USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 42
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MEXICAN WAR.
Early in January, 1847, Colonel Moses H. Young gare notice that he had received orders for enlisting a company of volunteers. 1 Boston Daily Advertiser.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
The next month, Andrew T. Palmer, Esq., a member of the Waldo Bar, was appointed captain of Company E, in the New England or Ninth Regiment of infantry, and opened a recruiting rendezvous in the Cremer house, at the corner of Main and Common Streets. Nearly a full company was raised from Bel- fast and vicinity. They left here on the 15th of May for New- port, R. I., and reached Vera Cruz in the bark " Antelope" on the 27th of June. The company saw hard service, being engaged in the battles of Cherebusco and Chepultepec. Thirteen of their number died from disease, or were killed during the year. Moses Thompson was shot in the forehead at the charge on Cherebusco, and died instantly. William Murch was killed at Chepultepec. A 'grape-shot passed through both thighs, breaking the bones be- low the sockets of the hips. He is said to have loaded and fired twice after being thus wounded. Dennis Gillispie died on the passage, home. Lieutenant Amos H. Billings, who went out as sergeant, died in Boston, Sept. 3, 1848. His remains were brought here and interred. All these were from Belfast. The remnant of the company, many of them enfeebled by disease, reached home Aug. 29, 1848. Only eighteen of the original eighty-four which composed it were present to be mustered out of service.
For several years subsequent to 1843, the militia of Maine existed only on paper. Nearly all the uniformed companies dis- banded, and " the spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife," with all the pomp and circumstance of trainings, became things of the past. Legislative enactments of 1848 effected an entire change in our military system. The enrolled militia were exempted from actual duty, except in emergency ; and volunteer companies, with arms furnished by the State, took their place. Under this ar- rangement, the Belfast Rifle Company, composed of seventy young men, was organized early in 1850. Levi R. Wing was the first captain, and John B. Wadlin and Noah G. Clark were lieutenants. Its existence continued only for a year.
On the 28th of July, 1853, the Bath City Greys, commanded by Captain E. K. Harding, visited Belfast, and paid their respects to Governor Crosby, who welcomed them in a brief speech. They encampcd upon the Common.
A convention of the officers and soldiers of the war of 1812 was held Dec. 5, 1855, to elect a delegate to the National Con- vention, to be holden, Jan. 8, 1856, at Washington. Captain Jonathan Frye presided, and Captain John Wales acted as clerk. Zachariah Lawrence was chosen delegate.
451
MILITARY HISTORY.
In 1857, through the influence of our fellow-citizen, Colonel James W. Webster, who had been appointed Adjutant-general of Maine, a strong military spirit was aroused throughout the State. It was manifested here in the formation of two com- panies, - one of infantry, the other of artillery. The former was organized March 20th, by the choice of Salathiel C. Nickerson as captain, and Thomas H. Marshall, Silas M. Fuller, Alden D. Chase, and Horatio H. Carter as lieutenants. Lieutenant Mar- shall was subsequently chosen captain, in the place of Captain Nickerson, who had removed from the State. The uniform of this company was a cadet gray mixed cloth, with black and gilt trimmings ; the cap corresponding, surmounted with a tall white plume. The arms and accoutrements of the artillery arrived here on the morning of July 4th, and were escorted to the old muster- field. The guns, which are still retained, are six-pounders. General H. W. Cunningham was chosen captain ; and Sherburn Sleeper, Charles C. Edmunds, Harrison Hayford, and Thomas S. Patterson were the lieutenants. The company adopted the army regulation uniform, consisting of blue coat with red facings, cadet mixed pants with red stripe, and blue cap with fountain plume. The arms were short, heavy swords, and musketoons with bayonets. Armories were provided by the city for both companies. That of the infantry company, called the "City Greys," was in Phoenix Hall; that of the artillery, in Peirce's Block. These companies were maintained with full ranks until the Rebellion, in which they participated, as will appear in another chapter.
An imposing military display took place here on the 17th of June, 1858, when the Portland Light Guards and the Brewer Artillery were the guests of our local companies. The annual Report of General James W. Webster gives the following account of it: -
" The first clang of arms was heard at Belfast on the 17th of June, the anniversary of that glorious day when Bunker's Hill, 'mid fire and smoke, thundered defiance to the arrogant mandates of a British Parliament.
Although the circling years Have long since mingled dust with dust, Methinks I see the passing shadow Of the IMMORTAL WARREN, And hear his accents calm and brave: For thee, my Country, For thee, 'tis sweet to die !
