USA > New York > New York County > Governor's Island; its military history under three flags, 1637-1913 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
* These shields are described on p. 148. When the new Chapel was built (1906) they were removed from the old Chapel, carefully mounted on oak and hung on the walls of the south transept, where they serve as a reminder of the devotion of Dr. McVickar and of the manly piety of the soldiers of his day and generation. Requiescant omnes in pace.
133
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Society were brought into requisition to enable him to make distribution to every man of a Bible and, to every one that desired it, a Prayer Book. This distribution was made the occasion of a farewell address, which, at the request of the officers, was printed and distributed among the men as a memento of home, for California was then a terra incognita, and felt to be, as it really was, very far away.
The request of the Committee of Officers for a copy of this farewell address, which was made at the distribution of Bibles and Prayer Books to the Regiment prior to its sailing for Cali- fornia and which was printed, is dated "Camp Polk, Gover- nor's Island, 7th Reg't N. Y. U. S. A. Volunteers, Sept. 11th, 1846," and the Doctor's acknowledgment of the courtesy was dated the following day.
Of his ministrations among the sick, it is sufficient to say that he was faithful, and never allowed personal fear, and seldom personal weariness, to interpose a barrier. When the cholera was raging on Governor's Island in 1849, he writes to an absent member of his family: "Dr. I was with last night, who, both for his own sake and that of his family, is very dear to me. I am afraid we shall lose him. It has terminated in cholera, which has carried off so many. I shall return to a sorrowing, perhaps desolate house, but God's will be done. It is painful beyond measure to lose, as I do, the mourners also, by their removal from my care and sympathy."
As I copy these lines, evidently written before breakfast, after an anxious night's visitation, and telling of the simple way in which the chaplain went in and out among his cholera sick, I am forcibly reminded of his devoted successor in the chaplaincy, the Revd. Alexander Davidson, the second chaplain from Trinity Church, who has but just laid down his young life, a sacrifice to the same sense of duty, as he went in and out among the sick soldiers, during the late prevalence of yel- low fever on the island. His record as given by his com- manding officer is a very noble one, and if imagination might be allowed to picture choice meetings in the spirit world, it would find here congenial material.
134
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
Many letters show the personal interest which my father took in the new recruits, especially those who had seen better days, and who, by misfortune or wrong-doing, had been in- duced to enlist in the army. Several, so situated, were through his influence at Washington freed from their enlistment and restored to their friends. Foreigners also, who could neither speak nor write English, but who were well educated, and who from necessity had been forced to enlist, often found in the Latin tongue a means of communication which must have been to them a great comfort. * * *
The following letter, found among the Chaplain's papers, is an example of this, pathetic in its simplicity.
DOMINE PASTOR :
Quod tibi scribo, excusa me.
Te rogare volui ut curam haberes pro mne Majorem optare ut me in Partem Permanentem transferret.
Simul curriculum vitæ meæ tibi refero ut de me judi- care possis.
Filius Pastoris primarii Magdeburgiensis sum, In prima classe Gymnasii Latini Halbertstadiensis versatus sum.
Postea quinque annos mercator fui in quibus Collegium Carolinum Brunoswigii visitavi.
Capitanus in Bello Danico fui et infelix fortuna politicio me in hanc partem mundi translulit. Non amicum qui me novit habeo. Rogo ut te meum optatum audias.
CAROLUS ARMINIUS THRYHSSON.
The "permanent party" referred to in the above was the per- manent garrison of the Island, the members of which were not liable to be sent to distant posts, and had other privileges.
* Translation ---
REVEREND PASTOR :
Excuse me for troubling you with a letter.
I wish to ask you to be so very kind as to request the Major to transfer me to the Permanent Party.
I will now tell you something of my life so that you can judge what kind of man I am.
I am the Son of the Chief Pastor of the City of Magdeburg and a grad-
135
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Only the best men were put upon it and it was considered an honor as well as an advantage to belong to it.
These chaplaincy duties, running over a period of eighteen years, having commenced with one war, were destined to terminate with another. My father's feelings with regard to the War of the Rebellion are well expressed in the following few lines of a home letter :-
"April 17, 1861,-Our April has been stormy, but less so than our national affairs. It is a crisis I could never have believed in, and even now can scarcely realize; but it alters not our rule of life-duty and Christian hope. When earth is dark, we must look to Heaven for light. Civil war is upon us. It might, perhaps, have been avoided, but must now be met, and the Federal government supported at all hazards and any cost. We must now conquer peace. The interval, long or short, will be one of trials and self-denials such as we have not been accustomed to, but with a brave heart and God's Blessing we shall go through them."
