USA > New York > A brief history of the Twenty-Eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, First Brigade, First Division, Twelfth Corps, Army of the Potomac, from the author's diary and official reports. With the muster-roll of the regiment, and many pictures, articles and letters > Part 1
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Gc 973. 74 N42boy 1757828
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GC
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00823 5118
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
28th Twenty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers
FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, TWELFTH CORPS,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
FROM THE AUTHOR'S DIARY AND OFFICIAL REPORTS.
WITH THE
MUSTER-ROLL OF THE REGIMENT,
AND MANY - -
PICTURES, ARTICLES AND LETTERS
FROM SURVIVING MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,
WITH THE REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION HELD AT ALBION, NEW YORK, MAY 22, 1896.
1
C. W. BOYCE, BUFFALO, N. Y.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/briefhistoryoftw00boyc
1757828
Boyce, Charles William, 1842-
F : 8349 .547 A brief history of the Twenty-eighth regiment New York state volunteers, First brigade, First division, Twelfth corps, Army of the Potomac, from the author's diary and official reports. With the muster-roll of the regiment ... and ... with the report of proceedings of the thirty-fifth annual reunion held at Albion, New York. May 22, 1896. [By] C. W. Boyce ... [Buffalo, The Mat- thews-Northrup co., 1896?]
19Cp. incl. front .. illus. (incl. ports., maps) 25}2.
1. New York infantry. 28th regt., 1861-1863. 2. U. S .- Hist .- Civil war-Regimental histories-N. Y. inf .- 2Sth.
4-11978 Revised
- Library of Congress
F.523.5.28th
1
EDWIN F. BROWN,
Colonel Twenty-eighth Regiment New York State Volunteers, Inspector-General United States Soldiers' Homes.
n
157
MADE IN THE COMPLETE ART-PRINTING WORKS OF THE MATTHEWS-NORTHRUP CO. BUFFALO, N. Y.
16៛_N
TO THE
HALLOWED MEMORY
OF THE Ballant Dead of the Twenty=eighth Mew Dork TRegiment
AND TO
The Comrades, " WHO, DARING TO DIE, YET SURVIVE,"
THESE PAGES
ARE AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION AT ALBANY,
II
(May 14th to June 24th, 1861.)
CHAPTER II.
To WASHINGTON - UNDER PATTERSON,
June 24th to July 28th, 1861.)
15
CHAPTER III.
IN MARYLAND - BERLIN TO HANCOCK,
19
(July 28th, 1861, to March Ist, 1862.)
CHAPTER IV.
THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY,
24
(March ist to May 23d, 1862.)
CHAPTER V.
BATTLE OF WINCHESTER, AND BANKS' RETREAT,
29
(May 23d, 24th and 25th, 1862.)
CHAPTER VI.
AGAIN IN THE VALLEY - CULPEPER,
33
(June 2d to August 7th, 1862.)
CHAPTER VII.
BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN,
(August 9th, 1862.)
CHAPTER VIII. POPE'S RETREAT - ANTIETAM,
44
(August 13th to September 19th, 1862.)
CHAPTER IX.
ANTIETAM TO CHANCELLORSVILLE,
47
CHAPTER
CHANCELLORSVILLE,
(May Ist, 2d and 3d, 1863.)
CHAPTER XI.
HOMEWARD - MUSTERED OUT,
57
(May 12th to June 2d, 1863).
THE PEACE WE FOUGHT FOR. By a comrade, 59
IN MEMORY OF OLD PAP WILLIAMS, W. F. Goodhue, 61
ORGANIZATION OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK,
Col. Brown, 63
THE BAND OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK,
Enos B. Whitmore,
66
THE FIFE AND DRUM CORPS,
W. W. Eastman, 72
SURGERY IN THE TWENTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK,
Thomas Cushing, M. D., 73
THE SIGNAL SERVICE,
Captain W. W. Rowley, 75
THE POSTAL SERVICE, .
