USA > Maine > First Maine bugle, 1892 (history of 1st Maine Cavalry) > Part 8
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Our first sight of the long-desired coast was between Belle Armours Point and the cliffs near Red Bay, the thick haze making the outlines very indistinct. Just two weeks out from Rockland we made our first harbor on the Labrador coast. Red Bay is a beautiful little place, and with the added features of two magnifi- cent icebergs close by which we passed in entering, the towering red cliff's on the left from which it takes its name, and the snug little island in the middle, and the odd houses we saw dotting the shores of the summer settlement of the natives, it seemed a sample fully equal to our expectations of what we should find in Labrador.
There is an inner harbor into which we could have gone. with seven fathoms of water and in which vessels sometimes winter as it is so secure, but we did not enter it because the captain was doubt- ful which of the two entrances to take and the chart seemed indefi- nite on the point. There are about one hundred and seventy-five people in the settlement, some of them staying there the year round, fishing in the summer and hunting the rest of the time. They have another settlement of winter houses at the head of the inner harbor; but, for convenience in getting at their cod traps, live on the island in the middle, and on the sides of the outer harbor in the summer. Their houses are made of logs about the size of small railroad ties, which are stood on end and clapboarded. The winter houses are built in a similar way with earth packed around and over them.
The party for Grand River -Cary, Cole, W. R. Smith and Young-have decided to dispense with a guide ; very wisely, I think.
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BOWDOIN BOYS IN LABRADOR.
from what I have seen of native Labradoreans. While the journey they undertake is one in which the skill of Indians or half-breeds, familiar with Labrador wildernesses would be of great value and would add to the comfort of our party, it is very doubtful if any living person has ever been to the falls or knows any more about the last, and probably the hardest part of the trip, than Cary. And, further, the travel is so difficult that about all a man can carry is supplies for himself; and the Indians cannot stand the pace that our men intend to strike ; nor, if it should come to the last extremity, and a forlorn hope was needed to make a last desperate push for discovery or relief, could the Indian guides, so far as we have any knowledge of them, be relied on. That the boldest measures are often the surest, will probably again be demonstrated by our Grand River party.
We tried the exploring boats very thoroughly at Chateau Bay, three of us getting caught about six miles from the vessel in quite a blow, and the well-laden boat proved herself very seaworthy. When loaded, she still draws but little water, and is good in every way for the trip.
This letter was begun in the fine breeze off' Newfoundland, but could not be mailed till the port of entry and post-office of Labrador, Battle Harbor, was reached. A week was consumed in getting from our first anchorage in Labrador to this harbor, as the captain was un- accustomed to icebergs, and properly decided to take no risks with them in the strong shifting currents and thick weather of the eastern end of the straits. The wind was ahead for several days, and the heavy squalls coming off the land in quick succession made us fear the wind would drop and leave us banging around in the fog that usually accompanies a calm spell, so we kept close to harbors and dodged in on the first provocation.
The season is three weeks late this year; the first mail boat has not yet arrived, though last year at this time she was on her second trip. The last report from the North -down the coast they call it -that went to Newfoundland and St. Johns was "that it was impassable ice this side Hamilton Inlet." A vessel -- a steam seal- ing bark - though, that was here yesterday and has gone to Sidney, C. B. I., reports now that the coast is clear to Hopedale. Beyond we know nothing about it.
On Henley and Castle Islands, at the mouth of Chateau Bay, are basaltic table-lands about half a mile across, perfectly flat on top and about two hundred feet high. We walked around one, went
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
to its top and secured specimens from the columns. The famous " natural images" of men, are. to my eye, not nearly so good at the descriptions lead one to expect. The history of the place could hardly be guessed from its present barren, desolate, poverty-strict:cn appearance ; but the remains of quite a fort on Barrier Point show some signs of former and now departed glory. It seems that it has been under the dominion of England, France and the United States, all of whom took forceful possession of it, and England and France have governed it. An American privateer once sacked the place. carrying away, I believe, about 3,500 pounds worth of property. Now, a very small population eke out a wretched existence by fish- ing, only a few remaining, living at the heads of the bays, in the winter, and most of them going home to Newfoundland.
The icebergs are in great plenty. I counted eighty from the basaltic table-land at one time, and the professor saw even more at once. Belle Isle is in plain sight from this place, looking like Monhegan from the Georges Islands, though possibly somewhat longer.
