USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 26
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As your honorable body has justly shown a spirit of liberality, in aiding that deserving class of our fellow-citizens, the firemen, in providing rooms for their meetings, etc., your petitioners hope that they may not be denied such accom- modations as may appear reasonable and requisite, and likely to be of benefit to the city.
And your petitioners, etc., etc.
On the 3d day of April the Fifth Company conditionally adopted a gray fatigue-jacket, it being optional with members as to procuring it. On the 21st of November the Eighth Company adopted unconditionally a gray fatigue-jacket of a different pattern, designed by Captain Shumway and Robert E. Launitz jointly, which was subsequently adopted by all the companies, and became a part of the uniform of the Regiment. The fact is creditable to the originators of the gray fatigue-jacket that it has been worn by the members of the Regiment with great satisfaction from that day
P
260
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1837
to this, and that the pattern adopted by the Eighth Company in 1837 has never been materially altered or changed. The Eighth Company also adopted a black horse-hair plume drooping in front, with white center, to be worn on company parades.
The Sixth Company paraded for target-practice on June 26th, and the Fourth Company proceeded on a target-excursion to Mer- sereau's Ferry, Staten Island, on the 16th day of August. The Eighth Company visited Hyde Park on July 15th, and spent a pleasant week in that delightful locality. During that time it vis- ited Poughkeepsie by invitation, and was hospitably entertained by the military and citizens of that place.
The music of the Regiment furnished by Reidel, the distin- guished fifer, and composed of drums, fifes, and bugles, had en- joyed a long season of popularity ; but in 1836-'37 it yielded to the march of improvement, and was superseded by a more popular or- ganization. The New York Brass Band, more commonly known as " Lothian's," was the new favorite, and was engaged to play for the Twenty-seventh Regiment on all its parades. It was in no sense a regimental band, for the Regiment did not furnish its mem- bers with uniforms, the men were not enrolled as a part of the mili- tary organization, and it played for other regiments when oppor- tunity offered. It originally consisted of twelve men, all using brass instruments, and was uniformed in blue coats with white trimming, and hussar-caps. Lothian, the leader, a tall, fine-looking man, had served in a band in the British army, was a first-class musician, and was popular and much esteemed. The New York Brass Band was for a long time the leading band in the city ; for nearly twelve years it was identified with the Twenty-seventh Regiment ; and it was always welcomed by the public as an impor- tant and valuable adjunet of military parade or display. The ex- pense to the Regiment for the music of the band at each parade was from sixty to eighty dollars, according to the number of per- formers. For many years drums, fifes, and bugles continued under a ban, to be revived again in due time by a turn of the wheel of military fashion.
1838
THE NATIONAL GUARD TROOP.
261
CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.
1838.
ON the 1st of February a petition was presented to the Board of Officers, signed by forty-one persons, praying to be attached to the Twenty-seventh Regiment, "to parade as a Troop of Horse." The petition was referred to a special committee, and was the sub- ject of considerable discussion in the Regiment. The impropriety of incorporating a cavalry company in a regiment drilling as in- fantry was apparent to the military minds of that period ; but the desire to increase the strength of the Regiment overcame all objec- tions, and in March the Board of Officers decided to grant the peti- tion. The date of the organization of the "First Troop, National Guard," was March 6, 1838, and the nucleus of the corps was twenty-one men, who withdrew from the Cadet Lancers, Ninth Regiment, on account of the predominance of the foreign element in that organization. Being composed mostly of young American mechanics and tradesmen of some means, and considerable spirit and ambition, the new troop at once took high rank among military organizations in the same arm of the service. Its connection with the Regiment was officially recognized in general regimental orders, dated April 17th, as follows :
A Troop of Horse has been organized and attached to this Regiment, and the following officers have been duly commissioned :
Mr. R. W. BEACH, Captain, with rank from March 6, 1838.
Mr. WM. R. FOSTER, 1st Lieutenant,
66 6, 1838.
Mr. R. NUNNS, 2d
66 6, 1838.
Mr. N. B. LANE, Cornet, 66
6, 1838.
Foster and Nunns did not accept their commissions, and we're forthwith succeeded by Daniel T. Brown and George W. Allerton. The First National Guard Troop maintained an honorable existence for a period of twenty-three years, and in 1861 became the Ninth Company of the Regiment.
