USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1892 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 6
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
Napoleon, or some equally eminent authority in military art, has said that an army moves on its belly; that the celerity of movement and the distance of any advance is determined by the power to feed the men. I have no doubt that the march made by our regiment till midnight April 7th, 1865, and all the next day and until one o'clock the morning of April 9. 1865, was rendered possible by the magnificent repast at Farmville, where our horses had a choice between doughnuts and biscuits. I also have no doubt that the magnificent advance we made Oct. 12th, 1863, and the more brilliant anteadvance we inade later that same day, when our horses, during the hours of daylight and darkness, covered over one hundred miles of distance, was due entirely to our hope of getting something to eat when we reached camp. I have no doubt that this hope of a satisfying repast kept Major Thaxter's spirits in their rsual forin of good nature and habitual politeness when his courteous inquiry. mode as he stood alone in a strange camp, was responded to with the rather uncivil words, " The Twelfth Virginia, you damn fool," and caused him to reply in an unruffled manner. " I thank you." I am also convinced that the fragrance of magnificent banquet, whose fragments and remains lie scattered before me as effectually as the rebel cavalry was broken and scattered in the morning of the Dinwiddie fight, -- I say I have no doubt the fragrance of this banquet has caused the vast multitude of our old regiment to advance all the way nom Kittery to Passamaquoddy, from Pemaquid to Madawaska, with an alacrity unequalled in any raid of rebellion days. It has been a matter of anxious inquiry among our comrades, what kind of diet Massachusetts fur- nished to the members of our regiment who have moved to that State to en- Able them to attain the magnificent proportions possessed by our President,
58
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Colonel Drinkwater. and our commandes. Albert Edgecomb and George Ordway; and I realize from my present condition that we have got at bo substantial fact-, for, personally, I feel about as big round as Edgecomb vi his three hundred and fifty pounds avoirdupois.
We come at the call of the old Mother State with a love as war ra. ? ยป welcome is Hearty and abundant, in spite of the fact that we have at fi .... acted in such manner as to provoke the old State and committed such boidles .- ish acts that her maternal instincts were to deservedly spank her disrespectful daughter, forgetting as parents do forget, that the daughter has assumed rue . inatronly proportions. that. when you get at the bottom facts, she occupi .. when she is fairly seated, three times as many square miles as the old B.v State does when in similar position.
I wish I had fitting words to express my appreciation of the banquet and the welcome of Massachusetts. All I can say is that the old State has spread her arm and opens wide her bosom, even beautiful Boston, whose motherly breasts bear heavenward, from Breed Hill and Beacon lookout, the shaft of Bunker Hill and the golden dome of the State House-the one furnishing the spiritual nourishment of patriotism, firm and exalted, and the other the tru: charity of good laws and shining example. Now, dear old Mother Suite. I wish you to look at your daughter whose sons you now hold to your bosom All her innumerable lines of sea-washed shore, all her enchanted islan ! and pleasing headlands, all her pine-covered hills and mountains, all her blush- ing lakes, give fragrance and vigor to those who come within their influences. while her moral attributes stand winter clear as high as Katahdin's suntmit. Let me give a few facts. Turn to Fox's book of Regimental Losses in the War of the Rebellion ; the acknowledged authority on the subject.
