USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
* Lieut. Goldey is now a resident of Troy.
17
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
terson and Brigadier General Prevost. The Troy Citizens Corps were the guests of the Fencibles, and during their brief stay were treated with princely hospitality by their military hosts. There was a collation at the armory of the Washington Grays, a reception by the mayor of the city, and a fine entertainment by the Fencibles at "Our House," in honor of their visitors. Our soldiers were also escorted by their generous friends to all the inter- esting objects in the city, Fairmount Park, Independence Hall, etc., and to many places of amusement. On leaving Philadelphia, Thursday, the State Fencibles and Jackson Artillery acted as escort to the cars for Trenton. There the Corps stopped over a few trains and visited Camp Washington. This was a camp of instruction for the U. S. Army, and was under command of General Winfield Scott. Here the visitors were received with military honors. Arriving in New York rather late Thurs- day night, the Corps marched directly to the City Hotel. Friday was spent in resting and in seeing the sights of the metropolis, then a great city of 300,000 inhabitants. During the day the Trojans were very courteously re- ceived by the mayor, Aaron Clark. The next day, Saturday, July 27, the wanderers reached their home in the day steamer "Champlain," Capt. Gorham. A card was published in the different papers of the city, ex- pressing thanks for the various hospitalities and courte- sies received, and giving voice to the sentiments of all, " A glorious time."
THE HELDERBERG CAMPAIGN.
The anti-rent troubles in the Van Rensselaer domain culminated in the fall and early winter of 1839, in refusal to pay rent, and, in some cases, in actual resistance to the execution of writs by the Sheriff. The disturbance was of course much exaggerated by rumor, and the Sheriff became alarmed lest his posse should be inadequate for their duty. Influenced by this anxiety, and probably over-estimating the amount of resistance likely to be of- fered, Gov. Seward determined to place an ample force
2
18
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
of militia at the disposal of the civil authorities. Accord- ingly, on the 7th of December an order was issued to the various companies of Albany and Troy to report at once for duty, and at the same time a large detachment was summoned from New York City. Whether, as has been intimated, the length to which the resisters were likely to go, was over-estimated, or whether they were over-
awed by the prompt display of military power, we can hardly tell ; at any rate, the soldiers met with no resis- tance, and the writs were executed without trouble. After a week's service amid mud and snow, our boys marched back to Albany, where they were dismissed by the Governor with words of commendation, and whence they returned to their homes.
The Governor's order was received in Troy, Monday, December 9th. It was to the following effect, as sent to each member of the uniform companies :
To-
SIR-You are hereby required to appear at the armory in this city, on Tuesday morning next, at the usual signal, to proceed with me to assist me in overcoming resistance apprehended in the execu- tion of certain warrants and other processes, delivered to me as sheriff of the county of Albany, and in seizing, arresting, and confining the resisters, their aiders and abettors, to be dealt with according to law. You are required to appear with the usual arms and equipments of the military company of which you are a member. Hereof fail not at your peril.
By order of the governor, MICHAEL ARTCHER,
Sheriff of the County of Albany.
We cannot do better here, in relating what followed, than to quote directly from the orderly book of the Corps, the original of which is still in existence. The record is that of First Sergeant Morton Fairchild :
" Troy, Monday, December 9, 1839. Received orders from Governor Seward to muster the Corps and prepare for service at one hour's notice. Mustered and dismissed, under orders to appear at call .*
* The call was three taps on St. John's church bell. At that time the church stood on the ground covered by Rand's Hall. The armory was opposite on the southwest corner of Congress street.
19
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Tuesday, December 10, 1839. Orders received. Mus- tered and repaired to Albany for further orders .* At Albany drew seventeen rounds of ball cartridges for forty muskets and forty flints. Took conveyance at once for the seat of war. Arrived at Clarkville at nine at night, and reported to Major Bloodgood, as per order, for duty. Ordered to bivouac for the night. Four men detailed for guard ; to main guard, Lieut. Read, officer of the day.
Wednesday, 11th. Reveille, roll-call, breakfast ; bread, beef and coffee. Six men detailed for guard. Paraded and took up line of march for Reedsville. Halted for Sheriff to do duty, and proceeded to Rensselaerville with- out dinner. Roads heavy, men much fatigued, two men sick.t Quartered in an empty house- comfortable.} Supper ; bread, cheese and a little cold boiled beef, fresh. Guard sent in, and, in consequence of excessive fatigue of Corps, none ordered to main guard. Bivou- acked on floor with hay. Lieut. Corning officer of the day ; two men detailed for duty at quarters.
