Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-04-19
JeHprsOnyille. O., JOttings.

| scarcely know what apology to Offer Tor
this expression of thought. 1t will likely
cover 20 many subjects that it might not in
Appropriately be styled medley of thoughts.
promised about every fellow who asked
me TO write him when returned home and
tor fear might be like those fellows Paul
tells US about who had all those inscriptions
dedicated to all the Gods at Marshli-cvcn
to The unknown God least they should for
get one-so ded cate this letter to oil The
boys.
As farmers 1t surprised us all how soon
nature was ready for business for us, after
the snow and flowers here Of March 25lh.
Our land being well tile drained 1t soon
dried off, sod breaking resumed by April 3d,
and today the bulk of 1t Is finished, oats all
sowed, fully half Of the early potato crop
planted and gardens generally all made.
Wheat and grass unusually ioI ward. In
deed some who preserved their blue grass
pastures during the open winter have turned
their mich cows, yearling cattle aud colts
out TO pasture
Those who did not get their clover seed
sown In February did the work the past
week; something unusual for our farmers to
SOW it in April
We have every reason 10 hope there will
be fine fruit crop, except perhaps peaches.
All others are at this time safe.
My last business visit to Thurmont was
March 25lh. In the goodness Of his heart
and by tue cordial cooperation of those of
my old Army comrades, who could be hasti'
ly gathered together, Col. John r. Rouzer
gave US an informal farewell reception which
To each OF US present was as pleasant gath
ering as the occasion permitted. Each OF us
realized this was the last visit aud conse-
quently the last meeting with one who has
done his best to have every fellow comIade
remember he fully appreciated their individ-
ual worth as comrades and as fellow citizens
and right here let me say to the citizens OF
Thurmont and vicinity, you have with you
very small remnant of what was the repre-
senta,ivrs of Mary land and Frederick county
In particular, Of us loyal, brave, true hearted
men as ever faced worthy but mistaken
foe. These old boys have been 40 long time
among you, you really forget the great sac
rifice, the service, and above all the valor
they displayed for you-fcr your homes, for
your posteriy. For the few days they have
yet to remain with you, know them for their
full value as your protectors, your represen'
tatives on the firing line. Know them as
men who had M supeIlors in lh.t great army
of noble boys OF '61-65.
Col. Rouzer you remember you told mt
Hiram Toms was at the Dayton Soldiers
Home. called TO see him on April 7th ant
found him in best ofhealth-looking the pic
ture of good health in old age-and In hap
py cheerful mind. also, through him, learn
ed that Charles Mac Key of my old Company
G., was there doing work in the Hospta
department where we soon found him, ant
he was fully as glad as comrade Toms L
meet US after Il years. Great preparation
are being made by the Maryland Society o
Ohio for the annual meeting at Springfield
In August. Your Excellency, Governo
Warf1eld has promised to be there, and Gen
j. Warren Keifer, now IN Congress. is com
mittee of one TO invite Admiral Schley als'
TO be there. We will announce his comm,
IN advance, for Gen. Kefer always capture
bis man.
ME-