USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 1
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Go 974.702 T75j 1851806
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOCY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01178 2312
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyoftroycit00juds
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CHNS. HART & SON. LITH., 36 VESEY ST, N.Y.
CAPTAIN ALFRED H. PEIRCE.
I839.
A HISTORY 1
OF THE
TROY CITIZENS CORPS,
TROY, N. Y.
BY HARRY P. JUDSON.
"A WELL-REGULATED MILITIA BEING NECESSARY TO THE SECURITY OF A FREE STATE, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED."
TROY, N. Y.
TROY TIMES PRINTING HOUSE, BROADWAY AND THIRD STREET.
1884.
DISCARD 090
TEACHERS . COLLEGE · LIBRARY STATE
FUIT
ILIUM
TCC 6 NG
TROJA,EST
1851806
PREFACE.
The principle that a well-regulated militia is necessary to the security of a free state, is recognized in the Cons- titution of the United States, and has become fully em- bodied in the organic life of the republic. Free schools, free speech, a free press, are essential to the safe exercise of a free ballot ; and on these essentials it is our pride that the republic is securely founded. But beneath the smooth surface of civilized society are always seething the savage elements of disorder. Behind the stately courtesies which mark the intercourse of enlightened nations, are always lurking envy, jealousy, and cupidity, likely at any moment to bring opposing interests into hostile collision. The complex organism of civilization is ever ready to resolve into its primitive forms ; and of those forms, force is the sole master. So it is that the strong arm of force must be kept always prepared to execute the mandates of law, and to preserve the state from foreign aggression. Our country is happily spared, by three thousand miles of ocean, from the need of maintaining that huge armament which is so crushing to the life of European nations. But the experience even of our first century of national existence has taught us the absolute necessity of maintaining the military spirit, and of keeping alive a knowledge of the modes of military action. The admir- able academy at West Point is of priceless value in pro- viding a constant supply of trained and intelligent officers. Let this be supplemented by a well-organized and well- disciplined body of citizen soldiers, and we have ever at hand the means of immediate defence, and the nucleus around which may be rapidly gathered a powerful and efficient army. Washington was saved in 1861 by militia
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PREFACE.
regiments. The volunteer army was organized and officered largely with material from the militia. The ignorance and inefficiency of which there were so much . in those early months, came mainly from a previous neglect of the militia organization. But the fact that we had any army at all which could be distinguished from a mob, resulted from the West Point Academy, and from . the trained militia of the states.
In view of these facts, the advantage immediately ap- pears of using all reasonable means to encourage excel- lence in the National Guard ; and it should be borne in mind that a good militia, means, mainly, a militia com- posed of respectable and trustworthy men. The service, then, must be put in such light, and surrounded with such respect and attractions, as to draw to it and keep in it men of a sterling quality. This end is not aided by the niggardliness of small politicians, or by the sneers of those wise ones who forget the past and are blind to the future.
This little book is an attempt to contribute, however slightly, to the efficiency of our citizen soldiery by tell- ing the simple story of one of its worthy organizations.
The TROY CITIZENS CORPS is a company of whose good name its members are jealous, and in whose record the citizens of Troy take pride. It is to be hoped that the esprit du corps now prevailing in the Troy Citizens Corps may be kept unabated.
To collect these few facts has been a task of no little difficulty. The records of the old corps were at one time placed for safe keeping in the top story of Cannon Place. A fire destroyed them all. A single book of minutes is extant, covering about ten years. For the rest, the his- torian has been obliged to depend on a few stray docu- ments, on a collation of the recollections of old members, and on the files of the Troy daily papers. The local columns of these last had to be searched carefully, from 1835 to 1864. It will be readily understood that records collected in this way cannot be complete. Especially, more or less names of former members must have been
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PREFACE.
omitted. But it is hoped that all essential facts have been obtained.
There are two points to which attention is requested. It has not been possible to preserve the due balance and proportion · between different periods of the record. More space has been given to those portions for which materials were found in most abundance. This has been a necessity of the circumstances ; and if any old mem- bers find their own times treated with scant detail, it is hoped that they will be indulgent.
In the second place, copious use has been made of newspaper clippings and of the record books of the Corps. It has seemed to the writer that such extracts, showing.vividly how events were viewed when they hap- pened, would be of more interest in a work like this than a mere narration of facts.
