USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1892 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 15
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Treasurer -- Col. Albion C. Drinkwater. Secretary --- Charles A. F. Emery. Executive Committee -- Gilbert N. Hur- ris, Patrick F. Shevlin, Albert Edgecomb. Maj. Hall objected to being re-elected, and as argument seemed to have no effect upon
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him, the matter was taken out of his hands entirely by Lieut. Jewett, who put the motion and declared Maj. Hall the unanimous choice. Then he was forced to submit. Busi- ness over, the comrades and their ladies proceeded to the banquet hall, and found places at the tables, Maj. Hall pre- siding. At the tables were the following :
Gen. J. P. Cilley, Mr. J. P. Cilley, Jr., Lient. E. P. Tobie, Mr. C. A. F. Emery, Lieut. and Mrs. G. F. Jewett, Lieut. H. S. Libbey, Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Harris, Col. and Mrs. A. C. Drinkwater, U. R. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Pulsifer, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Thompson, Mrs. Frank P. Davis, Mr. P. F. Shevlin, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Gage, Mr. and Mrs. A. Edgecomb, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. French, Mr. C. A. North, Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Phillips, Mr. C. O. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Pierce, Mrs. A. D. Morse, Mr. J. M. Perkins, Mr. B. T. Gorham.
Lieut. Jewett invoked Divine blessing, and then, without orders (Maj. Hall evidently reasoning from the past that the comrades of the First Maine Cavalry would eat if they could get anything to cat, with or without orders) the company made an attack on the edibles set before them. And from all along the table were heard the sounds of en- joyment -not the enjoyment
of mere eating good things, but the better enjoyment of comradely conversation, min- gled with the old memories and the old stories. Bye and byc Maj. Hall called to order and introduced Gen. Cilley to make some remarks, And there came out in Maj. Hall's introduction a little incident which is worthy to go on rec- ord in the pages of the BUGLE. It seems that during the day Gen. Cilley called upon Maj. Hall at the State House. While there the major was obliged to leave the general for a few moments, in the line of his public duties, and while away from him he happened to meet a one-armed messen- ger of the State House. He inquired of the messenger. "Where did you lose your arm?" "I lost that arm at Gravelly Run, twenty-seven years ago to-morrow," was the reply. This startled the major as he realized that what the messenger called the fight of Gravelly Run was really the first day of Five Forks, and is down on our battle flags as " Dinwiddie." " Were you in the cavalry?" inquired the major. " No ; " was the reply. "not then; bat I was in the
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First Vermont Cavalry carlier war." "I was in the First Maine Cavalry," said the major, no doubt with conscious pride. " Ah! " replied the messenger, "I remember that regiment ; it was with us in Banks' retreat in the Valley, in 1862; I re- member a little major in that regiment who was struck by a shell in the shoulder at Mid- dletown -the first man I ever saw wounded. I have often wondered what became of that major." " Come with me, and I will show him to you," said Major Hall, and in a few mo- ments Gen. Cilley was having a brisk and interesting conver- sation with a man who had seen him but once before, and that thirty years ago, but who had seen bim under such cir- cumstances that though he did not even know his name he had remembered him all these years. But to the remarks of Gen. Cilley at this banquet. which were as follows :
Mr. President, Comrades and Ladies : -- I would like to say a few words con- cerning our association. Much might be expected from the surviving members of a regiment whose record stands pre- eminent among the cavalry organizations of the land, but I am convinced that an examination of our organized lift since the memorable day at Appomattox will reveal some interesting facts. In the
