| A Reunion of War Vetersns
The Boston Globe, Sunday, published an interesting story of a reunion of two veterans after an absence of 39 years. Last Wednesday a similar meeting between two veterans took place in Remington & Co.'s bookbindery. The only difference in the circumstances was that the two who met here learned, in October last, of each other's whereabouts, although one did not expect a visit from the other. The parties referred to are Henry H. Hosley, bookbinder, and Harry L. Burnell of Harrisburg, Pa. The last time they saw each other was in front of Petersburg on July 10 1864. Both met when about 18 years old, enlisted in Co. A, of the 15th Mass. regiment, Mr. Hosley at Lancaster, where he lived, and Mr. Burnell, at Lunenburg, where he lived, in 1861. In 1861 both men were transferred to battery I of the 1st regiment, U. S. artillery, and they worked together and fought together side by side until they parted at City Point in front of Petersburg. After parting, the men lost track of each other and never saw or heard of each other until October last. That month Mr. Hosley attended the Balls Bluff reunion at Worcester. Somebody sent Mr. Burnell a copy of a Worcester paper containing an account of the reunion and the names of those present. Noticing the name Hosley, Mr. Burnell decided to write and ascertain if he were his old comrade. He found he was, but Mr. Hosley said he could not quite place him. Mr. Burnell replied that he remembered Mr. Hosley well, called to mind their poker games, foraging expeditions, and said he remembered Mr. Hosley's rotund figure, his philanthropy when he broke them at a game, and his mild bur picturesque profanity. Mr. Hosley finally placed him. Last Friday, a man entered the bindery and walking up to Mr. Hosley, held out his hand and said, "Hello, old man, I'm glad to see you." "I know you like a top," replied Mr. Hosley, grasping the outstretched hame, "but I can't just place you. Let me see, Oh, yes, you used to live in Lunenburg, and I got a letter from you. How are you?" and a vigorous handshaking followed. "Just as soon as I saw the back of your head I knew you," said Mr. Burnell. "I was never so glad to see anybody in my life," said Mr. Hosley, and the two old soldiers almost hugged each other. Needless to say, they retired to a corner and were soon deep in the memories of the past. They looked each other over, noticed how time had laid its hand on them and though tears were dangerously near the dropping point, they laughed and congratulated each other. Mr. Burnell is connected with the Harrisburg, Pa., Franklin Press, and has served his fellow citizens in congress as well as on the field. He is visiting a sister in Greenfield now, and on his return will go with Mr. Hosley to visit comrades in Leominster, Charlton and Lancaster. |