GRAND ARMY POST
A Grand Army Post was organized
here last Wednesday evening by Col. Stafford,
of Oneida. It will be known as the "Otis H.
Tillinghast Post." The organization starts with
a small number, about seventeen charter mem-
bers, but it is expected that large additions will
be made from this place and also from Peter-
boro. The following are the officers:
Commander.........................I.H.ISAACS.
Senior Vice Commander..........M.L. DENNISON.
Junior do. do. ..............S.S. DUNTON.
Quartermaster....................H.E. CHAPIN.
Surgeon...........................D.D. CHASE.
Chaplain......................GEO. L. CHOATE.
Officer of the Day............CHA'S K. DAVIS.
do. " Guard................WM. FISH.
Adjutant........................J.S. STEWART.
Sergeant Major...............PALMER FREEBORN.
Quartermaster Sergeant...........DAVID DEVAN.
The ceremonies of installation being perform-
ed, the Post adjourned to the Exchange Hotel,
to partake of a banquet prepared by Landlord
Isaacs. The Post arrived just in time, as the
assembled guests were on the point of making
a grand rush for the dining-room, which would
have made it necessary for the gentlemen of the
G.A.R. to send out foragers.
Immediately after the banquet, which by the
way was very fine, the company, having cho-
sen Hon. Lucius P. Clark as toastmaster, pre-
pared to listen to the reponses from the gen-
tlemen to whom several toasts had been
assigned. S.P. Smith, Esq., reponded to the
toast "Our President," upon a very short no-
tice. Mr. C.E. Remick, of Oneida, was as-
signed this toast, but telegraphed from New
York late in the afternoon that he would be
unable to appear, so it was given to Mr. Smith,
who showed himself equal to the occasion, and
delivered a very able response. We shall hope
to hear from Mr. Smith soon on "The Volun-
teers of Madison county." Commander Isaacs
responded to the second toast, "The G.A.R."
Mr. Isaacs gave a brief history of the associa-
tion since its organization in 1867, and spoke of
the good influences and benefits derived from
it, in a manner which showed his entire famil-
iarity with the subject. Col. Stafford, who re-
sponded to "The Empire State," spoke of eve-
rything else but the subject in hand, which got
badly left. The gentleman spoke of the day as
being the anniversary of the assassination of
President Lincoln. To Mr. Harry A. Cram-
phin was assigned the delicate and responsible
but pleasing task of responding to the "Loyal
Women of America," which he did in a manner
that showed the gentleman to be entirely at
home with his subject, and roused the gallantry
and enthusiasm of the entire company. Mr.
Cramphin would not have failed to please the
most fastidious of the ladies in question had
they been present. Mr. H.B. Coman responded
to the last toast, "The Name we bear." Mr.
Coman's remarks were very able and eloquent,
and called forth several rounds of applause,
especially his allusion to the illness of General
Grant. Mr. C. concluded his remarks with a
comprehensive sketch of the services and life of
Mr. Tillinghast during the war.
The toasts and responses were enjoyed by
every one. The young gentlemen, on account
of their tender years and supposed lack of expe-
rience, received especial commendation.
After the toasts, Mr. A.P. Tillinghast pre-
sented the Post with a large and handsome
Bible, and Hon. L.P. Clark, in a few well
chosen remarks, presented the Post with a $20
note to be used in fitting up their new home.
The Post was very much pleased with the pres-
ents, and returned appropriate thanks.
The Morrisville Band was present and fur-
nished music during the evening. Every one
went away pleased with the occasion, and with
the kind attention of Com. Isaacs to his guests.
The regular meetings are the second Saturday
of every month.
Maintained by Sue Greenhagen.
E-mail:
greenhsh@morrisville.edu