Finally, as the wind showed no signs of changing, the captain. to our intense delight, decided to beat around to Battle Harbor and we anchored here at about 5:50 P. M., July 17th. Many of the icebergs we passed were glorious, and the scene was truly arctic. It was bitterly cold, and heavy coats were the order of the day. We passed Cape St. Charles, the proposed terminus of the Labrador Railroad to reduce the time of crossing the Atlantic to four days, saw the famous table-land, and soon opened Battle Harbor which we bad to beat up, way round to the northward, to enter. It was slow business with a strong head current, but the fishermen say a vessel never came around more quickly. We found the harbor very small, with rocks not shown in chart or coast pilot. and had barely room to come to without going ashore. We went in under bare poles, and then had too much way on.
The agent for the Bayne, Johnston Co., which runs this place. keeping nearly all its three hundred inhabitants in debt to it, is a Mr. Smith, who has taken the professor and seven or eight of the boys on his little steamer to the other side of the St. Lewis Sound. The doctor has gone with them to look after some grip patients, and the professor expects to measure some half-breed Eskimo living there. The boys are expecting to get some fine trout. The grip was brought to this region by the steamer bringing the first suminer fishing colonies, and has spread to all and killed a great many.
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EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL REUNION.
There is an Episcopal rector here, Mr. Bull, who says everybody had it. I believe it is owing to his care and slight medical skill that none have died here. It is hard for this people to have such a sickness just as the fishing season is best. The doctor has oppor- tunity to use all and far more than the amount of medicine he brought, much to Professor Lee's amusement. He is reaping a small harvest of furs, grateful tokens of his services, that many of his patients send him, and some of his presents have also improved our menu.
This place is named Battle Harbor from the conflict that too !: place here between the Indians and English settlers, aided. by a man-of-war. The remains of the fight are now in a swamp covered with fishflakes. There are also some strange epitaphs in the village graveyard, with its painted wooden head-boards, and high fence to keep the dogs out. These latter are really dangerous, making it necessary to carry a stick if walking alone. Men have been killed by them, but last year the worst of the lot were exported across the bay, owing to a bold steal of a child by them and its being nearly eaten up. They are a mixture of Eskimo, Indian and wolf, with great white shaggy coats.
The steamer with mail and passengers from St. Johns. Newfound- land, is expected every day, and as our rivals for the honor of re- discovering Grand Falls are probably on board, there is a race in store for us to see who will get to Rigolette first, and which party will start ahead on the perilous journey up the Grand River. As they have refused our offer of co-operation, we now feel no sym- pathy with their task, and will have but little for them till we see thein, as we hope, starting up the river several days behind our hardy crew.
JONATHAN P. CIL.LEY, JR.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
THE GENERAL.
" But what carc we for foeman now, When 'Forward ' is the word, And General Smith rides at our head With . Victory' on his sword."
Bright beam the skies above thee, Friend of our early days ; None knew thee but to love thec Nor named thee but to praise
General Charles H. Smith.
On the first day of last Novem- ber our old and loved commander, Gen. Charles H. Smith, reached the age of sixty-four years, and retired from the United States Army, in which he had served as colonel for nearly a quarter of a century. He served in the vol- unteers and in the regular army more than twenty-nine years, all but two years of which time he was colonel in command of a reg- iment, or with a larger command. Ilis military record is in brief as follows :
Charles H. Smith enlisted at East- port. Sept. 23. 1861, and was mustered in as captain of Co. D, First Maine Cavalry, Oct. 19, 1861, at Augusta: commissioned major. Feb. 16. 1863, lieutenant - colonel, March 26. 1863. and colonel June 17, 1863. lle commanded the regiment from this last date (upon the death of Colonel Douty) until June 24. 1864, when he was wounded at the batde of St. Mary's Church. being in command of the brigade, the division, and several petails of more than one regiment, for
different short periods during this time. On his return to the field after recover ing from the effects of his wound. It was placed in command of the brigade (Second Brigade, Second Cavalr; Division, Cavalry Corps, A of 1) which command he retained except a few days when he was in command of the division. until Oct. 18, 1864, when he took command of the Third Brigade -a new brigade organized especial; for him - which command be retained until the close of the war. He was mustered out of service with the reci. ment, at Augusta, Aug. 11. 1865. 1! was commissioned colonel of tio Twenty-eighth United States Infantry. July 28, 1866, and at the consolidatio. of this regiment with the Nineteenth. was assigned to the Nineteenth, and commanded that regiment until he re- tired from the service on the first ( last November. He was brevetol brigadier-general United States Vol unteers, for his services at St. Mary's Church, June 24. 1864. where. though he had two horses shot under him ane was himself shot through the thigh. h. remained with the regiment uutli tr day was done : breveted major-genera. United States Volunteers. April 31 1865. for services in the last campa- of the Army of the Potomac ; brevets brigadier-general United States Arm ..
