History of Saratoga County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers., Part 29

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 780

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A few days before the battle of Ilanover Court-ITouse a Confederate force was thrown into Mechanicsville, a ham- let five miles from Richmond, and on the most direct road by which reinforcements could be sent from that city to Hanover. A Federal force was sent forward to take that key to the position, and, after a sharp artillery duel, Col. McKean and the 77th, in double-quick, charged into, took, and held Mechanicsville, the Confederate artillery galloping away, their infantry throwing off their knapsacks and flying across the fields. Before this charge was made several men of the 77th had been struck by the enemy's shot, but during the charge not a man was hit. This singular result was probably owing to the fact that when they started on the double-quick the Bemus Heights men uttered as terri- ble a shout as was ever heard ou any field. The Confed- erates, no doubt thinking a whole corps d'armée was coming, turned and fled.

In honor of this event. the well-known musical composer, Mr. J. W. ALFRED CLUETT, of Troy, wrote a spirited marelı, entitled "COL. MCKEAN'S QUICKSTEP," several editions of which have been sold. The colonel preserves among his mementos a rebel flag, the " Stars and Bars," captured in this charge.

The battle of Fair Oaks was fought under the following circumstances : Gen. Casey's Division had been thrown over to the right, the Richmond side, of the Chickahominy river. All the rest of the Federal army was for some rea- son, or without reason, still lying on the left bank. A great storm came on. the little river rose rapidly, overflowed its banks, and spread over the valley. There were no bridges for many miles. And now a Confederate force, greatly superior in numbers, was hurled upon Casey. For hours and hours Casey and his men fought like Spartans, while the rest of the Federal army, almost within speaking dis- tance, were powerless to aid them. But many of the troops on the left bank made herculean efforts to get over the river. Col. MeKean and the 77th, and thousands of others, arming themselves with all the axes that could be obtained, went down into the submerged flats, some of them wading waist-deep, and commenced felling the forest-trees, to make. if possible, some sort of bridge by which to go to Casey's relief. For many hours this work went on, and several rods of a rude bridge were made; but when the work ap- proached the centre of the stream the rushing waters were too powerful, and the timbers were swept away. But the tireless workers would not give up, and still tried again and again until night put a stop to their efforts. The next day, the battle being over, the general commanding the army ordered the 6th Corps, and other troops, to join Casey by making a long march down the river, crossing a bridge, and marching up on the other side. Who can tell why this was not done before the battle ?

On the slow march up the Virginia Peninsula more of our men died of disease than were killed in battle. "Josh Billings" thus defines: " Military strategy-that means tryin' to reduce a swamp by ketchin' the billious fever out of it."

Col. MeKean was now prostrated with typhoid fever. He remained in camp, however, until the surgeons decided that, situated as they were, they could do no more for him, and that he must go to the rear or die. He was then taken back to the Hygeia hospital at Hampton. On arriving there Dr. Cuyler, medical director, and Mr. Tucker, Assist- ant Secretary of War, who happened to be present, decided that he must be sent to his home, and he was accordingly taken back to Saratoga Springs. About two months after- wards, against the advice and repeated protests of his family physician, he returned to the front. Going up the James river to Harrison's Landing, he found that the army had started on its march down the Peninsula. Returning to Hampton Roads, he there rejoined his command and with the army came up the Potomac, and with the 6th Corps went into camp in rear of Alexandria. Gen. Smith said to lim, " Col. MeKean, your health is not sufficiently re- stored to justify you in remaining in camp. We shall probably he here some time. Go up to Washington and take care of your health." The colonel went to Washing-

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

ton, and was there joined by Surgeon Stearns of his regi- ment, who had also been down with typhoid fever. In a short time the Confederate forces again made their appear- ance in the vicinity of Bull Run, and another battle was imminent.

One day, about sunset, McKean and Stearns learned that during the day the 6th Corps had moved on towards Bull Run. As the transport bringing their horses up the Poto- mac had not yet arrived, the colonel and surgeon went at once to a livery establishment and got horses to take them to the front, but the government seized the horses for other purposes. They then secured other and still other livery horses, which, however, were in every instance seized by the government. They then reported at the headquarters of Gen. Wadsworth, military governor of the city. A staff- officer gave them seats in a vehicle loaded with bread ; they traveled thus all night, and on the morrow overtook their command near Bull Run. But it was all in vain. The second battle of Bull Run was lost. Not a single regi- ment of the 6th Corps was ordered into the fight. The army retreated upon Washington. Col. MeKean has always said that retreat was the gloomiest experience of his life. For the 6th Corps to retreat without being beaten, or to be beaten by not being permitted to strike a blow, was well- nigh unbearable.

