USA > New York > History and honorary roll of the Twelfth Regiment, Infantry, N.G.S.N.Y. > Part 5
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At the battle of Chancellorsville, the term of the por- tion of the members of the Twelfth, from Oneida County, having expired (this being originally one of the two years regiments), the members from New York City were consolidated into four companies, and Capt. Huson order- ed to take command ; their name was at the same time changed to the "New York Battalion." This bat- talion was ordered out on a reconnoitre, and becoming lost from the brigade for twenty-four hours, bivouacked
53
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
for the night on the banks of the Rapidan and Rap- paliannock, at a place called Scott's Mill, and on the day following rejoined the brigade.
Capt. Huson was mustered out of the service on July 1, 1863, having been rendered supernumerary by the consolidation of the battalion into two companies for Provost Guard duty at the headquarters of the Fifth Army Corps, the companies being placed under com- mand of Capt. H. W. Rider, an old officer of the Twelfth, N. Y. S. M.
Lieut. E. B. Stead joined the Second Regiment, N. Y. S. M., at the commencement of the war, and received a commission as Captain.
Lewis L. Stewart enlisted as private in the Sixty- Sixth Regiment, N. Y. S. V., and rose to the rank of Captain in same regiment.
The following members of this corps rendered valu- able services to the Government during the war :
G. G. Tracy beeame a Colonel of the Eighty-Sixth, Pennsylvania, after the battle of the Wilderness.
J. D. Perry, on account of gallantry shown before Yorktown, received the commission of Major in a Long Island Regiment.
Wm. O'Brien, formerly a Corporal in this Company, became a Captain of Volunteers before the termination of the rebellion.
Thomas Shea fought in sixteen battles, and when dying of his wounds in the Washington Hospital, re- quested that the name of Company B, Twelfth Regiment, should be painted on the " board of his grave." Com- pany B will yet build him a monument.
J. L. Benjamin, after the Company's last term of ser- vice had expired in 1863, removed to Baltimore, and soon after was commissioned as First Lieutenant in Com- pany I, Fifth Maryland Volunteers.
Il. C. Byrne, who was a private in this company, in 1862, is now a Captain in the Regular Army, doing duty in New Mexico.
Edward J. Jennings, formerly a corporal in this com-
54
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
pany, was promoted to the office of Major in the Sixty- Ninth Kentucky Volunteers. While reconnoitring the country around Murfreesboro, he was captured by a party of rebels, and when attempting to escape was unfortunately shot.
Henry C. Plunkett, a relative of the last-named gen- tleman, was likewise a member of Company B during its, campaigns of 1861, 1862, and 1863. He joined the Eighty- Ninth New York Volunteers, and on account of gallan try shown before Petersburg, was presented with a gold medal and made a line officer in the United States Army. Jeremiah Sullivan was just of age when this corps first went to the seat of war. He took part in all the regi- mental campaigns, and subsequently became an aid on the Staff of General Wadsworthi.
Isaac Halsey was a private in this Company i' 1862. He is now a Captain in the United States Army, stationed at Galveston, Texas.
Capt. G. 1. Banta, the present Commandant of Com- pany B, has a noble war record. Did space allow, an account of his services during the rebellion would be given in full. Suffice it to say, that he is a high-toned gentleman and a brave officer.
55
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
PRESENT MEMBERS OF B COMPANY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Date of Commission.
Captain, George A. Banta Feb. 22, 1865. =
First Lieutenant, James Theo. Burke
Second Lieutenant, Richard S. Taylor
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Date of Warrant.
First Sergeant, Eugene Souleyette. May 3, 1867.
Second Sergeant, Ilugh F. Gallagher. Sept. 6,
Third Sergeant, Charles H. Opdyke
Fourth Sergeant, Rufus N. Waller
Fifth Sergeant, Charles Heizman Jan. 11,
CORPORALS.
William H. Waller
Sept. 1, 1868. =
Julius E. Karr
Jobn Edlar
James IL Conrey
DRUMMERS.
Date of Certificate.
Jeremiah Smith.
June 2, 1865.
George W. Brown
Oct. 20, "
PRIVATES.
Date of Certificate.
Anton, Francis
Nov. 23, 1865.
Ahern, William
July 20, 1866.
Annette, William T
Sept. 10, "
Anten, James W Nov. 2,
Archer, Warren S
Oct. 7. 1867.
Baird, James. April 1, 1861. .
Bruen, Richard W May 8. 1803.
