1900 G.A.R. State Encampment

Contributed by Elaine Rathmann,

Davenport Times
Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday, June 13, 1900

All is Now Ready

G.A.R. Encampment Will be Large
Much Enthusiasm Shown
Preparations for the Meeting of Old Soldiers Moving Along Nicely
Program Reviewed.

"Tell the people that the preparations for the G.A.R. encampment, which will be held here next week beginning Tuesday are being completed with amazing quickness and thoroughness," said George Metzger this morning. As Mr. Metzger is the chairman of the committee of arrangements for the encampment he is in a position to know. All the preparations as outlined in the general program are about complete.
Mr. Metzger stated that the committee was making arrangements for rooms for as many people as possible and that he committee would consider it a great favor if the people having suitable rooms would let the committee know their address.

Decorations

"Davenport entertained the G.A.R. encampment 16 years ago and at that time the city did itself proud in the matter of decorations. Afterward for years there was no city that had equaled Davenport in the matter of decorations. The G.A.R. men often mentioned it to me at the encampments," continued Mr. Metzger. "For that reason I am especially anxious to have the people of the city decorate in the best way that they know how." The decorations should be flags and colors with designs and pictures of a military order.

Financial

The committee in charge of the financial end of the encampment reports that it is making rapid progress in the matter of the collection of the money that has been subscribed for the encampment. The committee has arranged for the entertainment of the visitors in a royal manner. There will be no debts at the close of the encampment.

The Program.

As officially announced, the first day will include a meeting of the council of administration, a reception by the national commander, Albert d. Shaw, of Watertown, N.Y., a meeting of the credentials committee and the reunion of the Hornet's Nest Brigade.
The second day, Wednesday, June 13, will include a meeting at the Turner Grand Opera House at 9 o'clock where the mayor will welcome the guests, the commander will give his annual address, and committees will report. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon will occur the parade.

The Line of March.

Colonel P.W. McManus is in charge of the parade arrangements. He has asked a number of representatives from each of the organizations that will take part to have an officer on his staff for the day. These names will be made public after the invitations have been issued. The line of march has been given out by colonel McManus as follows.
The parade will form on Brady street with right resting on neighboring streets and will pass down Brady to Second, west on Second to Warren, north on Warren on Third, east on Third to Scott street, north on Scott to Fourth street, and thence along the city hall, where the reviewing stand will be erected. The governor and his staff, with the national and state commanders will review the parade.
On the same day, after the parade, officers for the ensuing year will be elected, the place for the next encampment will be named. In the evening there will be a camp fire at Schuetzen park.
On the last day there will be miscellaneous business transacted, the city fire department will give an exhibition drill and a river excursion has been arranged. There will be a camp fire at the opera house at night.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Iowa
Saturday Morning
June 9, 1900


Where Adjt. Gen. Baker Drilled Camp McClellan.
Its Story is Tersely Told.
The G.A.R. Will Read With Pleasure the Records of Iowa's Forty-eighth Infantry, Her Ninth Cavalry and Fourth Artillery Regiments.
By F.J. B. Huot.

When Abraham Lincoln called for troops Iowa responded with 57,000 men all told. These were divided into 48 infantry, 9 cavalry, 4 artillery and 1 colored regiment. In all the important events which transpired from 1861 to 1865 by which the southern confederacy was routed the Iowa troops took part. Their drum beat was heard everywhere from the Potomac and the river which flashes down the Shenandoah valley, as Phil Sheridan did on his 23 mules neck-or-nothing ride to Wichester, to the Rio Grande, or the Brazos, and everywhere they rendered the same faithful and devoted service. There were two Iowa regiments actively engaged in policing the state against Indian out-breaks during the time of the prosecution of the war. These regiments, too, are deserving of the highest praise.

Davenport Did Proudly.
Davenport did her share. She gave her offerings in the heart's blood of Lieutenant Colonel August Wentz who fell at Belmont, Mo., on Nov. 7, 1861, during the first year of the war and also Captain Jonathan Slaymaker, who perished at Fort Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862. Together with Scott county she helped to recruit in all about 22 companies, and has in sacred memory enshrined the names of 277 heroes who died to save the Union.

Davenport Furnished Four Camps.
When the shot fired upon Major Anderson at Fort Sumter was hear in Davenport on Dec. 26, 1860, Davenport anxiously awaited the call for volunteers. She threw open to the United States her fair grounds which were then located north of Thirteenth street and extending to Locust street, and lying between Perry street and Farnam street to be used as drill grounds for the raw recruits, or "rookies." This first camp was christened "Camp Lincoln" in honor of the great war president and emancipator and later re-christened Camp "Joe Holt." So it was popularly known. This tract was made use of for drill purposes, being an entirely level piece of grounds and capable of easily mobilizing a regiment. At Camp Joe Holt the cavalry were drilled.
The second camp furnished was called "Kinsman's Camp," or "Camp Kinsman," and was located northeast of the city where the Soldiers' Orphans' Home now is.
It was at "Camp McClellan," however, that the chief army rendezvous in Scott county was situated.

Camp Hendershot.
Another camp of some importance was that of Camp Hendershot, located adjacent to the present Orphans' Home. Camp Roberts, a fourth camp was located upon the present site of the pumping plant of the Davenport Water company west of Harrison street and north of Thirteenth street. This camp was named after a general.
At Camp Joe Holt (Camp Lincoln) the cavalry uniformly drilled, although the rendezvous properly was at Camp McClellan.

Camp McClellan Tract.
The tract of level and rolling land situated east of East Davenport and at that time east of the present Mound street, was an ideal place for a place of encampment. On the high ground was excellent drilling grounds and furthermore the site was directly across from the Rock Island arsenal and commanded a view of the wide sweep of the rapids.
The tract was owned by a certain Thomas Russel Allen, who was a resident of St. Louis, where the Jefferson Barracks were situated. It consisted of over 300 acres, and permission was readily obtained to convert it into a place of encampment of the recruits awaiting orders to go to the front. Accordingly the site was taken into temporary possession during the summer of 1861 by the United States government and retained until the last mustering out ceremony had been accomplished five years later. Adjutant General Baker of the regular army was commissioned to take charge of the camp, which was named Camp McClellan in honor of "Little Mac," General George B. McClellan, who then was one of the foremost militarists in the federal ranks.

The Barracks are Built.
The first thing to be done was to construct the barracks Contractors T. W. McClelland and Hornby, the latter long since dead, was given the contract. They erected a dozen frame and battended (sic) structures with suitable bunks, together with a mess room, a commissary building, a canteen and officers quarters. Traces of these old barracks still remain and less than a dozen years ago there were two of these still cumbering the tract at the Davenport and LeClaire road, otherwise called the Lost Grove Road.
As many as a thousand recruits have been at Camp McClellan at one time, and when in drill the sight was interesting. The merchants did a thriving business during those days, and the folks who resided in the LeClaire commons-then called the "Patch," situated where the Un. N. Roberts warehouse now is-had ready sales for the bread, pies, cakes and chickens which they baked and reared. A Mrs. Miley, who came to the "Patch" to live with only the mite spoken of in scripture, reaped a modest fortune from the sale of pies to the soldier boys. Of course, there were foraging parties at times, abut such depredations, when discovered, were promptly punished.

The Camp As It Is Today.
     At the present day the veterans who will visit Davenport upon the occasion of the G.A.R. functions of next week will find the camp greatly changed. The western portion of it is occupied by a lumber yard and kindling wood racks, while a modern trolley car runs alongside almost the site of the company's streets. The hill, however is yet topographically intact, although towards the north of the old drilling grounds are several farm houses with well tilled acres adjoining all achieved in the space of 35 years. Quarries have been opened upon the southeastern portion of the tract and the Lindsay & Phelps saw mill has gnawed its way through millions and millions of feet of logs since last the picket and the sentry halted the wayfarer where now the hum of the saws are heard. Modern brick paving has also encroached upon the southern or river side of the tract.
     The "camp" has not changed ownership. A life estate was left by the owner in 1861-1865 to his widow Ann R. Allen, who died several years age and bequeathed the remaining 214 acres to her heirs, who are scattered from St. Louis to Philadelphia and Paris. The tract even now is in litigation for alleged paving indebtedness to the city of Davenport.

A Word to the Veterans.
Next week the G.A.R. will celebrated in this city. Its record in Iowa is a proud one, and many of its regiments in the Hawkeye state were drilled, and mustered in, and mustered out upon this self-same Camp McClellan tract. The record at this particular time is a proud one to rehearse, and the writer begs the indulgence to submit the following which is a glorious roster, indeed.

A Glorious Roster.
First Iowa Infantry-959 officers and men. Killed 43. Died from wounds, etc., 13. Fought at Wilson's Creek. Served three months. Captain August Wentz fought at Wilson's Creek with the command. Later he joined the Seventh Infantry.
Second Iowa Infantry-1,247 officers and men. Killed 64. Died from wounds, etc. 134. Fought at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta and 15 other battles. Marched with Sherman to sea. The first three-years' regiment. Chief of Police Frank Kessler served in the regiment.
Third Iowa Infantry-1,074 officers and men. Killed 57. Died from wounds, etc., 133. Fought at blue Mills, Mo., Shiloh, Hatchie River, Vicksburg, Atlanta, and in Sherman's march to the sea.
Fourth Iowa Infantry-1,184 officers and men. Killed 61. Died of wounds, etc. 205. Fought at Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Mississippi Ridge, etc. Three years regiment.
Fifth Iowa Infantry-1,037 officers and men. Killed 65. Died of wounds, etc. 126. Fought at Corinth, Iuka, Vicksburg, Chickamauga, etc. Three years' regiment.
Sixth Iowa Infantry-1,013 officers and men. Killed 109. Died of wounds, etc. 157. Fought at Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Dallas, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, etc., and was with Sherman in his march to the sea.

The Gallant Seventh.
The Seventh Iowa Infantry was mustered into service at Burlington, Ia., July 24, 1861, before Camp McClellan had been organized. The officers of the regiment were:
J. G. Lauman of Burlington, colonel.
August Wentz of Davenport, lieutenant colonel.
E. M. Rice, of Oskaloosa, major.
The regiment consisted of 1, 138 officers and men. There were 98 killed and 178 died from wounds, etc. the regiment fought at Belmont, Mo., where Lieutenant colonel August Wentz, after whom the local G.A.R. post is named, was killed in action on Nov. 7, 1861. His funeral occurred with civic and military honors in Davenport, and he was buried with great demonstration at Oakdale cemetery several days later. Other battles participated in by the gallant Seventh are Fort Henry, siege of Corinth, Corinth, Shiloh, Rome Cross roads, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, siege of Atlanta, July 22 in front of Atlanta, with Sherman on his march to the sea, thence through the Carolinas to Louisville, Ky, where it was mustered out after four years of active service. The Seventh was one of the proudest regiments in the history of the civil war.

