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Page 230 REUNION PROCEEDINGS Second annual Reunion at Union, Mo., Sept. 2-3, 1890 The Second annual Reunion of the 26th Missouri was held at Union, Franklin county, Mo., on September 3rd and 4th, 1890, and was attended by about 1000 people, 300 of whom were old soldiers. Mr. J. C Kiskaddon delivered the address of welcome, and the reply was made by Judge T. M. Rice, of Boonville, Mo. On the closing day of the reunion a barbecue was given to the veterans and their friends by citizens. The following was COLONEL B. D. DEAN’S ADDRESS This is one of the most pleasant events of my life. More than twenty-five years ago we bade each other good-bye as a regimental organization, and for many years it has been my great desire to meet you, my old comrades, in a social gathering like this. More than a year ago, at the suggestion of some of my comrades, it was my privilege, as well as duty, in connection with Comrade Rice, to sigh a call for a meeting to be held at Washington, Mo., for the purpose of organizing a society of the survivors of the 26th Missouri Infantry. As you are aware it was my misfortune to be sick and unable to attend your meeting. Page 231 At your permanent organization you did me the honor to appoint me your President for the present year. You also passed very consoling resolutions for myself and family in our affliction, for which we are very grateful. You also selected this beautiful little town of Union for our present meeting, and to me no other place seems so fitted for the occasion as this. Nearly thirty years ago when the alarm of civil war was sounded all over out fair land and Beauregard was thundering down the flag of our country at Fort Sumter, and our state government was in the hands of secessionists, and the hand of neighbor was against neighbor, we scarcely knew whom to trust, and was distressed about the condition of our country, the safety of our families, our lives and property – this little town was my home, and I almost a stranger. Here I spent some of the saddest days of my life. Perhaps most of you know, my comrades all know, that sometimes sorrow and affliction so attaches us to persons, places and things, that we will always have a kind regard for them. So I am attached to the citizens of Union and Franklin county. The soldiers who have borne the burden of battle, sickness and distress together, are united in heart as a band of brothers, and our friendship extends to those who suffered with us on the other side of the dead line. We say to those who wore "the gray," although we hate with a deadly hatred your rebellion against the government, we have a warm regard for you, an here is our hand of fellowship. We suffered together (for what both sides thought was right), like the ten lepers that Christ healed, nine of which were Jews and one a Samaritan. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with each other – they hated each other, but they had suffered Page 232 the same affliction together, which so united them in heart that they cried with one voice; "Lord have mercy on us!" So we who wore "the blue" an they who wore "the gray" unite in crying: Lord have mercy on us, and save our beloved country from war within and wars without. Comrades, there are but very few of us here today – most of the 26th are on the other side. Some we left "Down South." Our brave General Boomer, and Brown, Welker, Stoddard, Bliss, Rowen, with hundreds of others, and since the war the all-sweeping scythe of time has cut us down at a fearful rate. Comrades, when we think of the many precious lives that were laid down in our country’s cause, and the dark and dreary days of the civil war through which we passed, and the doubts and fears of what would be the fate of our country, our hearts are sad. But when we consider the final result, we see that the political atmosphere of this country is purer, clearer, and brighter than it ever was before. We behold the rainbow of peace spanning our country from north to south, and from east to west, typifying that internal strife shall be no more. Our ship of state is sailing on a clear, calm and cloudless ocean, with our Constitution as framed by Washington and his compatriots unimpaired – with the addition of causing the bright sun of freedom to shine on an additional four millions of people, and with the same old flag without one star plucked from its escutcheon, and with a united people on board, "the blue and the gray" standing side by side, proclaiming to all nations: "Beware! If you insult ‘the blue,’ you insult ‘the gray’ – if you insult ‘the