USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Salem > History of the Salem Light Infantry from 1805-1890 > Part 4
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Wednesday, Oct. 25, was the day of the celebration in Boston on the introduction of Cochituate water into the city. Great preparations were made for it. Many mili- tary and civic organizations were present. The East India Marine Society of Salem took part in the ceremonies, and the society was escorted to the line in the procession by the Infantry, under Capt. Peabody. After the procession was dismissed the S. L. I. were entertained by the Boston Light Infantry ("the Tigers "). The Infantry were ac- companied by the Salem Brass Band and returned to Salem late in the evening.
May 30, 1849. Annual May training. The S. L. I. paraded and passed the day in Wenham.
July 19. The S. L. I., Capt. Peabody, left Salem for a three days' campaign to Amesbury. The Salem Brass Band accompanied the corps. On this occasion the company wore the "Old Helmet." A correspondent says of this parade, "The helmet's re-appearance gave great pleasure to the friends and past members of the company, many of whom insist this is the first appearance of the In- fantry in proper shape and with its own identity since the helmet cap was laid aside." On the return of the com- pany from Amesbury they were received by the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry, Capt. Saunders, and escorted to
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1849-1851.
the Mansion House, where a collation was spread. The Adjutant General, Gen. Sutton's staff and other military men were present. The Helmet Quick Step was played by the band for the first time at this parade.
Aug. 31. Fall muster was observed continuing the fol- lowing day at North Danvers, the S. L. I. taking part. On the arrival in Salem of the Lawrence Light Infantry, Capt. Samuel C. Oliver (an Infantryman ), they were re- ceived by the Infantry, Capt. Peabody.
Nov. 15. Resolutions of condolence were passed on the death, in California, of an active and much loved member of the corps, James Wellington.
May 29, 1850. The annual May training occurred. The S. L. I., under Lieut. R. D. Rogers, paraded for drill and inspection. The day was passed in Danvers.
June 19. The S. L. I. took part in the escort at the celebration of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The corps were accompanied by Jerome Smith's Salem Band, and ap- peared with full ranks.
July 4. Escort in Salem to the civic procession.
July 18. Funeral ceremonies in commemoration of the death of President Zachary Taylor were observed in Sa- lem. There was a procession escorted by a large body of military under command of Maj. Gen. Wm. Sutton, the Infantry under command of Lieut. Rogers, joining. Hon. Charles W. Upham delivered the eulogy.
Sept. 9. Wm. C. Endicott elected Captain vice S. E. Peabody resigned.
Oct. 2. Fall muster was held on Salem common, the regiment being under command of Col. Jos. Andrews. In discipline and drill the first award was to the Lawrence Light Infantry, Capt. S. C. Oliver, the second to the Sa- lem Light Infantry, Capt. Wm. C. Endicott.
Feb. 20, 1851. The company held a reunion of the past
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1851-1852.
and active members at the armory, Phoenix Hall, in Central St. The armory had recently been improved and reno- vated, anterooms and other conveniences arranged ; and the rooms were thrown open to the inspection of friends of the corps. A supper was provided at which speeches were made by Adj. Gen. Devereux, Col. Andrews, Mayor Sils- bee, Capt. Endicott and others.
May 28. May training and inspection ; the company drilled in South Salem and marched to South Danvers where they dined.
July 17. The Boston Cadets, Lieut. Col. Amory, visited Salem and were received by the Salem Light Infantry, Capt. Endicott, at the Eastern station and escorted to the encampment of the Salem Light Infantry on Salem com- mon, where an entertainment was provided. The Salem Artillery fired a salute in honor of the guests. In the af- ternoon the Cadets were escorted to Phillips wharf where they embarked for Nahant by steamer. The Boston Brigade Band and the Salem Brass Band furnished the best of music.
Oct. 15. Sergt. George W. Glover was buried under arms by the Infantry in uniform.
Feb. 13, 1852. A notice appears for a meeting of spe- cial importance, and past as well as present members of the corps are urgently invited to attend. The notice is signed by C. F. Bennett, Lieut. Comd'g, N. D. Silsbee, Clerk.
The status of the company at this time appears to have been at a low standard for the following vote was passed at this meeting. "Voted, That the commander be requested to take the steps necessary for disbanding the company if, before Saturday the 28th instant, the committee appointed for the purpose do not obtain a sufficient number of re- cruits to allow of a continuance of the organization on a
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1852.
proper basis ; and that this meeting adjourn to the above named evening, when the question of disbanding, or con- tinuing the corps will be finally decided."
