The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-04-09
Army of the Potomac.
The Grand Reunion,
Address by General Sheridan.
Grafton by General Martindale.
Poem by George H, Boxer, Esq.

presence OF an immense audience In the Aca-
deny of Music This occasion was one of the
grandest which has been witnessed in this city
for long time. Every available seat and every
inch of standing room were fully occupied long
before the hour for beginning the exercises. A
large percentage of ladies we're present, who
eyinced great interest in the proceedings.
The Decorations of the Building.
The decorations of the building were of the
most elaborate description. The Academy was
one mass of bunting, disposed in every con-
ceivable arrangement. The fronts of the three
galleries were entirely covered with that mate
rial, in graceful and voluminous festoons. A
double row of stars, on dark-blue ground, ran
around the upper edge of each gallery, beneath
which red and white stripes in length sufficient
10 reach around the entire auditorium, were
hung. In the centre of each balcony, directly
opposite to the stage, was a tasteful arrangement
composed of the silken national and regimental
flags of the several regiments.
The fronts of the proscenium boxes were like
wise most beautifully decorated with silk and
bunting. In front of one OF these the State and
city flags were displayed. On either side of the
stage a brass feld-piece was stationed, pointing
towards the audience. Inside of the field-pieces
were two stacks OF arms, ornamented with silk
guidon and cavalry flags on ornamented stats.
The stage itself was set with the cut tent scene,
which is used in II YrooatOre anil other operas,
and which represents various warlike imple-
ments as hung upon the tent sides and poles.
The speakers stand was in the centre of the
stage, surrounded by a circle of ten velvet and
highly ornamented chairs for the presiding
officers and the more distinguished guests. These
were surrounded by some forty other chairs, be-
hind which q large number of benches were ar
ranged for the accommodation of those holding
tickets for the stage.
The Preiiminaries.
As early as II o'clock, which was one hour be-
fore the time for the opening of the doors, and
two hours before the beginning of the exercises,
an immense crowd had collected on Broad
street. in front of the main entrance, anxious to
obtain admittance. The noted military band
from Governors Island, New York, which was
TO supply the music for the occasion, passed
down the street about this time on their way to
their place in the Academy. This fine band,
which is composed of some thirty pieces and of
frst-class talent, attracted great attention by
their fine appearance. They wore - uniform of
dark regulation blue trimmed with gold, and
had highly polished epauettes with white fringe
and brass hilted swords Their instruments
shone with the brightest polish which it was
possible to bestow upon them.
who were Present.
At early as half-past IL o'clock the members
OF the various legions commenced crowding in,
all being largely represented. All seemed to
be deeply interested in this, the second annual
reunion. The men who braved the dangers of
the various hard-contested fields from the OPEN
ing of the war, under General Mcclellan, until
its final victorious close, under General Grant,
assembled in force. The 9th Army Corps Legion
flag was recognized Immediately by the ''Vets." ="
and loudly cheered. 1t plain to be seen
that the patriotic fires still glowed in the hearts
of the men who had risked their all in defense
of the best government God ever gave to man,
and If any man in the audience entertained a
single feeling of treachery towards his Govern
ment it must at once have been dispelled.
The band commenced discoursing sweet music
early, and was loudly applauded.
The Stuge.
AT / o'clock the stage was completely crowded
with the heroes of the war. Generals Casey,
Heintzleman, Ruff, Shaler, Newton, Wright,
Houpt, McCandless, Porter, Dent Owen, King.
Franklin, Van Vliet, Banks, Provost, and
Ingalls, occupied the front seats whilst the back
seats were filed with the coonels, majors, and
captains of the various organizations that went
to form the grand old Army of the Potomac.
The enthusiasm was immense and unrestrained;
the various heroes, as recognized, were vocife-
rously applauded; and the officers in the audi
ence, as their especial commanders appeared,
gave vent to their heart feelings in manner
that must have gladdened the hearts of the
recipients. The old fires were renwakened, and
the audience, becoming infected, lent the aid of
their lungs and handkerchiefs and all was Joy
and animation.
The Opening
At about twenty minutes past o'clock Presi'
dent Grant, accompanied by General Sheridan
entered and took their seats. Following them
were Generals Meade, Sherman, Mcdowell
Irwin, Banks, Burnside Humphreys, Dennison
Mott, Drum, Smith, Markland, Davies, Sharpe,
Martndale, Ellmaker, Provost, Bingham and
Dent and Secretaries Belknap, Cox, and ex'
Secretary B0rle. Inelr entrance was the Occa-
sion for an outburst such as never before re-
sounded within the walls of the Academy. The
audience with one single accord rose to theiI
feet, and for time the widest enthu.
sasm prevailed. The band, amidst all
struck up Hail to the chief" anC
from every corner cheers for President Grant
went up loud and long. As one would die ou
another would be started, and thus they were
kept up for the space of over five minutes The
cavalry officers next took up the strain, anC
Gallant Little Phl' was kept bowing ant
smiling until his spinal column weakened ant
he retired to his seat. The officers OF the e6tt
Corps Legion, headed by Colonel Latta anC
Major Gordon, next followed, and Genera
Wright was cheered aud cheered until they
bern was shown that his deeds were not forgot
ence again burst forth, and ended in q granC
huzZa for General Mcdowell.
A lull of about one second occurred when th'
cry Of MEADE Meade Meade ~ resoundeC
through the house, and the General was obliged
to rise and acknowledge the compliment Som
one in the auditorium then raised the cry o
General Mcclellan, and Little Mac" wa
cheered until his friends tired, when some on
in the audience commenced to hiss. Thi
z brought the officers to a man again on thei
feet. and the dissatisfied were shown that tn
men who braved the dangers of the field wer
vet ready to brave public opinion, and if neces
sary cenhuFe, in defense OF their old commander
The band then set up again. and poured fort
the different army calls, interspersed with ns
tional and popular airs. AS the well-know
music reached the ears OF the veterans, the