USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Salem > History of the Salem Light Infantry from 1805-1890 > Part 10
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ARTICLE XIII.
If any member shall appear at any meeting of the company for the purpose of exercising, deficient in the arms and accoutrements which the commanding officer may have ordered, without a sufficient excuse to satisfy said officer, he shall be fined fifty cents - and for total ab- sence from said meeting, fifty cents.
ARTICLE XIV.
It shall be the duty of the first sergeant to form the corps at all public meetings, and call the roll in half an hour at farthest after the time appointed for meeting; to provide the music on all occasions when required by the commanding officer, also to see that all the mem- bers are properly equipped and uniformed when on parade.
ARTICLE XV.
New members, and those deficient in discipline, may be placed by the commandant under the instruction of a sergeant, whose duty it
126 RULES AND REGULATIONS OF SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY.
shall be to prepare them for the ranks; and no such member shall ap- pear in the ranks without permission from the commandant.
ARTICLE XVI.
If any member wishes to be dismissed from the company, he shall take the same steps as in becoming a member, and on approbation of the standing committee and commissioned officers, the commandant shall take the legal methods for granting him an honorable discharge.
ARTICLE XVII.
At the special meetings of the company, the highest officer present shall preside, and strict obedience shall be paid to his commands, as well in these meetings as on public parade days; and the members of this company do pledge themselves to support their officers in the dis- charge of their duty on all occasions, and to discountenance any im- proper conduct that any member may discover towards either of them.
ARTICLE XVIII.
If any member of this company be removed by death, it shall be discretionary with the commissioned officers to direct in what manner his funeral shall be attended by the company.
ARTICLE XIX.
If any member shall be guilty of gross, disorderly conduct at any meeting of the company and thereby render himself an unworthy member, it shall be the duty of the standing committee to notice the same, and make complaint thereof to the commandant in writing, who shall thereupon issue his orders to the Clerk to call a special meeting of the company, giving ten days' notice, and at the same time to furnish the member complained of with a copy of the charges exhibited against him, and the time of meeting, that he may thereby have an opportu- nity to appear and answer thereto; and the company present shall take such order thereon as they may see fit.
ARTICLE XX.
Any member refusing to pay his fine or assessment, when called upon by the clerk, shall, upon complaint being made to the command- ant, be called upon to discharge the demand. If he still neglects and refuses to pay the same, he shall be reported to the company as an unworthy member, and shall be dealt with as on consideration a majority of them shall direct.
ARTICLE XXI.
All expenses of a public dinner shall be discharged by the members dining only, and shall be assessed and collected by the committee pro- viding the same.
ARTICLE XXII.
All fines accrning by virtue of law or these regulations, shall be for the sole use of the company ; and it shall be the duty of the clerk to collect the same, and pay them over to the treasurer, taking his receipt therefor.
127
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY STANDARD, 1837.
"In the centre of one side is a statue of Washington, "Pater Patria," whose character Minerva is presenting to two boys as an example of imitation.
An eagle at the base of the pedestal displays this motto "E Pluribus Unum." In the distance is seen a marquee from which the American flag is floating, and Bunker Hill with its monument. Beneath is "Sa- lem Light Infantry, Ist Reg. Ist Brig. 2nd Div. Presented Oct. 27, 1829. Above is a banner on which is inscribed "76" surrounded by the mot- toes "Sub Hoc Signo Vinces" and "Nec Aspera Terrens." On the other side is an Indian with his bow and arrows, encircled by the mot- toes "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietam." Above this is an arm clad in mail, wielding a falchion; the motto "Cassis Tutissima Fides." At the bottom is the date of the institution of the company."
MUSICIANS OF THIE S. L. I., 1805 TO 1834.
FIFERS.
Timothy Chamberlain
1805
Joseph Spaulding 1817
Joseph Warner
Thomas T. Edgerly
George Porter
1806
Jonathan Edwards
I818
Barker Turner
1807
Edmund Woodbury
1830
Henry Hubon
1809
Josiah Smith
Benjamin Horton
1814
DRUMMERS.
Jonathan Deland
1805
George Estes
1830
Thomas Hans
1806
John Jamieson
occasionally
Elias Cabot
1808 Daniel Simpson of Boston
Joseph Dalton
1810 Jonathan Brown of Marble-
Andrew Slueman
occasionally head
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF SALEM ZOUAVES, APRIL, 1861.
Arthur F. Devereux, Capt.
Wm. F. Chapple.
