USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 29
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The following extracts from the Bill of Dress, as published in 1843, are necessary to complete the history of the uniform of the Regiment :
Uniform Cap .- Cap of a yeoman shape, 8 inches high, to fit the head, 2 inches breadth above the upper lobe of the ear, the top to be 9} to 9} inches in diame- ter, according to the size of the head. The body to be of black felt or beaver, with a patent leather tip pressed in as those of the United States, making a return margin of 1 inch all round ; the head band at the bottom to be of patent leather 1 inch wide, strapped behind with a square brass buckle 1} to 14 inches; two patent leather bands 7} eighths of an inch wide, to come down obliquely on each side, uniting with the top and head band and being apart from each other 4 inches above and 2} inches below ; above the head band from outside to outside, vizor of patent leather 2 inches wide in front, with a narrow rim round the edge; on the front, centre of the eyes, beginning from the seam of tip band, there is to be a patent leather socket & inch wide at the top and narrowing gradually for insert- ing the pompon ; on the upper edge, in front, a brass crest, 14 inches in diame- ter, indenting to receive the ball of the pompon, with the number of the Regi- ment (27) engraved on it.
Trimmings .- A brass crescent with the words "National Guard," in raised letters in front, { inch from the upper edge of the tips-immediately under this plate a three-blazed shell ; brass scales fixed on each side round the head band, in the centre where the side straps meet, to be worn under the chin.
Tassels .- Of white cotton, throughout braided; two tassels pendent, the one falling toward the right shoulder to come down opposite the breast, and the other from the left side as far as the head band, with a braid passing from right to left in front and rear, the heaviest part of braid to be worn in front.
The Field and Commissioned Staff Officers (except the Adjutant) will wear chapeaux de bras with gilt trimmings.
The Medical Staff will wear the chapeaux de bras with black bugle instru- ments.
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
296
Officers .- The braidings on cap to be of silver tinsel and scales and ornaments to be gilt, to be of the same form and pattern as on privates' caps.
Pompon .- White wool, 5 inches long, to be worn in front, and inserted in the cap through a plain brass ball.
Officers (except medical) will wear plumes of white cock feathers, drooping from a stem eight inches high.
The Medical Staff will wear black plumes.
Non-Commissioned Staff will wear plumes like the Officers, the Quartermaster Sergeant with a red tuft on the top, and the Sergeant Major with a black tuft.
Cartridge Box .- Black leather, of U. S. pattern, with patent leather flap ; size of box 7 inches long, 5} inches wide, to contain two tin boxes of sufficient capac- ity to hold forty cartridges ; size of flap 10 inches by 8} inches, scolloped at the bottom, with a brass N. G. in cypher, in the centre, and 1} inches from bottom. Cartridge box to be worn from 3 to 4 inches below the waist belt, according to size.
Bayonet Sheath .- Plain black leather 17 inches long, brass top and bottom mountings, with patent leather throg, and to be worn 2} inches below the waist belt.
Fatigue Jacket .- Cloth same as the coat, single breasted, with standing collar, nine buttons in front, of the National Guard pattern, the collar to meet and be hooked with three hooks and eyes in front, and a single stripe of black worsted ferreting around the collar ; black cloth shoulder straps on each shoulder, 2 inches wide, to be sewed in the sleeve head and extended to the collar, with a small N. G. button on the collar. Sleeves without cuffs, with vent behind, a black cloth strap 63 inches long and 1g inches in width, with three small N. G. buttons in the centre, to be placed in the middle of the upper sleeve, commencing from the bottom.
The jackets for the officers to be the same as those of the privates, with the exception of the black cloth shoulder strap, and in place of which they will have a gold embroidered epaulette strap, to run from front to rear, and near the sleeve heading. Description of rank to be the same as the undress of the U. S.
Those of the non-commissioned officers to be the same as the privates, but the black shoulder strap to be framed with gold vellum lace.
Non-commissioned Staff same as Non-commissioned officers, excepting a double framing of gold vellum lace on shoulder strap.
Fatigue for Field and Staff, as may be determined on by them.
