USA > New York > Dutchess County > Address delivered Wednesday, 28th November, 1866 : in Feller's Hall, Madalin, township of Red Hook, Duchess Co., N.Y. > Part 18
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she needed soldiers, and his gallantry, his uniform kindness and heroic example on all occasions, inspired his men with a lasting admiration for him. Our love for his memory-our respect for his family_bring us here to-day. We come from the battle-field, where . we have left many a comrade, to tender to his son one of the tattered banners under which his noble father fell. When the Rebellion broke out. Colonel PRATT was one of the very first to tender his regiment. It seemed as though every missile hurled against Fort Sumter shook and thrilled his fragile frame, and, if possible, filled him with a deeper love for his country. It seemed as though he felt that he could make no sacrifices too great in and of his country, against this unholy Rebellion. On the 20th of April, 1861, the regiment marched to the seat of war nearly one thou- sand strong It had then eniis ed for three months, and after serving that term faithfully, returned home, re-organized, and again enlisted. this time for three years and again under the lead of their favorite Colonel ; and it was fated that our beloved and heroic commander should fall in the defence of his country. Le received his fatal wound in the second Bull Run battle. Always kind, always generous, always good and noble. I cannot (said Colonel G.) depict the grief . of the regiment on learning of their loss. He has gone to his long rest. and knowing him as well as I did, I cannot doubt but that his rest is both peaceful and happy. We feel that his life was closed all too soon. We know that it was not lived or lost in vain ; and it should be, as it is. I believe, our study and hope to emulate his example. to the end that when peace is restored to country. and the majesty of our the law is again supreme, we may enjoy a portion of the general respect, which was so largely his share and which is now paid his memory. In behalf of the regiment (addressing the by) officers and men, and the men not less than the . Evers. I present you this battle-flag. Its wounds were received when your t'thier fell. When it was presented to the regiment, he pledged himself that i: s_ ald ever be religiously defended. It has no marks 'shonor. All its scars are honorable, and we believe that it will be beloved and held sacred by you, as as been and is by us,
for the sake of the memos
your deceased father."
Master PRATT said. in : - I thank the Twen-
tieth regiment for these I thank thiem for
remembering my father. r and be as good and brave a man as he was
GOVERNOR SEYMOUR, FESTBing for Master PRATT, said: " Soldiers of the T-roc: sta Militia, on behalf of a sorrowing and stricke: father. on behalf of a mourning family-and speises for the orphen chil-
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being made the instrument of your fellow-citizen, Mr. KUGLER and his good wife, in presenting you this beautiful stand of colors-the work of their hands. Mr. KEGLER was formerly a member of your regiment, who went out in the three months service, and re- turning would have gone again, but was advised by his commandant that perhaps duty to an invalid wife and to his family, demanded that he should remain at home. But chafing under his anxiety to serve his country, he determined to make dne amends for his inability to go with you to the field. And his wife, desiring to make some slight compensation to the regi- ment for permitting her husband to remain at home, they have acted accordingly, and this magnificent flag, which I now present you, is the result. Would to God that every man and woman in the community would feel thus ill at ease with themselves, until they had done something half as noble for their country, in this trying crisis of its existence. But our German fellow- citizens have generally been loyal to the old fl g, from the very commencement of our troubles- have kept the Star of the Republic ste ady in theireyes, and have not permitted party or personal considerations to di- vert their attention or detract from their devotion to one country-one Union-one destiny."
"You have just returned. Colonel, from visiting the shrine of your late commandant. Colonel PRATT; where you went to present to his widow and father- Jess son, the remaant of the battle-flag which you carried with you for two years past. It was an offer- ing well and worthily made. But it was this circum- stance which suggested to Mr. KUGLER that you would now stand in need of another flag. You have it ; and in view of the record which you have brought back from the war already, and of the deeds which you have performed on the field, and which are known of all men. it would be presna ptuons in me to charge. you to keep that emblem sacred, and never permit it to be desecrated or disgraced. When borne aloft at the head of your columns, fet each man remember it is no mere ornament there, but that it represents the sovereignty of the nation, and the majesty of thirty millions of people: And as it proved a scourge and a terror to tyrants in the hands of your fathers, so may it prove a scourge .nd a terror to traitors in the hands of you, their sons."
" Men of the Twentieth : It was over two years ago, and yet it seems Unt a few days, that you left us be- fore, amid the mingled tears and acclamations of ten thousand of your neighbers and friends, your fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, wives and children. Yo rettried to be crowned with the blessings of 75,000 people, who waited with open arms to receive
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and after other addresses and an eloquent prayer, the battalion moved off amid a vast throng of people to Rondout, and embarked on board the steamer Thomas Cornell and proceeded to New York.
