The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 40

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886

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Our State Militia must then be raised by some means which shall avoid the objections which can be urged against a draft. Some plan must be provided which shall give us a sufficient militia force, effective for active duty and ready for immediate service.

We shall endeavor in a subsequent article to indicate the system which in our judg- ment ought to be adopted. MILITIA.

What a Citizen Thinks.

Mr. Entron .- I am not a member of the State Militia and have never been. But I am a citizen of Connecticut, jealous of her fair fame. and anx- ions that an enlightened and liberal policy should characterize all her legislation. I am also a prop- "joyment of all my civil rights. I am perfectly willing to pay my proportion of the expenses in- curred in affording this protection. I only ask that no short-sighted and niggardly economy shall limit the appropriation to an ixsufficient amount, and that no wasteful extravagance shall squander the shins raised by a State tax.

Now what measures should be adopted to insure all the inhabitants of the State? Take, for instance, the city of New Haven, where I reside. What force is relied on to preserve the peace, suppress riols, and generally to secure every citizen in the quiet enjoyment of his rights ? We have a body of nineteen policemen and fifteen supernumeraries, who may be ealled on when occasion requires. Is this a sufficient safeguard in a city of nearly 50,00€ inhabitants ? Certainly not. But then I shall be told we have several militia companies, whose ac- tive assistance can be depended on if any disturb- ance or danger arises too formidable to be con- trolled by the police. Now, Sir, this brings me to the exact inquiry I wish to make, Granting that we do rely on our militi as a reserved foree, available in case of need ; granting that we live from day to day in greater safety and security be- causesof the existence in this very city of these

MOST A MOH

1864.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

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militia companies ; is it not perfectly clear that

Whatever the cause may be, any one can see that i ing with arms is a profession, and it cannot be their importance as a useful and even necessary , we have not to-day such a Militia force as we 'done successfully without, patient long-continued organization, should be suitably recognized ?

Is it not, also, equally clear that to maintain an effective militia organization, and to put and keep each of these companies in a proper condition for immediate service, requires the expenditure of large sums of money ? Do we not know that un- der the present militia system these expenses are borne almost entirely by the members of the mili- tia themselves, by the very men in fact on whom we are relying for protection ? To be sure, the State appropriates a certain sum every year for militia expenses, But, as has already been abund- antly demonstrated in the columns of the War Record, the appropriation falls very far short of the amount of money required. And, moreover, the members of the militia, having been first taxed to pay their proportion of the moneys so appropria- ted, are obliged to make up, from their own slen- der purses, the immense deficit which remains.

Can such a poliey be defended for one moment ? Can we in honor and justice do anything less than provide for the payment of all reasonable expen- ses ineurred by tho militia in perfecting and main- . taining their organization? Can any property holder and tax payer in the State reasonably ob- jeet to such an arrangement ? Will any mau ask that his property shall be protected at the expense of poor men whose interest in the preservation of peace and good order cannot be compared to luis ? For my own part, I confess, that I think Couneet- ieut manifests an unaccountable indifference to the just claims of her militia, I sometimes fear that we shall never be taught what is our duty in this respeet, until some wide-spread and destructive riot shall demonstrate the necessity of a more liberal poliey than we are now pursuing. I rejoice that you are calling publie attention to this all im- portant subject. I trust enough interest may be awakened by a free diseussion of the question to lead to some essential change in the existing mili- tia system. I believe with Governor Seymour of New York in his reeent message, that " a well regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free State," and that " the events of the past year show that neglect of this truth has exposed us to dangers of invasion, to the disgrace of riots, and to the hazard of still greater calamities." And I further believe that we ought not to expect protection from the militia unless we are willing to pay them a fair compensation for their services. CITIZEN.

December numbers of your valuable journal. I hope the members of the Connecticut Militia are doing what they can to aid you in your praise- worthy efforts to give to the public reliable infor- mation upon this important subject. Connecticut has too long neglected to treat this matter with the serious attention which it demands. There has been for years a growing disposition to slight the claims of a State Militia, and to save a few dollars for the current year, without refleeting least the courage and patriotism of our loyal citi. zen .. Courage and patriotism without thorough organization and discipline, are of little avail when

that the wisest economy is to provide for the future as soon as it is made apparent that such provision for coming troubles is called for.

