USA > New York > History of the Ninth Regiment N.Y.S.M. -- N.G.S.N.Y. (Eighty-third N. Y. Volunteers.) 1845-1888 > Part 47
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On the 16th the regiment assembled at half-past seven P. M., for a parade, and excursion by water to Yonkers. The march led through Seventh Avenue to Twenty-third Street, to Fifth Avenue, to Fourteenth Street, countermarching to Twenty- third Street, to the North river, where the ferry-boat, James Fisk, Jr., was in waiting, and which, at ten o'clock, conveyed the regiment up the river. A toothsome collation-at the expence of Colonel Fisk-was served during the journey. The "return was made shortly after midnight. The whole trip was enjoyed and pronounced a " great success."
On the 4th of July the regiment assembled at the carly hour of a quarter to six, and marched from the armory to its place in the brigade and division at nine. Ten companies of sixteen files were in line, and, despite the number of recruits in the ranks, made a most creditable appearance. General McDowell occupied the post of honor on the reviewing stand, and complimented the regiment on its fine appearance.
On the following day the regiment was called upon to form part of an escort to the remains of Brevet Major-General
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FUNERAL OF GENERAL HAMBLIN. 525
Joseph E. Hamblin, (formerly of the Sixth corps) from his late residence to the Fall River boat. The NINTHI marched to the house, where the funeral cortege was formed under the direction of Brigadier-General Postley. After some delay the procession moved through Lexington Avenue to Twenty- third Street, to Broadway, to Chambers Street, to West Street, to the pier, where the body, in charge of a guard of honor, was transferred to the boat. The remains were taken to Yarmouth, Mass., his native place, for burial.
Upon Colonel Fisk's assuming command of the regiment, he offered a prize of five hundred dollars to the company that would show the largest increase of membership during the succeeding quarter. In accordance with this offer he, on the 7th, sent his check for the amount to Brevet Colonel and Captain William E. Van Wyck, of Company F-fifty-nine men having been recruited by the members. Company E came second in the race -- with forty-seven.
On the 15th the Board of Officers, upon invitation of Senator Stockton, of New Jersey, visited Cape May for the purpose of attending the ball given by the Seventh New York, returning the next morning, via Philadelphia, well pleased with their trip.
On the 18th of August a preliminary inspection was held at the armory, when some six hundred men answered to their names. After battalion drill Colonel Fisk made the following address :
Soldiers, I never felt prouder than I do to-night. I think we all have reason to feel proud when we contemplate the improvement made by this regiment within the past three months. We now number three hundred men more than we did six weeks ago, and on Saturday morning we shall leave for camp with five hundred and fifty muskets. This ten days' camp, it is said by men versed in the business of war, will be worth a year's armory experience. I am thankful that we are able to squeeze a whole year into ten days.
Our friends have come forward nobly. They have encouraged us in every way, and let us prove worthy of the interest they take in our welfare. We don't go forth to be the mark of smoky muskets; we don't sally out to face cannon with their bowels full of wrath, and ready mounted to spit forth their iron indignation at our forms. We are bound upon a harmless errand ; but we must make the trip a useful one. Those who go with the expectation that we are bent upon a frolic would do well to stay at home. We go to improve ourselves; and while we may expect as much pleasure as we can from our new surroundings, we must bear in mind that our main object is work and not mere merrymaking.
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
On the morning of the 20th of August the command assembled at the armory, armed and equipped for the purpose of proceeding to Long Branch for a ten days' encampment. The great expense of this-some fifteen thousand dollars --- was met by the friends of the regiment, the members being only required to provide knapsacks and blankets. At nine o'clock fine was formed, ten companies of eighteen files each.
The route of march was through Eighth Avenue to Twenty- third Street, to Broadway, to Murray Street, to West Street, to the steamboat landing. The whole route was lined with spectators anxious to see the departure of their favorite guardsmen. The regiment reached Pier No. 28 about ten o'clock, and immediately embarked on the steamboat Plymouth Rock. The lines were soon cast off, when the gaily-decked vessel pulled out into the stream amid the shouts of the multitude gathered on the wharf, and the blowing of whistles from steamers and tugs in the vicinity. Down the Bay, past Governor's Island and through the Narrows the steamer plowed her way. Many parties of pleasure-seekers on yachts and other small craft were passed, who cheered the NINTH and were saluted in return. The ladies, as usual, were more demon- strative than their male companions, as the vigorous waving of handkerchiefs and sun-shades fully attested.
