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 55
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COLONEL WILLIAM SEWARD, JR.
1382
617
. A STATE CAMP ESTABLISHED.
Barlow ; and Washington Light Battery. Captain Ferdinand P. Earle. Adjutant Charles L. Housman formed the battalion, with Captain Chapman in command, for dress-parade and review, and with good alignments and steady step the review was received by Major T. B. Rand and staff, of the NINTH regiment. After the review Captain Chapman in a neat speech complimented Company HI on its growth and effi- ciency and presented Corporal F. A. Gale with a handsome diamond badge for having obtained the greatest number of recruits during the year. The next feature on the programine was the presentation to Captain Chapman of a handsome sword and belt by the members of his company. This pleasing ceremony, which completely took Captain Chapman by surprise, was gracefully performed by Captain G. Henry Witt- haus, who in his speech paid a high compliment to Captain Chapman for the zeal he has at all times manifested in behalf of the NINTH regiment. The recipient of this testimonial of regard and esteem eloquently responded and was loudly cheered. A reception followed with Lieutenant W. R. Clough as floor manager, and First Sergeant R. S. Capen as his aid. The entertainment was a very enjoyable one, and dancing was kept up till a late hour. Adjutant Johnston, of the Eighth regiment, formerly commander of the company, was present and took deep interest in the movements.
The NINTH participated in the Memorial Day exercises on May 30th. On the 20th of June an inspection was made, the result of which was gratifying to all concerned.
IS8 3.
On Washington's birthday Madison Square Garden was filled with the members of the NINTH and their friends. After the usual drill-room parade and inspection, dancing followed, and the amusement was kept up until all seemed satisfied and were ready to go home. Memorial Day was duly observed on May 30th.
An important feature was this year introduced into the " curriculum " of the National Guard. A State Camp had been established at Peekskill, on the Hudson, and but a few hours ride by rail from the city. The design was that each regiment and separate company in the State-or as many of them as the limit of time would allow-should spend a week-from Satur- day to Saturday -- at this camp, for the purpose of familiarizing the men with camp and field duties. On the 14th of July the NINTH reached the camp, remaining there till the 2ist. On the 19th the Veterans of the regiment visited the camp, and they seemed to take as much interest in the affair as the " Actives." The week's stay was of great benefit to the regi-
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6IS
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1883
ment. Many of the members had never slept under canvas before. The strict discipline maintained while the men were on duty, and the regularity with which all service was per- formed, showed the young men something of military life in the field.
From the Adjutant-General's report for this year we cull interesting facts respecting the regiment, with special reference to its tour of duty at the camp :
* * *
This regiment was encamped seven days, with an average daily attendance of five hundred and nineteen, for which sixty-four prescriptions were issued, being less than thirteen per cent. on duty daily. The average daily temperature was seventy-eight degrees Fahr. The number excused from duty on account of illness was twenty-four ; of which, however, but one was transferred to the hospital, who was a member of the " band. The largest item of the disorders is diarrhea, which constituted about thirty per cent. of the total list. The medical record of this organization is admirable, and could not have been attained had their medical officers been inattentive to their duties.
The regular army officer-a veteran of the war-who was detailed to visit the State Camp and report to the Adjutant- . General of the Army at Washington upon the condition of the troops there, said :
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On the 19th of July, I made a second visit to the camp, in obedience to orders from General Hancock, and at the special request of the able Adjutant-General of the State, General John G. Farnsworth.
It seems that the presence of an army officer in camp is regarded as a recognition of the standing and importance of the National Guard on the part of the War Depart- ment, and the country now and for the future. All seem anxious to bring the two branches of the service, so to speak, into closer relations. I was treated with the great- est possible courtesy and hospitality by all the staff. I came in company with the Adju- tant-General. and Governor Cleveland, who was received handsomely by the NINTH regiment, now in camp, Colonel Seward commanding, and the Sixth Separate Com- pany (the Troy Citizens Corps), Captain Cusack commanding, and the guard and the staff, with all the honors due to the Commander-in Chief. emphasized still more by a marching review and dress-parade. The latter contained some additions of ceremony not laid down in the tactics. I staid over in camp next day in order to witness every thing that was done. Simultaneously with police call after reveille, came the first detail for the target range, composed of two companies of the NINTH, with their own officers, the regimental inspector of rifle practice, and Colonels Gilette and David. The work was volley firing in ranks at one hundred yards, and skirmish fire at from fifty to three hundred yards, measurably well done and carefully superintended. There is much coaching of the marksmen, and some of them learn rapidly, but with it is more
1883
REPORTS UPON THE CAMP OF INSTRUCTION 619
or less excitement of voice and manners, which is bad. The calmness of habitual com- .mand is especially neede I when troops are firing. After guard-mount came company and battalion drill. It would be insidious to criticise when the drill is for instruction of officers and men and where the scholars are only learning their lessons. * * * The opportunity afforded by this encampment for instruction of the solitary companies in the school of the battalion is too important to be overlooked.
