that herculean contest which ended in the downfall of the slave power. Every man who drew a sword or shouldered a musket for the suppression of the slave-holders rebellion. is a hero! He comprehended the magnitude of the cause, and felt the responsibility of his citizenship. Can a people or a nation honor too greatly the men who rescued the country from dissolution and all the horrors that would have followed in its train?
The Veterans began to arrive in camp Thursday forenoon, and by evening the grounds were full of "blue coats." The officers of the regiment, Colonel John Scott commanding, had amply prepared for the comforts of the comrades. The fair grounds had been selected for the encampment; and in addition to the large and commodious buildings thereon, which were thrown open to the soldiers, tents had been erected for their shelter and convenience, and all present were well provided for.
The commissary department was in charge of experienced caterers and the supply of comforts for the inner man was never more abundant or of better quality. Indeed, the arrangements were perfect, and no one suffered for shelter or food.
There were no fixed program for the first day of the meeting. Thursday evening had been set apart for the election of officers for the ensuing year and the selection of a place for the next re-union; but by vote of the Association this business was postponed until 9:30 A. M. Friday, and the evening given over to music, which was supplied by the Ames Glee Club, consisting of Messrs Meredith, Haverly, Hutchinson and Arnold, and the Nevada and Cambridge Cornet Bands. The Nevada Military Company went through various military evolutions, much to the delight of those present. The audience was immense, filling the great stand and all available space within a radius of several rods. Colonel Scott presided, and covered himself with the gratitude of the large company by the masterly manner in which he kept the exercises going. The evenings entertainment was a first-class concert, the vocal and instrumental music was eloquent, and the short, sharp speeches of the commander and comrades pithy and enjoyable.
FRIDAY A. M.
An informal meeting of the old soldiers convened at 8:30, to discuss the general interests of the Association, and to determine upon a plan that would effect a more perfect organization, insure larger attendance and provide better accommodations; but the meeting adjourned without accomplishing anything.
At 9:30 the Association convened in the grand pavillion for the purpose of selecting a place for the next annual re-union and electing officers—Colonel John Scott presiding, J. E. Duncan acting Adjutant.
Nevada and Ames were placed in nomination. The sentiment of the Association seemed to be in favor of the former place on account of its central location; and after a fiery little speech by Colonel FENn,