Ram Fleet/M.M.B. Newsletter

The Ram Fleet Recorder and Mississippi Marine Brigade Historian

The widow of Comrade Bellows, wrote us from Chicago, May 23, Saying: "I regret to announce the death of my dear husband Austin W. Bellows, Mar. 25, 1908, at Wenona, Ill., of heart failure. Buried Mar. 28 at Palatine, Ill." Comrade Bellows had not met with us since our Chicago reunion, but he was always interested in our Society and had secured a copy of our history but a few months before his death. Quotations from his diary may be found on many of its pages.

H. R. Kitson, son of our late Comrade Kitson, communicating the facts of his father's death and funeral, expresses the kindliest feeling toward the Comrades of the fleet, of whom he has often heard his father speak with tender regard, and hopes later to meet them in some of their reunions, and meantime wants to receive the "Historian" regularly, and pledges it his support. He can be assured that the son of our "Tom Kitson" would be warmly welcomed at any meeting of the old boys, for they remember full well the brave deed in which he lost his leg.

AT THE TOLEDO REUNION.

Central High School, Sept. 3, 1908.

At the hour designated for the annual reunion, in the absence of all three Commanders, Comrade Fulkerson, acting for the Historian, who he stated was unable to attend, and had intrusted him with reports and papers, called the meeting to order.
On call of the roll of officers, Comrade Terwilliger, officer of the day, was found to be the only officer present. Comrade R. W. McCamey was appointed secretary of the meeting, and Comrade T. J. Champion, on request, acted as Chaplain, and opened the meeting with prayer.
Comrade Fulkerson then made some opening remarks in a happy vien, which put the Comrades in good humor for the meeting, and then read the following:

REPORT OF HISTORIAN TREASURER To my Comrades in Reunion at toledo:—
I greatly regret that I cannot be with you, as I had hoped and desired to do. Our reunions are now numbered, and whoever can attend ought not to miss a single one. The Roll of our departed Comrades increases year by year. Since last year Comrades Amos Bellows, Lieut. Tobias D. Benson, Captian Fisher, Pilot T. W. Kitson, Union McMickle, Joseph J. Mercer, Lieut. Sanford G. Scarritt, Thomas Siniff and John Wybrant have passed away, and Comrade Newell is grieving over the recent death of his youngest son. The details, with many changes in our roll will appear in the "Historian." I herewith submit, through kindness of Comrade Fulkerson, my detailed report of receipts and expenditures since our last meeting, with fouchers attached. As will be seen, our receipts have not quite met our expenses.

Total expenditures of 2 years with vouchers attached..........................................................$116.25
Total receipts, (including 1906 balance), with names of all Comrades paying dues.................. 109.30

Treasury overdrawn...........................................$6.95

I am happy to be able to report that the great undertaking of our Society, the perpetuation...[unde
cipherable]...and all expenses met, and not a dollar due anyone on that account. I congratulate you, Comrades, on your having this book to leave to the world, bearing its testimony to your loyalty and patriotism in the service of your country. It has alread found its way into most of the leading libraries of this country, and one was quite recently ordered for the British Museum Library, and another for a consulate in Germany.
I am hoping you will have a good attendance at your reunion. I know you will have a good time, and only regret that I am not with you to help enjoy it. There are many other matters of which I might speak, which relate to the further usefulness and success of our Society, but you will no doubt consider and act as you deem best concerning the keeping up of the "Historian," and the reunions at distant places, etc.

Fraternally submitted,
W. D. Crandall, Hist.

The report was then by vote approved as read.

The question of our reunions and the paper was then fully discussed, Comrade McCamey leading off, and Comrades Cleal, Periman, Hallowell, Whitney, Kemerer, Fulkerson and others participating. The expression was unanimous in favor of maintaining both to the last.
It was then moved and adopted by unanimous vote, that we extend to Capt. W. D. Crandall and Comrade Fulkerson our hearty thanks for the interest they have taken in our Society.
Comrade Russ moved and warmly supported a vote of thanks to Comrade Fulkerson in apprecia-
tion of his self-sacrificing attention to the interests of the present meeting to which he has devoted three days unremitting attentions and the motion was heartily sustained.
The chair then announced as the next business in order, the election of officers for the ensuing term. Nominations were made, and each one on the list, (as given on another page) was unanimously elected.
Then Comrade Fulkerson as Past Commander, called the officers elect before him, and duly installed them, with appropriate counsel and admonition as to their duty during and after their term of office; to maintain the fraternal spirit of the Society; attend its reunions as often as possible; and by regular payment of dues, to enable us to meet current expenses of the Society, and to issue our paper for many years to come.
On taking the gavel, Commander Periman said:

