USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46
351
FIRST PARADE AFTER THE RIOT.
1849
time since the organization of the Regiment that the military of the city had failed to celebrate the national anniversary-the first, in 1832, on account of the prevalence of Asiatic cholera, and the last ostensibly for the same reason.
Violent threats had been publicly made that the Seventh Regi- ment should never parade again in the streets of New York. Wagers were even made by the betting fraternity to the same effect, and many of its friends and the better class of citizens gen- erally entertained grave apprehensions in respect to its first appear- ance. When it was announced that the Regiment would parade on September 10th, there was a variety of opinions as to the wisdom of the act and the result. Some called it brave, some foolhardy, and all were excitedly anxious and expectant. The formation of the regimental line in the Park was witnessed by a multitude of peo- ple, in which the rough and hostile element was well represented. No violent demonstration was made, although hissing, hooting, and opprobrious epithets were heard on every side. While the Regi- ment was on the march it was saluted by a volley of stones at the corner of Chatham and Orange Streets and at the corner of Bayard Street and the Bowery ; but, as no damage was inflicted, the Regi- ment proceeded steadily on, and completed its parade without any further annoyance than an occasional storm of hisses from the peo- ple who thronged the streets in the more ignorant and degraded localities. The Regiment was ready and amply prepared to resist any attack, and its successful and peaceful parade was a decided triumph. It is unnecessary to state that the friends of law' and order thoroughly sympathized with the Regiment in this vindication of its rights, nor were they silent in their expressions of approval.
The long-mooted and hotly contested question as to the propri- ety of first sergeants appearing upon parade without muskets was finally decided. Colonel Duryee took the responsibility of cutting the Gordian knot by a positive order upon the subject, admitting of no hearing, petition, or appeal, and on the 10th day of Septem- ber the sergeants paraded with musket, bayonet, and belt. They continued, however, to carry the same short, straight sword as before, and have retained it since, though it has been always re- garded as more ornamental than useful in the militia service. The Astor Place Riot was the last occasion the first sergeants of the Seventh Regiment appeared with drawn swords. 24
1849
352
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The yearly enrollment and parades of the ununiformed militia, as provided for by the law of 1847, proved a lamentable failure. As the officers of the uniformed companies could not give the neces- sary time to the proper enrollment of their military districts, other parties were employed to do the work, and finally the whole busi- ness devolved upon adventurers, politicians, and other irresponsible persons. The enrollments were therefore imperfect, and the amount collected from fines and commutation fees for the military fund was inconsiderable, as a large part of it persistently adhered to the pockets of the collectors. Those who failed to pay the commuta- tion fee were duly notified to appear, armed and equipped, upon a certain day in October at a place named in each company district, to answer to roll-call and for military exercise. To call the rolls and superintend this parade in the several districts one or more commissioned officers and several non-commissioned officers of each company of the Seventh Regiment were annually detailed. At the annual muster of ununiformed militia only the free and independ- ent citizens paraded who had no other business to attend to. The halt and the lame and the blind were there, and small boys and de- crepid old men rallied in full force, all belonging to that class popu- larly known as the "rag tag and bobtail." Old and broken fire- locks, rusty horse-pistols, and swords of antique pattern were the weapons of war borne by the more aristocratic of the ununiformed, while the majority were content to appear without arms or with wooden guns or broomsticks. Belts and hats of the style of 1776 or 1812, relics of heroic ancestors in heroic times, sometimes ap- peared, to take the air and sunlight. Occasionally the wags of local notoriety would array themselves in military fantastics and delight the ununiformed by their grotesque appearance and demeanor. To form these very raw recruits into line would have worried the gal- lant Falstaff, and the curb-stone was the providential guide and assistant to the young officers of the Seventh in their task. The roll was then called, a lengthy and laborious undertaking. Military evolutions and instruction were, of course, impossible, and were not attempted, and after roll-call the motley crowd was dismissed. Such were the parades of the ununiformed militia from 1847 to 1865. With each successive year the number in attendance diminished, until in some districts not a single militiaman answered to roll-call. A court-martial in due time followed the parade, and the whole
1849
THE WORTH FUNERAL.
