The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-19
Annual Reunion OF the Old First yir-
ginia Association.

Yesterday the sixteenth annual retinion
OF the Old First Virginia Association took
place at Blenner's Park, at the head OF
Marshall street.
These occasions always afford sensations
OF great qualification to the surviving men,
bers OF the brave command that are left to
meet each year, enjoy the day in recalling
the scenes OF trying days OF war. touch
glasses over the stories OF camp life, and do
reverence to the memory OF such OF the
Association as may have answered
the inevitable decree Of fate, and
passed from this world TO another.
Yesterday was no exception. and at 10
O'Clock full turnout OF the old First had
gathered at the park which, by the way,
is most excellent place for such meetings.
The Committee Of Arrangements-Me Messrs.
A. X. WOodsOn, A. j. Vaughan, and Cap
tain j. f. Phillips-fully justified the eX-
pectations OF all in the reception given to
the members and visitors, and sustained
the good judgment which caused them to
be selected for the important trust con-
fded them.
A lunch was first spread, and this served
10 stay the keen appetite until dinner-:ime'
Meanwhile the men enjoyed themselves in
lldtliN tAtlNtsts III 'ltldni- llit vi
the punch-bowl, and in listening TO jokes,
songs, and music by the brass band that in
the times OF fierce fighting delighted the
First Virginia regiment, under Colonel
y. r. Moore. with strains OF mar
tial music. These veteran musicians
deserve more than passing no.
tice. Those present were j. b. Smith,
aged siXty-eight years; j. NJ. Melton, John
Boucher, &. VI. X. Pohle, Joseph EIirsch-
berg. and William Trimmer. Mr.. Smith
is venerable in appearance, and it was a
sight to see the gray-haired old man, his
fingers tremulous with age, pressing the
keys OF the trombone. His form is bent
with age ana his voice weak, but still
strong enough TO provoke the sweetest
sounds from his instrument. In answer to
n round OF cheers for the band from the
boys, the old man mounted a stand and in
a touching manner played low and sweet
:" The Last Rose OF Summer" When the
last strains OF this impressive song
died away there were eyes in the crowd OF
old veterans that were wet with tears.
Yesterday was the anniversary OF the bat
tie Of Bull Run, and for the first time
since the war the old band resurrected a
war relic-a tune composed by Mr.. Smith
on the battlefield OF Bull Run, and called
in honor OF the fight "The Bull-Run
Quickstep." 1t was quickly recognized,
and cheered by the boys.
The dinner was excellent, and while
JEFF Vaughan did not have a Brunswick
stew made OF rats, as he did on one occa-
sion at Point Lookout, when IN the full
ness OF his generous heart he invited Mr..
James Gray (also prisoner there TO share
his repast, still he had the stew made Of
more palatable material. and lot OF other
things good enough for king, and then,
with Captain Phillips and Aylett Wood
son TO look after your wants as only such
good soldiers and polite gentlemen can,
there could be no chance Of complaint
from any one.
The dead were not forgotten. Late in
the afternoon Colonel William ii. Palmer,
president OF the Association, arose, and in
a few feeling words called attention to the
fact that it was a time honored custom OF
the Association to pay respect to the men,
oIv OF the dead. Since the last meeting ii
had pleased Providence to call from their
midst their colonel, L. 7. Moore, their be-
loved major, George +. Norton, and their
elIow-comrades. Priyates Stuart and Pol
lard. They could never answer the call OF
the roll here, but their memory would be
cherished. With uncovered heads, and in
silence, the men drank to the departed.
A part OF the ceremonies was the follow
ing toast, offered by Mr.. A. K. WoOdson !:
"1he BraCe Boys Of aaron Wilkes
Post. Grand Army Of the Republic: Gal
liant foes in time Of trouble, firm and faith
full friends in peace, we remember them
and send them greeting, and a welcome
always to our reiinions."
The Post had been invited to be present
on this occasion, but could not attend.
The day closed in the most pleasant
manner to guests and members.