USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine v.I, 1770-1875 > Part 43
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88
" The Commander-in-chief arrived at the point designated at the moment expected, and was met by his staff in a most cour- teous manner. An elegant charger richly caparisoned was tend- ered him, which he accepted ; and immediately was introduced to the cavalcade, which acknowledged his presence by doffing the cap and a wave of the hand, highly indicative of that genuine chivalry that marks the bearing of an intelligent, generous, and free people.
" He was now presented to his Honor the Mayor, who in a well- digested and chaste speech tendered him and his suite the freedom and hospitality of the city. His Excellency responded in his usual happy manner, and expressed himself highly gratified at his reception. And here we may be allowed to say with pleasure and with pride that the citizens of the place, without distinction of party, vied with each other in those demonstrations of courtly civilities towards so distinguished a guest, in a genial tone of feel- ing well calculated to sunder that rugged chain of party animosity which divides those of different opinions, nor was there heard on this occasion a discordant clank of a single link, while political creeds and political bickerings were allowed to slumber amid the
With toasts and speeches rather slim, And courteous answers stiff and trim, And Pitcher pouring to the brim " The sparkling beverage," The duties of the camp were ended, And to the city marching wended Civilians with the soldiers blended, And quit the brilliant stage.
But soft to richly garnished hall, Neat cards of invitation call Of that day's feats the heroes all To bask in beanty's smile. There skilful fingers trill the mellow horn, There melting eyes for once reflect no scorn, Nor ceased the circling waltz till early morn The fleeting moments to beguile.
1 Newell Mansfield, Axel Hayford, William H. Burrill, and William O. Poor.
460
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
universal waking of respect for the legitimate head of both the civil and military. The escort was now wheeled in column of sec- tions, and the cortège proceeded in handsome style towards the city.
" During the progress of these movements, the brigade had been brought into line on Church Street, its centre resting on the public square; and at this point had assembled a gallant and well-ap- pointed corps of field and staff officers that would have done honor to the battle-field of a conqueror.
" Arrived within fifty paces of the brigade line, the cavalcade halted, when ranks were opened right and left, and with uncovered heads allowed his Excellency and suite to pass and take position immediately in front of the assembled soldiery.
" At this moment, the command, 'Present arms!' pealed from the lips of Colonels Burns and Norcross, in bugle tones. The ac- tion suited the order, -officers saluting. His Excellency was now introduced by the Adjutant-general severally to the officers in command. The concourse of spectators at this time was immense ; and what with the glancing of ten thousand eyes, the presentation of arms, the flashing of swords, the waving of standards and plnmes, and the cheering of hands, we could but believe that his Excellency had convincing evidence that he was the Commander- in-chief. The post of honor was now courteously tendered to the Governor and suite, the escort assigned position in line, when the whole wheeled into column of platoons, and proceeded through the principal streets, and finally escorted the Governor to his quarters, where he was received by Mr. Holmes of the American, with an expression of genial hospitality and kindness that few knew better how to bestow.
" The apartments of his Excellency were richly and tastefully arranged, and rare exotics supplied by delicate hands gave out a welcome fragrance both pleasing and grateful. After an hour's rest, the Governor received the gratulations of a large number of the citizens of the place, and at eight o'clock, on the invitation of Alfred W. Johnson, Esq., met at the residence of that gentleman many of the field and staff officers of the encampment, also that distinguished Senator, the Hon. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, and a host of the elite of the city.
" At nine o'clock, the company wended their way to Peirce's beautiful hall, where was assembled, on the polite invitation of the members of the Belfast Artillery, a gallant corps of stalwart men, aided by. numerous bright particular stars of the fair sex,
461
MILITARY HISTORY.
and where the sprightly cotillon and circling waltz gave token that the lords of creation were easily led by soft hands and fairy forms.
"At early dawn on Thursday, the camp-ground trembled beneath the roar of heavy ordnance. The sun rose in brilliancy, unobscured by a single cloud; while the cooling west wind fanned the brow of the soldier, and played with the stars and stripes. The two preceding days had been spent as already delineated, and it now remained for the war eagle to don his richest plumes and utter his most piercing shriek.
" At eight o'clock, that princely company, the Portland Blues (Captain T. A. Roberts), presented itself to the brigade line, and was received with three times three.
"The most active preparations were now made to place the troops in the best possible condition for the duties of the day. The Hon. Jefferson Davis, by direct invitation from the com- mandants of the encampment, was tendered the honor of review- ing the brigade, which he accepted with that grace peculiar to the man.
