USA > New York > The Ninth regiment, New York volunteers (Hawkins' zouaves); being a history of the regiment and veteran association from 1860 to 1900 > Part 2
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meantime, Barnard had been placed in com- mand of a company, but the men of the whole regiment made his position so unpleasant that he feared bodily harm, resigned, and was never heard of afterwards. It was ascertained that this individual was of Baltimore, where he had kept a very low groggery-a resort for crim- inals-and that generally, he had a most un- savory reputation, coupled with a strong suspicion that he had been engaged in criminal practices.
This unpleasant incident has been set forth in extenso for the sole purpose of showing what an earnest officer, intent upon doing his whole duty to the Government, had often to contend with. During the whole contest the demoral- izing political fire from the rear was quite as efficient as the other from the front in retarding progress towards the better military organiza-
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INTRODUCTION.
tion. No doubt the majority of the Governors were patriotic and desired to do their best, but they were politicians who could not stand up against the pressure from without. Their work- ing constituents had to be rewarded, and in the far too numerous regiments from all the States a commissioned officer's place could always be made for a devoted henchman. These were two of the prominent reasons, among the many, why it took years to make an army out of the best possible material, instead of months.
During the administration of the War De- partment, by that notoriously corrupt politician, Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, one of the faithful from a rural part of that State appeared in Washington pressing his claim for a foreign mission. There being no vacancy among them a fat consular appointment was asked for, these also were all filled, and the worker being disappointed and disconsolate appealed to Cameron for relief. That official sympathized with him, said he appreciated the valuable services performed in the mountain district, and as reward offered the best he had to bestow, and promptly tendered a brigadier general's com- mission, which was declined by the homework- ing patriot because he preferred peace to war, but he had heard that the position of purchasing and contracting quartermaster at Harrisburg,
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Philadelphia, and other places in Pennsylvania was pleasant and profitable and he would prefer one of those.
From the inception of the regimental idea, it had been determined to form it upon purely up to date military basis, and in order to accom- plish the better results in that direction, absolute control by a single head was the one dominant essential, and it was the spirit behind and sup- porting that determination which caused the firm resistance against giving a place in the line to a thoroughly disreputable and unfit character, which if permitted would have been a stain upon the reputation of the whole organization.
There were also other important ideals to be developed : manliness, cleanliness, honesty, sobriety and clean-cut individuality. All of these qualities are essential to the make-up of a perfect soldier, no matter what uniform he may wear. Along these lines in many respects, long before the term of service had expired, success was so marked that there were at least fifty men in the ranks who could have commanded the regiment as efficiently as any officer in it. But over and above all these separate qualities there was developed an all prevailing and over- ruling esprit de corps, which both as to conduct and soldierly appearance kept the whole up to a very high level. The regimental spirit was
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INTRODUCTION.
such that its members were always ready for any emergency, fun, frolic, gymnastics, theatri- cals or serious work in the field; with them disaster never brought despondency. Grief for those who had fallen was the ever present incentive for better work in the future; but there was never discouragement or want of confidence in capacity to perform whatever duty might be commanded.' A Union general who witnessed the demeanor of the survivors a day after the terrible struggle and loss at Antietam, suggested that after the words "Toujours Pret" (the regimental motto), the words "Nil Des- parandum " might appropriately be added.
The last day of the march from Antietam to Falmouth was a very muddy one, and by the time the army reached the grounds appointed for going into camp it presented an appearance plainly showing its intimate contact with the fields of Virginia mud. But notwithstanding unfavorable conditions for show purposes, General Sumner then commanding the right Grand Division, ordered an afternoon full dress parade of his whole command. The Ninth growled but went to work with a will, brushing, eradicating mud spots, chalking those on the white duck gaiters, blacking shoes, burnishing arms, etc., etc. The parade was over and the three corps of which it was com-
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posed dismissed, excepting the Ninth New York, which was ordered to remain ; no one concerned knew what was coming, but there was some trembling in boots, and particularly about the time that General Sumner with full staff rode to opposite the center of the regimental line, saluted the commanding officer and asked " Whose regiment is this?" Upon receiving the answer he took off his hat and in a loud tone of voice said: "This is the first regiment of soldiers I have seen in many years," and then after complimenting in most flattering terms the officers, who at his request had gathered around him, left the field. This was the honest outspoken expression of a brave old soldier who had adorned our army for more than a third of a century of notable service.
