USA > New York > Westchester County > Tarrytown > Souvenir of the revolutionary soldiers' monument dedication, at Tarrytown, N.Y. October 19th, 1894; > Part 3
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Many of them languished in British prison pens or in pesti- lential holds of Britishi prison ships; and not a few were included among the Eleven Thousand and Five Hundred patriot prisoners wlio, in and about New York City, miserably perislied in those accursed dungeons and prison ships. Some of them died on the field in open honorable warfare, glorious deatlıs. One, at least, fell a victim to the Tories' murderous liate, which rendered "thie neutral ground " to the southi ward so dark and bloody. The modest stone above that martyr's grave, now fast crumbling away, for more than a century has uplicld to the world the fierce indietment of these words : "Inhumanly slain by Nathanial Underliill" -- a noted Tory ; and the flight of the accused confessed the charge.
The well authenticated atrocities committed in this region by somne of the Tories seem almost ineredible. Even the children of patriot families were not safe from their cruel rage, as witness their notorious inutilation of three boys near Dobbs Ferry, an act so horrible and so foul, that its detailed character cannot be explained here. To the everlasting credit of the patriots of this manor, be it said that 110 act of inhumanity, even by way of retaliation, stains their peerless record.
The great majority of them, happily, survived the war, enjoyed the glad time of peace, and long years afterward were tenderly and reverently laid away in this liallowed soil, the last one in November, 1851, but little more than forty years ago.
The mnists of time have obseured, at least in our minds, all ranks and social distinction. We remember to-day of each one only the fact, that he served well in the Continental forces. The great renown of that simple fact obliterates all differences. To the lowest private as well as to the Colonel of the regiment let equal praise be givenl.
You may read through that roll of honor, inscribed upon thie monuinent's face, and you will not find in it the name of the lord of the 111a110r. He loved his king better than liis country and paid the penalty, just, though severe, in forfeiture of estates and banishinent from lionic. Across the ocean in a far-distant land is his sepulchre, well nigh forgotten ; while to-day, here in the heart of his old manor, this vast federal Government, by representatives from its army and navy, and speaking through the thunder of its war ships; and this great State represented in the person of its. prominent officials; and above and over them all the sovereign people in assembled thousands, thronging these streets, overflowing the cemetery's slopes and crests
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and massing this hall, all unite to pay to them, his tenant farmers, the highest honors which the living can pay to the dead. In very truth have the first become the last and the last the first.
In a broader sense, we dedieate this monument to the memory of all the Revolutionary dead, wherever they may be interred. In life they were all noble, true hearted and brave men. In intelligent appre- ciation of human rights and the true principles of government, they surpassed all other men of their period and all of earlier times; in eonstaney and unyielding confidence in the justice and final triumph of their cause they equalled even the "Ironsides" of Cromwell ; and in sublime courage they rivalled the world. The pages of history contain 110 more striking exhibitions of valor than those men gave ; for instance : when Montgomery in the gray of that early winter's morn- ing led the forlorn hope against the citadel of Quebee; or when, at sunset of that great day at Saratoga, after the gallant foe Frazer had been mortally wounded and his veterans beaten baek into narrowest compass, they, the Continentals, mnad with the wrath of outraged freeman, impetuously charged the hostile lines; or when, on the other side of the river, scarce fifteen miles above us, Anthony Wayne led the night assault upon the frowning works of Stony Point. True, they had their Arnold, though, thanks to the unpurchasable loyalty of the common folk of this old manor, his treason came to naught ; but they had as well their Read, whom, poor as he was, all the gold of England's king could not buy. There was only one Arnold, but there were a thousand Reads, many times multiplied. And they had their Nathan Hale, whose glorious martyrdom, in advance, more than atoned for Arnold's wrong ; and whose dying words still remain and ever shall remain a legacy to the republic of priceless value. Language is inade- quate to express the debt, which we as a people owe to thein. All that we are, in the vast expanse of our domain, in our established principles of local self control and of Federal power, extending its proteeting arm over all ; in all our material development and wealth ; in all our intellectual advancement, colleges, schools, free press and general diffusion of intelligence among the people; and in the myriad free homes which dot our fair land as the stars gem the arches of night ; all that we are to-day and all that we may hope ever to be, we owe and shall owe to those inen, -to their keen comprehension of the true principles of human goverment, to their constancy through toil, suffering and defeat, and to their unsurpassed valor on fields of blood.
