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GENEALOGY 975.2 M471F
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01754 9848
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1867-1889
FILMED DEC 0 6 1999
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Thas a Faither
Javy 197, 1889.
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Fifth Regiment,
I., M. N. G.
A HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT FROM ITS FIRST ORGANIZATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. ILLUSTRATED.
COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY
GEORGE A. MEEKINS.
AUTHORIZED AND ENDORSED BY THE BOARD OF OFFICERS OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT.
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BALTIMORE, MD. 1889.
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ISAAC FRIEDENWALD, LITHOGRAPHER, ENGRAVER AND PRINTER, BALTIMORE.
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PREFACE. . . .
THIS book is published with a well-defined purpose. It seeks to give the history of the Fifth Maryland
Regiment. Over twenty years have elapsed since the regiment was organized. Many of the men who were its founders and friends are dead. Many, fortunately, remain as honored and distinguished citizens of Balti- more, and it is desirable that the facts and incidents of its career be permanently recorded while these gentlemen are alive to correct any inaccuracies that might otherwise creep into the narrative.
Another purpose that the book will serve will be to make the people acquainted with the conspicuous record of the Fifth. In these modern days the public memory has no room for traditions. In order to fully impress it, history must be written and published. Marylanders know that in the Fifth they have a regiment of splendid material and unsurpassed efficiency, but they do not ade- quately appreciate the full value of its past achievements. This book will show what the regiment has done, what services it has rendered to the State, what names have been prominent in its career. No one will read the pages without feeling an increased pride in its history, and the members will derive new zeal and inspiration from its long record of honor and usefulness.
There can be no question as to the public value of a military organization so well equipped and so admirably officered. It is a security to the State, and an active encouragement to the valor and spirit of the people. It maintains the reputation of Maryland, and wields a bene- ficial influence, especially among the young generations. Its present condition is healthy, efficient and progressive, and its future is assured.
The publisher desires to return his thanks to the gentlemen who have so kindly assisted and co-operated in the work, and whose careful revision has done so much to make the record herein set forth complete, accurate, and interesting.
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+ + INTRODUCTORY. . .
/HEN the Civil War closed, Maryland's military spirit remained. The people wanted a well-organized militia. In Baltimore especially, the turbulence of the times made a citizen soldiery desir- able. Elections in those days were not as peaceful as they are now. Lawlessness and intimidation were frequent. Sometimes the voting- places occupied by partisans had cannons in front, to notify the opposition to cast their ballots elsewhere. These unpleasant sights were alarming to conservative people, who saw the possibility of a revival of the old-time riots, and the dangers to the city and its reputation that would spring from them.
For nearly two years the subject was agitated more or less indus- triously, and in March, 1867, the movement became tangible and substantial. The sternness of the times and the wishes o the people caused the Maryland Legislature to pass, on March 22, 1867, "an act to provide for the organization and discipline of the militia." Under that act, encouraged by the fostering care of the Governor of the State and the active aid and co-operation of Adjutant-General John S. Berry, together with his liberal construction of the law, an efficient militia force arose, and became a credit and a safeguard to the State.
For a short time it flourished. When it paraded, the sight of thousands of soldiers in line brought forth the cheers and admira- tion of the people ; and of all the regiments which, towards the close of the "60's," proudly marched under the command of a division general, only one-the Fifth-remains. When there were many regiments by which it might be compared it was considered the best, and not only has it survived the temporary decadences of military spirit, but it has grown greater and better, and zealously preserved the esprit de corps unchanged and undiminished.
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The Fifth is the embodiment of Maryland valor. All the manly principles and traditional spirit of our State are carefully maintained in its organization. Its officers and men are exceptional in character and ability and devotion to its interests. No commonwealth could give better. The regiment sprung into existence suddenly. Its life has been vigorous ; its prosperity great. From the first its name was known and honored. Its reputation as the crack regiment of Maryland has expanded with each year of its growth. It has been cheered as wildly in Boston as in Montgomery and New Orleans, and the people of all sections of this great country have praised its efficiency. And here in Maryland, where it is known so well and loved so much, its history is one of the brightest and pleasantest volumes in the annals of the State.
The field officers who have been connected with the regiment since its organization are as follows :
Colonels.
I. James R. Herbert.
2. J. Stricker Jenkins.
3. Henry D. Loney.
4. Wm. P. Zollinger.
5. Wm. H. S. Burgwyn.
6. Stewart Brown.
7. Charles D. Gaither.
Lieut .- Colonels.