C. W. Boyce, .
76
DETACHED SERVICE,
J. Byron Lovell,
78
George F. Gould,
79
OUR FIRST INVASION,
Capt. John Waller,
82
CAPTURE AT POINT OF ROCKS, From the Diary of W. L. Hicks, 83
CAPTURE OF A COMPANY OF ASHBY'S CAVALRY,
Major FitzGerald, 84
OUR FLAG AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN,
William Lewis, 87
CEDAR MOUNTAIN REVISITED,
Selected Poem, 88
THE STORY OF OUR FLAG,
C. W. Boyce, 89
EPISODE FROM THE BATTLEFIELD OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN, F. A. Caman, . 91 Geo. H. Maxwell, 94
WHY SHOULD WE MOURN,
FOR TWO YEARS, UNLESS SOONER DISCHARGED,
Geo. W. Maybe, 94
INCIDENTS IN OUR EARLY HISTORY,
F. N. Wicker, . 95
TEMPERANCE WORK IN THE ARMY, W. H. Crampton, 96
THE ARMY MULE,
J. Byron Lovell, 98
OLD CHARLIE,
An extract from newspaper, 98
REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REUNION, 99
LETTERS FROM ABSENT COMRADES AND FRIENDS,
103
LIST OF REUNIONS AND OFFICERS,
III
OUR COLORS,
112
MUSTER-OUT ROLL.
113-138
RECAPITULATION,
. 139, 190
35
(September 19th, 1862, to April 27th, 1863.)
52
ISAAC SLY,
CONTENTS. ( Continued.)
PHOTOGRAPHS.
NAME.
Co. PAGE.
NAME.
Co. PAGE.
NAME.
Co. PAGE,
W. H. Adriance,
C 156 G F. Gould,
C
156
H. Padelford,
E 190
D. W. Ainsworth,
D 165 R. H. Grady,
146
R. T. Paine,
143
N. O. Allen,
K 184 A. M. Graham, C
156
1 59
171
E. R. Peck, .
F 176
J. Bacon,
D 166
H. S. Gulick,
E
170
N. Pecktil K 187
G. A. Baker,
D
163
S. S. Baker,
D
166
E. N. Hamblin, K
186
J. Phillips, K
187
E. Bathrick,
D
166
F. Haner,
C
I 59
T. Pickwell,
C
162
S. H. Beach,
H
179 D. Hardie
G
145
R. W. Bell,
I
182 J. H. Harrington,
I
182
D
168
D. L. Reynolds, E
173
T. Boodger,
A
149
A. M. Helmer,
143
A. Richardson, C
162
Edwin A. Bowen,
D
189
O. Hubbard,
D
168
A. S. Rose, . H 180
C. W. Boyce,
D
167
G. H. Hunt,
C
160 W. W. Rowley,
F
I74
L. A. Brace,
K
185
W. W. Hunt,
G
178
W. H. Brady, F
175
G. Irish,
158
C. A. Sayre,
E
173
B. B. Brown,
A
149
H. A. Jameson,
K
188
W. Sims, 2, .
C
157
W. W. Bush,
B
145
C. L. Skeels,
142
A. W. Caman,
A
150
J. Keeler,
D
168
J. H. Smith,
K 188
F. A. Camann,
K
186
P. B. Kelchner,
B
154
C. P. Sprout,
142
W. H. Chambers, A
147
W. M. Kenyon, G
177
L. A. Stickles. A
K
188
H. A. Collins, .
C
157 S. P. Lapham, .
146
G. B. Swick,
C
189
W. Collins, -
G
178 W. F. Lawton,
K
184 146
J. Taylor, C 163
A. B. Cooper,
E
171 N. B. Lincoln, A
150
J. Taylor,
E
174
J. Cornwell,
D
190 C. H. Liscom, F
176
J. F. Taylor, A
152
W. H. Crampton,
A
148 J. W. Little,
A
149
O. L. Teachout. E
171
T. Cushing,
143 J. Long, .
A
145
R. Thayer,
F 176
C
160
H. Thomas, A
153
M. Dalton, .
E
172
W. Luff.
C
161
J. Tuckson, . D
170
D. Donnelly,
141
C. Lureman,
A
15I W. G. Wade, D 170
169 N. E. Wadhams, C
155
W. W. Eastman, D
167
F. O. Mckinney,
K
187 F. M. Wadsworth I
183
E H. Eweil, F
175 J. A. McNiven, G
S. S. Marvin,
K
184 M. F. Warfield,
K
183
T. FitzGerald,
1.42
G H. Maxwell,
B
153 W. P. Warren, C
155
B. Flagler, .
A
148
A. Mehwaldt,
A
189 | M. Wasim.
H 181
A. A. Fox, .
D
165
A. B. Merville,
A
151 A. K. Welsher,
C
158
A
151 D. R. Witcher,
A
148
J. T. Gailor, A
150 . L. Metzger, .
