USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II > Part 136
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Capt. John A. Edwards resigned in 1882, and 1st Lt. Henry S. Rasquin, the present commandant, was elected in May, 1882, to the Captaincy. In March, 1882, the City Armory having been sold, the Battery was quartered in Gothic Hall, Adams st. On the night of Dec. 19th, 1882, it was swept by fire, and in a short hour the Battery was again homeless. Since then the organization has met and drilled in the 14th Regiment's Armory, by kind permission of Col. McLeer. Al- though made heartily welcome by the 14th Regiment, the Battery is necessarily crippled in its efficiency, through hav- ing no fixed quarters of its own; but its prospects are good for soon being provided for in this respect, the Board of Supervisors of Kings County having recently purchased a plot of ground on Dean st., between Washington and Grand avenues, over 100 feet square, for the erection of an Armory for the command.
The present commandant, Capt. Henry S. Rasquin, was elected May 22, 1882, having previously been 1st Lt. and Ser- geant since his enlistment as private in 1877. He was made Serg., Sept. 29th, 1878; 1st Lt., June 20th, 1881; Capt., May 22, 1882. To his popularity and indefatigable energy is in a large measure due the present creditable efficiency and esprit de corps of the command, numbering 70 men.
First Lieutenant, William W. Hanold, was elected Sept. 2d, 1882, from Co. D., 13th Regiment. In U. S. Navy from 1865 to 1871; Private, Gatling Battery. Nov. 15, 1875; Corp., Feb. 17th, 1876; Serg .. March 4th, 1878; 2d. Lt. Co. D., 13th Regt., Dec. 10th. 1879; 1st Lt., Nov. 30th, 1880; 1st Lt., 3d Battery, Sept. 2d, 1882. His forte is the howitzer drill. many of the movements therein executed having been introduced by him, based upon experience gained in this branch of artillery while in the United States naval service.
Second Lieutenant, William N. Toshach, is also from the ranks of the Battery, having been elected to the Lieutenancy in 1884.
Assistant Surgeon-First Lieutenant, Charles P. W. Mer- ritt, 3d Battery, July 30th, 1883.
The armament of this Battery is 4 12-pound mountain howitzers; 4 Gatling guns, calibre 50; 71 Remington carbines, calibre 50; and 9 artillery sabres. A new uniform, consisting of white helmet, scarlet coat and regulation trousers, was adopted by the Battery in the spring of 1884, and first worn in April.
The Fourth (formerly Eleventh) Brigade was organized Dec. 31, 1861, by Jesse C. Smith, who was elected its General.
The Brigade comprises the 23d and 47th Regiments, and the 32d Regiment Battalion (organized in place of the dis- banded 53d). It originated in the necessities of the war. Im- mediately after the Bull Run disaster, 1861, companies of Home Guards sprang into existence in every part of the city. The 23d and 47th Regiments were organized entirely from companies of home guards, which had been called together by the disasters at the front. The first commander was Gen. Jesse C. Smith, from 1861 till 1868. In 1862 he took the greater part of the Brigade to Pennsylvania, when that State was threatened with invasion. In 1868 Col. J. V. Meserole, of the 47th was unanimously elected in his stead. Gen. Meserole joined the 7th Regiment June 14th, 1855, and served seven years as private, corporal and sergeant. In 1861 he took command of Co. A, 47th Regiment, then forming; was elected Colonel of the 47th in March, 1863. He commanded the regiment both times when it was called into active
1200
HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.
service. After holding command for about eight years, Gen. Meserole resigned in January, 1876, followed by Brig .- Gen. Ira L. Beebe, March 16, 1876; Brig .- Gen. Edward L. Molineux, June 10th, 1879, and Brig .- Gen. W. H. Brownell, Sept. 5th, 1881.