As the National Guard has supplanted the old militia, it may be regarded as the first army reserve to be called out in case of war, and steps should be taken to increase, strengthen and improve it for both State and National purposes.
What are twelve thousand soldiers partially equipped, little drilled, and kept up by voluntary rules of discipline to a population in its own State of five millions of people !
The question of improving, increasing and utilizing the National Guard as a National Reserve, or sort of Landwehr, is one of great nicety and calls for discussion by our mili- tary thinkers and writers. The National Guard of the Empire State of New York goes into camp one week in two years; the Landwehr, in Germany, eight weeks every year.
Very respectfully, General, Your obedient servant, O. B. WILLCOX, Colonel and Breast Major-General.
Following is the report of Colonel Seward.
HEADQUARTERS NINTH REGIMENT, N. G. S. N. Y. New York, December 13th, 1883.
Major-General J. G. FARNSWORTH,
Adjutant-General, State of New York :
GENERAL :- I have the honor to report that, in compliance with Special Order No. 47, C. S., of May 16, from General Headquarters, State of New York, this regiment assembled at its armory on Saturday, July 14th, 1883, at 11.30 A. M., and at 12. 30 P. M. proceeded to the foot of Twenty-second Street, North River, where it embarked on. steamer Long Branch, 545 strong, exclusive of its band of 51 pieces, which also accompanied it, for the State Camp of Instruction at Peekskill, arriving at Roa Hook at 4.30 P. M. and entering camp. form illy relieved the Nineteenth Separate Company, Captain W. Haubennestel of Poughkeepsie.
The Sixth Separate Company, Captain James W. Cusack commanding, assigned to my command, arrived shortly after, from Troy, So strong, and were at once quar- terel on my right in camp.
Before leaving my armory it is proper for me here to state I detailed my guard, and likewise appointed my officer of the guard and officer of the day.
After each of the several companies had taken possession of the various quarters assigned them in camp, the respective commandants at once commenced drawing the quartermaster's supplies, after which the regiment partook of supper at 6 P. M., and at 7.30 P. M. dress-parade was held.
The following day. Sunday, the 15th, the regiment attended divine service in the morning on the parade ground, the Rev. Henry Ward, of Poughkeepsie, officiating. my own chaplain, the Rev. E. A. Reed, being abroad in Europe. Owing to a steady rain-storm setting in at 5 P. M., dress-pirade had to be dispensed with, guard-mount, however, having taken place at 9 .A. M.
620
THE NINTH NEW YORK. 1883
With the dawn of Monday, the 16th, rifle practice opened on the range at 6 A. M .. continuing all day until 6 P. M , except intermission for meals, and this was repeated daily, with the exception of the afternoon of the 19th, when the annual muster and inspection took place.
Likewise on . Monday, the 16th, the regular company, battalion and regimental drills began, and during the entire encampment were repeated daily, except on the morning of Wednesday, the 18th, when my surgeon advised me, owing to the intense heat, that it would be most prudent to suspend the morning drill, which I accordingly did. Guard mounting was performed daily at 9 A. M., and dress-parade was held at 7.30 P. M.
On Thursday, the 19th, I was honored by the arrival in camp of his excellency, Governor Cleveland, Commander-in-Chief, accompanied by his staff and Colonel Will- cox, Twelfth infantry, United States Army ; the Governor's salute being fired and regiment parading and receiving him with due military honors, every member of my command deeply realizing and appreciating the special honor he thus conferred on the NINTH regiment. In the afternoon the annual inspection and muster was held on the parade ground, and later on his excellency, Governor Cleveland, Commander-in- Chief, accompanied by his staff, accepted a review and marching salute. To him, for his distinguished consideration and attendance, I desire to return my especial thanks.
