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 51
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About the year 1858 he was married to Miss Lucy D. Moore, of Springfield, Mass.
In 1864 he "purchased the Stonington Line of steamers, including the Bristol, Providence, Plymouth Rock and Com- monwealth for $1,000,000; and coming to New York to reside, commenced with Danie! Drew to operate in stocks and bonds. In 1865 the firm of Fisk, Belden & Co. was formed. which dealt largely in government securities, railroad and other stocks, and at one time the firm were on the verge of ruin.
In 1867, assisted by Boston capitalists, the Colonel surprised the financial world by getting a controlling interest in the Eric Railway ; through supplying some $8,000,000 to buy the bonds issued by Daniel Drew, President, with whom he had ceased to be on friendly terms.
Through his intimate connection with the " Black Friday" movement on the Stock Exchange, he was summoned before a congressional investigating committee at Washington, which will be chiefly remembered by his expression, in answer to a question, " Gone where the woodbine twineth."
The Colonel's next venture was the purchase of the Grand Opera House, then known as Pike's Opera House, for the sum of $850,000, which was leased to the Erie road at an annual rental of $75,000.
The sudden and untimely death of Colonel Fisk was a
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
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serious blow to the many interests of which he was the life and soul, and the NINTH suffered in the loss of its firm friend. Various were the speculations as to the effect the loss of the bountiful Colonel would have upon the fortunes of the regi- ment ; but its friends felt hopeful that-aside from the loss of a few who had joined for "butterfly" show, and the gratifica- tion of enjoying the many pleasant excursions and spreads provided by the deceased -- no harm would be entailed upon the organization. It was believed that the best members would remain true, and that the standard of the NINTH would not be suffered to decline.
On the 23d of February, Company 1, Captain Arthur Blaney, paraded to attend the funeral of ex-Captain Dal- rymple, who died on the 20th. Accompanied by the Veterans of the Regiment, and the Atalanta Boat Club, the company escorted the renfains to Greenwood Cemetery where the inter- ment took place.
Owing to the unfinished condition of the armory, company drills alone were held during the months of January, February and March. The attendance was fair, and at the monthly meetings a number of recruits were received. It was noticed, towards the end of March, and especially in Com- panies C and K, that many members continued to absent themselves from drill, thereby violating the obligations they had voluntarily assumed. This was now a disturbing element. "and it was hoped would soon be eradicated by expelling the do-nothings.
On April 3d the regiment paraded ten companies of six- teen files, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Braine, in heavy marching order, to attend the funeral of General Robert Anderson, of Fort Sumter fame, who died on the 26th of October, the previous year, at Nice, France, and whose body had been brought home and deposited in the receiving vault in Marble Cemetery on Second Street. The escort formed at ten o'clock, and half an hour later moved in the following order :
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BURIAL OF GENERAL ROBERT ANDERSON. 569
Police. Brig .- Gen. Wm. G. Ward, Commanding escort. Seventy-first regiment. Seventy-ninth regiment. NINTH regiment. Seventh regiment.
Batteries E and H First artillery, U. S. A., of Ft. Sumter. Battery K, First artillery, U. S. A., Major J. M. Brannan, First artillery, U. S. A., Com- manding. Corpse, covered by the Ft. Sumter flag, upon gun-carriage. Members of the Old Guard on each flank.
Two carriages containing the pall-bearers : Generals J. V. Bomford, Jeff C. Davis, Saml. W. Crawford and Jno. G. Foster ; Messrs. Hiram Barney, Richd. S.
Thorne, Henry V. Vail and Chas. P. Kirkland. Carriages with the family and officers of the Army and Navy. Anderson Zouaves, in two platoons. Columbia Order of Knights-Templars, Commandery No. 1. Pacific Lodge, in column of twos Police.
The route of march was through Second Avenue, Eighth Street, Broadway, Fifth Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street to the Hudson River ; when the body, under the escort of a sergeant and cight privates (!) of the regular army, was placed upon the steamboat Henry Smith, and conveyed to West Point. Strange to say, that upon arriving at that celebrated military post. the Alma Mater of the dead hero, no salute was fired, nor were there any troops in line to receive the remains of the once honored and popular soldier. The casket was placed upon a gun-caisson, drawn by four horses, and conveyed to the grave, where the burial service was read by Post Chaplain For- syth, and a prayer offered by Rev. Dr. Duane. The day was a beautiful one, the ceremonies in New York had been most appro- priate to the rank and character of the General, and why the authorities at West Point were so indifferent-and even disre- spectful-has never been explained.
