History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 65

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882

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381

STATE ADMINISTRATIONS.

Union, unconditionally, in this mortal struggle is against it. The highest dictates of patriot- ism, justice, and humanity, combine to demand that the war should be conducted to a speedy close upon principles of the most heroic energy and retributive power. The time for gentle dalliance has long since passed away. We meet an enemy, vindictive, bloodthirsty, and cruel, profoundly in earnest, inspired with an energy and self-sacrifice which would honor a good cause, respecting neither laws, constitu- tions, nor historic memories, fanatically de- voted only to his one wicked purpose to destroy the Government and establish his slaveholding oligarchy in its stead. To treat this enemy gently is to excite his derision. To protect his slave property is to help him to butcher our people and burn our houses. No. He must be met with an activity and a purpose equal to his own. Hurl the Union forces, which outnumber him two to one, upon his whole line like a thunderbolt ; pay them ont of his property, feed them from his granaries, mount them upon his horses, and carry them in his wagons, if he has any, and let him feel the full force of the storm of war which he has raised. I would apologize neither to Kentucky nor anybody else for these measures, but quickly range all neutrals either on the one side or the other. Just a little of the courage and ability which carried Napoleon over the Alps, dragging his cannon through the snow, would quickly settle this contest, and settle it right. If onr soldiers must die, do not let it be of the inactivity and diseases of camps, but let them at least have the satisfaction of falling like soldiers, amid the roar of battle, and hearing the shouts of vic- tory ; then will they welcome it as the tired laborer welcomes sleep. Let us hope that we have not much longer to wait."

Equally estimating with the Governor the great emergencies and necessities of the coun- try, the legislature, with firmness and pluck worthy of the people which they represented, passed with much unanimity the following well-timed and eminently proper joint resolu- tion in reference to the rebellion :

" WHEREAS, The Government of the United States is engaged in putting down a causeless and wicked rebellion against its authority and sovereignty, inaugurated by ambitious men to obtain political power,-a Government, the safety and perpetuity of which must ever rest

upon the loyalty of its citizens and an adher- ence to the constitution ;

" AND WHEREAS, The welfare of mankind, the usefulness and power of the Nation are in- volved in the events and issues of the present conflict ; therefore, be it

" Resolved (the House concurring), That Michigan, loyal to herself and to the Federal Government, reaffirms her undying hostility to traitors, her abiding love for freedom, and her confidence in the wisdom and patriotism of the National Administration.

" Resolved (the House concurring), That the people of Michigan deem it the imperative duty of the Government to speedily put down all insurrection against its authority and sove- reignty, by the use of every constitutional means, and by the employment of every energy it possesses ; that Michigan stands firm in her determination to sustain, by meu and treasure, the Constitution and the Union, and claims that the burthen of loyal men should be light- ened, as far as possible, by confiscating to the largest extent the property of all insurrec- tionists ; and that as between the institution of slavery and the maintenance of the Federal Government, Michigan does not hesitate to say, that in such exigency, slavery should be swept from the land, and our country maintained.

" Resolved, That the Governor be requested to forward a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress.

" Approved January 18, 1862."

Recruiting was being vigorously prosecuted at the commencement of 1862, and under most favorable circumstances, brought about to some extent by a brisk competition between officers, often leading to various schemes for inducing recruits to change regiments both before and after muster - a practice then considered sharp, but which. was neither legitimate nor scarcely honest, but still considered by some as evincing a degree of energy, and by some called SMART. And although this mode of operating was protested against from time to time, and complaints made leading to the pub- lication of orders against it, yet it was found impossible to prevent the practice, and it was generally exensed under a plea of zealous pur- pose.

At this time there were in progress of rapid recruitment five regiments of infantry and

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

three batteries of artillery. Their completion was most industriously pushed by the officers engaged, and by the end of March, 1862, they had all left the State for the field.

In addition to these, a Lancer regiment, three companies of sharp-shooters, and a com- pany for service at Mackinac had been organ- ized and mustered into service.

