USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1890 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
On a sunny day, I cannot give the date, Co. C was detailed to make a reconnoissance to the Rappahannock. W'e were soon on the way, and without adventure approached the river and halted on a slight elevation overlook- ing it and near a deserted house. We observed an earthwork thrown up on the opposite shore, that seemed to be unoccupied, so we concluded, as there were no troops visible. From an embrazure a dark looking object was pointed in our direction, which we thought a " quaker," having noticed something similar at Centerville a few weeks before, as we marched through that place on our way to the front. Most of the company had dismounted and were inspecting the house and premises. I had attended to that im- portant duty and had remounted.
In the meantime Adjt. Tucker (then) who accompanied us. and also a mem- ber of the regimental band, -- I do not now recall his name, ---- had gone for- ward to a point nearer the river to obtain a better view of the fort. We were watching their movements with much interest. They were using their glasses, scanning the fort directly op- posite, when, far away down the river on our left-front, a white puff was
observed, and very quickly a shot struck the ground in their rear and very close, throwing the dirt over them. Following this shot the supposed "quaker" opened his mouth and put a shot in the front yard of the above- mentioned house. I remember shout- ing out " Look out for that ' shell '." It was entirely unnecessary. The shots from the two forts began to come very lively. Forthwith there was mounting in hot haste; furthermore, we did not wait upon the order of our going, but got back under the crest of the hill and out of range as expedi- tiously as possible. Comrade Reed, -- who later gave his life for " his country and the flag," at Bull Run, - and my- self were getting to the rear, when a shot struck near us and rolled along on the ground. We thought it would be a big "trophy " to take to camp. and when it stopped rolling we dis- mounted to pick it up. But we came to grief ! It was too hot to handle and the strong smell of powder made the horses frantic. That was the first and last shot I attempted to capture. The object of the reconnoissance was emi- nently successful. We learned that the forts were occupied.
I am inclined to think that Co. C were the first troops to reach this point in the old Dominion at Rappa- hannock Station.
A year later (1863) we had a stirring little encounter of a somewhat differ- ent nature, which you graphically re- late in the " History." But you are in error in that matter in this way. -- You say " A and B under Maj. Booth- by." The full and correct statement should be, "A, B and C under Maj. Tucker." Possibly you noticed this error after it was in print, too late to correct it. At the time I was orderly
58
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
sergeant and borrowed a carbine of a "No. 4" man and went over the open railroad bridge with the boys. Yours in F. C. and L., HORATIO S: LIBBY. (See pp. 501, 128, History.)
Letter from James W. Harriman, Co. E.
NECEDAH, WIS., January 27th, 1891.
Dear General - I received the last copy of the BUGLE, and I can tell you that it carried me back to the old States of Maine and Virginia. I re- member you very well. I have heard my father speak of your father often. I have not had the privilege of attend- ing any reunion but one, and that was at Milwaukee in 'S9. I met one con- rade from Co. E only. I should be so glad to meet you all at Houlton, but I fear I cannot, for I am employed in a large mill for a lumbering company, which keeps me confined in the summer but I hope to be in Detroit this year. I have not so brilliant a record as some of my comrades, but I always obeyed orders. I enlisted with Col. Goddard at Augusta in November, 1861, and was put in Co. E, as my horse was of that color. I rode him from home in Clinton, and lost him and myself in Newtown in the Valley. I was a prisoner four months. rejoined the regiment at Frederick City, Md., 1862, and stayed with it until June, 1863. I was ruptured in crossing the Rappahannock after the raid between Chancellorsville and Richmond, and was sent to general hospital with others who were unable to ride, only a few days before Col. Douty was killed. In the fall I was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and served out my time on a body guard for Gen. Halleck at Washington. 1 am a
member of Maj. M. F. Daws Post, No. 245, Department of Wisconsin, G. A. R. I was mustered out at Wash. ington, D. C., Dec. 9th, 1864, and I came here January, 1865, and in all probability I shall be mustered out here for good.