Was Mustered at Camp McClellan
The Eight Iowa Infantry was the first regiment to be mustered into service of the United States at Camp McClellan. Frederick Steele of the United States regulars organized the regiment which took the oath of allegiance on Sept. 12, 1861. It remained in service until 1866. Officers and men, 1,027. Killed in battle 53. Died of wounds, etc. 187. The regiment fought at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson and Spanish Forth. This regiment first tasted of the horrors of the prison pens of the south.
The Ninth Iowa-1,090 officers and men. Eighty-four killed and 275 wounded and dying later. Fought at Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, Chickasaw Bayou, Ring-gold, Dallas, and Lookout Mountain. It marched over 4,000 miles and brought home confederate flags one of which is still in possession of the State Historical society. Mustered at Dubuque.
The Tenth Iowa-Fought at siege of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth, Port Gibson, Champion Hills and Missionary Ridge. At Vicksburg also. Officers and men, 1027. Killed in action, 93. Died form wounds 170. Mustered at Iowa City.
The Eleventh Iowa Infantry was mustered into service at Camp McClellan by General Baker of the regular army in two sections in September and October, 1861. No regiment did better service during the war and none met with a heartier welcome upon its return home. It participated in action at Shiloh, siege of  Corinth, Vicksburg, in the Atlanta campaign and at Atlanta. Officer and men 1022, Killed in battle 58. Died from wounds 178.
The Twelfth Iowa-Officers and men 981. Killed in action 33. Died from wounds, etc., 285. participated in action at Shiloh Fort, Donelson, siege of Vicksburg, Tupelo, White river, Mississippi and Spanish Fort. Regiment was recruited after the federal defeat at Bull Run, upon Lincoln's second call for volunteers.

Crocker's Persistent Drills
Colonel M. M. Crocker the organizer of the justly celebrated "Iowa Brigade" or "Crocker's Brigade," commanded the Thirteenth Iowa, which was mustered into service Nov. 1, 1861. M. M. Price of Davenport was lieutenant colonel of the regiment. Company F of the regiment was recruited from Scott and Linn counties and drilled insistently, and incessantly at Camp McClellan at Camp McClellan in this city, then in the beginning of its prestige. The regiment was at once ordered to the front. During its honorable career it participated in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Vicksburg, campaign against Atlanta, with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and through the Carolinas to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out. Officers and men 988 killed, in battle 68. Died from wounds etc., 224.
The Thirteenth had the honor to be the first to enter Columbus, S. C., where the secession movement first began. The regiment was fortunate in having Colonel Crocker as a commander. At first the men objected to drilling for five or six hours a day, but at the battle of Shiloh the tedious discipline served them in excellent stead.
At Shiloh colonel Crocker's command was under fire of the enemy for 10 hours, and suffered a loss in the regiment of 23 killed and 130 wounded. It was the worst engagement of all in which five regiments participated, but thanks to excellent drilling there was no great confusion.

The Fourteenth Mustered Here.
The Fourteenth Iowa was mustered at Camp McClellan, drilled at Camp Lincoln, and sent to Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Ft. de Russey, Tupelo, Pilot Knob, Town Creek, Old Town, Tallahatchie (Tallahassie) and several other places. The regiment was organized and mustered under the call of Oct. 3 in the fall of 1861, and was mustered out of service at Davenport, Nov. 16, 1864. Nearly the entire regiment was captured at Shiloh, but after a few months was exchanged and reorganized. It is credited with some of the hardest fighting of the war. Officers and men 840. Killed in action 31. Died from wounds 148. Company G of the regiment was recruited form Scott and Tama counties. Hugo Hoffbauer of Buffalo and W. T. Dittoe of this city were lieutenants in Co. A. which was entirely recruited from Scott county. Joseph H. Clark and William Davenport were also privates in Co. A.
A residuary battalion of the Fourteenth Iowa was later reorganized with two companies which was mustered into and on May 13, 1865, mustered out of the army of the United States. This battalion was formed of veterans and recruits.
The Fifteenth Iowa served in the heart of the rebellion. Officers and men 1,196. Killed in action 58. Died of wounds etc., 277. Fought at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta and was with Sherman on his march to the sea.

The Record of the Sixteenth
The Sixteenth Iowa was organized under the first call of the president for troops, and it was thought to be the last which the state of Iowa would furnish. Add. H. Sanders of Davenport was its lieutenant colonel. The regiment was mustered into service at Camp McClellan, Dec. 10, 1861, with 919 officers and men. The companies composing it were as follows.
Company A, from Clinton county.
Company B, from Scott county.
Company C and E, from Muscatine county.
Company D, from Boone county.
Company F, from Muscatine, Clinton and Scott counties.
Company H, from Clayton and Dubuque counties.
Company I, from Blackhawk county.
Company K, from Lee and Muscatine counties.

The Sixteenth participated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Iuka, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, Kickajack Creek and the battles around Atlanta as also in Sherman's campaign. Killed in battle 62. Died of wounds, etc., 255.
It might be noticed here that after the battle of Shiloh the Iowa Brigade was organized by Colonel Crocker, and in this brigade the 16th Iowa always afterwards formed a part.
The greater part of the 16th regiment was captured in the battle before Atlanta and remained in prison pens for two months before there was any exchange or liberation.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Iowa
Tuesday Morning
June 12, 1900

HAIL TO THE VETS.
Davenport's Portals Open Wide to Receive the Boys who Wore the Blue.
The Town is Theirs.
Flags and Bunting Everywhere Greet the Defenders.
War Time's Spirit Extant.
All Roads Lead to Davenport, Where Grand Army and Auxiliaries Are Welcome Guests.

All day long on Brady street
Re-echoes the tread of marching feet.
All day long the free flags toss
Over the heads of a royal host.

Brothers in arms in peaceful array,
Fighting men of a stirring day,
The old town opens its portals wide
To welcome you in its loving pride.
~~With apologies to Barbara Frietchie.

Beginning to-day the streets of Davenport will be alive for three days with the military figures of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the department of Iowa. Sixteen years ago this city welcomed the veterans of many battles and since that time the people of Davenport have been looking forward to this time, when they again would be privileged to welcome the old soldiers.
To many of the men in blue who come here today, the coming to Davenport is like visiting an old home, for it was here that Camp McClellan was located-that rendezvous so important in the days of the massing of troops during the war. The city welcomes their return. The city welcomes their friends, their wives, their sons and their daughters. It is here that many of the incidents of lighter vein occurred that have gone down in veteran history; it is fitting that here also, these pleasing memories should be recalled.
With one accord, therefore, the people of Davenport who saw the bright colored flags of the new regiments march off to war from Camp McClellan, and who saw the tattered regiments return to Iowa through this city, welcome the actors in the greatest of dramas in the national history. The mayor, the city officials, the press, the people of the city welcome the men in blue, the delegates, the auxiliary organizations and all who have come here to attend the twenty sixth encampment of the G.A.R. of the department of Iowa.

Glad Hand to the Visitors.
Strangers Within the Gate Given Cordial Welcome.
The delegates and visitors to the twenty-sixth encampment were met at the trains and the boats by a large delegation of local G.A.R. men and Sons of Veterans.  The Davenport Drum Corps led each of the delegations back to the he city and to the bureau of information. At the bureau of information, which was in a tent opposite the postoffice on Perry street, the delegates were directed to the boarding houses and the hotels which they had selected. Those who desired to visit the G.A.R. headquarters were sent to the Kimball house, where National Commander Albert D. Shaw, Department Commander C. F. Bailey, Assistant Adjutant General L. M. Black, M. H. Byers, Assistant Quartermaster General George Shanley and others are registered. Those who wished to visit the headquarters of the W.R.C. were directed to the armory of Company B. Others who were younger and were looking for the headquarters of the Sons of Veterans were sent to the G.A.R. hall. The Ladies of the G.A.R. were directed  to Columbian Hall, over the Davenport national bank. Around the tent on Perry street this morning there was a merry crowd, and the hand-shaking, with the exchange of reminiscences consumed much of the morning.

Sketch of the Iowa G.A.R.
Something of the Growth of the Organization as it is Today.

The Grand Army of the Republic has had a marvelous growth in Iowa. Beginning with a few struggling posts in 1874, at a time when the old soldiers seemed not to feel the need of an organization, struggling for two years, then almost becoming extinct, it took new life and today there are in the state 434 posts, with a membership of 14,730. The zenith of the organization was reached in 1890. At that time the number of posts was the largest in its history. Since that time the numbers have slowly from year to year.
The first organization was in 1872. Burt later a number of posts withdrew. Two provisional commanders were elected, they being J. C. Parrot, of Keokuk, and A. A. Perkins of Des Moines, who is now in Denver. The first encampment was in eastern Iowa and the second encampment 130 posts were reported. The organization then grew rapidly until 1890, and since then there has been a decline. During the years of its existence, the department of Iowa has been in charge of the following commanders:
1879. H. E. Criswold, Atlantic.
1880. W. F. Conrad, Des Moines.
1881. Peter V. Carey, Des Moines.
1882. B. G. Hogin, Newton (deceased).
1883. John B. Cook, Carroll (deceased).
1884. E. G. Miller, Waterloo.
1885, W. R. Manning, Newton.
1886. W. A. McHenry, Denison.
1887. J. M. Tuttle, Des Moines.
1888. E. A. Consigny, Avoca.
1889. C. H. Smith, Aurora.
1890. Mason P. Mills, Cedar Rapids.
1891. C. L. Davidson, Hull.
1892. J. J. Steadman, Council Bluffs.
1893. Phil Schaller, Sac City.
1894. George A. Newman, Cedar Falls.
1895. J. K. P. Thompson, Rock Rapids.
1896. Josiah Given, DesMoines.
1897. A. H. Evans. Keokuk.
1898. R. W. Tirrill, DesMoines.
1899. c. F. Bailey, Ireton.

