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THE NATIONAL- TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, D. 0., AUGUST 5, 1882.
GBAKD ARMY MATTERS.
RAPID GROWTH OF THE"ORDER ALL
OVER THE COUNTRY.
Jlrraiiccmcnts for llio Annual Encampment oflVcst
crn cw York anil 3Iaine "ow Posts Organized.
Camp-fire in Massachusetts Dedication of a Sol
diers Monument Interesting 'eus Notes.
Specinl Correspondence National Tribune.
Bufealo, N. Y., August 1. The second an
nual Encampment of the Grand Army of the
Republic of western New York, will, as already
announced in The National Tribune, take
place at the Buffalo Driving Park on "Wednes
day, the 23d inst., and continue until the 29th.
The park is one of the finest in the country,
including over seventy acres, and fully sup
plied with water, stand, and shelter accommo
dation for thousands. It is easy of access by
railway, street cars, and vehicle. Six hundred
tents will he furnished by the Government,
thus providing ample accommodation for all
G. A. E. Posts and military organizations de
siring to join the Encampment. In order to
secure the co-operation of all Posts and veter
ans to render the sham battles a success, five
hundred breech-loading riiles will bo provided,
thus each day affording an opportunity for all
to participate. Various military organizations
have signified their intention of tenting with
us, some remaining during the entire Encamp
ment. An attraction will be competitive drills
of tho militia and independent companies for
prizes well worthy the struggle therefor. The
Grand Army will ho supported during tho En
campment by tho Seventh Battery National
Guard, which will daily give exhibitions of ar
tillery drill and practice, and also engage in
the sham hattles. The Seventh Battery have,
in addition to their regular armament of four
guns, the latest improved Gatling gun. This
destructive eugino of war has tho capacity of
discharging one thousand one hundred and
sixty bullets per minute, or thirty thousand
without cessation, and at a distance of five
hundred yards will sweep two regiments in
line. Exhibitions of the capacity of the Gat
ling with blank cartridge will bo given each
day. A most interesting fcaturo of this En
campment will be the mammoth museum of
war relics and curiosities, which will exceed in
value and historical incident that of any col
lection outside of Government Departments.
It is the desire to render this Encampment,
in every particular possible, a truthful repre
sentation of array life, presenting not only tho
serious side with its soldierly duties, but also
the humorous, and to include all tho features,
such as camp, drill, guard-mounting, parade,
review, camp-fire, hattles, skirmishes, night
attack, conrt-inartial, drumming out of camp,
shooting of deserters, convicting and punish
ing of the coward, shirker, haversack raider,
and chronic hummer, and the famous six-mulo
team and army wagon, presided over by a gen
uine specimen of one of Uncle Sam' s language
dissecting mule-whackers.
The Driving Park Association, in connection
with the Encampment, will arrange for an ex
hibition of speed of several noted " ilycrs" each
flay. In athletic sports special prizes will be
distributed for jumpers, runners, wrestlers, &c,
thus providing sport and amusement for all.
The grand stands will accommodate thousands,
and give each one a fine and complete view of
every military movement in drill and battle.
A new fcaturo will be the construction of a
fort, under the supervision of a competent en
gineer, to be manned with infantry and artil
lery, and suhject to assault and capture. A
number of our former and present military
leaders, Grand Army officials of Department
and National Encampment, and distinguished
officials and citizens of the land will he pres
ent. Arrangements will he made whereby all
Posts and veterans may ho supplied with ra
tions or food at cost price. Posts or veterans
desiring to attend should promptly communi
cate with headquarters in order that special
rates of fare may ho secured.
The following order has just been issued:
Heaeq'es Encampment G. A. E.,
Buffalo, July, 21.
The second annual Encampment of the G.
A. E. of Western New York will open at the
Buffalo Driving Park on Wednesday, August
23d, and continue till August 25)th. On Mon
day, August 2Sth, there will be a grand com
petitive drill, open to all military organiza
tions, without entrance fee. Prizes amounting
to $2,000 will be distributed as follows: First
prize, $1,000; second prize, $500: third prize,
$300; fourth prize, $200.
The G. A. E. will furnish tents free of charge
for all companies desiring to camp out during
any day of the Encampment.
All entries for the drill should be forwarded
to the Adjutant no later than August 15th.
The prize drill will be governed by the fol
lowing rules :
1. The drill will be open to all regularly
organized companies, without entrance lee.
2. Each competing company shall number 21
or 32 men in rank, live non-coimnlssioued and
three commissioned officers. Such allowance
may bo made in favor of companies entering
32 men as the judges in their discretion shall
determine on the drill field.
3. The companies will drill separately, and
foity minutes each, in the order to be fixed by
lot, and according to a schedule or programme
of movements to be prepared by the judges or
a competent disinterested officer, and placed
in the hands of company commanders not later
than I) o'clock on the day of the drill.
1. The schedule may include any movement
in the .school of the soldier, manual of arms,
and scliool of the company authorized hy Up
ton's United States Army infantry Tactics,
setting-up cxercists, balance step, or any move
ment without arms, bayonet exercises and
fckir.-nishing drill excepted. If in ally event
the drill be continued more than one day, a
new schedule shall he prepared aud used on
the second dav.
5. Each company shall oxeeutc the required
movements consecutively trout No. 1, and in
the prescribed time. Movements passed shall
be marked 0, and cannot he returned to with
out the unanimous consent of the judges. The
board ol judges shall consist of three or five
United States army officers, who will have
entire contiol of the drill, and the decision of
the hoard will Imj considered final on any ques
tion arising alter the first company takes the
field.