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In the broadest sense, we dedicate this monument to patriotismn everywhere throughout our great expanse, from ocean to ocean and from lakes to gulf. What years these are, and of late have been, for the revival of patriot sentiment. These numerous societies, deseendants of Colonial ancestors and of Revolutionary sires ; this Grand Army of the Republic, with its half million survivors of the men who so bravely fouglit to save what their fathers established, and their worthy off- spring, these Sons of Veterans, all are but the national fruitage of this great awaking. In turn they recreate and reproduce a hundred fold that patriotism which ereated and produced then. To no other of those honored societies is this tribute of commendation inore dne than to the two composed of descendants of the men of the Revolution and known as "The Sons of the Revolution" and "The Sons of the American Revolution." Upon such oceasions as this, at least, it is to be deeply regretted, that those two great organizations of common origin, with a common law of being, and with common purposes, are not in fact as in spirit one. The members of both may wisely remember, that their illustrious ancestors were content to follow one common flag, to wear one common badge, these loved colors of buff and blue, and to own the sway of one common leadership.
The stars and stripes float over every school-house in the land, dedicating our youth to our country's service. A few mornings sinee, it was my privilege to attend the opening exercises for the day, of the chief of the principal schools in the City of Mount Vernon, where I reside; in which school, after the devotions to Deity, it is the custom for the children to give what is called the " Salute to the Flag." In the large assembly room, ranged in even ranks, the children stood nine hundred strong. The honor seholar of the day, a girl of perhaps thirteen years, ascended the platform, unfurled the stars and stripes, and facing, presented them to the expectant lines. At the signal word, each childish form straightened to its fullest height ; each child- ish eye seemed, at least to my partial fancy, to flash back something of the spirit of 1776; and in harmonious graee of mutual action the childish arms gave the salute to the flag ; and the flag itself, as though endowed with conscious appreciation, bowed in mute though eloquent response. It was a sight to melt even an alien's heart, and to send thrilling along liis nerves, though of iron strengtli, waves of patriot feeling.
The fires of this patriotic revival must not be permitted to die ont or smoulder away. In their fierce heats, the abliorrent forces of
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anarchy, socialism and disloyality will be dissolved and dissipated into vapors of nothingness.
Finally, we dedicate this monument upon this day, of all the year the fittest for such an act ; the day in 17SI, which crowned with final triumph the six long years of toil and battle, of alternate success and defeat, of patriot hope deferred making the heart sick ; the day, which inade good the early promise of Lexington, Bunker Hill and White Plains, confirmed the great achievement of Saratoga, wiped away the disgrace of Long Island and Brandywine, and amply atoned even for the agonies of Valley Forge ; the day which brought abounding joy to every patriot heart throughout the thirteen States; and which in the annals of man will forever remain illumined with "Freedom's holy light ;" the ever blessed day of Yorktown. It is true, that in the forinal ceremony of victory upon that field our flag did not wave alone before the victorious lines, but another standard floated there as well, milk-white and gemmed with golden lilies. It is true, that in that august ceremonial, when the sword of Cornwallis and the banner of haughty Britain were tendered in surrender, the noble Rochambeau and our own Washington stood before the conquering armies with equal rank. On that day, however, there was honor enough even to be divided. There was glory enough at Yorktown to give to the allied French their just, and even a generous share, and to leave ample for Americans for all the ages. But upon this occasion of revival of patriot memory and of self-congratulation we may be pardoned, even by the descendants of those valiant allies, if we recall the historic fact, that in the generous rivalry of that night assault upon the English entrench- incuts, the yoeinanry of America first scaled the hostile parapet, even before the tried veterans of Gaul; and the stars and stripes of the infant republic were planted within the hostile lines even before the standard of France.
At this patriotic celebration, as upon all other like occasions we ought, we, as loyal Americans, send across the waters to fair France the message of our endless gratitude. The flag which her brave inen followed so well at Yorktown, floats over her no more ; and the royal family, in whose name and as whose loyal subjects those men there fought, has long since been banislied from her realın ; yet, though flag and dynasty have passed away, the character of the Frenchman remains the same; chivalrous, generous and brave. His sword is still ever ready to leap unbidden from its scabbard in defence of the right, the beautiful and the true.
عصير
Mad
عقدة .
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And now, ancient Sleepy Hollow! Into thy sacred keeping for all time we with reverent hands commit this memorial to tlic patriot dead. Guard it well ; cherish it with all thy most tender love; it is the choicest treasure within thy hallowed bounds.