" At nine o'clock, the united corps of division officers presented themselves at the quarters of that distinguished gentleman (the residence of the Hon. H. H. Johnson), and escorted him to the confines of the encampment. This cortège was met at a conven- ient distance from the parade by the Rockland Guards (Captain H. G. Berry), - a company richly entitled to position in the front rank of M. V. M., - with a full band, led off by Adjutant Tilson. The escort was gracefully performed; and the soldier that bled at Buena Vista was presented to the line, amid the bugle's cheer and the roar of artillery.
"Colonel Davis was received with the highest marks of respect, and the honors dne his rank and position cheerfully tendered. He now proceeded to review the troops with that air of ease and manliness which attaches to his every movement. The cere- monies of the review concluded, the brigade was formed in close column of companies on the right, when, on the invitation of General Cushman, the guest of the occasion addressed the soldiery in an eloquent and fervid manner, thanking them for the honor and courtesy they had so generously bestowed upon him, and con- cluded by saying that, ' with such troops as are now before me, we may defy the combined forces of the world and chant the song of freedom for ever.'
462
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
" That proud array of horsemen, that had so recently escorted an honored son of the sunny South to the tented field, now re- traced their steps to the city, and wheeled their chargers into line at the American House, the quarters of the Governor and Com- mander-in-chief.
"His Excellency immediately presented himself, attended by bis suite, and was received by that brilliant corps with profound respect, amid the most significant demonstrations of loyal cour- tesy. The plumed phalanx was at once en route, and moved off with that gallant bearing worthy of the occasion.
" The brigade, which had so lately paid courtly honors to a dis- tinguished stranger, now prepared to throw out its most costly banners to welcome its martial leader and the State's executive.
" Adjutant Tilson, at the head of that beautiful and well- equipped company (the Belfast City Greys, Captain Thomas H. Marshall), attended by a full band, had broken from the line, and was advancing in quick time to meet his Excellency and the proud cortège by which he was surrounded. Three heavy companies of artillery, posted on the right of the brigade, had charged their brazen ordnance to the muzzle. Port-fires (in the hands of stal- wart men) were blazing; and, at the word FIRE, the thunder of welcome rocked the camp, and announced the approach of the Commander-in-chief.
" The escort was handsomely performed, and his Excellency con- ducted to the front and centre of the line, where he was received with the highest honors attached to the military parade. Arms were presented, swords gleamed, colors waved, and bands cheered. Attended by Major-generals Cushman and Titcomb, his Excel- lency moved to the right of the line, passed along the front around the rear, and again assumed position at the centre, when the brigade was put in motion and passed in review under his immediate inspection.
"At the conclusion of the review thus briefly detailed, the brigade was formed in close column, when his Excellency was escorted to the front, and in a speech full of encouraging senti- ments, and a good sprinkling of martial fire, graciously tendered his acknowledgments for the honors bestowed upon him, and ex- pressed his gratification in having an opportunity to witness so rich a display of that force which guarantees the protection of our rights, our liberties, and our national freedom.
" At the close of his last sentence, three hearty cheers from the
463
MILITARY HISTORY.
assembled soldiery rung out long and loud for the Commander-in- chief.
" By the generosity of the citizens of Belfast, who are seldom out- done in acts of courtesy and kindness, a rich banquet had been furnished upon the field, of which the officers of the encampment were respectfully invited to partake, in connection with a large number of guests from the civil departments, including the Mayor and members of the city government. Grace was pronounced by the Rev. Dr. Palfrey, after which the viands, constituting the enter- tainment, were discussed with a keen relish. The position of his Excellency at table was flanked on the left by Mayor Pitcher and Generals Titcomb and Heagan, and on the right by the Hon. Jefferson Davis and Generals Cushman and Smith.
" During the progress of the repast, the scene was enlivened by loyal and spirited remarks, and at its close kindly and patriotic sentiments were given, with glasses filled to the brim with the sparkling beverage of Heaven's choice gift to man.
" The duties of the encampment had been fully and successfully carried out, and a march of the brigade to the city, escorting the Commander-in-chief to his quarters, was the finale to one of the most interesting military gatherings that has ever.occurred in our State. Not the slightest tint of disorder or insubordination was visible in a single rank, while the full blaze of martial fire beamed in every eye, flashed from every helmet, sparkled on every bayonet, - and gleamed from every sword.
