USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 5
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GHAS. HART & SON. LITH, 36 VESLY ST, N. Y.
CAPTAIN JAMES W. CUSACK.
1877.
THE NEW CORPS.
In the fall of 1876, certain members of the Old Corps concluded that the time was ripe for a reorganization. Many circumstances united to make a strong and reli- able military company desirable to the city; and much interest in military affairs already existed among our active young men. Accordingly, after due consultation, the following circular, prepared by Col. W. E. Kisselburgh, was sent to as many of the old members as could be reached :
To-
TROY, November 29, 1876.
It has been suggested by several of the old members of the Troy Citizens Corps that some steps should be taken to revive the organi- zation; and, as the last president of the company, I have the honor to invite you to a meeting of the veterans of the Corps, at the Vocal Society hall, Green's building, Broadway, on the evening of Wednes- day, November 29, (to-night,) at eight o'clock.
The reorganization of the old and once-famous Corps will be hailed with gratification by our citizens. It is proposed that the for- mer members shall take the initiative in re-forming the company, and after completing the organization, elect from the young men of the city a sufficient number to constitute its working force.
Your presence and cooperation are desired.
Very truly yours,
A. B. FALES, Ex-President Troy Citizens Corps.
In response to the above call, a meeting was held at the time and place mentioned, at which the following were present :
CAPT. H. L. SHIELDS, JAMES W. CUSACK,
JOHN M. LANDON,
GEORGE H. OTIS,
GEORGE F. SIMS,
WILLIAM E. KISSELBURGH,
WALTER P. WARREN,
PHILIP F. VANDERHEYDEN,
EZRA R. VAIL,
W. S. Cox,
ALPHEUS RICHARDS,
SAMUEL D. FRENCH,
EDWARD M. GREEN.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Mr. J. M. Landon was elected Chairman and Mr. Al- pheus Richards Secretary.
For the purpose of formal organization an election of civil officers was then held, at which the following were chosen :
.
President, Vice-President,
Secretary,
Treasurer, -
WALTER P. WARREN. SAMUEL D. FRENCH. ALPHEUS RICHARDS. PHILIP F. VANDERHEYDEN.
At the same meeting some other preliminary arrange- ments were made.
The work of filling up the ranks was then actively prosecuted, and met with entire success. At the meet- ing held January 2, 1877, it was thought that enough members had been obtained, and the following were elected :
Captain, First Lieutenant,
JAMES W. CUSACK, WALTER P. WARREN,
Second Lieutenant,
EZRA R. VAIL,
Third Lieutenant,
LE GRAND C. CRAMER.
A new idea was now broached-that of joining the National Guard. The Old Corps had been organized and maintained as an independent company. But the times had changed. In 1835 there were few inducements to belong to the State militia. The government, however, in no small degree influenced by the example and experi- ence of the several independent chartered companies, had set on foot reforms, from time to time, which had greatly improved the State service. The knowledge acquired by the war of the rebellion had been turned to good account. Moreover, in our own city there was especial need of strong and trustworthy State organizations. The con- sciousness, too, of being a part of the organic force of the State, of being subject to actual military supervision, and to comparison with other similar bodies, would ne- cessarily tend to generate a wholesome esprit du corps. In view of these considerations, after full deliberation, it was determined that the new departure should be made. The proper steps were therefore taken, and by Special
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Order No. 7, dated at Albany, February 3, 1877, Adju- tant General . Franklin Townsend declared the Corps duly organized as the Sixth Separate Company of In- fantry, N. G. S. N. Y. Capt. Cusack and Lieuts. Warren and Vail were commissioned to their respective places. The State law did not allow three lieutenants.
The Corps were formally mustered in at the State Armory, Tuesday Evening, February 20, 1877, by Maj. Geo. H. Otis, of Brig. Gen. Alonzo Alden's staff.
The first election of civil officers under the new con- stitution was held after the muster. Francis N. Mann, Jr., was chosen President ; Chas. B. Hubbell, Vice-Pres- ident ; G. D. Robertson, Secretary, and Philip F. Van- derheyden, Treasurer.