The Iowa G.A.R. has held an encampment each year and has been entertained in many of the cities of the state. The organization is all the more remarkable when it is considered that there is no other tie than the memories born of the battlefield, memories of common dangers and of equal hardships endured. A past war lives in the present.

Wednesday's Program.
Morning
The delegates will convene at the Grand Opera House (Turner Hall), at 9 o'clock sharp.
Delegates are requested to meet at the headquarters (Kimball House), at 8:30 o'clock a.m., sharp and march in a body to Grand Opera House.
Address of Welcome-Henry Thuenen.
Response-Comrade T. D. McCurdy, of Hazelton.
Invocation-Department chaplain.
Report of committee on credentials.
Annual address by the department commander.
Report of the assistant adjutant general, followed by reports of the Assistant quartermaster general and other department officers.
Report of committee on Soldiers' Home
Report of Vicksburg committee.
Appointment of the committee on different reports by the commander.
Appointment of committees to carry greeting to other orders by the department commander.

Grand Parade.
Parade at 2 o'clock p.m., sharp. The parade will form on Brady and Fourth streets with right resting on neighboring streets and will pass down Brady to Second, west on Second to Warren, north on Warren to Third, east on Third to Scott street, and thence along the city hall, were the reviewing stand will be erected. The governor and his staff, with the national and state commanders will review the parade.

Evening Concert.
Grand patriotic vocal and instrumental concert at Schuetzen park from 8 to 10 p.m. During the concert short addresses will be delivered by National Commander Albert D. Shaw, of New York, and to others, to which the public is cordially invited. Admittance free. Third street cars run direct to the park. In case of rain this entertainment will be transferred to Grand Opera House.

Caught on the Sentry Line.
Stray Shots Heard by the Times Comrades on Picket Duty.
Captain E. Weingartner, of Nebraska, an old Davenporter, is in the city to attend the meeting of the Iowa brigade.
Seth B. Twombly, of Chicago, is in the city. Seth used to carry a gun in the ranks of the Second.
     Chief of Police Frank Kessler said that he never endured a more galling fire than when he lay in the "Hornets' Nest" at Shiloh, or when the Second and Seventh Iowas passed the enfilading fire on retreat to escape capture. "We received our first baptism of fire then I can assure you," said he, "and we were taken unawares. We had left Davenport proud of our guns and our uniforms, and on Sunday morning, April 6, we met the enemy. It was early in the morning and some of us had only our undergarments on. Captain Wallace was killed at Shiloh."
Chief Kessler said, in discussing Shiloh: "I remember seeing Colonel Bob Littler, the organizer of the volunteer fire department here, whirl around on the field and then I knew he was hit. I caught him as he fell, and he said: 'Frank, there goes my arm.' When Bob came home he had an empty sleeve."
     Iowa had the famous Crocker, or Iowa brigade, which held its meeting at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon at the Turner hall. She also had the Union brigade, the "Hornets' Nest" brigade. The Union brigade was composed of the Eighth and Twelfth infantries, and the "Hornet's Nest" of the Second Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth infantries. Then we had the "Greybeard" regiment, and the "Iowa Temperance" regiment. All made enviable records.
     "There was good foraging through Georgia, but it was tough through the Carolinas. Old Bill McCrellias once tried to tackle a bee hive, looking for honey. When Bill got back to camp, we didn't know him. He had gotten into a veritable 'hornets' nest.' So said Chief Kessler.
C. F. Bailey, the present commander, was born in Ohio, and came to Iowa in 1850. He has lived in Iowa since that time, having devoted his energies to the business of farming and stock raising. Mr. Bailey enlisted in 1861 in the Fifth Iowa volunteer infantry. He served four years and four months. He went with his regiment from Missouri to the sea, and was with Sherman in his memorable march. His regiment was almost annihilated at Missouri Ridge, and the remnant was ordered to join the Fifth Iowa cavalry. Mr. Bailey has served two terms in the state legislature. At the present he is ending his administration as commander of the department.

Caught on the Sentry Line (continued...)
     P. H. Lenon is in the city. He is the senior vice commander. He was born near Logansport, Ind., and came to Iowa in 1859, locating in Guthrie county. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-ninth infantry and served till the close of the war. Last year he was junior vice commander and he is now a member of the executive committee of the council of administration of the national organization. Mr. Lenon spent three months at Camp McClellan. He was mustered out with commission of captain.
     William Goodin is in the city and is the junior vice commander. He was born in Perry county, Oh., in 1828, and came to Iowa in 1844. He enlisted in Company A. First Iowa cavalry, June 13, 1861. The company was encamped at Burlington with the other companies of the battalion and that fall the command went to St. Louis. The regiment was in service in Missouri, Arkansas, Indian Territory and Texas. It was a part of the Seventh Army Corps, known as the army of the frontier.
     The medical director is H. C. McCoy, M. D., and he is also here attending the encampment. He enlisted in Greene county, Wis., and served with the thirty-first Wisconsin for two years. A part of that time he was acting assistant surgeon. Then he went before the examining board at Nashville, where he took an examination and was found sufficiently proficient to be commissioned assistant surgeon. He was assigned to the Third Tennessee cavalry and was brevet surgeon at the close of the war. He with many others was captured by General Forrest. Sept. 24, 1864, and was a prisoner for three months. He was taken to Meridan and Enterprise, Ala. He came to Iowa in 1870 and has resided at Algona since that time. He has been medical director four terms.
     L. M. Black, the assistant adjutant general, was born in Henry county, Ind., Jan. 15, 1842. He came to Iowa January, 1871. He was a member of the Fifty-seventh Indiana regiment and was enlisted Oct. 25, 1861. After three years of service he was discharge at Corinth, Miss. His home is at Ireton and he has an office at Des Moines.
     J. E. Winder, who is the chief mustering officer, was born in Champaign county, Oh., in 1842, and came to Iowa in 1854. He was enlisted in the Seventeenth Iowa, March 12, 1862. He served until June 21, 1865. . He was mustered out of the service at Camp McClellan. "When I was captured," said Mr. Winder, "I weighted 165 pounds and when I had been in Andersonville three months I weighted only 80 pounds. I there lost my health and have never recovered from the effects." When asked if Andersonville has been painted sufficiently black, he said:
"     No. The histories of Andersonville are not overdrawn. They do not paint the picture of prison life with too much blackness. They paint them with scarcely enough realism. I was there six and one-half months and I know."
     The general entertainment committee of the local G. A. R. last evening secured four copies of The Times' Twentieth Century directory for use during the encampment, in order that the visitors may be directed quickly and accurately to the several places where they will be entertained. The committee appreciates the fact that The Times directory is the only accurate directory of the city.
Chief of Police, Kessler was a member of the Hornets' Nest brigade, and says the brigade repulsed five separate attacks of the rebels.
M. Smallenberg, of Company B, of the Second Iowa, now a resident of New York, is in the city to look after the meeting of the "Hornets' Nest" brigade. Mr. Smallenberg says that Sergeant Ed Coughlin, of Buffalo, N. Y., also a member of the brigade, would have been here had he not met with an accident on the Lehigh Valley road while preparing to embark for the encampment here, on last Friday. He was so injured that he could not come to the city, although he much desired to do so. Mr. Smallenberg is an uncle of H. J. Tober, of the local board of trade.
     L. P. Sicer, of New Albany, Ind., is in the city attending the encampment. He was a member of Company C, of the "Hornets' Nest" brigade-a member of the Second Iowa regiment. He says that the Eighth and Twelfth and Fourteenth regiments were captured at Shiloh, the Second and Seveneth alone escaping. Comrade Sicer says that he is an engineer on the Monon Route. Mr. Sicer told a Times reporter that he can never forget how he was compelled to shoot down a boy in the presence of his mother, while on the way to the front. "That mother," said he, "threw herself on the boy and when she arose, her white gown was bespattered with blood. I had to do it, lad, but I'll never cease to regret it."

     Chief Piening stated this morning that so far as the arrangements had been made this morning, the plans for the display of the work of the Davenport fire department contemplated a run to the Masonic Temple at the corner of Third and Main streets at 2:30 o'clock. To the call the hooks, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and perhaps 5 will respond. The hose companies will show the power of the Davenport water pumping station while the aerial truck will be elevated and the roof of the temple will be scaled by the afternoon.
Robert Highly, 39 years ago, was a member of the "Hornets' Nest" brigade, and was in Brewster's column at Shiloh. He is here from Caldonia, Ohio, and says that he knows McKinley. He proposes to become acquainted with Governor Shaw during the encampment.
National commander Albert D. Shaw is in the city to attend the encampment. He expressed himself as well pleased with the arrangements that had been made by the local committee for the entertainment of the G. A. R.
Major Samuel Mahon, of the Seventh Iowa, is in the city. He is a veteran of the noted Hornets' Nest Brigade and one of Ottumwa's most prominent citizens.
Captain Twombly, of Des Moines, who married the "girl he left behind him," and has her yet, is in attendance upon the fourth reunion of the Hornets' Nest Brigade.
Captain Campbell, of Oakville, Ia., of the Fourteenth, is visiting with old time comrades.
Major D. B. Reed, of the twelfth Iowa, and General John B. Weaver, Colonel G. L. Godfrey, of the Second Iowa, and Captain J. Stibbs, of the Twelfth, are here. Colonel Godfrey presided at the business meeting of the brigade this afternoon. General Weaver was a prime favorite with the boys during the handshaking session.
Dr. R. N. Hall, of Chicago, who participated in the battle at Shiloh, is here. He came here from his duties as the head of a medical college to attend the fourth reunion.
Quite a few of the veterans brought their wives with them to the reunion.
The Ladies of the Relief Corps have their headquarters at the St. James hotel. They did the honors well this forenoon.
L. M. Black said today that the local committee had things arranged the best that he had ever experienced in all his visits to many encampments.
C. D. Rickey, of Ottumwa, a member of the "Hornets' Nest" brigade has a genuine hornets' nest mounted on a pole, which he will carry in the parade tomorrow.
J. L. Tinkham, of Vinton, Iowa, of the Eight Iowa ("Hornets' Nest" brigade) is here. He called upon A. L. Mossman.
S. C. James, of Post No. 122, B. First Regular Berdan's Sharpshooters, of Centerville, Ia., is in the city attending the G. A. R. 26th annual encampment, which will begin tomorrow. He is quartered at the St. James, and came to the city at 11 o'clock last night. He states that his regiment was the first sharpshooting regiment in the service.
M. Smallenburg and wife, of Buffalo, N. Y., are the guests of Mrs. Harry Toher, of Eighth and Hennepin streets, during the encampment.
Mrs. Georgiana McClelland, of Denison, Ia., is in the city attending W. R. C. meeting.
Mrs. Hutchinson, of Lake City, the department treasurer of the W. R. C., is at the St. James.
Mrs. Hayber, the senior vice, of Waterloo, and Mrs. Christina Snyder, junior vice of Creston, are also in the city for the encampment.
Mrs. Florence McClelland, of Illinois, department president of the state W. R. C., is here from Chicago to attend the events of the week.

