I have been following the remaining the remaining survivors of World War I, one of whom just died July 25th, leaving just three still alive.
The Utica (NY) paper reports that back in 1909, the Civil War had been over 44 years. Two years earlier, in 1907, the Fort Fisher Survivors of the Confederate Army had invited the 117th New York Volunteers Association to a reunion in Wilmington (the paper said it was Delaware, but I'm sure they meant North Carolina).
The 117th New York was recruited from Oneida County and had participated in the Battle of Fort Fisher.
Then, in 1909, the 117th returned the invitation and invited the Confederates to one of their reunions. The Confederates accepted.
So, even back then, veterans were getting together. Especially interesting was the fact these men had fought against each other. However, I should mention that after the war, the Confederate commander of the fort, Col. William Lamb became very good friends with General Newton Martin Curtis, who led Union forces at the battle.
Way Back Then. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