G. Twenty minutes before the first drill one
gun will announce the judges in readiness to
receive reports. Captains will report in person,
mid all details relative to the drill will be ar
ranged and completed at this time. Twenty
minutes after the first a second gun will be
fired and the first company will take the field.
Thirty-five minutes alter tho commencement
the assembly will be sounded, and the second
company will prepare to take the drill field.
Five minutes later tho recall will he sounded,
and the first company will march off and the
Second comjtany march on the field.
7. Companies shall drill without music, and
no one except the judges, the company drilling,
and the necessary jiolice force will Imj allowed
within the inclosure reserved for the drill.
These rules, adopted by the G. A. E. Eucamp
nient, will not he alteied or modified in any
particular without the unanimous consent of
commauaers oi companies umuicu.
J. W. Skyijku, Commander.
G. A. Cowan, Adjutant.
- ., i i. , i i .. .. - i i-
NEW POST IN COLORADO
Specinl Correspondence National Tribune.
Eosita, Col., July 23. On last Tuesday
Comrade T. F. Brown, Chief Mustering Officer
Department of the Mountains, visited this
place and mustered in a Post of the G. A. E.,
with fifteen charter members. It it; called the
Joe Hooker Post, No 25. Tho following are
the officers: Post Commandor, C. C.Smith; S.
V.-C, W. E. Barrett; J. V. C, D. S. Smith ; Q.
51., J- W. Brewster; Adjt, II. If. Daniels;
Surg., W. Sharp; O. D., E. Elliott; O. G., L. P.
Kygcr; Chaplain, J. McO wen.
THE GETTYSBURG ENCAMPMENT.
During tho recent Encampment of tho De
partment of Pennsylvania, a full report of
which has been given in The National
Tribune, a business meeting of delegates was
held and the report of Commander Yanderslico
was presented, showing tho present condition
of tho Order in Pennsylvania. It states that
there are at present 2GS Posts in Pennsylvania,
and Commander Yanderslico promises that
before January 1, 1SS3, this number shall ho
increased to 300. Tho membership, which is
now 23,000, he declares shall be at least 23,000
within tho next six months. A resolution to
request the Senate to pass tho increase of pen
sion bill was passed. Tho appointment of a
committee of eleven comrades to attend to the
welfare of tho soldiers' orphans at the expira
tion of present provisions w:is also agreed to.
A motion to place a committee on the work
of completing tho Eeynolds monument was
adopted. Comrade Past Department Com
mander Ilazzard then, after some introductory
remarks, moved that a list of proper lecturers
on subjects interesting to tho G. A. E. be kept
at headquarters, in order that properly qualified
speakers might bo available whenever required.
This matter was referred to tho Council of
Administration.
Nominations for locality of next summer's
Encampment being declared in order, Gettys
burg, Eric, and Athens wcro proposed. A reso
lution was then adopted giving to tho Council
of Administration power to reject tho first
choice of locality if reasons existed for doing so,
and substituting therefor the second place as
decided hy the number of votes cast for each.
After calling tho roll of delegates tho result
gave Gettysburg tho first choice, Erio tho
second.
Tho Encampment was closed with tho bene
diction by Chaplain Saycrs.
THE ORDER IN DAKOTA,
Special Correspondence National Tribune.
Elk Point, Daic, Juno 21. May 12, 1SS2,
General Horace G. Wolfe, Mustering Officer
for Iowa and Dakota, organized a Post of tho
Grand Army at this place with twenty-seven
charter members. Captain William Duncan,
formerlv General W. T, Sherman's chief of
scouts, was elected Commander; Lieutenant
John E. Wood, formerly of Company B, Dakota
cavalry, Senior Yice Commander, and M. B.
Kent, formerly of Company K, First Illinois
artillery, and Company I. Forty-sixth Illinois
volunteer infantry, Junior Yice Commander.
Our Post observed Decoration Day for the first
time in tho history of the Territory. Captain
Alexander Hughes delivered a right royal
address on the occasion. Other comrades have
been mustered in siuco organization, so that
our Post numbers thirty-five, and is in a
llourish jug condition. Arrangements aro being
made to hold a Camp-fire at Yankton, D. T., in
October. A largo number of ex-soldiers reside
in this vicinity, over thirty receiving their
pensions at this post-office. Quite a number
of copies of The National Tribune aro
taken here. Wo arc satisfied, however, that
moro copies would bo taken if the real valuo
of The Tribune's labors wcro fully appre
ciated by all our ex-soldiers, and as the years
grow apace we are suro it will be. Please add
my name to your list of subscribers.
Eespcctfully yours, 51. B. Kent.
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT NOTES
Special Correspondence National Tribune.
5Iedfield, Mass., July 14. A rousing Camp
fire was held under tho auspices of James II.
Sargent Encampment, Post No. 130, G. A. E.,
West Medway, Wednesday evening, July 12th.
The hall was well filled with a fine audience
of ladies and gentlemen, who seemed to feel
a deep and keen interest in the inauguration
of tho first Camp-fire by the Medway boys,
their curiosity being somewhat excited to sec
how the boys did it. Tho presence of fair
ladies but seemed to inspire the boys in their
work, as tho Camp-fire was soon blazing
brightly on the hearthstone of Fraternity,
Loyalty, and Charity. Tho first fagot of tho
evening was thrown on by Department Com
mander Patch, of Boston, who made one of his
able and most felicitous addresses, which
brought tho house down. Commander Patch
was followed by Junior Yice Commander John
D. Billings, of Cambridge, who delivered a
very able and eloquent address. Other interest
ing addresses were made by commanders and
members of visiting posts. At tho close of the
exercises in the hall the boys assembled in the
large dining-hall, where they sat down to a
superb collation prepared by fair hands, seem
ing to enjoy tho supper tho better for it. At
the close of the collation speech-making and
story-telling was indulged in for an hour or
more, during which time tho occasion was
enlivened and interspersed with fine music
furnished by the Glee Club. Tho following
Posts were well represented: Post 122, Milford;
Post GO, Franklin; Post 117, Medfield; Post
01, Foxboro; l'ost G, llallislon; also from
Framingham and Ashland Posts there were
delegates. James H. Sargent Post, No. 130, has
not yet been organized a year, and is in a
nourishing condition, with a membership of
about fifty, who are alive and wide awako to the
great interests of the Grand Army of the Bc
public iu their vicinity. Fairfax.
