History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 77

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340

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Captain Mower's company (Chicago is mentioned by a correspondent from Alton, as one of twenty com- panies quartered there in June, 1846.

The State Register as quoted by the Democrat of June 30,) said : "Governor Ford returned from St. Louis on Saturday last . June 20, probably having ef- fected arrangements with Major Lee, the commissary of subsistence, and Major Macky, the quartermaster at that place, for furnishing supplies for three regiments of volunteers who are to rendezvous at Alton. Colonel Shields has been authorized by the Governor to inspect and muster into the service the volunteers who rendez- vous at Alton. The following list of companies have been reported to Colonel Shields as being those he is to re- - ceive, they being from the thirty companies first re- ported : (1) Captain J. L. D. Morrison, St. Clair County ; (2) Captain Peter Goff, Madison County ; 3 Captain Ferris Foreman, Lafayette County ; 4 Captain I.yman Mower, Cook County ; : 5) Captain Elisha Wells, Cook County.

Democrat, July 13-" The Montgomery Guards, under Captain Snowhook, did themselves great honor on the 4th. We heard the company complimented very highly by several strangers present here. It is a strong argument against native Americanism when we see that the Sons of Erin were the only military company that turned out to celebrate the Declaration of Independence.

Democrat, September 29-" Two Illinois regiments are with General Taylor ; two with General Wool."

Democrat, November 24-Captain Mower, from New Orleans, writes of his troubles with Colonel Har- din on transports, Mower claiming that Dr. White drew by lot for him a steamer, in his absence, and that Har- din put on a small brig. Mower refused and was put under arrest for insubordination.

Democrat, December 15-General 1. E. Wood sends dispatches, Coahulia, Mexico, October 14, 1846, stating that Colonel Hardin, with eight companies of the ist

Illinois, came up on evening of the 12th. "Yester- day he crossed the river, and will join us in an hour."

The following extracts are taken from the files of 1847 :

Democrat, February 16-" Captain William Rogers has opened a rendezvous at Captain Russell's office on Clark Street, where the young men of the city or country desirous of attaching themselves to this company can enroll themselves."

Democrat, February 16-" In pursuance of a call from the Mayor, Hon. John P. Chapin, a large and re- spectable assemblage of citizens convened at the court- house, on Friday, the 12thof February, to take into con- sideration of the call of Government for troops to serve in the war with Mexico. Thomas Dyer was called to the chair and Captain Russell was appointed secretary. Mr. Gregg was called on, and in a spirited and very animated manner addressed . the meeting in a way cal- culated to arouse the noble and patriotic feelings of every American. Mr. Rodgers, who contemplates the raising of a regiment of ten additional companies, expressed his strong desire to lead a company of troops to serve in Mexico. The meeting was also addressed by Dr. Brainard, Colonel Hamilton, Captain Russell, John H. Kinzie and others, when the following resolutions, presented by Mr. David L. Gregg, were adopted:

"'Resolved, That we commend the spirit and patriotism of our fellow citizens who are ready to enroll themselves for service during the Mexican War, and that we will yield them our countenance and support in their efforts to uphold the national honor.

** 'Resolved, That a full company of troops ought to be raised in the city of Chicago for said service, and that we pledge ourselves individually and collectively to do everything in our power to pro- mote that ohject.

" 'Resolved, That the present war with Mexico should be vig- orously prosecuted until an honorable place is secured and a full measure of redress for repeated wrongs and outrages extorted from the enemy.

" The meeting adjourned after several candidates had been enrolled."

Democrat, February 16-" Hon. John Wentworth, writing from Washington concerning the presentation of a sword to Lieutenant John Pope for gallantry at Monterey, said: 'Whilst Illinois thus remembers and re- wards the valor of those born within her limits, is she going to be unmindful of the service of her sons by adoption-a poor Irish boy ? He enlisted as a common soldier in the United States Army, and drew only $7 a month. He was made a corporal of his company, which office he held at the battles of the 8th and 9th, where he performed such feats of valor as caused a notice of him by his Captain (Morris, in his official reports and for which the citizens of New Orleans presented him a gold medal. President Polk has promised him the first vacant Lieutenant's commission in the regular army; and in anticipation of this, I hope our Legislature will pre- sent him with a sword.'"

Democrat, February 16-" The Mayor calls a meet- ing to be held at the court-house, February 14, to raise a company for the Mexican War. We understand that Mr. Rogers, a son of the brave old commodore, who rid- dled the man-of-war . Little Belt,' in the last war, with other young men of talent, are interested in the further upholding of the flag."

Democrat, February 16-" Mr. Rogers is slowly fill- ing his company."