I
182 E. B. Whitmore
147
I .. D. Gaskill, .
G
177 W. E. Minard,
C
W. H. Gaskill,
C
158 O. J. Moffett, 144 H. M. Moore,
H
180 General A. S. Williams, 141
C. B. Gillam, .
W. T. Gillingham, C
159 J. W. Moore,
E
172 J. L. Wright, A
153
J. Goggin,
B
154 F. W. Morse,
C 161
T. B. Goodenough, K 186 J. H. Moyses,
K 185 |John Yonkey C 163
1.44
I 181
B. E. Salmon, D
165
E. F. Brown,
140 A. B. Judd,
G
177
F. B. Seeley, 2, D
J. A. Smith, D
169
W. Canham, D
167
B*
154 C. Le Suer,
E. W. Cook,
141 W. Lewis,
D
164
H. Dykeman, F
175
W. McDonald, D
178 John Waller, H
179
N. B. Bradley, .
H 180
L. D. Sale,
G. Randall, E 173
J. F. Bennett,
F
174 L. Hayner,
Erwin A. Bowen,
D
144 J. M. Hill,
C 160
Z. Roberts, D 169
147
B. C. Anderson,
K 185 T. J. Granville. E. H. Greene,
C
E
L Parshall, .
T. H. Pasco, A 152
H. Peters, C 162
J. F. Brauer, C
J. H. Kamp, I I83
A. Strasburg,
152
Chas. Ferdun, G
179 W. H. Merville,
161 F. N. Wicker, C 155
E 172 J. D. Woods, I 181
I64
H. Colton, .
J. B. Lovell.
PREFACE.
HESE MEMOIRS of the gallant Twenty-eighth Regiment, New York State Volunteers, have been prepared from the writer's diary and from official records, in response to a resolution of the comrades, passed at the Reunion in 1894, and repeated in 1895.
No history of this regiment has ever been published, though a general desire for one has always been expressed.
The Secretary has consented to do the best he can. His only quali- fication for the work is a personal knowledge of the facts, having been " Present for Duty" with the regiment on every march and every event of its history. He hopes it will be found correct in the facts and dates given, and will be of interest to his comrades, for whom, alone, it has been prepared.
Our thanks are due to all who have aided in the work. Especially are we indebted to Mr. W. F. Goodhue, consulting engineer of Milwaukee, Wis., and Secretary of the Third Wisconsin Volunteers, for the very accurate maps used. These were made from the original drawings, kindly loaned by him for this purpose. We are under obligations, also, to Captain George K. Collins, of Syracuse, N. Y., Historian of the One Hundred and Forty- ninth New York Volunteers, and author of the interesting history of that organization, for many of the cuts used. These comrades wore the "star," and have shown this kindness to their companions of the old Twelfth Corps by freely dividing their "rations" with us, which we here gratefully acknowledge. -
To the comrades and others who have furnished the fine special articles published in connection with the history, we are under great obligations ;
-
9
PREFACE.
and to all who have sent their photographs. The writer knows by experi- ence that as we grow older, there comes a great aversion to having one's wrinkles and gray hairs made so painfully prominent. It is with great satisfaction, that we are enabled to publish the pictures of more than half. the surviving members of the regiment.
The name, with the official record of every member of the regiment, is printed in the muster-roll, which has been copied with care from the war records in the Adjutant General's Office at Albany, N. Y. Doubtless, many errors will be found. Especially is the roll incomplete in the record of those taken prisoner at Chancellorsville. Many omissions in this have been noticed. The battle occurring so near the date of muster-out, the company officers had little time to complete their rolls. These omissions would have been supplied could the record at Washington have been consulted.
Where the member is known to be alive his present address is given. This roll gives the list of the heroic dead, who offered their lives in battle, that the nation might live. Of every one it can be said, " He died on the field of honor."
Here, also, are found the names of those who, surviving the trying ordeal of a two years' service, have since died; and the date of death, when known. We cherish as a sacred legacy the noble deeds of these comrades, whose memories will never be dropped from our hearts, though their names are no longer carried on our yearly rolls.
No braver body of men served in the war than the Twenty-eighth New York, and the record of their valor deserves a more worthy tribute than these pages.
C. W. BOYCE, Secretary.
BUFFALO, N. Y., June 1, 1896.
MAP OF THE CAMPAIGNS
OF THE
Twenty-eighth New York Volunteers IN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND,
1861-62-63.
