USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 20
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At this period, as on many occasions of later date, the militia was made to bear the odium of certain extravagances of the city fathers. The following preamble and resolution, offered by Cap- tain Brower, although generally approved by the officers of the Regiment, and its adoption earnestly advocated by some, was from motives of expediency negatived by the board at its February meeting :
It being by common consent in this community the generally received opinion that the appropriations made in the Common Council for refreshments furnished on celebrations and gala days are exclusively, or nearly so, for the entertainment of the military ; but this not being truly the case,
Resolved, That the officers of the National Guards from this time do not par- ticipate in refreshments provided at the times and in the manner aforesaid.
At the April meeting the Board of Officers unanimously re- solved that the Twenty-seventh Regiment, which had heretofore been known as the "National Guards," should in future be called the "National Guard."
The centennial anniversary of the birth of Washington was celebrated by the Corporation of New York in a brilliant and attractive manner. The First Division was not ordered to parade, on account of the condition of the streets. The Eighth Company of the Twenty-seventh Regiment was detailed for special duty, in compliance with the following order :
DIVISION ORDER.
February 20, 1832.
The Committee of arrangements of the Corporation have received from George Washington Parke Custis, of Arlington House, the tent which George Washing-
1832
196
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
ton used during the Revolutionary War, and have requested the major-general to have it pitched in the Park, in front of the City Hall, with military attentions, and have designated it as the place of assembly for the remaining companions in arms of General Washington. .
The services of Colonel Stevens' Regiment (Twenty-seventh New York State Artillery) having been requested for guard duty on this occasion, and he having readily assented thereto, he will order for duty on the 22d inst. such part of the Regiment as he may deem proper.
By order of Major-General MORTON.
The 22d of February was an extremely cold and unpleasant day, and the streets were filled with snow and ice, yet the interesting occasion called out a large number of people. At 9 A. M. the Eighth Company assembled with full ranks and received the Washington marquee at the arsenal, pitched it in front of the City Hall, and mounted gnard with due ceremony in the midst of an immense crowd of enthusiastic citizens. At noon a national salute of twenty- four guns was fired-that being the number of States in 1832- and three successive salutes of thirteen guns each, in honor of the original States. The procession was formed at the City Hall, con- sisting of the national, State, and city officials, the civic and literary societies, the trades, the officers of the Army and Navy, and of the First Division, and the citizens generally, and marched through Broadway, Beaver, Broad, and Nassau Streets, to the Middle Dutch Church, where an oration was delivered by General Lewis. In the evening the City Hall, Tammany Hall, the Park Theatre, and all the buildings in the vicinity, were illuminated. The great attraction of the day was the marquee of Washington, in charge of the Eighth Company. This tent was first pitched by Washington at Dorches- ter, Mass., and after seven years' service was finally used at York- town as a banquet-hall for the entertainment of Lord Cornwallis, then a prisoner of war. Philip Lee, a nephew of Will Lee, the favorite servant of Washington during the Revolutionary War, accompanied the tent from Arlington to New York. It was visited during the day by the mayor and Common Council, by many of the officers of the United States Army and Navy, and " Veterans of 1776," and by an immense throng of citizens. The curiosity of the people to pass under the identical canopy which had protected the Father of his Country from storms and sunshine during the most eventful period in American history was universal and was generally gratified. The Eighth Company performed the arduons
197
THE LAFAYETTE MEDAL.
1832
and delicate duties intrusted to it in the most soldierly manner, and its appearance and bearing were a subject of general commendation.