On February 23-" Mr. Rogers is on his way to the country to take the names of those who wish to join his company." On March 2-" Recruiting is very slow; Rogers is still in the country." Two companies are spoken of as having been previously raised in Chicago.

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HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

Democrat, April 6-War meeting to exult over vic- tory Buena Vista, Saturday, April 3. Two recently en- listed companies are spoken of.

Democrat, April 13-" Captain E. B. Bill's company is to rendezvous at Cairo attached to 16th Infantry." They left on April 20, in high spirits.

Democrat, April 13-" Captain C. C. Sibley, recruit- ing officer, informs us that he has already enlisted one hundred men. His company is composed of men for the most part of good size. We perceive that Sergeant Kelley is an adept in military discipline. The company will, on the opening of lake navigation, take the first boat to Cleveland, thence to Newport, Ky. They are destined to fill up old regiments."

Democrat, April-Captain Bill* has about fifty men here, and his Lieutenants are in the country enlisting. His company is probably full, and will leave in a few days 'for Cairo.

Democrat, April 27-" We notice that in the accounts of the memorable battle of Buena Vista, Captain Smith's name is mentioned in terms of warm commendation for his bold and daring conduct throughout the conflict. It will be remembered that he was slightly wounded in the battle."

Democrat, April 6-" Richard L. Wilson, t one of the editors of the Chicago Journal was severely wounded by the accidental discharge of a cannon on Saturday last (April 3). The two companies of volunteers re- cently enlisted in the city, together with a large con- course of citizens, had assembled on the public square to celebrate the recent victory of our army in Mexico, and Mr. Wilson was assisting to load and discharge the cannon, when by an accidental discharge both his thumbs and his left arm were blown off. One word about that old cannon. Six men have been wounded by it to our knowledge, and we think it should now be given to our founders, and let them use it up as old metal. This cannon was raised in 1837 from the Chi- cago River, and is supposed to have lain there ever since the massacre at this place in 1812. The inside of it more resembles honey-comb than anything else, and thus it is impossible to properly swab it." The can- non disappeared soon after the accident.

Democrat, May 11-"We understand that James Hugunin is raising a company of infantry to meet the late requisition of Governor French. His rendezvous for the present is on South Water Street, between Clark and LaSalle."

Democrat, May 11-"We are requested by Isaac Cook, Esq., Sheriff of this county, to state that he has not called upon the people for volunteers, because Colonel D. S. Cady is now absent, whose duty more prop- erly it is. But should Colonel Cady not return by Wednesday, he will then take the proper steps to organ- ize one company or more for the county."

Democrat, June 22-" Day before yesterday we published a letter from Judge Young, stating that the President would accept of a company of cavalry from Chicago. The previous company had gone to Santa Fe as infantry. So our boys had to begin again. But the company is now ready, making the ninth; company Chicago has sent to the war."

Democrat, June 22-" The ' Shields Cadet ' is the

* Captain Bilt was a resident of Naperville. He was a native of Catskill. Green Co. S. V., and was, before coming West, a Major-General of New York State Militia, and had hold the ulice of Inspector-ta overal of the New York State Mihtia. He died October 12. 1847, of yellow fever, on board the ship " Tahmaroo," en route from Brazis to New Orleans.

t Brother of john L. and Charle- 1. Wilson.

$ Nine companies must include the one above mentioned, and the com- panies raised by Sibley and Bill for the regular army, as well as Ungunin's, and perhaps others. The caitor has been unable to identify more than seven cum- panic 4.

name of the fourth* volunteer company raised in Chi cago. Captain, George M. Cole; First Lieutenant. S. R. Wood; Second Lieutenants, S. W. Smith, and Ed ward Morey. There is room for a few more privates it application is made soon. Captain Cole wants to leave by Monday next. Captain Hugunin wishing to go to Santa Fé after his company was rejected, enlisted as a private in Captain Kinney's company.

Democrat, July 23-" Lieutenant William Erwin, of the first company of Chicago, has returned from the war and is now in this city as Orderly Sergeant. At Alton he was elected Second Lieutenant, and after the resignation of Lieutenant Elliott, First Lieutenant. At Presidio, he was appointed Quartermaster by Colonel Hardin, and devoted considerable time while in Mexico in that capacity. At Buena Vista he took the command of, and most gallantly led his company in that terrible fight. We understand Lieutenant Erwin intends locat- ing permanently in DeKalb."

Democrat, July 20-" We learn by a gentleman. from New Orleans that Captain Mower from this city has been arrested in that place for murder. The story is that he killed a man in Natchez some four years ago, and that a reward of $500 was offered for his arrest at that time.

