USA > New York > The first hundred years : records and reminiscences of a century of Company I, Seventh Regiment, N.G.N.Y., 1838-1938 > Part 12
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IL
Oh, there are paintings rich and rare
And mirrors bright and gay-
Fine marble floors and corridors
With "tickers" by the way.
I love to charge my hotel guests, and to their wants attend, But the bar, you see, in the end will be By far my firmest friend.
The bar, the bar, the elegant hotel bar, etc.
CLAUDE TO PAULINE
Nay, dearest, nay, if thou wouldst have me paint
The home to which, could love fulfil its wishes,
This hand would lead thee-list (ye gods and fishes) :
A hill, shut out by brown stone fronts from the rude world Near a dark tunnel, where the steam cars play (We'd close the opening if we had our way) ; The rear set off by hospitals and blank,
The latter's beer the finest ever drank.
A palace with a steeple, high in air
(We raised the cash to build it at a fair),
Its marble walls encircling-after dark-
Squads giving "points" on drills to Colonel Clark,
Whose songs would syllable thy name, and trouble you To ascertain who was the great "G. W."
We'd read no books but Upton's Tactics, dear-
Those sweet leaves furnish us the proper steer,
And when night came, in scenes of splendor strange
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. THE 1880's
We'd wander through the gorgeous "Rifle Range," Where alabaster lamps and perfumed air Aid men catch "bulls" and "blackbirds" are not rare.
From whence we'd saunter to the drill room floor
And watch our darlings in their deeds of gore
With stern precision-see them never mixed, Their eyes intently on the gallery fixed,
And, drilling o'er, we'd climb the golden stair, And to the peaceful haunts of "I" repair-
There, soothed by music from Hoyt's nimble touch- What say'st thou? Dost thou like the picture much ?
*
Our actors again came to the aid of the Bartholdi Pedestal Fund a few weeks later by joining in the grand Amateur Minstrels Entertainment given at the Academy of Music, 1885.
Their participation is here recorded because of the large number of Com- pany I men in the cast-eight in the 7th Regiment Glee Club, two end men and twenty-eight in the "Charleston Blues"-the largest number from any organization.
0
Preston as Beauséant and Landon as Claude Melnotte in "Lady of Lyons"
124
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
Landon as Petruchio and Coward as Katharine
AMATEUR MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT benefit of the BARTHOLDI PEDESTAL FUND Academy of Music May 3, 1885.
PROGRAMME OF THE JUBILEE PART I. Soirée Musicale d'Afrique.
BONES :
F. W. Fullerton
Interlocutor and Chairman of the circle, SAMUEL EDWARDS
G. D. Phillips
H. S. Swift
Opening Chorus, Oft in the Stilly Night
Introductory Remarks, F. W. Fullerton Comic Ballad, At the Opera Casual Observations, Frank B. Wilson
Joseph A. Oudin
Tenor Solo, Good-Night but not Good-Bye
William Dennison J. Stanley Joyce
End Song, Put on de Golden Shoe!
Linguistic Interlude, Geo. D. Phillips
Baritone Solo, There She Blows Conversational Digressions, Chas. A. Bramhall
C. J. Bushnell
Comic Song and Chorus, Hallelujah Band Basso Solo, Deep Down within the Cellar
Harry S. Swift
Chas. B. Hawley 7th Regiment Glee Club
Chorus, The Blacksmith
TAMBORINES : Joseph A. Oudin J. Stanley Joyce C. A. Bramhall William W. Russell By the Company
F. B. Wilson
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THE 1880's
Grand Finale, by the entire corps of end men, under the direction of Mr. Samuel Edwards, Ring Master, "SOUVENIRS OF THE CIRCUS."
PART II. Olio.
Banjo Eccentricities
2. The Famous Mokeville Choir
3. Professor Shaw will deliver his lecture on "Astronomy."
4. Selections for Two Banjos
5. Parade of the Charleston Blues
F. Dunbar Wright
Messrs. Horne and Johnson Ninth Company, 7th Regiment
"Captain"-F. G. Landon
Privates :
F. T. Bontecou H. C. Du Val G. E. Mollison I. K. Taylor
J. A. Brower W. H. Folsom W. G. Owen W. A. Taylor
A. C. Clayton G. H. Gould M. C. Palmer C. E. Warren
J. W. Cleveland P. D. Handy G. R. Preston G. J. Weaver
E. Davidson C. I. Hoeber W. D. Preston
E. Y. Weber
E. C. Denison
R. H. Major J. N. Stearns J. W. Woods, Jr.
Water Carrier, G. B. Dowling
The 7-20-8th and Last Performance of THE POOR ROMANCE OF A YOUNG MAN; or A NIGHT OFF IN DIXIE. An Ethiopian Eccentricity in Three Comic Sections; by Henry Gallup Paine
First Section: Elliptical. The Fatal Kiss. Second Section: Parabolical. The Seemingness of the As-it-were. Third Section: Hyperbolical. The More-than-so-ness of the No-it-isn't.
