Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 January 1885 — A Good Time: [ARTICLE]

A Good Time:

Oh last Friday night Rensselaer Post 84, Dept, of Ind. G. A. R., musteied their new officers. So soon as the new Commander took his seat, and assumed command, he proceeded so detail a. squad, under command oi the Officer of the Day, for fatigue duty. They left the Post, for what purpose no comrade was aware. In a short time, however, they came back carrying a large basket, and camp kettles filled with smoking hot coffee. They spread paper upon the floor, threw down tin cups, tin plates, pickled pigs feet ham sandwiches, etc., the bugler was told to blow dinner call, and the “mess'’ notified to take -seats, ala 1861-65 —on the floor—"and go to work. No sooner

said than a smoking cup of coffee, a sandwich and a pig’s foot graced each comrade’s plate, and with stories and memories of 20 years ago, the viands and the moments flew. Just as they were finishing the repast, an orderly reported, bearing in his hands, upon a silver cake stand, an elegant jelly cake, ornamented off the top by a beautiful U. S. flag, made of colored sugar sand, (the work of Mrs. Dr. Espey,} which the comrades pro flounced to be perfection and the cake was uhtefeiErasly Voted the finest ever set before the old boys of 61-65. The cake discussed, the Commander seized a large paper sack by the bottom and said:. “Boys, grab a idol;” fie emptied upon the floor a quantity of pipes and packages of “cut and dry” tobacco, and soon the air was redolent with Hip osier, and jest afid story were happiness reigned j until the witching hour of midnight, when “taps’ ’ were sounded, and each sought his own quarters, saying “I am glad I was there.” Comrade;