USA > New York > New York City > The Union defence committee of the city of New York. Minutes, reports, and correspondence; with an historical introduction > Part 18
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CHAS. H. HASWELL.
WASHINGTON, April 30, 1861.
No more troops are wanted here. The Potomac is open at this time ; have furnished Messrs. Evarts, Pierrepont, etc., with explicit replies to the nine queries you submitted to them.
C. H. HASWELL, Willard's.
WASHINGTON, May 1, 1861.
PICKERING CLARK, 10 Wall St.
Pack up No. 6, so that they can withstand exposure out of doors.
WASHINGTON, May 1, 1861.
Let No. 6 be driven on previous directions, not to be followed on this point. C. H. HASWELL.
WASHINGTON, May 2, 1861.
Telegram of yesterday received and obeyed. Coles leaves here at 3 p.M. Potomac yet open, and arrangements such as to render it for the present a practical route ; but its navigation is impaired by removal of buoys. C. H. HASWELL.
PERRYVILLE, May 2, 1861.
PICKERING CLARK, 10 Wall St., or 214 Fifth Ave., N. Y.
My telegram of yesterday regarding troops is countermanded. None are to be sent, however, unless fully provided with camp equipage. Have received your letter, and with this message I elose. CHAS. H. HASWELL.
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NEW ALBANY, May 3, 1861.
To JOHN A. DIX, 30 Pine.
Recall cases shipped; telegraph me Burnet House, Cincinnati. I write.
JOHN [W. DIX].
NEW ALBANY, Ind., May 3, 1861.
To JOHN A. DIX, 30 Pine. Ship no more.
JOHN [W. DIX].
WASHINGTON, May 3, 1861.
PICKERING CLARK, 10 Wall Street, N. Y.
Route to Philadelphia via Annapolis is this day complete in its means of transport of mail, etc., etc. ; one passenger and the military train per day hence to Annapolis. Ellsworth's Regiment is here ; Seventh Regiment in camp. Dispatch of to-day sent per mail. Merritt is here and delivered dispatch. C. H. HASWELL.
WASHINGTON, May 3, 1861.
Reconstruction of telegram of May 1st. You are urged by General Scott to advise with the officers in State Street as to the requirements of troops to arrive, duplication of some articles and deficiencies of others.
WASHINGTON, May 3, 1861.
The reply to query No. 1 in letter borne by Messrs. E. P. and W. was answered by the Secretary of War, but Gen. Scott ordered otherwise, hence my telegram to drive on. C. H. HASWELL.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 1861.
PICKERING CLARK, 10 Wall Street, or 214 Fifth Ave., N. Y. Please drive on with No. 6. CHAS. H. HASWELL.
NEW YORK, May 6, 1861.
Colonel Pratt declines to ask his men to enlist for two years. The Second Regiment will enlist for two years. New York in- dividual opinion is against sending any more three months' men. JAS. S. WADSWORTH.
PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 1861.
UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE, 30 Pine Street.
We have intercepted our dispatch of yesterday from Washing- ton, dated yesterday. In our dispatch last evening we were right; our General at Washington seems to feel secure ; our friend does not feel so. We will watch each station, and give you the facts as they ap- pear to us. We would advise no relaxation in forwarding troops S. DRAPER and MARSHALL.
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WASHINGTON, May 8, 1861.
UNION DEFENCE COMM., Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y.
Our visits here confirmed the Philadelphia requisition. There is no difference between the views of our Committee and those of the Government, no time fixed for engaging in conflict, nor is the place fixed upon. The rebel force is pretty well known. We advise a continuance of the policy of the Committee.
FRANKLIN.
WASHINGTON, May 9, 1861. R. M. BLATCHFORD, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y.
Sandford has orders to keep nothing back. We have authority from Secretary and General to push forward the music. General Dix will know what is expected. FRANKLIN.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 1861.
SIMEON DRAPER, 16 Fifth Avenue, N. Y.
Your dispatches received this evening. No answer about the five regiments can be sent until Secretary of War is seen ; will telegraph and write to-morrow. G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, May 13, 1861. S. DRAPER, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
I have just had an interview with the President, Secretary of State and Secretary of War, at the President's house. Secretary of War says-I have given orders for all troops enlisted for the war to be forwarded from New York immediately. No more three months' men are wanted here. In answer to my inquiry as to where the order had been sent, I could get no further information. Governor Seward says to you, send all that are ready who enlist for the war and telegraph Gov. Morgan. I write by mail.
GEORGE L. SCHUYLER.