Beach, William HI May 22, "
Betts, Curtis June 9, 1865.
Bauer, Gustave C
Aug. 3, 4
Bradley, Hugh
April 1, 186?
56
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
Battle, Henry. Jan. 4, 1867.
Boissord, A. E. .Sept. 8, 1865.
Cronin, David E
May 27, 1862.
Crane, Horace F'
April 28, 1865.
Conway, Joseph L.
Sept. 1,
Chatterton, Stephen
Nov. 9, 1866.
Casey, Robert. May 1,
Cleverly, William
Aug. 29, 1862.
Deems, Samuel M
April 3, 1865.
Douglas, Hugh.
May 19,
Deibach, Louis C.
Aug. 29, 1866.
Dowers, George W
Sept. 29, 1865.
Dietz, Alfred A. June 30, 1866.
Demarest, William Sept. 7,
Dietz, Alfred J July 2,
Ernst, Joseph F
"
Fricz, Joseph
Nov. 2,
Foster, George.
Nov. 9,
Huntress, William B
Sept. 4, 1863.
Hoey, Joseph J
Hampsen, Jolın.
June 3, 1864.
Heintz, Jr., J. J
May 25, 1866.
Hoffmeister, F. L. July 2,
Hardcastle, John R Sept. 7,
Koose, Charles A Mar. 24, 1865.
Kirkman, Fred .. Sept. 1,
Keene, Charles W
. Oct. 27,
Lonergan, Michael.
Jan. 15, 1864. Nov. 10, 1805.
Livingstone, William.
Ang. 3, 1866.
Langdon, John.
Oct. 19, 1865.
Mckinley, Cornelius
Dec. 12, 1859.
MeBennett, Jos. C.
Nov. 11, 1862.
McGerold, Arthur
May 22, 1863.
McDonald, James
Jan. 27,
Mason, Francis.
April 14, 1865.
Mahon, Francis P
June 30,
Mans, Frederick.
Ang. 3, 1866.
Marvin, Francis J
May 27, 1862.
Nolte, August.
Feb. 2, 1866.
Page, Thomas 'T
May 27, 1862.
Pastill. Thomas.
Feb. 2. 1866.
Piest, John J.
Dec. 21,
Parker, Sherman B
April 28, 1865.
Rainey. G. M
Mar. 3.
Rossie, Gustave
May 26,
Sibley, Wm. II
May 27, 1862.
Latson, Mortimer J
57
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Salter, John J
. Aug. 28, 1865.
Sedwig, Wenne.
Feb. 26, 1866.
Sampson, Jobn. A. July 2, «
Stevens, Samuel W
Aug. 3,
Van Buren, Peter.
Oct. 25,
Wamby, Abraham Oct. 19, 1866.
Wood, Warren W June 9, "
Waller, Oscar A
April 21, 1865.
Yager, Emile.
April 28,
Yager, Francis 3*
Nov. 2, 1866.
58
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
C COMPANY.
-
This organization, like every company in the Twelfth, existed previous to 1847 as an independent body. At the time of its joining the Regiment it was known as the "Tompkins Blues," under command of Capt. Besson.
The present Commandant, William V. Byrne, being now the senior officer of the Regiment, and the re- organizer of C Company, deserves first mention. He joined the Twelfth in the year 1853, and acted as Commissary Sergeant on board the steamship Columbia, while transporting the Regiment to the seat of war, in 1861. On the 20th of June, of the same year, Col. Butterfield appointed him Sergeant Major, while in Camp Anderson.
On the 26th of August, 1862, he was ordered, with fifty-eight men, to defend the Shenandoah Valley, against the raids of Stewart's Cavalry. On the 14th of September, 1862, in command of Companies C and K, guarded the pontoon bridge at Harper's Ferry.
While in the field this company was noted for its superior drill and discipline, which, of course, are in a great degree attributable to the efficiency of Capt. William V. Byrne.
At the reorganization of the company, in December, 1861, the following were its officers :
Captain, W. V. Brrnc.
First Lieutenant, George C. Geissen.
Second Lieutenant, Leon C. Canter. .
First Sergeant, Alexander Atehinson.
During its first terin of service, in 1861, it was com- manded by:
Captain, William Fowler.
First Lieutenant, Charles Whitlock.
59
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Second Lieutenant, William Monteith.
Lieutenant, J. M. Scribner.
Genett Dykman and Charles Baxter, who distin- guished themselves in the Mexican War and in the war against the Confederacy, were active, and are now Honorary Members of this company.
