Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1885 — FIGHTING THEIR BATTLES OVER. [ARTICLE]

FIGHTING THEIR BATTLES OVER.

Veterans of the Army of the Tennessee Hold Their Eighteenth Annnal B mnion. The Society of the Army of the Tennessee held its eighteenth annual leunion in Chicago on the 9th and 10th of September. Gen. Sherman presiding. There was a large attendance, including Gen. Logan, Govs. Alger of Michigan, Sherman of lowa, Oglesby of Illinois, ex-Gov. Fletcher of Missouri, Gen. J. B. Sanborn of Minnesota, Gen. G. M. Dodge of lowa. Gens. Hickenlooper and Force of Ohio, and Bishop Fallows of Chicago. The Treasurer’s report showed SIO,OOO cash on hand. Gens. Sherman, Logan, Oglesby, and Rauni, and Bishop Fallows were selected to prepare resolutions on the death of General Grant. Governor Oglesby delivered the acNkess of welcome. He offered them in behalf of the soldiers of Illinois their platter, canteen, and cup. He ha 1 heard something of their deeds, knew something of their fame, and had a strong sentiment of gratitude for the glorious work they had accomplished in the days gone by. As the guardians of a nation’s life, and the representatives of one of the great armies of the country, he bade them welcome to the hospitable soil of Illinois. Gen. Sherman delivered an address eulogistic of the late Gen, Grant. The speaker accepted all the hospitalies extended, and then said he would devote his attention to “the old and first commander. ” It was Gen. U. S. Grant who had, during the cold winter of 1861-62, raised a company at Cairo, 111., and it was he who took his final leave of his family and friends on earth on July 23, 1885; all were willing to admit that mankind had lost a kindled spirit. His comrades, who had shared with him the trials of the campaigns from Henry to Vicksburg, knew’ better than any other that a great soldier, a loving man, and a wise statesman had been taken off. Hundreds, aye, thousands of pens were engaged in an effort to describe the man who did so much in so short a time. These looked to’ the comrades of the Army of the Tennessee for information which ought to be forthcoming, and which he would try to give. He met Grant at West Point in 1839. The speaker was then a classman, a more exalted position, he asserted, than he had ever reached since, although he had been reasonably successful in life. One day a number of the classmen were perusing a list of names of cadets, and among them appeared that of “U. S. Grant.” This was regarded as a somewhat singular name, and the boys began to cogitate as to what the initials “U. S.” meant. Some thought they meant “United States,” others that the “S." meant “Sam,” and still others “Uncle Sam. ” However, Grant served under the name of “Sam” in the Mexican war in the Fourth Infantry. The speaker knew very litile of Grant while at West Point because one was a classman and the other was a plebe, and classmen would hardly deign to notice plebes. Grant’s rep- 1 utation while serving in the Fourth Infantry in the Mexican war was that of a willing officer, ever ready to do the fighting, extremely social and friendly with his fellows; but in no sense did he display those qualities that were developed during the civil war. It was the old commander who had restored order when chaos had been let loone and the gates of hell were wide open all around. He raised the dark curtain that enshrouded the Federal commanders when he won the victory at Belmont, so that it was only necessary to follow the course mapped out. He did not care how a battle was fought so long as it was won. In closing, Gen. Sherman said it was fitting that the dead hero should find his last resting place in New York, and hoped that any monuments to be erected would, like himself, be stroi g and simple. He then introduced Gen. Sanborn.

Gen. J. B. Sanborn also paid an eloquent and graceful tribute to Gen. Grant. Gen. William F. Vilas was then demanded by the audience, and gracefully came forward, when he was received with enthusiastic applause. He said it had been understood that his part in the programme was to be that of silence. He felt that he would Le a daring man indeed who would attempt extemporaneously to add to the burning words of the soldier-President and chosen orator upon that grand theme of Grant He would, however, touch upon one feature which added greatly to the fame he had so justly earned. He aMuded to the love he had won from the enemies he had fought, and pictured the grieving ex-Con-federate officers standing by the death-bed of the man who had struck such deadly blows against them, with tears of honest, manly sympathy glistening in their eyes. Grant had not fought for selfish ambition, nor waged war through vindictiveness. His love of country was too great for this, and that very love endeared him to his enemie s. It was Grant’s quiet, earnest labor in behalf of returning harmony among the sections that had materially led to the grateful reuniting, now happily accomplished, of the once divided and fiercely fighting sections of the country, and when he died who were found following his body to its last rest but the leading generals now surviving of the enemies with whom he combated. He referred to the two communications which passed between Grant and Buckner, and pictured Grant’s joyful reception of the approaching unity and peace, and in most eloquent and feeling terms referred to the fact that the sunshine of a sweet and enduring peace was the glorious fruition of the years of war. Resolutions of respect to the memory of the old commander were adopted. The committee to name officers presented the following names in their report, which was adopted unanimously: President—General W. T. Sherman. Vice Presidents—Major George W. Colby, of Alabama; Colonel W. 8. Oliver, of Arkansas; Captain Richard 8. Tuthlll, of Illinois; Lieutenant Co onel J. M. Dre-'ser, of Indians; Major Cnarles E. Putnam, of Iowa; Colonel A. J. lijay, of Missouri; Captain W. McCrory, of MHinesot i; CapL in W. 8. Burns, of New York; General E. H. Murray. of Kentucky: General Geo ge E. Wells, ot Ohio; General.!. M. Rusk, of Wisconsin; Major W. M. Dunn, of the United States army. Corresponding Secretary—General A. Hickenlooper. Re ording Secretary—Colonel L. M. Dayton. Treasurer—General M. p. Force, It was determined to ho'd the next meeting at Rock Is and, 111., Sep*. 15 and 16, 1886. Ihe reunion concluded with a banquet nt the Grand Pacific Hotel, at which numerous speeches were mpde in response to toasts, the festivitfesrlasting until nearly 3 •’clock a. m.