USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 4
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This Hunter was the keeper of a house of ill-repute. The riot arose from a private quarrel between him and other parties.
On the 16th of October, 1850, the Corps participated in the exercises dedicating Oakwood Cemetery.
After 1850, for some years the condition of the com-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
pany was not flourishing. It was that critical time which comes in the history of most organizations when the old members were passing away, and the younger ones had not yet taken hold of the management. The meetings and drills were poorly attended, and the number of members fell off. The matter of uniforms before men- tioned was another symptom of the then critical condition of the company. But a great deal of hard work was done by the officers and by some others who were loyal to the old Troy Citizens Corps, and that finally began to tell in a fresher life.
In 1853, Gen. Wool left Troy for San Francisco, to take command of the military department of the Pacific. His old friends, the Citizens Corps, turned out in a snow storm to bid him good bye. When he arrived in San Francisco he was met by James M. Lemon and a dozen more of the Troy Citizens Corps, whom the pursuit of wealth had made Californians. These waited on the General at his headquarters, the Oriental Hotel, and were cordially received by him. Mr. Lemon made a fitting address of welcome, alluding to the many pleasant re- collections of the interchange of courtesies between the General and the Corps in the past, as well as to the glori- ous events in our country's history with which the name of General Wool was inseparably associated.
In 1857 the General returned to his home. His duties had been of a delicate and difficult nature, but were dis- charged with his accustomed wisdom and firmness. The following extract in relation to his reception in Troy is from the Times of March 19, 1857 :
"About 9 o'clock yesterday P. M., the Troy Citizens Corps, under command of Capt. Richard C. Barton, and preceded by Doring's Troy Band, marched into the depot. The company appeared in their new overcoat uniform, and their martial bearing and soldier-like de- meanor reflected the highest credit upon them. We recurred to the days of "Old Lang Syne," when this gallant company were first in- ducted into the mysteries of the manual drill by the veteran general whom they were about to welcome to his home. Certainly 'the hero of the tented field, of smoke, of death, and carnage' had reason to be proud of the appearance of the Corps, which, in its early days, owed so much to his protection and fostering care ; and well might they in
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
turn be proud of the opportunity afforded them to testify their love and admiration of the veteran by becoming his honorary escort on his return to the city of his residence."
After escorting the General to his home, on First street, various speeches were made. Among others was an address of welcome by Samuel Stover, on behalf of the Citizens Corps.
On the 8th of July, 1857, the Corps took part in the funeral exercises in honor of Ex-Gov. Marcy, turning out 38 muskets. Governor Marcy was one of the first hon- orary members, and took much interest in the formation of the Corps. He was often present at drills during the early years of its history.
September 24, 1857, Continental Co. B.,* of Albany, with their guests, the Kingston Greys, were received and entertained in Troy by the Citizens Corps. The Albany company wore the old Continental uniform, with tri- colored cockade.
We learn from the Times, September 29, 1857, that the Corps then had about 70 members. There were com- plete uniforms for only 38 men, but a number of over- coats were soon to be completed, so that they expected soon to turn out a much larger force.
From the Troy Budget, October 1, 1857: "The Albany K'nicker- bocker says the Troy Citizens Corps is one of the best companies in this or any other State."
From the Troy Budget, December 19, 1857: "The Corps yester- day afternoon spread their new overcoats over a full company, and exhibited them in the several streets through which they paraded, to excellent advantage. So much having been achieved, we have reason to hope that the company, like Mrs. Potiphar, will have time to be- stow some attention on its plumes. The company's plumes were originally green and buff, to correspond with the uniform and trim- mings. At the time of the funeral of General Harrison, they were changed to black, in order to correspond with the occasion ; and these have been changed, but only by the influence of time and the action of the elements during sixteen years, to a sort of rusty brown, which corresponds with nothing corps-ish in particular, excepting the age of the company. Having cared properly for their backs, let the mem- bers now do something for their heads, just to show that they are not sectional in matters of the sort."
* The Washington Continentals, then attached to the 77th Regiment of Stat Malitia ; now Co. B., of the 10th Battalion N. G. S. N. Y.
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PARADE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMPANIES, ALBANY.
