USA > New York > History of the Twenty-second regiment of the National guard of the state of New York; from its organization to 1895, pt 2 > Part 4
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tained by the Providence Light Infantry. The command made a fine display and was received with the greatest hospitality. It had been originally intended by the regiment that it should go into camp during that year. But the social element prevailed over the military, as not infrequently happened in those days, and, as the excur- sion was decided upon, the idea of a camp was aban- doned. The same thing occurred in June, 1870, when a trip to Sing Sing for target practice was planned, for the purpose of repeating the valuable experiences of the preceding year. When it became known that the Twenty- second proposed coming to Sing Sing the residents of the town tendered it a reception and ball. This made full uniform and white trousers a necessity, and this in turn caused the abandonment of the idea of target practice. The regiment went to Sing Sing in full uniform and enjoyed itself greatly. But it did not receive the military benefit which the original plan would have ensured.
The Providence Light Infantry made a visit to New York, October 13, 1869, and were escorted and enter- tained by the Twenty-second, in return for the hospital- ity with which it had been treated by that organization. It acknowledged the compliment by presenting to the Twenty-second a handsome set of resolutions.
On June 19, 1870, Col. Richard Vose, commanding the Seventy-first Regiment, formerly captain Company D, presented nine gold medals, one to be given to the best-drilled man in each company of the Twenty-second.
On August 2, 1870, Companies A and B, reënforced by volunteers from the other companies, made a very enjoyable trip to Long Branch. In July, 1871, the
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history of the twenty- Eccond Regiment 439
Orange riots took place.# In October, 1871, the New Haven Grays were received and entertained by the Twenty-second. In November, 1871, an exciting election was held, which resulted in the overthrow of the "Tweed
THE TWENTY-SECOND AT THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL, 1876.
Ring." There being great apprehensions of an outbreak, the Twenty-second, together with the Seventh, Twelfth and Seventy-first regiments, were ordered on duty at their respective armories. No disturbance, however, occurred.
In August, 1875, the regiment escorted the victor- ious team of American riflemen upon their return from Dollymount.
* See Chapter XXVIII., page 409 ante.
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On July 4, 1876, the Twenty-second participated in the great centennial parade at Philadelphia, together with a number of other organizations from the different States. It was entertained by the First Regiment, Penn- sylvania N. G., in a manner that has since made the two regiments close friends. As a recognition of the attentions shown by the First Pennsylvania, a hand- somely-engrossed and framed set of resolutions was presented to it by the Twenty-second in December, a committee consisting of Col. Porter, Lieut .- Col. Camp, Captains Horsfall, Cullen, Briggs and Loomis, and Lieut. Jardine going to Philadelphia for that purpose.
During the year 1877 the effects of the financial panic of 1873 had resulted in a general reduction of wages. This was resented by the laboring class and resulted in many strikes throughout the country, par- ticularly among the railroad employees. In some por- tions of the country there were riots, in which the mob defied the authorities and did great damage, particularly in those localities where the National Guard was weak or inefficient, the damage done being often more than would have paid the cost of an efficient military organ- ization for many years. As usual in periods of such outbreaks, the turbulent and discontented elements of society, whose existence is hardly known in ordinary times, began to come to the surface and to make their presence manifest. Prominent among these were the foreign communists or anarchists, as they are now called, who had emigrated from Europe in such numbers as to become quite formidable. There were many of these in New York, and, infected by the feeling of unrest and opposition to lawful authority which these outbreaks
