Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-19
OLD FIRST REUNION.
VETERANS CELEBRATE THEIR AN
NIyERsAnY AT BLAxDoN PARK.
GREETED BY The GRAND ARMY.
The Occasions Passed on Very Plea
sanity and HappiIy-The banquet
Followed by Many Interesting
RemiBiscenees.

The veteran survivors Of the gallant
OLD First Virginia Regiment gathered at
biandon Park yesterday afternoon 10 cele-
prate the thirty-seyepth anniversary OF
tneir baptism by IRE at First Manassas.
IL was particularly genial assemblage.
Drought together under bright and CHEEKY
conditions. Though the gaps in the ranks
grow year by year more painfully appa-
rent the old men who never fall to attend
the annual festival seem 10 lose nothing
OF their enthusiasm or their vitality. The
oey was spent much In the manner of
FORMER reunions. In the morning there
were greetings 10 be exchanged, old-time
friendships to be renewed. and the history
OF the regiment to be told and applauded
anew. Sergeant Pohle, who carries the
weight Of nearly fourscorc years upon his
shoulders. interested a large crowd with
the story OF how he was In charge of the
Guard that watched over John Brown the
night before he was hanged.
Captain John II. Dreamer, the only sur
viving member of the old Grays. came
from newport News, 10 be present at the
reunion, and was warmly welcomed.
Messrs. Charles Z. Loehr, Jr., Edwin
Boscher. Robert Pyle. and Charles w.
Se'den, were indefatigable In their efforts
70 entertain
"A FEAST OF GOOD THINGS.
In the afternoon an ample banquet was
admirably served by Caterer Snellings.
Colonel Palmer. president Of the assocla-
ton, was at the head Of the table. There
were no set speeches, but many interest
ing personal "reminiscences were given, and
the men spoke simply. but out of the full
ness or their hearts. of their love for their
oid comrades, and for the old organiza-
ton. which is so rapidly becoming a thing
of the past.
Major IL. +. Howard proposed a toast
TO the departed comrades, and IL wag
drunk standing. There were many touch
Ing illusions in the speeches that followed
TO the late Captain Reeve, for many years
the first vice-president of the association.
Among those who spoke were Colonel
Palmer Colonel Maury, Major Howard.
Lieutenant Rockingham. Maurice Cloggett,
w. NJ. Lawson, who bore the colors at
Gettysburg; Captain Greaner, and Ser
geant Loehr
GREETINGS FROM GRAND ARMY.
number Of kilograms and letters of
regret at inability TO attend were read
from old members
from Philadelphia came the following:
Greetings of Grand Army and Sons of
veterans Of the Union to Old First Vir- |
GINA Infantry. We drink to the memory
OF its heroic members living and dead.
wv. b. JONES NJ. D., President"
Mr.. Lawrence Rosenberger, OF Balti- /
more, who was a member of the band OF |
the Old First. wrote that he was prevent |
ed by professional engagements from be- |
Ing present. Other letters were received |
from Mr.. George L. Memley, of Company |
ID; John Hanson Keppler, orderly SER |
geant. Company d. r. c. Burton, OF Bal |
timore; j. r. Pollok, OF Atlanta, orderly |
sergeant Of the regiment and Captain Ro-
bert A. Bright. A. ID. c. TO Major General
George f. Pickett.
1t was o'clock before the veterans left
the park, having spent very delightful
day.
THOSE WHO WERE PRESENT.
Visitors present were Messrs. ]. Hardy
Pyle, George Deane John T. Hughes,
James 7. Gray, and II. Cox.
Members Of the Old First who were
present are: Company A, Major James r.
Phillips; Company B-Heutenant l.. S.
Robins. DR.. I. e. Stratton, Quartermas-
er-Sergeant w. Harper Dean; Company
c-Joseph Whitaker, Thomas V. Carr,
and John Finnerty; Company D-Colonel
w. IL e'iiiNig l$itutCHdll w. II. htln- |
ngham, NJ. Angle. Sergeant Charles T.
Loehr, Corporals II. w. Furcorn, w. u.
Bass, and Theodore J. Robertson; Com
oany F-Corporal r. L. Maury; Company
w. T. Woody A. JEFF
James p Sharp George w. AL
en-, and II. c. Ashby; Company Heap
ain John II. Greaner, Lieutenant James
T. Vaughan. Lieutenant w. Z. Martin,
Maurice Claggett, James #. Via, Lieuten-
, Mt Ia 1
Company I-Major Benjamin f. Howard,
Richard W. Jones. and c. c. Tinsley;
Company XII. Duebel, Drum Major c.
R. NJ. Pohle, and Drummer George HUI