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THE GENERAL.
for services in the battle at Sailors' Creek, April 6, 1865, and major-gen- eral United States Army for very meritorious services during the war.
The comrades will find the rec- ord of our loved chief more at length in the History of the Regi- ment, and, indeed, it is written in their hearts. They need no one to tell them of the merits, the bravery, the skill, or the services of "Colonel Smith," as they best love to call him (though they are proud that he is entitled to the higher rank), for as "colonel" they first knew him, and under that title they learned to love and respect bim-learned what man- ner of man, of soldier, of officer he was. A sketch of his record and services in the United States Army since the days of the rebel- Hon will be of interest, and we hope to be able to present such a sketch in some future Call.
Upon his retirement from the army, Gen. Smith proceeded at once to Washington, with the intention of residing there if the climate is found best for himself and his family. It will be pleas- ing to all the comrades to know how Gen. Smith was regarded by the men and officers who served under him, and by the citizens of the city and State in which his last service was performed, so "The Assembly" of this Call is devoted mainly to this subject.
The Detroit Tribune of Oct. 25th last has the following :
THE ENLISTED MEN LOVED HIM. GEN.
ERAL SMITH PRESENTED WITH A CASKET OF HANDSOME SILVEP WARE. HIS RETIREMENT THE O. CASION. AFTER NOVEMBER I HF WILL SEE NO MORE ACTIVE SCA VICE. NO PARALLEL CASE IN THE IHISTORY OF THE ARMY. THE PRESENTATION AT FORT WAYNE. RECEPTION THE LOTAL LEGION.
Brevet Brigadier - General C. H. Smith, the retiring commandant of Fort Wayne, was presented yesterday afternoon with one of the handsomest testimonials of respect and esteem that it has been the fortune of any arny oficer to receive. General Smith will be sixty-four years old November ist. This is the age when all officers arc compelled to retire. With their retire- ment they receive three-fourths of their regular pay for the remainder of their lives. General Smith leaves active army life with one of the cleanest and most honorable records in the service of Uncle Sam. Making a brilliant record in the war of the rebellion, he came out of it with a whole body and the rank of brevet major-general. He was in numerous battles, and was always known for his bravery and good head work. Twenty years ago he was made colonel of the Nineteenth United States Regulars, and has held that position ever since. His dealings with his men have always been marked by good judgment. The private sol- diers knew him as they knew but few commanders. He was a man among his men, and always treated them with consideration. Hle endeared himself to every enlisted man in the regiment. not to mention his staff officers; and when it was known that the time for
FIRST MAINE BUGIE.
his retirement was approaching, the boys began to talk. This they began to do some six months ago. Their talk crystallized into a spontaneous movement to signalize the event in a befitting manner. Every private was willing and eager to subscribe some- thing to a fund with which to purchase a substantial token of the regard they had for him. The money came with- out the asking. The matter was kept from the commissioned officers, and it was not until a short time ago that they were made acquainted with the state of affairs. Of the 400 enlisted men in the regiment, nearly every one sul,- scribed something, and a fund of $500 was secured. The two companies at Fort Brady, and the two at Fort Mackinaw, were quite as liberal as those at Fort Wayne.
As for General Smith, not a lisp did he hear of the game the boys were putting up, and when at 1.30 yesterday afternoon, he was enticed to the officers' hop room, under the pretext of letting the men give him a last hand shake, he was profoundl; ignorant of what he Was to chounter. The soldiers and officers were all gathered around the hall. and the general felt some little misgiving as he saw how intently each pair of cyes was fistened upon him. The fort orchestra was present, and after a selection had been played. Sergeant-Major Max Magen stepped to the front. and uncovering a large polished oaken casket with solid silver trimmings, turned toward General Smith. It is not necessary to dwell on what Magen said. He was full of the subject he had in hand and he did full justice to it. He referred. in feel- ing terms, to the love which the men cherished for theh general ant the regret they felt at parting with him. He said so many pleasant things that it would be useless to enumerate them,
but the soldiers concurred in thony l. It was some time before Genera Smith could find his tongue. Helas been taken off his feet, and he con fessed that he had never been place ? in such a trying position before. b . he rallied like a true soldier, after feet ing the effects of the first attack. 0 made a very happy speech of accept ance. The ladies connected with fort were out in full force, and they took part in the demonstration that followed. The orchestra played ag; in. and after some hearty hand shaking the party dispersed, the occasion beira to every one the most pleasant event in the history of the fort.