Cap of gray cloth, navy pattern, 11 inches in diameter on the top, in the rim of which shall be inserted a small reed, a head band of black cloth 13 inches wide, black patent leather vizor 2 inches wide, a chin strap 3 inch wide, to be united with a small brass buckle; a brass gilt figure, designating the number of the com- pany, to be placed in front and centre on the head band.
Cap for officers shall be the same, with a band of gold lace, § inch wide, laid on the black cloth head band.
Belts for officers: A waist belt, white leather, 2 inches in width, to clasp in front, with sliding throg.
Sword .- The regimental sword to be worn, and no sash.
The first movement for a regimental armory and drill-rooms originated in 1843. At a meeting of the Board of Officers, held in September, on motion of Lieutenant Joseph A. Divver, a committee was appointed, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Vermilye was chair-
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Hagyden:
SEVENTH REGIMENT UNIFORM, 1835-1853.
297
1843
A REGIMENTAL ARMORY PROPOSED.
man, "to inquire into the practicability of hiring ground and erect- ing a building for the proper accommodation of the Regiment." The committee reported in October that a suitable lot of ground (fifty-seven by eighty-five feet) had been found in Elizabeth Street, which could be leased for twenty-one years, at three hundred dollars per annum, and that the cost of a suitable building was estimated at five thousand dollars. Other suitable plots of ground were re- ported in Greene Street, in Chrystie Street, and in Mulberry Street. The committee was then instructed "to inquire in what manner funds can be raised to erect a building for a drill-room." In No- vember Lieutenant-Colonel Vermilye reported that a building could be erected provided two hundred and fifty dollars was raised by each company and deposited with the quartermaster as collateral security ; and proposed to personally furnish the necessary funds, and to assume the entire financial responsibility, provided the Regi- ment would agree to pay the interest on the cost of the building and the ground-rent. The liberal offer of Lieutenant-Colonel Ver- milye, so characteristic of that distinguished officer, was not accepted, and no further action was taken in the matter.
In November, 1843, the Eighth Company voted to drill four times a month for eight months of the year. This was a decided step in the direction of military improvement, and the example was followed by other companies. The average number of company drills per annum was increased from this date, and it finally became an established regulation that each company should drill once a week during six months of the year, commencing October 1st.
The general practice in the Regiment at this period, when a vacancy occurred in a commissioned office, was to appoint a com- mittee to select and recommend a candidate for the vacant office. Such nominee was regarded as the regular candidate, and the nomi- nation generally insured success at the election. Occasionally, how- ever, an opposition was organized, and was followed by an active and exciting canvass, with the result in doubt until the votes were counted. But there was no uniform practice in the several com- panies in respect to the nomination of non-commissioned officers. In some companies they were nominated by a standing or special committee ; in others, by the non-commissioned officers already in office ; and in others they were elected without previous nomination. In the Seventh Company the captain selected the candidates, and
298
1843
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
from his nominees the company elected its non-commissioned offi- cers ; but this method was not popular, and never prevailed exten- sively in the Regiment.
Company affairs in 1843 were dull and uninteresting. The Eighth Company proceeded to Fort Lee on September 20th for a day's amusement and military improvement, and was the only com- pany that indulged in a target-excursion. The Second Company lost by resignation its veteran commandant, Captain John Cum- ings, who had been connected with the Regiment for a longer period than any other officer or member, and his successor was an ambitious young officer of distinguished capacity, Lieutenant Abram Duryee. The resignation of Captain William W. Lyon, of the Third Company, was accepted during the year, and Henry R. Mount was elected his successor. The Fifth Company, although not weak in numbers, was distinguished for its inferior discipline. Upon the election of Captain Waters to the majority in October, George William Smith, a former captain of the Fifth Company, was elected his successor. Lieutenant Frederick S. Cozzens, Jr., of the Sixth Company, distinguished in literary circles as a humorist and as the author of the "Sparrowgrass Papers," also resigned his commission in 1843.
