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 49
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And thin ye's had Scott and Mason, too, Do ye mind a purty pair, For Mason keeps a crame saloon And Scott goes often there. Powell, too, wid his whiskers grand, And glasses of small diminsion, And Mckinney, shure, who broke in the dure, Trying to raich what I'll not mintion.
The Press you trayted as your own, God bless you for that same; May you niver die, but hang fast, my boy, And let charity be your name. So now adieu, farewell to you Until we meet elsewhere, May fortin attind you and friends befriend you, And on the top of head plenty of hair.
KEEGAN.
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1871
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY.
545
On the morning of the 4th, the Ninety-fifth Anniversary of American Independence, the NINTH assembled at their armory at an early hour, parading ten companies of sixteen files each, marching thence to the rendezvous of the First division on the Bowery, between Second and Fifth Streets. At half-past seven the various regiments, which had formed on the side streets in close column by companies, right resting on the Bowery, wheeled into that thoroughfare, marching down to Canal Street, to Broadway, to Fourteenth Street, to Sixth Avenue, to Thirty-fourth Street, to Fifth Avenue, to the reviewing stand at the Worth Monument. As the NINTH passed that point, marching in excellent form, they were greeted with round after round of applause from the assembled multitude.
Upon the stand were noticed a large number of military, naval and civil gentlemen of distinction, among whom were Admiral Le Fevre and staff of the French frigate, Magicienne, and Captains Ransom and Houston, Surgeon. Peck and Lieutenant-Commander Woodward, U. S. N., Generals Sheridan, Dakin, Jefferson C. Davis, Schuyler Hamilton, Fountain of Texas, and Colonel Barr ; Mayor Hall, Judge Brady, Commissioner Manierre and Alderman Twomey.
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546
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1871
CHAPTER XXV.
THE ORANGE RIOT. 1871 (CONCLUDED).
Orangemen and Ribbon Men .- Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne .- The Gover- nor's Proclamation .- The National Guard Called Out .- The Procession Attacked. -The Mob Dispersed .- The Killed and Wounded of the NINTH .- Register of Commissioned Officers .- Preparations for the Funeral .- The Ceremonies .- The Funeral Procession .- Officers Visit Bennington, Vt., and Saratoga. - Reception to the Grand Duke Alexis.
THE Orange riot of 1871 was the result of an agitation and incipient disturbance of the previous year. On July 12th, 1870, the societies of Orangemen, composed of North of Ire- land Protestants, accompanied by their friends, and Robertson's Seventy-ninth regiment (Highlanders) band, were enjoying a picnic at Lyon Park. The band, in obedience to the wishes of those who employed them, played certain tunes, among which were some that were particularly distasteful to the Ribbon- men, who are all Catholics, and mainly from the South of Ire- land. A few of this latter class were then engaged upon some public works near the park, and within sound of the obnoxious music. The Orange societies had passed these men carly in the day, while marching to the park, and the laborers had no- ticed the regalia and banners of their " inveterate foes." By the time the music reached their cars, later in the day, the passions of the Ribbon-men had been aroused, and, forgetting that they were in a free country, made an assault upon the picnic party, the result of which was the wounding of a number on both sides. Threats were also made inat in future no Orangemen would be allowed to parade the streets of New York city. The newspapers took up the discussion of the matter-pro and con ; the opposing organizations were wrought up to a high pitch of excitement. When the 12th of July, 1871,, rolled around, the rivals were at swords' point and ready for an outbreak.
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1871
THE ORANGE RIOT.
547
During the month of June and carly July, the newspapers published the determination of the Orangemen to parade on the anniversary of the Battle of Boyne, peaceably if they could, by force if necessary. The whole city was in a turmoil of ex- ci ement. On the with the following proclamation was issued :
I hereby give notice that any and all bodies of men desiring to assemble and march in peaceable procession in this city to-morrow-the 12th instant-will be permitted to do so. They will be protected, to the fullest extent possible, by the military and police authorities. A military and police escort will be furnished to any body of men desiring it, on application to me at my headquarters (which will be at Police Headquarters in this city) at any time during the day. 1 warn all persons to abstain from interference with any such assemblage or procession, except by authority from me; and I give notice, that all the powers at my command, civil and military, will be used to preserve the public peace, and to put down, at all hazards, every attempt at disturbance ; and 1 call upon all citizens, of every race and religion, to unite with me and the local authorities in this determination to preserve the peace and honor of the city and State.
Dated at New York, this eleventh day of July A. D. 1871.