The casket, which is nearly as large as a small-sized trunk, was filled with silver ware. There were seven doree knives, forks and spoons, a fish set . salad set, soup ladle, sauce ladle ar .! cream ladle. The fancy pieces wer- heavily gilded. Upon the inner lil of the trunk is a silver plate with this inscription :
" Presented to Col. C. H. Smith. Nineteenth Infantry, brevet majo .- general, upon his retirement bon active service. as a mark of respect and esteem, by the enlisted men of the Nineteenth Infantry. U. S. . \."
The silverware and trunk were mol- expressely for the occasion by F. C. Smith, Sons & Co. Photographs ci the case, opened so as to display the silverware, were taken to send to each company in the regiment.
General Smith's army record covers a period of thirty years. His position at Fort Wayne will be filled by Lies- tenant-Colonel Jordan.
This presentation by enlisted men is said to be the only instance of the kin ! in the history of the army.
A RECEPTION BY THE LOYAL LEGION.
The handsomely-furnished quartos
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THE GENERAL.
of the Detroit Light Infantry were brilliantly lighted last evening on the occasion of a reception to the retiring commandant of Fort Wayne. Gen. C. H. Smith, by the members of the Loyal Legion of the State. There were no ladies present, as the affair was purely military. The reception began at & o'clock, and at that time the parlors were well filled with mem- bers of the Legion and officers from Fort Wayne. General Smith was the centre of a group of frien Is from the very beginning of the reception, and many were the expressions of regret at his departure from the city offered by those who shook hands with him. At nine o'clock, everybody repaired to the banquet hall below, where a colla- tion was served and a few speeches made.
Commander Samuel E. Pittman of the order of this city made the first speech of the evening, in which he said: "Companions: We meet to_ night with mingled feelings of regret and pleasure. Regret, as it is a leave- taking of a soldier, gentleman and companion, whose society we have so much enjoyed, although but for a brief period. General Smith's record is too well known to members of this com- mandery to need recital now, begin- ning as it does with the echo from Sumter's guns, continued at Ap- pomattox as one of Sheridan's trusted lieutenants, and then upon our Indian frontier. Its activity is now about to be closed by the operation of the law retiring army officers.
" Knowing the great modesty of our guest for the evening, it would be un- becoming to say all that might be said of his many virtues and high character, but we can all wish him, as we do, God-speed and many happy years to come. General, we part with you this coming week with a reluctance that
you may better read, perhaps, froso the pressure of our hands when we row to say goodbye, and we hope the! your household will find in your aba residence a host of warm friends. a numerous, at least, as those you leave beliind you here in Detroit."
Judge C. B. Grant, Dr. H. F. Lys .. o and others made short speeches, and! during the evening General Smith made a few remarks. He stated that lo would leave Detroit next Saturday for Washington, and referred feelingly to the brotherly kindness and love shown hiin by the members of the Logs! Lerion. His short speech was ap- plauded vigorously. Among thos present were the following from For Wayne :
Capt. J. H. Smith, Capt. C. A. Ver- non, Capt. C. B. Ilall, Capt. C. Gardi- ner, Lieutenants Roberts, Wilder. Brady and Hanson: Capt. D. M. Clark of the Ohio Commandery, W. S. Green of the Detroit, and Maj. J. S. Libby of Lynn, Mass., were also pres- ent, and the following members of ti. Loyal Legion: Commander Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel E. Pitt- man: Senior Vice-Commander, Capi. Aaron T. Bliss: Junior Vice-Con - mander, Lieut. H. Chamberlain: re- corder. Maj. George W. Chandler : Registrar Charles I. Williams: Cha cellor James Vernon: Capt. J. T. Pat- ton, Lieut. E. B. Welton, Lieut. Horas: R. Abbott. Maj. Albert F. R. Arnd :. Lieut. A. A. Ballon, Lieut. H. C. Br .. Capt. C. K. Brandon, Capt. B. F. Bris- coe, Capt. H. B. Bristol, Capt. J. Bri: tol, L'out. S. Brownell, Capt. C. C. Chadwick, Lieut. C. H. Chope, Cap :. F. Clarke, S. B Coleman, Capt. J. Conline, Lieut. F. O. Davenport, Lieut. 1 !. S. Dean, Capt. J. G. Dickinson. Lieut. G. Dingwall. Capt. W. R. Do .. ley, Capt. C. Dupont. Lieut. E. B. Fenton, Lieut. C. F. Foote. Capt. C. J.