Thursday, 12th. Two men reported for duty. Reveille. Roll-call. Sick men answered. Breakfast ; bread, very little beef, and black tea. Six men detached to main guard, one man for express duty with the sheriff. Leave of absence granted to A. D. Cushing, sick, and R. H. Hale, sick. Roll-call and parade at 3 o'clock, P. M., per order from Major Bloodgood. Van Arnam excused from guard. Roll-call at 7 o'clock A. M. Lieut. Corning officer of the day, till morning. (Mem. The Corps re- ceived especial compliment from Maj. B.) Sergeant Bradley sergeant of the guard for the night. Four men (Van Arnam, Adincourt, Hyde, Curran,) detailed for especial duty, to be called at 2 o'clock A. M.
* The Corps went by boat. Including a few who joined two days later, every man was in his place but one, and he was sick.
t The road led over Helderberg mountain, was steep in places, and always rough.
# This was a large house reputed to be haunted. Our boys had the lower floor and the Albany Burgesses Corps were up stairs. The men brought in from the barn quantities of hay and spread it over the floor. This made a good bed, though care was necessary to avoid setting fire to it from the huge fire-place on one side of the room.
20
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Friday, 13th. Reveille. Roll-call. Lieut. Halstead, officer of the day. Breakfast, roll-call. Six men to main guard. Sergeant Smith, Corporal Bishop, Savage, Gre- nell, Andrews, Laselle, L. Smith, detailed for especial duty with sheriff.
Saturday, 14th, 4 o'clock A. M., called by Captain. Commandant ordered march at 9 o'clock in the morning, with one day's provisions. Reveille at 6 o'clock. Lieut. Read officer of the day. Capt. Peirce officer of the day for the detachment. Paraded and marched from head- quarters at Rensselaerville at half-past nine o'clock. Six men detailed for main guard. Arrived at Clarksville at 2 P. M., and ordered in quarters at Clark's for the night. Capt. Peirce gave an order to the quarter-master for boots for Hale, Brintnall, Van Schaick, Martin, and Casey. Van Buskirk left for home on a furlough. Doct. Hale returned. Mustered at Clark's in company with the Burgesses Corps. R. H. Hale, sergeant of the guard.
Sunday, 15th. Reveille beat at daylight. Express ar- rived from the governor with orders for the battalion to remain at Clark's until the following day, unless they were anxious to march. Maj. Bloodgood held consulta- tion with the commandants of the several companies- concluded to march directly. Breakfasted-formed, and marched from Clark's at 12 past 8 A. M. Snow commenced falling last evening and continued without intermission through the night. Snow 18 inches deep, and continued falling rapidly through the day. Wind north. Arrived at Adam's at noon-distance eight miles. Recruited and started for Albany. Arrived at Albany at 3 o'clock p. m., after a very severe and fatiguing march. Halted at Rail Road Depot. Gov. Seward then addressed us in a short and appropriate manner. Escorted by the Burgesses Corps to the Mansion House, where, after halting an hour, sleighs were provided for us. Started at 5 o'clock, and arrived at Troy at about 6 o'clock. Marched from the Rail Road bridge to the armory, where we were dis- missed by Capt. Peirce until 10 o'clock Tuesday morn- ing next, to be discharged."
21
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
To show something of these affairs from the stand- point of the general public at that time, a few extracts are appended from daily papers :
From the Albany Argus, December 10: "Yesterday morning at the early hour of five, the several uniform companies detailed by order of the Governor and Sheriff assembled at the arsenal, equipped as the law directs, and at about daylight took up their line of march, under command of the Sheriff, for the scene of resistance. The number is said to have been about 150. We know little of the results of the day. Rumors in abundance are afloat. At the last accounts the military were at Clark's tavern, twelve miles from the city. There is, we suspect, no truth in the reported muster of the resisters in con- siderable force at the Gulph bridge, the destruction of the bridge, &c. It rained steadily during the day."