Iowa's Boys in Blue

[The following is a continuation of the story of the mustering of the Iowa regiments which opened in Saturday's Times and is concluded in this issue. Frank J. B. Huot is the historian.-Editor.]

The Iowa Cavalry
Iowa also furnished nine regiments of cavalry, as follows:
First Iowa Cavalry-Organized in 1861. Veteranized in 1864. Mustered out in 1866. Officers and men, 1, 478. Killed in action, 43. Died of wounds. Etc. 224. Fought at Corinth, Iuka, Clear Creek, Elkins Ford and Antwineville.
Second Iowa Cavalry-Mustered in at Camp Joe Holt, Davenport, September, 1861. Officers and men, 1,349. Killed in action, 41. Died of wounds, etc., 224. Fought at Corinth, Iuka, Palo Alto, Coffeeville, Tupelo, Oxford, Nashville and other places.
Third Iowa Cavalry-Mustered in at Keokuk. Officers and men, 1, 360. Killed in action, 65. Died of wounds, etc., __. Fought at Pea Ridge, LeGrange, Sycamore, Coldwater, Pine Bluff, White's Station and other places. Mustered out at Atlanta.
Fourth Iowa Cavalry-Mustered in at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Officers and men, 1, 227. Killed in action, 44. Died of wounds, etc., 227. Fought at Geere Town, Miss. White River, Tupelo, Osage, Little Blue River, St. Frances River and other places. Mustered out at Atlanta.
Fifth Iowa Cavalry-Officers and men, 1, 245. Killed in action, 47. Died of wounds, etc., 141. This regiment was only in part an Iowa product, being organized at Omaha. Companies E, F, and H only being from Iowa. Fought at second battle at Fort Donelson, Duck River Ridge, Sugar Creek, Camp Creek, Cumberland Works, Lockridge's Mills and other places. Mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. in August, 1865.
Sixth Iowa Cavalry-Organized and mustered in at Camp Joe Holt, Davenport early in 1863. E. P. Ten Broeck, of Clinton, was major. Company A was recruited from Scott county. The regiment was employed upon the frontier against the Indians and did excellent service. Fought in the battle of White Stone Hill. Officers and men, 1, 125. Killed in action, 19. Died of wounds, etc., 72. Mustered out at Sioux City, October 17, 1865.
Eight Iowa Cavalry-Recruited from Twelfth Iowa infantry. Some 2,000 men were enlisted, some 450 of which were turned over to the Ninth cavalry, and seventy-five to the Fourth battery. Mustered into service at Camp McClellan. Davenport, September 30, 1863. Participated in Stoneman's cavalry raid through Alabama. Also in the battles at Lost Mountain and Nashville. Mustered out at Macon, Georgia, August 13, 1865. Officers and men, 1,234. Killed in action, 30. Died of wounds, etc., 106.
Ninth Iowa Cavalry-Recruited at Davenport and mustered into the service at Camp Joe Holt, otherwise Camp Lincoln, November 30, 1863. The last three-years regiment organized in Iowa. Performing heavy scouting in Arkansas. Mustered out at Little Rock, February 28, 1866. Officers and men, 1,178. Killed in action, 6. Died of wounds, etc., 178.

The Four Iowa Batteries.
There were four batteries of light artillery organized in Iowa, every one of which was mustered out of service at Camp Joe Holt, in Davenport.
The First battery was mustered into service at Burlington, August 17, 1861, and mustered out July 5, 1865, at Camp McClellan. Was in action at Pea Ridge, Port Gibson, in the Atlanta campaign, and at Lookout Mountain, in the battle above the clouds. Officers and men, 149. Killed in action, 7. Died of wounds, etc., 55.
The second battery was mustered in at Council Bluffs, on August 8 and 31, 1861, and was mustered out at Camp McClellan, August 7, 1865. Participated in the battles at Farmington, Corinth and other places. Officers and men, 123. Killed in action, 1. Died of wounds, etc., 30.
The third battery was mustered into service at Dubuque in September 1861, and was mustered out of service at Camp McClellan on October 23, 1865. Was engaged  at Pea Ridge and other places. Officers and men 142. Killed in action 3. Died from wounds thirty-four.
The fourth battery was mustered into service at Camp McClellan in Davenport on November 23, 1863 and was mustered out at the same place, July 14, 1865. Operated in Louisiana. Officers and men 152; killed in action 0 (none); Died of wounds, etc., 6.

Iowa's Colored Troops.
There was an Iowa Regiment of colored troop organized in 1863, which was known as the First African Infantry. However it saw no active service, being stationed on garrison duty at Jefferson Barracks and other places in Missouri. The regiment afterwards became the Sixtieth United States Regiment of colored troops.
The Northern Border brigade was organized to defend the northwestern frontier. There were five companies in the brigade, all enlisted from the northwestern counties.
The Southern Border brigade was organized for a similar object. There were seven companies in three battalions recruited from the counties on the Missouri border.

The Iowa Brigade.
Colonel Crocker was at the head of the Thirteenth Iowa infantry. He was a great and a stern drill master and was past master in the science of army discipline. After Shiloh had been fought he formed the "Iowa Brigade," now the "Crocker Brigade" commonly so called. This was composed of the thirteenth, eleventh, sixteenth, fifteenth Iowa's together with the gallant seventh.
At Atlanta, when on June 22 General Hood made his famous charge which opened the battle, the Sixteenth Iowa flanked on the right by the Eleventh Iowa, and on the Eleventh Iowa, and on the left by the Fifteenth Iowa, with the Thirteenth Iowa in the rear, all forming the invincible Iowa Brigade, was at the main point of the charge. The Sixteenth captured a regiment on that day but later was taken prisoner itself, after which came the weary months at Andersonville.

The Dead at Camp McClellan
Those brave soldiers who passed from earth upon pallets of pain at historic Camp McClellan, are noticed as follows. The writer will not, nor cannot, vouch for the completeness of the list:
Warner Behrens-Died march 11, 1863.
Clinton Clark-Died Jan. 2, 1863.
William Oscar Hunter-Died Oct. 2, 1862.
Peter C. Frame-Died March 11, 1863.
Henry R. Moore-Died Feb. 11, 1863.
August Schultz-Died May 25, 1862.
Denis Sullivan-Died __ __.

Iowa's Honored Dead.
From Scott county alone there were 277 brave heroes offered up as a holocaust of war upon the altar of peace. Out of 57,060 troops from Iowa which responded to the president's call at least 3,400 perished on the battlefields or at least from wounds before the smoke of conflict cleared away. Those who perished from disease, starvation and unattended and gangrenous  wounds must be counted by the thousands on the ten fingers, and that number representative only of the mortality from 1861 to 1866, during the five years of the unhappy strife between brother and brother.

Un Mot l'aru Revoir.
A word before closing. Camp McClellan is a sacred spot. It is historic. For thirty five years the Allen's have not disturbed its topography. It's site would make an ideal city park. The suggestion might be considered by those interested in large and worthy enterprises.

How the Eighth Fought Shiloh.
The engagement, according to Colonel Geddes, began at 8 o'clock in the morning of Sunday, April 6, and was continued until the hour of 6 o'clock in the afternoon. Those who distinguished themselves for conspicuous gallantry were Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Fergeson and Major J. A. News, both of this city, the latter being one of the best known of the deceased residents of Davenport. Colonel Geddes says that the battle was one of the most desperately fought of any in the civil war. His regiment, the Eighteenth (sic) Iowa, lost 100 men killed, and the colonel himself was wounded in the leg, while Major Andrews received some injuries to his head. At about 6 o'clock in the afternoon, Colonel Geddes says, that he found himself hemmed in, and seeing no way to escape, of course, felt compelled to surrender.
Colonel Geddes claims that his command was the last to leave the advance line on that ill favored Sunday, April 6, 1862.

Present Officers.
Among the visitors in the city today there are none who are more interested in the successful carrying out of the program of this encampment than the present officers of the department of Iowa. These officers are:
Commander-C. F. Bailey, of Ireton.
Senior vice Commander-P. H. Lenon, of Guthrie county.
Junior Vice commander-William Goodin, of Farmington.
Medical Director-H. C. McCoy, of Algona.
Chaplain-W. W. Gist, Osage.
Assistant Adjutant General-L. M. Black, of Ireton.
Assistant Quartermaster-L. C. Blanchard, Oskaloosa.
Chief Mustering Officer-J. E. Winder, of DesMoines.

The Hornets' Nest Brigade.
Historic Name Had Its Origin on Shiloh Battlefield
The "Hornets' Nest" brigade, which holds its meeting here today at 9 o'clock, takes its name from the rebel regiments opposing this brigade.
The "Hornets' Nest" brigade was composed of the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, and the name was attached to it after the battle of Shiloh, in which General Albert Sidney Johnson was killed.
The "rebs" thought after they made five futile attempts to charge the solid phalanx of the five Iowa regiments on that bloody Sunday on April 6, and on Monday, April 7, 1862, that they had gotten themselves into a veritable hornets' nest. Hence the name.
Companies B and C of the gallant Second, which participated in the battle of Shiloh, were form Davenport, the major portion of them having been recruited here. The brigade was in command of colonel J. M. Tuttle.

On Shiloh's Fateful Field.
Shiloh is not the only battlefield on which the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth, and Fourteenth Iowa's distinguished themselves, but there were 100 more. More where the blood of Iowa's brave and fearless boys flowed the ground and incoridined (sic) it with the crimson of the lifetide. Iowa's sent to the he front 76,309 of her best beloved sons, of which number fully 50,000 are dead.