March 29 .- Battalion transported to the ocean steamer America and sailed for Washington, D. C., proceeding from thence via Orange and Alexandria Railroad to Brandy Station, Va., where they rejoined the balance of the regiment.
May 4. 'All'detachments, except the one at Army Headquarters, ordered to report at Brandy Station as as soon as the public property at their several stations was removed. At different times during the day the various detachments reported at headquarters, and were placed on duty guarding the public property at the depot and picketing the country in the neighbor- hood. At 11 o'clock p. M., all public property having been removed or burned and the station destroyed, the pickets were recalled and the regiment took up its line of march to rejoin the Army, then one day's march ahead. Marched to Stephensburg, a distance of 5 miles, and bivouacked.
May 5 .- Resumed march at 6 A. M., crossed the Rapidan at Gold Mine Ford, and reached Head- quarters, Army of the Potomac, at Wilderness Turern, in " The Wilderness," at 7 p. M., having marched 18 miles.
From this time until May 8th engaged in guarding prisoners of war.
May 8 .- Marched at 1} A. M. in charge of prisoners of war, passed through Chancellorsville and encamped at 7 p. M. near Piney Branch Church : distance marched 20 miles.
May 9 .- Marched about 6 miles and encamped on north side of Fredericksburg and Orange Plank Road.
May 12 .- Marched to near New Salem Church, on Plank Road, 6 miles from last camp.
May 13 .- Marched at 6 A. M. in charge of 7,000 prisoners of war (JOHNSON's Division, EWELL's Corps) through Fredericksburg, across the Rappahannock River to Belle Plain on the Potomac River, being as- Asted by a detachment of dismounted cavalry and a battery of artillery, the whole under the command of Colonel GATES of this regiment. Distance marched 17 miles.
May 14 .- At daybreak Colonel GATES ordered the cavalry to return, and at 2 p. M., having delivered the prisoners to the Veteran Reserve Corps, the regiment and battery took up their line of march, and at sunset, having reached the Rappahannock River, opposite the the City of Fredericksburg, bivouacked, having marched 16 miles. part of the distance through a furi- ous storm of wind and rain, which flooded the small
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streams, forcing the regiment to build bridges to allow the artillery to cross.
May 15. - Marched at 8 A. M., crossed the Rappa- bannock River, passed through and encamped in rear of Fredericksburg. Distance marched 2 miles.
May 21 .- Colonel GATES ordered the battery of ar- tillery to report to Chief of Artillery. G and I Com- panies marched to Belle Plain in charge of prisoners of war. Remainder of regiment marched at 7 p. M. 10 and through Fredericksburg, down the Bowling Green Road, and bivouacked at 12 p. M. near the Massaponix River, having marched + miles.
May 22 .- Marched at 5 A. M., following the Bowling Green Road, and balted for the night near Welcen. Distance marched, 10 miles.
May 23 .- Companies G and I rejoined the regiment, having marched 44 miles. Marched at 7 A. M. and en- camped at Milford on the Mattapony River, having marched 9 miles.
May 24 .- Marched at 3 P. M., crossing the Mattapo- ny River at Milford and encamped near Wright's Tavern. Distance marched, 4 miles.
May 27 .- Marched at 7 A. M., recrossing the Matta- pony at Milford and encamped a mile west of the Mat- tacocy, having marched 15 miles.
May 28 .- Marched at 7 A. M., and passing through Newtown, encamped near the Mat apony, opposite Dunkirk. Distance marched, 12 miles.
May 29 .- Marched at 7 A. M. and encamped 2 miles north of the Pamunkey, opposite Newcastle. Distance marched, 10 miles.
May 30 .- Crossed the Pamunkey on a pontoon bridge, and encamped 2 miles from bridge, on the Hanover Court-house road; - 1 and K Companies guarding bridge.
May 31 .- Moved back one mile nearer bridge. Dur- ing this month the regiment was engaged in guarding prisoners of war and bridges, protecting wagon trains, doing picket duty, acting as rear-gnard to the Army, and performing the general provost duty of the Army of the Potomac. The total number of Rebel prison- ers received by the regiment during the month was 10.315.
June 1 .- Marched at 11 A. M. towards White House, Va., and bivonacked near Oldl Church. Distance marched 9 miles.
June 2. Marching at 8 A. M .. and passing Old Church, encamped at Parsley's Corners, near Ander- son's Mills, 3 miles east of Coal Harbor and 5 miles from last camp.
