5" ^6 pennulipe® pH83 E 505 96th .12 Copy 1 -« ft ■ < ■ « rfe> TS-i RECEPTION TO THE MEMBERS efl& Ninety-sixth Regiment, ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, AT THE RESIDENCE OF THEIR OLD COMMANDER, General John C. Smith TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEX, GEORGIA. JULY 20, 1893. CHICAGO: Knight, Leonard & Co., Printers. 1893. £ W iv-^g-*-— (* " 'Iff! 1 RESIDENCE OF GEN. JOHN C. SMITH, 65 SIBLEY ST., CHICAGO. RECEPTION TO THE MEMBERS Ninety-sixth Regiment ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, AT THE RESIDENCE OF THEIE OLD COMMANDER, General John C. Smith TWENTY-NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK, GEORGIA. JULY 20, L893 ^CHICAGO -- HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHICAGO: Knight, Leonard & Co., Printers L893. ■5" \W£Z GENERAL JOHN C. SMITH. '■A WEfX'OM E HOME." 'Rest! soldier, rest! Xot now the trumpet pealing, Rousing to arms, shall thrill the patriot breast; For white-robed Peace shall now awhile enfold thee; Rest ! soldier, rest! Rest! soldier, rest! The joyous cannon hail thee: The singing trumpets' silvery tones attest That all bid the war-tried patriot welcome; Rest! soldier, rest! Not now the drenching rain, the weary marching; No fierce besiegers now thy valor test: No bursting shells— guerrilla raids at midnight; Rest! soldier, rest ! Not here the flashing of the foeman's sabre; Not here the wide ranks kneel to Death's behest: Naught but the glance of bright eyes kindly beaming; Rest! soldier, rest! Not here the whistling of the leaden death-shots— Tis but the oriole singing o'er her nest; The waving tree-tops whispering peace and quiel : Rest! soldier, rest ! Sec yon fair wife, a white-armed welcome waving! No longer now by deadly fear opprest : What heavenly music is that dear voice savin,"; ? Rest ! soldier, rest! A mother's kisses greet her first-born darling; o joy! how closely heart to heart is prest ; In home, sweet home, she bids the weary wanderer Rest ! soldier, rest ! Not all who answered to Columbia, calling On her brave sons from North, and East, and West, Can answer now — their voices hushed forever; Rest ! soldier, rest ! Loud let the bugle swell the note of triumph! Sound, trumpets! praise our bravest and our best ! Thousands of voices bid each hero welcome; Rest! soldier, rest ! " HEADQUARTERS HolKS OF RECEPTION: Assembly, 6 P. M. 5EC0ND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, 4TH a.i. Retreat, 10 P. M. Lights Out— when you '.'Mil REGIMENT, [LLINOIS LNFANTR"} V r OLS. gethome. COMRA DES : Few are the years which remain fur you and your old Commander before we musl take our place on " Fame's eternal camping ground." It therefore becomes us to improve the time that we may enjoy the society of our comrades, who. in the terrible ordeal of battle, amid the zip of bullets and the fierce shriek of shell, stood shoulder to shoulder with ns in the defense of our common country and beneath its -tarry Hag. The nexl decade will find our ranks decimated, our comrades gone and few remaining to tell the story of •' how fields were lost and won." That each of you may enjoy another happy Reunion with your old Commander, he and his wife, the ••mother of the regiment," request your acceptance of a soldier's hospitalities at their home, 65 Sibley street, Chicago, the evening of Thursday, July 20,1893, the anni- versarj of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. We especially desire that each surviving comrade be present and aid giving a royal welcome to our you all iove, to one who shared with yon the hardships of the march and dangers of the battlefield. COMRADE (OLOXEL GEORGE HICKS, whose home 18 now in the West Indies, but who will be present on that occasion. Come, bring your "best girl" with you. and do not fail to advise us of your intention, that the Commissary may make proper requisi- tion for rat ions. bail 1 1 fully yours, GENERAL AND MRS. .!. ('. SMITH. Making Requisition RECEPTION TO THK SURVIVORS OF THE Mnety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry Volunteers. Tin* twcnty-ii i nth anniversary of the hat tie of Peach Tree Creek, in which the Ninety-sixth Regiment bore a promi- nent part, was celebrated by the officers and soldiersof that command at the residence of their old commander, Gen- eral John C. Smith, July 20, 1893, at which timea recep- tion was given to Colonel George 1 licks, of the same regi- ment, whose home is now on the Island of Jamaica, West Indies. This is what the newspapers said of the coming event and how the "boys" were to celebrate the day: REUNION OF THE NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT. No man remembers his old soldier comrades with more warmth and affection than General John C. Smith. With their accustomed hospitality, General Smith and his wife, who was the mother of the regiment, have arranged for a pleasant reunion of the comrades of the Ninety-sixth Regiment with their old commander at their home, 65 Sibley street, Chicago, on the evening of Thursday, July 20, 1893, tlic anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. It will be an occasion of rare interest to the survivors of this gallant old regiment. — Galena Gazette. \ I \ II 'i -SI Mil REGIMENT, COLONEL GEORGE HICKS. iii. will meet old comra.des of the ntnety-sixth in chicago, jul? 20. Genera] John C. Smith, of Chicago, was in the city over Sunday. and his daughter, Miss lint li A. Smith, who had been here a week, returned home withhim this morning. General and Mrs. Smith have issued invitations to all old soldiers of the Ninety-sixth Regiment. Illinois Volunteers, to at tend a reunion to he held at their home, 05 Si0lc\ Btreet, Chicago, on Thursday. July 20, the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. All of the veterans of that regiment who can gel away are planning to attend. • Mi that occasion they will have the pleasure of meeting their old Commander, Colonel George Hicks, of Jamaica, who is now in Chi- cago, a guest at General Smith's home, having arrived there Satur- day. Prior to the war Colonel Hicks was associate editor of the Ga- m \\ Gazette. He enlisted in Co. A of the Ninety-sixth, and wlnn General Smith was made Brigadier-General he became com- mander of the regiment. After the war lie went to the West Indies and he isnow [nspector of Schools of the Island of Jamaica, a gov- ernment position with life tenure. While Colonel Hicks hopes to meet ••ill his old comrades in Chicago, he will visit Galena while in the country. His sister, Mrs. Marie A. Oughton, who left Galena forty years ago to go to the Indies as a missionary, is also now in the United States, accompanied by her husband. They are making a stay of two weeks at the sanitarium at Dansville, N. V.. after which they will visil Genera] and Mrs. Smith in Chicago. — Galena Gazette. NINETY-SIXTH REUNION. Genera] and Mrs. J. C.Smith (Mrs. Smith was called the " mother of the regimenl ") have extended an invitation to the survivors of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to a soldier's hos- pitalities at their home. 65 Sibley street. Chicago, from to 10 p m., Thursday, July 20, L893. Colonel George Hicks, Colonel of the Regiment, nowa resident of the VVesI Indies, will be present. In the invitation General Smith says : " Few are the years which remain for ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 9 you and your old Commander before we must take our place on • Fame's eternal camping ground.' It therefore becomes us to improve the time that we may enjoy the society of our comrades, who, in the terrible ordeal of battle, amid the zip of bullets and the tierce shriek of shell, stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the defense of our com- mon country and beneath its starry flag. The next decade will rind our ranks decimated, our comrades gone, and few remaining to tell the story of bow fields were lost and won." July 20 will be the anni- versary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, in which the Ninety-sixth participated, and the General in closing says: "Come, bring your ■ best girl' with you and do not fail to advise us of your intention, that the ' commissary ' may make proper requisition for rations." Following the signature of General ami Mrs. Smith on the invitation is a picture of a game rooster on a double-quick, which is suggestive of the com- missary either in the coming .Inly or the duly before the Peach Tree Creek fight — probably both. — Warren Sentinel. A UNIQUE [NVITATION. The survivors of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, have received from their old commander, General John ('. Smith, the unique invitation which from its novelty we reprint below. The regiment was made up from Lake and do Daviess counties, and many men now prominent in Fake county affairs belonged to it. For their old commander and his wife, who was also much of the time during the war at the front with her husband, they appeal- to hear the deepest respect, and it is fully returned. — Lake County Patriot. General and Mrs. John ('. Smith have invited the survivors of his old command, the Ninety-sixth Regiment, to a reunion at their home in Chicago, on duly ^o. — Waakegan <■'":>'/<■. Gen. John C. Smith, of Chicago, who has ever kepi in touch with his comrades of the war. invites all of bis old command to a general reunion at his house. 65 Sibley street, on the evening of July 20, to meet Col. George Hicks, of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, who has long resided in Jamaica, West Indies, where he is Superintendent of Public Instruction. We shall he there.— Freeport Journal Id NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, Ami this is vvhal the press said on the next morning, July '2\ . and how the " boys " did celebrate : COMRADES WERE THEY. VETERANS OF THE NINETY-SIXTH — SURVIVORS OF THE GALLANT OLD REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS GREET THEIR COLONEL, GEORGE BICKS, AT GENERAL JOHN I . SMITH'S HOSPITABLE HOME. With the hearty grip thai only an old soldier gives when lie meets his former comrades of the battlefield, Colonel George Hicks last night greeted those who had fought side by side with him during the civil war. Something more than a mere grip of hands was the old soldier's greeting as bis 'comrades crowded around him at the reunion of the surviving members of the Ninety-sixth Regime.nt of Illinois Infantry Volunteers. It was fraught with memories of that terrible battle at Peach Tree (reek, which took place exactly twenty-nine years ago. Where else hut at the home of General J. C. Smith. 05 Sibley street, could such a reunion be held last night ? It was at the General's call thai the gallant men of the Ninety-sixth fought their way to victory many a time during the heat and strife of the civil war. And it was General Smith who arranged the reunion on the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, in honor of Colonel Hicks, for the latter was in command of the Illinois regiment on that day, and rode in the \ an to \ ictorj . General and Mrs. Smith had issued a call to the old boys of the regimenl to come to their house to honor Colonel Hicks. They came from such distant point- as Maine and Oregon, North Dakota, and the West Indies. Some were seared hy the indelible marks of strife, others wrinkled l.y time, but their greeting was the more hearty as they grasped their old Colonel's hand. Many of them remembered the day "hen the regimenl was disbanded, and each man turned his own way to follow a peaceful \oratioii. At that time Colonel Hicks was broken down in health, the resull of exposure and privations during the war. He addressed his comrades in weak and trembling accents as he bade them farewell. Then he went to Jamaica for his health's sake and iinalK recovered. While in Jamaica he was appointed inspector of CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY [LLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 11 schools, and he still holds this position. He returned to Chicago in this capacity in order to attend the congress of education to be held at the Art institute next week, lie is one of the vice-presidents of the congress, and is considered a great authority on educational matters. General Smith took advantage of his presence in Chicago and arranged last night's reception for him. RECALLING PLEASURE, FORGETTING PAIN. Previous to his enlistment, Colonel Hicks was superintendent of schools in Jo Daviess county, and it was owing to his knowledge in this particular line that he received the appointment in Jamaica. The old teacher and soldier has also been a journalist. Before the war lie learned how to set type, and shortly after he had mastered the printer's trade he became one of the editors of the Galena Gazette. Around him last night gathered the hoys of the old regiment, and many were the stories retold of nights around the camp-fires and scenes on the battle- field, (hie sturdy veteran pushed his way through the group and held out his left hand to the Colonel. His right sleeve was empty: he had left the arm at Chickamauga. "Don't you know me?" he said. "I am Corporal Robinson. Don't you remember how we stole the beans and turkey?" The Colonel remembered, and shook the hand of his comrade .silently. There was a tear behind the smile on both men's faces. One of the liveliest veterans there was If. P. Barnum, who declared he was the only man who turned the other cheek to The enemy after being struck on one side of the face. He had been shot twice through the cheeks, once at the battle of Ketiesaw Mountain and once at Chicka- mauga. There was Dr. Moses Evans, who had bandaged the wounds of the boys. Genera] Miles and General Atkins were there to do honor to ( lolonel Hicks. GUESTS ol-' I'll E EVENING. Among those present were: Messrs. and Mesdaines — Walter W. Hastings. J. II. Linklater, J. 0. Blodgett, W. J. Neal. P». Serviss. J. A. Beck, II. R. Buser, J. Grabham, S. II. Bayne, R. C. Culleii, R. S. Thain, J. M. Douglas. George Teale, H.H.Gage, W.F.Taylor, Edward Murray. .1. W. Besley, W. M. Perry. 