Wm. H. Claflin.
George F. Austin, 1st Lieut.
Leonard D. Cobb.
Ethan A. P. Brewster, 2d Lieut. Geo. D. Putnam, 3d Lieut.
Edw. O. Crowninshield.
Charles U. Devereux, 1st Sergt.
Simon O. Dalrymple.
George W. Batchelder, 2d Sergt. George C. Gray, 3d Sergt.
Putnam T. Derby.
Chas. S. Emmerton, 4th Sergt. A. A. Evans.
Chas. A. R. Dimon.
Chas. F. Williams, jr., Corp'Is.
John P. Reynolds, jr., S
Geo. N. Archer.
Chas. J. Batchelder.
Wm. T. Fowler. Henry A. Hale. Edw. A. Hall.
Albert W. Brown.
Elbridge K. Browne.
Harvey S. Hall.
Daniel Bruce, jr.
Abijah F. Hitchings.
Wm. A. Hill.
John W. Carlton.
John F. Devereux.
Albert C. Douglas.
Wm. R. Driver. Joseph W. Field.
Joseph H. Brooks.
Charles A. Dearborn, jr.
128
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
John Hodges, jr.
Moses Shackley.
Frank C. Howard.
Albert P. Smith.
David G. Lake.
Frederic W. Smith.
John R. Lakeman.
Samuel H. Smith.
Albert H. Lewis.
Edward P. Stevens.
Charles P. Luscomb.
Geo. O. Stevens. Edward S. Stimpson.
Convers Moody. James W. Nichols.
Alonzo Sweetland.
Edward T. Osgood.
Henry Symonds.
Wm. L. Palmer.
Albert Thorndike.
Jos. A. Perkins.
Wm. B. Upton.
Frank Plummer.
J. Langdon Ward. Sullivan T. Wiley.
Robt. W. Reeves.
Wm. F. Wiley.
J. Perrin Ross.
Chas. E. Whittredge.
Wm. H. Ross.
Alfred Tyler.
Cyrus P. Shaw.
[Synopsis of the Three Months' Campaign of the Salem Light Infantry, con- densed from the history of the "Salem Zouaves," now ready for publication, by the author, Capt. J. P. Reynolds.]
In 1861 the Salem Light Infantry, Company A, Seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, which had for a year under its Cap- tain, Arthur F. Devereux, been drilling in the zouave and light infan- try movements, had reached a high state of efficiency, far ahead of that of any organization in the militia of the state; the work receiv- ing an additional stimulus from the visit of Ellsworth's Chicago Zou- aves while on their celebrated champion drill tour in the principal east- ern cities, in the summer of 1860, and whom through the efforts of Mr. David Moore and other friends, the Infantry were enabled to invite and entertain in Salem.
In order to carry on this work, a most rigid set of by-laws had been enacted, in order to compel attendance at drills, for Captain Devcreux had said on taking command in Feb., 1860, " there is a company in Chicago which challenges the world in military drill, and if you will give me your time and attention for six months, two evenings a week, I will guarantee that you can accept this challenge."
Various expedients were resorted to to raise the means to enable the company to be self-supporting. To this end amateur theatricals took place in the armory, the members building their own stage, and also furnishing the talent. These performances werc attended by the best of audiences, and were a financial success.
During the excitement which followed the election of Abraham Lin- coln, the secession one after another of the southern states from the Union and the doubt which everywhere existed as to the country's political future, the Infantry kept on hard at work in their drill. On Tuesday evening, April 9, 1861, a public exhibition was given in the old Mechanic Hall, in presence of Governor Andrew and other invited guests, and for the first time it was realized what the Salem Light In- fantry had accomplished.
The Governor made a specch complimenting the corps, to which Captain Devereux responded. A number of dances followed, the lady
Geo. W. Luscomb.
Charles H. Mansfield.
Wm. R. Swasey.
Geo. B. Symonds.
Edw. F. Pratt.
129
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
friends who occupied the gallery gracing the floor with their pres- ence.
Events followed rapidly. On receipt of the news of the firing upon Fort Sumpter, the 12th of April, public excitement knew no bounds. Captain Devereux at once tendered his company for any service, which was accepted, and on the 17th he received marching orders, being assigned to the 8th Mass. Regiment, as the " right flank company of skirmishers," with orders to report with this regiment, at Boston.