" In concluding our remarks upon this encampment, we should do injustice to our own feelings, should we neglect to notice the crowning feature of the last day of duty. The Belfast City Greys, in accordance with their wonted generosity, and in keeping with that high tone of martial and civic pride for which that company stands unrivalled, had procured an elegant hall, richly decorated, and had made every arrangement for an evening's entertainment of the most brilliant hue. Among the especially invited guests were the Commander-in-chief and suite, Hon. Jefferson Davis, Major-general Cushman and staff, Major-general Titcomb and staff, Major-general Smith, Colonels Burns, Norcross, and Higgins, to which were added a large number of visiting friends and citizens of both sexes. What followed may be better imagined than described. Suffice it to say
" That skilful fingers trilled the mellow horn,
Nor ceased the circling waltz till early morn."
464
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
CHAPTER XXXI.
BELFAST DURING THE REBELLION.1
Surreuder of Fort Sumter. - Proclamation for Troops. - Public Meetings. - Banks tender Money for War Purposes. - Belfast Military Companies offer their Services. - Enlistments. - Resolves of City Government. - Religious Exercises. - Ladies' Aid Society. - Public Presentation of Revolvers. - Parade of Soldiers of War of . 1812. - Departure of the Troops. - Fourth Maine Regiment. - Battle of Bull Run. - Recruiting Offices. - National Fast. - Launch of Gunboat "Penobscot." - More Requisitions. - Entertainments for Soldiers. - Washington's Birthday. - Enrolment of Militia. - List of Officers. - 300,000 more Men called for. - Quota of Belfast filled by Volunteers. - Citizens' Meetings. - Statement of Soldiers furnished to 1864. - High Price of Gold. - Paper Notes introduced. - Repulse of our Army at Fredericks- burg. - Great Despondency. - Draft ordered in Maine. - Belfast Head-quarters for Fifth District. - Provost-marshal. - Draft commenced. - Enrolled and Drafted Men. - Officer McKenney wounded in Attempt to arrest Deserters. - Capture of Vicksburg celebrated. - Anticipated Attack by Rebel Privateers. - Home-guard organized. - Harbor Batteries erected. - National Thanksgiving. - Return of Twenty-sixth Regiment. - Another Draft. - More Public Meetings. -- Contributions for Soldiers. - Sloop of War "Ino." -Naval Enlistments. - Coast Guards ordered into Active Service. - Gunboat "Pontoosuck." -Court-martial. - Fourth Regiment mustered out. - Apprehension of Rebel Raid. - A Third Draft. - Armed Police. - Batteries manned. - Final Call for Volunteers. - Appeal by the Mayor. - Sloop of War "Rhode Island."- Surrender of Lee. - Celebration. - City illuminated. - Death of Lincoln. - Public Solemnities. - Amount contributed for Sanitary Com- mission. - Bounties paid. - Gunboat "Tioga."-Iron-clad " Agamenticus." -Re- imbursement of Advances. - Paper Credits. - State Aid to Families.
INTELLIGENCE of the surrender of Fort Sumter reached
I Belfast on the morning of Monday, April 15, 1861. No longer did any hope of averting civil war remain; and every citizen, regardless of party or antecedents, expressed an unquali- fied determination to sustain the government at all hazards. This feeling was strengthened by the receipt of President Lincoln's proclamation, calling for troops to protect the honor of the nation. The same spirit which characterized some of the first settlers during the Revolution, when they preferred voluntary exile from
1 The Rebellion is considered as beginning Jan. 9, 1861, when the first rebel shot was fired into the " Star of the West," and terminating Aug. 12, 1866, the date of the President's final proclamation that all hostilities had ceased. - Cullum's Biog. Reg. of Grad. West Point Acad. .
465
BELFAST DURING THE REBELLION.
their homes to allegiance to Great Britain, seemed to have de- scended to their posterity. "Never in the history of our country," remarked the " Journal " of that week, "has there been any thing like the spirit aroused by the virtual declaration of war on the part of the Confederate States." Flags were displayed across the streets, from the flag-staffs of the different political parties, from stores, workshops, public buildings, and in many instances from private residences. The popular enthusiasm culminated in a pub- lic meeting in the square at the head of Main Street, on the after- noon of Thursday, April 18th, on the occasion of raising the American ensign, with thirty-four stars, over the post-office and custom-house. Without notice, a large crowd assembled, and appropriate speeches were made, accompanied by music and cheer- ing. On the following evening, Peirce's Hall was filled with " citizens in favor of upholding the Union, the Constitution, and the Government in the present crisis." William H. Burrill pre- sided, and addressed the meeting in patriotic remarks, followed by Albert G. Jewett, William G. Crosby, J. G. Dickerson, Thomas H. Marshall, Nehemiah Abbott, and others, who pledged them- selves to support the country in its season of peril.
