USA > New York > History of the one hundred and twenty-eighth regiment : New York volunteers (U.S. infantry) ; in the late civil war > Part 19
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
prisoners as well as our army, felt the nation could not long with - stand the opposition, and resorted to the policy of allowing an enemy to act like savages in order that victory might be gained. At any time it would have been possible for the North to have retaliated and put similar inflictions upon southern men until better treatment was accorded our men. That the government did not do this is only another indication that the administration feared that the public sentiment of the North would not allow this attempt at retaliation. There was a strong sentiment, during the Fall of 1864, against the continuation of the war. An attempt to force the South to more human treatment would have brought this opposition to more prominence. As long as the barbarous treatment of prisoners was out of the public sight it was not fully believed and had no special influence on the public sentiment. This is the only cloak of charity with which to cover the acts of the northern administration. With- out this we should be obliged to regard them as cold hearted and inhuman as the southern officers who had the immediate control.
ON FURLOUGH.
Five days after landing at Annapolis, I had received two month's pay and my furlough for one month. Rapidly as these paroled men could be paid off they were allowed to visit home. Many of these returned at the end of the allotted time and were forwarded to their regiments, as by this time the confederacy had collapsed and fighting had ceased. I, with many more, was not so fortunate. The exposure and hardship of the prison life led to sickness which came on the day after reaching my home. Only after several months did many of these furloughed men return to Annapolis and from here were discharged. I, with several of the 128th, was detailed as a clerk to make out the discharge papers, and as one among the last six on the 28th of June, 1865, left this place, thus putting an end to parole camp and to my service in the Union army.
SALILBURY NATIONAL CEMETERY.
A visit paid the Salisbury National Cemetery by me March 23d, ISS9, re-called memories beyond all that have been described. The stockade with buildings was destroyed by General Stoneman when making his northern raid near the close of the war. On the ground are now streets and cottages of the colored people, with a neat school-house and chapel. With deep interest, I went to the stream from which I had so often taken a refreshing draught. But
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AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
my greatest interest centered in the national cemetery which is sur- rounded by a wall and in the keeping of a one-armed Union sergeant. A large and beautiful monument is erected at the head of the trenches with the statement chiseled in the granite that 11,700 Union soldiers sleep in these narrow and closely packed tombs. As I plucked some ivy leaves as mementoes, I stood with reverence at that altar whereon was laid some of the most devoted and agonizing sacrifices ever made to hand down to future generations the liberty of a united nation.
AFTER THE COLLAPSE.
On the 2;th of April, the 128th received orders to guard the railroad between Goldsboro and Raleigh. Boarding the train at 4 P. M. we reached Smithfield shortly after dark and bivouacked. During the next forenoon the regiment was separated into com- panies, to be stationed along the line of the road. Lieutenant Benson says his company (" H.") was ordered to Boonhill, N. C., twelve miles distant. "At Boonhill," he continues, "we had tents pitched, and threw out pickets on the main roads. I secured quarters for Captain Sincerbox and myself in a house near the depot, and was kept quite busy furnishing transportation to paroled men of Johnson's army, who were making their way home." This work was of brief duration, however, as on the ist of May, the regiment again assembled at Goldsboro, and on the 2d, returned by train to Moorehead City.
AUGUSTA, GA.
The 4th of May found the regiment again on a transport, the Thetis, and putting to sea with pleasant weather. The whole division was in this movement. On the 6th, we reached Hilton Head, passed up the Savannah River, and anchored, during the night, below the city. The next morning we steamed up to the wharf, disembarked, and went into camp near the prison, where picket and camp duty was performed for three days. At 9 A. M. of the 1 1th the 24th Iowa, and the 128th of Day's Brigade, with the other brigades of the division, started for Augusta, Ga. We marched thirteen miles and bivouacked in the pines. On the 12th, we made twenty miles over a very sandy road. The next three days were but a repetition of the preceding. Shortly after we started on the 16th, 'a courier arrived with orders to force the march and push on to Waynesboro, a distance of thirty miles, by sundown, in order to reach Augusta the following day. He also brought word that "Old
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
Jeff, the Arch-Traitor " had been captured. We reached Waynes- boro at 7 P. M. well worn after this very fatiguing march with heavy burdens. At II P. M. we boarded a train for Augusta, and reached the city, at an early hour, the next forenoon, taking up our quarters in an old cotton-press. The regiment was now ordered to furnish guards to protect the property of the government in various parts of the city. During our stay at this point, word was received that the wagon train containing the gold from the banks of Rich- mond, was en-route and attempting to escape through Georgia. On the 6th, company " H." was ordered to Washington, Ga., as part of the force to intercept this train, and undoubtedly would have succeeded, but that Wilson's cavalry, having the advantage over foot cavalry, struck the train first, securing about a million in coins. We occupied the court house during our stay. "This town is the home of Robert Toombs, although that blatant son of the chival- rous south," says Benson, " was non est. I called at his residence and found it in the care of some old contrabands. Although there was a strong desire to put the torch to the old traitor's nest, it was left unmolested. We returned to Augusta on the 7th."