A special meeting of the Board of Officers of the Twenty-sev- enth Regiment, National Guard, was held in the Washington mar- quee during the afternoon of the 22d day of February, 1832, at which Major Catlin submitted a proposition, which was unani- mously adopted, as follows :
Assembled with thousands of our fellow-citizens to celebrate the day which a century gone by gave birth to him in the providence of God endowed with wis- dom and energy by his Creator, became the Father of his Country. Assembled to unite our voices in the concert of gratitude and rejoicings which millions are sending heavenward in view of the numberless blessings, the unexampled prosperity, the boundless prospects of our happy country-happy, indeed, beyond any nation or country under heaven. While we are thus distinguishing above the days of the years of our republic the birthday of the immortal Washington -while the name of the Hero of American Independence is glowing in our hearts and trembling on our tongues- whose memory does not prompt him with the next breath he draws to pronounce with scarcely less enthusiasm the name of that noble spirit, that gallant soldier, that PRO PATR champion of American Lib- RI.A. erty, that early and tried friend of our Washington- the hero of three revolutions -General La Fayette ? On The Lafayette Medal. this auspicious occasion, un- der this canopy hallowed in our cherished remembrance by the frequent inter- course of those kindred spirits, I have the honor to propose a suggestion, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Smith is the author, sanctioned by the hearty approval of our honored commandant, that a medal, with appropriate devices and inscriptions emblematic and descriptive of the occasion and object, be prepared to be presented on the 4th July next to that pure patriot as an expression-feeble, it is true, but most sincere-of the gratitude and admiration with which his ardent devotion and distinguished services in the eventful period of our struggle for independence, his
198
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1832
unsullied virtues, his untiring efforts in the cause of liberty even to this hour have inspired, in common with their fellow-countrymen, the National Guard of the City of New York.
That in this tribute of honor, to whom honor is due, every member of the corps have an opportunity of participating.
The field-officers and captains of companies were appointed a committee to secure subscriptions and to procure the testimonial to Lafayette. The subscriptions to the medal were liberal, and in the selection of the design and in securing its successful execution the committee was most fortunate. It was made of solid gold from the mines of North Carolina, and its front was embellished with emblems of the friendship existing between France and the United States, surrounding raised medallions of Lafayette and Washing- ton. On the reverse was the following inscription :
THE NATIONAL GUARD, TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, N. Y. S. ARTILLERY,
TO LA FAYETTE, CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 22, 1832.
The medal was completed in June, and on the 1st day of July was exhibited to the members of the Regiment, then in camp at New Haven. It was forwarded to James Fenimore Cooper, the American consul at Lyons, to be presented to the distinguished patriot at such time and in such manner as he should think proper. The following letter from Mr. Cooper gives the circumstances attending its presentation :
PARIS, Nov. 22d, 1832.
GENTLEMEN : I did not get the medal you entrusted to my care, in order to be delivered to Gen. La Fayette, until the middle of October, in consequence of a long absence from Paris. At my return Gen. La Fayette was out of town, and no opportunity offered to acquit myself of the trust until quite lately.
Yesterday I gave a dinner to Gen. La Fayette, at my own house, and in the evening we had a meeting of friends, chosen from among the different nations of Europe, of which this city has always an ample representation. It struck me this expedient was the best I could devise to meet your wishes.
In the course of the evening I presented your letter, resolutions, &c., with the medal, and explained the object of all, in a short address. I have the pleasure to enelose the answer of Gen. La Fayette with this letter.
Among the guests were Lt. Gen. Comte Pac, a distinguished Polish Patriot;
199
THE LAFAYETTE LETTER.
1832
Lt. Gen. Sir John Vanderleur, of the British army ; Brig. Gen. Wool, Capt. Finch, and several other officers, of our own service. All our own officers appeared in uniform, in compliment to the occasion. Several distinguished civilians, and many ladies, were witnesses of your intentions. Mr. Barnet and Mr. C. Barnet, the Consuls at Paris and Venice, had great pleasure in attending.
Demonstrations of attachment, and of adherence to his principles, are at all times peculiarly grateful to La Fayette, when coming from America. He consid- ers himself a disciple of our school, and justly believes that he wishes no more for France than can be accomplished by imitating, with such modifications as pru- dence would dictate, our own institutions. Your own offering has been happily timed, for it reaches him at a moment when his enemies are the loudest and most vindictive in their attacks. You will permit me to express the satisfaction I have had in being chosen as the organ of your feelings on this occasion. It has given me an opportunity of proving that I do not altogether misrepresent American sentiment when I affirm its attachment to La Fayette, and may, by implication. help to sustain me in what I say of American institutions. This expression may cause you surprise, gentlemen, but I feel persuaded that did the American people rightly understand the doctrines that have been extensively circulated in Europe of late, and under the sanction of their authority, they would issue a rebuke that would fully vindicate their majesty as well as their principles.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, Your ob. servt., J. FENIMORE COOPER.
To Messrs. L. W. STEVENS, M. L. SMITH, and J. M. CATLIN.