On the 18th of January, 1858, a Military State Conven- tion was held at Albany. Certain gentlemen connected with the State Militia attempted to obtain from that Convention a recommendation to the Legislature of the State that the charters of the independent military com- panies be repealed. The only such companies remaining were the Albany Burgesses Corps, the Utica Citizens Corps, and the Troy Citizens Corps. Of course the in- tent was that these companies should be forced into the militia organization as a condition of their further exis- tence. By way of demonstrating that they already con- tained as efficient citizen soldiers as the State militia, the three Corps decided to hold a joint parade at Albany on the 20th of January following. The arrangements were made by the Burgesses Corps ; and the Burgesses always make thorough work of whatever they undertake. Dod- worth's band of New York was engaged for the occasion, the great leader being present in person. The parade included a review by the Governor of the State, and was in every way a trying test of the proficiency of the three corps. Nothing more was heard of the repeal of the charters. The Burgesses entertained their guests with a promenade concert at Van Vechten Hall, as a fitting close to this most pleasant occasion.
In August, 1858, the Corps escorted Gen. Wool to Bennington, to take part in the celebration of the revolu- tionary victory at that place. While on the train return- ing to Troy, news was brought of the first message across the Atlantic cable, that of Queen Victoria to President Buchanan. This aroused the utmost enthusiasm. Re- peated cheers for the Queen and the President by the Corps were followed by the band playing "God Save the Queen," "Yankee Doodle," and "Hail Columbia," all the company joining in the chorus.
- On the 31st August, 1858, the Montreal Field Battery, Capt. Stevenson, passed through Troy en route to New York, to join in the great cable celebration of
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
September 1. They were received by a large delegation of military, including the Jackson Guards, Capt. Virgil, the Troy Citizens Corps, Capt. Blanchard, the Artillery, Capt. Parks, and the Exempt Artillerymen, Capt. Brint- nall. Music was furnished by Doering's Band and the Troy Citizens Corps drum corps.
The health of Capt. Blanchard had for some time been failing, and at last, in August, 1859, he was obliged to tender his resignation. His efforts for the success of the command had been unwearied, and only the rapidly dark- ening shadow of the grave chilled his devotion to its in- terests. Early in the next November, the Corps were called on to pay funeral honors to their late commander. The Burgesses Corps and Continental Company B. at- tended from Albany.
At the annual election which was held in August, 1859, all the officers were chosen excepting the captain. The importance of making just the right selection was fully appreciated, and time was taken for consideration. At the meeting on the 5th of September, the unanimous choice of the company fell upon H. L. Shields, late of the United States army. The following from the Times will sufficiently show how the election was received :
" At the meeting of the Troy Citizens Corps last evening, H. L. Shields was with entire unanimity elected captain of that company, and he has since accepted the honor conferred upon him by the ap- pointment. The' friends of the Corps will rejoice to see in this fact an evidence that the days of its former efficiency as a military organi- zation are about to be revived. As an officer in the regular army, and a participant in some of its achievements, Capt. Shields won for him- self enviable reputation, that will give prestige to his new command. As a disciplinarian he has few superiors in this locality. His charac- teristics as a gentlemanly and unobtrusive citizen have won for him general respect since his retirement from the army. We look for thorough and effectual reconstruction of the Corps under his cap- taincv."
On the evening of November 10, 1859, a full dress parade of the Corps was held at its armory to receive Captain Shields and formally tender him the command. Several prominent gentlemen of the city were present to witness the ceremony. The company, under Lieuten-
CHAS. HART & SON, LITH. 36 VESEY ST, N. Y.
CAPTAIN HAMILTON L. SHIELDS.
I860.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
ant Virgil, went through various exercises of drill. Cap- tain Shields, escorted by Lieutenant Heartt, then came forward and was received with due honor. The com- mand was then tendered, in a few well-chosen words, by Lieutenant Virgil. The Captain replied with a modest speech, and formally accepted the proffered position.
The new commander infused energy and order into the affairs of the Corps, and a marked improvement in discipline was soon apparent. The first public appear- ance under the new order of things was on February 22, 1860, when the company were inspected by Mayor Read in Harmony Hall. The mayor was accompanied by Major Deas,* U. S. A., Mr. John A. Griswold, and several aldermen. Forty-three muskets' were in line, and de- cided evidences of improvement in drill were evident.
NEW UNIFORM.
