USA > New York > Rensselaer County > Troy > A history of the Troy citizens corps, Troy, N. Y > Part 8
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zens Corps-DEAR SIR : At a meeting of the Citizens' Committee in connection with the Provincial Exhibition, held this day at noon, your letter of this morning's date was read ; and I am instructed to convey to you a copy of the following resolution, which was unani- mously adopted at the meeting.
Yours respectfully, W. R. SALTER, Sec'y Citizens' Committee.
Resolved, That this committee learn with the most profound regret of the death of Gen. Garfield, President of the United States, whose loss will be as sincerely and widely mourned in the Dominion of Can- ada as through the United States ; and they also share in the feeling of abhorrence at the dread act which has caused the world to mourn. Participating in the universal sorrow and sympathy expressed for the family and relatives of the deceased President in their bereavement, as well as for the great loss sustained by the people of the United States, this committee regret that so sad an event should compel the Troy Citizens Corps to return to their homes without affording the citizens of Montreal the pleasure of a more intimate personal ac- quaintance, and of sharing with them the enjoyment of their present visit. They can only hope that on some future occasion they may, with the distinguished personages who accompanied them, find it con- venient to return to Montreal.
ALEX. McGIBBON, Pres. Citizens' Committee.
W. R. SALTER, Sec'y Citizens' Committee.
The special train could not be prepared to start until 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Meanwhile the visitors dis- persed about the city, in undress uniform, to see such objects of interest as could be easily reached in the limi- ted time at their disposal. During the day various dis- tinguished gentlemen called on Gen. Carr and Captain Cusack, to express their sorrow at the death of the Pres- ident. Among these were the Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Theodore Robitaille; the Hon. Mr. Huntington, late Postmaster General ; Lieut. Col. Van Straubenzie, Deputy Adjutant General Canada militia; Lieut. Col. Worsley, Brigade Major ; the Hon. J. L. Beaudry, Mayor of the city; Lords Kilmarnock and Muncaster, just arrived from England ; and Mr. Perry, the Civic Marshal. The Corps fell in for the purpose, and were addressed by Lieut. Gov. Robitaille in a brief speech, welcoming them
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to the Province, and expressing regret at the cause of their sudden departure. Tears rolled down the face of the speaker as he spoke of President Garfield.
It was about 10 o'clock Tuesday night when the spec- ial train reached Troy. The Corps marched directly to the armory, with colors draped and crape on every sleeve, the only music being the monotonous tap of the drum. The draperies of mourning hung from every building, and the few in the streets looked on in silence.
THE FUNERAL OF THE PRESIDENT.
On Monday, the 26th of September, the remains of President Garfield were laid to rest at Cleveland. The shadow of that funeral covered the whole land, and prob- ably there was not a hamlet so remote that some appro- priate exercises were not held to testify the sorrow of the people. In Troy a long procession marched to Beman Park, moving with solemn music, reversed arms, colors in crape, and other tokens of public mourning. The church bells meanwhile were tolling throughout the city. At the park short addresses were delivered by the Hon. Martin I. Townsend, the Rev. Chas. Conklin and the Rev. Henry Graham. Many thousands were present. The Citi- zens Corps turned out about 90 men, the entire number in the procession being estimated at 2,450.
The report of Inspector General Oliver, January, 1882, again placed the Sixth Separate Company at the head of the National Guard of the State, with a standing of 78. The Seventh Regiment was rated second, reaching 71.
The officers being in mourning for the President of the United States, the usual social festivities were omitted until spring.
From the Times, January 30, 1882: " The report of Inspector Gen- eral Oliver, giving the standing of the several companies of state sol- diery, places the Citizens Corps of Troy at the head, with a standing of 78. The 'crack ' Seventh Regiment of New York is second, but only reaches 71. *
* * The report shows the excellent standing of the Troy military, and, as the inspector general says, speaks more clearly and strongly than any words."
The Citizens Corps, with the rest of the Troy military,
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were deeply interested in a bill before the legislature of 1882, making an appropriation of $75,000 for a new armory in Troy. Capt. Cusack was named as one of the commissioners to carry out the provisions of the act. The bill was introduced in the assembly February 14th, and passed both houses. Gov. Cornell vetoed it, how- ever, on the ground of a constitutional defect in its terms, and so the old " cave" had to do duty another year.
