USA > New York > History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889 > Part 8
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Immediately after the declaration of war the two battalions de- tailed from General Morton's brigade for active service were or- dered to occupy the fort at the Narrows and man the batteries in the city. They promptly paraded for duty, and detachments were sent to the various posts. The battalion commanded by Major Swartwout, after a brief sojourn at the Battery, was conveyed by schooners to Staten Island to garrison Fort Richmond. During the time this detachment remained at the Narrows it was not idle ; drills in the use of heavy artillery were frequent, the fortifications were strengthened, furnaces for heating shot were built, and bar- racks for the men were erected. Garrison and camp duty at the Narrows proved to be no holiday amusement, and the young soldiers, many of whom were unaccustomed to manual labor, wel- comed the arrival of other troops and the order for their return to New York.
The quota of the State of New York not having been filled, the Governor issued a general order on the 21st of July, calling for the required number. Although the Brigade of Artillery of the City of New York had already promptly furnished its proportion of the State quota, its patriotism was not exhausted. As the Seventh Regiment in 1861 was the first to volunteer for the defense of the national capital, so its First, Second, Third, and Fourth Companies, with the other companies of the Eleventh Regiment, were the first to spring to arms in 1812 for the defense of the city, State, and nation. On the 29th of July the Regiment paraded for drill, and Colonel Harsen, in an eloquent and patriotic speech, proposed that the Regiment volunteer its services. The proposition was received with enthusiastic demonstrations of favor, and all the officers and nearly all the non-commissioned officers and privates "repaired to the drum-head " and subscribed to the following :
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HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1812
We the undersigned officers, non-commissioned officers, and matrosses of the Eleventh Regiment of New York State Artillery, in the city of New York, do hereby volunteer and offer our services [in the several capacities hereinafter named] to his Excellency the Governor of the State of New York, in the defense of the United States of America, and in particular for the protection and defense of the city and county of New York, and its harbor, and the adjacent towns, under, and pursuant to the Act of Congress, entitled " An Act to authorize a de- tachment from the militia of the United States," passed the 10th day of April, 1812. as part of the detachment of thirteen thousand five hundred men, required under and in conformity with the said act, by general orders of his Excellency, bearing date the 21st day of July, 1812.
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names the 29th day of July, 1812.
On the 1st of August, Colonel Harsen officially tendered the services of the Eleventh Regiment to the Governor of the State. The following is an extract from the letter of Governor Tompkins to Colonel Harsen, dated August 8, 1812 :
The military and patriotic spirit manifested by yourself and the officers and privates of the Regiment of Artillery under your command, in tendering their services in defense of their country, deserves the highest praise, and is an ex- ample worthy the imitation of all independent volunteer corps. Be assured, sir, that I duly estimate their generous conduct and example, and shall avail myself of an early opportunity to gratify their wishes, by obtaining for you, with the Regiment under your care, the command and defense of one of the forts in the harbor of New York. Allow me to assure you of my sincere regard for yourself personally, and for the officers and soldiers under your command, and of my un- qualified approbation of their prompt and cheerful pledge to support the honor and independence of our beloved country.
The citizens of New York had been so divided upon the politi- cal questions of the day that the action of the Eleventh Regiment of Artillery in July, 1812, is of great historical interest and im- portance. Its officers and men represented the wealth, intelligence, and commercial interests of the city, and their voluntary enlistment . established the fact that in the approaching conflict New York would present a united front to the enemy, and that all political considerations must yield to the general welfare and to the safety of the country. By its active patriotism on this occasion the Eleventh Regiment united the people in the support of the General Government, and secured for itself the most prominent place in the public favor.
During the month of August large numbers of troops from the interior of the State and from the towns on the Hudson
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ARTILLERY PRACTICE.
1812
River arrived in New York and were quartered in the city, at Staten Island, Brooklyn Heights and upon the upper part of Man- hattan Island. The militia of the city was drilled almost daily, but the members were quartered at their own homes, and were not obliged to entirely relinquish their business pursuits. No or- ganization was more active at this period than the Eleventh Regi- ment, including the four companies which are now a part of the Seventh Regiment. On the 14th of August the Regiment paraded with full ranks pursuant to the following order :
FIRST BRIGADE, NEW YORK ARTILLERY,
BRIGADE ORDERS.