In obedience to this order the company assembled at its armory, on the morning of the 18th inst., together with thirty new recruits which under a suspension of the rules had been voted in the evening before. It was a momentous occasion. The armory was crowded with friends and public officials. His Honor Mayor Stephen P. Webb addressed the company, as did also General Geo. H. Devereux, father of the cap- tain, and a most impressive prayer was made by the Rev. George D. Wildes of Grace Church. Much emotion was exhibited as the company filed out the armory " off for the seat of war."
A squad of the Salem Cadets, under First Sergeant John C. Chad- wick, some twenty in number, had reported for duty, and stood in waiting and subsequently escorted the Infantry to Boston. A hand- some compliment, never forgotten.
On the streets, the crowds were immense, and the depot was packed with men, women and children. The train came slowly through the mass of people, and the company with difficulty filed aboard. Shouts, huzzas, and cheers from some, and the quiet, soul-felt, tearful good- byes from others, followed the company as the train rolled out of the depot. Arriving in Boston the company reported at the State House, where overcoats and knapsacks were issued, the Rev. Mr. Wildes, who accompanied them, giving many valuable hints, gathered from his ex- perience abroad among the scenes of the Crimean war.
An exhibition drill was given in the Doric Hall, of " great precision and exactness." The crowd in attendance gave three cheers for the " Salem Zonaves," which was the first time this appellation was applied to the Salem Light Infantry, and this title clung to them through the three months' campaign.
The company then marched to Fanenil Hall and reported for duty with the Eighth Regiment. Later in the day the regiment marched to the State House, where a flag was presented, and an address made by Governor Andrew, which was responded to by Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler, who had been ordered to accompany the Eighth Regiment in its move- ments.
At five o'clock the same afternoon, the regiment embarked at the Worcester depot, for Washington. The same exciting scenes were enacted all along the line of march. The streets were crammed with people who yelled themselves hoarse, and when the train started, a volcano of applanse and shouts burst forth, and the air was filled with waving hats and handkerchiefs.
At Worcester and Springfield, the same clamor from enthusiastic people greeted the arrival, and followed the departure of the train. At the latter place the Allen Guards of Pittsfield, Capt. Henry S. Briggs boarded the cars, having been assigned as the " left flank company," making ten companies, and the regimental complement.
The next morning, in a chilly fog, the regiment disembarked from the N. Y., N. H. and Harlem R. R. Depot at Fourth Avenue and Twenty- Sixth street, and marched to the Astor House where breakfast was
17
130
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
served, and later in the forenoon took the cars at Jersey City via the Camden and Amboy route, arriving at Camden at about five P. M. Va- rious rumors had passed through the train en route, and ammunition was distributed. Arriving by ferry on the Philadelphia side at six P. M., the scene beggared description. News had been received of the firing on the Sixth, by the mob, in Baltimore. The crowd was so intense that it was impossible to march, and the regiment wound its snake- like course to the unoccupied Girard House, where it was quartered for the night.
The companies in turn were marched to the " Continental " opposite for supper, each man being literally "waited on by inches." Nothing was too good for then.
At two o'clock in the morning, the company left its quarters, and marched double quick to the Philadelphia. Wilmington and Baltimore Depot on Broad street, under orders to proceed to Perryville and seize the steamer "Maryland " for the use of the regiment, it having been decided during the night to proceed to Annapolis, make aforced march to the Annapolis junction, thence to Washington, thus avoiding Balti- more altogether. The company awaited aboard the cars until elevenl o'clock the next forenoon, when the balance of the regiment joined them.
The delay was occasioned by a conference with Colonel Lefferts of the New York Seventh, which regiment had arrived during the night. Colonel Lefferts declined to march under orders of General Butler, and left the train with his regiment, and embarked from Philadelphia by water.
At eleven o'clock, the Eighth regiment proceeded alone. The train moved cautiously, rumors gathering at every stop. The general tenor of these reports were such that the muskets were ordered to be loaded. Arriving at about half a mile from Perryville, the train came to a full stop. The company at once disembarked, formed company front across the track, and without waiting for the balance of the regiment, proceeded double quick towards the ferry. No opposition was offered from the small body of citizens in the vicinity, and the boat was at once taken possession of, the regiment subsequently following.
At about six o'clock the " Maryland " steamed out from her slip, di- recting her course to Annapolis.
