thus briefly outlined, show the purpose and character of the Loyal Legion. It is social and historical, and has some features which give promise of unusual permanency. It is a society and a school of patriotism, based on associations and a sense of comradeship, which grew up in a military service, whose motives, objects and results are unmatched in merit and value in the secular annals of our race. The time has not yet come when the benefits and blessings conferred on our country, and on all mankind, by the victory of the Union arms, can be weighed, counted, and adequately understood. With each revolving year the vista, already so wide, becomes still wider. The teachings of history, and passing events at home and abroad, daily spread before us, do not permit us to indulge the hope that the day is near when men will need to learn war no more. But we do see as the direct result of our great Civil War, that America is united and free, and has such prestige and power that, with virtue and wis -. dom guiding her conduct, this wide and bright continent may be- come the home of a contented and prosperous people, and be
-58-
indeed dedicated to perpetual peace. The war has made it at least possible for this New World to furnish to mankind an example which will be at once the type and perhaps the harbinger of that great final peace, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation.
Brought together as we are by associations and by fraternal sentiments, which had their origin in the terrible conflict which has conferred such tremendous advantages upon our country, the felicita- tions we exchange with each other may well be deep and warm. I said, as I began to speak, that the ranks of our Commandery are unbroken. We can not, however, forbear to recall the thousands of brave men who perished in the field. Time, it is true, has assuaged the sharpness of our grief at their fall. The tender pain with which we think of them is mingled now with a gratified sense of honorable pride. They were permitted to go before. To them has been given the reward and distinction they so richly deserved. Their courage, patriotism, and heroic death have placed their names forever foremost on our country's roll of honor. They are remembered in the spirit of Companion Kemper's lines :
" Vacant places at our Camp-fires mutely tell of comrades dead, Fallen in the line of duty, where the needs of battle led."
"A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE,
BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE."
"A people Who can not find in their own proper force Their own protection, are not worth saving."
Companion CAPT. HENRY L. MOREY, Hamilton, 0.
COMMANDER AND COMPANIONS :
"A Government of the people, by the people, and for the people" has been the ideal Government of the world, and the dream of the people everywhere. It is the realization of the universal hope which springs eternal in the breast of the gov- erned around the globe.
Republics have risen and fallen into decay, democracies have existed and passed into anarchy and despotism, and yet the ideal Government of the people has been forever cherished in the hearts of men. Upon this ideal our Government 1s founded, and upon which its grand superstructure of one hundred years is built.
The war of the Revolution, on the part of the Americans, was armed resistance to the encroachments of arbitrary and kingly power upon the rights of the people. It was more than that, it was the defense in the shock of battle of the advanced ground of the Declaration of Independence, asserting the equality of men. [Applause.]
(59)
- 60-
The blood of the patriots who fell in the great Seven Years' War enriched the soil of a new nation, where liberty and law are the only sovereigns enthroned in the hearts of the people.
The luster of her arms which shone so brightly in the Revolution, grew brighter in her later wars. The renown of her statesmen filled all Europe with admiration during the struggle of the colonies, and has been preserved in a long line of statesmen in succeeding years.
The young nation grew in population, in material wealth, in art and science, and in all the triumphs of peace. She took her place among the greatest nations of the earth, but her symmetry was marred by a grievous defect, and her existence was threatened by a fatal heresy. The time came at last when the young giant of the West, which had thrown off the chains of its oppressor, had again waged successful war against her old and powerful adversary, and had conquered honorable peace in the tropics of Mexico, was called upon to meet a graver issue-to save itself from domestic violence and fratri- cidal strife. The crucial test of our institutions was then applied, the supreme moment of our national life was then at hand, and the fate of a great people trembled in the balance. The crowned heads of the earth, with jealous hate, and with unholy desire for our overthrow, turned their backs upon us and cast their influence with the enemies of a free Government. With proper self-reliance the young nation invoked its own powers, and in its own proper force found protection against the machinations of unfriendly nations abroad, and domestic foes at home. Our resources grew with the demands made upon them. Mighty armies sprang from the homes of the people, and from their ranks came commanders, now of world-wide fame, to lead them to battle and to victory. Of that great conflict of arms, in which were marshalled the grandest armies of the world, you, my Companions, were a part. You, my Companions, are authors of the glorious his- tory which is written in the fire and blood of its battles.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.