NEW YORK, August 12, 1812.
His Excellency the Governor having purchased a hulk for the purpose of giv- ing the troops an opportunity of practicing in firing, and having given the general (Morton) the direction of the same, informs the brigade that it will be anchored in the bay, between the Battery and Bedlow's Island on Friday next. The troops of this brigade will assemble on Friday next, 14th ins't, at eight o'clock A. M., on the Battery, etc, etc. ..
By order of Brigadier-General MORTON. THOMAS R. MERCEIN, Aide-de-camp.
The firing was witnessed by the Governor and a large number of distinguished citizens. One hundred and thirty shots were fired, and the practice ended with the burning of the hulk from shot heated in a portable forge. The expertness of the men in handling the guns and the precision in firing were eminently satisfactory, and the Governor issued a special order complimenting the brigade. On the 1st of September, several companies of artillery arrived in New York from Albany, Poughkeepsie, and other river towns, and the Brigade of Artillery paraded to receive them. After a review by the Governor and a parade through the principal streets, the companies from the interior embarked at the Battery for Fort Richmond.
The Governor of New York having ordered the Brigade of Artillery into active service, the following order was promulgated :
FIRST BRIGADE, NEW YORK ARTILLERY, BRIGADE ORDERS.
CITY OF NEW YORK, September 5, 1812.
The brigade having been called into the service of the United States for the protection of the city of New York, by order of his Excellency the commander-in- chief, of the 3d ins't, and division orders of this date, the several regiments of this brigade will therefore assemble at the Battery on Tuesday, 15th ins't, at 9 A. M., equipped for duty according to law. 6
64
1812
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The men will furnish themselves with knapsacks and blankets, and are also recommended to provide themselves with a knife, fork, and spoon, a sack for bed- ding, and one day's provisions. As the troops are called into the service for the protection of their homes and firesides (a duty for which they have ever considered themselves volunteers) and moreover are to be under the immediate command of their own officers, who will share with them the duty that may be required, and whose study will, of course, be to render that duty as agreeable as possible, the general confidently expects that no one of the corps will be found wanting on the occasion, and that even those who by former service may be exempt by law, will be again arraying themselves in the ranks with their brother soldiers.
By order of Brigadier-General MORTON. THOMAS R. MERCEIN, Aide-de-camp.
Upon the issue of this order, the members of the Eleventh Regiment commenced active preparations for a three months' tour of duty. Pursuant to his promise, when its services were volun- teered in July, the Governor caused the Eleventh Regiment to be detailed to Bedlow's and Ellis's Islands, which were at that day considered the most desirable and honorable posts in the vicinity of New York.
The pay of privates in the United States Army at this period was five dollars per month ; and, in view of the fact that this sum was insufficient for the support of the families of the members, the officers of the Eleventh Regiment held a meeting on the evening preceding the departure for the forts, at which the following pre- amble and resolution were adopted :
Whereas, the families of some of the men belonging to this Regiment may require further aid than that provided by law, in consequence of being deprived of means derived from the ordinary pursuits of their respective trades while called into public service for the protection of the city and harbor :
Therefore, Resolved, that the officers of this Regiment will appropriate a por- tion of their monthly pay to raise a fund for the further maintenance of such families as may require assistance, and that Colonel Harsen, Major Mercein, and Captain Bradhurst be a committee to digest and report a plan to carry this reso- lution into effect.
