USA > New York > The Minute men of '17 - a history of the service rendered during the recent world war by the Ninth Coast Artillery Corps, New York Guard and the Veteran Corps of Artillery, state of New York > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
-H. G. Lambert, BATTERY 9.
The following is the story of one sergeant's experience. It is typical of many.
Digitized by Google
80
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
"Having been instructed in the Armory to assist Sergeant Hyde, on arriving at Peekskill, I assumed the work of feeding our men; found on investigation there was nothing in the mess hall. We messed on the cold lunch we had brought with us and cold water.
Filled then with energy, we marched back to the Company ground, and put up eighteen tents in two hours. We then washed at the street pump and pre- pared for mess. On investigating the condition of the kitchen, we found nothing available for use, no tea or coffee even. We, however, messed on our second box of cold lunch and water. I heard no protests.
The orders then were to prepare to receive cots and mess kits at 7 o'clock P. M. Accordingly Sergeant Hastorf marched the men from Camp to the storehouses situated about a half mile from our tents. We found ahead of us several com- panies of other New York City regiments. We waited in the rapidly growing twilight until 8:30, and then I asked permission of Sergeant Hastorf to ascertain why the equipment was not being distributed and to find out where it was and who had it in charge.
I walked back to the camp, and found that all the officers were in conference. I waited until a figure emerged from the group, and on approaching, found him to be a major. He stated on my inquiring that he would look into the matter of supplying equipment. There were no lanterns, so I borrowed one from a police detail, and with that the Major and I proceeded to the storehouse office. He went inside. I ran over to our company, about five hundred yards away, and sug- gested to First Sergeant Hastorf that he be prepared to form the Company and follow my lantern wherever it went.
In ten minutes or so, an employee of the Supply Department came out of the office and I followed him (the Major had disappeared). We went to a store- house, opened the door, and proceeded to fill two lanterns with oil. This we did from a small tin can, using a dipper and spilling the larger part on the floor and doorstep. (It occurs to me that electric lights could be installed.)
Taking the two lanterns, and being joined by a second employee, we proceeded down a wood, closely followed by our company in column of twos. We reached a large barn, unlocked the door, and by the aid of the two lanterns, distributed cots and mess kits to our company. I then went down to the roadway, and sug- gested to the Sergeant in charge of the two companies there waiting to follow me and receive their equipment. I sent a messenger to Company A, Captain Gage's company, to come down and get their things, as the companies of the 7th and 12th Regiments had followed my suggestions and fallen in line and marched down the road to the Supply house. Company A did not get their equipment until nearly eleven o'clock.
Believing that I had notified all the waiting companies where they could get
Digitized by Google
81
AS THE MEN SAW IT
their supplies, I started back to our camp. Hearing the sound of voices in the neighborhood of the wagon park, I proceeded to investigate, and found there a company of a New York City Regiment. They said they were waiting for their cots. I told them how to get them. (Conclude that they would still have been waiting had they not attracted my attention.)
On going back to Camp, I discovered that Lieutenant Backus, Lieutenant Perry, Major Hodges and Dr. Beebe wanted my lantern which seemed to be the only one (but one) in camp. The next morning early, I repaired to the mess hall. The food had not arrived. I climbed into a Packard car, and suggested to the driver that we go down the road to find the wagon with the supplies. Ser- geant Hyde said it was on the way. We discovered a truck containing a portion of our food about a mile from camp and followed it home. Co. B. was the first fed that morning and the first fed that noon. Major Hodges called for volun- teers to drive a truck to the station. Never drove a truck before, but found it could be done with a little patience. Found a good strong man to help me, as the brakes would not hold and the hill was quite steep. Got two loads of bag- gage to the station.
Was directed by Lieutenant Backus to load a truck with Co. B. baggage and escort it to Elmsford, twenty-three miles or so. Did it by 5.30 and reported to Major Hodges there. It was a very nice ride, but tiresome. Proprietor of a hotel in Tarrytown insisted on giving us a good dinner at his expense; Mr. Parks of the Florence Inn. Arrived at Elmsford about 5:30. Found Major Hodges and others by the roadside. Unloaded the portion of baggage, belonging to men assigned there. The 23rd Regiment still occupied the Headquarters house and mess house and stable. Lieutenant Perry, on learning that I had had my dinner, directed me to take charge of twenty-seven 'men who had just arrived with Captain Chand- ler Smith, while he took the portion of the original command to White Plains for dinner. (Think Private Crummey of the Fourth Battery loaned Sergeant Fergu- son $15 to pay the bill at the hotel; see voucher delivered to Captain Lummis August 15th by me at Elmsford.) As the above twenty-seven men had with them two boxes each of lunch, Lieutenant Perry ordered me to see that they had mess.