Twenty-Third Regiment, N. G., S. N. Y .- After the de- parture of the old 13th from Brooklyn to the seat of war in April, 1861, a number of friends of Co. G., known as the Brooklyn City Guard, organized for the purpose of aiding the families of its absent members, and of making themselves proficient in military service. This movement was followed, May 1st, by a meeting in Gothic Hall, at which a company was organized for the purposes above stated, and to act as a substitute for Co. G. in the protection of the city; hence its name, Relief Guard, Co. G., 13th Regt. Its officers were: Wm. Everdell, Jr., Capt .; Thos. Brooks, Ist Lt .; L. D. At- water, 2d Lt .; John M. Pratt, Ord. Sergt. A gray uniform was adopted, Gothic Hall was secured for drills, and the name of City Guard Reserve was soon after assumed. Other companies of Home Guards sprang into being, and a desire for a regimental organization was soon manifested. A com- mittee appointed to consider the matter, reported the exist- ence of the following detached companies, comprising some 700 men: Brooklyn Grays, Capt. Blakslee; City Guard, Capt. Bassett; Carroll Hill Guards, Capt. Heath; South Brooklyn Independent Guards, Pres., N. Lane; Capt. Bent's Company; Union Rifles, Capt. Morgan; Guard Lafayette, Capt. J. H. Perry; Union Grays, Capt. Wylie; Relief Guard, Co. G, 13th Regt., Capt. Everdell; Washington Home Guard, Capt. W. H. Crane; Clinton Guards, Capt. Noyes; Ind. Zouaves, Capt. Slipper; Excelsior Guards, Capt. Beers.
At a meeting of the City Guard Reserve, Jan. 6, 1863, after the question of a regimental organization had been left to the commissioned officers, Capt. Everdell reported that the company had been pledged to start the 23d Regiment. Messrs. Farnham, Pratt, Titus, and Everdell, were appointed a committee to select from the roll a permanent committee, with power to draft a plan to organize the 23d Regiment, Eleventh Brigade, N. G., S. N. Y. The committee proposed that half the City Guard Reserve should form Co. A of the new regiment, that Capt. Beers' Company should be Co. B, and the remainder of the Reserve should constitute Co. C; Jan. 20, 1862, Co. A was mustered into the 11th Brigade, Gen. Jesse C. Smith. Capt. Everdell was elected first Colonel of the regiment, July 14, 1862, res. Oct. 10, 1863, and was succeeded by Col. Calvin E. Pratt, who in turn resigned in March, 1868, when Lt .- Col. Rodney C. Ward was elected Colonel; he resigned, and was placed by the Commander-in- Chief upon the supernumerary list; Lt .- Col. Partridge was his successor, but upon his resignation, Col. Ward was again elected Colonel, and still retains command. The Regiment participated in the Gettysburg campaign, July, 1863, but was not organized in time to take part in the other campaigns with the National Guard. During the labor riots of July, 1877, Gov. Robinson ordered out a portion of the militia; July 22d, orders came to Col. Ward to proceed with the 23d to Hornellsville as soon as possible; at eight in the evening, the Regiment marched from the armory, 300 strong, leaving a de- tachment to follow on the next day, under Major A. C. Barnes. The command arrived in Hornellsville at 3.15 P.M., July 23, was stationed in and around the station, round- house and yards, guarding railroad property against the attacks of the rioting strikers; it took out the first train that had been moved east for several days, repelled several at- tacks, protected track repairers, assisted in the administration of justice, and finally restored order, without the necessity of firing at the rioters. On its return to Brooklyn, July 27,
it was given an enthusiastic reception by the citizens, with illuminations, pyrotechnics, welcoming speeches and hearty handshakings. Gov. Robinson thanked the Regiment for the service it had done the State.
The 23d had the honor of opening the State encampment at Peekskill in July, 1882, and its percentage of attendance was 85, being greater than that of any other organiza- tion.
Present status of the Twenty-Third Regiment-Ten com- panies. Fourth Brigade, Second Division. Armory, Cler- mont avenue, near Myrtle avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Colonel, Rodney C. Ward, June 25, 1868; Corp., 7th Regt., N. Y. S. Mil., April 19 to June 3, 1861; Capt., 13th, N. G., S. N. Y., May 28 to Sept. 5, 1862; Capt., 23d Regt., N. G., S. N. Y., June 18 to July 22, 1863. Private, 7th Regt., Jan. 22, 1857; Corp., 1859; Capt., 13th Regt., Dec. 31, 1861: Capt. 23d Regt., Jan. 30, 1863; Maj., Oct. 24, 1863; Lt .- Col., June 15, 1864; Col., June 25, 1868; res., but placed on retired list by Commander- in-Chief, Dec. 26, 1879; re-elected Col., 23d Regt., March 8, 1882.
Lieutenant-Colonel, John B. Frothingham, April 11, 1881; Brevet Colonel, June 22, 1883; Private, 5th Mass. Vel. Mil., three months' service, May to July, 1861. Private, 23d Regt., Dec. 3, 1869; Corp., March 4, 1870; Sergt., Jan. 3, 1872; Adj., April 6, 1874; Maj., Jan. 10, 1880; Lt .- Col., April 11, 1881.