first place our writter. articles of associa- tion are the flimsiest ever framed. The sole object is a yearly reunion, yet all the association does is to select the place, then by unanimous consent the comrodes of such place become a committee to determine when and how to entertain the members and make the reunion a pleasure and a success. Such vaguely formed committees have at times run the association into debt and again have shouldered the whole expense themselves, and the association has been almost as good natured in one case as in the other. Secondly, the high literary and historic qualities of our reunions are shown by a host of original poems, bright and artis- tic, by careful essays and witty stories, by numerous personal incidents of scry- ice, and by addresses from many of the ablest orators and statesmen of the land, all of which have been preserved and year after year printed in the reunion pamphlets of the association, making. up to the present time, two substanti !! volumes. Thirdly, it has brought out the most expensive and 'most complete regi- mental history ever published, which to, every member of the regiment is as fas- cinating as it is complete. Within its covers are placed three hundred an ? seven portraits, steel engravings of cou- rades and pictures of places, these por- traits being the best of their Find. Fourthly, it has supplemented the yearly record of the reunion proceedings by a quarterly of some one hundred pageis which embeles all that could be desired in such a publication and grows in inter- est with each recurring issue. Its sole aim is to keep fresh the memories of the gallant service of the regiment and to make comrades mutually acquainted with each other. This object is most happily attained and the general response of the emarades is, " I con suggest no improve- mient." It has commenced the soliland enduring work of presenting the genes-
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logical history of the members of the association, and opens its columnns to arti- cles and communications from our allied organizations. Lastly, it has attained these successes by an amount of work and an expenditure of money that is as large as the results are happy. Measure if you can the work expended in obtain- ing the material for the history and espe- cially the facts necessary to present the exhaustive roster of our regiment, or the effort required to secure the numerous pictures. The work cannot be measured, but the figures can be counted, and here they are :
Money raised and expended by the First Maine Cavalry Association : 1872, first reunion, estimated, S200; 1873, sec- ond reunion, estimated, Stoo; 1874, third reunion, actual, 8258.75; 1875, fourth reunion, actual, $215.21; 18;6, fifth re- union, actual, $77.50: 1877, sixth reunion, actual, $$7; IS78, seventh reunion, act- ual, $258.01; 18;0, eighth reunion, actu- al, $546.72: ISSO, ninth reunion, actual, $323-76: ISSI, tenth reunion, actual, $124.64: 1882, eleventh reunion, actual, $363.68; 1853, twelfth reunion, actual, $210.09; ISS4, thirteenth reunion, det- val, 503.35: 1885, fourteenth reunion, actual, $130,75: 1986, fifteenth reunion. actual, $64.75; ISS7, sixteenth reunion, actual, 3243 75; 1895, seventeenth re- union, actual, $255.49; 1850, eighteenth reunion, actual, Sto. So: rSo. nine- teenth reunion, actuel, $237-47; ISgi, twentieth reunion, estimated, 5129.22; total reunions and pamphlets, $5000. Bugle: Call 1. $154.05: Call 2, 895; Call 3, $175,37; Call 4, $95.00; Call 5, $127.50; Call 6, $120; Call 7. stro.oi; total for BUGLes $30.14 History: printing, $1,681.93: binbng, $1,077.50; pictures in history. $2,012.50; total for history, $5,404 33- Gettysburg monti- ment, $250; Buste pictures, $12%; badges, $557.50: grand total, $12,- 272.99.
Having presented these financial facts. Gen. Cilley then related the following story, entitled :
GEN. CH.LEY'S MULE.
In December, 1804, Billy Mekarland informed me that he wanted a darkey to aid him in taking care of the horses. I said he might have one whenever he could capture a suitable one. The first day out on the Bellefield raid, December 12th, 1864, while the regiment halted to destroy a culvert, Billy made a circuit of the surrounding country, and in a short time returned, leading a diminutive mule by a halter made of hay; that is, a twisted strand of hay. On the mule was seated a darkey of large size, dre-sed, externally at least, with thin cotton garments. The entire command broke out in Laugh- ter long and loud, as Billy, with apparent pride, led his incongruous capture into headquarters, ( Hist. p. 371.) The mule by contrast looked exceedingly small. His hide was rough and his ribs could be counted between the matted hair. The darkey was a finely proportioned fellon and developed quite a gift for taking care of the horses, but apparently claimed the mule as his own. This animal soon covered his ribs with plump, well rounded sides, and his hair became silky and of a very pleasing color. In fact, he became a little beauty, and seemed to enjoy the tributes of praise fis family given him. He was a mule that dearly loved a joke. At times when the darkey, Isaac, was grooming him he would quietly wait un- til Isaac's back was turned to him and in a good position, when he would playfully raise one of his pretty feet and place it so adroitly on Istde's exposed rear that the astonished darkey woul I dy through the air for a rod or so. Isaac was quick tempered, and would generally grab a board or rail and lay it soundly on the
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mn.le's left flank, whereupon the mule would lay his ears back and laugh out I ud, as though he could not help it.