0. C. Whitney, Edwin Dritry. E. C. Carpenter. G. II. I'oote. C. A. Partridge. !•' n i s i:ty VIII REGIMENT, Madame General J. A. Mali l>y. ( !lara Smil h. I law kins. Dombski, Messrs. — James Bicks, II. W. Goding, A. Dickinson. K. A. Blodgett, Jerry Savage, I. Butterfield, W. (>. Fisher. M. S. Hill. M. II. Cleveland, T. .1. Sherk, F. W. Pierce, Henry Kern, Simon Spencer, T. Trevarthen, Jacob Nadig, I). W. Dimmick, I', G. Worth, II. I'. Barnum, T. Blackler, (i. II. Burnett, llenn Gage, C. E.Webb, \\ II. Busbev, Clarke. Kat ic J Castings, Moses Evans, W. L. Gayetty, J. C. Smith. Oscar Kellon, M. A. Bryant, (). E. Whitcomb, C. II. Tebbetts, M. B. Blunt, S. C. Gault, Wm. Marble, ( 'has. Hawkins, W. II. Khlcrs. F. \\. Byers, R. E. Stanley, Jerome Burnet I, .1. K. Pollock, Rev. William Gillies, S. L. Buser, .1. A. Mason, M. I'). ( rilmore, W. W. Dwyer, W. Vincent, •I. F. Olarkson, Hill. Rose A. Cook. II. IF Kohlsaat, Peter Davison. H. Dombski. C. T. Dickson, Joseph Savage, ( '. .Johnson, .1. Fisher, Henry Darby, IF S. Van Devort, M. M. Blunt. Arthur Cook, .1. McLaren, J. A. Robinson, James Murrie, IF Weatb.er.by, C. W. Earle, ' .1. H. Beasley, C. G. Futtman, John King, Smith 1). Atkins, M. F. (ioding, W. S. Stevens, W. IF Fewin. A new flag of i he regiment fluttered from the porch of General Smith/fl house. It bore the names of the battles in which the regiment took part — Chickamauga, Lookoul Mountain, Rocky Face Ridge, Res- aca, Peach Tree Creek, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain. Jones- boro, Lovejoj Station, Franklin, Atlanta and Nashville. General and Mi- Smith began to welcome the .--nests at six o'clock, and they led them over to the corner where the modes! old soldier. Colonel Hicks. vvafi awaitinc t hem. ILLINOIS IM'AXTKY VOLUNTEERS. lo BACK TO THE FRONT IN MEMORY. "Field and staff to form and proceed to draw rations,'* called the General. The procession went upstairs to the attic, where a surprise was in store for the veterans. They had been gazing on the old reg- imental colors downstairs, and had wandered under the stars and stripes, which were hung all over the house. But in the attic the\ found General Smith's tent, which he used as his headquarters during the war. rigged up, and containing a soap box as a desk. By the side of the tent was a stack of rifles. " Fall in line." commanded the General, "and prepare to receive hardtack. It may he warm here, but it isn't as hot as it was at Peach Tree ( 'reek. - ' Then the veterans were served on tin plates with bacon and beans and biscuits, washed down with sugarless black coffee. Some of the old hoys sat down on the floor as they used to do when hardtack was served during the war. They told the old stories, recognized each other again, and remembered how one man had been shot while raising his coffee to his lips, another while bending over the fire. The orches- tra downstairs played national airs, and some of the boys felt like sing- ing and they did sing. Then there were speeches full of well-earned compliments for Colonel Micks and General Smith. The latter was telling a group of friends that the Colonel was one of the bravest in the regiment, and was always careful of his men, sparing them on the march and attent ive to them in camp. •• (hie of the maii\ incidents which bound me more closely to Col- onel Hicks." said the General, "occurred at Cleveland, Tenn., during the winter of 1863-4. Me had obtained leave of absence, but when 1 told him we were aboul to break camp and march to Blue Springs he refused to take his leave, and went through a week's campaign with me in sleet and snow, with constant skirmishing, and bloody fighting at Tunnel Mill and Dalton. Colonel Micks commanded his regiment through nearly all the Atlanta campaign and in those memorable clos- ing scenes of the war. Me was twice breveted for gallantry and faith- ful services/' ■ And while General Smith talked like this, others were equally loud in their praise of the Colonel. The host did not intend to send his -nests away with only a taste of hardtack. An elegant supper was provided, and after the last course it was time for the veterans and their wives to retreat homeward. — The Cliicaijo Herald. 1 I MNi: TV -SIXTH REGIMENT, OLD SOLDIERS MEET. KIM NhiN HI \ ETERANS AT THE HOME OF GENERAL JOHN C. SMITH TALKED OVER WAR SCENES — HARDTACK, SOW-BELLY AND CAMP COFFEE ADJUNCTS — COMRADES AT THE BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK WEL- COMED BY THEIR COMMANDER. '• No sound was heard of clashing wars, Peace brooded o'er the hushed domain." The spirit of patriotism flamed in the hearts of the grizzled veter- ans who met and exchanged war memories at the beautiful home of General and Mrs. John C. Smith, Xo. 65 Sibley street, between the hours of 6 and 1<> o'clock last evening. Those who fought and re- ceived scars in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, Nashville and other memorable engagements, once more had the opportunity to clasp hands with their immediate comrades and revive thrilling stories of how fields were lost and won. Mingling with the battle-scarred heroes and listening to their tales of carnage were Eresh, young, quick-stepping, bright-eyed Sons of Vet- erans, handsome in bright new uniforms, and throbbing with love of country. Many of the old soldiers were accompanied by their wives and daughters. 5Testerday was the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. and the even! Ias1 evening was a reception given by General and Mrs. Smith to survivors of the old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois In- fantry Volunteers, which took part in that historic engagement. Feeling thai the timfe must soon conic when the last veteran will be required to answer the last roll call, General Smith's design in giv- ing this reception, which partook largely of the nature of a reunion, was thai the comrades of his old command, who stood shoulder to shoulder in defense of the starry flag some thirty years ago, might have one more opportunity to enjoy one another's society before their ranks shall have been still further decimated. Here are the names of some of the old warriors and other guests who Btrolled through the house and grounds during the evening: ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. L5 ROSTER OF VETERANS AND FRIENDS. General John E. Smith, General A. L. Chetlain, General 0. S. Bentley, Ibrahim Hakky Bey, Ahmed Fahri Bey, Abdul Rahman. IT. W. Lake, Dr. Fred. W. Byers, Major J. K. Pollock, Hon. Chas. A. Partridge, John W. Beasley, H. P. Barnaul. James Murrie, Myron B. Gilmore, II. Dombski, Captain J. H. Collier, H. A. Webb, Judge Kohlsaat, W. II. Busbey, ('. II. Tebbetts, John McLaren. 0. E. Whitcomb. Dr. Charles W. Earle, Captain A. Z. Blodgett, J ml. A. Mason, Thomas Blackler, W. W. Dwyer, R. 8. Thain, Captain George H. Burnett, Hiram Weatherly, Dr. Moses Evans, Captain C. B. Funk. George E. Douet, E. Haughton Sanguinetti, Dr. I. Prince, Rev. William Gillies, Captain William Vincent, Matt M. Brunei 1 , Captain George W. Pepoon. General Charles Waite, General Smith D. Atkins, II. W. (i. Hiding, Major E. A. Blodgett, Henry H- Gage, James I >onahue, John E. Clarkson, Captain W. F. Taylor, James W. Scott, Judge James B. Brad well, Il.ai. DeWiti C. Cregier, J. I). C. W hitneys Dr. W. S. Stevens. M. TJmbdenstock, Professor .). Gelert. John King. WELCOME TO OLD COMRADES. The receiving party was composed of General and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton, of Jamaica. West Indies: Colonel George Hicks, of Jamaica; Miss Gertie K. Wood, of Newport, Ky.. and Miss Ruth A. Smith. Avery happy circumstance in connection with the reunion was the presence" of Colonel George Hicks, formerly of Galena, but now a resident of the West Indies, who is well known and highly honored as an officer and comrade of the old Ninety-sixth Illinois. General Smith was particularly desirous that many surviving comrades should L6 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, be "ii hand and meet and welcome Colonel Hicks, one whom they all love and honor. All the survivors of the old command remember very well how Colonel Hicks shared with them the hardships of the march and the dangers of the battlefield. The veterans, with their ladies and other invited guests, began to arrive at ''• o'clock, and soon afterward the house was aglow with light and color. In every room and hall there were sounds of merriment. and many of the company wandered out in the surrounding grounds and into Vernon Park, which is in front of the General's home, and talked over old times in the moonlight. Over the front door hung a large silk Hag. containing upon its proud stripes the names of some of the hardest fought battles in which the regiment participated. Inside the decorations were more elaborate. The main staircase, the parlors and other parts of the house were beautifully draped with Hags and bunting, while rare cnt flowers were scattered about in great profusion. The old. torn battle flags of the Ninety-sixth Illinois and various interesting war relics were displayed. In the library a big book was provided, and on a clean page of the same every survivor present was required to register his name. SERVED WAK RATIONS. A feature of the reception which contributed vastly to the enjoy- ment of old and young alike was the serving of war rations. Immedi- ately upon the arrival of guests they were escorted to a large room at the top of the house, where navy beans, " sow-belly" and black coffee and •" hardtacK " were handed out in true camp style. The coffee was served in tin cups, and the beans, bacon and •'hardtack''' on tin plates. Nothing could have been ottered that would have pleased the old soldiers and their friends more. Every one was regaled with this camp-life tare. Then there was music b> an orchestra which studied the peculiar tastes of old heroes. Old-time music, such as "The Flowers of Edin- burgh," •■ Logan Water." " Annie Laurie/' " The White Cockade." ••The Bould Soldier Boy," "Come, Easte to the Wedding," "John Brown," " Ifalh Round the Flag, Boys," and " Easy Still," was heard. Once in awhile the hand thrilled the hearts of the listeners with the music of "The Girl I Lefl Behind Me." Then the programme was varied with such tunes as "The Darkey's Dream," and "Maggie Nolan's Ball." Occasionally the strains of "Hail Columbia" and "The-Star Spangled Banner" were heard. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 17 Shortly after 9 o'clock modern refreshments were served in the dining room. The tables were handsomely decorated with (lowers and small flags. Immediately afterward the informal programme of the evening was carried out. This consisted of shorl speeches by General Smith, the host. General Smith D. Atkins, of Freeport, 111., .lames W. Scott. Judge 11. II. Kohlsaat and Rev. William Gillies, of Jamaica. These gentlemen all gave interesting war reminiscences, and talked of the delights of the reunions of old comrades, and praised the World's Fair, which was the indirect means of bringing many old friends and comrades of war times together. About 125 survivors of the Ninety-sixth Illinois were present, and they came from all over the country : from the east as far as Vermont, from the west as far as Oregon, from the south as far as Louisiana, and from the north as far as the Dakotas. Soon after 10 o'clock "retreat" was sounded, and, as the invitations said, "lights out — when you get home." Colonel George Hicks, whose presence made the reception doubly enjoyable, is well known as a former citizen of Galena, the home of Generals Grant, John A. Rawlins, John E. Smith, A. L. Chetlain, Jasper A. Maltby, William R. Rowley, John C. Duer. John G. Smith and others greatly distinguished in the war. He was born in Massa- chusetts, but reared in Illinois. Before the war he was superintend- ent of schools in Jo Daviess county. Soon after the war he went to Jamaica, where he was appointed inspector of schools in the depart- ment of education, a position which he still holds. He is prominent in all educational affairs, and while in Chicago will take part in the world's congresses on education which are going on in the Art Palace on the lake front. COLONEL HICKS AND THE NINETY-SIXTH. The Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Infantry, was recruited in Jo Daviess and Lake counties, and marched away to the war in 1862, fully 1,000 strong. The late Thomas E. Champion was its Colonel, and General John C. Smith and Colonel George I licks were at that time captains in the organization. The regiment was not mustered out of service until 180.'), after the surrender at Appomattox. All the survivors remember that it was given a hearty reception in Chicago on its return from the battlefields on which it had won many honors and left many of its comrades. The Ninety-sixth Illinois was in many notable engagement's. The ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 19 first great battle in which it took part was that of Chickamauga, where it fought under the command of the late General James B. Steedman, of Toledo. Ohio. At Chickamauga it met with great loss. Among the killed was Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke, of Lake county. It was in the memorable battle of Lookout Mountain and in several important engagements of the Atlanta campaign. In the battle of Kenesaw Mountain both Colonel Champion and General Smith were severely wounded. Afterward the brave Ninety-sixth participated in the bat- tles of Franklin and Nashville. In short, the regiment has a history that is filled with heroic deeds. Since the war the survivors have enjoyed several happy reunions. In L875 a general reunion was held at Waukegan. In L886 there was also a general reunion at Galena. Four years ago. on the eve of his departure to the West Indies for his health. General Smith gave a notable reception, which almost amounted to a reunion, to his old comrades at his residence. Many distinguished soldiers were present at these former reunions who have since taken their place on " Fame's eternal camping ground." — TJie Daily Inter Ocean. Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith. »',,"> Sibley street, hold a reception this evening from G till Id o'clock in honor of Col. George Hicks, of Jamaica. West Indies. All the surviving members of the colonel's old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Infantry, have been invited from all over the United States, and about three hundred acceptances were received. The receiving party contains : Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton and Col. George Hicks, of Jamaica; Miss Mood, of Newport; Miss Ruth A. Smith. The balls and parlors are elaborately trimmed with the Hags of all nations, and Johnson will tivv\e in the dining-room, where the national colors will be used. From 7 till 8 o'clock the old soldiers will be en- tertained in the ball room, on the top floor, which has been fitted up as much as possible like a camp. In the east end is a tent containing army boxes, cots and stools, and the walls and columns are draped with flags and bunting. Guns are stacked by the door and army blankets spread over the cots. In one corner black coffee, bacon, beans and hardtack will be served from tin plates and cups. Among the 600 guests invited are : Mi NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, Ex-Presidenl Harrison, Gens. 0. <>. Howard, \V. S. Rosecrans, A. Baird, John E. Smith. John C. Black, Nathan Kimball, A. L. Chetlain, Ex-Gov. U. J. Oglesby, Gov. John C. Beveridge. Capts. W. !■'. Taylor, II. P. Barnum, William Vincent, Henry H. Gage, J. H. Col- lier. Messrs. .lames Donohue, John E. Clarkson, II. II. Kohlsaat, James W. Scott, William II. Busbey, Charles G. Luttman. Drs. Charles \\ . Earle, Moses Evans, Prof. J. Gelert. — Chicago Daily News. GEN. JOHN ('. SMITH AND HIS OLD REGIMENT. A large reception was given by Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith, 65 Sibley street, Thursday evening, in honor of Col. George Hicks, of Jamaica, West Indies. Guests were there from all parts of the United States, for all the surviving members of the General's old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Infantry, were invited to meet again those who shared with him the pleasures of the camp and dangers of the battlefield. In the receiving party were Gen. and Mrs. J. C, Smith, Miss Wood, of Newport, Ky. ; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oughton, of Kingston, Jamaica : Miss Ruth A. Smith, and Col. George Hicks. The flags of all nations decorated the rooms, the receiving party standing under a canopy made of American flags. A familiar sight to the old warriors was a tent fitted up with the camp paraphernalia used by Ceo. Smith during the war. in which army fare was served from army service of tin cup and plates. In the dining room where refreshments were served the decorations were all in red, white and blue, and an orchestra screened by stars and stripes played patriotic air-. Among the invited guests were : * * V * * * * * * * * * A large portion of the evening was devoted to personal reminis- cences of members of the regiment. These gatherings are pleasing in their character and tend to make the hearts of the young men and women of (an' land burn with patriotism. Soon the men who fought the battles for the preservation of the Onion will pass away and then such gatherings will be impossible. General and ex-Lieutenant Gov- ernor Smith is one of the most popular men in the State and just ly 30. He has been State Treasurer, Lieutenant Governor, Grand Mas- ter of Masons, Grand Commander of Knights Templar, at the head of the Order of Odd Fellows; is a 33d degree Mason, and Deputy for ILLINOIS IXFAXTRY VOLUNTEERS. 21 Illinois of the Supreme Council, 33d degree. Not a day of his lift- pusses but that he suffers severely from the effects of wounds and malaria received in the service under Generals Grant and Sherman in the greal battles preparatory to the march to the sea. General Smith would not be with us to-day were it not for Mrs. Smith, the mother of the regiment, who, by her excellent care and nursing, when wounded and thought to be about to die, brought him back to life. Mrs. Smith and the General take great delight in entertaining not only the veterans, but all their friends, and their name is legion. — ( Tiicago Legal News. On roll-call the following were found present for duty : Field and Staff. Gen. John C. Smith and wife Chicago. / Col. George Hicks , Kingston Jamaica, W. I. Adjutant Edward A. Blodgett and wife Chicago. Ass't Surgeon Moses Evans Evanston, III. Ass't Surgeon Frederick W. Byers Monroe, Wis. Sergt. Major Charles A. Partridge and wife. . .Waukegan, 111. Quartermaster-Serg't Benj. F. Shepard Gurnee, 111. Commissarv-Scrg't .Morris S. Hill and daughter. Wauconda, 111. Principal Musician Hiram Weatherley Oregon. Fife-Major A. R. Douglass Gurnee, 111. •*A" Company. Capt. William Vincent Galena, 111. Samuel C. Gault Lanark, 111. Wm. L. Gayetty Savanna, 111. Benjamin F. Fox Fort Dodge, la. "B" Company. ( a | it. George H. Burnett Waukegan. 111. Lieut. Geo. Wait and wife Volo, 111. Sergt. Arthur Cook Wauconda. 111. Corp. Orville P. Barron Gray's Lake, 111. Corp. Major II. Cleveland Garnett, Kan. NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, Corp. Jerome Bnrneti and wife Antioch, III. Corp. Warren E. Powers and wife Wauconda, 111. Dighton Granger and daughter Yolo. 111. W hitman <>. Fisher and daughter Hainesville. 111. Thomas E. Wells and wife Vermont. u '"• Garble Wauconda, 111. .ranies A. Beck and wife Gurnee 111. Isaac Butterfield and wife Waukegan, 111. Elijah ('. Carpenter and wife Elgin, 111. Henry Dombski and daughter Gray's Lake, 111. George E. Sendee Gray's Lake! 111. M.\ ron A. Bryant Waukegan, 111. Oscar E. Whitcomb Chicago. Jonn T « Morrill and wife Gray's Lake, 111. John H. Cruver Chicago. M v,un Gilmore Great Bend, Kan. William .1. Fuller Libertvville, 111. James E - Milord Chicago. a n > C " Company. Capt. John K. Pollock Millburn. Ill Lieut - ( Carles W. Earle Chicago/ Sergt. Edward Murray and wife Waukegan, 111. Sergt. James Rfurrie Millburn, 111. Sergt. Lewis II. Bryant Ivanhoe, 111. Corp. Samuel Clark and daughter Harrington, 111. Gor P- 0scar Kect <>r Kenosha, Wis. Cor P- Wm - B. Benin Russell, 111. Cor P- Henry P. Barnum Waukegan. HI. Wim&m "■ E Wers Nebraska. n " n, ' v Kern Libertyville, 111. Joseph ( !. Whitney and wife Lak e Zurich. Ill ' ,rm Sava S e Antioch, 111, Jo8e P h Sava S e Antioch, 111. ° harle8 K Webb Waukegan, 111. • ,nll,! W - Me 3 ; ""l ^ife Waukegan, HI. [raCri °° Evanston, 111. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 23 " I) " Company. ( !apt. Asiel X. Blodgett and wife Waukegan, 111. Capt. Walter W. Hastings, wife and daughter, Dixon, 111. Capt. .John H. Collier and wife Gibson, 111. Lieut. Jerry II. Linklater and wife Chicago. Corp. I. M. Douglas and wife Lake Villa, 111. ( or].. Fred. G. Worth Wadsworth, 111. ( !orp. Henry A. Webb and wife Aurora, 111. Jacob Van Patten and wife Antioch. 111. Robert E. Stanley Nippersink, Lakeco.,111. Richard S. Thain and wife Oak Park, 111. < has. S. Hawkins and daughter Avon, 111. ( 'has. J. Neal and wife Random Lake, Wis. Chas. T. Dickinson and daughter Chicago. ( 'has. E. Webb Chicago. Adrian P. I >ouglas Lake Villa, 111. II. .1. King....' Gibson, 111. ( 'has. Spaulding Waukegan, III. .lohn E. Clarkson Chicago, 111. Martin M. Blunt Marena, Kan. •• E " ( Iompany. ( 'apt. William F. Taylor and wife Chicago. Sergt. Royal J. < iooper Nora, 111. Sergt. Daniel W. Dimmick Apple River. 111. Corp. .lohn Grabham and wife Twin Falls, Kan. ( reo. Teal and wife Lamoni, Iowa. Hiram X. Perry and wife Wiota, Wis. ■■ K '* Company. Lieut. Franklin W.Pierce Elizabeth, 111. Sergt. ('has. G. Luttman Neenah, Wis. ( !orp. Simeon Spencer Council Hill, 111. Corp. Thomas Trevarthan Council Hill, 111. ( !orp. -lohn A. Robison Savanna, 111. Edward Hancock and wife. Harvard, 111. '• (i ** ( lOMPANY. ('apt. Benj. G. Blowney Waukegan, 111. ■.'I NINETY-SIXTB REGIMENT, Sergt. ( lias. J. Miller Waukegan, III. Corp. Henry 11. Gage and wife Chicago. < lorp. JudsoD A. Mason Prairie View, 111. .lames I tonahue Chicago. Benry I >arl>\ Libertyville. III. t leorge 1 1. Foote and wife Elgin, 111. I'M win Drurv and wife Wilmette, 111. Thomas \V. I >wyer Waukegan, 111. Joseph Palmer Waukegan, 111. Xiilmin Lamb Gurnee, 111. Daniel II. Gail ami wii'e Chicago. Albert A. Burge ami wife Fredonia, Kan. Thomas Blackler and wife So. Evanston. 111. John Triggs and wife Chicago, HI. •ay Wabasha, Minn. •• C " Company. M. Umbdenstock Chicago. Watson Markley Minneapolis, Kan. Amelious Ames Waukegan, 111. Henry Sneesby Villard, Minn. John White, Sr Rosecrans, 111. " D" Company. .1. C Whitney Lake Zurich, 111. •• E " Company. Sergt. \\. T. Adams Chapin, Iowa. Sergt. Calvin Frisby Dixon, 111. Royal .1. Cooper Nora, 111. • I. B. Going Akron. Mich. •• I'' " COMPA n Y. S. A. Guild ' Yankee Hollow. I Win. II. Sidner Omaha, Neb. Wm. Barr Liberty. Neb. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 27 l nit E. Kilpatrick Hanover, 111. Thos. L. McNeil West Lincoln, Neb. "K " Company Sergt. C. C. Cowen St. Louis, Mo. .1. L. Taylor Masonville, Iowa. A. Mc( lelland Onaga, Kan. Harmon S. Dean Ironton, Wis. N. B. Claypool Hampton, la. The roll call ended, and with the music sounding an advance, the comrades, their wives, daughters and guests, with General and Airs. Smith at the head of the column, proceeded to the large hall up stairs, where army rations were served and enjoyed by every one present. Returning to the drawing-rooms a dress parade was held, hut it was a marching one through the spacious halls and parlors, the columns passing in review that the comrades and their families might see each other. One of the most delightful features of the evening was an exhibition of the "facings" and '-manual of arms" by the thirty men — Sons of Veterans — of General John C. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTKEIJS. 29 Smith Camp, No. 138, Sons of Veterans, who, young and boyish as they were, averaged an older age than the veterans of the Ninety-sixth Regiment did thirty years ago. The exhibition drill ended, General Smith addressed his old soldiers as follows : Ladies, Comrades and Friends: Mis. Smith, whom yon "boys" affectionately call the "mother of the Regiment/' and myself, take great pleasure in welcoming you to our home, as much so as your old commander did on all occasions to his " headquarters " when in the field. We are pleased to have you and your loved ones, and all these good friends, around us. to partake of our hospitalities and enjoy the society of each other. The good Lord lias blessed us with a fair degree of prosperity, the enjoyment of which is increased tenfold by the good we can do with it and the happiness it enables us to impart to others. Of all the friends we delight to have with us, and they are many, we have no occasion like this when the '•hoys" with whom so many years were spent, in the military service of our country are about us and are our guests. Your presence recalls the tedious marches, the weary bivouacs and the nightly vigils. As we look upon you we are reminded of the incidents of camp, the fording of Stone River and the zip of the minnie ball upon the skirmish line. As we look into your bronzed laces and note how silvered the hair and heard, Ave realize how deeply engraven upon our heart are the memories of your faithful services to your country, and how strong is your love for your old offi- cers ami comrades. In our brain is treasured the record of your bravery upon a score of well-contested fields, your devotion to country and your heroic defense of its Hag. On no other battleflags, in no other country, and no other age are recorded greater achievements than were yours upon the battlefields of your country during its great struggle for the preservation of the Union. The glories of the cam- paign through Kentucky, the Tullahoma campaign, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain. Mission Eidge, Kesaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Franklin and Nashville, are yours. In the ever-memorable Atlanta campaign, you were under fire of musketry or artillery, and 30 fflNETY-SIXTB REGIMENT, mostly both, for 120 days, beginning with Tunnel Hill, May 5. 1804, and ending at Jonesboro, September 2, L864. For distances marched. rapidity of movement and battles fought, that campaign will challenge the attention of all military students for ages yet to come. What a march was that from Jonesboro, Georgia, 400 miles back to Nashville, Tennessee, much of the way before a superior force of the enemy. How vividly it recalls the crossing of the Harpeth after the desperate battle of Franklin and the decisive battle of Nashville, where Hood's army went down in an irretrievable defeat. But what fighters those old Confederates were! Those fellows we called " Kebs." and well they might be. for they were Anglo-Saxons like our- selves. They were our enemies then, but our brothers now ; and much as we may love them individually., we must ever look upon their cause as an unholy one. and ever maintain that the cause of the Union was the right. It was the cause of freedom, of humanity, and the hope of the world. The preservation of this Union is what you fought for. what your comrades laid down their lives for, and what we trust our children and our children's children will ever be as ready to do as were the brave boys in blue in the terrible ordeal through which we passed in the great war of the Rebellion. How well we recall the time so vividly described by our own genial poet, Benjamin F. Taylor — " When the rattling roll of the musketeers. And the ruffled drums, and the rallying cheers, And the rifles burn with a keen desire, Like the crackling whips of the hemlock fire, And the singing shot and the shrieking shell, And the splintered fire of the shattered hell, And the great white breaths of the cannon-smoke, As the growling guns by batteries spoke, In syllables dropped from the thunder of God — The throb of the cloud where the drummer-boy trod ! And the ragged gaps in the walls of blue Where the iron surge rolled heavily through, That the Colonel builds up with a breath again, As he cleaves the din with his " close up, men! " And the groan torn out from the blackened lips, And the prayer doled slow with the crimson drips, Ami the beamy leek in the dying eye, As under the clouds the stars go by! Bui his soul marched on, the Captain said, For the Boy in Blue can never be dead!" ILLINOIS IXI-'ANTKY VOLUNTEERS. 