Captain John Cumings enlisted as a private in the Second Company in 1824; served as a first sergeant for five years, and was elected first lieutenant in 1833, and captain in 1836, but soon re- signed on account of failing health. In 1837 he re-enlisted as a private, was elected first lieutenant in 1838, and in 1839 was again chosen captain. During a period of twenty years' active service Captain Cumings enjoyed the unlimited confidence of his associ- ates, and was remarkably popular as an officer. He was a thor- oughly practical soldier ; was active, prompt, and intelligent in the discharge of his duties ; and his sound judgment and common sense commanded respect and attention. He was always first and fore- most in every effort for military order and improvement, and he labored earnestly during his whole career to elevate the military condition and standing of his company. His unselfish devotion to its interests was a pleasing feature in his character. Rejoicing in its prosperity, and its most steadfast friend in the days of adversity ; willing to serve it in any capacity in which he could be useful ; self-sacrificing and unambitious, his career furnishes an example so
299
CAPTAIN JOHN CUMINGS.
1843
bright and brilliant as to be worthy of all imitation. As a gentle- man and as a companion Captain Cumings commanded the affec- tion of his comrades, and his pleasing manners, kind and gen- erous disposition, and quiet and unassuming dignity, won their hearts. He was a man of me- dium height, and possessed a good figure, a pleasant counte- nance, and a commanding air and soldierly bearing. After a suc- cessful business career in New York as an iron-founder, Captain Cumings removed to Orange County, where he resided for many years, and was distinguished as a useful, patriotic, and public- spirited citizen. He died near 4 Middletown, N. Y., in 1865, in the sixtieth year of his age.
Captain William W. Lyon From a photograph, 1857. was appointed sergeant standard- bearer of the Regiment in 1835, and became second lieutenant of the Third Company in that year; was elected first lieutenant in 1837, and was captain from 1838 to 1843. In 1849 he was chosen captain of the Seventh Company, but did not accept the office. The Third Company was very prosperous during the administration of Captain Lyon. His good-humor and attractive social qualities, his gentlemanly and fascinating manners, and his extremely hand- some face and person, were sufficient to attract young men to the ranks of his command. He was also an excellent officer, thor- oughly understood his duties, and was passionately devoted to the Regiment. Captain Lyon was not successful in business, and, when Colonel Jones was elected sheriff, he accepted office as a deputy. After the expiration of his term of service as deputy-sheriff, he be- came despondent from want of lucrative employment, and finally migrated to Texas, where he soon afterward died.
The Legislature of 1843 having authorized the proper authori- ties to supply the militia of the State with arms at the public ex-
1843
300
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
pense, the Board of Officers in September directed the colonel to make requisition upon the commissary-general for the necessary number of muskets for the Regiment. The passage of the law re- ferred to was a subject of general congratulation in military circles. It encouraged enlistments by relieving new members of a consider- able expense, and was an act of justice to the citizen soldiery which had long been persistently resisted by the State authorities. The reception of arms from the State made necessary a suitable place for their care and storage. The time-honored custom for each member to take his musket after drill or parade to his own house, and to be responsible for its good order and cleanliness, entirely passed away with the appearance of the State arms. Some com- panies were already provided with a gun-rack and case, commonly called an "armory," for the reception of the arms when not in use. All companies were now subjected to the necessity of providing such " armories," and employing a proper person to clean and care for the arms, and thus originated the office of company and regi- mental armorer, at that time an additional expense to the militia.
The want of power to enforce the by-laws necessary to secure regular attendance at company drills and proper attention to other company duties, had long been regarded as the principal obstacle to improvement in the drill and discipline of the militia of the State. The Twenty-seventh Regiment is entitled to the honor of originating the movement which resulted in the legislation neces- sary to enable companies to secure attendance at drills and the en- forcement of proper military discipline. In November, 1843, the Board of Officers appointed a committee "to inquire into the expe- diency of applying to the Legislature for a recognition by law of the powers of companies and Boards of Officers to establish by-laws for their government, so as to make infractions of such by-laws cognizable by court-martial." The committee reported to the board the form of an act upon this subject, which was ordered to be printed and forwarded to the Legislature, and the bill was subse- quently passed and became a law.
Should an officer or soldier of the Seventh Regiment at the present day loan his uniform to be worn at a ball or elsewhere by a person not connected in any way with his company or Regiment, such an indiscretion would not be overlooked, and might be fol- lowed by the pains and penalties of a court-martial. Not so in the
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LOANING UNIFORMS.