The reports made in July to the adjutant- general's office by the several regiments, bat- teries and companies, gave an addition of 2,028 recruits to their original strength, showing up to July 1st a total enrollment of 24,281 officers and men since the commencement of the war, which, together with an estimated number of 1,453 enlistments in companies in service of other States, gave 25,734 as a grand total. To this may be added the Lancer regiment dis- banded, and the Chandler Horse Guard, making an aggregate of nearly 27,000 men placed in service prior to the 1st of July, 1862 ; thus ex- hibiting a surplus of over 6,000 over and above the number required to comply with all the de- mands of the Government, and establishing a degree of patriotism and promptness unsur- passed by any other State.

The following is taken from Charles Lan- man's Red Book of Michigan :

" During Mcclellan's disastrous peninsula campaign in May and June, the Michigan regi- ments had become much depleted by the usual casualties of service and by wounds, disease, and death, whilst recruiting had entirely failed in the State. The Seventeenth Infantry was then organizing, and it was found almost impossible to obtain men for its completion, and recruits for regiments in the field could not be enlisted under any circumstances.

" This fearful condition of affairs had as- sumed so formidable a shape as to make it necessary to hold public meetings in some localities of the State to stimulate the people to more energy in the cause of the Union, and especially in recruiting for the regiments in the field. A public meeting for that purpose was called in Detroit, to be held in the after- noon of Tuesday, the 15th of July, and on as- sembling on the Campus Martius in accord- auce with the call, and while the business in view was being proceeded with, the gathering was surprised by a mob of men, who furiously interrupted the deliberations and entirely broke up and dispersed the meeting, driving

the officers from the stand, and compelling some of them to seek shelter and safety in the Rus- sell House, a hotel adjacent to the Campus Martins. The exhibition of this rebel spirit in our midst proved of immediate and lasting ad- vantage to the cause of the army in the field, for it aroused such a feeling of indignation at these disloyal and treasonable operations, and such utter contempt for the ruffians who had- been thus engaged, that the masses of the re- spectable citizens of both political parties de- termined that such proceedings should not be tolerated in Detroit, and therefore next day a meeting was appointed for Tuesday, the 22d of July, to carry out the objects of the previous meeting, and for the further purpose of main- taining the right of citizens to hold such meet- ings without interference or molestation. An immense gathering assembled under the call, severely rebuking the disloyal clement, and with unbounded enthusiasm avowing a most faithful and persistent support of the war, and pledging, with prodigal liberality, means and personal encouragement, and adopting instant measures for the recruitment of the regiments of the State, and urging the immediate re-en - forcement of the armies of the Union."

This prompt and decided action of the citizens had the desired effect, giving recruiting new life and energy, and served to end all demonstra- tions in the metropolis of the State opposing the raising of men for the armies in the field.

The meeting referred to was held on the date stated, and although its intention was to affect the recruiting for regiments generally, yet much attention was given to the recruitment of the Twenty-Fourth Regiment, the raising of which had already been assigned to Henry A. Morrow, who had received the appointment of lieutenant-colonel of the regiment.

This meeting was made up of the most re- spectable and influential citizens of both polit- ical parties, and the speeches were of a very patriotic character, strongly condemning the dastardly action of a disloyal element which manifested itself at the former meeting called for the same purpose, and was broken up by a mob, and its objects entirely frustrated. This so thoroughly aroused public indignation that the masses turned out in their strength with a determination that it should not be interfered with, even if forcible measures should have to be resorted to in enforcing order.

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STATE ADMINISTRATIONS.

The meeting was also held with a view to devise ways and means to assist in raising the quota of meu which Detroit was required to furnish.

Early in the afternoon processions of me- chanics from foundries, machine shops and ship yards, began to assemble on the Campus Martius, around the stand which had been erected for the speakers, where a band of music was discoursing patriotic airs. Then the cit- izens generally came in crowds from the offices shops, and stores. When the hour for which the meeting was appointed had arrived, the ground was covered for acres with a living, enthusiastic mass, breathing the strongest pa- triotism. They had come as determined men - they had come for a purpose, and with the intention of accomplishing what they came for.