"On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread."
The "Hornets' Nest" brigade fought at Shiloh, where Wallace fell and Littler left his arm. There were forty-two officers and men killed at Shiloh; 104 wounded and eighteen missing. There were 352 taken prisoners. Colonel J. M. Tuttle, of the Second Iowa, commanded the brigade in this battle. Colonel W. T. Shaw, of Anamosa, and a member of the Fourteenth, is president of the association.

At the Headquarters.
At 7:30 o'clock this morning the "Hornets' Nest" brigade began to assemble in the upper dining room at the Turner hall. A large blue print map of the battlefield of Shiloh hung upon an easel in the room and the comrades eagerly inspected it. The calm Tennessee river along the south of that bloody field, and the location of the different regiments and companies are given exactly as they were on that fatal April 6, which saved the north from being invaded by the hosts of Buell. Alongside the map of the historic battlefield, is an immense hornets' nest, which at tonight's campfire will adorn the stage.


Handshaking and Registration
At 9 o'clock this morning the registration began. At 11:30 o'clock the Second Iowa had registered over thirty veterans who fought at the Hornets' Nest, while the Seventh registered twelve, the Eighth twenty-five, the Twelfth eight and the Fourteenth some twenty. West Liberty, Newton, Buffalo, N.Y., Caledonia, Ohio, Brighton, Farmington, Hedrick, Corydon, New Albany, Ind., and DesMoines and a score of other places are represented. R. L. Turner, of Oskaloosa, the secretary of the brigade, did the registration bay companies, assisted by Ross Wheatly, of Wilsonville, Iowa. Badges were distributed to all of the comrades as they came into the hall.
At 10:30 o'clock this morning the executive committee session of the brigade was held at Turner hall, but no information was given out concerning the business it transacted.

The Business Meeting
At 1:30 o'clock this afternoon the business meeting of the brigade was held in the Turner Grand opera house and was very largely attended. The hall was very delightfully decorated in honor of the occasion. The portraits of Abraham Lincoln, Grant, McKinley, etc., and Old Glory were in evidence.
G. L. Godfrey, in the stead of Colonel Shaw, called the meeting to order at 2 o'clock today. Vice Presidents Mahon, Campbell, and three others were upon the stage.
The first report of officers was that of the secretary, R. L. Turner, of Oskaloosa, who reported that the last meeting or reunion of the "Hornets' Nest" brigade was held at Newton, Iowa, on August 27, 1900.
The secretary stated that the organization was in good shape.
The treasurer, Comrade Twombly, of DesMoines, reported total assets at $187.67. The balance now on hand is $73.70.
The committee on badges was continued in office until the next meeting or reunion, at which time it will be expected to report.
A motion was made by Secretary Turner to have a recess of 10 minutes, during which each of the five regiments in the brigade should select the member upon a committee of nomination and one upon a committee on resolutions. Carried.
Chairman Godfrey stated that the resolutions drafted by the committee on resolutions would be presented at the campfire which will be held this evening for adoption.
After the meeting was again called to order the following gentlemen were appointed upon the following committees:
On Nominations-Second Iowa, Wade Kirkpatrick: Seventh Iowa, Alexander Fields: Eighth Iowa, E. S. Palmer: twelfth Iowa, Dr. J. B. Morgan, Fourteenth Iowa, Milton Rhodes.
On Resolutions-Second Iowa, Captain Twombly; Seventh Iowa, J. H. Lewis; Eighth Iowa, J. N. Currier; Twelfth Iowa, D. W. Reed; Fourteenth Iowa, Ross Wheatly.
Alexander Fields, chairman of the nominating committee, moved that the old officers be retained in office for the ensuing year. These officers are as follows.
President-Colonel W. T. Shaw, Anamosa, Iowa.
Vice Presidents-G. L. Godfrey, Second Iowa, DesMoines; Samuel Mahon, Seventh Iowa, Ottumwa; J. C. Kennon, Eighth Iowa, Van Horn, Iowa; R. P. Clarkson, Twelfth Iowa, Des Moines; S. M. Chapman, Fourteenth Iowa, Plattsmouth, Neb.
Secretary-R. L. Turner, Eighth Iowa, Oskaloosa.
Treasurer-V. P. Twombly, Second Iowa, DesMoines.
The question of "Hornets' Nest" badges came up again after the old officers were re-elected. Alex Fields suggested that a collection be taken up and the money devoted to the manufacture of a die for making metal badges. The motion prevailed.
There was much discussion concerning the character of the badge, it was, however, decided to have it in the shape of either a button hole emblem embossed with a hornet's nest, or of a stick pin with the hornet's nest rampant. The same will be made from metal, gold, silver, copper, bronze or aluminum, according to the amount of money at hand.
Secretary Turner was allowed the sum of $50 for services during the year.

The "Hornets' Nest" Brigade
Campfire This Evening at the Turner Grand Opera House.
Tonight there will be a campfire at the Turner Grand opera house, given by the "Hornets' Nest" brigade. This campfire will be open to the public without tickets, and will be held tonight. It was erroneously announced by another evening paper and a morning paper that the campfire would be tomorrow night. The members of the brigade are particularly anxious that it be understood that the campfire is tonight. The program for the evening follows:
Music by the Band.
Invocation.
Music, by Apollo Glee Quartette.
Address of Welcome....Mayor Heinz.
Response....Col. D. Ryan, 8th Iowa.
Music, Apollo Quartette.
"The Men of '61"....
Captain Samuel Chapman, 14th Iowa.
"Shiloh" Major D. b. Reed, 12th Iowa
Music
"The U.S. Volunteer Soldier"....
....Col. W. B. Bell, 8th Iowa
"The Loyalty and Devotion of our Mothers, Wives and Daughters Never Be Forgotten."....
....Captain R. G. Reniger, 7th Iowa "Shiloh's Field by Night"....
....Miss Mabel Metzger, Music.
"The influence of the Civil War on the Progress of the Nation"....
....Major Samuel Mahon, 7th Iowa.
Gen. J. B. Weaver, Colonel G. L. Godfrey, of 2d Iowa, and Captain J. Stibbs, 12th Iowa, and have gone foraging. Should they get back to camp in time, they will be given ten minutes each to explain how they did it.
Music.
"Our Comrades who have gone before their memory we will ever cherish"
....Captain J. W. Morgan, 14th Iowa.
Music.

Reception At the Armory.
Was Largely Attended by Distinguished Visitors and Delegates.
There was a large attendance at the reception which was tendered this afternoon to National Commander Albert D. Shaw, of Watertown, N.Y.:C. F. Bailey, department commander and his staff; Woman's Relief Corps, Ladies of the G.A.R.: Sons of Veterans and other kindred organizations. The reception was held in Armory hall from 2 to 4 o'clock.
The hall was pettily decorated. On the walls were festoons of bunting and the ceiling was decorated artistically with the national colors. The platform was also decorated with the stars and stripes and potted plants added to the beauty of the interior.
The people who assisted-National Commander Albert D. Shaw in receiving were C. F. Bailey, commander of department of Iowa; Mrs. Lizzie Hutchison, president of the W.R.C.; Mrs. Florence McClelland, department president of Illinois; P. H. Lenon, senior vice president W. R. C.: M. H. Byers, member council of administration: Mrs. Georgia McClellan, secretary W. R. C.: L. M. Black, assistant adjutant general: M. J. Eagal, commander August Wentz Post, Davenport: Mrs. Belle T. Roedell, department inspector: Mrs. E. E. Plopper, chairman executive committee W. R. C.: Mrs. Georgia B. Worker, of auditing committee, and Mrs. Moatt, of Chicago.
After the reception the visitors were taken to the Orphans Home and there viewed the institution.

At the W. R. C. Headquarters.
Outline of Meetings to Be Held To-night and Tomorrow.
     At the headquarters of the W. R. C. in the parlors of the St. James hotel there are many of the delegates who are registering and getting acquainted with the officers and other delegates. There were at noon about 150 names registered more than half being the names of delegates. Among the officers of the organization who are here may be mentioned the president, Mrs. Lizzie S. Hutchison of Lake City, Ia. She has been the president of only one term and there is a strong sentiment among the delegates that she should be re-elected. If she can be persuaded to permit her name to be used, she will be the next president also. The senior vice-president, who is Mrs. Christine C. Snyder of Creston, is here. She will be a candidate for the office if Mrs. Hutchison refuses to be a candidate. The secretary is Mrs. Georgia McClellan, of Denison, Ia. She is here and is busy at work looking after the duties of her office. She has been the past department president. One little incident in her  life to which she seldom refers but which her friends never fail to tell is that she with her mother and two sisters were living on the hill at Gettysburg at the time of the battle. Wounded soldiers were brought to their home. Her sister who was making bread for the wounded was shot through the head by a stray bullet during the course of the battle. Mrs. McClellan, therefore, knows truly of the actualities of war.
     The treasurer is Mrs. Myra J. Parker of DesMoines.

W.R.C. Program
The program as mapped out by the officers of the W.R.C. includes the attendance at the armory tonight where at 7:30 o'clock the ladies of the local G.A.R. will exemplify the secret work of the order.
At 9 o'clock tomorrow morning there will be a business meeting of the W.R.C.
There will be an adjournment of the order to attend the parade, and after the parade, the W.R.C. will elect officers.

Sons of Veterans' Program
Will Hold Several Important Sessions Here.
The following area the present officers of the Iowa department S. of V.
Commander-Wm. A. Brown, Marshalltown.
Adjutant-H. C. Lounsberry, Marshalltown.
Quartermaster-Geo. Brock, Marshalltown.
Judge Advocate-C. J. Cash, Anamosa.
Surgeon-Chas. F. Fowler, DesMoines.
Division Inspector-S. E. Day, Sabula.
Chaplain-E. E. Niday, Corydon.
Nearly all of the officers are present and there are about twenty-five delegates present and a total of 100 in the city. This afternoon at G.A.R. hall the division council if to be held to audit books of encampment.

Arrangements For Parade
Line of March and Marshals That Have Been Selected.
Tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock is the great parade. The parade will be one of the largest that has been seen in this part of Iowa for a long time. Colonel P. W. McManus, of Davenport, will have charge of the movement of the parade and his aides are as follows: C. W. Neal, D. B. Morehouse, R. P. Scott, L. A. Dilley, and Daniel Evers, the latter of Company B.

