Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-09-14
THE BOYS IN BLUE.
Anniversary of the Battle of
Brandywine. 80 Celebration
of The 'Boys in Blue"
Great Enthusiasm -Soul-Stirring
Speeches.

tuesday being the anniversary Of the
Battle of Brandywine, the "Boys in Blue,
who had fought gallantly in the struggle
against traitors to maintain and uphold the
government which our Revolutionary ances.
tors bequeathed to us, had determined to
hold grand celebration in Riddles woods
For this purpose every arrangement was
made, and a demonstration worthy of the
day was anticipated. The weather, how.
ever, was unpropitious. The day broke with
dark, heavy clouds fitting through the sky,
and at an early hour a disagreeable rain
storm set in, which continued until nightfall.
Towards ten o'clock, special train of cars
arrived from the lower part of the State,
bringing large delegation from that portion
OF our Commonwealth, and fine Band of
Music. Delegation after delegation came
IN from the surrounding country, and our
streets were soon thronged with enthusi-
astic, loyal people. The "Boys in Blue of
this county were out in strong force at an
early hour in the morning headed by fine
band OF music. All hope of having the cele-
oration in the woods having vanished, owing
to the rain still falling in torrents, the gallant
boys determined that they would meet else
where to testify their appreciation of the
services of the noble men who faced the
British hosts on the battle field OF the Brandy
wine and their devotion to the cause of the
Union of the States. A meeting was ac-
cordingly held al the Institute Hall, which
was organized by appointing Breyet Lieuten-
ant Colonel George V. Massey temporary
Chairman.
Col. Massey on taking the Chair said, that
disguise the issues as we may, the same old
issues are still before us, and they are Loyalty
on the one hand and Treason on the other.
He forcibly and cogently unmasked the aims
and efforts of the men who the soldiers had so
lately met on the field of Battle, and appealed
to his late comrades in arms not to forget that
the principles for which they fought in the
field are in jeopardy. He reminded them of
their slain comrades, and closed by eloquent
ly appealing to them to stand by the men,
who in the hour OF our country peril. stood
by the soldiers, who were facing the enemies
of their country either as rebels in arms, or
as copperheads in the North, who were secret
ly aiding and abetting the rebellion.
On motion, Committee of five were ap.
pointed on permanent organization. The
Chair appointed the following gentlemen on
said committee; Capt. c. H, Gallagher, Lieut..
John ]. Toner, Corpl. B. Benson Cahoon,
Surg. David W. Maull and Lieut. Thomas
3. Swain.
On motion, committee of five were ap-
pointed on resolutions. The Chair appoint.
ed the following gentlemen: Captain Ben.
jamin Nields, Capt Joshua S. Valentine,
Lieut.. James Lewis, Surg. Fred. w. Owens
and Capt. Benz. Butler.
The hour having arrived for firing the
salute in honor of the occasion, the meeting
adjourned until two o'clock
At the appointed time the meeting was
called to order by the temporary Chairman,
Col. Massey, whereupon Capt. G. H. Gala.
CHER, from the committee on permanent or.
ganlzation, presented the following as the
report of the Committee, which, upon mo.
tion, was unanimously adopted.
PRESIDENT