The historian is indebted for material aid and for abundant courtesies to so many that it is difficult to particularize. And yet he feels that especial acknowledg- ment must be made to Maj. Gen. J. B. CARR, to MR. P. F. VANDERHEYDEN, to MR. DEWITT CLINTON, the court- eous librarian of the Troy Y. M. A., to MR. C. B. BISHOP, MR. WM. R. GRAY, of New York, MR. C. E. WOLF, Secre- tary of the Albany Burgesses Corps, to MR. WM. H. YOUNG and to Maj. I. F. HANDY.
T. C. C.X.
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A HISTORY
OF THE
TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
THE OLD CORPS.
After the war of 1812, interest in military affairs in this state was for a long time dormant. The militia of New York, through continued neglect, became much demor- alized. The system of organization then in vogue, never too good, had been quite out-grown, and its defects be- came each year more apparent. At length intelligent men began to deplore the lack of a trustworthy citizen soldiery, and to cast about them for expedients by which public interest could be awakened, and a good class of citizens induced to render military service. Of these, one of the most fruitful in good results was the device of independent companies. They were to bear their own expenses, and could thus be left to the dictates of their taste in selecting arms and equipments. Being subject to the orders both of the Governor of the State, and of the Mayor (if in a city), they could always be ready for any emergency of public danger. A sufficient induce- ment from the State was furnished by exemption from other military duty and from a certain amount of tax- ation.
The first company organized under this plan was the Albany Burgesses Corps, in 1833, and the Troy Citizens Corps and Utica Citizens Corps soon followed.
In accordance with a notification previously published in the city papers, a meeting of those interested was held
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
at the assembly room of the Troy House, September 23, 1835, and an organization effected by the choice of Thomas Turner, Superintendent of the Albany Iron Works, as Captain, and Henry R. Bristol, then County Clerk of Rensselaer County, as President.
A committee on Constitution and By-Laws was ap- pointed, consisting of the following gentlemen : Alfred H. Pierce, Joseph Wickes, Morton Fairchild, Luther R. Laselle and Thomas Grenell. From the result of their labors we add a few citations.
The little volume bears on its title page the following : " CONSTITUTION and BYE-LAWS of the TROY CITIZENS CORPS. Instituted, September 23, 1835. Troy .: Kemble & Hooper, Printers, No. 8 State-street, 1835."
The uniform adopted, it may be added, was substan- tially that of the old Trojan Greens. This was a com- pany which had flourished in Troy before the war of 1812, had done good service in the field during that con- test, and had fallen to pieces soon after the end of hostili ties. Capt. Turner at one time was its commanding officer.
EXTRACTS FROM THE CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I .- This Association shall be known and distinguished as the " TROY CITIZENS CORPS ;" and its object shall be, the improve- ment of its members in martial and military exercises.
ARTICLE II .- The uniform of this Corps shall consist of a cap of the following description, viz : Black leather, of conical form, with brass front and band, and plate representing the rising sun, and scales. The plume, buff and green, with buff and green cord, and tassel. The knapsack of black painted canvass, with a valise at the top, covered with light colored hair seal skin, with brass ends. The belt white, and white cross belts, with cartouch box and bayonet sheath of black leather and brass mountings. The coat green, with scale wings ; four gilt stripes and buttons on a buff standing collar ; thirty-six buttons on the breast, one and a quarter inches apart ; six- teen buttons on the skirt ; buff scolloped cuffs, and four buttons on each sleeve. The pantaloons green-of same shade as coat, with a buff stripe on the outer seam, one and a quarter inches wide. The musket and bayonet of uniform make. The distinction between officers and privates shall be a straight hanger, with gilt scabbard and red sash .*
* The first man to wear the uniform of the T. C. C. was Charles L. Garfield.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
ARTICLE III .- The officers of the Corps shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, a Captain and three Lieu- tenants, who shall hold their offices for one year, and until others shall be elected in their stead.
ARTICLE XII .- Any person desirous of resigning his membership, may do so, provided his dues and fines are paid.
ARTICLE XIII .- Three-fourths of the members present at a meet- ing and voting, shall have power to expel any member.
ARTICLE XVI .- A majority of the members present at a meeting and voting, shall have power to order a public parade of this Corps; but it shall be the imperative duty of the Corps to parade publicly, on each anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence.
ARTICLE XVIII -Each and every member shall bear an equal pro- portion of all the expenses incurred by the Corps ; but the right and title to property and effects of the Corps, shall be solely vested in the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XXI .- Twenty-one members shall constitute a quorum, and shall have power to transact all business.