The fatigue uniform chosen was dark blue coat, trim- med with red ; dark blue pantaloons, with red cord ; black body belt, cartridge box and bayonet scabbard, the brass belt plate containing the letters "S. N. Y;" Prussian helmet of black leather with brass trimmings and spike ; fatigue cap of English pattern, blue with red band. The dress uniform comprised a scarlet coat, black facings, with shoulder knots* embossed with the mono- gram "T. C. C .; " white body and cross belts, the plate of the former having the Corps monogram, and that of the latter the number "6;" trowsers same as in fatigue uniform ; also the same helmet, with white horse hair plume substituted for the spike, and white trowsers.
To these articles have since been added a blue blouse, for undress uniform ; white helmets, of the English style; and light blue overcoats, with red facings. Also, for dress uniform, pantaloons like the others, and black bearskin hats.
The Corps are provided with knapsacks, blankets and canteens of the usual variety, and are armed with Rem- ington rifles of the State model (cal. 50.)
Tuesday evening, May 15th, 1877, the Corps were pre- sented with a full stand of colors by Mr. E. Thompson
*These were added afterwards, in lieu of the brass scales first used. The scales were afterwards worn only with the blue coat,
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
Gale, in memory of his son, A. De Forest Gale. The speech of presentation was made by Gen. Alonzo Alden, and the reply by color sergeant Charles B. Hubbell.
Thursday evening, May 24th, a military reception was held at Harmony Hall. It was the first appearance in full dress uniform, and the result reflected credit alike on Capt. Cusack's training and on his men's enthusiasm. Among the guests were Major Gen. J. B. Carr and staff ; Brig. Gen. Alden and staff ; Col. Oliver, Major Bowditch and others of the Tenth Regiment; Lieut. Weir, U. S. A .; Capt. Chadwick, Capt. Patten, Capt. Egolf and Capt. Green. Letters of regret were received from Gov. Rob- inson, Adjutant General Townsend, Gen. Hagner and others.
The first street parade of the New Corps was on Decoration Day, May 30, 1877.
WEST ALBANY-1877.
About the middle of July, 1877, a strike broke out among railroad hands in West Virginia. Violence being threatened, troops were called out, and collisions occur- red between them and the mob. Whether by pre-con certed plot, or by mere contagion, railroad employees in all parts of the country thereupon began to strike work. Freight traffic largely came to a standstill. In many places property was destroyed. Tracks were obstructed, and those willing to work were deterred from doing so by the threats of the mob. Regulars and militia were ordered out to restore or maintain order. In some places the citizen soldiers could not be trusted. In others, as at Pittsburgh, Pa., imbecility among the authorities re- sulted in disaster to life and property. There was wide- spread alarm in all parts of the land. The large rail- road interests which centered in Troy and Albany were of course exposed to danger, and decided steps were taken for their protection. As the two cities were both in the limits of Maj. Gen. Carr's command, the direction of affairs was left to him. A detachment was ordered from New York to Albany, and various separate com-
1
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
panies from other places to Troy. Every arrangement was made so that the moment any symptoms of riot should appear, an adequate force might be at hand for the preservation of order.
Late on Monday evening, July 23, Gen. Carr received orders from Gov. Robinson to hold his command ready for duty. The members of the various companies in Troy were at once notified to be prepared at any moment. Ammunition was provided, and a detail from the Tibbits Corps was put on guard at the armory. At 112 o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 24, a signal of eight taps was struck on the bells of the fire alarm, as a warn- ing for the Troy Citizens Corps to assemble at the armory within half an hour. The signal was promptly obeyed, and within the prescribed time the members of the Corps were together. Preparations were vigorously made, ammunition was served out, sixteen rounds to each man. While the men were in line receiving car- tridges some lunatic down stairs managed to discharge a musket. The ball passed through the floor, came un- comfortably near to private Balken's leg, and inflicted an ugly wound-on his coat tail. About 4 o'clock the com- pany embarked on the steamer " Whitney " for Albany. Reaching the landing place at the foot of Maiden Lane, they were met by Colonels Alden and Mann, of Gen. Carr's staff, and ordered to proceed immediately to the Tenth Regiment Armory on State Street. The strikers had just been holding a mass meeting in Capitol Park, and a motly crowd of men and boys came pouring down Maiden Lane just as the Corps marched up. As the company occupied the sidewalk, the crowd had to take to the roadway, which they did, hooting and hissing as the column passed along. One big fellow thought he would keep possession of the sidewalk, and brushed rudely against the first sergeant. The officer kept right on marching, however, and when the aspiring hero re- covered from his temporary dizziness he was about half way down the line. The mob becoming rather abusive, Capt. Cusack brought his men to a halt and faced them
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
to the front, upon which the noise died away quite sud- denly. No disposition to further interference being shown, the Corps again took up their march, and in a few minutes reached the quarters of the Tenth Regiment. Here arms were stacked and the men given the freedom of the drill room. They were soon scattered about the room, making the most of their time. Some were sitting in groups on the floor, enjoying their smoke, or engaged in games of cards, while others gathered at the windows. About 6 o'clock the Corps fell in and marched to the Delavan House for supper. The usual crowd of gam- ins and loafers was assembled when the ranks were formed after supper, and many jeering remarks were made. When ball cartridges were slipped into the rifles, however, the multitude seemed to have more interesting business somewhere else ; at least, they disappeared rapidly. The night was spent in the Tenth Regiment Armory, with the boards of the floor by way of spring bed, and the ceiling for counterpane. Quite a number of the boys found skylarking more enjoyable than sleeping.