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had developed, they began to organize and to make open threats. This movement became so strong and aggressive as to thoroughly alarm the police and the city. Finally a large communistic meeting was called, to be held at Tompkins Park, on July 25, 1877, under the "red flag." It was feared by the authorities that this would result in the assemblage of a disorderly crowd which might develop into a mob that would pass beyond the control of the police, as had been the case in the terrible riots which had occurred at Pitts- burg and other places in Pennsylvania. At the same time it was not considered wise to forbid it. They de- termined, however, to be prepared, and on July 24 all the regiments of the First Division were ordered to report at their armories and to be ready for active service. The Twenty-second at once assembled at its armory and remained there all day on July 24. The great meeting was permitted to take place on the even- ing of July 25, but the Seventh, Ninth and Twenty- second were ordered to be in immediate readiness to aid the police if their services were required. It is unnec- essary to say that the ranks of the Twenty-second were full. The weather was hot and the confinement of so many men in the armory rendered it excessively disagrecable, so much so that many officers expressed the opinion that if again ordered for similar duty they would endeavor to obtain leave to camp in one of the parks. Col. Porter, to relieve the men, as well as to get them into proper military condition, marched them out of the armory every day, and had riot drill in Four- teenth Street, thereby starting any quantity of rumors of "bloody riots," etc. The men did not complain of
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their confinement, and when the hour for the meeting came the regiment was formed, ready to march on the instant. But forewarned was forearmed. The com- munists were perfectly aware of the military force that was behind the police and did not dare to risk the con- sequences of any overt acts. Their great meeting was a tame one and soon adjourned without accomplishing anything, much to the disappointment of the younger element in the Twenty-second, who were only too anxious "to get a whack at the communists." The effect of this demonstration was to put an end to all ideas of an outbreak. By July 27 the situation had become so peaceful that the troops were released from duty. This was another of the many occasions where the city and State of New York have reaped the benefit of having an organized and efficient force of citizen soldiers. Upon this occasion the headquarters of the First Brigade were established in the armory of the Twenty-second.
In March, 1878, the internal troubles which had for some time affected Company G became so pronounced that it was disbanded. It was, however, reorganized on April 30, 1879, under Capt. Geo. S. Burger.
On April 27, 1878, the Twenty-second and its Vet- eran Corps visited Brooklyn, where they were received by the Twenty-third Regiment and made a parade, and on December 17, 1878, the officers of the Twenty- second were the guests of the Twenty-third at the ball given by the latter at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
On April 24, 1879, the compliment extended to the Twenty-second was returned, the Twenty-third visiting New York with its Veteran Corps, where it was escorted
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History of the twenty Second Regiment 443
and entertained by the Twenty-second, both organiza- tions being inspected together.
On October 11, 1879, the Board of Officers of the Twenty-second gave a complimentary dinner to Col. Porter, at which he abandoned his contemplated purpose of resigning.
On March 14, 1879, Col. Belknap, of the Brigade Staff, presented a trophy (being a bronze statuette of a mounted warrior). to be shot for by teams from the sev- eral companies, and Lieut. Wm. Van Antwerp three $100 United States 4 per cent. bonds, one of which was to be presented to the company showing the largest aver- age attendance at drill through the year (which was won by Company C), one to the company showing the highest score at Creedmoor (won by Company C), and one to the company with the largest number of recruits for the year (won by Company G).
On September 23, 1880, the Twenty-second paraded at Tarrytown, upon the centennial anniversary of the capture of Maj. André, and the inauguration of the monument erected to commemorate that event.
April 11, 1879, the Board of Officers approved the de- sign of the veteran marksman's badge, prepared by the writer, which was to be awarded to marksmen who should qualify for five successive years.
On Decoration Day, 1880, the First Pennsylvania Regiment, of Philadelphia (Col. Wiedersheim command- ing), visited New York and paraded with the Twenty- second and was afterwards entertained in the armory by the regiment, which did its best to return the hospital- ity which it had received in Philadelphia. Its efforts were most handsomely recognized by the receipt, on
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November 12, 1880, of a beautiful testimonial from the First Pennsylvania Regiment, consisting of eagles, spear-heads and other ornaments for the colors, in ac- knowledgment of the courtesies extended to that regi- ment during their visit.
