Toasts 22nd Annual Reunion Society of the Army of the Tennessee 1889

Seven cheers for the Army of the Tennessee!

This commemorative ribbon was distributed by the Society of the Army of the Tennessee in 1889 to attendees of the army reunion held that year in Cincinnati, Ohio. Likely presented on plates at a dinner ceremony, the delicate souvenir presents a simple route map of William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign between Chattanooga and Jonesboro.

Seven different points – Chattanooga, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Roswell, Atlanta, and Jonesboro (each approximating a battle site) – are identified as toast-worthy locations. Each is accompanied by quotes from commanding officers of the Union Army of the Tennessee that reflect the valiant actions that took place there. “A rider came out of the darkness That hung over mountain and tree, And shouted ‘Boys up and be read,’ for Sherman will march to the Sea.” – Captain Samuel Hawkins Marshall Byers. According to UT Knoxville;

“The Society of the Army of the Tennessee met for the first time on April 14, 1865 in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was limited to officers who had served with the Army of the Tennessee. The society consisted only of men who served in the Army of the Tennessee. Throughout its existence, the organization raised thousands of dollars for monuments to various Union officers like General James B. McPherson and General John A. Logan.”

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