A NEW POST IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Social Correspondence National Tribune. .
Wkstfield, July 11. One of the events of
to-day, though long-deluyed, will surely be
remembered by the "boys in blue" hero and
hereabouts as one big Avith promise of much
good to those who. rallied around the Flag
when danger darkened our land aud rebellion
had wrapped our national altar-place of safety
in the red-hot flames of war. To-day ibey
came from the hills and the valleys as recruits
for the Grand Army of tho Bepnblic. Some
were "hurt in the heat of battle: some were
marred by the malignant hand of disease in
lino of duty, while others had grown gray
bearded and bent with the weight of years,
yet all were ready and v.illing to "fall in for
roll-call," and twenty-three old soldiers good
aud trues answered "here." Then, in pursu
ance of instructions from Department head
quarters, Charles T. Hull, P. D. C, of Athens,
the right man in tho right place, and his whole
soul in the glorious cause of tho Grand Army,
marched into the affections and confidence of
said old soldiers and organized P. E. Babcock
Post, No. 23f3, G. A. E., Department of Penn
sylvania. Tho following-named were mustered
as officers of the Post for the ensuing year:
Commander, Captain A. A. Amshry; S. V. C,
Lieutenant C. C. Ackley; J. Y. C, Lieutenant
StthTremain ; Adjutant, 51. S. Foster; Surgeon,
A. D. Ashcraft ; Chaplain, C. P. Chase ; 12. 51.,
A. K. Sayles; O. D., W. 51. Kiscr; O. G., 51. D.
Whipple; S. 51., Dewy Whitmarsh; Q. 51. S.,
H. 11. Eumsey. After which congratulations
were in order; hands clasped, friendly greet
ings passed from one to the other, cheeks
flushed, eyes grew brighter, and hearts filled
with a new-found feeling of comradeship. The
old captain tried to talk; said a few words
about "efficient manner," "gentlemanly de
portment," "remuneration," tic., when he was
brought to a sudden halt by comrade Hull, who
captured the captain and the comrades too by
saying: ' I have only done my duty, aud the
pleasure I find in the performance of it, and in
meeting the warm reception I have, is suffi
cient compensation for any sacrifice I may
have made. It is all I want; it is all I will
accept under any circumstances. Now get
into lino and make this occasion memorable iu
tho annals of the Grand Army of the Eepublic."
Again hands clasped; a tear or two ou faded
cheeks ; a whispered " good bye and God bless
you," and our beloved comrade, Charles T.
Hull, went his way hack to tho pleasures and
business of his life, and long shall wo remem
ber, with gratitude and soldicr-liko satisfaction,
his kindly ways aud generous doings.
Old Soldier.
DEPARTMENT OF THE POTOMAC.
Tho semi-annual meeting of the Grand En
campment of the Department of the Potomac,
Grand Army of tho Eepublic, was held a few
days ago at Grand Army Hall, in this city.
Tho attendance was largo and the session
highly interesting. After tho passago of a
series of resolutions, which will bo found
elsewhere, a handsomely engrossed set of reso
lutions was presented to Past Department
Commander William Gibson. These resolu
tions wero engrossed by Comrado A. L. Pitney
most artistically and will bo placed on exhibi
tion as a specimen of pen-work in a few days.
Two other presentations were made, which
consisted of handsome gold Grand Army
badges beautifully engraved. Tho happy re
cipients were Assistant Adjutant-General John
Camoron and Assistant Quartermaster-General
A. J. Gunning.
THE ORDER IN CALIFORNIA.
Scmi-Annnal laicamnnirnt of tho Hoys on tho
Pacific SInno.
Specinl Correspondence National Tribune.
San Francisco, August 1. Department
Commander Eobinson has issued the following
order in connection with tho approaching semi
annual Encampment of this Department at
Santa Cruz:
Headquarters Dept. of California,
Grand Army of the Eepublic,
San Francisco, July 15, JSS2.
General Order, Ko. 7.
Tho semi-annual Encampment of this De
partment will be held at Santa Cruz, Saturday,
August 12, 1S.S2, and it is desired that every
Post in tho Department shall be represented.
The delegates elected to the fit teen th annual
Encampment and tho commanders of Posts
organized sinco January 1, 1SS2, also such past
Post commanders as have been transferred into
new Posts, are members of this Encampment.
Tho semi-annual Encampment having been
ordered by an unanimous vote of the delegates
present in fifteenth Encampment, it therefore
becomes the duty of every Post and all com
rades to do their part towards making it a
grand success. And commanders aro hereby
urged to send as many ol their members as cau
possibly mako arrangements to go. All com
rades of this Order, whether regularly elected
delegates or not, are earnestly requested to at
tend. The council of administration has de
cided to arrange for a grand excursion in con
nection with the Encampment, which will con
tinue for three days Saturday, Sunday, and
5Ionday, August 12th, 13th, and 11th and
have secured lower rates than have ever been
offered before. Exceedingly favorable arrange
ments for transportation havo been made with
tho South Pacific Coast (Narrow Guage) Uail
road Company. According to the terms of our
agreement with tho company, the Grand Army
of tho Eepublic will receive a commission on
every ticket sold, cither to comrades or the
public. It is desired that as many comrades as
can do so will take their families.
