USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Jersey City > Memorial of the centennial celebration of the battle of Paulus Hook, August 19th, 1879 : with a history of the early settlement and present condition of Jersey City, N.J. > Part 9
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I think it was the "young gentleman " in the "Noctes Ambrosiana " who on hearing Christopher North talk, ex- claimed in his enthusiasm : " If I should be struck blind I could see again listening to your words."
It is no idle compliment to the gentleman who has preceded me when I say that so vivid were his descriptions that Paulus Hook and its surroundings and all that had to do with the event we celebrate stand out as clearly as in a magnificent picture. The preliminary reconnoitering of Light Horse Harry Lee-the discovery. that Panlus Hook was negligently guarded-Lee's ambition to rival the brilliant coup de main of Mad Anthony Wayne at Stony Point-the daring proposition on his part to Washington to strike the fort by surprise at night and thus insult the prond foe within cannon shot of their stronghold-New York-the reluctance of the Commander-in-Chief, overcome by the enthusiastic impetuous ardor of the gallant Lee-the careful plans and orders culminating in the instructions of Washington to " surprise the post, bring off the garrison immediately and effect a retreat," and at last the movement of the troops on the night of the 18th of August. We can see the 300 men of Lord Stirling's division, and the troops or dismounted dragoons marching, under the cover of the darkness, along that belt of rocky and wooded heights that bordered the Hndson, and at length approach the coveted fort. Perceived by the sentinel, bnt mistaken for Van Buskirk's foraging party (the friendly darkness favoring this mistake), they boldly advance, pass the creek and ditch, and before the British garrison are wholly roused from sleep the gallant invaders are masters of the main work. We can see Sutherland, the British Commandant of the post, with a few Hessians, throw themselves into a small block-
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house on the left of the fort, and open an irregular fire. But so rapid and so sure is the work of Lee and his men that the fort is gained before a piece of artillery is fired. One hundred and fifty-nine are made prisoners, among whom are three officers. The barracks Lee intends to burn are spared because he discovers that they contain sick soldiers and a number of women with young children. So the retreat is begun, without even tarrying to destroy the artillery. " But," says Irving, "he (Lee) had achieved his object-a coup de main of signal audacity. Few of the enemy were slain, for there was but little fighting and no massacre. His own loss was two men killed and three - wounded."
I do not propose to follow Lee in his masterly retreat. In the ineagre outline I have already given I have indulged too much in repetition of what the preceding speakers have stated, suffice it to say this brilliant and audacious stroke under the very guns of New York galled and humbled the British and tories and made the Americans correspondingly exultant. It won the . praises of Washington, who coupled the mention of it with the brilliant capture of Stony Point. General Charles Lee speaking of Stony Point, said that this exploit was "one of the most brilliant in history." On Jersey City's soil that romantic bril- liant achievement was equalled. Of Lee's attack on Paulus Hook, James Duane, September 10th, 1779, thus writes to Alexander Hamilton : It was "one of the most daring and insolent assaults that is to be found in the records of chivalry ; achievement so brilliant in itself, so romantic in the scale of British admiration, that none but a hero, inspired by the forti- tnde, instructed by the wisdom, and guided by the planet Washington, could by the exploit at Paulus Hook have furnished materials in the page of history to give it a parallel." But to pass from the immediate contemplation of this affair to some more general observations.
It has been said that New Jersey has a peculiar hold upon the affections of her sons ; that they never leave her without regret, or return to her without joy. There is ample cause for this, and they who laugh or sneer at this gallant commonwealth know little of its history.
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Call the battle-roll of the American Revolution, and where do we find New Jersey ? Let Princeton, Trenton, Monmouth. and Paulus Hook answer. Search the pages of history and find a battle among the many fought to create this great nation in . which Jerseymen did not take part, and always with honor ; and on the historic page, too, read the fact, that during the revolutionary struggle New Jersey contributed more in blood and treasure in proportion to her wealth and population to the patriot cause than any other colony.
Again, no one can read the record of New Jersey and her troops in our late gigantic contest waged to secure equal justice to. all men-to preserve what our forefathers had created-to prove this government a nation, not a league, no one, I say, can read that record without a quicker beating of the heart in pride. More than 90,000 men were by New Jersey sent first and last to the front-an excess of over 11,000 more than was required of her. And in all that goes to make good soldiers- in order, discipline, obedience, coolness, daring, staying power, self-sacrifice, unquestionable patriotism-New Jersey's troops had and could have had no superiors. Nor is it alone the war record of the State of which New Jerseymen have a right to be proud.