Next morning, we of the original command proceeded to White Plains for break- fast (Sergeant Ferguson paying for all as per voucher in package delivered to Cap- tain Lummis at Elmsford August 15th). While in White Plains as mess-sergeant with Sergeant Ferguson, we purchased an old cook stove, wire netting and white- wash for the old mess shack ; pots, pans, lanterns, kerosene oil, axes, soap, dish towels, plates, knives, forks, spoons, broom, nails, fly paper, etc., as we had no equipment of this kind whatsoever. These goods were delivered Saturday. Corporal How- ard and Private Ford volunteered to cook for the command. After cooking, we put the food in Private Disbrow's Cadillac and distributed it over nine outposts.
Digitized by Google
82
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
It might be mentioned that the men arriving Friday night had no equipment, and we in consequence shared our blankets with them, and none of us had enough, and the men generally were cold at night. However, we feel fine and enjoy the ex- perience. From Tuesday A. M. 8.14 to Wednesday evening 8.15, through absence of other sergeants, I acted as top sergeant, mess-sergeant, supply-sergeant and ser- geant-of-the-guard. Monday night, I patrolled post No. 7. from 2 to 5 A. M., and have not had my clothes off since Friday, August 10th. Lieutenant H. P. Wil- liams called Monday or Tuesday. He was the first officer from Headquarters on supplies we had seen. He took some notes of what we needed. Captain Bates of the Quartermaster's Department called Tuesday night. He stated we could requisition supplies from Peekskill, such as canned goods, etc. Glad to know it. but we have no requisition blanks. Captain Bates thought we were handling the matter very satisfactorily, considering that we were assuming all the responsibility of feeding our men and were thrown entirely on our own resources. We never had sufficient cots, blankets, nor lanterns. Were it not for Corporal Tillinghast of Colonel Delafield's office proceeding to City Island and obtaining two tents, about fifteen cots and lanterns, our men could not have been sheltered, nor our out- posts provided with lanterns. (N This equipment was purchased by the special fund hereinbefore described.) I assumed the authority to telephone Tillinghast to get these supplies, and desire to record the great services he rendered the com- mand by bringing us these badly needed supplies on Saturday."
(From "Recollections of a Sergeant")
"I had just been instructed to wear my uniform every day while on duty in the Vice-Commandant's office, had been up to Mr. Harmon's office opposite the City Hall about the campaign for funds, and was walking back to the office. When I was in front of St. Paul's I saw an officer coming. He was a Regular, a Major General. I was scared to death. I saluted; he returned it, and as he did so, smiled and said: "Good morning, Private." Then I saw something: It was the soul of the Army. I belonged to him; he was mine; there was a solidarity, a real union, and often afterwards, if I felt a temptation towards slackness, the thought of that "Good morning, Private" gave me a brace.
We had spent two days at Headquarters at Pine's Bridge perfecting and sorting out records of the services of V. C. A. men in the First Provisional Regiment, N. Y. G., and had worked hard. There were the two stenographers in Colonel Delafield's office, in addition to the historian and Corporal Tillinghast. And here I want to record an appreciation of the services of those two American girls, Miss Louise Flor- ence Lucas and Miss Constance Annie Rogers who were always cheerful, always ready, always loyal.
Digitized by Google
83
AS THE MEN SAW IT
Their assistance was invaluable; their memories marvels of accuracy. They often worked late in the evening. The paper work could not have been done without their help. They certainly deserve well of the State. On this occasion they gave up their Saturday and Sunday rests to spend those days in the trying task of listing names, . dates, etc.
We had finished at Headquarters Sunday afternoon, and visited the post on the Kensico Dam, had our pictures taken by Captain Thebaud, and were on our way to the City.
We came to a wonderful sight; a number of National Guard Regiments were camped in the Park, and there was a mass of people clustering about the en- listed men, for it was their last Sunday here. It certainly touched the heart and stirred the soul. Oh, the glorious, magnificent loyalty of that quiet multitude! And as the last rays of the setting sun, the almost level rays, penetrated the haze, it seemed as if it were a halo." (Ibid)
"This is Mrs. Private I have just come from the country and find a note from my husband saying that he has gone on duty on the Aqueduct and that if I would ring you up, maybe you could tell me where he was stationed-oh! thank you so much, Sergeant; do you suppose if I went up in a car I could see him for a minute? I'm awfully proud of my husband, Sergeant; wasn't it fine of him to volunteer?"