gray,’ you insult ‘the blue.’" Our country has been tried by fire and came forth the brighter star – next to the star that guided the shepherds to Page 233 the birthplace of our Lord, which will guide the oppressed of all the world to a haven of rest and security. No matter whether he be a king or potentate fleeing from his tottering throne crumbling beneath him, or whether he or she be a subject fleeing from the oppression of a monarchial government – if they once gain a foothold on American soil their person is secure and their rights are respected. But not withstanding our present security and prosperity as a nation, we know not what changes a few years may bring about. Hence, it is our duty to remember and teach our sons and our daughters, that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." A VISIT TO THE OLD BATTLEFIELDS A year ago this month, it was the privilege of a few of our old brigade, including only four of the 26th Missouri – Comrades Crowe, Evans, Fritchey and myself, to revisit the South, and I assure you, comrades, it was much easier fighting the battles over again, and how we four did wish every survivor of the 26th could have been with us. All of you know how we were received on our first visit down there at the point of the bayonet, amidst the shriek of shot and shell; but last year we were received with open arms. "The blue and the gray" united in a barbecue on the battlefield of Chickamauga. The tables covered acres of ground and it was the largest gathering I ever saw. I do not recollect the estimate of the number of people present. Everyone who wore one of those badges representing "the blue and the gray," was admitted to dinner and provided with tobacco and a "pipe of peace" made from wood grown on the battlefield of Chickamauga. Page 234 After dinner I had the pleasure of a little chat with General Rosecrans, and as we took each other by the hand, he said: "God bless the 26th Missouri!" While down there we visited the battle grounds of Corinth, Iuka, and Chattanooga. We located the place where our regiment participated in the battles, and picked up some relics where the 11th Ohio Battery stood. We also located our position on Missionary Ridge, and visited the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, which contains seventy-five acres. The grounds rise to a central eminence 100 feet above the avenue which winds around the cemetery. From a flagstaff 150 feet high on the top of this mound floats the ensign of the Union. In this magnificent enclosure sleep 13,000 Union soldiers. We also visited the National Cemetery at Corinth, which is a finely laid-out and well-cared for place. Comrades: Since we were in the South as a regiment, a great change has taken place. Then we met our countrymen in deadly combat, now we have laid down our arms and we meet as friends and brothers. No, instead of seeing a country laid waste by war, we behold "The New South" teeming with industry and thrift on every hand. Agriculture, mining, and manufactures produce immense wealth and invites emigration from every part of our country, and from every land. And comrades, in looking into your faces, I see that a great change has taken place in us since the "sixties." Then we tramped, tramped with a buoyant and elastic step, now with feeble, tottering and uncertain ones, and our heads are white with frosts of many winters. But with all this my comrades, when I look into your eyes, I see! I feel! I know! that the fire of patriotism burns as brightly in your bosoms as it did when Page 235 you took your lives in your hands and went down to the front willing to lay those lives down that your country might live. THE BATTLE-SCARRED REGIMENTAL FLAG Before closing these few remarks, I must mention a little circumstance, (or a big one would be a more proper name for it), the recollection of which is very gratifying to every member of the 26th Missouri. When we had successfully carried our flag on seven battlefields, and at Iuka it was pierced with sixteen balls, and at Champion Hills where it was stripped of its last star, and at Vicksburg it waved a starless banner in the face of the enemy from the 19th of May until the 22nd of June – then the citizens of Union, and perhaps some in Washington, presented us with a beautiful silk flag, which we as members of the regiment are proud to say, we never disgraced. We had hoped to obtain that flag, and have it here on this occasion. We wrote the Adjutant-General of the State about it, and he replied that he Page 236 "would like to grant our request, but it was contrary to law, and if such a precedent was