The Portland daily press., 1881-08-26
The Camp Fire.


The closing exercises at the Oaks in the
evening were as "informal' as the heartiest
hater of etiquette could wish. Comrades gath
cred in the regimental tents, sang old army
songs, told stories as ancient at least as the
eighteenth dynasty. and snapped reminis-
cences more or less veracious. Occasionally,
headed by hastily organized drum CORPS they
would sally out and make the grand rounds of
the encampment. The grounds swamed with
visitors. The great Yale tent sheltered fifteen
thousand people, and as many more fringed its
edges for yards. On all the walks sight-seers
and sght-seekers jostled each other. and the
outspreading green was covered by them.
They peeped into the tents, gazed curiously at
the corp badges and the men who wore
them land thought to themselves and told to one
another what a delightful thing war must be.
The veterans who overheard their comments
smiled grimly and made many Jest at the ex-
pense Of the ingenious ones.
The veterans were so intent upon the ex-
change of farewells and the visitors npon
watching them, that it was nearly nine O'Clock
before the camp fre-represented on this oc-
casion by an insufficient number of dimly
burning lanterns-was lighted. General
Chamberlain, who called the association to
order, in brief and appropriate remarks
congratulated them upon the success of the
reunion, and commented in warm terms on
the hospitality of the city of Portland. Owing
to the lateness of the hour he refrained from
reading letters OF encouragement and sympa-
thy that had been received from Grant, Sher-
man, Hancock, Mcclellan, Emory and other
distinguished officers of the civil war. He
asked his comrades if the Maine Association
of Veterans should be continued, and the re-
sponse was laundering ''aye-" Gen. Cham
berlain then gave way to Col. ROBBIE, treasurer
OF the association, who presented the following
report:
The Association of Soldiers and Sailors held
preliminary meeting in Portland January
~, 1851, at which time it was unanimously
voted that there should be reunion of the
sailors and soldiers of Maine some time in
August, 1881, and a committee of arrange
ments was appointed. The meeting was rep
resented by over 100 veterans and nearly all
the associations and regiments were represent
ed. The committee was Immediately organ
lied and commenced active work, look ing for
ward to grand reunion of the vete rams of
Maine. An effort was made to secure the old
battle flags for this reunion which adorl1 the
rOIuuud VI Inc OGaJo House, and are looked
upon with feelings of love and patriotism by
those who may visit the capital of the State,
and the committee were anxious and DESTROYS
that those who shared the immediate dangers
of the flags and were connected with the many
battles that have made them historic and glor-
ious should once more gaze upon their tattered
folds.
The Legislature of Maine in consequence of
an unexpected opposition refused to grant
what seemed to be very proper request of
the Executive Committee and thereby the
several old battle flags of the regiments have
not been carried to-day.
The Executive Committee have held re-
peated meetings during the past nine months,
and have been in constant attendance at their
headquarters each day for the past four weeks.
The city of Portland very kindly appropriated
S25Oo for defraylng. the expenses Of the re-
union, and the citizens of Portland have
generously subscribed $500 for the same pur-
pose.
There will be revenue derived from an ar
rangeme,.t with the railroads depending upon
the number of tickets sold to those who have
attended the reunion. There will be a small
revenue from other sources. We estimate our
receipts as follows: