Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-21
31st NAMES REUNION.
The Veterans. 35 Strong. Enjoy the Hospital
ity Of WatervIle Comrades.

Waterville. Me. Sept 2O-(SpeciaD.-
Thirty five members Of the 31st Maine
Regiment attended the annual reunion
here today. Nearly all Of those in atten-
dance had proof either by an empty coat
sleeve or some other similar mark Of tho
terrible struggles that this regiment
passed through.
This regiment probably suffered NOR.
severely during the war than almost any
other that went out from Maine 1t wal
stationed at Petersburg ana during that
several days struggle Of the Wilderness
was in the most exposed places An idea
Of the raVages Of the shot and shell may
De gained from the loss Of one company.
That company when il went into the ba..
tie was up to the full number and when
man left. y great many men of that regi
ment We're in the mine explosion. AMI
reunion. today. showed signs Of having
received frightful injuries during the ex-
plosion.
A great many of the members arrived
in town, Tuesday afternoon, they being
for The most part from the eastern part
Of the State. The majority however, did
not arrive until The morning train
WcdnpsdaV They were AT once escorted
to w. S. Heath Post nail. where they
found everything in readiness for them.
Evander GilpatriC, the chairman Of the
committee n arrangements. had been dn-
ing everything in his power to make the
reunion pleasant for the members 80
that by the time they arrived there was
nothing lacking. He had even arranged
he details of where the members should
be accommodated and through his efforts
those who were strangers iii the town
soon felt perfectly at home
The business meeting was held in the
morning at the w. 5. Heath Post hall.
The greater part of the morning session
was devoted to the regular routine bust.
ness Ii could not be tDld exactly how
many members had died during the year.
but the secretary was of the opinion that
there were four deaths.
The officers elected We're: President.
George H. Harrington. Gardiner; vie
presidents. J. II. Beale, New Haven,
Perry Fort Fairfield: secretary. James Il.
Peacock. Gardiner. treasurer. ENander
Gilpatric. Watervile: chaplain. j. f.
Heath Kenduskeag; historian Joseph ii.
Bcaic. New Haven.
At the continuation Of the business
meeting held in The afternoon ii was
voted 10 have the next place of meeting
at Bangor. The date is to he later de
ciGcd.
voted TO rehearsing the terrible eXneri-
oncos the men passed through during
their memorable campaign ana u
snepci7ps bV members OF the regiment.
AT o'clock, the members Sathered in
the banquet room OF the ODD Fellows
apartments in the Eiaines block ana there
one Of those suppers for wh.ch the mem
hers of the WOman'S Relief Corps are
noted was served. There were besides
The members Of the 3lst Regiment several
members Of the 32d Maine present az IN
vited guests. Tho members OF w ;.
Post. VINO during the day had been doing
everything in their power to make the
day pleasant for the members OF the reg
iment. were also present as invited guests
Fully 100 sat down TO me tabies Whlch
mad been tastiIy decorated
In the evening the members Of the reei,
ment and their invited guests returned
TO the W. 5. Heath Post nan, where an
a sP trt Of welcome was delivered by
Mayor Phibrook. Speeches weIe also
made by Hon. c. F. Johnson ana mem
| hers of the order. In addition musical
programme was carried OUT