31 Those scenes are passed, and you who have been spared, surrounded by your families, may now enjoy the fruits of your own and your com- rades' bravery in this land of peace, prosperity and universal liberty. Every one of you deserve to be happy now and hereafter. I would to God all our brave comrades had been permitted to see this day, and enjoy with us the happiness of this evening. But that could not be. Some sacrifice had to he made, and their lives was the price paid for the preservation of this glorious Union. In a work entitled " Regi- mental Losses in the American Civil War. 1861-5," by Col. Win. F. Fox. I'. S. V .. your own regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois, is placed among the fifty regiments which sustained the heaviest losses in an engagement, and that was at Chickamauga, where, in a command of 400. the loss was .">i; pel' cent., and of those 'ill were killed, a record any soldier may he proud of. and well may he exclaim — " Gi\«' me t he death of those Who for their country die; And "h! be mine like their repose When cold and low they lie! Their loveliest mother earth Enshrines the fallen brave, In her sweet lap who gave them birth, They find their tranquil grave." THE BIVOUAC OF THE I> f : A 0. Since our hist gathering on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the battle of Nashville, December 16, 1889, in these same rooms, informa- tion has reached me of the death of the following named comrades not before reported: " The ili-mii- are allmuffled, the bugles are still: There's a pause in the valley, a halt on the hill: And bearer- of standards swerve back with a thrill Where shreves of the dead bar the way; For a great field is reaped. Heaven's garners to fill: And stern Death holds his harvest to-day." Lieut. Addison B. Partridge, "C" Co., Chicago, May 11, 1886. Lieut. George Ferguson, "H" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, February 26, 1890. Corporal John C. Simmons, "K" Co.. AVisconsin, July, 1889. 32 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, Corporal Win. J. Virtue. "A" Co., Jo Daviess county, March 10, L890. Christian Eiousch, private, "A " Co., Galena, 1890. John II. Holden, "A " Co., San Francisco. Cal., July 14, 1891. Sergeant John McGill, "G" Co., Novi, Michigan, April 21, 1891. Sergeant Martin Efinger, '' C '' Co., Lake county, Illinois, 1892. Orrin Howe, private, "JO" Co., Chicago, February 3, 1893. Sergeant Charles Ellis, "D" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, May 6, L890. W. W. Chamberlain, "&" Co., Waukegan, Illinois, March 28, 1893. Joseph A. Roth, private, " D" Co., Osage, Iowa, March 29, 1893. Isaac P. Noggle. private, "E" Co., Bristow, Iowa, October 17, L889. Corporal Wm. Hill, " E " Co., Apple River, Illinois, January, 1891. Corporal Abaslom Power, '"E" Co., Apple River, Illinois, Sep- tember 27, 1893 (as we go to press). Corporal John Stahl, "I?" Co., Apple River, Illinois, June 17, L890. Charles N. Hammond, private, "F" Co., Jackson, Tennessee, October 10, 1891. Wm. S. Nash, private, "F"Co., Stockton, Illinois, 1892. John Fritz, private, "P" Co., Galena, Illinois, 1893. George M. Farnsworth, private, "G" Co., Chicago, May 15, 1893. John Harrington, private, "G" Co., Indiana, date unknown. There is something more, my comrades, in the present order of assembly at our headquarters than the reminder that this is the i went \ -ninth anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, much as we may desire to recall that memorable event. It is that you should be here in force to welcome that brave soldier, that gallant comrade, Colonel George Hicks, who led you so often and so successfully in the great hat tics of that glorious campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, the closing battles of which at Franklin and Nashville, made fruitful the ever memorable " March to the Sea." The dear Colonel, " Old George Hicks," as (ieii. Kimball delights to call him, is here all the wav from the West Indies to greet von and ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. enjoy the occasion with you. I know that you will give him a royal and soldierly welcome, after which I will read you a few letters from ymir old Commanders and many of your comrades who are pre- vented from being present. Col. Hicks was here lifted upon the shoulders of the " old boys," and stood upon a table, while the drawing- rooms and library of the ( reneral's house rang with the cheers of the soldiers and the guests. When the applause had somewhat sub- sided. Col. Hicks addressed his comrades and friends as follows : f i -^ ' ■ ■ : i ■H$*m. *" i K ( OLONEL fEORGE IIKK Comeades we Feiends: I am delighted to meet yon here. I am more than delighted to meet so many who still survive of the boys of the Ninety-sixth — to meet so many who were my comrades in the great war. To me, having my home in a far-off land, this is :i rare privilege, and 1 prize it most highly. 1 know not how to express my sense of indebtedness for this great pleasure to our honored host and hostess — to our old comrade. Gen. Smith, and to Mrs. Smith, wdio adopts all the boys of the Ninety-sixth as her sons. Large of heart to conceive, skillful of mind to plan, liberal of hand to execute, they have done what they have been in the habit of doing ever since '65, when, with open house and heart, they welcomed to their home in Galena the boys returning from the war. And I do not forget, and 1 congratulate them upon having their very efficient stall, their able corps of assistants — a patriotic daughter and three patriotic sons — who have been eager to aid in extending a wel- come to their father's comrades. In the note of invitation for this reunion, General Smith has very kindly made special mention of my name, for which I feel highly hon- ored. But I lay no special claim to the crest or seal — the chicken courant — which adorns and attests the genuineness of the invitation. ::i ninety-sixth regimekt, The boys in the ranks would dispute any such claim if it were made. This chicken belongs to that era which includes the earlier experiences of the Ninety-sixth, before the ways of the " boys in blue" had become widely known, and when chickens of southern lineage still supposed there was a possibility of escaping the long reach of the long-armed men from the Prairie State. This crest reminds me of the French king who, after a good din- ner, feeling very comfortable and charitable, wished that every man in his kingdom had a chicken in his pot. There were times when it seemed to me you were inspired with a similar wish, and, to the extent of your powers, were endeavoring to realize it. But there were times, which you will be able to recall, when the chicken, either cour- ant or potted, was seen only in dreams, as when, for instance, your rations for a day consisted of one ear of corn, and when some of you made yourselves liable to military discipline for taking a few grains of corn from the starving mules. And when your Colonel, the lamented Champion, and your Lieutenant-Colonel, our host to-night, were brought back wounded to the field hospital tent, they were compelled to endure much, to wait long, and then to travel far before they came within smelling distance of the savory chicken simmering in the pot. That terrible night, when you fought the enemy in the dark, and lost, for many weeks, the gallant leadership of your chief officers, found me ingloriously lying in the field hospital, where our regimental surgeon had ordered me. He said I was ill; that I must go into the hospital and have medicine and change of diet. It was a wonderful change of diet. Army pancakes and melted sugar for breakfast, field-hospital pancakes and liquified sugar for dinner, soldier pancakes and sugar treacle for supper. In the early morning I concluded the diet had done its appointed work, and went forward to the trenches, where, in the excitement of dodging, with you, the rebel shells, my illness quite abandoned me. The events of that night, leaving me in command of the regiment for the greater part of the Atlanta campaign, brought me into closer touch with you and bound me with closer ties of attachment to theofti- cers and men of the Ninety-sixth. How that long campaign dragged on ur.iiil\ . gn ing us no rest, never out of the sound of cannon and burst- ing shell, hardly ever out of the reach of the whizzing bullet speeding on its evil mission, now wounding comrades on picket, now striking l'.-ii;ill\ ,-i sergeant in his tenl behind the breastworks. But that cam- ILLINOIS IX FAN TRY VOLUNTEERS. 35 paign, with all the eventful campaigns of the great war, has long ago passed into history. Looking back over the long interval, we can see how difficult was the achievement of the task the armies of the Union had undertaken. Looking about us. we can see how great are the results which must be attributed to the successful achievement of that task. We Avere fight- ing, and were consciously fighting, the battles of humanity, and humanity has shared in the benefits of our victory. Because of our victory England is a different and a better England, and France, Ger- many, Italy, the nations of Europe, are more liberal, more willing to- acknowledge the rights and care for the interests of the great mass of the common people, and less exclusively devoted to the interests of the favored few. Every soldier of the Union who sees the progress the nation has made and the position it now is accorded among the great nations of the earth must feel a glow of pride when he remembers that it is owing to what he and his fellow soldiers braved and endured and achieved;. that this nation is not broken into disjointed and uninfluential frag- ments. The South itself, which used to bewail its "lost cause." is seeing and is beginning to acknowledge that that was a cause the loss of which was an infinite gain to the losers. When you visit the great World's Fair — the marvel of the century — remember that you and your fellow-soldiers, by your victory, made this marvel a possibility. Chicago would not be the wonder she is,. nor would she have dreamed of that which, to the surprise and admira- tion of the world, she has accomplished, had the soldiers of the Union faltered and failed. [At this point a company of young volunteers entered the parlors, and the speaker paused for a few moments, until they had stacked arms. After complimenting them upon their soldierly bearing, and calling for three cheers for them, which were heartily given, the speaker resumed.] Much has changed since our soldier days. The fierce animosities that characterized the beginning of the war, which were modified by long campaigning, and then revived and intensified by the tragic death of Lincoln, have now disappeared. We can judge our antago- nists more kindly and more justly. I learn there is to be, ere long, a fraternization of soldiers of the opposing armies. If I were to be here I should quite readily take part in it, for there is enough in com- 36 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, nioii — enough for which I can respect them — to warrant fraternal greeting. With them there was no lack of manhood. They were foemen worthy of our steel. If we ever doubted it, we had good reason to change our opinion before many battles were fought. Without manly courage on their part the war would not have reached its unprece- dentedly vast proportions. As men, sharing the qualities of true man- hood, they stand on a level not low r er than we. There is also this in common — a sense of justification in the course we severally took. I think at the outset a very large proportion of the South did not feel that the initial steps of secession were justified. hut they did feel that coercion should be resisted, and that w r as their justification for their part in the wars. Gladly recognizing their manhood, and readily granting their con- scientiousness, I see no reason why you should not stand with them when they stand beneath the old flag and pledge loyalty to it. But never allow your lips to say — never permit any one to teach your children to say — that the "lost cause," and the cause you periled your life for, were equally meritorious, and that it was a matter of indifference which triumphed. Your antagonists were blinded and did not see ; you lived in the light and you did see, and all the nations now see. that principles of eternal right were at stake, and that the welfare of humanity was involved in the issue. Never ignore that ; never belittle that. In some compilations of history which I have recently seen, this is ignored and is belittled. But I care not. Let their book-compilers eliminate what they will, and treat as indifferent that which is vital ; the truth will not be covered up. The people must read the life of Lincoln; they must read the life of Grant; and those lives cannot possibly be told without revealing how holy and right was the cause which they, under God, made triumphant. My comrades, I am glad to meet you, and to take you again by the hand, to recall our soldier experiences, to rejoice with you in all the great results of the great war and in all the joys that time has brought to you, and to join with you in honoring the