It is needless in this connection to write it, but it may as well be stated, that this uncon- ditional compliment was an enormous feather, not white, in the caps of the "Boys"; it put them upon their best behavior, and its influence lasted to the end of the term.
In the month of May, 1863, while an army, of which the Ninth New York was a part, was de- fending the Union lines at Suffolk, Virginia, during the siege of the rebel forces under Long- street, the Ninety-ninth New York Volunteers crossed the Nansemond River and, unsupported,
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INTRODUCTION.
made an attack upon the intrenched left of the rebel line. The regiment was defeated and driven back with considerable loss, and com- pelled to recross the river, leaving their killed and wounded on the field. Seeing this, the men of the Ninth, who had watched the whole move- ment, involuntarily, and without orders, com- menced to move in the direction of the scene of battle for the purpose of rescuing those who were left behind .. This hazardous service, within less than point blank range of the enemy's small arms, was so well performed that it elicited from the Lieutenant Colonel of the Ninety-ninth the following acknowledgment:
HEADQUARTERS, 99th N. Y. V., Suffolk, Va., May 2, 1863. COLONEL RUSH C. HAWKINS, Commanding 9th. Regt., N. Y. V.
Sir :- Allow me to tender to you my most heartfelt gratitude for the kind and gallant promptitude with which some noble fellows of your command volunteered to assist in removing the dead and wounded of the 99th N. Y. V. from the field. under sharp fire, yesterday afternoon.
Six dead and forty-three wounded were brought in, not leaving a single man on the field.
I am, Sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, R. NIXON, Lieut. Col. Comg. 99th N. Y. V.
This communication tells its own story, and, save only in one respect, calls for neither ex- planation or comment. The writer, who saw the whole of the unfortunate affair from start to finish, clearly remembers that the most of the rescuing was accomplished by the fearless volun-
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teers for the perilous work, of the truly "Noble Ninth."
This incident, more completely than any other could, illustrates the dominant idea which gov- erned in the formation and education of the regiment. From the first it was intended to ele- vate the man, not at the expense of the soldier, but so rightly to educate him that he would make the better soldier.
There were thousands of men "standing around" from other regiments who witnessed the disaster to their companions in arms, but only the men of the Ninth moved forward to the rescue of the fallen. The others were indif- ferent to their sufferings, or too anxious for the preservation of self. These were machine sol- diers, who might have gone to the rescue if they had been ordered. The men who did go went because they could not help themselves. This movement was involuntary; they had to do what they did, because it was the right thing to do and needed doing. Thus they proved a high development in the right direction of the individual ; while those of the other regiments, who only looked on, showed they were of the machine sort, and could not, or would not, move without orders. The stronger and more elevated the individuality of the individual, the more he respects himself and the stronger his
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INTRODUCTION.
self-reliance; and that is the most notable qual- ity in the make-up of the American soldier. He can, and will, whenever necessary, move to the front, and stay there without orders from his officers. The onrush of the American sol- dier of his own volition, without orders, was never better illustrated than at Missionary Ridge, when our monumental individualities from the West started out one fine morning for a reconnaissance in force, which ended in their driving Bragg and his army out of their well chosen and strongly entrenched position. The significant present they then made to the army commander was without precedent in our history.
This introduction has been written for a dou- ble purpose : to set forth, at least inferentially, that the machine-martinet way is not the better for making, in the shortest time, a good fighting organization out of our average American ma- terial; but the education upwards of the moral and intellectual that is in him is the only way to do it effectually, in order to get the best out of the man that he has to give. A high order of intelligence is quick to perceive the potential necessity for discipline and value of tactical knowledge, and soon acquires both without being forced. Of course there are exceptions to American regiment rules as well as to all
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others. There are plenty of men in the world who need driving, but the average American regiment, composed of natives, would be re- garded as especially unfortunate if it should have fifteen per cent. of that sort within its ranks.