If you see any of the comrades of Co. E tell them that my latch string is always out.
Yours in F. C. and L.,
JAMES W. HARRIMAN. (See page 534, History.)
Letter from Leland F. Davis, Co. I. HILLS GROVE, R. I., January 26th, 1891. GEN. J. P. CILLEY,
Dear Comrade -- When the BUGLE CALL No. 2 was brought to me this morning, I thought I would just glance over it for a moment, but your intro- duction caught my eye and I read it through. And how any one, after reading it, can do otherwise than at- tend to this little matter, I cannot see. Its good sturdy way of putting the appeal struck me, and I never stopped to read any further, but will unsling carbine and give you a dollar for the first shot, and may you have a whole volley of the same shot from along the entire line is the wish of
Yours most truly,
LELAND F. DAVIS, Co. I, First Maine Cav.
(See History, page 6co.)
Letter from Charles E. McCoy ef Co. D. BANGOR, ME., · January 29th, IS91. GEN. J. P. CILLEY,
Dear Comrade --- I received CALL 2 of the BUGLE and was much interested in the doings at Eastport, as it was not my privilege to attend, being in Cali-
59
WHAT THE COMRADES HAVE TO SAY.
fornia at the time. I met many of the old regiment there. George Kitchen and Henry T. Welsh reside in San Josè. George is engineer in a brewery and Henry is a prominent merchant, also a city father, having served in both branches of the City Council and commander of Phil. Sheridan Post. Charles H. Bell is or was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. He was suffering considerably from wounds which he had received in Virginia, which have not healed. The first two were Co. E men, Bell was of Co. D. Warren S. Randall and Charles H. Walker are in the lumber business in Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County. Randall was of Co. D. Walker of Co. A. James Peakes of Santa Cruz City keeps a fine hotel at the Beach, at which we received a warm reception at his hands. He was a member of Co. A. I met in San Francisco Lieut. James W. Poor and several more that have escaped my recollection. Maine men and com- rades are numerous in the West, as I met them in all my travels in that sec- tion and in the British Dominions on my return from California. We, I , mean the First Maine Cavalry Club of this city, have about forty names on our Club Rolls. I am looking forward to the time of our reunion at Houlton, where if we are not treated well I shall be greatly mistaken.
Yours in F. C. and L., CHARLES E. McCOY, Late Co. D. First Maine Cav.
(See page 520, History.)
Letter from John F. Lord, Co. I.
WATERBOROUGH, Jan. 26th, IS91. Dear General -- I received CALL 2 of the First Maine BUGLE last week. and I believe I have read every word of it, for anything connected with the
old First Maine Cavalry has ever been cf great interest to me. I did little to build the great name of that grand old organization, but nothing to lower it. was with the regiment only four months, from Jan. 11th to May 6th, 1864, when I was shot in the eye at the opening of the Wilderness Campaign May 6th, 1864. I have long wanted a copy of the history of my regiment, but poverty has thus far hindered me. and now I am flat on my back. See- ing the notices of deaths in Call 2, I thought I would send one. Albra Chadbourne of Co. I died Jan. Ist, IS91, of Bright's disease. I want to say a word for Comrade Chadbourne, for his kindness and consideration. The next morning after I was shot he obtained permission of Capt. Paul Chadbourne and came to the field where I lay with my head on a rock, and his care and kindness at that time saved my life. With all good wishes I remain as ever,
Yours in F. C. and L., JOHN F. LORD. Co. I, First Maine Cav.
(See History, page 603, where a full account of his wound appears.)
(See History, page 599 for Chadbourne.)
Letter from W. S. Sylvester, Co. F.
NATIONAL MILITARY HOME,
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS, BOX 67.
January 2Sth, IS91.