June 11 .- Marched at 3 p. M., and bivoucked at } P. M. at Tunstall's Station. Distance marched, 8 miles.
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June 12 .- Marched at & p. M to near White House and bivoucked. Distance marched 4 miles.
June 13 .- Marched.at 6 A. M., and taking the River Road passed Cumberland Landing and Sluterstille and bivouacked at 6 P. M, at Roper's Church, having marched 20 miles.
June 14 .- Marched at 53 A. M. 3 miles and en- camped.
June 15 .- Marched at 3 p M., crossing the Chicka- hominy at 6 p. M. on a pontoon bridge and bivouacked at 12 p. M. Distance marched, 15 miles.
June 16 .- Marched at 5 A. M. to the James River, opposite Fort Powhatan, crossed the river at 3 p. M. on a pontoon bridge and bivouacked 1 mile beyond.
- June 17 .- Marched at. 6 A M., passed Merchants' Hope Church and bivouacked at Knoc's Cross Roads at 4 P. M. Distance marched, 18 miles.
June 18 .- Marched at 3 p. M. to City Point and en- camped. Distance marched, 3 miles. Colonel GATES appointed Military Commandant of City Point.
June 23 .- Lieutenant-Colonel HARDENBERGH, with a detachment, consisting of Adjutant J. M .. SCHOON- MAKER, Captain WM. H. CUNNINGHAM, Lieutenant SMITH and Assistant Surgeon WoI. H. TAYLOR and 80 men embarked on steamer Guide to proceed to Point Lookout and Fort Delaware as guard for 700 prison- ers of war.
June 25 .- Regiment. pursu nt to orders from L eu- tenant-General GRANT, embarked on transport and proceeded to Wilcox Landing, where it disembarked and marched towards Charles City Court-house to re- port to Major-General SHERIDAN. After marching 5 miles, was ordered to occupy earth-works 2 miles nearer the landing, under command of General GETTY, where remained about 3 hours, when returned to the landing and bivouacked.
June 26 .- By order of General SHERIDAN embarked on steamer and returned to City Point.
June 20 .- Lieutenant-Colonel HARDENBERG and de- tachment r joined the regiment.
During this month and July the regiment was en- gaged in doing, the general provost duty for the Armies operating against Richmond, " having charge of all trains running on the City Point and Peters- burg Railroad, all mail steamers running to and from Bermuda Hundred City Point and points north, and the charge of the secret service boat, a detachment of the regiment being in that service and a large number of the officers on staff and special duty.
August 9 .- A vessel loaded with ordnance stores lying in the harbor at City Point. blew up at 11 A. M., cansing great destruction of property and killing and wounding a large number of men. The loss of the
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regiment by this accident was 5 killed and 17 wounded. . From this time till November the regiment contin- ued doing the same kind of duty, nothing worthy of note occuring, except a march of the regiment a few miles and back in attempting to intercept WADE HAMPTON'S Cavalry, who had stolen a large berd of cottle, and the presenting to Brigadier-General M. R. PATRICK, Provost- Marshal-General, .Armies operating against Richmond " (under whose command they had been for a long time), by the enlisted men of the reg- iment ( whose term of service was abont to expire ) of a magnificent sword, belt, sash and spurs
During the month of November, Colonel T B. GATES, who had commanded the regiment from the time that Colonel G. W. PRATT was wounded, was mustered out on account of the expiration of his term of service, and Lieutenant Colonel J. B. HARDENBERGH assumed his place as Colonel of the regiment. and as Military Commandant of the Post and Defences of City Point.
Address of the officers and men of the Twentieth Regiment N. Y. S. M. to Colonel THEODORE B. GATES, . on the occasion of his taking leave of them at the ex- piration of his term of service .
Colonel GATES : The officers and men of your com- mand approach you with feelings of deep regret on . this occasion. We are well aware that it is.no unusu- al occurence for an officer who has faithfully done his duty to retire from his command, le wing behind him some of his old companions, and almost always bear. ing with him the regard and esteem, as also the affec- tion of his in n, but it has yet to be learned that any officer has ever left behind him in the field a body of men who more sincerely and deeply feel the loss they are sustaining than do the officers and men of the Twentiethr Reziment N. Y. S M.
Having been so long together-having fought side by side-having endured hardships together-now, that you leave us, you carry with you the most pro- found esteem-the sincerest regard-and, above all, the deep affection of your fellow-soldiers.
It is, beyond all question, a matter which concerns us deeply; for we feel that, in losing you we lose one whose sympathies Irave ever been with us-whose voice has always cheered us-whose smile has ever encouraged ns, and where we have failed in our duty, we.know that you have never failed in yours.