A notice of the vote in the Gazette says : "The Salem Light Infantry has become from its age one of our institu- tions and it will indeed be a pity if it should be suffered to become extinct. But we are confident that this will not be permitted."
March 2. The Gazette says "Many of our citizens will be gratified to learn that the efforts to reinvigorate the Salem Light Infantry have been successful and that there is now the best reason to hope for its continued prosperity."
March 9. In the Salem Gazette, appears a communica- tion signed "Veteran" the tone of which is an energetic appeal to the young men of Salem to sustain in proper spirit the Salem Light Infantry in its attempt to put the corps on a substantial basis.
April 2. Samuel A. Safford was elected Captain and S. Endicott Peabody, First Lieutenant. At a later meeting Nehemiah Brown, jr., was elected Second Lieutenant, James A. Farless, Third Lieutenant and Edward H. Fol- mar, Fourth Lieutenant.
At the annual May inspection this year the Infantry ap- peared under Capt. Safford. A notice of the military on that day says : "We were particularly gratified with the appearance of the Salem Light Infantry, with numbers, spirit and discipline worthy of their best days. The com- pany spent the afternoon drilling at Cold Spring."
July 4. By invitation of the city of New Bedford the Infantry visited that city to act as escort to the civic pro- cession. The company numbered fifty, not including a color guard which was composed of volunteers from the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry. An honorary staff con- sisted of Maj. Benjamin Barstow, Aug. Perkins, Esq.,
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1852.
Dr. Wm. Henry Prince and Dr. B. de Gersdorff. The Infantry bivouacked at night in the City Hall, and during their stay at New Bedford were the recipients of many at- tentions, and a profuse hospitality from the citizens.
July 5. The corps returned home through Boston. Din- ner was served at the Essex House in Salem, a dress pa- rade closed the tour of duty. The Salem Brass Band ac- companied the Infantry. The Boston Journal refers to the march through Boston in most complimentary terms. 4 At this parade there were no less than six past captains in the ranks, among them Gen. Geo. H. Devereux.
Ang. 12. Under "Special order No. 30, from Headquar- ters" Companies A (Salem Light Infantry ) and B ( Salem Mechanic Light Infantry ) are transferred from the 6th to the 7th Regiment of Light Infantry, Col. Colburn."
Aug. 19. The Seventh Regiment went into camp for two days, Col. Colburn in command. The Salem Light Infantry under Capt. S. A. Safford were on the field in good numbers. The troops were reviewed by Gov. Bout- well, Gen. Sutton and Gen. Andrews.
Oct. 5 was the forty-seventh anniversary of the forma- tion of the Salem Light Infantry, and the Providence Light Infantry, Col. W. W. Brown in command, were the guests of the Salem Light Infantry, Capt. S. A. Safford. The Providence corps was received at noon at the South Reading station and escorted to the Infantry encampment on the common, where they were greeted with a salute of artillery. In the afternoon the encampment was visited by large numbers of the ladies and gentlemen of Salem, and many military officers were present. In the evening the two companies marched to Hamilton Hall amid a blaze of fireworks and colored fire, and attended by a vast throng of spectators. An old time banquet was spread at the Hall. Among the distinguished guests at the supper were
7
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1852-1853.
Lieut. Leverett Saltonstall of the New England Guards, Hon. C. W. Upham, Hon. John Appleton, M. C. from Maine, Gen. H. K. Oliver, Gen. Wm. Sutton, Gen. Jos.
Andrews, O. P. Lord and J. W. Perry, Esqs. The Providence Light Infantry, it will be remembered, was the company which marched up and took possession of "Gov. Dorr's cannon" at the time of the Dorr rebellion in Rhode Island. A notice of this occasion says : "The Salem Light Infantry never made a finer appearance. It is enough to say that even in comparison with their distinguished guests they suffered no disadvantage."
Feb. 24, 1853. A meeting of the company is called. Per order,
S. A. SAFFORD, Capt. Com. L. R. STONE, Clerk.
May 25. The annual "May training" was observed by the Infantry under Capt. Safford. The company appeared with full ranks, formed a dress parade in Central St., and after a march though the city dined at Infantry Hall (Phoenix building). The corps was accompanied by the Salem Brass Band.
