Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-08-15
TO ADVERTISERS.
VERMONT SOLDIERS, REUNION.

lannd on Wednesday of last week and
closed on Friday. The number of soldiers
in attendance numbered upwards of two
thousand. The fair grounds of the Rut-
land County Agricultural Society located
mile south of the village, was the scene OF
the encampment. The weather was fine,
and the occasion was one of great interest
and enjoyment. Among the distinguished
persons present were Gen. A. Doubleday,
u. s. A.; Gen. Joseph r. Hewley and
Chaplain Trumbull of Connecticut; Maj.
General Charles Devens, Jr., of Mass.
Gen. ]. C. Robinson, Lieut.. Governor of
New York, Gen. Griffin of New Hamp-
shire, Gov. Converse, Hon. L. p. Poland,
and many others.
The first day was rather uneventful, and
mostly occupied in the reception of battal-
ions, the occupancy of the tents on the fair
grounds, and the routine business connect
ed with the organization of a camp. Dress
parade was held at sunset, followed by open
air concerts by the several brass bands
present. The event of the evening was the
reception given at the re ,idenee of Charles
Clement to Gov. Converse and wife.
On the second day the troops were receiv-
ed by the Governor, and addresses made
by Generals Devens, Hawley, Doubleday,
Robinson, Griffin, Sprague, Stannard, Yea
zey and Chaplain Trum bull. There was
sham fight in the afternoon, between por-
tons of the Sd and 4th brgades, in which
a gun was captured from the latter by sur
prise. The boys of the 4th, however, made
q return charge and succeeded in recaptur-
ing the caisson and both wheels from the
gun-carrage, the gun itself remaining in
the hands of the Sd brigade. At this june
ture flag of truce appeared and the battle
ended. In the evening a torchlight process
sion passed through the principal streets of
the village. The citizens of Rutland took
great interest in The affair and laid them
selves out in the way of decorations. Nu-
merous stores, blocks and places of bust
ness were handsomely illuminated, as were
many private residences. After the torch
light procession the boys mostly retired to
camp and spent the evening in singing
songs, renewing old acquantanceships and
re hearsing "reminiscences of the Wharf.-The
humorous or the sad, of victory or of suf-
fering, as feeling or memory prompted. At
general council held previous to adjourn
ment, Burlington was unanimously agreed
on for the next encampment of veterans,
TO take place the last week of August, 1874.
General Stannard was chosen commander.
OF the speeches made on Thursday we can
only find room for those of Generals Dew.
ems and Hawley, as reported in brief.
Gen. Veazey introduced Gen. Devens, of
Massachusetts, as the COMMANDMENT
of the Grand Army of the Republic of the
United States, and proposed three cheers
for him, which were given with 4 hearty
will.
GEN. DEvENs SPEECH.
Addressing the soldiers as "comrades,"
Gen. Devens congratulated them on being
able to meet in so pleasant gathering and
to bring together so noble and true hearted
band, as any composed of the soldiers of
Vermont must be. Such meeting recalls
events of thrilling interest; pleasant remi-
Misc ences; sad recollections of those who
march ed and fought and suffered with us,
and who have passed beyond the veil. 1t
has been said that such reunions of soldiers
tend to keep alive the passions OF the war.
The chargeis unjust. No body of men are
so glad to be at peace with all, as the SOL
ders who know what war is. But the SOL
diers have right TO remember what they
have done for their country and their gov
eminent and the country has right to pre-
serve their record. Such holding of an
honored past in memory, fosters an honor
able national pride, and excites people to
noble emulation. AS the example of the
men of '76 was an inspiration to the men OF
1861, so will the example of the men of '6l
be TO those who after you will till these fer
tile fields. The men of former days who
fought with Ethan Allen and with Stark
were not better men than Vermont sent to
the war of the rebellion. The Vermonters
Of to-day are no alien Offspring Of The Green
Mountain Boys of old. On every battle
field Of the late war, by noble coura and
by steadiast faith, they proved themselves
the bronze Of former time recast. To tell
of the service done by your regiments, is
the task of the historian, and will not at
tempt it. But may say that their rec ord
is not unfamiliar to me. I see here many
men with whom l was associated in the
army. Your 9th regiment was under my
command. l recognize before me an ole
brigade flag of my division, the flag of the
first brigade that entered Richmond. Tha
brigade was commanded by one of YOU
Colonies. Gen. Devens then went on L
speak of the attachment OF true patriots t.
the flag, and told how he stood in Rich
mond, the day of its capture, and on thu
piazza OF Mrs. Van Lew, the noble ant
true hearted lady who did so much for GU
soldiers, in Libby prison, and heard he
describe her emotions, as, after four year
of waiting for the right to triumph sh
saw at last, the lines of loyal bayonet
marching in over the New Market road
and over them the American Hag-how sh
and her household sank down on thei
knees and thanked God tina. they saw i
once more wave in triumph. Gen. Dev
ems alluded also to the men of the old Firs
Vermont Brigade, as among the truest O
the true, and recalled three brave New Eng
land soldiers, all now dead, who we're pres
ent when he first reported as Brigadier
General-Brooks, commanding the LIST Vel
mont brigade [cheers], John Sedgwck Ire
newed cheerir 81, and gallant Massachu
sets officer. Nor, said the speaker, do
forget the gadantry of your Second Bril
ade. You are TO be congratulated on NEE
ing here so many men who distinguish
themselves at Gettysburg, the decisive ba
tie ofthe war-Colonel Veazey here [cheer'
Gen. Stannard [cheersl and Gen. Double
day prolonged cheeringl. Time woul
fail to pursue the history of the Vernon
regiments, who won on these and othe
fields SO proud name. And when 1 RI
member how noble and united your Stat
was throughout the war, / cannot but hoI