Green Mountain Freeman

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THE FREEMAN.

MONTPELIER, VT.:

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 1868,

Vermont Officers Re-Union Society.

Agreeably to the call of their Executive Committee, the Re-Union Society of Vermont officers met here on Thursday, the 22d inst. The business meeting was held at the Court House at 10 o'clock A.M., and was unusually well attended. Gen. Wm. Y. W. Ripley, of Rutland called the meeting to order, and the secretary read the report of the last annual gathering. Maj. J. L. Barstow offered an amendment to section two of the Constitution of the Society, which provided that the officers elected each year shall not enter upon their duties until the first of January following. The amendment which was designed to prevent the confusion of change amidst the bustle of the celebration was adopted.

A committee of one from each regiment represented, and from the batteries and sharpshooters, to nominate officers for the ensuing year was elected, as follows:

Committee on Nominations -1st Regiment Lieut. Col. P. T. Washburn: 2d Regiment. Col. A. S. Tracy: 3d Regiment, Col. T. O. Seaver: 4th Regiment, Col. and Brevet Brig. Gen. Geo. P. Foster: 5th Regiment, Bvt. Maj. B. R. Jenne: 6th Regiment, Capt. and Brevet Major Chas. S. Shattuck; 7th Regiment, not represented; 8th Regiment, Capt. L. M. Hutchinson, 9th Regiment, Lieut. Col. E. S. Stowell, 10th Regiment, Capt. A. B. Valentine. 11th Regiment, Capt. O. H. Austin; 12th Regiment, Lieut. B. J. Derby. 13th Regiment, Lieut. G. S. Robinson; 14th Regiment, Capt. N. F. Dunshee; 15th Regiment, Lieut. J. M. Poland; 16th Regiment, Col. W. G. Veazey: 17th Regiment, Capt. E. J. Hartshorn: 1st Cavalry. Lieut. Col. W. G. Cummings; Batteries Lieut. J. W. Marsh. Sharpshooters, Col. H. R. Stoughton.

The Treasurer's report, exhibiting a not very flourishing financial situation, was read and accepted. On motion of Lieut. Poland, it was voted that an assessment of one dollar be laid upon each member of the society.

Gen. Washburn made an urgent appeal that the various regimental committees should furnish memorials of deceased officers, as being of great value not only to the society, but as they would contribute in no small degree to the history of the State and of the war, and on his motion Gen. Stannard, Col. Seaver and Gen. Washburn were appointed a committee to secure the preparation of memorial sketches, to be read at future meetings.

On motion of Col. Veazey, the Executive Committee were instructed to procure of Chaplain L. O. Brastow a copy of his address delivered last year, and publish it at the expense of the society.

On successive motions, Chaplain Harvey Webster was substituted on the biographical committee in place of Col. Sumner Lincoln, now on duty in Texas; and Major J. S. Peck in place of Col. Randall, for the 17th regiment, Col. Randall being also on the committee for the 13th regiment.

This committee now stands as follows:

1st Regt. Infantry. Lt. Col. P. T. Washburn: 2nd. Lt. Col. C. H. Joyce: 3d, Lt. Col. S. E. Pingree: 4th. Brevet Brig. Gen. Geo. P. Foster: 5th, Major Louis Mc. D. Smith: 6th, Chaplain Harvey Webster: 7th, Col. W. C. Holbrook: 8th, Brig. Gen. Stephen Thomas: 9th, Brig. Gen. E. H. Ripley: 10th, Bvt. Brig. Gen. W. W. Henry, 11th. Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. M. Warner; 12th. Lt. Col. R. Farnham. 13th. Col. F. V. Randall: 14th, Col. W. T. Nichols: 15th, Col. R. Proctor. 16th, Col. W. G. Veazey: 17th. Maj. J. S. Peck. 1st Cavalry. Bvt. Maj. Gen. Wm. Wells, 1st Battery, Lt. E. E. Greenleaf. 2nd. Capt. J. W. Chase; 3d. Capt. R. H. Start. Sharp Shooters, Lieut. Col. H. R. Stoughton.

