The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-10-17
Reunion of the Third Indiana Cavalry.

Reunion of the Third Indiana Cavalry.
To the Editor OF the indianapolis Journal:
The surviving members of the Third Cavalry
held their annual reunion at Madison, Ind, on
the 18th inst. The people of Madison every
where received us cordially and gladly, extend
ing the same kind treatment they did in August,
1861 when we started from that point for the
army of the Potnmac-hags, banners and
steamers flying everywhere. Comrade Middle
ton, of our regiment. rendered us the sheriff's
Office for headquarters and place of register.
Ninety-six comrades registered their names.
Judge Allison, of the Circuit Court adjourned
his court and gave US the use of his courtroom
in which to hold our meetings. Judge Allison is
loyal to the boys and the flag. and for this act of
kindness will long be remembered by the old
Third. The courtroom nicely decorated,
and we are under many obligations to Mrs.
George III. Chapman for the use of large sized
portrait of General Chapman. The boys have
not forgotten Chapman, and many were the
stories told of how he led them and where he
led them.
The ladies of the Womans Relief Corps of A.
0. Backman Post, No. 26. gave US an elegant free
dinner and supper at Odd-fellows Hail. for
which hospitality they were given a vote of
thanks by the regiment.
city of Madison and rendered us the freedom of
the city. His address of welcome was manly
his words we'll chosen. showing that he meant
what he said. and said what he meant Com
rade William r johnson, of Vevay, Ind. re-
sponded on behalf OF the regiment
Major Quallman. of the Western Battalion
residing at Peoria, ILL.,, was with US, and made
us nice little speech in which he told how he
reTuted a SANDER once placed upon the Third
Cavalry by General Fitzpatrick, and how the Gen.
crot Afranf Tod fho al ,rIn Ni~,
Major carries the documents. Other members
of the Western Battalion were also present.
Comrade L. G. Wilson, of Irvineton. Ind, sec
rotary of the association, read the company and
regimental histories.
Comrade Gipn of Iowa, delivered the grafton
He gave a beautiful history of the dongs of the
Third Cavalry in Washington, Maryland, Virginia
and Pennsylvania Some Of these descriptions
were thrilling, others touching. The boys would
laugh and cry by turns as he followed the trail
over the many bloody fields which the reg-
ment won its laurelS aud the stars for Chapman
Hez DALEY recited Sherdan's ride, to the entire
satisfaction of the association and audience and
received from both hearty applause.
Music was furnished by the Quartet-''March-
ing Through Georgia" I'm the Prison Cell" and
other war songs. Short speeches were delivered
by other comrades 1t was decidedly the best
reunion we have ever had, and one long to be
remembered by us all.
1t seems as the years roll away and our ranks
grow thinner and thinner, we get nearer and
nearer to each other. | often wondered, when a
boy why the old soldiers thought so much of
each other / see and understand it all now
They not only drank from the same canteeu. ate
from the same hayersack and slept under the
same blanket, but they welded the ties that
bind in the fire OF battle, and the God of battles
swears they shall never break.
The association adopted u permanent badge,
elected comrade Gilpin president Little vice
president Wilson secretary. and Little, Daley,
Gotten Utter Mckee and Spahr executive COM
mittee for the ensuing year Comrade Vanas
dell, of Madison, chosen orator for next
year. and Connersville was selected as our next
place of meeting, and the time fixed for the
third Thursday i'll October, 1886. Col w. S.
Mcclure AMI Adjutant- general Taylor were with
u.s. happy and glad to see us. Col. Mcclure is
looking fresh, hearty and but very little older
than when he rode tho bob-tailed horse. The
Colonel is a great favorite with the boys.
Oct l6, 1885. GEO. w. SPAHR