On the 9th, Regimental General Orders, No. 5, was pub lished, expelling ten members of Company C, and twelve from Company K. It was also ordered that the right wing, consist- ing of Companies A, E, F, I and K, assemble for battalion drill on the 19th, and the left wing on the 23rd, which was obeyed, and drills held accordingly.
On the 9th of May the regiment assembled, ten companies
C
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THE NINTH NEW YORK. 1872
of fourteen files, and marched to Tompkins Square for battalion drill. The rank and file acquitted themselves creditably, but four of the officers exhibited such a hesitancy in communicating the proper orders to their commands, that numerous blunders were committed.
It is needless to say that the matter of a successor to Colonel Fisk had been earnestly canvassed ever since his burial. The public also, seemed to take a deep interest in the succession. Among those who were mentioned for the respon- sible place, were Generals George B. McClellan, John II. Wilcox, and John Hendrickson, Col. Benjamin W. Blanchard, Major William Moore Smith, and Messrs. Jay Gould, Jerome B. Fellows, James Gordon Bennett, Jr., and Robert G. Gregg. On the 14th, a new and unexpected candidate was self-pre- sented in the following manner :
44 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK, Mar 14th, 1872.
DEAR SIR :- I understand that the Colonelcy of the gallant NINTH Regiment of the National Guard, made vacant by the death of James Fisk, Jr., still remains unfilled ; also, that there are, as yet, but two candidates for the position -- Jerome B. Fellows and Robt. G. Gregg-both of whom are men of respectability and wealth. But it is to be seriously questioned, if such qualifications only, can recommend them to the regiment. Fisk had wealth, youth, and brains. Under his guidance the regiment rapidly took rank in the " First Division," as one of the most efficient bodies of men in the service. His men partook of his spirit and dash, and each one felt the inspiration of his genius.
I protest that it would be a wrong, to the memory of the dead leader, to select as his successor any one who lacks the magnetic influence he possessed over his soldiers- securing their love and admiration, and communicating their enthusiasm to the general public.
It would be an impediment to the further advance of the regiment, to permit such a selection. In fact, it would be a blunder, and the great Captain, Napoleon the First, declared a blunder to be worse than a crime.
Your connection with the Grand Opera House brings you in social contact with the committee having the selection of a Colonel in hand. See the gentlemen, please, and tell them I will accept the position, and pledge myself, if elected, to give sach an impetus to recruiting, that in thirty days the NINTH Regiment will be the foremost in the State.
There can be no objection to me, save that I am a woman. Permit me to remind those who urge it, that Joan d'Are also was a woman. While I do not make pre- tensions to the same military genius she possessed, I may state that it has always been my desire to become actively connected with the service, and I have always gratified a passion I have for studying its rules and tactics, in which I am well versed.
I have no doubt that this communication, will, at first sight, occasion incredulity
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CANDIDATES FOR THE COLONELCY.
1872
as to my intentions, but permit me to assure you I am deeply and fixedly in earnest in the matter.
Yours very sincerely, TENNIE C. CLAFLIN.
To JOSEPH H. TOOKER,
Manager Grand Opera House.
To this the following reply was returned :
GRAND OPERA HOUSE, May 15, 1872.
MADAM : Capt. G. Augustus Fuller, I am informed, is Chairman of the Committee, having the recommendatory selection of a Colonel for the NINTH Regiment in charge. I can not do more than place your communication in his hands. I am not a member of the organization, and therefore have some delicacy about urging any candidate upon the committee.
Very respectfully, JOSEPH H. TOOKER.
To Miss TENNIE C. CLAFLIN,
44 Broad Street.
Miss Claflin's letter having been referred to Captain Fuller. he, in courtesy to the lady, referred it to Captain Courtney, the Chairman of the committee on candidates ; but it was not officially acted upon, partly owing to the fact that the Military Code of the State of New York did not permit the enrollment of any but male persons in its National Guard. The press took up this subject, commenting upon its originality, and strange to say, not even the military newspapers referred to the ineligibility of Miss Claflin for military honors ; the matter being treated as a huge joke at the expense of the · NINTH.