June 21. In a communication in the Salem Gazette, signed " Past Member S. L. I.," we find the following : " This company formed, equipped and instructed, under their auspices, the first military band in Essex county if not in Massachusetts, Boston excepted. Soon after the organization of the corps in 1805 a number of persons aided by the friendship and liberality of some of our merchants organized a military band under the style of the "Brigade Band." They held warrants from the Brigadier General, paraded on muster days at the head of the brigade, always with the Salem Light Infantry, and to this corps and to no other were they attached. They met for practice in the
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SALEM LIGIIT INFANTRY, 1853.
old schoolhouse of Master Gray, in the building now stand- ing [this it must be remembered was in 1853] near the northern extremity of Washington St. near the Court House. Their pay was three dollars a day while on duty. Beyond this, the patronage of the public at that time would not have found a blind fiddler in tobacco, cat-gut and rosin, so that, for a series of years the whole expense was borne by the Salem Light Infantry. The band uniform was a red coat with green facings, white pants, with red stripe, black gaiters, side arms, and cocked hat with green plume. Later this was changed for a blue coat with red fac- ings. This band surrendered their warrants about 1820. This communication in the Gazette is full of interest to all Infantrymen and will well repay a perusal.
Aug. 5. The Salem Light Infantry under Lieut. N. Brown, jr., took part in a battalion drill at Lawrence.
Aug. 24, 25 and 26. The first division encampment and three days' muster of the state troops (second division) took place on Winter Island, Salem Neck, under Maj. Gen. Sutton. There were present thirty-nine companies- total number of officers, musicians and men about 2200.
The S. L. I. were in camp with other corps of Col. Col- burn's command.
Sept. 27-28. The Infantry under Capt. Safford visited Providence, R. I., as guests of the Providence Light Infan- try. The Salem Brass Band in attendance. The corps left Salem at 8 o'clock A. M. On arrival at Providence the Ma- rine artillery fired a salute of thirty-one guns. A collation followed at the armory of the P. L. I. ; later there was a march through the city, and visits to places of interest. At 8 o'clock P. M. the two companies sat down to a banquet at Westminster Hall, where an elaborate bill of fare was provided, and speech toast and sentiment were in order. Many distinguished military officers were present. The
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following morning Dr. T. Perkins Shepard (a native of Salem) gave a breakfast to the officers and staff. The S. L. I. formed a dress parade and under escort of the P. L. I. marched to the station. On arrival at Salem there was a collation at the Essex House, after which a march through the city and a dress parade in Central street closed the parade. The visit to Providence was a red-letter day in the history of the company. The staff was composed of Col. N. P. Colburn, Lieut. Col. F. O. Prince, S. G. Wheat- land, Esq., and J. W. Perry, Esq.
A Providence writer says of the S. L. I. :-
" Their marching, wheeling, and martial bearing, and their well-filled ranks were the theme of all praise, so that the superiority of either corps was suspended and the honors were divided between them. In marching, I believe your corps (the Salem Light Infantry ) bore away the palm.
There was no 'sawing the air' as Shakespeare has it, with the arms, but shoulder to shoulder they moved as one man."
Oct. 12. The non-commissioned officers and privates of the corps tendered to their commissioned officers a compli- mentary parade. The day was fine and the corps turned out in full numbers, marching from the armory under the orderly sergeant to the house of Capt. S. A. Safford on Chestnut street where the commissioned officers were as- sembled ; Capt. Safford assumed command, and after a dress parade and a march through the city, the corps proceeded to "Camp Safford" on Salem common, where a bountiful enter- tainment was spread in the various tents of the encampment. Large numbers of the lady and gentlemen friends of the company were present and the music from the band enliv- ened the occasion. At sunset, tents were struck, and with a large number of invited guests the column marched to Hamilton Hall for supper. "It was then fully dark and
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1853-1854.
the scene very brilliant as the cortege advanced with the inspiring music of Smith's Brass Band and under a blaze of fireworks which were let off continually by 'Infantry boys' before, behind, and all sides of the ranks."
At the supper, Capt. Wm. C. Endicott represented the non-commissioned officers and privates, and gave a most cordial welcome to Capt. Safford and the other commis- sioned officers, concluding with the toast, "Health, long life and prosperity to Capt. Safford and his officers." The toast was drunk standing, with twelve cheers. Capt. Saf- ford, as did the other officers, responded in appropriate speeches. Later in the evening Lieut. S. E. Peabody, in a most cordial speech, alluded to the estimation in which Capt. Safford was held by every officer and man in the corps, and their desire to give some substantial evidence of their appreciation of his services and of the esteem in which he was held, presented him with a set of silver plate, a richly chased pitcher, two goblets and a salver, each piece hav- ing engraved upon it the insignia of the infantry and an ap- propriate inscription. Capt. Safford replied tendering his thanks for the gift, and this proof of the kindly feeling of his command. There were many subsequent toasts, speeches and songs. Several distinguished guests were present including officers of the Providence Light In- fantry.