The First Brigade of Artillery assembled at the Battery, pur- suant to order, on the morning of September 15th, and with the usual ceremony was mustered into the United States service. Crowds of citizens thronged the Battery and greeted with cheers the various companies and battalions as they departed for their re- spective posts. The Eleventh Regiment was conveyed to Bedlow's and Ellis's Islands in schooners, and arrived at its destination early in the afternoon. The quarters at the islands were found in a filthy
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1812
THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT IN ACTIVE SERVICE.
and uncomfortable condition, and the first duty was to secure the neatness and cleanliness which characterize well-ordered garrisons. The routine of garrison duty was similar to that of the present day, but during the first month of service almost all the entire time was devoted to drill and practice in heavy artillery. Constant exercise in the open air furnished the men with capital appetite for their plain but wholesome fare ; the fatiguing labors of the day disposed them to sleep soundly ; and before the first month had expired all exhibited a physical perfection and a buoyancy and cheerfulness of spirits such as is rarely known by those who follow the ordinary business pursuits of city life. During the first month, hours of leisure were not numerous, and the opportunities for amusement were limited ; permits to visit the city were rarely issued, and strangers were not allowed to visit the garrison. But, as the men became proficient in artillery practice, and in the duties of the garrison, their labors gradually became lighter ; more freedom was allowed in pass- ing to and from the city, and ample time was afforded for athletic amusements upon the islands, or aquatic sports in the waters of the harbor. During the pleasant afternoons of October and November, the garrison occasionally presented quite a gay and fascinating ap- pearance by reason of the presence of large numbers of ladies, who visited the fort to spend an hour with their husbands, brothers, or lovers. But the stormy days of autumn were sometimes gloomy in the extreme, and every conceivable device was resorted to for relief from the monotony and dullness of garrison life. Rumors of a probable attempt of the British frigates to pass the forts at the Narrows occasionally reached the islands and caused a temporary excitement, but they never failed to find the Regiment ready to give the enemy a warm reception. For temperance and good order, for faithful attention to duty and strict obedience of orders, the Eleventh Regiment at Bedlow's and Ellis's Islands in 1812 was a model worthy of all imitation.
On the 15th of December, its term of service having expired, the New York Brigade of Artillery was relieved from duty by detach- ments of volunteers and militia, and was discharged from the United States service. The Eleventh Regiment landed at the Battery, where the other regiments of the brigade, that had occupied the batteries and fortifications in the city, were in line for its reception. Thorough drill for three months had converted the holiday soldiers
66
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
1812
into veterans, and as the brigade marched through the principal streets it excited the admiration of the citizens and received a cor- dial welcome. The Eleventh Regiment attracted particular atten- tion ; for constant exposure to sun and wind had bronzed the faces of its members, while its solid company fronts, its steady marching, and its soldierly bearing assured the public that its new favorite was not unambitious to excel in all military accomplishments.
The following were the orders issued upon the discharge of the brigade from the United States service :
GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS. $
NEW YORK, December 12, 1812.
The Brigade of City Artillery under command of Brigadier-General Morton will be mustered on Monday or Tuesday next, as may be most convenient, their time of service expiring on the 15th inst. The brigadier and his staff and the regimental officers and privates will accept the thanks of the commanding gen- eral and the assurance of his most distinguished consideration and respect.
The manner in which they have acquitted themselves while in the service of the United States is a sure pledge to their country of future usefulness and devo- tion. When such are its defenders the city of New York has nothing to fear.
By order of General ARMSTRONG : C. K. GARDNER, Captain and Brigade Major.
FIRST BRIGADE, NEW YORK STATE ARTILLERY,
BRIGADE ORDERS.
NEW YORK, December 15, 1812.
The troops having performed the tour of duty agreeably to the requisition of the President of the United States, the general, in announcing to them their dis- charge, can not omit expressing to them his high satisfaction at the manner in which that duty has been performed. The harmony which has existed among them, their strict attention to military order, and their high attainments in mili- tary discipline have made his command an unvaried scene of pleasure and pride.
In returning to their stations in the militia of our State, he trusts they will carry with them those principles of discipline and zeal for military improvement which have strongly characterized them during the late tour of duty ; and he flat- ters himself they will again be ready and with increased numbers to perform such services as their country shall require from them.
By order of Brigadier-General MORTON : THOMAS CHRYSTIE, Brigade Major.