In April, 1860, a new uniform was obtained, more in keeping with the taste of the day than the old dress of green. It consisted of a blue frock coat, with scarlet and gold shoulder knots, red pantaloons, black belts and bayonet scabbards, and black hats with red pompons. There was also a fatigue dress with blue trowsers and red forage caps. The cloth for the red pantaloons was imported from France. It was a heavy and expensive broadcloth, such as was worn by officers of the French army. The garments were of the peg top pattern-small at the feet, and increasing in size to the hips. The entire sum spent for uniform was between $2,500 and $3,000. The committee having the matter in charge, consisted of Messrs. Shields, Virgil, G. F. Sims, Cusack, S. M. Vail, Howes, Bloss and J. A. Sims.
The first parade at which the new uniform was worn took place on the 11th of June. There were at that time about 50 names on the roll, and 40 muskets were in line. Besides the ordinary exercises, the company went through the zouave drill, which was then just beginning to be " the rage " in matters military. The Corps was review- ed by Mayor McConihe and Maj. Deas.
* Afterwards of the Confederate Army, killed at Shiloh.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
CAMP MORGAN.
Saratoga, August 13-18, 1860. In order to improve his command in their knowledge of the duties of a soldier, Captain Shields planned an encampment of a week, for the summer of 1860. The Albany Burgesses Corps united with the Citizens Corps for the occasion, and, by the courtesy of the Albany company, the command of the encampment was tendered to the Troy commandant. A suitable ground was selected at Saratoga, and prepara- tions were made with great care. The following were appointed as a staff for the Troy Citizens Corps: Ad- jutant, J. I. Leroy; Judge Advocate, Miles Beach ; Sur- geon, Dr. L. C. Wheeler ; Quartermaster, Thomas M. Tibbits ; Paymaster, S. M. Vail.
The Corps left Troy, Monday morning, August 13, at 8 o'clock. At Waterford Junction the Burgesses Corps were met. Upon comparing notes, it was found that each organization had just 43 men in the ranks. Arriv- ing at Saratoga, the two companies formed, the Albany Burgesses Corps on the right, and marched to the camp ground, Dodworth's band leading. A driving rain storm was the inspiring greeting which the companies there re- ceived. Tents were at once arranged, guards detailed, and general instructions given to the officers. Captain Spelman was assigned to duty as officer of the day, and Lieutenants Bloss and Judson as officers of the guard. The camp guard consisted of 21 privates, besides the ne- cessary sergeants and corporals. Dinner was served at 1 o'clock at the Saratoga Park Course Hotel, directly opposite the camp.
From the general orders of Captain Shields, the fol- lowing is copied : Reveille call at sunrise ; police call, 6 A. M .; surgeon's call, 6:30 A. M .; breakfast, 7 A. M .; troop and guard mounting, 8 A. M .; drill for companies, 9 A. M .; dinner, 1 P. M .; drill, 5 P. M .; retreat parade, 7 P. M .; supper, 7:30 P. M .; tattoo, 10:30 P. M .; taps, 11 P. M.
The tents were pitched in streets, and to each tent four men were assigned. The streets were named after the commanding officers: Shields, Spelman, Kingsley, Bloss, Cusack, etc.
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The pouring rain which welcomed the men on their arrival continued steadily through the most of Tuesday, making things decidedly wet and correspondingly un- comfortable. Tuesday night was clear, but very cold, with a heavy dew. Wednesday was fair, and many spec- tators attended the dress-parade. At the afternoon drill the Troy Corps went through the new Hardee move- ments, greatly interesting their large audience.
Tuesday afternoon there was a reception and review of the two Corps by Governor Morgan, Ex-president Fillmore and lady, Commodore Levy, U. S. N., and Cap- tains Granger and Wallace, U. S. A., together with a large assemblage of guests from the hotels. In the even- ing Dodworth's band gave a ball at Congress Hall, in honor of Governor Morgan. It was one of the most bril- liant affairs of the season.
Friday night the camp was illuminated and there was a copious display of fireworks. The men held a general jubilee, and many friends were present, enjoying the music and fireworks until a late hour.
The next morning tents were struck, and the two com- panies returned to their homes. The Troy Citizens Corps were received at the depot and escorted to the armory by the Troy City Artillery.