There were two thousand and forty-seven regiments in the Union arms. Of these, three hundred, whose losses exceeded one hundred and thirty killed .i mortally wounded, are designated as the three hundred fighting regiments: the ratio of three hundred to two thousand and forty-seven is a little less the :: fifteen per cent. Maine sent into the service counting the First, Tenth and Twenty-ninth, a regiment reorganized twice, as three regiments ; counting all the nine months regiments and counting the batteries of light artillery with the coast guards and scattered companies as one regiment. thirty-five regi- ments, Of these by their losses, the Third, Fourth, Sixth. Seventh, Eigt .h. Ninth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Thirty-first. Firs Maine Heavy Artillery, and the First Maine Cavalry, belong by their losses in the number of the three hundred fighting regiments. making thirteen out (. thirty-five or over thirty-seven per cent. Look again. The First Maine Heves Artillery lost more men killed or mortally wounded than any other reginx ". in the whole two thousand and forty-seven. The First Maine Cavalry I. more officers and more men killed or mortally wounded than any other cavalry regiment in the entire service. In this loss of our regiment thers was no waste or regretable orders as is sometimes urged against the FE .: Maine Heavy, for om skirmishes and engagements number one hundred at seven. Our hard-fought battles number twenty-nine by General Order y. 10, 1865, Army of the Potomac. This order deserves your special attention for a moment. It is the only order determining the number of battles author-
-
. "
59
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
ized to be borne on the standard, of each regiment in the Army of the Poto- mac, and no other army or corps fought so many battles. It contains the naines of two hundred and sixty-three regiments. and the following the sum- mary account : seven regiments bear the name of one battle; two regiments, two battles; one regiment, three battles; five regiments, four battles; eight regiments, five battles : six regiments, six battles; thirteen regiments, seven battles; sixteen regiments, eight battles; twelve regiments, nine battles ; fourteen regiments, ten battles; fourteen regiments, eleven battles; ten regi- ments, twelve battles ; thirteen regiments, thirteen battles ; fifteen regiments. fourteen battles: twenty-four regiments, fifteen battles; sixteen regiments, sixteen battles; sixteen regiments, seventeen battles; eleven regiments, eighteen battles; seven regiments, nineteen battles; seven regiments, twenty battles; thirteen regiments, twenty-one battles; eigh' regiments, twenty-two battles; fourteen regiments, twenty-three battles; six regiments, twenty-four battles; two regiments, twenty-five battles; two regiments, twenty-six battles. Now sce by what an enormous lead the First Maine Cavalry reaches the goal. No regiment bears twenty-seven battles. No regiment bears twenty-eight battles, but the First Maine bears twenty-nine, three ahead of all the rest.
Well may your daughter boast her sons.
Rome strewed the streets with garlands when Her legions came with captive bands. Those were the days of mighty men ; But those, the days of wasted lands. Behold my warriors come! No sound Of wailing breaks martial strain, No blood of slaves is on the crowned. These are tay sous -- the sons of Maine!
These are my sons! No mystic sage Hath reverence like those who read The prophecy on war's dark page. And bade the land be comforted. For some with council, some with sword, Went down. the awful cup to drain, And knew the fiat of the Lord. These are my sons -- the sons of Maine !
During the evening choice vocal selections were rendered by the famous Mendelssohn Male Quartet, composed as follows: F. W. Knowles. first tenor; C. J. Buffum, second tenor; Joseph L. White, baritone. and J. K. Berry, basso.
At half past cleven o'clock, after thanking the veterans for their kind support during his term of office, and expressing his gratifica- tion at the unqualified success of the reunion, President Drinkwater announced that at half past eight o'clock next morning the comrades
60
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
and ladies would assemble at the armory of the National Lancers. and, accompanied by the Megunticook brass band, would march to the wharf and go aboard the steamer for a harbor excursion, view - ing the different points of interest and lunching at Deer Island.
The Boston Globe said: " The committee of arrangements is deserving of especial commendation for the able manner in which every detail was carried out, making the reunion one of the most brilliant military events of the season, and adding additional glory to the history of the First Maine Cavalry."
LETTERS OF REGRET.
The following letters of regret were received :
PORTLAND, ME .. Sept. 16. 1889. DEAR GEN. CILLEY :
I fully intended to be with you to-morrow at the reunion, but circumstances over which I find I have no control have ordered it otherwise. I regret this very much, as I have no doubt it will be one of the most brilliant gatherings the gallant old First Maine have ever had since the organization was per- fected.
/ I shall be with you in mind and heart if not in person. I shall imaging al the -- "How are you! K Co .-- C Co .- F Co. etc. etc.," the familiar old hand-shake and grasping of each other. the sparkling eye, the joyous look. Then the old battles that will be fought over again from the beginning to the end of the struggle. the marches, the camp-fires, the picket lines, the recon- noissance. the foraging. All will be gone over again to-morrow, and I not there to participate: such is my luck ; my misfortune : -- It cannot be helped. General.
Will you give my warmest regards to all the comrades that may inquire for me and to all that do not ask for me. Tell them I am with them in spirit and shall hope to meet them all another year. if we are living, and believe me. Yours truly.
CHAS. W. FORD.
P. S. General. I herewith hand you my check for twenty dollars to square up what may be due from me, and if any balance, let it go into the treasury. or wherever you in your good judgment may place it for the association.
F.
EAST SAGINAW, MICH .. Sept. 4. 1889.
