Omaha daily bee., 1911-10-01


IA ments that have become monuments
W in American history Will perceived
in the minds of. men who helped to
kAS1YH0 accomplish them;, battles will. be re-
49, called and their thrilling stories re-
told by those who were in the thick
est OF the fight and pleasant "reminiscences of
camp and march will be exchanged by those who
we4e actors in the tragedy1drama that was en-
acted on the worlds stage in 1861 to 1S65;zwhen-
the Society of the Army of the Tennessee meets in
Council Bluffs October 10 to II to celebrate the
ftftieth anniversary of the organization of the
army. This most important meeting of the society
VIII be held here special expression of the
love and esteem felt by every member for its hon
ored president General Grenville NJ. Dodge, who
Is spending the sunset period of long and hon
ored life at the home he founded when he closed
his brilliant military career in the prime of his life
and tnrned to achieve new honors in peaceful pur-
suits not the least of which the building OF
the Union Pacific railroad. ~.
The Army of the Tennessee was the army of
Grant, Sherman Logan, Mcpherson, and others
whose names inseparabe in the association OF
historic events that have marked the worlds
progress. 1t the army that Lincoln loved and
IN which he realized his unfaltering hope of saving
the nation No history of it could be- written that
did not include the history of the principal events
of the war, It's history only partially written, is
spread upon the broad pages of fortytwo large vol
umes issued by the War department which would
require months to peruse. This little sketch can
thus only deal with some of the events connected
with the formation of the society itself and its
purposes
Only few hours after the famous conference
under the apple tree at Appomattox when Grant
revealed the keynote of his character in the phrase
that then brought only harsh criticism from all
save the great Lincoln and those who knew and
loved him most, Let them take their horses; they
will need them in tilling their farms the Society
OF the Army of the Tennessee was born. The event
occurred on the grounds and in the state house at
Raleigh, y. O., on April II, 1865. Lees surrender
marked the close of the war and Sherman's ever
victorious army had passed its last stage and won
it's last victory in its famous march to the sea
meeting of the officers called by General Frank
p Blair to discuss the plan Of organizing society
to be composed wholly of the commissioned Off
GERS This first meeting held in the court
house and the plan partially matured. The second
meeting was held at the same place on April rs,
when a permanent organization was effected with
. General John A. Rawlins president; General An
drew Hickenlooper, corresponding secretary Col
onel L. NJ. Dayton, recording secretary and Gen
eral NJ. F. Force. treasurer. A constitution but\no
bylaws was drafted and after many revisions ap-
proved. 1t was so wisely wrought that few changes
or amendments have since been required. Article
declares;
The object of the Society shall be TO keep alive
and preserve that kindly and cordial feeling which
has been one of the characteristics of this Army
during its career in the service, and which has
! given It such harmony of action, and contributed
In no small degree to its glorious achievements in
our country's cause.
The fame and glory Of all the officers belonging
TO this Army, who have fallen on the field OF bat
tie, in their line of duty, shall be sacred trust
20 this Society," which shall proper memorials
OF their services TO be collected and preserved and
thus transmit their names with honor 10 posterity
Khe families of all such officers who shall be In
INDECENT circumstances wi have claim on the
generosity OF the Society, and win be relieved by
the voluntary contributions Of Its members when