353
farce concluded with the collection of the fines imposed, another rich placer to military marshals, but of no material pecuniary benefit to the military fund, for in the years 1849 and 1850 the treasury of the Seventh Regiment only received. three hundred dollars per annum as the result of all this cumbrous machinery and the dis- agreeable and uncongenial labor attending it.
The annual inspection took place on October 29th, at Tompkins Square, with the following result :
Present.
Present.
Field and Staff.
9 |
Fifth Company.
30
Non Com. Staff.
4 Sixth
43
First Company
20
Seventh
33
Second
33
Eighth
46
Third
36
Troop
29
Fourth
27
Band. 24
Total present, 334.
The public funeral of General Worth, Colonel Duncan, and Major Gates took place in New York on the 15th day of November. The remains of these distinguished soldiers arrived from New Orleans on November 10th, and were deposited in the trophy-room of the City Arse- nal, and the several companies of the Seventh Regiment successively mount- ed guard according to seniority. At 7 P. M., November 13th, the Second Company commenced its tour of guard duty, and at 1 A. M. escorted the re- mains to the City Hall. At 5 A. M. the same company proceeded to the Hudson steamer to receive the Worth Whath Volunteers, and escorted them to the Astor House, where the two com- panies breakfasted. The arrangements for the funeral on Novem- ber 15th were in charge of the Common Council, and the display .was unusually imposing. At 11 A. M. the procession, with the First Division at its head, and the Eighth Company of the Seventh Regi- ment as the guard of honor to the remains of General Worth, moved up Broadway to Astor Place, and returned by the Bowery to the · City Hall. The streets were crowded, stores were closed, flags and
1849
354
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
buildings were draped in mourning, and, while the procession was in motion, minute-guns were fired by the Veteran Corps of Artil- lery at the Battery. The remains were placed upon a platform in front of the City Hall, an ode composed by General George P. Morris was sung by the New York Sacred Music Society, and the oration was delivered by Hon. John Van Buren. Three volleys of musketry were then fired, and the remains were deposited in the Governor's Room. On the following day the Seventh Regiment paraded at 10 A. M., and escorted the remains of General Worth to Greenwood. Arriving at the cemetery, the Regiment was drawn up in a semicircle around the receiving-vault upon the high ground, and fired the funeral volleys with great precision.
In July the Board of Officers adopted white leather belts and a new pattern knapsack, and submitted them to the several com- panies for approval. They were adopted with great unanimity, and first worn at the annual inspection in October. As it was a very stormy day, the superiority of the leather belts to the white web- bing long time worn was firmly established, and their popularity has steadfastly continued to the present time. The new knapsack was of the square box pattern, surmounted with a false roll, to re- semble a blanket or overcoat. Belts and knapsacks of this pattern had been previously adopted by the Eighth Company, and worn at a company parade in the spring of 1848.
With the change in the general administration of the Regiment occurred many changes in commandants of companies. To the captaincy of the First Company was elected Lieutenant Isaac Amerman, vice Morton promoted. Ex-Captain Riblet returned to the command of the Fourth Company, in place of Captain C. W. Smith. Upon the resignation of Captain Waugh, Lieutenant Franklin Millard was elected captain of the Fifth Company. In the Sixth Company Lieutenant Benjamin M. Nevers was elected captain, vice Taylor resigned. The Seventh Company, after a dili- gent search for a successor to Captain Underhill, elected Simon Van Winkle, adjutant of the Ninth Regiment, to fill the vacancy.
Of the retiring officers Captain Robert M. Taylor, of the Sixth Company, was distinguished for his handsome person and genial character. He was a fluent and captivating speaker, a man of great wit and humor, and was very popular with his company. He was one of the victims of the " gold-fever," and an early emi-
1849
355
THE STATE OF THE REGIMENT.
grant to California, where he became distinguished in public life, and was a judge in the Supreme Court of the State. Captain Charles W. Smith, of the Fourth Company, was a man of sterling worth and a reliable and faithful officer. He was a gentleman of easy and unassuming manners, of good personal appearance, and was popular in his company and in the Board of Officers. He was a soap and tallow chandler, and accumulated a large fortune.
