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 48
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Resolved. That the Methodist ministers of Boston and vicinity appoint a committee of seven of our members to wait upon his Excellency, Gov. Claflin, and respectfully request him, as Commander-in-Chief of the State Militia, not to permit the establish- ment of any precedent, in opposition to the preamble, by allowing any Massachusetts troops to escort any regiment while within, or going from, the city of Boston on the 18th of June next.
Colonel Fisk's next move was to address the Mayor of Charlestown, within whose limits Bunker Hill Monument is situated :
New York, June 13th, 9.30 P. M.
To his Honor WM. H. KENT,
The Mayor of Charlestown, Mass. :
I am at this moment in receipt of a telegram from Boston, announcing that the NINTH Regiment are denied the privilege of holding religious services in any pubhe place in Boston, except the streets, on Sunday next. Will you allow the regiment to march on Sabbath morning to your hospitable city, and there hold religious services in such suitable place as you may designate.
:
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EXCURSION TO BOSTON.
1871
If Monument Square, or the grounds surrounding Bunker Hill Monument, are subject to your control, allow us to suggest one of the places. Please answer by telegraph at carliest moment in order that a committee may confer with you on Thursday.
JAMES FISK, JR.,
Colonel Commanding .
To this the following prompt, though unsatisfactory reply, was made :
Col. JAS. FISK, Jr. : .
The monument grounds are undergoing repairs. The private property -Winthrop Square-might answer. Personally, I desire to do anything I can consistent with my official duty, but I have no power to grant your request. I will call the Board of Alder- men together for action if you wish it.
Boston, June, 14th.
W. H. KENT, Mayor.
In obedience to orders issued on the ist of the month, the regiment assembled at the armory at half-past two P. M. on the 16th, armed and equipped for the trip to Boston.
The following account is copied in part from the Army and Navy Journal, of June 24th :
The regiment left its armory, taking the best and most direct course down town to the foot of Murray Street. It was escorted by the Eighth Infantry, Colonel George D. Scott, all in full dress, and making a handsome show. The hour, and the notoriety of the command and commander, tended to fill well the sidewalks and windows along , the line of march with curious spectators. Broadway was particularly excited over the appearance and well-filled ranks of the terrible NINTH. The regiment, of ten companies, eighteen files strong, in full marching order, was never more effective, each company as it passed being the recipient of loud applause. No military gentleman, who stood on the curb and watched with interest the movements of the troops, could fail to be impressed by the fact that a command which one year ago numbered only about two hundred, was that day parading nearly seven hundred, all told, yet headed by a novice in the military art. The gorgeous and numerous band, the brilliant and handsomely mounted and equipped staff appointments, showed what wealth and energy and love of notoriety could accomplish.
The band, with its excellent leader, Professor D. L. Downing. and one hundred instruments, was the cause of the most enthusiastic praise during its march, Professor Jules Levy, the excellant cornet performer, being one of it.
The embarkation of the troops upon the steamer Newport, and the consequent confusion on board, the speedy settling down and procuring of state-rooms, berths, etc., was done with remarkable order, under the able management of Captain G. A. Fuller, as officer of the day ; and Lieutenants David Wolff and M. P. L. Montgomery as officers of the guard.
Lieutenant-Colonel Chas. R. Braine and Adjutant Allien made every provision for the press and others accompanying the excursionists, which included Colonel Scott of the Eighth, ex-Colonel John W. Davis and Captain Henry S. Brooks of the NINTH
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1871
also Mr. G. W. Bradley of Boston, the latter, during the stay in Boston, offering many courtesies to the members of the press.
The trip going to Boston was made especially eventful by the presentation of a superb maltese-shaped m : Il, stuelded with diamonds, to A ljatinit Allien, the gift of the non-commissioned staff and personal friends. Colonel Fisk made the presentation in happy style. The Adjutant responded, thanking the givers of the generous gift, which was valued precuniarily at $300. This over, "taps" was shortly afterwards beaten, the signal for all to retire, which the majority, strange to state, obeyed. Those who failed to obtain state-rooms sought berths or lay on mattresses spread in every conceivable direction over the decks of the main cabin. These latter were noisy mortals, who prevented others fron sleeping on the outward-bound voyage. The officer of the day found it impossible to keep these merry soldiers quiet, yet all were good-natured, the men keeping quiet during the admonitions of the officer and then cheering him three times three, and resuming the sports of the night. There was, however, no roughness, or attempts to disturb by practical jokes those who had retired to state- rooms. The enforcement of strict discipline on a crowded steamboat among troops bound on a pleasure trip has never yet been secured, and we think never will. His just to say, however, that the men of the NINTH paid more respect to their superior officers than we ever witnessed on a similar trip.
