USA > New York > Onondaga County > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 34
USA > New York > Onondaga County > Syracuse > Past and present of Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : from prehistoric times to the beginning of 1908 > Part 34
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In the expedition to Hilton Head, January 31, 1863, the battery was tem- porarily divided, part remaining in Newbern till the next winter, when it re- joined the main portion in South Carolina. The part detained, however, did efficient service in several actions in North Carolina. That which went to South Carolina encamped on St. Helena island, where it remained inactive till April 1st. Then it had marching orders and went to Folly island, becoming part of Vogdes' brigade and with Major Jenney still in command. In the as- saults on Morris island Battery F successfully defended the crossing troops. During the siege of Fort Wagner it held an advanced position till the fort was taken.
In April, 1864, the battery went to Beaufort, North Carolina, and in Sep- tember to Florida. November 29 it returned to South Carolina, taking part in the battles of Honey Hill, Dereauxheck, Camden, Ashapo and others. In May, 1865, it was mustered out.
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THE TWELFTHI REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
The Twelfth regiment was filled April 15, 1861, with two years' men, un- der Colonel Ezra L. Walrath. Captain Morris H. Church headed Company A; Jacob Brand Company B; Denis Driscoll Company C; George W. Stone Company D; Jabez M. Brower Company E; Milo W. Locke Company F; Joseph C. Irish Company G; George W. Cole Company II; Ilenry A. Barnum Com- pany I; Augustus J. Root Company K. It left Syracuse for Elmira May 2, 1861, and was mustered in May 13. Leaving Elmira June 2d, it encamped a few weeks on East Capitol hill, Washington, being ordered across the chain bridge into Virginia July 15, and taking part in a skirmish at Blackburn's ford on the 18th. It was in the battle of Bull Run, and was part of the rear guard of the retreating army.
Near Washington it occupied various camps till the advance on Upton's Hill, September 27, when it established a permanent camp, remaining in this till early in February, 1862. February 3 it was consolidated with the New York Militia, so called having been reduced to four hundred and fifty officers and men. The new body had five hundred and fifty men. The old Twelfth was under Lieutenant Colonel R. M. Richardson, but he gave precedence to Colonel Henry A. Weeks, who commanded the new recruits. The ten con- panies of the old Twelfth were reduced to five, A, G, H, I, K, commanded respectively by Captains Root, Randall, Wood, Truesdell and Coombs. This allowed the Twelfth to go into the Army of the Potomac, instead of being left to do garrison duty.
The Army of the Potomac was organized March 13, 1862, the Twelfth reg- iment being attached to General Butterfield's brigade of five regiments. It worked in the trenches at Yorktown, but had skirmishes in the field. Thence it was sent to West Point, Pamunkey river and the Chickahominy. It was in the Fifth corps, under General Fitz John Porter.
The Fifth corps was in the engagement at Mechanicsville, June 26, but was ordered to evacuate its strong position early next day, and fall back to Gaines' Mill, as Stonewall Jackson was approaching. This was successfully done, and the Twelfth found itself in the extreme left, on the Chiekahominy. In the stubborn conflict that ensued the Union works were stormed and taken. In this battle the Twelfth lost one hundred and forty-four men. During the night the Union forees were withdrawn.
Next day the Twelfth went to Savage's Station, crossing White Oak Swamp June 29, and engaging in the battle of Malvern Hill July 1st. The Twelfth was again on the left, where the Confederate General D. II. IIill opened the confliet at 3 P. M. At the outset Major Henry A. Barnum here received a dan- gerous wound.
The regiment next went to IIarrison's Landing, on the James river. Thence it went to Yorktown and Newport News, reaching the latter August 18, and leaving on transports for Aquia ereek on the 20th. It was in the second bat- tle of Bull Run, August 30, 1862. In this the Twelfth again lost heavily, the
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roll call next morning showing only one hundred and six men, one staff and six line officers. The brigade lost nine hundred out of fifteen hundred men.
After camping at Arlington Heights it shared in the battle of Antietam, September 17, this time in the center, but not engaged till late in the after- noon. September 19 it was in a sharp skirmish at Shepherdstown Ford. Some duty was done at Sharpsburg, and then it went to Stoneman's Switch, near Fredericksburg, remaining there till December 13, when Burnside's disastrous assault was made. In this the Twelfth again had severe losses, lying all night and all the next day on the field of battle. It was the last to eross the pontoon bridge on the retreat.