The meeting was called to order by E. C. Walker, Esq., who nominated the Hon. William C. Duncan, then mayor of the city, as presi- dent, who was chosen unanimously. Hon. John Owen then named the following gentlemen as vice presidents :

Hon. Lewis Cass, Hon. Ross Wilkins, Hon. Benjamin F. Witherell, Rt. Rev. Samuel A. McCoskry, Rt. Rev. P. P. Lefevre, Shubael Conant, William Barclay, Charles C. Trow- bridge, Colonel J. V. Ruehle, Duncan Stewart, Alderman Joseph Godfrey, Alderman J. W. Purcell, Alderman James Shearer, Cyrus W. Jackson, Adam Elder, Gordon Campbell, Ed- ward Kanter, Charles Kellogg, Fred Behr, Alexander Chapoton, Charles Busch, Hugh Moffat, Fred. Buhl and Neil Flattery.

The following were made secretaries: Stan-

ley G. Wight and C. Wood Davis.

The president introduced the subject to the meeting in an appropriate address.

At the former meeting a committee to draft resolutions to submit to the people had been appointed, composed of Thomas M. McEntee, D. Bethune Duffield, William A. Moore, Dewitt C. Holbrook, William P. Yerkes, Chauncey Hurl. but and Henry A. Morrow.

Mr. McEntee then read the resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. They breathed a most loyal spirit, a genuine patri- otism, and suggested the consideration of cer- tain measures, in favor of raising means, both by the city government and by the citizens.

Eloquent speeches were made of a highly patriotic order by Colonel Henry A. Morrow,

General Lewis Cass, Mark Flanigan, appointed major of the Twenty-Fourth, Duncan Stewart, C. I. Walker, Halmer H. Emmons, and James F. Joy.

When Mr. Joy closed, the president was about putting the motion to adjourn when Mr. Emmons started and read, with thrilling effect, the following verses, and at the end of each stanza cheer upon cheer went up :

We are coming, Father Abraham -three hundred thousand more,

From Mississippi's winding stream and from New England's shore ; .

We leave our plows and workshops, our wives and children dear,

With hearts too full for utterance, with but a silent tear;

We dare not look behind us, but steadfastly before- We are coming, Father Abraham - three hundred thousand more !

If you look across the hill-tops that meet the north- ern sky,

Long moving lines of rising dust your vision may descry ;

And now the wind, an instant, tears the cloudy veil aside,

And floats aloft our spangled flag in glory and in pride ;

And bayonets in the sunlight gleam, and bands brave music pour -

We are coming, Father Abraham - three hundred thousand more !

If you look all up our valleys, where the growing harvests shine,

You may see our sturdy farmer-boys, fast forming into line ;

And children, from their mothers' knees, are pulling at the weeds,

And learning how to reap and sow, against their country's needs ;

And a farewell group stands weeping at every cottage door -

We are coming, Father Abraham -three hundred thousand more !

You have called us, and we're coming, by Rich- mond's bloody tide,

To lay us down, for freedom's sake, our brothers' bones beside ;

Or from foul treason's savage grasp to wrench the murderous blade,

And in the face of foreign foes its fragments to parade.

Six hundred thousand loyal men and true have gone before -

We are coming, Father Abraham - three hundred thousand more !

384

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

The following from Bishop Lefevre, of the Roman Catholic church, was read at the close of the meeting :

DETROIT, July 22, 1862.

H. H. Emmons and Others :

DEAR SIRS-I am greatly obliged by the kind invitation you this morning extended to me in behalf of the citizens you represented, to act as one of the vice presidents of the pro- posed meeting this afternoon. My engage- ments will prevent my being with you, but I avail myself of this opportunity to repeat my often expressed opinions in relation to the necessity of immediate action on the part of all our people, irrespective of creeds and party divisions.

The object of your meeting has my warmest sympathies, and I take great pleasure in assur- ing my fellow-citizens that with much oppor- tunity for observation I can learn of no differ- ence of opinion in regard to it. All, without exception, seem determined to sustain our Government. I do most sincerely hope that, to attain this great end, all differences of opin- ion relative to the means to accomplish it will be harmonized or abandoned.

