USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Salem > History of the Salem Light Infantry from 1805-1890 > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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19974.41 516.24
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PUBLIC
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Essex Institute
3 1833 01072 6005
HISTORY C
OF THE
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY
FROM 1805 TO 1890.
BY GEORGE M. WHIPPLE.
973.001 m 38N
ESSEX INSTITUTE, SALEM, MASS. 1890.
PRINTED BY THE SALEM PRESS PUBLISHING AND PRINTING CO.
1231515
DEDICATED
TO THE
OF THE
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY.
$ 3.00
PAST AND PRESENT OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
Goodspeed
CONTENTS.
GENERAL HISTORY, S. L. I., 1ST PERIOD, 1805 TO 1861 1
GENERAL HISTORY, S. L. I., 2D PERIOD, 1861 TO 1865, 64
GENERAL HISTORY, S. L. I., 3D PERIOD, 1865 TO 1890, 69
GENERAL HISTORY, S. L. I., VETERAN ASSOCIATION, 83 O
APPENDIX.
OFFICERS FROM 1805 TO 1834, 102
OFFICERS FROM 1834 TO 1890, 103
MEMBERS FROM 1805 TO 1890, 104
RULES AND REGULATIONS, 1805,
123
DESCRIPTION OF UNIFORM, 123
DESCRIPTION OF STANDARD, 127
MUSICIANS, FROM 1805 TO 1834, 127
LIST OF MEMBERS SALEM ZOUAVES, 127
SKETCH OF THE SALEM ZOUAVES, THREE MONTHS SERVICE, 128
MEMBERS OF CO. H., 19THI REG., M. V. M., 137
OFFICERS OF 19TII REG., M. V. M., . 138
SKETCH OF SERVICE OF 19TH M. V. M. 138
MEMBERS OF CO. A, 50TH M. V. M., 139
SKETCH OF SERVICE OF CO. A, 50TH M. V. M., . 140
BANKS' RETREAT, 143
MEMBERS OF CO. A, 7TH REG. M. V. M., 143
MEMBERS OF 13TH UNATTACHED CO. OF INFANTRY, 144
BY-LAWS OF VETERAN INFANTRY,
.
. 146
.
HISTORY OF THE SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY.
BY GEORGE M. WHIPPLE.
INTRODUCTORY.
IT has been thought best to divide this history into three periods. First, a sketch of the company from its organization in 1805 to the year 1861. Second, a brief record of the corps during the war in de- fence of the Union, embracing the years 1861-65 (a record of which not only the company itself, but our city and the state as well may be proud; perhaps it is not too much to say that it is doubtful if another military company in the state can show a larger number of commis- sions than were issued to the members of the Salem Light Infantry, and its ranks contained many good men and true. The story of their deeds should not longer be delayed, but should be put on record in per- manent form while those competent to do this are living). Third, the period from 1865 to 1890, which includes a sketch of the Salem Light Infantry Veteran Association.
At the annual meeting of the Salem Light Infantry Veteran Associa- tion in May, 1890, a committee (consisting of Dr. Henry Wheatland, Captains George D. Putnam and John P. Reynolds) was chosen to pre- pare for publication a history of the Salem Light Infantry during the period of the war in defence of the Union (1861-65). This when com- pleted, and the story of the three months campaign in 1861 of the com- pany, then known as the Salem Zouaves, which has been prepared for the press by Captain Reynolds, will, with this volume make a fairly complete record of the life of the company from its organization to the present time.
The Salem Light Infantry Company was organized in Salem, Massachusetts, May 1, 1805, under the following call which appeared in the Salem Gazette of June 8, 1804 :
(1)
1
2
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1805.
-ATTENTION !!! The subscribers to the proposed Salem Light Infantry are requested to meet at Mr. Crombie's Tavern' on Monday evening next at 8 o'clock.
A general and punctual attendance is requested as business of importance is to be transacted.