As has been said, the Corps omitted the usual receptions during this winter out of respect to the memory of Presi- dent Garfield. After Easter, however, on the evening of April 19, a full dress public drill and reception was held. There was a large attendance, and the occasion was one of the usual interest. The Corps appeared for the first time in the new bear skin shakos. They were colossal.
On the evening of the 9th of May, Lieut. James L. Thompson returned from a six months' visit to Europe. The Corps turned out to meet him with full ranks, headed by Doring's Band. After a short street parade, the com- mand marched to the armory. The lieutenant was there received with hearty cheers, to which he responded in a few fitting words. Ranks were then broken, and a sea- son of vigorous handshaking followed.
Decoration day, 1882, was observed by the usual for- malities, including a parade of all the Troy companies of the National Guard, together with the Washington Continentals of Schenectady. The Troy Citizens Corps had 103 men in line.
The Corps made its annual parade June 15, leaving the armory at 6 P. M. The uniform included red coats, white trowsers, cross belts and helmets. The streets were sticky with mud. There were a battalion drill and dress-parade in Washington square, in the presence of a large audience.
In the spring of 1882, the term of service of fifty-five members expired. This, of course, was a critical time with the organization. But only about ten failed to re- enlist, and the ranks were kept steadily full. Among officers and men there was shown to exist a stubborn
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loyalty to the Troy Citizen Corps, and an active interest which showed no signs of faltering. Of course more or less men are leaving the company every year, by reason of removal from the district, expiration of term of service and the like. But more have always been ready to step into their places. This continued vitality of the Corps is due to various causes. Not the least of these are the attachment and respect felt by all for the Captain, the absence of dissension, and the general feeling of com- radeship throughout the company. It is to be hoped that these elements of strength may never be lost or di- minished.
Another phase of the Corps has not yet been mention- ed-the base-ball playing. The Troy Citizen Corps nine has comprised some excellent players, as was shown by the score of their game with the Albany Zouave Cadet nine, July 26, 1882. The former won, 16 to 6. After the game the Trojans were banqueted by the Albanians.
THE CAPTURE OF THE CAPTAIN.
The following incident may as well be described in the words of the Telegram of Tuesday morning, July +, 1882:
"There is no worthier military organization in the great Empire State than the Troy Citizens Corps-Sixth Separate Company Na- tional Guard-of which excellent organization Captain James W. Cusack is the efficient commander. This command is entering the sixth year since its reorganization by Captain Cusack, and now num- bers 112 officers and men, only 103 of whom, however, can be car- ried on the rolls of the sixth seperate company. The fact that nearly every member of the organization has re-enlisted for another term shows that they appreciate the efforts of Captain Cusack to keep the military standing of the company A No. 1. Further mention of the proficiency and discipline of the Troy Citizens Corps at this time is unnecessary-its history is well known to the people of the entire State.
" At 8:45 o'clock last evening the Citizens Corps, wearing white trowsers and gloves, blue blouses and fatigue caps, and each member carrying a cane, filed out of the State Armory, and, preceded by Dor- ing's band, marched up River to Congress, up Congress to Second, to the residence of Captain Cusack, No. 58 Second street. The com- pany was under command of Lieutenant Thompson, and presented a fine appearance. Arriving at the residence of the Captain, the com-
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mand was formed in a half circle, the right and left of the line resting on the sidewalk. Doring's band occupied the centre and played ap- propriate airs. A committee then entered the house and returned in a few moments accompanied by Captain Cusack.
"As soon as the members of tbe Corps had saluted their com- mander, Charles W. Tillinghast, 2d, stepped to the front, and, ad- dressing the Captain, explained the object of the parade of the Corps under command of an officer other than the regular commander. The speaker alluded to the reorganization of the Corps five and one-half years ago, and said that the present proficiency and discipline of the command were due to the personal interest which Captain Cusack had taken in it. The Captain had reorganized the company, and to him it owed its birth and growth. Hoping that the Captain would remain with them for five and a half years more, the speaker said : 'On this your fiftieth birthday, the active members of the Citizens Corps have seen fit to present to you a token of their respect and esteem.'