Judge Mills' oration was a fitting climax to the glorious day. A highly appreciative audience listened to it with wrapt attention, and interrupted it with frequent and enthusiastic applause which was long continued at the close. Judge Mills was at his best, and by the charm of his oratory, and the felicity of his speech as well as by his graceful, manly manner and the patriotic glow of his eloquent periods, fairly cap- tivated all who heard him.
It was indeed a rarely pretty picture the stage presented, as Judge Mills, seemingly youthful, surrounded as he was by the veterans of age the mellow light falling full upon him and the golden lilies of the flag, of France which shielded him in front -- a bright halo above, a spotless banner beneath ; a picture long to be remembered by those who beheld it.
A collation at Lyceum Hall followed, at which the officers of the Army and Navy and many prominent guests were present, including a large delegation from the Daughters of the Revolution of New York. In the meantime the Grand Army Posts present and others were enter- tained at Music Hall by Ward B. Burnett Post and the Women's Relief Corps.
Among the prominent guests present were Hon. Win. H. Rob- ertson, Hon. D. O. Bradley, Hon. Chas. P. McClelland of Dobbs Ferry, Mayor Brush of Mt. Vernon, Rev. Dr. Coffey of Eastchester, Supervisor Joseph B. See, of North Castle, Supervisor Lane of Mt. Pleasant, Super- visor Underhill of Yorktown, Hon. James Irving Burns of Yonkers, Hon. Thos. K. Fraser of Hastings, Lconard F. Rcqua, Esq., of New York, Rev. Amos C. Requa of Peekskill, Alfred Hall Esq., and Mr. Wm. Dutchier of New York, Dr. G. W. Murdock, (whose wife is a direct descendant of Commissary General Win. Paulding of the Revolution) and family, of Cold Spring, Grand Commander Schotts and staff, Rich- ard H. Greene, Howland Pell and Mr. Geo. Evans of the N. Y. Geneo- logical and Biographical Society, Hon. F. S. Tallmadge President of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, Rev. Dr. Brockholst Morgan, Chaplain, Judge Harden of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution of Georgia, Geo. W. Olney, Esq., of the R. I. Society of Cincinnati, Chas. A. Schemerhorn, Esq., J. M. Montgoinery, Arthur Melvin Hatch, Col. Asa Bird Gardiner, Chas. Isham, Esq., of the New York Society of
ONMIBAND 2H1 831 AV MOM
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the Sons of the Revolution, Mrs. Anna M. Steers, President of the Daughters of the Revolution of New York, J. Milton Requa, Esq., and Pierre Wildey, Esq., of New York, Jared Sandford, Ass't. State Super- intendent of Public Instruction, Rufus King, Esq., of Yonkers, and Mrs. Richard Moore, of New York, a great-granddaughter of Gov. Gen. George Clinton, and daughter, Major Paulding and Commander E. B. Long of White Plains, Supervisor Gilbert M. Todd of Sing Sing, State Engineer C. W. Adams of Albany, and many others.
The presence of the U. S. war ships Dolphin and Cincinnati, on the peaceful waters of the Tappan Zee, was one of the great attractions of the day and occasion. The thunder of their salute shook the very hills and reverberated along the distant heights, while bedecked with flags they were "a thing of beauty " to behold, their gay colors resplen- dent under the bright October sky. They were almost constantly sur- rounded by a fleet of yachts and small steamers, and during the day thousands of visitors enjoyed the privilege of parading their decks. The officers in command extended every courtesy and won the admir- ation of all. The photo representations of these war vessels, with the list of officers of each, which appear on the opposite page, are of interest in this connection.
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UNITED STATES WARSHIPS.
U. S. S. CINCINNATI.
Lieut .- Commander, J. D. J. Kelley. Lieut. C. A. Grove, Ensign Roger Welles. Jr.
Naval Cadet S. P. Fullingwider.
Captain H. D. Glass, Commanding. Lieut. A. C. Dillingham. Lieut. H. P. Huse. Ensign F. L. Sawyer. Naval Cadet S. V. Graham.
Lieut. J. C. Colwell. Lieut. A. N. Mayer. Ensign F. R. Payne. Naval Cadet A. G. Kavanagh.
U. S. S. DOLPHIN.
Rear Admiral R. W. Meade. Commander-in-Chief.
Lient. A. P. Niblack. Flag Lieutenant. Liegt. S. S. Wood, Flug Secretary. Ensign Yates Stirling and Naval Cadet Provoost Babin, Aides. Lieut. B. H. Buckingham, Commanding. Lieut. C. J. Badger. Lieut. P. W. Hourigan. Ensign Albert L. Key.
