Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1898-12-16
Col. Baker, to The End Va.
COMPANY A MUSTERED OUT
DR.. OOrtch Presented wilma Gold Medal.

Dr. Oortch Presented With Gold MEDAL
OFFICERS OF 2ND VA. Vol. INFANTRY
The date for the mastering out Of
my regiment has been set, and soon the
organization in which we have felt pecu-
liar pride, and which has been an honor
to the State Of Virginia, both at home
and abroad, will cease to exist, and can
only live in our memories. On the eve
Of its dissolution | cannot refrain from
giving expression Of my appreciation Oh
you and the men whom had the honor
TO command. You have ever merited my
esteem and confidence. have always
found you ready, active, and willing toI
perform the duties assigned TO you, and
to such degree do you possess my con-
fidence, that felt absolutely sure that
had gallant officers to lead, and brave
men to follow, no matter how fierce wag-
ed the conflict. Your ready aid has
been the means which enabled meto Dr.
ing this regiment to its high state of ef-
ficiency. Perfect harmony has prevailed
among us, no jealousies or petty riyalrles
have marred our associations, and the
only emulation was, who could best work
and best agree. This has strewn our
past with sweetest recollections, which l
will ever cherish among the choicest OF
my memories. We went forth to follow
the flag aud serve our country where
ever needed, and while we were given
no opportunity to test our courage on the
field Of battle, it was through no fault
of ours. On the I'd day Of June, 1898
as we marched through the streets OIL
Richmond to join the Seventh Army
Corps, to which this command had been
assigned, there was no officer or man who
did not cherish the expectation that we
were to be among the first Of those who
would plant the flag Of free country on
foreign soil, and defend it with our lives,
and for this we stood, waiting for orders.
Is it wrong for me to say, that were it
not for the tear-stained cheeks of wives
and mothers. the desolate hearths ard
sorrowing hearts at home, l could wish
the opportunity had been given the
Second Regiment to prove that the same
courage, the same fidelity to duty in the
midst Of shot and shell, which charac-
terized our fathers in the days gone by,
lives in their sons?
The history OF the organization is brief
but gratifying. 1t opens with the recep-
ton of General Orders No. 8, A. G. o.,
Virginia, dated April 10, 1898. This or
der directed a report as to those officers
and men in the Virginia Volunteers who
would volunteer to serve in the Army of
the United States anywhere, either in
or outside Of the country.
As soon as this order was received,
the Field, Staff Band, and the twelve
companies offered their services. On the
21st day of May, 1898, the entire regiment
had been mustered into service. For
three months under a Southern sun,
amidst disease and death. we walted a
call to the front, but the war was so
quickly over, that, our services being no
longer needed, we were ordered home to
resume the duties of civil life. The regi-
ment hes a gratifying record. Out OF
| l .272 enlisted men, there were only five
desertions. and thirteen deaths while in
1.-The field-twelye from disease and one
from accident. OF the officers, only ono
Lieutenant Frank Woon, Company NJ
WAS called from us, one whom we all
loved and honored; one who measured
up to the full standard Of gentleman
and soldier, courteous and brave: We
: mourn his death and cherish his memory
Let us not feel that our time has been
wasted. The experience we have hac
has better prepared us for life's duties
and Should it ever be necessary to answer
2 another call to serve our country, We
+ will be able to render service more Of
fcient. Our history closes with the mus
/, tering out Of our regiment on the lOil
! day Of December, 1898. 1t began befor'
+ the Presidents call for troops it ended
a only after the conclusion Of peace.
For the purpose Of letting you know
Ibow that elegant gentleman and Draw
soldier, General H. c. Hasbrouck, on
. Brigade Commander, whom we will eve
love and honor, esteemed the regiment,
d call your attention to the following letter
-Eritt-r by him.
JACKSONVILLE. FLA.