Norwich bulletin., 1909-05-19
WILLlMANTIC.

Fortietn annual heuniou Of IWenty-
 First Regiment Held on Tuesday,
 Benjamin F. Bailey Elected Presi-
 dent.
 The Twenty-first Connecticut Regi- ment Veterans association held it's fortieth annual reunion in this city Tuesday in commemoration of the an- niversary of the battle of Drury's Bluff, in which the members of the organiza- tion played an important role.
 Local members of the regiment as- sembled at the union station at 9.30 o'clock and a little after 10 o'clock, when the various morning trains had arrived from every point of the com pass, the command to fall in was given and the march to the town building, to Francis S. Long post, No. 30, G. A. R., quarters in G. A. R. hail. was be- gun.
 John Bolles, regimental musician, beat a lively march upon the resonant drum at the head of the column of sturdy veterans.
 Some little time was spent in cordial greetings and renewing acquaintances upon arrival at the hall.
 Business Session.
 At 10.45 o'clock the business session was called to order by President Hiram S. Johnson of Pawtucket, R. l., who delivered a brief but warm and cordial welcome to the assembled comrades and guests.
 Prayer was offered by Rev. A. M. Crane of Maiden, Mass, who was cap tain of D company of the Twenty-flrst regiment. President Johnson in re- ferring to tde death of late Secretary E. F. Smith paid a worthy tribute to his memory. The secretary's report for the thirty ninth reunion, May 20, 1908, was read by J. B. Baldwin and was voted accepted and placed on file. The report stated that 67 were present at that reunion and that 12 had died dur ing the year. The report of Treasurer Capt. Charles Fenton was read and ac- Cepted and disclosed that the associa- ton had a cash balance of S27.43 at the close of the last fiscal year.
 Honors to the Dead.
 Resolutions of respect and esteem for the late secretary, Benajah E. Smith, were offered by J. B. Baldwin and adopted by a rising vote.
 This nominating committee was ap- pointed by the chair: Capt. George Shepard Major c. G. Stanton and Dwight Pond While it was in retire ment the collection was taken that amounted to S1S.3s.
 Regimental History.
 Mrs. c. B. Buell. of East Hampton suggested that at least 25 copies of the regimental history be reserved for va rious public libraries throughout the state.
 Upon motion of Rev. A. M. Crane, 1t was voted that a committee be ap- pointed to look into the matter and ascertain what disposition the state has made of 100 copies allotted it. This is the committee: George T. Meech. chairman. of Middletown, Joseph H. Daniels of Middletown and Mrs. c. B. Buell. of East Hampton.
 Election of Officers.
 At this point the nominating com mittee returned and through it's clerk, Dwight Pond, submitted this list that was approved and voted elected officers for the ensuing year: President, Ben jamin F. Bailey of New London; vice president Henry Sellew of East Hamp- ton; secretary, J. B. Baldwin of Wilt mantle; corresponding secretary and treasurer Capt. Charles Fenton of Willimantic. Company vice presicents: A company, Elihu Olmstead of East Hampton; B, F. A. Rich of Westfield; Mass,; c, Cornelius Fowler of Noank; D, J. H. Stearns of Mansfield; E, Col. Charles T. Stanton of Stonington: F, Albert Leeds of New London; G. c. c. Stanton of Westerly, R. l.; H, John H. Selden of Cobalt. I, Capt. James Stan- ley of Norwich; K, Henry F. Newton of Plainfield. Executive committee: N. L. Bishop of Norwich, Capt. Charles Fen ton of Willimantic and Vine R. Frank lin of Brooklyn. Adjournment was taken until 2 o'clock.
 Dinner Served.
 An elaborate dinner was served the comrades and guests in the posts din ing hall by the members of Francis s. Long Woman's Relief corps. N 2S. at 12.30 o'clock. Grace was said by Rev. Louis M. Flocken, pastor of the Meth odist Episcopal church. The list of the dead for the past year was read by Secretary J. B. Baldwin as follows: Company A, B. F. Smith, Ralph Brew CT; c, Lieut. John F. Randall, Leonard Watrous; D, Frank l.. Babcock, George z. King; F, Lodowicl1 Leeds; c, Oliver H. Wright. H. Dennison, l.. Brown; I, George Wallen; K, Charles Copeland, Allen B. Shfppee. George I. Freeman. Taps were then sounded by Bugler Samuel Gaudreau of Company L, First regiment, c. N. C., and all took seats and partook of the fine repast provided.
 Afternoon Session.
 At 2 o'clock the comrades again went Into executive session for the transac- ton of such other business as was necessary and to listen to many able remarks of a reminiscent and humor- ous nature. Secretary Baldwin thanked the comrades for the honor bestowed in electing him successor to such an able man as Mir. Smith and then read letters of regret from the following ab- sent comrades: William S. Hubbell of New York. Col. Charles W. Burpee of Hartford, Aaron s. Dutton of Durant. Cedar county. Ia., and William H. Douglass. Prayer was then offered by Rev. MT. Flocken.
 Comrade Dwight Pond then paid a kigh tribute to late Comrade B. E. Smith and upon his motion 1t was voted that a medallion badge be pro- vided with his portrait for the com rades at the forty first reunion, to be worn and cherished by them in honor of Comrade Smiths marvellous record