J. C. Shaw, at one time an active member of this company, is a Captain in the United States Army. He fought at Galveston.
Sydney Cornwell, a private, joined a New Hampshire regiment, and returned with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Henry Maguire, an old member of this corps, rose to the position of First Lieutenant in a Monroe County regiment, and fell before Petersburg-that spot which proved so fatal to New York troops.
Hiram Sanford went with the Twelfth through all its campaigns, re-enlisted in a Brooklyn regiment, and became a Second Lieutenant.
F. L. Sherman, a fine-looking soldier, after the Regi- ment returned from Harper's Ferry, joined the Sixteenth New Jersey as First Lieutenant, and was seriously wounded at Malvern Hill.
George Kunkel went with the company through the campaigns of 1861-2; joined the Fifth Regiment, and rose to the position of Quartermaster. In 1864 he was sent to Fortress Monroe, to aid in the exchange of prisoners. He fell a victim to yellow fever before Lee's surrender.
Henry Hoffman, a relative of the present Governor of New York, left this company in 1863, enlisted in the Seventy-First N. Y. S. M., and for gallantry and meri- torious conduct, was promoted to the office of Lieutenant Colonel in the Forty-Eighth New Jersey Volunteers.
William L. Tracy. also once a private in this corps, joined the last-named regiment and became a First Lieutenant.
60
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
PRESENT MEMBERS OF C COMPANY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Date of Commission.
Captain, William V. Byrne. .Jan. 14, 1862.
First Lieutenant, George C. Geisson April 27, 1866.
Second Lieutenant, Leon A. Canter April 27, "
DRUMMERS.
Date of Certificate.
Joseph Schlosson
July 12, 1865.
John Priest ..
.April 15, 1867.
Nicholas Riley
SERGEANTS.
First Sergeant, Lewis Dunham. Date of Warrant.
May 13, 1867.
Second Sergeant, Edward F. Miles
Third Sergeant, Henry W. Forde.
Sept. 16, "
Fourth Sergeant, Mich. II. Kearney
Mar. 9, 1868.
Fifth Sergeant,
CORPORAL3.
John Mc Vay
Geo. Van Wagner
July 3, 1863.
Andrew C. Shear. June 22, 1868.
James Van Wagner
PRIVATES.
Date of Certificate.
Byrne, M. II.
Dec. 6, 1861.
Bassford, Sam'l A.
Aug. 28, 1863.
Brady, Wmn. F
3, 1868.
Clifford, Charles
June 26, 1865.
Clark, George. 22, 1868.
Demarest, Wm. A. May 26, 1865.
Desmond, Humphrey 13, 1867.
Elder, Francis. lug. 2, 1865.
Gorman, Sam'l D.
Gormley, James HI Nov. 8. 1862.
June 30, 1565.
Getbings, James B
" 25, 1868. Howard, William July 8, 45
61
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
Hodnet, John . Oct. 5, 1866.
Hart, Thomas. June 4,
Howc, Baxter
2, 1862.
Kuntz, John
Sept. 25, "
Lane, John A. Oct. 26, 1808.
Lawrence, H. C.
Muller, George. June 16, 1866.
Milligan, S. C May 19, 1865.
Morgan, Charles A Dec. 12, 1864.
Phelps, James H. .Oct. 5, 1865.
Roshore, John T. B
Sept. 26, 1864.
Rogers, Wm. F.
Nov. 13, 1865.
Spackman, S. G. (promoted sergeant)
May 10, 1867.
Schwartz, Frederick
Oct. 2, 1865.
Stihle, Charles
Mar. 5, 1866.
Schneider, Jacob
July 16, "
Seward, James H
June 16, 1867.
Sivells, Thomas
Shear, Andrew C ..
May 19, 1865.
Vanderbeck, John J . April 1, 1864.
Westervelt, George
May 26, 1865.
Williams, G. H. June 11, 1866.
White, Matthew Dec. 2, 1867.
62
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
D COMPANY.
Before the formation of the Twelfth Regiment this corps was known as the " City Blues," commanded by Capt. Johnson. Like the other companies, it still retains its distinctive title, in addition to its alphabetical designation.
During its first term of service, it had the following efficient commissioned officers :
Captain, D. Ottiwell.
First Lieutenant, M. Laughran.
Second Lieutenant, Thomas Murray.
J. G. Simpson, formerly a member of this organiza- tion, is a line officer of the Regular Army, at present in California.