The next morning, Sunday the 21st, when the reveille sounded, the regiment turned out to find the " Maryland " at anchor off the Naval Academy. The frigate " Constitution " lay in the distance off shore, connected by a foot bridge with the Academy, where she was in use as a school ship. Her guns protruded from her port holes, Commander Blake expecting a posse of "Baltimore roughs," and suspecting that they might be on board the " Maryland," Lieutenant Matthews of tlie Constitution was sent in a small boat to board the steamer and investi- gate. Signalling that everything was all right, the Maryland was al- lowed to come alongside.
Immediately preparations were begun for removing the frigate. A portion of her guns were hoisted aboard the " Maryland " to lighten her, and enable her to be towed over the bar. The company were put aboard of her, with the Allen Guards and a corps of Sappers and Miners detailed from the other companies of the regiment, the latter under command of Lieutenant Thos. H. Berry of Co. "D" (Lynn Light Infantry) and who together performed this work tugging with a will at the capstan bars. The detachment was commanded by Capt.
131
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
Devereux with Lient. Putnam as Adjutant. Later in the day the "Maryland " started with the frigate in tow, and grounded as was feared. Kedging her proved of no avail, and the "Maryland" cast off, steamned away a short distance and herself ran aground. A train of coal cars standing on her upper deck when seized were one after the other run off' into the water, but all to no purpose.
The regiment was now divided, and in this situation preparations were made to pass the night and await events and the tide. An alarm was cansed during the night by the approach of a light, which proved to be the " Boston" from Philadelphia, with the New York Seventh aboard, which came to anchor near the frigate. The next morning she lent her assistance to the frigate, in an attempt to haul her off, but the tide floated both the "Maryland" and "Constitution," the for- mer coming again to the latter's aid.
The guns were retaken aboard the frigate from the "Maryland," re- placed on their carriages, and at night the "Maryland" with the Eighth Massachusetts, and the Boston with the Seventh New York, landed both regiments ashore at Annapolis, leaving the " Zouaves," Allen Guards and Sappers and Miners aboard the "Constitution."
The last two days had been of great hardship and the two that fol- lowed, while waiting at anchor a tow from New York which had been sent for. The Commissary Department was almost an unknown quan- tity, and did not keep pace with the movements. Little or no food, no water save what the rusty tanks of the ship contained, while the new and hard work of hoisting with the capstans, told upon the boys, and already a number were on the sick list. An indignation meeting was held, and complaint formally put forth, with the promise of " grub " at the earliest possible moment, and facilities for cooking, when the ship's galley which had been sent for could be got aboard.
In due time the promise was fulfilled, and the time was spent aboard ship in drills and the rontine called for by the " Regulations."
On Thursday, the 25th, one hundred and forty midshipmen from the Academy came aboard, and the next day the Allen Guards were ordered ashore. The same day the steamer R. R. Cuyler arrived from New York, run out two large hawsers which were made fast to the frigate, and by noon she was under tow for the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where at twelve o'clock on Monday the 20th she dropped anchor with a splash of apparent satisfaction, out of harm's way.
A week in New York awaiting orders followed, during which time all manner of attentions were shown the company by its citizens. The exhibition drills which were frequently given at different places were always received with demonstrations of applause. The company were quartered at the Astor, whose proprietor, Mr. Charles A. Stetson, an old member of the Infantry, was unremitting in his endeavors for their comfort and welfare. Mr. Wm. R. L. Ward, another old member, was also not only solicitons and attentive but most generous and liberal, advancing money to the amount of one thousand dollars for the com- pany's use. To him we were indebted for the haversacks, canteens and rubber blankets issued while in New York, and for a magnificent banquet tendered the company at his residence on West Twenty-sixth street. Mr. George Savory, another old member, also did much for the company during its stay in the metropolis.
On Saturday, May 4th, the company embarked on the steamer Ro- anoke, under orders to rejoin the regiment at Washington, arriving at the Navy Yard on Tuesday afternoon, being the first troops to reach
132
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
Washington by water. The next morning the company marched to the Capitol, reported to the regimental commander, and were quartered with the regiment in the representative or south wing.
While here the company was distinguished by an order, detailing a portion of its members as drill masters "to drill the other companies of the regiment in Hardee's Tactics," which were then being adopted for the service by the government, and which the company had been drilling in for more than a year. The routine of military duty, with daily drills was kept up with ample opportunity between for sight see- ing, until the 14th of May, when the regiment was removed to the Relay House to take the place of the Eighth New York, and brigaded with the Sixth Massachusetts and Cook's Boston Light Artillery, the post being known as Camp Essex. It was an important post, being the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio, one fork of the " Y " leading to Washington, and the other to Harper's Ferry, the latter place being in possession of the "Secessionists."