The following autograph letter to the committee expresses the grateful emotions experienced by the venerable soldier and patriot, upon the reception of the testimonial of American respect and affection :
PARIS, November, 1832.
GENTLEMEN : The precious specimen of American industry, which, in the name of the National Guard of New York, and by a unanimous vote, the Twenty-sev- enth Regiment, New York State Artillery, has been pleased to offer to an Ameri- can veteran, is a new testimony of that persevering affection of which it has been, during near sixty years, the pride and delight of my life to be the happy object. The only merit on my part, which it does not exceed, is to be found in the warmth of my gratitude, and the patriotic devotion that binds to the United States the loving heart of an adopted son.
The honor which the gift and devices of this beautiful medal have conferred upon me is still enhanced by its connection with the hundredth anniversary birth- day of our great and matchless Washington, of whom it is the most gratifying circumstance of my life to have been the beloved and faithful disciple, in no point more than in his fond hope of a perpetual union between the States of the Con- federacy-a union, which as it has been the cherished object of his last recom- mendation to his fellow-citizens, and the wish of his last breath, so should it be the last breath of every one of us who had the happiness to fight and bleed for American independence and freedom.
I beg you, gentlemen, to convey to the kind donators the expression of my
200
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1832
profound, affectionate gratitude and respect, and to receive for yourselves the particular acknowledgments of
Your most sincere and obliged friend,
LA FAYETTE.
To Col. L. W. STEVENS, Lient. Col. M. L. SMITH, and Major J. M. CATLIN.
The Eighth Company paraded in gray pantaloons on the 22d day of February, 1832, and on several other occasions prior to their final adoption by the Regiment. On the 5th day of April the com- mandants were directed to ascertain the wishes of their companies upon the subject, and, all the companies of the Regiment having voted in favor of gray eloth pantaloons, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Board of Officers on the 6th day of December :
Resolved, That from and after this date grey cloth pantaloons shall consti- tute a part of the uniform of this Regiment, and be incorporated in the Bill of Dress.
Resolved, That the pantaloons be of cloth to correspond with the coat, with a stripe of black silk braid extending from the waist-band to the bottom on the outer seam, and the welt of the fall edged with braid, terminating in three fan loops-the latter braid to be of the narrowest and the former of the widest pre- scribed in the Bill of Dress. Those of officers being the same, with the addition of gold lace of same width as on the coat, laid on the black braid.
On the 9th day of May the Eighth Company adopted a fatigue or foraging eap, being the first company to adopt and to wear a fatigue eap of a uniform and distinctive pattern. This cap was of black eloth, with leather visor, the top being baggy, which when worn was pulled forward. On the 12th of June the Fifth Com- pany resolved "to wear the Napoleon eap of black leather of morocco when on fatigue duty, during the encampment at New Haven." The members of the Eighth Company were ordered by Captain Brower to carry with them to the camp at New Haven "a cloak or great coat," and "a jacket for fatigue purposes," but no partieular pattern was designated. After an animated and lengthy discussion, a resolution was carried at a meeting of the Board of Officers, held May 3, 1832, to adopt for line-officers (instead of the pompon) "a white plume twelve inches long, inserted in the eap through a gilt tulip and ball, and long tassels." A resolution was also adopted requesting company officers "to use their influence with the members of their respective companies to procure the im- mediate reduction of the skirts of the ecat to conform to the Bill
201
CAMP PUTNAM.
1832
of Dress and to correspond with the pattern worn by the cadets at West Point."
The city of New Haven was selected as the most desirable place for the encampment of 1832, on account of its accessibility, its pleasant and healthy location, and the well-known public spirit and hospitality of its inhabitants. The camp equipage was obtained from the arsenal, the Bedlow's Island United States Band and Reidel's Drum Corps were engaged, and the same rules and regula- tions that governed Camp Clinton were published and promulgated for the government of Camp Putnam. In addition to the regular staff, ex-Captain Philetus H. Holt was appointed military secretary for the excursion ; Asher Taylor, assistant quartermaster ; ex-Cap- tain B. B. Beach, assistant paymaster ; and J. C. Stoneall, commis- sary of subsistence.
Thursday, June 28th .- Pursuant to orders the Regiment pa- raded at 5 A. M. in the Park, and embarked at Stevens's Wharf, near Peck Slip, on the steamer United States, for New Haven. The morning was dark and cloudy, but at ten o'clock the weather became clear and beautiful, and remained delightfully dry and pleas- ant during the encampment. The entire force mustered on this occasion was as follows :
Field and Staff. 11
Sixth Company 23
First Company.