SECRETARY FIRST MAINE CAVALRY ASSOCIATION:
DEAR SIR AND COMRADE: - Your invitation to be present at the reunion of the First Maine Cavalry Association at the Revere House, September. ISSo. is received. and I can assure you that nothing would give me greater pleasure, but business engagements will not permit. At a reunion of the members of the First Maine Cavalry present at the National Encampment at
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION. 61
Milwaukee, August 29th, 1889, I was instructed to send to the First Maine Cavalry Association a cordial and heart felt fraternal greeting, and to assure you that, though separated from you by more than one thousand miles of territory, we have not forgotten the members of the old regiment, nor failed at all suitable times to keep the memory of its heroic deeds before the people. We are proud of the old regiment and of its glorious record, and when asked the question, "To what regiment did you belong?" we are very proud to be able to respond, " The First Maine Cavalry." We hope and expect that your reunion will be the most pleasant and profitable of your experience, and only ask that you spare a moment from your feast of good things to give a thought to the absent ones, and that you send us a full report of the pro- cecdings at the earliest possible moment. We send you the greeting of old comrades in arms; those who have shared with you in all the pains and pleasures of the march, the camp and the battle-field.
The following members of the First Maine Cavalry were present at the National Encampment at Milwaukee :
W. S. Sylvester, Co. F, Leavenworth, Kan .; C. E. Carter, Co. C, Joliet, Ill .; Riley L. Jones, Co. G, East Saginaw, Mich .; G. L. Mills, Co. E, Sabula, Iowa; A. J. Burbank, Co. G, Chicago, Ill .; Cyrus T. Reed, Co. G, Mil- waukee, Wis .; A. H. Higgins, Co. M, Minneapolis. Mion .; L. G. Estes, Co. A, Washington, D. C .; A. Melvin Cole, Co. E, St. Louis, Mo .; W. D. Cowan, Co. D, Ludington, Mich .; Jas. W. Harriman, Co. E, Neceda, Wis .; C. B. Clarkson, Co. L, Neenah, Wis .; Redmond O'Connell, Co. H, Mil- waukee, Wis. : W. TI. Luce, Co. A, Rice Lake, Wis.
Yours fraternally,
RILEY L. JONES, Chairman. BANGOR, ME., Sept. 16, 1SS9.
DEAR COLONEL :
Until within a few days I expected to attend the reunion of our regiment. in Boston, but very pressing business engagements at that time will not permit. I wanted to go for many reasons, and one. by no means the least, because I know our Massachusetts comrades will give the regiment as truc and warm-hearted a welcome as it has ever had. I will be with you in mind. and may the occasion, as I know it will, be all that comrades wish.
Very truly,
DANIEL F. DAVIS. NEW YORK. Sept. 14. 1889. GEN. J. P. CILLEY, Revere House, Boston:
DEAR SIR: Please let the boys of. B Company know that my best wishes are with them when gathered together at the banquet, and if they had not charged on Old Time quite so soon I should have had the happiness to meet them. Have just arrived from Japan so cannot leave the ship for a few days. Shall hope to see you in Rockland.
Yours respectfully,
M. B. Cook.
62
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
LEWISTON, Sept. 15, 188). TO THE COMRADES OF THE FIRST MAINE CAVALRY ASSOCIATION :
GENTLEMEN : Having seen the call for the meeting of your Assc ation at the Revere House, in Boston, I thought it would be interesting to you to hear something of one of your old comrades whom you will all rem anb.r but who will never meet with you again. About two years ago, Comrade George W. Hussey was stricken with paralysis. After a little while he recovered so as to be about, but his health began to fail, and gradually hi mind was beginning to be clouded so that it was not safe to trust him alvi for any length of time.
About six months ago, he had another shock which prostrated him for time, but he has recovered a little from that so that he can walk a litth with belp. His mind is gone, and his vocal organs are so far paralyzed that he can speak but a few simple words with difficulty. Occasionally a little High seems to break through the darkness, and for a short time he will be able to recognize his friends, and to be able to understand what is said to him. but it lasts for oaly a little while. About four weeks ago. I went over to Vassalloto, (where he is stopping) to see him, and during the time that I was there. he came to himself for a little while so that he knew me, and I said. " Geotve. your regiment is to have their reunion in Boston soon. and I will write aod tell them about your case, for they will want to hear from you." He could not speak but his eyes filled with tears : he loved his old comrades, and they were very near to his heart. Comrade Hussy is cared for especially by a niece ci his who is a most excellent woman, and who devotes all her time to him.
The enclosed photograph you will readily recognize. I obtained it of his sister that I might send it to you.