From her early existence she has been conservative in the exactment and just in the execution of her laws, pure and able in her judiciary, enlightened and liberal in the cause of educa- tion, and has always been a friend to progress.
Then again note her agricultural and mineral resources. Her advantages of position between the two great cities of New York and Philadelphia making her land per acre higher in value than any other Middle State, her minerals cansing her to rank as one of the great mineral States. In manufacturing resources, too, she is almost unequalled.
These are fair subjects for contemplation even ou a day on which we celebrate a particular event. They are part of the results of the successful revolutionary struggle. They serve to stimulate even at this centennial celebration, a pride in and love for the State. The various centennial celebrations that have
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blazed in a circle of burning patriotism around the land, have been great national educators, and inspirers to lofty thoughts and fervent devotion to country. It would have been a lasting shame had the citizens of Jersey City failed to make provision for the proper celebration of so gallant an achievement as the battle of Paulus Hook. And let me add that their, I might say our duty, does not end with the conclusion of to-day's exercises and observances. Subscriptions to the Paulus Hook Fund should be continued until a monument marks the spot where the old fort stood, which shall bear appropriate inscriptions, so that young and old may be daily reminded of a daring and audacious blow struck on Jersey City's soil for liberty.
It was love of liberty and justice and right that nerved the arın and fired the heart of the early patriot to bear all the trials and sufferings of seven years of arduous struggle, at last to be rewarded by the establishment of a free and independent nation. It was love of liberty, justice and right best to be preserved within the Union that lately called from every walk in life three millions of defenders and enabled them to endure with uncomplaining fortitude the rigors of camp, the exhaustion of the toilsome march, the perils of skirmish and of battle, the terrors of prison life, the agony of starvation, and the ravages of disease-with death lurking on every side eager for its victims. And, my friends, the citizens of Jersey ought to erect another monument besides one in honor of Paulus Hook. They should erect a monument to the memory of gallant Phil Kearney and the Union soldiers who died to save the country. And this morning when at sunrise I heard the hoarse cannon boom its welcome to the god of day, followed by the salute fired in honor of the Centennial of the Battle of Paulus Hook ; when, too, the air was filled with the shrill sounds of steam whistles and the musical tones of ringing bells ; when now the citizens of Jersey City pause in their ordinary avocations, and distinguished guests. and organizations from and out of the city and State, lend the encouragement of their presence to this occasion, I could and cannot but feel it to be an indication of pride in an heroic and exceptionally brilliant exploit, and an indication as well of a
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love of liberty, justice, right and country, without which the nation would be paralytic with disease, instead of vigorous in health. If the few who died, and the many who took part in the assault on and capture of Paulus Hook, could to-day be present with us in the flesh, I am sure they wonld commend the public spirit that prompts its centennial celebration, for those know best who risk life either to create or preserve a nation, how well deserved is the gratitude that is shown by such remem- brance. The country, given to us by the sacrifices and brave deeds of our Revolutionary sires, has expanded in greatness far beyond what they could foresee. It was not possible that they should ever even have dreamed of the magnitude of its develop- ment. A future of grander development yet awaits this country. But the lesson this day teaches is simply that it was through vigilance, courage, never-dying patriotism and self- sacrifice, that our liberties were won and preserved. We must develop and keep alive these feelings and sentiments in our- selves if we would be true to the duty not only of the hour, but of our lives. If those who shall follow us learn this lesson, then as the ages roll on the sun shall rise and set upon a nation more grand than the world has ever before seen-then its record will be as bright as though written with the finger of an angel in letters of living glory upon the outstretched canopy of the heavens.
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" SWEET SPIRIT, HEAR MY PRAYER."-Orchestra.
Benediction, by the Rev. R. M. Abercrombie, Dean of the Diocese of New Jersey.
The peace of God, which passeth understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
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May the God who holdeth the waters in the hollow of His hand, be with us as He was with our fathers, prospering our country more and more as the land of the brave and the home of the free.
May His blessing rest upon our religious and civil institutions, and make them strong in the education of a wise and holy people.
May His blessing, which permits us this day to celebrate the bravery of our departed heroes, lead us to greater deeds, and fruits of heroism and devotion, till He gathers His elect as sheaves into His bosom, the home of eternal rest and reward ! The blessing of God Almighty, the Father and Son and Holy Spirit, be with us, and remain with us forever. Amen !
ANTHEM-" THIS IS THE DAY OF THE LORD."-By the Sangerrunde.