1838
262
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The petition of the Second Company, in 1837, to the Common Council for drill-rooms had been buried in the capacious pocket of the aldermanic committee. On February 1st the memorial of the officers of the Regiment upon the same subject was presented to the city fathers, but no immediate success attended this new attack upon the intrenchments of the city legislature. But in October Centre Market was approaching completion, and committees waited upon each member of the Common Council and explained to them personally the importance of the application, and the trifling ex- pense to the city attending the fitting up of the rooms over Centre Market for military purposes. Assurances were finally received that the petition would be granted, and that the new rooms should be devoted to the accommodation and use of the military of the city.
The parades of the year were few and unimportant. The spring parade took place on April 25th, the line forming in the Park at 2 r. M., and the Regiment marching through the principal streets of the city. On the 4th of July the Regiment paraded with the First Division, which was reviewed by Major-General Sandford at the Battery. On October 1st the Regiment paraded with the First Brigade for drill at Hamilton Square. The annual inspection and review took place at Washington Square on the 9th day of October. The Regiment drilled at Washington Parade-Ground on November 19th, and paraded as usual on Evacuation-Day, Novem- ber 25th.
The Second Company, which at this period was in a condition bordering on extinction, was quartered at Military Hall, Bowery. By a great effort it succeeded in rallying enough men from its active and exempt roll to make a respectable target-excursion to Staten Island on the 3d day of August. The Fourth Company met for drill at the Shakespeare, in William Street, the average attendance being about twenty men. On the 24th of August it proceeded on a target-excursion to Prospect Hill, Brooklyn. The Fifth Com- pany held its meetings at the Howard House, and proceeded to Fort Lee for target-practice in September. The Sixth Company was strong and active, and drilled twice a month at the Eagle Hotel, No. 8 Roosevelt Street, and at Sackett's Room, in Division Street. The Seventh Company, though nominally existing, was practically defunet, and exhibited no signs of resurrection. Captain Bryson had vainly endeavored to restore it to life and animation, but in
263
1838
CAPTAIN CHARLES ROOME.
September resigned in disgust. On the 26th of September Second Lieutenant R. T. Holmes, of the Third Company, was in regimental orders transferred to the Seventh Company, "to take command of same until further orders." The Eighth Company met for drills at Military Hall, Bowery, and for business at the Howard House, in Broadway, and was in a fine, healthy condition. On the afternoon of July 4th it proceeded to Middletown, Conn., where it was warmly welcomed and hospitably entertained.
Captain Teller, of the First Company, resigned his commission during the year 1838, and was succeeded by Captain John S. Cocks. Captain Charles Roome was re-elected captain of the Fourth Com- pany in March, and was prevailed upon to resume the command of the company ; but he finally retired in November, and was suc- ceeded by Captain Thomas Delano. Captain Charles W. Teller, of the First Company, was a man of considerable distinction in the Regiment. He was not distinguished as a drill-officer, but main- tained the interest of his company by his liberality in its behalf and by his generous hospitality. He was elected second and first lieu- tenant in 1832, and captain in 1834. Captain Teller was born in Fishkill, N. Y., in 1803, and died at Newburg, N. Y., in 1886.
Captain Charles Roome was born in the city of New York in 1812, and enlisted in the Fourth Company in 1831. In 1835 he was promoted from the position of fourth sergeant to the captaincy. He was a fine officer and a good military instructor. In person he was tall, soldierly, and com- . manding; of easy and graceful carriage ; and in manners frank, courteous, and captivating. His sterling character, and genial and Charles Comme generous qualities, won the hearts of his comrades, while his activity, From a photograph, 1855. energy, and ability gave him a prominent place and a large influ- ence among his associates. In 1861 Captain Roome organized the
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1838
264
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Thirty-seventh Regiment of the New York State Militia, and was commissioned as its first colonel. He commanded the regiment at Baltimore in 1862, and in Pennsylvania in 1863, and by his energy and talent secured and maintained the prosperity of the organiza- tion until his resignation in 1864. He was brevetted brigadier- general of volunteers by the President in 1865. In 1837 Captain Roome entered the service of the Manhattan Gas-Light Company as a clerk, and in 1842 became its engineer, and in 1854 the presi- dent of that famous and wealthy corporation. The improvements which he introduced in the manufacture of illuminating gas have been generally adopted, and his name is known in connection with that important article in all parts of the civilized world. He has also long been distinguished as a prominent officer of the Masonic order. As a business man of distinction, General Roome ranks among the most prominent of the graduates of the Seventh Regi- ment.