Dec. 23. The old officers resigning, the following persons were elected : James A. Farless, Captain ; Henry A. Brown, First Lieutenant ; John S. Jones, Second Lieuten- ant ; Geo. M. Whipple, Third Lieutenant, who declined promotion and Serg. Geo. C. Lee was elected ; Nathl. D. Silsbee, Fourth Lieutenant.
In the winter of 1854 the Salem Light Infantry held a series of assemblies at Hamilton Hall, which were well at- tended. Members of the corps and military guests ap- peared in uniform.
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1854-1855.
May 16, 1854. The corps made an evening parade for drill under Capt. Farless, with eighty-four muskets and ac- companied by the Salem Brass Band.
At the annual May parade, the company appeared with fifty muskets and the old helmets, drilling in company and battalion movements and dining at "Simonds " in South Danvers.
June. Wm. A. Brooks was elected Clerk.
Aug. 23, 24 and 25. Fall muster and the three days' encampment of the state troops, second division, Gen. Sut- ton in command, took place on Winter Island. The Sa- lem Light Infantry, Company A, Capt. Farless, were in camp in good numbers.
Oct. 27. Stephen W. Mansfield was elected Clerk.
Nov. 2. The forty-ninth anniversary of the corps was celebrated. The Salem Brass Band accompanied them and the day was bright and fair. A new American flag was presented to the company by the officers before leaving the armory. After a march through the city the corps held a reception on the common and entertained in old-time style their many friends. In the evening there was a supper at the Essex House.
During the season of 1854-55 the company gave a series of assemblies at Hamilton Hall.
May 29, 1855. May inspection and drill occurred ; pa- raded with forty-seven muskets, and exercised in the new " Chasseurs de Vincennes " drill on Broad street, at noon taking a collation at the residence of Lieut. John S. Jones at his invitation. Later the company marched to South Danvers for dinner.
Sept. 7. A writer in the Salem Gazette says :-
" During the war of 1812, the Salem Light Infantry was considered one of the best disciplined volunteer corps in the United States, and on night alarms at that period never failed to bring out a hundred men under arms including
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1855.
some forty artillerists with two field pieces. They had also a fine band organized by themselves and led by the well remembered John Hart. They were the first volunteer company in the state properly fitted with tents and camp equipage. They were purchased from a British prize brought into Salem and laden with munitions of war."
Tuesday, Oct. 9, was the fiftieth anniversary of the company and extensive preparations were made to celebrate it. The active company under Capt. Farless, seventy-five rank and file, appeared promptly at 9 o'clock A. M. and per- formed the morning parade on Central street, attended by the Salem Brass Band and the Boston Brigade Band con- solidated under the leadership of the noted band master P. S. Gilmore. A march through the city followed, halts being made at the residences of Michael Shepard and George Peabody, the bands playing "Auld Lang Syne."
At the house of Nathl. Silsbee a collation was tendered, after which the company drilled on the common. In the afternoon the " Old guard," composed entirely of veteran members, paraded, officered by Edward Lander, Col- onel ; Joseph Cloutman, Lieutenant Colonel ; George Pea- body, Major; H. K. Oliver, Adjutant ; Joseph Farnum, jr., Quartermaster ; John Day, Paymaster; William H. Prince, Surgeon ; B. de Gersdorff, Assistant Surgeon ; Geo. H. Devereux, S. A. Safford, Richard West and S. E. Pea- body, Captains ; W. C. Endicott, N. J. Lord, Joseph An- drews, Richard D. Rogers, Lieutenants ; S. R. Hodges, Ensign. The number of men under arms was one hundred and eighteen. "There were whole sections of men over six feet in height, and an amplitude of breadth and girth which does not belong to younger men." After forming parade the veterans marched to the residence of Col. Lander where they received their standard, thence to the common where they were saluted and received by the active com-
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1855.