452
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
"On the day to which we have alluded, the Portland Light Guards (Captain E. F. Kendall), by previous arrangements, formed ranks on the banks of the Penobscot, and were received in a be- coming manner by the Belfast City Greys (Captain Thomas H. Marshall). Very nearly the same moment, that venerable company, the Brewer Artillery (Captain James G. Swett), with full ranks and heavy ordnance, presented itself at the same point, and was received with military honors by the Belfast Artillery (Captain H. W. Cunningham), when peal after peal of cannonade uttered anew the booming shout of ' Liberty now and for ever.' The sev- eral companies were immediately formed in battalion, and, under the lead of the Portland Brass Band, proceeded at once to the camp-ground, where tents and marquees had previously been ar- ranged for the accommodation of the soldiery. The troops, on this occasion, were honored by the presence of Colonel William P. Stodder of Portland, Colonel G. J. Burns of Rockland, and Colo- nels Norcross and Higgins of Bangor. Arrived upon the line, the battalion was successfully carried through sundry evolutions of the field, severally, by the gentlemen just named, much to the gratification of the lookers-on, and in a manner highly beneficial to the rank and file. At twelve o'clock, the signal gun announced the hour of rest and rations, when friendly greetings were ex- changed, and genial courtesy stood sentinel at every breast and welcomed the approach of man to man. At two o'clock P.M., the troops were again under arms, and subsequently reviewed in hand- some style by Colonel Stodder, attended by Colonels Burns, Nor- cross, and Higgins.
" At the close of the review, the command was put in column of route, and marched through the principal streets of the city, exhib- iting a soldierly bearing worthy of emulation. The fervid heat of the sun had begun to wane, and the lengthened shadows told the hour of departing day. The musket was stacked, the helmet un- clasped, and the cap and plume laid aside, while the burning brow of the soldier welcomed the grateful boon of the evening breeze. At nine o'clock, in a beautiful hall richly hung with armorial trap- pings, might be seen the sylph-like forms and fleecy robes of many a maiden, who, in the joyousness of youth and beauty, had come to garland the assemblage of strong and brave men ; and there, 'mid flashing wit and sparkling eyes, was led the mazy dance till the unwelcome finger of passing time tapped the small hours, and motioned away, away. Aurora never sprinkled her eastern car
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MILITARY HISTORY.
with brighter gems of sun-light than on the morning of the 18th. The battalion was early in harness, and dress parade was hand- somely executed in the public square of the city. At nine o'clock, the visiting companies were escorted to the wharf, where they embarked for their home, amid the cheers of the assembled multi- tude, while the brazen war-dogs of Captain Cunningham's com- mand howled a departure that would have done honor to a Cri- mean battery." 1
1 Adjutant-general's report for 1858. The whole text was ingenionsly rendered into verse, and published in pamphlet form. The following extract relates to the Belfast celebration : -
Scared by the clang of arms, Belfast awoke
The seventeenth of June, that glorions day When thundered Bunker's Hill, 'mid fire and smoke,
Defiance to the pride of British sway.
Standing at Holmes's bar-room door, me- thought
I saw immortal Warren's shade pass by, And from his lips my ears these accents caught :
"Sweet native land, for thee 'tis sweet to die ! "
The Portland Light Guards on Penobscot's banks,
With Captain E. F. Kendall at their hesd, As previously arranged, formed serried ranks ;
And there the Belfast Greys, gallantly led
By Captain Marshall, in a proper style Received their comrades, while Captain James G. Swett,
With heavy ordnance, and in glittering file, Led on his Brewer troops, and there was met
By Cunningham's, while peal on peal Thundered the salvos of the welcome free, Which made afar the shattered welkin reel, And boomed the shout, " For ever Lib- erty !"
Battalions formed, tooted the Portland Band,
And to the camp-ground marched the proud array,
Where tents and marquees fleck the level land,
To rest the heroes at the close of day.
To dignify the scene, came to these diggins Brave Colonel Burns, and martial Colo- nel Stodder,
Of Portland he, and Norcross, and eke Higgins, Of Bangor both, and Colonels of first order.
And now in mazy evolutions wheeled The glittering battalions, file on file, Till scientific glory crowns the field, And all the loafers on the fences smile.
But when at twelve the welcome signal gun
Announced the grateful hour of rest and rations,
Fast round the tahle genial greetings run, And men with men stand in the best relations.
