| S. of V. Acquire Rare Mementos Coat Work by Capt. Clark S. Simonds at his Wedding Presented to Local Camp Clark S. Simonds camp, S. of V., has come into possession of two priceless tokens, memorials of the life and death of Capt. Simonds, in whose memory the camp was named, it was announced at a meeting of the organization Tuesday evening. The one is a dress suit coat worn by the Civil war soldier at the time of his wedding. The other is a well preserved leaflet giving the program of the funeral services held in Fitchburg, Sep. 23, 1862, for Capt. Simonds, who was killed at the battle of antietam. The coat became the property of the camp through the courtesy of Thomas J. Ames of Leominster. It was worn on the occasion of Capt. Simonds marriage to Miss Martha Sibley, daughter of Harrington Sibley, who later gave it Mrs. Ames, her cousin, for use after alterations, by younger members of the Ames family. The coat was saved from such a destination, however, by the happy suggestion of Mr. Ames that if he presented to the camp as a relic. The funeral program will be framed and hung in the G. A. R. assembly hall. Capt. Simonds funeral was the first of seven public military services held in Fitchburg during the Civil war. Mr. Simonds left this city June 28, 1861, as first lieutenant in the Fusiliers, Co. B, 15th Massachusetts Volunteers but was promoted to captain before he left the state. His service was short but filled with glory. He was captured by the rebels in his first engagement at Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861, and was kept in Libby prison until Feb. 18, 1862, when he was exchanged. He returned to his regiment and fought in the battles of the Peninsula and Second Bull Run. Soon afterward, he met death by a random shot at the battle of Antietam when the regiment, which had fallen back after losing half of its men, was reforming. All places of business were closed in Fitchburg on the day of the funeral which was hel with impressive ceremonies in the town hall. The dress suit coat will be formally presented to the Fitchburg Historical society June 29, when the Sons of Veterans will be hosts to the G. A. R. and all allied organizations of Fitchburg and will celebrate with an elaborate musical program and entertainment the 39th anniversary of the founding of the camp. At the meeting Tuesday evening the sons accepted the invitation of Louisa M. Alcott, ?? D. of V., to attend exemplification in Brigham hall Friday night at 8 o'clock. |