I am, yours, etc.,

P. B. LEFEVRE, Bishop of the Catholic Church of Michigan.

The influence of this meeting spread through out the State, greatly aiding in the recruit- ment of seven other regiments, besides the Twenty-Fourth, viz .: Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-First, Twenty- Second and Twenty-Third, all of which were fitted ready for the field within a little over thirty days, an example of recruiting not equaled in the State during the entire war.

President Lincoln, advised by the Governors of the loyal States, who had consulted together regarding the emergency, issued a proclama- tion on July 2d for 500,000 men, the War De. partment assigning to Michigan a quota of 11,686. On the 15th of July orders were pub- lished from the adjutant-general's department of the State urgently appealing to the people for a prompt and effective response, and pre- scribing regulations for a system of organiza- tion.

The Seventeenth Regiment was then in process of organization, being recruited in the State at large, while six regiments of infantry

were ordered and appointed respectively to the six Congressional Districts. Camps were cs- tablished for each and commanders appointed : The Eighteenth at Hillsdale, Hon. Henry Wal- dron ; Nineteenth at Dowagiac, Colonel Henry C. Gilbert ; Twentieth at Jackson, Hon. Fidus Livermore ; Twenty-First at Ionia, Hon. J. B. Welsh; Twenty-Second at Pontiac, ex-Gov- ernor Moses Wisner; and the Twenty-Third at East Saginaw, Colonel D. H. Jerome.

The adjutant-general of the State, in his re- port of 1862, says of the action of the people regarding this call :

" The response of the people of the State to the President's call was patriotic and prompt almost beyond expectation. Individuals of every degree of prominence forthwith began to interest themselves in the business of filling the regiments. Communities gave to it their time and their almost exclusive attention, while, better than all, the substantial masses of the people offered themselves in person. War meetings were held in almost every village and township in the State. Representatives of all classes converted themselves cither into recruits or recruiting officers, and among the most efficient of the latter were ministers of the gos- pel, some of whom led the men they had en- listed into the field.

"Immediately following the issue of the order referred to, applications reached the ad- jutant-general's office, by telegraph and other- wise, from all sections of the State, urging authority to recruit, and desiring instructions and forms for the enlistment of companies. Fa- cilities to promote this purpose were promptly furnished, and as soon as the camp grounds . could be provided with suitable quarters men began to flock in by companies and detach- ments. The gentlemen who had been charged with the duty of supervising the organization of the regiments performed their labors with diligence and success, and in little over a month from the date of the President's call men suf- ficient had been raised in the State, and nearly enough were in camp to fill all the regiments which the War Department had asked for under the President's requisition.

" In the meantime, while patriotism was thus zealously manifesting itself in all portions of the State, the people of Detroit and of Wayne county desired an opportunity to put in the field a regiment of their own citizens, in addi-

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STATE ADMINISTRATIONS.

- tion to those already in progress. Authority was promptly given by the governor for this purpose, and the Twenty-Fourth Regiment was ordered organized under the direction of Colo- nel HI. A. Morrow, and placed in rendezvous at Detroit, making eight infantry regiments then in course of completion."

The following is from the Red Book of Mich- igan :

" The Christian church in this State gener- ally proved, by its pronounced patriotism and manifest devotion to the cause of the country, an element of immense success. All true pa- triots commend its noble course, all faithful Christians endorse its glorious action. From the time that Sumter was fired on until Lee and Johnston laid down their rebellions arms, and Davis fled for his life, it encouraged and nerved by word and deed the soldier in the field, aided much in the recruitment of men by its approval of the cause and its openly avowed abhorrence of rebels and those who sympa- thized with them and opposed the war. Where it did not, cowardice most mean and groveling, disloyalty gross, and blackest treason pre- vented its being included in the providence of God among the instrumentalities to save the nation, and hence neither deserves nor can ex- pect any better fate than the certain condem- nation of every true lover of his country and of his race, and the disapproval of the God of Nations.

" The valnable services rendered at this time by the loyal press throughout the State can never be over-estimated; for its successful efforts in strengthening the hands of public officers, in moulding public opinion in favor of loyalty to the Government, in encouraging patriotism among the masses, and inspiring those at the front with a heroism leading to gallant deeds."