On reaching Sandy Hook the regiment left the boat and boarded the railroad train ; passing the Highlands of Navesink and the summer resort of Seabright, Long Branch was soon reached. Regimental line was formed and a short march brought the NINTH to CAMP JAY GOULD. Tents had previ- ously been pitched by a detail sent for that purpose, and the men were dismissed to make the acquaintance of their new quarters.
The camp was situated on Ocean Avenue near the Conti- nental Hotel, on ground belonging to Doctor Helmbold, who had generously given the use of it, free of charge. The spot was as level as a floor, and so near the beach that the men could enjoy surf bathing to their hearts' content. The neigh-
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ENCAMPMENT AT LONG BRANCH.
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borhood was entirely free from mosquitoes, a blessing the members fully appreciated.
A circular had been prepared and printed and copies dis- tributed among the men, that contained Standing Orders, numbers 1 and 2, and which prescribed the rules for the government of the camp. Every duty was laid down, be- ginffing with reveille at sunrise and ending with "taps " at ten o'clock in the evening. A regular series of camp duties had been arranged, with intervals of an hour or so between, which gave the men plenty of time for rest and amusement. The day after the arrival was Sunday, and at the appointed time the regiment marched to church, where they listened to an eloquent sermon by Rev. Sidney A. Corey. A dress-parade was held at sundown.
On the 24th the regiment was reviewed by Governor Hoffman, accompanied by his staff, with nearly the whole sum- mer population of the Branch for interested spectators. Among the notables present, besides the Governor, were Generals U. S. Grant and Horace Porter, and Messrs. Jay Gould, A. J. Drexel, George W. Childs, Lester Wallack, John T. Hoey and Edwin Adams. The appearance of the regi- ment while passing in review could scarcely have been im- proved. The companies had been equalized, distance was properly maintained, the men marched with a firm, elastic step," and the officers saluted promptly. Round after round of ap- plause from the assembled spectators greeted the men, who felt none the less proud of the compliment because they believed it to be well-merited.
The next day, by invitation of the managers, the regiment attended the Monmouth Park races.
The event of that season at Long Branch was the compli- mentary ball given by the NINTH at the Continental Hotel. Few who obtained invitations failed to attend. Colonel Fisk with Miss Gertrude S. Hyams, of New Orleans, opened the dancing. This brilliant affair reflected great credit on the managers, and was fully appreciated by the participants, who
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tripped the " light fantastic toe" till past three o'clock in the morning.
On Sunday, the 28th, Chaplain J. A. Spencer preached a very instructive sermon, and at six in the evening the usual dress-parade was witnessed by nearly seven thousand people. Early the next day preparations were made to break camp, and at ten o'clock, to the reverberations of the signal gun, the garrison flag was hauled down and tents struck. After the baggage had been placed in the wagons, the regiment formed line and marched to the railroad station, where a special train was in waiting. Sandy Hook was soon reached, the Plymouth Rock boarded, and at noon the pleasant sail to New York began. The city was reached at half-past three, but such was the crowd, gathered to welcome the return of the regiment, that an hour elapsed before the police could clear a sufficient space on which to form line. Before dismissing the men at the armory, Colonel Fisk briefly addressed the regiment, complimenting the members upon the fidelity with which they had attended to their duties during the encamp- ment, closing with a few characteristic utterances :
" May your shadows never grow less. May your shadows ever remain in your regiment, and you be enabled to inscribe on your banners 'Excelsior !"
Thus ended the first encampment of the NINTH since its return from the sterner duties of field service during the war, and the new members were confident of having endeavored to do their best, as became the successors of the warriors of ₩iS61-1865.
During the absence of the regiment work was begun upon the enlargement of the armory, and because of it battalion drills were held in the State arsenal.
On the 30th of September the First division of the National Guard-about ten thousand strong-participated in the obsequies attending the burial of -the great- Admiral, David G. Farragut. The regiment assembled at the armory at half-past eight and marched to Fifth Avenue and Twenty- third Street, where the division was formed. Before the
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ENTERTAINING MILITARY VISITORS.