Dear General - Enclosed find postal note for First Maine BUGLE. Many thanks; do not miss me on next. I have a History of the regiment and will send for badge before long. Am unable to do any manual labor from injury received on the Boynton Plank road Oct. 27th, 1864, and am a veteran ex-prisoner of war. What in the work! made Speaker Reed oppose the ex-
60
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
prisoner of war bill, I do not under- stand. I am, Sir. your most obedient servant,
W. S. SYLVESTER,
Late Co. F, First Maine Cav. (See page 553, History).
A Tribute from a Sister.
ROCKLAND, ME., November 13th, 1891.
Dear Tobie -The following con- cerning John Mitchell, from his sister, you can use as you have opportunity hereafter, in the BUGLE.
Very truly yours, J. P. CILLEY.
" My brother, John Mitchell, was born in East Livermore, and resided in Jay. He enlisted Oct. 9th, 1861, was mustered Oct. 31st, re-enlisted Jan. Ist, 1864, mustered out June 20th, 1865. [See page 571, Roster, and page 140 of the History.] He was a member of Co. G, First Maine Cavalry, served his three years and re-enlisted; came home for forty days when he re-en- listed, to Jay, Me., to his father's. My- self and two sisters were living in Massachusetts at that time, so that he spent a portion of his time with us. I remember well how fond I was of my soldier brother: my heart was ready to break at the thought of his going away again. I remember he said to me, ' Some one must go, Mary, and it is real fun.' That was so like him. John was of a very happy disposition ;
everything went well with him, and he was always ready for action and saw the bright side of everything. He was not a Christian. I could not wish any other change in him. He was born and reared on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer until the war broke out; then he had a very strong desire to enlist in the service. He was passionately fond of his horse, which accounts for his enlisting in the cav- alry. His gun, as well as horse. were boon companions. He never married ; he was in his thirty-second year when he died, the 12th of March, 1867, with consumption ; sick between seven and eight months. During his sickness my husband bought the History of the Women of the War, and it afforded him a great deal of pleasure to have me read to him, and when I would have to stop for tears he would say ' It is all true, the worst not told.' Then he would cheer me up. He would relate to me some of his foraging trips. scouting through the country for some- thing to eat and returning with his spoils suspended from the horse's back and his well known pet phrase of 'y-i-p' (yip) would send up cheers from the whole camp.
I also had two other brothers in the Sixteenth Maine, Co. C. One, my baby brother, seventeen years, six months. died in Smoketown hospital just three months after leaving home; the other was laid up five months in hospital with rheumatism, was discharged after nine months; is now in Heaven."
---
--- ----
61
OBITUARIES.
OBITUARIES.
Lient. James W. Poor for the last two years of his life suffered from fre- quent attacks of pneumonia. He was sick last April, at the point of death for two or three days, then again in June, when in a severe coughing spell he burst a blood vessel in the brain which paralyzed his speech and partly lis left side. He was rapidly recover- ing from that and the doctor said he would be as well as ever in a few months, when he left his home in Altu- ras, Cal., with all his family, intending to go to Oakland, Cal., where the cli- mate is more equable the year round. . He got to Reno, Nevada, Thursday, took cold Friday and in a few hours the doctor said there was no hope for him. He suffered intensely till the next Tuesday morning, Sept. ed, 1890, when he breathed his last. He left a wife thirty-two years old and four children, two boys and two girls, be- tween eight and fourteen. He was clerk of Modoc Co. at the time of his death.
(See pp. 460, 481 History.)
Mr. Sewall S. Avery of Hallowell, who has been suffering for some time with consumption, passed away Satur- day morning, Dec. 26th, IS90, in the forty-fourth year of his age. Mr. Avery was a native of Winterport. Me., and has resided in our city for the past four years, where he had made many friends. He leaves a widow, one son. Harley Avery of Iceboro, and a daugh- ter. the wife of Green V. Russell, for- merly of this city. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon .-- Kennebec Journal.
Mr. Avery was a resident of Vinal- haven many years before removing to Hallowell, and a member of G. A. R. Post of that place. His many friends
join with the family in this, their great affliction. He was a member of Co. L, First Maine Cavalry. (See p. 634 History and p. 632 Picture.)