Upon nomination of Lieut. G. G. Benedict, Maj. Gen. Wm. Wells was appointed Marshal for the public exercises of the evening.

Gen. Stannard offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the executive committee of this Society, be authorized to designate the place and appoint the time for the annual meeting of this society.

Col. Veazey moved to amend by adding the words, "and it is the present sense of this society that some place other than Montpelier, should be designated for the meeting."

After a lively discussion the amendment was lost and the resolution adopted.

Some twenty officers signed the constitution and became members of the society.

EVENING.

The committee on nominations reported the following list of officers for the year ensuing, which was adopted, and the same duly chosen:

President-Col. S. E. Pingree.

Vice Presidents.-Lt. Col. E. S. Stowell and Gen. Geo. P. Foster

Treasurer-Gen. P. P. Pitkin.

Recording Sec'y.-Major J. S. Peck.

Corres. Sec'y.-Lieutenant G. G. Benedict

Executive Com.-Major Josiah Grout, Jr. Capt. Fred E. Smith. Maj. J. A. Salisbury.

The Society then marched to the Representatives' Hall where the annual address was delivered by Gen. P. T. Washburn.

At the conclusion of this business, the officers formed in line by regiments and marched to the State House, where, notwithstanding the inclemency of the evening, a large audience had assembled. The meeting having been called to order, prayer was offered by Rev. D. C. Roberts, Chaplain of the Senate.

The orator, Gen. P. T. Washburn, of Woodstock, the active and faithful Adjutant General of the State during almost the whole of the war, was then introduced. He spoke for three-fourths of an hour, holding his audience fixed with the closest attention.

From his intimate personal knowledge of every regiment and almost every officer sent to the field, his oration was replete with allusions and incidents that rendered it the most interesting of the able addresses that have been spoken before the society.

GEN. WASHBURN'S ORATION.

The call has announced the purpose of the Society to renew friendships formed in army service to recall the memory of fallen comrades and take fresh counsel as to their future duty. He would proceed to sketch, imperfectly, the part taken by Vermont in the war for the Union.

The history of Vermont in the war is unwritten. the official archives are ready and waiting for him who shall weave them into an interesting and popular form. But the present is a fitting time to pay tribute to the part taken in the great contest by our noble State; and also to drop a tear in honor of our deceased fellow soldiers.

After the encroachments of slaveholders had rendered forbearance impossible, the North prepared itself for the struggle. Vermont, like many other states, was destitute of any militia. A false economy had disarmed her many years before. A few volunteer companies, poorly equipped and drilled, were organized and that was all. But the State met the emergency promptly and nobly.

One regiment was at once formed and hurried to the front, too late to save Norfolk, but soon enough to take part in the first battle of the war. To Gov. Fairbanks and his staff great praise is due for their labors to have Vermont early represented in the Union army.

In the meantime the State Legislature had met and passed two acts that deserve to be ever remembered, one voting State pay to the Vermont soldiers, and the other making provision for the care and support of their families.

Two regiments of infantry were ordered to be raised, and two more if necessary. This was considered by many too large, but the event proved how much too small it was. It was little thought at that time that before the close of the war Vermont would send to the field seventeen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and three batteries of artillery.

The truth is that each side in the struggle underrated the other. But the contest was fought and won. The great principle of equal rights triumphed.

The actions of the State during the war are well known and need not be recounted. From our mountains and valleys, from the shop, the counter, desk and workshop the Vermonters rushed to the field. The State made large and liberal appropriations for their support. As the war continued and men became scarce the towns began to offer bounties some of them very large. When Grant was fighting in the Wilderness, bounties reached their highest point, and feeling that the men then asked for would be the last, and that they were needed only to finish the work so near completion, they put forth every exertion and raised her full quota without a draft. Vermont furnished over 34,000 men for the service of the Union.

We kept the ranks full, as they were depleted by battle and disease, and thus continually reminded our gallant sons on the field that they were not forgotten.