How Parade Will Move
Platoon of Police
Marshal and Aides
Grand Army Officers, Women's Relief Corps and Ladies of the G.A.R. in Carriages.
Strasser's Band
Company B, 50th Reg., I.N.G.
Uniform Rank K. of P., Davenport.
Buford Post, Rock Island.
Graham Post, Moline
District 1, 3, 4 and 5, G.A.R.
Otto's Band
District 6,7,8,9,10 ad 11, G.A.R.
Medical Staff
Ambulance
Petersen's Band
Orphan's Home Cadets
District No. 2, G.A.R.
Service Men of the Spanish War
Sons of Veterans.
Ambulance.

Formation of Parade.
The parade will form at 1:30 p.m. as follows:
Platoon of police officers of G.A.R., Women's Relief Corps, Ladies of the G.A.R., Strasser's band, Co. B, 50th Reg., I.N.G., Uniform Rank, K. of P., Moline, Buford Post, Rock Island, Graham Post, Moline.
District 1, 3, 4, 5, in order named will form on Fourth street east with right resting on Brady.
Otto's band, Districts 6, 7 and 8 in the order named will form on Rock Island street, south right resting on Fourth.
Petersen's band. Orphan's Home Cadets, 2d District G.A.R., Service Men of the Spanish War and Sons of Veterans will form on Fourth street west, right resting on Brady.

Line of March
The parade will move at 2 p.m. the line of march will be south on Brady to Second, west on Second to Warren, north to Third, east to Scott, north to Fourth, east to City Hall, where the parade will be reviewed and dispersed.

Marshal's Note.
By districts is meant congressional districts. This program is subject to changes as to bands and drum corps.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900

Down To Business
Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment of the Iowa Grand Army in Session.
Opening Ceremonies
City Attorney Thuenen Does Honors for Town.
Summary of Proceedings.
Department Commander Bailey in Annual Address Discusses Matters of Interest.

The twenty-sixth annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the department of Iowa, was formally opened this morning at 9 o'clock, at the Turner Grand opera house. At 8:30 in the morning the delegate met at the headquarters at the Kimball house and marched to the Turner hall, headed by Strasser's band. At the opera house precedence was given to the delegates and they were allowed to file in and take their seats before the others. Then a few visitors were allowed to pass in. The session was called to order by George Metzger, chairman of the social committee, and he introduced City Attorney Henry Thuenen, who made the address of welcome, speaking in part as follows:

Address of Welcome.
"Mr. Chairman, Members of the G. A. R. of the Department of Iowa: It is true that the mayor is unavoidable prevented from being here on account of business, and those who have seen him know that I could not fill his shoes nor his place. The city welcomes you because of what you have done. 'By their deeds you shall know them.' it is written, and certainly we know what the soldiers of the civil war For that reason we welcome you. There were times in the past when father fought against son, brother against brother, and it was for such a purpose that the president of the United States called for 150,000 volunteers. At that time an illustration of patriotism was given which the world cannot equal anywhere else.
"At that time we were not at war with foreign nations. No foe had assailed our border. There was a war with self. One part of the country opposed another. As there is no duty of a father so difficult to fulfill as that which requires him to punish a child, so there was no task so ardent to perform as that of fighting people of your own country. They were the bravest of foes that man ever fought but you carried the flag on to victory. Those who should have supported you, opposed. The task was difficult, when such deserted you. But to the soldier who stood for the Union let us give all honor. You have given to the world an object lesson, for you have proved that you are kind, gentle and forgiving as a woman, while at the same time having the courage of a lion.
"But now the North and the South are linked together as one. Only recently we have had an illustration of how the animosities of the '60s have passed away forever.
"You have taken cities by siege while in the service, you have taken them quickly by assault, but we surrender to you without the firing of a gun. I was about to say that we presented the keys of the city to you. But we have no keys. They were lost long ago, and since that time the gates of Davenport have stood ajar to welcome you all who come. Therefore, to you today we extend the heartiest of greeting and bid you thrice welcome."

Response.
T. D. McCurdy of Hazelton, was introduced to make the response an did so in a very entertaining address. Among other things, he said:
"Mr. Attorney, comrades, and friends: Permit me to return thanks to you for the good will that you have shown not only to us, but also to the shadowy presence of those who have gone before. We recall the immensity of the war of the rebellion, the massive army mustered into service and the 2, 685 battles which were fought. That army that has followed the flag that has never known defeat has left thousands upon thousands on the battlefields and large business enterprises and its pleasing memories. We are indeed glad to be here. The pleasure of this gathering can only be marred by the sadness engendered by the view of the aged faces of those who are here as delegates, for they remind us that these gatherings cannot be carried on much longer. We accept the hospitality of this city with pleasure. We rejoice to be here. May the success and the future of Davenport be as bright as a morning sun in a cloudless sky."

Chaplain's Invocation.
Commander Bailey then took charge of the meeting and stated that as in the days of old on the battlefield they were accustomed to follow the leaders. Therefore he would ask Chaplain W. W. Gist, of Osage, to lead in prayer. The delegates arose and Chaplain Gist prayed for the guidance of the meeting.
"O Lord, our Heavenly Father in Heaven at all times, in all places and under all circumstances we would acknowledge you as our guide. We return unto thee our thanks, our gratitude for the mercy that thou hast bestowed on us. We pray thee to bless the comrades over all the state. Some of them are not here, some are unable to be present on account of ill health and some of them are too poor to be here. Bless those in authority. We pray for the soldier boys in distant islands. Make them strong to resist and overcome temptation. Bless us and guide us through life and may we all join in that great reunion which will take place above.

Executive Session.
Following the prayer, the encampment went into secret session during which various reports were presented, the annual address of the department given and the working committees appointed.

Department Commander's Address.
C. F. Bailey, the department commander thus addressed his assembled comrades:
To the members of the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic.-Comrades: The Twenty-fifth annual encampment having selected and elected me to the very honorable and responsible position of commander, I feel it fitting and proper that I should at this time sincerely thank the members of the G. A. R. for this expression of their confidence in me. I feel that there is no other organization in this great commonwealth of ours that  that can confer greater honor upon one of it's members than can be conferred by this encampment by electing one of its' comrades to the very high position of department commander. It has always given me great pleasure to meet with the comrades and participate in their campfires and I shall ever hold a pleasant remembrance on account of the expressions of good feeling which I have received from the comrades at all times. It has been the greatest desire of my heart to do all that I could to make the lives of the "boys" happier by my presence among them.

Universal Harmony.
     When I took charge of the office to which I was elected, I found universal harmony and good order prevailing among the members of the different posts of the state: thus showing conclusively that those having charge of the work before me had done their work faithfully. I, therefore, felt it my duty to try to maintain if possible, this same harmonious spirit that I might, at the close of my term, transfer the trust to my successor with the assurance that this same good feeling should still permeate the entire department. In the work of keeping up the same good feeling, I feel that I have succeeded very well.
     The differences that have arisen that called for a decision from myself have been so few that they are hardly worthy of mention. You will see by the Judge Advocate's report that but very little business has been transacted in that line. There have been a few cases in which different comrades have disagreed in their several posts, but being aided by my able assistant adjutant general, we at all times have been able to bring about peace and harmony, so that during the year there has been no post disbanded where there have been enough members to constitute a quorum.

Soldiers in Good Condition.
     In traveling over the state. I have been much pleased to find the old soldier in good condition generally, so far as finance and citizenship. Neither have they been forgotten by the citizens of the state, many of them holding positions of honor in the different counties as well as in the state.
     I find that the teachings of the different organizations, auxiliary to the G. A. R. have a great strengthening power in the way of advancing and building up the character of the young an the development of noble manhood. I have also been pleased to note that in general, there is a good feeling prevalent among our kindred organizations. All have been doing a grand work in looking after, and administering to the wants of the boys of '61-'65, as also to those of the late Spanish-American soldiers.


Question of Precedence
     But, though there has been general harmony, yet some dissatisfaction has arisen between the Woman's Relief Corps and the Ladies of the G. A. R. in regard to which should have precedence at their various gatherings. Here should be no preference, but both organizations should go together at such times, if for no other purpose than to carry out the principles of fraternity, charity and loyalty. I hope that such will be the case in the future.
     The W. R. C., through its efficient department president has shown itself to be, in reality, the auxiliary to the G. A. R., so far as carrying forward the charitable and social duties of the organization; also in looking after the wants and furnishing the material needed to make it pleasant for the comrades in the soldiers' home at Marshalltown.
     We feel under great obligations to the press of the state for the kindness and courtesies which they extended.
     We are very grateful to the various railroads of the state for the generous treatment received at their hands.

Memorial Day
     Memorial Day has been universally observed throughout the department with an increased interest. Through these solemn services the youth of our land are being taught lessons of patriotism and loyalty that they will never forget.
     I would still emphasize the recommendation of past department commanders that all posts and comrades use their influence to interest our schools in the observance of Memorial day, and that the children be urged to take part in the different exercises.
     The death roll of the past year teaches us that our organization is fast diminishing in numbers, and that the few remaining years of our existence should be improved in trying more earnestly to advance the idea of patriotism among the your, so that when our grand organization shall have passed into history, we shall be remembered on account of the lessons taught by us.

Sons of Veterans
     In remembering the Sons of Veterans they having inherited from, the G. A. R. the principles of fraternity, charity and loyalty, let us notice how many of their number took part in the late Spanish-American war. About 47 per cent of the soldiers of the late war were Sons of Veterans.
     Your department commander was greatly pleased with the goodly number in attendance at the 33rd national encampment at Philadelphia, also the large number in line of march in the parade,  and the perfect order that was maintained during the march, these good qualities calling forth great applause from the many thousands of people along the line. The fine appearance of the Iowa Department was especially commented upon by the other departments as well as by the citizens and visitors.

As To Pensions.
     It seems unnecessary to say anything more than has been said in regard to our pension laws. I notice I the report of the commander preceding me that he states that no government on earth  has passed more liberal pension laws than has ours. But I somewhat disagree with him in regard to their liberality. It seems to me that if the boys of '61-'65 examined as they were by physicians and pronounced able-bodied in every respect before enlistment, that there is something wrong in the present as has been in the past, which causes the claims of some of the most worthy to be rejected because they cannot furnish sufficient affidavit to prove that their disabilities were received during their time of service. Dr. R. Luces, Past Chaplain-in-Chief, G. A. R., has written a poem entitled "Rejected." He says, "In the report of the commissioner of pensions for the year we find 107,910 claims have been returned with the word "Rejected." When I think of all the sorrow, disappointment and want  that this brings upon 100,000 of my comrades and their families, my very soul was stirred within me."
     I wish to say that my recommendation would be that this department encampment pass suitable resolutions, requesting, if not demanding that the pension laws be made so, if they are not at the present time, that it will not be necessary for the old soldier to be deprived of his pension because he cannot furnish a sufficient hospital record and an extra proof of his having been an able-bodied man at the time of peril and gave the best of his life for her service: No! Money will not pay for their lives.
     It seems that our state could scarcely do more than it is doing for us, unless the legislature should, as a body, join with us, the G. A. R., in passing resolutions giving our Representatives in congress, and those in the pension department to understand that we demand that the pension laws be so adjusted that the boys of '61-'65 will get that which actually belongs to them.