EXTRACTS FROM THE BYE-LAWS.
I. Each and every member shall be fined for the following offences, in such sum as is set opposite to the respective offence :
For being absent from a meeting at roll-call, -
$0 1212
Leaving meeting or drill without permission, 0 50
Leaving ranks on public parade without permission, 3 00
Addressing presiding officer, or a member, at any meeting, in a disrespectful manner, 1 00
Disobeying the orders of a superior officer, when on drill or parade, at the discretion of the President ; in a sum not
exceeding two dollars, nor less than fifty cents.
Refusal or neglect of non-commissioned officers to serve notices of meetings, - 1 00
Not appearing at a drill, 0 25
For not appearing at a parade, - 2 00
For recognizing a friend or acquaintance while on parade, 0 25
II. Any member appearing at a meeting or parade in a state of intoxication, shall be fined for the first offence five dollars, and for the second, he shall be expelled.
V. No spirituous liquors shall at any time be permitted to be in- troduced into any of the meetings of this Corps ; and no officer shall be permitted to furnish any refreshments to the Corps.
The formation of the Citizens Corps was greeted with much popular favor, and from the outset it had the countenance of many of the solid men of the city. Troy
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
had then reached the respectable proportions of a city of 17,000 people. The early members were mostly middle-aged, nearly all married, and a number of them men of property. One of the first honorary members was the Hon. William L. Marcy, at whose funeral, some twenty years later, the Corps acted as escort. It is also especially worthy of note that one of those most inter- ested in the organization of the Corps was Gen. John E. Wool, and that its first lessons in the art military were under his personal supervision. Gen. Genet, too, was an active patron of the new company. Planted in so good soil, it is not to be wondered at that the Corps took strong root, and flourished apace. It became at once an institution of the city; and an institution of the city it is to-day.
In the Budget, December 18, 1835, we find an article commenting favorably on the recommendations of Gen. Cass, Secretary of War, with regard to improvement of the militia. The last sentence of the Secretary's report, as quoted, was : "And if, in addition to this organization, voluntary associations were encouraged, and induce- ments held out for their formation, our militia would be in a state of efficient service." The Budget then contin- ues : " While on this subject, it may not be inappropri- ate to say a word respecting the Troy Citizens Corps. This is a 'voluntary association' of many of the public spirited citizens of Troy, in the vigor of their manhood ; with the laudable design of improving themselves in military discipline, and of inculcating by example a proper and patriotic military spirit. Their labours and example will not be fruitless. Henceforth it will not be deemed discreditable to bear arms in the ranks of citizen soldiers. The greater discredit will attach to those who seek to lampoon or deteriorate our militia. Most of the mem- bers of the Citizens Corps are exempts. They have equipped themselves, and are fully and efficiently organ- ized. In addition to this, the Corps have provided a new, unique and appropriate uniform, which is spoken of as highly and unusually neat and martial in its ap-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
pearance. A similar company was organized in Albany in 1834,* called the Albany Burgesses Corps, and the legislature passed a special act recognizing its existence. A like favor will be asked in behalf of the Troy Citizens Corps of the next legislature."
THE CHARTER.
An Act for the formal recognition of the Corps was accordingly introduced into the next legislature, and became a law by the signature of Governor Marcy, May 20, 1836. We quote from the Laws of New York, Chapter 387, Laws of 1836 :
AN ACT,
IN RELATION TO THE TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows :
1. The members of the Troy Citizens Corps, performing duty under this system of military organization, shall be exempt from the per- formance of militia duty, in any of the companies, battalions, regi- ments, or brigades, in this state, except in cases of insurrection and invasion.
2. Whenever any member of said Corps shall have performed as many days' duty as is required of the members of the artillery or rifle companies in the city of Troy, he shall be entitled to the same privileges of exemption which are now extended to members of said artillery or rifle companies by the militia laws of this state.
3. The said Corps shall be subject to the call of the mayor of the city of Troy, to prevent insurrection, and preserve the peace and good order of the said city ; and also to the command of the governor of this state, who may at his discretion, and for sufficient reason, disband the said Corps.
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4. The provisions of this act shall not extend to any members of said Corps who do now or may hereafter hold any military com- mission.
5. The number of individuals composing this Corps shall not ex- ceed eighty.
6. This act shall take effect immediately after its passage.
ARMS AND QUARTERS. .