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SECTION XXIV. HOMEWARD BOUND.
On the morning of the 6th of June the following order was promulgated :
HEADQUARTERS, POST AUGUSTA, JUNE 6, 1865. $
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 11.
In compliance with orders from Headquarters Department of the South, the following regiments, whose terms of service expire before the 30th of September, will prepare to rendezvous at Savan- nah, with a view of being mustered out of the service : 22d, 24th and 28th Iowa, 128th and 131st New York.
Officers and men, I congratulate you that the time has at last arrived when you may return to your homes and families, and once again resume the peaceful avocations of life.
You have faithfully and bravely fought for your country, and can always bear in your hearts the proud consciousness of having done your duty.
I, who have had the honor of fighting with you, can testify to your valor and good conduct on the field -your obedience to orders and discipline while on the march and in camp.
In thus bidding you good bye, on your approaching departure to your distant homes, let me express to you my thanks and ap- preciation of your soldierly behavior-and the hope that you and your families may enjoy the peace you have so gloriously won.
EDWARD L. MOLINEUX, Brevet Brig. Gen., U. S. V.
In compliance with this order Birge's brigade left Augusta on the 7th while the two regiments of Day's were left to continue the guard duty.
We are not without evidence of faithful duty performed in this city as in every place where we were called to serve. The following extract and comments were published in one of the Poughkeepsie papers about this time under the heading " The 12Sth Regiment : "
" We copy with pleasure from the Augusta, (Ga.) Chronicle und Sentinel, of a late date the following tribute to this regiment :
F
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" We have had, in some form or another, an account of nearly every command now stationed in our midst, and none deserve a more honorable mention than the regiment above.
This gallant body of men from Dutchess and Columbia Counties, New York, were organized in the fall of the year 1862, and upon being mustered into service, repaired at once to Pennsylvania to check the raiding propensities of Stewart. From thence they were ordered to the Department of the Gulf, under General Banks, and with that noble soldier, W. T. Sherman at their head, made their record in the various assaults upon Port Hudson, in which they acted a conspicuous part until the final reduction of that famous strong- hold. They were one of the few commands sent in to receive the surrender and hold that point.
From Port Hudson and the Red River campaign, thence to the valley, under the invincible Sheridan, from the valley to Savannah ; then to North Carolina under W. T. Sherman, and when Johnson's army surrendered returned to Savannah ; and are now quietly resting from the fatigues of three year's bloody battles, awaiting orders to return to the generous hearts at home, who during all the dreadful separation have prayed and blessed them on in their sacred mission of duty.
May they, and all like them, have a long and glorious future. "
"We learn " says the comment, "upon reliable authority that Capt. Fred Wilkinson, of that regiment, is on his way, under orders from General Gilmore, to proceed to Albany, on business in regard to mustering out the New York troops in that department. It is believed that this work will occupy about three weeks. We are further informed that Governor Fenton is favorable to the mustering out of the 128th in Poughkeepsie, and that efforts are being made to effect this arrangement. We earnestly hope that it may be suc- cessful. The 128th has one of the most brilliant records of any regiment raised in this State, and the people of Dutchess and Columbia will respond with heartfelt pleasure to an opportunity to give them a welcome home."