Surgeon, P. M. Rixey. Asst. Paymaster. Sam'l McGowan
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Correspondence.
FROM EDWIN GOULD.
Tarrytown, N. Y., June 23, IS9.1. M. D. RAYMOND, EsQ., Sec'y. Revolutionary [Soldiers' Monument Com.
DEAR SIR :- In sending you the enclosed cheque for $250 towards the erection of a monument, to the memory of the Revolutionary soldiers from this place, which you brought to my attention, I wish to state how heartily I am in favor of a plan which will not only add to the attractiveness of a place I have always considered my home, but will at the same time add to the romantic memories of the neighborhood, and serve to per- petuate the memories of some brave men who fought in defence of their country.
With best wishes for your success in the work, I remain, Very truly yours, EDWIN GOULD.
FROM MISS HELEN GOULD.
Lyndhurst, Irvington-on-Hudson, June 28, 1894. DEAR MR. RAYMOND :- Your letter of June 27th has been received. It will give me pleasure to subscribe one hundred dollars to the proposed Revolutionary Soldiers' monu- ment, which I trust will be a pretty one. Very truly,
H. M. GOULD.
FROM ROBERT SEWELL.
Ardmore, Tarrytown, Sept. 6, 1894. MY DEAR MR. RAYMOND :- I take pleasure in handing herewith my cheque for fifty dollars, towards the Monument to the Soldiers of the Revolutionary War from Philipse Manor, to be erected in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Although the family whose patronymic I so unworthily bear, was one of great prominence in the Colonial history of Massachusetts, and adorned the pulpit, the bench and the bar with its members, I cannot find that they were particularly prominent in seeking the bubble reputation even at the cannon's mouth. They split into fragments, 00, after the eventful Tea Party, and large delegations returned to Quebec and to Eng-
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land, disgusted with the turn affairs had taken, But they did yoemen's service in the building of New England, listened to and preached their full quota of long sermons and burned as many witches as came before them in the line of their duty.
Neither am I any more fortunate in Revolutionary connections in the other line of descent, for my maternal grandfather "Served King George at Lexington, a Captain of Dragoons."
But the cause is a sacred one, and the memory of the men who fought for the liberty we now enjoy, deserves to be kept alive in stone, and celebrated in monumental brass. Philipse Manor was a spot where men had to show their true colors, and, al- though it was part of the neutral ground there was no neutral tint in the patriotism of its freemen. Here's to them, then !
Their swords are rust. Their bones are dust, Their souls are with their God we trust.
Very truly yours, ROBERT SEWELL.
FROM PRESIDENT CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Washington, October 6, 1894.
MY DEAR SIR :- The President directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your recent letter in which you invite him to attend the unveiling of the monument to the Revolutionary heroes at Tarrytown on the 19th inst.
If it were possible for him to do so, it would give the President great pleasure to be present on that interesting occasion, and thus to express his appreciation of the courage and valor of those soldiers of the Revolution whose patriotism you will so fittingly commemorate ; but his appointments are such that he hardly feels that he can accept your courteous invitation. Very truly yours,
HENRY T. THURBER, Private Secretary.
Hon. Charles P. McClelland.
FROM GOVERNOR FLOWER.
State of New York, Executive Chamber, Albany, Oct. 11, 1894. HON. CHARLES P. MCCLELLAND, Chairman, Tarrytown, N. Y.
DEAR SIR :- Governor Flower is in receipt of your letter of recent date, inviting him, on behalf of the citizens of Tarrytown, to be present at the unveiling of the Revo- lutionary soldiers' monument in Tarrytown, and regrets exceedingly that his engage- ments will deprive him of the pleasure of accepting your invitation.
Assuring you of his appreciation of your courtesy, I remain,
T. S. WILLIAMS, Private Secretary.
FROM FREDERIC SHONNARD.
Yonkers, October 19, 1894.
DEAR MR. RAYMOND : - I enclose cheque for my subscription to your monument to the Revolutionary heroes. I thank you for the opportunity of contributing, and wish I could make it more-still if you should come short, try me again.