" The token consisted of two elegant steel engravings. One is a scene at the battle of Waterloo. The soldiers are resisting a charge, and the figures are life-like, the details being brought out by a master hand. The other engraving represents the return of the six hundred after the charge at Balaklava, and is a fit companion piece. The two are enclosed in massive old gold frames, and on each is attached a plate with the following inscription : 'Presented to Captain James W. Cusack, T. C. C., by his command, on his fiftieth birthday, July 3, 1882.'
"Captain Cusack's response was made in a tone tremulous with emotion. He said he felt at a loss for words to express his feelings. The valuable present was all the more prized coming to him as it did with the unanimous expression of regard of the members of the com- pany. He was preparing to leave town in the early evening, when he was accosted by Dr. French, who stuck to him closer than a brother. He couldn't find out why he was wanted, but he now un- derstood it. The command had expressed a desire that he should re- main with them for five years more, and he would comply with the request. Captain Cusack said that the reorganization of the Troy Citizens Corps was not his work alone, neither were the present pro- ficiency and standing the company due to him alone-it was due to the personal interest which the members took in the organization-an organization which any man might well be proud to command. The Captain concluded by thanking the company for the present.
"Three cheers were then given for Captain Cusack, and, after mu- sic by the band, the line of march was resumed and a short street parade was made. The display of Greek fire along the line was beau- tiful. The Corps returned to the armory and was dismissed.
"The 'scheme to surprise the Captain' originated with First Ser- geant William J. Macdonald and Corporal Charles W. Tillinghast, 2d.
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The matter was kept quiet, and Lieutenant Thompson and Sergeant E. L. Everett were appointed to visit the metropolis and select a suit- able present for the Captain on his fiftieth birthday. After examin- ing several articles of furniture, the committee decided that the two pictures 'mentioned above would be the most appropriate. The pic- tures were mounted at Everett's art rooms, and cost, all told, $405. They were paid for by the active members of the Corps."
THE SECOND INVASION OF CANADA.
It was determined that the fall of 1882 should be sig- nalized by an excursion somewhere, and through the summer the members of the Corps indulged in consider- able discussion on that topic. It was at length decided that the interrupted trip of the previous year to Montreal should be completed. This was on invitation from the committee of citizens having in charge the annual pro- vincial exposition. Arrangements were therefore made in elaborate style, it being desired to spare no expense to make the affair a complete success. A whole cargo of uniforms was shipped, including changes enough for a Saratoga belle. The only point at which a deficiency appeared was in the somewhat essential article of trow- sers. Coats and hats had always been abundant with the company. There had been ever ready just the ap- propriate thing for summer or for winter, for active ser- vice in the field, or for the festivities of the ball room- But in every place and accompanying each different ' combination had always appeared the same ubiquitous pair of blue unmentionables. And these were now gaily burnished up anew for the northern campaign. Of course white duck pantaloons were taken along. But such in- teguments hardly count as articles of service, for one parade is the usual limit of their utility before requiring an interview with soap and water. Quarters had been provided in the Windsor Hotel, a hostelry of which pleas- ant impressions remained from the September of '81. By way of varying the program, the route chosen this year was via the Central Vermont Railroad. A special train comprising five passenger coaches and the requisite baggage car had been engaged, and in these coaches the
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Corps and guests merrily ensconced themselves on the morning of Tuesday, the 19th of September. The stars and stripes floated over each platform, on the door of the baggage car was a painting of the Corps badge, and the centre of each coach displayed the words, “Citizens Corps, Troy, N. Y." To give due weight to the occasion the excursionists were accompanied by Maj. Gen. J. B. Carr and staff, by Assistant Adjutant General John S. McEwan, and by a number of invited guests. As the train left the union depot everyone proceeded to make himself comfortable. Tight uniforms became loose, and the racks displayed a fringe of belts and bayonet scab- bards, brass buttoned coats and shining helmets. A motley array of flannel shirts, blue, white, and brown, appeared in long vistas through the train. There was a plenty of room, and all were soon settled down to en- joy a long trip in the most solid manner possible. From most of the seats, blue smoke curled in generous quan- tities. Newspapers, cards and conversation filled the moments, and as the train sped on, the hours, too, flew swiftly by.