Picket duty at night fell often to the company, which was marched from camp and distributed along the Harper's Ferry road, and with- drawn again in the morning.
The regiment being established in camp, the " Regulations " were adhered to. Daily calls were beaten for reveille, "peas on a trencher," guard mounting, the assembly, recall from drill, "roast beef," " to the color," retreat, supper, tattoo and taps. The Sunday morning inspec- tion, with the cleaning up process beforehand, so important a part of the soldier's trade, was also as " religiously " adhered to, as the divine service which invariably followed.
On the 18th, the regiment was, for the first time,"formally mustered into the U. S. service for three months, dating from the 30th of April, the company being designated as Co. " J."
Frequent alarms occurred at night, when the cry of "Baltimore " would ring from sentry to sentry on the stillness of the night, and the whole regiment would soon be in line under arms awaiting the result. The cause would generally be found that a sentinel had fired at a rail- road smith, pig, or some other equally ridiculous act, many such being incident to the early days of the war.
On the 24th, news was received of the death of Colonel Ellsworth at Alexandria. The circumstance was of general interest resulting in orders for three days rations to be cooked, and the troops in the vi- cinity were ordered to be in readiness to move at a moment's notice. To Captain Devereux, and the company under his command, it was particularly affecting, as a personal friend, as well as a gallant officer, had been suddenly stricken down, and his military career of such bril- liant promise, nipped in the bud. The next day the entire regiment turned out with colors draped to salute the funeral train as it sped by the camp with the body of Ellsworth en route to his home for burial.
On the 29th the company left camp, with Capt. Knott V. Martin's company on an expedition to intercept munitions of war, said to be passing over the turnpike, from Baltimore to the rebels at Harper's Ferry, which resulted in a "tempest in a teapot."
Lieutenant Putnam remained in camp with such men as were left behind, and as was expected, the company were detailed that night for picket. Being absent from camp, Captain Devereux could not execute the detail, but Putnam was equal to the emergency, and went on picket with such men as could be mustered, which for the time screened the company's absence, which it must be understood was without orders,
133
SKETCH OF SALEM ZOUAVES.
though on a very laudable errand. For some reason the usual after- noon train from Harper's Ferry was overdue and the rumor was cur- rent that an attempt was to be made to capture the battery at the junction. When the train hove in sight it was signalled, but as no no- tice was taken of it, Lieutenant Putnam gave orders to fire over it to stop it and prevent running on to the barricade, which he had pre- viously caused to be placed on the track. One shot entered a car, hap- pily injuring no one, but the affair was reported to headquarters. An investigation followed in which the lieutenant was exonerated, but which disclosed the absence of Captains Devereux and Martin with their companies from camp. Thus upon the return of these compa- nies the next morning, both captains were placed in arrest by order of the Brigade Commander, Colonel Jones.
The company grew indignant and deposited their arms in front of Colonel Hinks' tent, where the two captains' swords hung decorated with flowers. They were soon retaken however, and the Brigade Commander was hung in effigy and subsequently "burned at the stake" in the centre of a big camp fire, in presence of a large majority of the brigade.
A second investigation was had into the circumstances of these com- mands, leaving camp on such an expedition, and the captains were re- leased from arrest and restored to duty by order of Lieut. Gen. Win- field Scott.
While at Camp Essex the company was visited at different times, by many Salem friends, including Gen. Geo. H. Devereux, Mrs. Dever- eux, wife of the captain, the Rev. Mr. Wildes, Mr. Win. Silver, Mr. James A. Gillis, Mr. Geo. R. Curwen, Mr. Frank Lee, Mr. Geo. B. Phippen, Mr. Charles H. Bates, Mr. Mark Lowd, Mr. Charles Odell, Mr. Daniel H. Johnson, jr. (who donned a uniform and went on parade) and many others. Mr. Wm. T. Fowler also joined the company here as a recruit.
A grey uniform, similar in style to the blue one, now worn out, was also received at this camp, which was forwarded by friends of the company, and served admirably as a working suit. The havelock also made its appearance at the same time, but was short-lived.
Bathing excursions by squads off duty, were of daily occurrence, which were a relief from the excessive heat, and many a swim in the Patapsco river was indulged in.
The 17th of June was duly celebrated by the firing of thirteen vol- leys by the entire regiment, which re-echoed among the surrounding hills on Maryland soil, the glory of the battle of Bunker Hill.
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