Under the new administration the military discipline of the Regiment was continued, and efforts for military improvement were vigorously renewed. There were two regimental drills during the year at Tompkins Square, and Colonel Duryee inaugurated at Centre Market evening battalion drills-at that time a novelty, but since useful and popular. The soldierly and gallant behavior of the Regiment at the Astor Place Riot gave it a commanding position among that class of citizens from which recruits were ex- pected and desired ; and before the end of the year it was evident that that memorable event, instead of endangering its future, was the harbinger of good fortune. The energy and ambition of its new commandant were boundless ; his superior military ability was unquestioned ; from the oldest, ablest, and most faithful officers and members he received a generous support ; and a new era of prosperity seemed about to dawn upon the Regiment.
356
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1850
CHAPTER THIRTIETH.
1850.
AMONG the extraordinary characters, who have from time to time made their appearance in the ranks of the Seventh Regiment, was Adjutant William H. Allen, who was appointed to that office in 1849. Allen had been a lieutenant of some distinction in the Second Company, and the attention of the colonel was attracted to him by his remarkable activity, coolness, and bravery at the Astor Place Riot. In appearance he was soldierly and imposing, being large, muscular, and well-proportioned, and he possessed that frank, easy, and confident address which is likely to captivate. But he had not been long in the prominent and important position of adjutant when he developed qualities and characteristics which made him extremely disagreeable to the officers of the Regiment and a burden to the commandant. He proved to be overbearing, conceited, willful, and imprudent; he defied superior rank and authority, and made himself generally offensive. He was also won- derfully illiterate, and in his official communications exhibited the most supreme contempt for the simplest rules of grammar. Dur- ing the Worth funeral various circumstances occurred to produce a crisis, and, at the meeting of the Board of Officers in December, there was a general and violent protest against his official and military conduct. But Allen was a fluent speaker and good debater, and being a bold, courageous, and vindictive man, he hurled defiance at his enemies and accusers. He fought his battle right valiantly and against superior numbers, and did not yield until charges were preferred against him, and he was likely to be dismissed from the service. In February, 1850, he was unanimously expelled from the Board of Officers. Having retired from the Seventh Regiment, Allen led the life of an adventurer until 1861, when he became the colonel of the First Regiment, New York Volunteers, which he was active and instrumental in organizing. But his wild and in-
.
357
HUNGARIAN EXILES.
1850
subordinate conduct soon led him into difficulty, and he was cash- iered. When peace was restored he was a constant and persistent applicant at the War Department, in Washington, for the adjust- ment of his claims against the Government. He died in that city in destitution in 1867, and was buried at the expense of the Seventh Regiment. Ex-Major Divver succeeded Allen as the adjutant of the Regiment.
The great revolutionary movements in Europe in 1848-'49 were a topic of interest in the New World, and New York city deeply sympathized with the efforts of the people to secure more liberal forms of government. Success, however, did not generally crown the efforts of the revolutionists, and many of the exiled patriots sought refuge in this country, where they were heartily welcomed. Among those who were active in their behalf was Major-General Sandford, and he earnestly endeavored to enlist the First Division in the same direction. But there was a strong conservative ele- ment which believed that the political troubles abroad, however much they might interest individuals, were a subject in which the military organizations of the city had no lot or part, and that any official action which directly or indirectly referred to the affairs of foreign nations was unnecessary and impolitic. The arrival of some exiles from Hungary at the Astor House in December af- forded an opportunity for this strong undercurrent of opinion to develop itself. At a meeting of the officers of the First Division, convened by order of General Sandford at the Central Drill-Rooms in December, 1849, an attempt was made to procure the approval of the officers present for a ball to be given at Niblo's Garden for the benefit of the exiled Hungarians. After a long and excited dis- cussion, a majority voted against any such action. Early in Janu- ary, General Sandford issued an order to the officers of the Division to meet him at Centre Market for the purpose of officially waiting upon the Hungarian exiles at the Astor House. This order pro- voked a lively discussion in the Board of Officers of the Seventh Regiment. No action, however, was taken in the matter, but there was a strong expression of opinion that it was good policy for the Regiment to mind its own business, accompanied by the apprehen- sion that certain parties were attempting to use it for political purposes, a specter at which the Seventh Regiment always takes alarm. A part of the officers met the major-general, and were
1850
358
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
escorted by the Light Guard to the Astor House, where the official reception took place in the large dining-room.