The fathers of the State inscribed on our flag the words "Freedom and Unity," and when Lincoln proclaimed emancipation to the slaves, these words became the war-cry of the loyal soldiers of the Union. And the result of the war was to make that sentiment a national one. Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom for all men: and the unity of states under the Constitution-is what the war has secured.

But while we honor the fathers and sons of the State, we should not forget the heroic, self-sacrificing, long suffering mothers. Impelled by patriotism the women of Vermont gave up their husbands and brothers to suffering privation, hunger and death. Most nobly have they contributed to the honor of the State and we must not forget them.

But to do full justice to Vermont we must follow her soldiers to the field. Even the flags around and over us, all tattered and torn in battle, bear fitter praise of their deeds than the most accomplished orator. We need not go over the history of the Old Brigade. From beginning to end it was always at the front, ever where brave deeds were to be accomplished and glory won. The "best brigade in the Army of the Potomac" was not a title easily won and preserved, but it was theirs. Nor should we forget the regiments stationed on the Gulf, exposed to the double danger of battle and disease. In this department the 7th and 8th regiments, and 1st and 2d batteries did efficient service.

The 9th won and deserved the praise of being the best disciplined regiment in the army, and was the first to enter Richmond.

The 11th in the defenses of Washington; the bold troopers of her cavalry with their 73 battles and 24 captured rebel flags; the sharpshooters with their deadly rifles have earned ample praise. The 17th with its bloody record: the 3d battery with its short but honorable career, must be passed with a mere mention. Here we must notice the 3d of July and the glorious deeds of the 2d Brigade. The history of their organization: their comparative inexperience: their hasty and arduous march to Gettysburg: the noble manner in which they withstood the terrible fire of the rebel artillery and the charge of Pickett's veterans: their change of front in the face of the enemy: and their gallant and repeated onsets against the enemy till his line was turned and the battle of Gettysburg won, are precious facts for Vermont. The records show that every regiment brought back the colors entrusted to its charge wher it went to the field. No Vermont flag was left in the enemy's hands.

But at what a fearful cost was this glory obtained: 5,124 men lost in battle and 5,224 more wounded and maimed for life. The State is second only to Kansas in the proportion of losses to the whole number of troops. The memory of fallen comrades will be kept green. Fifty-four commissioned officers met the fate of the soldier. In every village of Vermont her martyred sons sleep, and costly monuments or humble tablets, mark their last resting places. The war was closed: secession failed. The officers and men resumed the garb and occupation of peace and no indications of the struggle remain but the records of their bravery. But the maimed soldiers and the vacant places in many a household tell the sad tale.

Is the war over, or has it only assumed another form? Have we succeeded in making treason odious? No; we were in danger of losing all the results of the war: but all doubt upon the subject is now removed. Vermont, by the memory of her fallen sons, declares that the fruits of the victory shall be preserved. She declares for the preservation of the national honor and faith. Slavery shall not be renewed nor secession grow again into life. Slaves must have the ballot to aid the cause they defended with their bayonets. Traitors, North or South, must be punished. The great Captain who directed our arms to complete and final victory, says, let us have peace. If we are true to ourselves, peace will prevail, and prosperity bless our people beyond all former time. Grant, in November, will insure full fruits of the victories he won at Appomattox. In the words of the immortal Sedgwick, "put the Vermont boys ahead," and the result is inevitable.

A poem by Col. Redfield Proctor followed, replete with happy hits and reminiscences of the early days of the war. It especially took off the surgeons, chaplains, and other "long range gentry," in the most felicitous manner.

On motion of Col. Veazey, a resolution was adopted thanking Gen. Washburn and Col. Proctor for the oration and poem, and requesting a copy of each for publication.

In the few minutes remaining before the supper hour, Senator Edmunds and Hon. D. E. Nicholson made short and pleasant speeches and several other gentlemen excused themselves from the same duty.