On the 16th of June, 1865, the 128th in company with the 24th Iowa took up the line of march for Savannah. This march con- tinued for seven days when we reached the city, on the morning of the 23d, and pitched our tents on the same ground we had occupied previous to our departure for interior Georgia. With our well earned laurels, and the great work of saving the nation accomplished, we could set down to rest. There was no guard or picket duty to be
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AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
done and we had merely to care for our camp and enjoy ourselves the best we could.
HOMEWARD BOUND.
On the 12th of July, the regiment was formally mustered out of the United States service. We, however, lay in camp until the 16th, awaiting transportation, when we embarked on the steamer Charles Thomas, bound for New York. The thought of the last name, New York, sent a thrill of unbounded joy through every man's heart. The events of three year, which had separated us from. the Empire State, had been such as agitated the world and made all eyes turn upon us as the actors. The nation, passing through its throes of deepest agony and bloodshed, was saved. With a banner un- dimmed, without a stripe torn or a star fallen, she could go forward as the herald of liberty for all men. As a regiment, we had shared deeply in the hardships and in the losses, in the honors and in the achievements, and it was with pardonable pride that we looked for- ward to the greeting we knew awaited us in our own State.
After a quick and very pleasant passage, we landed at Dey St., New York City, on the 20th, transferred everything to the steamboat Commodore, and left at 6 P. M. of that same day.
Amid the cheers of a glad people, who rejoiced not alone upon the return of their boys, but also over a peace established by a complete victory over wrong, we sailed up the noble Hudson that evening. Grander than ever seemed her well tilled fields with the majestic background of rocks and mountains.
HOME.
We reached Albany at 3 A. M., and received breakfast at the hands of the Ladies' Relief Association. We soon found ourselves in camp,-a word which had become almost as natural to us as home-and almost with impatience awaited the necessary papers and pay before our final release. Out of an enemy's country, sur- rounded by friends who were daily crowding our quarters, we tarried until the 26th of July, when the 128th as an organized military body disbanded, each man bearing his certificate of discharge from a heroic and honorable service.
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SECTION XXV.
THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION.
" The disbanding of the victorious armies of the republic began in June, 1865, and the soldiers returned to their homes. It was a most interesting and rare spectacle for the contemplation of the nations. In the space of one hundred and fifty days the multitude of defenders of the Union were transformed into peaceful citizens, and resumed the varied and blessed avocations of peace. There had been enrolled for duty 2,656,591 men, of whom 1,490,000 were in actual service. By mid-winter of 1866, 750,000 men had been mustered out of the service." The above is a quotation made from Mr. Benson J. Lossing's Empire State (p 538.) On the same page he writes : "So rapidly did the great armies dissolve and become a part of the civil life of the nation, that at the beginning of 1866, only seven regiments of infantry, and two of cavalry of the New York troops remained in the service of the United States."
This rapid disbanding of men who had been engaged in military service, was contrary to the fears and predictions of many people in the North, who anticipated that thousands of men would become loungers and paupers, to be cared for by the country. So eager were the men to return to their homes, and to their former pursuits, and so absorbed were their minds with the prospects of peace, that they scarce thought of any re-union amongst themselves. Without any attempt or suggestion of a continued association, the men of the 128th separated and scattered to their homes.
The first attempt to hold a reunion was made by company "C." in 1873. On the azd of October of that year, a circular was sent to the members of the company, calling for a meeting in the village of Rhinebeck on the 12th of November, to effect an organization. "The object," as given in the circular, "is to hold a social gathering each year, at which the past may be reviewed and the whereabouts of each other may be known." This first gathering resulted in a permanent organization with George Tremper as President, and E. D. Morgan secretary. The first reunion was called for January 28th, 1874, in Rhinebeck. From that date to this an annual gather- ing of the company with a change of the president, but not of the secretary, has been held, affording much pleasure to all the members
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AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
who could attend. So pleasant were these greetings to the mem- bers of company "C." that the suggestion was made at one of the meetings to inaugurate a reunion of the whole regiment, and certain persons were designated to agitate the subject. The men of the regiment readily responded to the suggestion, especially the veterans of Hudson, who took hold of the project with much zeal, and extended an invitation to the "boys" to come back to Hudson again on the 6th of September, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the departure of the regiment from that City. Comrades J. V. Whit- beck, Milo P. Moore, Freeman Skinner and Wm. Van Bach acted as a committee of arrangements, and most efficiently carried out the entertainment. The Twenty-third Separate Company of the State Militia, bearing the honored name of "Cowles Guards" after our brave Colonel, David S. Cowles, entered heartily into the work of assisting the committee. About 250 veterans of the regiment assembled on the appointed day. A march was made by the men accompanied by the Cowles Guards, the R. D. Lathrop Post G. A. R. of Hudson, the police of the city, and several bands of music. The buildings were profusely decorated, and the streets filled with the people extending their most cordial welcome, and showing that a quarter of a century had not diminished the memories of the past, on the part of the older citizens and that the young had learned much concerning the men who had gone out from that place for the defense of the nation. The old flag-staff from which the colors were nearly stripped while being carried at the head of our ranks, elicited much applause.