We make no allusion to your career as a gallant soldier-that is recorded in the HEARTS of your men, and will be read in the annals of this warfare. Trifling as may seem to you this small tribnte of our esteem and affection, be assured that it is dictated by warm and loving hearts towards one whose life and
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career among us has proved him to be a true patriot, a brave soldier, and an earnest-minded, Christian gen . tleman.
It may not be inappropriate to say that this tumult of warm affection toward you which your proposed departare has aroused among us, is not the spontane- ous impulse of the moment, but it is the welling forth from the very depths of the fountains of our hearts of that feeling winch can no longer be restrain- ed within bounds.
It may perhaps be some slight satisfaction to you to know that it is to your example we are indebted for much that is good in as. We feel it and know it. It may be a greater satisfaction to you to be assured that that example shall always stand before us as a bright and guiding star, the lustre of whose splendor shall not be oimmed by any fault of ours, in an earn- est endeavor to sustain the enviable reputation which you have conferred on our regiment.
Now that you are returning to your home and the duties of civil life, you bear with you our heartfelt and earnest wishes for the future prosperity and hap- piness of yourself, Mrs. GATES, and your family, and, since the storm of battle for you has passed, may the future which lies before you be as bright and glorious in its result, as the past has been distinguished by your nobleness and valor.
That He who has thus far preserved you may keep you, with those who are dear to you, safe unto the end, is the earnest prayer of the officers and men of the Twentieth Regiment New York State Militia.
During the months of November and December the regiment continued the performance of the same and similar duties as they had done since their arrival at City Point, nothing of particular interest occurring except turning out twice during the night time and marching to the defences to repulse threatened at- tacks of the enemy. .
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
MOVEMENTS, SERVICE & DISCIPLINE
OF THE Twentieth Regiment New York State Militia,
"ULSTER GUARD," COMMANDED BY
COLONEL J. B. HARDENBERGH, FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1865.
January 1 .- Encamped at City Point, Va., doing guard duty and the provost duty for the " Armies op. perating against Richmond.".
February 15 .-- Colonel HARDENBERGH relieved from command of post of City Point by Brevet Brigadier- General C. H. T. COLLIS, and assumed command of the regiment-General COLLIS's regiment having been ordered to duty there.
February 16 .- Major J. R. LESLIE was assigned to the temporary command of the Eighth Regiment Del- aware Volunteers, lying at City Point.
During the balance of this month and the month of March the regiment continued performing the same kind of duties as heretofore mentioned ; turning out once and marching to repulse the enemy, who had broken through our lines at Fort Stedman, but the enemy retiring, the regiment returned to camp.
April 2 .- Received orders about 4 A. M. for the reg- iment to march with brigade to occupy the works which had recently been thrown up on the heights above City Point, to act as a reserve and support to an attack which had been ordered by General GRANT to be made at daylight along the whole front of the lines investing Petersburg and Richmond. The regiment marched as ordered and reached the position Assigned it, just south of the City Point and Petersburg Railroad, at dawn. A portion of the enemy's works (including Fort MAHONE, known more familiarly as " Fort Damnation ") har- ing been carried by assault by the Ninth Corps, and the enemy having made several attempts to recover them, which had been repulsed, and it being feared, that as they were the key-point of that line, the ene- my would again endeavor to retake them at all haz- ards, the brigade to which the regiment was attached
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was ordered, at 7 A. M., to move to their support. With the utmost expedition they moved accordingly -most of the way at a double quick-to Fort SEDG- WICK (generally known as " Fort Hell"). Upon their arrival they were inmediately formed in line of battle and ordered to move forward and occupy Fort Mahone; the enemy still occupied the line to the left of Fort Mahone, and were thus enabled to keep up an enfilad- ing fire over the ground the regiment was compelled to pass in moving from Fort Sedgwick to Fort Mahone. This fire was very severe during the time the regiment was taking up its position, occasioning considerable loss to it. Just after the position was attained, the enemy having concentrated their forces, made a des- perate charge, in hopes of recapturing the fort, but were repulsed with heavy loss to them. They then re- treated to their inner line of works, and opened a brisk. musketry fire, which was kept up until about 10 p. M. During the night the brigade moved forward and captured a Innette work in front of Fort Mahone mounting two casemate howitzers, which enfiladed the works to the right of the fort. Shortly afterwards fires were seen at several points along the line, and in the direction of Petersburg and Richmond, and several heavy explosions were heard, showing conclusively that the enemy were evacuating those places.
