an unkind or cruel word to any member of his military family, and that he was very much attached to his staff there can never be in my mind the shadow of a doubt. Old scenes and old remembrances, running through years of active campaigning, come rushing up and floating by with lightning rapidity. The days of Lake Providence and Vicksburg, the countless incidents of army life which are ever occurring when one is on duty at the front-songs sung and stories told in camp and garrison and around the dying embers of the picket fires. It seems but yesterday since we participated in all these stirring and exciting scenes. It seems but yesterday since the first call for troops-the enlistment of volunteers-the nailing to every mast and spire and house-top throughout the loyal States of the stars and stripes-the hasty farewell and the hurried departure for the front. It seems but yesterday since the Army of the Tennessee and the other grand armies of the Union, with fluttering banners and waving plumes-with glistening bayonets, and fife and drum and bugle notes went marching down the broad avenues of the nation's Capital to be mustered out. It seems but yesterday since that fatal moment before Atlanta, when our loved commander went down at the head and front of the Army of the Tennessee and died as a soldier always loves to die. It was my fortune to ride by his side from early dawn of the 22nd of July until a moment before he fell. His form and face— every word and action of the last few hours of his life are indel. ibly impressed upon my memory. I see him now as I saw him then. No warning of the impending danger-no thought that he, so full of life and health and strength and courage, was doomed so soon to die. Later I found him cold and lifeless, his bright eyes dimmed, the spirit gone. In the little town of Clyde, where he was born, and where his boyhood's days were passed, in the orchard where he played, and within a stone's throw of the old homestead, lies all that is left of the steadfast friend, the gallant General, the great commander, the true type of the American soldier-James B. McPherson. TENTH TOAST:-"The Volunteer Soldier" MUSIC: "The Girl I Left Behind me." Response by Governor Thomas C. Fletcher, who, at length, accorded all honor to the patriotic and self-sacrificing volunteer soldier of the late war. We all remember how cheerfully he came to the nation's rescue-and saved it. Through long years he had been in an enemy's country, controlled by no law save the command of his superior officers; but, when the war was over, he was found the most peaceful and law-observing man of the whole country. ELEVENTH TOAST:-"The Loyal Women and Children of the Union." MUSIC:-"Lilian Polka." Response by General NOBLE, who filled his task ably. TWELFTH TOAST:--“The Future of America.” MUSIC:-"Hail Columbia.“ Response by Colonel J. M. LOOMIS. THIRTEENTH TOAST:-"Our Invited Guests.” During the reading and responses to the above toasts, one and all present paid much interest and attention. It is to be regretted that the speeches cannot be given in full, but, as they were all impromptu, it is impossible to do so. The festivities were kept up until a late hour. Besides the regular toasts, songs, jokes, and wit abounded. All were merry-hearted, and seemed, in their joy to meet each other-tried and true companions of the battle-field and weary march--at this, their reunion festive board, to have their hearts warmed anew. Sorrow and care was forgotten, and the old-time feeling of cordiality was fully prevalent. After a six-hour session, the President requested that we should part by singing "Auld Lang Syne," which was done, with hearty good will, and then he pronounced the banquet of the second annual meeting of "The Society of the Army of the Tennessee" adjourned. DECORATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS. The work of the local Committee of Arrangements has been very arduous, but the members thereof have devoted themselves to their duties with an energy that reflects well upon their oldtime service in the field. Full acknowledgment of this was given by those who were present at the meeting, and is further attested by the perfect order in which all parts of it transpired, but further justice may be done the committee, and those whom this report will reach but were so unfortunate as not to be able to attend, by a short recapitulation. While the committee worked as a unit, it was also divided, each member given some specific duty. To General J. S. Cavender thanks are especially due for his labors and success as Chairman of the Finance Committee. General D. C. Coleman had charge of the banquet, and his successful management is fully attested by the admirable manner in which it transpired. Colonel James Peckham was selected to manage all matters of printing and advertising, and he performed his duties well, as the full knowledge of the meeting that everybody had, and his cards and programmes, show. Colonel Romer was selected to provide the music needed. General A. J. Smith tendered the services of the Third U. S. Infantry Band, under his command, and many were the thanks accorded him for this mark of kindness to his old companions. The band was used for all needed purposes during the meeting, and at the banquet. Colonel E. M. Joel was Chairman of the Committee on Decorations, and his genius, ever fertile in such matters, did not fail him on this occasion, and for his efforts the thanks of the Society were accorded in a special resolution. In Mercantile Library Hall he had everything arranged in perfect order. Upon the stage from which the addresses were delivered, which was also the position of the presiding officer, a framework was erected, upon which was the motto: "For God, our country, and the right." To the rear, and above this, was fixed, upon canvas: Welcome to the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, Above this was an eagle holding in his claws a combination design of the corps badges of the Army of the Tennessee. On either side was a canvas scroll-work; one designated "Footprints of the Army of the Tennessee," and giving the names of its battles; and the other, "Our Route to Richmond," giving the names of places made historic by its march and battles. On either end of the stage was a howitzer, stacks of muskets, etc., and in the background, a tent, with the necessary furniture, giving spectators a sample of camp appearances. The chandeliers, windows, and walls of the hall were decorated most elegantly with the colors of many regiments, members of which were then sitting beneath their folds; and from the balcony, where the band was stationed, and discoursed its fine music, hung the service-soiled banners that were the pride of gallant veterans of many campaigns. The banquet hall at the Southern Hotel, large and commodious, was equally well and tastefully adorned with flags, bunting, and the names of those who had been commanders in the Army of the Tennessee. The committee had extended to them liberal facilities from the different railroad, steamboat, and omnibus lines over which the members of the Society came to our meeting, and all who attended were returned free. Mr. Taylor, President of the Pacific Railroad, most generously gave free transportation for the band which we had, from Fort Leavenworth to St. Louis and return. The local committee feel under obligations to the resident members of the Society, for the kindly manner in which they came to our assistance in perfecting the arrangements for entertainment of our comrades coming to the reunion, and render our thanks accordingly. L. M. DAYTON, Secretary. |