COMMANDER WELLINGTON 119 bent of his mind was very largely dominated by this up to the time of his death. Prior to his election as Colonel of the 1st Infantry, M. V. M., the regiment had attained a high standing in the State; when he assumed command it was his purpose to still further advance the regiment as a superior military body. Having a fixed purpose, he was a man that did not allow "I dare not," wait upon "I would," but putting every impediment aside, he pushed on to accomplish his designs. It seemed as if all he did was in some way linked with his military purposes and ambitions. His methods were daring, original and spectacular; it was characteristic of the man in everything. He was never "cabined, cribbed and confined" by the trammels of the personal equation, but delighted to do things in a large way, and his fertile imagination continually conceived new and unexpected combinations. It is sufficient to say in this connection that his contagious enthusiasm was imparted to all who were associated with him in any matter, military or civil, and he had remarkable success in most of his undertakings. Comrade Wellington had many admirable traits; he possessed much patience and forbearance under severe provocation; he was tender of heart and had many lovable qualities. His membership in the Post was comparatively brief, but his personality was so great and his departure so sad and exceptional, that he left an imprint on the minds of his associates which will continue long after many another with less conspicuous qualities will have been forgotten. He was a Trustee of the Soldiers' Home, Chelsea, and was a leading spirit in the Carnival held in 1885, at which a large sum of money was realized for the Home. "Absent in body but present in spirit." CHAPTER XXIV EIGHTEEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE ANOTHER CHANGE IN HEADQUARTERS. MEMORIAL DAY. REV. W. H. H. MURRAY, ORATOR. PREPARATIONS FOR THE NATIONAL ALGER. ANOTHER CHANGE IN HEADQUARTERS HE death of Commander Wellington materially changed the plans as to headquarters, both of the 1st Regiment and the Post. The Military Club idea was entirely abandoned, though had Colonel Wellington lived he might have endeavored to continue it in some form at St. James Avenue. But under existing conditions the house was given up and temporary accommodations obtained at the old Roller Skating Rink on Clarendon Street, then occupied by several companies of the 1st Regiment. This arrangement did not prove convenient, and January 18 a removal was made to the building No. 657 Washington St., Rooms 19 and 20, with entrance from Boylston Street. The interest in the Post meetings seemed to have decreased considerably, and the attendance had markedly fallen off. This MEMORIAL DAY EXERCISES 121 perhaps was a reaction from the high style and showy front in which the Post had revelled for the previous few years. Another attempt was made to abolish the restricted membership rule, but it met the fate of previous efforts in this direction, and "113" still remained the limit. MEMORIAL DAY It had been expected that the orator of the day would be Major-General Daniel E. Sickles of New York, but at the last moment he was unable to come, and arrangements were made with Rev. William H. H. Murray, former pastor of Park Street Church, and more widely known as "Adirondack Murray," aided by local talent. The exercises were carried out with the usual military escort and the customary formal ceremonies. The old 1st Regiment Veteran Association paraded with the Post. Among the prominent gentlemen who sat upon the platform in Tremont Temple were Mayor Hart, Mr. Edward W. Kinsley, ex-Mayor Green, Hon. Alanson W. Beard, Department Commander Goodale, Major George O. Carpenter, Revs. Minot J. Savage, George L. Perrin and Post Chaplain Edward A. Horton. The three latter clergymen made short addresses, Mr. Murray closing with the principal address, which was an interesting and able effort. The music was under the direction of Comrade White. THE DINNER The afternoon dinner at Young's was enjoyed, with most of the gentlemen who had attended the services in the morning as guests. Commander Sawin presided, with Post Surgeon William H. Ruddick as Toast-master. The speakers were Lieutenant-Governor Brackett, Mayor Hart, Revs. Murray and Savage, Mr. Edward W. Kinsley, Major Carpenter, Major William W. Kellett, Past Commander Eugene H. Richards and Comrade Louis N. Tucker. The latter presented to the Post a gold Grand Army badge formerly owned by Past Commander Cornelius G. Attwood, from his widow, who desired that it be worn by each succeeding Post Commander. : |