The Argus, December 11th, contained Governor Sew- ward's proclamation, warning all persons to desist from unlawful acts, and to cooperate with the Sheriff and mil- itary. It then continued :
"If we may judge from the increased activity in the military move- ments, and from the Governor's proclamation, the dangers at the Helderberg thicken. The assemblage of resisters at or near Reeds- ville is said to be large-report says 1,000 men-armed to some ex- tent, and with one or two field pieces. Our information from the seat of war is down to 7 o'clock last evening. The Albany Corps, not finding accomodations in the immediate vicinity of the assemblage, returned to Clark's, twelve miles from the city, lodged there on Mon- day night, and yesterday, after receiving the proclamation of the Governor, proclaimed martial law, took possession of the two taverns, and sent in an express for re-enforcements. Yesterday, three com- panies from Troy (about 90 men) paraded in this city at noon, and left town for the seat of difficulty at 3 P. M., in post coaches. At 7 o'clock this morning, the entire force were to be marched against the resisters."
From the Troy Whig, December 11: "An express arrived in this city to-day about 12 o'clock, from the 'Helderbarrack,' from which we learn that the military companies from Troy and Albany are en- camped near the scene of action, and that they will await the arrival of the troops from New York-who are expected to-morrow morn- ing-before any movements are made."
From the Argus, December 12: "Reports from the seat of war are favorable to the pacific termination of the controversy. The Sheriff and his armed associates were permitted to traverse the sup- posed belligerent section without resistance in any form."
From the Argus, December 13: "The manor difficulties may be regarded as at an end-if, indeed, they have at any moment really
22
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
existed in any formidable aspect. Information has been received from the Sheriff that he is successfully serving his processes without resis- tance. We understand that he reached Rensselaerville, the extreme Manor town, last evening, and that his only annoyance was in finding quarters among the inhabitants for himself and company."
From the Argus, Monday, December 16, 1839 : "Yesterday after- noon, the several companies from this city and Troy, under the command of Maj. Bloodgood, marched into town, having closed the campaign and the war in the course of a week's service. Arrived at the rail road depot on State Street, they were briefly addressed by the Governor and dismissed. Thence the Burgesses Corps marched down State Street, to the Mansion House, as an escort to the Troy com- panies, where they took their leave.
"These citizen soldiers, it will be recollected, marched out last Monday morning, under the summons of the Sheriff. They num- bered at the start about 150 ; and they were subsequently joined by three companies from Troy, in number about 100. They passed the first night at Clarksville, (12 miles from the city); thence marching to Rensselaerville, where the main body were stationed for two or three days, detachments accompanying the Sheriff to Knox and other towns. On Friday they returned to Clarksville ; and yesterday marched to town, the snow nearly knee deep, and the storm raging without intermission during the day.
"The alacrity with which these citizen soldiers have obeyed a sum- mons for the maintenance of law and order, and the calmness, order and soldier-like bearing, with which they have endured the fatigue and exposure, (the weather, alternate rain and snow, having been severe,) have added to their claims upon the respect and admiration of their fellow-citizens. They have borne themselves like veterans, and we hear from all quarters of the high discipline and propriety of conduct that have characterized their week's service, both in camp duties and in their intercourse with the people of the towns."
In the Laws of New York, Chapter 60 of the Laws of 1840, we find an act passed March 21, entitled :
" An Act for the payment of certain portions of the militia, called into the service of the State in December, 1839."
For those called into service from the counties of Ful- ton, Montgomery, Albany and Rensselaer the following was the schedule of pay :
To each field and staff officer, $5 00 per day.
officer of the line, 4 00
non-commissioned officer, 3 00
musician and private, 2 50
For each day they shall have been in actual service of the State.
28
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
The number of days was decided to be nine. When the Corps met in their armory to adjust the matter of pay, it was voted unanimously that the entire sum should be turned over to the company treasury .*
1841-2-At the 4th of July banquet, 1841, the follow- ing toast was offered by Gen. G. R. Davis, Marshal of the day : "The Troy Citizens Corps-exact in discipline, prompt in obedience to orders, the pride of the city, and an ornament to the profession."
On the 12th of July, 1841, the New York Light Guard, Captain Vincent, came to Troy on their return home from encampment at Saratoga. The Corps met them at the railroad bridge, and with their guests paraded through several streets, passing in review before the Mayor. The Light Guard were given luncheon at the armory, and dinner at half-past 6 o'clock at the Mansion House. Meanwhile the New Yorkers were escorted to the arsenal at Watervliet, where Major Baker, the com- mandant, gave them the freedom of the grounds. The next morning the visitors left for home on the steamer " Troy," Capt. Gorham.