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NINTHI reached the rendezvous a heavy rain-storm set in, which continued during the formation, and in a few minutes those in line were wet to the skin. The entire line of march was pursued, however, and when the procession halted at the New Haven railroad station very few of the men in the division had left the ranks. Farragut's remains were interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The NINTH was now in a position to extend courtesies to kindred organizations, and invitations having been sent to a number of such, in Eastern cities, to visit them, the regi- ment, on the 13th of October, assembled at the armory at half- past seven A. M .; at eight it marched down Broadway to Canal Street, thence to Pier 40, North River, where were found the Newburyport, Mass., Artillery (1774), one hundred and thirty strong, under command of Major Ben. Perley Poore ; the Amoskeag Veterans ( 1854), of Manchester, N. H., number- ing one hundred and forty-one, Major Nathaniel Head commanding ; and the Putnam Phalanx ( 1858), of Hartford, Conn., one hundred and eighty strong, under Colonel E. B. Strong. After the usual civilities had been exchanged the procession was formed, with the NINTH as escort on the right, the Amoskeag Veterans, Newburyport Artillery, and the Putnam Phalanx on the left of the line. The march was through Canal Street to Broadway, to Fourteenth Street, to Fifth Avenue, to Twenty-sixth Street, to Madison Avenue. to Twenty-third Street, to Fifth Avenue, to Broadway, to the Grand Central Hotel, where the guests were left, and the regiment returned to the armory and were dismissed until evening.
A reception and ball had been arranged in honor of the visitors, which, through the courtesy of the Twenty-second regiment, was held at their commodious and beautifully decorated armory on Fourteenth Street. The pleasures of this entertainment were long after remembered by both guests and hosts. So perfect were the arrangements that all who were present enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and words would fail to describe the feelings of either the entertainers or
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those entertained. Among those present were Generals McDowell, Vodges and Green; Governor English of Con- necticut, and C. R. Chapman, Mayor of Hartford.
Until four o'clock in the afternoon the following day was spent by the visitors in sight seeing, in which they were accompanied by members of the NINTH. At that hour the regiment again assembled for the purpose of escorting their guests to the boat on their homeward journey. Though some- what fatigued by the past thirty-six hours' round of fes- tivities the visitors, amid shouts of delight, unanimously voted that they had had a "royal good time." Invitations were showered upon the NINTH to make a return visit to each organization, and after bidding the Eastern soldiers farewell, the NINTHI returned to the armory and were dismissed ; the happy event was an affair of the past.
On the afternoon of the 25th, an inspection and parade was held in Washington Square, and out of seven hundred and sixty-four men upon the rolls, six hundred and eight-six were in line. The roster showed an increase of three hundred and fifty-four over the previous year, an unanswerable argu- ment, in this instance, in favor of the selection of a colonel with " no previous military experience."
A review of the First division was ordered to be held at Prospect Park, on the afternoon of the 28th. The NINTH as- sembled at nine o'clock in the morning, and marched by fours on the sidewalk through Broadway to Fulton Street, thence to the ferry. On the Brooklyn side horse-cars were taken, which conveyed the regiment to within a short distance of the ground, which was soon reached, and the NINTH took its place in line, reporting to General Varian, the brigade commander. After an hour's delay, the division was formed and the command passed in review. Many visitors were present, who testified their interest by repeated applause as their favorite regiments passed by. Among the many military men present were Generals Townsend, McQuade, Mosher, Bissell and Steinway, and Colonels Warren, Conway, Moller, J. F. McQuade,
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A GRAND BAND. 531
Greenman and H. Uhl. The weather was pleasant, and the re- view passed off to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
On the 12th of December, Colonel Fisk perfected arrange. ments for organizing a new regimental band of one hundred musicians, similar to the famous " Guides " Band of Brussels, Belgium. Carlo Patti was appointed musical director, and Professor D. L. Downing, leader. The members were to be uniformed at a cost of eighty dollars each. There were to be four flutes, two oboes, four bassoons, four e. b. clarionets, eigh- teen b. b. clarionets, six cornets, four trumpets, four French horns, four baritone horns, four sax horns, six trombones, eight tubas, three side drums, one Indian bell, one pair cymbals, one triangle, one bass drum and twenty-five snare drums. Such a combination had never before been attempted in the United States, and many were the speculations on the part of the pub- lic as to whether or not it would succeed.
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CHAPTER XXVI.