Major, Charles S. Fincke, May 2, 1881; Private, 23d Regt., June 9, 1866; 2d Lt., June 19, 1877; 1st Lt., Feb., 25, 1879; Capt., March 18, 1879; Maj., May 2, 1881.
Adjutant-First Lieutenant, Henry Stanwood.
Quartermaster-First Lieutenant, Arthur A. Thompson, Sept. 18, 1882.
Commissary of Subsistence-First Lieutenant, Richard Oliver.
Surgeon-Major, Edwin A. Lewis, April 23, 1883.
Assistant Surgeon-First Lieutenant, Edward S. Bunker, February 2, 1880.
Chaplain-Captain, Charles H. Hall, February 9, 1881. Inspector of Rifle Practice, William H. Greenland.
Captains-Alfred H. Williams, Dec. 6, 1873; Brevet Major, February 16, 1877, Co. G. Darius Ferry, Jr., January 10, 1876; Brevet Major, November 6, 1879, Co. D. Charles E. Waters, March 4, 1880, Co. K. Arthur B. Hart, March 8, 1880, Co. A. George H. Pettit, April 6, 1880, Co. F. Alexis C. Smith, October 16, 1882, Co. H. Ezra DeForest, January 29, 1883, Co. C. Willard L. Candee, October 17, 1883, Ce. B. Eugene W. Burd, Co. E. William L. Langley, Co. I.
First Lieutenants-Marshall W. Brigham, August 2, 1881, Co. F. Harold L. Crane, February 27, 1880, Co. G. Richard M. Johnson, December 11, 1882, Co. D. Curtis P. Davies, January 29, 1883, Co. C. Cyrus P. Smith, Co. A.
Second Lieutenants-Aaron G. Perham, April 19, 1880, Co. G. David Moffatt, Jr., July 11, 1881, Co. E. Darwin Ray- mond Aldridge, December 29, 1881, Co. K. George L. Fox, June 13, 1882, Co. F. Francis P. Harron, October 16, 1882, Co. H. John S. Shepherd, December, 11, 1882, Co. D. Fred- erick L. Smith, January 21, 1883, Co. A. William S. Banta, January 29, 1883, Co. C. Franklin P. Swazey, February 19, 1883, Co. B.
Sergeant-Major, James M. Rankin, Jr.
Quartermaster-Sergeant, Chas. A. Frost.
Commissary-Sergeant, Wheaton B. Despard.
Ordnance-Sergeant, Chas. E. Bryant.
Hospital Steward, Wm. E. Spencer.
Color-Sergeants, Edward Britton, Geo. H. Thomas.
Drum Major, Chas. H. Brown.
Band Master, Felix I. Ebeu.
Right General Guide, Geo. H. Schwacofer.
1201
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
The Forty-seventh Regiment, N. G., S. N. Y .- The 47th Regiment was born of that spirit of fiery enthusiasm which prevailed during the years of the Civil War.
Early in 1862, Gen. J. V. Meserole, then a non-commissioned officer of the Fourth Company, 7th Regiment, began to agitate the question of the formation of a militia regiment, composed of residents of the Eastern District of Brooklyn. Through his efforts a vigorous organization was effected, and he was commissioned the first Colonel on the mustering of the Regiment into the State's service-March 29, 1862. Six companies were in existence at this time, which had been re- cruited mainly in the various churches, and had been drilled in the church chapels, stores, and other places of the district. After the organization had been effected, the building on Fifth street, known as the Odeon, now the Novelty Theatre, was used as an armory. It is said that the name of the 47th was selected out of compliment to Col. Meserole, as he was formerly connected with the Fourth Company of the 7th Regiment.
Col. Meserole found very earnest coadjutors in the work of organization and in the early history of the Regiment, in the following-named gentlemen among others: George Sangster, E. R. Young, Ralph W. Kenyon, Jeremiah Johnson, Fred- erick Scholes, John W. Van de Water, Charles C. Barnes, Henry W. Banks, James C. Bloom, Wm. H. Irwin, Isaac J. Geery, Thomas S. Cooper and Truman V. Tuttle.