It is, I should think, sufficiently evident that some change in our Militia system is necessary.

Please put me down for five additional copies, which I will endeavor to distributo in quarters where information on this question is most needed. A FRIEND TO THE MILITIA.

MR. EDITOR :- I am not in the habit of writing for a paper, but I have a few things that I want to say about the condition of our Militia, and you must excuse me if what I say isn't as well written as the rest of your paper. I thank you very much for giving the Militia a fair chance to be heard. I have long thought that we should have had a good Militia law, if we had an opportunity to let people know how hard it was to get men to join Militia Companies when it was so expensive. Poor men can't afford to serve the State for alinost nothing, and pay all their own bills besides. It is too much to ask of meu who have as much as they can do to mako both ends meet any way, and then to be laughed at for staying at home, makes it a little too hard. Give us decent pay for what we do, and save us from being out of pocket at the end of tho year, and you can have as large a Militia force as you need. If you are not willing to do as much as this, you may as well give up the whole thing. I believe if the facts are known the matter will be arranged somehow, and we shall have a Militia force in Connecticut that the State won't be ashamed of.

A PRIVATE IN THE CONN. MILITIA.

Meriden Militia Company.

should have. Ihope the subject will be fully dis-, preparation. It is almost useless to put arms into eussed in the columns of the War Record, and the hands of men who cannot march well in line, that you will receive sufficient encouragement from | by flank, in column ; who hardly know how to load our Militia to justify you in continuing a "Home Department."

and fire a musket. One badly. executed movement under fire may produce utter demoralization and rout.

You might as well put " Wall-street brokers" upon farma, and expect them to succeed in agri- cultural pursuits without any instruction; or sail- ors into our workshops, and expect them to sue- cessfully fabricate, without any previous knowl- edgo of the business, as to take men fiom diversi- fied professions, on a day's uotice, and expect them to fight well and successfully. It cannot bo done. But I will close by some further allusion to our Merideu Company. We now number sixty mus- kets. Some of our citizens have contributed lib- erally to uniform the Company, but were there as much interest as the object is entitled to, funds would be forthwith advanced to uniform a maxi- mum company. Worthy young men are ready to come forward and euroll their names, but they are unable to meet the expense of procuring their uni- forms, except in a few eases; and this ought not to be demanded of them. They give their timo that they may be prepared to defend the persons and property of rich men-yes, nobler and better, to defend the State and the National Government. Are we so devoid of martial spirit, so blind to our highest interest, that we will not fortify our laws, institutions, liberties, with a well disciplined, ever vigilant, ever ready militia foree ? Ifow slow are men to break through material greed and gains, and learn the lessons of history ! Were all of our wealthy men of the same mind and heart of the Messrs. Parkers, of our town, who have given one- seveuth of all that has been raised for the Com- pany, our militia system would no longer be a shadowy, inefficient thing. Some, of ample means, are withholding their ail and asking, " What will it amount to ?" If they cannot answer that qnes- tion satisfactorily, after two years of bloody, wast- ing rebellion-after mob excitements and barbari- ties surpassing the atrocities and crimes of the "Age of Reason "-their perception must be very obtuse, their publie spirit very siekly, their benev- olence very " pinched and poor," or their loyalty exceedingly doubtful. I.

PLAINVILLE, CONN., Nov. 2, 1863. Editors Connecticut War Record :

Rev. Moses Smith, Pastor of the Congressional Church in this village, having been drafted, has

At the Sunday School of his church, 279 being military force. All such talk is the veriest uon. 'present, on the Sunday he took his leave of us for sense. Our "Home Guard" companies which ; the Conscript eamp in New Haven, the following wero heartily organized to incet an emergency. were composed, it is true, of our best, bravest, and Resolutions were passed unanimously : most reliable citizens, yet they could not have been generally relied upon to successfully cope with armed and infuriated mob. In saying this, day School, and to whose prayers and labors very I do not underestimate and undervalue in the

Whereas, Our beloved Pastor, Rev. Moses Smith, who for four years past has been most indefatiga- ble in his efforts to interest and advance this Sun- much of the prosperity and success of this be- [ loved institution is to be attributed, has, in the wisdom of our heavenly Father, been called to leave us for a time and enter upon a most self-de- bayonet must oppose bayonet. Those who have ; nying and hazardous mission-that of niding in handled troops on the battle-field, know how all- | the suppression of a terrible rebellion against our |importhoo r dnv drlioutrhlgaaut discipline. Fight. I beloved government, and establishing a permanent