By two o'clock the troops had taken their fodder,
And every soldier donned his warlike riggins, And marched in handsome style, reviewed by Stodder,
Norcross assisting him, and doughty Higgins.
When Colonel Stodder had achieved these feats,
He put his troops in route of march, and swept Through beauteous Belfast's boy-thronged streets, While to the drum-beat burnished leath- er stept.
454
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
A description of the brigade muster, which took place on the east side of the river, in 1858, cannot be better given than by copying the following account, which is contained in the Adju- tant-general's report : -
" On the morning of Tuesday the 31st of August, the sun from his eastern lair threw aside the sable curtain of the night, and rose in majesty above the misty vapors that crept in stealthy silence along the waters of the Penobscot. The long-expected and anx- iously looked for day had arrived, when the bristling bayonets of a full brigade were to glitter amid flashing swords and waving plumes.
" At seven o'clock, that prince of steamers, the ‘ Daniel Web- ster,' came proudly into port, with streamers fluttering and the stars and stripes thrown to the breeze, bearing on his broad deck the First Regiment of the Fourth Division, with bands in full chorus pouring forth the soul-stirring measures of Washington's Grand March. At the same moment in the distance was seen the steamer 'Terror,' with attendant barges, breasting the wave, bearing along the troops of the Ninth Division, as brave a set of fellows as ever poised a lance or aimed a rifle. At ten o'clock the two regiments were landed, augmented by two companies from the Third and two companies from the Seventh Divisions, when the whole was formed into brigade and marched through the prin- cipal streets of the city, and without delay proceeded at once to Camp Morrill, situate at easy distance, and in full view of Waldo's capital. By one o'clock the field was dotted with a hundred
The fervid sun had now begun to wane, The lengthened shadows told the dying day,
Muskets were etacked, and helmets, clasped in pain
On burning brows, were loosed, and quiet lay The cap and nodding plume, and like June rain O'er unknit browe the evening breezes play.
"There was a sound of revelry by night,"
In gilded halls with arms and bannere hung,
And sylph-like forms, in fleecy robes bc- diglıt, Like garlands of rich flowers graceful flung
About the arms of strong and stolid men, In whirling waltz and mazy polka swung, Till'morning's finger on the walls again Tapped the small hours, and called, "Away, away!"
Aurora never from her eastern car Cast brighter gems of sunlight than were ehed Next morning on the harnessed ranks of war, In Belfast's square, performing dress parade. - Escorted to the wharf at nine o'clock, The friendly companies in line em- barked,
While cheers from all the assembled peo- ple broke, And all the brazen war-dogs howled and barked.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
tents and marquees, and the curling smoke of camp-fires signalled the proud bivouac of a citizen soldiery.
" The two regiments were now brought into line in a spirited manner, under the immediate command of Colonel Norcross of Bangor, and Adjutant Tilson of Rockland, who, in the absence of Colonel Burns, assumed that officer's position.
"The afternoon was spent in a series of battalion, regimental, and brigade evolutions, in which both officers and privates evinced the strongest evidences of military skill and a devotion to the cause. At sunset, dress parade was handsomely executed, Colonel Norcross acting as brigade commander.
" The troops were now dismissed for the night, when the several companies with unbroken ranks sought their respective localities to court that repose which Dame Nature so generously bestows upon the weary. At eight o'clock on Wednesday morning, the beat to arms was heard along the line, while the bugle's blast an- nounced the hour of action. Colonel Burns, whose absence has just been noted, had arrived, and assumed the command of his regiment, which, up to this time, had been promptly and skilfully marshalled by Adjutant Tilson.
" The several battalions were now carried through the manual of arms and sundry evolutions of the line in strict accordance with the tactics of the United States Army, much to the gratifi- cation of a host of observers, whose presence added greatly to the brilliancy of the scene. At half-past ten, a courier announced to the officer of the day that the brigade was in readiness for review and inspection. Major-general Cushman of the Ninth, and Major-general Titcomb of the Fourth Divisions, attended by their respective staff officers, with Major-general Smith of the Fifth Division, immediately vaulted to the saddle and proceeded to the encampment. Arrived in sight of the field, the roar of heavy ordnance gave token of the approach of the reviewing officer.
"On this occasion, General Cushman, the senior officer in com- mand, very generously and courteously assigned the post of honor to Major-general Titcomb of the Fourth Division, who reviewed the troops in a manner that would have done honor to a veteran of the line.
"The brigade was minutely inspected by Division Inspector Jameson, of Bangor, whose eagle eye at a glance detects both light and shade, and the whole pronounced by that officer in fine condition.