Wednesday morning at 912 o'clock the Tenth Regi- ment of Albany, 409 strong, and the Troy Citizens Corps, left the Union Depot for West Albany. It was expected that the train would be stoned at the Broadway crossing, but a strong guard of the Ninth Regiment stationed at that point prevented any trouble .* Arriving at the pas- senger station, the men were assigned to duty. The Ninth Regiment of New York were already on the ground, having come early in the morning. Our boys were put on guard near the West Albany bridge.t Under protection of the military, many of the train hands re-
* As the train approached the West Albany station, the rioters changed the switch. The switchman, Michael Corrigan, turned it back and pluckily held it there, although the mob threatened to knock his brains out with coupling pins. "Can't help it, boys, the soldiers have come here to protect property, and they have got to go through," said Corrigan ; and go through they did.
+ General Carr had his troops well in hand. Pickets were thrown out for five miles beyond the shops, commanding the hills and every available approach to West Albany. Any attempt to repeat the Pittsburgh affair would have met with sudden disaster.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
turned to their work and were not molested by the strikers. These workmen, however, and the soldiers as well, came in for a good share of ridicule and abuse. But the strikers showed no disposition to use more dangerous weapons than their tongues. The prompt and intelli- gent measures taken by Gen. Carr had checkmated them at every point, and the strong military force on hand seemed to discourage those disposed to violence.
Gen. Carr sent the following telegram :
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, NATIONAL GUARD, WEST ALBANY, July 25, 1877.
Hon. William H. Vanderbilt, Saratoga Springs :
I have opened the blockade at East Albany, Albany and West Albany, and sent the first freight train through from the east, passing here at 11:55. The strikers held a meeting some distance from my lines, and appointed a committee to wait on you at Saratoga. * *
J. B. CARR, Major General.
LEE CHAMBERLIN, Asst. Adj. General.
As the heat of the day increased, several of the Ninth, unused to exposure to the hot sun, were overcome com- pletely, and had to be removed to the hospital. This was established in the house of Capt. Joseph Mather, which was near by. This gentleman and his family were unwearied in their kindly offices to the sick, and earned the sincere gratitude of all the military organizations en- camped in their vicinity. About 11 o'clock private Coles of the Corps was prostrated by the heat; but fortunately his case was not a serious one.
During the afternoon there moved into the West Al- bany yard a freight train, which had been boarded while passing through the city by quite a party of men and boys. Passing in between two other trains, the gang escaped the attention of the guard in the lower part of the yard, and when discovered were within a short distance of the stacked arms of several companies of the Ninth. The drum at once sounded the alarm, and in a very few moments the arms were in the hands of their owners, and the troops of the command were all
.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
in line. One of the rioters drew a revolver on Gen. Carr ; but the General's son, a member of the Citizens Corps, and on guard at that point, quickly levelled his cocked rifle at the fellow, who hastily withdrew. Gen. Carr passed on, and an officer of the Ninth, who had charge of the guard, ordered private Carr to uncock his musket. The private complied, remarking, with a look at his father, "All right, but perhaps I've more in- terest in that man than you have. That's my father."
About 912 at night the Tibbits Corps arrived from Troy, and were heartily cheered by the Citizens Corps. The camp was named "Camp Carr," in honor of the gallant general in command .* Col. Hitchcock of the Ninth was assigned to the command of the post.
