Young Republican Regiment
Page 5

Despite the threatening weather the last ward demonstration in behalf of Garfield and Arthur was successfully carried out. It is estimated that at least eight miles were traversed during this parade, and those who took part can vouch for the accuracy of the assertion. Company A numbered three officers and twenty-four men. Four campaign flags were unfurled, one at the corner of Chestnut and Clifford streets, another at the corner of Seymour and Eddy streets, one at the corner of Adelaide avenue and Broad street, and another at the headquarters of the ninth ward club. It will be seen by the number of men who turned out during inclement weather, that nothing but a rain storm or cold winds would dampen the ardor of the members of the company. The work of the regiment was now drawing rapidly to a close, the time was near at hand for the election of our candidates, and one final attempt was now to be made to rouse the enthusiam of the people to its highest pitch, and for this purpose came the following order, October 28, 1880:

�Attention Company A, Young Republican Regiment.

     All members of this company are ordered to report at headquarters, Friday evening, October 29, at 7:15 p. m.,      to participate in the Grand Republican Demonstration.

W. L. Tourtellot, Captain Commanding."

Early on the above mentioned evening there began to arrive from all sections of the State companies and regiments eager to act their part in this final struggle for Garfield and Arthur. It was the largest political demonstration ever known in the State. The procession was one hour and twenty minutes in passing the Round Top Church on Broad street, and numbered five thousand, two hundred and ninety- three torches, besides the trade's procession, which consisted of nearly eight hundred more. The Young Republican Regiment was in the third division, and Company A numbered three officers and fifty-six men. The entire line of march was one continual blaze of illuminations. The last train of cars containing the visiting companies left the city at five minutes past two o'clock a. m., and nothing was left to mark their visit except thousands of empty paper bags on Exchange Place.

The campaign was at an end, and on November 2, 1880, the republican nominees for the presidency, Garfield and Arthur, were elected by an overwhelming majority. Close upon the victory came this order:

�Headquarters Young Republican Regiment.
General Orders No. 4.

     This command will report at headquarters on Friday evening, November 5, at 7:30, for the jubilee      demonstration in Music Hall. No uniform except caps, officers with canes. The regular admission fee will be      charged all members not reporting as above ordered.

By order, Colonel H. J. Hall.
C. A. Winsor, Captain and Adjutant."

The weather being stormy, this entertainment was postponed until the following Monday, November 8, 1880.

The regiment occupied the body of the hall, while the galleries were reserved for ladies and gentlemen. Speeches were made by Governor Littlefield, Senator Anthony and others, and the music was furnished by the American Band. The regiment had as guests on this occasion the Pawtucket Young Republican Regiment.

On November 10, this notice appeared in the Providence Journal:

�Attention Company A, Young Republican Regiment.

     All members of this company are hereby requested to meet, rain or shine, at Conservatory Hall, 217      Westminster street, Wednesday evening, at 7:30, sharp. Wear cap and badge; bring your money, as this will be      our last meeting. A large attendance is desired.

By order of the Committee.�

This was the commencement of our quarterly meetings and suppers. It was held in the rooms of Charles D. Wilbur, in the Union Depot, and was largely attended. The company, instead of disbanding, voted to retain its organization and meet quarterly at the call of the committee.