I forgot to say that Isaac, at the time of the capture, was soon to have been married; that the Christmas; near at hand, was the time for the happy con- sommation. He. however, seemed rec- onciled to remain at headquarters as he and his old master were not good friends -the master has threatened to sell him and send him South. After Lee's sur- render, Isaac, feeling himself a free man and that his old master coul! not now dispose of him at will, expressed a wish to visit the plantation and see his lady love. Thinking that the event appointed for Christmas would take place on his presenting himself, I purchased a full suit of army blue, and Isaac with his six feet of stature, erect and well propor- tioned, tilled the uniform to perfection. I gave him some money besides, and sent him on his journey to his old home a happy and well-dressed man. In about a week's time he was back at headquarters. A little surprised, I asked him how he found his old master and what he said to bin. He replied. "1 went to my old phi- and entered the house as usual; my Id master, a little hart of hearing and dim of sight, sat in his ustal chair smoking his corncob pipe: I thought I would not call him master, as I was now a free man, so 1 said very politely, Mr. Randolph, 1 have called to see you and hope you are well': partly looking up he said, 'Glad to see you colonel; have a chair; " then locking squarely at me he paused sur- prised for a few minutes, his eyes roam. ing over me from head to fost, and then he said, 'Isaac, you just get out of here right smart or I will have that blue coat of yours of your back and give you a whipping whose mirks will remain much longer than they did when I whipped you last November." " Did
you see Dinah?" I asked, " and what about her?" " Yes," said he, slowly, " I saw Dinah, and without speaking she looked at my shoes, my shoestrings, then her eyes ran along my trousers to my blue coat and brass buttons, and up to my carefully brushed han, then down . to the cap in my hand and across to my two hands in white gloves, and said, ' Is that you, Isaac.' I replied, ' It ari, and I have come down here to marty you as we promised.' At this she com- menced to cry and after crying a long time and allowing ine to quiet her by holding ber in my arms, she said, ' Do you remember that garment I told you I was working on?' I said yes. ' Well,' said she slowly, 'after you left me so suddenly I worked ou that white gar- inent more constantly than ever before and cried over it a good deal. I made it much nicer and prettier than I ever thought it could be made-and after I got it all finished I felt so disconsolite and lonely, I felt so bad that no fellow could see me in that garment that I Went and married broken-fingered Sam New Year's Eve. I am so sorry now, Isaac, that I do not know what to do.'"
But I have forgotten all about the mule. He had the prettiest dappled coat that any mule ever did possess. His eyes had a soft, dreamy expression with a laugh in them, his long ears pointed up into the air like the plumes and feathers on a woman's bonnet, making his Websterian head appear as adorned by two bonnets. It was a pleasure to ride him, he carried one so casily. I did not like to ride him in public or when moving with the regi- ment. As we were three days on picket and six ott, which six days were well token up by reconnaisances, marches and parades, I found little time to ex- ercise him other that as a pack mule. Bat every chance i could get off alon: on bye or wood paths, I used to gallop
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him away from the sight of men and care and responsibility, and he appar- ently would enjoy it as much as myself. Every once in a while, and as often as he desired, he had a way of stopping and throwing up his back, sending me into the air above his head. I can re- member very distinctly how my dander would rise as I was ascending through the air and how my temper would get hot the nearer I approached the sun, and how it would gradually cool and I would descend to the earth again very calmly, landing on my feet a rod or so ahead of the mule, look back to him and see him smile and his cars shake with laughter to their very tips. When I would approach him he would wait my coming and put his head so lovingly toward me that I was almost tempted to kiss his wide cheek for the womanly qualities so clearly exhibited.
Col. Albion C. Drinkwater was then called upon and spoke briefly. expressing his pleasure at being present and meeting the comrades once more.
Lieut. Edward P. Tobie was then called upon. He first told a story that never was be- fore told publicly, concerning the famous temperance pledge of the early history of the regiment, and then made an earnest plea to the comrades to help the BU GLE by sending their contributions. "Send something," said he, " if it is only . How are you, com- rades?' with your name at- tached to it. You don't know
how that simple message may thrill the heart of some one whom you have not seen nor heard from for years, and who has been hungering to hear from you and long wondering whether you are still living or whether you, too, have been mustered out. Send some lit- tle sketch of your own expe- rience --- it will wake the mem- ories in other comrades, and they in turn will thrill you with memories of long forgotten incidents. There isn't one here present who can not write a sketch that will interest all the comrades and be of special interestto some ofthem. Write it in your own way-don't try to make a finely written thing of it-don't try any fine writ- ing -that would spoil it -- but write it just as you would tell it; then shall the comrades, as they read it recognize that it is yours because . it sounds just like him,' and as they see you in their mind's eye, they will fancy for the moment that they can almost see you again. Send something. We are go- ing to have the BUGLE full of matter every Call. We can do it but we want you to help. that we may have greater vari- ety, and make it much more interesting."