In the orders of the day, Saturday morning, Captain Shields returned his thanks to the two Corps in the fol- lowing words :
"In breaking up this encampment, the commanding officer takes great pleasure in expressing his satisfaction at the soldierly manner in which all military duty has been performed by the command. Under circumstances which were exceedingly disagreeable and trying, there appeared no shrinking from,or murmuring at, the hardships necessarily encountered. All obeyed with promptness and cheerful- ness the orders given, and performed all duties in a manner which does them credit as soldiers and as men. The commanding officer expresses the hope that the military lessons taught whilst in camp may prove beneficial to all, and that this tour of duty may serve to strengthen the strong bonds of fraternal regard and esteem which have ever existed between two of the oldest and most respected mili- tary organizations of this State."
One of the incidents of the camp was the temporary
-
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
incarceration in the guard house of the Times correspond- ent, Mr. W. E. K-, he being caught in an attempt to run the guard at an unseasonable hour. The historian records this fact with a relish which will only be appre- ciated by those members of the Corps who were in camp at Peekskill in 1883.
1861 -- A public drill of the Corps occurred at Harmony Hall, Monday evening, February 4, 1861. The hall was crowded with a large and interested audience. In fact, so many were the spectators that the company had to be divided for drill. The bayonet exercise proved a fine feature in the entertainment. To the members the most pleasant duty of the evening was the presentation of a pair of epaulettes to Lieut. Willard,* U. S. A., who had spent much time and care in assisting Capt. Shields to perfect the drill of his command. While the company stood at parade rest in the south end of the hall, a color guard of twelve soldiers was detailed to bring in two American flags, which were saluted by the company, and honored with three cheers by the audience. Stacks were formed by the color guard in the centre of the room, and the flags hung in graceful folds over the tops of the glit- tering bayonets. Two drums were placed in the midst of this scenic effect, and upon these rested the testimo- nial of the Corps to Lieut. Willard. Judge Advocate Miles Beach, of the Corps staff, then advanced and made the presentation address. He concluded with Web- ster's peroration, "Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable." Lieut. Willard replied in an ap- propriate and patriotic manner. We quote briefly : " In a few days I shall be called away from you to resume the duties of my profession ; and may God grant that they may be such as will conduce to the honor, prosperity and happiness of our beloved land. May the efforts of our National Congress culminate in a peaceful settlement of all our unhappy difficulties. May the North and the South, the East and the West, meet in the persons of their delegates, and, joining hands, say, 'Away with the
* George L. Willard, afterwards colonel and acting brigadier general of volun- teers, killed at Gettysburgh.
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sword ; the nation can be saved without it.'" After the presentation ceremonies were concluded, the company broke ranks, and enjoyed a brief season of social con- verse, when dancing began and was kept up until 12 o'clock. At about 1 o'clock the members of the Corps proceeded to the residence of Capt. Shields and of Lieut. Willard, with Doring's band, and gave them each a ser- enade.
RECEPTION TO PRESIDENT-ELECT LINCOLN .*
Abraham Lincoln, President-elect of the United States, arrived in Troy at a few minutes after 9 o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, February 19, 1861, on his way to Washington. He was escorted by the Albany Burgesses Corps, and by a large number of political and personal friends. At the Union Depot an immense throng were waiting to greet their future chief magistrate. The Troy Citizens Corps, under Capt. H. L. Shields, was drawn up in the depot on both sides of the platform car on which the reception ceremonies were to occur, and thus preserve an open space. The speech of welcome was made by Mayor McConihe. Mr. Lincoln was received by the vast multitude of spectators with great enthusiasm. He spoke a few fitting words, and was then again con- ducted to his train en route for New York.
FINAL DAYS.
Events in the nation were now drifting rapidly toward civil war. Few saw clearly just what was impending, but the minds of all were filled with dread and anxiety. At length the crisis came. The flag of Sumter was lowered, and the sound of rebel guns awoke the loyal North from its lethargy. All the land resounded with the tread of marching feet, as the boys in blue turned their faces towards the South. Other thousands at home gave freely of their money and time that the efforts of those in the field might not be in vain.
In the stress of such a war, it became increasingly difficult to maintain an independent company like the Troy Citizens Corps. Many of its members were en-
*It should have been stated in the appropriate place, that the Corps took part in the reception in Troy of Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, August 10, 1839.
