The National Tribune from Washington, District of Columbia • Page 6

THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, D. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, ISS3. TtjE GRAND RlfY. Last "Week's Encampments A Valuable Record of Post Work. In our Graud Army columns, this week, will 1C found reports of the Department Encampments of Maine, Vermont and Wisconsin.

The annual Encampment of tho Department of "West Virginia is announced to take place tomorrow at Tho Nebraska Encampment will be held at Lincoln, on the 20th and that of Oregon at Portland, on the 22d inst During tho past week The Tribune has received notice of the contemplated establishment of new Posts as follows: W. H. Draper, Adams, Jefferson county, New York; Florentine Butler, Webb's Mills, Maine N. L. Newberry, Beaumont, Pennsylvania; H.

J-Garbctt, Blur Hill, Nebraska; Owen Ovcrhart, Worth, Pa. H. II. Postlewaitc, Bcllair, 111. Geo.

Eoscbrook, Big Springs, Logan county, Ohio; A. II. Franklin, Pleasant Mount, Miller county, Missouri; G. M. Stanard, Lexington, Sauiiac county, Michigan; A.

Weinscheuck, Bell evue, Jackson county, Iowa; Jos. Farlin; Arcadia, Trempealeau county, Wisconsin. The Tbibune has also been notified of tho appointment of the following Post correspondents and agents: 'George II. Armstrong, Cartcr-ville, George W. Miller, Terro Haute, Indiana; J.

Lcstncr, Stanard's Corners, Now York; G. S. Maer, agent, and D. B. Monroe, correspondent, Manton, W.H.

Wortman, Bucyrus, Ohio; Geo. M.Eicc, Urbridge, S. J. Boyles, Clarksburg, West Virginia. MAINE.

The annual meeting of tho Department of Maine was held at Auburn on the (ith inst. There are now sixty-eight Posts in the State, a gain of seventeen over last year, 4,200 members, and $1,320 in tho treasury. The past year is the most prosperous in tho history of the Department. Officrcs were elected as follows: Commander, E. M.

Shaw, of Lisbon S. V. R. K. Gattley, of Portland; J.

V. C. D. P. Field, of Lewiston: Chaplain, Rev.

It. L. Howard, of Bangor Medical Director, W. S. Howe, ofPittsfield.

VERMONT. Tho sixteenth annual Encampment of the Department of Vermont was held at- Bennington on the 8th and 9 th instants. The city was gayly decorated with llags and bunting in honor of the presence of veterans and delegates. The visiting members were received at the depot by Custer Post and escorted to headquarters. Am-n the veterans were Governor John W.

Barstow, Quartermaster-General Horace Hide, Colonels J. H. Goulding, and W. H. Gilmore of the Governor's staff, General William W.

Henry, Colonel J. C. Bangs of Lewiston, Major P. Corlis of Albany, N. Colonel L.

Greenleaf, of tho Vermont National Guard, and Assistant Adjutant General C. C. Kinsman. Tho Council of Administration met on the Sth at 4 p. at tho Putnam House, to receive credentials of delegates.

The Encampment convened at Grand Army Hall at 5 o'clock, Couimander A. B. Valentine presiding. The annual address was then delivered by the commander. The Encampment subsequently adjourned, and re-convened in tho evening at Free Library Hall, where a line and substantial banquet was given by Commander Valentine to the visiting comrades and delegates, which was served by the ladies of Post Custer.

A Camp-fire followed. Free Library Hall was handsomely decorated with flags for the banquet and Camp-fire. Commander Valentine nrst called on Governor Barstow, who spoke of Bennington as a most fitting spot, from its historic associations, for a Grand Army JEncamp-ment. The Governor eulogized the heroes of the revolutionary struggle under Stark and Warren, and paid handsome tribute to the valor and deeds of their descendants in tho war of the rebellion. Junior Vice Commander Bangs, Chaplain-in-Chief J.

M. Foster, of Waterloo, N. General W. W. Henry, Attorney-General Sherman, of Massachusetts; Major N.

P. Bowman, and others, were called on for speeches by the Commander, and responded in an eloquent and happy manner. The speeches were interspersed with singing of war and camp songs by a male quartette, and Frank Bradford recited "The Light Brigade," with thrilling effect. The Camp-fire was one of the largest and most interesting ever held during" an annual Encampment. Over 200 gallant veterans were present, and great enthusiasm prevailed among tho old soldiers responsive to the eloquent and patriotic speeches of tho various speakers.

The election of officers, on the second the re-election of the principal ones, and tho full board is: A. B. Valentine, of Bennington, Depart xnent Commander; L. D. Savage, Waitstield, S.V.

A.H. Gilmonr, Fairlee, J. V. E. H.

Medical Director; Bey. J. K. Eichajdson. Eutland, Chaplain: C.

C. Kingsman, Rutland, Adjutant; Council of Administration, arrcn Gibbs, Burlington; Charles E. Graves, Bennington J. A. Benedict, Ponltney: C.

E.Parker, Vergennes; A. P. Bowman, St. Johnsbury. Delegates to National Encampment, E.

H. Bipley, Rutland; A. P. Childs, Bennington; L. J.

Terrill, Underhill; Alternate Delegates, D. L. Morgan, Eutland O. C. Wilder, Waitstield; M.

J. Leach, Walcott. Comrade H. A. Huse, of Brooks Post, No.

13, Montpelier, who was especially detailed for tho inrpose, on the 2d inst. mustered Edwin D31-ingham Post at Waterbury, Vermont, with twenty-eight charter members. Twenty comrades of Brooks Post were present. The new Post was named in honor of Major Edwin Dillingham, of tho Tenth Vermont volunteers, who was killed in action at Winchester, September 19, 1864. The following officers were installed by Comrade Huse: Commander, Charles Wells; S.

V. James W. Sleeper; J. V. Jerome B.

Ayers Surgeon, D. A. Gray Chaplain, E. J. Foster; 0.

F. H. Atherton; O. Hartwell Moody, and Q. F.

B. Taylor. Tho appointments were Thomas T. Farrell, Adj't; F. Carpenter, and J.

H. Elliott, Q. M. S. Garfield Post, No.

G2, Lincoln, organized last October with twenty-ono members, now has thirty, and more in contemplation. Department Commander Win. C. W. Elliott recently installed the following officers: Commander, Eev.