At 10 o'clock, the society re-formed and marched to the Village Hall, where the supper had been provided by the ladies of Bethany Church. The entertainment fully justified the high reputation these ladies have achieved. The tables were decorated most charmingly with flowers, and were loaded with substantials, well supported by the choicest luxuries of a hundred larders. Everything was well cooked, and well served, and made most ample amends for any deficiencies which may have occurred under former caterers.

After the removal of the cloth, Gen. Ripley first requesting the continued presence of the ladies, introduced Major Rounds, the toast master of the evening, who proceeded to read the regular sentiments.

1. Vermont-The Nation's Index:-Always indicating correctly the progress and condition of the religious, political and social prosperity of the Union; truly, in that constellation which every American hopes will bespangle the civil sky of this continent forever, is she the star that never sets."

Responded to by Hon. John B. Page, Governor of Vermont, as follows:

Mr. President and Gentlemen:

It cannot be expected by you that I should indulge in a speech at this time, it not being my forte.

And after listening to the just, truthful and eloquent oration from Gen. Washburn, and enjoying the ludicrous and the beautiful, set to rhyme by Col. Proctor, there seems to have been enough said and sung.

But I am reminded by the achievement of the sons, of the labors and struggles of the fathers; for to them belonged the honor of the war of the Revolution, of compelling the first surrender of the British flag to the then coming republic, its surrender, having been demanded "in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress."

odious, and the fathers earned from the British General the compliment of being the most active and the most rebellious race of the continent.

We are proud, to-night, to claim descent from such ancestry.

It was stated by Gen. Washburn, that the total expense of arming, equipping-including bounties and State pay-of all our men in the late war, was $9,000,000. This seems a large sum for us; though New Hampshire, by way of comparison, equal to us in all respects, incurred an expense for like service of $13,000,000. In this you have an index of our people.

Again, we had occasion to send during the war to recruit our regiments in the Gulf Department, at one time, a body of 350 men; they went without guards, and on landing at New Orleans were permitted the freedom of the city, when the officer in charge was told that he would never see half of his men again. But they were ready, and proceeded the next day and night by rail and boat to Franklin, having every opportunity to desert if they so desired.

At roll call on the morning after arrival, every man responded to his name. A sister state a short time after sent a like body of recruits over the same route, guarded by fifty soldiers. On arrival at Franklin, fifty failed to respond at roll call. Does not this fact fairly indicate the quality of the men that Vermont sent to the front? Should we wonder that they did their duty, their whole duty, in all places and under all circumstances?

Vermont stands pre-eminent among her sister states, and we have reason to be proud of her history in the past: and with the spirit that animates the children, need we fear for the future? Not long ago a little one, kneeling at its mother's side, prayed,

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep,

If I should never pray again,

O Lord bless Vermont and Maine

The President said that ex-Governors Dillingham and Smith had been expected to be present and also respond to this toast: but both were unavoidably absent. The latter, however, sent a letter, which was read by the Corresponding Secretary

2. The assembled Wisdom and Virtue of Vermont:-The industry, prosperity, liberty and long-timed honor of the State look to you for protection, suggestion and counsel

Responded to by Gen. Stephen Thomas.

Gen. Thomas, among other good things, said the Constitution did not require the Senate to be composed of men most noted for wisdom and virtue; he therefore called up Speaker Grandey as the most fitting exponent of those qualities.

3. The Union.-Purchased and preserved at the cost of life, and blood, and treasure, may it encircle the wealth and freedom and intelligence of America. May it endure while its eternal hills stand, the proudest monument of a soldier's sacrifice.

Responded to by Col. J. B. Mead, and Lt. Col. W. W. Grout. Col. Mead spoke eloquently of the value of the Union, and as the Carthaginian bequeathed hatred of the Romans to his sons, so should we hand down to ours devotion to the cause for which we fought.

4. Gettysburg.-Responded to by Col. W. G. Veazey, who spoke clearly and earnestly of the battle in its military results, which he thought had been depreciated in favor of its great moral and political influences

5. Chapin's Farm and Fort Harrison.-Gen. Stannard in response gave a succinct narrative of the storming of Fort Harrison, and cautioned his hearers to remember that the brave self-sacrificing soldiers of the Union were not all from Vermont.

