Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-08-27
Reunion of the Eighth Vermont.

The reunion OF the Eighth Vermont was cid
at the Pavilion on Thursday evening, Colonel
John b. Mead, vice-commander presiding. AZ
ter a short business session, the following officers
elected for the next two years President,
General Stephen Thomas; yice-presidents, Ser
geant II. b. Brown and Lieutenant IL. W. Downs
secretary and treasurer, Surgeon C. NJ Ferrin;
executive committee, Major J. L. Barstow Cap
tain W. H. Gilmore and Captain Moses McFar-
land chaplain, Colonel J. b. Mead.
After which about one hundred members Of the
society and invited guests sat down to one OF
Landlord Baileys fine suppers, when the toast
master-Major j. l. Barstow-presentedt the regu-
lar toasts, as follows:
l--Oar old Commander, Colonel Stephen Thomas.
Those who know General Thomas will under
stand with how much feeling he responded to
this toast Time he said, only deepened his love
for the men of his old regiment. The service of
the Eighth was somewhat isolated, and perhaps
the regard of the people of the state was some
what alienated from it, but it did its duty glori-
ously. 1t never finched in any peril. But
single in 1t showed cowardice. As to
himself, he had everything to learn as a military
man when he took command OF the Eighth, and
the regiment made him all he was He recalled
parture from the regiment, and urged the mem
bers of the society to keep up their organization
maintain these reunions and do their part cit
liens to perpetuate the supremacy OF the princ-
piles for which they fought. He closed with an
earnest " God bless you all. -
q Weitsers Old Brigade
Quartermaster F. f. Smith, who served for a
time on General weitzels staff, said that he called
ON General Weitzel recently and found him well
and retaining lively remembrance of and inter-
est in the troops that served under him. He re-
lated a capital story of General Thomas in which
his peculiar characteristics were displayed but
which we have not the space to publish.
o. Ysrlnoni-Early the hed always at the 'front.' the
last leave and till victory won.
Happily responded to by Colonel Roswell Farm
ham Of Bradford
tour Volunteer Army-The life Of nation; heroes
in war; In peace our best citizens.
In response To this toast Colonel Herbert Hill
a member of the staff of Governor Talbot OF Mass
achusetts, recalled "reminiscences of the service of
the Eighth-of Port Hudson Winchester, Fishers
Hill and Cedar Creek-and alluded to Colonel
Thomas the +" father of the regiment" Colonel
Grout OF the Fifteenth Vermont spoke briefly, and
urged all never to permit what had been gained
by the to be lost.
5-PermoHf Troop, of all arms.
Captain Frank G. Butterfed of the Sixth Ver-
mont, who once drilled company for the Eighth
and who had a brother in that regiment, spoke
proudly of the deeds OF the old Vermont Brigade,
Lieutenant G G. Benedict of the Twelfth Reg
iment said he did not believe that the confidence
or affection of the people OF Vermont had ever
aIi tad IA ali cd GnlOnal IlOmas1
from this regiment. They watched 1t and knew
its record and were proud of It, Further re-
sponded to by Colonel John B Mead, Captain J,
c. Stearns, Captain j. H. Goulding, Captain A. E.
Leavenworth, II. A. Huse, and Quartermaster
Edward Dewey.
e-Tas memory Of these wAo fell IN The var.
Received standing and in silence.
THE Old Flag.
Responded to by Lieutenant n. Newton Glazier
of the Eleventh, late pastor Of the Baptist church
here. But more eloquent though silent response
WAS the unfurling by General Thomas OF one OF
the old flags of the Eighth Regiment or what is left
OF IL, which was shot from the staff, and preserved
by General Thomas in the Shenandoah Valley
This ended the formal toasts and responses.
Others made short and pithy remarks and the re-
| union closed by the singing OF America, 1t was
undoubtedly the best reunion ever enjoyed by
| Them and all the members parted feeling the tic
that binds together old comrades strengthened