Democrat, July 6-Captain Kinney's company re- ceived a banner from the ladies of Alton."

Democrat, July 15-" Among the volunteers from this city, year ago, for the Mexican War, was George Pilson, a Norwegian. Charmed with the institutions of America, when the war broke out with Mexico, he was among the first to enroll his name; and though he had plenty of work at good wages (he was at work at Alder- man Granger's foundry, nothing could deter him from contest. In the battle of Buena Vista he distinguished himself for his bravery, and fell in the thickest of the fight. It was during the terrible charge upon the Ist Illinois Regiment made by Mexican lancers, that Pilson fell. He had slain one lancer by the discharge of his rifle, and had killed a horse and rider with the butt of his piece when three lancers pressed upon him and ran him through with their lances."

Democrat, September 20-" The war flag presented by Alderman Granger to Captain Mower was returned by him to the donor, and by him displayed in the Dem- ocrat office."

Democrat, November 13 --- "Captain C. C. Sibley left this city on Thursday, the 12th. He has been recruit- ing here, and has been successful in raising a large body of excellent soldiers. He leaves an interesting family in this city. Captain Sibley is attached to the 5th Regi- ment of United States Infantry."

Democrat, November 23 -" Up to date following members of Captain Kinney's company F) 5th Regi- ment have died : F. McDaniels, en route to Sante Fe, David T. Blackman and James ('arr, at Santa Fé."

Democrat, November 23-"Captain Swift's cavalry company, accompanied by a piece of artillery and a band of music, paraded the streets yesterday. They made a fine appearance and created an unusual stir in the city. After parading the streets the company re- tired without the city limits and continued firing some time. We should judge from the time between each report that the gun was well handled."

Democrat, November 23-" The cavalry and flying artillery meet to-day at the old garrison ground. We hope all who take an interest in military affairs will be in attendance. The artillery will be escorted by a band

* Probably meaning the fourth volunteer company, and excluding the reg- ularv.

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EARLY MILITARY HISTORY.

of music outside the city limits, where there will be some practice in gunnery."

Democrat, November 13-"At meeting of citizens at the office of R. K. Swift, for the purpose of organiz- ing a company of cavalry and flying artillery, Mr. Ran- kins was chairman, and C. F. Howe, secretary. Com- mittee on Constitution : Captain J. B. F. Russell, R. K. Swift, John R. Orr, James Smith and C. F. Howe ; Committee on Uniform, R. K. Swift and Dr. Board- man."

Democrat, November 23-"""City Guards.'-A num- ber of the young men of the city are forming themselves into a military company under the above title. W. W. Danenhower, 88 LaSalle Street, is the secretary of the company, who will give any information respecting the organization.'

" REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS, CHICAGO, December 20, 1847. "Order No. -. An election will be held at the office of Captain William B. Snowhook, of the Montgomery Guards, in the city of Chicago, at 3 o'clock r. M., on the Ist day of January next, for the purpose of filling vacancies of office.

"J. B. F. RUSSELL, Colonel both Regiment."

CHICAGO HUSSARS, ATTENTION !

"Order No. 2 :- The members of the company are hereby notified to attend drill after this date at the Rio Grande Itouse, on LaSalle Street, on every Wednesday evening. Any person who may wish to join the company will please make his application at the drill room or to some member of the company.

" By order of CAPTAIN SWIFT.

" WILLIAM GAMBLE, Orderly Sergeant.

Democrat. December 30-"The Peace meeting on Tuesday evening December 28), was a failure. No enthu- siasm, no crowd. A Dutch ' chief cook and bottle wash- er.

Journal, July 12-" W. N. Chambers, a young gen- tleman of this city, attached to Colonel Doniphan's com- mand, returned home last evening. Mr. Chambers marched via Santa Fé and Chihuahua to Monterey, where he joined General Taylor's army after a fatiguing march of eleven months."

Journal, December 22-" A Peace Meeting was held at the Tabernacle last evening. We noticed a large number of our most worthy and respectable citizens in , attendance. The Rev. Mr. Adams was chosen chair- man, and an address in opposition to the continuance of the war read and adopted. A Peace Society was organized, and resolutions and a memorial to Congress presented. The meeting then adjourned till next Tues- day evening, when the memorial and resolutions will come up for discussion."

Journal, July 9-" Mexican soldiers from the war can have their papers forwarded to Washington and land warrants immediately procured, by applying at J. B. F. Russell's land agency."

MR. HOLDEN'S RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MEXICAN WAR.