The last week in April was one of great interest and excite- ment. Both banks tendered one fourth of their capital to the State, as a loan for war purposes ; and the city government voted an appropriation of five thousand dollars 1 in aid of the families of such soldiers as should enlist. The Legislature, at an extra session convened to provide for the exigencies of the hour, having deter- mined to furnish the government at the earliest possible moment with ten regiments fully armed and equipped, the City Greys, and the Belfast Artillery, at once responded to a telegram from Gov- ernor Washburn, asking their services, that they would be ready when wanted. These companies were the only military organiza- tions of the city. "Having enjoyed and improved unusual facilities for drill, they were in a high state of discipline. Captain Cun- ningham, of the artillery, had filled not only one of the highest military offices in the State, but also various subordinate places, and invariably with credit to himself. Captain Marshall, a gentle- man of wealth, refinement, and literary culture, was the first com- mander of the Greys, and in organizing that company, as well as
1 It was designated the Soldiers' Relief Fund, and placed at the disposal of the mayor and aldermen. June 4th, $1,523.75 was voted to Captain Cunningham's company, and $418.28 to that of Captain Fuller.
30
466
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
perfecting it in drill and discipline, gave his time, talents, and money freely to the work."1 Captain Cunningham was the first to receive enlisting orders. He opened an office in Peirce's Block, and in a few days had enrolled ninety men.2 The ranks of the Greys were soon filled to the number of sixty-four, besides non- commissioned officers. Of the thirty-six resident members of this company, twenty-five joined the service. Captain Marshall im- mediately notified the governor that his command were prepared to march at a moment's notice.
As the war feeling deepened, applications to join the organiza- tions already formed exceeded the requisite number of men. " All through the week," remarks the " Age " of May 2d, " men have been pouring into the city, -frequently fathers bringing in their sons, - to join the companies being got in readiness. We hear of six companies in the county that are nearly complete, making an aggregate of five hundred men. A full company can be raised here every ten days." Tokens of encouragement and of apprecia- tion were publicly and privately bestowed upon the troops. The following resolves, introduced by Alderman William O. Poor, and unanimously passed in both branches of the city government, indi- cate the spirit of the times : -
" Resolved, That we hear with profound regret and astonish- ment that a deep-laid plot exists to overthrow the United States government, and seize upon its capital, in utter violation of sacred oaths to keep and maintain it inviolate, and that the traitors are now marching upon Washington.
" Resolved, In view of the dangerous condition of our nation, the city of Belfast and her citizens pledge to the general govern- ment all the men and means in our power to assist them to defend and maintain its integrity.
" Resolved, That we commend onr citizen soldiery about to leave us, and such others as may do so at any future time, in defence of our beloved country and Constitution, to the guardian care of the King of kings ; and that we, the City Council of the city of Belfast, with our citizens generally, will faithfully protect and defend their families and interests while they are absent on their holy mission, and assist them in sickness and health, as if they were our own."
1 Adjutant-general's report.
2 Captain Charles B. Sanford, of Bangor, master of the steamer " M. Sanford," made a donation of fifty dollars to this company. In recognition of the generous gift, a salute was fired by them, as the boat entered the harbor on the second day of May.
467
BELFAST DURING THE REBELLION.
At their election on the 27th of April, Captain Cunningham's company made choice of himself as captain, and George Gunn of Searsmont and Richard S. Ayer of Montville as lieutenants. On the same day, they paraded for the first time, and, being drawn up in Custom-house Square, were addressed by several prominent citizens. They were quartered at the New England House. The Greys were organized by electing Thomas H. Marshall, captain, and Silas M. Fuller and Alden D. Chase, lieutenants. Phoenix Hall, which had been their armory, was retained as quarters. Here daily drills took place. Captain Cunningham's company was drilled at Peirce's Hall, by Lieutenant Edward H. Reynolds. When the weather permitted, both companies were exercised in the open air ; and the notes of the drum and fife became familiar sounds in the streets.