Henry Reynolds received the appointment of Aide-de- Camp on Gen. Curtis's Staff in Missouri.
John L. Knapp, a private, became a Quartermaster under Gen. Banks.
P. G. Montgomery, for gallantry at Petersburg, was made First Lientenant under Gen. Butler.
R. M. Jones, for meritorions conduct, was raised from the ranks, whilst on duty before Yorktown, and made a Sergeant Major in a Massachusetts regiment.
Lorenzo Kelly, a private, became First Lieutenant in the Twelfth Ohio.
S. P. Cameron, also a private of this company, was commissioned as Colonel of a colored regiment, and fell at the battle of Fort Pillow.
Richard Jones, now an officer in the Seventh Regi- ment, N. G. S. N. Y., served seven years in this company, and was honorably discharged.
Capt. H. B. Smith, present Commandant of Company D, has a splendid war record. He participated in several severe engagements during the rebellion. As a tactician, he is not surpassed by any officer in the National Guard. A lengthy account of his exploits would be given were it not that he dislikes notoriety.
63
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
PRESENT MEMBERS OF D COMPANY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Date of Commission.
Captain, Henry B. Smith.
May 30, 1867.
First Lieutenant, Charles H. Frost.
Oct. 4, 1866.
Second Lieutenant, Edward Wood
DRUMMERS.
Date of Certificate.
J. P. Kanaly.
June 19, 1863.
. Wm. Lewis.
Nov. 2, 1865.
Wm. H. Francis
Jan. 3, 1867.
SERGEANTS.
Date of Warrant.
First Sergeant, J. II. Wood.
Oct. 23, 1865.
Second Sergeant, Peter B. Wilson
June 17, 1863.
Third Sergeant, Wm. V. Shaw
Sept. 20, 1866.
Fourth Sergeant, Achilles Wood.
Mar. 12, "
Fifth Sergeant, -.
CORPORALS.
Peter Callaghan.
Jan. 2, 1868. 46
Moses J. Lewin
Mar. 12, 1866.
Chas. H. Reed.
Oct. 1, 1868.
PRIVATES.
Date of Certificate.
Appel, Solomon
Aug.' 6, 1868.
Burns, Jobn.
Mar. 24, 1864.
Beatty, John
Oct. 25, 1865.
Brown, Henry W
Dec. 28, "
Bauer, John .. " 6, 1866.
Cosgrove, John. July 3, 1868.
Christman, Philip. Aug. 29, 1867.
Carroll, Thomas Mar. 10, 1865.
Doblen, Marcus
.May 7, 1:68.
Erba, John P.
July 16, "
Farrell, Michael. Sept. 17, 1863.
Gilbertson, John.
Dec. 6, 1866.
Hohenstein, John June 7, "
Andrew Beattie
64
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
Hedler, Gustavus A Aug. 5, 1866.
Keenan, Frank H. June 14, “
Kavanagh, Garrett. Sept. 10, 1868.
Kidney, William May 21,
Levi, August. July 11, 1867.
McMahon, Owen Oct. 9, 1859.
Murphy, J. W.
.Feb. 7, 1860.
Mitchell, Robt.
July 3,
McMahon, Wm.
May 14, 1868.
Michael, F ..
Sept. 17, 1868.
McDonald, Edward F
Aug. 20,
McMahon, James
June 18, “
Mara, L. P. Moran, Lawrence
May 6, 1862.
2, 1867.
Ohmen, Henry
June 7, 1866.
Porter, Robert.
. May 4, 1865.
Paris, John J
Oct. 25, "
Quinlan, Morris
. April 13, 1864.
Robarts, John
Nov. 8, 1866.
Ritter, Philip
Aug. 5, 1866.
Romain, Jolın
Oct. 2, 1862.
Schmohl, Wm. H
May 4, 1865.
Sefter, Henry Aug. 29, 1867.
Smith, Wm. J
Sproul, Arthur
June 8,1867.
Wier, Patrick Jan. 3, 1867.
Ward, John J.
May 2, “
Whitbock, Henry
. Sept. 12, "
Williamson, James
Apr. 13, 1864.
65
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
E COMPANY.
Originally this Company was distinguished as " Guard Lafayette," under command of Capt. Leclerc. In addi- tion to its alphabetic title, it is now known as the " Webster Guard."
Brig. Gen. John E. Bendix was the organizer and first Captain of E Company. Its origin dates back to November, 1847. He commanded it for several years after its joining the Twelfth.
