Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1882-11-17
A Pleasant Re- Union.-Tbe Mont.

1
gomery House, under the proprietorshil
and management of Mr.. John H. Kelchner
was the scene of very happy social as
semblage on Friday last.
A number of the surviving comrads O
Company A, Capt. Thomas Griffith of thu
First Maryland Regiment, G. S. A., hello
their usual annual re-union-an occasion
always fraught with interest to those di.
rectly concerned and always anticipated
with feelings of pleasure. 1t could not
be otherwise, they had stood shoulder tc
shoulder in years gone by under far differ
ent scenes and under far different circum-
stances-scenes not of mirth and pleasure,
but of privation end suffering-of battle
and bloodshed-active figures in one of tho
greatest civil commissions that ever shocked
the world. If in the long line of march they
sometimes caught any occasional glimpse of
sunshine-if by the wayside some cottage
has its story of love and romance to relate
if the camp-tires had their rich jokes-there
are hundred battle fields which still and
will remain knocking memory OF some
fallen comradc. Upon these annual reunions,
as around their tcnt-fires in the now long
ago, all these touching and thrilling remi-
niscences are gathered together and referred
to as the circumstances may warrant-and
hence il is that these reunions whilst pleas
ant to the surviving comrades are not with
ont much Dlaas RI nj intar.,St m thooo x.,h,,
may be so fortunate as to be present.
The number present was nothing like as
large as anticipated, but with the invited
guests the company was indeed pleasant
one and rich and merry were the few hours
that were passed together.
The dinner prepared tor the occasion, un-
der the superintendent Of Madam Kelch-
ner, was perhaps the feature of the day.
The table in point Of exquisite taste and
artistic arrangement was perfect model,
and would stand the criticism OF the most
fastidious caterer The first course con-
sisted OF oysters in different styles with
salids, celery, &c. The second course was
of elegant rock, charmingly boiled and
equally well dressed. The third course
was turkey, ham, chickens and beef with
every possible substantial and delicate entree
attended with a variety of jellies and pickles
The fourth course consisted of ice-cream,
plum pudding and gelatines. The fifth course
consisted of wine, supported by fruit, nuts,
&c.
At the head of this sumptuous table sat
Capt Griffith, Messrs. Spencer 9. Jones and
e. B. Prettyman on his right and Mr.. David
Griffith on the left After ample justice had
been paid to the good things Capt. Griffith
introduced Mr.. L. b. Prettyman, whose
graceful remarks, in which he referred to
the "reminiscences of the war and TO the &C.
casion OF the reunion, were warmly re-
ceived.
At the conclusion of the remarks of Mr.
P. and after many happy hits between the
comrades, Mr.. Spencer Jones, formerly of
Company d, same regiment, was introduced
and made an animated speech replete with
interest touching many important and inter-
esting circumstances connected with Com
panies A and ID, and closing with an elo-
quent tribute to the bravery and memory
of the distinguished and lamented Colonel
Ridgely Brown, who commanded the regi-
ment, and offering toast to the memory of
that brave and gallant officer.
The toast to the citizens of Maryland was
responded to by Col. VIM. Kilgour, after
which Mr.. Prettyman proposed a toast to the
health of Capt. Griffith, which brought the
latter gentleman to his feet with some happy
remarks. Various other toasts were offered
and found response, and after two hours
pleasantly spent the party adjourned. The
next reunion will be held at Elicott City.
1t was source of general regret that those
expected from Howard county were pre-
vented from being present by important en-
gagements