Soldiers' Home.
     We feel proud of what had been done for us by the State appropriation in various ways; the legislature granting the boys in the Home at Marshalltown their full pension, instead of taking part of it from them. In visiting the Home I was glad to learn that there was not the least grumbling or dissatisfaction on account of the management of the Home; the Board of Control having granted all of our requests as requested by the committee appointed to inspect and report in regard to the management of the same.
     We believe that those in control should be retained as long as they do their duty as well as they have in the past. As the committee appointed will report in regard to the institution, it will not be necessary for me to go into details.

Conclusion.
     At the close of this encampment my official relations will cease. While I feel glad to be relieved from duty, I can only say I assure you that there will be a felling of loneliness when I realize that our general meetings will be, to a certain extent, limited to yearly gatherings.
In thinking over the past year and summing up what has been done and the success of the administration, I can only say that I shall always feel under lasting obligations to the Comrades and especially those who have been closely connected with me in carrying out the order of the administration.
     Especially do I feel grateful to my able assistant Adjutant General L. M. Black, for the faithful performance of his duties and being always at his post. He never failed to meet the full requirements of his responsible position.
In conclusion, I heartily thank each and every Comrade in this department and especially my staff to whom is largely due the credit for the present satisfactory condition of the organization.

Assistant Adjutant's Report.
There were 518 posts reported by the adjutant to the encampment at the business meeting held today. C. F. Bailey the commander of the Twenty-sixth Annual encampment of the G. A. R. department of Iowa presided. He is from Ireton, as is also L. M. Block, the assistant adjutant general, who submitted a report of which the following is a summary:
Members in good standing, 15, 171; Total gain since last encampment, 533: total membership, 15, 704.
During the year 136 succumbed to the inevitable, while by honorable discharge 22, by transfer 87, by suspension 357, and by delinquent reports 150, a total of 751 were lost to the encampment, thus leaving 14, 953 members in the encampment today with 439 posts still remaining in good standing. However, as noticed above 518 posts were represented, or were supposed to be represented at the encampment.

Department Finances.
The assistant adjutant general reported a balance from the Twenty-fifth encampment of $2, 177.91, which together with other resources swells the budget to $6,122.86. The total disbursements were $5,287.78, leaving a balance of $835.08. This is considered to be quite a flattering report.
The losses by death, as reported from May 17, 1889 to May 17, 1900 amounted to 273.
The number of deaths reported by the different posts for the past fourteen years is 3, 299, or an annual average of 235. The smallest number reported was in 1887, when it was 122, and the greatest in 1897, when it was 299.
During the year ending Dec. 31, 1899, one new post was duly mustered in by Comrade J. E. Winder, chief mustering officer of the department, on July 10, 1899 to be known as the Henry C. Leighton Post NO. 199 of New Sharon, Ia. The same is a re-organization.

To National Encampment.
The assistant adjutant general reports that based upon the membership reported Dec. 31, 1899, the department is entitled to twenty-one delegates to the Thirty-fourth National Encampment, which will be held at Chicago on August 27 to Sept. 1, 1900.
The headquarters for the department during the Thirty-fourth National Encampment will be held on the second floor in the Tremont hotel on Lake and Dearborn streets.

George Metzger's Report.
George Metzger of August Wentz Post No. 1, who is a member of the council of administration reported as follows:
To the Department commander and comrades of the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment, Department of Iowa, G. A. R.
We, the undersigned committee, appointed by the department commander to audit the books and accounts of L. M. Black, assistant adjutant general, and John Shanley, assistant quartermaster general, beg to report that we have carefully examined the books, vouchers, receipts, etc. and find on hand, $835. 08, with everything paid to this date, June 5, 1900. That while the expense accounts show that it cost more this year than the preceding year, which is accounted for by the long distance to the national encampment last year, the shortage of supplies at department headquarters at the commencement of the year and other items that could not be dispensed with.
We find that the office expenses have diminished and that we congratulate Adjutant General Black for his accuracy, honesty, promptness and the neat appearance of his clerical work.
Also to congratulate John Shanley for the accuracy and business-like manner in which he has conducted the business of his office.
Dated Des Moines, Iowa, June 5, 1900.

P. H. Lenon,
George Metzger,
M. H. Byers,
Committee.

Sons of Veterans Convene.
Interesting Reports noting Growth of the Auxiliary.
At 9 o'clock today the opening of the encampment of the Iowa Division of the sons of Veterans took place at the Grand Army hall. The session was continued after the parade this afternoon and during this afternoon and during that session the election of officers for the ensuing year was scheduled to take place.

Nearly One Hundred Members..
At the Downs hotel are the headquarters of the organization. The order, according to Will A. Brown of Marshalltown, the commander of the Iowa Division, was found by him upon his election at Waterloo, Ia., June 13, 14 and 15, 1899 on June 15. He made an examination and based his report upon 449 members in good standing, however, and at that time the organization was $20 in debt and had no money. Now all but $5 has been liquidated. He noticed that five camps had been mustered into the S. of V. order at Peoria, Mac Gregor, Keota, Prairie City and a state camp-at-large with 306 members altogether, thus making a membership of 757. Since these five camps had been mustered, another 184 members reported, thus making a total of 941 in good standing.
The commander makes three recommendations as follows:
First-That the per capita tax be raised form 15 to 20 cents per quarter, or 20 cents more per year.
Second-That the muster fee for new camps be $3.
Third-That arrangements be made for thorough keeping of accounts, and a systematic book-keeping in the order.

Adjutant General's Report
H. C. Lounsberry, of Marshalltown, the adjutant and mustering officer reported 15 camps mustered in this past year with 308 members. For the past four years he submits the following table:
1896-27 camps-449 members.
1897-23 camps-421 members.
1898-26 camps-438 members.
1899-42 camps-577 members.
During the past several months the camps numbered 290, 291, 292 and 293 have been mustered.
Cash received during the year, $369.75.
Both the commander's and the adjutant's reports were adopted.

Old Officers of Division.
The present officers of the division are as follows: Commander, Will A. Brown, Marshalltown; Adjutant and mustering officer, H. C. Lounsberry, Marshalltown; Quartermaster, Geo. Brock, Marshalltown, Chaplain, E. E. Niday, Corydon; Surgeon, Dr. J. J. Metzinger, Iowa city; Inspector, S. E. Day, Sabula; Judge Advocate, C. J. Cash, Anamosa; Sergeant Major, W. H. Miller, Straban, Ia.; Senior vice commander, H. J. Green, Decorah; Junior, vice commanders, A. L. Sorter, mason City, H. M. Hanson, Mt. Pleasant, J. H. Pickett, Oskaloosa.
These latter are members of the Division council.

Notes on Sons of Veterans.
A. L. Sorter, the senior vice commander-in-chief of the national officers, and junior vice commander of the Iowa Division is an old newspaper man of much experience, seven years, in fact. He is young in years, but stated that in his regiment he was captain of company A, 52d Iowa of Mason City during the Spanish-American war. There were 90 out of 100 who were sons of Veterans, although not affiliated with the Iowa Division. Mr. Sorter said also that he was chairman of the national military college committee, and concerning this proposition he had this to say:

What Sorter Says:
"The most important thing that will come before the S. V. encampment during its present session will be action relative to Iowa's candidacy for the national military college, which will be located by vote of the national encampment, at Syracuse, N. Y., in September next. This is a memorial university founded by the order and dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the civil war and ht noble women of war times. Already about two million dollars are in sight as an endowment fund and a big fight on location is looked for at Syracuse. Iowa, however, is going in to win.
"The western states are all for Mason City, Iowa, and it is highly probable that Iowa will win."

Gather at the Campfire.
Hornets' Nest Brigade Recalls Memories of War Times. Stirring Days.
At least 1,200 people, veterans and others, attended the campfire which was held last night at the Turner Grand opera house. Colonel Godfrey presided in the stead of Colonel W. T. Shaw, who could not attend the reunion. Strasser's orchestra rendered a patriotic melody, after which Rev. George E. Rollins, congregational pastor, pronounced the following invocation:
"O, God, we rejoice to acknowledge that in all our ways Thou hast watched over us. Thou hast been with us in our campaign from the lakes to the gulf, and we are one flag and one people.
"We praise thee, O God, for our citizen soldiery, which is the safeguard of our nation. Bless this gathering. May these brethren and comrades whose hairs are grey, tarry long with us, loyal as they ever were to and for the flag for which they suffered. Amen."
The Apollo Quartette, composed of Dr. J. R. Kulp, Wallace E. Moody, Ed Mueller and G. A. Hanssen, sang "America," and responded in an encore with "Rally 'Round the Flag, boys," to the delight of the audience.

Resolutions are Adopted.
Colonel Twombly presented the following resolutions, which were adopted:
"Resolved, That the thanks of the "Hornets' Nest" Brigade, here assembled, be extended to the legislature of Iowa for the generous appropriation of $50,000 for the purpose of erecting suitable monuments in the Shiloh National park, to commemorate the valor of the eleven Iowa regiments which took a signal part upon that bloody battlefield, April 6 and 7, 1862.
"Resolved, That we, the representatives of the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa infantries, who took such prominent part in the battle of Shiloh, recommend to the he commission charged with erection of these monuments that a generous amount be set aside for the erection of a central monument that will be accredit to our grand commonwealth of Iowa.
"Resolved, That the "Hornets' Nest" brigade, being regularly assembled at Davenport, Iowa, on the 15th day of June, 1900, do hereby recommend to the general government the construction of a gravel pike from Shiloh park to connect with the railroads, which converge at Corinth, Miss., as well as with the national cemetery which is located there.
"Resolved, That the chair appoint a standing committee of five members of this organization to co-operate in pushing the enterprise, and recommend our comrade of the Twelfth Iowa, Colonel D. B. Henderson, as the chairman of said committee.
"Resolved, That this association extends in hearty thanks to the citizens of Davenport and the local committee of arrangements and comrades, and especially to Comrade George Metzger for the hospitable manner in which we have been treated, an the ample arrangements made fort the meetings of our association.
"V. P. Twombly, 2d Ia.,
"J. H. Lewis, 7th Ia.,
"J. N. Currier, 8th Ia.,
"D. W. Reed, 12th Ia.,
"Ross Wheatly, 14th Ia.
Committee on Resolutions."