Post officers will be in charge of the disci
pline in their respective Posts and be held re
sponsible for good order; and any who may
accompany the Grand Army of tho Eopublic
who are not members will bounder tho same
discipline as though actually comrades.
Tho following additional appointments on
tho staff of tho Department Commander aro
hereby announced :
To be Aidcs-de-Camp Comrade J. If. Bar
bour, John A. Dix Post, No. -12; Comrade Irv
ing Barnard, dishing Post, No. -11. j
To bo Assistant Inspectors Comrado W. D.
UiUny, John A. Dix Post, No. 12; Comrade Win.
Wagner, Cushing Post, No. -M.
By command of
W. A. Eobinson,
Geo. 51. 5IcCarty, Dept. Commander.
Assist. Adjt.-Gcneral.
COMPLIMENTARY TO GEN. VANDER-
VOORT.
Special Correspondence National Tribune.
Wauoo, Neb., July 21. At a recent meeting
of John A. Andrews Post at this place the fol
lowing preamble and resolutions were unani
mously adopted:
Whereas John A. Andrews Post, No. 90, G.
A. E., Department of Nebraska, having learned
with great pleasure that comrado Paul Van
dervoort has been elected to the high office of
Commander-in-Chief of tho Grand Army of
the Eepublic;
And whereas we, the members of said Post,
deem it of great interest to keep in memory
tho high objects and purposes of our noble
Order in Nebraska, as well as tho general work
in the United States, "ever holding sacred in
our hearts our love for those who have made
sacrifices such as Comrade Paul Yandervoorfc
has made for our glorious country ; therefore
be it
licsoked, That wc shall ever cherish in our
fondest recollections tho highest esteem for our
noble Order in tho American Union for putting
the earnest, patriotic worker Paul Yandervoort
into tho very responsible position of Commander-in-Chief.
Jlcsolvcd, That as a Post John A. Andrew,
No. 00, do hereby pledge our best efforts to
General Yandervoort to eucourago success in
carrying out tho sublimo principles of the
Order in our country.
THE COMING ENCAMPMENT IN MAINE.
Special Coriespondence National Tribune.
Bangor, 5Ie., August 3. Great interest has
been aroused among Grand Army comrades
throughout this section over tho appioaching
semi-annual Encampment which will be held
at Lake 5Iaranacook on tho !)th of August. Tho
attendance, it is fully expected, will bo very
large. Department Commander Farnham has
prepared the following circular for the infor
mation of comrades desiring to participate in
the celebration:
I. As has been announced heretofore a semi
annual Encampment of the (i. A. E. will be
held at Lake Mnranacook on tho 0th day of
August. All members of the (J. A. 11. and all
honorably discharged soldiers and sailors
throughout the State, with their wives and
little ones, and all citizens who are friendly to
the organization, arc invited to meet at Lake
51arauacook on tho Ninth day of August.
II. Department headquarters will be estah
tnblished on tho grouneS at an early hour, and
all officers iu charge of Posts or detachments
aro requested to report on their arrival tho
number of comrades under their eharge.
Post commanders are requested to send a
special notice to each comrade informing him
of tho Eeunion and urging him to attend if
possible. Let no eilbrl be spared to make this
ono of tho largest gatherings ever held in this
Department.
III. Commander-in-Chief Paul Yandervoort,
of Omaha, Neb., has signified his intention to
bo present. Junior Yice Commander I. S.
Bangs will also be with us, and it is expected
that other members of the National Encamp
ment will bo present. Department command
ers of all the New England Stales have been
invited to be with us, and it is hoxed that quite
a number will accept.
IV. Low rates of lare have been made by the
5iaine Central, European and North American,
Bangor and Bucksport, Bangor and Piscata
quis, Knox and Lincoln, Grand Trunk, and
roads west of Portland; international Steam
ship Company; Portland, Bangor, and 5Iachias
Steamboat Company.
V. Meals will be furnished aL tho Lake for
all who desire at tho low rate of twenty-five
cents each.
VI. Glover's Band and Orchestra havo been
engaged. Business nneting of 1 lie Department
(informal) at 11.30 a. m.; dinner ac 12.30 p. m.
The programme includes canoe, sack, wheel
barrow, and other races, and a "bummer's
convention " at S p. m., dancing, Ac. Trains
will leave tho Lako at 10 p. m. for Portland
and Bangor connecting with special train for
other points. It is expected that every mem
ber will either appear in uniform or wear his
Grand Army badge.
A NEW POST IN ILLINOIS.
Thero was a very enthusiastic meeting re
cently at Bloomiugton, Ills., to consider tho
organization of a Post of tho Grand Army of
tho Eepublic, which was so successful that tho
Post may bo said to be a certainty. Fifty sol
diers signed tho roll, and it is thought that
there will ultiraately'bo from 200 to 300 mem
bers in tho organization. 5Ir. Ed 5Iincr was
chosen commander, John Ilullingcr senior vice
commander, Thomas Ilullingcr junior vico
commandr, Dr. Barnes surgeon, and E. S.
51clnter quartermaster. All tho other officers
were but appointivo ones, and not of import
ance Bryner Post, of Peoria, assisted in the
mustcring-in of tho Bloomiugton Post.
THE ORDER IN COLORADO.
Specinl Correspondence National Tribune.