I. J. Stricker Jenkins.
2. Henry D. Loney,
3. Geo. R. Gaither.
4. Robt. P. Brown.
5. Thos. A. Symington.
6. John D. Lipscomb.
7. Charles D. Gaither.
8. Wm. A. Boykin.
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Majors.
1. H. G. D. Carroll.
2. Henry D. Loney.
3. George R. Gaither.
4. John D. Lipscomb.
5. Douglas H. Thomas.
6. Stewart Brown.
7. Wm. S. Whiteley.
8. Wm. A. Boykin.
9. Frank Markoe.
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CHAPTER I. THE FOUNDERS OF THE REGIMEVT.
SIX GENTLEMEN HOLD A CONFERENCE .- THEY ISSUE A CALL FOR A MEETING .- MANY PEOPLE RESPOND .- VETERANS OF THE MARY- LAND GUARD .- RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED .- THE NEW ORGANIZA- TION FORMALLY BEGUN .- COMMITTEES APPOINTED .- THE ONE HUNDRED LIMIT PASSED.
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On May 8, 1867, six well-known citizens of Baltimore assembled in the law office of Mr. Henry D. Loney, on Lexington Street, and in that meeting the Fifth Regiment had its inception. The six men were Messrs. J. Stricker Jenkins, Henry D. Loney, J. D. Lipscomb, S. O. McIlwaine, R. H. Conway, and L. M. Catlett. They decided to start an organization, with the hope that such former members of the Old Maryland Guard as still resided in Baltimore, or many of them, would come together in a new military body, which, by the addition of a large number of young men of character, might assume the proportions of a crack regiment. They lost no time in getting to work. The regiment became a credit to the State by a natural though rapid growth. On the same evening a call, which had been previously printed, was issued through the mail to the former members of the Maryland Guard, inviting them to attend a meeting on May 10, 1867, at the Monumental Assembly Rooms, corner St. Paul and Centre streets. The Mary- land Guard was a battalion of Baltimore militia which had been organized before the Civil War, in the fall of 1859. The Guard had in its armory 350 Minie muskets and sets of accoutrements. Its
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uniformed force at the same time consisted of 300 men, in six companies. The six projectors of the new or- ganization, by invitation, at- tended a meeting of the officers of the First Mary- land Brigade, and were in- formed that in the event of their forming a regiment they would be welcome to ally its fortunes with those of the brigade. It was, however, too early for the originators to make any definite statement concern- ing their future course. They disclaimed authority to act for any one, and, not being able to promise for their prospective comrades, they withdrew. The call which they had issued met with a very encouraging re- sponse. About one hun- dred members of the old organization attended the meeting at the Monumental Assembly Rooms. Others, C. L. whose business relation- OLD MARYLAND GUARD. ships prevented them from performing the duties of the citizen soldier, sent letters expressing their sympathy with the new movement. Those who had been personally invited to join the new regiment were no carpet knights. Many of them had figured in scenes of war only a few years before. Mr. Wm. C. Pennington, formerly captain of Company G in the old organization, presided over the meeting, and Mr. J. D. Lipscomb acted as secretary. Messrs. Henry D. Loney, R. H. Conway, L. M. Warfield, J. Stricker Jenkins, James R. Herbert, Neilson Poe, Jr., McHenry Howard,
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S. P. Thompson, F. M. Colston, and Lennox Birckhead were appointed a committee on resolutions. The committee, after a short deliberation, reported through Mr. Loney, chairman, a preliminary and experimental plan of organization, which they thought would lead to the best practical results. The plan drafted was that the members formerly enrolled in the Maryland Guard Battalion were, with others, desirous of forming a regiment of infantry, under the provisions of the military laws of the State of Maryland ; and wishing to have entire control of the regiment, so far as its internal organiza- tion and administration were concerned, it was resolved :
First .- That the roll opened at this meeting shall be filled up until it contains at least one hundred names ; that this roll shall be divided into ten parts, each being designated by a letter, commencing with the letter "A" and ending with the letter "K," omitting "J"; that these divisions shall be recruited in the manner hereafter to be set forth until they severally number at least fifty inen, when, by the vote of the men of said divisions, a captain, a first and a second lieutenant shall be elected, and the company shall be fully organized in accord- ance with General Order No. 4, from the office of the Adjutant-General.
Second .- That for the purpose of managing the entire business affairs of the regiment until a permanent regimental system can be adopted, an executive committee shall be formed, consisting of one member from each company of the ten divisions, to be elected by the members thereof to-night, or so soon as the number of men on the roll shall reach one hundred. who shall appoint their chairman, secretary, treasurer, or other necessary officers; that it shall be the primary duty of said executive committee to secure at once a room or rooms in a convenient locality, where the divisions or companies, under the direction and instruction of a drill-master, elected by said companies, may at once commence to drill.