JOHN T. HOFFMAN. By the Governor,
JOHN D. VAN BUREN,
Private Secretary.
It was notorious that the Ribbon-men proposed to interfere in the parade of the Orange societies. The former had been drilling for months previous-their meetings for that purpose, coupled with calls for recuits, having been freely advertised in the papers. In accordance with the Governor's proclamation an escort was applied for, and General Shaler was ordered to fur- nish the troops. The same day he issued the following :
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 16. * *
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1I. In obedience to a requisition from the Civil Authorities, the following organiza- tions are hereby ordered to assemble at their respective armories, in fatigue dress, fully armed and equipped for active service, on Wednesday, July 12th, at seven o'clock A. M.
First, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, NINTH, Eleventh, Twelfth, Twenty-second, Sixty- ninth. Seventy-first and Eighty-fourth regiments, infantry; Washington Gray Troop Cavalry and Batteries C and G.
The infantry will be supplied with forty rounds of ammunition, and the artillery with twenty rounds per gun.
By order of MAJOR-GENERAL ALEXANDER SHALER.
WILLIAM H. CHESEBROUGH,
Col, A. . I. G. and Chief of Staff.
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548
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1871
Agreeable to the order given the several commands assem- bled and remained at their armories until near noon. Mean- while rumor was busy -- the word passed from mouth to mouth that mobs were gathering all over the city, and that a deluge of blood was imminent. In reality about three thousand men, in six different bodies, had assembled, determined to fight the issue, which was that day decided, it is to be hoped, forever. At two o'clock P. M. the Orange societies assembled at their rooms on Twenty-ninth Street, near Eighth Avenue, to which point the military had repaired. The societies, under the mar- shalship of Mr. John Johnston, were formed on Eighth Avenue, the Seventh regiment in column of companies at the head, the Twenty-second and Eighty-fourth in column of fours on each flank, while the Sixth and NINTH were in column by companies in the rear. Brigadier-General Joshua M. Varian was in com- mand, Lieutenant;Colonel William Seward, Jr., as Chief of Staff.
At the word of command the whole column moved forward down Eighth Avenue, but before five minutes elapsed it was evident that a collision would occur. The procession was sur- rounded by a dense throng of excited people, and the threats that had been made soon resolved themselves into action. Stones, bricks and other dangerous missiles were hurled at the men in the ranks, and occasional pistol-shots added to the excitement. As the march progressed the trouble increased. The climax was reached as the center of the column-at three o'clock-touched Twenty-fourth Street. At that point a perfect hail of all species of missiles fell upon the Orangemen and their escort ; guns and pistols were also discharged at the marching men, resulting in the killing outright of two members of the NINTH and the wounding of six more. Two of the Sixth regi- ment, three of the Seventh, and three of the Eighty-fourth were also wounded.
It was now, in self defence, that the military fired. One volley was sufficient to produce the desired effect.
Before the smoke had cleared away, Eighth Avenue, between Twenty-third and Twenty-sixth Streets-the space covered by the procession-was clear of all rioters, save those dead or
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THE PROCESSION ATTACKED.
549
severely wounded. The point blank volley had killed some twenty-five and wounded about a hundred more, many of the latter being carried off and concealed by their friends.
During the attack the column had halted, and the ranks were somewhat broken, but the men were soon in their places again ;. after carefully attending to the dead and wounded, the procession again moved forward, the left wing of the NINTH being sent to take the place of the Eighty-fourth, until then on the left flank of the Orangemen. The line wheeled into Twenty-third Street, marched through to Fifth Avenue, to Four- teenth Street, thence to Fourth Avenue at Union Square. It was here that the main attack had been expected, but the terrible experience on Eighth Avenue had overawed the mob and all was quiet, so far as any overt act was concerned. The march was continued unmolested to the Cooper Union build- ing, which was at once surrounded by the troops ; the Orange- men passing inside, where they doffed their regalia and then made their exit, singly, towards their homes. At half-past five the military were ordered back to their armories, where they remained on duty until the following day at noon. when all outward excitement having been allayed, they were dismissed. During the night some little excitement had been occasioned by a ruffian, who occupied a room in a house on Twenty-seventh Street, in rear of the armory of the NixTu, and who fired several shots into the building, without, however, doing any harm.
The following report was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Braine :
NINTH REGIMENT, N. G. S. N. Y., New York, July 13, 1871.