طيب دائي

The last meeting of Infantry Company I, 2d Regiment, 2d Brigade, C. M. (Meriden ), was one of unusual interest and enthusiasm. The two prin- cipal causes of this enthusiasm were, first : The assurance that the Company will soon receive a very neat and substantial uniform, and also requi- site arms and equipments from the State, The second reason for the interest is the belief that our Legislature will act upon the wise and important Meriden, Nov. 20, 1863. suggestions of your contributor "Militia." and place their domestie force upon an honorable and ! permanent footing. Our militia force has been so NEW HAVEN, Jan. 6, 1864. imperfectly organized, and so grossly neglected by the people and the Legislature, that many of our EDITOR CONN. WAR RECORD :- Allow me to ex- press my cordial approval of the views expressed wealthiest and most influential citizens will do nothing to give it interest and character. They say a " militin foree will amount to nothing." and by " Militia," in his articles in the November and are willing to rely on extemporized " Home | entered the United States service as a soldier.

Guards" in any emergency which may demand

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THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

[JANUARY,

and righteous peace in our now distracted coun- Wednesday following they faced tho enemy on the at South Mountain, at Fredericksburg, at the siege try, and, whereas, like a true Christian patriot he sanguinary field of Antietam. In that engagement | of Suffolk they did their duty with alacrity and has resolved to respond to the call thins made and . they were under fire almost incessantly from sun-| unflinching courage. In picket and skirmish dnty devote liis life and energies to that service so long | rise to sunset. Posted on the extreme left, the brigade was ordered, towards night, to advanee to

as his help is needed; therefore,

Resolved, That we as a Sunday School do deeply sympathize with him in the labors and sacrifiees he | to the river. It advanced under a terrible fire. is thus to assume.

The other regiments broke and retired in disorder aud dismay ; but in splendid line, alone, the sturdy

Resolved, That we hereby extend to him our most grateful acknowledgments and heartfelt Eighth went on. They receive the fire of three thanks for all he has been permitted to do for this . batteries, and five times their own number of in- Sunday School during the years he has been with | fantry, both in front and in flank. Right on they move. Every man knows the case is hopeless.

Resolved, That we will daily and very earnestly : But the Eighth obeys orders. They reach the remember him at the throne of grace, besecching point to which they are sent. They remain there. our heavenly Father to protect him amid all the | Half the men who started with them are killed or dangers to which he may be exposed, make him a ' wounded, but they hold their ground. At last great blessing to those with whom he may be call- ; comes the order to retire. The Eighth, cool, as be- ed to associate in his new field of effort, and in ; fore impetuous, faces into column and retires in his own good time permit him to return to us in ; good order. Regular officers, who served on the health and vigor, prepared to resume his labors of : Peninsula, have said in the writer's hearing, that love among us.

OUR VETERANS.

The Reception of the 8th and 11th Regiments. We have delayed our January No. for some days for the purpose of recording the return and re- ception of these gallant veteran volunteers.

They were expected on Saturday, the 9th of city, and within easy rifle range of the rebels. On this groundless rebellion. January, and from that day until Friday, the 15th, 'the first day of the battle the regiment had pres- The almost unanimous re enlistment of our vete- the whole population were on tip-toe with expecta- i ent but one hundred and sixty effective men; of rans throughout the country is a certain harbinger tion. these, one hundred volunteered for the hazardous

The people had seen the three and nine months' task of laying down the pontoon bridges, after the troops return ragged, haggard and uncontrolla- engineers had tried in vain. Few of the band ex- ble-and many remembering that these boys had pected to return. Fortunately, our losses at this seen twenty-seven months' service, expected to be- point were less than we expected; but the bravery hold a horrid crew.

of the men was no less conspicuous and praise-

But when they saw the clean, strong, sturdy, : worthy. The regiment was not again called into keen-eyed veterans of the two battalions moving, close action during the battle.