EXCURSION TO BOSTON .- TO JULY 4TH. 1871.
The Band Concert .- Division Drills .- The Annual Ball at the Academy of Music .- Presentation to Captain Spencer .- Company K's Anniversary .- The Tenth Anniversary of the Departure of the Regiment for the War .- Correspondence Respecting the Visit to Boston .--- The Boston Methodist Preacher's Protest Against a Parade on Sunday .- The Trip to Boston .- Ceremonies there .- Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill .- Colonel Fisk's Address to the NINTH .- Return to New York .- Congratulatory letters from M. M. Ballou of Boston, and Mayor Kent of Charlestown .- Resolutions of Thanks to the Eighth Massachusetts .- " The Boston Dip."-The Ninety-fifth Anniversary of American Independence.
O N the Ist of January, 1871, the Grand Opera House was
filled to overflowing-hundreds being turned away for lack even of standing room -- by an eager audience gathered to listen to the initial performance of the new band. Those for- tunate possessors of tickets who gained admission, listened to such music as had never before been rendered in this country. The selection of "Luther's Judgment Hymn," from Meyer- beer's opera of Les Huguenots, as the opening piece was most appropriate, inasmuch as it brought out the fine points of the grand combination of instruments, and especially the great, powerful bass, which shook the house with its vibrant strength.
On the 10th regimental orders directed that division drills take place bi-monthly during the succeeding quarter, and the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major were designated as alternate instructors. A fine of six dollars was imposed as the penalty for non-attendance at these drills, which were to take place at eight o'clock on the evenings named.
On the 7th of February the annual ball was given at the Academy of Music. The famous band, resplendent in scarlet uniforms, profusely laced with gold, occupied the back of the stage, and fronted an Oriental tent scene. The blue uniforms
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ORGANIZATION OF THE VETERAN CORPS.
of the men of the regiment-that of the officers being richly or- namented with red and gold-contrasted favorably with the rich costumes worn by the ladies and added much to the ensemble. The opening march was led by Colonel and Mrs. Fisk. Among the distinguished guests present were Generals Shaler, Kiddo, McQuade, Varian and Burger ; Colonels Oakley, John #Fowler, Jr., Meehan, Perry, Conklin, Brinker, Mitchell, Story, Carr, Rockafeller, Funk, Sterry, Woodward, Bodine, Moller, Devereaux, and Dorr of Buffalo; Majors Crawford, Schlesinger and Miller, and Captain Percy, U. S. N. ; Adju- tants Bates and Bruen, and Messrs. George W. Webber, C. E. Orvis, John M. Pollock, Leonard W. Jerome, H. J. Jackson, and Oscar Townsend, of Cleveland, Ohio. The expense to the regiment was upwards of five thousand dollars.
At Apollo Hall, on March 11th, Captain Spencer of Com- pany K, was presented by the members of his command with a handsome sword, belt and sash, as a testimonial of the respect and esteem in which he was held by them. J. V. Robertson of the company, in a happy and complimentary manner, made the presentation address, the Captain respond- ing in his usual felicitous style, thanking his command for their gift and the numerous friends present for their sympathy and encouragement. After these formal ceremonies, those present engaged in dancing and social intercourse until a late hour.
A visit of the regiment to Boston, to take part in the celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill had been decided upon, and the weekly drills were vigorously prose- cuted. On the 25th and 26th of April drills were held in the Armory, only those holding complimentary tickets being admitted to witness them.
During the month the matter of the organization of a Veteran Association had been agitated, and a circular was issued calling a meeting for that purpose at the armory on the even- ing of May 5th. At that time a large and enthusiastic number of veterans assembled. An election for officers resulted in the choice of Colonel M. M. Van Beuren as President, Brevet Brigadier-General John Hendrickson, First Vice-President,
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Brevet Brigadier-General John H. Wilcox, Second Vice-Presi- dent.
Membership was open to those who at any time had been members of the regiment, and who held honorable discharges ; also to those still in active service who had served a term of enlistment. The objects of the organization were to promote friendly intercourse, care for the sick, relieve the needy, see that the dead were duly honored, keep a record of the regiments' history, and also to further the interests of the active organiza- tion.