established it would be but a few years until there would not be a flag left in the State Department." Comrades: One more thought and I am done. I read somewhere, a long time since, that while a General viewing the troops of another, he said: "General, you have a very fine army." "Yes," was the reply, "and every one of them is a brick!" Fortifications in those days were built of brick. So in that saying he meant that every soldier was a fortification. So I say to you, as the old Commander of the 26th Missouri, every on of you was a brick – a fortification that was hard to capture. Fourth Annual Reunion, October 3rd, 1892. The Fourth Annual Reunion of the 26th Missouri Infantry was held at Pacific, Mo., at the headquarters of Fred. Hecker Post, No. 290, G. A. R., on October 3rd, 1892. The meeting was called to order by the President, Col. B. D. Dean. Secretary J. T. Crowe being absent, Wilson M. Jones was elected Secretary pro tem. The President announced that the regular business of the Association would not be taken up at the present as the Honorable Mayor of the city, Charles Close, was present for the purpose of delivering an address of welcome. Mr. Close began by saying, that before he commenced his speech, he wished to correct the President, Col. Dean. He was not the mayor of the city, but had been selected to extend a welcome to the members of the organization of the 26th Missouri. Page 237 Mr. Close further said: Gentlemen of the 26th Missouri Volunteer
Infantry: - President Dean responded as follows: Mr. Charles Close, Ladies and Gentlemen; - Mr. Close, speaking for the organization of the 26th Missouri, allow me to say that we highly appreciate the cordial welcome we have received at your hands, and we assure you that this reunion will be one that will be long remembered. As we marched through your streets today, escorted by the G. A. R. Post whose guests we are, with stars and stripes waving, we were carried back to 1861, when we were with you as real soldiers, and we recognize friendly faces in your city today, that were our friends then. The members of the 26th Missouri have a warm feeling Page 238 for the people of Franklin county. This is the fourth reunion of our regiment and we have held three of them in your county. We have not forgotten that when the last star was shot from our regimental flag, the good ladies of your county presented us with a new one. We do not forget that when we were in the south battling for the life of our country, and that many of us had our homes and families in your county, and that they were always treated kindly, although many of your citizens were on the wrong side of the issue. Comrades of the 26th Missouri: again we meet in "Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty." Who can have a truer fraternal feeling than we who have lived together for nearly four years as one family, al having one common aim, the perpetuation of the Government, as handed down to us by Washington and his compatriots. We who have suffered hunger, thirst and affliction together – comrades, these things have woven a web of affection around us that no one can fully appreciate but ourselves. Who can lay claim to more charity than we, when rations were scarce on the march and our canteens were nearly empty. Any of us would eat and drink less and divide with a comrade, and today we have lost none of our charity. Who can lay claim to more loyalty than we who took our lives in our hands and went down to the front, and while we are thus closely united together we harbor no ill feeling to our brave countrymen who fought on the other side. We know some believed in the right of states to secede, so we now declare that we have buried the past. Let us all be friends, but comrades there are some people in this country whom we have no respect for. We call them "copperheads." Comrades: I am glad that I was a member of the 26th Page 239 Missouri, and I am sure that every one of you is proud of its record. As for myself, I have been accustomed to think we had a pretty fair regiment, as good as the majority of regiments. But recently I have come to the conclusion that the 26th Missouri was far above the average. If we did not accomplish as much as some other regiments it was because the opportunity did no present itself. Most of you are aware that recently I have been writing my "Recollections of the 26th Missouri," and on looking back on what we accomplished, and examining the "History of the Rebellion," I find that we were a much better regiment than I had been accustomed to think. I only have time to refer to a few points. Our first real