Soon after these events, Col. McKean was attacked with ulceration of the bowels, and was admonished by physicians that his life was in imminent peril, and that he must leave the army. He thereupon tendered his resignation of his commission, but Secretary Stanton, instead of accepting it, sent him a long leave of absence, and advised that he go to his home in Saratoga, and try to regain his health. He went home, but health did not soon return. Indeed, for six years he was not able to practice his profession, much less to serve in the field. In July, 1863, while confined to his bed, he again tendered his resignation, and it was accepted.

III .- THE 30THI REGIMENT NEW YORK STATE VOLUN- TEERS.

Three companies of the 30th Regiment New York Vol- unteers were raised in the towns of Saratoga Springs and Greenfield.

Company D was organized By the election of Miles T. Bliven captain, Mervin G. Putnam first lieutenant, and John HI. Marston second lieutenant.

Company F, Albert J. Perry captain, Andrew M. Frank- lin first, and James M. Andrews, Jr., second lieutenant.

Company G, Morgan II. Chrysler captain, William T. Conkling first, and Asa L. Gurney second lieutenant.

The 30th Regiment was organized by the election of Edward Frisby, of Albany, colonel, Charles E. Brintuall, of Troy, lieutenant-colonel, and William M. Searing, of Sara- toga Springs, major, and was mustered into the service of the United States on the Ist day of June, 1863. After some two weeks' delay, the regiment was armed with old flint-lock muskets altered to cap-lock, and was sent to Washington, and was sent to the front, making its first camp at Bright Wood, near where Fort Stephens was built. From thence it was marched to Arlington, and there bri- gaded with the 22d and 24th New York and the Brooklyn

14th, afterwards the 84th New York Volunteers, making the 1st Brigade in the 1st Division and 1st Corps in the organization of the army. This brigade formed camps near Upton's Hill, and passed the balance of the year 1861, up to April, 1862, in building forts, and picketing on the front. In April, 1862, Gen. MeClellan, after nine months of prepara- tion, prepared to obey the call of " On to Richmond !" that had been ringing in our ears from the north all winter, moved forward with bands playing, drums beating, and colors flying. following our brave leader, " Little Mac," who announced that hereafter his headquarters would be in the saddle,-all joyful that active service had come at last, and confident that the Rebellion would be squelched in about six months, late in the afternoon of that or the next day were drawn up in battle aray in front of those impregnable rebel works at Centre Ilill and Manassas. The skirmish line was moved forward, and, being anxious to cover them- selves with glory, charged on the works and carried them without giving the rest of the army a chance to participate in the glorious work, captured seven colored persons, eight wooden cannon, and a lot of old shanties, vacated five days before by the rebels. The order was given to bivouac for the night. The next day was spent in inspecting the works and adjacent country, and the next day after this grand army retreated back to our old camp, through a reg- ular Virginia rain-storm, caused, probably, by the dust of battle ! This brigade went in to make up the Army of Virginia, under the command of MeDowell, and the Ist Division, 1st Brigade ahead, moved for Fredericksburg, Va., by the way of Catlett and Bristoe Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, and arrived there some three or four days before the balance of the division. In this march the brigade earned the name by which it was afterwards known,-" The Iron Brigade."

Gen. Augur commanded the brigade and Gen. King the division. This regiment served at Fredericksburg, engaged in picket duty and making reconnaissance until in August, 1862, when the division joined Gen. Pope's army, and while under him were engaged in battles as follows : Cedar Moun- tain, Rappahannock Station, three days, White Sulphur Spring, Gaines' Corners, Grafton, and Bull Run (2d). Then, under Mcclellan, were engaged in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. In the battle of 2d Bull Run, out of four hundred and sixty-three men, there were killed, wounded, and missing, two hundred and fourteen, and from twenty-three officers, seventeen were killed and disabled. Col. Frisby, the brave and noble commander, was killed, and Lieut .- Col. Searing was promoted on the field to its command. At the battle of South Mountain the regiment could muster only one hundred and ten men fit for service. At the battle of Antietam the brigade was put on the skirmish line, and withdrawn as soon as the battle was fairly commenced. The army, then under the command of Gen. Meade, followed the enemy up by the way of Warren- ton to Fredericksburg, and on the 12th and 13th of De- cember were engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg, and on the 20th of January, 1863, the army, under the com- mand of Buruside, participated in what was generally called Burnside's mud march. The army then went into winter- quarters, the Ist Brigade and 1st Division, commanded by