This command assembled at the armory in compliance with Special Order, No. 16, First Divison .Headquarters, at 7 A. M., July 12, 1871, and at 1.30 P. M. received orders to report to Brig .- Gen. J. M. Varian, at Eighth Avenue and Twenty-ninth Street. The regiment formed part of the escort to the Orange Lodge, and were fired upon by the mob assembled between Twenty-seventh and Twenty-fourth Streets, in Eighth Avenue. The fire was returned by two companies, F and K, and some few men of the other companies. The following is a list of the casualties as far as known :
KILLED. Sergeant Samuel Wyatt, Company F.
Private H. C. Page, Company K.
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1871
WOUNDED.
Colonel James Fisk, Jr., ankle, by a spent ball, slight ; Captain B. W. Spencer, back, by a brick, Co. K ; Sergeant Thomas S. Byres, kicked by mob, Co. B; Privates, Walter R. Pryor and McGowan, legs, Co. A ; Private D. Burns, stabbed in back, Co. E.
Two others are reported wounded, but nothing definite is yet known. The con- mand returned to the armory about 6.30 P. M., and remained on duty until 9 o'clock A. M. this day.
CHARLES R. BRAINE,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding NINTH Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y.
Sergeant Wyatt was a jeweller by occupation and had been a member of his company for over ten years. He went to the front with the regiment in 1861, and at his death-by a pistol shot-was thirty years of age. Henry C. Page was the busi- ness agent of the Grand Opera House, was well known in theatrical circles and was about forty-three years of age. His death was caused by a brick, thrown by one of the mob, and which crushed his head in such a manner as to render his features almost unrecognizable.
There were thirty-three commissioned officers and four hundred and forty-one enlisted men present with the regiment. The commissioned officers, with date of rank, are here given :
Colonel James Fisk, Jr.,
Major James R. Hitchcock. .
Adjutant Adgar S. Allien, . . August 17th, 1868.
Quartermaster Jordan S. Bailey, .
Surgeon George Thompson,
Commissary Henry Harley, .
Chaplain Edward O. Flagg,
. June 26th, 1871.
. October 31st, 1869.
Captain Henry Miller, Co. A, First Lieutenant M. P. L. Montgomery, Company A,
. October 31st, 1869.
Captain Robert B. Martin, Co. B, . April 21st, 1870.
Second Lieutenant William J. Kirkland, Company B, . October 21st, 1870.
Captain Gustavus A. Fuller, Co. C, . April 19th, 1870.
. April 7th, 1870.
Lieutenant-Colonel Charles R. Braine, Nov. 10th, 1865.
. March 29th, 1870.
. May 17th, 1867.
. April 7th, 1870.
. July 17th, 1870.
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REGISTER JULY TWELFTH.
1871
Second Lieutenant John C. C. Tallman, · Company C, . . September 29th, 1870. Captain Robert B. Courtney, Co. D, . October 25th, 1869. First Lieutenant Edward S. Bowlend, Company D, . . December 27th, 1870.
Second Lieutenant Frederick F. Valen- tine, Company D, . December 27th, 1870. Captain Robert B. Cable, Co. E, . February 17th, 1871. First Lieutenant Edward J. Lewis, Co. E, May 25th, 1870.
Second Lieutenant George WV. Palfrey, Company E, . . May 2nd, 1871.
Captain William E Van Wyck, Co. F, March 26th, 1867. Second Lieutenant William H. King, Company F, . . April 19th, 1870. . March 28th, 1867.
Captain John T. Pryer, Co. G.
Second Lieutenant David Wolff, Co. G, April 16th, 1869.
Captain Dow S. Kittle, Co. H,
. October 7th, 1870. First Lieutenant John T. Smith, Co. H, April 13th, 1869. Second Lieutenant James Slater, Co. H, June 24th, 1870. Captain Arthur Blaney, Co. I, . April 8th, 1868.
First Lieutenant George A. Hussey, Co. I, . . March ist, 1871.
Second Lieutenant James J. De Barry, Company I, .
. December 7th, 1870. e
Captain Bird W. Spencer, Co. K, . April 19th, 1870. First Lieutenant Alonzo P. Bacon, Co. K, . March 27th, 1871. Second Lieutenant James A. Mulligan, Company K, . March 27th, 1871.