456
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
" At the close of these exercises, the troops were brought into close columns of companies on the right, when they were ad- dressed in a spirited manner by General Cushman, General Tit- comb, and others, at the close of which the brigade was dismissed for rations." 1
1 This also was rendered into lofty rhyme by the same pamphleteer, as follows : -
The rampant sun with flaming hair Just risen from his eastern lair Began night's curtain dark to tear On August's latest morn ; And next the murky vapors leapt, That, where Penobscot's waters slept, In stealthy silence landward crept And bathed the fields of corn.
The long-expected day had come, When squeaking fife and battered drum And volleying musketry and rum - Bling cannon split the sky ; When bayonets of two full hrigades Should glitter 'mid the flashing blades, And plumes should wave on thousand heads, And thousand hearts beat high.
At seven o'clock, that prince of steamers, Flapping the air with all her streamers, Yelling like fiends with all her screamers, THE WEBSTER, swept to town. Upon her decks in proud array The Fourth Division stood that day, While well-dressed bands in concert play The March of Washington.
Now fast upon the sight enlarges THE TERROR, with a train of barges, Breasting all gallantly the surges. Around her smoke pipes cluster The Ninth Division : we say, and risk it, As brave a set as e'er broke biscuit, Or poised a lance or aimed a musket, Or trained on general muster.
Landed at ten each regiment, Two companies did them augment, From numbers Three and Seven lent ; And then in full brigade, Just forth beyond the city wall Of bleeding Waldo's capital, To camp which soldiers Morrill call, The embattled hosts were led.
By one o'clock the field was dotted With hundred tents, to which allotted A mess, to each the soldiers squatted, Cooking their midday snack. 1 The smoke each camp-fire upwards sends, The savory odor dinner lends Of the brave soldier citizeu, Signalled the bivonac.
A series tben of evolutions. Brilliantly done with no confusions, Made certain that no diminutions Of martial skill was seen; While Norcross, head of the brigade (Tilson of Rockland did him aid), Did up at sunset dress parade, And showed himself not green.
And now dismissed with courteous thanks, The companies in unbroken ranks To court repose all sought their bunks, And snored the regiment. At eight next morn the husy hum, The bugle's blast and roll of drum, Announced the hour of action come, And thrills through stout hearts sent.
With martial fire burns Colonel Burns, Not all the praise that Tilson earns Could serve his true commander's turns, On higher honors bent.
The several troops, in order fine, Through evolutions of the line And all the subtle discipline Of Uncle Sam, were gnided ; While drunkeu loafers crowded dense, And women with their finer sense, And ragged urchins on the fence, In unison applauded.
A panting courier at ten Announced unto those noble men The troops were all in order then To be inspected.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
" His Excellency, the Governor and Commander-in-chief, had been invited by the commandants of this encampment and by
Then Titcomb to bis saddle vanlted, Then Smith upon his horse exalted, And Cushman just a little malted, Their way directed
To camp, where booming guns received them, And handy aides-de-camp relieved them, And not a single blunder grieved them, On all the field. Then General Cushman turned aside, And peerless Titcomb forth did ride, His splendid staff on either side In order wheeled.
Jameson, whose eagle eye detects Of light and shade the smallest specks, The order of the line inspects And finds in fine condition. Then on the right drawn up in stations, Cushman and Titcomb tried the patience Of listening ranks, and then for rations Gave them dismission.
His Excellency Governor Lot, The town officials had bethought, With all the ceremonies, they ought To invite unto this training. At four upon a certain hill, So it was put down in the hill, See Lot the programme to fulfil, His noble charger reining.
Fifty-six horses and the Mayor, For escort fit at three prepare, The cavalcade under the care Of Paul R. Hazeltine, - Paul to the State in days of yore Had donghty service done before, But this day Burrill, Mansfield, Poor With him his toils combine.
Mounted on steeds a little fretted, That back and forth pranced and cur- vetted,
Fat Aldermen their gravy sweated, And rode in bodily peril, Till cooler airs their pores congealed On Mount Repose, where the troop wheeled In line to welcome to the field The noble Governor Morrill.
Lot to this point by stage or wagon, Without one military rag on, Or if on horse, then none to brag on, Had somehow chanced to come. And so a splendid steed of sorrel, All richly decked, was led by Burrill, And tendered straight to Governor Morrill, Mounted whereon, a hum
Of welcome trembled through the troop, Their capless heads and courteous stoop, And trailing flags, and banners' droop, Honor the advancing chief. Mayor and Aldermen to each Next honoring, he his hand did reach ; The Mayor in well-digested speech Gave his big soul relief.