memory, dear and tender ami precious, of those who shared in our perils but did not live to share in our rejoicings. And I am glad to meet these young volunteers — bright-eyed, vig- orous, manly — -whose soldierly bearing is assurance that those who have long laid aside the weapons of war need not fear that there will ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 37 not be a generation to wield those weapons effectively if ever need shall be. My comrades of the war, I notice that time is leaving some traces of his presence upon you externally — upon your outer fortifications; hut do not let him act inside the fort, and touch with benumbing hand your hope and your faith. Do not entertain the thought that the younger men will he less loyal, less faithful, less worthy of their heritage as citizens than yourselves. One of the great pleasures of my visit to my old home. Illinois, is the meeting with those who were the hoys that cheered us as we went forth soldier volunteers for the war. I meet these hoys now, with the reins of state in their hands, driving confidently and safely ; I find them on the bench, at the bar, wielding the might v powers of the press, in all positions of honor and trust and power, and honored in all and by all : and my faith in the t'nt lire of this great nation is deepened and strengthened. As in the past, so in the future, faithful and worthy sires will be succeeded by faithful and worthy sons. 1 am glad to greet here not only my comrades but also their wives, their sons, their daughters, their friends, and many personal friends, all making this reunion, at this memorable time, in this memorable city, all the more memorable to me. How glad I should be to meet you here again! Or. rather, that you should meet me in my island home. When you have tilled yourselves full of the wonders of the wonderful fair; when you have strained your eyes in measuring the heights of modern Chicago buildings, and have become wearied with the rush and whirl of this great metropolis, and would be glad to rest in some quiet, pleasant, beautiful nook. why. come to Jamaica. When you find your summers too hot. or your winters too cold, come and enjoy the ever- lasting .June and October climate of Jamaica. I hope you may not he driven thither by ill health ; hut if so, 1 hope you will find, as I have done, that a measure of health and strength can lie enjoyed there not possihle here. In that case, come and share my exile with me. For I feel at times very strongly that I am an exile, and have an nnde- scribable longing to take part again in the inspiring activities and strivings of American life. You will receive a hearty welcome if you come to Jamaica, and you will be delighted with it, as our host and hostess and their daugh- ter have been. It is a lovely little bit of the world, not so very far awav — easilv accessible— in daily touch with all the world, dominated 38 N I NKTY-SIXTH REGIMENT, iby English and American civilization, and beginning to feel the impulse of American enterprise. Conic and you will soon learn to saj with me, as our friends who so nobly entertain us here to-night, have learned to say : Isle of Jamaica. I love Jamaica! After peace had been declared, for cheer after cheer on the part of the " boys " greeted % ' < >ld < leorge Hicks," the dear Colonel and comrade, our first Brigade Commander, General Smith I). Atkins, was called for and introduced, when he, in his old-time and affectionate manner, ad- dressed them : Comrades : I desire to join with my old friend. Col. George Hicks, in return- ing thanks to General Smith, and his Adjutant General, Mrs. Smith, for an opportunity to meet so many of my old comrades of the days of the war. I was especially impressed with the patriotic sentiments expressed by Colonel Hicks, and remembering that he is now a "bloody Englishman, " it is all the more gratifying, demonstrating that while he has renounced his citizenship in America, and become a citizen of England, his heart goes back with pride to the patriotic days of the great war for the Union, in which he so gallantly served, and he is a better citizen of England to-day for having been so patriotic a citizen of the United States then. I heard him make just that same kind of a patriotic speech in the camp of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, near Wartrace, Tennessee, on the Fourth of duly, 1863. There are some of the Ninety-sixth boys here who Avill remem- ber that Fourth of July celebration. These reunions, where we old soldiers get together, call up so many memories of camp and cam- paign, almost forgotten until we are talking over the days of the war. Politics nor religion interferes in these soldiers gatherings. We did not know the politics of our comrades in the army. While we were camped together at Franklin, Tennessee, in the spring of 1863, the Eighty-fourth Indiana regimeui was serving in the same brigade with the Ninety-second and Ninety-sixth Illinois regiments, and a Captain Miller, of thai regiment, for some trilling petition he had signed, contrary to discipline and good order, was arrested for ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 39 mutiny. He was soon released from arrest, and rose to the com- mand of his regiment, and I had almost forgotten the occurrence until lie came into my office in Fret-port in 1885, and asked me if I remembered him. I told him I did not, but he said I ought to. for I was going to hang him once— and when he told me he was the Cap- tain Miller of the Eighty-fourth Indiana that was brigaded with us at Franklin, Tennessee. I did remember him. and I asked him what he was doing j n Freeport, and he told me he was a special agent of the Pension Bureau. " What/' said I. " you appointed by Grover Cleve- land ? *" " Ye-,'* he said. " And, of course, a Democrat?" I inquired. " Yes.'" he replied. "And a Democrat in the war, too?" And he answered "Of course, always a Democrat." And I told him that I wished 1 had known that during the war so I could have hanged him while 1 had a chance — but 1 did not know what his politics were in the army, and I did not care what they were either, and in these gal berings of old soldiers we lay our politics aside, and live over again in memory the days when we were soldiers together. I almost feel thai I am a member of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, so intimate were our relations during the early part of the war, and so warmly have I been welcomed at the reunions of the Ninety-sixth since the war. Whenever you are going to have a reunion, let me know, and I will be with you, and again thanking General and Mrs. Smith for the pleasure of this evening, I bid you good-night. The following soldierly poem, written by a friend of Genera] Smith, was recited in an admirable manner by Mrs. McCall, wife of Comrade Harry McCall, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry : '•THAT LITTLE BRONZE BUTTON."' " Many, indeed, are the treasures of earth, And we cling, oh how fondly we cling to them : Not for their beauty or intrinsic worth, But because of the pleasures we bring through them Ti > the heart bowed down with toil and strife - Whose ceaseless cares are our lot in life. Though all else may chill us These treasures they thrill us, They fire and fill us With sweet recollections of memorable days. 40 N I X ETY-Sl XTir REGIM E N'T, Dispelling our sorrows And anxious to-morrows To linger the while on those venerable days. But of all the treasures that mortals have known, The treasure immortal on which we dote, Is the little bronze button so modestly shown On the left lappel of the veteran's coat. Others may revel in jewels of gold And diamonds that sparkle like stars on high; Let them wear them, for they may be bought and sold, But the little bronze button they never can buy, 'Tis the veteran's own shield, With his life-blood sealed, Emblazoned with glory he won on the field. What mem'ries that little bronze button revives Of marches and battles and prisons and blood, Of comrades who nobly surrendered their lives As they charged to the front where the enemy stood. Never was graven a souvenir more rare Than the little bronze button the veterans wear. ' Tis the emblem of bravery Which crushed human slavery — Which tells of the men who went down to the grave To make us in truth What they sang in their youth, " The land of the free and the home of the brave." How sweet yet how sad, oh how precious they are, Those mem'ries no soldier can ever forget: How vivid they bring back the days of the war, The glories they shared and the dangers they met On picket at night In the field or the fight, For love of their country, their homes and the right. Oh, never was graven a token so rare As the little bronze button the veterans wear. This little bronze button, 'tis little 'tis true: It hasn't a value like bank-stocks or farms; It isn't a beauty on casual view; For the crowd it possesses no delicate charms; But the veteran's eye will sparkle and flash As it flashed 'mid the roar of the cannon's loud rattle When he sees that l>ronze button, for again the loud crash Is recalled as he heard it in the fury of battle; ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 41 For there's naught can inspire With sentiments higher Than the guerdon they won in the battle's fierce fire. Wear it, Brave Soldier, aye, long may you wear it. And long may your comrades who fought with you share it; And at last when you fall as your comrades have fallen A legacy grander than silver or gold Will remain for your children as they place the sad pall on The venerable form once erect and so bold — Now lifeless and cold. And the little bronze button you now so much cherish Will linger on ever though your body may perish; And each generation Of our great nation, (The nation you saved By the dangers you braved,) As they follow each other to ages remote, Will cherish the more The little bronze button you modesty wore On the left lappel of your vest or coat. " This tender and touching poem was written by Col. Matthew II. Peters, of Watseka, Illinois, under the nom de plume of " Lieut. Arthur Van Lisle, 74th O. V. I." and sent to General Smith during his severe illness eighteen months since, and we believe has never before appeared in the public press. We gladly give it to our comrades, who so earnestly appreciated its patriotic and soldierly sentiments, as evinced in their repeated applause during its recitation. The Rev. William Bailies, of Jamaica. West Indies, was introduced and made a brief but touching address, telling the comrades of the good work Col. Hicks was doing for the cause of education in his island home, and how well lie was loved by the people of that island. James W. Scott, editor of the Chicago Herald, a very dear and old friend of Col. Hicks, as he was of the entire regiment during the war, was here lifted upon a table and made a talk to the boys. Mr. Scott said that an 4-.' NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, editor should never be surprised at anything, but that he was surprised he should be called upon to address a body of old veterans such as he saw about him. That he would much rather talk to them through the columns of his newspaper, because in his office he was just as much at h< uiie as the boys of the old Ninety-sixth used to be in their rifle pits. Said he was much pleased, indeed, to have an op- portunity to join with the old soldiers in doing honor to ( !ol. Hicks, and was much indebted to General and Mrs. Smith for the opportunity to do so. I remember, he continued, with much greater accuracy as to detail than would be supposed by those present, the enlistment of that portion of the Ninety-sixth Regiment from Jo Daviess county. At the time the regiment was organized Col. Hicks was engaged in newspaper work at Galena in an establishment of which my father was one of the owners, and through my personal relations with the Colonel at that time I had a great desire to enlist myself; but being several years under the age of those permitted by the government to enlist it was impossible for me to join. I did, however, go with the Jo Daviess companies to Eockford. When the companies arrived at the station in Eockford, the drummers who had enlisted were not familiar with the beats, and as I had learned several of the beats I was put at the head of one of the companies and marched with it to Camp Fuller. I have always felt as a boy, but have since outgrown that feeling, that the regiment was indebted to me for an amount exceeding $13, which I now sot' was due to my own neglect in failing to collect it. When the knapsacks and blankets were given out I purchased some stencils and marked those articles for some of the regiments at 5 cents an article. I was paid for the work in scrip, which was then accepted as currency, and the amount was about $13. In my desire to save it I kepi i he scrip so long that when 1 wished to change it I found that the linn which had issued it had gone out of business and had left no assets for sucli claims as mine, and consequently I was out of the money, which was a much larger amount to me then than it is now. I desire to express my appreciation of the kindness and generosity of (ien. Smith ami wife in throwing open their house, at frequent inter- vals Tor such receptions as this, and I feel sure that I voice the feel- ILLINOIS IXIANTKV VOLUNTEERS. 43 ing of every one present when I say that this occasion, this most de- lightful reunion, will never be forgotten by the soldiers and their families. I am pleased to do honor to Col, Eicks on this occasion, and proud to have been a very close friend of his for almost as many years as 1 can remember. 