Very truly yours in F. C. & L.,
J. P. JOHNSON. (Late of First Maine Heavy Artillery and now member of Custer Post 7. G. A. R., Department of Maine.)
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3. 1852. A. C. DRINKWATER, President First Maine Cavalry Association:
DEAR SIR: Yours of the 30th ult. inviting me to be present at tl :. Eighteenth Annual Reunion of the First Maine Cavalry. is received. for which I thank you, regretting that I cannot avail myself of the opportunity to meet my old and cherished comrades of that gallant organization.
Will you please present to one and all of the survivors of the First Maine who may be present at your reunion, my kindest regards and wishes for their welfare. May their camping grounds be among the green pastures and by the still waters and beneath green pines in peace and plenty, until the Great Commander shall call them to muster on the eternal shores.
Yours truly, J. IRWIN GREGG.
The following characteristic telegraphie despatch was also re- ceived :
3
63
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
DENNY SVILLE, ME.
To REV. J. P. CILLEY, First Maine Cavalry Association Banquet, Revere House, Boston :
Profoundest regrets ; a new baby kept me from meeting with you. Will see you all at Gettysburg if every woman in town has twins.
DR. SHEAHAN, Late a reduced Corpora! Co. K.
Letters of regret at not being able to attend were also received from Hon. William P. Frye, U. S. Senator; Thomas B. Read, M. C .; Charles A. Boutelle, M. C .; H. C. Lodge, M. C. from Massachusetts; His Excellency the Governor; John F. Andrew, by John E. Chapman : James G. Blaine, Secretary of State; S. Dalton, Adjutant-General. State of Massachusetts; Homer Rogers .. Chairman Board of Aldermen, Boston; John Corse, Postmaster of Boston; Gen. Horatio A. Alger, Commander-in-chief, Grand Army of the Republic; W. E. Barrett, Boston Advertiser; Charles H. Taylor, Boston Globe; Alfred C. Munroe. Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Republic; J. E. Carpenter, and Corporal James Tanner.
THE GUESTS OF THE CITY ON THE SECOND DAY.
The programme for the second day was a harbor excursion, and the comrades were ordered to report at the Lancers' armory at half past eight o'clock in the morning, but the fatigue incident to Tues- day's travel and the banquet was not conducive to early rising. Late "taps" necessitated a late "reveille," and it was not until quarter past ten that the veterans marched from the armory in the following order :
Pioneer Corps, consisting of Comrades G. A. Ordway, Gen. Black Hawk Putnam and Capt. L. Monson, all fall as the pines of their native State. and the weight as ascertained by the hay scales at Deer Island. aggregat- ing 7379 pounds.
Megunticook Cornet Band.
First Maine Cavalry , Association, 200 comrades, led by Brevet Maj .- Gen. C. H. Smith and President A. C. Drinkwater.
The column moved by way of Court and Brattle Streets, Dock Square, through the markets, Commercial Street and Atlantic Avenue to the South Ferry, where the party embarked on the steamer J. Putnam Bradlee. The ladies were taken from the Revere House to the wharf in carriages. On the steamer the party was received by Commissioner Charles J. Prescott of the Depart- ment of Public Institutions and Assistant City Messenger Harry
0
-
64
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Osborne, who were assiduous in their attention to the city's guests. Upon arrival at Deer Island the veterans marched to the mail. building, where Supt. James R. Gerrish, a veteran of the old First Massachusetts Infantry, and a comrade of Theodore Winthrop Pos 35, G. A. R., of Chelsea, accorded the party a hearty welcome. After inspecting the various departments of the institution, the party proceeded to the chapel, where had assembled one hundred and ffty healthy and bright looking lads. clad in neat uniforms of dark bhie. As the party entered the gallery the boys' band played a march, after which, under the direction of the chaplain, Rev. J. W. Dadmin, who is the chaplain of the National Lancers, it rendered with fine effect a national medley, introducing the airs, " America," " Wear- ing of the Green " and " Marching Through Georgia," the latter. with its accompaniment of waving flags, eliciting from the veteran .. hearty applause. "The Young Recruits" and " Ring the Bell, Watchman," followed, the lads displaying much grace and skill in the calisthenic exercises.
Commissioner Prescott, in a neat speech, welcomed the veterans on behalf of the city, and expressed his regret at the absence of Mayor Hart. To the boys of the institution, he said : " You were never more honored than you are to-day by the presence of these veterans of the First Maine Cavalry," a sentiment which the little fellows applauded to the echo.
President Drinkwater was then introduced and was greeted hy the boys with three times three cheers and waving of flags. The colonel, in behalf of his comrades, thanked the city of Boston. Commissioner Prescott, Superintendent Gerrish and the boys, all of whom he complimented in a pleasant address.