THE PROCESSION IN NEWARK AVENUE.
Entienden
THE PARADE
of Civic and Military Organizations, the Police and Fire
Departments, at 3:30 o'clock P. M.
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The parade was probably the most popular feature of the day's programme. At an early hour the various organizations that intended to participate in it assembled at their respective rendezvous and mustered. Major-General John Ramsey, the Marshal of the occasion, established his headquarter at Taylor's Hotel, where he received reports and issued orders to the detach- ments under his control. He was assisted in his arduous duties by a brilliant staff consisting of Major D. A. Peloubet and Captains William B. Mason, Frederick T. Farrier, Robert Clark, Henry E. Farrier, Thomas J. Armstrong, Roderick B. Seymour, Frederick Payne, L. E. Brown and Michael Nathan. Casper Speck acted as staff bugler. At half past two o'clock the differ- ent organizations marched to the ground assigned to them and effected their formations. The first division, Colonel Dudley S. Steele commanding, with staff, formed with its infantry on Grand street, right resting on Washington street, the artillery" on Mercer street, right resting on Henderson street, and the carriages on Washington street, right resting on the south side of Grand street. The second division, Marshal William A. Fisher commanding, formed in Sussex street, right resting on Washington street. The third division, Colonel John G. Fisher commanding, formed on York street, right resting on
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the west side of Washington street. The fourth division, Chief of Police Murphy commanding, formed on Washington street, the right resting on Grand street. The fifth division, Captain John Hart commanding, formed on Newark avenue. The sixth division, Chief Coyle commanding, formed in Bright street, right resting on Grove. Major General Hancock, though prevented by his other engagements from being personally pres- ent, sent three companies of the Third and one company of the First United States Infantry from Governor's Island, under Major Gibson. They presented a magnificent appearance, and their execution of the manual excited general admiration among the throng of spectators that assembled to witness, the exhibi- tion. One battery of Bragg's Artillery from Fort Hamilton was also in attendance, and contributed largely to the military effect of the parade. At three o'clock Marshal Ramsey and his aids rode to the head of the first division and the march com- menced. The procession passed through Washington street to Sussex, to Greene, up Montgomery to Newark avenue, thence through Grove street to Ninth, around Hamilton Square into Jersey avenue, to Mercer street, to Barrow, to Grand, thence to Washington street, where the commands were dismissed.
The reviewing stand had been erected across Fourth street at the junction of Jersey avenue, and was handsomely draped with flags, streamers and bunting of every description. The windows of the houses along the line of march, and especially opposite the stand, were occupied and adorned by beautiful ladies in brilliant costumes, who smiled benignly upon the dif- ferent columns. . On the grand stand were Mayor Hopper, Major General Mott, Major-General Ward, Hon. A. A. Harden- bergh, Ex-Governor Price, Aldermen Wood and Reardon, Freeholders Gannon, Dean, McArdle and O'Gready, Mayor Besson of Hoboken, the Committee of Arrangements (F. G. Wolbert, Geo. H. Farrier and B. W. Throckmorton), and a large number of the members of the municipal government of this city and Hoboken.
The parade, preceded by Sergeant Wilson and a platoon of police, marched past in the following order :
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MARSHAL JOHN RAMSEY AND STAFF. First Division.
COLONEL DUDLEY S. STEELE, COMMANDING, WITH STAFF.
BAND.
FOURTH REGIMENT, NATIONAL GUARD, COMMANDING LIEUTENANT COLONEL W. B. SHAFFER. NINTH REGIMENT BAND. NINTH REGIMENT, NATIONAL GUARD, COMMANDING COLONEL B. F. HART.
JERSEY CITY SCHUTZEN CORPS, CAPTAIN B. LIPPMANN. REGULAR INFANTRY, MAJOR GIBSON, COMMANDING.
BATTERY, SECOND REGIMENT, U. S. A., CAPTAIN SINCLAIR. CAPTAIN EHLER'S BATTERY. CARRIAGES CONTAINING GUESTS AND COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Second Division.
MARSHAL WILLIAM A. FISHER AND AIDS. FINK'S BAND.
WASHINGTON BATTALION, NO. 1, UNIFORMED PATRIARCHS. LODGES OF I. O. OF O. F., OF THE THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH DISTRICTS. .
