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 17
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ALBERT M. HELMER, the eminent and efficient surgeon of the Twenty-eighth regiment, has also " passed over the river and rests in the shade." His abilities were so generally recognized in the army that he was made acting brigade surgeon for many months, and ranked as one of the best in the corps. He was always kind, considerate and conscientious as a professional man ; while as a comrade and friend he was ever genial and obliging -one of nature's noblemen.
The hearts of all surviving comrades are especially saddened to-day that this roll of honor, including so many of our dearest friends, is the largest in our experience.
We lay our wreaths tenderly on their graves. and pay this tribute to their memory with sorrow- ful hearts. GEO. IRISH, ZIBA ROBERTS, C. W. BOYCE, Committee.
The secretary made his report on publishing the history of the regiment ; giving a detailed account of the work, and the estimated expense, showing there would be a large deficiency, unless the com- rades contributed more liberally than had as yet been done. It was decided after a full interchange of the views of the members to call the roll, and invite those present to designate the number of books they would subscribe for at $1.25 each, which was the cost of printing each book in cloth covers. All subscribed liberally, and by consultation after adjournment it was decided to make an appeal to the absent comrades to assist in raising the necessary funds to pay the expense of publishing the history.
The time for the dinner having arrived, all marched to the Orleans House, where they were seated in the dining room, which had been decorated for the occasion with bunting and flowers. Seventy- five comrades, with their ladies and invited guests, sat down and enjoyed an excellent dinner, weil served.
Colonel Brown acted as toastmaster, and ex- pressed great pleasure in once more meeting with his comrades. He referred, with much feeling, to the death of Captain Hardie, and to the fact that in all probability he would not be privileged to attend many more reunions himself, but assured his companions that they all had a warm place in his heart, and that he would try to meet with them as long as life should last. He called on the follow- ing persons, who made addresses ; some of which were eloquent tributes to the memory of Captain Hardie, and all were inspiring, and received with applause : Hon. Dean F. Currie, Dr. Fluhrer. Major Thomas Bell, O. H. Taylor, Lieut. W. M. Kenyon, Rev. L. A. Stevens, Lieut. F. B. Seeley, and Col. H. Bowen.
We regret that space forbids any sketch of the remarks, as a more interesting occasion has never been held by the organization. More eloquent or patriotic speeches have never been made at our ban- quets, and Colonel Brown heartily thanked the speakers for their encouraging words.
This closed the exercises for the day, and the veterans separated to their respective homes, hav- ing enjoyed another reunion, that will be remem- bered with great pleasure, by all present. The meetings seem to grow in interest as the years go by, and tend to keep alive the friendships, and pleasant memories of soldier days. All pledged to meet again next year, if spared to do so. at Buffalo, where, it is hoped, a large number will be present.
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LETTERS FROM ABSENT FRIENDS.
Letters and Telegrams from Absent Comrades and Friends.
LOWELL, MASS., April 30, 1896.
My dear Sir,-The circular inviting me to at- tend the thirty-fifth annual reunion of the survivors of the Twenty-eighth New York Regiment, on the 22d of May, is received.
As a survivor of the Second Massachusetts Regi- ment, which was part of the First Division of the Twelfth Corps, who fought with you in the war, I recognize the kindly feeling which prompts you to extend to members of other regiments the oppor- tunity to attend this fraternal gathering, and to renew old friendships.
The generous and neighborly spirit towards other regiments, which was so evident during the War, appears again in the association of the survivors of your regiment.
I remember, with great pleasure, Colonel Don- nelly, Captain Bush and other gentlemen of your regiment, and I remember your splendid record in the various campaigns and battles when in the Shenandoah Valley in 1862, and with the Army of the Potomac in same and following year.
I must ask to be excused from attending the re- union this year on account of the long distance and inability to spare the time, but I trust sometime to find a chance to shake hands all round and to renew the memories of the War.
Thanking you for your kindness, and with great respect, I remain,
Very truly yours, JAMES FRANCIS, Major Second Mass. Reg't.
MINNEHAHA, MINN., April 24, IS96.
Dear Comrade,- I have the honor to acknowl- edge the receipt of your invitation to the thirty- fifth annual reunion of the Twenty-eighth N. Y. Vol. Inf. It recalled many recollections - some pleasant and some sad - particularly that of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862.