The election of officers of the Seventh Regiment from other military organizations has, with few exceptions, proved unfortunate, and for obvious reasons. The comparatively high standard of the Regiment in drill and discipline, the talent of every variety in its ranks, and the peculiarities and traditions of the organization, have always made it difficult for any such officer to maintain a comfort- able position in the Regiment, unless he possessed extraordinary tact and talent. Such, unfortunately, was not the case with Cap- tain Van Winkle, of the Seventh Company. Deficient in military knowledge and soldierly qualifications, unable or unwilling to learn, and indifferent to the opinion of his comrades, this officer persisted in retaining his commission in the Regiment. Finally, when for- bearance ceased to be a virtue, the Seventh Company resolved upon forcible measures, and appointed a committee, on April 2d to pre- pare charges against him for incompetency. The Board of Officers also requested the colonel to prefer the same charges, and ex- pelled him from membership in the Board. Captain Van Winkle was placed under arrest, and a court-martial for his trial was or- dered to meet at the Mercer House on May 21st, but he reluctantly surrendered, and resigned his commission.
Evening battalion drills of the Regiment at the Central Drill- Rooms were held in the early part of the year, and in May and June regimental drills took place in the afternoon at Tompkins Square and at the arsenal-yard. The Regi- ment proceeded to the drill-grounds near Fort Hamilton for military exer- cise in June. The spring parade was on May 27th, and the Regiment visited Brooklyn, where it was reviewed by Major-General Duryea. The usual division parade occurred on the 4th of July, and the troops were reviewed by Governor Fish, and the feu-de-joie was fired by the Seventh Regiment.
The Regiment assembled in the City Hall Park, July 8th, for an excursion to Newport, and left New York at 5 P. M. It num-
359
1850
EXCURSION TO NEWPORT.
bered two hundred and thirty-one officers and men, only six com- panies being represented. The Seventh Company had earnestly opposed the trip and was absent, while the First Company was at this time almost too weak and demoralized to exist, much less to engage in a military excursion. The Regiment arrived at New- port at 3 A. M. and proceeded to its quarters, the Bellevue House and adjacent cottages. A bath in the waters of Newport Bay at sunrise was followed by a battalion drill at nine o'clock. The parade- ground was situated north of the hotel, and was well adapted for the purpose. During the stay of the Regiment at Newport morn- ing drills were held regularly at nine o'clock, and the dress-parades, which attracted a large number of spectators from the hotels in the vicinity, took place at 5 P. M. About noon on Wednesday, July 10th, news was received of the death of General Zachary Taylor, President of the United States. In respect to his memory, a review by General Wool was indefinitely postponed, the evening parade was omitted, and minute-guns were fired at sundown. During the evening a vote was taken upon a proposition to visit Boston on the following day, which resulted unanimously in its favor.
The Regiment left Newport at 1 A. M., July 11th, and reached Boston at seven o'clock. The visit was entirely unexpected, and it proceeded without escort to its quarters at the United States Hotel. After breakfast the Regiment was reviewed by Major-General Ed- mands, of the Massachusetts militia, on Boston Common, and an immense crowd witnessed with great pleasure its military manœu- vres. Before leaving the Common the New England Guard ar- rived, and escorted the Regiment through the principal streets of the city ; and it was welcomed to Boston by the leading officers of the militia, with speeches and complimentary toasts, at the dinner at the United States Hotel. During the afternoon the members visited the various objects of interest in Boston, and at 6 P. M. the Regiment paraded to return to New York. Its departure was in striking contrast with its quiet and modest arrival, for the entire uniformed militia of Boston was now under arms, and with music and banners escorted the Regiment to the depot, and bade it adieu with noisy and enthusiastic demonstrations.
