"Respectfully your humble servant,
"O. F. Nims."
Although few fatalities occurred on the field or in camp among the members of the battery, the first year at home brought death to some of the number, among whom were Comrade J. C. Tate, who died on April 16, 1865, and Comrade Charles W. Green, who died on June 25 of the same year. In both instances the battery paid the last sad honors to its former comrades and in one case gave material aid as well. We also find under the date August 6, 1866 resolutions on the death of A. Barsantee, another one of the boys.
The first social event in the history of the association was a grand ball held about the first of March, 1865. Other balls followed, and indeed they seem to have become annual affairs kept up for some time; for in a newspaper clipping we read: "The seventh annual ball of Nims' Battery Association took place last evening at Boylston Hall. As the members of this association bear an enviable reputation in matters of this kind the hall was filled with a very good humored and sociable company.... These balls always afford a good opportunity for old comrades to meet and enjoy social intercourse and pleasant reminiscences."
As time went on and other duties and interests became more imperative, the monthly meeting at Evans Hall was no longer deemed advisable and Colonel Nims kindly tendered the use of a room at 80 Cambridge Street, where the association property could be kept and meetings held. This offer was accepted and the change made on July 15, 1867.
We have no records as to where and when the first annual banquet took place. We find, however, an interesting account of the fourth annual banquet taken from the Boston Journal, undated, which is as follows:
"The fourth annual reunion of the Nims' Battery Association was held last evening in the parlors of the American House. About 40 members were present, most of them men who went out at the first and stayed at the post till the battery was mustered out of service. General William Schouler was the invited guest on this occasion.
"After an hour's social intercourse the meeting was called to order by the President, Col. O. F. Nims.
"The committee appointed to consider the matter of the preparation of the history of the battery reported that little progress had been made. Some material had been collected but more funds were needed. The matter was discussed quite freely, with the prevailing opinion that the work should be completed and published.... After dinner was served, General Schouler was called upon and said he was glad to meet Colonel Nims and his old command and would only say what was said of them when at the front that this battery was one of the best, if not the best, that went from Massachusetts.... The regular toasts were then announced."
Our Country—response by Mr. Thomas Knights who sang America.