The Portland daily press., 1890-05-13
THEIR SIXTH ANNIVERSARY.
Veterans OF Thatcher Post Meet
Around the Banquet Board.
Speeches by Hon. John D. Ander-
son, Hon. Geo. z. Bird and Others.

S'N.iH6 "i'h Siahu supper dL lLS nall, TO
which the officers of Bosworth Post and Re-
llef Corps, the officers of Shepley Camp and
the Ladies' Aid, Thatcher Relief Corps and
other friends were invited.
Promptly at eight o'clock some 125 or more
comrades fell into line under Junior Vice
Commander Williams and formed ranks
around the bountifully laden tables. At the
word OF command general onslaught was
made upon the generous supply of rations.
A reasonable time having been devoted to
the discussion of the viands placed before
them, the assembly was called to order by
Commander Williams, who delivered the fol-
lowing congratulatory address:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In behalf of the members of Thatcher
Post, | extend to yov hearty welcome. We
have invited you here to assist US in cele-
brating our sixth anniversary. Six years
ago tonight Thatcher Post was brought into
existence. On Monday evening May IL,
1884. some % of us assembled at Bosworth
Army of the Republic. Our officers were
elected and we adopted the name of Thatch-
er in honor of Rear Admiral Henry Knox
Thatcher. who was born in Thomaston, Me-,
and distinguished himself in the attack on
Fort Fisher and at the siege of Mobile. We
about ia, and we have now this hall hand
somely furnished, free from debt, and a
snug sum in the bank to fall back on in the
hour of need. Once again | bid you well
come.
Commander Williams concluded his re-
marks with graceful introduction of Col.
John d. Anderson, treasurer Of the Togus
Home and Commander of the Department OF
Maine.
Col. Anderson spoke as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1t is indeed pleasure for me to be with
you here this evening and join with you in
celebrating this sixth anniversary OF
Thatcher. Post. | cannot say. however, that
| 1t is pleasure for me to stand here and
talk, not because there is any lack of ma.
terial to discuss, but because, on the con.
trary, there is such deluge of thought, OF
emotion, of sympathy which we enjoy in
common that find it exceedingly difficult to
make Discrimination. look about me al
these men who were my comrades in battle
1t has been 20 years since we laid down our
arms, and l feel thai there has been no d.
minution of fraternal love, but the ties of
long ago are forged yet stronger through the
lapse Of years. Every man is history in
himself, and every man has separate life
and history of his own; each one has his
story to tell of different experience: all are
distinct as the pillows, but one as the sea.
came to join with you in this anniver-
sary. l came in behalf of the Grand Army
of Maine to offer you their congratulations
upon this happy event and a pleasant word
for the auspices under which it occurs.
heartily invoke long continuance of that
good fellowship and loyalty, that harmony
ana mutual sympathy which have always
characterized your past history.
EColonel Anderson concluded his address
by paying feeling compliment to the ladies
for their honest and hearty assistance in
acts of charity and kindliness to those who
went forward in the time of the countrys
need to fight for its honor an
His remarks were frequently interrupted by
applause, which continued loud and long at
their conclusion.
The next speaker introduced was Hon.
Geo. E. Bird, who was warmly received and
spoke as follows:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
l wish that l might say brethren
when speak of comrades. In ali ages
love OF country and willingness to
devote oneself to its cause, has been the
noblest motive that actuates the mind of
man: When we consider the ancient history
of Greece and Rome, in fact that of any
country. we find that the.predominating i'm
pulse was patriotism. And when we re-
member how America has achieved so great
distinction upon the battlefield we can pre-
same TO say that our countrymen possess
that magnanimous quality in the most emil
nent degree. But If we owe so much to the
men, what should our feelings be towards
the women by whose kind sympathy SO much
grief has been assuaged, and sickness and
physical pain alleviated. Incompatible has
peen their consolation in time of trial, and to
them, indeed we owe debt of gratitude.
Brief remarks were made by w. S. Dunn,
nd Of bO
ulated the Thatcher Post upon the success
full celebration of their sixth anniversary.
Assistant Adjutant General Milliken was
next called upon, and was warmly greeted.
He facetiously referred to his extreme
modesty which would prevent him from
speaking at length, particularly as he noticed
few superior officers present and as a pri-
vate always experiences some timidity in
their presence he would beg leave to retire
with brief remarks.
Captain Robert Whitcomb, of the Sons of
which have always existed between that or
ganization and Thatcher Post. He said SIT
is the chief object of the Sons of Veterans
to follow in the footsteps of our fathers, and
we, who have lost Our fathers in battle, look
upon the members of the Gland Army as
our fathers in spirit. When they lay down
their work may we take it up as precious
and dearly bought inheritance"
Mr.. Robert Rexdale next spoke a few
pleasant words, citing the connection in
which the press figured during the late con-
flct. At the close of his remarks he recited
an original poem, of rich pathos, entitled
Sentinel Flower" which won for its author
warm and earnest applause.
DIR. Getchell related sad account of the
life and death of Lieutenant Messer, who fell
at Petersburg, and spoke of with what inter-
est the event was fraught, as he was the last
to be killed there, and that, too, by the very
last gun fired.
Brief but interesting remarks were made
by Mrs. Gribben of Bosworth Post; Mrs.
Thurston, President Ladies' Aid Society of
the Sons of Veterans; T. Fl. Towle. Junior
Vice Commander; Senior Vice Commander
W. 5. Lawton, CIV. Hadlock, Comrade John
Williams, Past Commander Lyman w. Han
son, Comrade WEIGH, Sergeant Welch of
Post; Mrs. Norton. secretary Thatcher Re- Re.
lief Corps; Mrs. Huff, Thatcher Relief
Corps; and Captain T. p. Beals.
Mayor Melcher, who was one of the inyit-
ed guests, was unable to be present and sent
the following letter of regret:
D. W. ,Scribner, Esq, Adjuto1at Thatcher Post:
My Dear Sir and Conn ades-l have the honor to
acknowledge your kind invitation of the Sth to be
present at the anniversary exercises of Thatcher
Post, Monday evening, May IL. l greatly regret
that on account of previous and imperative en-
gagement # will not be possible for me to avail
myself of your courtesy in this case which would
give me so much pleasure to do.
Wishing the Post good time at the anniversa-
~ exercises, great prosperity In its work, and
thanking yon Tor your remembrance of me in this
connection, remain
Yours, very truly,
II. S. MELCHER.