The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-10-09
THE VETERANS MEET.
THE BIG SOLDIERS REUNION
At FairmOnt Ys.tsrdsI-A Good Day for
Marion Coun1's CaPItAl-rOuehlnE
Scenes of the Meeting Of COM
rAdus 10 Arms Long Separated.


Special Di,pGteh to M< blie!ltqnerr.
FAIRXoxT, Oct. s.-The Soldiers Re
union held at this place to-day was one
the most successful gatherings OF any kim
ever held in Marion county. For SON
days the weather has been very untavol
able, and even this morning the indies
tions were that it would rain, but before
o'clock the clouds broke away and the SUI
shone out, sending light and cheer int
many hearts.
Early in the morning vehicles began u
come into town, and by 10 o'clock tn,
streets we're thronssd with an eager Grove
OF ex-soldiers and citizs ans from all parts o
the county.
Meade Post assembled at headquarters
and after organizing proceeded to the de
spot, headed by the West Virginia Drum
Corps 10 receive the Warrington deleSa-
ton, one hundred strong. The procession
then formed under Col. c. Z Fleming,
Marshal OF the day, and after marching
through the principal streets OF the town
went to the Fair Grounds.
Before breaking ranks some Of the old
companies effected permanent or2anizI-
tion or took steps preparatory thereto.
Maulsby's Battery chose Capt. L. A. Mauls-
by as their President or Commander, and
Sergt. L. A. swisher as Adiutant, and ap-
pointed other officers and committees.
John W. Mason, OF Grafton, who was a
member Of this company, was ooe Of the
prime movers in the matter Of perma-
'neut organization. Annual meetings will
be held.
Co. F, 18th Regt., and Co. A, 6!h Regt,
also made arrangements for future meet
inss.
TOUCHING TIME.
The meeting Of some Of the old COM
rades would have touched even the cold
est heart. Tears streamed down the
cheeks Of men who had not met for over
twenty years, but who now clasped hands
and recalled the associations OF other days
when upon the tented field.
General W. B Curtis, OF West Liberty,
formerly Colonelofthe l2Eh Regiment, was
most cordially received, as was also Capt
Maulsby aud Capts. Tnos. A. Fleming
and A. n. Pritchard and others.
Twelve and . half o'clock was announced
as dinner hour, and while hundreds h I'd
brought baskets well filed, it reminded
one OF army days to see six barrels OF hard
tack and beans, bacon and coffee in pro-
portion, distributed among the crowd.
These were furnished simply as a reminder
Of fcamp life, but seemed to be heartily
relished by all.
At 2 o'clock the large company wes
CALI d together in and around the grand
stand. 1t was estimated that there were
about 8 900 persons present. All listened
to the speeches, which were
all good. l have no time TO send re-
port OF the many excellent thoughts pre-
sented, but must content myself with
simply naming the speakers, who were
introduced by Comrade Thomas @. Miller,
of Meade Post:
Welcome, by Ex-Governor PierpoRt.
Response, by Hon. John W. Mason.
Address by Gen. W. B. Curtis.
Address, by Gen. Chas. B. Smith.
Address, by Capt. Thos A. Maulsby.
Short talks were also made by Rev. ].
Fl. Flanagan, of Grafton, and Revs. W. R
White and W. A. Wiley, of this place,
and letter was read from General B. F.
Kelley, of Washington, D. G.
At 4:30 o'clock the line reformed, being
over half mile in length, and returned to
town. 1
sy.. THE CAMP FIRE.
The reunion closed tonight with a
grand camp fire at the Rink. At least
fifteen hundred persons were present,
about four hundred OF whom were old
soldiers. Speeches, "reminiscences and mu-
sic entertained the audience for three
hours, after which Meade Post mustered
in quite a number of recruits. All pro-
nounce the day most pleasant and sue
.cesstul one.
Meade Post feels proud Of the days sue
cess as well it may.
Col. R. E. Fleming makes good mar
shal, having had great deal OF expert
ence in the command Of one Of the best
regiments in the service, the old Third In
fantry, afterwards the Sixth Cavalry.
Gov. Pierpont was as lively and cheer
ful as boy in his teens.
Capt. Maulsby says it was the happiest
day Of his life.
Gen. Curtis urged all members Of his
old regiment, the Twelfth, 10 attend the
Reunion 10 be held at Moundsville, 0cto-
Der % and %.
Gen. Smith urged all ex-aoldiers to join
the Grand Army OF the Republic, which
scores of them now say they will do.