CAMP AT SARATOGA.
July 19-26, 1841- The Corps left Troy, Monday, July 19, with 22 muskets. Their numbers were afterwards increased so that they returned with 51. Arriving at Saratoga, they were received by Gen. Blanchard and staff, and addressed in welcome on behalf of the citizens, by the pastor of the Methodist Church, the Rev. Mr. Kennedy. After pitching tentst and making some camp arrangements, they marched to Montgomery Hall, where they were entertained at dinner by Gen. Blanchard. While completing the camp, a heavy storm of rain and hail set in, but proved no damper to the enthusiasm of the campers.
The regular routine of camp duties was then begun, and continued for a week. At the dress-parades large audiences from the hotels and village were invariably
* This precedent was followed after the Albany service in 1877.
tOn the grounds just vacated by the New York Light Guards.
24
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
present ; and many ladies and gentlemen were at differ- ent times entertained in the camp. On Sunday, July 18, the company, in full dress uniform, without arms, marched to the Methodist church in Washington street, and attended divine service. In the evening of the same day after dress-parade, a hollow- square was formed and the men united in singing the " Tyrolese Evening Hymn" and the "Dismission," accompanied by the band. At least two thousand spectators were present on this oc- casion. Next day camp was broken, and the Corps marched off the ground, to the tune "The girl I left behind me." The entire encampment was of much profit in the way of military improvement, and was heartily enjoyed by all.
On the 16th September, 1842, the Poughkeepsie Guards were received and entertained in this city by the Troy Citizens Corps.
ANTI-RENT AGAIN.
In 1844, late in the year, the anti-rent troubles in this and adjoining counties again became serious. Much lawlessness was practiced in some of the more remote towns, in a few instances reaching even to personal violence and homicide. The sheriff's deputies in Rens- selaer were active, and succeeded in arresting in the town of Grafton certain persons suspected of complicity in murder, and lodged them for safe keeping in the Troy jail. It was feared that the " Indians," in which disguise the rioters had committed most of their outrages, might make an attempt at rescue, and the mayor accordingly ordered the Citizens Corps and Troy City Artillery to hold themselves in readiness for duty' at a moment's notice. The completeness of preparation made an at- tack on the jail hopeless, and none was attempted. Ap- pended is a copy of the communication addressed to Captain Peirce on that occasion :
At a special meeting of the Common Council of the City of Troy, held December 27th, 1844 :
Resolved, That his Honor, the Mayor, be authorized and requested o call upon the Citizens Corps and Troy Artillery and direct them to
25
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
be in readiness to answer any requisition made by the Mayor upon said companies to repress any attempt to disturb the peace or violate the laws.
(Copy.)
GEO. T. BLAIR, Clerk.
TROY, December 28, 1844.
DEAR SIR :- Above you have a resolution of the Common Council passed the 27th of December, inst Not doubting the readiness of yourself and military corps under your command to use all proper means to repress any attempt to disturb the peace of our city, I have to request you to give such orders to your company and to establish such signals as will insure the speedy assembling of your corps, should circumstances require it. The Sheriff will have a sufficient supply of ammunition, should it be required.
With respect, your obedient, humble servant,
GURDON CORNING, Mayor. To CAPT. A. H. PEIRCE.
A letter to the Whig, bearing date at about this time, calls attention to the anti-rent outrages in Rensselaer and other counties, and complains that the military, the only reliance of the community in time of civil outbreak, is insufficient in Troy. The writer proceeds :
" That we have not a sufficiency now, all who are at all conversant with our military resources must admit. True, we are still honored with the existence of the gallant Troy Citizens Corps, with Capt. Peirce at its head ; a Corps that stands pre-eminently high among the military of our State for its discipline, and is richly deserving of the many high compliments which have been bestowed upon it, both at home and abroad ; also the Troy Artillery, with Capt. W. T. Wil- lard in command ; a Corps which, though lately re-organized, will not fail to maintain an honorable rivalry with the Troy Citizens Corps for a share of public approbation. * But what are these in a city numbering, as ours does, its 24,000 inhabitants .* Both corps together cannot muster at any time to exceed forty men each." * * *
The condition of the Corps in these old days is indi- cated by the following extract from a letter from the present Superintendent of the Western Division of the Northern Pacific R. R., Gen. John W. Sprague, who writes from Washington Territory :
" I joined the Corps about 1838, and continued a member until 1845, when I removed to Ohio. During the term of my membership
* 21,000 would have been nearer the mark. The census of 1845 gave a popula- tion of 21,709.