In May, 1862, after the defeat of Gen. Banks, the 47th was suddenly called to the defense of the National Cap- itol. The field and line officers, at this time, were as follows: Colonel, J. V. Meserole; Lieutenant-Colonel, George Sangs- ter; Major, Edward R. Young; Adjutant, William J. Irwin; Surgeon, Dr. Dougherty; Paymaster, Orrin M. Beach; Quarter- master, Frederick Scholes; Chaplain, Rev. E. S. Porter, D. D. Co. A-Henry W. Banks, Capt .; J. C. Harding, 1st Lt .; J. C. Bloom, 2d Lt. Co. B-M. A. Tappen, Capt .; C. E. Hunting- ton, 1st. Lt .; W. L. Foster, 2d Lt. Co. C-J. C. Anderson, Capt .; G. H. Sanford, lat Lt .; J. B. Griffin, 2d Lt. Co. D-T. S. Cooper, Capt .; A. H. Rogers, 1st Lt .; H. W. Taylor, 2d Lt. Co. E-S. B. Murphy, Capt .; J. J. Suydam, 1st Lt .; E. H. Fales, 2d Lt. Co. F-R. W. Kenyon, Capt .; H. Irwin, 1st Lt .; H. R. Lee, 2d Lt. Co. G-T. T. Betts, Capt .; R. C. Stearns, 1st Lt .; W. J. Taylor, 2d Lt. Co. H-C. B. Morton, Capt .; S. T. Maddox, 1st Lt .; T. K. Chichester, 2d Lt.
Great enthusiasm was manifested among the residents of Williamsburg when the newly-organized Regiment took their departure for the seat of war. A chronicler of this event says: "The Regiment, with drums beating and flags flying, got into line on Fifth street, on May 30, at 6 P. M., and at the word of command marched cheerfully away. The entire population seemed to have poured into the streets to bid them good-bye."
The 47th, having traveled all night, reached Baltimore on the last Saturday of June, 1863, very early in the morning, and was soon after ordered to Washington, and stationed at Fort Ethan Allen.
The Regiment did duty at Alexandria, at Fairfax Court House and other places in front of Washington.
When the Draft Riots broke out, the Regiment returned home to assist the authorities in maintaining order. The command was mustered out of the United States service July 28, 1863, special guard duty having been performed at the Armory for several months thereafter. It should be men- tioned that in the year 1862 two companies were organized, to accompany the command to the seat of war, that did not take commissions in the Regiment on its return. Co. I, Capt. Dougherty, was organized during the absence of the Regiment and joined it on ite return. Col. David E. Austen, afterwards
commanding the 13th Reg., was Lt. in this company. During the absence of the Regiment in Virginia, in 1863, and while the Draft Riots were progressing, members of the Regiment under the command of Lieut. Brown kept guard at the regi- mental armory, and also did duty at the Atlantic Docks, in the western part of the city.
The Regiment was sent to do garrison duty at Fort McHenry, in Baltimore Harbor, thus relieving veteran regiments, who were sent to participate in the active scenes at the front. At the expiration of the three months' service the Regiment re- turned to Brooklyn.
In the early summer of 1863, Gen. Lee was in Pennsylvania and marching upon Harrisburg. The Regiments of the N. Y. N. G., in condition to move, were hurried off to the seat of war. The 47th of Brooklyn belonged to Gen. Jesse C. Smith's 11th Brigade. Three of the regiments had gone and were in the neighborhood of Harrisburg.
During this period the command had been quartered in the old Odeon building on Fifth street, but the Regiment having outgrown these narrow quarters, a site was selected at the corner of Fourth aud N. Second streets, for the erection of an armory building. The corner-stone was laid with imposing Masonic ceremonies on July 14, 1864, the entire 2d Div. parading in honor of the occasion.
This was the first regimental armory erected in Kings county, and though considered commodious at that time, has for many years been entirely inadequate for the accommoda- tion of the Regiment.
When competitive drills were first advocated, Col. Meserole was among the first to adopt the idea, and accordingly a friendly contest between the right and left wings of the Regi- ment took place March 23, 1867.
On the resignation of Gen. Jesse C. Smith, Col. Meserole was promoted to the command of the 11th Brigade, 2d Div., and May 9, 1868, David E. Austen was commissioned Col. to succeed him.
On the retirement of Col. Meserole from the Regiment, he was presented with a handsome service of plate, which bore the following inscription: "Presented to Col. J. V. Meserole by members of the 47th Reg., N. G. (Brooklyn Greys), as a token of love and esteem."