In the same paper March 5, 1805, appears the follow- ing :
NOTICE .- The members of the Salem Light Infantry company are requested to meet at the "Sign of the Ship?" this evening at half- past six o'clock. A punctual and general attendance is expected. By order of the
Committee.
The first printed company notification is as follows :
ATTENTION .- You are hereby notified that a meeting of the members of the Salem Light Infantry company will be held at Crombie's Hall this evening at half-past seven o'clock, for the choice of a Captain to said company.
Your punctual attendance is hereby requested.
By order of the Committee, JAS. KING, JR., Secretary.
Salem, April 8, 1805.
NAMES OF MEMBERS IN 1805.
John Saunders, Captain, Samuel G. Derby, Lieut., Joseph White, Ensign, Nathan Leech, George E. A. Carpenter, Edward Lander, Stephen White, Abel Lawrence, jr.,
Stillman Lothrop,
Thomas Smith, William Osborn, Samuel Buffum, 3d, Timothy Brooks, jr., Samuel Buffum, jr., William Buffum, Samuel Welch,
Stephen Ward,
John Chipman, Benjamin R. Nichols,
Thomas Gwinn, Edward Johnson, Enoch Dow,
1Corner of Essex and Crombie streets, Old Salem Hotel.
2 Probably on the corner of Washington and Church streets.
3
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1805.
Simon Forrester, jr.,
Joel Powers,
James King, jr.,
Henry Tucker,
William P. Orne,
Jabez Baldwin,
Isaac Newhall,
Josiah Dow,
Nathaniel Lang, jr.,
Richard Hay,
Joseph Hale,
James Brooks,
Seth Richardson,
John Byrne,
Samuel Derby,
Michael Shepard,
William King,
Joseph Moseley,
John Forrester,
William Henry Prince.
From the Rules and Regulations of the Salem Light In- fantry Company, printed by Joshua Cushing, 1805, after a patriotic introduction in which the members pledge them- selves to maintain the rights and privileges of the American citizen in an honorable manner and according to the provi- sions of law, I find the following :
ARTICLE 1 provides for one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, and not more than sixty-four privates exclusive of two drummers and two fifers.
ART. 2. The uniform of the company shall consist of a short blue coat, white kerseymere waistcoat and panta- loons, the coat faced with superfine scarlet broadcloth, with small, flat, double gilt buttons and buttonholes ornamented with gold vellum ; blue straps on the shoulders edged with red, the skirts faced with searlet kerseymere, the pockets to slant with the fold of the coat, the skirts and welts edged with red, four buttons on each welt; the cuffs scarlet, with four large gilt buttons ; the vest single breasted edged with scarlet, and small gilt buttons. The pantaloons edged and seamed with scarlet ; the gaiters of black broadcloth, with buttons covered with the same and edged with scarlet. Square-toed shoes, white cotton cambric handkerchief, over which a black silk made stock tied behind so as to
4
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1805.
cover three-fourths of the handkerchief, leaving the upper part bare, plain shirt with plaited bosom, made full, a Grecian cap with a brass crest, and red hair falling down on the right side, cap bound with scarlet, and a scarlet bandeau to go round the cap, ornamented with gold cord, a black cockade, yellow eagle, yellow button and gold cord loop. In the front of the cap the letters in cypher S. L. I. The belts for the cartridge box and bayonet, of white leather ; the cartridge boxes highly polished, and brass star in the centre. The canteens blue, edged with red, the in- itials of the company on one side, and the initials of the soldier's name on the other; the knapsacks of sealskin, with red straps and bound with red leather.
The sergeants wore a gold lace knot on the shoulder and a hanger.
The commissioned officers wore gold epaulets, boots, side arms and sash.
ARTICLE 7 provides that a stand of arms shall be pro- cured, sixty-four in number. Each member is to pay for his musket, which cannot be taken from the armory. If a member injures his musket, it must be repaired at his own expense.