CHARACTERS
Darkcollar, the pirate's secret heir Doctor Vet, the mule-soother
H. G. Paine William Bunker Albert C. Munn
Deacon Stonewall Wheezer, a reformed oyster pirate
DeCourcey Whiffles, the Thompson Street dude
John Jenkins, confidential reporter of the Town's End Topics
H. J. Pearson A. M. Taylor Maurice A. Oudin
A postlespoon Jenkins, John's son
Trixy Turtledove, a schoolma'am
Frederick E. Camp
Niobe Wheezer, owner of the trick mule -and-
H. C. Taylor
Daisy, her daughter, the pirate's pet, the dude's delight Joseph A. Oudin Mokes, Negroes, Darkies, Colored Persons, etc., by Pupils of the Whyseeum School of Acrobating.
Persons leaving the Academy during the first part and olio are requested to return in time for the Burlesque.
Ushers have strict orders to prevent the escape of any persons during the performance of the after-piece.
Illustrated papers containing portraits of the principal actors for sale in the lobby !
Camp at Peekskill, 1885
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. THE 1880's
The opening chorus consisted of members of the Mendelssohn Glee Club, the Musurgia Singing Society and the entire 7th Regiment Glee Club.
Mr. Oudin wore a Japanese doll crosswise as a necktie and a topknot which brought down the house. He sang, for the first time, an original song, At the Opera, composed for this occasion and introducing burlesque imitations of Galassi, Scalchi and Meterna in their various styles of vocalization.
In the final burlesque, The Poor Romance of a Young Man, Mr. Oudin assumed the rôle of Daisy, the lady referred to, and won great applause.
Mr. Hoyt was honored in Part I, by his 7th Regiment Glee Club singing the Blacksmith, a beautiful glee.
The parade of the "Charleston Blues" by members of Company I, 7th Regiment, "Cap tain" Frank G. Landon, was the most cordially applauded feature of the evening. The singing was perfection itself, and the evolutions were worthy of Ellsworth's old Chicago Zouaves. After being recalled twice, they were presented, by their lady friends, with a silk flag, which now adorns the Company Room. A huge. floral design representing a crimson "7" upon a bed of white flowers, was passed up to the stage and greeted by the audience with loud applause.
The audience throughout the entire evening was demonstrative, and such numbers in the programme as fell to the lot of the 7th Regiment were particularly well received. This was the greatest amateur minstrel ever given in the city, for besides the organizations mentioned, all the individual parts in the various skits were taken by the leading amateurs of the city.
The central box of the first tier was reserved for the French Consul General, and was appropriately draped with flags of France and America. The audience was of the most fashionable element in the city.
"It is hardly to be wondered at," says one paper, "that professional burnt-cork shows have of late suffered to such an extent in this city when it is known that the amateur performance of last night was fully up to the standard of the old Christie and Morris Brothers' days, and should the same gentlemen venture to assume the swarthy complexion again their efforts will be fully appreciated."
F. G. L.
THE SEVENTH IN CAMP, 1885
Peekskill, June 21, 1885. After breakfast, guard was mounted, with Captain Casey as officer of the day. At guard mount Cappa, out of compliment to Cap- tain Casey, played "The Ninth Company Roll Call," composed by C. H. Hoyt, of that company, words by Horace C. Du Val, of the same company. It was first rendered to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Captain Casey's captaincy of Company I.
One fact is noted with the greatest pride. During the seven days of duty not one man of Company I was detailed for any purpose. The men in turn volun- teered, twenty-four hours ahead, for all the details for guard and police. Each private served a tour of day and night duty and when the roll was exhausted volunteers were ready for the blind round. The experience was novel as each man was satisfied, the First Sergeant was happy, and growling had no cause for existence. As each regiment was reported in turn to have had the best dress parades and reviews, no claim is here necessary. The duty performed was the same as that during the first camp in 1883, with the one exception of rifle practice which was abolished. The 7th continued its practice of guard mount
Sevonth Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y. At Washington, D.C., April 19, 1886
129
THE 1880's
morning and evening and in that respect did double duty. The music during camp was the most delightful ever heard here and afforded much pleasure to the thousands of visitors.