Under the regulations then in force soldiers were required to attend divine service and on the sounding of the Church call were marched to and seated in the lower half of the Chapel. Those only were excused who were on duty that prevented or who could plead religious scruples. These, how- ever, had to remain in quarters during divine service and have the Articles of War and Regulations read to them and some amusing tales are traditional from McVickar's time of men who after comparing the Regulations and the Chaplain's ser- mons decided in favour of the latter as the less of two evils.
The reader who has followed thus far this historical ac- count will have observed that Governor's Island is sui generis
uate in the highest class of the Latin Classical Academy of Halbertstadt (Prussia).
For five years after my graduation I was engaged in business during which time I attended the Caroline College at Brunswick.
I also served in the Army with rank of Captain in our war with Den- mark and then by an unhappy turn of the wheel of fortune I find myself in this part of the world, unknown, without a friend to help me. I earnestly beg that you will hear this my prayer.
I36
1
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
in every department of its military and social activities. It will not be surprising, therefore, to find it so in its ecclesiastical relations.
Dr. McVickar was selected by the Post Council of Ad- ministration according to the regulations of 1838. In those days the pay of Chaplain was forty dollars a month, four rations per day, quarters and fuel, increased in 1849 to not to exceed sixty dollars a month, subject to the approval of the Post Council.
The Chaplaincy of Governor's Island has remained during all succeeding years on the basis of its establishment in 1844, except that since 1868 the financial support of the Chaplain has been borne by the Trinity Church Corporation. This is somewhat analogous to the corps of Acting Post Chaplains in the British Army, of whom there are a number carried on the rolls in addition to the regular commissioned Chaplains. These have their regular parochial work but may be called upon, as reserves, by the War Department for special duty when their services are required. The arrangement in force at Governor's Island is more favourable to the Government, however, as is also the status of the Chapel building, which is for the sole use of the Government in the persons of the Governor's Island establishment, whereas in England and Germany today the Military Garrisons in most cases share a parish Church with the regular congregation, as, for instance, at Carlisle, where the author has been present at service on Sunday, the command from the Castle in the City marching in and occupying assigned sittings, the officers sitting in the choir stalls.
In Germany there are but a few Garrison Chapels besides the ones at Berlin and Potsdam and the garrisons use the local churches as best they may. The author quotes the following passage on this subject from the valuable observations of Chaplain Joseph Clemens, 15th U. S. Infantry, on duty at Tientsin, China :
"The French have no chaplains, neither have the Italians, except for soldiers in the provinces. The Germans have
137
-
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Romanist and Protestant chaplains at all garrisons, who also visit the smaller posts periodically. When no chaplain is ob- tainable the commanding officer reads the service. Regimental chaplains rank as captains, superintending chaplains as lieu- tenant colonels. They are paid from the war budget. Roman Catholic and Protestant chaplains are forbidden to talk to any but those of their own faith; the orthodox (Lutheran) may talk to all. They visit the hospitals and prisons.
The Russians provide an Orthodox, a Romanist and a Pro- testant at each large garrison. For smaller posts they provide an Orthodox chaplain, and for each prison and hospital, but for others they provide chaplains by districts. They do not rank as officers nor wear uniforms, on account of the union of Church and State. The chaplains of one creed are not for- bidden to talk to men of another creed. In Russia soldiers are ordered to service twice a week, but elsewhere a priest comes at certain times, and the C.O. conducts services on holy- days and special occasions. Chaplains are paid from the war budget.
The British provide chaplains for soldiers everywhere, ac- cording to the credal preference made by the soldiers when entering the service, whether Orthodox (Church of England), Romanist or Dissenters (Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc.). Chaplains rank from citizens to a chaplain general, but do not wear uniforms. They visit the outposts of their com- mands weekly. When civilian chaplains are employed they receive one shilling a man per annum. An officer accompanies each detail of men to their various services once a week under orders.
Speaking generally, it may be said the chaplains of European Armies are employed in religious work only."
Dr. McVickar, the venerable founder of the work here, was, like some of the recognized Chaplains in the British Army to-day, a civilian chaplain, and all who have followed him for 70 years have been the same, except Chaplain La Tourette, who served here 1865-8.
The students of Columbia in the 40's and 50's had a song
I38
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
about this distinguished scholar and cleric in allusion to his Army chaplaincy which it is supposed amused him as much as the students themselves. The refrain was as follows :
"O! Johnny McVickar's a warlike man; He's built on the preaching and fighting plan- He's chaplain of Governor's Island."