Orlando A. Hayford, died Nov. 11th, ISS3, aged 45 years, 1 month, and 15 days. Our community again mourns for the sudden death of an honored and beloved citizen. Mr. Orlando A. Hayford was stricken with paralysis at half past ten o'clock, Sun- day morning, and died almost instantly. He was as well as usual that morning, ate a hearty breakfast, and had pre- pared to attend church. He went to his room for some purpose, fell by the side of the bed unconscious, and passed away as before stated. The whole community was shocked and pained to learn of his death, although from his previous state of health it was thought that such would be the end.
Mr. Hayford was a son of Gustavus and Zilphia Hayford, both now living, though quite aged. He was born in Canton, Sept. 27th, 1839, and has spent his life here, with the exception of about two and a half years spent in the service of his country in the rebel- lion. He was prompt to answer his country's call and served faithfully as a private until wounded in his left thigh, at the battle of Shephardstown. Va., in 1863. The circumstances of his enlistment show as plainly as a single incident can, the character of the man, He was at work on his farm in Peru, with his father, in May 1861, when the news came of the bombardment of Fort Sumpter. Orlando said, after a moment's thought, " Father, if it wasn't for my farm I would enlist for the war." His father told him if he felt it his duty to go, he would care for the farm. Orlando walked to Canton that
-
62
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
afternoon, had his name enrolled with the volunteers, and entered the service in the First Maine Cavalry. Mr. Hay- ford suffered several surgical opera- tions, but carried a rebel bullet for many years, and never recovered from his wound. Since the war he has been in trade in Canton, for the most time a druggist, and for about fifteen years has been our faithful post-master. He was a member of John A. Hodge Post, G. A. R., Anasagunticook Lodge, I. O. O. F., and a charter member of Canton Encampment; also a member of the I. O. O. F. Relief Association. For twenty years Mr. Hayford has been a leading member of the Baptist church. He leaves a widow (formerly Miss Esther Staples) and two daugh-
ters, the eldest being the wife of Prof. E. A. Daniels, of New York, and a large circle of friends to mourn his death. The funeral services occurred at the Baptist church to-day, in the presence of a large congregation, the G. A. R. Posť and a body of Odd Fel- lows who conducted the ceremonies. Words of comfort were spoken by Rev. A. C. Herrick, of Freeport, assisted by Rev. A. H. Gould. The floral tributes and church drapery ex- pressed the esteem and respect for the deceased felt by every heart present. -Canton Telephone.
He was a member of Co. G, and was wounded in the action at Shepards- town, July 16th, 1863. [See p. 568 History.]
Additional Roster.
Names of men entitled to membership in the Association, from their con- nection with the regiment or aid given the Association.
EDWIN C. BURLEIGH, Augusta, Governor of Maine. Enlisted in the regiment, but was rejected by the examining surgeon as too young and not strong enough for active service.
HENRY G. TIBBETTS. Rockland, was clerk for Quartermaster Clarence D. Ulmer at brigade headquarters the last year of the war. He had previously served in Co. B, Fourth Maine Infantry. Mustered in June 15th, '61. promoted principal musician and quartermaster sergeant : discharged July 19th, 1864.
EDWARD B. RIPLEY, 2S Central St., Boston, was with Co. B at Augusta, Me., Great Cacapon, and Bath, Va., but was too young to enlist.
CHARLES JOHNSON, Belmont, Me., 25, farmer : unassigned recruit. Enlisted Feb. 29th, 1864, discharged April 12th, 1864, at Portland, Me., on account of injury received by a fall.
63
AUDITOR'S REPORT.
Report of the Auditing Committee.
The Auditing Committee make the following report : --
They have carefully examined the reports of the treasurer from ISS3 to 1SS9. inclusive, also his accounts of contributions to the Cavalry Shaft at Gettysburg, his accounts of expenses and receipts in the matter of heliotype portraits for the history, and his account for histories sold and bills paid on the history, said reports appearing in Call No. 1 of the Bugle.