It went to its old eamp at Stoneman's Switch, and was ordered to Elmira April 27, 1863, being mustered out May 17th. No one who saw it ean forget its enthusiastie reception at Syracuse, May 21 of that year.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST REGIMENT.
This was organized at Hancock, New York, and was raised in Delaware, New York and Onondaga counties, being mustered into service from September 2, 1861, to February 28. 1862. Among the Onondaga officers were Lieutenant Colonel Johnson B. Brown and Captain Gustavus Sniper, who became Lieu- tenant Colonel on Brown's resignation.
THE ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
The One Hundred and Twenty-second regiment responded to the call for three hundred thousand men in 1862. At this time the state was divided into regimental districts, corresponding to the senatorial distriets, with a war com- mittee in each. In Onondaga county this committee was appointed : Hon. Charles Andrews, Grove Lawrence, Dennis MeCarthy, Elias W. Leavenworth, Hamilton White, Austin Myres, Thomas G. Alvord, L. W. Hall, Thomas T. Davis and J. Dean Hawley. After organization the eominittee met every evening. The roll for the One Hundred and Twenty-second was opened July 20. and elosed August 20, the regiment being full. The towns had been arranged in groups, and thus each company had a local character.
Company A was from Lysander and Van Buren, and was commanded by Joshua B. Davis, who was soon made major. This was the first one filled.
Company B was from Syracuse, Geddes, Cicero and Clay, with Webster R. Chamberlain as eaptain. Letters are in the order of organization.
Company C was from Manlius and De Witt, commanded by Alfred Nims. Company D from Syracuse, Onondaga, Spafford, Otisco, Captain Cornell Chrysler.
Company E, Syracuse, Captain Augustus W. Dwight, succeeded by Horace II. Walpole.
Company F, mostly from Mareellus. Captain Lucius Moses.
Company G, Elbridge. Captain HIarrison II. Jilson.
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Company H, mainly from Camillus. Capt. James M. Gere. Company I, Syracuse and Salina. Captain John M. Dwight.
Company K, Syraense, Skaneateles and Tully. Captain Noah B. Kent.
Silas Titus was colonel, and the regiment was mustered in at Syracuse, August 28, 1862, leaving for New York and Washington August 31, reaching the latter city September 3, where it went into immediate service. It was un- der command of Brigadier General John Cochrane of Couch's division. arriv- ing at South Mountain just in time to see the battle's end. MeClellan was now advancing up the Potomac, with that river on his left, and in his left wing was the One Hundred and Twenty-second. It had no direct share in the battle of Antietam, its division having been ordered to the left to outflank a supposed flanking movement. September 20 it was at Williamsport, where Stewart's confederate cavalry was driven off. Three days later it went into camp near Downsville, remaining there two months for drill. Several unim- portant movements followed, and it crossed into Virginia November 3d.
The regiment was now in the left grand division of the Army of the Poto- mac, and still in the same brigade. It joined the march to Fredericksburg, November 10, via New Baltimore, Stafford Court House and Belle Plaine, and crossed the river December 11th. On the disastrous 13th of December the One Hundred and Twenty-second was well to the left and suffered but little. December 15 it reerossed the Rappahannock, went into eamp at Falmouth, and remained there till January 20, 1863. Then it marched in the "mud cam- paign."
General Hooker took command February 16, and for two months drilled his inen. The One Hundred and Twenty-second had mostly picket duty. April 25 it moved with the sixth corps and was engaged all night laying pon- toons below Fredericksburg. When the general advance was made it remained at Franklin's crossing, in front of the enemy's works. May 2 orders came for the sixth corps to cross the river, which was done, and the next day the heights were carried. The victorious foe returned from Chancellorsville and attacked the eorps at Salem Church, but was repulsed. The One Hundred and Twenty- second held the extreme right through the night. Next morning the sitna- tion was critical, and Sedgwick was driven back with loss. In the night the bridge-head was held by the One Hundred and Twenty-second till 3 A. M., and it was the last to cross. May 8 it was in a new and safe camp not far from the river.
June 6 Hooker sent a division of the sixth corps across the Rappahannock to see what Lee was doing. In this was the One Hundred and Twenty-second. Lee was now in motion northward, and the regiment took up its march to Gettysburg, arriving there at 3 P. M. July 2, and going into the front line at once, soon finding themselves next to the One Hundred and Forty-ninth, also from Onondaga, and in the right wing. General II. W. Slocum, an Onon- daga man, commanded that wing then. For several days after the battle they followed the retreating enemy, and then camped at Warrenton till November 7th, when the regiment took part in the successful attack on the works at Rappa- hannock station.
