Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-08-14
THE RUTLAND HERALD.
THURSDAY, AUGUST IA, 1878.
THE REUNION.


held their first Reunion, and have broken
comp and departed for their homes, to
take up the ordinary avocations of life,
,cbere they laid them down three days
oro TO enjoy the first general assembly
If the rank and file of the loyal army in
the late rebellion, ever met in New Eng
land The whole occasion, to its re-
modest detail, has been a perfect and a
decided success. The attendance has
been large, not iless than two thousand
FIVE hundred of the survivors of the late
war. having participated in the festivi-
ties and enjoyments of the occasion, and
,,e have vet to hear of the first man
who feels that he has not been fully re
maid for all the time and money he has
expended in attending this Reunion. 1t |
was anticipated by many that there
would be some little popinjay, connected |
with some regiment, who by accident |
had obtained a little brief rank in the !
service that would fail to see any plea
s,re in the renewal of old associations,
unless with it, he could resume for a !
h-ef interval a power of domineering
over better men than himself, but to the
credit Of Vermont soldiers, such mani
fpstations of stupidity were exceedingly
rare indeed, we only heard of one such
on the west side of the mountain, and
that was. of course, from an officer who
never commanded less intelligent man
than himself.
We have no doubt that since the Re-
union has proved so brilliant a success,
there will be many persons who will
claim the credit of its organization, or,
nj least, Of having made a suggestion
that lead to its organization and success.
We have considerable knowledge of how
tlis reunion come to he initiated and
carried through to success and we know
that its ultimate triumph was due to the
soldiers Of Vermont, without respect to
former rank or condition, who came for
ward SD eagerly to renew the old associa-
tons and inauguratc 81 series Of reunions,
tha, it is hoped win be perpetual. The
iIeg of This grand assembly of Vermont
soldiers. was discussed in various parts
Of the State one year ago. and seems to
have been suggested to many about the
same time doubtless from the success
of similar gatherings. though on a small
er scale, in Ohio, and perhaps other
States, but the eXcitements of n heated
political campaign rendered it ineXpedi-
ent make any demonstration last year.
At the annual encampment of the Grand
Army of the Republic, held in January
last at st. Adams, the subject was con-
sidered. and a committee consisting of
the persons who suggested and advOcat-
ed the measure were appointed to attend
to the preliminaries and carry out such
programme as they should arrange.
The committee represen ted every sec
ton Of the State, and all grades of the
service, from a sergeant to a brigadier-
general, of which Col. w. G. Veazey of
Rutland, was chairman. After agreeing
upon general plan, they instructed their
chairman to perfect an organization and
carry out such a programme as he should
Judge most promising of success. The
perfection of this organization and its
details, was the work Of Col. NeaZey,
who was ably seconded by the compe-
tent staff he appointed The clerical
work of the adjutant generals depart
mcnt was ably conducted by adjutant
general GOulding, and assistant aCjutant
general Forbes. While Colonel Kings
ley directed the quartermaster's depart
ment with cOnsummate skill. Nothing
was omitted in the completeness of prep
arations, and nothing occurred to mai
the harmony of the occasion. The wealth.
err was delightful and everybody exhib-
tied their happiest manners. The most
sauguine anticipations of the most enthu
siastic, were exceeded, and the happy re,
union closed with a unanimous vote tc
repeat its joyful exercises at Burlington
next year.
The people of Rutland are also to be
congratulated upon the success of this
encampment. 1t not only brought trade
to our merchants and custom to our no
tells, but the cordial mannerin which the
torchlight procession was received by the
people, created a favorable impression
with the strangers present 1t was al
Introduction, very creditable for ou1
beautiful and enterprising village, ant
the soldiers carry away nothing bu
pleasant recollections of our town anC
people. 1t also corrected a prevalen
opinion among certain classes, that sol
diers, when assembled in enCampments
ceased to be gentlemen, and were giver
to carousals and recklessness, but W.
venture to say that the people who visit
cl Camp Doubleday, on Wednesday
Thursday or Friday, saw no more drink
ing, rioting or confusion than the!
would have observed at a camp meetin!
or picnic gathering of the same humble
of people anywhere. Vermont soldier
have demonstrated that they are gentle
men. Rutland people have shown thei
hospitality and good feeling. All were
instructed and entertained by the ora
tions and music, and the State and he
people are better and happier on accoun
of the first encampment of the Reunion
Forces. Let us keep fresh the old asso
Citations thus revived until next year
when they will be renewed at Burling
ton.
TEE POWER OF ORGANIZATION