A paper was published by the men while on the Aqueduct which gives many interesting and amusing episodes. The first issue read as follows :
August, 1917. H. M. Baukhage, Editor. 4th Battery V. C. A. Co. B Ist Prov. Reg.
THE WATER WAGON
The Unofficial Organ of Battery B., Elmsford Headquarters MOTTO: "Water, water everywhere and nothing else to drink."
This is the first editorial shot to be fired by the enlisted men of the V. C. A. since the corps has become a part of the First Provisional Regiment. "The Water Wag- on" has no great message to deliver. It has no editorial policy. It does not intend to employ military experts who will show Colonel Rose how to win the war. In short, to descend to quotation, "the spirit, sir, is one of mockery." We believe that the men of Company B should indulge in a little frivolity because they have earned it, they came, they saw, they conquered.
They came at the first blast of the whistle. When Captain Shurick sounded the dash and three dots he faced a body of men ready and willing to drop every single personal responsibility and to step forth to do their bit whatever it might be.
Digitized by Google
84
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
They saw. At Peekskill, in the mess hall with hundreds of other men in uniform, they met their commanding officer, they heard Colonel Rose's ringing words and they saw that they had a man's size job before them.
They conquered. At Elmsford and Kensico they came, hot, tired, and determined. They met the difficulties and inconveniences that such a radical change in their lives meant and they conquered them.
And their work was not in vain, for it is rumored that a message went up to Albany from a certain high officer, which, it is said, ran as follows: "If the rest of the regiment is half as good as the Veteran Corps of Artillery I shall be satisfied."
Owing to the paper shortage (some sixty million tons) the cot shortage (some six inches), and the shortage of leave (almost none left), "The Water Wagon" will appear Ford size this issue. If we get that appropriation through Congress the next number may be larger. If your Post isn't mentioned in this issue it's your own fault. Send items of interest, Care of "The Water Wagon," Post 8.
The editorial policy of "The Water Wagon" doesn't permit us to mention names of privates or non-coms. However, if you think that something you have done ought to be brought to the attention of your superior officer, or if you are terribly anxious to get a couple of stripes on your sleeves; well, thanks, we do smoke. Drop in at Post 8 some time.
ASSEMBLY
The First Battery's loss is the Navy's gain. Congratulations Capt. Gage!
Lieutenant Perry went home on leave, not because he wanted to be a living proof that his sentries were bad shots but because he wanted to give Lieutenant Smith a chance to show his metal. Don't worry, Lieutenant Smith, if they don't recognize you they'll shoot at you and that's pretty good assurance that they won't hit you.
Rumor says that the Brooklyn Battery has volunteered as a unit and will have a hundred men on the job. Well, more power to them! for it means more sleep for us.
*
Post 9 reports the completion of a burglar alarm which it is claimed will not only frighten away the trespasser, but works in such a manner as not to dis- turb the sentry's sleep. The acting corporal has taken out a patent on it. In order to further prevent being disturbed the Post has created the fable of a haunted house and spread it among the inhabitants.
Digitized by Google
85
AS THE MEN SAW IT
When asked if he had any general comments to make the Corporal stated "Well all I can say is that this is the best post in the section."
One of the sentries at Number 8 challenged a suspicious figure the other night and as no answer was given took for granted it must be an enemy alien. The guard was called out and captured nothing less than a somewhat bedraggled feline. The cat was immediately called "Hindenburg," and if it doesn't die of trachoma or fall into the oatmeal it will be made camp mascot.
* *
Number 8 is known to the mess squad as the Tapeworm Post. We don't know why.
At Number 7 they have constructed a park bench out of the old manhole cover. Fortunately it was placed near the road where the Sergeant of the Guard could find it conveniently when looking for the sentry.
Number 7, it is stated, is known as the Chastity Post. It is in the heart of civilization and stands exceedingly high with the surrounding population. Investi- gation by a "Water Wagon" representative revealed the fact that the average age of the man on duty is 821/2.
Number 6 is noted for its bath. Some genuis got permission to run a water meter and now announces the price as follows: Baths; privates, 25 cents; non-coms, 50 cents; officers, $1.00. "If cleanliness is next to Godliness" said the corporal, "the officers here must be an ungodly lot. So far we have not had a single dollar bath and very few 50 cent ones." "Visitors," he added, "are always welcome at Number 6.
*
When one of the sentries at Number I got no answer to his challenge he didn't call out the guard. Upon investigation it was learned that he had challenged a jackass that had wandered up the road from White Plains. When his Corporal asked him why he didn't call out the guard when he got no answer he said, "Oh, I thought it was the Sergeant."