PHILADELPHIA, 13, 1861.
SIMEON DRAPER, New York.
Bridges ready. We run express train at 11.35 A. M. to-day to Baltimore, and evening train up from Baltimore. To-morrow all trains to and from Baltimore. S. M. FELTON.
ANNAPOLIS, May 14, 1861.
PROSPER M. WETMORE, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y.
A delightful trip; will leave this 7.30 p.M. for Washington ; fifteen hundred troops here. SAM'L SLOAN.
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PHILADELPHIA, May 14, 1861.
P. M. WETMORE, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine St., N. Y.
We go via Annapolis, but troops are going direct to Baltimore. SAM. SLOAN.
WASHINGTON, May 21, 1861.
HAMILTON FISH, Chairman Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
The head of everything says, his intentions shall be carried out, and not be interfered with ; more orders only add to the confusion, therefore he telegraphs to the Chief,-' opposed to your action ; come here immediately,'-and permits me to telegraph for strong delegation to meet him if he obeys the order, and if he does not come, the Chief will make all straight anyhow. Start a strong del- egation with or ahead of your opponent. Do not write or com- municate with the second in office here. I have succeeded with difficulty in finding Sloan's papers; the missing paper not among them. I write by mail ; acknowledge this. G. L. S.
WASHINGTON, 22 May, 1861.
SIMEON DRAPER, U. Def. Committee, N. Y.
I did write by mail yesterday. I send a message by Wadsworth, and will write again to-night. The President and Secretary of State expect a delegation of the Committee. I think it better to come, unless you have arranged matters satisfactorily to yourselves. G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, May 22, 1861. S. DRAPER, Chr. Union Defence Comm., 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
In the present complication of matters between yourself and the Governor, General Scott earnestly desires that under no circum- stances more than nine regiments in the whole be sent to Fort Monroe, no matter by whom they are forwarded.
G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, May 22, 1861.
Rifled cannon which throw not less than twenty-pound shot, with ammunition, shells, etc., would be very serviceable at Fort Pickens ; so say all the engineers here when consulted by General Scott. I cannot see the Secretary of War to-day. I am informed that the Governor, in reply to the President, declines coming here. There is much trouble about the fourteen regiments. Have the
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Committee started ? Is Bartlett's Naval Brigade one of your fourteen ?
G. L. SCHUYLER. .
WASHINGTON, May 23, 1861. S. DRAPER, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
I have no letters or telegrams from you to-day, 2 o'clock. Your letter of Tuesday only delivered at ten this morning. I wrote by mail Tuesday and sent by special messengers last night. I sent four telegrams to you yesterday. I repeat, if you are troubled about the fourteen regiments, a delegation had better come on. The Four- teenth, although without orders, except from the Committee, is well received, draws rations and is mustered in to-day. Secretary of War sent Col. Franklin last night to New York. Will do nothing about an order for rifled cannon to Fort Pickens. Answer.
G. L. SCHUYLER.
May 24, 1861.
COL. G. L. SCHUYLER.
Will Gen. Scott authorize Col. Keyes or any army officer to hold elections in the regiments selected for service by this Committee under the authority of the President ?
This will enable us to send forward troops at once.
S. DRAPER, Chairman.
WASHINGTON, May 24, 1861. S. DRAPER, U. D. Comm., 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
Letters of yesterday received. Arms for regiments not provided now being discussed by Secretary of War and General Scott ; will telegraph result; have seen Secretary of War and Navy about con- voy for ship; will write by Capt. Degroot to-day. The order and punctuality of the soldiers in last night's movement were admira- ble-everything done exactly as ordered, and to the minute. I saw your son at the bridge. Michigan regiment captured thirty-five cavalry. Garrison at Alexandria ran away, burning the bridges as they went; no signs of an enemy at 2 o'clock. Intrenchments progressing rapidly. The moderation of Zouaves after the murder of Ellsworth much praised. G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 1861.
SIMEON DRAPER AND OTHERS.
Will the Union Defence Committee meet the Secretary of War to-morrow morning at the Fifth Ave. Hotel ? THURLOW WEED.
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THURLOW WEED. Yes ; any hour he names.
SIMEON DRAPER AND OTHERS. At 9 o'clock to-morrow morning.
NEW YORK, May 25, 1861
S. DRAPER AND OTHERS.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 1861.
THURLOW WEED.
NEW YORK, May 25, 1861.
THURLOW WEED.
All right. Is there anything else you have to say ?
S. DRAPER AND OTHERS.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 1861.
SIMEON DRAPER AND OTHERS.