Col. Porter went to Europe in June, 1881, and on his return, the following December, a grand " Welcome Home" review, dress-parade and reception was given in his honor on the twenty-first of that month. The Twenty-second also went twice to Governor's Island in 1881, by permission of Gen. Hancock, where it was drilled principally in skirmishing. On April 19, 1882, the regiment went to Philadelphia with its Veteran Corps and paraded at the laying of the corner-stone of the armory of the First Pennsylvania Regiment (Col. Wiedersheim), and were its guests at a banquet in St. George's Hall, and at a ball in the Academy of Music. On its return to New York the next morning, the regiment was escorted to its armory by the Seventh Regiment (Col. Clark). This trip was quite an eventful experience. The parade in Philadelphia was made in a smart shower, so that everybody got quite wet, and, as they were obliged to return in a very early train, they were compelled to practically stay up all night in damp clothes. They had, however, " a most enjoyable time."
The regiment had not confined itself to these festiv- ities during these years, but had maintained a steady forward progress. It earned by hard work the honor which was awarded to it in the official report for the year 1882 of Brig .- Gen. Robert Shaw Oliver, Insp .- Gen. State of New York, which declared it to be at the head of the National Guard of the State.
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STATE HISTORIAN'S OFFICE, ALBANY, N. Y.
1
ARARELA
THE TWENTY-SECOND PARADING ON UNION SQUARE.
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EXTRACT FROM INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S REPORT :-
The following is the comparative standing of the various organizations, 100 being the highest attainable mark of merit :
Twenty-second Regiment, New York City.
Standing 75
Average percentage present 68
EXTRACT FROM SPECIAL REPORT.
The men are of fair physique and average height, and, as a rule, of a high order of intelligence. Both officers and men evinced the greatest interest in their duties and an earnest desire to learn all required of them. The general bearing, good discipline, and the respectful and decorous conduct of the command is remarkable, and it may be said that, as a whole, it approaches more nearly to the standard of the true soldier than any command in the State. Discipline in camp at Peekskill was of the highest order and especially noteworthy. Military courtesy, quite thorough and most creditable. * *
Manual of arms, generally very good, but with a noticeable lack of snap in some of the companies, especially apparent in company drill, but, as a rule, greatly improved at all ceremon- ies. * School of battalion, good. Officers generally very proficient, but guides not thoroughly posted as to their duties, thereby often seriously injuring the precision of various movements, which otherwise would have been well executed. In all the foregoing branches of instruction there were, each day, various errors, but as time progressed and the last days were reached the regiment attained a very high degree of pro- ficiency. The officers, as a rule, are very well instructed, intelligent and capable, much respected by the men, and hold- ing them under control in a manner rarely seen in militia. The colonel is especially able and competent, and is admirably sec- onded by his adjutant and sergeant-major, who are, without exception, the best in the Guard. The command, as a whole, is in most satisfactory condition.
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ROLL OF HONOR.
The Twenty-second Regiment has the honor of standing first in merit among regiments, namely .. 75.
On January 5, 1883, a delegation of officers of the regiment and Veteran Corps- went to Philadelphia, and presented to the First Pennsylvania Regiment a stand of colors in acknowledgment of the hospitality shown by that regiment to them upon this occasion.
The Twenty-second, at the request of Gen. U. S. Grant, then President of the National Rifle Association, on May 18, 1883, contributed $100 towards the expense of the team of National Guardsmen sent to represent the United States in the International Military Rifle Match at Wimbledon. On November 25 of that year it participated in the centennial celebration of the evac- uation of New York by the British. On January 7, 1884, it gave a splendid ball at the new Metropolitan Opera House. This was not only a social and military success, but a financial one, as it realized $3,000 profit.
On January 1, 1886, Col. Porter having been ap- pointed adjutant-general, Lieut .- Col. John T. Camp was unanimously elected in his place January 18, 1886, Adjt. William J. Harding being elected lieutenant-col- onel and Capt. Geo. A. Miller (Company A) major.
Col. Camp had been identified with the Twenty- second almost from its organization, having enlisted as a private in Company B November 11, 1861. He had served with his company through the Harper's Ferry campaign as a sergeant. He was elected first lieu- tenant June 23, 1863, in the field in Pennsylvania. He became captain March 25, 1867. In 1868 he organ- ized E Company, which he commanded - until Feb-
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STATE HISTORIAN'S OFFICE, ALBANY, N. Y.