I rejoice in the patriotic awakening; Tarrytown not only does herself honor, but reflects credit upon our county. I hope that the example of Dobbs Ferry and Tarry-
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town will awaken our Yonkers people. Nearly twenty years ago. I tried to get cu: historic places monumented, in a very cheap but durable way. I did not succeed ; the times were not ripe for them. I have often wondered that our business men have no: been quickened to realize the cash value to a town of such historical mementoes, even :: they were not moved by sentiment. The historical interest of your town and its rare legendary lore have added enormously to the attractiveness of your natural advantages and made it the home of more millionaires than any other town of its size in America.
I thank you for the copy of your paper, containing your charming historical sketch. . I have long realized how greatly you have contributed to these ends. Yours sincerely, FREDERIC SHONNARD.
FROM HON. D. O. BRADLEY.
Dobbs Ferry, October 20, 1804 DEAR MR. RAYMOND :- I wish to express my gratification and satisfaction with yesterday's celebration. It was a decided success. You are entitled to many thanks for the untiring energy and great skill you have displayed in its organization.
Such affairs excite civic pride, and create a love for home as well as for the nation. They are greatly to be commended. We are all prouder to-day, not only that we are Americans, but because we are citizens of Westchester County, too.
Judge Mills' address was of a high order. Such men add greatly to our common Yours truly, D. O. BRADLEY.
wealth. With respect,
FROM REV. DANIEL REQUA FOSTER.
Trenton, N. J., October 22, 1894.
DEAR MR. RAYMOND :- Lost, one of the events of my life ! But really, in behalf of my worthy ancestors, I must at least thank you for doing so much to perpetuate the memory of those Revolutionary sires. As to my going to the Dedication, the Synod of New Jersey was in our city till Thursday afternoon, leaving me in just that condition that I did not sce how I could leave. You would have existed without this letter, I am sure, but in writing for your paper, giving an account of this great day, I wish to express my personal gratitude to you.
Most sincerely yours, DANIEL REQUA FOSTER.
FROM LIEUTENANT NIBLACK.
A lady writes from Indianapolis, date of November 19th, as follows : " My friend, Mr. Niblack, a Flag Lieutenant, came directly from Tarrytown to his mother's here, where I was at the time. He gave a glowing account of his reception at Tarrytown. He said it was one of the most delightful occasions he ever attended, everything was managed in such fine style. He said the Admiral was enthusiastic in its praise. Lieutenant Niblack is considered one of the most promising of the young naval officers, and Admiral Meade is devoted to him."
SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS, IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK. New York, October 15, 1804. MR. M. D. RAYMOND, Sec'y Monumental Committee.
DEAR SIR :- In response to the invitation extended through Mr. Samuel Requa, the Society of Colonial Wars will send a delegation to join with you in the parade and exercises on October 19th inst. Very truly yours,
A. B. VALENTINE, for the Society of Colonial Wars.
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, NEW YORK, Sept. 21, '94.
M. D. RAYMOND, EsQ ..
Tarrytown, N. Y.
DEAR SIR :- Can you kindly inform me at what hour the ceremonies at Tarrytown will begin on October 19th, and what other Revo- lutionary organizations, if any, will take part ? This Society will leave the foot of 22d Street by boat at 9 A.M., October 19th and will arrive at Tarrytown at II o'clock.
We are to have lunch served on the boat, and will have a band of music. As to the number that will attend, cannot say at present. If there is to be a procession, can you inform me what position in it this Society will occupy? Very truly yours, THOMAS E. V. SMITH, Sed'y of the N. Y. Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY.
1757807
New York, October 18, 1894.
DEAR SIR :- Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Managers accepting your courteous invitation to participate in the historical celebration at Tarrytown on October 19th, President Depew appointed the following committee to represent this society thereat., viz .: State Secretary John Winfield Scott, State Registrar Edward llagaman Hall, John C. Calhoun and Walter S. Logan, notice of the same having been telegraphed you this morning.
The Board of Managers desires to express its satisfaction that the intelligent patriotism of Tarrytown has evidenced its existence in this admirable fashion.
Very respectfully yours,
JOHN WINFIELD SCOTT, State Secretary.
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The Monument.
THE Revolutionary Soldiers' Monument is of the best Quincy granite, simple and massive as is becoming a memento to those men at those times. It stands upon rock foundation and is well buttressed by a wall of native granite with heavy Quincy coping. If anything can, it will long withstand "the wears and weathers of time." The general outlines of the monument so well appear in the photo representations herewithi, that they need no further description. The inscriptions on the polished panels appear on the opposite page, three of the sides con- taining the names of seventy-six Revolutionary soldiers, all but a few of whom were buried in the old Dutch Churchyard.
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