During the time that the Eleventh Regiment had been in the United States service in 1812, a draft had been made upon the militia of the State of New York, and some members of the Regi- ment were its unfortunate subjects. It was supposed that they would be exempted on account of their three months' volunteer
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MILITARY AFFAIRS IN 1813.
1813
service ; but, when the Regiment was mustered out on the 15th day of December, those who were drafted were called to the front, and were marched away to the Lower Battery for another three months' tour of duty. The separation from their officers and comrades, and the association with drafted men of uncongenial tastes and habits, made their military duty extremely irksome and unpleasant. The great injustice to those who had patriotically volunteered and had already served three months, of compelling them to serve an addi- tional term with men who had avoided military duty until drafted, was fully appreciated by the young men of the Eleventh Regiment at the Battery. But they were in the immediate vicinity of their friends and homes ; their military duties were not very laborious or exacting; furloughs were readily obtained ; and the additional term of service of the drafted men of the Eleventh Regiment was faithfully and honorably completed. At the close of the year 1812 a flotilla had been organized under Commodore Lewis for the defense of the city and harbor, and, with the forts well garrisoned, New York was considered comparatively safe.
During the year 1813 the progress of the war was as rapid as could be expected in an age when steam was in its infancy and railroads and telegraphs were unknown. The war was mostly con- fined to the Canadian border, and our army, composed of raw re- cruits and militia, was not generally successful against the veteran forces of Great Britain. Upon the sea, however, our success was brilliant, and several well-contested engagements established a high reputation for the American Navy.
In New York city military affairs continued active. Regiments of volunteers were organized and forwarded to the seat of war, gunboats and privateers were fitted out and sent to sea, the forts in the vicinity were strongly garrisoned, and the militia was actively drilled for home defense. British men-of-war appeared from time to time off the coast, and excited uneasiness or alarm among the peo- ple ; but the United States flotilla and the forts at the Narrows pre- vented any hostile demonstration. As the blockade was imperfect, our privateers passed to and fro without much difficulty or danger, and swept the British commerce from the ocean. The success of the navy and the depredations of privateers naturally delighted the people of a commercial city, and all naval heroes were sure of an en- thusiastic welcome from the corporation and citizens of New York.
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1813
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The public funeral of Captain James Lawrence and Lieutenant A. C. Ludlow, who fell in the engagement between the United States frigate Chesapeake and the British frigate Shannon, took place on the 16th of September, at Trinity Church. The remains were conveyed in a launch, escorted by the barges of the navy, from the sloop-of-war Alert, to the Battery, where they were re- ceived with military honors by General Morton's brigade of artil- lery, which had been selected by the Common Council as a special escort on this occasion. The military procession was followed by the Common Council, the civic societies, and a vast concourse of citi- zens ; the flags of the city and the shipping were at half-mast ; church-bells were tolled ; minute-guns were fired at the navy-yard and the Battery, and the entire ceremonies were conducted in the most solemn and impressive manner.
The Eleventh Regiment of Artillery was active and prosperous throughout the year 1813, and maintained its place as the leading military organization of the city. The companies drilled weekly, and, during part of the time, semi-weekly, and the battalion and regimental drills were also numerous. During the entire year the members were under orders to be prepared at an hour's notice to respond to any call of the State or national authorities. In addi- tion to the parades, inspections, and reviews usual in a period of war, the several companies devoted considerable attention to artil- lery practice in the field and the fortifications. On the 3d of November the Eleventh Regiment paraded with the Brigade of Artillery for practice, and was reviewed by General Dearborn, of the United States Army. The target was an old hulk anchored one thousand yards from the Battery, and so extraordinary was the firing that, on the following day, General Dearborn issued a special order, complimenting the brigade upon its fine appearance and its perfection in gunnery.
The monotony of routine military life in New York in 1813 was relieved by the famous " Harsen-Gedney duel "-a duel which was much talked of, but never fought. Colonel Harsen, of the Eleventh Regiment of Artillery, had, for good and sufficient rea- sons, relieved certain members of the corps from fines imposed by Captain Gedney, of the First Battalion, acting as president of the regimental court-martial. Captain Gedney was exceedingly offended at this action, and, at a meeting of the board of officers held in Feb-
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THE "HARSEN-GEDNEY DUEL."