The standard of the company was of white silk with the arms of the state on one side, and the arms of the United States on the other.1
There are twenty-two articles in the Rules and Regula- tions some of them quite strict as to the duties of mem- bers.2
May 7, 1805, was the day for the inspection of the state militia. The Salem Gazette says : "A new company of Infantry just formed, under Maj. Saunders (formerly com- mander of the Cadets) but not yet uniformed, appeared in Court street."
' See Appendix for full description of standard.
2 See Appendix for Regulations in full.
5
SALEM LIGIIT INFANTRY, 1805.
June 3. At a meeting of the company held at Crom- bie's Hall, the following persons were elected : Joseph Hale, Treasurer; Nath'l Lang, jr., Josiah Dow, Stillman Lothrop, Standing Committee.
The following items and notices are taken (many of them copied verbatim) from the original records of the company and from the newspapers of the day. There will also be found a few personal remi- niscences by members of the company now living.
July 5. "The Salem Light Infantry under the com- mand of John Saunders, Esq., honored this anniversary with their first public appearance. Their uniform was neat and brilliant, consisting of a short blue coat with red fac- ings, light under clothes, and an ornamented helmet. This corps is attached to the regiment. At eleven o'clock they waited on Col. Benjamin Pickman at his quarters where they received from his hand by their ensign, an elegant standard, with an appropriate and animating address, and where with the officers of the regiment and artillery, they were refreshed with a collation. The company was after- ward reviewed by the Colonel upon Washington Square.
The performance was exceedingly correct and spirited, and afforded a presage of the importance of this young corps should that awful crisis in our country ever arrive (which Heaven avert ) when the peaceful citizen must repair in the real character of the soldier, to the field of arms and blood. The corps dined at Crombie's with the officers of the regi- ment, where song and sentiment gave zest to the enter- tainment."-Salem Gazette.
"Sept. 18. The beautiful new company of Light In- fantry, under Capt. Saunders, paraded and went through their duty with great spirit and exactness. Attached to this corps was a newly formed band of music which performed with charming effect, though they have been practising only for a few weeks."
6
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1805-1806.
Oct. 4. "Infantry-Attention ! The members of the company of Salem Light Infantry are hereby notified to ap- pear at Concert hall at 8 o'clock A. M. in uniform complete.
By order of the commandant, JAMES KING, JR., O. S."
Oct. 7. The Infantry paraded with the Salem Regiment ; the troops were under Col. Benjamin Pickman, and were reviewed by Maj. Gen. Foster ; later in the day there was a march through the town, and a sham fight was performed.
Nov. 8. The company escorted the Salem East India Marine Society on the fifth anniversary of that society, Capt. Saunders in command. A collation was served at the Museum building.
June 27, 1806. Members notified to meet at Sun Tavern.1
JAMES KING, JR., O. S.
July 4. "Infantry - Attention ! The company of Salem Light Infantry will parade this morning at half-past nine o'clock in Court street. Roll call at 10 o'clock pre- cisely.
JAMES KING, JR., O. S."
July 4. The Salem Light Infantry with the Beverly Light Infantry and Salem Artillery did escort to the town procession.
Sept. 10. The company was ordered on the ground with twelve hours' provision in knapsacks, and took dinner in soldiers' style upon the hill near Cold Spring, North Fields. Oct. 17. Paraded under Capt. Saunders.
Oct. 24. The corps paraded with the Salem Regiment. Sham fight. Capt. Saunders resigned his commission.
"Capt. Saunders having resigned the command of the
1The Sun Tavern stood where the Bowker Block, Essex street, is now standing.
7
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1806-1808.
Salem Light Infantry Company, Mr. Samuel G. Derby has been elected Captain, Mr. Joseph White, Lieutenant, and Mr. James King, jr., Ensign, by a unanimous vote."
June 17, 1807. Paraded in commemoration of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
July 4. The corps paraded under Capt. Derby, and was reviewed on Washington Square. Dinner was provided at the new Concert hall.
July 24. At a meeting held at the Court House it was voted unanimously:
" That the company volunteer their services to the Presi- dent of the United States under certain privileges specified in the subscription paper that all the members of the com- pany signed. To retain their officers as at the present day, to have the eight men returned which were drafted. On these conditions and no other.