I remember Colonel Donnelly and Adjutant Sprout, and all the circumstances of their noble deaths, for at that time I was adjutant of my own regiment. Among my personal friends I count Lieutenant James Smith, now residing in Minne- apolis. I have also recently met Colonel Brown and Major Rowley of Milwaukee. Old times and old associations resume their full considerations. and our old battles are fought over again, at least to our satisfaction
I may be able to recall myself to your recollec- tion. At the hanging of Laneham, of the Forty- sixth Pennsylvania, for the murder of the major of that regiment, I was the officer on the scaffold who read the findings of the court martial and sentence of death, and gave the signal to pull the trap as I left the scaffold. Time, I think. has dealt kindly with me since those eventful days, and after four years and three months' service, I still enjoy life and am able to wish all the comrades of the brave Twenty-eighth New York many happy reunions, although I am not able to be present.
I am a full-fledged New Yorker, of the Holland- Dutch persuasion - born and grew to manhood at Schenectady.
Very truly yours. RALPH VAN BRUNT, Late Captain A Company, Third Wis.
ORANGE, N. J., May 8, 1896.
My dear Comrade,- Your kind invitation and circular to attend the reunion of the Twenty-eighth N. Y. was duly received. I am compelled to say again that it will be impossible for me to be present and join with vou in reviving the memories of your heroic days, when you fought so well to restore the Union you loved. A recent visit to Richmond, Va., enabled me to go over some of the ground we had tramped over and fought over from the Potomac to the James, and on one occasion, at least, in the rotunda of "The Jefferson," at Richmond, fight Gettysburg once again, in the hearing of a number, some of whom were Confederate officers cf rank. I am glad to note that none enjoyed it more than they did, as viewed from a Yankee standpoint.
A visit to the Confederate Soldiers' Home, known as that of Robert E. Lee Camp, was also to me very full of interest, and it mav revive interest to state that General Benjamin F. Butler, when the Home needed aid, was the first man from the North to send a check of $50 in aid of his old foes.
I heartily wish I could be with you, but you must take my good will for my only excuse not to re- spond to your annual invitation to join your reunion. I greatly appreciate the honor you do me, and some day will answer, I believe, in person your kind invitation.
Yours in F., C. and L., A. M. MATTHEWS. Late Captain 13th New Jersey.
ROCHESTER, May 22, 1896.
SECRETARY TWENTY-EIGHTH N. Y.
Diar Sir,-Your letter, inviting me to be present at the thirty-fifth annual reunion of the Twenty- eighth Regiment, is received. I am grateful for your yearly remembrance, although the sad asso- ciations of such a meeting has prevented my accepting the invitations. My husband loved the Twenty-eighth and " dear old Company D," and in my own heart there is a warm place for its mem- bers, and I am glad to know, although he can no longer meet with you, I am not forgotten by his comrades.
With every return of this day, memory recalls scenes and incidents in a past so distant they seem almost like dreams.
Shall I repeat one circumstance which now comes vividly to my mind ? In the winter of '61. you will remember, the regiment-I always say our regiment - was camped near Frederick City, Md. There, myself and baby daughter joined my hus- band, and spent several delightful weeks. From our large front room in the farmhouse where we 1
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TWENTY-EIGHTHI REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
were boarding I could look up the road a quarter of a miile, across a field, to the hill where the camp was located.
I can still see the rows of white tents. outlined against the horizon, and in fancy hear the beat of the drum. calling the soldiers out to drill or on parade. I can hear the sweet notes of the bugle as they rose and fell on the still air at morning reveille or evening tattoo. I think it was on a Sabbath day. I remember the air grew colder and toward evening snow commenced falling.
A little past midnight we heard a call under our window
Throwing up the sash, we saw the camp all astir ! Lights were flashing, drums beating, mules braying and teamsters shouting, confirming the words of the messenger. sent to summon my husband, that "marching orders " had been re- ceived. Just as the day was breaking I leaned from the window alone, listening to the tramp ! tramp ! of the regiment as it marched up and over the hill to the tune of " Dixie," splendidly played by the regimental band. My husband told me afterward, of your tedious march of twenty-five miles, in the slush of the melting snow, before you halted and. tired and footsore, lay down to rest in a church at Hagerstown. A few hours and you were again on the march to the little town of Hancock, which the " boys in gray," across the river, were threatening with their batteries. He gave me a humorous account of the irate mistress of the house which he occupied as headquarters of Company D during your stay in Hancock.
He said anger and disgust shone in her face as she entered her home, unannounced, to find furni- ture and carpets gone, and soldiers, with feet elevated to the level of their heads, lounging and smoking in her parlors.