" Stand by the Flag, on land and on sea," was the motto of the women of Michigan, in- spiring and scattering patriotism amongst the the people, and in the ranks at the front. Never doubting, always hopeful, ever confi- dent of success, trusting in God's help for the cause of liberty, humanity, and right, while their interest in behalf of the soldier was in- tense, and their industry for his benefit con- tinuous.

In providing for the immense re-enforce- ments to the national armies under this call,

some delay in arming and equipping the troops unavoidably occurred, and the Michi- gan regiments were ready before their field equipment. With great dispatch, however, they were put in readiness for the field, and left the State fully armed, clothed, and equipped, prior to the 19th of September.

On the completion of the eight regiments referred to, it was ascertained that in the rush to the rescue of the nation, more companies had been raised than could be placed in the district regiments, and on the 20th of August an order was issued from the adjutant-general's office, directing the recruitment of the Twenty- Fifth and Twenty-Sixth Regiments of infantry, and assigning the surplus companies thereto.

The Twenty-Fifth rendezvoused at Kalama- zoo, under the direction of the HIon. H. G. Wells, commandant of camp, and the Twenty- Sixth at Jackson, in command of Colonel Jud- son S. Farrar. They were put in condition for active service with much promptness, and left the State immediately thereafter.

About the time that the President's last call for volunteers appeared, the governor had permission from the War Department to send into the field another regiment of cavalry, and authority was given Colonel R. H. G. Minty, then lieutenant-colonel Third Cavalry, to pro- ceed at once to raise the Fourth Cavalry.

Soon after the organization of the Fourth, Colonel J. T. Copeland, late of the First Cav- alry, sought and obtained the permission of the War Department, approved by the gov- ernor, to raise another regiment for the same branch of service; and still later - when the President had issued an order providing for the draft of a further force of 300,000 men - Hon. F. W. Kellogg, member of Congress from this State, secured authority (also subject to approval by the governor) to raise two addi- tional regiments for the same arm. The Fifth and Sixth Cavalry, comprising two of the three regiments thus authorized, were recruited with great rapidity, and would have been in the field by the 1st of October, had horses, arms, and equipments been provided as fast as the men were ready for them.

The patriotism of the men composing these regiments will not be questioned, as they en- tered the service in the darkest days of the war, and when money could not have entered into the question, as neither Government, State,

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

nor local bonnties were being paid, while, physically, mentally, and morally, the com- posite of these regiments was made up of the best young men of the State, and probably was not excelled in the troops of any other State, or in the armies of any other nation.

The infantry regiments went to the front fully armed and equipped, their arms being of a superior quality to those which had been furnished to most of the preceding troops sent from the State, while the cavalry were equally well equipped, although they did not receive a portion of their arms until they reached the army in the field.

From the Red Book of Michigan the follow- ing is taken :

" At the time the call was made by the Pres- ident, and on which the regiments referred to were raised, much anxiety as to coming events and results existed throughout the land, and great despondency pervaded the masses, pre- vailing to an alarming extent in the army. The disasters of Bull Run and Ball's Bluff, and Banks's retreat from the valley of the Shenan- doah were fresh in the memory. Mcclellan's fruitless peninsula campaign had just termi- nated. Gloom covered the Union cause throughout the North, and loyal hearts were sad. But with these disasters and discourage- ments patriotism seemed to grapple, and strong and loyal men flocked to service under the standard of their country, without money or price, and with laudable determination. The regiments referred to were recruited in these memorable days, the darkest of the rebellion. Fighting had produced much suffering, and bullets death, and war had proved a fearful reality ; yet patriotism in Michigan was at its maximum, and her people demonstrated their indomitable pluck.

" While great activity prevailed among the people and in the State military departments in meeting the call of July 2d, strong hopes were entertained that the final requisition for additional volunteers had been reached. The President issued an order on the 4th of August for a draft to be made without delay of 300,- 000 militia to serve for nine months. On the 9th of the same month general orders were promulgated by the War Department, assign- ing the quotas of the several States, that of Michigan being 11,686, same as under the last call.

" Special instructions of a later date directed that if volunteers for old and new regiments mustered from July 2d exceeded the number called for (11,686) the excess might be deducted from the number drafted.

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History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 65

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York, Munsell & company Number of Pages: 882

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882