Kneeling, the key of Belfast gates Its hospitable cheer and cates Unto the will he dedicates Of the distinguished gnest. The cits, not heeding how they vote, To honors meet themselves devote, Nor clanked the first discordant note That day in any breast
Where genial feeling broke the chain, Which rugged party hate in pain Had fastened like the curse of Cain Upon the limbs of men of Maine, And kept their souls asunder. And now the column all arrayed In sections was to city led, With Lor as the legitimate head, Without a single blunder.
Meantime, what movements Church Street saw, What crowds of urchins thither draw, With eyes out-sticking and with awe Listing the trumpets blare ! For here a gallant, prond array, With leaders splendid as the day, All in embattled order lay Upon the public square.
Arrived before the fine brigade, Halted the escort cavalcade, And standing with uncovered head The soldiers met their chief.
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HISTORY OF BELFAST.
the civil authorities of Belfast, to be present on this occasion. By special arrangements, he was to arrive at a given point within the
PIECES PRESENT, in bugle tones, That thrilling went through each man's bones, Pealed from the lips, firm set like stones, Of Burns, in order brief.
We introduce his Excellence To officers, the State's defence. The on-looking concourse was immense, And gave convincing evidence (If there were any need), Ten thousand eyes with pleasure glancing, And standards waved and feathers danc- ing, The cheering bands and horses prancing, And other things of which we can't sing, That he was chief indeed.
Wheeled into columns of platoons, The army, horse, foot, and dragoons, The bands all playing jolly tunes, Swept through the city's streets, Taking the governor home to Holmes', Whose tap with choicest liquor foams, And who to best of all his rooms That functionary treats.
Where "rare exotics," fresh supplied By lovely hands, perfume provide, In more than Oriental pride Slept he, and dreamed of wars. The roar of cannon broke the day, The sun arose with cloudless ray, On warlike brows the west winds play, And with the stripes and stars.
The war eagle now with sharpest beak His most ferocious plumes must seek, And utter his most piercing shriek, Or fall behind the crisis. That princely company, The Blues, Bringing from Portland recent news, Tramping along the flashing dews, Our waking host surprises.
He who at Buena Vista bled, By Rockland Guards at nine was led, The envious Tilson at his head, To camp 'mid bugle's cheer.
There filed before him glittering ranks, - Passing from centre round to flanks, He left the field with many thanks And vanished on the rear.
What pageant now salutes our eyes ? What horseman clad in warlike guise, Like Richard and his knights arise Upon the tented field ? "Tis peerless Morrill with his suite, Spurning the grass with flashing feet ; Go, Tilson, forth your chief to meet, And to him homage yield.
The bugles of the band outsounded, Forth from the line the troopers bounded To meet bis Excellence, surrounded With brave and proud cortège. Six cannon to the muzzle crammed, Six stalwart men beside them tramped, The welcome peal that rocked the camp Announced the elected liege.
With highest honors of parade, The line received its martial head, Gleamed swords, waved colors, bugles played, In cheering gratulation. Cushman and Titcomb both drew near, Companions of his proud career From centre, flank, and thence to rear, And when again in station,
Passed in review the whole brigade, And formed in crowded column stayed, While he a martial speech essayed, And slightly tried their patience. Worn with such toils, the army rests, The city fathers' rich bequests Call soldiers and the civic guests, To festive mirth and rations.
Fully to tell forbids our space How Palfrey ambled through the grace At table, where was Pitcher's place When trenchering first hegan, If Davis took his fiery diet, If Smith of pudding or of pie ate, If Cushman noisy was, or quiet, And what said General Heagan.
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MILITARY HISTORY.
precincts of the city at four o'clock P.M. At three o'clock, a volunteer cavalcade of fifty-six horsemen, among whom were the mayor and several members of the city government, under the command of Major Paul R. Hazeltine, an officer that has done the State good service in the profession of arms, assisted by Lieutenants Mansfield, Hayford, Burrill, and Poor,1 were in column of route, and finally wheeled into line on the summit of Mount Repose, in readiness to receive his Excellency on his arrival. By direct orders, the staff of the Commander-in-chief had assembled in full equipment and well mounted, and had attached them- selves with the Adjutant-general to the corps before alluded to, for the purpose of giving his Excellency their personal attend- ance.
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