NATHANIEL LANG, JR., Clerk."
Aug. 28. The company attended in uniform the funeral of David Swasey.
June 13, 1808. It was "voted that twenty rounds of powder be procured for each member for the 4th of July next."
June 23. "It being suggested that the Company could not have the band and therefore could not celebrate their Anniversary in their USUAL STYLE, it was voted unani- mously that the Company do not either parade or dine to- gether on the 4th of July next.
NATHL. LANG, JR., Clerk."
Oct. 12. Paraded with all the military corps of the town under command of Col. Archer. Sham fight on the com- mon.
" At the last parade of the Salem Light Infantry they
8
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1808-1810.
fired at a target at the Derby place, South Salem ; they perforated the target 45 times in 120 shots, at 80 yards distance."
The following communication does not directly concern the Infantry, but it may be of general interest to military men.
Dec. 20. "On the first institution of our oldest Inde- pendent companies many years ago, several of the officers and privates made it a custom to wear their uniforms on Sunday. This was tasteful in itself and by giving a fash- ion and currency to their establishments salutary in its con- sequence. I think our military, both officers and privates would deserve well of the public if they would revive this praiseworthy custom. It would be the means of making the national character more respectable, and diffusing more extensively a taste for military affairs. Besides these ad- vantages it would give our country an appearance of a vast garrison in the eyes of foreigners, and impress them with proper notions of our union, our zeal and our strength.
CASSIUS."
Salem Gazette.
Sept. 22, 1809. The S. L. I. escorted His Excellency, Gov. Christopher Gore, on his visit to Salem, dining at Assembly Hall, Chestnut street.
March 30, 1810. Ensign JJames C. King elected Cap- tain vice Capt. Derby promoted.
April 24. Edward Lander elected Lieutenant and Jo- siah Dow, Ensign.
A printed notification dated Salem, April 24, 1810, reads :
"Attention - Light Infantry ! You being a member of the Salem Light Infantry Company, are hereby notified
9
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1810-1811.
and warned to meet at Washington Hall, on Tuesday the first day of May next, at 9 o'clock in the morning (if fair weather ; if not fair, at one o'clock in the afternoon), armed and accoutred as the law directs for inspection ; and in uniform complete.
By order of JAMES C. KING, Capt. Com. of S. L. I. Company.
NATHANIEL LANG, JR., Clerk.
"It is expected every soldier will be at his post at the time notified, as the roll will be called precisely half an hour after the time warned, and move off the ground. Assessment collected on parade."
July 4. The S. L. I. with other military companies took part in the anniversary exercises, dining in a tent on the common.
Sept. 14. The company under command of Capt. King paraded in celebration of its anniversary, and dined at Salem Hotel. Toasts and speeches.
Oct. 12. The corps paraded with the Salem Regiment and other military organizations. The troops were in- speeted on Washington Square by the Brigade Inspector and reviewed by Brig. Gen. Goodale. In the afternoon there was a sham fight on Salem Neck.
April 5, 1811. Elisha Mack was chosen Ensign vice Josiah Dow, resigned.
July 4. The S. L. I., Capt. King, acted as escort to the Federal procession, marched to Rev. Dr. Barnard's (North) Church, where John Glen King delivered an ora- tion ; dinner at Washington Hall.1 Among other toasts were the following : "The Salem Light Infantry Company : The supporters of good principles and defenders of their country." "Old Salem, again bewitched : may those who
1 Stearns building, Washington street.
2
10
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1811-1812.
exercise the black art soon boil in their own cauldrons." Music, "Molly put the kettle on."
Aug. 20. It was "voted that the uniform of the musi- cians of the company shall be a blue broadcloth coat and pantaloons, and white vest, the coat faced with scarlet, with yellow trimmings, and pantaloons edged with yellow cord, and half gaiters with red, the fashion the same as the company except the bandeau and hair, which are to be blue, and hangers with white leather belts."
