the tributaries of the Susquehanna, which empty into the Chesapeake Bay, upon whose shores and harbors and affluents stand the capital of our Union, the cities of Baltimore and Norfolk. From its southwestern slope the Alleghany runs into the Ohio and Mississippi, by Pittsburg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and New Orleans, to the Gulf of Mexico. Interlocking with the sources of these great rivers, which seek the heated waters of the tropics, are the heads of streams which empty into the great lakes, and find their outlet at the ocean, in the cold and stormy Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Mohawk and the Hudson, gathering their floods within the boundaries of New York, have forced the lines and ramparts of the Alleghanies at West Point, and made a gate-way between the Atlantic coast and the great valley of the Mississippi, through which the nations of the world send their armies of emigrants to fill up the interior of our continent. Not only does every association of history, every consideration of interest, every sentiment of patriotism, teach us to love and cherish our Union, but we are taught by the God of nature, as He raised the mountains, deepened the valleys, and appointed the courses to His mighty rivers, that the country He has thus bound by His silver chains, must not be sundered by urhallowed violence or bloody fraternal strife. I am happy to welcome the Army of the Cumberland to the State of New York, for, beyond all other States, it has the deepest interest in the preservation of that Union for which you have battled. The capital of our State was the birthplace of that Union. During the long and desperate contests of French and Indian wars, the delegates of the Colonies, the Governors and agents of the Provinces, were in the habit of meeting at Albany, to consult with regard to the measures demanded by the common safety of their feeble and exposed settlements. It was there that Franklin proposed that Union of the Colonies which foreshadowed the future Union of the States. It was checked at the time by the jealousy of the crown, but the seed was then planted which grew in time into national power. It was a striking coincidence that the flag of our Union, the stars and the stripes which you have followed through fire and smoke and the carnage of battle-fields, was first unfurled in defense of the very spot where the policy of a Union of the Colonies was first proclaimed. We, the citizens of New York, then welcome the soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland, with the feeling that we owe them a greater debt of gratitude than rests upon other States. It is the prayer which goes up from the heart of each one of this vast concourse, that your future lives may be crowned with all the blessings which have been earned by those who have periled life, and who suffered toils and dangers for their country's safety, honor, and prosperity. Calls were then made for "SHEPARD," "ROBERTS," but no response was made. CAPTAIN MILLARD next sang "Viva l'America" closing amid great applause. He responded to another encore with "The Army of the Cumberland." COLONEL SQUIRE stated that CAPTAIN MILLARD sang as he used to sing at Nashville, Murfreesboro, and farther on. COLONEL SQUIRE : If the audience will permit me to say, we have here a number of Western men who, though they are not orators, I should be glad to have you meet, and who will not detain you. He then introduced GENERAL STANLEY, of the United States Cavalry, who said: Fellow-Citizens, Comrades: Even if I were accustomed to making speeches, I would not trespass upon your patience this evening, after such fine addresses as we have heard, and the fine addresses we have in store among our young gentlemen, who are ready to entertain us; and it would be foolish in me to occupy your time. You know I have been away, away, far west, as the poet says, in the land of the Dakotahs. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of meeting the Society, although I believe I am an old member and a zealous member. But you can very easily imagine the pleasure this meeting has given. me. I do not know any occasion of my life which has been more happy to me, to see my old friends and old comrades in arms. There are a great many things I would say to you, but I know there are others to follow, and I shall merely express my thanks to you, and talk to you at some other time. GENERAL CRUFT, of Indiana, was also introduced, and made a short speech. He said: Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades of the Army of the Cumberland and other armies: I am very much pleased to you for the honor extended to me in making this call. I can but feel at this late hour it is intended. only as a compliment. I feel like the five-cent piece thrown in to make a dollar. I hope on some other occasion, if it so falls out, to address you. GENERAL CIST, of Cincinnati, was introduced, and spoke as follows: Ladies and Gentlemen: At this late hour, as has been said, it could hardly be supposed that one would take up any length of time in making extended remarks. We have met here in your beautiful city the recipients of your generous hospitality, feeling that we are welcome, and feeling that we are at home. Some of us have traveled a considerable distance in coming here; and now we are here, we feel like staying here and making ourselves at home. We feel grateful to you, one and all, for the hearty, generous welcome you have given to us. COLONEL SQUIRE now read a dispatch received by HoN. E. H. ROBERTS from VICE-PRESIDENT WILSON, as follows: To Hon. E. H. Roberts: NEW YORK, September 15, 1875. I leave at eight o'clock for Utica. H. WILSON. EX-LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR ROBINSON, of Binghampton, was discovered in the audience, and escorted to the platform, where he was cordially received by the other distinguished officers and citizens, the assemblage applauding. COLONEL STEELE offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be tendered COLONEL WATERMAN for scholarly address just delivered, and that we request a copy of the same for publication. Which was unanimously adopted. COLONEL SQUIRE said: If the audience please, I will make one or two announcements, and then we will close with the singing of "John Brown." I beg leave to state that the members of the Society are requested to be at the depot early, in order to take the train for Trenton Falls. Music by the band closed the meeting. REPORT OF TREASURER. J. S. FULLERTON, Treasurer, In account with THE SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND. Dr. To balance in the treasury this date, as reported $1,343 87 17. To initiation fees paid by fifty-six members who 280 00 17. To dues for 1869, paid by one member at the Co- 5 00 17. To dues for 1870, paid by three members at the 15 00 17. To dues for 1871, paid by five members at the 25 00 17. To dues for 1872, paid by six members at the Co- 30 00 17. To dues for 1873, paid by sixteen members at the 80 00 17. To dues for 1874, paid by fifty-two members at the 260 00 1875. Sept. 15. To Society dues paid by members since the Colum- Total cash in treasury, and dues received 510 00 $2,548 87 |