:
26
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
a high state of discipline was maintained, and gentlemanly conduct was the characteristic of all the members. They were then the repre- sentative men of the city. I am warranted in saying that the drill and soldierly appearance of the Corps were second to no volunteer or regular military organization at that time. The weekly drill was re- garded as a delightful social gathering, as well as a military school."
On the 10th of July, 1845, the Troy Citizens Corps escorted Gen. Wool and staff to review the *Twenty- Seventh Regiment, Artillery, N. Y. S. M., then in camp at Bull's Head. Dodworth's band was with the Twen- ty-Seventh, and several companies from Albany were present.
From the Albany Evening Journal, July 11, 1845 : "About 3 1/2 o'clock the National Guards assembled under arms, on their parade grounds, and were reviewed by Brig. General Storms, Com. General of the State, and Brig. General Hull, who commands the brigade to which the Twenty-Seventh Regiment is attached. Immediately upon the conclusion of that ceremony, Brig. General Wool, of the United States Army, attended by a brilliant staff and under the escort of the Troy Citizens Corps, one of the best uniform companies in the State, came upon the ground, and were received with the usual honors.
"At 51/2 o'clock the cavalry bugles announced the Governor's ap- proach ; the Regiment resumed their arms, and the Governor accom- panied by several ladies and gentlemen, drove into the. encampments and passed the line to Col. Vermilyea's quarters. * * * During the afternoon the camp was in charge of the Troy Citizens Corps and a detachment of the Albany Emmet Guards, under Capt. Osborn, who volunteered their services for the day, and acquitted themselves, as they always do, most creditably."
July 23d, the Hartford Light Guards, Capt. Seymour, guests of the Albany Burgesses Corps, paid a visit to Troy, escorted by the latter organization. They were received and entertained by the Troy Citzens Corps. We copy from the Whig :
" The Burgesses Corps, one of the finest Volunteer Companies in the State, looked remarbably well in their showy scarlet uniforms and grenadier caps, nor was our own gallant and well trained corps behind the strangers in discipline and martial appearance. The Citizens Corps escorted the visitors on their way back to Albany. Each com- pany was accompanied by an excellent band, and the windows in the streets through which they passed were thronged with gazers, who seemed delighted with the spectacle."
* Now the 7th Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y.
.
27
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
September 10, 1845, a detachment of the Troy Citizens Corps was called upon to preserve order at the execu- tion of Henry G. Green, at the jail on Ferry Street. They were formed in hollow square before the entrance, ยท and kept back the crowd. While the men were employed in this duty, thieves succeeded in entering the armory, and stole money and various other valuables from the clothing left there.
A gala day parade in Lansingburgh, in which our Corps appeared, was commemorated at some length in sounding verse from the pen of a local bard. The date of the occasion in question is not certain, but it must have been in these years of which we are now speaking, very likely 1846. Some extracts are added :
Now is heard their distant drum ;-
"The Corps ! the Corps ! they come ! they come !" See, where the glancing sunbeams shine Upon the muskets' serried line ; Above their files with martial grace The sable plumes their order trace ;
* * *
It needs than mine, an abler hand, To sing the chiefs of such a band.
* *
Soon as the ranks in order close, Comes forth their chief. Plume never rose Above a better heart. He comes-perchance with greeting fierce- All love the sound-all knew " Alf. Peirce." They'd follow him through batter'd walls, Would storm an "anti-renter's " hall In time of strife :
* * *
Comes the loved chief ; and by his side
. Is stalwart " Maxwell "-name of pride. Next to the chief, in martial band, Is Whitlock, second in command, Of gentle blood, the corps' "first luff." He is a man in camp and field, A soldier true, when under steel,
In hall, a gentleman.
28
HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
* * * *
With measured tread and aspect gruff Follows the modest "second luff," The quiet " Little John." Prompt in the field, and at the board All know the modest "Dutchman's " word : Though when the muddy tide is poured His voice is seldom heard.
And look where Third Lieutenant Wickes Leads on his ranks, those gallant "bricks." 'Neath his control, in bloody hour, The " ponies " to the fight would pour, Nor be behind the best.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.