Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-08-18
CIVIL WAR SURVIVORS
MEET IN OCTOBER.
General Reunion at Hartford, With Big
Campfire in Armory.

The survivors Of Abe Connecticut
regiments of the Civil war and the
survivors of Regiments of other stares
who now make Connecticut their home
will gather together in a great reunion
in Hart on Wednesday, Oct. 4. II
will be the first general reunion of all
the Civil war veterans of the state
that has ever been held, and a sum-
mary of the plans, which are not yet
completed. however, gives an idea Of
the size of the affair.
The reunion will be held in the
state armory and the citizens of Hart
ford are expected to do good deal
towards helping the day to sue
cessful conclusion. No general re-
union of the veterans of the state mas
been attempted before and the plans
had been vaguely considered. for
great reunion and celebration in 1915,
marking the 50th anniversary of the
close of the war. But the rapidity with
which the ranks of the old regiments
are being depleted caused the men
higher up in Grand Army circles 10
decide it would be best to hold the
reunion as soon a possible
In Connecticut at the present time
are about $500 survivors of the 20
regiments of volunteers who represent
ed the Constitution State in the great
conflict. Added to these are the sur
vivors of the two batteries and the
troop of cavalry that also went to the
war from Connecticut A large num-
Der Of veterans who enlisted and
fought under the regimental standards
of other states also now make Con-
necticut their home. 1t is estimated,
therefore, that there are about 5000
veterans of the Civil war now in the
state. OF these, naturally, large
number are in too feeble a condition
of health to allow their attending the
reunion. but if the plans of the com
r,N1f r a
go astray something like a crowd of
VI, 500 to 1900 veterans will make Hart
ford their headquarters on Oct. 4. That
date was chosen because it has been
remarked that the week of Oct. l to 8
has had clear weather for many years
past. The bridge celebration was held
during that week three years ago.
The reunion will take place entirely
in the daytime, as the veterans can
hardly be expected to stand the rigors
of a long days meeting in their ad-
vanced stage of life. 1t is planned
that the regiments hold their regimen
tai reunions in the morning. These
will be held in the various company
rooms in the Sarmory. The general
reunion will be held in the afternoon.
No formal programme of exercises Will
be arranged; it is the desire of the
veterans TO have simple, old fashion
ed reunion, with no formal speeches or
other things to keep them from having
long chats with comrades whom thew
have not seen for years or from en-
ioNing themselves in a manner not too
firing.
The people of Hartford will have
their opportunity to do honor to the
veterans who have chosen the Capital
City as their cam ping ground. The
ladies of the city Will be asked to fur
nish dinner for the visitors at noon
and public spirited citizens will be
asia to Ia,, hal hill i,, + Ia
late afternoon and show the veterans
the architectural and scenic beauties
of the town. The committee IN
charge viii shortly issue requests for
support along these lines. and it goes
without saying that Hartford people
will not pass up the honor of doing
homage and showing how glad they
are to welcome 10 the city the men
who represented the state in the grea-
conflict The auto ride in the late
afternoon will close the reunion. and
most Of the veterans. it is expected,
will return to their homes throughout
the state that evening.
The veterans in charge firmly state
that there is no celebration or cob
servation'' of the start of the Civil war
in connection with the reunion. In
their opinion the beginning of the Civil
served: the conclusion alone should be
celebrated. That is why plans were
laid for reunion in 1915.
Z. The Secretaries association of The
Connecticut Regiments has elected the
following committee to take CHARGE Of
the reunion: Charles G. Courtice of
Hartford, chairman; Edward Wood
house of Wethersfield, J.. D. Panfie'1
of New Britain. Francis e. Allen of
Hartford. Timothy e. Haw1ey of Hart
ford ana George @. Whitney of Hart
ford, Adjutant Simmons of Robert n
Tyler post is secretary to the com
mittee