The accounts of the finances of said reunions, we find correct. The re- ceipts and expenditures were verified by proper vouchers or entries in the treasurer's daily cash book made at the date of each expenditure.
We find the same to be true of the other reports. We find a few mis- takes in addition, a few in book-keeping, and a few matters that need expla- nation to show the full facts ; on these we report at length as follows, viz : -
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FIRST MAINE CAVALRY FOR THE CAVALRY SHAFT AT GETTYSBURG.
The amount contributed by the First Maine Cavalry should be increased by the following sums collected by H. S. Libby and by him paid directly to Capt. Miller, but which were not reported to the treasurer at the time he made his report. These sums increase our net total subscription $60, making the same $285.
The Third Pa. Cavalry gave $639; First New Jersey Cavalry, $94.50; First Maryland, $20: Sixteenth Pa., $98.50; Fourth Pa., $6t ; Tenth New York, $61: First Mass., $50; First Mich., $20; Fifth Mich., (Gen. Alger alone) $125; Sixth Mich., (Gen. Geo. Gray, $400) $423 ; Seventh Mich. Cav- alry, $33.
Lieut. H. S. Libby was credited in Call No. I of the Bugle, with collec- tions from J. P. Downing St, R. T. Barstow $2, (printed Basters), Samuel W. Parker $20, (misprinted Parlin), and should be further credited with the following collections, viz : -
Lieut. E. C. Bigelow, St: Capt. A. M. Benson, $1 ; Lieut. H. F. Blanch- ard, $2: Lieut. J. K. Brooks, $1 ; Capt. L. H. Daggett, SI; T. J. Neal, $1; Albert Edgecomb, $t: Capt. B. H. Putnam, $1 ; Capt. George Prince, $1 ; J. M. Toothaker, SI : N. P. Webb, $1, and the following named, $1.oo each : W. B. Clark, Navy; Capt. H. T. Hall, Thirty-Fourth Mass .; Colonel F. Haven, Second Cal. Cav .; Col. T. L. Livermore, Eighteenth N. H .; J. H. O'Donnell, Navy ; Col. Z. A. Smith, First Me. Heavy Artillery ; Gen. S. M. Weld. Fifty-sixth Mass .; N. L. Chaffin, F. W. Carr, G. A. Carter, Col. W. W. Clapp, HI. W. Dwight, A. F. Esterbook, W. Felton, T. C. Fielding, J. W. Farwell, F. W. Grant, Hon. D. W. Gooch, G. A. Hardy, F. H. Hodg- man, W. S. Haseltine, G. W. Hazen, W. W. Hill, A. D. Haskell, E. H. In- galls, N. P. Jones, H. C. Jackson, H. H. Kelley, A. C. Kendall, A. Keay, Alfred Laws, C. R. Morgan, A. R. Mitchell, J. H. Meserve, D. H. Morrisey, J. O. Norris, E. L. Potter, Elwell Parks, M. S. P. Pollard, J. S. Russell,
64
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Capt. Nath. Spooner, J. Mont. Sears, P. A. Spoffard, H. C. Short, J. H. Stickney, J. C. Tileston, W. S. Vincent, W. S. Whitney ; total $60.
The treasurer's report in Call No. I showed a balance in the monument account due him of $3.36. To meet this Fred D. Lynn of Co. B, now at Soldiers' Nat. Home at Togus, contributed Aug. 5, '90, $1.36 and E. T. Getchell of Med. Staff paid $2, Oct. 4, 1888.
THE HISTORY ACCOUNT.
In the treasurer's account, "cash for histories sold," he charges himself with $525.00, cash subscribed for history fund.
The figures are correct, but need explanation to show how this amount was obtained. $525.00 is just the footings of the account reported in circular of Jan. 29, 1887, with names of contributors. This amount was not realized : there should be deducted from it the following sums :
From Asst. Sur. Geo. J. Northrop's subscription of Sto should be deducted two histories at $3 and express 60 cents, $6.60.