General Smith spoke to the boys in a most kindly manner, giving them words of encouragement and good advice. His remarks were heartily applauded.
General Cilley complimented the lads upon their neat and soldierly appearance, after which Commissioner Prescott thanked the boys and complimented the superintendent and officers of the institution.
After the "banner song" by the boys and a selection by the Megunticook cornet band, the veterans proceeded to the dining hall where, after grace by Rev. J. W. Dadmun, an excellent lunch was served. After lunch the veterans and ladies, the latter escorted by Comrade J. T. Williams, assembled on the hillside and were pho- tographed by Comrade J. W. Porter. After hearty cheers for the
EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION. 65
mayor and city of Boston, the conirades re-embarked, and after a pleasant sail reached Boston soon after 3 P. M.
Marching via Atlantic Avenue, Commercial, State and Washing- ton Streets, the entire party visited The Globe office, entering the building to the stirring notes of " Marching Through Georgia," and as the Jumbo presses were rattling off the evening editions of the paper, the veterans saw :
Globes to the right of them, Globes to the left of them, Globes in front of them, Great circulation!
The veterans visited the various departments, inspecting with interest the methods by which New England's great daily prepares and issues to the world the current news. The ladies were escorted by the ever gallant Thomas Downey.
SECOND BUSINESS MEETING.
After leaving The Globe office, the veterans marched to the Lancers' armory, where a business meeting was held, President Drinkwater presiding. On motion of Comrade Gilbert N. Harris a vote was passed thanking the city of Boston for its courteous hospitality; and also that a copy of the regimental history be pre- sented to the library of the city institutions at Deer Island.
On motion of Comrade P. F. Shevlin, seconded by Gen. C. H. Smith, a vote was passed thanking Charles B. Rohan of The Globe staff, and presenting to him a copy of the regimental history.
On motion of General Smith, the thanks of the association were voted the Massachusetts Branch for its painstaking and distinguished courtesies.
After discussion a regimental badge was adopted. The design may be described as follows: From a 16-shooter carbine, inscribed First Maine Cavalry, suspended by two stirrup straps, is a horse- shoe surrounding a horse's head, above which appear the crossed cavalry sabres, surmounted by a pine tree. A ribbon of cavalry yellow completes the badge, which is distinctive, neat and appro- priate.
Comrade Harris, President of the Massachusetts Branch, in an cloquent speech, thanked the regimental association for holding its annual reunion in Boston, urged the comrades to form associations in their several towns, and closed with an expression of the delight
-
66
FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
it gave the Massachusetts comrades to have their brothers and sisters of Maine at this grand family reunion.
On motion of Comrade Ordway, it was voted that a copy of the regimental history be presented to the National Lancers of Boston, as a token of the association's appreciation of their courtesy.
On motion of Comrade Williams, a vote was passed thanking President Harris of the Massachusetts Branch for his indefatigable efforts in the success of the reunion.
On motion of Comrade Ricker, the following committee on the regimental badge was elected: Col. A. C. Drinkwater, Brev. Brig .- Gen. J. P. Cilley and Lieut. George F. Jewett.
After votes of thanks, in which the Ladies' Auxiliary joined, to Manager Austin of the Nickelodeon and Landlord Merrow of the Revere House, the business meeting adjourned.
Then enthusiasm akin to that of a college class day prevailed; cheers were given for the National Lancers, Col. Drinkwater, Gen. Smith and almost everybody, so jubilant were the veterans at the success of the reunion.
In the evening several of the comrades and ladies attended a special performance at the Nickelodeon by invitation of Manager Austin, who is a son of Maine.
A number of veterans not participating in the harbor excursion visited the State House, receiving courteous attentions from Maj. William C. Capelle of the adjutant-general's office.
Comrade T. T. Williams, of Salisbury Point, Mass., who was the popularly known " mail agent " of the regiment during its term of service, desiring to again serve his comrades, stated that if any veteran of the regiment will send him his address, he will furnish him with The Globe containing the account of the reunion.
Mayor Hart and the other officials and the citizens of Boston have carned and will have the lasting gratitude of every member of the grand old regiment who attended the reunion, for the cordial and honorable reception and grand entertainment accorded them. To the members of the regiment resident in and about Boston, on whom devolved the duty of making all the arrangements for the comfort of the visiting members, great credit is due for the excellent manner in which every detail was arranged and successfully carried out.
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.