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and patriotism of the enlisted men, that distinguished our armies from all the armies of the old world. What shall we say of the patriotism and devotion of the re-enlisted veterans, the tens of thousands of them, who, after experiencing the hardships and dangers of the service for nearly three years, then and there, in the field, re-enlisted for three years longer, or during the war? The spirit of these veterans was well expressed, by the reply I heard one of them make to his comrade, who, about to be mustered out with his regiment, asked the veteran if he did not then wish he had not re-enlisted, so he might go home with his regiment: "No," said he; "I'd rather re-enlist for twenty years than that our folks should give up the Government." Those bronzed and scarred veterans felt their country's need of them. They knew that none but veterans could successfully meet the veterans of the rebel armies. Hence, their country's call was to them as the voice of God; and there was no other post of duty for them but the post of danger, so long as the republic was in danger.

It was long before our armies found a leader who knew what they could do, and how they might be trusted. The faith which General Grant had in their intelligence and patriotism, was what most distinguished him, and was the true secret of his great success. General Sherman said, he believed General Grant to be as brave, patriotic, and just as his great prototype, Washington, and as unselfish and honest as a man should be; but that his chief characteristic was the simple faith he always manifested in his army-a faith which he could liken to nothing else than the faith of the Christian in his Saviour. This "simple faith" of General Grant-this secret of his success-where did he learn it? Not at West Point; not in the army-for the same confidence he manifested at Belmont and Donelson, as at Vicksburg and The WilderHe learned it in that great school of Democracy, the West, not as a soldier, but as a civilian, in his intercourse with his intelligent and patriotic fellow-citizens. He knew their intelligence and love of country, and that those qualities were to be relied on, to make up for any lack of experience in the field, or deficiency in drill and discipline. Hence there was no delay with him, no unreadiness. He "moved immediately on the enemy's works," with his "raw militia," and they never failed him. This was his

ness.

strategy, and his men comprehended it, and, terrible as it was, they realized its necessity. I once heard a private soldier sum up the whole policy of General Grant in four words. He was passing through Philadelphia with his regiment, on the eve of the Presidential election of 1864, after his three years' service. Beset by the Philadelphians, men and women, to vote for "Little Mac," he said, "No, he should vote for old Abe." "A vote for old Abe," said one, "will be a vote for that butcher, Grant." With great vehemence the soldier replied, "Grant is right. We must fight 'em! we must FIGHT 'EM!! we must FIGHT 'EM!!!" Who shall say that General Grant was better comprehended by any of his staff, than by this soldier of the ranks? General Grant was but the true representative and worthy commander of the common soldiers, if they may be called common soldiers, of the republic. Permit me Mr. President, in closing to offer

THIS SENTIMENT" They were our best Officers, who best appreciated, and reposed most confidence, in the Citizen Soldiers of the Republic."

At this point, General Hawley announced, that by the tenor of their resolutions, every man who had been in the Army of the James should be made welcome on this occasion, and he had by accident discovered near him a former private in the Army of the James. He then proposed three cheers for Private Sullivan, 13th New Hampshire Volunteers, which were heartily given.

TWELFTH SENTIMENT" The Colored Troops of the Army of the James. By their valor, they proved themselves worthy of the Liberty for which they fought."

General Hinks was called upon to respond.

RESPONSE OF BREV. MAJOR-GENERAL EDWARD W. HINKS.

General Hinks said, that although he had been called upon. late in the evening, he was happy to say that these troops were never late in responding to the call of duty. He had not forgotten the bravery of the Division under him on that memorable 4th

of May, 1864, and he could not prevent his mind recurring to the glories of that day.

The General's remarks were replete with stirring reminders of the noble patriotism of the colored troops, and his response was received with the heartiest applause.

The President then said, that although in the sentiments heretofore given, every officer and soldier had been remembered, yet, some occupied so peculiar a relation to the Army, as to deserve a separate mention, and proposed the

THIRTEENTH SENTIMENT-" The Foreign-born Soldiers of the Army. On every battle-field they proved themselves children by blood, as well as children by adoption, of the country of their choice."

The President called upon Gen. M. T. Donohoe, whose conspicuous gallantry at Fort Harrison won for him the applause of all.

BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL MICHAEL T. DONOHOE,
COL. 10TH N. H. VOLS.,

briefly responded, eulogizing the brave deeds of the Irish soldiery upon many battle-fields, and especially their valor at Fort Harrison, Va.

FOURTEENTH SENTIMENT" The Congress of the United States." In offering this sentiment the President expressed his regret that

BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL A. F. STEVENS,

COL. 13TH N. H. VOLS.,

of Nashua, New Hampshire, had not found it convenient to be present as expected.

The President here read a letter from

BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL N. MARTIN CURTIS,

in which he expressed his regret at not being able to be present. (Three times three cheers were given for General Curtis.)

Three cheers were called for, and given with a will, for

BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE J. STANNARD,

of Vermont, who commanded a Division in the Eighteenth Corps, and who lost an arm in the service.

Loud and prolonged cheers were also given, for

"The Little Iron Man,"

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BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL ADELBERT AMES, U. S. A.,

the last Commander of the Tenth Corps, but who was more intimately identified with the Second Division of that Corps, which he gallantly and victoriously led in the deadly assault upon Fort Fisher, N. C., gaining one of the most glorious and important successes of the war, and achieving for himself and troops imperishable renown.

His unavoidable absence was universally regretted.

BREVET BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES SHAW, JR.,
COL. 7TH U. S. C. T.,

was loudly called for, and briefly spoke of the pride and pleasure with which he recalled his association in the war with the Colored Troops.

"The Staff Department of the Army of the James," brought

COLONEL CHARLES E. FULLER, A. Q. M. CHIEF QUARTER-MASTER ARMY OF THE JAMES,

to his feet, who briefly responded, and concluded by a sentiment complimentary to the Quartermaster's Department of the Army.

The President announced that Generals Henry W. Benham and John G. Foster, of the U. S. Engineers, each placed their yachts at the disposal of those gentlemen of the Army of the James, who might remain in town during the following day, and might wish to visit the harbor and the islands therein.

A sentiment to "The Signal Corps," was responded to by

CAPTAIN FISHER, SIGNAL CORPS U. S. A.

The Society finally separated at a late hour, amid cheers and music, having enjoyed a reunion, which, in point of numbers, considering the size of the Army, and for cordiality and interchange of good fellowship, has never been surpassed, and seldom equalled, by any of the associations of the armies of the late war.

THE END.

A copy of this Report is sent to each member of the Society. A limited number of additional copies will be forwarded upon application to the Treasurer.

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