WASHINGTON BAND, CHAPTER NO. 4, PATRIOTIC SONS OF AMERICA. Third Division. MARSHAL JOHN G. FISHER AND STAFF. MULLER'S BAND. VAN HOUTEN, WILSON, THOMAS, ZABRISKIE AND ELLSWORTH PosTs, G. A. R., FORMING ONE BATTALION. VETERAN BATTALION, COMMANDED BY F. T. FARRIER. VAN HOUTEN CADETS. WILSON GUARD. Fourth Division. BENJAMIN MURPHY, COMMANDING. MULLER'S BAND.
CARRIAGES CONTAINING THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS, CLERK MUAGHON AND EX-SHERIFF LAVERTY.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT. JERSEY CITY GROCERS' ASSOCIATION, CAPTAIN H. F. NEWMAN. JERSEY CITY TURNERS.
Fifth Division. FINCK'S BAND. HIBERNIA RIFLES, CAPTAIN JOHN HART. EMERALD ZOUAVES, CAPTAIN RICHARD GILL. ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS.
Sixth Division. BLANCHARD'S BAND.
CARRIAGES CONTAINING THE FIRE COMMISSIONERS, CLERK DOREMUS AND SUPERINTENDENT ASIIHURST.
FIRE DEPARTMENT, COMMANDED BY ITS CHIEF, JOHN COYLE.
In passing in review the military organizations saluted in the manner prescribed for such commands, while in the civic socie- ties the officers alone saluted-those carrying swords using them for that purpose, and those not so equipped raising their hats. The marching of the police was especially commendable, and reflected credit upon the discipline of the department and the arrangements of Chief Murphy. They were divided into five companies, of ten file front each, commanded respectively by Captains Jordan, Lennon, Glenny and Mullaney and Sergeant Mann. Their alignments were perfect, and they bore them- selves in the most approved manner. Applause greeted them at every block, and the Chief, as he preceded the column with regulation step, had good reason to be proud of his men. The crush of people at the reviewing stand was very great, and at one time it seemed as if a serious accident was inevitable. Several women were nearly crushed to death, and many of them who were carrying babies handed up the little ones to gentlemen on the platform for protection. Sergeant Wilson, however, succeeded finally in forcing back the crowd, and opened a passage for the procession. Most of the detachments marched sixteen file front, and it is computed that nearly five thousand must have been engaged in the parade.
THE COLLATION.
After the parade was dismissed, by invitation of the Com- mittee, a large party of guests gathered in Taylor's Hotel. Led by the Mayor and Hon. C. H. Winfield, they filed into the spacious dining room, and filled the tables spread for their reception: Among the gentlemen present were Ex-Governor Price, Hon. A. A. Hardenbergh, Rev. Dr. Abercrombie, Rev. Dr. Van Cleef and Rev. Mr. Benson ; Judge Fry, General John Ramsey, F. G. Wolbert, B. W. Throckmorton, Hon. Geo. HI. Farrier, Jas. B. Vredenburgh, Postmaster Greene, Colonels D. S. Steele and D. S. Gregory ; Lieutenant Colonels Marvin, Dodd and Wendell ; Majors Peloubet, Davis and Meeker ; Captains G. W. Dickson, Jr., R. B. Seymour, F. T. Farrier, W. B. Mason, T. J. Armstrong and Robert Clark ; Bugler Caspar Speck, Ex-Judge Blair, Ex-Chief Nathan, of the Police Department ; Ex-Chief II. E. Farrier, of the Fire Department ; F. M. Edge ; C. II. Benson, of the Journal; J. Noonan, of the Argus.
The Mayor, who presided, introduced Rev. Dr. Van Cleef, who asked a blessing, and the company proceeded to dispose of the good things-so timely provided for them, after which came the
"Feast of reason and the flow of soul."
The' President, with brief complimentary remarks, proposed a toast to " The Militia of New Jersey," which was responded to by Col. D. S. Gregory, as follows :
MR. CHAIRMAN :
In the absence of those commanding the military to-day, whose duty it would be to respond to the sentiment just. pro-
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posed, permit me to briefly recall the recollections I have of the efforts to foster military organizations in this city. While I am not "to the manor born," my residence here was for so long a time, that I feel as a Jerseyman and am accepted as such. Before my day, possibly, there were soldiers in Paulus Hook, for I have heard older men than I relate of "general training" at Hackensack ; but my first recollection of a grand display was. when the troops formed " upon the square," said square being a perfect circle, surrounded by a picket fence, and located where now stands the Centennial flagstaff at the junction of Wash- ington and Grand streets, The commanding officer was Colonel Nathaniel Ellis, for many years our City Marshal ; and the battalion was made up of a few companies gathered from all over the county, one of which only-the Washington Greys, Captain Paradise-was in uniform. Gradually uniforms became popular, and we had them in all the hues of the rainbow. Musters took place regularly at " Five Corners," Hudson City. About 1850, an effort was commenced to uniform the militia of the county in one dress ; and, in 1858; the effort had proved a great success, two regiments, with two batteries, being the strength of the brigade, with, in addition, one separate troop of cavalry. Colonel Alexander Shaler commanded the First Regi- ment and I the Second. This uniformity of dress was a grand incentive to the increase of the militia. I cannot, in the few moments I have the floor, give you a full history of its doings, either during the riots at the Tunnel, or its subsequent partici- pation in the Rebellion; but, on all occasions, the State and Nation have felt confidence in our local organizations, and have tested their willingness and bravery on other and trying occasions since the Civil War closed.
