Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1903-08-07
WINDHAM COUNTY VETERANS AT TOWNSHEND
Parade with 54 Old Soldiers in Line and 500 People the Inter
esting Exercises. Reunion in Putney Next Year.

marched away to fight the enemies of
our country and said that while we have
grave duties resting upon us at the pres
ent time i'm the solution of the Philippine
question, he firmly believed that it would
all come out for the best and that we
would establish good government on
those distant islands
Col. Thomas Harmon, superintendent
Of the Soldiers Home at Bennington
was the next speaker. He said that
there were at present Jos inmates at the
home. ~ were I'm the hospital and alb
sent on furlough. Since the home was
instituted. 4S7 have been admitted, 152
have died. He cordially invited all
friends to visit the home and assured
them that no effort would be spared to
render the visit one of pleasure.
Mrs. Dale sang They have drafted
him into the Army" receiving hearty APP
plause.
Rev Mr.. Royal was next called upon
and he at once showed he was an orator
as well a good singer and Furthermore
that he could tell a good story-which is
a valuable accomplishment on such an
occasion. G. NJ. Russell of Wilmington
was the next speaker and after express
ing his great satisfaction in the success
of the meeting he spoke in regard to the
unparalleled loyalty of the prisoners Of
war. During the war 10000 soldiers
were taken prisoners and suffered untold
privatons and hardships But. while
death was stalking within the walls of
their prisons when starvation was al
most overcoming their brave hearts.
when mind was receding and reason was
tottering. liberty was offered these men
upon one condition that they would
swear allegiance to the confederate gov
eminent and enlist in the Confederate
army. What was the answer of our
brave ana starving comrades? There
1 1.Haf
per cent, less than $500, Of that 10000
We're willing TO accept liberty upon such
terms although it was rescue from death
and the horrors Of starvation. They pre-
ferred to suffer. all and to bear all rather
than prove false to the cause they had
sworn to defend
Col. Herbert T. Taylor was the last
speaker-the chairman observing that he
always kept the best until the last. Col.
Taylor was happy faculty in story tell
ing and was at his best on this occa-
sion. He closed by eXhorting the COM
rades to keep young in spirit-even
though they could not In years--to keer
up comradeshlp in every way, for the
years are coming when the last will have
passed away
The exercises closed with the singing
of Amerlca-with cheers for the good peo-
, pie of Townshend for the royal goot
= time afforded.
The following letters were received by
the secretary but owing to the latenes,
Of the hour We're not read.
Proctor, Vermont. July q. 1913.
Dear Comradc:
/ Your invitation to attend the reunion
Of the Windham Veterans association
is received. ! regret that my engage
ments are such that II Will be impossibl,
for me to meet with you. much as
would be pleased to. Those gathering
of the men who stood shoulder to shout
der in 81 To 80 become deared to oui
hearts as time goes on and we see tn,
l lessening future before us. Please ex
press my regrets to the comrades pres
! ent that ! cannot he with them on tn,
| LIST and extend to them my best wishe.
for the day and for all our days to come
! Thanking you for the invitatiot.
; Very truly your comrade,
2 REDFIELD PROCTOR.
G. NJ. Russell, Secretary
crank Kcnheld Department Comman
der. wrote a follows:
, Dear Sir and Comrade:-Please accep'
- my sincere thanks for your kind invita-
e. ton to be present at the annual reunion
. of the Windham County Veterans Assoc
citation at Townshend as per your letter
, of recent date. | regret very much thai
Z | / am unable to meet with my old com
! rades on that occasion but my time Is So
completely absorbed in arranging for oui
trip TO the national encampment at Sar
Francisco that | am unable to do SO
Kindly extend to the boys who once
, wore the blue the best wishes of an old
. soldier and say TO them that while
canno. be with them in person, | shall b,
, IN spirit. / am glad to know that the
e. Windham veterans keep up tAeir assoCia-
, tons ana hope that they will have a
, royal good time at this meeting and that
all may live to enjoy many such in years
To come,
l Yours in fraternity charity and loyalty
FRANK KENFIELD,
p Dept. Commander.
$ \ reunion Of Company d. 10th Vernon
e Regiment, was held during the day an,
\ l6 members We're present; E. f. Roger:
/ of Londonderry, treasurer, J. o. Follett
5 secretary
Reunion of Companies L and G, 1ltl
= Vermont, was held, and 80 We're present
- Albert Patcn of Boston, president; II. \
y Carpenter of Newfane. secretary an,
e | treasurer
I c. NJ RUSSELL. Secretary.