6. The National Congress.-Senator Edmunds responding, said more men had gone to Congress from the army than went to the army from Congress, and they were found taking the lead there as in military life.

He said that in every country there could be no liberty without physical courage, and so Massachusetts had fitly chosen for her motto,

Ense petit placidam, sub libertate quietem-

With the sword she seeks soft peace under liberty

6. Cold Harbor-Gen. Henry and Col. Pingree, each gave some account of their personal experience in that the most desperate and hopeless of all the battles of the war

7. Cedar Creek-Gen. Wells replied briefly and called up Lt. Farrington, who graphically related the most remarkable cavalry achievement of the war

8. The Rank and File-Without whose stubborn fighting their officers would have secured but few honors.

Gen. Foster in response said that he always had men in his command whom he believed to be his superiors in intellect, and that he thought it took far more courage to be a good private than a good officer. It would always be a source of regret to him, that he had never carried a musket in the ranks.

9. The Memory of the Dead,-who gave their lives that the Nation might live.

Received in silence, the band playing a dirge.

10. The Vermont Officers Re-Union Society:-Its purpose, condition and prospects.

Responded to by Lt. G. G. Benedict, who gave Col. Proctor the credit of being the founder of the Society; he urged all who considered the friendships and memories of the war worth perpetuating to attend its meetings, and urge their comrades to do the same.

11. The Orator of the Evening.-Gen. Washburn after returning his thanks for the honor done him, proceeded to discharge a duty entrusted to him by Lt. Col. J. H. Platt, formerly of Gen. Sedgwick's staff, that of presenting Sedgwick's 6th Corps Headquarters' flag. As he spoke he unfurled the flag; at sight of the old, well known guidon, with its field of blue, its white cross and red "6," the whole Society sprang to their feet, and gave three of the resounding, old time cheers.

Col. Pingree receiving the flag in behalf of Society said:

Gen. Washburn, I accept, in behalf of this Society, this token so fraught with sacred recollections; under which so many of us fought, and which brings back to us so strongly the honored memory of the brave and lamented Sedgwick, that hero whom we all learned to love so dearly. I confess that on seeing this flag unfolded, here, where we are surrounded by all that exalts and ennobles the acts of peace, I speak in acceptance of it, with a distrust, a diffidence, I never felt when we followed it into the din of battle. It brings memories of scenes never to be forgotten; memories of sorrow for our general who fell beneath it in the foremost angle of our front line of works at Spotsylvania. This flag recalls, too, memories of peculiar joy. We looked up to it as a beacon light. We knew when we saw it that "Uncle John Sedgwick was there. We followed it always with the feeling which the crusaders felt towards the heart of Douglass, when they flung it before them into the ranks of the Saracens with the cry, "Lead on, brave heart, we will follow wherever thou goest." We never saw that flag turned one foot to the rear, save by orders from a higher source than the general of the Sixth Corps. We saw it at Antietam and Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, where 40,000 rebels, by Gen. Lee's official report, were repulsed by the 12,000 of the Sixth Corps: and at Gettysburg. We saw it when we were repulsed, never when we were defeated. We accept it, and we will guard and treasure it in honor of the scenes through which it has passed, and in memory of the gallant general who died beneath it.

After the subsidence of the applause, Lieut. Benedict read the letter of presentation from Col. Platt. On motion of Gen. Ripley the Corresponding Secretary was directed to transmit to the donor the thanks of the Society for this valuable gift.

Several volunteer sentiments were given and responded to, and various letters from gentlemen unable to be present were read.

The thanks of the Society were tendered the ladies for their invaluable services and the Montpelier Band for their excellent music which had added so much to the pleasure of the Re-union. The Society then joined in singing "America," and on motion of Gen. Ripley, adjourned.

Thus, at a very early hour, ended the fifth, and in many respects, from the excellence of its literary exercises, from the free sociability and good feeling of every one, the pleasantest of the Re-unions.