The following abbreviated facts relative to him, will no doubt be read with pleasure by those who have known him :
He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel Eleventh Regi- ment, N. G., August 25, 1858. Organized the Seventh Regiment Volunteers, and elected Colonel April, 1861. Mustered into the United States service April 23, 1861. Embarked for Fortress Monroe, Va., May 26th, arrived at Fortress Monroe May 23th. May 29th, joined expedi- tion under command of Col. Phelps, and took possession of Newport News, Va., May 30th.
June 9th, ordered to take command of detachments of the First Vermont, Fourth Massachusetts Militia, and Seventh N. Y. V., about 900 men, and joined expedi- tion from Fortress Monroe against Big Bethel. Loss to the Seventh, seven killed and twenty wounded.
Resigned position on the 7th, and put in command of the Tenth Regiment N. Y. V. by Gov. Morgan. Sep- tember 2, 1861, on duty in Fortress Monroe all Winter. April 9 and 10, 1862, commanded guns in the fort during the engagement with the rebel ram Merrimac.
May 9, 1862, joined expedition to Norfolk. Va. May 10. 1-62, captured Norfolk. when the flag of the Tenth Regiment was hoisted on Norfolk Custom House, being the first Union flag raised since Virginia seceded.
66
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
Commenced fortifications in Norfolk Harbor until June 6, 1862, when he was ordered with his command to report to Gen. McClellan, in front of Richmond.
Joined the Fourth Brigade, Third Division (Regulars), Fifth Corps, June 9, 1862. Engaged in the seven days' fight. Loss in killed and wounded, thirty men. Here Gen. Bendix was slightly wounded in the ankle, but did not leave the field.
Engaged in second Bull Run. Loss, killed and wounded, 160 men, three officers.
Engaged in battle of Antietam. Loss, twenty men. Engaged in battle of Fredericksburg December 12, 1862. Loss in killed and wounded, 160 men, seven officers. Gen. Bendix was wounded in the neck, and forced to leave the field. Sent home on leave of absence for twenty days, on December 25, 1862.
Joined his regiment January 16, 1863. Took com- mand of the Fourth Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, and remained in command till April 26th, when ordered home to be mustered out of service, the term of his regiment having expired. Mustered out May 7, 1863. Breveted Brigadier General of Volunteers by the Presi- dent Angust 28, 1865.
Breveted Brigadier General N. G. September 6, 1866. Organized Third Regiment Infantry (Bendix Zouaves) November 27, 1865, and is now in command of said Regiment.
Gen. Bendix has served in the State N. G. in every grade since 1810. Has been in commission over twenty years, and is the oldest commissioned officer in commis- sion at the present date.
It has been the fortune of this corps to be always commanded by well-qualified officers. In the campaigns of 1861, it was under the following intelligent and active officers :
Captain. H. W. Ryder. First Lieutenant, 1. 11. Ackerman. Second Lientenant, J. A. Lewis, jr. Second Lieutenant, James Gray.
67
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
LIEUT. COL. KNOX MCAFFEE.
Among the distinguished ex-members of E Company, Knox McAffee is foremost. He joined the Twelfth on the 29th of April, 1862 ; served as Captain of this com- pany during the campaigns of 1862 and 1863. The Empire State sent not to the seat of war a braver offi- cer than Capt. Knox McAffee. He was promoted to the position of Major on the 4th of January, 1867, and on the 12th of April of the same year elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Twelfth Regiment. As a military instruct- or he has few equals. His movements are quick and grace- ful, his voice clear and powerful. When he commands, every man in the battalion distinctly hears. His superior talents, both as a gentleman and an officer, have pro- cured for him the respect and admiration of the officers and members of the Regiment.
Francis Cran, an excellent mathematician, after his discharge from the corps, removed to Annapolis, Md. ; is now an instructor in the Naval Academy.
John J. Dawson was transferred from this Company in 1862. He acted as Commissary at City Point dur- ing the stay of the Union Army at that place.
E. M. L. Ehlers joined E Company, Twelfth Regi- ment, on the 19th of April, 1861. He served with the Twelfth during the campaigns of 1861. On the 12th of September, in the year last mentioned, he was commis- sioned as Second Lieutenant in the Fifty-Second N. Y. V. For signal bravery, he was promoted as First Lieu- tenant on the 10th of March, 1862, and was made Cap- tain in the next December. The following battles in which he fought bear ample testimony to his dash and gallantry :
He took part in the battles of Fair Oaks, Gaines's Mill, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, White Oak Bridge, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antic- tam, and Fredericksburg. At the last named battle, whilst leading his company through the thick of the
.