The following, from the pen of Charles C. P. Holden, himself a soldier of the Mexican War, is, without doubt, the best sketch of the part Chicago and Cook County took in that war that has thus far been written :

In May, 1845, on the annexation of Texas, General Taylor was ordered to place his troops in such a posi- tion as to defend that State against a threatened Mexi- can invasion. In August of that year he concentrated his troops at Corpus Christi, where he remained until March 11, 1846, when he broke up his encampment and moved the army of occupation westward ; this was com- posed of only about four thousand regulars. On the zoth of March he reached and passed without resistance

the Arroya Colorado, and arrived at the Rio Grande, to which point he had been ordered by the authorities at Washington, after considerable suffering, on the 29th of that month. Here he took every means to assure the Mexicans that his purpose was neither war nor vio- lence in any shape, but solely the occupation of the Texas territory to the Rio Grande, until the boundary should be definitely settled by the two republics.

Encamping opposite Metamoras, General Taylor prepared for Mexican aggression by erecting fortifica- tions and planting batteries. Provisions became short, the American Army possessed but little ammunition and were in many other ways discouraged, but the battle of Palo Alto was commenced, and gloriously was it won on May 8, 1846. On the following day the two opposing armies again inet at Resaca de la Palma, within three miles of Fort Brown; the battle com- menced with great fury ; the artillery on both.sides did terrible execution, and extraordinary skill was dis- played by the opposing Generals ; but again conquest declared for the United States Army. These victories filled our country with exultation; Government acknowl- edged the distinguished services of General Taylor by making him Major-General by brevet. Congress passed resolutions of high approval ; Louisiana presented him with a sword, and the Press everywhere teemed with his praise.

War had now been actually declared between the two Governments in real combat, and on May 11, 1846, Congress passed an act declaring that "By the act of the Republic of Mexico a state of war exists be- tween that Government and the United States." Simul- taneously that body appropriated $10,000,000 to carry on the war and empowered the President to accept fifty thousand volunteers.

It was about May 20 before the official news reached the capital of our State and also the city of Chicago. It spread like wild-fire. Governor Ford issued his proc- lamation calling for thirty full companies of volunteers to serve, for twelve months, with the privilege of elect- ing their own company and regimental officers. Within ten days thirty-five full companies had organized and reported to the Governor, and by the time the place of rendezvous had been selected (Alton , there had been seventy-five companies raised and each anxious to be the first in the field, of which the Governor (Ford) had to select thirty companies, the full quota of the State. Two of these companies were accorded to our city, one of which was headed by Captain Lyman Mower and the other by Captain Elisha Wells. When the news first reached Chicago, Captain Mower, then a thoroughgoing young merchant, seizing the opportunity unfurled his flag and established his headquarters for a company for the Mexican War. There was a great rush and Captain Mower was the lion of the day. Well does the writer remember the company of young men headed by their young and zealous commander as they marched through our streets to the stirring music of fife and drum. In that day and time those who opposed the war said that to enlist at that period for service in that distant country to fight a well-drilled and thoroughly-organized army composed of Spaniards, Mexicans and Indians, among the chaparral of Mexico was sure death. Never- theless the rush of young men to uphold the stars and stripes in that conflict seemed to know no end. Chicago was then but in its infancy, having a population of over fourteen thousand, but her people were resolute and patriotic to the very core-only a few years had passed since the same barbaric scenes which were then of daily occurrence on the frontier of Texas had been perpetrated

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HISTORY OF CHICAGO.

at their own homes in and about where Chicago then stood.

The second company under the leadership of Cap- tain Elisha Wells was soon raised and ready for the field. Many citizens of Chicago with their money and means aided these two companies in organizing and pre- paring for the front, and among those who were fore- most in this laudable work was the late Augustus Gar- rett, who was then just retiring from a three years service three terms) as Mayor of the then young city. He was full of the enthusiasm that prevailed at that time and wanted to see his young and growing city take a front rank in the conflict then pending with Mexico. The late Hon. John P. Chapin succeeded Mr. Garrett as Mayor of the city in the spring of 1846, and he too was enthusiastic for pushing on the war but just begun. It was his desire that the prairie city should be heard from in no uncertain terms in. that conflict. Captain Sibley of the regular army opened a recruiting office for enlist- ing men for the regular army and many having failed to get into the volunteer companies, enlisted in that service being determined to aid in the subjugation of Mexico even though it were at the peril of their lives.