Remains of Col. Ellsworth leave here in a special train at 5.40. THURLOW WEED.
WASHINGTON, May 26, 1861. P. M. WETMORE, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street.
Arrived at six, all right and safe ; some anxiety here, but no alarm. Breakfasted with Gov. Seward; he says more troops are wanted without delay. Send this to my house. R. M. BLATCHFORD.
WASHINGTON, May 29, 1861. J. J. ASTOR, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine St., N. Y.
We deem it absolutely necessary that the same Committee that obtained the order for the fourteen regiments should come here im- mediately ; bring certified copy of the minutes in regard to every- thing connected with the fourteen regiments. Dispatch of to-day received ; letter to President not been delivered. Obtain if possible the precise date of enrolment by Governor of Volunteer regiments formed in New York City and Brooklyn ; be prepared to report pre- cisely condition of regiments now forming under auspices of De- fence Committee, when each may be deemed ready to start ; make no further appropriations until we meet. Answer. Half-past twelve. S. DRAPER, R. M. BLATCHFORD.
WASHINGTON, May 30, 1861. . J. J. ASTOR, U. D. Com., N. Y.
Telegrams received all right; we leave for home to-morrow. President reviews to-day at three Fourteenth, Ninth, Garibaldies ; two last will be mustered in without delay. Garibaldi arrived at two this morning in fine spirits. Sandford facilitates everything. S. DRAPER, R. M. BLATCHFORD.
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WASHINGTON, May 31, 1861. J. J. ASTOR, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
Letter by mail ; about five thousand arms received to-day ; order for them has this day been issued. Blatchford returns to-day. I shall now resume my correspondence. G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, June 3, 1861. S. DRAPER, Chairman U. D. Com., New York.
General Seott recommended Committee to appropriate half a million of their fund to purchase batteries-field of six guns each, Armstrong guns, forty-eight guns in all, and fifty thousand Enfield rifles ; wants to know exactly where the matter stands; if any have arrived, answer. No movement of any kind by either party last night. I think enemy contemplates an advance movement.
G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, June 15, 1861.
P. M. WETMORE, 30 Front St., N. Y.
I have given an order on Mr. Astor and Mr. Blunt for the Kem- ble cannon. They are needed at the seat of war.
S. DRAPER.
WASHINGTON, June 16, 1861.
P. M. WETMORE, Secretary Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y.
Your dispatch about Whitworth guns received yesterday at one ; application made to Secretary of War to request Treasury to remit duties and Quartermaster to pay Spaulding's charges, accepted by Treasury, returned by me to Assistant-Secretary of War for order on Quartermaster, this morning, paper cannot be found, must do it all over again. It is supposed enemy has retreated to Manassas, no positive information here. G. L. SCHUYLER. WASHINGTON, June 17, 1861. UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE, 30 Pine St., N. Y.
Orders go by mail to-night; Collector to remit duties; Quarter- master to pay Spaulding's charges. Governor's Island Command- ers to receive Whitworth Battery. No army news yesterday or to- day of interest. G. L. SCHUYLER.
WASHINGTON, June 19, 1861.
A. C. RICHARDS, U. Def. Com., 30 Pine St., N. Y.
Arrangements for Whitworth guns being completed : shall I return papers received from you by mail this morning ? No army news since my telegraph to Draper yesterday. G. L. SCHUYLER.
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WASHINGTON, June 29, 1861.
P. M. WETMORE, 30 Pine St., N. Y.
Buy some tin cups, knives and forks, and camp plates, with cooking stoves for Kerrigan's regiment, and send them on imme- diately ; if the Committee consent, also one ambulance for same. S. DRAPER.
WASHINGTON, June 29, 1861.
Eagan is not here yet. Ask Committee to let me give two hun- dred and fifty dollars in their behalf to three hospitals, to be used by the Sanitary Committee on account of U. D. Committee. The Committee is represented here by Drs. Van Buren and Agnew. I was at the hospitals yesterday and found the wounded doing well ; answer. S. DRAPER.
WASHINGTON, July 2, 1801.
PROSPER M. WETMORE, 30 Pine St., N. Y.
Mr. Cameron says he has got from U. D. C. all regiments agreed upon ; won't take more ; send Schuyler.
R. H. MCCURDY.
WASHINGTON, July 3, 1861. S. DRAPER, Chairman Ex. Com. Union Defence Comm., 30 Pine St.
McCurdy has agreed to suspend negotiations with Cameron ; I advise to send regiments under original orders as soon as possible, and if objections are made after arrived, can be discussed with ad- vantage on our side; McCurdy's application being called a mistake, I write by mail, and shall not see Cameron unless instructed by you differently to-morrow ; no war news of interest.
