The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-08-22

ordered into a camp known as Camp Russell" At that time the men had no chance 10 procure either uniforms or regulation guns, and they presented a unique sight as they lined up in their citizens dress.
 Continuing Sergeant Cook told how the company procured rooms for an armory i'll the old State house and by the time they were next ordered into camp the men had handsome new uni- forms. and were in fact feature of the dress parade in which they par ticipated He then told about the vari- ous outings which the company had en joyed and how they had been royalty entertained by the crack Brooklyn company while coming through that city on a return from parade in New Jersey. According to the speaker the first reunion and banquet was held on March IT, 1881, at what was then the City hotel. He told of a number of humorous incidents which occurred at that banquet and had Dan Colwen read a piece of poetry which Dan had composed and read at that time, and which the genial sergeant had sav- ed since then. It was a great treat to all present, and served as a strong link in bringing together memories of the times which have passed.
 In closing Sergeant Cook told num- ber of amusing and interesting stories concerning the old members of the com- pany, which were greatly enjoyed. When he concluded speaking he was loudly applauded. Sergeant Cook also told how proud the company was when it competed in Bridgeport against all the companies of the Second regiment for banner, and won it, as ''the best drilled company"
 The next speaker was Colonel Sucher who stated that he was very glad tc be present. He then said that in 1871 when he joined the militia it was more a matter of fun with the members than it is at the present. The men now real ize that they are apt to be needed, an6 are now in a condition where they are ready and willing at all times to dt their duty in any capacity in whicf they may be called, ever ready also, | need be, to give up their lives for theil country. The speaker told of the hart work which the men had done at Man. assas, if anything, too hard work, ana he then in closing spoke of the las camp at Mantle, which he said wa! one of the best camps that ever wa! held. He said that he was perfectly satisfied with it, and with the Sarsfiel6 guard, who had done their duty. ir conjunction with the, other companies well and faithfully.
 The next speaker was Daniel Colwell whose subject, was ''old Memories The speaker told of the loyalty of the Irish-American to his adopted country He said that the present gathering waE one of the most notable in the history of the Sarsfields, and that it was be- ing attended by men from all parts of the country. who had come to this city to be with their old comrades onc more, and to talk over old times and tc revive "o1d and dear memories James F. Brennan responded to thi toast, Loyalty and Patriotism" and he gave a brief interesting talk. Lieu tenant Manning was the last speaker and he spoke on the State of Connect icut," telling what an important par the state militia took in upholding tht dignity of. the state. He was loudly applauded when he concluded. e4
 The 'Bivouac of the Dead' next tool place and was most solemn and i'm, pressive ceremony. All present stood in silence while the band played Near CT My God to Thee
 During the exercises America" wa' sung with all standing, the band lead ing. Thomas Harrison also sang a sont which was well received.
 About o'clock the party took spe' eial cars to this city and when the cor 1 ner of State and Chapel streets wal reached the party alighted from tht l cars, and, headed by the band marched 1 up Chapel street to Church. to Mead In the armory three cheers were give1 the active members by the veterans and the active members responded il 1 like manner.
 A brief meeting wassheld by the vet erans. Sergeant Cook was elected chair man of the Veteran association, and i
 was left to him to call a meeting O
 the association at any time he, saw fit | MT. Brennan in his speech suggested 1 that the veterans should award a serie of medals in behalf of the old captains
 as prizes to the active members, ant said that he himself was Willing .tt 1 provide a medal in behalf.of the Bren nan family for a Captain Brennan l prize" The idea was well received, anC | will be acted upon at the next meeting | of the Veteran association.