THE FUNERAL OF GENERAL GRANT
The death of General Grant and the subsequent determination to make the City of New York his last resting place was made by the authorities the occasion of one of the grandest military funerals the country had ever seen. On the afternoon of August 5 the remains arrived and, under the escort of the entire First Division with a Regular and Marine Battalion, the procession moved from the Grand Central Depot to the City Hall. Here the familiar features of the most successful soldier of the Civil War could be seen for the last time. Hundreds of thousands of citizens touched with real grief at the loss of this great American, their neighbor for many years, passed before his bier.
The Regiment assembled at 4 p.m. and was dismissed at 8:30. Its strength was twenty platoons of sixteen files. Company I paraded seventy-eight men. The day of the final ceremonies in connection with the burial of the dead hero, Saturday, August 8, was observed as a general holiday. The weather was warm and enormous crowds lined every street from City Hall to the grave at Riverside Park. The military display was grand in the extreme. The scene at the tomb can never be forgotten. It is said that no other ceremony had ever had so many distinguished men brought together. The country seemed to have united in sorrow at the loss of its most distinguished citizen. The last rites were concluded by a simple rendering of "Taps" by a single bugle and three volleys by the 7th and 22nd Regiments. The Regiment returned to the Armory by elevated road, having been under arms from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Drills commenced October 1; ninety-two men at roll call; total roll 108.
1886 TRIP TO WASHINGTON
With overflowing ranks and a substantial balance in the treasury, about $1,800, the year promised well. In January the membership remained at 111 and the percentage present at Company drill was ninety.
On April 19 occurred the twenty-eighth anniversary of the departure of the Regiment for the war and it was determined to visit Washington in com- memoration of the event. The citizens of the Capital sent an invitation which could not be declined and raised a large sum to entertain the Regiment. Con- siderable enthusiasm was manifested throughout the Regiment and while the assessment of $16 per man was large and the time of the year inconvenient for many, it was expected that the number participating in the excursion would exceed all previous records for affairs of this kind.
The Regiment proceeded by elevated road to the City Hall, where it was reviewed by Mayor Grace, and then marched to the Pennsylvania depot. Here they boarded two special trains and, after the usual experiences and delays, arrived at Washington at 9:30 p.m., where the 7th was received by the Wash-
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
ington Light Artillery, a committee of citizens and an immense crowd of people.
After a short march on Pennsylvania Avenue through dense masses of shout- ing humanity, the Regiment was escorted to the Artillery Armory where it was welcomed in warm words of praise from distinguished public men. The Com- panies were then marched to the various hotels, the Ninth and Sixth being as- signed to the Ebbitt House. Other Companies were quartered at Willard's, the Arlington and Riggs.
The next day the officers and men were received by the President at the White House and at 3:30 p.m. paraded with the Light Artillery and were reviewed by the President at the White House gates. From 8 to 10 p.m. the Regiment was entertained by the Citizens' Committee and Light Artillery at the Armory and at 11 p.m. the Regimental Band serenaded Secretary Whitney, Senator Evarts and Generals Sherman and Sheridan. In the forenoon of Wednesday most of the Regiment availed themselves of the courteous invitation of the Reception Committee to visit Mount Vernon on a special steamer. None of us will ever forget the deep impression created while at the tomb of the man whom every American has admired and venerated. The first leaves of spring, in con- trast with the gray and white uniforms of seven hundred to eight hundred men, formed a picture of surpassing beauty and the only regret of the visit was occasioned by the failure of the camera to faithfully preserve it.
At 3 p.m. the Regiment left for New York and were dismissed at the Armory at 10:30. This excursion proved the most successful in the history of the Regi- ment. The lavish expenditure of money and the unbounded enthusiasm of the citizens of Washington could not be surpassed, if equalled, in any other city. Representative citizens and high officials united in the effort to make every moment a pleasant surprise and grateful acknowledgments attest their success. An old member of the Company, Colonel William L. Bramhall (enlisted Com- pany I, May 9, 1861), proved his love of the Regiment by unremitting atten- tions and the Company some time after presented him with the silver "Cross of Honor" as a slight return. The Regiment paraded about seven hundred and fifty men all told and the Company sixty-four.
THE RETIREMENT OF CAPTAIN CASEY
With the opening of the drill season it was generally known that the Com- pany would lose its much esteemed Commandant. Poor health, aggravated by throat trouble, compelled Captain Casey's withdrawal from active service and to the great regret of every man in it.
New York, Sept. 22, 1886
The twenty-fifth anniversary of my joining the 7th Regt. will occur on Monday, October 4, and it would give me great pleasure to celebrate this event by seeing all the members of the Ninth Company at my lome, "Hillcrest," Tarrytown-on-Hudson, on the afternoon of that day.
Very sincerely yours
WILLIAM C. CASEY
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THE 1880's
Members are requested to appear in full uniform, white body belt, fatigue cap and white gloves, and assemble at Grand Central Depot in time for special train which leaves at 2:30 p.m.