68
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
fight, he was dangerously wounded by gun-shot through the right lung, arm, and leg. In the bloody battle of Fredericksburg he was severely wounded in the abdo- men and side by fragments of a shell. These injuries incapacitated him for active service. Hence he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on the 10th of December, 1863, with the rank of Captain. For gal- lant and meritorious services he was Breveted Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel U. S. V. on the 18th of March, 1865. Since the close of the war he has oc- cupied important positions in the army, lately in Georgia.
One of the remarkable incidents in the history of this company, is the competitive drill which took place between it and the Montgomery Guard, of Boston, i. e., Company I, Ninth Regiment, Massachusetts Militia.
Said drill " came off" on the 30th of July, 1868, at Tompkins Square, in the city of New York. More than twenty thousand people assembled to witness the same. A champion flag was the prize to be awarded the victors. Rules and regulations agreeable to both companies were adopted. Still. so great was the parti- san spirit manifested by the friends and adherents of the Boston company, that editorials were written con- demning the manner in which said company was de- feated. These false rumors caused the referee, Major Egan, U. S. A., to write the following letter :
WEST POINT, N. Y., July 31, 18CS.
Colonel :- I sce in some of the papers of to-day that surprise is expressed at the decision of the drill of yesterday. and I hasten (although a stranger till yesterday to you and your officers) to give you an account of that decision. .
Both judges, the one on the part of your company and the one on the part of the company from Boston, as they could not agree, left the decision to me, and I gave the flag to the company of your regi- ment for the following reasons :
In every part of the drill, save the manual of arms, the company of your regiment followed the tactics faithfully and excelled the con- testing company. The marching, manœuvring, and steadiness in carry- ing arms, time of step, dress and attention of the men, were all better,
69
TWELFTH REGIMENT.
and throughout the drill there was an honest adherence to tactics that the other company did not follow.
C.rpt. Finan's company excelled the one of your regiment in the Inanual, but not enough to counterbalance its deficiencies in other respects.
I see, also, there is an accusation of foul play. I certainly did not we any of it, though I faithfully took notice of everything. The ground was obstructed often during the drill of your company, and once during the drill of Capt. Finan's company. He complained of it, and I had the drill stopped at once, till abundance of space was cleared for him ; and, from the shouts of admiration, I am confident that the friends of Capt. Finan's company obstructed the drill.
I saw no disposition on the part of the spectators to discourage either company ; nor was there cause for either company to be dis- couraged, and every assertion to the contrary is false.
Respectfully, JOHN EGAN,
Captain Infantry and Brevet Major. To Col. JOHN WARD, Commanding Twelfth Infantry.
Immediately thereafter, a leading journal of New York, spoke of the affair in the language following, which is as amusing as it is truthful :
THE LATE CHAMPION DRILL .- One would suppose, from the erratic editorials and curious correspondence inserted in one of our " leading lillies" (whose amusing accounts of the National Guard often provoke ·miles and laughter among military men), that the so-called champions of Massachusetts had been fairly champed and masbed up while on a r cont visit to this city ; and furthermore, that if one or two wonder- filly historic sheets may be believed, or their friends in this city are entitled to the least credence, Company I, Ninth Regiment, Massachu- " tts Volunteer Militia (more familiarly known as the Montgomery Ghard of Boston), must be the best-abused company that ever came up in a visit to this city.
Either these journals, which seek to make capital or create talk '- on this matter, are acting maliciously or in ignorance, is certain, for the reason that Company E. Twelfth Infantry, N. G. S. N. Y., not only won their honors, but are fairly entitled to, the same, they " ning given evidence of superior drill and mandruvring, although not " porieet in the manual. While lamenting with our cotemporaries it the police arrangements at Tompkins Square were so bad, we, - ! , must object to the rili albas remarks and insane criticism h has been attached to this affair.
We think that the Boston Company will admit that the Sixty- Ninth Regiment, Infantry, of New York, having not the slightest in.
70
HONORARY ROLL OF THE
terest in the contest, at considerable expense to themselves, and with a generosity characteristic of the race from which they sprung, took good care of them while here : and also that the Twelfth Regiment (in- cluding even their rivals of Company E) did all that was possible to make them feel at home. They fairly lost the flag, and could not have won it had Tompkins Square been twice as large as it is.
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