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Occoquan G
Massanutten
Warrenton Jonet
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Pampahannock Sta
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X Staferd CH.
Harrisonburg 4př11 22.42
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Pools
Thyhn
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Potomac River.
Washington.
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New Market
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SHENANDOAH
BainarKis
YLAND
Balto & Ohio RF
Leesburg
White Plaine
Fairfax CH
Warrenton 1 dimasodo 1
Ben Ford.
R
-
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT,
New York State Volunteers.
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION AT ALBANY.
MAY 14TH TO JUNE 24TH, 1861.
HE Twenty- eighth Reg- iment, New York State Volunteers, was com- posed principally of young men from the counties of Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, On- tario, and Sullivan, who volunteered, without bounty, at the first call of President Lincoln, for seventy- five thousand men. Many of them were among the very first in the State to enlist, having done so with- in three days of the assault on Fort Sumter.
It has been well authenticated that Captains E. W. Cook and W. W. Bush, in anticipation of the President's proclama- tion, opened recruiting offices in their respective places of business on Main Street, at Lockport, N. Y., on the day of the call, before it had been printed. The men thus enrolled became companies A and B of the Twenty-eighth Regiment.
Captain Bush, after the war, was pre- sented with a beautiful gold badge by the G. A. R. Posts of Western New York, in recognition of the conceded fact that he was "The First Volunteer " for the war, under this call.
The other companies were also recruited early in their several localities, and as fast
as accepted, and mustered, were sent to the rendezvous at Albany. They arrived there early in May, and were assigned to quarters in the Burt and other vacant buildings on Broadway, all getting their meals at the Adams House.
The accommodations at this hotel were, perhaps, as good as could have been ex- pected under the circumstances, but were severely condemned by all then. The food was abundant, but very plain. The rattle of tin cups and plates on the bare tables, and the calls of the men for bread, coffee, etc., made an indelible impression on the memory of all participants. It has been said that no member of the Twenty-eighth New York, when traveling, ever stops at an " Adams House " if any other hotel is in the place. The name to him is a synonym of poor fare, to be shunned if possible. How often afterward those who complained the most would have enjoyed, with thank- ful hearts, the same substantial fare.
The first days in Albany were occupied with drills and visiting places of interest about the city. Soon all were called to pass the severe physical examination of Dr. Hutchinson, a surgeon of the regular army. Many were rejected and were com- pelled to return to their homes. The accepted ones soon changed their quarters to the new Industrial School building, which was a great improvement. Bunks
II
I 2
TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
1
were built three tiers high in the large airy rooms. The food consisted of beef, potatoes, coffee and bread. The large drill ground, near, was a fine one.
On the ISth of May, the requisite number of companies having been obtained, the regimental organization was formed by the election of the following
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
OFFICERS.
NAME.
RESIDENCE.
Colonel,
DUDLEY DONNELLY, .
Lockport, N. Y.
Lieutenant-Colonel,
EDWIN F. BROWN,
Medina, N. Y.
Major, .
JAMES B. MITCHELL,
Batavia, N. Y.
Adjutant, .
CHARLES P. SPROUT,
Lockport, N. Y.
Quartermaster,
CHRISTOPHER L. SKEELS,
Lockport, N. Y.
Surgeon,
ALBERT M. HELMER,
Lockport, N. Y.
Assistant Surgeon,
MATTHEW F. REGAN,
Lockport, N. Y.
Chaplain, .
CHARLES H. PLATT, .
Lockport, N. Y.
The NON COMMISSIONED STAFF Officers, appointed, were :
Sergeant-Major,
CHARLES B. WRIGHT,
Lockport, N. Y.
Quartermaster-Serg't,
EDWIN A. SWAN, .
Medina, N. Y.
Commissary Sergeant,
LEONARD D. SALE,
Monticello, N. Y.
Hospital Steward, .
THOMAS BENTLY, .
Medina, N. Y.
Drum Major,
JOHN MINOR,
Sullivan Co., N. Y.
Fife Major,
ALONZO J. MCMASTER,
Lockport, N. Y.
The COMPANY Officers were as follows :
CO.
CAPTAINS.
FIRST LIEUTENANTS.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS.
ORGANIZED.
A.
E. W. COOK.
D. R. WHITCHER.
J. A. REPASZ.
Lockport.
B.