On the 27th the Veteran Association, General John Hen- drickson presiding, celebrated the eleventh anniversary of the departure for the war, by a dinner at the Metropolitan Hotel. About one hundred and fifty members and guests were present. Responses to toasts were made by Generals Rutherford and Morrison, Colonel Van Beuren, Majors Hitchcock and Strong. Surgeon Nordquist, Adjutant Allien and others. The occasion was greatly enjoyed by all.
On the 30th, Memorial Day, the regiment paraded, at one P. M. A committee, consisting of Captain Fuller and Lieu .-
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THE NINTHI NEW YORK. 1872
tenants Hussey and Wood, had gone the day before to Brattle- boro, Vt., where, in connection with Post Sedgwick, No 8, of the Grand Army of the Republic, Commander C. R. Briggs, they decorated the grave of Colonel Fisk. The officers of the regiment, accompanied by one sergeant from each company, went to Woodlawn Cemetery in the morning, and performed the same ceremony there for the dead of the NINTII. Major George W. Mclean, of the Old Guard, had already placed flowers upon these graves, and kindly promised to continue the pleasing duty each succeeding year, so long as he was able.
After a number of meetings, at which attempts had been made to elect a colonel, the matter was decided on the 4th of June by the choice of Lieutenant-Colonel Braine, who accepted. Major Hitchcock was advanced to Lieutenant-Col- onel, and Captain Dow S. Kittle was elected Major.
The Ninety-sixth Anniversary of American Independence brought out the NINTH, who paraded with the First division, under the command of General Alexander Shaler. The regiment, ten companies of fourteen files, assembled at half- past six in the morning and marched to the rendezvous on Fourth Street, where the brigade formed with the right resting on Broadway. At half-past eight the column moved, the route being up Broadway to Fourteenth Street, to Eighth Avenue, to Thirty-fourth Street, to Fifth Avenue, to the Worth Mon- ument, where the reviewing stand had been erected. The . heat was intense, and many men were overcome and compelled to fall out of the ranks; some were sun-struck, and the Surgeons had their hands full in looking after the disabled. Surgeon Thompson of the NINTH attended members of several other regiments. Citizens along the route offered ice-water and lemonade, but the climax of hospitality was reached in front of the residence of Mr. Eisenberg, where iced champagne was poured out to the exhausted guardsmen. Such princely liberality had seldom before been shown, and the recipients were enthusiastic in their praise of the liberal donor.
The next day the regiment was armed with Remington
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COLONEL CHARLES R. BRAINE.
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1872
RECEPTION OF COMPANIES G, II AND D.
573
breech-loading rifles, cal. . 50. Five hundred and forty pieces were issued.
On the 31st Company G entertained their friends by an excursion up the Hudson to Iona Island, the steamboat Sleepy Hollow and barge Pilgrim conveying the party, who, although it rained all day, passed a most delightful time in singing and dancing on board the boats.
Nothing further of interest occurred till the 20th of Sep- tember, when the regiment assembled for instruction prepara- tory to the annual muster and inspection by the State officers. On the 10th of October the First division was reviewed by Governor Hoffman. The NINTH turned out ten companies of fourteen files, marching with a firm and steady step, eliciting much applause from the spectators who lined the route of march. The weather was clear and cool, and the review sat- isfactory in all respects. On the 16th, at seven P. M., the regiment assembled at the armory for inspection. Five hundred and one men answered to their names, one hundred and nineteen being reported absent ; a total of six hundred and twenty-a loss of one hundred and sixty-five from the previous year.
General George G. Meade died on the 6th of November, and was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia.
On the 16th of December Company H, Captain James Slater, gave a reception to their friends at Apollo Hall, the occa- sion being graced by a large company of " fair women and brave men," who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Following this, Company D, Captain Edward S. Bowlend, gave an entertain- ment at the armory on the 26th, and despite the severe snow- storm which prevailed at the time, a large and merry crowd enjoyed the festivities till an early hour the following morning. The non-commissioned officers turn came next in the round of the winter's pleasures, and on the 28th they invited their friends to a Soirée Magique at Robinson Hall. Adjutant Edgar S. Allien, the originator of the affair, was congratulated upon the success of the entertainment ; his magical manipula- tions established his rank as a first-class Prestidigitator.
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1873
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
CHAPTER XXVII. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
1873-1876.