COLONEL JOHN T. CAMP.
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History of the twenty: Second Regiment ch 451
ruary 11, 1869, when he was elected major. On Oc- tober 11, 1869, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel. He resigned October 28, 1871, and was re-elected as lieutenant-colonel December 22, 1873, and retained that position for thirteen years.
Col. Camp was a little above the medium size, well- built and with a fine military presence and a good voice. He was quiet and retiring in his manners, but very firm when he had made up his mind to adopt a particular course. He was a most accomplished instructor, and there have been but few officers in the National Guard who were his equalsin handling a battalion. He adhered closely to the "Regular Army methods" introduced by Gen. Porter when in command, and maintained the stand- ard of drill and discipline in which he found the regi- ment. He introduced and successfully carried out the system of drilling by trumpet signals which has since been followed and is now in use. This innovation was the more difficult as it had been introduced in the Seventh Regiment in 1862, and, after being tried for two years, was formally protested against by its Board of Officers. In fact, some of the company officers re- fused to adopt it. So strenuous was the opposition that the use of the bugle was abandoned by the Seventh in 1864,* and it therefore required a good deal of deter- mination upon the part of Col. Camp and his officers to take up a method which had been tried and rejected by such a regiment as the Seventh.
From time to time after the War a number of the regiments of the National Guard of the city became unable to maintain their efficiency and were disbanded or
* "Clark's History of the Seventh Regiment," Vol. II., page Sr.
History of the twenty: Second Regiment ch 451
ruary 11, 1869, when he was elected major. On Oc- tober 11, 1869, he was promoted lieutenant-colonel. He resigned October 28, 1871, and was re-elected as lieutenant-colonel December 22, 1873, and retained that position for thirteen years.
Col. Camp was a little above the medium size, well- built and with a fine military presence and a good voice. He was quiet and retiring in his manners, but very firm when he had made up his mind to adopt a particular course. He was a most accomplished instructor, and there have been but few officers in the National Guard who were his equals in handling a battalion. He adhered closely to the "Regular Army methods" introduced by Gen. Porter when in command, and maintained the stand- ard of drill and discipline in which he found the regi- ment. He introduced and successfully carried out the system of drilling by trumpet signals which has since been followed and is now in use. This innovation was the more difficult as it had been introduced in the Seventh Regiment in 1862, and, after being tried for two years, was formally protested against by its Board of Officers. In fact, some of the company officers re- fused to adopt it. So strenuous was the opposition that the use of the bugle was abandoned by the Seventh in 1864,* and it therefore required a good deal of deter- mination upon the part of Col. Camp and his officers to take up a method which had been tried and rejected by such a regiment as the Seventh.
From time to time after the War a number of the regiments of the National Guard of the city became unable to maintain their efficiency and were disbanded or
* "Clark's History of the Seventh Regiment," Vol. II., page SI.
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consolidated. Among these were all the cavalry, which once had formed an entire brigade. As these were composed almost entirely of German grocers, who rode (or rather bestrode, for they could not ride) their truck horses, their appearance was more remarkable than mili- tary. None of these ever went to the War, and their inefficiency was so generally conceded that they were never called upon to do riot duty, even during the draft riots, although they were then nominally on duty .* Once, upon a review held as late as 1876, when the Inspecting Officer ordered one of the best of these troops to "trot," three men fell off their horses before they had completed the passage in review. Among the infantry which thus passed out of existence were the following regiments: the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eleventh, Thirty-seventh, Fifty-fifth, Seventy-ninth, Eighty-fourth and Ninety-sixth. This reduction led, in January, 1880, to the disbandment of the Fourth Brig- ade, the Twenty-second being transferred from it to the First.
In 1886 a further great reform in the organization of the National Guard was effected by Adjt .- Gen. Por- ter, by consolidating the troops of New York City into a single brigade, thus doing away with the Division organization and that of three brigades. This got rid of a number of superfluous commanders with their staffs, which, with a few exceptions, were more ornamental
* At the time of the burning of the provost-marshal's office in Broadway they were drawn up on Sixth Avenue within a short distance from the scene of the riot, but the military authorities had not sufficient confidence in them to order them to suppress it. It is but fair to say that the Wash- ington Gray troop was a much better organization than any of the others and did good service in the Orange riot in 1871.