April 3 .- About 3 A. M. the brigade was ordered forward. They advanced rapidly on Petersburg, found the enemy's inner line of works abandoned and reached the city just at daylight. The color sergeant and color guard proceeded to a conspicuous honse near by and hoisted the Stars and Stripes over it. This . was the first United States flag that waved in this city limits after the passage of the Ordinance of Seces- sion by the State of Virginia. The regiment remain- ed in Petersburg until the afternoon, when they march- ed back to City Point and occupied their old quarters.
April 7 .- The following order was promulgated :
HEADQUARTERS, POST, CITY POINT, Va .. April 7, 1865.
General Orders No. 12.
In the recent operations which resu ted in the cap- ture of Petersburg and Richmond the troops of this command have borne a conspicuous part and their gallantry is the theme of universal praise. They were called upon to repulse a desperate enemy, flushed with a temporary success, which threatened to deprive us of ground which had already cost our troops dearly ; and they moved forward to the work with such en- thusiasm and determination that the enemy was driven from his stronghold in confusion. The skirmish- ers of this command were the first to enter the besieg- ed city, and it is believed our colors were the first to
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float over it We have lost many valuable officers and men who cannot be replaced, but it is a comfort to those who survive to feel that each of his fallen comrades was at his post nobly doing his duty.
By command of
Brevet Brigadier-General C. II. T COLLIS. J. M. SCHOONMAKER, Captain Twentieth N. Y. S M. and A. A. A. G.
April 14 .- Pursuant to orders from Lieutenant- General GRANT. the regiment was relieved from duty at the post of City Point. and ordered to report to Brigadier-General M. R. PATRICK, Provost-Marshal- General. On reporting to General PATRICK they were ordered to proceed to Richmond-embarked the same day and proceeded to the city of Richmond, where disembarked, marched through the city to Howard's Grove, where occupied barracks formerly used by the rebels as a hospital.
April 22 .- Pursuant to Special Orders No. 1, Head- quarters, Military Commander, City of Richmond, this regiment and the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Vol- unter I's were constituted the provost guard of that city, "under the direction of the Provost-Marshal- General."
From this time until November, the regiment was engaged in the performance of provost duty in the city of Richmond, and the administering of the gov. ernment of the same. To show the extent of their duties and how multifarous they were, a list of the officers detached for special duty in the month of June is hereto annexed :
Colonel J. B. HARDENBERGH, President of a Gener- al Court Martial.
Lieutenant-Colonel J. McENTRE, Provost Judge- duties same as Mayor of the city.
Major J. R. LESLIE, Provost-Marshal Fourth Dis- tric', City of Richmond.
Surgeon R. LOUGHRAN, Medical Director, District of Ienrico
Assistant Surgeon C. L. HUMPHREY, in charge of Alms House, County of Henrico.
Captain E. M. MISNER, Company A. President of the R-lief Committee.
Captain ISAAC BUSWELL, Company B, member of General Court Martial.
Brevet Major, Captain MARTIN SNYDER, Company C, Commanding Provost Guard, Fowth District.
Captam J. M. SCHOONMAKER, Company D, Aide-de- Camp to Brevet Major-General TURNER and Com- manding Military Prisons. viz .: Libby Prison. Castle Thunder. City Jail. State Penitentiary, and Depot of Distribution.
Captain W. W. BECKWITH, Company E, Aide-de-
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Camp to General TURNER, and Assistant Provost- Marshal- General District of Henrico.
Captain N. HOYSRADT, Company F, Assistant Pro- rost Judge. City of Richmond.
Captain M. J. C. WOODWORTH. Company G, officer Provost Guard, Fourth District.
Captain G. B. MULKs, Company H, officer Provost Guard, Second District.
Captain CHAS. S. PARKER, Company I, officer Pro- vost Guard, Fourth District.
Captain D. I. FRANCE, Company K, Commanding Provost Guard Second District
Lieutenant JOHN I. SMITH, Company A, in Com- mand of Alins House.
Lieutenant TIMOTHY MURRAY. Company B, officer of the Provost Guard, Fourth District.
Lieutenant JACOB II. WINFIELD. Company C, Aide- de-Camp to Brevet Major-General TURNER, Command- ing District of Henrico.
Lieutenant JOHN H. DUNN, Company C, officer Provost Guard, Fourth District.
Lieutenant JAS. HATCH, Company D. Street Com- missioner, City .of Richmond.
Lieutenant LYMAN HOYSRADT, Company F, Com- manding Guard at State Penitentiary.
Lieutenant ISAAC THOMAS, Company G, officer Pro- vost Guard, Fourth District.
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