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Remarks full of interest were made by Comrades Chas. E. Jacks, Thomas B. Pulsifer, John M. Perkins and Patrick F. Shevlin, the latter telling some excellent stories in his own inimitable way, which pleased all, and which he has agreed to write out for the BUGLE. Ilis account of meet- ing with an old schoolmate, who enlisted before he did, and whom he had promised to meet in the field, was touching indeed.
Jonathan P. Cilley, Jr., son of the general, and author of " Bowdoin Boys in Labrador," made some very interesting remarks, touching briefly upon his experience and that of his follows while on the exploring expedition in the far north last summer, and showing that the sons of the men of Maine are worthy descendants of their fathers, where skill, ability, pluck and endurance are re- quired.
After the exercises were concluded, while the comrades were separating, Lieut. Jewett told a story about Gen. Gir mt on the morning of Lee's sur- render, which gives a fine fla- vor of the great general's character -- a story never be-
fore made public, and which the lieutenant promises to write out for some future Call of the BUGLE.
It was noticed that there was absent from this gathering one who, though not a com- rade of this regiment, was yet a comrade, and whose voice was listened to with pleasure at the previous annual meeting --- Col. Charles F. King, of the First, Tenth, and Twenty-Ninth Maine Infantry. On inquiry it was learned that Col. King died last January, after an ill- ness of five days, of pneumo- nia, at his home in Somerville. The following, from the Som- erville Journal of January 23d, will be of interest :
The sudden death of Colonel King is most sincer ly mourned. He had conpt- less friends, and the attendance at his funeral Thursday showed how his mem- ory is respected among them. Only the Sunday before he died, Colonel King at- tended the funeral of Comrade Lawrence at Winter Hill, and when an associate said to him: " I wonder who of us will be the next to go?" he answered : " Well, after all, what does it matter so long as we are well prepared." Colonel King's life was that of an honorable Christian gentleman, and those who knew him intimately knew that he was always ready for the summons that must come to all. His kindness of heart, his open franknes, and his many lovable traits of character made him beloved, as he was respected, by all who knew him.
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The members of his family have the sin- cerest sympathy of countless friends in the loss that they and all who knew him have sustained.
Death of General J. I. Gregg.
General John I. Gregg, who achieved distinction during the war as colonel of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, died at his residence in Washington, D. C., January 6th, 1892. Colonel and Brevet Brigadier and Major General John Irvin Gregg was born July 26th, 1826, at Bellefonte, Centre County, Pennsylvania. He was a son of Andrew Gregg, an iron manufacturer, who once sat in the Senate of his state, and a grandson of the famous Andrew Gregg who was prominent in the early his- tory of this country, and was a member of United States Senate from Pennsylvania in the early part of the century General Gregg received sound education in the acad- emy of his native place, and in 1846, when only twenty years old, volunteered as a private in the war with Mexico. He was promoted to captain, and served with honor until his regiment was mustered out of service at the close of the war. Returning to Centre County,
he engaged in the iron business. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was made captain and colonel of the Fifth Re- serves. Shortly afterwards he was appointed captain of the Sixth United States Cavalry, one of the new regiments formed by President Lincoln. He served throughout the war and received the brevets of major, lieutenant colonel, colo- nel and brigadier general in the regular army, for gallantry in action in the battles of Kel- ley's Ford, Middleburg, Shop- herdstown, Wilderness, Sul- phur Springs, St. Mary's Church, Deep Bottom, Stony Creek Station, and Hatcher's Run. After the war he was inspector general of freedmen in Louisiana, and under the es- tablishment of July 28th, 1868. became colonel of the Eighth United States Cavalry. He was with his regiment on the Pacific coast till retired for dis- ability incurred in the line of duty. April 2d, 1879. Since this time he had resided in Washington. He was a man of martial stature, being 6 feet 4 inches in height. He was a cousin of David McMurtrie Gregg, the recently elected Auditor General of Pennsyl-
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vania. The following official report made by Gen. Gregg may be of interest in bringing to memory our service under his command :
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, ) SECOND DIV. CAY. CORPS, July 6, '64.