301
good old days of the first half of the nineteenth century. Then a young man, without the ability or inclination to become a member of the uniformed militia, but desiring to shine as a " bright particu- lar star" on any great festive occasion, proceeded to borrow the uniform of some friend who was so fortunate or unfortunate as to be enrolled among the armed defenders of the State, and, thus equipped in gilt and in feathers fine, appeared at public fête or ball to captivate and conquer with his borrowed plumage. Even officers and members of the Twenty-seventh Regiment were known to loan their uniforms to friends to grace some great occasion. But the evil culminated when a gentleman of some distinction appeared at a ball at the City Hotel in the uniform of the colonel of the Regi- ment, and this circumstance proved fatal to the practice of loaning uniforms, either by officers or men.
Bunker Hill Monument.
1844
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
302
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
1844.
THE name "National Guard " had been the distinctive title of the Twenty-seventh Regiment from the date of its organization, and was recognized as such in orders and official communications. Whatever of honor the Regiment had gained by its superior drill and discipline and by its services to the city was associated with that appellation. It is not, therefore, surprising that a storm of indignation should arise when it became known that the Sixth Bri- gade, General George P. Morris commanding, had assumed the title of "National Guard " and was using it in official papers. At a meeting of the Board of Officers held on January 4th, a committee, consisting of Major Waters, Captain Bremner, and Quartermaster Allen, submitted a spiey preamble with strong and spirited reso- lutions upon the subject, which were unanimously adopted, and which were published in the "New York Courier and Enquirer." The appearance of the resolutions in the newspapers created a sensa- tion in military circles, and Generals Sandford and Hunt hastened to the front with a flag of truce to preserve the peace. At their request a special meeting of the Board of Officers of the Twenty- seventh Regiment was held, at which the generals exhausted their eloquence in the effort to prove that the resolution had been passed under a misapprehension of the facts in the case, and should be publicly reseinded and withdrawn. But the officers of the Twenty- seventh were obdurate, and having again resolved to maintain their position, Generals Sandford and Hunt withdrew from the meeting, satisfied that their mission of peace was a failure. But " the battle for a name " soon terminated by the surrender of the enemy. On the 1st day of February it was announced to the Board of Officers that the Sixth Brigade had gracefully yielded the point in dispute, and the following preamble and resolution were adopted and or- dered to be published :
303
COLONEL WILLIAM JONES.
1844
Whereas, The Sixth Brigade of New York State Artillery have abandoned the name of "National Guard " heretofore adopted by them, and the same has been officially announced in orders by their commandant General George P. Morris ; therefore
Resolved, That so much of the resolutions of the 4th January last past as pro- hibits the interchange of military courtesies with the said Brigade be and the same is hereby rescinded.
At the annual election in 1843, Colonel William Jones was elected upon the Whig ticket to the office of sheriff of the city and county of New York. His prominent position as commandant of the Twenty-seventh Regiment secured him the nomination, and, as he was the only candidate elected on his ticket, his election was at- tributed to the strong personal influence of the members of the Regiment in his favor. When he entered upon the duties of the office of sheriff in January, 1844, he resigned his commission as colonel. At the request of Lieutenant-Colonel Vermilye, the Board of Officers unanimously tendered the nomination of colonel to ex- Colonel Stevens, but he declined the honor, and on the 25th day of April Lieutenant-Colonel Washington R. Vermilye was elected to the colonelcy and Major Waters was chosen lieutenant-colonel. In July Captain Andrew A. Bremner of the Fourth Company was elected major of the Regiment.
Colonel William Jones was born in Saybrook, Conn., in 1797, and came to New York in 1814, and immediately enlisted for the defense of the city, then threatened by the British. Having achieved some distinction by long service in other military organ- izations, he was elected captain of the Third Company in 1830; and in 1837 he was elected lieutenant-colonel, and in 1839 colonel of the Regiment. The great popularity of Colonel Jones was due, to a considerable extent, to his rare good-nature, and frank, cordial, and kindly manners. Although a man of limited education, his good common sense, excellent judgment, plain and unpretentious demeanor, and fine administrative ability inspired his officers and men with confidence and secured their united respect and support. As an officer he was thoroughly familiar with his duties, was cool and deliberate, and, although easy-going and not particular as to details, his military administration gave great satisfaction. In per- son Colonel Jones was tall, portly, and soldierly, with a round, full, and rather handsome face ; and his imposing appearance upon parade attracted general attention. He was thoroughly loyal and devoted
21
1844
304
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
to the Regiment, and labored earnestly and faithfully to promote its interests and welfare. In general orders, April 19, 1844, an- nouncing the resignation of Colonel Jones, it is said, "The Regi -. ment sustains the loss of a chief whose services in its behalf have been invaluable, and who possesses the confidence and respect of the entire command."