Z. Elliott; S. V. S. Hodge; J.

V. I. Clark; Adj't, William C. W. Elliott; Q.

O. Barnard: Chaplain, Fred James; O. Ed James; O. T. Clark; Serg't Joseph Paraut; Q.

M. Scrg't, I. King. Tho Post is contemplating a uniform for Memorial Day. Commander F.

B. Morse, of Hall Post, No. 39, recently installed the following officers of Foster Post, No. 53, Wolcott, Vermont: Commander, M. J.

Leach S. V. C. C. Fisher; J.

V. I. C. Sanborn; Adj't, M. D.

Scott; Q. J. E. Wheeler; Surgeon, L. A.

Tillotson; Chaplain, S. T. Greene; O. N.Whitney; O. O.

E.Andrus; E. E. Mann; Q. M. Scrg't, S.

D. Luce. Comrado F. V. Eandall, Westford, Vermont, writes us that Post No.

10 at that place, which has a membership of sixty, gave a banquet on the 31 ult. at Comrado T. N. Roger's Hotel, which was attended by upwards of 100, including invited guests. Tho affair and the dance at the hall which followed was a grand The Post will give a G.

A. E. dance at Roger's Hotel on the 20th inst Comrado S. L. Holt sends us an "account In rhyme of tho public installation of officers of Hooker Post, No.

5, South Londonderry, Vermont, on the 3d inst. It abounds in witty alluhions, and wo regret that the limited space at our disposal will not admit of its publication. MASSACHUSETTS. Department Commander Evans, of tho G. A.

has issued a circular letter announcing tho following members of his official staff: Assistant Adjutant-General, Alfred C. Munroe, of Post 13, Brockton Assistant Quarterniaster-Goncral, Charles 0. Fellows, of Post 35, Chelsea: Inspector, H. A. Sawyer, of Post 5.

Lynn Judge Advocate, John L. Rice, of Post 1G, Springfield; C'hiff Mustering Officer, E. P. Gibbs, of Hudson. The letter congratulates the Order on having a membership of over 12,000 in tho State and a surplus in the treasury; speaks words of commendation for tho retiring Assistant Adjutant General, James F.

Meech, after continuous serrico of seven years in his office; nrges on tho comrades efforts in behalf of the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea, so as to make this successful institution permanent; and announces that after February Department headquarters will be at Room 6, No. 12 Pemberton Square, Boston. Comrado George M. Rice, Uxbridge, writes us that he has been appointed correspondent of The Tribune byH. H.

Leggo Post, No. 25, at that place. He says We like tho ring of the big guns you bring to bear on the enemies of tho soldier; we like the way you stand up for the veteran and his rights. Keep up tho fire, comrade, and have no fear but that the comrades will stand by you. Wo say The Tribune is tho best paper in the country and should be in tho hands of every soldier in the land." Tho officers of tho Post are Commander, E.

J. Hill S. V. C. E.

Brayman J. V. William S. Fullerton; Q. Whitamoro; O.

C. Hall; 0. S. D. Gregory; Chaplain, Levi Brown Adjutant, George M.

Rice. This installation was public, and after tho ceremony a Camp-firo was held, at which tho Adjutant delivered an interesting address on the battle of Fredericksburg. "A Battery Boy," Boston, writes us that Theodore Wiuthrop Post, No. 35, of Chelsea, Charles O. Fellows, Commander, which numbers over -100 members, in order-to replenish its charity fund, opened a fair at tho Academy of Music, Chelsea, Tuesday, tho 6th which continued until tho following Saturday night.

It was opened in due form by the newly elected Department Commander Evcrns his first official act. The affair was a grand success. Five thousand tickets each were disponed of before tho opening, and as the tickets were limited to that number, premiums were offered for them, without any to 'be procured. At a low estimate the Post netted $5,000. Tho old vets are appreciated by the masses in Massachusetts.

Tho Soldiers' Homo alono prooves this. Post 5, of Lynn, numbering nearly 800 membersit is said, are contemplating holding a fair in the immense building built and owned by the Post, and intends issuing 20,000 season tickets. What Post No. 5 undertakes it always carries throught in shape, and it is safe, therefore, to predict for the fair a full measure of success. If one would know what a genuine Camp-fire is, ho should attend those of Post No.

5, of Lynn. A banquet complimentary to Comrade Geo. S. Evans, of Post 30, Cambridge, the newly-elected Commander of tho Department of Massachusetts, will be given at Temple Hall, Cam-bridgeport, on the evening of February 21. Tho city government and other distinguished citizens will be present.

Mr. Samuel B. Rindge has presented Comrade Evans a complete Department uniform and sword. Comrade M. S.

Rockwood, Hopkinton, Mas-. sacuuscus, Tvruus us iuut j. j. iJiirna rusi, No. 14, at that place has twenty-five members and a good prospect for thirty or forty more.

Its officers are: Commander, T. N. Drawbridg; S.V. M. S.

Rockwood J. V. J. D. O'Brine Q.

H. Adj't, J. M. Palmer O. L.

B. Haydcn; O. C. H. Harris; Surgeon, N.

H. Hougton; Chaplain, A. E. Newton. Comrado E.

J. Bean writes us that Post No. 37, Spencer, on the 7th inst. tendered a soldier's banquet of baked beans, coffco and other refreshments to its Commander, Comrado W. A.

Sloan, in honor of his election as Junior Vice Department Commander of the Department. Smoking, speeches and story-telling filled up the very pleasant evening. RHODE ISLAND. The "ladies' Camp-fire" of Tower Post, No. 17, Pawtucket, E.

and their friends was held on the Sth and was indeed a. pleasant success. Tho members and their ladies gathered at tho Post hall to the number of about two hundred. There was social chat and the liko while the Post held 'the regular meeting, and then all were invited to Reform Club Hall, where tables were spread with tho usual delicacies of the Camp-fire. This over.

Commander Pierce called them to order, and after an overture by Lawton's Orchestra, Rev. J. J. Woolley was called upon and made a stirring address to the comrades. Then came songs by the ever-welcome Slocuiu Brothers, and Dutch recitations by the favorite Lon Gardiner.