On Saturday, the 21st, I broke camp at noon, and after having the same properly cleaned up and turning over all the State property, which I had drawn and received on my arrival, to Brigadier-General Wylie, I left the camp in charge of the Sixth Separate Company, Captain Jas. W. Cusack, and embarking my command on the steamer Long Branch left Roa Hook at 1 P. M., reaching the foot of West Twenty-second Street, New York, at 4 P. M. and my armory at 4.30 P. M., where, after addressing my command on the servive they had completed, I dismissed them.
I am thoroughly satisfied with the beneficial results to my regiment of the tour of camp duty, and the results will be made more manifest if this privilege is year after year repeated, and I would earnestly recommend that suitable provision be made so that each organization in the State can be sent into camp at least eight days annually. 1 8
The grounds at Peekskill are admirably adapted for the purpose, and in my judg- ment should be purchased by the State authorities, so that a permanent Camp of In- struction could be established.
There is ample room to accommodate two regiments at a time, and by so doing there would be no difficulty whatever in giving the entire National Guard of the State an opportunity for improvement which has heretofore been denied them. It is only just to say that on occasions when their services have been required by either the National, the State or the city authorities they have always responded with full ranks and promptly met every demand made upon them, and it seems to me but fair that every facility possible should be given them to maintain and improve their efficiency.
If rifle practice is in the future as in the past to be combined with the tour of camp duty, I would most respectfully suggest that the range at Peekskill be increased in size and at least double the amount of target accommodation furnished, as it would greatly facilitate matters. The present range, what there is of it, is most admirable. and the sliding target used there I consider far superior to the Creedmoor iron target. While on this subject, I desire most earnestly to thank Brigadier-General Chas. F. Robbins, General Inspector of Ritle Practice, and his most able assistants, Lieutenant- Colonel Lewis W. Gillett and Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. David, for their many cour-
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1883
REPORT OF COLONEL SEWARD, JR.
621
tesies and especially for their daily faithful and untiring field services on the range with my command, lending most valuable assistance to my own inspector of rifle practice.
My thanks are due and tendered to the several officers of the regimental staff for the care and attention which each gave to their duties; the burdens of the command- ing officer were sensibly lightened in the assumption of responsbility by these officers and their intelligent execution of the orders pertaining to their several departments.
I cannot, however, close my report without acknowledging my obligations to the officers of the staff of the Commander-in-Chief for their constant and unremitting attention in every possible way to make our duty as pleasant and profitable as possible, and to General Wylie, Colonel Story and Colonel Phisterer I am especially indebted in this regard, all of which is respectfully submitted by
Very truly, your obedient servant, WILLIAM SEWARD, JR., Colonel Commanding NINTH Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y.
The Adjutant-General's report further shows that of the thirty-four officers, eleven served in the regiment-or other Union organizations-during the war, while one served in the Confederate army.
On the evening of the 9th of October Company G gave their annual stag entertainment at the Utah House. After disposing of a good supper, the boys let themselves loose for a while, and songs, speeches and instrumental music filled out the night.
On the 26th of November the one hundredth anniversary of Evacuation Day was celebrated by a parade. Rain fell during the day and while the troops were on the march, but the programme was carried through.
1884.
On the 30th of January Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery resigned and Major Rand was advanced to fill the vacancy, Adjutant C. A. H. Bartlett being promoted to the Majority. Lieut .- Colonel Thomas B. Rand entered the military service as a member of the Rifle Club, Boston, -- , 1858 ; Sergeant, Co. B, 2nd Bat. Mass. Vol. Militia, " The Boston Light Infantry." April 10, 1859; discharged Sept. 25, 1860; Captain, Co. C. 33d Mass. Vols., July 21, 1862 ; served in the 11th and 20th Army corps; mustered out June 29, 1865 ; Major NINTH regi-
622
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1884
ment N. G. S. N. Y. June 1, 1882 ; Lieut .- Colonel, Feb. 5, 1884.