The following is the list of those who enlisted in . Captain Mower's company and it is believed to be en- tirely correct. Every man in this company enlisted in Chicago. In a letter from Captain Lyman Mower, who is now living in Milwaukee, he informs the writer that they were all enlisted here and belonged in Cook County at the time. Their names were: Captain, Lyman Mower; First Lieutenant, William Erwin; Second Lieutenants, Samuel M. Parsons and Mathew Moran; Sergeants, Joshua Herrindan, Frederick Hailborn, Augustus Til- ford and Dewitt C. Davis; Corporals, Samuel Scott, Charles Banks, Benjamin Van Vrankin, and George D. Slack; musicians, John Helms, and Augustus Stemple; privates, Simon Atley, Phillip Asant, David Baker, Henry Bruner, Michael C. Brennan, George C. Bunker, Lewis Battleman, W. Cline, James Carle, James Carlin, Edward Devoe, David Dolson, John H. Durling, Isaac English, Harmon Ellering, Stephen Elain, Abraham Franks, Tina P. Fuller, Charles Fowk, Eliacune Gard- ner, John Gardner, Lyman Guinnip, Jonathan Groves, Luther Groves, Michael Hyde, Austin Handy, Nelson Johnson, Cyrus Lathrop, Charles Myers, John Miller, Jacob Miller, Michael McCarty, W. P. Olmstead, Chris- tian Osmand, George Phettiplace, Henry Porter, Will- iam Phinisy, Edward F. Rowe, Frederick Roth, Fred- erick Rickow, W. H. H. Robinson, Frederick Shrader, Augustus Steinhouse, Harmon Secomb, John H. Tem- ple, John Warian, Frederick Wenter, Samuel Waters, John Wells, James Walker, John Wise, Francis Bur- roughs, Adam Black, George Upperman, Freeman Wil- lett, Frederick Weaver and Franklin Carney.

The soldiers raised by Captain Wells were all en- listed in Chicago, and Augustus Steinhouse, now in the United States Custom Service in this city, informs the writer that all the members of this company were en- listed and rightfully belonged to this city, where they were credited on the muster-roll of the company at that time. Their names were : Elisha Wells, Captain, who was subsequently transferred when M. P. Smith was elected to the captamey; First Lieutenant. Patrick Higgins; Second Lieutenants, William .A. Clark, Elias B. Zabriska; Sergeants, Arthur Perry, Abraham Peters, Chauncey H. Snow, Alfred Wrose; Corporals, Patrick Mehan, I .. M. Mathews, George Mackenzie, George P. Wilmot; Musicians, D. M. Burdick, Levi Bixby; Pri- vates, W. O. Anderson, Patrick Burke, James A. Blan- chard, John Burkholder, Thomas J. Burr, John Bisbee,

John D. Boneby, Peter Conover, Patrick Clemens, Henry Crane, Bradley Chandler, Junius Dilley, Peter Dolan, James T. Eason, Simeon L. Ells, Leroy 1). Fitch, Michael Finton, Thomas Gavin, Edward D. Garregus, Hiram Gun, Demis Griffin, Thomas Gorman, James Gitty, John Howland, W. Hodge, Edward Huzey, Michael Half, George W. Krebbs, Solomon Kirkman, Patrick Murray, John Malone, Phillip Mains, Thomas T. Moore, James O'Rourke, Francis Quinn, Joseph H. Pratt, Thomas Riley, B. A. Richards, John L. Smith, Jeremiah Sullivan, Barney Seary, O. C. Taylor, George W. Underhill, Edward Wright, Thomas P. White, S. T. Woolworth, Thomas Dilley.

These two companies were at once furnished trans- portation to Alton, by stage to LaSalle and thence to Alton by steamer, where they arrived about June 10. and were mustered into the United States service June 18, 1846. When the thirty full companies arrived at Alton, they were formed into three regiments, known and commanded as follows: First Regiment, Colonel John J. Hardin: Second Regiment, Colonel William H. Bissell; Third Regiment, Colonel Ferris Foreman.

In the meantime the Fourth Regiment had been formed and fully organized with Colonel Edward D. Baker as their commander. The two Chicago com- panies were attached to the famous First Regiment- as companies B and K. Company B was commanded by Elisha Wells, and Company K by Lyman Mower.

These four regiments were immediately pushed to the front, where they were in good time heard from in the very heart of Mexico, at Buena Vista and Cerro Gordo, where many of them fell a sacrifice to that war. Among the number may be mentioned Colonel John J. Hardin, of the First Illinois, together with one Captain, one subaltern and twenty-six enlisted men, making a total of twenty-nine killed, while two subalterns and six- teen enlisted men were wounded and three missing.

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History of Chicago. From the earliest period to the present time, Part 77

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas Number of Pages: 1340

Author: Andreas, Alfred Theodore
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, A. T. Andreas
Number of Pages: 1340