PERSONAL.
In all probability, this is the last time I shall be called upon to write about the regiment that bore my name and that I had the honor to command. Our intimate companionship com- menced thirty-nine years ago to-day, and with those who survive has continued to this time.
The stirring memories connected with my association with the brave and true men of that body have ever been my most priceless posses- sion, and I can never forget how much I owe to them, nor shall I ever fail, while life lasts, to appreciate their friendship and loyalty.
The tour of duty on this earth is coming to its close, the journey is nearing its end; the parting at the ways is in sight, and the only word to be fittingly said is now forcing its way from throbbing heart to trembling lip ; the pro- nouncing of it I leave to others.
RUSH C. HAWKINS.
APRIL 19, 1900.
CHAPTER I.
DERIVATION OF NAME ZOUAVES- ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW YORK ZOUAVES IN 1860, WITH COPY OF ORIGINAL PAMPHLET CONTAINING BY-LAWS, COMMITTEES, ETC.
T HE history of the Ninth New York Volun- teers would be incomplete without a brief account of the " Old Company," with the address and by-laws promulgated for its government. These clearly and vigorously embody the rule of action, strictly enforced, which gave birth to the fine soldierly spirit, which in one winter brought to the organization a degree of soldierly perfection, in drill and demeanor, seldom found in even the oldest military bodies. The or- ganization was, to the core, democratic, and yet an unbending despotism, the despot being the laws and regulations, which were impartially and justly construed.
For the enforcement of orders there was no military code to fall back upon. The authority for all action rested solely upon the voluntary consent and loyal approval of the governed. But the whole structural part of the organization
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rested upon, and was sustained by an all pre- vailing esprit de corps, born of an earnest desire for excelling in all the qualities which go to make up the perfect soldier.
When the Rebellion came it found this asso- ciation of earnest boys (for they were all young) ready, patriotic and filled with an earnest desire to be of service to their country, and they carried with them, into the ranks of the regi- ment which they made, the spirit of the parent company ; and the child, upon all occasions when called upon, proved itself a worthy offspring.
The name " Zouaves " was first taken from a tribe of Kabyles in Algeria, whose fighting qualities were for generations noted throughout North Africa. After the French occupied Al- giers, in 1830, a body of these troops was incor- porated into the French Army, with French officers, discipline and arms. In 1837 the corps was divided into three battalions, and became noted in the many conflicts preceding the final conquest of Algeria. Long before this the native element had been eliminated, and after 1840, the Zouaves were simply European troops uni- formed as Arabs.
Because of their peculiarity of dress and the fame as fighters of these Frenchmen, Messrs. Hawkins, Barnett, Parisen, Hammill, Li Baire, Graham, Childs, and others of New York City,
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ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZERS.
conceived early in 1860, the idea of organizing a company which was to be the foundation of a future regiment, to be known as " The New York Zouaves." The idea met with instant approval. Committees were appointed, by-laws drafted, and on the 23d of July, 1860, the corps was organized.
An address, presented by Mr. Rush C. Hawkins, was adopted and printed, which is herewith reproduced, and which shows in what an original, energetic and business-like manner the corps was formed.
ADDRESS.
In forming an independent military organiza- tion there are a great number of things of special importance to be taken into considera- tion in order to effect anything approaching perfection. There must of necessity be many absolute and positive rules, which must be car- ried out to the letter.
In the first place, equality of social feeling should be inculcated to the most unlimited extent. All should be considered alike and treated alike; nothing like favoritism should be allowed to creep in; efficiency and good character should be the only recommendation to preferment, and no one, by reason of a superior social position, should be allowed to
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NINTH REGIMENT, NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
usurp the place which merit should occupy. A feeling of brotherhood and kindliness should be cultivated. This is necessary in order to assure harmony. All measures should be adopted with as much unanimity as possible, so that there may be no feeling of dissention. When any measure has been adopted every man should carry it out to the very letter. An inter- est and pride in excelling should ever be upper- most in the minds of all. Nothing like careless- ness in demeanor, while on duty, should ever betray itself. The moment a man becomes careless he ceases to be of use to himself or to others. The idea has been circulated that this organization has been formed in imitation of our Chicago brethren. Such is not the case. We shall not imitate; we intend to create for ourselves and manage our affairs after our own style of thinking.
