The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-01-18

The last session of the reunion Gel
ebration Of the joint survivors of the
battle of Fort Fisher, which has been
in progress in this city for the pas
three days was held yesterday morning
at 10 o'clock at the county court house
and there were more than 200 veter-
ans in attendance The most import
ant matter transacted was the forma
ton of the Fort Fishers Survivors
Association and the election OF officers
for that association. The proceedings at
the court house were opened with
prayer by Rev. F. c. Brown OF Con-
necticut, after which Rev j. A. Smith
ing a full and interesting account of
the movement started some time ago
which resulted in the reunion. The
formation Of the Fort Fisher Confed-
crate Survivors Association was told
of and then the broader task under
taken of making the association opened
to all the survivors-cOnfederat and
federalS alike.
There was some discussion of the
subject as to what name should he
chosen. Finally on motion of Judge a.
o. Wright, the name Fort Fisher Sur
vivors Association was adopted unan-
imously by rising vote.
A committee of five was then ap-
pointed to make recommendations for
the Offices that were to be filled. tie
committee being composed as follows:
Comrades Evans and O'Brien for the
northern veterans and Judge Wright,
DR. Hawley and Angus Shaw for the
southern veterans.
While the committee was out there
was a strong talk made by 1t Risley,
of New York, concerning the desira
bility of advocating the purchase Of
the grounds by the government and
the making of national park at Fort
Fisher, and that regimental moliu
ments be erected so that the heroism Of
each division should be shown 10
future generations.
General Curtis advanced the idea
that it might be found advisable, after
the association has gotten under full
organization, to extend the limits of
membership, SO that all survivors Of
in the Fort Fisher fight or not, would
be admitted as associate members. In
this way moral and other support would
be obtained that is not now possible.
The committee then entered the nail
and reported the following names for
the officers:
President-Wm. Lamb, of Norfolk
Vice Presidents-Jas. A. Smith, n
NJ Curtis, Rev. M. B. Stone, Rufus,
Daggett, Major Jas. H. Reeves, Jno.
T. Fairhead
Secretary-R. w. Price.
Treasurer-H. G.. Mcqueen.
Historians-T. Evans, of the north
ern veterans, and DIR. F. o. Hawley, OF
the southern veterans.
The executive committee is COM
posed of Col. VIM. Lamb, General n
M Curtis, Rev. J. A Smith, Messrs
r. W. Price, and H. c. Mcqueen.
These officers were unanimously
elected
The historians of the association
were instructed to prepare a brief ar
ticle for the press containing 4 his
tory of the association and the account
Of the reunion. A few other minor
matters were disposed OF, after which
was taken.
A large number of the veterans who
came to the city TO attend the Fort
Fisher reunion left on the morning
and afternoon trains yesterday, on
their return home.
Most of the visitors from the north
left on the O'Clock A. c. L. train and
as previously stated they will go to
Richmond and Washington
for a few days visit, before returning
to the north. Every one who talked
with a Messenger representative, Of
these northern visitors, expressed him.
self as having had a most delightful
visit, The two things that seemed to
strike them all most forcibly was the
open-hearted cordiality and hospitalf-
~ of citizens of all classes, which they
say could not have been exceeded, and
the fair and bright days that they
have enjoyed. The transformation from
their Snow-covered, zero weather north
TO this land of summer weather and
bright sun was almost a miracle IN
their sight. Many Of the veterans ex-
pressed their desire and intention or
again visiting this city in he future.
Many of the old soldiers from this
section of the country remained over
in the city until last night and COX
the occasion during the day to go TO
Beach and see that great
resort Several Wilmington veterans
and other gentlemen accompanied the
visitors TO the beach and old what they
could to make the trip enjoyable.
Now that the reaaion is over, The
Messenger lis expressing only public