The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1870-08-11
Soldiers Reunion.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
Des MONIES, Aug. 5, 1870.

Soldiers of Io,Dd-GENTLEMEN -
Five years have elapsed since the au-
thority of the Government was re-
established, and you laid aside the
weapons of war and returned to
peaceful pursuits. In the contest
which then terminated, you bore no
unimportant part. Whether in the
never-beaten army of the Tennessee,
or in the other victorious legions Of
the Republic, the record Of your deeds
is proud one. In the perils and the
glories Of the battlefield, and in the
privations of the camp, your soldier
" qualities were ever conspicuous.
The years that have followed the
close ofthe conflict tell of your praise
worthy although less conspicuous tri-
umphs, in tho more quiet walks Of
life, demonstrating in astriking man.
ner the lofty character of the citizen
soldier.
During these years of peace the
great questions, growing out of the
contest of arms have been finally set
tied and the Union reconstructed on
an enduring basis; such, it is hoped,
Us will prevent the possibility Of the
recurrence Of civil war. In the en-
joyment of this profound and con-
tinued peace, and thankful for oil it's
blessings, it has been thought well
that the surviving soldiers Of Iowa,
should come together again, not for
purposes of military display, but to
spend q short time in pleasant, social
intercourse, and to revive memories
and recent "reminiscences Of the past.
The General Assembly of the State
has made feasible such a meeting by
making an appropriation for the OBJ
ject. I therefore, in the name Of the
State, extend cordial invitation to
all tho late soldiers Of Iowa regiments
to attcnd general reunion to be hold
ct the Capitol Of the State on We'd
nesday, August 81, and Thursday,
September l, 1870. 81 ss.r j
Tho railroad companies of the State
have literally offered to compliment
the soldiers with . pass to and from
the place of reunion but the great
numbers who VIII avail themselves
OF this liberality, mill make 1t necos-
sary for tho railroads to use every
available vehicle for transportation.
Preparations for properly enter.
tanning the honored guests of The
State are being perfected, and the
citizens ofthe Capitol City will do all
in their power to do honor to the .oc.
casion.
Advices already received indicate
that the proposed reunion will be the
largest assemblage over held within
our State limits, and that q great
or number Of tho volunteer soldiers
who took part in tho lato war will be
gathered together than at any time
or place since our armies were dis.
banded. Every State military or.
ganization brought into existence
during the lato struggle, every arm
Of the service, will be represented
Men who parted years ago, at the re-
turn ofpcaco, will meet age to re-
new old friendships and NJ tories Of
battlo-fields and skirmishf Of weary
marches and varied cam Jxperien.
ccs.
The number that vii! came is so
great that there will be litt chanc Q
for regular meals, or any kind of
rations, at the eating-hou'e s along
the several routes of trans Dor sation.
! therefore suggest to alto start well
supplied in this respect, depending
little upon anything TO DO obtained
on the liues ofrailroads.
Feeling confident that every sold.
Ter will cheerfully do what is reason
able to lesson labor and expense the
Executive Committee desire that each
person shall bring with him blank
ct or shawl, q tin cup, and q knife
and fork. Rations will be furnished
but they will necessarily approx.
mate those, of camp life No uni
forms win be required, but badges
designating your several arms Of SER
vice and numbers of regiment, it is
will be provided on your