1 appreciate very highly the honor con- ferred upon me by the invitation of Gen. and Mrs. Smith to be present on this occasion. Judge ( !. C. Kohlsaat was next introduced and made a humorous speech, telling the "boys" from Galena how he went to school with them, used to play marbles, and slide down cellar doors with them, a summer amusement as substitute for coasting down the hills in the winter. The following touching poem, full of sentiment and truth, was read by the author, Mrs. Alice J. Whitney, wife of Comrade J. D. C. Whitney, Sturgis Rifles, and enthusiastically applauded : MISSION RIDGE. (Dedicated to General John Corson Smith, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers.) h was jusi before the last fierce charge, as the Federal line advanced, And the sunbeams, o'er the mountain top, on sword and bayonet glanced, Two men. of proud commanding mien, rode apart from the dread army. And conversed, in low and earnest tones, of loved ours far away : Of their happy old New England home, where their parents still abode, And cherished friends of childhood slept beneath the churchyard sod. " Father will pray at noon and eve, and in the silent night. That God may watch and keep US Loth, in the hottest of the fight." ■• Mother will wait with an aching heart, for news that all is well, Or that one of n-. brother, for Freedom's sake and our Country's honor fell." lie paused — for his brother's thoughtful brow told of volumes he could not speak, And, as he strove with his mighty grief, the tears coursed down his cheek. For not, in this hour, o'er his childhood's home, did his heart most fondly yearn, But his wife and child, who might wait in vain, the husband and father's return. But he dashed them aside, as with head still bowed, he took his brother's hand, And said, " We must think of but duty now, and the fame of our native land." "If I give my life for her dearest rights, my latest wish shall be, That above my lifeless form may float the banner of the free !" " We both may fall ere the day is done, brother, a last good bye,— We bow to God's will in our country's cause, and are not afraid to die." 44 XI NKTV-SIXTir REGIMENT, Slowly they turned, with this sad farewell, and rode to the field again, When volley on volley, from right to left, now poured the leaden rain. Up the side of Lookout, above the clouds, brave Hooker bore our flag, Tramping from every battlement, Treason's defeated rag. At night the dreadful carnage ceased ; — were they among the slain Who parted at morning's rosy light on the far distant plain ? The younger lay at the mountain's foot, — his face was pallid and cold, And the pulseless heart and rigid limbs Death's fearful message told. The older brother his comrades watched, in the thickest of the fray — They saw him fall, but the fire of the foe covered the spot where he lay. But scarce was his resting place named, when up from the ground sprang a dusky form And sped to his side with wild, eager haste, regardless of darkness and storm, Heeding not rebel shot and shell, he raised the prostrate man, And bore him tenderly, in his arms, back to the Federal van. The flowing blood was quickly staunched, the burning lips were laved ; The ugly, gaping wounds were closed : the soldier's life was saved. And who was he who danger faced, with courage cool and brave ? One whom the avarice of man had branded as a slave. His skin was black, but his faithful heart was wrung at his country's need, And he cared not for danger, for toil or death, in the strength of a noble deed. God's strong hand has broken every yoke. He has heard the bondman's plea, And our dear old flag, of stars and stripes, is the Banner of the Free. This started the "boys," their "good wives" and the guests to singing old army songs. "Rally round the flag, boys," " Brave boys are they," " My old Kentucky home," and " Marching through Georgia," ending with Comrade Charles G. Halpine's (Miles O'Riley's) famous and popu- lar song in army circles : THE OLD CANTEEN. There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours, Letters of friendship and ties of flowers, And true lovers' knots, I ween ; The girl and the boy are bound by a kiss, But: there's never a bond, old friend, like this — We have drunk from the same canteen ! it was sometimes water and sometimes milk, And sometimes apple-jack fine as silk ; But whatever the tipple has been, We shared it together in bane and Miss MRS. GEN. JOHN C. SMITH. "mother of THE REGIMENT." 46 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, And I warm to you, friend, when I think of this — We have drunk from the same canteen ! The rich and the great sit down to dine, And they quaff to each other in sparkling wine From glasses of crystal and green ; But I guess in their golden potations they miss The warmth of regard to be found in this — We have drunk from the same canteen ! We have shared our blankets and tents together, And have marched and fought in all kinds of weather, And hungry and full we have been ; Had days of battle and days of rest, But this memory I cling to and love the best — We have drunk from the same canteen ! For when wounded I lay on the outer slope, When my blood flowing fast, and but little hope Upon which my faint spirit could lean ; Oh, then, I remember, you crawled to my side And bleeding so fast it seemed both must have died, We drank from the same canteen ! When the "boys" had settled down and all were engaged in partaking of the bountiful refreshments served by "Johnson" letters from former commanders, old comrades and guests were rea< I : GENERAL BENJAMIN HARRISON, EX-PRESIDENT U. S. A. 074 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, Ind., June 20, 1893. General J. C. Smith : My Dear Sir, — I have your kind letter of the 20th, and regret to say that my arrangements have been made to spend the months of July and August at my cottage at Cape May Point, and that I will not be able to be in Chicago again before September. I would have been glad to meet you and your comrades if it had been possible. GENERAL WALTER Q. GRESHAM, SECRETARY OF STATE IT. S. A. Department of State, Washington, July 5. 18'.).'}. Gen. J. C. Smith : My Dear Sir, — 1 have just returned from an absence of ten days, and find your letter of the 20th ultimo, inviting me to be present at a reception to be given by yourself and Mrs. Smith to your old regi- ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 47 merit at Chicago, on July 20th. I regret that my official duties will oblige me to be here at that time. Hoping that all presenl will enjoy the patriotic occasion, and with thanks for your courtesy. MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM S. ROSECRANS, U. S. ARMY. GEn. John C. Smith: Dear Sir. — My father desires me to express for him his apprecia- tion of your cordial invitation to be present on July 20th, and his regret that the letter did not come in time for him to at least send an acknowledgment before this. His health is much improved, but he cannot undertake anything out of his routine prescribed by his physicians. Headquarters Department of the East, Governor's Island. New York. July 3, 1893. f participating in meeting the comrades you love so well, and especially the rations which are to be provided by the commissary. .My •• best girl '" joins in kindest regards to you and yours. dr. \\. a. steven's, chicago. Gen. .1. ('. Smith, and "Mother of the Regiment": Before me 1 behold a chick which seems to be making a "two forty" stride to escape from some foraging expedition of the Ninety-sixth to lill its commissary, requisition or no requisition ; he is in good shape, representing from his head to his tail the embryonic home of his germinal existence. The coming events of the coming week seem to point that my " best girl " and 1 will have to send our regrets that we cannot partake of the "soldier's hospitalities" of the Commander and his good wife on the 20th inst. While at each roll-call the missing did not respond to their names — they never should be for- gotten by generations vet to come. COMRADE JOHN M. CAMPBELL, l". S. ARMY, CHICAGO. Gen. and Mrs. .1. C. Smith : Bear Brother and /,'< spech d Madame, — 1 find that it will be impossi- ble for me to be present at the reunion to-morrow evening in honor of Col. George Hicks, and deeply regret that I will have to lose this opportunity of forming the acquaintance of those who stood "shoulder 54 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, to shoulder" with (ien. Smith at a time "that tried men's souls/' and this regret is intensified when I recall the fact that I shall also he deprived of enjoying your generous hospitality on this occasion. JOHN A. BUSH, PEORIA. Gen. J no. 0. Smith : Your very kind greeting and invitation to attend a reception in honor of Col. George Hicks and the battle of Peach Tree Creek I herewith acknowledge the reception of, and consider the honor of receiving an invitation from one whom I always considered one of my truest friends an honor of no little value. It causes the spring of my heart to open afresh, and let the happy thoughts flow from it and to think that this world is not without its golden lights. However much I should like to meet with you and your friend Col. Hicks, and those who so bravely followed your command, my health will not allow me that pleasure. comrade herst c. gann, warren, ill. Dear General and Mrs. "Mother of the Regiment": If I can be with you July 20, '93, at the anniversary, I shall only be too happy. Many thanks for your kind invitation. It is entirely uncertain as to my presence. I remember Col. Hicks very well, would be glad to see him. Please convey to him my regards if I fail to be there. From what I hear, I judge Co.'s "H" and "K" will be well represented at roll-call at 65 Sibley street the evening of July 20. JOHN E. BELL AND WIFE, CINCINNATI. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Just home from Virginia Hot Springs, and And your generous invite to be present July 20th, for which accept thanks with the assurance that it would to me be a source of pleasure to accept, etc., etc. ; however, it must be regretfully declined — -afflicted with rheumatism, etc., etc. With hopes for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of the old soldiers, and that you may live to perpetuate your annual reunions, at which time they will recount their trials and pleasures and their final triumphs for the right, is the wish of yours in friendship. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 55 COMRADE GUS WILLIAMS. DRUMMER BOY, 84TH INDIANA, NEW YORK. My Dear General: Arrived home yesterday and found your letter awaiting me. The fault with the mails? Yes and no. The fault was with the males. Will tell you all about it when I see you. I am sorry I was not at the reunion, bat let me know next year, and if I am in the land of the living 1 will he there, even if I have to walk. EON. .TOSKI'II A. LOCKE, PORTLAND, MAINE. Mi Dear General and Mrs. Smith : Your courteous invitation to attend the reunion of the Second Brigade, to be holden at your hospitable home on the evening of July 20th, was received. Mrs. Locke and 1 both wish we could have accepted the invitation, and met you and the honored members of your brigade. We only hope that the "halo of glory" resting upon your heads, and the noble sons of Illinois who participated in the glorious struggle to save this country a nation, may ever grow broader while life lasts, and then may you all receive a crown of rejoicing from the great •' 1 Am." I onl\ wish 1 was eligible as a member of the Grand Army, but 1 honor with sincere veneration all who entered into the conflict for the pre- servation of our country. Mrs. Smith may well feel proud of the unique position she holds, sharing with you the hardships of the tented held. She was often- times weighed down with anxiety when you and those engaged in actual conflict were buoyed up by the excitement of the moment. Iler's indeed was the harder position, and the honor should rest upon her equally with those who bore our flag to victory. mrs. <;en. thomas e. champion, 3515 indiana ave., chicago. Dear General and Mrs. Smith: Am very sorry I cannot accept your invitation for the 20th to meet members of my husband's old command. It would afford me much pleasure. I have been under the doctor's care for about three months, and he prohibits me from walking or being on my feet much for some time to come. My eldest son, Charles, is very desirous of meeting old friends of his father, and will try and be with you. Thanking you for the courtesy, I am very truly. 56 NINETY-SIXTH KEGIMEN-T, MRS. COL. ISAAC L. CLARKE, GRAFTON, VERMONT. Gen. and .Mrs. J. C. Smith: I am in receipt of your kind invitation to the reception and reunion of the veterans of the dear old Ninety-sixth Regiment. It would give me great pleasure to be with you and to greet the surviv- ing comrades, but I cannot well leave home before September, when I may possibly be in Chicago. I would send a cordial remembrance to them all, especially to Colonel Hicks, Mrs. Smith and yourself. I would be glad to have my son take his father's old friends by the hand, and I shall advise him of the reception. He is now in his own office in Chicago, E. L. Clarke, 3-1, 119 Dearborn street. major e. a. blodcett, chicago. My Dear General and Mrs. Smith : I am in receipt of your kind invitation for July 20th, and make haste to accept. "Me and my girl will be there." It occured to me that if I reported promptly I might catch the rooster before Dick Thain got in the race. LIEUT. GEORGE W. MOORE, QUARTERMASTER, ESSEX, IOWA. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Your kind invitation to be present at another reunion of the Ninety-sixth will have to be unwillingly declined, as we are farmers, and will be in the midst of harvest, but we will be with you in mind if not in body. To say that we hope you will have a good time is putting it mildly. I know you will, and only regret that I cannot be with you in person, for I know there will be but few more like occa- sions, as one by one we are answering the last roll-call. My wife joins me in sending kind regards to you and to the old comrades and their wives present, and that you may have a rousing good time is the sincere wish of one of the boys who would love to be with vou. SURGEON MOSES EVANS, SOUTH EVANSTON. Dear (J eneral Smith : Yours received. It would give me much pleasure to visit you and the mother of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, and will endeavor to put me ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 57 down as one who will be present at the reunion of the old Ninety- sixth, duly 20th, '03, without fail. Give my best respects to Comrade Colonel Hicks, and tell him it will make me ten years younger to see him once more. DR. D. A. SHEFFIELD, APPLE RIVER. (i en. J, ('. Smith : Dear Governor, — Replying to your kind invitation to meet the old comrades and especially Col. Hicks, of Jamaica, at your home, July 20, I am compelled to say that it will be impossible for me to be present. 1 have delayed writing until now in the hope that circumstances would shape themselves so I could be present, but the death of my wife has made it necessary for me to be lather and mother to my half-orphaned children, and I find it impossible for me to do many things my heart prompts me to do. I hope those who shall assemble on that occasion will enjoy a renewal of comradeship and be mutually benefited. Please bear to all of them the assurance of a comrade's regard. and to Mrs. Smith my profonndesl esteem and respect. DR. FRED. VV. BYERS, MONROE, WISCONSIN. (i kn'i. .1. ('. Smith : Dear Comrade, — Yours, informing me that Col. Hicks came ashore, is before me. Give the -'schoolmaster abroad" my compound con- centrated regards. N. B. — To be well shaken before taken — the greediments, not the patient. Cannot report until near the 20th, as Mrs. B., Joe and daughter Grace now are taking in the White City: they can be found morning and evening at Hotel Normandie and at Wis. State building about noon, until Saturday, the 8th. Saw Andy Johnson (Yonson), Co. H. Says: "I dink vill go ef I got a Norvigian man to do my vork vile 1 am gone." Yours truly will answer roll-call with one; hope you will secure old Comrade McK\ in- sure. Yours 96thly, Dot Leddle Dutch Doctor. Don't let that rooster oud at the bottom of the order get away; all other poultry to be safe must roost high. 58 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, li. f. sheppard, q. m. sergeant, gurnee. Deaf. General, Motheb and Family: 1 received a very kind letter from you some time ago inviting me and my l>esi girl to a reception at your place on the 20th of July. I have been off duty some lately and have delayed answering it until now. and as 1 always tried to obey orders (except on chickens and mutton), unless the sick-call sounds, I shall be there. Best girl had the misfortune to hurt her ankle last August so bad she has to go on crutches part time now. so she will not be able to be there. I think we had all ought to get together as often as we can. for it will be but a few short years or days : and then The fife's shrill rail and bugle's blast Shall muster us no more, For we'll be numbered with the past On the banks of the other shore. But when life's trials all are fought. And we have beat our last tattoo, We'll muster again on that other shore And meet the Boys in Blue. Especially the Ninety-sixth. i m'taix william vincent, "a." company, galena. Col. i: \i; G eneral : I received your kind invitation to attend a reunion of members of the Ninety-sixth at your home on the evening of July "20, to meet Col. Hicks, and have been looking forward to the time of meeting with much pleasure, anticipating a happy gathering. But you know the " besl laid plans of men, as well as mice, gang aft aglee." and I find myself to-night obliged to send my regrets instead of taking the train myself. I cannot express to you mv disappointment at not being able to be present. I, with every comrade, owe you and Mrs. Smith a debt of gratitude for the opportunity of meeting each other in your hospita- ble home. Please remember me to the " boys " who come, and with kind regards to you and Mrs. Smith, and 1 wish you a very happy and enjoyable reunion. CORPORAL HARRY P. BARNUM, WAUKEGAN, ILL. My Dear A K PARK. General and Mrs. .1. 0. Smith : Bear Commander and " Mother",— Mrs. Thain and myself accept with thanks your kind invitation to be present at your home on the evening of duly 20th next, to participate in another " Reunion " with our " Old Commander " and "the Mother of the Regiment," and also to meet our beloved Colonel ILieks. We anticipate a great deal of pleasure, and again thank you for the invitation. We congratulate you on your crest — the rooster rampant. CAPTAIN -I. 1'. BLACK, < oMI'ANV " E. (, i mk \i. wo Mrs. .). C. Smith : 1 am in receipt of your valued invitation to meet the comrades of the old Ninety-sixth, and regret that it, will he impossible for me to attend, as business will compel me to be in the State of Washington at that time. I would indeed be glad to meet the members of the old regimen! for what will be the last time for many of us, and especially do I want to see Col. Hicks. CAPTAIN WM. F. TAYLOR, CHICAGO. Mv Dear General and Mrs. J. C. Smith: Your kind invitation to my good wife and myself to again meet the dear old comrades of the Ninety-sixth at your home is received. It gives us great pleasure to accept the kind invitation, and assure you that nothing but sickness or death will prevent us from availing our- selves of the opportunity of looking into the faces and pressing the hands of our comrades. I> s. — Is the chicken represented by the picture on the invitation a descendant of those Uossville chickens ? 64 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, LIEUT. E. P. TODD, CHERRY YALE, KANSAS. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Dear Commander, — Your kind invitation to be present on the even- ing of July 20th has been thankfully received. It would give us great pleasure to do so, and although it is the wrong time of the year for Southern farmers to leave their business, as it is about the close of oat harvest and the beginning of stacking, still we will try to answer to roll call. corporal john grabham, kansas city, missouri. Dear Commander : Mr. and Mrs. J. Grabham accept with pleasure your very kind invitation to be present at the reception tendered by you to your old regiment, the Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteers, at your home, 05 Sibley street, Chicago, July 20th. We are on our way East and will be present. .TOHISi A. RUSH, APPLE RIVER. Gen. J. C. Smith : There is nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with you and the Mother of the Regiment and Comrade Hicks, but shall have to beg to be excused. Please give my best regards to Colonel Hicks. franklin w. pierce, company " f, ' elizabeth. Dear General and Mrs. Smith : Your very kind invitation to meet Col. Hicks at your headquarters, July 20, makes me happy. Some of the boys from Jo Daviess and myself will be present for roll call and any duty assigned us, even to catching that chicken. CHARLES G. LITTMAN, NEENAH, WIS. <;en'l and Mrs. J. C. Smith: Please accept my thanks for your kind invitation for July 20. ''.»:J. and, providence permitting, I shall endeavor to avail myself of the pleasure of meeting you all once more. I have made several efforts to meet you, General, but always failed to make proper connection. Trust 1 shall lie permitted to see yon this time. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. G5- GEORGE PULHAM, WYKOFF, MINN. Gen'l J. C. Smith : Bear Comrade, — Your kind invitation received a short time ago, and since I received the same I have been very ill, but am able to get around. Shall endeavor to be with you and yours, if no preventing providence ; if I don't, rem* tuber me kindly to all the old boys. CAPTAIN b. g. blowney, company " g," waukegan. Dear General : The kind invitation of yourself and Mrs. Smith is received, remind- ing me that few are the years left us for reunions before we take our place on "Fame's eternal camping ground," for "the boys" are steadily dropping out by the way, reminding us that " Xightly we pitch our tents a day's march nearer home." I know of no reason to prevent my meeting with you. Mrs. Smith, Col. Hicks and many of the old comrades on the evening of the 20th. lieut. james 0. havens, (ilidden, iowa. Dear Gen'l and Mrs. Smith: Received your kind invitation for 20th in good time and am very much obliged. I have delayed answering in hopes I could write you something definite, but am uncertain as yet ; still in hopes I can come. Seems as though I must, but am alone to do my work, and can't do as much as I would like to. Perhaps I will find it impossible to get away, but shall make a supreme effort. CORPORAL J. A. MASON, PRAIRIE VIEW. (I ex. J. C. and Mother Smith: I received your kind invitation to be present at the reunion of the "boys" of the Ninety-sixth on the anniversary of Peach Tree Creek (how well I remember the day, notwithstanding twenty-nine years have been added to my age since that event). It will afford me and Mrs. M. the greatest of pleasure to be present on that occasion and greet my old comrades, and nothing but the direst calamity or sickness will prevent. Say, ain't that rooster a stunner ? If he keeps that gait he will be GG NINETY-SIXTH KEGIMENT, all right ; but if he ever halts or turns back he is lost — the "boys will get him, sure. CORPORAL JARED 0. BLODGETT, DUNCAN, NEBRASKA. Comrade J. C. Smith : I am in receipt of your letter of May 26, requesting the presence of myself and wife to a reception at your place. Notwithstanding the pleasure it would afford me to be with you on that occasion, circum- stances will not permit of my being there at that time of year. EDWIN DRURY, WILMETTE, COOK CO. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Your kind invitation to the "Assembly" and " Retreat," on the evening of Thursday, July 20, 1893, came to hand in due time, and was at once and most gladly accepted by myself and "best girl." The anticipation of meeting our brave, good comrade, Colonel George Hicks, once more on this side of "Fame's eternal camping ground,'" is a most delightful one. As we draw near unto "life eternal," the blessed memory of the comrade, living or dead, who stood "shoulder to shoulder" with us under the " dear old flag " in the clays of our early manhood and in defense of our beloved country, become more and more sacred and ennobling. Excuse me for the neglect in accepting your kind invitation sooner, and believe me to be, yours in sincerity and truth, one of the humblest of "your following," in " those days that tried men's souls." CAPTAIN JOSEPH L. PIERCE, COMPANY' "H," MT. VERNON, WIS. My Dear Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith : How I would like to be with you on the 20th, and meet Col. Hicks and other old comrades. I regret that I am too busy to go, more than I can tell you, because there is a feeling that it will be the last chance of meeting many of the old comrades. I have delayed writing in hopes that I could get away. We are now in the midst of haying ; there is hay to the right, hay to the left, hay to the front, and if I should go there would be hay in the rear. Please give my best wishes to Col. Hicks and all the comrades present, and tell them how sorry I am that ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 67 I cannot meet them. I'll try hard to spend a couple of weeks in Chicago in September. SERGEANT C. J. REES, BURLINGTON JUNCTION, MO. Dear Comrade : It is with regret that I write that I cannot be with you at the reunion on the 20th of July, 1893. I had intended to be there, and did not give it up till to-day ; but there is sickness in my family of such a nature that I can not leave. I am a good deal disappointed this time in not being at this reunion, for as soon as I read your kind invitation I fully decided to go ; but so it was at the unveiling of the Grant statue in Galena. I expected to be there but was disappointed then. I feel that there will be many at your place I would like to see very much whom I will never see again on this earth. I have not seen but few of the boys since \\f separated in Chicago in 1865. I sometimes see Capt. Townsend. He is the same good, jolly fellow as of old. I have seen Frank Carver several times, but not lately. Frank has grown old. more perhaps than some others, while we are all on the decline. I wish to be remembered to Mother Smith. THEO. (BY MRS.) PETTIBONE, WARREN. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Your very kind and cordial invitation received to be present at the celebration of the battle of Peach Tree Creek, and we both regret very much that we cannot be present on that occasion. We have none of those excuses to offer that were given in the olden time. We have not hought a piece of land or a yoke of oxen. Neither has Mr. Pet- tibone taken a new wife, for he has the same wife he left at home when he went "to wall"; but the real truth is we can't afford the expense. I hope you will have a pleasant reunion and a joyous time. LIEUT. GEORGE MARSHALL. COMPANY "' I," STORM LAKE, IOWA. Gen. J. C. Smith : I expected to have been with you the 20th (to-morrow), but find it impossible. I regret it very much, as I realize that we are getting fewer in number, and it will not be but a few years at the longest that we can meet together. I know that Iowa will be well represented (not misrepresented) by one that is good on a swap when it comes to mak- 68 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, ing statements as to what the Ninety-sixth done in putting down the rebellion. I refer to Ben Fox, of Co. "A." You will find Ben a square boy (about as broad as he is tall). Wishing you a happy reunion and a good time generally I remain yours. SERGEANT W. C. WOOLSEY, MAYOR OF J5ATAYIA, NEW YORK. General J. C. Smith : Dear Comrade, — I was in hopes to have been able to be with you on the 20th, but will have to give it up. My wife has been sick since last March with inflammatory rheumatism, and is so lame and helpless I cannot leave her. Please remember me to all the comrades present. I do not think of anything that would give me more pleasure than to join with you on this anniversary or reunion of the old Ninety-sixth. charles r. tippett, scales mound. Dear General : Received the invitation, from yourself and your much respected wife, to the reception to be given at your home on the ,20th inst., and in reply will say nothing could give me more pleasure than to meet with my brave General and his wife and the boys of the Ninety-sixth, but I cannot say for certain that I will be there. However, I will come if I can make it convenient to do so. I sincerely hope you will have a good time all together, and if I do not come give my best respects to all present. My kindest regards to yourself and wife, and best wishes for your future health and prosperity. REV. JOHN E. EVANS, STOCKTON. Gen. J. C. Smith : Dear General and Comrade, — Having received your invitation to attend a reunion of the comrades of the glorious old Ninety-sixth at your home in the city of Chicago, I feel very much disappointed be- cause it will be impossible for me to attend. It would be very desir- able for me to be with you and to meet our beloved comrade, Col. Geo. Hicks. I write this so that although I will not be able to answer to roll-call, 1 want to be "accounted for/' From the " cut" on the mar- gin of your letter of invitation I know that you will have a good time. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 69 I tender to you and Mrs. Smith my sincere thanks for the kind invita- tion, and pray that the Lord may spare your lives for many years to come. God bless all the " boys "' of the old Ninety-sixth. Please remember me very kindly to Col. Hicks. MAT. WHITE, MASON, WISCONSIN. Gen. John C. Smith : Dear G< neral, — Your invitation received, and in reply to it would say that nothing would give me more pleasure than to meet with yourself and wife and the surviving comrades who may be present on that occasion, for there are not many more years left for us to meet; the dear old comrades are dropping off fast, and when I think of the dear old boys the tears almost start in my eyes. Have you sent an invitation to Comrade David Young, or do you know his uddress ? For fear you do not, I will give it to you : David Young, Virginia, Minnesota. I had the pleasure of having Dave spend the night with me in January last. Dave is hale and hearty yet, and if he should go, him and I could come together as tins would be his route. I am not in Barronett now, I am seventeen miles from Ashland, am scaler for the White River Lumber Co.; do not draw any pension as yet; made appli- cation two years ago, but seems that it is an up-hill business togetone. Will close, hoping that all surviving comrades may be at roll-call and have a rousing good old time. With the kindest regards to you and wife. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith : Health permitting, I expect to be with you on the 20th inst. CHARLIE SMITH, SALEM, NEBRASKA. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. SxMith : Dear t 'omrade, — It is with a sad heart and many regrets I am com- pelled to say that I cannot be with you on July 20th, the anniversary of the battle of Peach Tree Creek. Mrs. Smith is very feeble indeed; could not stand such a journey 70 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, as that, as much as we would love to visit you ; we shall always cherish the memory of you and your esteemed wife and be with you in heart on that occasion. May God bless you all is the wish of your comrade. THOMAS MORGAN, ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA. General and Mrs. J. C. Smith: Kind Friends, — Your note received ; glad to hear from you again. It would be a great pleasure to me to clasp hands with the boys that once belonged to the grand old Ninety-sixth; many have passed over the river and it won't be long till we have answered the last roll-call. It will be impossible for me to come. If I had got my pension I certainly would have come, but I was not one of the lucky ones. My regards to all the comrades, and you and wife accept the same. sergeant chris. c. cowen, st. louis. Dear General : I regret very much to say that present indications are that I can not be present to enjoy your hospitality on the eve of the 20th. THEO. W. PEPOON, TABLE ROCK, NEBRASKA. Dear Comrade, — The kind invitation of yourself and Mrs. Smith to be with you the evening of July 20th is received. I will try hard to be there with one of my best girls. I have several. I may possibly fail to get there, but to be on the safe side a few extra pounds of pork and beans had better be drawn. Unless the boys' appetites have changed wonderfully since I saw them last, there will be no danger of any eat- a I ties spoiling on your hands. Don't let the chicken get away. harmon s. dean, ironton, wisconsin. Gen. and Mrs Smith : I am sorry to inform you that I cannot be jjresent on account of sickness of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Would be glad to be with you and celebrate one of the great battles of the Atlanta campaign. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 71 To you, General, and Mrs. Smith, the mother of the regiment, I send my thanks for your kind invitation. Many letters have been received since the reception, telling how the "boys "and their "best girls" enjoyed themselves. We submit one from General A. L. Chetlain, and the other from Comrade George Teal, written by his "best girl." Each expresses the sentiments of the many we hear from, and we rejoice that so many were made happy. GENERAL A. L. CHETLAIN, 536 N. STATE STREET, CHICAGO. M\ Dear General: 1 write to say that I enjoyed the hour last evening under your hospitable roof more than I can express. I did not see you or your good wife to say this before leaving. I congratulate you on the marked success of last evening's reunion of your old comrades. Every one I met seemed happy or joyful. God bless you for being the means of so much genuine enjoymeni to others. My warm regards to Mrs. Smith and to your dear daughter. MRS. GEO. TEAL, LAMONI, DECATUR CO., IOWA. Gen. and Mrs. J. C. Smith: Dear Comrade and Wife, — We were at your house the night of the reception, and were never at a meeting of the soldiers that we were so well pleased. There could not have been a nicer gathering, and though they were nearly all as strangers to me, I never enjoyed myself any better, but 1 could see that Old Time had laid his fingers on the General since I saw him in St. Louis five or six years ago, so that he looks much older. I was well pleased with your Jamaica guests. Capt. Taylor does not look much older than when we saw him at his residence four years ago. I will send you our photos ; you will see that George's is good but mine is not ; the part in my hair is not good, being too wide. Give my love to all your folks. 72 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, From the Press, August 30, 1893. DINNER TO THE HERO OF FRANKLIN. Major-General David S. Stanley and daughter Blanche were entertained yesterday at General J. C. Smith's residence, and a nice little dinner party given in his honor brought together several com- rades of many battlefields. General Stanley was the commander of the Fourth Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, and was in command of all the troops on the field at Franklin, Tenn., Nov. 30th, 18G4. When the center of the Federal army, on the Columbia pike, was broken by the fierce assault of Cleburne, it was General Stanley who, grasping Opdyke's brigade, hurled it upon the advanc- ing columns and caused their repulse. The battle was Stanley's, and though severely wounded he remained upon the field and in command until victory perched upon his banners. Among the guests present at General Smith's to do honor to the brave commander were : General and Mrs. J. C. Smith ; Hon. Thomas and Mrs. Oughton, of Kingston, Jamaica, W. L; Major E. A. Blodgett, city ; Hon. C. A. Partridge, Mayor of Waukegan ; Major B. G. Blowney, Major George H. Burnett, Captain Asiel Z. Blodgett, of Waukegan ; Henry H. Gage, city ; Miss Ruth A. Smith, city, and Miss Gertrude K. Wood, of Newport, Ky. ILLINOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 73 As the the last form goes to press we are sadly reminded of the force of the first sentence in our invitation to the Reunion, an account of which we are now writing, that its memories may be preserved. In that invitation we say: "Few are the years which remain for you and your old Commander before we must take our place on 'Fame's eternal camping ground.' Since that Reunion informa- tion reaches us of the death of our old ambulance driver, Morancy Putnam, of "K" Company, date 1893, place not named, and Henry Darby, private, "G" Company, De- cember 20, 1893, at Liberty vi lie, Illinois. Simon Griburg (Kreits burg) , "E" Company, Novem- ber, 1893, at Schappsville, Illinois. Still another comrade lias crossed the dark river and this time it is "Charlie" Earle. Charles W. Earle was a First Lieutenant of k 'C : ' Company and breveted Captain for gallantry on the recommendation of General Smith. We stop the press to include this sad news and add to our report what the daily newspapers have to say of our dear deceased comrade Earle. "So ready to do and to dare Should we in our places stand, Fulfilling the Master's will, Fulfilling the soul's demand. For though as the mountains high The billows may rear and toss, They'll not overwhelm if the Lord's at the helm— ( >ne more river to cross." 74 NINETY-SIXTH REGIMENT, DR. C. W. EARLE DEAD. THE NOTED PHYSICIAN PASSES AWAY AFTKR A SHORT ILLNESS — HIS FAMOUS WAR RECORD — IN COMMAND OF A COMPANY WHEN ONLY EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD — FOR MANY YEARS KNOWN IN CHICAGO AS A PRO- FESSOR IN THE MEDICAL COLLEGES. Dr. Charles Warrington Earle, president of the Board of Directors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, president of the Women's Mei 1 ical ( '< dlege and one of the most prominent of Chicago's physicians, died yesterday afternoon, Nov. 19, at 2 o'clock, after an illness of nearly four weeks. His death resulted from cerebro-spinal meningitis, and occurred at his residence. No. 535 Washington boulevard. Doctor Earle's demise had been expected for more than a week, as the malady which caused his death resisted all the skill that medical aid could bring to the sick man's assistance. His end was peaceful, and came while he was surrounded by all the members of his family. Saturday evening about 5 o'clock he spoke for the last time, recognizing his wife and calling her by name. Shortly after he became unconscious and continued so until the end came. SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. Charles Warrington Earle was born in Westford, Vt., April 2, 1845, his parents being Moses L. and Nancy Earle. In 1854 his father came to Illinois, settling on a farm in the township of Fremont, Lake county, where the boy remained until the war of the rebellion. He made the best of his opportunities in the district and select schools, and was well advanced with his studies when work in this line was interrupted by the call of his country for volunteers. After a few months of military service he again resumed his studies, attending the high school at Burlington, Wis., for two terms. Then came three years of army life, following which, in September, 1865, he entered Beloit College. There he made rapid progress, doing two years' work i" "i"'- In boyhood he had determined to enter the medical profes- sion, ami so after three years at Beloit he matriculated in Chicago Medical College, taking his degree in 1870. CAREER IN THE ARMY. His army life was a remarkable one in many respects. Only six- teen years of age the April Sumter was fired on, he at once enlisted in TLLENOIS INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. 75 Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, his regiment serving under General Fremont in Missouri. After six months he met with an acci- dent while assisting in unloading a transport on the Missouri river, and was discharged for disability. Returning home he attended the high school at Burlington, Wis., for two terms, and then enlisted in Company C, Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being made first sergeant at the organization of his company. Before reaching his eighteenth birthday he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, and in this capacity commanded his company at the battle of Chickamauga, where out of forty-five men thirty-five were either killed or wounded. Official reports of the battle made special mention of his bravery, and a correspondent of the New York Tribune spoke of him as the "lion-hearted boy lieutenant." Two days afterward, when the army retreated into Chattanooga, by some mischance his company, with one other of his regiment, was left on .Mission Ridge and captured. Of the fourteen men captured with him, nine died in prison. Lieutenant Earle escaped from Libby Prison through the famous tunnel, and after a week of wandering in the Virginia woods, where he suffered extremely from cold, hunger and fatigue, he reached the Union lines near Williamsburg. Returning to bis command he was promoted to first lieutenant, and commanded a company much of the time during the Atlanta campaign. He was then detailed on the staff of General Whittaker, serving as aid-de-camp and acting inspector- general through the subsequent campaigns of the Fourth Corps, being breveted captain, and repeatedly mentioned for heroic conduct in bat- tle. When but twenty years old he returned home, the war being over. Doctor Earle was married in 1871 to Miss Fannie L. Bundy, sister of Major Bundy, of the New York Evening Mail and Express. He leaves a widow and two children, Carrie and William B. iiiii ii LIBRARY OF CONGRESS II I 013 704 097 9 penmalife® P H8.5