TO THE ROOKY
Now when it comes your turn,
You have simply got to learn Before you're very many hours older That the thing that really counts Is to put in every ounce Of the stuff between the elbow and the shoulder.
Digitized by Google
86
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
You may feel it isn't right
When you've been on guard all night
And your blankets only seem to make you colder
That they rout you out at four Make you grab your gun once more
With a cramp between your elbow and your shoulder.
But just take a tip from me Whatever you may be Butcher, lawyer, banker, clerk or officeholder,
When you've done your little bit
You'll be gol-darn proud of it
And those stripes between your elbow and your shoulder.
A DRAMA IN MILITARISM
Scene: V. C. A. Camp, Somewhere-on-the-Aqueduct.
Persons: A gentleman-private, a chauffeur.
The private is discovered cleaning up the mess kits after a hearty meal of beans, prunes and condensed coffee.
(Enter a chauffeur)
Chauffeur (to Private)-Beg pardon, sir, but Mrs. Blank asked me to remind you not to forget your medicine. And the steward of the club asks if he shall send up your perfectos as usual.
Private-Tell my wife that I've chucked out the medicine, and I'm smoking a pipe.
Chauffeur-Yes, sir.
Private-Don't call me "sir," I'm no officer.
Chauffeur-Yes, sir. Can I help you in any way, sir.
Private-Hell, no man, can't you see I'm busy cleaning up these dishes and I don't want to be bothered.
Chauffeur-(Flabbergasted) Your partner phoned this morning.
Private-Tell my partner I've got something else to do besides worry about busi- ness. Now beat it.
Chauffeur (Retiring)-Gee! This is the life.
Digitized by Google
87
AS THE MEN SAW IT
A NIGHT'S DUTY ON THE AQUEDUCT. SERGEANT MACK'S REPORT TO CAPTAIN GAGE.
Headquarters, Upper Sector, Aqueduct Guard, First Prov. Regt., N. Y. G., Dobbs Ferry Road and Aqueduct, New York
August 18, 1917. To Captain S. E. Gage, Commanding-Officer,
From Acting Sergeant W. W. Mack, in charge of Posts One and Two.
Subject: Events of the Night of August 17-18, 1917.
"At about midnight on August 17 Sergeant Hopson in charge of Posts Three, Four and Five, appeared at headquarters with Mr. Christianson of Hartsdale, president of the Hartsdale Home Defense League, and asked for an interview with Captain Gage. He told Captain Gage that there was a belief in Hartsdale that a conspiracy was on hand there to destroy the Aqueduct and that several persons had heard a mysterious and violent explosion last Sunday morning which they believe was the premature detonation of some hidden explosives designed for malicious purposes. Suspicion of the residents of Hartsdale has been directed against certain people and was centered upon a certain dwelling appearing deserted but which men were stated to have entered recently. The names of certain people under suspicion were mentioned. Mr. Christianson asked for military aid in search- ing these premises and he stated that he had two men of his Home Defense League on watch at this house.
Captain Gage, accompanied by First Sergeant Scott, Sergeant Hopson and a detail of men were taken in automobiles to Hartsdale and thoroughly examined the afore- said premises without any result whatsoever except that of greatly easing the minds of the disturbed residents of that community. The expedition returned to Head- quarters at about I A. M. August 18.
At 2 P. M., August 18, Sergeants Jones and Hollander being on duty at Post No. 1, an alarm was given by the firing of two shots in rapid succession in the vicinity of the large transverse culvert on Post No. I. The alarm was given at Head- quarters by Lieutenant Sillcocks and Captain Gage and members of the Guard turned out. Sergeant Jones leaving Sergeant Hollander on post came immediately to Head- quarters, to state the reasons for the alarm. The statement made by Sergeants Jones and Hollander is substantially as follows: They went on post at midnight. After making several tours without noticing any unusual circumstances they sat down for a brief period of rest on the edge of the Aqueduct at the large transverse culvert, one man being on either side. The night was clear but the visibility at this point is occasionally low on account of local fog from a nearby frog pond. Sergeant Jones
Digitized by Google
88
THE MINUTE MEN OF '17
called the attention of Sergeant Hollander to two dark objects near the entrance of the culvert which looked like men creeping forward. They watched for a moment or two and seeing a continued movement they challenged. The objects did not halt and accordingly by mutual agreement each man fired one shot at these objects which turned and hastily disappeared into the darkness. Both men are agreed that the cir- cumstances were suspicious and unusual and they acted in accordance with orders on this sector.
