The Last Four

Twenty-four years after the battle of Bull Run--on July 21, 1885--at the call of Adam Marty, 34 veterans of Bull Run assembled at dinner in Stillwater, Minn. Foreseeing that in the coming years death would decimate their ranks, they founded the Last Man's Club. Each year they agreed to meet again on the anniversary of the battle. A bottle of wine was dedicated to the last man, who should open the precious bottle and drink a toast to his departed comrades.

A year ago but five of the original group assembled, including in their number Adam Marty. This year 34 places were set as usual, shining with bright silver and glassware. In the center of the table, amid the decorations, rested the consecrated bottle. Thirty chairs were draped with black, among them Adam Marty's. One survivor was too decrepit to make the journey from his Florida home. But three men dined where once the 34 had supped. Too soon will the bottle's cork be pulled.