Greely, Col., July 28, 1S32 A now Tost
has been mustered in here- by comrade T. F.
Brown, Grand Mustering Officer for this De
partment, assisted by comrade E. K. Stimpson,
Department Commander. Tho following -officers
wero duly elected and installed: Com
mander, L. B. Willard: S. V. C, W. 51.
I5oomer; J. V. C, D. B. Harper; Adjutant, E.
M."Su relevant; Q. 51., C. A. White; Surgeon,
Jesse Haws; Chaplain, O. Howard; O. D., J.
A.Woodbury; O. G., Frank Grove. Tho Post
is in splendid condition, its members all uni
formed, and officers provided Avith sido arms.
Wo number about forty-two at present, but
expect to double tho membership before 1SS3.
The boys aro always anxious to get a copy of
The Tribune, which is being taken by a
number of them.
DEDICATION OF A SOLDIERS' MONU
MENT. Special Correspondence National Tribune.
Sherman 5Iills, 5Lyine, July 21, 18S2.
Asbury Caldwell Post, No. 51, was organized
February 1st. 1S32. and now numbers thirty
nine members, and we arc gaining recruits at
each meeting. The officers are: P. C, Geo.
W. Webber, jr. ; S. V. C, C. H. Jackman ; J.
Y. C, Eenj. II. Towlc ; Surg., W. S. Seavitt;
Chap., F. 51. Caldwell; Q. 51., A. Cushman, jr. ;
O. D., Eandall Gallison; O. G., J.E. Cushman;
Adj., E. C. Barker; S. 51., Chas. A. Eobinson;
Q. M. S., B. W. Curtis.
The Post wits named after a comrado who
gave his life in defeneo of tho old Hag and the
perpetuity of tho Union. On the -ltli of July
we dedicated a beautiful monument to our
fallen comrades in remembrance of tho sacri
fices made for tho preservation of the country.
It is twenty-one feet high, of Italian marble,
except tho bases, which aro granite. The
whole costing, when erected, $1,200. In
front of die is a raised shield, with draped
flags and war emblems, and thewords: "Sa
cred to tho memory of our citizen-soldiers,
who gavo their lives in defence of their
country in tho war of 1SG1-5." The other
three sides contain tho names of thirty-six
soldiers who fell in the cause of human rights,
some on tho battlefield, somo in tho hospitals,
and others at Andersonvillo.
Wc feel justly proud of tho record of tho
town of Sherman in the war. In 18G0 the
p( pulation was 18G souls; out of that number
wc sent to the war 113 men, and thirty-six
never returned.
All like The National Tribune.
Give those fellows in Congress grapo and
canifjX: , case-shot and h 11 until they aban-
doirihe field orsurrendcr unconditionally.
ours in F. C. and L.,
-A-i.kkvd Cushman, Jit., Post Q. 51.
A NEW POST IN ILLINOIS.
tfal Correspondence National Tribune.
fvANEE, III., July 22d. A now Post of
! s jG rand. Army of the Eepublic, to bo called
Juliji A. Pratt Post, No. 113, was instituted
herd oil Saturday. Twenty-six members were
mustered in by chief mustering officer L. S.
Hufrs'jn, of Chicago, and the following officers
installed: Post Commander Captain John
But Berwick; S. V. C, Captain A. B.Ashley;
J. V. C, Joseph Hull; Adjutant, John 5Iehu
ron; Q. 51., J. H. Pinney; Chaplain, Eobert
5roore; S. 51., Thomas Eobinson; Q. 51. S.,
Samuel 5rcBridc; O. D., William Gecr; O. G.,
Isaac Cook ; 51. D., J. C. Nichols.
WHO WAS THE FIRST VOLUNTEER?
Tho claim of Colonel Terence J. Kennedy,
of Auburn, N. Y., to the honor of having first
tendered his services as a soldier to the Gov
ernor of his State appears to be pretty well estab
lished. In November, 1F(50, he drew up and
signed a paper and kept ;t at his place of busi
ness for signatures for the organization of an
artillery company. In January, 18G1, ho wrote
Governor Morgan asking authority to raise
troops, to which letter ho received the follow
ing reply:
State ov New York,
Adjutant General's Office,
Albany, January 17, lsu'l.
To T. J. Kennedy, Esq, Auburn.
Sue: The Commander-in-Chief directs mo to
acknowledge your letter of tho 11th instant,
asking for a commission in case tho General
Government should make a requisition upon
this State for soldiers to enforce the laws of the
Union, it will be placed on file, and have duo
consideration incase the contingency arrives
to which you refer. Yours respectfully,
(Signed) D. Cvmimjeu,.
Ass't Adj't-Gen'l.
After receiving this letter, Colonel K. still
kept at work trying to n emit. First of March
ho sent word by Be v. J. 51. Austin. Univeraalist
clergyman, of Auburn, N. Y., to Washington
to Secretary Seward, whom Colonel K. knew
personally, asking Secretary Seward to uso his
iullucuce with President Lincoln to call for
tioops until they should be as numerous as
the sands upon the seashore. April 2, ISfil,
John Poison, of Auburn, put his name down,
thus making tho second name on tho list.
From that time forward he may be said to have
entered in earnest upon the work of recruiting,
without knowing when, where, or how the men
would be used, following tho irresistible im
pulse of his mind lo iaiso men and. drill them
for tho field. He virtually gave up a good busi
ness, which he never again entered upon until
the close of the war. He sent out, at his own
expense, men to recruit as sergeants in
Skauealelcs, Wecdsport, Jordan, Seneca Falls,
Springport, Aurora, and Port Byron, N. Y.