Her thanks were expressed, however, when she was taken to a room, where, under lock and key, her house furnishings were stored until her unwel- come guests had departed.
I waited a week in Frederick City, when, by the kindness of beloved Colonel Donnelly, I was given a seat in his carriage with his wife and Mrs. Skeels.
With them I rode to Hagerstown, where Mr. Bowen joined me for a day before we parted-baby and I to go to our lonely home : my husband to the hardships of the summer's campaign.
I am glad to hear a history of the regiment has been written. One by one. and all too quickly, its members are passing the confines of time. Their children and their children's children will love to read the story of their journeyings, the privations they endured. the battles they fought, as well as the bright side they found in army life. The regi- ment owe you a debt of gratitude they will not be slow to acknowledge. While I know it has been with you a " labor of love." it is hardly possible for one to appreciate the sacrifice of time, as well as the expense incurred, in bringing this history to a successful completion.
For myself and children I wish personally to thank you. Hoping yourself and comrades may pass a very pleasant day,
I am, sincerely, MRS. E. A. BOWEN.
39 HUDSON ST., ITHACA, N. Y., May 9, 1896.
Dear Sir,-I regret that illness will prevent my accepting the kind invitation to the reunion of the Twenty-eighth Regiment this year.
I visited my father, Quartermaster Skeels, when the regiment was at Sandy Hook. Md , in Septein- ber, 1862. It was camped on Maryland Heights, and I remember the group of tents we occupied ; father's clerk. A. S. Richmond ; Frank McClena- than, Oscar Draper and Porter Howard, who cooked such good things for us. I can close my eyes and see it all, and a little way off the camp, where the wagon trains were ; the big pile of grain bags. which father's bay horse, "Jim," used to steal whenever he could get loose
It seems each year an impossibility for me to attend the reunions, and it is a great disappoint- ment I assure you
Very sincerely, LAURA H. S. DOM. 7021/2 MARSHALL ST., MILWAUKEE, WIS., May 18th.
Dear Sir .- As it is not possible for me to attend the reunion I send my greetings and regrets. I hope you will have a large number in attendance, and that the day will be a happy one for all. I wish I could be with you on the 22d. Remember me kindly to all friends. Yours sincerely,
JULIE DONNELLY STETSON.
ANTIETAM AND THE VALLEY RE- VISITED. PHILADELPHIA, May IS, IS96.
Nothing seems more certain than that I shall not be able to be present at our annual reunion. I am exceedingly sorry that I am again compelled to be absent. There are so few reunions in the future for us all in this life that I feel that in each recur- ring meeting I have missed something never to be regained.
My business is one of the most exacting in the world. A lawyer can frequently let a case go over. but a newspaper man is always supposed to be on tap. I do not suppose I will be particularly missed by any one except by a few comrades of my old company, E. Nevertheless, I feel it my duty to be present. I look forward to every reunion, and pledge myself that I will make ample preparations beforehand, but when the time comes to get ready to go something intervenes.
I had intended to write something to the " boys " about some of the Virginia and Maryland battle- fields, which I visit every little while simply because they are near at hand. Even this labor of love I am compelled to forego. I may add this much here, however. The west and east woods, which flanked the dreadful cornfield at Antietam, have been cut down within the past two years. The men of the Twenty-eighth will recall to mind that the old Dunker Church stood near the southern end of the west woods That still stands and looks the same as when the battle raged around the sacred and venerable edifice. With "ghoulish glee." as President Cleveland would say, I may state, that in cutting up the trees into railroad ties, the syndicate purchasing them ruined several hundred dollars worth of saws, for every little while a saw would strike a bullet or piece of shell. The work of establishing the lines of the two armies engaged is going on slowly, owing to a lack of appropriations. With the woods gone the field no longer looks natural. The farmhouses on the field still stand, and look quite natural. The spot where Mansfield fell is now a peach orchard. The cornfield is in wheat. The huge boulders near the center of our
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right in the cornfield still remain, and so do the trees that were there amid the boulders on the day of battle.
I was up the Valley not long since, and it looked gorgeous. Indeed, it looked the same as it did when we marched up it, in 1862. I took dinner at Strasburg, and visited that blessed old fort we toiled to erect on the little hill near the town. Woodstock, Newmarket, Mount Jackson and Har- risonburg have had a few fences whitewashed. but that was the only change noticed, except that Har- risonburg no longer relies on the old spring near the Court-House for its water supply. The water is now drawn from an immense spring on a high hill near the town, and it is great water, I assure you. Nevertheless, I presume to the old "boys " it would not quench their thirst as quick nor taste as good as the water from the old spring did.
