Morning journal and courier., 1891-09-15

T have always been interested in the 7rays from my earliest childhood, ,and have lever failed to turn out at any of their reunions. My connections with the Grays dates from July 5, 1841, when the Hart ford Light Guards, the Middletown Cadets and the Grays were encamped together on an open lot on Orange street, where Lieu tenant Governor Merwin's residence now stands. I was little bit of 8 fellow, but had big brother in the company and was immense ly anxious for military fame. I remember peeked into g big white tent, but daren't go in. A kind-looking young gentleman my desire, told me could go inside and stay as long as liked. I stayed all the afternoon. Laughter At that moment I resolved to be Gray, and joined the company in 1849. Since then my affection and love for the old company has never faltered. The gentleman that laid his hand on my shoulder was James M. Town send, man for whom have always had the highest respect and esteem. I propose three cheers for Captain Townsend" The cheers were given with will.
 Other veterans who made speeches were Amos Bostwick of New York, Benjamin w. Stone, aged eighty three, of this city, ex-fre commissioner, Loren H. Stannard, of New York, General L. A. Dickinson of Hartford and others. General Merwin de- livered a very happy speech, referring to the vicissitudes the company had been through, particularly the time when the Grays had been reduced to seven men. Among them were General Merwin him self, General Alfred H. Terry, Colonel Candee and others distinguished veterans.
 Informal "reminiscences followed the speech; and shortly after 5 o'clock, when the band had played the stirring galop 'tYoung Blood," by A. Correggio, the as- semblage broke up to prepare for the exer- cises of the evening"
 THE SENIOR Ex-CAPTAIN.
 Captain James M. Townsend is the old est living ex-captain of the Grays. Senior ex-Captain Townsend, as was stated in the letter referred to by General Bradley at the Gray's dinner yesterday afternoon. is in Europe, where he is engaged in consum- mating an important financial transaction in which various New York capitalists are interested. As stated in the portion of the letter read MT. Townsend's unavoidable absence is greatly regretted by him. He has ever been a jealous and influential Gray, active and veteran, though he is the senior captain and somewhat advanced age is thereby implied, Captain Townsend is still in all the busy activity of middle life, as he became captain of the Grays when only twenty-one years of age.
 Captain Townsend has long occupied a warm place in the affections of the Grays, his early interest in and permanent con- nection with the company being ever maintained as evidenced by his many acts and efforts for the promotion of their vel fare and zeal for their prosperity. Captain Townsend joined the Grays when sixteen years of age and in 1848, when twenty one, became captain. His resignation after a period of valuable service was dictated by
 i'll health, and accepted by Captain King. In letter expressing high personal regard and warm commendation and appreciation of Captain Townsend's services in the
 Grays, the warmest and best wishes of the company were expressed to the retiring commander and beautiful letter of thanks and testimonial of regard were spread upon
 the records. When the Grays as a com
 pany went to the war to enter upon its
 three months campaign all it's mem
 bers who were unprovided with necessary
 articles not included in the government
 supplies, were supplied with the same by
 MT. Townsend out of his own private purse
 his first thought being for the comfort o1
 the members of his old command. Wher
 the company had been at the front six
 weeks MT. Townsend visited them in camr
 and presented to each souvenir quarter
 dollar, on one side of which made smooth
 was inscribed the date and brief record
 of the presentation of the souvenir. The
 mementoes were highly prized and sur
 vivors have theirs to this day as treasured relics of old war days Con the old camp ground" Another war company of Gray which the lamented Captain E. s. Hitch cock commanded was named in hono1 of MT. Townsend, the Townsend Rifles
 and he gave the command fine flag whicl was the first Union flag raised in Georgit after the rebellion opened. The flag ii now in the New Haven Historical society rooms. In many ways Captain Townsend was benefactor to the company, sparins them the" e"wrinkled front''of "grim visaget war" Captain Townsend's portrait hang | in the Gray's gallery of portraits at thei l armory. In the many civic positions O
 responsibility he has occupied, whether a l an officer of note in the service of this cit, or state, as an honored public official or il private life as director or other officer il l some of our leading corporations, he has l ever been alive to the interests of tn l Grays, and when news from Washingto,
 in those exciting days of '66 bore deroga l tory reports concerning the company ant Gen. Terry at Bull Run, he was Instruments
 in having them corrected in letter writer
 to him by Colonel Reyes of the Eleventl l U. s. infantry, who instead of censure, be
 slowed high praise on the Connection
 Second, adding: "Connecticut may well b. 1 proud of the Second regiment, and es pecially of the New Haven Grays. Colo
 nel Terry is noble gentleman and gal
 lant soldier. He gave me the greatest as sistance in the battle, and trust to nam him always among my friends" Littl | did the brave Colonel Reyes dream tha | the brave Terry would achieve imperisha
 ble national renown as soldier and vii l laurels that will ever be cherished by ever patriotic American.