The killing and wounding of so many people on that memo- rable day-a day until then having no special significance to the average American-was the cause of an animated and angry discussion by several newspapers ; some of which blamed the military for firing on the people, claiming that the provocation received was not sufficient to warrant such whole- sale slaughter. Perhaps the critics expected the troops to
552
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1871
wait until a few more of their number had been shot down be- fore defending themselves ! And even then have fired only with blank cartridges! The matter was fully investigated by the proper authorities and the National Guard exonerated from all blame. It is true-as is always the case in such un- fortunate occurrences-that many were injured who were mere- ly lookersøn, and who took no part in the violation of law and order. One of these, a resident of Brooklyn, while lying in the hospital, said that just before leaving his home that morn- ing, he handed his landlady the amount of his week's board bill, playfully remarking that he intended going over to New York to see the fun, and might get killed. The man died from the effects of his wounds.
On the 14th Colonel Fisk, who had repaired to Long Branch to rest and recuperate from the injuries received on the 12th, telegraphed the Lieutenant-Colonel as follows :
Lieut .- Col. CHAS. R. BRAINE,
Grand Opera House :
Have received dispatch as to disposition of the remains of Sergeant Wyatt and Private Page. The funeral at 2 o'clock on Sunday next is what I desire. You will issue the necessary orders to the regiment and band at once. Also, if the matter in Mr. Wash. E. Connor's dispatch, about buying ground in Woodlawn, meets your views, and if the relatives of our gallant dead desire them to be buried there, have Mr. Connor make the necessary purchase and arrangements.
I want everything done that is right and appropriate, that was ever done for any heroes, and I do not desire the question of expense to enter into our arrangements.
JAMES FISK, JR., Colonel.
/- In response to the generous and true-hearted commander's desires, the following order was issued :
HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT, THIRD BRIGADE,
FIRST DIVISION, N G. S. N. Y., New York, July 14th, 1871.
GENERAL ORDERS, ¿ No. 8.
The officers and members of this command will assemble in full dress uniform, white trousers, gloves and belts, on Sunday next, July 16th, for the purpose of paying the last tribute of respect to our late comrades, Sergeant Wyatt and Private Page.
Roll-call of companies at the armory, at one o'clock P. M. Non-commissioned staff, band and field music will report to the Adjutant at the same time and place. Field and staff (dismounted) will report to the Colonel at one-fifteen o'clock P. M.
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1871
FUNERAL OF WYATT AND PAGE.
553
The members of Companies F and K will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Officers of the regiment will wear the badge of mourning on the day of the funeral.
By order of
COLONEL JAMES FISK, JR.
EDGAR S. ALLIEN,
Adjutant.
The following account of the funeral services is from the Army and Navy Journal :
FUNERAL OF WYATT AND PAGE.
Never did New York offer a more spontaneous-a more universal-ovation to departed heroism. From all parts of the city crowds assembled, long before the hour of the funeral, to do honor to the noble dead, and at Calvary P. E. Church, corner Fourth Avenue and Twenty-first Street, the highways were for hours impassable, owing to the pressure of the populace.
The remains of Sergeant Wyatt were taken from his late residence, No. 101 MacDougal Street, while those of Private Page were removed from Mr. Stephen Merritt's, undertaker, on Eighth Avenue, to the Calvary Church, starting at about 1. 30 P. M. The troops parading assembled at their armories, and a little after one o'clock proceeded to the NINTH regiment armory, where the military pageant was formed. This consisted of detachments of the First, Twelfth and Seventy-first, the NINTH parading in a body, all in full dress uniform. The troops, as they proceeded to the church, made a magnificent display, the NINTH and Seventy-first, in white trousers and cross belts, attracting marked attention and receiving many compliments. On reaching the church, the NINTH (with arms at a carry-loaded)-and the detach- ments filed therein.
The church was crowded, and the sight of the numerous and brilliant uniforms of the military, and the death-like silence of all the surroundings, was very affecting. When all had finally entered and become seated, the beautiful and impressive service of the Episcopal Church was read by the Chaplain, Rev. E. O. Flagg, D. D. ; assisted by the Rev. Wm. Walker, Rector of the church, and Arthur Lawrence. The Rev. Chap- lain Flagg ascended the pulpit and said : Before commencing my discourse, I will read a brief note from the Colonel of the NINTH:
"Will you say to our soldiers to-morrow, for me, that I am not able to pay the last tribute to the noble men who so willingly did their duty for law and order, and gave up for that cause, all a soldier has to give-his life. God bless our regiment ; and, be- lieving that at this time of our great bereavement -- the All-powerful-to whom we so truly now pay homage, has done that which is righteous and just, though painful for us, I willingly bow my head and heart in thanksgiving and prayer, and we must abide the verdict, which has been rendered by Him."
"JAMES FISK, JR."
The funeral address by the Chaplain of the regiment was very appropriate, and from which the following extracts are taken :
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1871
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
"The Lord's voice crieth unto the city." -- MICAH vi : 9.
