Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-05-07
BALTIMORE, Nav 6,

The members of eleven corps associations
gathered here today in large numbers, to
participate in the reunion of war veterans.
Each corps selected a vice president of the
Society of the Army of the Potomac, and
many resolutions were introduced.
The meeting was called to order bv Maj
Gen. j. II. Hunt, in the absence of President
Gen. Grant.
The Robert E. Lee camp of Confederate
volunteers, arrived in the city at LAO p. NJ
and received quite an ovation.
business meeting was held at Ford's
Grand Opera House at 2 p. NJ, The house
was elaborately decorated and presented a
handsome appearance. The stage was set as
camp with tents and stacks of arms, and a
portrait of Gen. Grant in the centre of the
proscenium arch.
Gen. Horatio C. King, corresponding sec
retary, called the meeting to order. He said
he had been commis stoned by Gen. Grant to
say that he was greatly disappointed at not
being able to preside over the deliberations
of the society, but his sympathy and heart
were with his old comrades.
San Francisco was selected as the place
for the next meeting. Gen. Vandervoot
stated that the national encampment of the
g. A. X. would probably be held there next
year, and the California legislature had ap-
propriated S25 900 for the entertainment of
the visitors, provided that both organizations
came at the same time. Cheap railroad
rates were promised and royal welcome
guaranteed.
Gen. Grant was unanimously reelected
commander of the Army of the Potomac,
amid the widest enthusiasm. All the other
officers were also reelected.
After the election of officers, Gen. w. II.
Brown Of Washington, took the floor and sug-
gested that as r. E. Lee Camp of Richmond,
Va, were in the immediate neighborhood, it
would be both graceful and generous to in
vite them to occupy seats on the floor of the
house and make their acquaintance.
motion to that effect was made and sec
onded, when two or three men jumped up
and opposed such proceeding, one saying
that rebel, no matter how repentant, had
no interest in the business of the Union SOL
diers and that their presence was an insult
which he could not endure.
Nearly every man in the house was imme-
diately on his feet trying to make himself
heard, and for a while there was a scene of
wild confusion, which threatened to termi-
nate in personal encounters.
The chairman vainIy endeavored to secure
order and threatened to invoke the aid of po-
lice. Quiet was finally restored and COM
mittee was appointed to invite the ex-Confed-
crates to meet their old opponents after the
business of the meeting was disposed of. At
ter adopting various resolutions the meeting
adjourned.
After adjournment, the committee appoint
ed to invite r. f. Lee Camp to take seats on
the floor, came in, bringing with them long
line of men in gray suits. They were greet
ed with great applause, and in return filled
the house with the genuine rebel yell that
threatened to pull down the ceiling. Ex-
Confederates were scattered among the blue
coats and their officers were invited to occu-
py seats on the stage.
Col. McGuinness of Montana welcomed
them with graceful speech to which Com
mander General Cooke responded
A brilliant reception was held in Ford's
Opera House tonight. The following tele-
gram from Gen. Grant was read:
Please thank the members of the Society of
the Army of the Potomac for their partiality
in electing me for the second time their pres
ident. l wish my health promised the prob
ability of my being at the next meeting.
would regard it IS providential should
be able to attend, but I accept the honor,
though without hope of performing the duties
of the Office. Wishing all the members many
happy reunions, remain,
(Signed) U. S. GRANT.
everal addresses we're made by ex-Union
and ex-Confederate soldiers. The meeting
ended with the chorus Of marching through
Georgia"