The enthusiasm and activity of the Regiment, which had been stimulated in former days by the military and executive ability of Colonel Stevens and by the energy and ardor of Colonel Smith, had passed away, and in 1838 dullness and indifference reigned instead. The financial prostration of the city and country were in no small degree responsible for the change. Business demanded the exclusive exercise of talent and industry ; economy of time and money was a necessity ; few were willing to assume the expenses and obligations of the citizen soldier ; and military life and associa- tion were overshadowed by the stern realities of "hard times."
That the ideas of military propriety which prevailed in 1838 were different from those of the present day may be inferred from the frequent suggestions and instructions of the Board of Officers to the colonel as to his military duties, as appears from the follow- ing extracts from the minutes of the board :
March 1, 1838 .- Captain Vermilye moved that the commandant of the Regi- ment be requested to discontinue the officers' drills after to-morrow evening, 2d inst.
Adjutant McAllister moved that the matter referred to be laid over till to- morrow evening. Lost. And the original resolution was adopted.
June 25, 1838 .- The object of the meeting was stated by the chair to be for the purpose of deliberating and deciding upon the propriety of excusing the " Eighth National Guard " from parade on the ensuing 4th July. Lieutenant- Colonel Jones moved that the " Eighth National Guard " be excused from duty in this city on the 4th of July. Lost.
265
THE FIRST CHAPLAIN.
1838
November 1, 1838 .- Captain Backhouse moved that a regimental parade take place (without music) at such time and place as the commandant may direct. Adopted.
The appointment of Asher Taylor to the office of chaplain is also a noticeable military event of the year ; for, although one of the founders of the corps, and long a faithful and valued member, he could not claim any special qualifications for that office, never having made divinity a study or been enrolled in the clerical profes- sion. Sergeant Asher Taylor was the first chaplain of the Seventh Regiment.
American Infantryman, 1812-1834.
266
.
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1839
CHAPTER NINETEENTHI.
1839.
Tus project of obtaining the drill-rooms from the city corpora- tion, which had been agitated for nearly two years, was finally suc- cessful. and the rooms over Centre Market were granted to the militia of New York for military purposes. These rooms were three in number, a large one fronting on Grand Street, and a smaller one on Broome Street, to be used for drills, and a small room between the two on Centre Street, suitable for meetings for business purposes. They were the largest and most commodious rooms in the city adapted or used for military exercises. As the grant was made to the entire military force of the city, the rooms were placed under the control of Major-General Sandford, and the Twenty-seventh Regiment was allowed to occupy them on Monday of each week. Additional accommodations, however, were neees- sary for several companies, as most of them met for drill or business purposes twice a month. Military Hall, Bowery, furnished quar- ters to the Second, Seventh, and Eighth Companies, and the others were accommodated at the Marion House, in West Broadway, Sack- ett's Rooms, in Division Street, Monroe Hall, corner of Centre and Pearl Streets, and at other places of more or less note. The meetings of the Board of Officers were held at the Broadway House, corner of Grand Street; and the Howard House, at the corner of Broadway and Howard Street, was a favorite place for the business meetings of several of the companies.
Since the secession of Captain Cairns in 1836, the Seventh Company had existed only in name, and all efforts to recuperate its fortunes had been unsuccessful. In March the Board of Officers appointed a committee to reorganize the company, and resolved to defend it against any suits threatened in consequence of debts con- tracted by Captain Cairns or by the Seventh Company while under his command. The committee presented to the Board of Officers,
267
1839
THE SEVENTH COMPANY REORGANIZED.