During the continuance of the soldiers in the city, their disci- pline was commendable, and their conduct orderly. On the morn- ing of Sunday, May 12, they attended services at the Unitarian Church, the interior of which was draped with flags. An eloquent and appropriate sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Palfrey, the text heing from Ephesians vi. 18. " At the close of the exer- cises," said the " Age," "the heavy, measured tread of the soldiers, as they passed through the aisles, and from thence to their quar- ters, forcibly reminded us that the days of our Revolutionary fathers, who worshipped God on the Sabbath in the church, with their arms beside them, were indeed upon us. The occasion was one of great interest, and will long be remembered by our citi- zens."1 On the following Sunday, a discourse was preached to the soldiers by the Rev. F. A. Hodsdon, at the Universalist Church, from the text, " Acquit yourselves like men." "The Star-spangled Banner" was sung, and all the exercises produced a deep impres- sion. The companies marched through the streets with music playing " Hail Columbia."
Nor did the ladies withhold either their influence or their prac- tical aid. A few days after enlisting commenced, they met at Peirce's Hall to raise funds to provide articles of clothing for the soldiers, and formed an association which continued during the war. Before the departure of the Belfast volunteers, the ladies had made over three hundred grey flannel shirts. A small Testa- ment was placed in the pocket of each shirt.
On the evening of May 4th, Captain Cunningham's company
1 Progressive Age, May 16, 1861, in which the sermon is published in full.
468
HISTORY OF BELFAST.
marched to Peirce's Hall, where a large number of persons had assembled to witness the presentation of a pair of revolvers to each of the commissioned officers. Colonel Alfred W. Johnson presided, and introduced Miss Caroline C. Williamson, who, in be- half of the ladies of Belfast, bestowed the gift upon Captain Cun- ningham. Lieutenant Gunn was made the recipient of a pair of revolvers from Miss Mary E. Moore, in the name of the ladies of Searsmont. Miss Arbella Johnson made a similar presentation to Lieutenant Ayer, for the ladies of Montville and Liberty. Each gentleman replied in appropriate remarks. Two weeks later, at the same hall, the ladies presented Major Marshall (who by election of officers on the 8th had been promoted) with a pair of revolvers, through Miss Lavinia Angier. The officers of the Greys were then presented with similar tokens, which were bestowed in the following order : by Miss Mary Dyer on Captain Silas M. Ful- ler, by Miss Julia Ella Wheeler on Lieutenant Alden D. Chase, by Miss Abby H. Faunce on Lieutenant Horatio H. Carter, and by Miss Olive Hayford on Lieutenant Charles H. Burd, of Cap- tain Bean's company. In behalf of past members of the Greys, Colonel Hiram Chase presented the company with an elegant banner.
While the Belfast companies were being organized, Captain Andrew D. Bean, of Brooks, had enlisted over sixty men in that and in the neighboring towns. Their services were accepted by the State, and on the 15th of May they were ordered to report here, to be under pay and subsistence, and to drill daily. The Phoenix House was occupied as quarters.
The surviving soldiers of the war of 1812, who resided in this vicinity, partook of the military spirit which was so generally aroused. On the 3d of May, they met to the number of about forty, and paraded the streets. The following is a list of those present : -
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
AOE.
RESIDENCE.
AGE.
James Davis,
Belfast.
64
NAME. Oliver Bean,
Belfast.
69
William Frederick,
65
John Curtis,
77
Calvin Pitcher,
71
Samuel S. Burd,
"
67
Robert Murphy,
72
John Cochran,
66
Lemuel Guptill,
"
75
John Haraden,
80
Samuel Dunnells,
65
Peter Winslow,
78
William Rust,
64
George Patterson,
65
Jonathan Durham,
"
71
Dwinal Mayo,
60
Aden Dunnells,
66
Jona. Frye,
73
469
BELFAST DURING THE REBELLION.
NAME.
RESIDENCE. AGE.
NAME.
RESIDENCE. AGE.
Salathiel Nickerson, Belfast.
73
Josiah Staples,
Swanville. 66
Nathan Johnson,
Monroe.
71
John Marden,
79
Nichols Beale,
"
73
Nathan Pillsbury,
71
James Curtis,
"
76
Chapman Robbins,
70
David Curtis,
=
71
Simon Payson,
Freedom.
67
William Dickey,
"
75
Lewis Pitcher,
Belmont.
69
Thomas MeClure,
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.