Connecticut western news., 1883-09-26
THE SEVENTH CONN. REGIMENT
 REUNION.

every individual, every town, every state, and every nation, which will never be forgotton, as long as such in- dividual, town, state or nation exists | Some great event marks this day and l in ndelibly imprints it upon the memory, or upon the history's page. September 19, 1883, was day that will never be forgotten. Around it cluster the most | pleasant associations. It was day of | rejoicing, of hand shaking, of congrat- ulation, of feasting, of speech making, of song and martial music. A day when the veterans shook hands once more with their gallant and brave, their dear old comrade and leader, General Joseph R. Hawley, who at the outbreak of the war, was the first man in Connecticut to en- list and although for his patriotism, his heroism and his gallant conduct on the field of battle, he was rapidly promoted, he always considered every honest, faith ful, and deserving prviate his comrade and his brother soldier. Everything was propitious on this day. The weather was delightful, the decorations were elaborate, the music rendered by the Holley Manufacturing Co.'S band, who kindly volunteered their services for the occasion, was soul stirring and grand, the dinner was sumptuous, the speeches and the songs were patriotic and congratulatory, every one was in 8 happy frame of mind and the unani- nous testimony of the veterans is, that 1t was the best and most enjoyable reun- ion they had ever attended. In giving 8 brief sketch of this reunion, we will mention that it was held at the Town Hall. part of the exercises being con- ducted on the lawn in front of the build ing. The large upper hall as well as the Village Improvement hall on the first floor was beautifully decorated with flags, bunting, flowers and evergreens. From the cupola large flag was flung to the breeze, while numerous flags of all sizes waved from the upper windows and the piazza roof An immense flag was suspended over the lawn by rope stretched from the cupola to tall pole near the sidewalk. The Holley Manu- featuring Co.'S band arrived at 9 9:3O A. M. and at frequent intervals for two hours entertained the citizens and the G. A. R. Post with choice selections of music At Il 30 the excursion train from Hart ford arrived, bringing large number of veterans and their friends. The regi- ment formed in line at the depot. Many citizens, headed by MT D. l.. Peirce, chairman of the citizens committe, with David s. Cowles G. A. R. Post and and the H. M. Co.'S band, met the reg. iment an escorted them to the lawn in front of the Town hall Rev Dr Hiram Eddy delivered an address of welcome, to which General Hawley responded or behalf of the regiment. Dr Eddy's address was beautiful tribute to the gallant and brave old Seventh (he thus voiced the sentiments of the citizens oi Canaan) and the hearty welcome which he extended them found 8 response ir the hearts of our loyal citizens. Gen. eral Hawley, in his inimitable, easy and honest manner, acknowledged the com pliment and also thanked the citizen, for their warm hearted greetings, thei lavish hospitality and for their sympath, and support of the soldiers during tn trying ordeal of the rebellion.
 The veterans then filed into the Tow hall, where business meeting was held The secretary, Mir Stephen Walkley read the report of last years reunion The following is the mortuary repor for the past year.
 Go A, Henry Fairfield, William A Tyler; Go B, George Thompson, J. c Cox, George A. Coles; Go B, Patricl Quigley, Joseph Williams; Go F, Jame Way; Go G, George Sanger, Joshu Barton; Go I, James Coates, John Dale Thomas Slack.
 The largest number of veterans on tn roll of the regiment at any one tim since the war closed was 485. Up t one year ago, AT of this number ha died and the residence of 13 other could not be ascertained, leaving on TO. last year 425 Of this number, 13 hay since died, leaving 412 names on tn roll at present. The following officer were elected for the ensuing year,:
 President, Joseph R. Hawley ;viee-pres idents, N. VanDeusen of Canaan an Norman Wood; secretary, Stephe Walkley of Southington; treasurer Leonard E. Peck of New Haven.
 MT Walkley has served as secretar many years and asked to be excused not but what he was willing to do th work, but as secretary his time was s much occupied at reunions that he ha no time to shake hands and visit wit his comrades. Gen Hawley remarke that they "could not excuse Brothe Walkley this year, but next year, if b still insisted on being excused, the would grant it and he might sit on th 2 front seat with white apron on an sing psalms.
 Tickets were then issued for dinner but notwithstanding the veterans wer hungry, they could not forego geners hand shaking and it was an affectin sight to see these brothers greet eac other. They shook each others hand as only old soldiers can and many
 moist eye testified to the sincerity C the grasp. They then repaired to tn tables, which were spread in the hall O.