What the militia of to-day are you have witnessed. They are, pre-eminently, noticeable for their discipline and neatness. They are well officered, and, I am happy to hear, well satisfied with the management of their officers. Considering onr prox- imity to New York, we have done well to keep up our system as we have ; and we are justly proud of our citizen soldiery.
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" The health of Ex-Governor Price " was proposed, and he responded :
MR. MAYOR AND GENTLEMEN :
Ithank you for the toast so complimentary to myself, which was received and drunk so cordially. I have also to thank the Committee of Arrangements for their invitation to join with the citizens of Jersey City in celebration of the battle of Paulus Ilook on this its centennial anniversary. The day and the occasion have been exceedingly pleasant, but I am as much surprised upon being toasted as the English Major, Sutherland, was when the daring Major, Harry Lee, of the Continental Army, came down upon him like one of those eagle's swoops which so marked the bold, daring and heroic deeds of our con- mon ancestry in the contest for liberty, independence and human freedom ; and I feel as if I should surrender at your discretion, but cannot do it without firing a shot in return as an acknowledgment of your compliment.
The capture of Paulus Hook by the gallant Lee, so imme- diately succeeding the victory at Stony Point by Wayne, inter- twine as two of the most glorious episodes in our history. The celebration of such events keeps alive the daring and sacrifices made in the cause of liberty, and warms the hearts of those now enjoying the blessings of a people's government, and tends to make them better citizens. None of the thousands who par- ticipated in or witnessed the imposing ceremonies of this day, but will wake up in the morning feeling greater national pride than ever. The orations delivered at the Tabernacle exhibited historical research, and abounded in glowing, scholarly eloquence, affording evidence that the sons of New Jersey have not lost the fire and enthusiasm which so distinguished the citizens of the little Revolutionary State in the dark days of their struggle for national independence.
On occasions like this, memory runs back and revives remin- iscences of the past when reviewing the grand procession and seeing the great masses of people on the sidewalks and in the streets of your city. You thus showed your large population
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and material wealth, the grand display of your military, your perfect Fire and Police Departments ; and, Mr. Mayor, it was. a most creditable exhibition of a well supervised city govern- ment. This exhibition, sir, carries my mind back to my early recollections of this locality ; and it is probable, sir, that there is no person present who has known this locality longer than myself. My first recollections of Paulus Hook carry me back to about the year 1824; and to-day, when I contrast the opu- lence of this great commercial city, and know that it has grown up in fifty-five years of time from the then small place of three or four hundred inhabitants to not less than 130,000 people, it is very curious and interesting to trace the growth of such a locality. When Hudson county was set off from that of Ber- gen in 1840, it contained a population of about eight thousand- that is to say, only about forty years ago. New York City at that time had a population of about 200,000 souls, comprised within the whole island of Manhattan, which is about the area of Hudson county, the latter being now estimated to contain 175,000 inhabitants. The present population of New York . somewhat exceeds 1,000,000. Thus New York in forty years has increased her numbers five-fold, while Hudson county has increased twenty-one-fold.
It is an interesting fact to us Jerseymen to know that the Jersey shores of the Hudson river and New York bay have increased in so much greater ratio than New York City ; but, upon investigation, the reasons for this become very apparent, our great and superior natural advantages of location affording better commercial facilities for carrying on the trade and busi- ness of the, port. Our advantages for external and internal commerce are just beginning to be recognized ; and it does seem to me that future increase and growth of commerce, trade and population will be in a far greater ratio in favor of Jersey City in comparison with New York. As Jersey City is the terminus of the railroad system of the continent, its commercial develop- ment by ineans of the proposed grain elevators, docks and water · basins becomes of momentous importance, since it will cheapen the handling of cargoes, the loading and unloading of vessels,
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