' Loudly does it speak in this instance. It is charged with the momentousness of a thousand thunderbolts. It has almost the supernal energy of the voice heard in Eden in the cool of the day, when the pair sought to hide themselves from its awful portents. How mysterious and monitory the death-story inscribed in these insignias of woe. Two citizen-soldiers enshrouded and coffined. What volumes do they offer to our perusal? Ordinarily would such a sight seem fraught with solemnity and sadness -- under existing circumstances the suggestiveness of the scene can hardly be estimatet. You are all familiar with the events of the past few days, in which these two persons so conspicuously figured. Description can lend but little interest in the intense, vital earnestness of the facts themselves. They are a part of the stirring record of history. *
" Freedom to worship God " was lisped in the nursery, chanted in a mother's lulla- by, echoing to the unbound wave that uttered its monotone on the wild New England coast. The whizzing ball of the Revolution baptized the dear-bought truth in the blood of many a forman. Surrender this our heritage, and we surrender everything that is near and dear to the American heart. * * *
"If the Declaration of American Independence is to be read by all, should that be withheld which afforded us such declaration? All the emancipation for the body is nothing without Christian emancipation-that of the spirit; and coward indeed is he, and un-American, who will allow the jewel of his being, the conscience, to be fettered, the healthful word of God to be crippled in any of its influences. When freedom to worship God and liberty of conscience are taken away, we shall have no liberty what- ever left, and we might as well at once cringe to the despots of Europe. * *
" Ye relatives and immedkite friends of the departed -- with deep sorrow a joy mingles in your respective cases-you have lost dear ones, but O! they have earned a nana, which will always live in the annals of true greatness. Upon you and your descend- ants are reflected the glories of genuine patriotism, imperishable renown. You are related to martyrs to religious and civil liberty. Side by side in the graveyard will they sleep, and their turf will be perennially green in precious memories, and gently will the air of liberty play around their not-to-be-forgotten resting places. Awakened by the last trumpet-call, they shall be summoned to the peaceful barracks, dwelling eternally with the Captain of their salvation.
'Gentlemen of the NINTH, you have won goodly laurels. Not to detract from the meritoriousness of the other Corps, Military and Police, who have acquitted themselves with such honor, you have achieved a fame which envy or detraction may not take away. Officers and men have placed themselves in the foremost ranks of citizen soldiery. From your generous and gallant commander downward, you have shown most commendable bravery. Seek to be soldiers of Christ, true to God, true to liberty and true to your country. *
"Friends of foreign birth, either Protestant or Roman Catholics, gladly do we welcome you, infused with the spirit of your adopted country. You will be protected in every personal right, civil or religious. Everything we claim of you, will we concede to you, but no more. We are most tenacious of our dear-bought liberties, and shall defend them to the last drop of our blood. But we trust to be friends, and that we may both be found working in the common cause of freedom in church or in State. May the events of the past few days be wasted on none of us, but may we increase in wisdom and in national unity until this goodly Republic will have fulfilled the promise of the last eventful century, Amen."
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555
1871
FUNERAL PARADE.
At the conclusion of the services, the storm that had threatened so long came on with unusual fury. The troops at this time had all filed from the church, and were get- ting into position ; but when the rain came down, there was a general scampering of the main portion of the populace and a portion of the troops, the NINTH taking the brunt of the storm like soldiers, and in the same soldierly manner as they took the lead storm on Wednesday, July twelfth. The storm was very severe, a terrific rain and hail falling, accompanied by a most severe high wind, uprooting trees, and filling the streets with large broken branches. After the storm had abated, the troops were re- formed, and the solemn pageant took up the march to the Harlem Railroad Depot, at Forty-second Street, in the following order :
Inspector Walling and six hundred policemen.
Veterans of the NINTH, Major Charles S. Strong Commanding, in two platoons. NINTH regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Braine Commanding, ten companies of eighteen files. Brigadier-General Varian and staff.
Officers of the Eighth, Thirteenth, Fifty-fifth regiments, and other officers of the First and Second divisions. Seventy-first regiment, Mayor Eugene S. Eunson, four companies of twenty files. First regiment, Mayor John H. Perley, two companies of ten files. Twelfth regiment, Colonel John Ward, Jr., six compaines of fourteen files. Platoon of Police.
The solemn column, in common time, took its course up Fourth Avenue through Twenty-fourth Street, and Madison Avenue, to the railroad depot, where all the military, with the exception of the NINTH, were dismissed, and returned to their respective armories.
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