Comrades:— Words may have been invented to conceal our feelings, or convey our thoughts, but of one thing I am sure, that on this occasion they utterly fail to express my feelings, or the thanks I owe you for the great honor (for it is a great honor) that you have so generously conferred upon me, in electing me as your Commander for the ensuing year.
In accepting the high office I wish to assure you that I shall to the best of my ability and at all times work for the best interests of this organization and the welfare of the surviving members of the Mississippi Ram Fleet and Marine Brigade, but, I am only one man, no more than any other one man of you my Comrades, and unless you come to my aid, uphold and assist me, all my efforts will be in vain. So let us all take hold and work for our mutual interest and for the perpetuation of this organi-
zation so long as two of us are left to meet at the National encampment.
Now Comrades, when you get away from this meeting, and the excitement of meeting old Comrades has died out within a week or month, don't forget your good resolves made here today, and become careless and unconcerned as to the welfare of the organization and your Comrades, but keep in touch with them, be at our next meeting and bring one or two with you who are not here today. Write to me, tell me how you are getting along, tell me your troubles, even your family troubles if you have any, which I very much doubt, any way write to me often, and I'll gladly, Oh, so gladly, answer each letter and thank you for giving me the opportunity.

On presenting the many letters of greeting from absent Comrades, it was moved and carried that they be published in the "Historian" so that all might read and enjoy them.
On Legislation it was moved and carried that Comrade Weible's committee be continued, with power to add three members, and take such action as they may deem best, in furtherance of the boatmen's appeal to Congress.
In addition to the Comrades present the following relatives or friends were registered at one or more of the meetings, and were welcome visitors at the reunion: Miss Cora and Master Verne Fulkerson, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. J. C. Wicoff, Berrien Springs, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. George Wheating; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schofield and Miss Hattie Schofield; Mrs. Jas. K. Periman, Hudson, Mich.; Mr. Harry Cole and Miss Vesta Cole, Weston, O.; and Mrs. Warren Cole, Angola, Ind.; also a son of Comrade Burke was present and gladdened his father's heart by purchasing a copy of the History for him to take home.
The business now being over the adjournment was taken, followed by many heart-felt farewells.

R. W. McCamey, Secretary

VOICES OF ABSENT COMRADES

Milo M. McLane, (Engr. Cleveland) Cuyahoga Falls, O. I inclose dues of 1908, regretting very much my inability to be at the reunion as I had hoped. Returning Comrades tell me they had a glorious time. I did not give up hope of going until Tuesday afternoon, and then a business engagement absolutely obliged my "surrender." But I recall the friendships of the Old Brigade and sincerely wish every member success and happiness.

Bronson C. Keeler, (B. Inf.) Los Angeles, Cal. Sorry that I cannot attend the Toledo reunion of the Mississippi Marine Brigade. I have paralysis of the lower limbs and cannot travel. Sincere regards to all the old Comrades present.

Charles Lee Berry, (H. Inf.) Nickerson, Kans. It will be impossible for me to be with you at Toledo. My health will not permit. I am subject to valvular heart trouble and rheumatism, and have to keep quiet, away from all excitement. I am sorry not to be with you, for I know you will have a good time. Give my regards to all the old boys. Tell them I have a pleasant home and good surroundings, and going down life's hill in good shape. I am proud and happy in knowing that I did my duty to my country and helped make this the great Nation it is today. I send best regards to all my Comrades. Many of the boys will best remember me as Maj. Tallerday's orderly.

A. J. Pierce, (F. Inf.) Grand Forks, N.D. Now about the Toledo reunion. I am tearfully turning it down, as "incompatible with my financial situation"—or words to that effect. So will take it out in writing and growling, for I must miss both a joyous time with the old boys, and a visit to relatives and friends in that region on the same trip. Presume Johnny Owens will be there, and would enjoy meeting all the Comrades. Here is my dollar, to help along. Sure, we must keep the "Historian" going, for in it we read of the reunions when we can't attend. Greetings to the boys.

Charles A. King, (H. Inf.) Soldiers Home, Cal. Received card announcing reunion at Toledo, and would indeed be pleased to meet my old Comrades there, but it will not be possible. So, while not there in person, I shall be in thoughts, and send my heartiest greeting and love to all my Comrades.