as one man, with firm and elastic step, their ! At the siege of Suffolk, at which the perfection wonder and admiration were unbounded. Can it'of incompetency was displayed, the 8th had op- be, was the freqnent exclamation, that these men portunity, with the 89th New York, to perform aro the battle-scarred heroes of six or seven fierce . the ouly brilliant exploit of the siege. Two fights, and twice that number of skirmishes? hundred men, in the face of thousands of rebels. Can it be that these men have, on weary feet, crossed the river Nansemond and stormed Fort traversed North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia, Huzer, capturing five fine brass guns and one hun- -that these men have slept on the bare frozen dred and thirty-eight prisoners. The force was ground-stood guard for twenty-four hours at a maneuvered handsomely and the work done in time in snow and mud almost fathomless, subsisting. less than fifteen minutes. Accordingly the loss meanwhile, on " salt-horse and hard-take" alone ?, was only about twenty men of the whole force. No better proof could be afforded of gallantry Indeed, it seemed hardly possible.

The receptions were not unworthy the veter- ans. Although the day was damp and cold, men and women thronged the streets of New Haven and Hartford to give cordial greeting to the re- turning braves.

The time which they could spend in New IIaven was limited. The regiments marched from the wharf almost directly to Music Hall, partook of a bountiful ecllation, and returned to the wharf to take the cars.

The waving of handkerchiefs, the boom of ean- non, the merry peal of bells, the enthusiasm of the

His Excellency, Mayor Tyler, and others, were felt affection and honor ; but " the boys " had had no breakfast, and with praiseworthy regard to the state of the case, the speakers merely said, " Eat hearty, boys, and welcome."

The escort line was the following, commanded by Lieut. Col. Merwin:

Invalid Corps, four Companies, Lieut. Col. Speidel. A Company from the Hospital. The Young Grays, Capt. Geo. L. Northrop, A Company from Russell's School .- The Light Gnards, Cant. Bunce.

the battles of Roanoke and Newbern they were . The record of the Eleventh C. V. is one of high present, and did their duty promptly And well. i and stainless honor, and, though less brilliant than For five long weeks they toiled day and night at that of the Eighth, it is less brilliant only for lack the siege of Fort Macon-the capture of which. of opportunity to do dashing deeds. though at the time crowded ont of notice by the In severe toil, in patient endurance, in sturdy important events then rapidly transpiring at the valor, their history is equally ereditable, and, in Major General Russell, attended by Major Way- West, was no small achievement. Next, they ' fact, almost identical with that of the Eighth. No land, Major Basserman, and others of his Staff. Mayor and Council in carriages. Brigadier Gen. Harland and Staff. 11th C. V .- Sth C. V. were a part of the advance guard in the pursuit hardier, braver, or better disciplined regiment. of Lee in September, 1862, from Frederick City to ever went from our State. At the bridge over Antietam. They were also present, and under : Antietam creek, at the cost of a splendid Colonel fire for hours in the sharp and decisive battle and ! and more than one hundred and fifty men, they The veterans were received with great enthasi- splendid vietory of South Mountain ; and on the | proved their mettle beyond cavil. At Newbern, asni at Hartford. The national colors were every-

But firmly, sternly, grandly, and proudly they ' and efficiency than to accomplish snch a task with | people, were the sole welcome.

march by. Ah! these are no holiday soldiers- so little loss. Had the force been hindered five these are patriot veterans-valiant and noble as minutes, by any of those delays which happen to ready and anxious to utter grateful words of heart- were ever marshaled. Prond, too, were the people undisciplined or excitable inen, the expedition of New Haven, and proud the people of Hartford, would have failed. Since the siege of Suffolk the to welcome and bless such men as our country's . Eighth has, with other troops, been stationed at defenders.

and near Portsmouth, occupied with fatigue work

And richly do these regiments deserve welcome on the fortifications, and with drill and picket du- and blessing. Let us review briefly their history. ty. Whenever the chance is offered they will add Tho record of the Eighth is unsurpassed. At to their well earned laurels.

they are unsurpassed. The boys of the "bully Eighth" look upon them as right worthy eompa- a position commanding Sharpsburg and the roads | triots, and no two bodies of men ever cherished for each other more profound respect and sincere friendship than the sturdy veterans of these two gallant regiments.

Well might the heart of every patriotie man and woman who looked on these sun-browned and battle-tried veterans, thrill with just pride and in- tense enthusiasm.