The Newport at an early hour reached its destination (Newport, R. I.), where a committee of Boston military were awaiting its arrival. The military delegation was composed as follows > First Regiment, Surgeon White, Captain Jones of Colonel Johnston's staff, Captain Snow of Company G, Captain Kingsburg of Company 1, Lieutenant Lethbridge of Company A, and Lieutenant Walsh of Company F ; Ninth (Boston) Regiment : Surgeon Flatley, Adjutant Fitzpatrick, Quartermaster Dowling, Captain Strachan and Lieutenant McVey ; Fifth Regiment : Lieutenant-Colonel Fay, Major Daniells ; First battalion : Surgeon Bodge, and Lieutenant J. H. Brown.
Just before disembarkation, Colonel B. J. Finan, of the Ninth Massachusetts, who headed the committee, welcomed the NINTH New York, after which all marched to the special train provided, and after three hours' travel reached Boston, where an immense concourse of people greeted the regiment. Strange to say, little or no provision had been made for clearing the depot, when the troops left the cars, and it was with difficulty that the NINTH was formed and took its position in the column of military escort offered them.
The escort was composed of the First Battalion, Infantry, Mass. V. M., Major Douglass Frazer, commanding ; Montgomery Light-Guard, Company I, Ninth Regi- ment, Captam George Mullins; Charlestown Cadets, Company A, Fifth Regiment, Captain Frank Todd; Sheridan Rifles, Company F, First Regiment, Captain Wm. Evans.
Although the hour was early, eight A. M., the streets along the line of march were densely crowded and the people rushed from all directions to see the gallant NINTH. The crowd seemed mostly to concentrate at the head of the regiment, near the band, whose inspiring tones rather opened the eyes of the Bostonians, one of whose virtues, is fondness for good music. The escorting column and its visitors after a short march reached Blackstone Square, when the troops were dismissed, the NINTH stacking arms and proceeding to the St. James Hotel, its headquarters daring the stay in Boston. The crowd at the hotel was immense, and the streets in the immediate vicinity could scarcely be kept free by the police. This crowd was apparently composed of Boston's most respectable -- or at least best-dressed -- citizens
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1871
CEREMONIES IN BOSTON. 539
The NINTH having located, washed and breakfasted, Colonel Johnston, of the First Regiment, M. V. M., delivered an address of welcome in the words :
"Colonel Fisk :- As senior officer of the organizations taking part in this reception, it becomes my pleasant duty to welcome you and your command to the city of Boston, believing as I do that your visit will strengthen the bonds of friendship and good will that should unite the citizens of two great States, whose sons stood shoulder to shou !- der in all the great battles of the late war for the Union, and who now join in doing honor to the men of 1775-'76, whose deeds of valor in the cause of liberty and independence are the common heritage not alone of Massachusetts, but of every State and Territory in the land. I trust that your stay amongst us will be an agreeable one, and I can offer no stronger words of welcome than to hope that your command will be as well pleased with this visit, as I know the different organizations here represented are in receiving you."
Colonel Fisk returned thanks to Colonel Johnston in a few appropriate remarks, necessarily short because of the near approach of the time to assemble the troops.
The members now donned their white trousers and prepared to join the military about proceeding to Charlestown, to participate in the Bunker Hill celebration. The formation of the grand military pageant was slow in the extreme, the column not moving until long past eleven o'clock, or more than an hour after the regular time ap- pointed. The late arrival of the NINTH may have delayed matters somewhat, it could not have been entirely at fault, for it was ready long before it was ordered to take its position in the column of march, finally moving at half-past eleven o'clock, in the fol- lowing order :
Platoon of Police under City Marshal E. T. Swift. First Regiment Ban 1 (Gilmore's) and Drum Corps. Military escort, Col. Geo. H. Johnston, commanding. First Regiment M. V. M., Lieut .- Col. Proctor. O'Connor's Ninth Regiment Band. Ninth Regiment Mass. V. M., Col. B. F. Finan. Shawmut Brass Band. 2
First Battalion M. V. Infantry, Major Douglass Frazer. First Light Battery M. V. A., Lieut. Foster. Downing's NINTH Regiment Band. NINTH Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., Col. Jas. Fisk, Jr. Bond's Cornet Band. Prescott Light Guard (Cavalry), Captain F. L. Gilman. Roxbury Horse Guards, Captain A. P. Calder.
