The Somerset reporter., 1908-08-13
Meeting of the Third Maine Regi-
ment Association at Skowhegan,


soldiers who in the reign of early
manhood went out from our State to
take an active part in that mighty
drama of civil war that drew into its
vortex millions of the brayest and
best of our common country. 1t was
the gathering of those who met their
first baptism of fire on the battle field
of Bull Run; who in that awful
charge at Fair Oaks left one e-third of
their comrades killed and wounded
on the battle line, who under Pope
went through that second Bull Run
campaign and bathed their bayonets
in the smoke and fame of the enc
my's guns at Manassas and Cbantilly;
who at Fredericksburg fought in stub
born contest the fiery veterans Of
Stonewall Jackson's corps; who at
Gettysburg as a "forlorn hope" met
the shock of battle way out on the
front in the peach orchard and left 80
many comrades there torn with shot
and shell; who on SO many other
battlefields of Virginia stood like
wall of fire Lstween their country and
it's almost invincible foe. With sad
hearts it is noticed that these honored
veterans are growing more and more
feeble as the years go rapidly by and
the active members of of the associa-
tion are fast thinning out.
Russell Post in line met the COM
rades of the third regiment at the
station as the 1920 a. m. train came
in and escorted them to Milburn hall
where the business exercises were
held. President of the Association,
A. S. Bangs, of Augusta called to Or
der and after prayer by the chaplain,
Rev. DIR. F. A. Leitch in behalf of
Russell Post and the citizens of Show
hegan gave patriotic and cordial
welcome to visiting comrades, which
was eloquently responded to by Presi-
dent Bangs.
The call of the roll was next in Or
der which was answered by 81 COM
rades who were present.
The secretary's report of the 33rd
session at Gardiner was read by the
secretary and adopted. 1t was learn
ed by this report that the previous
year Is of the comrades had been
mustered out. Letters were read
from a number of absent comrades,
who were unable to be present.
Comrade Smith connected with the
Soldiers Homes of the country, Of
fered remarks explaining the work
and management of the National
Homes. A dispatch of fraternal
greetings was sent to the 10Th Me. AS
sociation now in session at Water
vile.
Adjourned till 1.30 p. m. A bounti-
full dinner was served to the veterans
and their wives at G. A. R. hall by the
ladies of the Russell Relief Corps.
Mrs. Alice GRAHAM, Mrs. S. F. Emer-
son, and Mrs. j. E. Buker, were COM
mittee of arrangements.
At the appointed time President
Bangs called to order. The first bust
ness was the selection of officers for
the ensuing year, resulting as follows:
President, Jefferson Savage, Show
hegan, vice presidents, H. A. Falls,
Beverly, Mass, and F. B. Williams,
Richmond; secretary, VIM. McDavid,
Augusta; corresponding secretary,
Lewis Selbig, Augusta; treasurer, G.
S. Fuller, Hallowell; chaplain, j. E.
Nye, Auburn.
Resolutions were adopted in mem
ory of fallen comrades, Is of whom
have died the past year. The brave
old Col. M. B. Lakeman was one of
the number.
Gen. Isaac Dyer, Col. of the 18th Me.
was made an honorary member of the
association. The place of holding the
next meeting was left with the execu-
tive committee to make selection.
The association adjourned to take a
side journey on the electrics to Lake
wood and return for the camp fire in
the evening.
CAMP FIRE AT G. A. r. HALL
Hall opened up at 7.30 p. m. Comrade
]. D. Emerson of the Maine 18th regi-
ment, chairman. Prayer was offered
by Rev. DR.. Leitch, who was called
upon as the first speaker. Mr.. Leitch
has a large place in his warm and
patriotic heart for the veterans of the
Civil war, and his eloquent remarks
on such occasions are always accept
able to the old boys whenever they
have the opportunity to listen to him.
After giving incidents connected with
his army life the chairman introduced
Rev. George Merriam, who is always
glad to recognize the services and
sacrifices made on southern battle
fields by those who took part in the
great contest that saved the nation.
He was but small boy at the time
of the war but remembers incidents
closely Connected with the raising of
troops and their departure to the
seat of war. The speaker gave a high
compliment to comrades present.
Comrade A. S. Bangs was the next
speaker giving high compliment to
the American soldier and citizen and
the characteristics that govern them.
The spirit of progress, the spirit of
patriotism, and love of country great
er in America then in any other
country. The speaker recognized the
bravery and Ldaring of the southern
soldier and he could take any of them
by the hand with the same feeling as
he would brother. We must teach
the boys of today love of the old flag
and what it represents.
Comrade Fairbanks compared the
two forces that opened up in the be-
gining of our county's history, antag-
onistical to each other, that culminat-
ed in the Civil war. He also gave an
account of a comrade who was
wounded IS times and then was killed
just before Lee surrendered.
Comrade S. F. Emerson spoke of
some of the sacrifices and struggles
that the old Third Maine went