Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-07-03

East Weeks Grand Army Eneamp.
ment,

East Weeks Grand Army Eneamp.
meat
SOME or THE PLEASANT THINGS WHICH THE
BRATTLEBoRo DELEGATION ENJOYED RECALL
ED by MEMBER OF THE PARTY.
10 those who were specially interested in
this Nineteenth Annual Encampmont Of the
Grand Army OF the Republic, and in conneo.
ton with 1t the Convention OF the Woman's
Relief Corps, TO those who wished 10 visit
this beautiful city Of the Pine Tree State-to
all who would fain catch at least passing
glimpses Of tho White Mountain scenery
this daylight trip to Portland presented spec
ial charms. The reduction Of the railroad
fares and the hospitality extended by the cit
zens of Portland we're other inducements
worthy OF mention, placing within the reach
OF oven day laborers a week Of rarest enjoy
ment. The Brattoboro party, numbering a.,
loft on the special train from Springfield.
Monday morning, June 22d, at $50. After
the refreshing shower which laid the dust,
nothing WAS needed to render the ride pleas
ant. By the addition Of friends at different
stations on the route, not only were our num-
bers increased but tho enjoyment was enhano.
ed Among these wo would mention two.
well known to many Brattleboro people-R.
j. Coffee and wife OF Windsor, who, familiar
with every point of interest in the mountains.
exertcd themselves to entertain and edify the
occupants Of our car. So familiar are all. at
least from vivid pen pictures, with the soene-
~ OF the White Mountains, that TO attempt
haVo -, Aas,xfl,a 4
Nature, who alternately smiled and frowned
upon us as we Razed longingly toward tho
cloud capped summit Of Mount Washington.
finally yielded grAcously to our wish, and
lifted the veil which hid tho peak from our
view. Carried through the Crawford Notch
and swiftly along over this wonderful rail.
road, words fail TO express our emotions Of
amazement and admiration, with just a sufli.
Gent mingling OF fear to add to the fascina.
ton OF the scene, az we passed over the won.
derful Frankenstein Trestle, 100 feet high,
and looked from our position far above the
tree-tops, down, down into the valley where
is situated the old Wiley house made historic
from the fatal alide which occurred there.
We reached Portland very nearly upon
time, G:30 P. NJ Detained for a short time
just outside, TO enable the trains which had
previously arrived to unload, at last we were
permitted to alight, and were met 10y a com
mittee Of citizens with badges to designate
their office, who directed us to our assigned
quarters. Here, as party, We we're separat
cd, but az yet we have failed TO find any who
arc not enthusiastic over their reception The
hospitality Of the citizens knew no bounds
we were invited guests in every sense-guests
TO whom their whole time WAS given, for
whom they cheerfully discommoded them
selves, counting it an honor to entertain the
old time police Of the nation and their nu
merous friends. As Commander Kountz no
well expressed it, The citizens Of Portland
seem to have We'd with each other, a. they
did during the war, TO do all they could for
the soldiera." Our own immediate party was
entertained near the central portion OF the
city, aud after short rest We we're courte-
ously shown some Of the principal buildings
and decorations. or the latter we cannot
speak too enthusiastically. Where all were
beautiful and appropriate, it may seem in-
vidious to mention any in particular, but
there was one which seems worthy OF special
notice. 1t was erected by leading physi. !
clan in front OF his residence on Congress
street, and consisted Of two arches supported |
by mounds of evergreen and elegantly drap-
ed with the national colors Upon the white |
background Of these arches, on one side, were
inscribed the following words, AZ nearly AZ
they can be recalled I'VE will shake hands |
with you and kneel under the same flag. For |
your reward you have the respect and love Of |
all the people. Thank the God Of battles |
that he has preserved us az a nation" Every. |
where the word welcome" mot the strang- |
ers gaze, and Oh all sides private residences
as we'll az public buildings were magnificent
ly decorated. A welcome sight to the old |
soldiers were the lines of corps badges strung
so profusely across the streets
That first evening in Portland was one long
to be remembered. Congress- street was one |
blaze OF electric light; organizations con
stantly arriving, headed by bands playing ia
miliar airs or by the drum corps whose mar
tial strains made one forget his fatigue, we're
marching through to the encampment on the
Eastern Promenade; q. A. r. boys with their
insignia were passing and re- passing and
haps one of its greatest charms. In the fol
lowing days we became accustomed to such
scenes-the unexpected meeting of old com
rades, attracted TO each other by the sight of
familiar badges the quick grasp Of the hand
and the recalling of old times, with the ready
question as to present prosperity and family
All that night they came, and all night the
air WAS filled with sweetest music
Tuesday was ue day for Portland, when
took place the grand parade, declared by
those who had witnessed others Of preceding
years to be the finest Of the kind which had
ever occurred. In it were over thirty bands,
besides the various excellent drum CORDS.
One of the pleasing features of the afternoon
was tho singing of some POO school children,
dressed in white, seated upon a staging erect.
cd on State street As the procession passed,
the children, under the lead of conductor
and each waving small flag, sang March
ing thro' Georgia, when Johnny comes
Home" and "The Star SpanRled
Banner. Twas a beautiful sight, and the
veterans could not pass it unheedingly, but as
they halted, cheer upon cheer rent the air.
Conspicuous in carriages were Gen Logan and
Captain Crawford, the latter Familiarity known
as Captain Jack, delegate from New Mexi-
co and one OF Clusters scouts In the pro-
oession was small horse captured in the Red
River expedition and now said to be owned
in the state Of Maine An inscription above
the door of large house attracted the gaze
Of all passers and called forth enthusiastic
cheering from the parAders II was in south.
ern dialect: "Weuns welcome you-uns."
The time occupied in passing the grand stand
in Lincoln Park WAS two hours and 10 minutes.
On Tuesday evening was held the reception
TO the G. A. r. The elegant city hall, so fine.
y DECORATED and having seating capacity of
26OO, WAS packed, and a more enthusiastic
audience is seldom seen. Short pithy and
patriotic speeches were made by the cover
nOrs Of several states, including Gov. Robbie
Of Maine. Commander Kountz, the ''Drum-
mer Boy of Mission Ridge" was hailed with
delight, and when Gen. Logan was called the
enthusiasm knew no bounds. The large au-
Hence arose in a body and greeted him with
he waving of hats and hanRlarobiaf, 81