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

that brave and good man, Gen. Wadsworth, eneamped at Belle Plain near Aqnia Creek, Va. The regiment remained there, performing the ordinary eamp and picket duty, until the latter days in April or first in May, when the 1st Corps moved to the Rappahannock river, crossed over, and took position in front of the enemy. Gen. Hooker, in command, remained there for two days, when the corps was withdrawn and sent to take the place of the 11th Corps in the battle of Chancellorsville, under Gen. Hooker's immediate com- mand; arrived there and took part in the battle for two days. The regiment then encamped before Fredericksburg, and soon after were ordered home, and mustered ont and discharged at Albany, N. Y., June 18, 1863. A large por- tion of the officers and men of the 30th Regiment, under Lient .- Col. Chrysler, organized the 2d Veteran Cavalry Regiment, N. Y. Vols., and re-entered the service in October, 1863, and served until November, 1865, the elose of the war.

CHAPTER XXIV.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.

I .- SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.

THERE were two semi-eentennial celebrations in Saratoga County in the year 1826 that were of especial interest.

The one held at Ballston Spa, July 4, 1826, surpassed in interest and pageantry all Fourth of July observances in this county that have preceded or have followed it. The most prominent feature of the procession was a car forty- two feet long and fourteen feet wide, named the Temple of Industry.

It was drawn by thirteen yoke of oxen, each yoke in charge of a driver clad in a tow frock, and all under the command of Jacob Near, of Malta. Upon the ear were thirteen representatives of so many branches of the me- chanie arts plying their voeations. Among them were the printer striking off semi-centennial odes, the blacksmith with his anvil keeping time with the music, the cooper making more noise than all the others, and Mr. Wm. Van Ness, who, while the procession was moving, made a pair of shoes for the president of the day, to whom they were presented with an appropriate address and response.

Another interesting feature of the procession was a band of thirty-seven Revolutionary veterans, who kept step to the music in a way that indicated they had not forgotten their military discipline. Lemuel Wilcox, a soldier of the Revolution, bore a standard inseribed " Declaration of In- dependence." John Whitehead, another Revolutionary veteran, bore a standard inseribed " Constitution of the United States ;" and another veteran, Jeremiah Pierson, carried the national standard. Another attractive feature was the eorps of Union Cadets, composed of two fine- looking and admirably-drilled uniformed companies from Union College, one commanded by Captain Knox and the other by Captain Jackson, now the senior professor in that institution. The corps was under the command of Major

Holland, the register of the college and a veteran of the War of 1812. The procession moved through the principal streets, amid the salvos from a brass six-pounder, captured from Burgoyne, to the Baptist church, which stood upon the lot now occupied by the railroad water-tank. Samuel Young, then Speaker of the Assembly, presided. Prayer was offered by Rev. Eliphalet Nott, president of Union College. The Declaration of Independence was read by Anson Brown, a young lawyer of this village, who died while representative in the Twenty-sixth Congress. The oration was delivered by John W. Taylor, then Speaker of the House of Representatives. His closing remarks were addressed to the Revolutionary soldiers, who arose in a body, and the seene was quite dramatic. The Union cadets dined at the Sans Souei Hotel, and toasts were at the Village Hotel. Among the regular toasts were the following : "John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the surviving signers of the Declara- tion of Independence. As the measure of their days, so is that of their fame,-overflowing."

When this sentiment was uttered it was not known that since the sun had risen on the morning of that day two of those illustrious patriots had been numbered with the dead, leaving Charles Carroll the sole survivor. By previous ar- rangement the cadets marched into the room, when the president of the day addressed them in highly appropriate and complimentary terms. Maj. Holland responded, reading from a manuscript in the familiar handwriting of Dr. Nott:

" GENTLEMEN,-In behalf of the corps I have the honor to command, permit me to tender their acknowledgments for your polite attentions. If our humble exertion to aid in the duties of the day have met the approbation of the patriotic assemblage it is the highest gratification we can receive. In retiring, permit me to propose as a toast : The county of Saratoga,-its hills, monuments of valor; its springs, resorts of fashion ; its hamlets, signalized by patriots and statesmen."

Union College and its distinguished president were com- plimented by two of the alumni as follows: By Thomas Palmer, Esq. : " Union College : Crevit, Crescit, Crescut." By Anson Brown, Esq. : " The president of Union College : Dignum laude rirum musu retat mori."