Third .- That the organization thus commenced shall be governed by the rules and by-laws of the Maryland Guard of Baltimore City, so far as the same may be applicable and not at variance with the laws of the State and general orders.
Fourth .- That, until otherwise ordered, a weekly contribution of twenty-five (25) cents be paid by each member for the purpose of defraying necessary expenses.
Fifth .- That, after this evening, every person or persons to be proposed for membership in the regiment contemplated shall have his name offered to the executive committee by some one either formerly a member of the Maryland Guard, or who has entered his name on the roll to-night, and it shall be the duty of the executive committee to pass upon the physical and moral fitness of the person so proposed, and to facilitate which the secretary of this meeting be directed to have proper blank proposals for membership prepared for distribution by to-morrow at noon.
Sixth .- That, as soon as the executive committee shall give notice that a room or rooms for drill purposes has been obtained, members shall be required to give their punctual and immediate attention.
These resolutions were unanimously adopted, after which some ninety men were enlisted, and a long stride had been taken towards making the regiment a corporate fact. A committee of six, consist- ing of Messrs. Loney, Pontier, Herbert, Poe, Jr., Birckhead, and C. C.
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Anderson was appointed, the chief duty of which was to manage the affairs of the new organization until one hundred men had been enlisted. The meeting then adjourned. The most sanguine hopes of the original six seemed in a fair way to be completely realized. The next meeting was held at Central Hall, at the corner of Charles and Baltimore streets, on the evening of May 15. The late George L. Dublin presided, and Mr. J. D. Lipscomb was again the secretary. The meeting was devoted to the work of organizing the ten divisions, as yet too small to be called companies. At the same meeting. the one hundred limit having been passed, an executive committee was elected.
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CHAPTER II.
THE REGIMENT'S NEW HOME.
DIFFICULTY IN FINDING A BUILDING FOR AN ARMORY .- MR. DOUGH- ERTY WANTS TOO LONG A LEASE .- COL. JENKINS SOLVES THE DILEMMA BY ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PAYMENT .- THE REGIMENT'S HOME SECOND IN SIZE ONLY TO THAT OF THE NEW YORK SEVENTH .- THE FIRST COMMISSIONED OFFICERS .- CONSTITUTION ADOPTED.
The success which had attended the preliminary organization had such an encouraging effect upon its founders that they, without any needless loss of time, began to look for a building which would serve as an armory for a complete regiment. A special committee was placed in charge of that important work, and, while it was searching for a home for the regiment, the executive committee held its meetings twice each week at the office of Mr. J. D. Lipscomb, on Lexington Street. The organization grew rapidly, while its settled place of resi- dence was still to be decided upon. At every meeting of the execu- tive committee recruits were received. It proved to be no easy task to find a place for the armory. The committee searched industri- ously, but with so little success that for a time it seemed that there was no place in Baltimore entirely eligible. The organization was not a rich one, in its incomplete stage, and was limited in its choice of a place by insufficient means. The building on which the com- mittee looked with most longing was one on North Howard Street, known as Music Hall. The owner, Mr. Charles M. Dougherty, refused to rent or lease the property for less than five years, at an annual rental of three thousand dollars. Such a responsibility was far too heavy for the youthful organization to assume, and so was Mr. Dougherty's subsequent offer to give a lease of the building for three years at the same annual rental. The obstacle threatened to put an end to all further progress.
At this point the barrier was suddenly removed by one man. The regiment still owes Colonel (then Lieutenant) J. Stricker Jenkins a heavy debt of gratitude for his action at that critical period. He rented
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the building in his own name for the use of the embryotic regiment. It was an act of liberality and devotion to the cause of the regiment. which it can never forget. For the purposes of the regiment, the build- ing was the best in the city, and second in size and appointments only to the armory of the Seventh Regiment of New York. A home like this was all that the regiment needed to insure its prosperity and rapid growth. The organization was practically a regiment from that time. Assurance was received from the State headquarters that it might assume the designated number and title " Fifth Regiment, Maryland National Guard," and the various drill squads at once commenced to elect the officers to complete their organization as companies. About July 1, 1867, the following gentlemen were elected as the first commissioned officers in the regiment :
Co. Captain. First Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant. A. J. Hanson Thomas, Jr. Julius H. Anderson. Charles Krebs.
B. Henry D. Loney. Louis M. Warfield. John D. Lipscomb.
C. Thomas F. Billop. M. P. Caughey. Robert P. Brown.
D. Clapham Murray. Wm. C. Schley.
Wm. M. Pegram.
