The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-09-19
VETERANS OF THE WAR.
The Members ofsthe SEVENTEEN Indiana Hold
Their Annual Reunion.

Yesterday was a glorious day for the reunion
of the surviving veterans of the Seventieth In
diana Volunteers, and right wen did they enjoy
it. This, the tenth annual reunion of General
Ben Harrison's old regiment. was held upon the
Acton Fair Grounds, the address of welcome on
the part Of the citizens Of that hospitable place
being delivered in aptly chosen words by Mr..
William A. Anderson. Response was made by
General Harrison, president of the Regimental
Association, who spoke in his happiest vein, and
made a speech that brought a quicker throb to
the heart of his listeners and a brighter glow to
their cheeks. The veterans of the regiment to
the number of lao who were there, were most of
them accompanied by their mothers and sisters.
wives and families. and the Generals words
were particularly affecting to these. He said,
that great as were the sacrifices of the boys in
the field, sacrifices crowned with triumphs, at
the end the sacrifices of the loved ones at home
were as great, or greater, and sustained by as
unfaltering patriotism.
The annual address was made by Major
George w. Grubbs, of Martinsville, who gave a
vivid description, as a matter of personal recol-
lection, of the hard fight at Peach Tree creek, in
which the gallant Seventeen covered itself with
glory. The regiment was first in the brigade
that led the charge against the rebels in that
battle, and the Majors word picture brought the
memorable field wildly before the heroes who
had taken part in ii. A thrilling passage in the
description was that in which he told how the
boys lay in the stubble field, two ranks deep, while
a greatly superior force ofrebels, five ranks deep,
swept down upon them. AS they waited in
dreadful expectation, the only command from the
officers was, STEADY, boys, steSdy,n until the
rebels were within fifty yards, when the Seven
tieth deliyereds their fre-a CALLING fire that
broke the ranks of the advancing host and drove
them back, At this point the eombattants were
separated by only sixty yards distance, while the
One Hundred and Second Illinois, of the same
brigade, had, for a short time, an actual hand-to-
hand contest
The dinner furnished the veterans by the Ac-
ton folks was q feast too large for them to make
way with, though they did their best.
In addition to the addresses of General Har-
rison, Major Grubbs and Mr.. Anderson, other
brief speeches were made by several comrades.
At the business meeting of the regiment the
committee on nomination. Messrs. w. O.. Garri-
son, Edward Smock, w. w. White, s. S. Wills
and David CRUDE, selected the following officers
for the ensuing year, those chosen being the
present officers. the choice being unanimously
approved by the association:
President, General Ben Harrison.
Vice.president, Colonel Samuel Merrill.
Treasurer. Major James L.. Mitchell.
Secretary, Moses q McLain.
General Harrison was selected to deliver the
address at the next annual meeting, with John
e. Clelland as alternate. The next annual
meeting will be held at Franklin, on the second
Thursday in October, 1885.