After the march a bountiful collation was served in the armory by the Cowles Guards assisted by many ladies The occasion was honored by the presence of Senator J. W. Hoysradt of Hudson, Colonel Johnston L. DePeyster of Tivoli, Colonel Edward Gaul, formerly of the 159th New York Vols., Hon. John I. Platt of Poughkeepsie, Hon. Willard H. Mase of Matteawan ; and was made cheerful by the presence of many of the commissioned officers of our own regiment, among whom were Colonel James P. Foster, Dr. Palmer C. Cole, Dr. Charles H. Andrus and Chaplain John Parker. The temporary organization was effected by electing Captain John V. Whitbeck, of Hudson, President ; Johnston L. DePeyster, of Tivoli, and Milo P. Moore, of Hudson, as Vice-Presidents ; Derrick Brown, of Poughkeepsie, and Freeman Skinner, of Hudson, as secretaries.
Brief addresses were made by Captain Whitbeck, Derrick
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Brown, F. T. Beale of the Cowles Guards, Colonel J. L. DePeyster, Col. Gaul and several other. . A poem was read by Wallace Bruce of Poughkeepsie, recently United States Consul in Edinburgh, Scotland, and who has lately succeeded in erecting and dedicating a monument in the cemetery of that noted City, to Veterans who fought in our late war and may die in that city. It is needless to say that the tide of enthusiasm and pleasure ran high as these men recalled the events of the past and shook hands and laughed with old comrades with whom they had passed such eventful years, and many of whom they had not met for a quarter of a century.
A permanent organization was now effected and officers for one year elected as follows :
President-Derrick Brown, of Poughkeepsie.
First Vice-President-Benjamin T. Benson, of Fishkill.
Second Vice-President-John V. Whitbeck, of Hudson. Secretaries-J. J. Marshall, Poughkeepsie, C. M. Bell, Hudson. Chaplain-Rev. John Parker, New Haven, Conn.
Surgeon-Dr. C. H. Andrus, Metuchen, N. J.
No provision was made for a re-union in 1888, but President Derrick Brown sent out a call for the veterans of the 128th to meet in Poughkeepsie, on September 19th, in commemoration of the battle of Winchester. About fifty members assembled in the Casino Rink on the appointed day and had a pleasant social season in re-calling the events of the army life. The same officers were re-elected for the succeeding year. A secretary for each company was appointed for the purpose of perfecting the roll of members and for stirring up an interest in an annual re-union. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Hudson.
On the 19th of October, 1889, in accordance with the vote of the previous year, 123 veterans of the regiment responded to the roll call at the third re-union at Hudson. No street parade was attempted. Special interest was manifested in the presentation of two beautiful pictures by the veterans of the regiment to the Cowles Guards for the handsome reception given them two years before and for the warm friendship shown by the Guards for the veterans. A hearty response was made to president Brown's presentation address by Captain Beale of the Guards. A poem written by Colonel James P. Foster was read by one of the mon and received great applause. The old officers were re-elected for another year. A committee was appointed to secure a suitable regimental badge. Fishkill-on-the- Hudson was decided upon as the place of the next annual gathering
DERRICK BROWN, POKEEPSIE, N. Y., First President of the Regimental Association.
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AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT.
in response to an earnest invitation on the part of the veterans from that place, and to be on the 19th of September, 1890.
