Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1890-08-22
The BOYS IN BLUE
The Grand Army Of the Republic
Has a Gala Week
During It's Annual Encamp-
ment at Boston.
Military, Naval and W. r. C. Dlgni-
taries Grace the Occasion.
hfonda y.

The National Encampment Of the G.. A. r.
began its celebration on Monday, the 18th
inst. This was the day when most OF the
dignitaries aud vets were TO arrive in order
to be on hand for the great parade Of the fol-
lowing day, which was practically the first
day Of the encsmpment. The delays on the
railroads resulted in many OF the incoming
people not arriving ill late In the day and
in many cases far into the night.
The President arrived late in the after
noon on the war ship Baltimore and was ac-
corded an enthusiastic reception in the har-
Dor by numberess craft Of all kinds, and
from thousands who lined the route from
the landing to the Vendome. He was es-
corted by mounted veterans, and was bau-
quoted by the Stale In the evening.
1t was day of tremendous activity and
excitement for everybody in Boston. From
early morning until late at night the city was
receiving the final preparations for the enter
tainment Of Its guests and the guests were
flowing in from all directions by the thous-
ands. Before the day was half spent, every
quarter of the town was invaded and crowd
ed as It hasn't been befo. e for many day, II
1t ever was.
First, the railroad stations were like volca-
nos in a condition of activity. Before the
sun was fairly up trains began 10 roll in and
pour forth their contributions to the encamp-
ment. Many of them were tired and travel.
stained, having come {. ON tar distant points,
and having suffered delay on account Of the
railroad strike. Trains which had arrived
during the night had generally been side
tracked, and the occupants had made them
selves as comfortable as possible, which isn't
saying much.
1t was between 6 and I O'Clock in the
morning that the process Of disembarking
set in, and from that time on 1t was as near
ly continuous as possible all through the day
and night. Through trains were commonly
several hours late, and like the special trains,
were crowded. Not only members of the g..
A. Il. and their families, but strangers from
all parts Of New England and elsewhere
made their inroads upon the locality of the
encampment.
AS was to be expected, the hotels were
sorely taxed TO accommodate this vast con-
tingent. 1t was the presence OF so many
ladies with the veterans or by themselves,
that led to the most perpIexity. The men
could be placed on cots, and many OF them
were, but the women could not be laid
aside so easily. The surplus of visitors was
cared for, however after fashion, as many
a household knows today.
Many Of the large posts were received at
the railroad stations AMI escorted to their
headquarters by Mass lchusetts posts. These
incidents of welcome were among the most
picturesque and stirring happenings OF the
day. 1t was almost impossible to get out of
hearing of band or drum corps anywhere
down town. Martial music and the old
warriors in whose honor it was given,
turned the city into yeritsble camp.
The busiest man OF all the Grand Army
was the commander-in-chef, Gen. Alger
He was here, there and everywhere all day,
visiting Salem and Somerville, being feted
and specified, and himself making half q
dozen speeches.
Col. Vcazey of Vermont, the success or of
Gen. Alger, received throngs of visitors at
his headquarters IN the fremont House. He
was apparently the most popular G. A. X.
man in Boston.