The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-10-06
The Cecil County Vets. Reception at
the Il, A. r, Reunion.

EDITOR JoURNAL:-F Feeling assured that you
would like a short sketch for publication con
corning some little things that go to make up the
great National Encampment of the G. A. r., but
which fill the souls of the boys in blue with
more joy and everlasting gratitude than anything
connected with it, viz reunions and campfires,
have jotted down some of the events of ouI
recent reunion.
By previous arrangements Wingate Post, No. g.
of North East and Garfield Post, No. IS, of Rising
Sun, were assigned to the scare of Winfield Scott
Post, No. ia, of Philadelphia, during the en-
campment just closed, and for preface will just
say my pen will not write, neither will my brain
conceive, of words proper and fitting to express
the gratitude we owe Winfield Scott Post Would
that could in fitting manner convey to the
Comrades and committee of arrangements of that
Post a fitting acknowledgment. Suffice it to say,
that while memory lasts one of us who was there,
and while one OF us lives the cry will be-
We like you Winfield Scott boys yes, we do!
You're what is called in fellowship, the genuine
true blue;
You've stood square by your colors, and we like
you for that,
So here's a hip. hip, hoorah for you, and off
comes every hat!
Leaving North East and Rising Sun on the early
trains on the morning of Sept. 4th about 20 from
each Post, we arrived in Philadelphia and pro-
ceeded to Department Headquarters. Here we
fitted out with official badges, etc, and by
squads and pairs found our way to Ridge ave. and
Jefferson ST., the headquarters of Winfield Scott
Post where we were met by the Posts committee
on reception-and venture the assertion that no
Post in the city could have better one-and
taken to their magniiicently furnished hall for
refreshments and general handshaking. The
Campfire on-the fellow telling the biggest
always getting the best-and red hot indeed did
they come. But before going further, 1 wish to
say that some telling and very feeling addresses
were made by numerous comrades, to convey the
fact that camptires are instructive and that much
talent is called out and that it is not all light and
frivulcus babble For fear some of Winfield Scott
Post should get copy of the JOURNAL. 1 should
like to give the name of their reception COM
mittee: Robt. r. Anderson, Joshua Knigh, Jacob
Laurence. Geo. Welsh, John Uler, John Stevens,
VIM. Stevens Isaac Williams, John Laurence
Wp. Slaughter Chas. Ellis Harry Brown, Jacob
Durges, Thos. +. Craver.
And am prepared to say and produce the
evidence, that such hospitality as they dished up
our Cecil county boys is rarely it ever outdone.
and after all felt relieved we were shown to the
sleeping apartment provided and took some
much needed rest for the morrow which we
knew full well to be the greatest and grandest
parade of the c. A. R., which called for about all
the grit and sand that Is left in the boys of 81 to
'65. Your correspondent travelled the entire dis
lance, and was told upon good authority that it
was the largest in the existence of the G. A. R.,
being about six hours in passing given point.
After getting back to our quarters and refresh
ing ourselves with good hot coffee-such we
learned to make during the dark days-with
bountiful supply of boiled ham, hot buns, mot
hard tack,) and lot OF ct cateras, the sleeping
apartment was again sought for rest.
But upon the return of another day we were
somewhat surprised, land more SO from the fact
that we thought we could stroll about a little by
ourselves after the big EVENT. to have orders read
to us to assemble at Post No. Ia headquarters at
l o'clock sharp. Now what was up? Dinner
hour arrived-two big four-in-hand
teams, with spanking grays, arrived from some
place, for a drive to camp Jas A. Sexton, in the
Park. Great guns! what manner of people is this
Post No. Ia. But, no time to query. All aboard
was the order, and we must obey. The whip
cracked and off out Girard ave-, entering the
Park at Lansdown Inn, to Yellow drive, passing
in close proximity to the house, long since moved
from the city proper, in which once lived William
Penn. Following on the Belmont Drive, passing
the Court of Honor. which was established during
the Peace Jubilee but now permanently llocated
in the Park, also Memorial and Horticultural
Halls, Catholic Fountain, Centennial Lake, and
other views, until Camp Sexton was reached.
Here thousands of the G. A. R. are being enter
tanned with free quarters. Being on an eminence
a beautiful view Lof the city and surrounding
country is had. The camp is laid out in regular
military order, with wide avenues, &C., all kept
in good sanitary condition. The camp of old
vets is protected by battalion 200 strong, of the
Sons of Veterans, who are performing their duties
in true soldery fashion, having chain guard
around the entire camp. Mounting guard, COM
pany and battalion drills are the order of the day
daily attracting large crowds of the city's popu-
lation, particularly the ladies'. who think as in
the days of the last war; soldier beau the proper
thing to have.
After short greeting of the young vets our
drive is continued, back over Girard avenue
bridge stopping at Girard Water Works, halting
a few minutes for Inspections up east Park drive
to Riverside, to Strawberry Mansion, where our
entertainment committee concluded that it was
refreshment time land right royalty it was served
and without stint. Resuming our journey
through prominent drives back to Post ia at set
of sun, soon after which supper was announced.
And now in conclusion do you ask why such
unbounded hospitality? The answer is these are
they who have come up through much tribua-
ton. These are they who preserved US u nation
What these have done, what these have suffered
and endured, are ties that cannot he broken, and
as long as there is one left to answer roll call
these Campfres will continue, and may we, all OF
us, after the last call here, be ready to answer on
Fame's eternal camping ground above.
Respectfully,
SAM'L. HAMBLEToN.