March 21st, a list of seventeen recruits who had agreed to enroll as members of the Seventh Company, and on the following day a regimental order was issued for an election of captain, which re- sulted in the choice of Andrew A. Bremner of the President's Guard. The energy and ability of Captain Bremner promised the speedy restoration of the company to its former prosperity ; but many of the recruits promised to the Board of Officers did not appear, and the ambitious young captain was greatly disappointed at the condition and prospects of the command. Between the few old members of the Seventh Company and the squad received from the National Cadets and the men enlisted by Captain Bremner there was a want of harmony and affinity, which betokened a stormy future. Captain Bremner, therefore, accepted the captaincy of the Fourth Company, which was tendered to him in September, vice Delano resigned, and transferred his valuable services to a more congenial field of labor. The members received from the National Cadets were now the controlling element in the Seventh Company, and proceeded to reorganize it by adopting new by-laws and the election of new officers and non-commissioned officers. First Lieu- tenant Edward W. Geer, who had been transferred from the Sixth Company, was elected captain, and at the close of a year, which had been so fruitful of changes, disappointments, and failures, the Seventh Company exhibited some symptoms of returning strength and vigor.
In February Major Burt resigned his commission, and Captain Edward T. Backhouse was elected major, and Lieutenant Wright F. Conger succeeded to the command of the Sixth Company. Major Nathaniel S. Burt was elected captain of the Fifth Company in 1834, and major of the Regiment in 1837. He was not distin- guished as a soldier, but was a pleasant, social, and popular gentle- man, and a worthy representative of the Regiment upon parade, on convivial occasions, and in business circles.
In March the Board of Officers voted in favor of a week's ex- cursion for military improvement, and Fort Hamilton was selected as a desirable place for the purpose. The several companies with great unanimity approved of the project, and upon application the Secretary of War granted to the Regiment the use of the fort and Government grounds and property for the first week in July.
Monday, July 1st .- The Regiment assembled in the Park at
1839
268
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
8 A. M., and proceeded by steamer from the Battery to Fort Hamil- ton. A battery of artillery and the baggage-wagons escorted by the Troop reached the fort by land. No tents were used or needed, as the men were quartered in the casemates of the fort. The offi- cers occupied the " officers' quarters " on the north side of the fort, and a large room on the south side was used for the regimental mess.
Tuesday, July 20 .- Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, arrived in New York, and was publicly received by the city corporation. The Regiment left Fort Hamilton by steamer in the forenoon, to unite with the military and the citizens in the reception of the Chief Magistrate. As the parade in New York was regarded by some as political in its character and objects, many of the members preferred to remain at the fort, and the ranks of the Regiment were not remarkably full. The Presi- dent was formally received at Castle Garden, after which he reviewed the troops at the Battery, and was escorted mvanBuuren up Broadway, Chatham Street, and the Bowery, and through Broome Street and Broadway to the City Hall. The firing of cannon, the display of bunting, and the enthusiasm of the men, women, and children who thronged the streets were the same in extent and character as usual on such occasions. The entire re- ception passed off pleasantly and successfully, and, after the parade was dismissed, the Regiment returned to its quarters at Fort Hamil- ton. During the day a company of United States soldiers under Lieutenant Darling arrived at the fort fresh from Indian warfare in the Everglades of Florida. The lieutenant forthwith claimed the command of the fort and garrison, as the prerogative of a United States officer ; but his pretensions were quietly ignored, and both he and his men were obliged to submit to the rules and regula- tions already established and to the authority of the colonel of the Twenty-seventh Regiment.
Thursday, July 4th .- An unsuccessful effort had been made by the colonel to obtain leave of absence for the Regiment from
269
1839
THE REGIMENT AT FORT HAMILTON.
the parade of the 4th of July, and there was an outbreak of indignation among the officers and men at the peremptory refusal. The Regiment had proceeded to Fort Hamilton under orders of the major-general, and had at considerable expense taken part in the military reception of President Van Buren in New York, July 2d, and to compel it to sacrifice another day of its limited absence, with the attendant expenses, seemed unreasonable and arbitrary. The result was that, when the hour for departure on the 4th of July arrived, the men did not appear, and the Regiment was only repre- sented in the New York parade by its field and staff and a few of its company officers. Such notorious disobedience of orders could not pass unnoticed, and threats of court-martial were abundant. But public opinion generally condemned the illiberality which had instigated the insubordination, and it was found difficult under the circumstances to bring the heads of any prominent officers of the Regiment to the military guillotine. The promised prosecution was the military sensation of the day, but soon passed from public notice.