If these sentiments were not duly appreciated by all present, the following was expressed in such plain, unmis- takable English, that there was no doubt as to its meaning. By Edward Watrous, Esq .: "The Legitimates of Europe: May they be yoked, poked, and hopped, eross-fettered, tied head and foot, and turned out to browse on the pine plains of Old Saratoga."

In regard to the remaining festivities at the table and the exuberance of patriotic feeling manifested, the truth of history perhaps requires the statement that temperance societies were not then in active operation.

The committee of arrangements consisted of James Mer- rill, David Corey, William Clark, John Dix, Jerry Penfield, Charles Field, Alexander Russell, Robert Bennett, Ros- well Herrick, David F. White, George W. Fish, Hiram Middlebrook, Joseph Barker, David Herrick, Sylvester Blood, Samuel R. Garrett, and Abraham Middlebrook. The general manager of this superb celebration was Ly-

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man B. Langworthy, then the sheriff of the county, now living at Rochester, and almost a nonagenarian.

The only survivors of those who officiated on that ocra- sion, beside Sheriff Langworthy and Prof. Jackson, are Joseph Barker, Hiram Middlebrook, and Samuel R. Gar- rett.

The celebration of the semi-centennial at Schuylerville was also an imposing affair. It is alluded to in the chapter upon the town of Saratoga, in connection with reminiscences of Schuylerville. Of this affair, Giles B. Slocum, of New- ton, Wayne Co., Mich., writes :

" The leading actor of the occasion was Philip Schuyler, a grandson of the general. The extensive tables were set on the grounds of old Fort Hardy, with a canopy of ever- greens to protect the guests from the sun, although the oration was delivered in a shady grove on the eastern slope of the heights, near where the Dutch Reformed church now stands, by the eloquent but unfortunate Rev. Hooper Cummings, of Albany, at that time a brilliant light in the American pulpit, but destined like a glowing meteor to go suddenly down in darkness and gloom. I well re- member also that there were about a dozen old Revolu- tionary soldiers seated in a row on a bench close under the voice and eye of the orator (so that they could the better see and hear), and that when the speaker in the course of his remarks addressed them personally, it was in such glow- ing terms of thankfulness and honor for their invaluable serviees few dry eyes could have been found within hearing of his voice. John Ward, one of the body-guard of Gen- eral Schuyler, and who was carried off by the Tory Walter- meyer to Canada, when the latter attempted the abduction of the general from Albany, was among those seated on this beneh.

" The gathering was a very large one, the people of the whole county being nearly all there. Brigadier-General De Ridder, from across the river, a substantial property- holder and a general in the War of 1812, was mounted on a fine horse at the head of a large troop of light horse (as they were then called), and other military companies. The soul-stirring drum and the ear-piercing fife were the materials in that day in the way of music. I recall the fact also that the breastworks surrounding the fort were then nearly perfect, as General De Ridder, at the head of the mili- tary, marched around on the top of the intrenchments."

II .- CENTENNIAL HISTORICAL ADDRESSES.

The preparation of historical material and the delivering of public addresses recommended by Congress for the great centennial year, 1876, was partially responded to in Sara- toga County.

AT SARATOGA SPRINGS a preliminary meeting was held June 5, 1876, ealled to order by General E. F. Bullard, Captain J. P. Butler called to the chair, and Frank II. Hathorn chosen secretary. A resolution was adopted invit- ing N. B. Sylvester to prepare and deliver an historical address.

This invitation was accepted, and the address delivered in the town hall on the evening of July 4, Judge Augustus Bockes occupying the chair.

In accordance with the arrangements of Congress and 16

the invitation of the citizens of Saratoga, the address was published and copies deposited in the archives of the county and also at Washington.

AT BALLSTON SPA similar arrangements were made. Hon. George G. Scott delivered the historical address, and 1. S. L' Amoreaux pronounced a centennial oration. These valuable documents were published in pamphlet form and copies deposited as requested.

At Schuylerville the address was delivered by General F. F. Bullard. As in other places, the address was pub- lished and filed, as requested by the proclamation of the President.

III .- CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, 1877,

AT BEMUS HEIGHTS.

The first of these was at BEMUS HEIGHTS, on the 19th of September, the centennial anniversary of the first of the two battles. For this celebration extensive preparations were made, numerous committees appointed, and the result. was a splendid commemoration of the great event. Neigh- boring towns and counties joined in the patriotie effort.

