Battalion was raised and after its close that the desertions took place the consolidation taking place July 10, 1865, so that, as they saw or heard of other volunteers going home for discharge, they undoubtedly thought their own service ought to terminate and conceived the idea, perhaps, that they were not being treated rightly, in being kept in service on the plains in Indian warfare.

One un-explained case occurs, where a bugler, Chas. Slater, Co. "A" 1st Regiment, whose term of service expired June 26, 1865, was retained in service until Jan. 15, 1866, when he discharged himself," unlawfully of course by "desertion."

"

All these circumstances of course constitute no excuse for the crime of desertion. But I felt, that it is due these men, many of whom had previously good war records, and to the regiment, that I should state the impressions made upon me by the examination of these records. So that should you review the book, or others write the history of the regiment, the circumstances might be known.

Some day, if other and better hands do not undertake it, I hope to be so situated as to complete the work I have begun, and write what can now be ascertained concerning Nebraska's part in preserving the Union during the late war of the rebellion.

With kindest regards to all, I remain,

Yours sincerely,

EDGAR S. DUDLEY,

1st Lieut. 2nd Artillery.

P. S.-If you desire to do so I shall have no objection to your publishing what I say about the records, of deserters, etc.

D.

II. PROCEEDINGS.

SECRETARY'S RECORD AND REPORTS OF OFFICERS.

ANNUAL SESSION, JAN. 11-12, 1887.

JANUARY 11, AFTERNOON MEETING. Met pursuant to call of the Secretary at 4 p. m., in the chapel of the University, President Furnas in the chair. Minutes of the preceding meeting read and approved.

The Treasurer, Col. W. W. Wilson, submitted a report, which was received and referred to an auditing committee, consisting of Judge Crounse, C. H. Gere and Edson P. Rich.

A report was also made by the Secretary and Librarian which was approved and placed on file. On motion the offices of corresponding and recording secretary were united in the hands of one officer to be known as secretary.

The following named persons were elected members of the Society: F. W. Lewis, S. L. Geisthardt, Albert Watkins, C. R. Chaney, L. B. Treeman, J. T. Mallalieu, and J. M. Hoffman. A. G. Warner, of Baltimore, was also elected corresponding member.

On motion of C. H. Gere, the Society then proceeded to ballot for officers for the ensuing year. The vote resulted as follows:

President R. W. Furnas.

First Vice President-Lorenzo Crounse.

Second Vice President J. M. Woolworth.

Treasurer-Chas. H. Gere.

Secretary-Geo. E. Howard.

Board of Managers-J. Sterling Morton, Irving J. Manatt, J. A. MacMurphy, Clara B. Colby, H. T. Clarke.

The committee appointed to audit the Treasurer's report, reported that the same was found correct.

A manuscript meteorological record kept in Plattsmouth, 1866-82, presented to the society by Dr. A. L. Child, of Kansas City, was accepted, and Hon. C. H. Gere appointed to return the thanks of the Society therefor.