E. McHenry Howard.
F. Wm. S. Symington.
J. Stricker Jenkins. E. F. Pontier. Daniel G. Wright. Nelson Poe, Jr.
G. Frederick M. Colston. A. J. Albert, Jr. Lennox Birckhead.
H. Wm. P. Zollinger. S. O. McIlwaine. E. D. McConkey.
I. John W. Torsch. Robert S. Fowler. Fred'k A. Stewart.
K. Ed. T. Jackson.
J. E. H. Post. Wm. H. Symington.
The first field and staff officers were. Colonel, James R. Herbert ; Major, Harry D. G. Carroll; Surgeon, Alan P. Smith; Assistant Surgeon, C. Shirley Carter ; Adjutant, Thos. A. Symington; Quar- termaster, Benjamin W. Jenkins. All of the officers were elected or appointed before midsummer arrived. Of the two brigades, the Fifth was the last command started, and it is a noteworthy fact that its commandant, Colonel Herbert, was the first officer commissioned by Adjutant-General Berry. The constitution and by-laws of the regiment were adopted on June 29, 1867. The sources of revenue provided by the by-laws were the initiation fees, dues, fines and penalties, and the dues of honorary members.
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CHAPTER III.
A FULL-FLEDGED REGIMENT.
TWO MONTHS OLD AND TEN COMPANIES AND FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN MEN .- AN ASTONISHING GROWTH .- DETAILED FOR ESCORT DUTY .- A SPLENDID MILITARY PAGEANT .- THE FINANCE COMMITTEE'S FIRST REPORT .- PARADES AND CONCERTS .- THE REGIMENT AN ESTABLISHED SUCCESS.
When the Baltimore militia's parade and the review by Governor Swann took place on October 15, 1867, the Fifth held a conspicuous place in the line. It was an imposing pag- eant. In discipline, appearance of uniforms and equipments and num- bers it was worth coming miles to see, and thousands living in the surrounding country did so. The new Fifth Regiment was scarcely two months old, but it took a promi- nent part in the display. In accord- ance with the order of the Com- GENERAL JAMES R. HERBERT. mandant, Colonel James R. Her- bert, the regiment assembled at the armory for escort duty, having been detailed by Adjutant-General Berry, together with the Second Regiment of Infantry, Lieutenant- Colonel Kalkman, and a company of cavalry, to escort the Governor and liis aids to Broadway, where the review took place. The growth of the Fifth since its inception had been astonishing. At this review it had ten companies and 457 muskets in line. The uniform was of cadet gray cloth, trimmed with black, and, with the exception of a black stripe on the pantaloons, was the same as that of the Seventh New York. The men wore gray caps, bearing small pompons, and white epaulettes. The regimental band of forty-one pieces, under the direction of Prof. Gustav Rose, and the drum-corps of twenty players, led by Drum-Major Pitt, were in
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line, and were sufficient in themselves to make the regiment a mark of attention. The Fifth had the right of line of the Second Brigade. The division was in command of Major-General R. N. Bowerman, and consisted of cavalry, commanded by Major Snowden; Major Berry's battalion of cavalry ; First Brigade, Brigadier-General James F. Cooper ; Second Brigade, Major-General R. H. Carr, and ten bands of music. The First Brigade comprised First Regiment, Col. Wm. H. Hayward ; Second Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Kalk- man ; Third Regiment, Colonel A. A. Stockley ; Fourth Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Clark ; and battalion of artillery, Major McNulty. The Second Brigade comprised the Fifth Regiment, Colonel James R. Herbert; Sixth Regiment, Colonel Robert G. King; Seventh . Regiment, Colonel Wm. H. Boyle; Eighth Regiment, Colonel Benjamin G. Simpson; Ninth Regiment, Colonel Joyce. Such a fine display of military strength belongs to the past. The red of the zouave regiments, the blue of some of the other regiments, and the gray of the balance united in making a scene not easily forgotten.
During the year 1867 the regiment was subjected to a great many expenses, which had to be incurred in order to perfect its organiza- tion. That there was a deficiency of only $637.96 at the end of the year spoke well for the regiment's financial condition, especially when all the expenses in putting the house in order had to be undertaken.
The report of the finance committee for the months of 1867 in which the regiment had an organized existence, is as follows: 500 sets of accoutrements, $1946.55 ; epaulettes, pompons, etc., for band, $284.90 ; band, music on parade, etc., $389; drum-corps, $257; 30 drums, $220; gun-racks and furnishing armory, $551 ; salary of jani- tor and armorer to October, $339.75; rent for quarter ending Sep- tember 6, $750; gas to November 20, $272.35 ; flag ($177), printing, advertising, etc., $309.25; sundries, $159.20. Total expenditure, $5479 ; total receipts, $5235.79 ; deficiency, $243.21. Bills outstand- ing or about to mature, minus the sum to be derived from a number of resources, increased the balance to the amount already stated, $637.96.
