Pittsburg was literally overrun.

In addition to the large number of regimental and company officers who had done their duty in the service, there was an immense outpouring of privates.

It was said that not less than twenty-five thousand who had served in the ranks of the Union army were present.

A private soldier, L.Edwin Dudley, was chosen temporary president, and a majority of the prominent officers of the convention were privates and non-commissioned officers.

Mr.
Dudley was a clerk in the Treasury Department at Washington, and being refused a leave of absence for two days to attend the convention, he promptly resigned his place and joined his brethren at Pittsburg.