Mark Root, (F. Inf.) Merom, Ind. Am saving my vacation [mail carrier] and hoping to attend the Toledo reunion, and my wife thinks she will accompany me. Then we will visit our old home and friends near Columbus. So, I am hoping and expecting to meet and greet the old Marine boys once more. [Comrade Root failed to report at Toledo, and his Comrades would be very anxious about him, but for the promise that his wife would be along to see to him.]

James C. Brooks, (Capt. and C.S.) Philadelphia, Pa. I have your notice of the reunion at toledo, and think, Captain, you deserve credit for the loyal manner you have worked to keep up the organization of survivors, of whom, so few remain, of the large number we were thrown with on the Mississippi during the war. I hope you will have a pleasant reunion, and that there will be a good attendance this year.

Lawrence Rossal, (G. Inf.) R.F.D. 9, Springfield, Mo. I would like very much to be with the boys in their reunion at Toledo, but cannot do so, as sickness has me in its grip, and my wife has been sick for four years. I hope you will all have a good time together. The boys in the fleet used to know me as "Gunee," and some may recall me by this nickname, known on the Adams and Baltic. My heartiest greetings and best wishes for all.

Orson J. Hubbell, (K. Inf.) Edmon. Mich. Captain Crandall, your card received by my grandfather. He is unable to write and asked me to do so for him. He suffered a stroke of paralysis, and will not likely be able to attend. He wants to send his best regards to his Comrades at the reunion, and that you send his copy of the "Historian" to him to care of writer—Mrs. J. H. Uptegrove, Edmon, Mich.

David Stewart, (D. Inf.) Carmel, Ind. Although I am in pretty good health I will not be able to attend the reunion this fall. My wife died some time ago, and I have my daughter and two children staying with me. I send greetings to the boys, and hope they will enjoy meeting together. I want the History and will send you the money for it soon.

Charles D. Falconer, (Sharpshooter, R. F.) Box 101, Sawtelle, Ca. I would like to go to Toledo, as I used to live there, but will not be able to do so, though my heart will be with you. I have seen the History and I can say it is the best yet issued on the war on the Mississippi, and I shall send for one as soon as I can spare the money. I hope the boys will have a good time together at Toledo.

A. J. Frazier, (D. Cav.) Dayton, Ohio. I will not be able to get to reunion this year, much as I would like to do so. I still have my old love for the Marine Brigade and Ram Fleet Comrades, though their last year's career I knew nothing of, as I was languishing in that celebrated "hell hole," Andersonville, Ga. When I got out there was no M. M. B. as they were mustered out of service. After March 4, 1864, I was "lost" to my old Comrades of Company D. Cavalry. I have learned about the History, and mean to have one as soon as possible. Greet all the Comrades present for me.

Theo. L Blacklidge, (B. Cav.) Mt. Vernon, Ill. Your card received, saying the old M. M. B. would hold their reunion on Sept 3. I am sorry to report that I cannot be there, which I regret very much. Please give my respects to all the boys, and especially those of my old company. May you all enjoy a happy meeting.

E. F. Parker, (I. Inf.) Tukwila, Wash. Am very sorry I cannot meet the old boys at Toledo, for I am sure it will be a good place to be. I can send them my best wishes, and hope there will be a good bunch of them there. My heart is with them always. Next year I want to see as many as can get out to our great exposition. My shack is nine miles south of Seattle on trolley line, and the latch-string will be out for old Marines, and a glad welcome ready. Come! Will send dues shortly, for I want to be know as a payer and a stayer to the end.

Stephen A. McNew, (F. Inf.) Oakland City, Ind. I would like to be able to attend the reunion, but I do not feel able to do so on my pension of $2. Beside I have a broken ankle which has laid me up for two months. I want that History and will send part now and balance in three months if that will do. I know of no other Marines this side of Missouri. Would be glad to hear from any of my Comrades, and exchange recollections of Duck River, and the Parrot opposite Vicksburg. Best respects to all the boys.

A. C. Byerly, (D. Cav.) Springfield, Ill. I regret that I cannot attend the annual reunion of the old command, at Toledo. Nothing would do me more good than to look into the faces and grasp the hands of the dear old boys who will be there. But the pressure of duties which a true soldier must not shirk will deprive me of that great privilege. Give all the boys my unceasing love, and tell them to make sure of the Great Reunion above, where joy is unending and taps will never sound.