The morning of the 4th of July was spent at Fort Hamilton in decorating the company quarters with evergreens and flowers and in preparations for the reception of visitors. At noon the national salute was fired by the battery under the command of Ser- geant Abram Duryee. The afternoon was devoted to a variety of amusements. Some sailed, some rowed, some fished, some played at ball, while many others entertained their friends and acquaint- ances. Steamers passed hourly between the fort and the city, and the number of visitors during the afternoon and evening was im- mense. In the evening the fort was illuminated, and there was a fine display of fire-works, followed by dancing upon the green within the fort. The amusements of the evening were conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and it was 2 A. M. when the last boat left for New York with the delighted guests of the Twenty-seventh Regiment.
Saturday, July 6th .- The Regiment returned to New York in the afternoon, and was received and escorted by the Troop. The weather had been pleasant, and the week a delightful one. Not much can be said of the military improvement, for one holiday and the parade in New York, July 2d, had seriously interfered with the established military routine. Apart from these interruptions,
270
1839
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
the regular drills and parades took place, and the guard duty was performed in a creditable manner. The proximity of New York city facilitated the inroads of visitors, friends, and acquaintances, and interfered more or less with military discipline and improve- ment.
All was not sunshine at Fort Hamilton. The irascible Captain Cocks of the First Company came in collision with that stanch dis- ciplinarian, Adjutant McAllister, and the difficulty threatened to be serions. Captain Cocks preferred charges against the adjutant, but they never reached a trial. There was also an altercation be- tween Captain Cocks and Captain Conger, the former attempting to pass the guard and reach his quarters without the countersign, and the latter, as officer of the day, stoutly resisting any breach of military discipline. There was also a disturbance in the First Com- pany at the dinner-table, which made a great excitement for a time, and during the trip there were some other belligerent demon- strations, which were not very creditable to those immediately par- ticipating. The Board of Officers adopted resolutions thanking Colonel James C. Church for his "indefatigable exertions to ad- vance the comfort and convenience of the corps while in garrison," and presented that officer with a silver goblet. Resolutions were also adopted thanking the Secretary of War for the use of Fort Hamilton. .
The resignation of Colonel Catlin was announced to the board in September, and resolutions complimentary to that officer were adopted. At an election held at the Shakespeare, corner of William and Duane Streets, October 1st, Lieutenant-Colonel William Jones was elected colonel of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, and in No- vember Major Edward T. Backhouse was elected lieutenant-colonel. Lieutenant William W. Lyon was elected captain of the Third Company, vice Doughty resigned.
Colonel John M. Catlin, having served with some distinction as an officer in another military organization, was elected major of the Twenty-seventh Regiment in 1830, and became lieutenant- colonel in 1835 and colonel in 1837. He was not distinguished as a tactician or for the enforcement of military discipline ; but he was a man of talent and education, and thoroughly devoted to the in- terests of the Regiment. His services to the organization were valuable, and were duly appreciated by its officers and members,
Er . HE Hall Ji.N.
John M Cali ....
Colonel Seventr Regiment 1837-1839.
271
COLONEL JOHN M. CATLIN.
1839
and in brigade orders, accepting his resignation, was noticed "the able and efficient manner in which he has discharged his various military duties." Colonel Catlin possessed a handsome face and figure, was a good horseman, and upon parade was attractive and soldierly in appearance. He was also a man of elegant address and manners, and an admirable repre- sentative of the Regiment on pub- lic occasions. Colonel Catlin was born in New York in 1801. His father, Lynde Catlin, was for many years President of the Merchants' Bank, at a period when such a position was one of great influence and social distinction. In addition to the advantages of birth and edu- cation, young Catlin at an early Colonel John M. Catlin. From a photograph, 1872. age connected himself by marriage with the Stuyvesant family, and, at the time of his election to the majority of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, he was regarded as one of the most promising young men in the city. He always main- tained the rank and character of a gentleman, and was a respected and popular citizen. Colonel Catlin died in New York in 1881.
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