11 Seventh
27
Second
4
Eighth 33
Third 66
50
Musicians. 28
Fourth 66
40
Servants . 21
Fifth
8
Total. 256
On arriving at New Haven the Regiment was received by the New Haven Grays and Francis's Artillery Corps, and, having been escorted through the principal streets of the city, marched to the camp-ground, about a mile from the landing. The tents were soon pitched upon a fine dry plain, commanding a beautiful rural and river view, and after guard-mounting and evening parade the mem- bers established themselves with the ease and assurance of experi- enced soldiers in their comfortable quarters. In addition to the tents, a large, unoccupied hotel, not far from the camp, was gener- ously placed at the disposal of the Regiment by its owners, and afforded excellent sleeping accommodations for a part of the mem- bers, as well as the necessary storage for the quartermaster and commissary departments.
202
1832
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Friday, June 29th .- The duties of camp commenced with a drill of officers and non-commissioned officers at 5.30 A. M., followed by a regimental parade at 6.30 A. M. for morning prayers. Guard- mounting was at S A. M., followed by drills by company, and bat- talion drill at 10 A. M. At 11 A. M. the Regiment paraded and visited the city by invitation of the Common Council, and was hios- pitably and elegantly entertained at the Tontine Hotel. No effort was spared by the city authorities, on every occasion, to gratify the wishes and promote the comfort of the members of the Regiment. Evening parade and guard-mounting closed the military duties of the day.
Saturday, June 30th .- The usual morning drills were followed by active preparations for a grand dinner-party, to which were invited the officers of the United States Army stationed in New York, the general officers of the New York militia, the mayor, City Council, military committee, and militia officers of New Haven, and several private gentlemen, who had been particularly attentive to the Regiment. At 3 P. M. the members and their guests sat down to an elegant and substantial dinner, which was enlivened by musie by the band, and followed by patriotic speeches, compli- mentary toasts, and all the festive exercises usual on such occasions. The greatest good feeling prevailed; all were delighted with the entertainment, and the dinner at Camp Putnam was one of the most successful and satisfactory affairs of the kind in the whole history of the Regiment.
Sunday, July 1st .- The camp was closed to visitors, and to mount and relieve guard were the only military duties of the day. The Regiment attended divine service at the Episcopal Church in the morning, and at the Presbyterian Church in the afternoon ; and after supper visited the beautiful cemetery near the city.
Monday, July 2d .- In the forenoon the Regiment was re- viewed by a number of Revolutionary officers and soldiers, and then marched to the city, and after performing a variety of mili- tary evolutions upon "The Green," to the delight of a multitude of spectators, was invited to a splendid collation by the gentlemen of New Haven. The members visited the College buildings, the Lyceum, and the Tomb of the Regicides, and returned to camp delighted with the generous hospitality for which New Haven is so famous.
--
KURTZ
CAMP PUTNAM. NEW HAVEN, 1832. (From an old lithograph.)
203
THE ASIATIC CHOLERA.
1832
As the Regiment was to leave for New York on the following day, the citizens of New Haven were publicly invited to visit the encampment on Monday evening, and great preparations were made to render the occasion creditable and enjoyable. The tents were decorated with flowers and bouquets from the gardens of New Haven, the streets were ornamented with flags and evergreens, and at dusk the whole camp was brilliantly illuminated. Camp Putnam was filled to overflowing with the beauty and fashion of New Haven; the members of the Regiment were active and earnest in contributing to the pleasure and amusement of their visitors; with music and dancing, the evening passed rapidly away, and a brilliant display of fire-works concluded the entertainment.
Tuesday, July 3d .- The Third Company paraded at 8 A. M., in full uniform, in the city of New Haven ; and the Fourth Company paraded at the same hour for target-practice. At 3 P. M. tents were struck, and, escorted by the New Haven Grays, the Regiment marched to the steamer and embarked for New York. A large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled on the wharf to bid the officers and members adieu, and pledge eternal friendship. To the citizens of New Haven, and to the ladies in particular, they were under many obligations for kind attentions. From first to last Camp Putnam was fragrant with flowers, and adorned with bouquets from the gardens of that fair city.
