The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-06
action. thecompany. at their meeting. last night
oeclded TO change the name to Richardson Rifles,
by which they will be known hereafter
GATHERING OF VETERANS.
The First Reunion Of the Survivors Of the
Fifty-First Indiana Regiment.


The survivors of the Fifty first Indiana Reei-
ment, which was commanded by Col. A. D.
Streight. held the first session of their FIRST re-
union in the Superior Court room last evening
To-day the reunion proper will be held at the
residence of Col A D. Streight, near Irvngton
About one hundred Of the veterans were present
at last nights meeting, many Of whom had
come from Kansas Iowa Nebraska and Dakota
Colonel Streight was called to the chair
and made short speech, in which he
gave brief history of the regiment
and recounted the many hardships and
privations through which it passed. A quarter
of century ago the regiment marched into
Camp Morton. There were then present 1000
young and healthy men, and to-day not over
200 of the number living. The Colonel said
that in looking back over the many hardships
they had to undergo, he wondered that they got
along as we'll as they did. Concluding. he said
There is feeling of love and comradeship bind
ing old soldiers who marched side by side, which
can only be felt and understood by those who
have experienced what we have"
John Ramsey, OF Charlottesville who was
adlutant of the regiment, spoke briefly, and
urged that permanent organization should be
effected. Capt. NJ. T. Russell, of Iowa brought
greetings from the sixty-two members Of the
regiment residing west of the Mississippi. At a
recent soldiers reunion in his State fifteen mem
bers of the Fifty first Regiment sat at the same
table, and he knew all those in the West were with
the reunion In heart, If not in person. He also
briefly summarized the work the regiment did
while out. Twenty five years ago next week
the regiment left Camp Morton, and many of
the boys were afraid the war would be over be-
fore they got to the front. They were put to
road and bridge work in Tennessee, to the great
disgust of the men. who wanted to fight.
Finally they pressed on south, and by
the time Colonel Streght and portion of the
regiment had landed in Libby Prison, they had
had all they wanted of fighting. He greatly
amused all present by telling the story of Col.
Streights escape from Libby through tunnel.
There were a number of short speeches from
comrades and the work Of permanent organi
zaton was entered into. 1t resulted in the cleo
ton of the following officers
Presidential j. johnson, Indianapolis.
Vice .president-John Ramsey, Charlottesville.
RECONSIDERATION RUSSELL Iowa
Secretary-John Lawhorn. Indianapolis.
Those present from the West favored holding
the next reunion at st. Louis at the time
OF the national e. A E. encampment. but this
was opposed by the resident members. Mr..
Walker. representing the Seventy third Indiana,
extended invitation to meet with that regi-
ment at Logansport on the I'd and Sd of next
September. The regiments were in the same
brigade. and he thought combined reunion
would be very pleasant affair. After consid
cradle discussion Of the matter it was finally
agreed to accept the invitation. A motion was
also passed instructing the president to
respond with the officers of the brigade of which
they were a part for the purpose of making ar
rangements for brigade reunion at St. Louie
during the Grand Encampment.
1t was suggested that the history OF the regi
ment should be written. and Mrs Col. William
Denny, of Vincennes was made historian of the
regiment
Colonel Streight formally invited the regiment
to his home to-day, where a grand time is an
ticpated. Free transportation has been pro-
vided for all the members of the regiment.
They will meet at $50 o'clock, this morning, at
the South House, on Virginia avenue, and will
take street cars at 10 o'clock for Col Streight's
residence.