During April battalion drills were held and marked improve- ment was noticed in the movements. On May 12th, the regi- ment paraded, and marksman's badges were conferred upon the successful competitors. Memorial Day was duly observed on the 30th. On June 8th, Chaplain Reed preached his annual sermon to the regiment, and on the roth, Creedmoor was again visited for rifle practice. During the month the men were measured for the new Service Uniform, adopted by the State authorities. This consisted of dark blue coats, half Prince Albert style, with double row of buttons ; light blue pants with dark blue stripe, and a low-crowned blue cap with straight visor. The old uniform was given up with much regret, but as the State refused to make appropriations for special uniforms, all the State troops in the division-except the Seventh and Twenty-second regiments who still fur- nished their own-were obliged to adopt the new dress. When the Fall inspection occurred on the 3d of October, the regiment appeared in the prescribed uniform.
On the 28th of October the First and Second divisions were reviewed by Governor Grover Cleveland.
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1885
RECEPTION AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. 623
CHAPTER XXX.
"THE "ACTIVES" ENTERTAIN THE VETERANS.
1885-1886.
Drill and Reception. - Marksman's Badges Presented .- Exhibition of Games .- The State Camp .- Death of General Grant .--- Annual Inspection .-- Courtesies Ex- tended by the Twenty-second Regiment .- 1886-Death of General Hancock .- Company K's Reception .- " Pat's Military Record."-The Twenty-fifth Anni- versary of Departure for the War .- The " Actives" Entertain the Veterans .--- Register of War Veterans Present .- Memorial Day .-- Celebrating the Muster In of June 8th, 1861 .-- National Guard Reorganized .- Veteran's Pilgrimage to the Battle-fields .- Reception at Sharpsburg, Md .-- Presenting the Testimonal .-- Get- tysburg .- Report of Fall Inspection .- Dedication of Statute of Liberty .- Efforts to Secure a new Armory.
1885.
THE first event of the year to the NINTH was the drill and reception at Madison Square Garden on February 24th. From a report of the affair, published in Army and Navy Journal, we gather the following :
The bearing of the men on parade furnished evidence that the necessity of a proper system of discipline has been recognized, and that the regiment intends to keep pace with the requirements of the times. To be able to make a statement to this effect gives us more than usual satisfaction, because in times gone by we have had occasion for severely censuring the regiment on the very points where they now receive our commendation. The regiment turned out commendably in point of numbers, and the uniforms were well-fitted. * * Another subject of favorable comment is that white shirt collars, which evidently must form a part on occasions of this sort, were, at least, uniformly worn and reduced to a modest size. *
General Charles P. Stone was the reviewing officer, and was accompanied by General Shaler and staff. General Stone was an old friend of the NINTH, the regiment having served under him in the carly part of the war. The review was exe- cuted with ten commands of sixteen files. The paper above quoted further said :
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1885
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
624
After a fine performance of the drum and fife corps, under direction of Drum- Major Hill, the military character of the exhibition was lost and terpsichorean exercises took the place of military maneuvers. The display on the floor was brilliant, the audience was numerous, and the exhibition in its social features became as successful as it had proven in a military sense. The NINTH, taken as a whole, showed marked pro- gress, and we congratulate them on their decided improvement. * *
* The boundless hospitality of the regiment and the jolly good-fellowship of its officers, as shown on this occasion, formed a pleasant feature of the entertainment, and this account would not be complete if we had neglected to mention it. The Regular Army was repre- sented by Lieutenants Zalinski and Whistler, of the 5th artillery, in full uniform.
On the 25th of April marksman's badges were presented by Captain G. Henry Witthaus, the Inspector of Rifle Prac- tice, who preceded the presentation with one of his character- istic speeches.
On Saturday evening, May 16th, the regiment, with a large number of their friends, occupied the armory for the purpose of witnessing the second annual exhibition of games by the various teams in the regiment. Running and walking races, club swinging, sack races, hurdle races, roller skating, jump- ing matches, bicycle and wheelbarrow races, and a three-mile " go.as-you-please " race made up the programme. Prizes were awarded the successful competitors, and the occasion was a pronounced success.
On the 27th of June the NINTH occupied the State Camp of Instruction at Peekskill, where, during the week, they gained much valuable experience in the duties of the soldier. Two days after the arrival of the regiment the camp was invaded by the Veteran organization, accompanied by their lady relatives, friends and children, who spent the day ; embarking for home at eight o'clock in the evening.