The escort was formed on St. James Park, and as soon as the NINTH New York had got into line, it marched past the escort and was saluted. This salute they returned, as the escort marched past them, and the entire body then proceeded towards Charlestown, passing through Washington Street, Temple Place, Tremont, Court, Hanover, Blackstone and Haverhill Streets to Warren Bridge.
The streets of Boston were so crowded along the entire route that one would have supposed that all Massachusetts had concentrated at Boston.
The First Infantry was handsomely uniformed in gray, wearing the old-time bear-skin shakos, marching steadily with excellent alignment. This regiment is com- posed of companies from suburban localities surrounding Boston, all having a certain distinctiveness and independence which would not work well in New York, The
540
1871
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
Ninth (Massachusetts), mainly composed of men of Irish birth, was uniformed in blue coats, white trousers, peculiar low-crowned hats, with green plumes. The com- pany distance, alignments and steadiness was most creditable, and they averaged fourteen files each. The First battalion made a very fair appearance and was com- posed of four companies with full ranks. The men of the First Light Battery wore blue jackets and red trousers, making a fair display. The NINTH New York marched next in column most steadily, and with excellent alignment and company distance ; without the least prejudice we must say we failed to see any organization in the whole military column that exceeded it in steady marching and closeness of ranks. The Prescott Light Guard (cavalry) brought up the rear, the troop bring uniformed in scarlet and blue, and well mounted, making a handsome display.
The troops marched to Warren Bridge, and were there joined by the Fifth regi- ment, Colonel Walter Everett, parading in good strength; marching and looking finely, its colonel then assuming command of the column. Proceeding through Warren Avenue to Charlestown, the procession was reviewed by Mayor Kent and the City Goverment at City Square. Welcome to the guests from New York waved out from most every window and upon many staffs.
The procession after re-forming took up the following route: Moving from City Square through Harvard, Washington, Union and Main Streets, to Sullivan Square, it countermarched to Bunker Ilill Street; to El and High Streets, to Monument Square, around Monument Square, keeping to the right, to Concord, through Concord, Bunker Hill, Chelsea, Mt. Vernon, Chestnut and Adams Streets; around Winthrop Square to Winthrop Street, through High Street to Monument Avenue, Warren Street to Craft's Corner, down Main Street to the City Square.
The reception in Charlestown was most generous, and the decorations along the line of march very handsome. The troops were feasted at Winthrop Square, return- ing afterwards to Boston by way of Park Street, Warren Avenue, Haverhill, Black- stone, Clinton, Commercial, State, Washington, School and Beacon Streets, and enter- ing the Common at Charles Street. When on the Common a brigade dress-parade was held, Colonel Johnston, the senior officer, again assuming command, and the con- solidated music was placed under the control of Drum Major Geo. W. Hill of the New York NINTH.
This was a very handsome display, and a very gratifying sight to the thousands of spectators assembled there. Here the main body of the troops were dismissed, a de- tachment escorting the NINTH to its headquarters.
During this long march (estimated by some at fourteen miles) we did not see half a dozen stragglers from the NINTH.
In the evening the band gave a public concert on the Common, when some twenty thousand persons : ssembled to listen to the exquisite strains of this celebrated band. The concert lasted two hours and was loudly applauded.
Sunday it rained in torrents all day, so, " by common consent " and by order of Colonel Fisk, the NINTH attended the religious services at the Boston Theatre, Rev. E. O. Flagg, D.D., conducting the exercises in accordance with the Episcopalian forms, and afterwards gave a short discourse. He was followed by a few pertinent remarks on the part of Colonel Fisk :
"Soldiers of the NINTH Regiment :- On the morrow, if God spares us, we shall get back to our own city, at least to the city where you belong, for I can scarcely say our city, because I belong in Boston. This is my residence. I can hardly express to you
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1871
ADDRESS OF COLONEL FISK.