W. W. BUSH.
A. B. JUDD.
J. C. WALSH.
Lockport.
C. W. H. H. MAPES.
W. P. WARREN.
F. N. WICKER.
Lockport.
D. E. A. BOWEN.
G. DAVIS.
L. CHAFFEE.
Medina.
E. | T. FITZGERALD.
W. J. BROWN.
H. PADELFORD.
Canandaigua.
F. C. H. FENN.
W. W. ROWLEY.
G. M. ELLIOTT.
Batavia.
G.
D. HARDIE.
J. O. NICKERSON.
W. M. KENYON.
Albion.
H. J. WALLER.
J. C. TERRY.
L. M. BROWN.
Monticello.
I. T. P. GOULD.
J. C. WARE.
G. A. BINGHAM.
Niagara Falls.
K.
H. H. PAIGE.
V. FARLEY.
J. D. AMES.
Lockport.
The regiment was most fortunate in the selection of its Field and Staff officers. The choice of Colonels Donnelly and Brown, as commanders, could not have been bettered, and proved highly satisfactory to all. They were both men of prominence and ability at their homes, and always enjoyed the unbounded confidence and respect of the entire regiment. Colonel Donnelly was a man of military education and training, naturally a soldier, and fitted to command. He had for years filled the position of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Sixty-sixth Regiment, New York State Militia ; and was a fine disciplinarian. Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, as an organizer and leader, had few superiors. Each was strict and firm, yet kind, always a friend to every true soldier, but severe on evil doers.
13
MUSTERED INTO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE.
Major Mitchell was the oldest officer of the Field and Staff, and was a prominent and respected citizen of Batavia, N. Y. He had organized the first company in Genesee County, and when this united with the Twenty-eighth, he was elected Major, but very soon resigned on account of poor health.
Adjutant Sprout, by his genial dis- position, won the respect and love of all. He was a man of sturdy, rugged nature ; a fine soldier, one who never knew fear.
The position of Quartermaster could not have been filled by a more active, capable or painstaking mân than C. L. Skeels. His management of the office proved most efficient, and, if the men ever lacked for supplies, they knew it was not in the power of man to get them.
Doctor Helmer was a surgeon of large practice and pronounced skill, and ranked as one of the best in the army.
The other Field and Staff, and non- commissioned Staff officers, were selected for acknowledged fitness for their several positions, and, with but few exceptions, filled them with ability.
The Line Officers of the Twenty- eighth Regiment were as fine a body of men as ever drilled recruits, or led companies into battle. They were nearly all men of education and position. A few had the benefit of previous military training in Militia companies. All soon became proficient in army tactics and inade the regiment one of the best drilled of any of the volunteer organizations.
The numerical strength of the regiment was : Field and Staff eight, Non-commis- sioned Staff six, Captains ten, Lieutenants twenty, with twenty musicians and seven hundred and thirty-two privates, a total of seven hundred and ninety-six. officers and men.
Of the rank and file, it can be truly said, . no better nor braver body of volunteers enlisted during the war. It is universally acknowledged that the volunteers of 1861 and 1862, as a class, were much superior to those of any later period, and the Twenty-eighth was composed of some of the best material in Western New York.
The organization thus perfected, the Twenty-eighth was on May 22d, mus- tered into the service of the United States for two years, unless sooner discharged. The occasion was a memorable one. The day was delightful, and the regiment,
drawn up in line on the beautiful parade ground, in front of the barracks, made a fine appearance. The oath was adminis- istered to the companies in a very impres- sive manner by Captains Seaton and Sitgreaves, and was subscribed to, by all raising the right hand. It was as follows :
" All, and each of you, do solemnly swear, that you will bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and that you will serve them honestly and faith- fully, against all their enemies or opposers whatsoever (for the term of two years), and observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over you, according to the rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States, so help you God."
Eleven men, whose courage failed them, had previous to this time, refused to take the oath. Four were from Company B and seven from Conipany G. After hav- ing their heads shaved, and being deco- rated with white feathers, they had been promptly drummed out of camp-to the tune of "The Rogue's March." This action did not meet with entire approval.
The succeeding days were spent in drill- ing, and in learning the duties of a sol- dier's life. Nightly, squads would visit the city. Often they were captured by the patrol, brought back to camp, and confined in the guardhouse.
The first dress parade of the regiment was held on the Washington Parade ground, May 30th ; this became, there- after, a daily occurrence.
