Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1885-06-25
The DodgeyiIle Reunion,

The D0dgeyiIle Reunion.
A scene of lively confusion was pre-
sented at the Lancaster depot on
Wednesday morning, as it drew near
the time for the departure Of the east
bound train. The large throng around
the depot, the strains of military music
and the measured tread o. marching
feet betokened some uncommon event
Tom Cox Post, G.. A. r., marched up
in good style from their hall, and in
company with many old veterans and
citizens from other portions of the
county, boarded the train, bound for
the soldiers reunion at Dodgeville.
The train OF six passenger coaches
pulled out with the grand old stars and
stripes flung to the breeze. while Jim
Hayden and Dick Huftill were pounding
the drums as though they owed them
an old grudge. The morning was one
of the loyliest, and portended good
weather for the occasion. At Fcnni.
more we met and were Joined by the
Boscobel and Richland Center brass
bands, and agoodly number of veterans,
and at Montfort were met by the train
from Platteville, where our crowd was
more than doubled, while Preston, Cobb
and Edmond added their quotas. AT
Montfort the train was increased to hf-
teen coaches. The road to Dodgeville
rams through as good and pretty coun-
try as the eye of man ever beheld. The
beautiful farms with their growing
crops, neat buildings and herds of hig
grade stock called forth the admiration
OF all. Away to the southwark and
eastward those prominent land marks.
the Blue, Platte and Sinsinnawa mounds
reared their blue heads high above the
general level, adding to the beauty of
the landscape. AT IL O'Clock the train
drew up at the Dodgeville depot, where
we were met by large crowd of citi-
Gems and soldiers, 5gith more bands.
The boys fell in, AMI, under the lead of
Col. &. w. Stevenson, Commander in
Chief, marched to headquarters in the
city. The citizens were in their holiday
attire and the city in its gala dress.
Arches, notices, eyergreens, flags,
banners, ETC., met the eye at every turn
Streets and buildings evinced so much
taste in their decorations that one could
easily see that the ladies had a helping
hand in beautifying the city. 1t was
evident that Dodgevile meant not to
fall behind the other cities that had en-
| tertained us.
The first thing in order was register
ing at headquarters, where each veteran
was furnished with badge. Here, too,
were fond greetings, such as character
ize soldiers reunions; where old com
rades, who have not met for years,
clasp hands and laugh or cry. as the
spirit moves them.
The headquarters tent was pitched 10
an open lot north of the court house,
and on one side was arranged twenty
four of the old bullet-riddled regimental
flags that were borne by tie Southern
Wisconsin troops, and on another was
parked battery of two Rodman guns
and one Calling gun, and 12-pound
howitZer was stationed in the court
yard. The Calling gun was an object
of much curiosity, as it is the most eff
fectivc weapon made, being capable of
firing 400 shots per minute. In another
lot were pitched sixty military tents,
which. in connection with the other
paraphernalia of war. gave the place
the appearance of a military camp.
AT O'Clock there was artillery drill,
the guns being manipulated by COM
pany of University students who man
euvered moderately well, though an old
9th Wis. Battery man said he could take
the members of his old command pres
ent, who had not drilled for twenty
years, and beat them blind.
Next there was battalion drill by the
infantry companies, there being present
companies from Madison, Darlington
and Monroe. This being oyer, the men
fell in and marched to the depot to meet
the Governor and staff. He was met as
the Governor, but was brought into
camp as ''Old Jerry Rusk." which is all
the title he ever claims when with the
old boys. After getting back to camp
there was drill by the various compa-
MES. and dress parade at o'clock.
Ats O'Clock there was campfire in the
public square, and impromptu speeches
by Gov. Rusk, Hon. W. L. Price and
Rev. E. Z. Clough The Governors
remarks were brief, as he said he had
detailed a member of his staff to talk
for him. and called on Rev. Clourh.
For more than half an hour this
gentleman held the audience spell
bound, as he wildly and elo-
quently portrayed camp life and
its incidents. Congressman Price gave
us short speech in his easy, eloquent
and forcible style. but as he was on the
programme for the morrow, he excused
himself from any extended remarks.
After the campfire. the crowd dispersed,
some going to bed, some to dance at
the rink and few to make desperate
effort to paint the town red. while
others gathered in groups and told
army tales, sang songs, or ..fought their
battles DER"
Quiet had scarcely settled over the
little city when the heavy boom Of can
non ushered in the morning, which
dawned clear and bright. giving prom
Use OF another fine day, which promise
was amply fulfilled.
Soon came the old familiar reveillc.
and then, floating on the balmy morn
ing air, the music Of the bands. AT
$3.50 came the guard mounting which,
as well as the drills and parades. were
relegated to the militia. the veterans
having had their fill of such exercises.
AT 2 o'clock the boys fell in for review.
marching up Main street. where they
were reviewed by the Governor and The