DISCARD
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rolled in the Union Army. That their schooling in the Corps was not in vain was shown by the fact that, with hardly an exception, they became commissioned officers. A large number of members were men of middle age, whose business interests could not be abandoned without total sacrifice. Their money was given as generously as the blood of the volunteers. Some who could not take the field were enrolled as officers in various organizations for home defence. Then, again, it was not easy to gain recruits. So it came about that the membership of the Corps gradually declined. Its spirit was never lost. In 1862 the Corps was urged to merge itself into the State militia as a company of the Twenty-fourth Regiment. True to their traditions, however, the members unani- mously declined.
On various occasions of interest the company was called out for escort or guard duty.
In April, 1861, much feeling was aroused in the city and vicinity by the rumor that munitions of war were being manufactured for the South at a local machine shop. This report was shown to be unfounded ; but meanwhile a mob attack was feared, and on the 17th the Troy Citizens Corps were ordered under arms to keep the peace. About forty members responded, under First Lieut. J. W. Cusack, Captain Shields being absent in New York. They remained in their armory until about 107/2 o'clock P. M., when all fear of trouble having passed away, the men were dismissed. While waiting in the armory, the Corps were visited by Lieut. Willard, Col. Carr, the mayor and many other gentlemen.
April 15th, 1861, Major Deas, U. S. A., was formerly ex- pelled from honorary membership in the Troy Citizens Corps, for participation in rebellion. Major Deas ac- cepted a commission in the Southern army, and was en- gaged on that side in many battlefields of the war.
On the 23d of April, 1861, Capt. Shields tendered to the adjutant-general of the State the services of his com- mand. This offer was declined, on the ground that a separate company of infantry could be of little use under
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the circumstances. This decision of the authorities was well for a number of members, who were commissioned as officers in various regiments, and who undoubtedly rendered better service in that capacity than they could have done as privates.
On the 9th of May the Corps turned out under Lieut. Bloss to receive the First Regiment Vermont volunteers, which was going to the front.
On the 18th of May the Second Regiment New York Volunteers left Troy for the seat of war, being escorted to the boat by the Troy Citizens Corps. Many officers of this regiment were old members of the Corps. And it would be in place here to add, that two years later when the war-worn Second Regiment returned to Troy to be mustered out, they were received at the steamboat landing by the remnant of the Citizens Corps.
On the 27th of May the Corps took part in the solemn pageant of Col. Ellsworth's funeral. The interment was at Mechanicville.
In October, 1861, Lieut. Philip Casey, of the Thirtieth New York Regiment, died at Upton Hill, Va. His body was sent to Troy, and his old comrades of the Citizens Corps took charge of the funeral. Lieut. Casey was for many years a member of the Corps, having been first sergeant, and also president of the civil organization.
In July, 1863, Troy, in common with other cities, suf- fered from a riot. The mob did much damage to pro- perty, and at last dispersed rather from fear of the force gathered to quell it than from any actual exertions of that force. The Troy Citizens Corps at that time was weak in numbers. Their muskets were stored in the Fulton Market Armory. Capt. J. W. Cusack's company of the Twenty-fourth Regiment was then just organized, and had not yet been supplied with arms. This company being composed of excellent material and well officered, the authorities had just confidence in its fidelity. Capt. Cusack was accordingly ordered to take possession of the arms of the Citizens Corps and issue them to his men. This was promptly done, and thus at the same time the
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arms were saved from the rioters, and a trustworthy military company was prepared for action. Fortunately, or otherwise, the soldiers made no use of their rifles, as the mob dispersed before the necessary authority could be procured. The guns were retained by the Twenty- fourth, and were finally turned over to the State by the commanding officer of the regiment.
FINIS.
In 1864, it became evident that the Corps could not be maintained longer. State property was accordingly duly turned over to the proper authorities, company property was divided between the remaining members, and the Old Troy Citizens Corps ceased to exist. Its story, both of good and bad fortune, has been frankly told. For nearly thirty years it had been an active and prominent institu- tion of our city. It had aided largely to keep alive the military spirit and a knowledge of military affairs among our young men. It had been more than once a bulwark of civil order. It had been a nursery of officers and soldiers for the defence of their country. We leave it for all to judge whether the purposes of its formation were fulfilled.
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