The fourth re-union was on a larger scale than the two preced- ing. The people of this beautiful village on the Hudson did not mean that any other place should surpass them in the welcome offered, or in the display of patriotism to be made. The procession was composed of the grand army post, the fire companies and many of the citizens of the place, escorting the veterans of the regiment about the streets, which were beautifully decorated. A sumptuous collation was served in a large hall by the committee, assisted by many ladies. Addresses were made by the clergy of the place, giv- ings expression to their warm welcome and high regard for the "soldier boys." The committee on regimental badge reported the selection of such badge. It is made of bronze and is represented on the cover of this book. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows : President, J. E. Munger ; Ist Vice-Presi- dent S. H. Mase ; 2d Vice- President, B. W. Van Wyck ; Secretary, . John Stotesbury.
The fifth re-union was held in Poughkeepsie, Oct. 19th, 1891. An extensive parade was carried out through the streets, being escorted by the fifteenth and nineteenth separate companies, the fire companies, the city authorities, the two grand army posts and many citizens. The protuse decorations and large gatherings on the streets as well as the many expressions of the citizens, showed the gratitude of the people for the heroic deeds, and years of sacrifice made by these men for the safety of the nation. Dinner was served by a committee of ladies in the armory. At the business meeting, prayer was offered by the venerable Dr. Wheeler of the Presbyterian church. Addresses were made by Dr. Van Gieson, pastor of the Reformed church, D. H. Hanaburgh, Colonel F. S. Keese, Dr. Andrus, General A. B. Smith, a former Colonel of the 150th N. Y. Volunteers, and a poem was read by L. P. Hatch. An invitation was extended by General A. B. Smith for the 128th veterans to be the guests of the 150th on the anniversary gathering of that regi- ment the next year, on the ground of the warm friendship manifest in former days at Baltimore, Md., and in all the years following between the men of the two regiments who went from this same section of country.
Upon the motion of D. H. Hanaburgh, a committee of two from each company, was appointed to gather material for a History of the Regiment. The following officers were then elected. Prest-
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HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED
- dent, B. W. Van Wyck; Ist Vice-President, Wm. Van Bach ; 2d Vice-President, Arnout Cannon ; Secretary, Wm. Platto ; Chaplain D. H. Hanaburgh ; Surgeon, Chas. H. Andrus.
In accordance with the invitation extended by General A. B. Smith, the 150th New York Volunteers of Dutchess County, gave a most hearty reception to the members of the 128th, on the 12th of October, 1892, in the City of Poughkeepsie. This brave and dis- tinguished regiment, escorted our boys about the streets, and shouted themselves hoarse in expressing their welcome to men who had been sharers with themselves in the hardships of our civil war. The collation served was on the same hearty scale, and most forcibly reminded us of the generosity of these same men, when they freely brought of their rations to us, when in almost a famished condition upon our return in 1862, from Gettysburgh to Baltimore. At the business meeting, progress was reported ou regimental history. The committee was reduced to one from each company, together with the chairman of the former year. On motion the regimental associa- tion was re-organized on a self-supporting basis with annual dues established at one dollar per member. An invitation for the next re- union to be held in Fishkill-on-the-Hudson was duly accepted. The officer selected were as follows : President, D. E. Van Amburg ; Ist Vice-President, Jerre Pierce; 2d Vice-President, Benjamin T. Benson; Surgeon, Chas. H. Andrus; Chaplain, D. H. Hanaburgh ; Secretary, J. Stotesbury.
Each re-union of these comrades has brought back so many fresh memories as to make the bond cementing the friendship the stronger, and to cause the annual gathering, as a social season, to be looked forward to with much pleasure.
From the Fishkill Daily Journal of October 19th, 1893, we make the following extract : "To-day the 128th regiment is hold- ing their 7th annual re-union here, ( in Fishkill and Matteawan) and many of the men marched with the same steady step that they did in war times. Time, however, has made inroads in their ranks, and those that were young men then, are now either middle aged or gray headed men, but the same enthusiasm that inspired them to fight bravely for the Union, still remains with the gallant old heroes." A most hearty and royal reception was given the veterans by the citizens of these united villages. Meeting the men of the regiment at the Hudson River railroad depot the police, the hose companies, the grand army posts, the Denning guards, and many citizens in carriages, escorted them on a march through the streets, which were
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