Soldiers began to come in with fife and drums,
some with Hags. On tho 12th day of Arpil,
the day Fort Sumter was fired on, Colonel K.
had then enlisted and was drilling on the
streets of Auburn 173 men, raised by him at
his own cxponse.
m
GRAND ARMY NOTES.
Tho second Eeunion of tho Seventeenth
Illinois cavalry volunteers will bo held at
Woodstock, 5IcIIenry co., Illinois, on Thurs
day, tho 11th day of September, 1&S2.
A memorial circular has been issued by tho
Department of Kansas, G. A. E., at Leaven
worth, to the memory of their fellow-comrades
whoso deaths occurred recently. Their names
and the Posts of which they wero members aro
Daniel Brooks, Post No. 18; Thomas Johnson,
Post, No. 1; J- A. White, Post No. 1, and John
T. Fitch, Post No. 3S.
Custer Post, No. 7, of St. Joseph, 5fo., not yet
nine months old, has a membership of 130.
Who can beat it V Two other Posts aro in pro
cess of formation in the same congressional
district.
Tho members of John A. Andrews Post, of
Wuhoo, Neb., are making active preparations
for the comi'itf Eeunion of veterans of that
State at Grandilard, on the 2dth of August.
Stephen A. Hurlbut l'ost, No. 9, which was
organized; at Elk Point, Dakota, last 5fay, is
rapidly Increasing in membership. Major
Duncan is1 tho Commander.
THE FORTY-DOLLAR BILL.
THE PENSION COMMITTEE REQUESTED
TO REPORT THE MEASURE.
Remarks of Senator Ferry on the Snbject State
ment from Commissioner Dnilley Showing tho
Cost orPayiii5 This Class or Pensioners The
Increase Asked Tor.
The National Tribune has repeatedly
urged upon the Senate Committee on Pensions
the importance of reporting tho bill granting
an increase of pension to those soldiers who
lost a limb or sulTercd equivalent disability in
tho service, before the close of the present ses
sion, and wo arc glad to see that Senator Ferry
has supplemented our ellbrts in that direction,
by tho introduction of a resolution in tho Sen
ate on 5londay last directing tho committee to
report the measure to the Senate without fur
ther delay. The detailed proceedings on the
subject will interest a largo class of our read
ers, and wero as follows :
5Ir. Ferry submitted tho following rcsolu:
tion; which was read :
J.Ysorc'Z, That the Committee on Penons be di
rected to report on Senate bill No. 135S, to Kraut
additional pensions to those who have lost nn arm
or n leg in the service of the United States.
Tho Senate, by unanimous consent, proceeded
to consider tho resolution.
5lr. Ferry. 5lr. President, on the 2d day of
5Iarch, it was my pleasure to introduce a bill
for the relief of a class of disabled soldiers of
the Union army. It grants them additional
pensions so as to provide for a monthly pay of
$."0 to each soldier of the first class ; $10 to each
ot the second class; and $30 to each of the third
and fourth classes. Tho bill is short and sim
ple. It makes the first class to consist of the
men who were so 'disabled that no relief can
come to them by artificial means. The second
class to consist of those who are able to wear
artificial limbs, and the third and fourth classes
of those who by paralysis or other disability
from exposures during the war, have sustained
the total loss of ue of arm or leg. 5Ien who
have suffered mutilation in such forms as ren
der it impossible for art to supply their loss are,
far more than others, clearly incapacitated for
anj- kind of ordinary labor. 5I.my of them
bearing about in their person a burden of pain
and distress which is gradually hut surely un
dermining their constitution and must at no
distant day end life itself. To these men the
bill proposes to pay tho sum of $50 per month
as long as they survive.
5Ien have suilered from wounds and amputa
tion in such forms that while they arc seriously
disabled they are yet able to wear artificial
limbs so improved as to permit the use of the
natural functions in oeiooming disability,
while adding to the comfort and appearance of
tho suiforers. To such men the bill proposes to
pay the sum of $10 per month during life.
There are men who, though not mutilated hy
amputation, havo still lost the entire use of arm
or leg as the consequence of exposure in the
service of the country. To them this bill pro
poses to pay tho sum of $30 per month during
life. The bill does not undertake to discrimi
nate more in detail as to tho severity of injury
iu each individual case, nor as to the ratio of
pay which such particular scrutiny would de
maud, since for obvious reasons such legislative
particularity would be impracticable. Neither
does it specify tho class and line of proofs nec
essary for the claimant to furnish, because theso
aro matters of regulation belonging more prop
erly to tho Pension Office of the Government,
to which all claimants under this bill, should
it become law, would of necessity be referred
for classification of their res;-- "five classes. As
nearly as can be ascertained .a existing rec
ords in the Departments the number of the first
class could not probably exceed 1,300 men; of
the second class it could not be more than -1,300,
and of the third class not over ,300. In this
connection I submit the following letter from
the Commissioner of Pensions, which covers
this ground, giving the number of claims aud
the aggregate amount covered by the bill :
Di:rAUTMirrW Tim Iktkcxok,
Puxsior; Orrici:,
Washington, J), C, July IS, 1S32.
Sin: T have the honor to acknowledge the re
ceiptor your letter of the 12ih instant, requesting
the number of pensioners referred to in Senate bill
No. iar5 and tho probable annual eust it" .suth bill
should become a law, and in reply to state as follow-,
:
Tile bill proposes to incrcaae certain pensioners
on account of loss of limbs to the rates of S.TU, $10,
and $30 per month, determined by the surgical
point of amputation.
The following are huiicved to be the proportions
of the chutes referred to and the annual value of
the increase of pen.-ious over their present value:
Filter CI.ASs.