The first arms used were old-fashioned flint lock muskets. These were retained until 1855. On the 13th
* In 1833. The Act of Incorporation was passed in 1834,
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
of October of that year, through the influence of the late John A. Griswold, then mayor of the city, the State of New York issued to the Corps 60 Enfield rifles, and 60 sets of equipments. During the riots in 1863, it was feared that these arms, which were stored in the Fulton Market Hall, might be seized by the mob. They were accordingly removed to the State Armory. Here they remained until Nov. 3, 1869, when they were turned over to the State by Col. Geo. T. Steenberg.
The first drill room was in the small hall near the Mansion House, in the block of buildings yet standing on Washington Square, adjacent to that hotel. The com- pany soon removed, however, to the southwest corner of Congress and Third streets, where the armory was main- tained for several years. When the Tibbits building, called the Military Hall, was erected, on the site of the present State Armory, on River street, the Corps there obtained commodious quarters. This home was oc- cupied until fire made a move necessary in 1848. The city authorities then granted the use of Fulton Market Hall, and this was retained to the end.
THE BEGINNING OF WORK.
As soon as the Corps was fully organized, drill was begun, and was continued with great vigor through the winter. Fifty copies of Scott's tactics were distributed among the members, and the services of Captain Ring- gold, United States Army, from Watervliet Arsenal, were obtained as instructor. By the next spring, such progress had been made in the military art that a few out-door drills were held. The first parade in full uni- form, however, was on the 4th of July, 1836, the Corps forming part of the procession in honor of the 60th Anniversary of our National Independence. The new company were received with military honors and escorted to their place in line by the Troy City Guards and the Troy Union Artillery. Captain Turner having been appointed marshal of the day, First Lieutenant Alfred H. Peirce was in command during the parade.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
The Corps wound up the celebration by a dinner at the Mansion House.
The following is a partial list of those who turned out at this first public appearance of the Troy Citizens Corps. There were about twenty-eight muskets in line.
Captain, THOMAS TURNER,
First Lieutenant, ALFRED H. PEIRCE,
Second ERASTUS F. BRIGHAM, Third LEWIS LYONS.
Franklin Belcher, William M. Bliss, Franklin Cummings, Lewis Ellsworth, William Fellows, Charles L. Garfield, Richard H. Hale, Luther R. Laselle, William Lee, Abel B. Moore, Ebenezer L. Morgan, S. F. Phelps, Loyal S. Pond, Joseph C. Potter, Joseph Wickes.
The next day, July 5, 1836, the Corps again paraded, and were reviewed by the Hon. William L. Marcy, and by Gen. Genet. After the review, the company and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous collation at the Troy House.
November 24, 1836, the Corps turned out for target practice. There were thirty-two muskets in line. After marching through some of the principal streets, they proceeded to the field selected, near the Hoosick road. The first prize was gained by Lieut. L. R. Laselle.
On the evening of January 5, 1837, the T. C. C. gave a ball at the Troy House. It was opened about eight o'clock with the old country dance, "Speed the Plough," after which Philip Heartt, Esq., then U. S. Consul at Glasgow, called the cotillions. Several members of the Albany Burgesses Corps were present in full uniform, together with many of our prominent citizens. This first reception was a very enjoyable one, and the annual balls of the Corps afterwards became a pleasant feature in the social life of our city.
THE RIOT OF 1837.
On the morning of St. Patrick's day, some images were found suspended in the first ward, which excited the anger of the Irish. A number of attempts were made to take the images down, and, resistance being
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
made, several persons were injured. In the course of these fights, hurts were received by certain citizens not concerned in the affair. This aroused the wrath of Americans, who indulged in retaliatory acts, and some doors and windows were broken. Several persons also of each faction were wounded by shot from common shot guns, and in other ways.
The mayor, Richard P. Hart, called out the Citizens Corps to preserve order. The Corps assembled at 2 o'clock in full uniform. Each man was provided with three ball cartridges, one of which was at once put into the musket. At 1:30 Mayor Hart and Recorder Cushman appeared at the armory and ordered the company to be dismissed, but for the men to hold themselves ready for immediate service at the signal of four taps on the bell of St. Paul's church. At 7 o'clock the signal was given. The Corps were promptly in line and were sent first to the Court House, then to the southeastern part of the city. By that time, however, the mob had dispersed. After marching around some time in that vicinity, the Corps were ordered to the jail, where the fourth section were left, under Lieut. Sellick. The rest of the company were sent to the court house, where they were under arms until 9 o'clock. During the night the different sections were on guard around the jail, as it was thought that an attempt would be made to rescue some of the rioters who had been arrested. A few days afterwards, one of the injured men died of his wounds.