CAPT. II. C. WEIR, A. A. GEN., Six :- I have the honor to submit the following brief report of the operations of this brigade since April 29, 1864, to the pres- ent date :
April 29th, marched from Turkey Run. to Paoli Mills. May 3rd, marched to Richardsville; 4th, crossed the Rapidan at Ely's Ford and marched via Chancel- lorsville to Aldrich; 5th, 6th, 7th and Sth, engaged with the enemy at Todd's Tavern; gtl, marched to North Anna River; roth, crossed South Anna River; fith, engaged with the enemy from Ground Squirrel Church to Yellow Tar- ern; 12th, engaged all day with the enemy near Brook Church inside the Rebel fortifications of Richmond; 13th, marched to Bottom's Bridge on the Chick- ahoming ; 14th, marched to Haxall's on the James River; 15th, 10th, and 17th, in camp; ISth, marched to Baltimore Cross Roads; 19th, in comp; 20th, marched to Coll Harbor; 22nd, marched to White House; 23rd, 24th and 25th, marched to Chesterfell Station; . 26th, marched to Hanover Ferry; 27th, crosse 1 the Pamunky; 28th, engage I with the enemy all day at Hawes' Shop; 20th and soth, in camp; 31st, marched to White House and reported to Maj. Gen. Smith; June ist, marched to Prospect Church; and, made reconnoissance to Summer's Upper Bridge on the Chickahominy, en- gaged all day with the enemy; Sid, 4th and sth, in camp at Bottom's Bridge; oth, marched to New Castle Ferry on the Pamunky; 7th, Sth, 9th and roth, marched to Trevillian Station on Virginia
Central Railroad; 11th, engaged all day with the enemy; 12th, in camp at Tre- villian Station; 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th, marched to King and Queen Court House; roth, marched to Dunkirk ; zoth, marched to White House; aist, engaged all day with the enemy near Tunstall Station on the Rich- mond and York River Railroad; 22ad, in camp on Macon's farm; 23d, marched to Jones' Bridge on the Chickahominy; 21th, marched to St. Mary's Church and fought hard all day with the entire cav- alry force of the enemy; 25th, marched to Winan's farm and camped; 26th and 27th, in camp; 25th, crossed James Riv- er and encamped near Fort Powhattan; 2)th, marched to Prince George Court House; 30th, marched to Warwick Swamp; July Ist, marched to Prostor's House on Jerusalem Plank Road andl made reconnoisance to Nottaway River in search of Brig. Gen. Wilson's com- mand; 2nd, marched to Prince George Court House and encamped; 3rd, in camp: 4th, changed camp to Jordan's Point on the James River; 5th and 6th, in camp.
The entire distance matched by this brigade during the operations of the past two months is over 700 miles, independ- ent of the distance traveled in looking after forage and in going and returning from picket duty and in scouting. This brigade has participated in eleven battles and has lost heavily in killed and woun.led.
I cannot speak ineterms that would be exaggerated of the conduct of the off- cers and men in this command; the un- flinching courage displayed under fire. and the cheerfulness with which every toll and privation was endured and sub- mittel to, entitle this command to be ranked among the best soldiers in this or any other army.
I have to regret the loss of several val- uable officers killed in action and since die l of wounds whose names deserve to
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be written high upon the scroll of fame.
To the officers of my staff, Capt. H. M. Hughes, A. I. Gen .; Lieu't Jno. B. Maitland, A. A. Gen. ; Lieu't R. J. Phipps, A. Ord. Officer; Lieu't Matteson and Cutler, A. A. D. C., and Lieu't Heald, Pro. Marshall, I am indebted for valuable services, and desire to bear testimony to their gallantry under trying circum- stances, and I earnestly recommend Lieu't Jno. B. Maitland for promotion to rank of captain in the department of the service in which he has been acting since February, 1864.
The following are the names of officers Billed in action :
Chaplain Geo. W. Bartlett, Ist Maine Cav .; Capt. O. A. Ellis, Ist Maine Cav .; Capt. W. W. Phillips, Ist Maine Cav .; Lt. Col. S. Boothby, Ist Maine Cav .; Lieu't Wm. Harris, Ist Meine Cav .; Lieu't F. J. Dugan, 2nd Penn'a Cav .; Col. Geo. H. Covode, 4th Penn'a Cav .; Lieu't F. W. Bowen, 4th Penn'a Cav .; Capt. Jno. Kline, 13th Penn'a Cav. Of- ficers killed, 9; enlisted men killed, 58; officers wounded, 22; enlisted men wounded, 348; officers missing, 15; en- listed men missing, 170. Total losses, 620.
I am very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, J. IRVIN GREGG, Colonel Commanding Brigade.
Lieuts. Cutler and Heald were of our own regiment, and it will be seen that of the nine officers killed five were our own comrades in the First Maine Cavalry.
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