Comrade Edward P. Tobie, of Prescott Post, Providence, reau some war reminiscences under tho title of "Whiffs of Smoke," and was followed by a cornet solo by Mis3 Annio Fish, Mrs. Fish accompanying her on the Piano. Songs by Robert Lawton closed this part of tho entertainment, and then the floor was cleared for dancing. It may bo said in this connection that tho lady friends of this Post arc talking about organizing an auxiliary society in connection with the Post a grand idea, the comrades think.

NEW YORK. Comrade O. T. Perkins, Hallsport, N. writes us as follows Wesley Bolfe Post, No.

332, was mustered in at Stannard's Corners, Allegany N. on the 22d by Past Post Commander C. C. McCready, of H. C.

G. Post, No. 247, Bolivar, N. assisted by the officers of tho last-named Post. Owing to a delayed train, it was 9:15 p.

m. before tho visiting comrades arrived in Wellsville, and then a drive of two and a half miles brought them to the little village whero the newly organized Post is located. Supper over, and it was 10:30 be; foro the business of the evening commenced. A number of the recruits had concluded that the boys" were not coming and had gone to their homes, so that but twenty-two were found at tho outposts when the time camo for muster. Tho muster over, it was voted a grand, good thing, and we won't go homo till morning" was tho verdict of them alljand 'mid song and story and joke, 'mid reminiscences of the old camp life bo vividly brought before them by the incidents of the evening, the wee sma' hours lengthened until tho eastern sky betokened tho coming of tho orb of day.

One incident is worthy of mention in connection with the mustering of the Post, showing the spirit of fraternity characteristic of the old soldiers. Frederick Bicrman has been unable to walk for several years, owing to injuries received in the army, but ho wanted to muster in with the rest, so tho boys (gray-hcaded boys now) took him from his home, placed him in a cutter and drew him to tho hall, and as tho recruits filed up tho stairs, carried him in their arms up and into the Post room, where accommodations were in readiness for him. At tho closo of ceremonies, a largo delegation took him home again. Comrade Bicrman says he never felt prouder in his life, with Soldiers in front of him, soldiera to right of him, soldiers to left of him, and soldiers all around as he rode away to his home. Indeed, it was a body-guard of which a king might well be proud.

Tho officers are: Commander, O.T. Perkins; S. V. I. A.

Krusen; J. V. J. Lcstner; O. C.

F. Cline; Q. J. T. Coval; Chaplain, N.

R. Woodcock; Adj't. J. Fausberry; Surgeon, L. Campbell; O.

A. J. Griggs; S. O. B.

Selden Q. M. F. Bierman. Tho J.

V. C. attends to tho interests of The National Tribune in tho Post. Wo are started with thopromiso of an increase in numbers. Wo hopo to bo of use to tho Order, and intend to mako our influence tell for good in our locality.

I think we should bo called tho Farmer Post, as we are made up almost exclusively of farmers. It is a good bean country, so look out for Camp-fires, with beans by tho wholesale, and occasionally a roasted bullock. A comrade writes us from Now York under -tho signature of follows: "Tho time is approaching when the Grand Army will have ceased to recruit, by reason of having absorbed all tho available material, so that it is a question to bo met: How shall wo get all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors injo tho Grand Army? Onco in, how shall we keep them in I believe a change in tho form of ballot would in itself bo a benefit to tho G. A. and that a two-thirds vote should elect.

Comrades should look over tho very large number of rejections during tho last year, and ask whether comrades had not in many instances allowed personal feeling to rise paramount to Grand Army interests. Under the present form of election the growtli of a Post may be stopped by two or three. Very many comrades march in ono door and out of tho other; that is, they attend two or three meetings, their interest ceases, and soon they are dropped members. Theso are the hardest class of recruits to get, and I think tho National Encampment can make it easier if they will give the matter attention. Tho rules and regulations need to be revised and mado over so as to meet present wants of the Order.

Questions are every day coining up in Posts which Commanders are at a loss to know how to meet, as they tan-not find an' rule to guide them. Soldiers and sailors aro each their own lawyer, and very much time is wasted at Post meetings by motions made out of order, and very frivolous arguments made by ono or two self-constituted attorneys, which it seems the misfortune for almost every Post to have. Post meetings should be mado lively and entertaining, business transacted quickly, always time given for fraternal greeting, and a few minutes for reminiscences." General H. A. Barnum, as chairman of tho memorial committee of New York city, has sent out circulars requesting the delegates to thccoinmittectosend their credentials to the secretary, Lehman Israels.

A meeting will be held on Monday evening of next week, at the Pension Office, in Canal street." General Barnum, to whom is credited the great success attending tho observance of Decoration Day last year, positively declines to allow his name to bo used again in connection with tho chairmanship of tho committee. The suggestion has been mado that tho occasion of Decoration Day this year shall be made available to interest tho general public in the project of building a soldiers' and sailors' monument in that city that shall be commensurate with the record of New York in tho war and her position as tho Metropolitan city. Tho Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Association, organized under tho auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic of that city, on Decoration Dayf 1579, among the prominent members of which aro ex-Governor Morgan, ex-Governor Hoffman, Jndgo Daly, General Aspinwall, General McQuade, General Barnum, and others, has been duly incorporated under the laws of the State. It will hold a meeting during tho week and determine upon a plan by which tho matter may be brought before tho people generally and co-operation gained on the work of tho Grand Army. Colonel N.

W. Day, chairman of tho executive committee of the Veterans' Rights Union, states that a meeting of the union will be called in a few days. Tho printed proceedings of the convention held in October wcro distributed at tho recent Encampment at Troy, and resulted in tho unanimous adoption of a resolution fully approving tho purposes of its organization. Old Soldier," Richfield Springs, N.Y., writes us that the comrades of Weldon Post, No. 256, at that place, arc all keenly alive to the benefits of the G.

A. R. Its two delegates, House and Tallman, have returned from the State Encampment at Troy, bringing such enthusiastic accounts of tho good work performed by tho Grand Army as to rouse the dryest old fogy. The Post started out on a foraging expedition on the evening of February 1st, and mado an assault on tho works of the Commander. On the approach of the comrades tho Commander promptly barricaded his fortifications with an abundance of tobacco, and armed his garrison with clay pipes, but the onslaught was so desperate that an unconditional surrender was tho result.