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January 3, 1864, the regiment went to Sandusky to guard prisoners. re- turning to Virginia April 13. General Grant was now in command, and in the new organization the One Hundred and Twenty-second was assigned to the Fourth brigade. First division, Sixth corps. It left Brandy Station May 4, reaching the Rapidan at night, and crossing the next afternoon. Next day it was engaged, with some loss; and in a following charge by the enemy it was driven back with further loss, Captain Gere being made a prisoner. May 7 an attack was repulsed, and next day the regiment fought at Spottsylvania. Engagements now eame thick and fast, and will not be closely followed. At Cold Harbor, May 31. out of one hundred and forty men the regiment lost seventy-five killed and wounded. It remained in front of Petersburg till sent in August to Washington. and thence to the Shenandoah valley. It was in the battle of Winchester with Sheridan, and took part in other battles there.
This being done it returned to Petersburg in time for the closing scenes of the war. A month it was in Danville, and later was reviewed at Richmond and Washington. The final discharge took place June 27, 1865.
THE FIFTEENTII CAVALRY.
The Fifteenth New York Cavalry, though organized in Syracuse. had its companies from Cattarangus. Chautauqua. Erie. Genesee. Oneida. Onondaga. Ontario. Orange and Tompkins counties, and was mnstered in Angust 8, 1863. Captain Michael Auer commanded Company A. and six of the eleven original captains were from Onondaga. Colonel R. M. Richardson was also from this county. The regiment took part in the engagements at Lynchburg. 1864. New Market, Winchester, Piedmont, Martinsburg. and the series of fights about Petersburg, resulting in Lee's capture.
THIE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-NINTHI REGIMENT.
The One Hundred and Forty-ninth regiment was mustered in September 18, 1862, under Henry M. Barnum as colonel. It had some peculiarities.
Company A was composed of Jews and organized in the Synagogue, under Captain Solomon Light.
Company B. was exclusively German. under Captain Nicholas Grumbach.
Company C was nearly all Irish. under Captain James Lynch.
Company D was commanded by Captain J. Forman Wilkinson.
Company E by Captain Ira B. Seymour.
Company F by Captain Judson H. Graves.
Company G by Captain E. G. Townsend.
Company II by Captain Robert E. Hopkins.
Company I by Captain David J. Lindsay.
Company K by Captain James E. Doren.
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The regiment left Syracuse for Washington September 23, 1862, going thence to Harper's Ferry. It was in camp at Pleasant Valley till October 30. Thence it went to Louden Valley and then to Bolivar Heights. The active command soon devolved on Major A. G. Cook. December 10 the regiment went to Fairfax station, where it barely survived the ocean of mud. January 28, 1863, it marched thence to Aquia creek, where it had comfortable but unhealthy quarters. February 15 to April 9th it found a better place at Brook's station. At Chancellorsville it had a share in the successive battles, and these were its first engagements.
The regiment returned to its quarters at Aquia creek, but soon joined in the pursuit of Lec northward to Gettysburg. which it reached late in the day of the first, battle. The One Hundred and Forty-ninth was in Geary's division of Slocum's corps. In following Lee's retreat the regiment passed for the fourth time through Frederick City, reaching the Rappanhannock August 1st.
Soon after the One Hundred and Forty-ninth found itself in the Twen- tieth corps under Slocum, but going south with Sherman. In a night attack in the Wauhatchie valley it suffered severely, but the result was important. Then came the battle of Lookout Mountain, with its striking features never to be forgotten. In this the One Hundred and Forty-ninth led the way. This was on the 24th of November and another successful action followed Deceni- ber 2d. Then came a lack of supplies and a removal to a better place at Ste- venson, where the regiment remained till spring.
May 2, 1864, the great Atlanta campaign began, with over three months' constant fighting. At Peach Tree creek, July 20, the One Hundred and Forty- ninth lost heavily. Atlanta was entered September 2d. There the soldiers took part in the presidential election before leaving Atlanta, November 16, for the famous "march to the sea." Raleigh was reached April 14, 1865. and news soon eame of Lee's surrender. The regiment was mustered out June 12. 1865.
TITE ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
The One Ilundred and Eighty-fifth regiment was mustered in September 22, 1864, leaving next day for City Point, Virginia, arriving there September 30 and going at onee into action at Warren station. It was under command of Colonel E. S. Jenney and Lieutenant Colonel Gustavus Sniper. Captain Stephen O. Howard commanded Company A. John Listman Company B. Henry D. Carhart Company C. Daniel N. Lathrop Company D. Robert P. Bush Company E. John W. Strowbridge Company F, Albert II. Barber Com- pany G, Daniel Christler Company II, Jared F. Abbott Company I, and Abram II. Spore Company K.