In addition to the performance of the usual military duty at Newport, on the following day the members amused themselves
1850
360
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
by visiting the famous old fort and the town, and by fishing, sail- ing, and bathing. In the evening the Regiment, escorted by the Newport Artillery, marched through the city, and, having passed in review before General Wool, embarked for home. At an early hour, on July 13th, the steamer reached New York, and the Regiment was dismissed at the Park. The excursion to Newport was entirely successful and satisfactory. The weather was fine, the military duty agreeable, the location attractive, and harmony and good fellowship prevailed. The Board of Officers acknowledged by JohnsWoods. a vote of thanks its indebtedness to Newport and Boston for many atten- tions and favors. Band-master Dingle was also officially compli- mented for the efficient and satisfactory manner in which he per- formed his duties during the excursion. Whether this unusual recognition filled the cup of his existence to overflowing with hap- piness, or whether the honor was too weighty to be borne, is not known ; certain it is that poor Dingle soon thereafter killed him- self, and Adkins reigned in his stead.
The great military novelty of the year was the new drum-major of the Seventh Regiment. Drum-major Teller belonged to the United States Army, and was at this time stationed at Governor's Island. He was a master of his business, having served as drum- major in the Prussian Army, and with General Scott from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. He was six feet and six inches in height, and when in uniform measured exactly nine feet from the ground to the top of his plume. A fine figure, a splendid step, and a graceful carriage completed the attractions of this wonderful phenomenon, and it was confidently asserted that he was the most superb drum-major in the world. When he gracefully waved his bâton in front of the musicians of the Seventh Regiment young New York was enraptured, and on parade in Broadway he was the observed of all observers. Even staid and sober Boston confessed its admiration of this imposing personage as he appeared at the head of the Seventh Regiment during its fly-
361
FUNERAL OF GENERAL TAYLOR.
1850
ing visit to that city. The Boston "Evening Herald " photo- graphed him thus :
The drum-major excited unusual admiration by his majestic tread, command- ing figure, and numerous and extensive plumes and top-knots in his cap, and his manner of handling his bâton was decidedly unique.
The city of New York honored the memory of President Taylor, on July 23d, by the usual funeral ceremonies. The successful career of General Taylor in the war with Mexico, and the integrity and ability which he had displayed as Chief Magistrate, had secured for him the respect and affection of the people. The display on this occasion has rarely been equaled, and there was a general observ- ance of the orders of the day. Places of business were closed, flags were at half-mast, public and pri- vate buildings were draped in mourning, bells were tolled, and from the forts in the harbor min- ute-guns were fired from noon to sunset. The streets were thronged, Zachary Taylor- and the procession, which was di- vided into sixteen grand divisions, was over three hours in passing any point. The route was from the Battery up the Bowery to Union Square and down Broadway to the City Hall, where the pro- cession was dismissed, and the ceremonies terminated with an oration by Hon. David Graham and a requiem by the Harmonic Society.
On the 2d day of August General José Antonio Paez, a distin- guished South American patriot and ex-President of Venezuela, and at this time an exile from that country, was officially received by the Corporation of the city of New York. By invitation of Gen- eral Hall, the officers of the Seventh Regiment accompanied the committee of the Common Council to Staten Island, and escorted him to the city. Arriving at Castle Garden, a procession was formed, and, under the escort of the Troop of the Seventh Regi- ment, General Paez proceeded to the City Hall, where he was wel- comed by Mayor Woodhull and the Common Council, and was
362
1850
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
introduced to the military and civic officials and many prominent citizens.
The Boston Lancers reached New York on October 7th, and were received by the Seventh Regiment Troop and escorted to Fifth Avenue and Twenty-third Street, where their tents were already pitched. Their elegant horses were picketed for the night in a field in the rear of Corporal Thompson's fa- mous cottage. On the following day the Lancers were escorted by the Troop to Bond Street, where the Seventh Regiment was in line, and gave them a formal reception, and, after a march through the principal streets, enter- tained them at the Apollo Saloon. The dinner arrangements were perfect, the che braico. speeches unusually good, and the great- est enthusiasm prevailed. At the con- clusion of the entertainment the Lan- cers were escorted by the Troop to the City Hall for review by the mayor, but his Honor did not arrive until about five minutes after the indignant troopers had left the Park. The Troop also accom- panied the Lancers, on October 9th, on a visit to the Croton reser- voirs, the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, and other interesting localities in the upper part of the island, and entertained them at Burn- ham's, on the Bloomingdale Road. The Regiment paraded, on October 11th, to escort them to the depot on their departure for Boston. During the entire visit of the Boston Lancers to New York the attentions of the officers and members of the Seventh Regiment to their popular and distinguished guests were without intermission.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.