A pleasant evening was spent, and in duo time the detail reported the beans ready, flanked by etceteras, which were discussed in a soldierly manner. The presence of the genial Officer of the Day from Turner Post, Cooperstown, was an uuoxpected pleasure. Tho illness and consequent absence of some of tho comrades was much regretted. In tho wee sma' hours" tho happy party dispersed after singing a number of army songs, noticeable among which being tho Sword of Bunker Hill," well rendered by tho Adjutant. Says our correspondent: "Tho merits of TnE National Tribune were discussed by the infantry, cavalry and artillery present, a good many taking it, and all agreed that it is exactly suited to the wants of the soldier." General John A.

Reynolds, of Eochcster, New York, recently elected Department Commander, on Friday mado the following staff appointments: Assistant Adjutant-General, Joseph A. Adlington, of Eochcster; Assistant Quartermaster-General, Milton H. Smith, of Eochcster; Inspector, M. A. Stearns, of Dansville; Judge-Advocate, Harlan J.

Swift, of Cuba; Chief Mustering Officer, William W. Eobacher, of New York Aides-dc-Camp, A. B. Lawrence, of Buffalo; William H. Warner, of Syracuse; H.

F. Stambach, of Buffalo; E. B. Gere, of Oswego; D. M.

Perine, of, Oswego; A. H.Spicrre, of Albany; J. C. J. Langbein, of New York; Charles H.

Yost, of Eochcster Charles McEI-roy, of New York; Joseph L. Folletr, of Brooklyn; John E. Mcintosh, of Ithaca; Ira M. Hedges, of Haverstraw; Frank B. Frost, of Elinira; John Copeland, of Friendship; Thos.

B. Odell, of New York, and Eobert B. Buchan-aud, of Lockport. Comrade Charles J. Johnson, Hamilton, New York, writes us that Arthur L.

Brooks Post, No. 272, at that place, recently passed a series of resolutions of condolence in the case of the death of Louiso Underhill, beloved daughter of Comrade C. W. Underbill. The officers of tho Post are Commander, Charles J.

Johnson S. V. E. D. Spencer: J.

V. Major Willard Hcech; Adj't, Captain Charles W. Underhill; Q. William H. Abbert; Surgeon, Dr.

Frank D. Eecbe; Chaplain, J. F. Goodrich; O. Francis Kennedy; O.

A. McNeal; Serg't Willis A. Merrj'field; Q. M. Serg't, L.

L. Weed. On tho 20th inst. the Post will have its annual Camp-fire, at which Senior Vice Department Commander H. Clay Hall and Inspector-General George A.

Cantine, of the Department, are expected to bo present. Comrade D. H. Farr sends tho following list of officers of Seth N. Hedges Post, Dansville, Livingston, N.

Commander, Col. M. A. Stearns; S. V.

A.W. Fielder; J. V. John Kriely; Q. J.

J. Bailey; O. William Kramer; O. Charles McLaughlin; Adj't, Samuel Allen; Surgeon, W.H. McLaughlin; Chaplain, S.

W. Tenncy Q. M. Oscar Woodruff; S. W.

H. Munsec. Tho Post has eighty members and is in a prosperous condition. On the 5th inst. the Post had a Camp-fire at the Clinton Hotel.

An entertainment, which followed tho banquet, was participated in by Comrades Faulkner, Tenncy, Fielder Sutfin, Burgess, Tiffany, Munsee, and others. Comrade Kriely, J. V. walked seven. mile3 from his homo at Ossian to be present.

Comrade C. E. Blackwell, Brooklyn, N. writes us that while on a visit to Mcchanic-ville, Saratoga county, N. recently, ho had tho honor of meeting Mr.

and. Mrs. Ellsworth, tho father and mother of Col. E. E.

Ellsworth, who was shot while takingHown a rebel flag at Alexandria on tho 24th of May, 1861. He was shown the sword which was presented to the Colonel by the First Dragoons of Chicago, and his horse, which, though now nearly thirty years of age, is still hardy and spry. When the horse dies, Mr. Ellsworth says ho will bo buried at the foot of the Colonel's grave. Comrade 'Rose, Enfield Falls, New York, writes us that Gregg Post in that vicinity, whoso twenty-two membera are scattered over an area of eight miles, is looking up, and the boys aro all taking a lively interest in its well-fare.

They meet at Newfield on tho first Thursday night of each month and at Trum-ble's Corners on tho third Thursday night. Some old Springfield rifles have been sent for for drilling purposes. Thirty-six gentlemen representing tho political and other public societies and clubs of note in Brooklyn, met on the 5th inst. in the parlors of Mayor Low's house, to discuss tho steps necessary to bo taken towards the erection of a soldiers' monument in Brooklyn. Mayor Low, who originally suggested tho project, presided.

It was resolved to appoint a committee of seven to secure designs. Charles H. Bells Post, No. 291, Wyoming, N. organized last September with but ten members, has moro than double that number, and is doing well.

Tho comrades and their wives were entertained on the evening of tho 30th ult. in right royal stylo by Colonel A. B. Lawrence. Comrado Frank Lillibridge, P.

0., writes lis that Garfield Post, No. 229, will hold a Camp-fire on tho 22d and adds: We'll bring tho good old bugle, boys we'll sing another song, smoke the old pipes and drink from the same canteen, as wo did in the days that tried men's souls. Comrade W. M. Hood, Knowlesville, N.

writes that there will be a Reunion of the Third New York cavalry at Rochester, N. on tho second Wednesday in June, the 13th inst. Two Eeunions have already been held at Eochcster. Georgo W. Flower Post, No.

306, Theresa, New York, at its meeting on the 29th ultimo passed a series of resolutions acknowledging and returning thanks to Hon. E. P. Flower for a gift to the Post fund of $100. Comrado John Plant writes U3 that Post No.

316, recently established at Luzerne, N. is in a flourishing condition. It starts with some twenty-one members. NEW JERSEY. Department Commander Geo.

B. Fielder, of New Jersey, Comrado John Ramsey, Assistant Adjutant-General, has issued General Orders, Nos. 123 and 124, from headquarters, Jersey City. No. 1 calls attention to tho fact that in somo Posts dues have been, increased, with a view to cxclusivcncss, which is a direct stab at the fundamental principles of tho Order.

