Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-10-03
Tho Reunion. as L Saw IL,

What glorious morning was that of
the 25th of September, and what crowds
of people, on foot, on horseback, in
carts and buggies, in spring wagons, in
farm wagons, on bicycles, and by every
means of locomotion, were pouring to-
ward Lewisburg from every point of
the compass. Could one have been
aloft in balloon above the town what
a curious sight this concourse of hu-
manity, all bent toward one objective
point, would have been!
AS our spring wagon Tor rather Char
ley Burns wagon which under his skill
full management had overtaken and
passed everything on the road from
Meadow bluff in.) reached the Main
street, how beautiful and animated was
the scene the triumphal arches go
light and graceful, spanning the
streets and the profuse artistic drapery
of flags and bunting on private houses
and stores, gave festive and rejoicing
air to the ancient town. Tremendous
was the crush of vehicles of all sorts
in the narrow streets, but good nature
and the kindest feeling reigned su-
preme. The sidewalks were crowded
with throng of old soldiers and their
relatives and friends, all engaged in
greeting each other, in cementing old
friendships, and reviewing old-time
memories. On every side comrades
who had not lin many cases) met for
years were " fighting their battles DER
again." and mellowed by the welcome
mists of time the hardships and miser-
les Of actual war were forgotten, and
only the recollection of It's glories and
honors survived.
The grand procession, marshaled by
Col. b. f. Eakle assisted by Adjutant
Knight, Col. j. W. A. Ford and Il. H :.
Dennis, started promptly on time. AS
the Staunton Band, an ssemblage of
good-loOking young fellows in seryicea-
BILE uniforms, obeying the baton of their
able leader, E. b. Dolin, struck up
that defiant air, " Dixie" the pent up
enthusiasm of the spectators could no
longer be controlled, and cheer after
cheer rent the air, varied by the 'Rebel
yell" as at a quickstep the column
moyed away toward the Fairgrounds
1t was glorious moment The bright
autumnal day, the fluttering banners
and flags, the gallant music instinct
with the memories Of past daring and
doing, and the long lines of advancing
men. On they cOme-Edgar g old Bat.
TALON in the advance, then the Goth
the 9th, the 22nd, the 14th, the Bath
Squadron of Cavalry, the " U. S. Vet.
erans," and 1 know not how many
Other organizations nor do care to fol.
low with particular accuracy the order
Of the procession but merely to note
almost haphazard, essential features OF
this occasion.
But on they come those gallant fel.
lows who more than thirty years age
faced the stern necessities of glorious
war. Here they come No longer
the gallant youths of 81 but handful
of men verging on old age-some limp.
ing with difficulty, some looking weary
some with but one arm. nearly ali
white-haired but all cheerful and full
of the indomitable spirit OF their
youth. AS they advance what memo.
ries flood the soul. Tears of emotion
fill the eyes Aloft are the portraits OF
Lee and Jackson, of Grant and Lin.
coin, OF Early, of Stuart, and others OF
deathless fame ...
"Open ye hundred gates,
Heroes feet on Bifrost stand 10
The escort of ladies was most beau
tiful feature Of the parade and the ar
ray OF loneliness well calculated to in
spire chiyalrous ideas in the minds OF