541
.the feelings I cherish towards you all, for the manner in which you have fulfilled all your duties as soldiers on this occasion. You have again occasion to feel proud, in every sense of the word, of your entire behavior from the time you left New York until now. I can only thank you in all kindness-heartfelt kindness-that you have done now, as you always have done, since you have been under my command, that you have again taken a great interest in the performance of your duties, and that you have as usual shown your willingness to carry out every wish of your superior officers. It is always with pride, when we have been anywhere, that in after times, when I have met those whom we've been associated with, that I hear of the proud manner in which the regi- ment is spoken of. I felt certain of your reception in Boston. I felt assured of your ·conduct. I knew what the result would be, but a very unfortunate mistake or accident has occurred with regard to the authorities of the city of Boston, a mistake I would gladly have avoided. The hospitalities we wanted extended to us were those that I felt we would be sure to get, and the only thing that has gone wrong was the occasion which has made it necessary for me to offer an apology to the Mayor of the city of Boston on behalf of the regiment.
" When passing in review, we did not know that he was to review us. I saw him just in time to salute him myself, but the regiment was unable to salute him, for there was not time to pass the word down the line. It was a respect we owed to him in his position as Chief Magistrate of this city; and it is right that the regiment should apologize, and therefore, when these remarks are registered, as they will be to-morrow. when we have returned to our homes, he will hear that we have apologized to him for a mistake which was not ours. We should have been notified.
" I wish to speak of the kind manner in which the military of Massachusetts have received us, and to thank the citizens of Massachusetts, and those of other States, for the exceedingly kind welcome they have accorded us. It was the only welcome we wanted. The matter of our hospitalities and expenses were borne by friends. Hospi- talities, in the strict sense of the term, we carry out ourselves, but the spirit evinced by the people of Massachusetts, as we passed along its streets, could not be purchased. It must have come from the heart, from the good feeling they bear towards us, and I thank them, and I know that you will thank them for it.
" In the future, when we have occasion, and I think we shall have, of turning from the city of New York, we shall yearn towards Boston, for I think the good feeling dis- played by the citizens on this visit, would bring as back here the next season, instead of anywhere else. Therefore, while we go from Boston, I will say for the regiment and myself, we should carry back nothing but the kindest spirit towards the good city. There should have come up no ' ism,' there should have come up nothing to say that we should not worship God, how and where we pleased. It was a mistake; nobody meant wrong towards us, and I was sorry to see that the question was agitated at all. I do not believe that the signers of the paper, said to have been sent in to the Boston City Government, requesting that the Common should not be opened to us, felt any differently towards us than did the one hundred thousand or more people who welcomed us so warmly, We will cherish no bad feelings against them. I do not believe they cherish any against us. Again let me thank them for all they have done for us. It speaks well for us to exhibit ourselves in full ranks to-day, after the hard labors of yesterday, and reflection in the fact that a leave of absence was granted from nine o'clock last night until one o'clock to-day. I am told that, except those who are upon the sick list, every officer and private is present here this afternoon, and I am proud of the NINTH. Because why ?
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1871
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
542
" Whether under military rule or otherwise, they feel a pride in the organization. They take pride in its good behavior, take them where you may. You have planted another peaceful battle upon your flag. Thanking you for the spirit, in which you have carried out your instructions, you have done what is right, and discharged your duties with a degree of merit to which you always aspire."
The men were conveyed to the place of worship in stages, and were in full march- ing order. The building was crowded, the regiment occupying the mam body. The music by the band was very impressive. At the conclusion of the services the regi- ment again took the stages, and were conveyed to the cars, and soon after six P. M. reached Newport, R. I.
The trip back to New York was very uncomfortable as well as somewhat perilous, on account of a severe storm on the Sound, the majority of the men becoming sea-sick. The NINTHI finally arrived home shortly after ten o'clock A. M. on Monday, June 19th, and made as handsome an appearance in its march up Broadway as it did at the departure. In fact, the white trousers added greatly to the appearance of the com- mand, which arrived safely at its armory at about noon when it was dismissed. This trip cost Colonel Fisk, staff, and officers of the regiment twelve thousand dollars.
After the return of the regiment the following communi- cations were received by Colonel Fisk :
ST. JAMES' HOTEL, BOSTON, June 20, 1871.
