The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-10-08
CROCKER'S BRIGADE.
It's Reunion at Iowa City Grand Success.

The Reunion of Crocker's Iowa Brigade at
Iowa City. Iowa, Sept. % and "a was attended
by over 600 members, and was one OF the most
enjoyable gatherings the old veterans of Iowa
have yet held. The private residences and
stores were handsomely decorated with flags,
flowers and evergreens and the city thronged
with visitors during the entire week. Among
the prominent men ia attendance were Gen.
w. q. Gresham, x-Postmaster-Ge General, and
Gen. John Macarthur, both division command
ers Gen. 4. Hickenlooper, last commander of
the division, of Cincinnati; Gen. VIM. E.
Strong, Gen. McPherson's Inspector General;
Gen. Add Ii. Sanders. of Davenport; Gen. JAS
Wilson, of Newton. McPhersons Provost Mar
shall; Adj Gen. Alexander, of Des Moines,
and Gen. w. w. Belknap. Mrs. Croker, the
widow of the commander of the brigade, was
also in attendance.
The exercises at the Opera House on the first
night were extremely interesting. On the plat
form were the prom nent military men above
mentioned. Gov. kirkwood and Gov Sher-
man sat side by SIDE both prominent figures at
the entertainment. Three ex-Cabnet Minis
tiers were present: Gen. Belknap, ex-Secretary
of War; Gov. Kirkwood, ex-Secretary of the
Interior: Gen. Gresham, ex-Postmastcr-Gen-
eral. Adj't Alexander represented the militia
of Iowa, and it can be safely said that never
before in the history of Iowa City, and proba-
bly, never in the history of the State, has such
an array of military talent gathered upon one
platform. Gen. Belknap, the President, gazed
with admiration upon the sight before him,
and handsomer lo\ of men than the brigade
filing the body of the house, was probably
never before witnessed, and their manly bear
ing and many silver heads made a remarkable
sight, with the beautiful display of flags and
banners that encircled them.
The address of welcome to the veterans was
delivered by Mayor Reno, and received hearty
applause. At its conclusion Gen. Belknap in
PRODUCED Gov. KirkwOod, who made an eloquent
speech to the veterans. Speeches were also
made by DIR. Geo. b. Morgridgc, s. A. Marine
Mai. II. c. Macarthur and Gen. Sanders. Gen.
Belknaps speech, in reply to Mayor Reno's ad-
dress, was fine effort, and drew forth round
after round of applause from the audience. He
spoke as follows:
IThe speech of Gen. Belknap will appear in
next weeks paper
The Grafton of Gen. Hickenlooper was also
received with great applause, as was that of
Gov. Sherman.
The reception rendered to Mrs. Croker at
the st. James was most enjoyable feature.
Gen. Belk nap and his son, III. X. Belknap, and
Gen. James Wilson introducing the strangers to
Mrs. Croker and her daughters. On the second
and closing day an immense crowd gathered in
the City Park, attracted by the announcement
that prominent members of the brigade would
| speak there. The reveile was sounded by Ed
win B. Purdy, Regular Army trumpeter, sent
for the occasion by Gen. Terry from Fort Smell
ling Gen. Belknap was introduced by DIR.
Capp, and gave most excellent address. At
the close of his speech Capt Cree moved that
| the audience give three cheers for the General,
| and they were given with a good WILL Gov.
Sherman was then introduced and delivered
| one of his impromptu addresses, which was re-
| ceived with thorough appreciation by his
listeners. Then came the German rendering
of q" Barbarie Frietchie." by Gen. Jack Stibbs,
the song being received, as it always is, with
the hearty plaldts of the audience Capt. J.
S. Hedley, of the SD H., then delivered fit
ting and well received address, which was fol-
lowed by three cheers for the Captain.
The closing banquet was brilliant affair." and
was enjoyed thoroughly by the veterans The
toast Our Brigade was responded to by G. p.
Pray, of the 10th Iowa; "Our Country" by
President Pickard, ofthe State University 1.-THE
President OF the United States" by W, H;
Michael, Of the 18th Iowa; Army and Navy Of