May 27th, the tenth anniversary of the departure of the NINTH for the war, was devoted to a celebration of that impor- tant event. At two P. M. the regiment assembled at the armory, where line was formed, the column soon after moving through Eighth Avenue to Twenty-third Street, to Fifth Avenue, to Broadway, to the City Hall Park, where the line was reviewed by Mayor A. Oakey Hall ; after which the route was countermarched to the armory and the men dismissed, in order to prepare for the banquet in the evening. Covers had been laid for eight hundred persons, in the large drill room, which was soon filled by the members of the regiment, the Veterans of the NINTH, and their guests. Between the responses to the various toasts the band discoursed sweet music. After two hours of solid enjoyment the pleasant affair was ended and all sought their homes, well pleased with the day and even- ing's entertainment.
On the 5th of June a brigade drill was held at Tompkins Square. The command appeared in full uniform, white trousers and gloves, at half-past one P. M., marching from the armory to the rendezvous, where the evolutions were performed under the direction of General Varian, the brigade commander. Nearly one half of the men in the ranks of the NINTH were recruits, but such had been the persistency with which drilling had been prosecuted that the new men compared favorably with the older members.
The proposed visit to Boston had given rise to a great deal of discussion in the papers of both cities, principally because
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COLONEL FISK-TO MAYOR GASTON. 535
of the request made by Colonel Fisk that the regiment be allowed to hold religious services on the Common during the Sunday of their stay there. The correspondence between the Colonel and others is here given :
New York, April 5th, 1871.
Hon. WILLIAM GASTON,
Mayor of Boston :
DEAR SIR :- This will introduce to you Major Jas. R. Hitchcock, Captain Gustavus A. Fuller, and Lieutenant Alonzo P. Bicon, officers of the NINTH Regiment, and the committee appointed by the Board of Officers to visit your city, and confer with you in regard to a proposed trip on the 17th of June proximo. They are empowered to make all arrangement in behalf of the regiment, and I would respectfully ask that the hospitality of the city of Boston be extended to the regiment.
I am, with much respect, JAMES FISK, JR., Colonel Commanding.
The Mayor referred this letter to the Board of Aldermen, and on motion of Alderman Pierce, it was laid upon the table. No reply was returned to the writer. After waiting three weeks Colonel Fisk wrote again :
New York April 27th, 1871.
Hon. WILLIAM GASTON,
Mayor of Boston :
DEAR SIR :- On the 5th I addressed to you a letter asking an extension of hos- pitality to the NINTH Regiment N. G. S. N. Y. I understand it was delivered to you by a committee of the regiment, and referred by you to the Board of Aldermen. I infer from the published proceedings, that the letter, which was simply designed to obtain your official permission for the visit of the NINTH Regiment, was misconstrued into an application for special favors at the expense of your city, a perversion for which there was no warrant and no excuse. The reason of my application to you was (as I was informed) the law of your State did not allow the entry of an armed force, without the sanction of the Federal Government, or the chief Magistrate of the State or city to be entered. Having waited a sufficient time for your decision, and not having received from you the courtesy of a reply, I have applied, in the name of the regiment, to his Excellency the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to enter your city, and he has courteously and promptly granted the request. I beg, therefore, that you will relieve the Common Council from further consideration of the subject, as their action, or inaction, is a matter of perfect indifference to the gentlemen under my command.
Your obedient servant,
JAMES FISK, JR., Colonel Commanding .
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This communication was not acted upon in any way, neither was its receipt acknowledged by Mayor Gaston.
Colonel Fisk's next communication was :
New York, June 2nd, 1871.
Hon. WILLIAM GASTON,
Mayor of Boston :
DEAR SIR :- As I am informed that your city ordinances prohibit the entry of any regiment upon Boston Common without the permission of the Mayor, I respect- fully request permission for the use of the Common by the NINTH Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., on the 17th inst., for dress-parade, and on the 18th, for public religious services. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, JAMES FISK, JR., Colonel.
As this correspondence was published in the newspapers, " Puritan New England " became aroused, and the Methodist preachers delivered themselves of the following :
Boston, Monday, June 12th, 1871.
At a stated meeting of the Methodist Preachers' Association to-day the Rev. Gilbert Haven introduced the following, which was adopted, and the committee, which the resolutions propose, was appointed, consisting of the leading clerical representa- tives of the denomination in Boston and neighborhood.
Whereas, Except in time of war we can see no good reason for any movement to mass troops or parts of regiments on the Lord's day; therefore,
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