The regiment held a parade early in December. Several very successful concerts, one of which was given for the benefit of the sufferers from yellow fever in Louisiana and Texas, were given under its auspices. The year 1867, which had started with the Fifth Regi- ment undreamed of, closed with the organization as well established among the people of Baltimore as though it had lived and prospered since the war with Mexico.
CHAPTER IV.
A MEMORABLE PRESENTATION.
LADIES GIVE THE FIFTH THE MAGNIFICENT FLAG ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR THE MARYLAND GUARD. - THE CONCORDIA CROWDED WITH BEAUTY AND FASHION .- MR. WALLIS' ELOQUENT SPEECH .- COLONEL HERBERT'S REPLY .- A GREAT OCCASION.
On February 22, 1868, the Fifth was presented with a costly and elegant State flag by a number of the ladies of Baltimore. The flag had been originally intended as a gift by those ladies to the Maryland Guard, and their hands had commenced work upon it years before. In the parade to the Concordia, where the presentation was made, the Fifth had over 500 men in line. The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. On the stage were ladies who had made the flag. The band took a position facing the stage, and the regiment formed a hollow square in which the ceremonies took place. It was no mere occasion of festivity, as the words spoken in giving and receiving the flag showed. The ladies representing the donors, and Mr. S. Teackle Wallis, the orator who had been chosen to make the pre- sentation speech, were waited upon by a committee of the regiment, when all was ready, and escorted into the main hall. Their advent, and the sight of the gorgeous banner, gave the signal for a burst of applause. The orator took his place in the center of the square, and the flag was unfurled, the ladies' committee standing near their spokesman. The great audience preserved a breathless silence. Mr. Wallis said :
" I am requested, Colonel Herbert, by the ladies who surround us, to present this banner to you in their name, and through you to commit it to the guardian- ship of the gallant officers and men of the regiment which you so worthily command. I feel honored by the commission to place it in your hands, for it is indeed, as you may see, a splendid gift-such as fair women may fitly offer to brave men. There are associations, too, which cluster round it and give it claims to an affection even stronger than that which always binds a true soldier to his flag. Of the gentle hands which wrought its rich embroidery, some are now cold and still. Eyes that would have shone on you to-day with joy and sympathy now gaze no longer on the things of earth. Nor is this all; your banner was begun before the ending of the better days of the Republic-before strife came on us and sorrow, and when brethren were yet guiltless of each
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other's blood. The ' Maryland Guard' of that day were to have received it, and well may you be proud that you are chosen, now, to bear it, as the worthy successors of that honored band. No one knows better than yourself, sir-who shared and bravely shared their sacrifices and their perils-how many of those noble gentlemen now sleep the sleep of heroes in the shroudless grave of battle. There may be honest question of the justice of the cause upon whose altar their young lives were offered up. Men may denounce, in all sincerity, and trample on what you and I deem no jest. But groveling indeed must be the soul which casts a doubt upon the nobleness of their devotion, and no man who respects the truth can question that they left the name of Marylander where their fathers wrote it-as high upon the roll of honor as the hand of manhood could inscribe it. Names that we love and cherish come rushing to my lips as I am speaking, but I may not breathe them, lest the gladness of this pageant should be dimmed with tears.
"I do not think I err in saying that every thread which glistens on the gorgeous folds before you was placed there by the hand of a Maryland woman. Indeed, knowing as I do the ladies whose taste and skill adorned them, I am sure they would not have consented that a stranger silkworm should weave a web for them, if they could have found one which had fed on a Maryland mulberry. They have united on your banner the emblems of State pride and of our federal nationality. Upon the one side you behold the eagle of your country, soaring, as usual, through the fields of azure-a valiant bird, but yet withal so modest, and so little used to adulation, that to come before its beak with praise were to provoke the terrors of its silken thunderbolts. Upon the other, you have the simple blazon of our good old State-God bless her! I hold no son of hers a man who is not proud to call her mother. Amid the grief and desolation war has brought upon us, it has bestowed at least this boon, that it has taught us all how much we loved her. I cannot tell,.as you can, if things that kindle the imagination of the quiet student are as apt to stir the souls of men in the grim hour of combat. And yet it seems to me that oftentimes the bosoms of her children must have thrilled with pride as the slogan of ' My Maryland !' arose upon the one side, to feel that on the other the ' Star-Spangled Banner,' a hymn of our own making, was the noblest answer that gave back defiance.
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