Mayor's Address of Welcome.
Mayor Heinz was greeted with cheers when he approached the footlights. He made  a splendid address which was warmly applauded. He was not able to be present at the G.A.R. encampment this morning, and therefore couched in the widest and most catholic verbiage his expressions of welcome to the soldiery of the past, who did so much to preserve the union intact. He left immediately after the camp fire for Des Moines where he will attend the banker's convention.
The mayor welcomed the veterans and visitors as follows:
"Mr. Chairman:--When the forefathers of this Republic were fighting the battles in the cause of Liberty, commencing with that of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, and ending with the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his army, there were no union soldiers.
"But this brave lot of men who fought, bled and died for liberty, are to be forever cherished in the hearts of every true American patriot, for by their noble acts they made it possible to have our union and with it the union soldier.
"It was the union soldier who has repulsed the various Indian tribes in many battles, extending from the Everglades of Florida to the Mississippi river and beyond on the plains and across the mountains to the Pacific ocean.
"It was the union soldier who fought our cause at Palo Alto, Cerro Gordo and Buena Vista and triumphantly carried the stars and stripes to the City of Mexico.
"It was the union soldier, who when the very foundation of the structure of our government was reeling and trembling as if stricken by an earthquake, went forth to do battle to maintain the union, engaging in as great a conflict as the world has ever seen; and resulting in the foundation of the union being established more solid than before.
"It was the union soldier who in 1898 went to Cuba to show the Spaniards how to do it-and they did it.
"It is the union soldier who is now fighting for his country in the far off Philippines and giving the Filipinos an object lesson in good behavior; no doubt the war will soon end with only good Filipinos under our domain, some of them alive and some of them dead.
"Many changes have taken place since you went forth to do battle to maintain the Union.
"The sons of those days are now the fathers and the fathers of those days are the grandfathers. The remains of many of your comrades lie buried in the cemeteries near the southern battlefields where the fierce conflict raged in all its fury, while others of your comrades are buried under the sod of the prairies of our own peaceful state of Iowa.
"Before many years have passed, the army of the union of 1861 to 1865 had occasion to pass through our city on your march to the front. Since then many changes have taken place in our city.

"Our city has increased in population more than three-fold. It leads all the cities in the state in many lines of manufacturing and in its banking business, and is a close second in the amount of general business transacted; has the best water-works in the world; a fine street car system, many miles of brick paving, railroads in all directions, two bridges across the Mississippi carrying three railroad tracks, and educational facilities equal, and in some respects superior to that of any other city in the state.
"Added to all this we are a modest people, who do not blow our horns as much as we ought to. Our society, we consider of the best and we hope you will enjoy yourselves during the time you are with us.
"We would like to give you the keys of the city, but the fact is that according to our traditions it was early in 1861 given to one of the union soldiers who went east and inadvertently took it with him and lost it in the first battle of Bull Run.
"We have a court house, city hall and government building, which are worth looking at; also several parks, and not far away is the State Orphans' Home, the Rock Island Arsenal and Moline and considerable adjacent territory consisting of land and the Mississippi river, so that then our city gets to be too small for you, you have ample opportunity to expand your observations and investigations.
"I might add in conclusion that we are well supplied with watering stations and our police have special instructions not to enforce too rigidly several ordinances of the city regarding the making of noise during the stay with us. Again I bid you a cordial welcome.

The Program.
Colonel D. Ryan, of the Eighth Iowa, made a happy response to the mayor's welcome address and at the end called for three cheers for Davenport and for the mayor.
The Apollo Quartette then rendered a plantation song.
The sentiment, "The Men of '61," was responded to by Comrade Cramer, of the Fourteenth Iowa, instead of Samuel Chapman, who was not present. He praised the steadfastness of the boys in blue, and said that 400,000 of those who went out to battle came not back again and that less than 2 per cent bought their freedom from prison pens by forswearing allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, and acknowledge fealty to the Stars and Bars.
"Shiloh" was told about by Major d. B. Reed, of the Twelfth Iowa. His throat was too much clogged to be heard readily, and Mayor Heinz very generously read his paper for him. The paper was a splendid one. He blamed a Cincinnati Gazette reporter for misstatements concerning the battle, and illustrated the field with a huge map, showing the various positions of the regiments and brigades on that frightful field on Easter Sunday.
Miss Nell G. Beyer, of the W.C.T.U. of St. Louis, Mo., varied the program with a delightful recitation, entitled, "The Whistling Regiment." She was accorded great applause.
Colonel W. B. Bell, of the Eighth Iowa, responded to the sentiment "Our Volunteer soldier." Captain R. G. Reiniger, of the Seventh Iowa, spoke for some minutes upon the "Standing Army."
Comrade Ginger, of St. Louis, injected considerable fun into the campfire with two recitations of an excruciatingly funny character. Comrade Cramer sang "Marching Thro' Georgia" and compelled the audience to join in the chorus.
Major Samuel Mahon, of Ottumwa, spoke on "The Influence of the Civil War on the Progress of the Nation," and in an eloquent address traced the thread of memory back to the first days of soldiering and through the hard fighting on Belmont's fruitless fields: at Donelson, and at Shiloh, where the "Hornets' Nest" brigade got its name. The results of the war, Major Mahon showed, have been accumulating ever since Appomattox. Briefly and quickly he sketched the rise of the new south with slavery abolished in the 60's in the states of the north. The Phillippine problem was also touched, the keynote of which was that we waged no war of conquest, but if our system of republican self-government is worth having, it is worth the giving. We sought no quarrel but only answered to the cry of oppressed humanity, and what the result has thrown upon us let us not shrink from, but with courage and patriotism work out its consummation."
"Four stages mark the progress of the western civilization:
"First-Magna Charter, in 1215, when the barons wrested from King John the first concessions from the crown prerogative.
"Second-the American Revolution, which gave liberty and self-government to the people.
"Third-The civil war, when the nation elaborated the principle of union with liberty and vindicated its consistency by liberating from slavery four millions of black men within its own borders.
"Fourth-The Spanish-American war, when again the sword was drawn at the call of the whole people and flashing across the sea east and west smote for liberty and victory.
"Problems yet to solve: yes, when has it been otherwise? And the American people have always been equal to the occasion. The intelligence and righteousness of the public conscience will always solve the problems yet to come, and will solve them right.
Captain J. W. Morgan, of the Fourteenth, Iowa, feelingly bespoke eulogium for the comrades passed before. Colonel Moore briefly bade the boys good night, after which the campfire was extinguished and the boys of 1861-1865, who fought at the "Hornets' Nest," retired to their homes.

The Ladies of the G. A. R.
More Than One Hundred Delegates are Registered Today.
There was a meeting of the ladies of the G. A. R. this morning at Columbia hall,, and the reports and addresses were all very interesting. The reports of the officers shows that the organization has made good progress during the year that has closed. The organization will elect officers at the meeting which is to be held at the close of the parade.
The present officers in charge are:
President-Mrs. C. J. Hunting of Clinton.
Secretary-Mrs. May Nickel Adams, Clinton.
Treasurer-Mrs. M. J. Toms, of Clinton.

Secret Session of the G. A. R.
Was Held at the Turner Opera House Following the Opening Exercises.
The encampment of the G. A. R. of the department of Iowa went into secret session today at the close of the opening exercises, which were concluded at 9:45 o'clock. The meeting was held in the Turner opera house. After Commander Bailey's address, which is given in another column, the committee on credentials reported that the list so far reports was correct. The commander then appointed committees to report on the reports of the several officers. National Commander Albert D. Shaw was introduced and spoke to some length, some of the pungent remarks being as follows:
"Comrades: It gratifies me greatly to be present at your annual department encampment of Iowa; that great commonwealth so wonderful in all material resources, and so rich in the birth and grains of its manhood and womanhood. The volunteers from this state were stalwart defenders of liberty and they shed their blood upon numerous battlefields of the great war, with a heroism as lofty as ever has been displayed in any former wars of the world. Our noble order stands for reminiscent comradeship and is based upon Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty.
Commander Shaw then referred to the matter of pensions, stating that the G. A. R. was in favor of just pension laws and nothing else. The members are as anxious as anyone to hunt down frauds. Whenever bad laws are enacted the department hears from the G. A. R. men.
He called the pension roll of honor. But the commander believes that it is the first duty of the government to take care of those who preserved it in time of danger.
Commander Shaw opposed the return of the confederate flags, saying:
"We are too near the great war period to try and quickly remove all the irritations of that stupendous struggle. The captured flags may well rest where they now are-on both sides-until the veterans of the north and of the south have passed away.
"When the Sons of Veterans of the south and of the north can take any action in this regard they see fit without arousing any bitterness or causing any heart-aches, over an issue settled by the sword, in the closing years of veterans on either side. I cannot understand how it is possible for honorable former "foes," whose cause was surrendered at Appomattox, and their flag there furled, should tolerate any display of that banner after the judgment had been finally passed against it. I believe the southern sentiment in this regard should be speedily changed by the inspirations of the flag-the stars and stripes, and one immitable (sic) basis of American citizenship. In this view, which I know dominates a great multitude of ex-confederate hearts, I plead for a full reconciliation-so that we shall hear no more of the Stars and Bars as a sentiment to be taught American children henceforth. Why should the surrendered flag be brought into view? It represents nothing but a dead past, and it has no place in present public observances.
Commander Shaw closed by referring to the necessity of teaching patriotism to the rising generation. He was glad to see the work of the public schools and he hoped that the good work will continue. "God grant his richest blessing to one and all," said he in closing.
At the conclusion of the address by the national commander, committees from the Sons of Veterans and W. R. C. came to the hall and presented the greetings of their organizations. Mrs. McClelland, state president of Illinois, made an address, which was well applauded. The session was then adjourned until this afternoon after the parade.