The return of the regiment on July 4th was noted in the Tribune of the 5th, as follows :
As brown as berries and as steady as veterans the men of the 9th infantry marched to their armory last evening from the Grand Central Depot, where they had arrived at 5 P. M. from the State Camp. A week of field duty made a great improve- ment in the command. Their officers spoke with enthusiasm of the good behavior of the men. The regiment returned under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas B. Rand, Colonel Seward having gone to New-Hamburg to spend a few days. After .
1885
DEATH OF EX-PRESIDENT,-GENERAL GRANT. 625
a dusty march from the camp to the cars, after being relieved by the 7ist infantry in the afternoon, the regiment was compelled to stand for half an hour without shelter at Roa Hook station waiting for the train in a pouring rain. After boarding it the men occupied themselves in removing the mud from their uniforms as best they could. When the line was formed, after reaching the city, they looked as if they had seen service. They marched down Forty-second Street, and Seventh Avenue, to Twenty-sixth Street, to their armory. On the route they were warmly greeted, especially at the St. Cloud Hotel, of which the Lieutenant-Colonel is one of the proprietors. The hotel was gayly decorated and their friends saluted them with packs of fire-crackers and other squibs that they had prepared for the occasion. The men were halted in front of the armory and faced to the front and Lieutenant-Colonel Rand addressed them as follows : " Men of the NINTH regiment : Colonel Seward desired me to say to you that he appre- ciates exceedingly the manner in which the officers and men have conducted them- selves in camp, and in this the field and staff heartily unite. Your behavior will add greatly to the fame and glory of the old NINTH regiment."
Then the two wings marched into the building by separate entrances and the band played " Home, Sweet Home." Throngs of friends and relatives surrounded the soldiers, with whom, when they had broken ranks, they departed, glad to be home, but wishing they could soon have another week in camp.
Major Clifford A. H. Bartlett told a Tribune reporter that the regiment had a better record for health at the State Camp than any that had ever been there. Assist- ant Surgeon A. H. Doty confirmed this statement, saying that during their sojourn there, there had not been but one man in the hospital and only five excused from duty out of the active command of nearly 750 men, including the Jjoth and 4ist Separate Companies from Syracuse.
In a little over a month after the regiment returned from the State Camp, it was called upon to participate in the obse- quies attending the burial of General U. S. Grant, ex-Presi- dent of the United States. It is hardly necessary, here, to relate the circumstances attending the long illness and death of this truly great man and soldier. Afflicted with an incur- able malady, he struggled heroically against the enemy, but was finally compelled to make an unconditional surrender on July 23d. The following order was issued from brigade headquarters :
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, N. G. S. N. Y.,
NO. 48 PINE STREET, New York, August 5th, 1885.
GENERAL ORDERS, ¿ No. 6,
1. Pursuant to General Orders No. 8, c. s. Orders from Headquarters First Division, this brigade will parade in full dress uniform, light marching order, Field and Staff mounted, on Saturday, the 8th day of August, 1885, to take part in the last sad rites over the remains of the Nation's Dead, General and Ex-President Ulysses S. Grant.
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626
THE NINTH NEW YORK.
1885
Il. Line will be forme I in Broadway, East si le, left of brigade resting on or near Twenty-third Street, to be ready to move at 9 o'clock A. M. The Eleventh infantry will constitute the basis of formation.
Ill. Troops will wear canteens, and Regimental Commanders will see that they are properly filled before starting.
IV. The ambulance wagons allotted to each regiment, will take post on its left, occupying as little space as possible.
V. Regimental Commanders will report to the Brigade Chief of Staff in Broad- way on or near Twenty-third Street at hour named for formation.
V1. The 22d infantry is hereby detailed to fire three volleys over the tomb of General Grant.
By command of Brigadier-General Ward, ROBERT OLYPHANT, Assistant Adjutant-General.
The NINTH paraded in its place in line, and paid the last tribute to the General who led the Armies of the Union to victory and a lasting peace. The General was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and at the tomb the ritual of the order was observed. From the Grand Army Review we copy the following account
When the catafalque arrived at the tomb, Grant's own Post, George G. Meade, No. I, of Philadelphia, opened its ranks. The coffin was conveyed to the front, the com- mander at the head of the coffin and the chaplain at the foot, the Post grouped behind the chaplain with the colors to the front.
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