The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-07-29
A BIG REUNION.
Gen. TurchIn Gives an Interesting Account or How
lie Met the Minnesota Boys.


some of my observations. Alexandria is thriv-
ing town ON the st. Paul, Minneapolis d Mani
toba Railroad, l42 miles northwest of st. Paul,
and is the headquarters of John K. Reynolds
Post, No. 81. The enterprising and spirited
members of the Post nobly assisted by the
citizens of the town, made the Reunion Of
veterans grand success came to Alexandria
early on the 10th of June, stopped at a hotel,
and az n. m. met j. b. Cowing Commander,
of the 18th Wis; w. L. Chidestcr, Chairman Of
the Corresponding Committee, of the 10th Ohio
Cav, and A. Ill. Taylor, member of the Solicit
ing Committee, of the 9Th Iowa Cav. The 10th
Ohio and 9Th Iowa Cav. belonged the Second
Division Of Cavalry of the Army Of the Cum
berlano. which i temporarily commanded at
MurtrcesDOro and during the campaign of
Tullahoma against Bragg in 1868 We went TO
the camp outside of town. All houses were
bedecked with flags, arches of young trees and
evergreens spanncd the sides Of the main street
with welcoming notices, large flags were sus-
pended across the streets, crowds afoot and in
vehicles moved 10 and fro-everywhcre was
hustle and animation; the town and the sur
rounding country evidently made up their
minds 10 give themselves four days of holiday
and sort Of vacation from work and toll. We
were approaching the camp. Two rows Of
tents 10 accommodate the outsiders greeted our
eyes, and drum-beating and band-playing were
heard from afar, stirring the memory and
reviving the recollections of war camps and
scenes. A large, round tent, with its platform,
floor and movable rough benches, stood aside,
intended to accommodate large crowd of peo-
pie when listening to speakers or to songs and
music, or TO q crowd of youngsters while dane
ing. Parallel TO the camp and along the edge Of
a grove was put up a row OF booths for the &C
commodation Of visitors, with lunches, coffee,
etc. In front of the camp a barbecue was
going on. The roasted bullock was fixed on
supports and two soldier-butchers were cutting
OF slices Of meat for the hungry guests. The
grove extended down to beautiful lake, one
of the series of lakes surrounding Alexandria
and extending far into the township fringing
its shores and extending north and east for
many miles. Behind the camp stretched out
an immense and glorious prairie, with its fields
Of grain and its wild meadows the prairie
which produces that hard Scotch Mime
sofa wheat, renowned at present all over the
world. The Headquarters tent was crowded
with veterans, registering their names; detaeh-
ments Of various Posts, GAR, with flags and
banners, were marching from the railroad depot
into the camp; wagons filled with country
people drove from all sides and formed quite
train around the camp. There was baseball,
shooting matches, boat and bicycle races,
horse races, and all sorts of sports and amuse-
ments
This is wonderful country in many respects.
is not hard, but steadily cold; the crops are
sure. There are no chinch-bugs and no Hes
sian fly to damage the wheat; no poisonous
snakes and no copperheads, either reptile or
human. All people are loyal and patriotic TO
the core; all filed with respect for the veterans;
all glorying in the war that tramped out treason
and saved the life Of the Republic, making il
one and indiyisiblc in fact, If not in sentiment
Before lcctured on the battle Of Chickamauga
the hnvE gaf fhuciagfir. we hur TaTn avi1
on the sOur-apple tree and left John Browns
soul still marching on. After / got through
the comrades gave me three cheers and a tiger
The next day, forenoon, before we started to
fight over again the Mission Ridge battle we
repeated the same operation on JEFF Davis. II
was sight 10 see how the soldiers were en-
Unused. with what vim and will the citizens
supported the soldiers, how the ladies were
beaming with enjoyment in sharing the excite
ment with the veterans. There were no dudes,
either military or civilian, in the crowd there
were no court trains or huge Grecian bends re-
quiring q hundred yards Of costly stuff for a
single dress /; no aristocratic hair-drezsing that
transformed the baby looks Of young girl into
a fierce looking Comanche. Everybody looked
plain but respectable unpretentious but ear
nest. 1t was country population which
forms the rocky foundation Of our social struct-
ure, with plenty Of common sense TO laugh at
the Va8aries Of Anarchists, and plenty Of 10y
atty aud patriotism 10 rise en- masse and strike
at the foe of their country.
Gen. Horatio Jenkins, formerly Of the 4th
Mass. Cav, at present States Attorney Of Doug
lass County, Mimi, made the address Of well
come TO the veterans Capt Oil Peterson was
the Commander OF the Encampment. +. T..
Cowing, brother Of the Commander Of this
Post, was the Marshal Of the Day. He looks
/ stout, although shot through the body az the
second Bull Run battle. Capt Whitcomb, one
4 Of the oldest settlers in this County and a
/ Captain Of the Minnesota Rangers during the
war, was Officer Of the Day. Among the visit
\ ors who made addresses were Col Albert Schef-
fer, OF st. Paul, formerly Of 35th Wis; Lieut.
/ Gov Gilman aud Mr.. Nash, Congregational
/ Minister. Capt. Cross, Of Minneapolis, started
a lecture on Yosemite Valley, but il was cut
short by stormy shower that threatened 10
/ pull down the tent. On Thursday lecturcd
on tho battle Of Chickamauga and on Friday
| on the battle Of Mission Ridge There were
theatrical entertainments given during the
evenings in two halls; and dancing going
on in the big tent every night 20 the music OF
string band. Everybody, old and young
enjoyed themselves hugely. Such soldiers
Reunions are important; they revive the
memories Of great deeds, rekindlc the pa.
triotism in the people. and fill the young gen.
Grafton with feelings Of loyalty and patriotism
There were representatives of about 20 Posts Of
i hlI 1+A+1As AhGAG WAS ONO GhfuGL Dhfls "a drum
corps Of Alexandria, a drum corps OF Morris
and drum corps Of Sank Center The town
OF Sank Center is selected FOR the Reunion next
year. ! met here veterans from all States and
all armies. Most of our comrades here look
yet young, while most of the comrades in th,
East look old. The explanation lies In the fact
that after the war mostly young soldiers emf
grated West Alexandria Is becoming a popu
lar Summer resort for those who reside IA
South and want a change in climate Hote
Alexandria, AT Geneva Beach. standing between
two beautiful lakes, is a charming spot, anC
can accommodate a number Of guests. FishinI
and hunting, rowing on the lakes, riding OF
horseback, driving in carriages, aud sleeping
soundly during the nights, which here are al
Summer very cool, are the natural medicines {,
restore health or TO regcnerate any debilitate,
or weak system.
To Commander ]. Il. Cowing Comrade A. II
Taylor and Comrade W. Il. Chidestcr, and thei
good ladies, feel very grateful for the cordia
hospitality and friendship shown me durinI
my visit 10 Alexandria.-JoHN ID. TURcHIs
Radon, III.
This communication by Gen. Turchin
which is dated June % was misiaid, and la
! only just come 70 the Editors hands.
Enlisted Mems Retired List.
All enlisted men OF the Army and Marin