The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-08-16
Veterans Gather.

The elements seem to be against the old
soldiers of Washington county Their first
annual reunion as a society, held last year
was badly hindered by heavy rain, aud
the storm Thursday kept many away who
would otherwise be here. Secretary j. r.
Wilson of Worcester and his assistants have
labored industriously for weeks preparing
for the second annual reunion which
opened this morning at Dewey Park for
two days.
The entrance to the park was decorated
with American and Cuban flags and the in
terror of the pavilion was bright.with bunting
and flags. About one hundred veterans are
In attendance, and they made up in en-
thusiasm what they lack in numbers.
The Woman's Relief Corps and ladies of
the Grand Army were assigned on the pro-
gramme for meeting Thursday afternoon,
but because of the storm but few were
present. An impromptu programme was
rendered, consisting OF singing, speaking
and the discussion of various subjects OF
interest to members OF these organizations.
Huge bonires and blazing arc lights
illuminated the shadows at Dewey Park
Thursday evening, where, in spite of the
storm, two hundred or more OF those who
wore The blue gathered for the campfire,
he'd in connection with the second annual
reunion of the Washington County Vet.
Grams Association. The unfavorable
weather and other unforeseen circumstances
prevented the attendance OF some Of the
speakers who were expected, but the gath
ering was rousing success, and there was
no lack OF materia with which to make up
programme.
George T. Conner of Barre, president Of
| the association, had charge OF the exercises,
which were opened with singing "March-
ing through Georgia" and Tramp, Tramp,
Tramp, the Boys are Marching" as only
old soldiers can sing them. Secretary Will
son read letters OF regret from Col. O. III
Joyce OF Rutland, the first man to enlist
from Washington county in the war OF the
Rebellion, Gen. w. w. Henry and j. II.
Kimbsll of Montreal, Daniel Ross of Will
mington, II. G. Butterfield Of Derby, Com
mander Of the Vermont Division. G. A. X.
Chaplain G. o. Day Of Boston and Col. o,
ID. Clark Of Montpelier.
ground" by #. l.. Knapp OF Cabot, Com
rade George b. Hall OF Boynton Post,
Mortified, gave some experiences in post
meetings, telling how Boynton post has be-
come one OF the strongest and best in the
State. Mr.. Hall interspersed several anus
| ing stories which were very cordially re-
| ceived. Comrade William Dillon OF Put
| Evansville was next drafted He told some
| capital stories, and, incidentally scored the
| pension commissioner at Washington in
| very vigorous language. Miss Lottie Dill
| Ion, his daughter, followed with two reci-
| tations which were heartily encored.
John Brown was sung with vigor that
made the pavilion shake, and Commander
W. Il, Bliss of Stow Post, Calais was called
| to the platform. Mr.. Bliss made an excel
lent fifteen minutes speech. in which he
spoke particularly Of the work done by the
| women during the civil war, and paid
the women Of the relief corps d graceful
compliment.
&c. A. Mutt was called upon to speak for
the press. Capt. III. q. Lull of Montpelier
followed with one of his unreportable adj
dresses, which kept the company in a roar.
Postmaster l.. W. Shedd OF Montpelier gave
| some intensely interesting but unwritten
history of events Immediately following the
close Of the war, when trouble with Mexico
was narrowly averted.
Gen. w. W. Circuit was next introduced
as 1.-The soldiers friend from the word GO"
General Grout was given an ovation as he
rose to speak. He referred to many indi-
vidual acts OF bravery and daring during
the civil war. In speaking of the battle OF
Cedar Greek, he said II the rebels had not
stopped to make coffee, and had not found
the commissary whiskey the result of that
day might have been that Sheridan aud not
Early would have been sent whirling up
| that valley.
General Grout eulogzed the man who
| fought and won the Spanish-Amerc bat