Col. Austen was succeeded by Lt .- Col. William H. Brown- ell, who was commissioned Sept. 5, 1877. Col. Brownell was a graduate of Co. E, and under his command the 47th Reg. attained a very high degree of discipline. He originated a system of street-riot tactics, which he has published in the form of a manual, that has been adopted and put into use in many States of the Union.
On the retirement of Gen. Molineux, Col. Brownell was promoted to the command of the 11th, now the 4th Brigade, 2d Div., which he still retains.
Col. Truman V. Tuttle, who next commanded the Regiment, was a competent, faithful, enterprising and industrious offi- cer. He has been connected with the command since its in- ception, and has risen to his present rank by merit, having filled every surbordinate position with credit to himself and with honor to the regiment.
The 47th has been noted for the success attending its social entertainments. It is also well-known for its efforts in the cause of charity, having largely contributed to the Sanitary Commission Fair during the war; to the E. D. Industrial School; the E. D. Hospital Building Fund; towards erecting a monument to the late Lieut. Col. James Creny, 95th N. Y. Vols., and to numerous other charitable objects.
The command visited Albany in 1868, where it was pre- sented with a magnificent stand of colors by Lieut .- Gov. Stewart L. Woodford, on behalf of the State.
1202
HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.
The present strength of the command is five hundred and nine, rank and file.
Gen. William H. Brownell, to whom allusion has previously been made, has been untiring in his exertions to secure the naw armory, and for the adoption of such plans as will pro- vide the best possible quarters for the Regiment.
The uniform of the Regiment is grey, as it belongs to the "Grey Brigade." Its head-quarters were on Fourth st., near Grand, but, in 1884, a new armory was built between Har- rison and Marcy avenues and Lynch and Heyward streets, at a cost of $125,000, without the site; it is of brick, with stone trimmings; is 200 by 204 feet, with eight company rooms, each 19 by 42 feet, and a drill room, 130 by 128 feet. In the basement are eight rifle galleries, each 204 feet long.
The 47th Regiment has always responded readily to the calls for duty, in the spirit of its motto, " Ducit Amor Pa- triƦ," and with its companions in arms, was publicly thanked by the civil and military authorities for its promptness and excellent conduct in service. It has a Cadet Corps, com- posed of the sons of leading families; the boys are uniformed and excellently drilled under command of Capt. Wm. H. Eddy, of Co. I.
Present status of the Forty-Seventh Regiment-Nine com- panies. Fourth Brigade, Second Division. Old armory, corner of Fourth and North Second streets, Brooklyn, E. D.
Colonel, Truman V. Tuttle, Sept. 28, 1881 (resigned Jan., 1884); was Serg., 47th, N. G., S. N. Y., June 17 to July 23, 1863; Private, Co. F, Mar. 8, 1862; Serg., Nov. 7, 1862; 1st Serg., Nov. 6, 1866; Capt., Mar. 6, 1871; Maj., 47th Regt., Sept. 5, 1877; Lt .- Col., Jan. 13, 1881; Col., Sept. 28, 1881-84.
Lieutenant-Colonel, George Conover, Sept. 28, 1881; Private, Co. E, May 14, 1867; 2d Lt., 1st Regt., Nov. 13, 1870; 1st Lt., Dec. 20, 1870; Capt., Nov. 15, 1872; transferred to 47th Regt., rank July 28, 1873; Maj,, June 13, 1881; Lt .- Col., Sept. 28,1881.
Major, Edward F. Gaylor, Sept. 28, 1881; Private, Co. G, Nov. 20, 1871; Corp., Feb. 20, 1873; Serg., April 29, 1874; 2d Lt., Oct. 14, 1874; 1st Lt., Dec. 27, 1875; Capt., Aug. 2, 1876; Maj., Sept. 28, 1881.
Adjutant-First Lieutenant, John G. Eddy, April 6, 1881. Quartermaster-First Lieutenant, Edward Milner, January 10, 1882.
Commissary of Subsistence-First Lieutenant, Edward Walker, Cctober 3, 1883.
Surgeon-Major, Edward Hilborne Ashwin, April 23, 1883. Assistant Surgeon-First Lieutenant, John Edwin Morgan, June 28, 1882.
Chaplain-Captain, Newland Maynard, May 26, 1875.
Inspector of Rifle Practice-Captain, Alvah G. Brown, January 16, 1876.
