The National tribune., 1892-09-22
THE CUMBERLAND ARMY.
A Pleasant Reunion Held at Chattanooga
last Week.

Gen w. 8. Rosecrans called the meeting Of the
Survivors of the Army of the Cumberland to order
at Chattanooga, Tenn, Sept. Is. The same
army, under the command Of the man who
called the Reunion together, fought one of the
bloodiest battles of the war at the same place
exactly 20 years before. After few preliminaries
the morning session came to an end.
public meeting was held on the night of the
18th. and the address of welcome WINS delivered by
an ex-Confederate who Is Mayor Of the city. The
annual Grafton was delivered by Gen. III. V. Boyn-
ton 1t will be remembered that Gen Boynton
was at the head of the movement to make a Ma
tional Park out of the battle-ground. In the course
Of his Grafton Gen. Boynton said:
a generation has passed since we Stood here,
shoulder to shoulder. doing battle for that Union
stay forever. 1t is difficult to recognize the boys
of '6l in the silver hairs and the changed forms
and features which the afternoon of life for all of
us, and its very evening for many. have stamped
upon these survivors of 1892 but; in spite Of these,
hearts and hands and greetings stil those
Of the very heyday of youth-are as strong, as
earnest, and as true as when we were the boys In
blue of 30 years ago. Aged men OF the Army of
the Cumberland-heroes of the Army Of the Cum
berland-I salute you. one and ALL
Through long years OF controversy the Army
OF the Cumberland liz coming to It's own. Ii Is
doubtful whether in military history there can be
found another army with its notably great and
cessful record which contemporary writer's of mill
tary hstory-I should rather say OF military fc-
tion-have SO persstently misrepresented. 1t is not
necessary to inquire into their motives TO asperse
them. The fact remains that the army Of the Cum.
berland, after winning its victories in the field,
has had to fight ever since to save the true record
of them for history. And Is only of recent years,
when The full official record has become accessible.
and us the further results of many prolonged and
bitter controversies. that the myths OF this dis
torted history are taking up their march into
oblivion.
IF there be a spot within the territory OF the
war where Army of the Cumberland men can meet
and talk freely, frankly, and without reserve Of
the great events in which they actors, surely
II is the City Of Chattanooga. that heard the guns
on Snodgraes HILL and which lies in the shadows
of Lookout Mountain aud Missionary Ridge.
THE campaign which secured 1t was of Gen.
Rosecranss planning and execution. The subse-
quent opening OF the river to supply 10 was his
plan also, the details being decided upon and
carried out by Gen. Badly Smith after Con- Grants
and announced his order Of battle. the battle OF
made ii a success, the battle of Gen. Thomas. :.
"while we glory In the deeds Of every Union
army and Irvine laurel for tho brows of all our
great commanders, we glory riost because our lot
baptized in battle by Gen. Buell., which reached It's
fighting manhood under Gen Rosccrans. and
| which under George r. Thomas stood immovable
al tie Kelley farm and on snodgrass Hill, stormed
| the lights of Lookout Mountain and Missionary
| RIDGE and crushed Hood At Nashville. We now
| write his name above all names, and when history
shall have rendered ts Anal verdio. upon the SOL
ders of the Union, We believe that Thomas will
surely lead all the rest on the list Of great soldiers
| The business meeting was almost entirely Of q
routine nature. Reports were presented, addresses
made. and other minor matters given attention.
The plan of the monument to Gen. Sheridan was
shown to the assembled veterans. They seemed
TO like the design. and emphasized their approval
| by agreeing TO pay Sculptor Ward. who is tho
artist O., 500 account. The attendance was not
90 large as was hoped, but stili the rank aud hlc
VIA represented. Among those who were present
| q tho first days meeting were Gems. Rosecrans.
| Wood, Baird, CarteE Morgan. Reynolds Wise.
| man and Warner,
On Sept. 10 all the former officers Of the Assocs-
ton were re- elected, with the adding Of Capt g.
II. Miller OF Chattanooga, to tho list Of Vice Pses
dents. The time of tho meeting was made Sept.
20 and 81, instead Of December. az reported by the
| committee. The exact epot wfG.e Gen. Ed King
night ~ mposuin. which, according 20 Gen Rose
| erans's idea !. "Place whsrs everybody can get
| full - WAS held on Cameron Rfil.