At this time Columbia College was at Park Place near the Battery. Dr. McVickar wore a military cape and cap in his attendance at the College as well as when on duty at Fort Columbus and was accustomed to hang them on a hook in view of the students. The author has been told by a dis- tinguished clergyman of the Church who was a student at Columbia under Dr. McVickar in the Class of 1856 that the Reverend Professor-Chaplain was very proud of his chaplaincy at Governor's Island as well as of the cap which he wore, and the students, who, it seems, were very much as students are today, appreciating this very pardonable pride, but determined to turn it to good account, formulated a set of verses of which the chorus as given above alone remains.
Columbia College thus has three points of connection with Governor's Island-first, when under the early Governors a certain tract was set apart for the College Revenue, but never used; second, in 1797, when its Professors and students in a body worked on the fortifications; and third, in giving one of its Professors, from 1844 to 1862, as the Chaplain of Gover- nor's Island. The labours of the College body on the Harlem fortifications in 1814 must also be remembered (p. 54).
The following inscription is carved on one of the stone sedilia in the Chapel :
139
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
In Memory of JOHN McVICKAR Priest and Doctor Born 1787, Died 1868 Chaplain of this Post 1844-1862 By whose wisdom and liberality the first Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion was erected in 1846
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips.
Dr. McVickar was succeeded in the chaplaincy by the Rev. Mr. Scudder, who held that office from 1862 until 1865.
Upon his retirement the Rev. James Armour Moore La Tourette was appointed in his place. He was a clergyman of the Episcopal Church and served as commissioned chaplain from 1865 until 1868.
One of the Sanctuary sedilia has been designated as a memorial of him, and is thus inscribed :
In Memory of JAMES ARMOUR MOORE LA TOURETTE, Priest. Born 1826. Died 1891. Chaplain of this Post, 1865-1868.
Faithful in the dis- charge of duty, notably in the siege of Asiatic cholera of 1866. Instant in season Out of season.
140
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
In 1868 it was announced by the War Department that as the Island is within the limits of the City of New York, the religious bodies of that city ought to feel interest enough in the spiritual welfare of the men on the Island to supply them with the ministrations of religion. Trinity Church being in the First Ward, in full view from the Island and close at hand, the Rector and Vestry responded without delay to the sug- gestion of the Government, and immediately made a pro- posal to the War Department to maintain a clergyman at the post at their own expense, who should perform the accustomed duties of a commissioned chaplain. The proposal was ac- cepted August, 1868, as appears from the followng extracts from the collection of documents relating to this subject :
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, August 11th, 1868.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL D. BUTTERFIELD, Superintendent Gen'l Rec'g Service, New York City.
SIR:
Referring to the recommendation contained in your in- dorsement of the 31st ultimo forwarding a proposition made by the Vestry of Trinity Church, New York, to fur- nish and pay a clergyman to conduct religious and school exercises at Governor's Island, New York Harbor, said clergyman to be allowed quarters and fuel by the Govern- ment and have the facilities usually furnished to chap- plains, you are respectfully informed the same has been approved by the Secretary of War.
Very respectfully Your obedient servant, (Signed) E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS GEN'L REC'G SERVICE,
NEW YORK CITY, August 14, 1868.
Official copy respectfully furnished Brevet Brig. Gen- eral H. D. Wallen, Commanding Fort Columbus, N. Y. H., for his information and guidance and with reference to
141
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
copy of the letter of Rev. Dr. Dix furnished him from this office, July 31st ultimo.
By order of Bvt. Major Gen'l Butterfield.
(Signed) ASA BIRD GARDINER, Ist Lieut. of 9th Infantry, A. A. A. G.
The first chaplain under this arrangement was the Reverend J. B. C. Beaubien, appointed October 12, 1868, in the following Orders :
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 104. H'DQ'RS PRINCIPAL DEPOT, G. R. S. FT. COLUMBUS, N. Y. HARBOR, Dec. 3, 1868.
The Commanding Officer has the pleasure of announc- ing to the Command that through the generosity and Christian sympathy extended by Trinity Church, New York City, the services of the Rev. J. B. C. Beaubien have been secured as resident chaplain of the Depot; and that certain necessary improvements are about to be made in the Chapel of St. Cornelius for the comfort and con- venience of the officers and soldiers here stationed.
Under this beneficent arrangement worship is perma- nently resumed at the Depot: with Sunday morning and evening services : a Sabbath School and Bible Class.
