Morning journal and courier., 1882-08-26
Fifteenth c. V. Reunion.
A Gala Day in Old Branfortt-HOyv thu
 Day Was Spent.

A Gala Day 1n Old Branford--Fow the
 Day Was Spent.
 BRANFoRD, Aug p.
 The three days encampment of Mason Rogers Post of the Grand Army of the Re- public closed with the seventeenth reunion of the Fifteenth regiment in Branford to- day. The old village has been all astir dur ing this festival, but the gathering of the regiment in larger numbers than before ad- ded new enthusiasm to the partici pants The members from New Haven and vicinity, num- bering about one hundred and fifty went over on Conductor Fowler's train, and were received at the Branford depot by Mason Rogers Post, headed by the Columbia brass band and drum corps. The veterans were quickly formed under command of Colonel Upham and marched to the Town Hall in the centre of the village, where the business meeting was at once held. Col. Upham, president of the association, called the meet ing to order. Adjutant P. c. Rand, of Meriden, made his report as treasurer, which very satisfactory. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: Presi don't, Col. c. l.. Upham, of Meriden; vice president, Capt. w. c. Burgess, of New Ha- ven chaplain, Rev. H. E. Marshall, of Mid dlebury; surgeon, Willis Bene dict, of Waterbury; historian, Captain George M White, of Westville; executive committee, George M. White Charles Bowman, George H. Stoddard, Hugh I. Finnegan, Oscar P. Ives. During the meeting letter was read from Chaplain John Doolittle, of Grafton, Neb., regretting his inability to be present. and asking for aid for feeble church which he is striving to build up in that locality The matter of the adoption of an association ! badge came up informally and 8 design two were shown, but nothing decided upon. At the close of the meeting adjournment was made to the large dining tent erected upon I the public square, where the collation. pro- vided by the people was served. Four long | tables were laid as only Branford and North Haven and Orange people have ever laid, and It seemed almost 8 sacrilege to despoil them, l but the sacrifice was nobly made and the supply more than met the demand. In an ad joining tent the clambalze was served out tc the satisfaction of all who partook. Fully five hundred people were provided for ! Mason Rogers Post was ably seconded by the ladies of Branford, who have labored early and late to make the reunion a success. Mrs Bartholomew and her fine corps of aids were 1 here, there and everywhere, to the satisfac tion of everybody. At the close of the din ner the usual literary exercises took place The president introduced Captain George M | White, historian of the regiment who pro ceeded to unfold plan of it, history which he has in preparation The idea met the views of all who heard the opening chapter, and will be cordially endorsed by every member of the regime nt Captain White was followed by N. D. Sperry Esq, of New Haven, who feelngly advertee to the dark days of 1862 when hope almos died at the North by reason of recent re verses, and the feeling was arising that peace must be secured by compromise. It wal 1 then that 8 hundred and twenty citizens O.
 New Haven issued call for the recruiting O 8 regiment that should be repre- sentativ l one of the county. A meeting was held II
 Music Hall and the call went forth. It wa
 met in few weeks at the farthest and th
 command started. Mir. Sperry reviewed ! with pride the conduct of the regiment, ant
 urged closer brotherhood of it's member
 and 8 dearer place in the hearts of the peo pie.
 Chaplain D. N. Miller, of Brooklyn wa
 next introduced and made characteristic
 address of his, which was heartily applauded | He related several incidents in the history o
 the regiment not down in the books, whicl ! vastly pleased the boys.
 Captain White again vigorously called
 for to recite his poem of "The Old Canteen,
 which was applauded to the echo
 The next speaker was H. c. Baldwin, o Naugatuck, who, if he had not ventilate, somewhat vigorously his communistic anti
 monopoly greenback justice theories, woul
 have failed to keep up his reputation as reformer. AS it was the boys were ready t l 1 applaud him and listen to the Rev. Mir. Gun | tiss, who closed the addresses in the tent wit
 solid advice to keep up year by year thes
 gatherings as educating and civilizing agents At the band stand outside speaking wa a again resumed where Captain Buttricks. D, s Zinque, s. F. Linsley and others made brie
 addresses. Among those present, not tn g least interested, @ Mir. Porter, who ran d the alarm bell when the British appeared o g the coast seventy years ago, and Captai
 James Blackstone, who with others responde ! to that call.
 e All in all the day was another bright or - in the roster of regimental reunions. It wa decided to hold the next in the vicinity g New Haven, and the executive committee wi : fix the place. A most hearty vote of thanl f was rendered the ladies, the people and M , son Rogers Post for their hearty rsceptio . of the regiment, and ''Johnny Went Marcl - ing Home" on the evening trains in eithe s direction, tired and satisfied with the day @ enjoyment.