At the period of his connection with the Regiment Colonel Jones was engaged in a small retail business in the Bowery. But this fact he did not disguise; for, when in the course of a parade the Regiment passed through the Bowery, two troopers were sta- tioned in front of his establislnnent to mark the place, and the sol- diers reverentially carried arms in honor of their commandant and - his family. Colonel Jones was an active Whig politician, and the recipient of various political honors. From 1838 to 1840 he was deputy-sheriff ; in 1840 was appointed keeper of the City Prison ; in 1841 was a member of Assembly ; and in 1843 was elected sheriff. In 1847 he removed to the Highlands of Navesink, N. J., where, with a moderate competency, he lived until 1864, the date of his death.
A collision at the drill-room at Centre Market, on the evening of January 22d, was a notable military event of the period. By an error in the order assigning the rooms to the several regiments, the Second Company, Captain Duryee, assembled, and the drill had commenced, when a German company of the Thirty-eighth Regi- ment, commanded by Captain Henry Kutzemeyer, made its appear- ance and demanded possession of the room. Captain Duryee per- emptorily refused ; and, when it was intimated that possession would be taken by force, he informed the intruders, in the most decided tone and manner, that the attempt would be resisted at all hazards; and he terminated the angry interview by ordering Cap- tain Kutzemeyer and his men to immediately withdraw, or be sum- marily ejected. The Germans were very indignant, boisterous, and threatening, and it was said loaded their muskets with the determi- nation to enforce their rights. But a careful examination of the subjeet satisfied Captain Duryee that the German company was entitled to the room. The drill of the Second Company was at once suspended, and, after considerable noisy discussion of the vari- ons points involved, the belligerents separated in tolerably good- humor. Captain Duryee was arrested, and tried by brigade court- martial upon the following charges :
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WJames
Colonel Seventh Regiment 1839 - 1844.
1844
305
THE DURYEE COURT-MARTIAL.
First. Taking possession of Centre Market Drill-Rooms, January 22, 1844, and retaining possession against the just remonstrance of Captain Kutzemeyer.
Second. Refusing to withdraw, and insolently ordering Captain Kutzemeyer to leave.
Third. Disrespectful language towards General Sandford, a superior officer, in respect to his assignment of the rooms.
Fourth. Publishing an incendiary article in the Military Argus in respect to the transaction.
Captain Duryee was found guilty on most of the specifications, and was fined fifteen dollars. He appealed to Governor Bouck, the commander-in-chief, and his appeal was sustained, on the ground that evening drills were not authorized by the existing militia law, and consequently a military court had no jurisdiction in the case.
In May Brigadier-General Samuel J. Hunt resigned his com- mission, having completed thirty years of active service in the mili- tia of the city. He was an officer of great merit and distinction. Although very diminutive in stature, he was a man of commanding address as well as captivating manners. He manœuvred his bri- gade with the skill of a veteran and the intelligence of a profes- sional soldier, and as an administrative officer was active, prompt, energetic, and reliable. Colonel William Hall, of the Third Regi- ment, succeeded General Hunt in the command of the First Bri- gade, the nomination having been tendered to ex-Colonel Stevens and declined.
The practice of advising the colonel as to the date of parades had not yet been abandoned. In March the Board of Officers passed a resolution recommending the commandant to order a pa- rade, and in April six of the eight companies, together with the Troop, voted in favor of "requesting the lieutenant-colonel com- manding to defer ordering a parade until the middle of May." In accordance with this request, the spring parade took place on May 22d. The Regiment was drilled in the School of the Battalion, at Tompkins Square, in June and in October, and paraded on Sep- tember 16th, July 4th, and November 25th. The average number reported at regimental drills and parades during the year was about three hundred, including musicians. Governor Bouck and the Court of Errors, and Mayor Harper and the Common Council, united in the review of the First Division on the 4th day of July, 1844.
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