Although "it is earnestly recommended to all officers and soldiers diligently to attend divine service," and not- withstanding all are cordially invited to attend, yet this invitation is in no sense compulsory and must not be so considered or construed by the officers or non-commis- sioned officers of the Depot. All must be left free to worship God after their own forms and in accordance with the dictates of their own consciences.
By order of Bvt. Brig. Gen. H. D. Wallen. I. E. PUTNAM,
Ist Lieut. 12th Inf'y & But. Capt. U. S. A., Post Adjutant.
At the same time order was taken for certain work for the improvement of the chapel and supplies for the schools in charge of the chaplain.
He was transferred after a little more than a year to .an- other Post and the Rev. Alexander Davidson was appointed, January 10, 1870.
Dr. Dix writes of him as follows in his History of the Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion :
142
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
"The name of this devoted young priest shines brightly in the annals of our venerable parish ; he attained an honor which many have coveted but few secured-the death of those who give their lives for their fellow-men. His career was brief, but glorious. Cordially welcomed to the Island by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Neill, commanding the Depot, and furnished by that officer with instructions for his information and guid- ance, he began his work with the opening of the year and speedily gave proof of ability and devotion. But, unfortun- ately, his health was not strong, and after a few months it was deemed advisable that he should take such time as might be necessary for a complete. recovery. While he was away on leave of absence, the yellow fever broke out on the Island, late in the summer, attacking officers and men. On receiving the news Davidson returned at once to his post of duty, in spite of the remonstrances of his friends, and after laboring strenuously among the sick contracted the fatal disease and died. His name has been borne upon our rolls thenceforth as one who fell in the service of Christ and of the brethren. In appreciation of his character and acts the vestry adopted these resolutions :
(October 10, 1870.)
The Comptroller was authorized to pay the expense of printing connected with the memorial of the late Reverend Alexander Davidson, Post Chaplain at Governor's Island, who died recently from yellow fever contracted in his attendance on the sick soldiers under his charge.
Resolved that a tablet be erected in Trinity Church in memory of the Reverend Alexander Davidson, late in the service of this Parish as Chaplain on Governor's Island, who died at that post during the epidemic lately prevail- ing there, in the discharge of his duties to the men under his spiritual care.
And that it be referred to a Committee of three, of which the Rector shall be chairman, to procure a design for such tablet and to select a suitable position for it, and to report the same to the Vestry with an estimate of its cost.
Mr. Strong and Mr. Sackett were appointed on the Committee.
143
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
At the same meeting a substantial gift was made to the mother of the deceased Chaplain, and an appropriation was voted to enable the Rector to provide for the services at St. Cornelius' Chapel in the interval between the death of Mr. Davidson and the appointment of his successor.
The tablet to his memory was placed in Trinity Church, and may now be seen in the sacristy. It bears this inscription :
In memory of the Rev. ALEXANDER DAVIDSON Chaplain at Ft. Columbus New York Harbor Who died of Yellow Fever Sept. A.D. 1870
Though absent on sick leave when the Disease broke out he came back, and while ministering to the Sick and Dying was himself struck down and thus gave his life for his Brethren.
The above inscription is also carved in stone on one of the memorial sedilia in the new Chapel.
The Revd. Edward Hackley Carmichael Goodwin was ap- pointed chaplain Jan'y 17, 1871, and served with great faith- fulness until Sept. 30, 1904, when he was retired on a pension.
Upon his reporting at Governor's Island the following orders were issued :
HEADQUARTERS PRINCIPAL DEPOT RECRUITING SERVICE, FORT COLUMBUS, NEW YORK HARBOR,
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 15. Jan'y 17, 1871.
[EXTRACT.]
II. Rev. Mr. E. H. C. Goodwin having reported at these Headquarters is hereby announced as Chaplain of the Post. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
By command of Lieut .- Col. T. H. Neill, 6th Cavalry. JAMES REGAN, Ist Lt. 9th Infantry, Post Adjutant.
I44
Glatpin & O1iulie Highesta
ANUFY THEE.
NYMNA
ART MOST
THE LORDIS
INTERIOR CHAPEL OF ST. CORNELIUS THE CENTURION. ERECTED 1846-7.