In it he says: "Let the avenues leading to tho doors of our Post-rooms be kept wide enough to admit any and all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors." In No. 2 the fact is noted that an examination of the descriptive books of several Posts show that they are not correctly kept, some of the comrades names being entered twice, thus giving false totals. Order No. 3 directs that tho finances of Posts should bo protected by recognized business principles, and suggests that each Post open a bank account and have tho Post checks signed by the Quartermaster and countersigned by tho Commander and Adjutant. All claims' of $5 and upwards should be paid by check.

In order No: 1 Department Commander Fielder states that the practice prevails in many Posts of this Department of selling badges to recruits when mustered; tho practice is a pernicious one and must be discontinued at ouce. Tho by-laws of each Post should stipulate a certain amount for initiation and muster fee, which should include tho badge, the badge to bo presented and not sold to tho recruit. In that case tho bad co is always the property of the Post. The badgo is an evidenco of membership in tho G. A.

and is given to the comrade to keep as long as ho complies with tho orders and by-laws of the Post of which ho is a member. When a comrado ceases to do that, or is dropped from tho rolls for any cause, the badsio is then tho property of the Post, and hercaiter it is made the duty of Post Commander andQuartermastcr to see that these badges are turned into the Post. This course will put a stop to unworthy men wearing tho honored badge, and on that ground soliciting aid from members of tho Order. PENNSYLVANIA. Comrado John W.

Pryor, Past Po3t Commander, on tho 2d inst. instilled the following officers of James Miller Post, No. 273, Weath-erly, Carbon Pa. Commander, Capt. Geo.

n. Jones; S. V. Peter G. Slcath J.

V.C., Daniel Keener; Q. Daniel Bachman; Chaplain, Samuel A. Tobias Surgeon, Peter Chccsman Adj't, Edward C. Wilson; Serg't Griffith Bachman; O. Ira Oliver; O.

Washington Penrose; Q. M. Serg't, Anson R. Heller; I. James Purccll O.

Nathan Buck. This Post was named after Colonel James Miller, of the Eighty-first Pennsylvania volunteers, who was killed at tho battlo of Fair Oaks, Va. The Post Commander is a brother of Past Senior Vico Commander W. N. Jonc3, of tho Department of Pennsylvania.

At tho muster of Pennsylvania Reserve Post, No. 191, on the Sth Past Post Commander G. W. Palmer was presented by his fellow-comrades with two badges, one being that of a Past Post Commander, and the other tho mark of the Third division, Fifth Army Corps, on which was a suitable inscription. The presentation was made in a neat speech by Junior Vico Commander J.E.Smith,whorefcrredinahighly complimentary manner to Comrado Palmer's administration while commander, followed by a few amusing reminiscences of his army career.

Although the tokens were a complete surprise to the recipient, ho was equal to the emergency, and responded in a modest but well-worded speech. Custer Post, No. 38, Etna, Pennsylvania, has installed the following officers Commander, J. L. Ellscssor; S.

V. Harry E. Beatty; J. V. W.

H. Baker; O.D., Phil Herst; 0. Harkus; Q. John Thomas; Chaplain, John Gamble; Adj't, Thomas Sallade. There are thirteen Post3 in the Department of Pennsylvania that havo a membership of over 300, nine of which, 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 51, 63 and 91, are located in Philadelphia.

Of tho new Posts, 275, of Philadelphia, is tho largest, having 103 comrades. At a meeting of Post No. 5, Philadelphia, held on the 6th a resolution was passed earnestly requesting Senators to strive by all fair and honorable means to secure the passage of tho $40 pension bill pending before the Senate. "Company Nineteenth United States Infantry," writes us that Fisher Post, No. 30, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, now has a membership of over thirty, and its numbers are steadily increasing.

MARYLAND. Comrade John H. Suter, Department Commander of Maryland, has issued from headquarters, Baltimore, General Order, No. 1, in which tho following appointments are announced: Assistant Adjutant General, Milo V. Bailey; Assistant Quartermaster General, William H.

Searles; Inspector, H. G. Hayden; Judge Advocate, John W. Saville; Chief Mustering Officer, John A. Stciner.

They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. Post Commanders are requested, to designate to these headquarters ono comrade for appointment as aid or assistant inspector. "In appointing my official staff," says Commander Suter, "I have been guided entirely by what I have learned from experience during my three years service as Assistant Adjutant General, and am satisfied that the comrades named will devote time and energy to the work of the Order. Considerable work must be done during the year, and I earnestly ask the active help and hearty cooperation of every comrade in assisting me to advance tho interests of the Grand Army of this Department." Department Commander Suter and Inspector H. G.

Hazen visited Elkton, last Friday night, and mustered in Post No. 10 of that place, which starts under very favorablo auspices. Tho following officers were installed Commander, John Burke; S. V. Joshua M.

Ash; J. V. Pearson Matthews; O. Luke Goodyear; 0. Louis Barber; John S.

Settle. WEST VIRGINIA. Comrade S. J. Boyles, Clarksburg, West writes ns that Custer Post, No.

8, at that place, is in a flourishing condition. Its fifty comrades include men who ranked from patriotic privates to colonels, and they -all to-day feel the promptings of the same spirit that led them to face shot and shell for four long years. KENTUCKY. ALadies' Auxiliary to James S. Jackson Post, No.

3, Owensborough, was organized last November with fifteen members, which number has since been increased to nineteen. They gave their first entertainment on tho 5th which was tho first anniversary of Jackson Post, which realized $50. Tho ladies served an excellent supper, and the young peoplo danced to their hearts' content. OHIO. Comrade Henry E.

Frost, New Lisbon, writes us as follows Po3t hero on the day of President Garfield's burial, now numbers sixty-threo members, and has nice comfortable rooms, well-attended meetings, and every prospect of substantial success also, last, but not least, somo lucre in tho Q. hands. Our officers aro: Commander, Charles L. Frost (re-elected) S. V.

A. E. Martin; J. V. Eobert Morrow; Chaplain, J.

D. Peterson; Surgeon, G. M. Chanuler; Q. Georgo L.

Miller; 0. E. B.Johnson; 0. John D. McElroy Delegate to Department Encampment, Henry G.

Frost; Alternate, George L. Miller. To replenish" tho Post's funds, we have been giving military dramas, and with considerable success pecuniarily. Tho last presented was "Tho Little Major," written for Major J. B.

