Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-25
The VETERANS
Of 1st Maine Heavy Artillery
Hold Reunion
At Skowhegan vish Scores Of Mem
beers and Many Visitors.
Sketch Of the Gallant Regiments Deeds ia
the Civil War.

Skowhegan, Me-, Aug. 24-(SpeciaD.
The LIST Maine Heavy Artillery Asso-
citation held it's annual reunion at Skow =
hogan, today, when the boys of 81 who
went forth from the Pine Tree State
for the defence of Old Glory. gathered
in the hustling Somerset county town,
with ranks thin by time, but with
splits as high as ever.
A party of veterans arrived on the
1888 train. Tuesday morning, and at
$40 in the afternoon, large delegation
came to town but the majority arrived,
Wednesday morning, by special cars
attached to the regular passenger
train.
The visitors We're met at the depot
by the Skowhegan members of the As
ISOLATION and escorted to Grand Army
hall where the regular business meet
ing occurred at 10 o'clock
The meeting was called to order by
Leander K. Marston of Boston, presi
dent of the association. with approprl-
ate remarks followed by prayer by
Gen.. r. B. Shepherd of Skowhegan,
then welcomed the visiting brothers
to Skowhegan in a betting manner,
followed by remarks by Col. q. A.
Smith of Indianapolis. who came to
Maine to attend the reunion. The re-
marks of both Gen. Shepherd and Col.
Smith was warmly received and three
rousing cheers were given for these
popular officers.
The report of the last meeting was
read and accepted as was also the
treasurer'S report.
The report of deaths since the last
meeting was read.
Messrs.> Smith, House, Rollins, Fer
maid and Lancy We're appointed CON-
mittee to select nominees fer officers for
the ensuing year.
A committee consisting of Messrs.
Smith, Shepherd and House was elect
ed to write the regimental history.
The following officers were elected
President, r. B. Shepherd, Skowhe-
gan; vice presidents, F. Rollins, Pal
myra, V. D. Sweetland, Palmyra: Sec
rotary and treasurer. Henry E. Sellers
Bangor; directors, H. H. Shaw.
Portland, r. NJ. Davis, Dorchester
Fred Q. Talbot, East Machias. An
drew c. Savage, Bangor, w. w. War
rem, Dover.
At l o'clock the members of the asso-
citation with invited guests boarded
the cars Of the Somerset Traction Co,
en- route for Lakewood, where dinner
was served at the pavilion. There
We're ITO of the company who entered
the hall and with them were rs ladies,
the wives and daughters of the vete-
rams.
The hall was very prettily decorated
for the occasion. The five tables at
which the members were seated be-
ing bowers of beauty. The dinner
served was of unusual excellence.
This with the transportation over the
lines of the Traction Co., was provid-
ed through the courtesy of Gen. Shep-
herd who did all in his power to make
the day one of pleasure for the COM
pany In fact there seemed to be
nothing that Gen. Shepherd could do
for the comfort of the veterans, that
was left undone.
Among the guests of honor present
were A. X. Butler, Sheriff Viles, E. n.
Merrill and Forest Goodwin Of Skow-
hogan, B. NJ. Merrill of Layfette Post,
Brooklyn, N. Y.
At the close of the banquet the men,
bers of the association went to the L.
V. u. cottage where they were photo
graphed.
In the evening the members formed
at the hotel where they were stop
nj int oo
where the camp fire was held in the
evening. The hall was very prettily
decorated for the occasion, with tri-
colored bunting and flags.
President Marshal presided over the
camp fire. The address of welcome
was delivered by E. N. Merrill This
was responded to by E. X. Cross and
by F. j. Walton for the Grand Army.
Addresses We're made by Col Smith,
II. H. Shaw, General Chabot, Capt.
Fernald and President Marshal. All
the addresses were warmly received
and applauded until the hall shook.
Following is brief historical sum-
mary of the service of this famous regi-
ment:
The First Maine Regiment, Heavy
Artillery. was organized at Bangor.
Me-, August 21st. 1862, as the 18th Regi-
ment lnfantry.to serve three years, and
left Bangor, August oath for Washing
ton, where, after occupying a position
on the Virginia side, and doing garrison
duty for nearly five months, in accord
ance with orders from the war depart
ment. the organizationswas changed to
Heavy Artillery. and by General Order
No. 62. Adjutant Generals Office of
Maine, series of 1862. was designated as
the LIST Regiment Heavy Artillery Of
Maine Volunteers. The several COM
panies were stationed in the forts and
forming the defences ofWash-
ington, and there remained until 1864.
The Sd Battery of Mounted Artillery
was temporarily attached to this reg-
ment by War Department Special Or
der No. LA of March %, 1863, and
served as Company NJ, until relieved
and reorganiZed as battery of
artillery. by War Department
Special Order No. So. of Feb. %, 1864.