October 4 it was assigned to the First brigade, First division, Fifth army corps, under General S. Warren. General Siekles was brigade commander. Oc- tober 8 the regiment aided General Ayers of the Ninth corps at Poplar Grove church, repulsing an attack. October 16 it was in camp before Petersburg. participating in a battle on the South-side railroad on the 27th. In the move-
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ment on the Weldon railroad December 3 it did important work. December 12, 1864, to February 4, 1865, it was in eamp at the Gurley House near War- renton station. Then it marched to Hatcher's Run, suffering severely in the battle there. In this fight Colonel Jeuney was left in command of the bri- gade and did excellent service. He soon left the regiment and Colonel Sniper took his place.
The One Hundred and Eighty-fifth left the camp at Hatcher's Run, March 29, 1865, taking part in the severe confliet at Fort Steedinan, March 25th. On the 29th the advance began. and in a desperate charge at Quaker farm the reg- iment suffered heavily but saved the day. The color bearears were successive- ly shot down till Colonel Sniper seized the flag and led the charge. Other engagements followed and the regiment reached Appomattox station before Lee's surrender. There Lieutenant Iliram Clark of Company G was killed while the flag of truce was being sent in. Ile was in command of the skirmish line and was struck by a shell, being the last man killed. He was buried near Appomattox Court House.
The regiment now went with the army toward Danville, and was three days in camp at Burksville. Then it went to Wilson's station on the South-side railroad, remaining there till the first of May, and moving thenee to Manchester, opposite Richmond. May 5 it marched for Alexandria, arriving at Arlington Heights May 13, where it remained in eamp till mustered out May 30, but tak- ing part in the grand review of May 23d. It had a warm reception at Geneva, New York. on the way home, and another at Syracuse, where it arrived June 3d. It was paid off and discharged June 10. Though less than a year in service this regiment was in some of the hardest fighting.
It has been estimated that Onondaga furnished about ten thousand men in this war, one thousand above its quota. There was no abatement of public spirit to the very last. Some of the old flags have been placed with the Onon- daga Historieal Association and may be seen in its rooms. Baldwinsville and Skaneateles have soldiers' monuments, and one for the county is to be erected at Syracuse. Several Grand Army Republice posts exist, and there are camps of the Sons of Veterans. A fine bronze equestrian figure of Sniper is on North Salina street, Syracuse, and in St. James' Church. Skaneateles, a bronze tablet commemorates the soldiers who went from that parish.
Aside from the loss of life the financial cost of the war to Onondaga was heavy. Private contributions were liberal, but large sums were voted to relieve families of volunteers, to pay for bounties and other needs. Once a draft took place, and the wheel is preserved by the Historical Association. In 1865 the state refunded seven hundred and fifteen thousand dollars of the amount paid for bounties here. In January, 1964, the bonded debt of the county was two million two hundred and ninety-six thousand four hundred and ninety-nine dollars and ninety-six cents. Corrected figures with additional issues, made it two million four hundred and ninety-eight thousand one hundred and forty- four dollars and eighty-eight cents. December 1. 1865, mostly contracted during the war. The final issue of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars war bonds was made from January 16, 1865. Nearly a year earlier Syracuse had been
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asked for two hundred and thirty-one thousand three hundred and forty-six dol- lars as its share for bounties. The cost was met, the victorious troops came home, and only in saddened homes was there lasting regret. Of the whole of onr share in the conflict, Hon. Carroll E. Smith gave an eloquent summary at the centennial eclebration of 1894:
"The county sent out to the war more than ten thousand volunteers, con- stituting five infantry regiments, nearly a regiment of cavalry, a cavalry bat- talion, two artillery batteries, and many companies and contingents, each re- newed as numbers were reduced by casualties and vicissitudes. There was no campaign in all the range of contested territory which was not participated in by Onondaga troops. It is a record of honor throughout. No reproach rests upon it. The roll of Onondaga's soldiers and sailors bears the names of Slo- eum and Sumner, Peck and Barnum, Porter and Townsend, Sniper and Dwight, Root and MeLennan. Randall and Lindsay and many others. The chronicles of the campaigns are illustrated not only with brilliant and success- ful leadership, but with innumerable examples of personal courage, daring and achievement. No flag that was carried by Onondaga volunteers was lost ; these volunteers brought with them as trophies, several flags taken by them from the enemy."