Captains-Alfred A. Doughty, May 25, 1869; Brevet Major, Oct. 29, 1877, Co. B. George H. Streat, July 7, 1874; Brevet Major, April 22, 1881, Co. E. Daniel C. Sullivan, April 1, 1878, Co. H. William R. Pettigrew, Sept. 11, 1878, Co. G. Frank J. Le Count, Jr., Nov. 25, 1881, Co. K. John M. Ran- ken, Dec. 1, 1881, Co. A. George L. Davenport, Feb. 8, 1882, Co. D. Wm. H. Eddy, Co. I. Edward Schwalbach, May 3, 1884, Co. F.
First Lieutenants-Stanley Oliver, Jan., 1884, Co. D. Lean- der V. Roberts, May 5, 1884, Co. F.
Second Lieutenants-John H. Cornell, July 15, 1881, Co. K. Charles H. McIlvaine, Aug. 1, 1881, Co. B. Edward J. Clarry, March 30, 1883, Co. D. John A. Swett, June 4, 1883, Co. G. Thos McCormick, Jan., 1884, Co. A.
The Thirty-second Regiment, N. G., S. N. Y., was organ- ized by Major Henry Ed. Roehr as a battalion of four com- panies, on Oct. 8th, 1863. It was composed principally of
Germans. Major Roehr worked hard to effect the organiza- tion of a regiment, and with such success that in less than one year two new companies were raised, making a total of six, and he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, and F. J. Karcher, Major. Colonel Roehr was an excellent tactician, and a good, practical instructor. In 1870 the 7th and 8th companies were added, making the battalion a regiment, with H. E. Roehr, Colonel; John Rueger, Lieutenant-Colonel, and M. J. Petry, Major, in place of F. J. Karcher, resigned, and who had been appointed Adjutant; much credit is due him for the work performed and assistance rendered the field officers.
In 1877 Co. "I" was added, and in 1878 Co. "K," making ten companies in all. These latter companies, and also Co. "H," were formed by native-born young men, whose advent into the regiment brought a decided change. Bare company rooms were fitted up and furnished, and the old members be- gan to feel more interest and pride in their Regiment. In 1877 Col. Roehr resigned, and the field was made up as fol- lows: Colonel, John Rueger; Lieutenant-Colonel, Louis Bos- sert; Major, Louis Finkelmeier, with F. J. Karcher, Adjutant.
During the riots of July, 1877, the Regiment was transferred to the 23d Regiment Armory, until the latter's return from Hornellsville.
Nearly all the officers at this time were veterans of the Civil War, and patient, painstaking instructors.
In 1880 Col. John Rueger resigned, leaving Major Finkel- meier in command, Lt .- Col. Bossert having resigned some time before Col. Rueger.
Difficulties now came thick and fast, and in 1881 rumors were rife that the command would be disbanded. Louis Bos- sert was elected Colonel, but not getting the support of line officers, resigned, leaving the command again with Lt .- Col. Finkelmeier, with E. Broggelwirth as Adjutant. Lt .- Col. Finkelmeier, by hard and good work soon had the command in good trim, and steadily it increased both in numbers, dis- cipline, and soldierly bearing. In November, 1881, Lt .- Col. Finkelmeier took command as Colonel, with E. M. Wunder Lieutenant-Colonel, F. W. Parisette, Major, and E. Broggel- wirth, Adjutant, and an entirely different complement of men, many of the old members having dropped out. The new men ranged from eighteen to twenty-five years of age; the German language was dropped during company meeting, and English substituted. The command was in good hands; the line officers were all young men familiar with soldiering, having come to a great extent from the Turner Cadet Corps.
In 1883 Co. " E" was disbanded, and the letter was dropped; officers and men had previously been transferred to different companies.
The Regiment is at this time in good shape, 435 strong, and turns out a good percentage, some companies reaching 80 per cent. and over, the lowest percentage for 1883 bsing 65 per cent. It is composed mostly of strong and hardy young men, well able to stand the hardships of a campaign. Offi- cers and men have worked hard to bring the command up to a good standard, with excellent prospects for its future.
The 32d Regiment was to take quarters in the new armory, on Marcy ave., now in course of construction, in connection with the 47th; but officers and men declined; requests were made to have the command remain in its old quarters. Had steps been taken to enlarge the present armory, instead of using influence to procure a new armory, some advantage would certainly have been gained.
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