Percival, of our Post, which took immensely, it being entirely new and original, and with plenty of opportunity in it for amateurs and others to show their ability. On Christmas wo gave substantial presents to our widows and and wo endeavor at all times to exert a watchful care over their necessities. Truly, the widows and- orphans of those who died for their country, or planted the seeds of disease that afterwards caused their death, aro, above all, entitled to tho care and protection of not only ex-soldiers, but of a Nation. In a communication from Past Department Commander John S. Kountz, of Toledo, to District Mustering Officer T.

D. McGillicuddy, of Akron, 0., he says Forsythe Post, No. 15, of Toledo, has now a membership of 600, and they intend to push that membership to 800 during the present year. Of the original thirteen who were charter members November 19, 1S66, but ono is missing, and that by death. Comrade McGillicuddy expects soon to organize Posts at Doylestown, Eichfield, Eavenna and Mantua Station.

Mantua Station is knocking at the, G. A. B. door; they intend to include several of tho adjoining towns in one grand Post. Capt.

A. M. Erwin, of Mantua, has tho mutter in hand. Forty-nine one-legged-soldiers wero at tho late G. A.

E. Encampment at Youngs-town. At a Tcccnt meeting of Mitchell Post, No. 45, Springfield, Ohio, Commander Grant presented to tho Post a lifc-sizooil portrait of President James A. Garfield, recently received fro.m Comrade S.

J. Uhl, of Paris, France, as a testimonial to Mitchell Past. It was given an honored place on the walls of tho Post headquarters, above tho Chaplain's position. Commander Grant furnished the elegant gilt frame at his own expense. On motion of comrades a unanimous and appreciative vote of thanks was tendered Comrado Uhl (an ox-soldicr of the Sixteenth O.

V. through Comrado Grant. It was further resolved to forward to him, at Paris, a G.A. E. badge and to guarantee a complimentary initiation to the Order in Mitchell Post? whenever ho shall return to these, his na-tivo shores.

Comrado W. n. Wortman, Bucyrns, Ohio, writcsjis that Keller Post, organized two years ago at that place, is named in honor of two brothers Captain Amos and Lieutenant Aaron Kcllor, of Company Forty ninth 0. V. who wcro both killed in the battle of Stouo Eivcr, January 1st, 1S63.

They fought side by side, and wcro never separated. They fell as they fought, and now lie buried, as they had lived, side by side, in the beautiful Oak Wood Cemetery at Bucyrus. The Post is in a prosperous condition, and has $150 in the relief fund. At its last meeting a committee, consisting of Commander Wm. McCutchen, Past Commander S.

D. Welsh, and Comrade Dr. J. F. Fitzsimmons, was appointed to perfect tho organization of a Ladies' Auxiliary.

Comrado James R. Smith, Richfield, Ohio, writes us that Brint and McBrido Post, No. 225, at that placo, is flourishing forty names on the roster and more being added. On tho 13th ult. Comrade M.

P. Sanderson installed tho following officers: Commander, A. Gardiner; S. V. James R.

Smith; J. V. John E. Bo-linger; Adj't, Wm.Tunison; Q. A.

G. Washburn; Chaplain, Henry Chulip; Surgeon, W. R. Ford; O. Wm.

Bartholomew; 0. W. H.Dennis; S. O. P.

Clark Q. Samuel Bayliss. After tho installation, a bounteous supper of pork and beans, hard-tack and colfeo was served, which, with the old army songs which followed, was much enjoyed by all present. Comrado W. A.

Ludlam, Cleveland, Ohio, who sends twenty-one new subscribers, writes us that Memorial Post, No. 141, of that city, was organized a little more' than a year ago. Wo have now about 150 members and everything is in a most flourishing condition, both financially and socially, and have no doubt but tho present year will see our numbers doubled. The following officers wero elected for the ensuing year: Commander, J.N. Frazee; S.V.C., J.

F. Isom; J. V. M. T.

Britton, Q. E. M. Hesslor; Chaplain, L. S.

Fish; Adj't, T. M. Nichols; 0. John C. Roland; O.

J. W. Dwycr; Dist. M. B.

Gary; Q. M. Herman Mayer; S. H. V.

Zimcrman. Comrado A. Mullen, Van Wert, 0., writes us that Post No. 100, at that place, organized last April with fourteen charter members, now has seventy-nine. The following aro its officers: Commander, J.

A. Gleason; S. V. John W. Hoagland J.

V. J. W. Burch; Q. A.

I. Gleason; Adj't, Ismael Malick; Chaplain, E. Dcprey; O. D. H.

Borland; Surgeon, Wm. Smith; 0. A. Stitz. Comrade Samuel Weaver, Barnesville, writes that Hilles Post, No.

220, at that place, has sixty-five members nnd is flourishing. The following are the officers Commander, G. E. Hilles; S. V.

H. S. Barnes; J. V. J.

B. Lane: ChaDlain, H.W.Baker; Q. T. J. Carr O.

Major Petty; O. J. V. Ellis. Post No.

243, Rainsborough, Ohio, is in a flourishing condition. At the last regular meeting the old officers were all re-elected for another year. Comrade William H. Frederick writes ns that Bronson Post, No. 85, of Jersey City, Ohio, now numbers forty members and is in a prosperous condition.

INDIANA. "Co. Thirteenth Indiana," Indianapolis, writes us that the following Posts have recently been mustered in that State: No. 131, Russiaviller No. 132, Argus, Marshall county; No.

133, Noblcsvillo; No. 134, Sardina, Decatur county; No. 135, Ormer, Whitely county; No. 136, Huston, Jackson county No. 137, Huntington No.

133, Hudson, Steuben county, and No. 139, Folsomville, Whitely county. Stoughton Post, No. 128, Mishawaka, has installed the following roster of officers: Commander, J. A.

Rope; S. V. Henry Milburn; J. V. Charles Frank; Chaplain, W.

H. Fetterich; Surgeon, W. B. Butterworth Q. L.

Adsit; O. John Bovd; 0. A. O. Kramer; Adj't, H.

G. Beemer S. M. M. Fisher; Q.

M. W. H. Judkins. Tho Post is a new one and is doing well.

Major J. A. Hiff, Commander of Post No. 55, Richmond, assisted by Captain Graham, has installed the following officers of Post No. 129, at Dublin: Commander, A.

D. Bond; S. V. M. Z.

Carmany; J. V. S. S. Williams; Chaplain, Henry Palm; Snrgeon, Dr.