The commissary arrangements were not in order as yet, and in consequence the Corps went from 5 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon without eating. This did not make it any easier to endure the heat of the day, and was not a good preparation for a night of bivouack- ing on railroad tracks. As the men were not supplied as yet with overcoats or blankets, they had to pass the night as they best could. One of our veracious news- paper correspondents declares that the only sound sleep- ers were those under the track. Then, too, for lack of pillows many of the boys were stretched out with their heads on the rails ; and freight trains were passing too frequently for this arrangement to be as comfortable as might have been desired.
By Thursday matters were in pretty good shape, and the regular camp duties filled the time without any mark- ed event. The prompt measures of the authorities had prevented the possibility of a successful riot, and had thus completely discouraged those who had been ready to make trouble.
* We append Colonel Hitchcock's Order :
HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT THIRD DIVISION N. G., ¿ WEST ALBANY, N. Y., JULY 25, 1877.
General Orders, No. 3. In honor of the commanding officer of the Third Division N. G. S. N. Y., Major-Gen'l JOSEPH B. CARR, the camp of the detach- ment will hereafter be known and designated as Camp Carr.
By order of COLONEL JAMES R. HITCHCOCK, Commanding.
Official : I. F. HANDY, Major, and A. A. A. G.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
At 4:30, Friday afternoon, Gov. Robinson, Adj. Gen. Townsend and Gen. Tracey visited Camp Carr at West Albany, and with Gen. Carr reviewed the troops, except- ing those on guard at the time. Rain had begun falling and the lines were formed under shelter, the Ninth regi- ment being drawn up between the abutments of the bridge and the Tenth and the Troy companies under the railroad sheds. After a brief inspection the Governor and party returned to the city.
Friday evening Col. Hitchcock and Adjutant Bartlett of the Ninth regiment, invited the Citizens Corps to a spread, and entertained them in fine style. The Ninth and the Troy Citizens Corps formed a fast friendship during their encampment together. Our boys learned in the best of all ways, that is, by keeping house with them, that the officers and men of the Ninth are whole-souled gentlemen and genuine soldiers. The Corps formed an especially warm affection for Col. Hitchcock, and they were deeply pained, but a few months later, at the news of his untimely death.
While waiting for the cars on Saturday, the Corps ex- changed fatigue caps with Company F of the Ninth.
Order being assured, Governor Robinson directed the militia forces of the State to be dismissed. It being de- cided to hold a review of the Third Division at Albany on Saturday, Gen. Alden and brigade were ordered down from Troy. The line was formed on Broadway and State street, and moved up Broadway and Clinton ave- nue and down Pearl to State street, where the column was dismissed.
We quote from the Troy Whig: "On the formation being com- pleted, Gen. Carr and Staff galloped down the line, and on returning took up position at the head of the column, the order 'forward ' was given, and 'the army was in motion.' While this was taking place on Broadway, a neat platform had been erected in front of the Female Academy on North Pearl street, where were assembled Governor Robinson, Adjutant-General Townsend, the Governor's Private Secre- tary, D. C. Robinson, Major-General John B. Woodward, Inspector- General of the State, Brigadier-General Charles Tracey, Commissary- General, Colonel Chas. H. Lodewick, Aid-de-camp, Brigadier-General
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
John B. Stonehouse, and Comptroller Frederick P. Olcott, with several citizens and reporters.
"At twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock the head of the column appeared, coming down North Pearl street, Gen. Carr and Staff lead- ing. On passing the platform and saluting, Gen. Carr and Staff took up position on the right of the platform and reviewed the troops as they marched by in excellent form. The street packed with specta- tors, the windows of all the prominent buildings filled with ladies be- stowing their brightest glances on the sun-burned soldiers marching by, the soldiers themselves as they passed with quick, firm tread, and well-closed ranks, combined to form a spectacle that was in the highest degree stirring and exhilarating.
" The Ninth did some splendid marching while the Burgesses and Jackson Corps of Albany, Citizens and Tibbits Corps of Troy, Companies "A " and "B" of the Tenth, "K" of the Twenty-fifth, and the Tibbits Cadets of Troy, were honored with hearty cheers at different points along the line of march for their handsome move- ments. The display was really a fine one in every respect, and carried out most admirably.