battle was Iuka. That battle is familiar to you all. We lost in killed and wounded over two-thirds of our number that were engaged, and while every regiment on our left gave way with a fearful rout, we held our ground until night, when we were relieved by the gallant 11th Missouri. We had been furiously charged several times and finally they got possession of one of our guns, but our terrific fire was too much for them and they were compelled to abandon it. No regiment bore as conspicuous a part in that battle as did the 26th Missouri. The next day after the battle, General Rosecrans rode by us, raised his hat and said: "26th Missouri, I honor you!" Later on he said that "the 26th and 11th Missouri saved the day." General Hamilton in his orders said, that "a few brigades whipped and put to flight Price’s whole army, outnumbering us ten to one." At Champion Hills where our brave Major Brown and Captain Welker, with many others fell, we were hurried into battle in double-quick, changed our position under the galling fire of the enemy, out-maneuvered Page 240 them, repelled the charge of three different regiments, and finally drove them from the field, capturing a number of prisoners, and our job being finished, we marched to the rear in line of battle with every man and officer who had not been killed or wounded, in his place. There was not a single straggler, and some of you will recollect that when we reached brigade headquarters, our gallant Brigade Commander, Col. Boomer, declared that "the 26th Missouri was the best regiment in the service." At Missionary ridge, the 26th was the first to cross the Tennessee in pontoons at midnight of November 23rd, 1863. The 26th Missouri and 93rd Illinois went to the top of Missionary Ridge, silenced a battery and held our position for three or four hours without support. When the 93rd Illinois was driven back, and their brave Col. Putnam killed – the 26th Missouri charged the enemy and drove them back over the hill, and finally, when we were almost surrounded by the enemy, we would not surrender, but cut our way through. At Vicksburg we made three different charges. We were selected for the very responsible duty of escorting 1600 head of cattle from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Gen. Sherman detailed us for that very important task, because he believed that if any one regiment could take them through, the 26th could. Comrades: It affords me great pleasure to refer back to our association in the army. During the whole time that I had the honor of being your Colonel, I do not recollect of any strife or ill feeling either among the officers or men. If ever a regiment could be called a band of brothers, it was the 26th Missouri. May we meet again. May God bless you all. Page 241 We will now proceed to the election of officers for the next year. Col. B. D. Dean was re-elected President of the Association, and Capt. W. M. Robinson, of Grand Rapids, Mich., Vice President, and Capt. John T. Crowe, Secretary and Treasurer. "The 26th Missouri Infantry" was the subject of an eloquent and patriotic address by William Burchard, of Chamois, Mo. I was decided to hold the next Reunion at Chamois. After the transaction of other routine matters, the Association formally adjourned, but the social features were kept up till a late hour. The following comrades were present at the Reunion: Col. B. D. Dean, Lamar, Mo.; Col. John McFall, St. Louis, Mo.; Capt. R. B. Denny, Hempker, Mo.; Capt. W. H. Mengel, California, Mo.; Capt. B. E. Anderson, Stanton, Mo.; Lieut. C. P. Carman, St. Louis; Sergeant John T. Stevens, Donaldson, Ill.; Sergeant D. W. Simons, Chilhowee, Mo.; Sergeant W. M. Jones, Dry Branch, Mo.; John H. Allen, Luyston, Mo.; W. T. Compton, Donaldson, Ill.; T. B. Evans, Stanton, Mo.; C. McCallister, Dry Branch, Mo.; C. H. Rohrbach, California, Mo.; R. P. White, Fredericksburg, Mo.; James E. Bishop, Lone Dell, Mo.; W. H. Root, Greenville, Mo.; A. J. Robertson, Elmont, Mo.; Samuel Campbell, New Haven, Mo.; Joel Jones, Seybert, Mo.; Fritz Detmer, New Haven, Mo.; J. B. Dodd, Chamois, Mo.; William Burchard, Chamois, Mo.; Aug. Wilmesherr, Jeffresburg, Mo.; John Casey, Bay, Mo.; R. H. Mueller, Chamois, Mo.; ---- Banks, Linn, Mo.; Henry Alt, Oakfield, Mo.; J. M. Richardson Page 242 St. Clair, Mo.; J. N. Prickett, Sorento, Ill.; Sam Cartwright, Luebbering, Mo.; R. L. Price, St. Louis, Mo.; Henry Beste, Japan, Mo.; John Cole, Catawissa, Mo.; J. H. C. Jones, St. Louis, Mo.; W. H. Moss, Sedalia, Mo.; Fritz Weirich, Champion City, Mo.; J. B. F. Pursley, Moselle, Mo. |
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