S. S. Boyd; Q. William Hicks; Adj't A. G.

Compton; O. I. N. Gilbert; 0. Joe Walton.

Gen. Oliver P. Gooding, a prominent comrade of Frank P. Blair Post, No. 1, Department of Missouri, has entered the lecture field, with "Future America" as his subject.

Ho lectured before Eunyan Post, No. 147, New London, Ohio, on the 2d atSherburn, N. on tho 6th inst. before Chismore Post, Ilion, N. on the 7th and at Eichfield Springs, N.

on tho Sth inst. Ho will return to Indiana in March, and lecture before Eobert T. Templeton Post, No. 35, Oxford, and other societies. Bachman Post, No.

26, at. Madison, will give a pork and bean festival on the 16th inst. The Council of Administration of this Department convened in Indianapolis on the 13th inst. for tho purpose of fixing a time for holding tho fourth annual Encampment. Sergeant Otto Schultz, TJ.

S. late signal officer located at Indianapolis, died on the 4th inst. at St. Vincent's Hospital. Tho deceased was a comrade of George H.

Thomas Post, No. 17, by which Post he was buried with tho honors of war on the 7th inst. Gen. Hazen has been petitioned to appoint Sergeant Nop-penhaus to fill vacancy. Lincoln Post, No.

24, Mace, has installed the following officers: Commander, John Peterson; S. V. John Hogsett; J. V. J.

M. Chadwick; Adj't, W. G. McClure; Q. J.

C. Martin; Surgeon, J. W. Hogsett; O. Daniel Durbin; Chaplain, J.

Hugelheim; 0. W. H. Thompson. Comrado Martin writes us that tho members of the Post aro in fine spirits and organized for work.

At tho last regular meeting of Morton Post, No. 1, Terre Haute, George W. Miller, adjutant, was elected an agent for The National Tribune, "in order," says our correspondent, "that all comrades may know whom to go to to secure your valuable paper and give him all items of interest to the G. A. MICHIGAN.

Comrade E. W. Survy, Battle Creek, who sends us five new subscribers, writes U3 that Farragut Post, of that place, which was organized November, 1881, with thirty-three charter members, now numbers ninety-six, with thirteen applications on file, and the members expect to turn out next Decoration Day 150 strong. Ho adds that it is his intention to send us tho names of fifty new subscribers before then, and present the Post with The Teibune premiums ten volumes of the history of tho war as soon as the Post is ablo to establish a reading-room. Comrado D.

B. Monroe, Manton, Wexford county, Michigan, writes us that at the last meeting of 0. F. Morton Post, No. 5-1, at that placo, ho was elected correspondent of The Tbibune, aud Comrade G.

S. Maer, Commander, agent, to solicit subscriptions. Tho following aro the officers of tho Post Commander, G. S. Maer S.

V. A. Woodward J. V. E.

Har-ger; Surgeon, A. H. Wheeler; Chaplain, A. C. Finn; Q.

D. B. Monroe; 0. W. M.

Hodges; 0. D. C. Colier. Comrade Wm.

H. H. Goff, Cadillac, writes us that tho following officers of Washington Post, No. 92, at that place, were installed on the Sth by P. P.

T. J. Thorp: C. S. Brodt, Commander; G.

W. Wheeler, S. V. Harry Smith, J. V.

C. E. W. Watrous, Adjutant; W. H.

H. Goff, Q. E.P. Orser, O.D.; J. M.

Jackson, O. G. Chaplain-elect, Z. Gil-lett, was absent at the time, but will be installed, at next meeting. The Post is doing well.

Dwight May Post, No. 69, Midland City, Commander, D. W. Hitchcock; S. V.

True Heart; J. V. Wm. Simmons; Adj't, W. STir.ll Af Wm TWtriilcnn SnTcr TV W.

Da. Chaplain, David Huyck; O. T. B. iXain; O.

Waldron; S. J. V. Louns- bury; Q. M.

C. L. Jenny. Tho Post is agitating tho getting up of a grand Camp-fire. Past Post Commander G.

E. Southworth recently installed the following officers of Post No. Commander, G. W. Myers: S.

V. S. H. Baldwin; J. V.

B. Eandall; Chaplain, O. S. Brown; Adj't, C. H.

Bcardslco; Q. H. McKecl: 0. G. B.

Southworth; 0. J.n.Eoot; Surgeon, David Smith; Q. M. Phili. Bush; S.

William Sago. Comrado Henry F. Jcnner, Ithaca, writes that Moses Wisner Post, No. 101, at that place, is booming. It now numbers thirty-six, and there aro fifteen applications on nlo.

Comrade Henry F. Jenner, Ithiea, writes us that steps aro being taken to organize a ladies' auxiliary society in connection with the Post at that place. ILLINOIS. Comrado Berch, of Elmwood Post, recently publicly installed tho following officers of G. F.

French Post, No. 153. Princovillc, Peoria countv, Illinois Commander, J. G. Corbet; S.

V. E. Cohen J. V. E.

Keller; Q. A. Simmons; O.D., S. A. Parker; J.

Harrington; Chaplain, J. Lcarman; A. C. Mof-fit: 0. W.Stewart; Q.

M. D. M. Potts. After tho installation thero was a Camp-fire, which was much enjoyed by all present.

Comrade J. IT. Brubakcr, Sheldon, writes us that at its last meeting Sheldon Post, No. 151, installed the following officers Commander, Joseph W. Eobinson S.

V. C. H. W. Snow; J.

V. Ed. Hannii; Adj't, J. N. Brubakcr A.

C. Speck Q. Ashcr Sargent; Chaplain, O. IX, W. C.

Short-ridge; 0. D.Lamrox; S.M.,Finlev Hopkins Q. M. Zach Miles. Tho Tost has'thirty-four members, and is doing well.

Lyon Post, No. 137, Department of Hlinois, on the 3d inst. unanimously passed tho following resolution: "Ecsolved that wo hereby tender our sincero thanks to General John A. Logan for his unanswerable and unanswered argument in tho United States Senate in defenso of military law and in exposing tho wicked, cruel, and causeless treachery of Fitz John Porter." Comrado H. H.

Kingsbury, Xenia, 111., sends us the following list of officers of Barnhill Post, No. 162, at that place: Commander, T. W. Kepley S. V.