A Falling off in Membership .- Work on the Armory Resumed .- Company K Visits Passaic, N. J .- Celebrating the 27th of May .- Memorial Day .- Fourth of July. -Fall Drills Resumed .- Regimental Reception .- The Armory Completed .- 1874 -Regimental Court-Martial .- Death of ex-Lieutenant Colonel Ferris .- The Twenty-seventh of May .- Companies C and I Escort the Boston Fusileers .--- Creedmoor .- International Rifle Match .- The NINTH's First Target Practice .- Shooting at Candle Targets .- Resignation of Colonel Braine .- 1875-Election of Colonel Hitchcock .-- Parade on May 27th .- Amendment to Military Code .--- Regimental Rifle Team .- Second International Rifle Match .- Practice at Creed- moor .-- Gratifying Increase in Membership .- 1876-Centennial Celebration .- Organization of the Parade .-- The March .- Music and Fireworks .- Exercises in Academy of Music .-- Escorting the Connecticut Militia .-- Membership Still Increasing .- The Band's Hop.
AT the opening of the new year the prospects of the regi- ment were not very flattering. A number of the officers had resigned, while many of the men absented themselves from drill and other duties ; quite a number of the latter had, in consequence, been dropped from the rolls. There were various causes for this state of affairs, principal among which was the unfinished condition of the armory. The quarters were not inviting and the men found pleasanter surroundings elsewhere. Of several of the officers who had resigned it was thought they were victims of disappointed ambition, a disease difficult to cure, and quite fatal to the interests of a militia organization. In order to secure attendance at the weekly drills the Board of Officers found it necessary to court-martial some of the delinquents. The necessity of this extreme measure was deplored by the loyal members, for it showed that the ancient glory of the organization was departing.
On the 11th, 12th, 13th and 27th of March wing drills were held at the armory, the companies turning out an average of
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1873
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COMPANY K VISITS PASSAIC, N. J.
twelve files. The evolutions were creditably performed and the manual of arms executed with great precision. On the 20th the regiment was inspected and reviewed by Inspector- General William H. Morris, of the Governor's staff. Ten companies of fourteen files appeared, and the various move- ments were properly and promptly executed. After the dress- parade the line wheeled into column by companies and marched past the reviewing officer, then returning by column of divisions. The alignments in each case being such that there was little room for improvement in that respect.
During the month of April work on the armory repairs and enlargement was resumed. A hitch in the appropriations had caused delay, and it was hoped that the work would be pushed to completion. No drills were held during the month. On the 19th Company K, Captain Spencer, celebrated its third an- niversary by an excursion to Passaic, N. J., the company reach- ing there at one P. M. Upon reaching the Town Hall the visitors were welcomed-on behalf of the Municipality-by the President, R. A. Terhune, Esq., and Councilmen Roberts and Papple. After partaking of a generous collation there was more speech-making, C. M. K. Paulison, Esq., speaking for the citizens, Colonel Braine and Captain Spencer responding on behalf of the guests. After a short street parade an ex- hibition drill was given in front of the Acquackanonk House, which reflected great credit upon the command. In the even- ing the company was entertained by a concert, supplemented by a dance, at the Kilgour Lyceum. At midnight the men left for home, tired, but delighted with their visit.
On the 27th of May about one hundred of the War Veter- ans stretched their legs under the mahogany at the Springler House, to celebrate the twelfth anniversary of the departure for the war. After supper-or dinner -- a number of good speeches were made, and when the hour of parting arrived the comrades separated, all well pleased with the occasion.
Memorial Day was duly observed. Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock, with a detail of two men from each company.
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
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in full uniform, proceeding to Woodlawn to decorate the graves of those who fell in the Orange riot.
On June 3d the First division paraded and was reviewed by the Governor, General John A. Dix, and General Shaler. The NINTH marched in its place with the Third brigade. On the 19th Company FF, Captain John H. Wood, formed part of the escort to. the Charlestown, Mass., Cadets, as they passed through the city on their way home.
The 4th of July was celebrated by the usual parade of the First division, the NINTH assembling at a quarter to seven A. M., and doing its share towards a proper observance of the day.
On the 15th of September Company C, Captain John C. C. Tallman, paraded at noon and formed part of the escort to the Veterans of the Mexican War, who had assembled to celebrate the anniversary of the Capture of the City of Mexico.
