Connecticut western news., 1880-09-15
SECOND HEAHLEs" IN LINE
Flying Flags, Feast, Erolic and Fun.
.Ratio71s and Ordtio7as.

Ratioas and OrGtioaaS.
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 Last Friday morning the sun arose-or is supposed to have arisen, as nobody in this re- zion saw it-over the bluest kind of blue community, and the prospects of as disagree able day for the Reunion of the sSecond Heavies' as possible. It rained hard and steadily, and the sky was completely overcast with dark clouds that indicated good staying qualities. l. seemed as if the "food gates of heaven" had been taken from their hinges, and replaced with pair of bars. Extensive preparations had been made in Gillette's grove for the reception and entertainment of the veterans and expected multitude, and it was at once apparent that that part of the pro- gramme would have to be abandoned. Ev- erybody was disappointed, with the exception of the "I.told. you-so" class, who, being able to look through grindstone. provided there is hole in it, predicted raiu when the clouds first appeared, the day before.
 In spite of the rain, however, those who had supplied themselves with flags and ban ners, (and almost everybody had) decorated their premises tastily, giving patriotic and pleasing appearance to the place, which con- trasted strongly with the gloomy aspect over. head. Large corps badges were conspicuous ly displayed, and the word s'Welcome" in large letters, was fastened over the words Hancock and English" on the large cam paign flag, from the bottom of which hung 6 banner containing corps badge. The Town Hall, where it was decided to entertain the guests, was elaborately decorated within and without, with flags, banners aad bunting, and sufficient force was soon found, to arrange tables, benches, etc. for the occasion. The eatables and drinkables, in inexhaustable quantities, were brought to the hall and taken in charge by the ladies-bless their patriotic souls l-who, needless of the rain and mud came out and put forth every effort to make the affair pleasant and memorable one; and that they succeeded eminently, all who at tended will testify.
 The first train, 934 a. m. brought few veterans from Salisbury and Lakeville, and during the forenoon others arrived witl teams. All were received at the hall by Sec retary D. C. Kilbourn, and wife, of Litch field, and.each was supplied with badge and button hole bouquet, pinned on the coa by the amiable Mrs. Kilbourn, who had { smile and kind word for all, which every vet eran will recall whenever he looks at hi badge.
 On the arrival of the noon trains, a large delegation of citizens and visitors was at th' depot to welcome Gov. Andrews, who wa expected, and other veterans. Quite nun Der of the latter came, but the Governor, b, reason of severe cold, was unable to accep the invitation to be present. Several wei known officers of the regiment arrived, how ever, among whom were Col Jeffrey Skinner Capt. H. s. Mckinney, Lieut.. Bates an' r Capt. 0. H Pine. The H. R. R. train brough the West Cornwall brass band. A drun corps from New Milford was expected, bu : for some reason, failed to appear. The Fall Village band, which was at first expected 3 found it impossible to attend, owing to rus of work at the repair shops where most of tn } members are employed. At the depot, afte greetings and handshakings,. the veteran ] formed into line under command of Col. lief . frey Skinner, and headed by the band, marct
 ed to the Town Hall, followed by larg
 crowd of citizens and visitors. About thi
 time the clouds began to break up and dis appear, and soon the sun shone out in all hi
 glory upon thankful and patriotic assen blaze gathered before the Hall to listen to tn address of welcome by Col. J. B. Hardenbergl
 who eulogized the regiment, and paid tribut l to the dead, who ''died on the field of honor.
 The honorable record of the regiment was re ferred to, and the perpetuation of the custo,
 of annually reuniting to fight their battle l over, was urged. At the close of the Col
 address, Captain Chas. H. Pine responded i :. brief speech, in behalf of the veterans. Tn
 latter then filed into the Hall, seated then ' attacked the viands set before them, but a though they made fearful havoc at ever
 onslaught the young ladies in attendance ke1 < reinforcing the enemy and finally outgene l. aled the veterans, who beat an orderly retrea e leaving the spells to the outsiders, who in
 mediately took possession of the tables, an |, in turn gave place to others. Meanwhile th Q veterans gathered about the stage to inter change greetings and attend the bushes meeting. Letters were read as follows: New York City, Sept. 9th, 1880. Comrades of the 2d 0. V. H. A.:
 D Your invitation to meet you at "Canaan
 on the 10th inst. is gratefully acknowledged
 We know we speak the sentiment of ever @ member of the l2lst when we say it woul give us great pleasure to accept your invits v tion; and be assured it Is with great regre that we are unable this year to have repre- sentative among you as we intended. We are certain your reunion will be a haI '- py one, for you are already s'safe in that haI i. py land," suggested by the place named fo
 for your meeting; which, to reach, will be tn future glory ot all our deserving comrades h Our reunion will occur October 10th next a Cooperstown, and we would be glad to enter tain any members of our esteemed comrade }, of the Second Conn. on that occasion. a Please accept assurance of our fraterns f regard in behalf of the Association of the l21s i N. Y. v.
 ANDREW DAVIDSON, President. B J. W. CRoNKITE, Sec'y,
 8 Custom House, New York. . Stoneham, Warren Co.,, Pa.
 Sept. Eth, 1880. n Tre