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
When he went to Governor's Island there were two separate commands, Fort Columbus and the New York Arsenal. Fort Columbus was a two-company post, commanded at that time, as appears from the special order just quoted, by Lieut .- Col. Thos. H. Neill, 6th Cavalry, while Lieut .- Col. Theodore T. S. Laidley was in command of the Arsenal. To these two officers Mr. Goodwin was indebted for a very cordial recep- tion, and for whatever assistance could be reasonably expected by one entering on duties so novel. Mr. Goodwin speaks of the feeling toward him throughout his long term of office, both personally and in his work, as so kindly that it is difficult to single out names for mention. Colonel Neill's successors, as a rule, were as warmly his friends as was that distinguished officer. Of Colonel Laidley he has spoken to me with peculiar affection, remarking that he was never absent from the chapel when it was open for service, and that, if on the Island, the Colonel was always in his place, with kindly greeting, wise counsel, helpful suggestion, and hearty sympathy. Among the officers subsequently in command at the Arsenal may be specially mentioned Col. Alfred Mordecai, Col. Julian Mc- Alister, Col. J. W. Reilly and Col. John E. Greer.
Of the ladies resident from time to time on Governor's Island, Mrs. Hancock organized an efficient choir and played the organ at the chapel services, besides being at the head of several entertainments on the Island given by the officers and ladies at the Post for the benefit of the Chapel. Mrs. Schofield may also be mentioned as greatly interested, and as having made altar cloths and other vestments for the Chapel. The subject of the music was a difficult one, as it was entirely voluntary, an arrangement rendered uncertain and unsatis- factory by the changes in command and the coming and going of regiments. During the whole of her residence Mrs. Han- cock took charge of the musical part of the service; Miss Julia Gilliss was also noted for prolonged attention to the work; Mrs. David Robertson, wife of Hospital Steward Robertson, was for a long time the acceptable leader of the choir. Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. Ruggles, Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs.
I45
HISTORY OF GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
Roger Jones, Mrs. Morrison, and many others, were active helpers of Chaplain Goodwin, and aided in many ways in the adornment of the chapel with contributions of sacramental vessels, altar cross, eucharistic and other lights, altar desk, vases, etc., and hangings which were the work of their own hands or purchased by them and presented as offerings of love and devotion. The sympathy of the ladies has been al- ways a strong encouragement to the chaplain and an incentive to, as well as a reward of, his work; and so it continues to the present day.
I may also add to this record the names of General Gillespie, who was especially interested in the work; of Col. J. W. Reilly, who supplemented the offices of the quarter-master by having the pews repaired by the workmen in his employ, and raised money to recarpet the entire chapel; and of Col. Samuel Brook, adjutant-general, who provided cushions for the pews.
Upon retirement of Chaplain Goodwin the Revd. Edmund B. Smith was appointed and announced by special orders :
HEADQUARTERS ATLANTIC DIVISION, SPECIAL ORDERS, GOVERNOR'S ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY, No. 72. 5 October 28, 1904.
[EXTRACT.]
I. The Reverend Edmund Banks Smith having re- ported at these headquarters on the Ist instant, is hereby announced as Chaplain of this station pursuant to au- thority of the War Department contained in letter dated Adjutant General's Office, Washington, August 11, 1868. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
*
* *
BY COMMAND OF BRIGADIER GENERAL GRANT: H. O. S. HEISTAND, Colonel, Assistant Adjutant General, Adjutant General.
"In 1904, after nearly sixty years of constant use, the old chapel was found to be in a state of partial decay and no longer safe or convenient for occupancy. There were leaks in the roof and sides; one of the window frames fell out in a high wind; it was very cold in winter; it was battered by the
146
RELIGIOUS WORK AND INFLUENCE
storms of years. The Corporation, after due consideration, abandoned the idea of repairing or endeavoring to restore the old edifice, notwithstanding the associations connected with it, and decided to ask permission of the Government to replace it with a new building. Negotiations with the War Depart- ment were carried on for several months, during the years 1904 and 1905, during which time we were greatly indebted to Maj .- Gen. James F. Wade, Maj .- Gen .. Frederick D. Grant, Brig .- Gen. John W. Clous (retired), Col. H. O. S. Heistand, Majors E. M. Weaver, H. Rowan, G. H. G. Gale, and Albert Todd, for valuable advice and assistance, both here and in Washington. To these officers I now have the honor to present our thanks for their cooperation in our cherished plan, and their assistance in enabling us to carry it into effect. After due time consent was given by the War Department ; designs for the new building having been sub- mitted, examined, and approved, and a site was designated not far from that of the old chapel. The ceremony of laying the cornerstone, by the Right Rev. David H. Greer, D.D., Bishop Coadjutor of New York, took place on Friday, October 27, 1905, and the chapel was consecrated, with imposing ecclesi- astical and military ceremonies, October 19, 1906."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.