Oct. 1. The corps attended in citizens' dress the funeral of Mr. Nathaniel Ropes.
May 8, 1812. Mr. Abel Lawrence was chosen Ensign. July 4. Ordered to appear in uniform complete for escort duty.
THOMAS SMITH, O. S.
July 7. "Under escort of that elegant and highly dis- ciplined corps, the Salem Light Infantry , commanded by Capt. James Charles King, the Federalists celebrated the day July 4." The Salem Artillery fired a salute. Toast to the Salem Light Infantry : "Ever ready by the bayo- net to repel invasion, and by vote oppressive rulers." Three guns and S. L. I. march.
July 23. "Yesterday morning Capt. King at the head of his company of Light Infantry, marched out of town by way of Beverly bridge, preceded by pioneers with their axes, saws, etc., accompanied with their baggage wagon. We understand their purpose is to spend some days and nights on the tented field, to inure themselves in some de- gree to those severities which they may have to endure in the performance of services to which they may be called by their country. The commander-in-chief, could he have had an opportunity, could not fail to view this beautiful and well exercised corps with pride and pleasure."
Aug. 19. "The Boston Light Infantry under command
11
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1812.
of Capt. Sargent visited Salem, marching from Boston and camping at Lynn en route. The corps was entertained by Capt. King of the S. L. I."
Aug. 28. "Yesterday afternoon that pride of Federal- ism and Soldiership, the Salem Light Infantry, marched out of town for a campaign of a few days. They expected to pitch tents last night at Chelsea and to-day march to Boston. They will return to Salem Saturday. They numbered upwards of seventy. Their appearance was very martial and splendid."-Salem Gazette.
Sept. 1. "This excellent corps arrived in Boston on Friday and immediately paid military honors to the com- mander-in-chief, after which they encamped on the com- mon in a style of intelligence and precision which would have reflected credit on veterans. The corps went through a great variety of evolutions, marching and firing with the utmost exactness, and were received by the spontaneous plaudits of the spectators. In the afternoon the Boston Light Infantry, Capt. Sargent, paraded and invited their fellow-soldiers to a repast in a spacious marquee pitched in the centre of the mall on Fort Hill. His Excellency, the commander-in-chief, Lieut. Gov. Phillips, and officers of the Brigade attended. The Boston Light Infantry did guard duty." The Salem company marched to Lynn, thence to Salem. On reaching home the Infantry pitched their en- campment on the common and entertained their friends.
Sept. 18. Anniversary parade under Capt. King. The officers' marquee was pitched in the centre of Washington Square on this pleasing occasion where they received the congratulations of their friends with generous libations. In the evening the company with guests partook of an el- egant anniversary supper at the Hotel. Decorations about the hall bore the names of Washington, Hamilton, Pick- ering and Strong. Among the toasts was the following :
12
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1812-13.
"The Boston Light Infantry,-as well versed in the school of correct discipline as in the rites of hospitality."
Sept. 28. Court Martial in Salem for trial of Maj. Gen. Goodale. The S. L. I. did guard duty.
Oct. 3. The corps paraded. "Maj. Gen. Davis and the officers of the Court Martial accepted an invitation of Capt. King to take punch at his Marquec in Washington Square. At four o'clock this elegant corps received their guests and paid them the usual honors in a graceful and truly martial style. Later the corps escorted the officers of the Court to their quarters."
Feb. 12, 1813. Meeting of the company for important business at Wildes Tavern.
THOS. SMITH, O. S.
Feb. 22. At the Anniversary Meeting of the Wash- ington Fire Club, on the entrance of the officers of the Salem Light Infantry, the following toast was given : "The Militia of Mass. May this our engine, never be drawn from the circle of its usefulness by any foreign power." Music, Salem Light Infantry Grand March.
March 5. Meeting at Wildes Hotel.
JOSEPH PEABODY, jun., Sergeant.