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than useful. It also dispensed with one set of papers and saved the time and red tape of one headquarters in passing communications to and from Albany.
The Twenty-second took a deep interest in the plan for raising the funds to provide a pedestal for the Bar- tholdi Statue of Liberty, and gave an entertainment at the Madison Square Garden on May 1, 1886 (under the auspices of the New York World), which realized $5,000 for the fund. This drill was a fine exhibition of the proficiency of the regiment in drilling by trumpet. It was largely attended and excited much favorable comment. The money having been raised and the pedestal built, the Twenty-second, on November 1, 1886, participated in the parade which took place to celebrate the unveiling of the statue.
A large number of the War veterans of the Twenty- second having united in organizing a Grand Army Post, known as James Monroe Post No. 607, Depart- ment of New York (after the first colonel of the Twenty- second, who died in service), the regiment assigned them rooms in its armory, where they have since made their headquarters. The officers of the regiment also united with Monroe Post on June 16, ISSS, in cele- brating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the departure of the Twenty-second upon its Pennsylvania campaign.
On September 16, preceding, the regiment itself had made a little excursion into Pennsylvania, as the escort of the Commander-in-Chief upon the Centennial Cele- bration of the adoption of the Federal Constitution.
It received a good deal of attention while in Phila- delphia from its old friends of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, and when that organization visited New York
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on April 30, 1889, to participate in the parade in honor of the Centennial of the Inauguration of Washington. the Twenty-second acted as their escort, and subsequently entertained their officers at the Belvedere Hotel.
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CHAPTER XL.
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THE VETERAN CORPS.
A S the term of enlistment of the first members of the Twenty-second expired and they began to leave the regiment, an earnest desire was felt by many of those who felt obliged to retire from the ser- · vice to still retain some connection with the organiza- tion with which so many interesting memories of their youth were connected. The officers and men who re- mained with the regiment were also desirous of keep- ing in touch with its old members, partly from senti- mental reasons, and partly, also, from the very practical one that many of the veterans whose services they were losing were prominent and influential men who could be of great assistance to the regiment in the future. Actu- ated by this feeling, a number of the companies had formed veteran organizations, which were found to be beneficial, and it was felt that a regimental organization would be still more so. Influenced by these motives, the Board of Officers of the Twenty-second, on April 22, 1868, secured the passage of Chapter 283 of the Laws of 1868, incorporating the Twenty-second Vet- eran Association, most of them being named as incor- porators. The new organization shortly became popu-
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lar. Many of the old members joined it, and thus renewed their connection with the regiment, and the Veteran Association became strong and enthusiastic. To make it still more so, as well as to give it a distinctly military character, it adopted a stylish blue uniform, in which, for a number of years, it frequently paraded with the Twenty-second. A mistake was made in modeling this organization as if it were a regiment. It was divided into companies, each having a. captain and two lieu- tenants. It also had a colonel and a staff. These officers held no commissions and were usually elected without regard to the rank they had previously held in the Twenty-second. The "uniformed corps" soon pushed the ununiformed veterans to the rear and became a quasi-military body. This, after the elapse of a num- ber of years, began to cause friction between its
officers and those of the Twenty-second.
There
were similar bodies . connected in like manner with the other National Guard regiments, and they all became very prominent in social matters. The " Uni- formed Veterans Corps" had nothing to do but " have a good time," and they had it. They came to the front in military balls and receptions, and upon many parades, and it was frequently difficult for an outsider to tell who was the most important personage, the regularly commissioned colonel of the regiment, or the "colonel of the Veterans Corps," who might not have risen above the grade of a lieutenant in the service. It was also felt by the officers of the regiment that the existence and prominence of the uniformed Veteran Corps had a tendency to induce men to take their dis- charges from the service as soon as their term of enlist-
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