Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1870-08-11
soldiers Reunion.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE.
nrS NnIxEs Auu x 1870 {

DES MONIES, Aug. ., 1910.
Soldiers Of Iowa.-GENrLEMAN:-tive
years have elapsed since the author-
i,y Of the government was re-estab-
lished, and you laid aside the weap
ons OF war and returned to peaceful
pursuits. In the contest which then
terminated, you bore no unimpor-
tant part. Whether in the never.
beaten army Of the Tennessee, or in
the other victorious lcgions OF the
Republic, the record OF your deeds
is a proud one. In the perils and
the glorles of the battle.field, and in
the plivations Of the camp, your
soldlerly qualities were ever con-
spicuous.
The years that have followed the
close of the conflict tell OF your praise.
worthy although less conspicuous
triumphs, in the more quiet walks
OF lite, demonstrating in a striking
manner the lofty character of the
citizen soldier.
During these years of peace the
great questions growing out of arms
have been finally settled and the
Union reconstructed on an enduring
basis; such, it is hoped, as will pre-
vent the possibility OF the recurrence
OF cival war. In the enjoyment OF
this profound aud continued peace,
and thankful for all its blessings, it
has been thought well that the sur.
viving soldiers OF Iowa, should come
together again, not for purposes OF
military display, but to spend short
time IN pleasant, social intercourse,
and to revive memories and recount
"reminiscences u the past. The Gen
eral Assembly of the State has made
feasible such meeting by making
an appropriation for the object. l
therefore, III the name OF the State,
extend cordial invitation to all the
late soldiers Of Iowa regiments 10
attend a general reunion to be held
at the Capitol Of the State on Wed
nesday, August 81, and Thursday,
September |, 1870.
The railroad companies of the
State have literally offered to COM
piment the solIiers with q pass to
and from the place of reunion; but
the great numbers who will avail
themselves OF this liberality, will
make it necessary for the railroads
to use every available vehicle for
transportation.
Preparations for properly enter
tanning the honered guests OF the
State are being perfected, and the
citizens OF the Capitol City will do
all in their power to do honor to the
occasion.
Alviccs already received indicate
that the proposed reunion will be the
largest asselnblage ever held within
our State limits, and that greater
number of the volunteer soldiery
who took part in the late war will
be gathered together than at any
time or place since our armies were
disbanded. Every State military or.
ganization brought into existence
during the late struggle, every arm
OF the services, will be represented.
Men who parted years ago, at the
return of peace, will meet again to
renew old friendships and memories
OF battle-fields and skirmishes, of
weary marches aud varied camp ex-
perienccs.
The number that will come is SO
great that there will be little chance
tor regular meals, or any kind of ia.
tions. at the eating-houses along the
several routes OF transportation. /
therefore suggest to all to start we'll
supplied in this respect. depending
little upon anything to be obtained
on the lines of railroads.
Feeling confident that every soldier
will cheerfully do what is reasonable
to lessen labor and expense, the Elk
ccutlve Committee desire that each
person shall bring with him blan-
ket or shawl, a tin cup, and knife
and fork. Rations will be furnished
but they will necessary approximate
those Of Camp life." No uniforms
will be required, but badges dcslgna
ting your several a ms OF service and
numbers OF regiment, it is expected,
will be provided on your arrival
here.
The programme as TO place of
camp, the time and place nf Grafton,
speakers, line OF march, &c, will be
published as soon rs all the arrange.
ments are perfected. AZ this assem-
blage of veterans will attract an i'm.
mensc concourse of other citizens
it may not be improper for me Ia
suggest that all such bring their ra-
tions with them and prepare to
camp out" as facilities for enter.
tanning indoors III any city in. our
State would be entirely Inadequate
on such an occasion,
As Governor of the State l de-
sire to express the hope that all will
unite their best efforts to make the
reunion a success, not only in mum
bers but in enthusiasm and forget
fulincss of whatever Inconvenience
they may be subjected to in SO great
an assemblage Of people. Let orr
joy and emotions in meeting our old
comrades be regulated by desire
that nothing shall occur upon which
any one can look back except with
pleasure. SAINT MERRILL,
Governor.