The Whig of March 18th, says: "The Troy Citizens Corps had been provided with several rounds of ball cartridges- had their mus- kets loaded with them-and had received orders to do prompt execu- tion, should the occasion require ; and this order would unquestion- ably have been obeyed. * * * We cannot omit this opportunity to bear testimony to the value to the city of the Citizens Corps. Made up of spirited young men, and subject to the call of the mayor on all occasions of emergency, such a company is invaluable, and deserves the most liberal encouragement. Its utility was fully and fairly tested last night."
EXCURSIONS.
In 1837, the Corps made two trips, a brief one to Hud- son, and another, in company with the Burgesses Corps,
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
to Catskill. On the latter occasion, the Troy Citizens Corps left Troy early on the morning of August 21, on the steamer "Jonas C. Heartt." At Albany they were received by the Albany Burgesses Corps and escorted to the steamer which was to convey them to Catskill. So crowded were the streets that morning to see the Troy company on its first appearance in Albany, that it was quite difficult to march at all. At the dock in Catskill the two companies were met by forty gentlemen on horse- back, who escorted them to the village. After dinner, line was formed on the green, and the command was drilled first by Capt. Osborne and then by Capt. Peirce. The steamer "Albany " brought the excursionists back late in the evening.
" THE DEAD MARCH."
Death first touched the Corps in the fall of 1837, in the person of Edward Devol. The company attended his funeral and paid the usual military honors.
1838-At the celebration of the Declaration of Inde- pendence the Corps acted as guard of honor to the pro- cession. At the banquet following Capt. Peirce offered this toast on behalf of the Troy Citizens Corps : "The Mayor of the City of Troy ; at home a gentleman-al- ways at home."
RECEPTION TO THE STATE FENCIBLES OF PHILADELPHIA AND ALBANY BURGESSES CORPS.
On this same 4th of July, the State Fencibles of Phila- delphia, Pa., Col. James Page, commanding, were in Al- bany as guests of the Burgesses Corps. The next day the two companies visited Troy, on invitation of the Citizens Corps. The latter received their guests at the steamboat landing, and escorted them through State, Third, Ferry and Second Streets, to the Court House. There they were formally welcomed to the city by the Mayor, Recorder and Common Council, and received by them. The whole party then proceeded to the armory of the Troy Citizens Corps on Congress street, where a collation was served at about 12 o'clock. The visit-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
ing companies were afterwards escorted to the arsenal at Watervliet.
In December, 1838, the Corps went to Albany, by ap- pointment, and paid their respects to Gov. Marcy, who was about to retire from his last term at the State House. The Governor had from the first been an honorary mem- ber and an active friend of the organization.
1839-On the first of January, the Troy Citizens Corps were received by the Albany Burgesses Corps. Then returning to Troy, the company called on Mayor Heartt, Recorder H. W. Strong, Gen. Wool and other friends.
THE TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA.
For the summer of 1839, an elaborate six days' ex- cursion was planned, and was carried out with perfect success. The Corps sailed from Troy Monday evening, July 22, on the steamer "John M. Mason." They were escorted to the boat by the Troy Independent Artillery, Capt. Howe. At Albany, they were transferred to the steamboat "Swallow," Capt. McLean. While passing Haverstraw, next morning, the expedition was saluted by the Pulaski Cadets, of New York, who were in camp. The Corps were received on their arrival in New York by the Tompkins Blues, Capt. Seely, and under their escort marched to the City Hotel for breakfast. The march to the Perth Amboy Ferry was escorted by the Tompkins Blues, and also by the Union Riflemen, Capt. Parker. At Perth Amboy, cars were taken for Borden- town, and there transfer was made to the night boat on the Delaware River for Philadelphia. Arriving in that city on Wednesday, the Corps were received by a mili- tary detachment consisting of fourteen companies, under command of Col. James Page, of the Fencibles. Among these companies were the State Fencibles, under Lieut .* S. Goldey ; Washington Grays, Col. Childs ; Lafayette Artillerists, Capt. Barger ; National Grays, Major Fritz, and Hibernian Greens, Capt. Elsegood. The parade was an imposing one, and was reviewed by Major General Pat-
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