Three monuments of special interest to Onondaga people are at Gettysburg. One is of Pettit's Battery, on Cemetery Ridge. The inscription reads in front :
Battery B, First New York Light Artillery. Artillery Brigade Second Corps. (Reverse). Position held afternoon of July 3, 1863. Casualties, Killed 10, Wounded 16. (Right Side). Mustered into service August 31, 1861. Par- tieipated in seventy-eight days of battle. Mustered out of service June 18, 1865. (Left Side). Organized at Baldwinsville, Onondaga County. New York.
Another at Culp's Hill bears this inscription : (Front). One Hundred and Twenty-second New York Infantry, Sixth Army Corps. (Right Side). - Third Division. (Reverse). Assisted in repulsing the attack on the morning of July 3, 1863. Loss, Killed 10, Wounded 34. (Left Side). First Brigade. Organized Onondaga County, New York. Mustered into service at Syracuse. New York, August 28, 1862. Served continuously with the Sixth Corps until the close of the war.
Another at Culp's HIill tells a varied tale. The inscription is: (Front). One Hundred and Forty-ninth New York Infantry. Third Brigade, Second Di- vision, Twelfth Corps. Flag was planted in works. Shot down and mended nuder fire. (Reverse). Five P. M. July 1, 1863, occupied position near Lit- tle Round Top. Four A. M. July 2, moved here, built these works. and de- fended July 2 and 3. Killed 6. wounded 46, missing 3. Mustered in at Syracuse. New York, September 18, 1862. Total enlistments one thousand two hundred and seventy. Total losses six hundred and two. Mustered out June 12, 1865. Engagements: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wanhatchie, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge. Ringgold, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca. New Hope Church. Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Kole's farm, Kenesaw Mountain. Peach Tree creek, Siege of Atlanta, March to the sea, Siege of Savannah, Cam- paign of the Carolinas, Bentonville.
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There were organizations there with Onondaga men, but which were raised elsewhere. Those named are sufficient to give interest in Gettysburg.
The Grand Army organizations of the county are Lilly Post, No. 66, and Root Post, No. 151, Syraense; Allen, No. 54, at Fabius; Benjamin II. Porter, 164, Skaneateles; R. S. Parks, 172, Cardiff ; Moses Summers, 278, Bald- winsville; E. A. Knapp, 340, South Onondaga; Joseph Jones. 358, Marcellus; M. Seager, 405, Jordan : Saunders, 457, Cicero; Goodelle, 593, Tully; William Pullen, 595, Brewerton; George H. Balster, 608. Manlius; Anthony Stacey, 647, Elbridge; Colonel Randall, 64S, Liverpool; R. D. Pettit, 663, Lysander; R. B. Hayes, 667, Fayetteville ; Benjamin L. Iliggins, 670, East Syracuse. Organi- zations of the Woman's Relief Corps and of the Sons of Veterans are attached to some of these.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE ERIE AND OSWEGO CANALS.
Before the Revolution the subject of a canal at the Little Falls of the Mo- hawk had been discussed and some steps taken. The war was hardly over be- fore the improvement of internal navigation was before the people. Chris- topher Colles presented memorials on the subject to the Legislature 1784-85. and one hundred and twenty-five dollars were allowed him to examine the Mo- hawk river. Then he proposed an association to improve navigation, but this did not come at onee. Others took up the matter, and in 1791 surveys were made on Wood ereek, resulting in the incorporation of the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company, to connect the Hudson river with Seneca lake and Lake Ontario. Fifteen years were allowed for the work. In 1795 the canal and locks at Little Falls were completed, and in 1800 boats could pass all the way to the proposed destination.
In 1803 came the proposal to tap Lake Erie, but no survey was ordered till 1808, when James Geddes, of Onondaga, was appointed to make it. In 1809 he reported three different rontes, the third of which left out Lake On- tario, and this he favored. In 1810 canal commissioners were appointed, but it was not till 1816 that work was anthorized, and the comparatively level land from Rome to the Seneca river at Montezuma. was selected as the first seetion to be opened. the first contract being dated June 27, 1817. In 1817. this see- tion, then extending from Utica to Seneca river, with a lateral canal to Salina, was completed. being a navigable line for ninety-four miles; a great achieve- ment for those days. This section cost about thirteen thousand dollars per mile, but Dr. Morse placed it at eleven thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars.
It thus happened that the canal was in use through Onondaga county long before it was completed in some other parts. Elkanah Watson had been one
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of its projectors, and was here in 1818, as in the printed journal, but really in 1820. He said :
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