From Major Sidney W. Thaxter's sto for second copy issued should be deducted $; for such copy.
From Serg't Henry Little's $to for first copy issued should be deducted $3 for such copy, and 30 cents express, $3.30.
From B. S. Wood's subscription of $io, one copy out and express. $3.30. One subscription not paid, $15.
To this fund should be added, April 9, 1887, the subscription of James W. Poor, $9. Feb. 13. 1888, the subscription of Capt. S. W. Lane, $15. Contributed by treasurer to balance this account, $7.20, making the deduc- tions and additions equal $31.20.
In the account of pictures, the item under date of April 29, ISS7, "Heliotype Co. for breaking negative " should be left out, as the corres- ponding payment to the owner of the negative was omitted. Under date of Sept. 30, ISS7, the sum should be $6, not $6.60, and the balance due the treasurer should be as $59.31 instead of $56.91.
In the credit side under the date of May 9, 1887, the sum should be $2. not $2.09. Under date of July 28. 1887. " Col. Ingersoll," the sum should be $35, not $S5. The total of this side $2525.76 is correct.
In the account of histories sold the treasurer has charged himself with the loss, through the failure of the firm publishing history, of $39.40 less $1.90 dividend received, or the sum of $37.50. and it is just to the treasurer to say that besides the gift of his labors, his contributions in cash have been for historical fund $50, plus $7.20 equal $57.20 ; contributions for pictures of deceased comrades, $25 ; total, $119.70.
GEO. H. JEWETT. A. L. ORDWAY, A. C. DRINKWATER, Auditing Committee.
BOSTON, MASS., Jan. 29. IS91.
First Maine Bugle Supplement.
Entered at the Post Office, Rockland, Me., as Second-Class Matter.
Campaign II.
April, 1891. Call No. 4.
" Blow, Bugle, blow, set the wild echoes ringing."
Published Quarterly, July, October, January, and April. Price, one dollar a year, or twenty-five cents a " Call," by the First Maine Cavalry Association. J. P. CILLEY, Treasurer, Rockland, Me.
TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT.
In July, 1890, your treasurer, in accord with the U. S. Statutes, made an application for the admission of the First Maine Bugle into the U. S. mails as second-class matter. This application received the scrutiny of the Postmaster at Rockland and was supposed to be all right. To the surprise of all concerned it came back rejected, accompanied by several pages of Postal regulations marked in a very impressive manner with red ink. These " marked " regulations were carefully considered. The several pages with their numbered para- graphs were applied seriatum to the application as made. Your treasurer failed to find where there was any conflict, and so wrote the Post Office department at Washington, and finally after request- ing our congressman, Hon. Nelson Dingley, Jr., to call at the Depart- ment and ascertain what the row was, I received word from our Rep- resentative that in my application I had made a technical error, I had followed the words of Chap. 180, Laws of 1879, and said " four times a year " when I should have said "quarterly." You have probably all noticed this change in our title page and will undoubt- edly say with me, " Great is red tape !" Finally, on the 22d day of August last, the First Maine Bugle received a temporary permit to go into the mails as second-class mail matter. In January, 1891, I made application with great care, throwing one side the U. S. laws and carefully keeping in line with the Postal regulations (marked in red ink), and Jan. 26th, 1891, I received a permanent permit, "valid while the character of the publication remains unchanged." Have you noticed any change ?
Well, April 22d, 1891, I received notice from the Assistant Post- master General, that the First Maine Bugle could not be admitted as second-class matter because it did not state what the subscription price was, and that the temporary permit of Aug. twenty-third was re- voked.
Your treasurer could not have been more astonished had he been blown to the earth by a paddy hurricane. He had the impression that every mother's son of the old regiment who had received the Bugle knew from language plain and emphatic that the price of the Bugle was one dollar a year or 25 cents a Call, and that they were to " ante up " or quit the game.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.