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FIRST MAINE BUGLE.
Fox, Lieut. S. L. Fuller, Licut. G. I. regiment, I desire to renew my thank .. Gilman, Capt. A. Goebel, Capt. R. A. Graeffe, Lieut. C. R. Crant, Maj. G. C. Hopper, Lieut. W. Hull, Maj. H. Lys- ter, Lieut. G. L. Maltz, Lieut. R. Miller, Capt. R. C. Olin, Col. J. Pulford, Capt. J. Rhines, Capt. T. R. Roberts, Lieut. F. H. Rogers, Maj. J. S. Rogers, Maj. A. N. Sabin, Lieut. G. A. Sheley, Maj. H. E. Smith, H. S. Starkey, Col. J. T. Sterling, Gen. F. W. Smith, Capt. C. H. Thompson, Col. T. S. Trowbridge, I. L. Williams, Gen. G. S. Warmer, Maj. T. F. Harter, Capt. J. V. Ruchle.
FAREWELL RECEPTION.
The officers of the regiment tendered a farewell reception to Gen. Smith and family, at the garrison, Fort Wayne, Tuesday evening, Oct. 29th, which was a brilliant affair. Nearlyall of De- troit was there. There were many hundred invitations issued, and there were not many regrets. There was the usual season of hand shaking and kind words, and eating and drinking, from eight until ten o'clock, and then dancing. The decorations were elaborate and beautiful, and all the appointments and arrange- ments were perfect.
GEN. SMITH'S WORDS OF ACKNOWL- EDGEMENT AND FARWELL. The following circular and or- ders will tell their own story :
HEADQUARTERS NINETEENTH IN- FANTRY, FORT WAYNE, DETROIT, MICH.,
October 29th, 1891.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES NINETEENTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY,
Fellow Soldiers : -
Before taking formal leave of the
and express more fully my appreciation. of the magnificent present of silver you have been pleased to give me, -- a testimonial, as stated, of your "high- est esteem, confidence and affection." Your respect and good- will have alva, .. been evidenced to me by your daly deportnient, and no other testimoninl of assurance was necessary. If I had been consulted or had known of your kindly intended action, I could hardly have consented to it. Nevertheless, I profoundly appreciate and most highly value the motive and sentiment that prompted you. Such a free-will offer- ing by men whom I have commanded so long and who know me so well possesses an unspeakable value. You have given me a souvenir of beauty and elegance that any person of any rank or title might be well pleased to receive. I especially commend your excellent taste and judgment in select- ing it. You have given me a souvenir not for an upper shelf, or an iron safe where it would be out of sight and out of mind, but one that will minister t . my daily comfort and pleasure, and by which I will be constantly, gratefully, and most pleasantly reminded of the donors. Your beautiful gift will keep even more alive in my mind the kind regard and respect you have always manifested for me, and the occasion and manner of its presentation will abide with me as a delightful, 10: tender and touching reminiscence.
With esteem and best wishes for each one, I shall ever remain with pleasant memories, your very sincere friend
C. H. SMITH, Colonel inth Infantry. Brevet Major-General.
HLADQUARTERS NINETEENTH 1. FANTRY, FORT WAYNE, DETRONI MICH., ORDERS NO. 44. October 31, 1891. The undersigned, referring to para-
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THE GENERAL.
graph 16, Special Orders No. 235, cur- rent series, Headquarters of the Army, which was issued preliminary to his retiring from active service to-morrow, November ist, in pursuance of law, hereby relinquishes command of this regiment, a command that he has held nearly a quarter of a century. Includ- ing his services as colonel of other regiments in the war of the rebellion and since, he has held the rank of colonel commanding a regiment more than twenty-seven years, a longer period, perhaps, as a mere statement, than any other colonel ever held such command.
He now gives up the responsible duties and peculiar associations and relations which are incidental to such rank and command, and which com- bined have given him pleasurable oc- cupation so many years. He parts with friends who are very dear to him, and takes leave of the regiment to which he is devotedly attached because of his knowledge of its merits and his confidence in it. During change of station not long since, the larger part of the regiment endured the inconven- iences and discomforts of a railroad train five consecutive days and nights, and during that time there was not a prisoner, no one was in arrest, no one was missing, and there was not any apparent necessity of a guard. Many similar illustrations of pride of good name and appreciation of discipline - self-imposed discipline in a large measure - have been exemplified from time to time in camp and on the march.
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