Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1879-10-22

not Deen WlSllo60oQ In 0KO IOf
years. The booming Of cannon, rat
tie of musketry, smoke from burn
ing powder, movements of cavalry
and infantry, charge and retreat,
assaults and repulses, cheers Of the
charging columns, the drum and
fife, cornet and bugle-made the
| two hours on the field one long to
be remembered by the hundreds Of
spectators on q score Of knobs. To
say that the scenes Of the day were
enjoyed by the several thousand visi-
tors present, would inadequately
express it. Hon. Alex. Hughes, Of
this city, and president of the asso-
citation, is one of those hard-work-
ing energetic men, and but for his
ceasless labor the reunion would
have been far less enjoyable. The
bulk Of the work was performed by
Mr.. Hughes in perfecting plans,
making arrangements and having
everything in order, and when Gen.
Campbell arrived and assumed COM
mand Of the armies, with M. w.
6heafe = staf officer, all he had to
do was 10 direct the forces. Much
honor is due to MI. Hughes for the
industry and g~eneralship he display
ed in his arrangements for the gath
ering Of soldiers.
At the close of the battle the SOL
diers marched to the camp ground
headed by the general and his staff.
The battle seemed to have caused
renewed intere-t and the streets
were literally packed with spectators
as the troops passed through town on
their way to emp. After drill and
other miscellaneous exercises the
companies disbanded to get supper
and prepare for the evenings enter
ta.nment. AT an early hour in the
evening the U. B. Church was filled
to overAowiag. A a very neat stage
had been erected for the speakers
and musicians. The exercises of the
evening we're opened with prayer by
Rev. d. 7. Hutchinson, ar which
the Y"Red White and Blue" was
well sung. Gen. Beadle was then
introduced as the orator of the eve
ming. His Grafton was full Of patri-
otto thoughts, eloquent a,nd entnusi-
astic, and struck a re- pcnsive cro.u
in the hearts of all present whether
soldier or citizen. As a literary ef-
for. it was truly grand, and loudly
applaudcd at its conclusion. Gen.
Campbell then read some battle
sketches, of more than ordinary in
terest. The general is known as one
of Americas most heroic warriors, a
man covered with scars and glory,
the hero of two wars and scores of
battles, and as his sketches told of
scenes in which he participated
they were listened to with the great
| est of interest. The effort was both
literary and eloquent, and shows
| that the General can write as well
as fight.
After music, Hon. G.. G. Bennett
delivered q very eloquent address
| of a few moments, which was greet
ed with cheers by the audience.
At the written request Of several,
Mrs. Alex. Hughes recited the beau
tiful piece, "The Past Rises Before
Me-" The recitation was well re-
ceived and we'll executed, and the
lady did herself credit.
A more harmonious meeting new
er assembled in Dakota. The old
war songs. John Brown" tramp,
Tramp" "Tenting on the Old Camp
Ground" 'When this cruel war is
Over" were sung by the audience
in q spirited manner. 1t was inter-
esting to see how the old soldiers
took hold of those songs. Many OF
the boys sang them when rebel mus
kets were playing an accompani,
ment, and no doubt every verse had
a memory to some veteran present.
The election of officers for the en-
suing year resulted as follows:
Presidenl-Capt. Alex. Hughes.
Vice + est Gen. G. T. Campbell.
Secre:aI y-Capt. J. H. Burdick.
Cor. Secy-Capt. NJ. w. Sheafe:
No serious accident occurred du-
ring the day to mar the enjoyment
and all passed off SO pleasantly that
our people will long remember the
sce.e. Although the expense was
heavy on our people, they do not r..
greet their liberality, as they feel
well repaid in the EMO ment OF the
day. A writer in the Yankton p,
& Dakotaian closes q long article a
follows.
The hearty thanks of all were Civ.
en- to Capt. Hughes for his great Ia
Der and efficient counsels in prepa'
Ing for the reunion. In fact he got
up the affair. Nearly all the work
was his. Without his persistent eff
forts the fine su cess would not have
come or the idea would have beer
abandoned. The lalies and gentle
men who prepared and gave the Sc
lected music Of the evening are graf
fully remembered. It was fine ii
selec ion and excellent in rendition
The p ople, and specially the sol
diers of Elk Point were most faith
full in preparing and helping. Th'
rations were good. There was nee
essa 'ly . heavy expense in such al
affair and in procuring powder :
M. The soldiers Of YAH
should at once send their help
ward this payment. as all pr
from there contributed liJel.
NJ t Q. all they should organize j
uuifo,m q company OF two and b.
prepared to Join in fature meetings
It is proposed to make the next re
union . meeting Of two or tilse'
days, and i'll tenls in comple.e CAM
style. May all soldiers and sailor
be there TO enjoy it as those psesen
did this one.