Comrades, I cannot close this imperfect recital, without saying a few
words to you all. I am aware of my inability to do justice to the
subject. I have omitted many incidents that happened while in service
together. I can see you all as you used to appear on the march, in
battle, and in the quiet camp. Your pranks and repartee are fresh in
my memory. 45 of the numbers that made up the roster of Company B,
were from our sister state, Indiana, and all comrades were true as
steel. You all need to be proud of your record, and the part the
glorious old 4th took in suppressing treason. A quarter of a century
from now will close the roster for nearly all of us; a much shorter
time for myself. Comrades, overlook what you may have seen amiss in
me. We are all finite, none perfect. You were a splendid class of men,
and none braver. Your record will be handed down to your posterity,
and they will point back to your probation here with pride. "My
forefathers helped to throttle treason."