Relief being due at 2 A. M., shortly after this occurrence, Privates Koop and White relieved Sergeants Jones and Hollander. This occurrence in connection with the circumstances at Hartsdale led Captain Gage to station himself with the relief, taking post on the top of the transverse culvert. Capain Gage having been up prac- tically all night to this time, lay down in blanket and poncho to sleep, with instruc- tions to be awakened upon the slightest suspicious circumstance. Sergeant Hollander also remained with the relief until the post was relieved at 4 A. M. by Acting Ser- geant Mack. Privates Koop and White who patrolled the post vigorously and thor- oughly reported no further suspicious circumstances. Catpain Gage remained on the post until 5:30 A. M. At that time the Aqueduct and Captain Gage were still there. Sergeant Mack at daybreak carefully examined the transverse culvert in- cluding the barbed wire and steel netting and reported that it was undisturbed. There were no indications of any trespass that could be observed. Captain Gage awoke about 5:30 and went to his tent.
At about 2: 30 A. M., shortly after the beginning of the circumstances detailed above, Acting Sergeant Cruse in charge of Post No. 2 arrived at Headquarters and awakened the Sergeant of the Guard stating that Private Verdin was seriously ill, having severe chill accompanied by vomiting and other serious distress. He asked for medical attention. There was none at the Post. Lieutenant Sillcocks to whom the matter was referred in the absence of Captain Gage, as previously described, in- structed Sergeant Richard, who happened to be at the Post with his automobile, to proceed with Sergeant Cruse to Post No. 2 and if necessary convey the sick man to a hospital in White Plains for immediate medical attention. Sergeant Scott of Head- quarters, who is a personal friend of Private Verdin, also accompanied the expedi- tion and rendered first aid. Private Verdin refused to leave the Post and Sergeants Scott and Richard returned to Headquarters about an hour later. Their report was not made to Headquarters until morning. At 6 A. M., August 18, Acting Sergeant Mack visited Post No. 2 and found Private Verdin entirely recovered and busily engaged in preparing breakfast for the detail assigned to that Post.
Outside of the circumstances detailed above, the night of August 17-18, 1917, was calm and uneventful."
Digitized by Google
89
AS THE MEN SAW IT THE MINUTE MEN OF TODAY
They mustered at eight in the morning, The men of the Veteran Corps, And upheld the fame Of their ancestors' name, The brave Minute Men of yore.
The doctor relinquished his practise; The lawyer stopped short on his case; The scribe dropped his pen;
The Stage gave its men; The artist stepped up into place.
The preacher came down from his pulpit; The broker came forth from his bank;
While each craft and mart, ;
Gave a generous part Of its best to the file and the rank.
And so they went into the service; The men of the V. C. of A., Upholding the Corps As their sires did before- They're the Minute Men of Today.
(From "Versified Adventures of the V. C. A.")
15-558
AN INSPECTION TRIP.
Digitized by Google
CHAPTER NINE THE TRANSFER TO THE NINTH COAST ARTILLERY CORPS
r T HE work had succeeded wonderfully. The small body of four sections of eight or ten men each, had grown to three bat- talions of four full batteries each. A provisional battery was forming in Yonkers, some of whose men had done duty on the Aque- duct. The officers of two companies in one of the large athletic clubs were talking seriously of joining; groups of men in various localities were considering the question of forming batteries or platoons. The commission of officers had gone abroad under the auspices of the War Department. On the other hand, there were some very serious handicaps. The Corps was an ancient organiza- tion, but in some ways its affairs were gravely complicated. The Veteran Corps of Artillery had consolidated with the Society of the War of 1812. They had been incorporated under the law of 1875 as a patriotic society; various acts had been passed by the legislature affecting the Society and Corps, acts inartistically drawn, ineptly expressed and of doubtful meaning. The Commandant was a man in his seventy-eighth year. Under the statutory regulations, the staff was permanent, elected for the term of a year, and the staff is the eyes, the ears, the hands of the C. O. There were no clear dividing lines between the functions and duties of the Council of Administration and the Board of Officers, or of the duties and authority of the C. O. of the Detachment. The State was form- ing a new militia in place of the National Guard, now in the United States Service. The Council of Administration had passed resolutions that the V. C. A. conform to the New York Guard, re- taining it ancient privileges. General Bell had been relieved from duty at Governors Island and ordered to Camp Upton. Adjutant-General Stotesbury had resigned, and General Charles H. Sherrill appointed in his place. The Commander-in-Chief made two decisions affecting the Corps. First: that it be trans-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.