On the 24th drills were resumed, the right wing meeting for that purpose, the left following on the 26th. In view of the fact that the drill season did not usually begin until October, the attendance at these two was very gratifying. Some of the men showed a little rustiness after their summer's vaca- tion, but that wore off before the close of the drill.
On Thursday, the 16th of October, the regiment gave a reception in order to exhibit to their friends the remodeled Armory. The affair was a most gratifying success ; numerous friends assembled in response to the invitations, and the mem- abers felt greatly encouraged, now that their military home was habitable again. It was hoped that the old-time interest in the organization would be revived, and large accessions made to the ranks. On the 29th the annual inspection and review took place at Tompkins Square. Five hundred and forty men were present and fifty-five absent, a loss of twenty-five over the previous year. and much less than had been expected. The panic in financial circles had greatly depressed all enter- prises, and the National Guard suffered in consequence. To the officers and men who had faithfully labored in the interest
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CELEBRATION OF THE VETERANS.
1874
of the regiment was due the credit of the NINTH making such a creditable appearance at this time.
On the 31st of December the treasurer's report showed that on the same date in 1872 there was a balance on hand of $143.56 ; received from all sources since then, $8,584.55, and that the balance on hand was $1,250.58.
1874.
Wing drills were held on the evenings of the 19th and 21st of January and on the 17th and 20th of February, and on the two latter dates the officers also met for theoretical instruction in the Wingate Manual of loading and firing. On the evening of the 28th a regimental court-martial, Lieutenant-Colonel Hitchcock presiding, was held, before whom appeared about one hundred men who had been charged with various breaches of discipline ; their cases were all disposed of, some being excused, while others were fined.
On March 18th a review and inspection was held by Inspector General Morris.
On the 7th of April the regiment and the Old Guard, together with the Washington Gray Troop of Cavalry, paraded as escort to the remains of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas T. Ferris, formerly of the NINTH, who died in Paris in December. The services were held in Grace Church and the remains were then escorted to Brooklyn, where friends received and con- veyed them to Greenwood for interment.
Wing drills were held on the 12th and 14th of May, and on the 27th the First division of the guard was reviewed by the Governor. In the evening the Veterans enjoyed their an - niversary dinner, a goodly company gathering about the fes- tive board. Among the notables present were Generals John C. Robinson, Nelson Taylor, Abram Duryea, John Hendrick- son and Allan Rutherford; and Colonels Charles R. Braine and Robert G. Rutherford ; and Major Henry V. Williamson.
On June 4th a brigade drill was held in which the regiment took an active part. On the 16th Companies C and I paraded as escort to the Boston Fusileers. After the visitors had de- posited their arms and baggage at their headquarters-Grand
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THE NINTH NEW YORK.
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Central Hotel-the rest of the day and evening was devoted to sight seeing, under the guidance of the escort. On the 29th occurred the first International Rifle Shooting Match, at Creedmoor. A word or two of explanation is, however, necessary :
The need of a suitable place for target practice had long been felt by the members of the National Guard and others interested in marksmanship.
CREEDMOOR.
The National Rifle Association was formed on June 21st, and was incorporated on the 15th of September, 1871. As stated in the article of incorporation, "The object for which said association is formed, is the improvement of its members in marksmanship, and to promote the introduction of the system of aiming-drill and rifle practice as part of the military drill of the National Guard of this and other States, and for those purposes to provide a suitable range or ranges in the vicinity of the city of New York."
Of course it was expected that State aid would be given in order to lease or purchase and lay out the grounds ; on the 14th of May, 1872, the Legislature passed " An act to establish a rifle range and to promote skill in marksmanship among the National Guard."
Ground was purchased near Garden City, Queens County, Long Island, about fifteen miles from New York, and named Creedmoor.
The range was formally opened on June 21st, 1873.
Inspectors of Rifle Practice were appointed in regiments, brigades and divisions, and the troops ordered to repair to Creedmoor at stated times for rifle practice. Prizes were awarded those who made a certain score; much interest was manifested in the new drill, and special rifle teams were organ- ized in most of the regiments, who frequently visited the range for additional practice.
Although the National Guard had no official part in the International Match, the members took great interest in the
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INTERNATIONAL RIFLE MATCHI.
1874
contest. The match this year was between the Irish and American teams, and resulted in favor of the latter by three points. Below is the score :
THE AMERICAN TEAM.
Names.
800 Yards.
900 Yards.
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