"As the last command in the column, Pochin's Battery, cleared the platform, Gen. Carr and Staff wheeled to the front and saluted the governor, who said : 'I wish at this time to express my most hearty thanks through you to the officers and men under your command for the promptness and fidelity with which they responded to the call of duty to maintain the supremacy of law and order. I congratulate you on the perfect success which has attended your efforts, and wish all a safe return to your homes and families.' The Governor then retired from the platform, Gen. Carr and Staff departed, the crowd dispersed, and the review was over. Although the streets were muddy, no rain fell during the display."
The strength of the various organizations taking part in the display footed up a total of 2229 men. Of these the Citizens Corps furnished 99,* the Tibbits Corps 72 and Battery A 36.
After the review the troops from out of town moved to the Union Depot. Before they had taken the cars, a telegram come from the Governor to Gen. Carr, notify- ing him that the rioters had made another demonstration at West Albany, and ordering him to hold all troops until further orders. This was rather discouraging, as the men preferred to spend Sunday at home. The result proved merely a detention for a little while, as the Sher-
*The Sixth Separate Company had on duty at West Albany a total of 3 com- missloned officers, 14 non-commissioned officers and 84 privates ; in all 101 men.
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
iff's deputy and a few men were sufficient to repress all disorder.
At about 3 o'clock the train started for Troy. On ar- rival in this city Gen. Carr and staff mounted, and headed a short parade of the three Troy companies, Doring's band furnishing the music. The streets were crowded, flags hung from nearly every house on the line of march, and constant cheering attested the welcome with which Troy received her citizen soldiers. The two Corps from West Albany had blankets, canteens and coffee cups slung, and, although tired with a hard day's, indeed with a hard week's, work, they marched with their usual pre- cision.
Thus ended the riot week of 1877. The good conduct of the National Guard had beyond all doubt saved from destruction property to the value of millions ; and, what was better still, there had been practically no blood shed.
The commander-in-chief and the major general in com- mand of the third division issued the following orders :
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, S. N. Y., ALBANY, N. Y., August 1, 1877.
General Orders No. 15. The commander-in-chief takes pleasure in expressing his sincere thanks to all the officers and men of the National Guard of this State for the important service rendered by them in suppressing the recent riots, and in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of the various portions of this State which were threatened with lawless violence.
The exigencies of the occasion required that the entire force of the National Guard should be put under arms, and held ready to move at a moment's notice. The duties to be performed were of a very deli- cate and difficult nature. The actual and threatened violence and defiance of the law were such that it became necessary to order mili- tary forces to seven different points upon the railway lines extending from Lake Erie to Albany and New York.
The various regiments, battalions and separate companies selected for this purpose, were moved to the respective positions with a rapid- ity and precision which could not have been equalled by regular troops. They were handled with such skill and good judgment that within one week the disturbances were entirely suppressed, and peace and order restored throughout the State, without any serious shedding of blood.
The event has demonstrated the efficiency and reliability of a well
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HISTORY OF TROY CITIZENS CORPS.
organized State militia. Although subjected to great privations and hardships, the best discipline was observed throughout, and the citi- zen soldiers return to their homes, carrying with them the thanks, not only of their officers, but of all the law abiding citizens of the State.
L. ROBINSON, Commander-in-chief.
FRANKLIN TOWNSEND, Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION N. G. S. N. Y, TROY, N. Y., July 30, 1877.
General Orders, No 4. I. The Maj .- Gen'l. commanding desires to convey to the troops of this command and the Ninth Regiment N. G., his appreciation of their services in the late brief campaign. Called together at a moments notice, without an opportunity to prepare themselves with even the ordinary comforts of a soldier's outfit, leav- ing homes of comfort and luxury at the call of the Commander-in chief, and submitting, without complaint, to the hardships of duty under a scorching sun and in hastily prepared camps, they stand to- day, before the whole country, soldiers in every sense of the word, and soldiers that he is proud to command.
II. The Ninth and Tenth Regiments, the Tibbits Corps and Troy Citizens Corps, on duty at Camp Carr, West Albany, are entitled to the hignest praise for their magnificent discipline and behaviour in the face of the unavoidable discomforts attendant upon a camp so badly located. * * *
By command of J. B. CARR, MAJOR GENERAL. LEE CHAMBERLAIN, A. A. G.
The rate of pay allowed by the State was as follows, for seven days' service : Privates $7, Lieutenants $14, Captains $21. The total pay-roll of the Troy Citizens Corps footed up $725, which the members at once turned over to the company treasurer, for use in fitting. up the rooms at the armory .*
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