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G. L. SCHUYLER.
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DOCUMENTS
D
231.
DOCUMENTS
THE Board of Aldermen and the Board of Councilmen met on the evening of Monday, April the twenty-second, 1861.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Message from the Honorable the Mayor
MAYOR'S OFFICE, NEW YORK, April 22, 1861.
GENTLEMEN OF THE COMMON COUNCIL :
Events of a most extraordinary character have been precipitated upon the country. Military aggressions have been commenced against the Federal authorities within the borders of the American Union which threaten in their extent and character to subvert our institutions, destroy our commerce, and lay waste our homes and firesides. It is a war apparently not of self-protection upon the side of the belligerents, but of active hostilities against the property, the honor, and the continuance of the Government under which we live. This city is the metropolis of the American Union. It is the great center of all that constitutes the might and power and strength of the nation.
It is distinguished not only for the supremacy of numbers, but for wealth, intelligence and patriotism, and liberality; and it has been peculiarly distinguished for its unfaltering adherence to the local institutions and constitutional rights of our brethren of the South.
It is our interest therefore, as it is our duty and our right, to speak out boldly and to act promptly at this critical emergency in the affairs of our country.
Representing the Corporation of the City, it devolves upon us to make proper provision for the public exigencies, so far as New York is concerned. Funds are required to equip and support the tens of thousands of our noble citizens now enlisting and volunteering for the war.
It is true our opulent classes are coming forward with character-
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istic liberality, but no one class should bear this burden. Every man among us is willing to participate, not only in the fighting, but in the expenses. To make it equal, therefore, that all may share in the honor of the conflict, the corporation should raise by tax a sum sufficient to cover the whole expenditure. The extent of this sum of course cannot now be ascertained, but that sufficient means may be provided at once, I recommend the immediate ap- propriation of one million dollars. I am aware that the tax levy, as adopted by the Legislature, contemplates no expenditure on this account; but what of that! A noble people, who are willing to give up their blood for such a cause, should be allowed to tax them- selves without permission, and I have no fear that a responsibility now assumed for such an object will not meet with the hearty approval of the next Legislature. At any rate, this is not a time to give heed to technical difficulties. Let us raise the required funds, and trust to the patriotism of the people to sustain us. If the sum is not now in the treasury, the banks will doubtless proffer the amount upon the credit of the city. These institutions are in the hands of patriotic men, who will be ready to make common cause with the people in a cause so dear to us all.
FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor.
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
President, Mr. Genet, in the chair.
Mr. Boole presented a preamble and resolution, tendering the support of this city to the Government to equip troops and tender money when necessary.
Whereas, Seven of the States composing the American Union have renounced the Constitution and Government of the United States, which were established with their consent, and have con- federated together for the purpose of organizing a Government of their own; and
Whereas, In the prosecution of this design they have chosen certain civil officers, and have raised and equipped armies, and are now engaged in open war against the authority and possession of the United States ; and
Whereas, The President of the United States, by virtue of the authority vested in him by the Constitution and the Laws, and in the fulfillment of his duty to defend, protect, and preserve the Union, has issued his Proclamation, calling upon the State of New York, among others, for means to repel aggression, to resist invasion, and
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to restore the authority of the Government over the places within its rightful and exclusive jurisdiction ; be it therefore
Resolved, By the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New York, that we tender to the President of the United States the assurance of the unqualified support of the people of this city in all needful measures, which have for their object the preservation of the Union, the maintenance of the Constitution, the enforcement of the Laws, and the vindication of the just authority of the Government ; and be it further
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to all our fellow- citizens to unite in the most cordial and effective manner to pro- mote the organization and equipment of the troops to be raised in obedience to the requisition made by the President, that the money, credit, and resources of this municipality will at all times be forth- coming whenever the same may be necessary in aid of the Govern- ment, and that the sum of dollars be appropriated for the purpose of furnishing to each regiment mustered into the service from this city a stand of colors and suitable outfit for active service, the same to be expended by and under the direction of a Board, to be composed of the Mayor and the heads of the several Depart- ments of Finance, Streets, City Inspector; and be it further
Resolved, That we invoke in this crisis the unselfish patriotism and the unfaltering loyalty which have been uniformly manifested in all periods of national peril by the population of the city of New York; and while we reiterate our undiminished affection for the friends of the Union who have gallantly and faithfully labored in the Southern States for the preservation of peace and the restora- tion of fraternal relations among the people, and readiness to co- operate with them in all honorable measures of reconciliation, yet we only give expression to the convictions of our constituents when we declare it to be their unalterable purpose, as it is their solemn duty, to do all in their power to uphold and defend the in- tegrity of the Union, to vindicate the honor of our flag, and to crush the power of those who are enemies in war, as in peace they were friends.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be transmitted to the President of the United States, and to the Governor of the State of New York.