1813
ruary, the irate captain publicly used the most violent and insulting language toward Colonel Harsen. At this period dueling was still a favorite method among military men of settling disputes, and a hostile meeting of the belligerents was anticipated; but Colonel Harsen having been brought before a magistrate and placed under bonds to keep the peace, and the officers of the Regiment having interfered to prevent a collision, the affair was settled for the time by an apology from Captain Gedney, who soon afterward retired from the Regiment. In September, at a meeting of the board of officers, a letter from Captain Gedney was handed to Colonel Har- sen, which he publicly refused to receive, and returned unopened. This letter would appear to have been a formal challenge, for a few days afterward the streets and public places were placarded witlı the following :
TO THE PUBLIC.
Whereas Lieutenant-Colonel Harsen, of the Eleventh Regiment of Artillery, has behaved in a very unbecoming manner, and has refused to give that satisfac- tion which one gentleman has a right to expect from another, I hereby publish him to the world as an unprincipled coward and poltroon.
Immediately upon the appearance of this placard, Colonel Har- sen was again arrested and held to bail to keep the peace. In a long card, which was published in the daily newspapers, Colonel Harsen stated the facts in the case, and proved that Gedney had instigated his repeated arrests for the purpose of protecting him- self from deserved chastisement ; and so clearly did Colonel Harsen vindicate himself, and in so ridiculous a position was his assailant placed, that the quarrel which had been so long a subject of public gossip degenerated into a farce. The officers of the Eleventh Regi- ment also published a card, confirming Colonel Harsen's statement of the facts, and testifying to his brave and honorable conduct on all occasions. The finale of the affair was a suit by Colonel Harsen against Gedney for libel, which resulted in a compromise, by which Gedney apologized, and consented to a verdict of one thousand dollars damages.
Several important changes occurred among the officers of the Eleventh Regiment during the year 1813. Second Major Henry Morgan was promoted to first major, vice Forbes resigned, who was obliged to retire from the service on account of failing health. Captain John Fleming, of the Third Company, was appointed
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1813
HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT.
second major, and also resigned. Captain Thomas R. Mercein, who ranked as captain in the Regiment, and who had served with dis- tinetion upon the staff of General Morton, was appointed first major ; and Captain George Hodgson, of the First Battalion, was ap- pointed second major. Lieutenant George Talcott, Jr., was elected captain of the Third Company, vice Fleming promoted, and subse- quently accepted a commission in the United States Army ; and was succeeded as captain by Lieutenant George II. Stanton. Cap- tain Barnet Anderaise, of the Second Company, was transferred to the command of a company of heavy artillery in the First Battalion of the Regiment, and Lieutenant Edward Rockwell was promoted to the captainey.
Major Henry Morgan was first commissioned as ensign of the Fifth Regiment of Infantry in 1802, and in 1803 was promoted to a lieutenancy. In 1806 he was the leading spirit in the organiza- tion of the company now known as the First Company of the Seventh Regiment, and was elected its first captain. In 1812 he was elected second major, and in April, 1813, first major. Major Morgan died in 1813, universally respected and lamented. He was a prosperous young merchant and a popular citizen. As an officer he ranked among the most able and experienced of the period.
Major John Fleming, the first captain of the Third Company of the Seventh Regiment, was born in New York in 1781. He was for many years a man of distinction in the commercial circles of New York, first as a merchant, and for a long period as Cashier and President of the Mechanics' Bank, and city chamberlain. It is related, in Seoville's " Old Merchants of New York," that while a member of the firm of Fleming & Home he drew a prize of thirty thousand dollars in a lottery. His great executive ability and fine business talents were instrumental in placing the Third Company upon a firm foundation, and during his administration and for many years thereafter the company was distinguished for its activity and military efficiency, and for the high character of its members. Major Fleming was an able and energetic officer, and was one of the most distinguished of the officers of the Eleventh Regiment both as a citizen and as a soldier. He died in New York in 1837.
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