Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-04-25

Upon invitation of Col H. G. Staples, 4
number of the surviving original members of
Company B. Sd Me. Regiment met at a
social reunion at his residence on
Child street, Tuesday evening, to cell
celebrate the 23d anniversary of the forma.
ton OF the company for the war. The origi.
ual enlistment roll shows that Col Staples
name was the first signed on that roll,
which to all appearance seems to have been
the first company enrolled at the time, out
side of the existing militia. Col. Staples
rightfully claimed to issue the first Invitation
for intended annual reunions of the
company. and right royalty did he and his
estimable lady entertain the old soldiers.
Everybody was made welcome, the Colonel re-
ceivIng every comrade at the door and soon
made al feel at home. A generous oyster
supper, which was heartily enjoyed BY all,
was provided. Coffee, cake, and oranges
were also in profusion. After the supper the
comrades had social chats, sang old war
songs, and even euchre was not forgotten,
besides checkers and other amusements.
Many "reminiscences of old times were
brought up, each comrade contributing his
mite of anecdotes and jokes. Col Staples
brought to light an old list of the comrades
of the company clipped from the Maine
Farmer in 1861. One comrade read a copy
of a letter dated Aug II, 1862, recommend.
ing Lieut.. Warren Cox for promotion to a
captaincy. This letter wss signed by Brig
General ID. B. Birney, on account of gallant
conduct of the company under his command
at Jordan's Ford, Va, preventing an advance
of Huger's rebel division with less than
twenty five men, losing two men-H. ID.
Hobbs was mortally wounded, and VIM. Nc.
David taken prisoner. The behavior of the
company was such that the letter bears a
special enforcement of Gen. p. Kearny as
| follows:
''Respectfully forwarded and approved. The
good conduct of this officer was observed by
myself. We were in presence of Huger'.
entire force. 1t is understood another divis
ion was also under Huger.
! p. KIARSY, Maj. Gen. Com. Div.
This letter after being endorsed by Gen
Heintzelman, Com. Corps. aud by Set,
| Williams. Adjt Gen., was sent to the Gov
ernor of Maine. The entertainment wa
so varied and interesting that thu
hours passed by unheeded enc
before anyone was aware of it midnight ap
pleasant evening the following song writtel
by Comrade VIM. McDavid, was sung by III,
whole company, after which everybody wen
home feeling grateful to the Colonel for th
pleasant time enjoyed by his effort at this
the first reunion of Co. B. Sd Maine:
(Air-Auld Lang Syne).
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should army life, our memory 'scape,
Or days of old lang syne?
The stirring days We spent in war,
In battling for our cline,
We oft recall, in looking back,
As days of old lang syne.
Our country once in danger stood;
Foul treason raised its hand,
To strike our nag, destroy the bond,
That Joined q land.
But loyal men, like Company B.
Our colonel then did raise,
| To bravely fight with main and might,
Our country's flag to save.
To day our hearts are filled with cheer,
And glory gilds our skies.
| Then let our song ring full and strong,
OF friendships noble ties.
Well take each hand and pledge anew,
A friendship dear to mind;
And hope ere long to meet again,
A, in days of old lang syne.