Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-05-15
suERIDAN,s VETERANS.
Second Excursion to the Shenandoah Val
lev.

has, by unanimous vote, decided to
make another excursion to the Shenan-
doah Valley the coming fall. The Asso-
citation invites all who desire to make
tour of the most romantic battle fields of
the Rebellion to join in the coming excur-
sion and encampment.
The trip of 1888 was successful beyond
the anticipations of it's projectors, and
satisfactory to all who participated in its
novel exercises The excursion of 1885
will include all of the enjoyable features
of the former trip, with such important
additions and variations as to constitute 1t
really a new tour.
The objects of this excursion and en-.
campment are First, to revisit some of
the most famous battle-fields OF the war.
These will include Antietam, Monocacy,
the siege of Washington, Harper's Ferry,
Bolivar Heights, the eleven battles around
Winchester kearnStown, Cedar creek,
Fishers Hill, Toms Brook, Newmarket
and the Luray Valley. Second, to pay
fitting tribute to the Union dead, our
comrades who lie buried on Southern
soil Third, to cement more firmly the
comradeship and friendship of those who
served together in the brilliant campaign
under General Sheridan. Fourth, to cul-
tivate the acquaintance of, and bind in
hearty fellowship, the brave men who
wore the gray in 1864, who were our foes,
are now our friends, and who, by the cor.
dality of their welcome in 1859, challenged
our highest confidence and esteem. Filth,
the comprehensive object of this trip is to
have thoroughly good time,
The principal features of the excursion
will be weeks encampment on the bat
tle-field of Winchester daily excursions
to celebrated points brilliant "camp-fires"
each evening, the exercises being particl-
pated in by the veterans of both armies
series of novel rifle contests and one
day in the city of Washington.
The time covered by the excursion will
be eight and a half days. Leaving Boston
at p. m, Tuesday, September 10, the
party will proceed ria the Fall River Line
to New York, thence directly through Bal
timore, Relay Station. and Harper's Fer
ry, to the camp at Winchester, arriving
there Wednesday afternoon. Thursday
and Friday excursion trains will be ru to
the battle-felds of Cedar Greek, Fishers
Hill, and Antietam, also to the celebrated
uray caverns. This latter feature alone
ST well worth the cost of the entire trip.
On Saturday, the 18th, the anniversary of
the battle of the Opequan will be celebra-
ted. The monument of the Sth Vermont
will be dedicated on that day. 1t is eX-
pected that each organization Will
Indicate it's course in the battle, and so an
opportunity be afforded for the entire par
ty to inspect the field understandings.
held in camp, also memorial service in
the National cemetery, commemorative of
the Union dead, the graves of our heroes
being decorated with flowers. On Mon
day, the Dist, the party will visit Harri-
sonburg, where most cordial welcome
has already been assured. Early Tuesday
morning the party will break camp, and
proceed to Washington, stopping on the
way for survey of the historic old town
of Harpers Ferry. The party will remain
in Washington about twenty-four hours,
arriving in New York, homeward bound,
Wednesday evening, and in Boston at Z H..
m. Thursday, the oath.
Camp Russell.
The camp of the excursion near Win
chester will be named in honor of General
David A. Russell who fell while gallant
ly leading his First Division of the Sixth
Corps in the battle of the Opequan, very
near to the location of this encampment.
In the arrangements of Camp Russell all
possible pains will be taken to ensure the
comfort of the eXcursionists The ladies'
tents will be tlOored and every convent
ence secured. Large wall tents will he
furnished, and only six persons allotted to
each tent. Members of each veteran or
KaniZation will be assigned to contiguous
tents. All parties of six reporting to the
excursion manager before September 10,
will have their tents assigned them, and
the tent number will be forwarded to one
of the party. Any number or excursion
lists, less than SIX, can engage private
tent of the manager by applying for the
same before August 10. 1t is hoped that
each veteran organization will tit up q
headquarters tent Those intending to dc
so should engage tent of the manager as
early as practicable All special tents
must be engaged before August 10. Occu
pants of tents are invited to decorate
them, so far as is feasible, in order that tn,
camp may present an attractive appear
ance. The illustrations of the souvenir
volume of this excursion will consis
wholly of views in Camp Russell, tent.
and their occupants being photographed
when desired. Occupants of tents can bt
supplied with cots and camp stools dur
ing the encampment by applying for thu
same before August Is.
The exercises in camp will be arranged
by the committee designated, and eacl
evening will be devoted to campfire
conducted by some veteran organization
with a programme interesting and anus
ing. Both Northern and Southern ora
tors will entertain the audiences at thes
gatherings.
An entirely novel, and one of the mos
entertaining features of the programm
while in camp, will be the
Rifle Competitions,
four in number. Valuable trophies are t
be shot for in team contests, and in on
of the matches every member of the eS
cursion may enter, free of charge. Owe
$500 has already been raised for the prize
to be awarded in these competitions. Co
Austin G. Wellington, commanding tn
First Regiment, NJ. V. NJ, has been ar
pointed chief of the rifle competitions
and all who are interested in this featur
of the encampment can obtain Il circula
with full information, upon application t
Col. Wellington, at II Congress street
Boston.
The officers of this Association have a
ready received from prominent eXCor
federates and citizens of the Shenandoah
Valley most cordial assurances of tn
hearty greeting which awaits the excu
sion next September. 1t is evident tina
the veterans will enjoy fraternal int
course of the most delightful characte
with their former foes.
The expense of the trip will be s37.(
for each person. This includes railroa
fares, meals while en- route, board Will
in camp, hotel bills in Washington, an
tickets tor all the excursions from VIII
chester, except that to the Antietam ba
tlefeld. Those who make that trip wi
be charged $l.00 extra. Members of tn