Number of amputations at ami near shoulder 7."50
Number ol amputations at and near hip 530
To be increased to $50 per mouth.
SKCONO CLASs.
Number of amputations of humerus . 2,200
Number of amputations of thigh 2,100
To be increased to 10 per month.
TIIIKIl class.
Number of amputations of forearm 1,700
Number of amputations of leg 2,500
To be increased to $.50 per mouth.
Forirni CLASs.
All who have lost the use of hand, foot, arm,
or leg 1,000
To be increased to $30 per month.
The annual increase in value would be as fol
lows: Fir.st class at $50 per month $105,000
Second class at ?10 per month 5525,000
Thiid class at ?!;0 per mouth G'M,M)0
Fourth class at S3o per month - 1 1 S,tM)
Total increase Sl.OsO.OUO
I am, sir, very rcspeetfullv.
W. W. 111 IILEV,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Hon. T. V'. Fki-p.v,
United Slates Senate.
Taking theso figures as a basis the added
burden which this bill would lay on tho
Treasury could not be regarded as extravagant
or unwise. It has been the policy of the Gov
ernment from its foundation to pension sol
diers, their widows and children. It is but a
fitting recognition of the services of those
who have periled life and limb in tho
country's defense. The records of the Pension
OUice will show that after all our wars tho
Nation's gratitude, to its soldiers has been gen
erously expressed. It may not he perhaps
that in all cases or even iu a majority of cases
of the rank and tile full justice has been done,
for a moment's consideration assures how
poorly the money value of a pension supplies
the health and vigor ot a mutilated condition;
besides this, following an expensive war, the
national Treasury is subject to extraordinary
drafts which are likely to drain it, and the
only tea-siblc remedy for which is increased
taxation of tho people. It is the duty of the
Government to see that all necessary burdens
are equally distributed, and to study rigid
economy as well as to cut oil' or defer all ap
propriations from the Treasury which can
safely be done and meet current indispensable
demands; otherwise tho resources of the
Nation must seriously be taxed and its credit
gteatly impaired. 51oro than once it has hap
pened in our history when the paper of tho
Nation has suffered demaging depreciation.
Then no class of our citizens has felt tho con
sequent stringency more keenly than the sol
diers of the Nation, while none have borne tho
loss and prcssuro with more uncomplaining
and heroic fortitude.
The experience of tho lato war for the
Union and of tho subsequent eventful years
of reconstruction and tho resumption of
specie payment havo been iu many respects
unparalleled in the history of nations. Tho
vast scale of operations involving measure
less dillioulties in overy department of Gov
ernment taxed its ability and integrity
to the fullest extent, so that, emerging from
tho effects of the war, much has necessarily re
mained undono which both justice and grati
tude prompted from the outstart, but which
necessity postponed. Prominent iu this delay
stands the imperative duty of justly providing
for those who spared not flesh and blood to
preserve and perpetuate an undivided Eepublic.
It is with deep regret that earlier acton on this
bill has not been taken. Every generous mind
must lament the necessity which in the first
yeais of tho war caused so many of our brave
men to perish without even the simple return
which this bill proposes, and every year sinco
they havo been dropping into the grave unre
lieved by tliis recompense which has so long
been withheld. Tho numbers for whom the
bill provides havo thus been rapidly diminish
ing year by year, while tho burdens of infirmity
and ago aro bearing heavier ou those who still
survive.
The timo has at length come when an almost
incredible prosperity enriches tho country.
From the wastes and desolations of war our
peoplo havo developed a vigor and enterpriso
which exhibit to the nations of tho earth a
most marvelous spectacle of wealth. Abun
dance and success are smiling on every hand.
The public Treasury is plethoric with a current;
surplus of $lo0,000'",000, and wo arc now con
sidering measures for reducing this enormous
revenue hv lessening the burdens of taxation
upon the people. While this desirable decrease
aud relief claim our attention, what moro
favorable hour can wc ask for providing for
those who heroically sacrified to prescrve'in
tact our munificent domain, the sovereignty
of our flag, the unity of tho Nation, and the glory
of a free people? Aro not these men worthy
of this boon which in this day of our prospcrity
and power we are amply able to bestow? Surely
they havo done their part to advance the
American people to the highest point of finan
cial credit in the estimation of the powers of
the world, and to render more proud and illus
trious the fame of the Eepublic Aye, they
paid their quota, not in silver and gold, but iu
tho priceless currency of flesh and blood. From
the the smoking battle-fields which have made
the land historic they have returned marred
and maimed, battered and shattered, patiently,
bravely su tiering in silence the pains and
penalties of that great encounter from which
death alone can release them.
We cannot know the numberless conditions
that servo to aggregate ratiier than diminish
their sense of loss, decrepitude, and depend
ence. In the complex relations of society they
may be thrown upon the protection of those
who take but little care, or who have even less
ability to look after them, or, crippled as they
are, they may still be the only props on which
those who are dependent on them can hope to .
lean for support. In cither case tho Nation owes
this debt of honor, to acknowledge which, in
part at least, I ask and urge the Committee on
Pensions to report at onee and tho Senate to
pass without further delay this important bill.
If wc but remember the monthly pay the pri
vate soldier received, coupled with his more
open exposure to the rigors and hardships of
military life, contrasted with the better pay of
commissioned ollicers, we find cogent reasons
for the passage of the bill proposed, for it will
ho found that, while some officers may receive
the benefit of this measure, the great majority
of its beneficiaries will come from the rank
and file.