But I must close. I hope this reunion will be among the happiest of the series. Those who have gone before will be fittingly remembered, and while their vacant seats may tinge the meeting with sad- ness, it is well with them. no doubt. They served their generation well. Peace to their ashes.
Yours truly,
L. D. SALE, Com. Sergt.
17 CENTRE ST., NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, May IS, IS96.
DEAR COMRADES :
I find as the time approaches for our annual re- union that it will not be feasible for me to answer to roll-call this year. as I had wished. My thoughts. however, will be with you on the 22d. I can but think of the sadness that will be cast over your gathering by the absence of the brave and generous Captain Hardie. He will ever be held in kindly rememberance by all the members of the Twenty- eighth New York Volunteers.
With kind regards to all comrades, both present and absent, I remain cordially yours.
W. H. CRAMPTON, Co. A.
RENFREW, PA., May 12, 1896.
DEAR COMRADES :
I thought a year ago that I should certainly be with you to-day, but am very sorry that I am com- pelled to be absent from your ranks. I am very much pleased, however, by the thought that though absent, I shall still have the pleasure of seeing the faces of the surviving members of old Twenty- eighth published in the proceedings of the reunion. Hoping that you may all have a high old time, with- out getting high yourselves, and that I may be able to meet with you next year, with love to all, I re- main, comrades,
Yours truly. P. B KELCHNER, Company B.
WAUPACA, WIS., May 1, 1895.
DEAR COMRADES :
Your kind invitation for me to be present at the thirty-fifth annual reunion of the Twenty-eighth .N. V. Vols. at hand.
Another year has rolled by and the number of the surviving members of the Twenty-eighth is les- sened by nine ; all dearly loved by me. It will not be long before death will claim us ali.
I know it is the duty of all who can afford it to be at each yearly reunion, for as each year rolls by
it lessens our number, and by remaining away we lose the chance of grasping the hands of those we love, who touched elbows with us during those dark days of our country. My position is such. and has been for the past ten years, that I could not leave it to others, and it has deprived me of meeting with you ; but I am positive that this will be my last year "on the road :" also the last time I will be obliged to send regrets that I am un- able to attend the reunions on account of business. Sickness only will prevent. My whole heart will be with you on the 22d day of May.
With a hope our lives may be spared, that many years may roll by before the last reunion of the surviving members of our gallant Twenty-eighth is the fervent prayer of
Yours very sincerely, GEO. H. MAXWELL, Company B.
MATTOON, ILL., May 7, 1896.
DEAR COMRADES :
Your cordial invitation to be present at the thirty-fifth annual reunion of the Twenty-eighth Regiment is before me.
It would give me great pleasure to be present and answer to my name at "roll call," also to touch elbows once again with my old chums and comrades ; stand in line. and have Orderly N. E. G. Wadhams give the command : " Right dress," " front." " attention," to. " roll call :" Sergeant J. D. Woods, " here ;" Sergeant Wm. H. Adriance, " here :" Sergeant A. M. Graham, " here :" Cor- poral Charles Baker, "here ;" Corporal Flynn, "here ;" Corporal Sims, " here ;" Corporal G. F. Gould, "here ;" Private, etc., etc. How familiar would be the sound.
But circumstances are such that I cannot be there in person. However, my thoughts will be with you on that memorial occasion.
My health is not good - have retired from busi- ness on account of disability.
With kind regards and best wishes to all members of the old Twenty-eighth Regiment, and hoping that you will have a grand, good time at the reunion,
I remain, yours in F., C. and L., GEORGE F. GOULD, Company C.
NATIONAL MILITARY HOME. TOGUS, ME., May 20, 1396.
DEAR COMRADES :
By the courtesy of our beloved colonel, who has kindly given ine your address, it affords me the greatest of pleasure to forward to you these few lines.
I have been a member of this home since Feb- ruary 17, 1892, and have always been contented with the home. A man is used well here if he behaves himself I was appointed head keeper of the deer park May 1. 1892. We have 40 head of deer. 2 ring-tailed monkeys, that I have taught to perform on rope ladders, rings and trapeze ; 3 performing black bears, 10 trick dogs, 2 squirrels on the revolving wheel, and I ocelot, an inhabitant of South America, beautifully spotted, like the leopard. We had a wild bull moose, which I suc. ceeded in breaking to harness, and he was driven around the hospital for the convalescents to see and admire. He was a natural trotter and very speedy.