The ride through Central Vermont is one of surpass- ing beauty. The train plunges into defiles of the Green Mountains, rushes across bridges that span precipitous ravines alive with tumbling foam, and then glides along plateaus on which the eye rests with delight. The val- ley of Pittsford is one of many such. Blue mountains hem it in on the horizon, rolling uplands covered with forests and fertile farms stretch miles away, a white spire rising here and there speaks of the Puritan civilization of New England, while in the foreground are green mead- ows with winding streams and scattered clumps of trees, and cattle grazing. Men wearied with the dust and tur- moil of city life spent hours at the car windows in the simple luxury of gazing on this varied panorama of mountain landscape. Those whose Latin had not left them were inclined to repeat the words of the poet of old:
" Beatus ille, qui procul negotiis, Ut prisca gens mortalium, Paterna rura bobus exercet suis."
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It must be acknowledged that there were others of less thoughtful mood, whose ideal of relaxation was of a more muscular order. These were never tired of perambulat- ing the cars with vigorous practical jokes. Their merri- ment ended (for the time) only when the order was given to fall in.
At a little before 4 o'clock the train reached Burling- ton. Uniforms were hastily arranged, the company was formed and marched to the Van Ness House. Here an ample dinner was waiting, and the hungry travelers did it full justice. It should be mentioned that at the sta- tion the visitors were met by Capt. Cruger and a delega- tion from Volunteer Hose Company No. 1, with an in- vitation to partake of their hospitalities. An elegant collation had been provided at the Volunteer house. Owing to the brief time, however, the Corps were, to their regret, obliged to decline these courtesies. Only about an hour was consumed in the "Queen City," and again the expedition went on its way. Hot boxes (a complaint which seemed chronic on this particular special train) and Canadian conservatism ate up time, and it was not until a quarter to ten that Bonaven- ture station was reached. Here things were much as they had been a year before. There were long lines of troops in odd Canadian uniforms, squealing bagpipes, and swarms of people. The "guard of honor" com- prised a detail from each of the following organizations : The Royal Scots, the Prince of Wales Rifles, the Third Victoria Rifles, the Sixth Fusiliers, the Sixty-fifth Bat- talion and the Montreal Garrison Artillery. The entire escort was under command of Lieut. Col. F. Bond of the First Prince of Wales Rifles. The Montreal papers estimated the crowd of spectators at 20,000. Be this as it may, every available inch of standing room was occu- pied, and a wall of faces hedged in the route to the Wind- sor on each side. Arrived at the hotel quarters were at once assigned, and in most cases were rather eagerly sought. The presence of a large number of delegates to a ticket agents' convention made room a scarce commod-
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ity, and a large portion of the Corps were billeted in houses near the Windsor. In one large room of the hotel thirty-five cots were spread, and thirty-five unfortunates were assigned to these. Sleep in that room was limited, both in quantity and quality. The inmates had very diverse ideas as to bed time, to begin with. Then, at unexpected moments pillow fights would break out and for a time rage fiercely. And one man in a corner snored tempestuously. A certain journalist in the party en- dured the tumult peaceably for a while, and then reso- lutely mounted guard. He was attired in a single long garment of white, with black body belt, knapsack, bear- skin hat and musket. The apparition inspired awe and gravity among all beholders.
