The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-04-06

HEAD Q'Rs DEPT OF ME-. G. A. r., ,

HEAD z RS DEPT OF Me-, G. A. r., .
r PORTLAND, April, 1868.
To The Returned Soldiers ard Sailors of
Maine:
AS you are doubtless aware, the fraternal
| combination composed OF the returned SOL
diers and sailors of the late war tor the
| Un.on, known as the "Grand Army OF the
Republic" now has a permanent organlza-
| ton in this State; and the Grand Command
er OF the Department of Maine begs leave
10 invite your attention to the objects OF the
organization, and to solicit your cooperation
should It's plans and purposes meet with your
| appreciation.
lndi soluble bonds unite those who on
| land or sea, by their gallant loyalty main
| tanned the integrity OF that glorious Union
which had its birth in selfdenying devo-
tion to liberty and patriotism such as had
| never before been witnessed. Memorable
beyond most Of the great events OF history
will ever be that Revolution which gave be-
ing to the Free and Independent United
States of America. Still more memorable
is, and ever will remain, that great conflict,
by which the stability of our free institu-
tions was tested, and from whose fierce
flames the principles OF our government
came forth as gold seven times refined.
Those who in that great war fought for the
Old flag, and all of purity and progress,
.,
connected with each other by kindred high
er and nobler than that of blood They
were and are, one in soul. In the biyouac
and on the battlefield, in the mess-room
and at quarters, in the hospital and at prison,
were developed love and sympathy and an
exalted relationship which time and death
cannot destroy. In every relation, the SOL
diers and sailors of the Union are connected
by peculiar and indestructible ties.
The organization known as "The Grand
Army of the Republic" was instituted for the
purpose of giving to the surviving soldiers and
sailors of the Union forces of the late war
better opportunities for the enjoyment of
communion and fellowship with each other
than they might otherwise be able to possess; !;
tor the purpose of alleviating the condition of
such of our old comrades as have become dis
abled by wounds, sickness, old age, or mslor-
tune; tor the purpose OF securing the best pos
sible provision for the support, care and edu-
cation OF the orphans of deceased soldiers and
sailors, and the maintenance OF their widows;
ior the purpose of promoting an adequate
recognition, on the part of the American peo-
pie, of the services and rights OF the soldiers
and sailors who were the nations depend
ence; for the purpose of fostering and main-
tanning loyal and patriotic devotion to the
National Constitution and laws, and those
principles OF universal liberty, equal rights
ard justice which are fundamental TO our
government. For purposes such as these
does the organization exist, while with those
of partizan nature it has nothing to do.
Let then all the gallant veterans OF the
Army and Navy ally themselves with this Or
ganization, which cherishes and perpetuates
all those objects and ideas which are dearest
to the hearts of the patriotic soldier and sal
lor! Let the memories of the devotion of the
past, with its sufferings and achievements,
and the afinities that have therefrom resulted,
become strengthened by external union and
frequent social intercourse and mutual coun-
SELL till the march of life is ended, and the
City of God, the final lamp, is reached
Our comrades in other States have very
generally adopted this form of organization,
and the Order has come to be of gigantic pro-
portions, having an existence in every loyal
State and Territory in the Union, and nav
ing ioothold in many of the Southern
States. Upon our muster rolls are the names
of upwards of two hundred thousand of our
comrades in arms-the tried men of Amer
lea; men whose loyalty to country and devo-
tion to principle are beyond the breath OF
suspicion. The Grand Commander hopes,
ere many months have passed, to see the
name of every honerobly discharged soldier
or sailor now living within the limits of the
department of Maine," enrolled upon the
muster-rolls OF the g Grand Army of the Re-
public"
For all necessary information in regard to
the proper steps to be taken for the establish
ment OF Posts of this Order, reference is made
to the accompanying extracts from the Con-
stitution and By Laws of the Grand Army
of the Republic.
All communications relating to the estab-
lishment of Posts, or for more particular in
@. P. Mattocks, Assistant Adjtant General,
Rooms 8 and a, 8S Middle Street, Portland.
Official: lol GEO. L. BEAL.
\ rsFv H8 Grand Commander.
II CHAs p MATrOCIzs