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TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
This and many other amusements are .for the' pleasure of the old volunteers.
This Home contains more than 1, 700 acres, part of which is laid out in beautiful walks and drive- ways, with a grand display of flowers.
It has been conceded that we have the finest herd of imported Holstein cows in the State of Maine.
There are borne upon the rolls 2,600 members, . with about 400 on furlough.
We have a fine opera house and a chapel for religious instruction. Clergymen of different de- nominations officiate alternate Sundays during the year.
Our much beloved colonel was here in his official capacity last year, and the same this year, having bid us goodbye to-day (Tuesday) to attend the thirty-fifth reunion at Albion, on the 22d. I had not seen him since we were mustered out of the service June 2, 1863.
I have the first furlough signed by the late Colonel Donnelly from Darnestown, Md., to Wash- ington City Colonel Brown can tell you all about it.
Dear comrades, I hope the thirty-fifth reunion will be most enjoyable to you all. I regret very much that business will not permit me to reunite with you.
With best wishes to you all, and hoping that your last days will be your pleasantest,
I remain, yours, etc., CHAS. A. SMITH, Company C.
BANGOR, WIS., May 1, 1896.
COMRADES :
Your invitation to attend the thirty-fifth annual reunion is received. I regret exceedingly that I can- not meet with the old Vets as I expected, but it seems impossible this time, being unable physically and financially, for which I am sorry, as I would enjoy Very much to look the members of the old Twenty-eighth in the face, and feel the friendly grasp of men who some thirty odd years ago stood shoulder to shoulder on the old camp ground. Although absent in person my heart will be with you. Each year our ranks will be thinned by that reaper called death, until the Twenty-eighth New York will be known only in history and its noble deeds of valor repeated by children and grandchil- dren around the hearthstone we left to defend the country and flag we loved so well. Comrades, I wish you all a pleasant. happy time, and commend you to the care of llim who doth not let even a sparrow fall unnoticed. May God bless you one and all is the prayer of yours,
In F., C. and L., JOHN YONKEY, Company C.
CLARKS, NEB., May 5, 1896.
DEAR COMRADES OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH :
The invitation to the thirty-fifth reunion of the old regiment is received, and I regret to say I can- not be with you, but I will answer here, at a dis- tance. Be assured my spirit will be with you. We have been requested to furnish some incident in the history of the regiment. I will contribute a short account of the retreat after the battle of Chancel- lorsville. Soon after sunrise on May 5, 1863, we left Chancellorsville and started northward. After crossing the Rappahannock River we were halted
and ordered to protect the engineers while they took up the pontoons.
The ford was covered by artillery and sharp- shooters on the heights. We were posted near the water to protect the engineers. We remained until the last man had crossed the river and the last pon- toon placed on the wagons, and drawn up by the in- fantry with drag ropes. The roads were like mor- tar and horses could not be used.
After this we were marched upon the heights, and I saw no forces but the men of the Twenty-eighth New York. They were the last to cover that re- treat, which I esteem an honor to any troops.
When ordered to our camps on Stafford Heights, it commenced to rain, and poured down just as it knows how to in old Virginia.
This march will long be remembered by those who participated in it. The streams were so swol- len that they became raging torrents. I thought I should be carried away while crossing. This was an experience that tried men's hearts. It is seldom men made such a march, in so short a time, under as trying circumstances.
Company C, under Lieutenant N. E. G. Wad- hams, was division provost guard at General Wil- liams' headquarters during the battle of Chancellors- ville, and was subject to orders from headquarters at all times.
I send my best regards to all old comrades, and wish you a happy reunion.
Your comrade,
WILLIAM SIMS. SUNDANCE, WYOMING, May 15, 1896.
DEAR COMRADES :
Sorry it is impossible for me to be with you this year in person, to spend a few happy hours in grasp- ing the hands of the old comrades, and in talking over old times. The events of those old times crowd in on my memory as I plod behind the breaking plow, turning the virgin soil of these beautiful prai- ries, obliterating the trails and wallows, the last traces of the buffalo, which once roamed here as free and happy as was the hearts of us young soldiers when the order sounded to strike tents and get ready to march. I send greeting to the surviv- ing members who will be present at the coming re- union.
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