The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1885-05-07
Army of the Potomac.

Army OF the ROIOmaC.
BALTIMORE, May GA business meet
ing OF the Society of the Army of the
Potomac was held at Ford's Grand
Opera house tonight. General King
said he was commissioned by General
Grant to say that he was greatly disap-
pointed atnot being able to preside over
the deliberations of the society, but his
sympathy and his heart were with his
old comrades. Major-General Hunt as
sumed the chair with thanks for the
cordial reception given him. The
reunion OF 1886 will be held
at San Francisco. General Van
derwort stated the national encamp-
ment of the Grand Army of the Re
public would probably be held there
next year and that the California
Legislature had appropriated SIS 900 for
the entertainment of visitors. provided
both organizations came at the same
time. Cheap railroad fares were prom
ised and royal welcome guaranteed.
Nominations for officers for the en-
suing year being in order, General John
g. Robinson advanced on crutches. He
thanked his friends for the mention of
his name for the position of Commander
OF the Army OF the Potomac but would.
under no circumstances, allow it to be
used as in opposition to that of the
illustrionS soldier now holding the posi-
ton, and he moved that the secretary
be authorized to cast one ballot, on
which should be inscribed the name of
General Grant. The various corps as
sociationS seconded General Robinson's
motion, and it was carried by stand
ing vote, amid the widest enthusiasm.
The other officers were re elected.
General w. H. Brown, of Washington,
suggested that as r. E. Lee, and the
Camp of Richmond, Va. were in the i'm
mediate neighborhood, 1t would be both
generous and graceful to invite them to
occupy seats on the floor of the house
and make their acquaintance A
motion to that effect was made
and seconded, when two or three men
jumped up and violently opposed such
proceedings, one of them Saying that
the rebels, no matter how repentant,
had no interest in the business of Union
soldiers, that their presence was an in
suit which they could not endure
Nearly every one in the house was in
stantly on his feet. trying to make him
self heard, and for a while there was
scene of wild confusion, which
threatened to terminate in personal en-
counters. The chairman vainly en-
deavored to secure order and threat
ened to call the police. Quiet was finally
restored and a committee was appointed
to invite the ex-Contederates to meet
their old opponents when the business of
the meeting was disposed of. After ad-
journment the committee came in,
bringing with them a long string of men
in grey suits. They were greeted with
great applause, and in return filled the
house with genuine rebel yells. The ex-
Confederates were scattered among
the blue coats, and their officers in
vited to the stage. Colonel Nc
Gines, of Montana, welcomed
them and the com missioner. General
Cook responded. Short addresses were
also made by Colonel Charles Marshall,
chief of General Lees staff, and Colonel
Evans, of Richmond. The reception,
later, in the Opera House was brilliant
success. Hundreds of ladies were pres
ent. On the stage were many men dis
tinguished in military circles. In the
audience were r. E. Lee, Camp of the
ex-confederates. General King. Secre-
tary of the society read, the following
telegram from General Grant: please
thank the members of the Society of the
Army of the Potomac for their parti-
atty In electing me for the second time
| their president. | wish my health
promised probability of my being at
their next meeting. 1 would regard it
as providential should L be able to at
tend, but 1 accept the honor, though
without the hope of performing the
duties of the Office.
Wishing all the members many happy
reunions, l remain,
(Signed,) U. S. GRANT.