W. L. Beard J. V. Aaron McEndra M.

Dean Q. C. S. Whitman; Chaplain, William Dyer; 0. D.

Tucker 0. Samuel Kenady. Forty old vets assembled at Eidge Farm, Vermillion county, on tho 1st for the purpose of organizing a Post there, aud tho indications aro that thi3 will bo done shortly. WISCONSIN. Comrado H.

P. Milwaukee, writes us that an organization has been formed in that city composed entirely of ex-soldiers who served in Missouri regiments. They number nineteen at present, representing the Second, Third, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Thirtieth infantry, Fourth cavalry, and light artillery. They intend to make an excursion during next summer or fall to Missouri and Arkansas to visit the old battle-grounds. Their first annual Camp-fire will be held March 7, being the anniversary of tho second day of the battle of Pea Bidgs.

If any of the old comrades who served in Missouri regiments now living in St. Louis would inform the old Missonri veterans through The Tribune whether or not it would ba agreeable to them to get up some kind of a Ee-union at the time they reach St. Louis, they would bo very much pleased. Eobert Chivas Post, No. 2, Milwaukee, has installed tho following comrades: Commander, J.

C. H. Van Scheen; S. V. Frank Simorr; J.

V. J. S. Hurlburt; Surgeon, Dr. C.

O. Jennison; Chaplain, S. P. Wehe; Adj't, William Crockery Q. G.

C. Staff; O.D., Charles A. Palmer; O. August Schmidt; Serg't Albert Eraband; Q. M.

Serg't, Lonis Fuchs. Tho Commander is an old Mexican war veteran. The report of the Quartermaster Sir tho year ending December 31, 1832, showed $1,571.97 in tho treasury. Tho Post held during tho year two balls and ono picnic, clearing the sum of $350.50. Two Camp-fires were held, and two sociables, which last were free to all old soldiers and their families.

Our correspondent thinks that to apply the term Camp-fires to entertainments when oysters and other liko refreshments are served is far from correct. He holds that a Camp-fiio in its true sense is a gathering of ex-soldiers, at which the old battles aro fought over again, reminiscences, anecdotes, and stories, song3 sung, smoking indulged in freely, and to bring back to the mind more forcibly the past, a dish of bean3 andsow-belly with hard-tack and coffee dished up by a comrade. At the annual Encampment of tho Department of Wisconsin, held at Portago on tho 23d of last month, sixty-threo Posts were represented by ISO delegates. At the close of tho year 1SS1 there were in the Department twenty-three Posts with 850 members; with tho close of the year 1832 thero were sixty-threo Posts with 2,466 members a gain of forty Posts and 1,636 members. The following comrades were elected and installed by Post Department Commander Enos Commander, Phillip Cheek S.

V. E. J. Flint J. V.

E. W. Steele; Chaplain, E. C. Barrey; Surgeon, J.

G. Pelton; Council of Administration, C.L. Deer-ing, E. M. Eogere, J.

A. Watrous, S. C. Cobb, H. B.

Harshaw; Trustees, J. J. Suppy, Edward Ferguson, and G. M. Woodward; Delegates to tho National Encampment, James Davidson, Henry P.

Fischer, and J. E. West Alternates, C. K. Erwin, Tom Lindley, and D.

G. James. Janesville was chosen as the next place for the Encampment. A resolution was passed asking the Senate to pass the $40 pension bill also, ono preparing for a grand Eeuniou of soldiers and sailors to be held at the city of Milwaukeo during the summer of the year 1S85. The Encampment closed with an entertainment, Camp-fire and dance.

Tho manner in which the comrades and their ladies of Eusseau Post, No. 14, entertained the delegates calls for tho warmest praise. Comrado Seneca Corbin writes us that Mustering Officer W. A. Wyso recently installed the following officers of H.

A. Tator Post, No. 13, Eecdsburg, Commander, H. Pearson S. V.

T. W. Claridge; J. V. Seneca Corbin; Adj't, W.

A. Wyse; Q. H. Crouch; Chaplain, S. C.

Chaso; S.Hall; O.D., James Miles; S. C. F. Sheldon; Q. M.

C. W. Gulliford. Tho Post has had two bean festivals" in tho Grand Army Hall this winter, which was well attended, and on tho 22d inst. will give a masquerade baB, when a grand time may be expected.

Comrade George W. Home, Stockbridgo, Wisconsin, who has sent us eight new subscribers, writes us that the Post at that place, which was mustered on tho 6th of last October with nineteen charter members, now numbers forty members, with eight applications pending. T. J. Hungerford Post, No.

39, Spring Green, will givo a sociable and dance at tho Villago Hall on Thursday evening, February 22, 1833. Music will bo furnished by tho Mabbott Band of Helena. A grand time is anticipated. The officers of A. A.

Matthews Post, Lavallo, aro: Commander, Ira McWilliams; S. V. E. E. Chamberlain J.

V. John Sanborn; Q. B. Douglas; H. Lacy; Chaplain, G.

W. Dickens O. A. Pound; O. a Kingsley.

IOWA. Tho following are officers of Mower Post, No. 71, Le Mars, Plymouth Iowa Commander, A. A. Allino; S.

V. W. S. Freeman Q. 31.

F. D. Fuller; Adj't, Dr. M. Hilbert.

Tho Post is in a flourishing condition and numbers nearly a hundred members, many of whom aro subscribers to The Tribune. Tho Eeunion of tho soldiers of the Northwest will take placo at Le Mars next fall, and extensive arrangements are already under way to make tho affair a grand success. Congressman-elect Hon. Isaao S. Struble is ono of tho charter members of Mower Post, and the comrades feel proud to know that they havo in him not only an ablo representative, but a true and tried friend of the boys in blue.

Comrade Milo L. Sherman, FredericksbuTar, Iowa, writes us that on the 2d inst. five sleigh loads of comrades of Post No. 10-1, of that placo, drove over to Nashua, eighteen miles distant, with tho mercury at 10 below zero, and there mustered a new Post, with twenty-seven charter members. Says Comrade Sherman O11I7 let tho ex-soldiers of the Union now show the same interest in Grand Army as in other matters, and with tho aid of The Teibune, next Juno will witness such a gathering of Boy3 in Blue as will surprise the natives.

I suppose you will claim tho now Post as ono of Ths.