Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-06-23
no FOR poRTLANDf
The Beys in Blue Depart for the Encamp-
ment.



Are you going to Portlanda" was the
question which one heard yesterday on every
street corner. in every store, everywhere.
Everybody seemed to be going, or wanted 70
90. It was the beginning of ..veterans'
week, when the boys in blue from the Allan.
tic to the Pacific go down to the Forest CITY,
reunite and shake hands.
The day dawned inauspiciously. Duriae
the night slight shower had fallen and with
the dawn of day. leaden, lowry skies pre-
sented themselves. But regardless Of this
the first train down at O'Clock
was crowded with passengers. Later
IN the morning evidence, that the
veterans were moving, became apparent.
Grand Army hats with the golden cord were
seen in every direction. j. p. Jones
Post of South China, C. B. Stuart.
commander. 40 men, arrived shortly after 9
o'clock and took the first train for the en-
campment. Their drums and colors were
stacked at the depot for some time. At9.30
o'clock it began to sprinkle and in few min
utes it was raining smartly. But this did not
appear to dampen the ardor of the veterans in
the least; they kept on to Portland.
The 10 o'clock train from the east was an
hour late, and consisted of 16 ears packed
with Grand Army men, and citizens. Il
was estimated that 1000 comrades who wore
the blue, were on the train. They came from
eastern and northern Maine 1t was such
movement Of the veterans as has not been
seen here for years. At Waterville az MANY
more went over the back route All along
from Bar Harbor and Bangor, each
station furnished its quota Among the
prominent gentlemen on the train were Hon.
c. A. Boutelle, Hon. Hannibal Hamlin and
Gen Chas. Hamlin. The venerable ex-Vice
President wore Grand Army hat, and was
as jovial and entertaining as of yore. A
large party of the boys had gathered about
him in the "smoker" and he was entertaining
them 10 his characteristic manner. When
the train arrived at the station there was a
rush from tn platform, and standing room on
the train was quickly occupied Another car
which was already filled with passengers and
sat on a side track, was added. Following
almost Immediately upon the heels of the
regular train came another of fourteen coach
es, three of which were from the New Bruins
wick road. The Aroostook men were aboard
and several of them Wanted coons' tails from
the apex of their hats. The Corinna and
Fort Fairfield bands were along, rendering
several selections at the station. .'This is
just the beginning" exclaimed Bangor man
with fervor. Bystanders wondered what the
size of the main body would be if this was
the vanguard
A few minutes before the arrival of the
o'clock train from the east the depot pre-
scented lively appearance. Seth Williams
Post of this city, IS men, being abou,
to take their departure. Veterans hur-
red back and hrh. looking for friends,
gathering their bagg's" and making the final
preparations for departure As the train
rolled into the depot rush was made
to secure seats. large delegation was
aboard from Wattrville and the way, and
many were the hand-shakings and greet.
lngs OF Ola IrlenuS anu CoinraneS rs
the Augusta delegation entered. A mum
Der from Togus also embarked, and it was
found necessary to add several cars to the al
ready extensive train. As the train rolled
out of the depot it was followed BY the shouts
of the comrades left behind
Last nights Pullman train was alao long
one and contained the usual crowd of people,
which gained in size at this station. Lsrge
numbers of citizens last night expressed theiI
intention of taxing the early train this morn
ing. Last evening the prospect of fine day
for the parade to-day was flattering