Sir, it is said that States have neither senti
ment nor soul. This may he true where rival
powers either by diplomacy or arms are strug
gling for coveted ascendency, but it ought
never to be so when a great, free Nation like
our own is dealing with men who proved
themselves iu dire emergency of war the bono
and sinew of national strength.
They are our fellow-citizens, who shouldered
arms, faced the enemy, and were shattered In
the shock of war for our defense.
They were sentimental and patriotic enough,
iu time of country's peril to offer life npon tho
national altar; to inarch mid slaughter and
death that the Union might be preserved and
the sovereignty of the Nation maintained.
Shall we now in peace, reunited, free, power
ful, and prosperous, as resultant from their
heroic achievement and legacy, desert them
and turn a deaf ear to their righteous deserts?
Never, by my voice or vote. I havo no sym
pathy or patience with that incredulous spirit
which frowns on all professions of devotion to
country, and which gravely questions the sin
cerity of all motives save in the worship of
mammon. Never was thero a nobler nor mere
inspiring spectacle, or one which lifted to a
grander height of human virtue, loyalty, and
honor than that of our citizen-soldier parting
from peaceful, happy ties and associations, and
as by a common impulse girding on their might
to seize rebellion by the throat and to wipe out
from the archives of the Nation the odious
word secession. For the ardor of such a love of
country, Government, and people, sealed with
blood, is it not the least we can do to set apart
for them this monthly stipend, not so much as
recompense, but as a fitting solace in their day
of need?
Let Seuators scan the statistics of their own
States and recall the pitiful story of suffering;
which so many brave men have borne, buC
which they do not care to parade in the pres
ence of a geueraticjn already mostly straugors
to the ?cars of war. a generation rarely ming
ling with their ideasurcs a thought of the cost
ac which such joys have been mado possible.
While these heroic men sutfer in silence their
painful reflections, it is for us here in our
places to rememberandhelp them now in their
day of broken life. It is a duty which tho
whole country will enjoin, an act which we
can no longer with good reason postpone, and
a measure of relief which will provo most
welcome to men who need it most.
In tho duller days of a closing career, when
wc ourselves, withdrawn from these busy
scenes, shall have occasion to look back upon,
the past and consider tiio deeds which havo
most power to gratify, may a vote given to
pass this meritorious measure prove not tho
least among many that will convey real pleas
ure and genuine satisfaction.
5Ir. President, I trusC tho Committeo on
Pensions will heed the resolution I havo '
offered and soon favorably report tho bill now
before them.
5Ir. Hale. I want to say that this matter,
as 1 have been notified, would give rise to de
bate, and I must ask that it lie ovor until to
morrow morning, in order that wo may go on
with the naval appropriation bill.
5Ir. .Platt. May I havo unanimous con
sent to say about three words for the benefit of
the committee? I want to say one thing.
The Committee on Pensions, I think, is as
hard worked as any committeo in this body.
Of the written reports which have been pre
sented to the Senate at this session tho Com
mittee on Pensions have submitted considera
bly moro than one-half of theni. They have
worked every moment that they could find to
work when the sessions of the Senato did not
actually require their attention.
I wish to say hero now that the Committeo
on Pensions havo not neglected this subject,
hut have given it earnest and careful consider
ation. It is a great suhject, and I should bo
willing at any time, if the Senate was in con
dition to hear me, to show it in all its bearings.
The committee havo as yet been unable to
come to any agreement upon this bill and kin
dred bills submitted to them. It has "not been
from want of earnest and careful consideration ;
and I assure the Senator from Michigan, as
well as the whole Senate, that thero is no do
siro to neglect this matter on tho part gf tho
Committee on Pensions. If the resolution is
to be- pressed to a paisage, of course it will
como in the nature of a reflection upon tho
action of the committee, ami in that event I
shall desire to be heard at length, and I think
we can fullv sustain our position in the matter.
5Ir. Ferry. 1 ask. to save time, that tho
resolution be referred to the Committee ou
Pensions. 1 havo not unnecessarily reflected
upon tho committee any more than to ask by
the resolution, which expresses itsownuieauing,
that the committee report upon the subject. I
am asking that the resolution he referred to tho
Committee on Pensions for their early consid
eration. I have, intended no reflection, but do
desire earlv action on my bill.
5Ir. Platt. I have no objection to the ref-
Tho President pro tempore. Tho resolution
will be referred.
5Ir. Georwi:. I desire to offer an amendment;
to tho resolution, and have it referred.
5Ir. Vooriiees. Bet the proposed amend
ment be read.
Tho amendment was read and referred to the
Committeo on Pensions, as follows:
Add to the resolution:
And also bill granting a pension of SS per month
to each soldier who served in the Mexican war and
wis honorably discharged and who now has no
other means of support than bis manual labor, and
also to the widows of such soldiers who are in
similar indigent condition.
'
A DAKOTA GIRL'S OFFER.
A plucky girl in Dakota writes to the editor
of the Lake Preston Xews as follows: f'I mean
business. If thero is any young man in this
county that has as much sand in him as a
pound of ping tobacco I want to hear from him.
I havo a tree claim and homestead, am a good
cook and not afraid of work, and v.illing to do
my part. If any young man with a like amount
of land, and decant faco aud .carcass, wants a
good wife I can fill the bill. Address A. C,
box 81, Lako Preston.
VENNOR'S AUGUST PREDICTIONS.
5Ir. Henry G. Yennor, the weather prophet,
writes: "I cannot but think that August will
bo another month of storms and unusual rain
fall, with one or two remarkably low curves of
temperature. I expect snowfalls will bo re
corded in cxtremo western and nothwestern
sections, and cold rains at more southerly
stations shortly after the middle of tho month.
October will bo very similar, but of courso
colder."