At Saratoga Springs a meeting was held on the evening of the 12th to make the necessary arrangements, and Gen- eral French issued the following order of the day :

One hundred guns will be fired at sunrise on the old battle-field by Battery B, Tenth Brigade, Captain A. H. Green.

The procession will be formed on the square at Bemus Heights Hotel, near the river at nine A.M., and march to the battle-field, about half a mile distant, in the following order :

Platoon of Police. General W. B. French, chief marshal.

Assistants to chief marshal : Colonel Hiram Rodgers, Saratoga Springs ; Captain I. S. Scott, Troy ; Captain B. F. Judson, Saratoga Springs ; Lieutenant Vandermark, Still- water; Colonel George T. Steenburgh, Troy ; J. Willard Lester, Saratoga Springs; Charles L. Pond, Saratoga Springs.

Major-General J. B. Carr and staff. Brigadier-General Alonzo Alden and staff.

FIRST DIVISION.

Doring's band, of Troy.

Tenth Brigade, Third Division, N. Y. S. N. G., in the fol- lowing order :

Line.

Separate Company. Captain.

1st

Third.

P. R. Shadwick.

Sixth. J. W. Cusack.

Fourth

J. Egolf.

4th

Seventh

T. H. Patten.

5th.

First ..

F. S. Atwell.

6th

Fifth F. Gleesettle.

7th

Second .. .G. T. Hall.

Battery B, Tenth Brigade, Captain A. H. Green, Troy,

N. Y.

His Excellency Lucius Robinson, governor and comman- der-in-chief, and staff.

Brigadier-General J. S. Dickerman, Ninth Brigade, and staff.

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HISTORY OF SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

President of the day, Hon. George G. Scott, of Ballston, N. Y. Orator of the day, Hon. Martin F. Townsend, of Troy, N. Y.

Poet of the day, Robert S. Lowell, Union College, N. Y. Reader of the Historieal Address, John Austin Stevens, Secretary of the Historical Society of New York.

Eminent speakers from abroad. Lieutenant-Governor William Dorsheimer, Senator Franeis Kernan, ex-Governor Horatio Seymour.

SECOND DIVISION.

Seventy-seventh Regiment band, Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Veteran Cavalry, in Centennial uniforms. Veterans of Beums Heights Battalion, under command of Captain Frank Thomas. Soldiers of the War of 1861. Soldiers of the War of 1861. Ballston Spa band. Grand Army of the Republic associations. Civie associations.

Fire Department of Stillwater, Mechanieville. Schuyler- ville, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Waterford.

THIRD DIVISION.

Veterans.of the War of 1812, veterans of the War of Mexico, crippled veterans of the War of 1861, eminent citizens, and invited guests iu carriages.

ORDER OF EXERCISES ON THE BATTLE-FIELD.

1. Opening address by the president of the day, llon. George G. Scott, of Ballston Spa.

2. Oration by Hon. Martin I. Townsend, of Troy, N. Y.

3. Poem by Robert S. Lowell, of Union College.

4. Address by Lieutenant-Governor William Dorsheimer.

5. Collation, at which short speeches will be made by Senator Francis Kernan, ex-Governor Horatio Seymour, Judge A. Boekes, Hon. C. S. Lester, of Saratoga Springs, and others.

6. Review of the Tenth Brigade by his excellency, Gov- ernor Lucius Robinson.

7. Manœuvring of General Allen's Brigade in evolu- tion of the line, illustrating the engagement on the same ground between the armies of Generals Gates and Burgoyne, one hundred years ago, in which evolution the artillery, cavalry, and infantry present at the celebration will be eu- gaged, thus affording the people assembled an opportunity to form some idea of the battle that wou for them their independence, and at the same time giving them a " smell of gunpowder."

By order of the committee of arrangements.

W. B. FRENCH, Marshal.

The following had been issued :

"TO THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF THE WAR OF 1861."

" Veterans,-The one hundredth anniversary of the battle of Bemus lleights will be celebrated on the 19th day of September, on the old battle-field in Stillwater. You should not fail to take part in the interesting exercises then to take place.

That battie was decisive of the American Revolution, and may be said to have achieved the independence which your valor and patriotism has maintained, and secured to yourselves and your pos- terity.

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History of Saratoga County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers., Part 29

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894 Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign Number of Pages: 780

Author: Sylvester, Nathaniel Bartlett, 1825-1894
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Ensign
Number of Pages: 780