Many a homesick boy, away for the first time, was made happy by receiving boxes of good things from home, which were always shared with other comrades. Lit- erary and musical societies were organized, and served to pass the time more pleas- antly. The companies contributed towards the purchase of musical instruments.
Governor Morgan, riding a beautiful white horse, often visited the regiment, giving the officers words of praise and commendation.
June ist came the welcome order to move to Camp Morgan - about three miles from the city and one from the river. This was the regiment's first march, and was not long, but many of the men think they never had a harder one. They were unused to the march, and especially not yet accustomed to moving in light marching order. They had yet to
14
TWENTY. EIGHTH REGIMENT' N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
THE REVEILLE.
Quick.
End
ezt
I can't get 'em up. I can't get 'em up, I can't get'em up in the morning, I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up. I can't get 'em up at all.
learn how few things are absolutely neces- sary, and all were burdened with articles supposed to be essential. These were very soon reduced in number, or cast aside altogether .. The day was hot and dusty, and many stragglers were brought up by the rear guard.
The camp was adjoining the Sixteenth New York Regiment, which had just been organized and was in command of Colonel Davies. Here commenced the life in tents, which continued throughout the entire service, except, when houses were occupied at Hancock, for a short time, the next winter. This was a welcome change from the irksome barracks' life of the last few weeks.
The experience at Camp Morgan was varied, and these should have been the happiest days of the regiment, but were, without doubt, the most discontented ones. Here the men found it much more difficult to steal past the guards than at the barracks, but passes were issued, and frequent visits were made to the city.
The following was the daily routine : Reveille at five A. M. Roll Call at five- thirty. Drill five-thirty to six-thirty. Breakfast, seven. Guard Mount, eight. Sick Call, nine. Drill, ten to eleven. thirty. Dinner, twelve. Drill, two to three-thirty. Dress Parade, five. Supper, six. Roll Call, nine. Taps and Lights Out nine-thirty.
.
The Bethlehem cook-house was situ- ated outside the camp, and the men marched there for meals. The food was substantial, and had it been better served no complaints could have been justly made. Dissatisfaction was often shown by drum- ming on tin cups, when passing near Colonel Davies' tent. This was soon stopped, by the offenders being put in the guardhouse.
June 15th the first issue of clothing was made, and proved very acceptable to many. On leaving home, the men had been told not to bring extra clothes, as uniforms and clothing would be drawn on
The corporal's worse'n the private, The sergeant's worse'n the corporal, T'he lieutenant's worse'n the sergeant, The captain's the worst of all.
arriving at Albany. But the days and weeks passed, and the old garments were getting not only threadbare but in many cases in rags. This occasioned much merriment as well as discomfort. An organization, known as the "Ragged Cadets," was formed. No person was eligible to membership, whose clothing was not badly worn. While to be an offi- cer, required more holes than cloth. These "R. C.'s," as they were styled, had daily parades, causing much laughter and fun. As soon as the men drew their overcoats, the companies paraded, presenting the comical sight of regulation coats of blue, covering trousers of nearly every color.
On the 21st, knapsacks, canteens and haversacks were furnished, and on the 23d, guns and accoutrements. The guns were the Remington Rifles, with sabre bayonets, and were greatly admired. The canteens were generally marked by the men with their names, to distinguish them. Often they were misplaced and lost. It is said, the practice was so gen- eral of appropriating a canteen, and mark- ing one's name on it, that an Orderly Sergeant could take almost any canteen in his company and call from it the com- plete roll of his men.
The drills and dress parades improved daily, and seemed fine to raw recruits, but they were simply a burlesque on sub- sequent attainments.
The sick call soon became an import- ant one, as the mumps broke out in camp, and many were taken ill. Every member of the regiment was vaccinated ; the surgeon remarking that this was the first blood the men had shed in defense of their country.
Boxes of delicacies from home contin- ued to arrive, and were always received with great pleasure. The Debating Society, organized at the Barracks, was continued in a large tent, loaned by citi- zens of Albany, through the influence of N. Ward Cady, a member of Company D.
15
ALBANY TO WASHINGTON.
Other meetings, religious, temperance and social, were held in the tent, and were of much interest, being always well attended. One of the questions before the debating society, remembered still with a smile, but which seemed serious enough, was the following : Resolved, " That the mem- bers of this regiment, have no just cause for insubordination, at the lack of cloth- ing, supplies and money due the mem- bers." This shows the state of mind
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