Smyrna times., 1897-02-17
OPEN CAMP FIRE.
over Hundred Invited Guests Listened to
the Experiences of War Veterans.

|
the Experiences of War Veterans.
A large number of comrades and
friends gathered at the Opera House
last evening to indulge in an open
campfire talk with our local veterans
OF the late war, who have recently
banded themselves together as the
W. ). Hancock Post, No. 80, G. Ar.
Inc hall was tastefully decorated with
american and Cuban flags. In fact
II had more of the appearance of a
banquet room, for stretched from
stage to door in four rows were Ionp
tables which were to be ladened with
the good things the guests were 70
receive. To enliven the occasion an
orchestra of six pieces played some
popular airs.
Post Commander John Garner pre-
sided, and in almost successive rota-
ton the veterans were called upon to
give some incident of their own nor
sonal experience in the late bitter
strife. The talks were all interesting
much of it being on facts which his.
tory has not recorded. All tbronob
the audience there was a feeling of
patrlotlsm, as manifested by the in
tense interest and applause.
W. M. Broadway was the first to ba
called, and he discussed in a thrillipo
manner the battle of Hatcher's RIM
ana FIVE Forks, where 10000 rebels
werr Killed, Immediately preceding the
final surrender of General Lee at
Appomattox.
VIM. keiser bears the proud record
OF being In 30 active strifes, without
receiving a scratch or wound. The
record OF that great general, U. S.
Grant, only reaches 3S engagements
and 1t speaks well for Mr.. Keiser. for
lew lived through the war who can
claim as much. Mr.. Keiser gave An
interesting account of Sherman's |
march from Atlanta to the sea. and
explained emphatically how an army
OF $4,000 men could cover a width of
6O miles. The burning and devastat-
ing OF property in South Carolina
along their route to the sea was
thrillingly described.
ID. ). Byers, of Grinnell, Iowa. was
the next speaker, and gave an amusing
account of his experience in Texas
after the war, with unreconstructed
rebels, on freeing the slaves.
A. G. Cummins spoke forciblv ON
ihe debt of gratitude this county owes
20 the soldiers, debt that can never
oe paid, for their gallantry and heroi,m
'aved the nation. Mr.. Cummins was
lot asoldier but he knew much of the
OF those, who by death and
'rivstion were the greatest sufferers of
he conflict.
Rev. Adam Stengle served three
ears in the Cavalry service and gave
s his most thrilling experience. his
anticipation in the three days fight at c
gettysburg, when Gen. Greggs cav
Try defeated the rebel cavalry corps. I
'hich was aiming an attack from the 7
ear, to break the Union, while Pick a
It's charge was coming down on them +
the front. The rebel cavalry and |
lfantry forces both being defeated .
ave victory to the Union army, thus s
aiming the most decisive battle of the d
ar. a
Others who spoke were as follows: p
Vim. FAIRIES, DIR. 4. G. Moore. Col. u
gorge H. Raymond, John H. Hof-
ecker, John Reihms, John B. Cooper q
nd W. H. Baggs. Q
After the speeches the guests were is
Ivtcd to a seat at the festive board Of
here the wives and daughters of the NJ
embers of the Post served the want.
all In cold ham, chicken, eggs. rolls st
scuits and coffee. Rev. J. i. Estl;n 81
'aced the table. There we're over as
lndred guests present to participate pl
ith the Post.