Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-08-31


On Thursday morning there were indics-
tons Of rain. but Ill hoped that the clouds
would soon break away snd that the last
day Of the reunion might be bright and
pleasant. From all the region round
shout, carriages commenced to arrive IN
the early morning and . large crowd wac
on the grounds to witness the guafdmount-
ing at nine o'clock. At half past nine the
band proceeded to the village and escorted
Hon. LIewsliyn Powers and Hon. Z. c.
Ryder TO the grounds. A vast COZ
course Of people. estimated BY GOOD
judi es Is not less than two thousand, were
now collected on the ground in front OF
the band stand, from which the oration wa
to be delivered. Az ten o'clock, Comfsde
Edwin Wisgln called the meeting to order,
and sitter prayer by Chaplain e. X. Drew,
introduced Hon. T. C. Ryder of Spring
field ~ president Of the day. Mr.. Ryder
spoke briefly upon taking the chair, % the
rain had already commenced falling and the
introduced Mrs. Rogers Of Pattsn who read
a patriotic selection entitled 1.-The Bronze
Button which was enthusiastically received
Senator Ryder then introduced - orator OF
the dsy. Hon. Llewellyn Powers OF Houl-
ton, who delivered most
Eloquent and Patriotic Address.
Mr.. Powers spoke without notes, but held
the large audience to the close, although the
rain fell at intervals during the oration
Mr.. Powers speech was received by the
veterans with frequent cheers and he wac
heartily congratulated upon his eloquent
effort.
By noon the rain commenced to fall il
torrents and it was evident that all further
outdoor exercises were out Of the question.
At one o'clock the business meeting of the
Regimental Association was held and, after
hearing the reports Of the adj utant and
quartermaster, the association peoceeded
to the choice Of officers and ebose
Fred &. Robinson of Blaine, colonel
Thos. S. Hsney Of Cary, Lieut. COL, and
Geo. M. Bu,terfeld OF Springfield major
II was voted to hold the next annual reun-
ion at Blaine. 1t WAS intended to have q
grand sham fight in the afternoon and q
rousing camp fire in the evening. but the
pitiless rain put q stop to all this and the
programme Of the reunion WAS virtually
closed with the business meeting. 100
much praise cannot be given the citizens OF
Springfield and especially Hon. 4. Z.
Ryder for their untiring efforts Tor the
comfort and entertainment Of the veterans.
Despite the rain Of the last half day all
voted the Ninth Annual Reunion 9 splendid
success. More than one hundred tents
were on the ground the last day and over
three hundred veterans were in line. No
accident marred the pleasure and harmony
of the occasion and the utmost good order
prevailed during the entire encampment
The retiring officers, Col. Roberts, Lieut..
Col. Bither and Major McGlaufin were
honored with Q vote Of thanks and three
rousing cheers, - were also the good citi-
zens Of Springfield.
Just before dark, after We had concluded
our report of the encampment, the rain
ceased falling and the booming OF the IL
Founders at the camp gave notice to all that
the camp FIRE would be held. A huge cone
built Of long slabs stood round column Of
kerosene barrels furnished the material for
the fire and when lighted produced most
brilliant effect and lighted up the entire
campground. Adjt. Penney called the
immense crowd to order and stirring speechs
we're made by Comrades Perry, Rogers,
Drew, Wiggin and others. Comrade Muir
ply sang his inimitable songs and Comfade
Snow recited 1.-THE Old Canteen." The
two bands played many fine selections and
all pronounced it the most enjoyable camp
fire ever held by the regiment.