Before morning a heavy thunder shower fell, and the day opened wet and lowering. Dissolving views were all that could be obtained of anything out of doors, and the inside of the hotel was more popular than the outside. In the forenoon Gen. Carr and the officers of the Corps paid their respects to Gen. W. T. Sherman, who was at the Windsor for a few days. The general was requested to review the military at the grand parade of the day, but declined. However, he consented to review the Troy Citi- zens Corps at their dress parade as 5 o'clock. By ten o'clock the rain held up, and the Corps turned out and serenaded the commander-in-chief. Line of march was then taken up under escort of the Victoria Rifles, for Fletcher's Field, where the review was to be held. The Corps were attired in full grenadier uniform, red coats, white belts, and huge black bearskin hats with a gold tas- sel. Arrived at the field, line was formed in the following order: No. 1 Troop Montreal Cavalry, Montreal Field Bat- tery, Montreal Brigade Garrison Artillery, Montreal En- gineers, Troy Citizens Corps, First Prince of Wales Rifles, Sixty-fifth Battalion Rifles, Barlow Grays of St. Albans, Vt., Sixth Fusiliers and Victoria Rifles. There were in all about 1600 men in line. The commanding officer of the parade was Lieut. Col. Maunsell, D. A. G., of the Ottawa Brigade. The reviewing officers were Col. Dyde, C. M.G.,
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A. D. C., and Maj. Gen. J. B. Carr, each attended by his staff. Gen. Carr was also attended by the Old Guard of the Corps. First the reviewing officers passed down the line, inspecting the different Corps. Then the com- mand was formed in open column of brigade and marched past, and then repeated the movement in close column. During these evolutions the sky was again overcast, and the clouds had become blacker and blacker. Finally, just as the column was beginning the third march past in double quick time, the storm burst, and down on the devoted heads of the soldiers and of the thousands of spectators came torrents of rain. Through the crowd a crop of umbrellas sprang up very quickly, but the soldier boys had nothing to shelter them but their bayonets. On swept the column at a double-quick, while the furious rain was drenching the men to the skin, and the wind made the pompous shakos reel. At the close of this movement a sham fight was on the program, but the storm had now become so violent that Col. Maunsell wisely decided to dismiss the parade at once. So the Corps trudged away good naturedly through the wind and rain, the red coats soaked through and through, and the huge bearskins wobbling like so many drowned cats. Thus ended the grand review, fairly quenched like a boy's bonfire by the rain storm. The hotel was reached at about 2 o'clock. Then followed a general donning of dry clothes. Other garments were abundant, but, alas ! there were no trowsers but white ones. So, although the afternoon was cold and wet, the corridors of the Windsor were soon alive with white-legged Trojans. It was Capt. Cusack's plan to hold a dress parade in Dominion square, opposite the hotel, at 5:30. But the weather con- tinued showery and uncertain, and at about 5 o'clock it was announced that there was nothing more in the mili- tary line for that day. Then there was a general scatter- ing to see the sights of Montreal. Places of amusement for the evening were liberally patronized. Many went to see Lotta at the Academy of Music, or Baker and Farron at the Theatre Royal. It was an odd sight to watch the
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Americans gravely filing into their places, clad in white pantaloons and overcoats. A band competition was an- nounced for Queen's Hall, but the night was cold and wet, and only one band appeared besides Doring's. For the same reason the audience was slim, and the prizes, together with the competition, were postponed indefi- nitely.
The sights of Montreal are interesting to the American visitor. The place has an air of solidity rare to our towns, owing to the fact that so large a proportion of the houses are built of stone. The same material is used in con- structing the docks, some three miles in extent. These are really magnificent, and afford room for a vast num- ber of vessels. The water is so deep that ocean steamers are accommodated with ease. Many went to see the parish church of Notre Dame, often mistakenly called " the cathedral." It has two stone towers 220 feet high, one of which contains a chime, and the other a big bell weighing about 30,000 pounds, claimed to be the largest in America. The view of the city and river from these towers is very fine. The drive to Mountain Park is a favorite one. From this park the prospect is beautiful. The city, the St. Lawrence, with its shipping, its long tubular bridge, and the Lachine rapids above, and the distant Green Mountains on the horizon, are all spread out below.
But it is not necessary to write a guide book for Mon- treal. Suffice it to say that the members of the expedi- tion explored vigorously and were seen in all parts of the city, from "the mountain " to " Joe Beef's Canteen." All of Wednesday morning was spent in this way until 10:30. At that hour a dress parade was held in front of the Windsor. The soaked blue trowsers had been dried and brushed during the night, so that they were once more presentable. The uniform was blue with white hel- mets. A large audience was assembled, including Gen. Sherman. The Canadians were quite interested in ob- serving the application of Upton's tactics, so different from theirs.
7
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At 12:30 the Corps were in line for the return. The march was right down Windsor street to Bonaventure station. Here there was a brief delay, allowing time for music by Doring and the Troy City Drum Corps. Then, amid repeated cheering from the throng in the station, the train glided away and the visit to Montreal was at an end.
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