Colonel JAMES FISK, Jr. :
DEAR SIR :- Permit me to say that the visit of the NINTH Regiment of New York to this house, on the 17th and 18th ints., will be remembered by me as an occasion of unalloyed pleasure and gratification. The remarkable discipline and gentlemanly he- havior of the entire corps-officers and men-as displayed during their sojourn in the St. James' Hotel, challenges the respect and admiration of us all. It is also most agreeable to know that your unrivaled command produced the same public impression upon the citizens of Boston, whose enthusiasm through your entire line of march was a rare and earnest ovation.
Very cordially yours, M. M. BALLOU, Proprietor of St. James' Hotel.
0
CITY OF CHARLESTOWN, June 21st, 1871.
Colonel JAS. FISK, JR .:
DEAR SIR :- I am impelled by a sense of courtesy and obligation to address you a few words in a semi-official way. I say semi-official, because, while I cannot entirely divest myself of official character in the communication, the spirit which prompts me is a personal and friendly one. I intended fully to have availed myself of the invitation of Colonel Everett, and to have met you at his board on Saturday, but it was a day of care and anxiety to me, and circumstances conspired to prevent my doing so.
The driving storm of Sunday and my own health was a bar to the paying of my respects to you on that day also.
If the pleasure of meeting you Saturday had been mine, I should have asked Colonel Everett's permission to have said publicly what I say now -- a few words expres- sive of thanks for the splendid parade made by your command in our little city ; and for the pleasure and general gratification you gave our people, I heard no dissent from this, either from the Government, or from the citizens.
And I desire, Colonel, personally or officially, as you please, to recognize to the full-
1871
MAYOR KENT, OF CHARLESTOWN.
543
est extent the energy, enterprise and public spirit which brought you so far, and at such a cost of time and fatigue, to say nothing of personal expense, to aid us in our celebra- tion. I cannot but remember, too, with great satisfaction my interview with your com- mittee ; and to Major Hitchcock I desire special remembrance. I recollect with pleas- ure the spirit in which he met me, and seeing some of the difficulties under which we labored, how freely he waived some courtesies, we should have been glad to have shown you. I remember and appreciate these things, and for all please receive my sincere acknowledgements.
I am, very truly, your obedient servant, WM. H. KENT.
On the 3rd of July, at the regular meeting of the Board of Officers, a series of resolutions were adopted acknowledging the courtesies paid the regiment by the Eighth National Guard ; which had acted as escort to the NINTH, in the march from its armory to the boat, at the time of their leaving the city for Boston ; the resolutions were duly engrossed and pre- sented. The following lines, printed in the Express, will be appreciated by the survivors of the trip :
THE BOSTON DIP.
Now, "Shamus," my boy, say what's the matter ? You've been to Boston, so I hear, And that they trayted you as daycent As ever England did Lord Napier. Well, Jimmy, avick, you did it slick, More power to ye for the vinture ; At Bunker Hill you drank your fill, And in Boston paid your indinture.
8
I'm tould that Ballou gave fine ating, Of roasts and fries and kidney stews ; Potaties plinty, bould Finan's dainty, With butther and salt from Pat McCue's. Of coorse the boys they all wint wid ye. And showed the haythens how to muster ;
I'll bet ould Braine gave thim a lesson, And Hitchcock shure, without much bluster.
Yourself, I'm sartin, was not behind-hand, And niver spluttered once, my boy, But marched bouldly forward, like a soger, Looking as brave as a Viceroy. And Jimmy dear he did look splindid, With his dimond meddle on his breast ;
Allien I mane, of course you knew him. The man that says, " Froont, right dress."
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544
THE NINTHI NEW YORK.
1871
" Van Wax," begorra, thin he's a Trojan, As ever donned a Gracian helmit ; I'm tould his mustache bates the divil In lingth and width, and plinty of it. And Blainey, the boy, does he belong to The Erie Guards? Well, now I'm done, For at Gettysburg I saw him drop dead, As sure as I'm my father's son.
And " Pryer " I'm tould's a Dimicrat Of pure and clanest wather, And if he wer'n't a married man I'm blowed but he'd have my daughter.
Ye've " Millers" and "Cables" and " Wolfs," I'm tould, And "Slaters " to do the roofing, But the best of them all, that's upon my sowl Is your nice lean lo(ijn of "Bacon."
And your music, too, before I ind, I must not be neglectin',
For the divil such music did I ever hear As the day you wint to Boston. There's Levy, shure, a band himself, The world it couldn't taich him, Their Arbuckles and their Tubercles Will niver be able to raich him.
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