March 30. Meeting called at "Stetson's."1
T. SMITH, O. S.
March. It was voted "That a committee be chosen to agree with some person or persons to furnish the company with boots, the length of the boots to be ten inches." April 13. Among other votes, one was as follows : "Voted that each member clean his own musket."
April 20. A Division Court Martial was held at the
1 Essex Coffee House, kept then by Prince Stetson, father of the late Charles A. Stetson of Astor House fame.
13
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1813.
Court House in Salem for the trial of Capt. Ebenezer Bowditch of the Salem Cadets. A detachment of the In- fantry, under a sergeant, did guard duty.
(Capt. Bowditch was acquitted of all charges and the Court dissolved. )
June 15. "On Tuesday last the military company, whose distinguished discipline and elegant appearance we have often had occasion to notice with admiration, marched out of town attended by their baggage wagon and as completely equipped with everything necessary to keep the field as any corps in actual service.
On Tuesday evening they encamped at Wenham, on Wednesday marched through Hamilton, Ipswich and Row- ley camping for the night at Newbury. On Thursday, they marched into Newburyport where the corps received the most polite and gratifying attentions from the military and citizens of the town.
Thursday evening the Infantry returning marched to Newbury where they passed the night. On Friday night the corps camped at Topsfield receiving the hospitality of a former townsman, Capt. Thomas Perkins. Saturday the company marched to Salem, arriving about three o'clock, and after performing a variety of marchings and evolutions with unabated alacrity they were dismissed at six o'clock."
July 5. " Attention, Light Infantry ! The Salem Light Infantry will parade in Chestnut street this morn- ing at ten o'clock in uniform with arms, boxes and belts, for the purpose of performing escort duty.
By order of the commandant,
T. SMITH, O. S."
"The federal citizens joined in procession at the Court House, and were escorted by Capt. King's Light Infan- try, under a salute from Capt. Peabody's Artillery, to
14
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1813.
the church in North street where divine service was per- formed by the Rev. Dr. Prince, and an oration was deliv- ered by Benj. R. Nichols, Esq."
July 16. " On Tuesday last the corps was under arms for the day, the fine weather of which heightened the splen- dor of their appearance. They marched out of town in the forenoon with their baggage, etc., dined in a pine grove on that romantic height which overlooks Spring Pond. Their return at sun-setting was greeted by their fellow citizens in Court street with repeated and hearty cheers, and they were dismissed after performing some street fir- ings and other evolutions ina style not heretofore surpassed even by themselves."
Aug. 23. The Salem Light Infantry, Capt. King, per- formed escort duty at the funeral solemnities of Capt. James C. Lawrence and Lieut. Augustus C. Ludlow, in Salem, minute guns being fired by the Salem Artillery during the ceremonies.
Sept. 17. "On Tuesday last the Salem Light Infantry commanded by Capt. King paraded in celebration of their eighth anniversary. We have ever noticed with much pleasure the high interest which the public appearance of this most respectable military body has generally excited, because we are convinced that to the excellent model of discipline by them exhibited and to a spirit of emulation excited by their performance must be attributed the im- provement so visible in the appearance and discipline of many companies of our regiment."
"Among the guests of the Infantry were Com. Bain- bridge and Capt. Blakely of the Navy, Capt. Derby, Col. Sargent of the Boston Light Infantry, Maj. Saunders and others. The guests were received and entertained at Capt. King's marquee on Washington Square. An elegant din- ner was served at Hamilton Hall. [Here followed a long
15
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1813-1814.
description of the dinner and the hall decorations which were very elaborate, also a list of the toasts and speeches. ] After the toast 'The American Navy' and during the mu- sic which followed, an American Ensign which had been suspended as a curtain before a recess at the foot of the table was withdrawn, and a ship of war of twenty-four guns was discovered under an elegant arch, and a federal salute fired from her in a very spirited and seamanlike style. After the salute an excellent parody on the cele- brated song 'The Watery God,' celebrating the exploits of our navy, was sung with great effect by a gentleman of the company."
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