The National tribune., 1886-06-17
A NOTABLE MUSTER.
Gems. John G. Fremont and AbsaIOm Baird, and
Co.'s. Bates and 0rdnay Become Members Of the
GAR.

Gems. John c. Fremont and AbsaIom Baird. and
Co.'s. Bates and 0rdnay Become Members Of the
GAR.
Wednesday evening June 9, was n grand
occasion in the history of Kit Carson Post, OF
/ Washington, d. c.; for il then received into
membership the venerable Gen. John C. Ere
mont, Gen. Absalom Baird, the Inspector
General Of the United States Army; Col James
A. Bates, on the retired list; Col Albert Ord
! way, formerly Of the 9th Mass, and number
Of other notable recruits. As the hall of the
Post would be insufficient TO accommodate all
who desired 10 be present the National Rifles
Arnory was secured, and this was tastefuliy
decorated for the occasion with banners, corps
flags, and other military embems. The cere-
monies were conducted by Commander Chas
i. Lincoln, assisted by his competent corps Of
officers Though the night was rainy nearly
800 comrades turned cut TO attend, and the
stage upon which the Commander sat held
also COmmandeT-in-ChiefB urdctt aud several
members Of his staff; Gen. Stewart Van Vlet:
Gen. Merrill, Chairman of the Pension Com
mittee Gen. John c. Black, Commissioner of
Pensions; Past COmmander-in-ChiefK ountz;
Corporal Tanner; Gen. Joe Hawley, Of Con-
necticut; Representatives Pettibone of Ten
nessee; Baker, Of New York; and Hutehins
OF Michigan, and other distinguished gentle
men. The muster-in ceremonies were con-
Quoted in the usual style. and made deep inn
preston upon all who witnessed them. Gen.
Fremont looks little like he did % years
ago. His wealth of black hair and luxuriant
whiskers are cut short and are as white as
snow, yet his step is as elastic and his eye as
bright as il ever was Gen. Baird looks the
sturdy, unfinching leader that he was when
he carried his division so CALAMITY against the
rebel works at Jonesboro and decided the fate
OF Atlanta by bayoDet charge which has no
superior in the history OF the rebellion. After
the muster-in was concluded the Post was
closed and campfire opened, with Gen. Bur
dett in the chair. lie paid q merited cOmpli-
ment TO the old Pathfinder, which ELECTED en-
thusiastic applause. Gen. Fremont came TO
the front of the stage in response 10 repeated
calls and made short, pointed address, ex-
pressing his pleasure at becoming a member Of
the Order, and especially having entered Post
named after his old friend and associate of his
carly adventures on the plains He was fol-
I lowed in an admirable speech by Gen. John C.
/ Black, who recalled the fact that he Gen.
/ Black had entered with his company into a
regiment named the Fremont Rifles, and was
sent TO St. Louis, where their cOlors were deco
/ rated with a knot Of red, white and blue ribbon
/ by the fair hands Of Mrs. Jessie Fremont Gen.
I Black gave humorous account of some Of the
early experiences of the regiment and then
drew vivid picture Of the forced march that
I the regiment made 10 join Gen. Fremont on
the eve Of an expected battle and the pail Of
/ disappointment that fell upon all when they
learned that Gen. Fremont had been relieved
and ordered 10 the rear. Gen Joe Hawiey led
/ IN singing Marching Through Georgia. and then
/ followed with pitby speech which lac closed
with a few more verses Of that famous old song
Corporal Tanner made stirring address, and
was followed by Gen. Merrill, Congressman
/ Pettibone, Baker aud HHtchins aud Past Com
mander-in-Chicf KOuntz. 1t was near mid
NIGHT. bur the gDmrQBag varp raf nut m
THE PATHFINDER"
/ Capt. Jack Crawford, the poet-scout, read the
! following impromptu greeting:
ComEndcs Of mine, let inc greet him.
This pioneer chief Of the West,
THIS hero and pard Of Kit Carson,
His scout, who known rs the best;
nobcfnan born. and n soldier
q scout whom the scouts understand,
Who bearing the bright star OF Empire
set 81 blazing in Gods golden land.
Let me greet him. for down in the valley
Where i've by the old Rio Grande
siood by the grave 81 Kit Carson,
stood with sOmbrcr0 In hand;
And spoke. as my comrades stood near me
Of the deeds Of our hero now dead
And we left him the wreath aud the roses
And tablet we placed al his head.
And now ana greeting the chiefain
Whom Kit served so faithful and true,
Our pioneer hero. Fremont
And 80 you are claiming him. too!
he b worthy your great admiration
Ihis chiciiain. the brHgest and best
But. comrades we ID have a sensation
II you claim him away from the West
Dear Fremont, my comrade, greet you
As only soldier greet
Who served on the trail you have travelled
In natures most sacred retreat;
And my thoughts drift away 10 the wildwood
Where the birds carol Ewecty about
Those were the days Of nay childhood
When you were the pioneer scout.
So welcome. thousand times welcome
Your comrades filed with delight
The Pathfinder just IN the cleaning,
Has struck our trail. cen before night
God grant u may lead up 10 heaven
Where your faithful old guide went before
TO prepare for his dear old commander
A camp on that evergreen shore.
The campfire was closed with Gen. Hawley
leading in the singing Of America by the entire
concourse.