pany, and an artillery salute of fifty guns. Later both com- panies made a tour of the city; returning to the common, refreshments were served in the encampment. During the afternoon the " actives" were reviewed by Col. Lander and his officers. At dusk the evening parade was performed amid a blaze of fireworks, and in the presence of an im- mense concourse of spectators. In the evening both or- ganizations took supper, which was most elaborately pre- pared, at Hamilton Hall. There were many distinguished guests present. Capt. Farless welcomed the veterans and guests in an appropriate manner. Col. Lander replied, and on rising to respond was greeted with three times three cheers. He reviewed the history of the corps and gave many pleasant reminiscences of the old-time parade, among which was a story which has since been told at more than one Infantry supper. He said that in 1813 during the war with England, at a fall muster in Salem, when there was a large number of troops upon the field, the Salem Light In- fantry appeared fresh from camp duty on the Neck, " with their fine band, well burnished arms and bristling bayonets, wheeling into line like a gate upon its hinges." Com. Bainbridge and other naval officers were present. The Commodore asked Gen. Samuel G. Derby, a former com- mander of the Infantry, "what company that was?" Gen. Derby replied, "Why, it's the Infantry." "Oh ! yes," said the Commodore, "I know very well it is the infantry, but what infantry ?" "Why, d- it, sir," says Gen. Derby, " there is only one infantry, the SALEM Light Infantry."
Hamilton Hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion and the toasts, sentiments, and speeches were many.
Lieut. John S. Jones was toast master. There was the best of music from the bands and the entertainment was continued for many hours. Among the toasts were the following by Col. George Peabody : "The Salem Light
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1855.
Infantry-Fifty years since they rallied under the stand- ard of Union, Liberty and Law. Fifty years hence may they be able to boast that they are still its faithful guar- dians."
"The day we celebrate-A great and glorious occasion ; in the history of the Salem Light Infantry a bright and guiding star for its future prosperity." Response by Hon. Chas. W. Upham.
"The Boston Light Infantry-Friends of early years, may good-will and soldierly courtesy be ever continued between the old and young Tigers.'" Response by Capt. C. B. Rogers of the Boston Light Infantry, and cheers and " Tigers' "1 by the officers of the B. L. I.
"Our friends and allies the Salem Mechanic Light Infan- try-May the sunshine of prosperity ever attend them." Response by Lieut. Follansbee.
"The Commander of 1848-A perfect soldier, a model officer, well worthy to follow those who preceded him. His interest in our prosperity has never been known to fade." Response by Capt. S. Endicott Peabody.
"The Campaign to Providence .- In the hearts of the S. L. I., it will be ever retained as of unbounded cheer.'" Responded to in verse by Lieut. Rodman of the P. L. I.
Two original songs were sung, one written by Col. Lan- der, and one by W. R. L. Ward, Esq. (a stanch infantry-
1 Origin of the Tiger Growl. In 1822 the Boston Light Infantry under Capt. Mack- intosh and Lieut. Robert C. Winthrop, visited Salem, encamping on Salem com- mon. They were received by the Salem Light Infantry. During the visit some members of the two companies indulged in sports incidental to camp duty, when some one exclaimed to one of the B. L. I. boys, who was perhaps a little rough, "Oh! yon Tiger." This at once became a catch word, and "Yon are a Tiger," was adopted as one of the peculiar phrases of the corps. From this occurrence it was an easy stage to adopt the growl of a tiger, and at the conclusion of the three cheers, a "Tiger" was invariably called for. In 1826 the B. L. I. visited New York City and then and there astonished the Gothamites by giving the genuine growl .- Boston Saturday Evening Gazette.
8
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1855.
man of life-long standing). First verse of Col. Lander's song :-
'Tis fifty years since first we met, And we're a little older, Our sons, our gallant infantry, Now shoulder march to shoulder. Chorus-Yankee doodle, Boys, Hurrah! To-day again we're meeting To grasp each other by the hand, And give a hearty greeting.
The first verse of Mr. Ward's song was as follows :
"Attention, men ! right dress ! front face ! And listen while I blow A blast upon the good old times Of fifty years ago. 'Twas fifty years ago, my friends, 'Twas fifty years ago, When the S. L. I.'s first saw the light, Just fifty years ago."
This song as well as the one by Col. Lander included many an incident and many a hit understood only by In- fantry-men. The words of these two songs are printed in full in the Salem Gazette of Oct. 12.
"The guests lingered long at the table and much that was said must be left unrecorded. Cheerful, gay and merry, as was the general tone, there were associations not unconnected with sadness. As the hours waned, the Veterans could not forget that this was beyond question, the last occasion on which they would all be brought to- gether in this world. The next day's sun would find them scattering to their respective homes, many of them hun- dreds of miles away. At two o'clock, A. M., the feast was over, and the venerable commander (Col. Lander) and the Chairman of Committee of Arrangements (Thomas
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SALEM LIGHT INFANTRY, 1855-1857.
Downing, Esq.) were escorted to their homes by the young guard."
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