Wednesday, July 4th .- The Regiment arrived in New York at daylight, and intended to take part in the usual Independence pa- rade, but the order for the parade having been countermanded, on account of the prevalence of the Asiatic cholera, it marched to the Park and was dismissed.
During the summer of 1832 the Asiatic cholera prevailed in New York to an alarming extent. This disease was at that period almost unknown in America; the successful methods.of treating it were imperfectly understood, and its appearance consequently cre- ated a fearful panic. Business was suspended ; stores, dwellings, and hotels were closed; those who had the means and ability fled to the rural districts, and those who were compelled to remain in New York avoided the streets and public places, and trembled at the havoc of the pestilence. The cholera commenced its ravages in New York while the Twenty-seventh Regiment was in camp at New Haven, and when, upon its return, it landed at Peck Slip and
204
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1832
marched to the Park, scarcely a person was to be seen in those streets which a few days before were gay with life and bustling with business. Great fears were entertained and expressed by the friends of the members that their change of habits and unusual exposure at Camp Putnam would predispose them to the disease ; but not a single member of the Regiment died in 1832 from the Asiatic cholera. During the two fatal months the drills and busi- ness meetings of the companies were suspended, and it was not until October that the Regiment escaped from the gloom which universally prevailed, and renewed its life and vigor.
The annual inspection and review took place at Washington Parade-Ground, on the 25th day of October, and resulted as fol- lows :
Field
3
Fourth Company 93
Staff
4
Fifth 24 .6
Non Com. Staff.
2
Sixth
48
First Company
40
Seventh 66
42
Second .6
27
Eighth 66
Third
71
Band
15
Total present, 435. Present and absent, 593.
The annual parade, in commemoration of the evacuation of New York, took place on Monday, the 26th day of November.
Adjutant William P. Millard resigned his commission in the latter part of the year 1832, and Lieutenant James P. Nichols was appointed his successor. As one of the most distinguished of the many brilliant officers who have filled the important office of adju- tant of this Regiment, Adjutant Millard deserves especial notice. He was prompt, energetic, and active; was passionately fond of military drill and military display ; and in person, manner, and bearing he was the perfect soldier. He formed the Regiment for parade or drill with the greatest rapidity and precision, and he was distinguished for being always in the right place and at the proper time, to correct any errors which might occur in its movements. An incident which occurred while he was adjutant illustrates his ready wit and promptness. The Regiment had been ordered to form in the Park for parade; but the court, then in session at the City Hall, was annoyed and disturbed by the drums, and directed the high-constable to order Colonel Stevens and his command to immediately leave the vicinity. Adjutant Millard, however, pro-
205
1832
CAPTAIN JOHN H. BROWER.
ceeded with the formation of the Regiment until old Hays, the high-constable, appeared a second time, and in the most peremptory manner ordered him to desist. Although the face and person of the high-constable were familiar to every man, woman, and child in New York, Adjutant Millard pretended not to recognize him, and ordered his arrest ; and in spite of his protestations, threats, morti- fication, and disgust, and to the great amusement of citizens and soldiers, a strong guard held him a prisoner until the Regiment had formed in line, and had left the Park. Adjutant Millard reluc- tantly resigned his position to remove to the West, where he was successful in business, and died about the year 1867.
On account of the encampment and the prevalence of the chol- era, the several companies dispensed with their usual excursions. At this period the Second and Fifth Companies were in a weak and languishing condition, while the Fourth, Third, and Eighth Companies were full of life and enthusiasmn and eminently prosper- ous. The First, Sixth, and Seventh Companies were also in good condition, and were creditable as component parts of the Regiment. The headquarters of the Regiment and of the several companies were at Stoneall's Shakespeare Tavern, where company drills were some- times held. The several companies also drilled at McDermott's, at the corner of Broadway and Anthony Street; at Military Hall ; at the Broadway House; and at Milne's Tavern, corner of William and Duane Streets. The company drills were generally only once a month, but some of the more ambitious companies had already provided by resolution or by amendments to their by-laws for drills semi-monthly. In July, 1832, Captain Ellison, of the Second Com- pany, resigned, and at the close of the year that company was without commissioned officers. Captain Brower, of the Eighth Company, also resigned, and was succeeded by Lieutenant Samuel D. Denison.
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