One most essential point of difference will be that we do not intend to make laws to govern the conduct of members while off duty. We do not believe that it is requisite to place a cordon of laws around men, in order to compel them to become decent and respectable citizens ; but we shall endeavor by example to raise the standard of character so high that each one will feel that if he conducts himself otherwise than as a gentleman, he will be disgraced in his own
.
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ADDRESS OF THE ORGANIZERS.
good opinion, and in the opinion of his com- rades. We do not believe that any part of mankind was ever changed from blackguards to gentlemen by the force of strict laws. One who will not, of his own accord, conduct himself properly, cannot be improved by the force of legislation. We, therefore, believe it just that no attempt should be made to exercise any control over the members of this corps while off duty.
Still we would add that good conduct and character, together with obedience to the in- stincts of truth and the dictates of honor, will detract nothing from the man, nor make the soldier less efficient.
We would assert, as a rule, that those who would excel as soldiers must be patient and industrious, quick and willing to obey orders; they must pay strict attention to duty, and be cleanly in person and dress.
These qualities, coupled with a desire to learn and be instructed, will, in time, make soldiers fit to command and to be commanded.
We should also like to have each man made to feel that a uniform of glaring colors neither makes a man nor a soldier: but that the con- duct, efficiency and bearing of the wearer must decide whether he is a soldier, who knows what he professes, or a fool, wearing uniform, not
.
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knowing why, except that it panders to his vanity, which is satisfied in exciting the ridicule of the sensible, the wonder of small boys, and the admiration of fools.
PREAMBLE.
The members of this corps, having associated together for the purpose of perfecting themselves in military science, and for the further purpose of forming a military organization similar to the French Zouaves, do agree to abide by the fol- lowing by-laws, which shall constitute their rules of action.
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE I. NAME.
The name of the Corps shall be " THE NEW YORK ZOUAVES."
ARTICLE II.
UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENTS, ETC.
The construction of the uniforms, equipments, and arms shall be similar to that of the French Zouaves.
ARTICLE III.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, ETC.
Any male citizen or denizen of the United States, between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five years, possessing a good moral character and good health, who shall be proposed by any member, or shall send in an application in writing giving two or more references as to character and health, shall be ballotted for at the next regular monthly meeting after the proposition or application has been received; and if all the ballots, except five, are in the affirmative, he shall sign the roll and become a member of the corps.
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BY-LAWS OF NEW YORK ZQUALES.
ARTICLE IV. DRILLS.
Each squad shall drill twice a week; each company twice a week; and the whole corps as a battalion once in each month, except during the months of July and August. And after the corps is organized into a regiment or battalion there shall be four field days in each year, when the whole corps shall parade for field duty.
ARTICLE V. COMPANY OFFICERS, ETC.
Each company shall consist of one captain, three lieutenants, five sergeants, four corporals, four drummers, and eighty-four privates.
ARTICLE VI.
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
The field officers shall consist of one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, and one major. The staff shall consist of one adjutant, one quarter- master, and a paymaster. A chaplain and a surgeon may also be attached to the staff of field officers, who shall be elected by a two. third vote of all the commissioned officers of the staff and line.
ARTICLE VII. THE NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 1
The non-commissioned staff shall consist of a sergeant major, a quartermaster's sergeaut, a drum-major, a color sergeant, and two general guides, all of whom shall be appointed by the Committee on Instruction and Lectures, from the rank and file, with the advice of the colonel.
ARTICLE VIII. -
MUSTERING OF MEMBERS INTO COMPANY.