Adopted.
Mr. Boole also offered a resolution that a Select Committee of Five be appointed to ascertain and report to the Board at its next
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meeting the cost of equipping each regiment of volunteers mustered into service in the city.
Adopted, and Messrs. Boole, Froment, Chipp, Farley and Smith were appointed as such Committee.
Mr. Smith offered the following resolution :
Whereas, A due regard to the welfare and comfort of the families of many of the valiant sons of the Empire City who have volunteered or may hereafter volunteer in the service of the General Govern- ment in its determination to crush rebellion and sedition in the seceded States of the Union, imperatively demands that the city authorities should make ample provision for the maintenance of the above-mentioned class of our people, thereby giving the assurance to our volunteers that in their absence in defence of the flag of the nation, those in measure depending upon them for support will receive, as they deserve, the fostering care of our municipal author- ities; be it therefore
Resolved, That the sum of $500,000 be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose indicated in the foregoing preamble, that the Committee appointed by the meeting at Union Square on Saturday, of which the Hon. John A. Dix is Chairman, be requested , to act as the almoners in dispensing the necessary assistance to those requiring it, and they are hereby requested to draw upon the Comptroller of this city, from time to time, for such amounts as may be necessary for the purposes and in furtherance of the objects of the above preamble.
Laid over under the Rules.
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Mr. Chipp offered a resolution that the State authorities be authorized to erect barracks in the park, which was carried.
A resolution was received from the Board of Councilmen appropri- ating $500 for a stand of colors to be presented to Colonel E. E. Ellsworth.
Laid over under the Rules.
An ordinance passed by the Councilmen making an appropria- tion of $1,000,000 for the equipment and outfit of regiments, to be expended under supervision of the Committee of Twenty-five, was unanimously concurred in. The Comptroller is authorized to borrow the money on a stock to be called the " Union Defence Bonds."
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*
A resolution from the Board of Councilmen was amended so as
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to read, " That the several heads of Departments and Bureaus con- nected with the City Government be, and they are, authorized and directed to continue upon their pay rolls every person, who has been permanently on the pay-rolls for the past month, belonging to any organized militia company, or who may. enlist for the protec- tion of the Constitution and the upholding of the honor of his country."
Adopted.
BOARD OF COUNCILMEN
President, Mr. Jones, in the chair.
Mr. Stevenson announced officially that Councilman Ottiwell had departed on Sunday with his regiment for Washington.
The President submitted an ordinance making an appropriation in aid of the defence of the National Union, and authorizing the borrowing of money for that purpose. The ordinance appropriated $1,000,000 for the purpose of procuring the necessary equipments and outfits of the military force of the City of New York now en- gaged and to be engaged. The money so appropriated to be paid by the Comptroller upon vouchers to be approved by a Committee to be known as the " Union Defence Committee of the City of New York," consisting of the Mayor, Comptroller, Presidents of the Boards of the Common Council, and the gentlemen appointed at the Great Union Meeting last Saturday at Union Square. The Comptroller is authorized to borrow, from time to time, on the credit of the Corporation, such sums as may be required to meet the payments and to issue bonds, to be designated "Union Defence Fund Bonds of the City of New York," and to bear interest at a rate not exceeding seven per cent.
The ordinance was unanimously adopted.
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CIRCULARS OF THE COMMITTEE
UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
No. 30 PINE STREET, April 24, 1861.
SIR: At a meeting of the citizens of New York, held on Satur- day, the twentieth inst., a Committee was appointed to represent the citizens in the collection of funds, and the transaction of such other business in aid of the movements of the Government as the public interests might require.
The undersigned have been appointed a Committee of Cor- respondence in behalf of the General Committee constituted at the public meeting, and take leave respectfully to say that they will be happy to receive any communication of information, advice or suggestion, on the subject of the present state of public affairs, and to convey any information which they possess or may receive that will advance the public interests. With this view, they subjoin a copy of the organization of the UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE, and the address of each member of the Committee of Correspondence, and beg that any subject of interest may be communicated, either by mail or by telegraph, to any member of the General Committee, and they promise immediate attention thereto.
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