These brave and hardy patriots are welcome, heartily welcome. No reception, no festivity ean adequately express the feelings of our people. They rejoice, yes, they are grateful for this visit. Coming among us, pledged for another three years, if need be, to maintain the Constitution and the Union-their influence will be most happy and ex- eellent. Their presence shames and silences every rebel-gladdens every loyal heart. Already the people who have looked on these sturdy fellows- safely past a fiery trial of battle and hardship -- and who have heard their strong, cheerful words- feel two-fold pride and faith in our splendid Na- tion and her matchless defenders-and renewed conviction of the sure and swift coming doom of

they had never seen a regiment advance more steadily and bravely, and never a regiment retire from a situation so critical with equal coolness and good order.

Previous to the first battle of Fredericksburg the regiment was stationed behind the Lacey House, a large mansion directly in front of the

of speedy triumph and peace.

They will recruit their deciminated ranks, they will go forth again to make short work with the failing and disheartened armies of the rebels, and at no distant day-having saved the nation, hay- ing conquered a lasting peace-will return to a seeond reception-a grand, glorious, and heart- warming reception.

1834.]

THE CONNECTICUT WAR RECORD.

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where flung to the breeze. were handsomely decorated. Every loyal citizen seemed eager to do honor to these splendid Union men.

The eseort line was formed on Iligh street, and the line of march taken up as follows:

Marshal, Col. George S. Burnham. Aid, Aid,

Lieut. John S. Ives. Lieut. Col. D. A. Rood. First Company Governor's Horse Guard, · Major James Waters. First Company Governor's Foot Guard, Major L. E. Hunt. Battalion of Invalid Corps, Major George A. Washburn. Hartford City Guard, Captain John K. Williams. Then came the honored veterans, as follows : Brigadier-General Edward Harland and Staff. Eighth Regiment, Conn. Vols .- 301 men, Col. John E. Ward. Eleventh Regiment, Conn. Vols .- 29S men, Col. G. A. Stedman.

The order of procession was up High street to Main, down Main to the State House, where they were received by the Legislature and State Oreers, and welcomed by the Governor. They then march- ed to the South Green, up Main again, around the State Ilouse and down Asylum street to Allyn Hall.

Nine large tables, bountifully loaded with sub- etantial refreshments, filled the main floor of Allyn ITall, and four tables were arranged upon the stage. The hall was beautifully trimmed with flags, and the dress eirele festooned with red, white and blue, and the war- worn banners of various Connecticut regiments. Over the stage, in large letters, were the words, "WELCOME, VETERANS."

Around the dress circle, interspersed with the battle-stained colors, were the historie names, " Antietam," " Roanoke Island," "Gettysburg," " Nanscmond," "Fort Macon," " Dismal Swamp," " West Branch," " South Mountain," " Newbern," "Fort lluger," " Fredericksburg."

The galleries were reserved for the ladies, and filled hours before the regiments arrived, A private box was also reserved for the Governor and his family.

A large covered sleigh was provided for the in- valids of the two regiments.

The speech of Governor Bnekingham, at the State House, was substantially as follows :

General Harland, and Oficers and Men of the Eighth and Eleventh Regiments: In behalf of the General Assembly, and the citizens of Connecti- cut, I greet you with a cordial welcome-not as ; which wait to do you honor.

. long lost prodigals who have neglected their duty to themselves and their homes; but as devoted sons who have gone in their manbood from parent- al roofs, and, after achieving brilliant success through heroie deeds and sacrifices, return crowned with glory to receive the blessings of parents and friend+.

I remember the time, not long in the past. when a certain race of men declared to the world that | house of festival, not to weary you with our con- ; ! gratulations, but to tender you our most speedy ; would ereet a government of their own in defi- land substantial cheer. Around yon, soldiers, hang, thony R. Canfield.

the insignia of war, borne over many a well-fonght wealth immortalized themselves; and while wel

blood; I remember that they, in their madness, [ look upon them and venerate them, we turn with ; Thomas HI. Weed ; 2d Lieut. John Merriam.

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The Connecticut war record, 1863-1865, Part 40

Author: Morris, John M., ed Publication date: 1863 Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck Number of Pages: 886

Author: Morris, John M., ed
Publication date: 1863
Publisher: New Haven : Peck, White & Peck
Number of Pages: 886