No member shall be mustered into a company until he has been in- spected by at least three of the Committee on Instruction and Lectures, and by them pronounced capable of performing all the marchings, facings, manual of arms, and evolutions of the line.
ARTICLE IX.
FORMATION OF COMPANY AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
As soon as one hundred and one members shall have been enrolled and found competent to be formed into a company, they shall then at a regular monthly meeting proceed to elect the commissioned and non- commissioned officers of the company, each of whom shall be elected by a plurality vote, and in like manner shall each successive one hundred and one proceed, until ten companies are formed.
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When three hundred and three shall have been enrolled and formed into companies, there shall then be an election of. a colonel and statt officers, who shall be elected by a plurality vote of the whole corps.
ARTICLE X. FORMATION OF BATTALION.
The formation of the battalion or regiment in order of battle or line shall be the same as that contained in Article First of Title First of "Hardie's Rifle and Light Infantry Tactics." Each company shall be mustered into battalion as soon as formed.
ARTICLE XI. DRILL .- TACTICS ADOPTED.
The drill shall be that of the United States Light Infantry, following as near as possible the exercises and discipline of Hardie, and the bayonet exercise of Mcclellan, except when these authors come in conflict with the drill of the French Zouaves. Then the latter shall prevail.
ARTICLE XII.
FINES FOR ABSENCE FROM DRILLS AND PARADES.
The fine for being absent from drill, unless the absentee is excused, shall be fifty cents, and from battalion or company parade, three dollars. Being absent from three successive drills without being ex- cused, shall be considered sufficient cause for expulsion, unless the absentee shall have first obtained leave of absence from the president.
ARTICLE XIII. FINES FOR DEFICIENCY IN UNIFORMS, ETC.
On full dress company or battalion parades, no person shall be per- mitted in the ranks who is not properly armed, equipped and in full uniform under a penalty of fifty cents.
ARTICLE XIV. CONDUCT OF MEMBERS IN GENERAL ..
While on duty, either at drill or parade, each member shall conduct himself according to the rules of manly and soldierly propriety, always paying strict attention to duty and obeying orders to the best of his ability.
No member shall, when on or off duty, with any part of his uniform on, visit any public place, such as bar-rooms, hotels, theatres, libraries, etc., without first obtaining the permission of his commanding officer, under the penalty of five dollars for the first offence, the second offence will be a sufficient cause for expulsion.
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BY-LAWS OF NEW YORK ZOUAVES.
On all parades or out-door drills, the corps being dismissed for a short time, no member shall go beyond eighty paces from where the arms were stacked without permission of his commandant, under the penalty of five dollars fine for the first offence, and upon repetition of the offence the member shall be expelled from the corps.
ARTICLE XV. FUNERAL PARADES.
In case of the death of any member the whole corps shall attend his funeral, wearing the usual military badge of mourning, in full uniform or otherwise, according to the desire of the family of the deceased.
ARTICLE XVI. CIVIC DEPARTMENT.
OFFICERS.
The Civic Department shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, each of whom shall be elected on the first Monday of each January for the ensuing year by a majority vote.
MEETINGS.
The regular monthly meetings shall be held on the first Monday of each month. Special meetings shall be called by the president, or, in bis absence, the vice-president, upon a written application made to him by five members, In case of a call of a special meeting printed or written notices shall be sent to each member of the corps.
At all meetings fifteen members shall constitute a quorum.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
On taking the chair, the president shall call the meeting to order when the business shall proceed in the following order :
I. Calling the roll.
2. Reading the minutes of the last meeting for adoption.
3. Collection of dues and fines.
4. Reports of standing committees.
5. Reports of special committees.
6. Propositions and reading applications for new committees.
7. Electing new members.
8. Unfinished business.
9. New business.
10. Motion to adjourn.
RULES OF DEBATE.
The rules of debate shall, as near as practicable, confirm to those. adopted by the United States House of Representatives.
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ARTICLE XVII.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES.
There shall be appointed by the president and elected by the corps, on the first Monday of each January, who shall serve for one year from the day of their appointment and election, the following committees, viz. :
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