Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1891-10-15

[ W. Fuller; ID, ii. DeLOng; +, COmrade |
Highshew; f. j. ]. Lewis; G, S. D. Porter;
II, d. Foltz; |, W. G. Johnson; K, A. Manly. !
The regiment then adjourned for dinner.
Afternoon Session.
The Oakwood band which kindly devoted
their services for the day Immediately
after dinner gave a concert on the court
house steps and IN the court room, of pa
triotc airs which were appreciated.
Upon reconvening at 1870, and after the
prayer by Chaplain Porter. the chairman
introduced Judge David Meekison, who, as
mayor, welcomed the 6Sth on behalf of
Napoleon. The Judges remarks, though
brief, were words of sincere welcome. He
said:
Members of the 6Sth Ohio Volunteer
Veteran Infantry:
1T is now thirty years since you cast
aside your duties as citizens and responded
to nations call. From here you COM
menced that journey which was only ended
when all resistance to the United States had
vanished, and when you had stood upon the
soil of every state in the Rebellion, save two.
PLAINLY do / remember the day when You
marched to the dep ot--one unbroken line of
nearly thousand men. trotted by your
side, too young to be one of you, yet of suf-
ticient age to realize the grand mission on
which you we're embarking. Irealized that
of the one thousand stalwart men who
boarded the train with cheers mingled with
tears from the loved ones left at home that
said goodbye, some would never return;
realized the sacrifices that had been offered
upon the altar of patriotism that a nation
might be succored. After the departure, 1,
with others of older and more mature COM
prehension, though, as | thought then and
think now, fitting them no more to suffer
than myself, experienced the heart ache and
dread incident to having friends and rela
tives participating in cruel and sanguinary
struggle.
The 68th Reg't. was always favorite
with Napoleon. There was hardly family
in Napoleon but could boast of representa-
tives in the regiment, and when you had
gone to the front the feeling of anxiety for
your welfare and the eagerness to hear
| from you was common to all. This, in time,
was assuaged to certain extent when we
heard of the praise you we're receiving for
gallant services. You showed that you were
able to fight and had all the necessary quail
tications of the soldier. When the counsel
of war thought it was impossible to gain the
rear of Vicksburg you, with other comrades,
accomplished this feat. Does this alone
not bespeak your ability for meeting and
overcoming obstacles?
"Men of the 68th, your history is a proud
one. l will not attembt to repeat it. 1t is
stamped indelibly on battle felds-battles
enga ged in for holy purpose-battles that
outrival those for conquest, for you were
fighting for the preservation of the Union.
And what were you fighting for? We can
answer that question far easier now than
then, when we compare these grandest of
Unions with other great countries. Read in
the newspapers of starvation and degrada-
tion in England, Scotland and Ireland,
while here have we not always had enough?
Then also, we lead the world in every pur-
suit; and this is the country you have saved.
SOLDIERS, let me in behalf of Napoleon
tender you sincere welcome. The courte-
sizes due the grand army can never be over
estimated and the debt of gratitude can
never be paid. wish you many more re-
turns of this happy reunion"
The extemporaneous remarks of the
Judge were received with applause. His
| poo6 no otnrai ond al rDnDpar loft
regiment no room for doubt as to their well
come.
| Capt. Richardson, of Defiance, gave the
boys talk in which old camp life and ex
citing experiences at the front we're again
given attention and rehearsed with vivid
ness that almost made the comrades believe
that they were again doing service.
Chaplain Porter also spoke in the same
trend of thought He is an aged man, prob
ably 80 years old. Yet good habits have
reserved for him remarkable state Of pre-
servation. He is good speaker with mem
ory that seems as tenacious as ever. He
dwelled on the war and its terrOrs of which
he could speak as an eye witness. He also
drew the contrast between our country now
with it's happy and successful people, and
thirty years ago when plunged in the sea of
civil strife.
After the chaplain's address Chairman
Williams made few remarks of thanks and
congratulations.
Master Ella Wolff, of Oakwood, sang an
interesting song about life in rebel prisons.
The question of the next place for the re-
union was decided by vote Weston and
Montpelier were in the race. The vote
stood, Weston, 32; Montpelier, 40.
1t was suggested that a collection be taken
up for the expenses of the attending band
! but on Capt. G. E. Reynolds volunteering
/ to settle the matter the collection was dis
pensed with.
There was some talk in regard to compil-
ing complete roster of the regiment for
the purpose of supplying each member
with the names and addresses of his COM
ades. Chairman Gillis stated that in his
customary report this year he would add the
desired information.
! The bills allowed we're: s. GiIlis, station
ary and stamps, $l4.50; Capt. Richardson,
for advertising in Erpress and Crescent, 50.
The former bill was allowed at once, but no
small amount of kicking was done against
the latter "We will not get bit again."
was the general conclusion, and the bill was
! allowed.
After several selections by the band the
regiment adjourned until some time in Sep
comrades may designate.
After the adjournment many of the veter-
ans visited old camp Latty, just west of