Should the weather prove stormy the same arrangements for the next day. Please notify the undersigned at once whether you will participate.
Yours truly,
GEO. W. CHAUNCEY
New York, September 23, 1886
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NINTH COMPANY, 7TH REGIMENT, N.G.S.N.Y. Gentlemen :
October 4, 1886, completes the twenty-fifth year of our Captain's service in the 7th Regiment; this term entitles him to a twenty-five-year Diamond Badge, for long and faith- ful service.
It has been proposed that the Company present him with the same. Thirty-five gentle- men have taken action on this matter and appointed the undersigned a committee to collect subscriptions.
It is earnestly requested that each and every member subscribe; the necessary amount to purchase Badge will be Three-hundred Dollars : it is also requested that this be kept secret, as it is intended as a surprise to Captain Casey.
Very respectfully,
Miles C. Palmer,
Chairman.
Saml. D. Folsom,
Committee
Treasurer.
Charles E. Warren, Secretary.
THE DIAMOND CROSS OF HONOR FOR CAPTAIN CASEY
"Now, all you recruities what's drafted today You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay, An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may- A soldier what's fit for a soldier."
The Ninth Company celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the enlistment of Captain Casey at his residence in Tarrytown on the 6th day of October, 1886, and presented to that distinguished officer the Diamond Cross of Honor in recognition of his long and faithful service. In November he resigned his commission, and the loss to the Ninth Company and to the Regiment was the subject of universal regret. First Lieutenant James Thorne Harper was elected Captain of the Ninth Company in January 1887.
Captain William C. Casey enlisted in the Eighth Company in 1861, and served with the 7th Regiment in its campaign at Baltimore and Frederick, Md., in 1862 and 1863. He was elected First Sergeant in 1863, Second Lieu- tenant in 1864, First Lieutenant in 1868, and was chosen Captain of the Ninth Company in 1873. Under his able administration that Company rapidly increased in numerical strength and improved in drill and discipline until it was as perfect and complete in every particular as is possible in the volunteer military service, and had obtained a reputation second to none in the country.
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
His enthusiasm and devotion to duty inspired his subordinates and his industry and energy won their cooperation and generous support. No detail of drill, how- ever trifling, was overlooked; the slightest errors were corrected; inattention was not tolerated; in a few words each movement was clearly explained and was then carefully executed; and thus Captain Casey led his recruits and his Com- pany step by step toward perfection and acquired and merited fame as a military instructor, not surpassed by Shumway or Shaler. He also possessed a remarkable faculty of securing the personal attachment of his officers and men and he thoroughly understood the importance of friendship and affection of subordinates in securing great results in the drill and discipline, as well as the harmony and prosperity of a military organization. Captain Casey was born in New York in 1838 and was educated at Middletown, Conn. He became a clerk in New York in 1857 and, after various vicissitudes of fortune, achieved success in the storage business. In person he was tall, erect and graceful, with a handsome and intelligent face and easy and captivating manners. He was a delightful companion, a steadfast friend and an accomplished gentleman; and as an able, devoted and successful officer he must always rank among the most distinguished of the 7th Regiment.
CASEY'S FAREWELL TO THE COMPANY "I" Company, 7th Regiment, National Guard, S.N.Y.
New York, December 2, 1886.
To the Officers and Members of the Ninth Company :
After a service of over twenty-five years in the 7th Regiment, and nearly fourteen years in the Ninth Company, the time has come when I must bid you farewell.
Tonight, I have made my last drill.
There are many things I would like to say to you, but my heart tells me that I cannot trust myself to words. This separation, this breaking up of asso- ciations, is a terrible struggle for me; force of circumstances and the advice of my physician causes me to resign my commission.
It is a comfort for me to feel that I could not leave you at a better time than the present, as the Company is most prosperous in every particular. We have full ranks, even recruits awaiting enlistment, plenty of money in our treasury, peace and harmony in our ranks, good material upon which to work; so there can be no better time for me as your Captain to leave you.
I feel that I leave the 7th Regiment, without an enemy; my conscience is clear of my own record. I have done all to the best of my ability, without favor or partiality. All my thoughts and acts have been, as I believe, for the good and welfare of the Ninth Company. I have urged you on to hard work, I have advised you to great care in the selection of your officers, and I leave you with the same advice, for, upon it, so much depends your future success.
Above all things, be as a unit. Never allow cliques or factions to come among you, as it would be certain destruction. I cannot urge you too strongly on this
133
THE 1880's
Ninth Company
Lark Club.
First grand chirp by the Birdies of the Lark Club, February 4, 1886
134
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
point. Remember the discipline I have tried to teach you; let the Ninth Com- pany go on for many years in the proud position which it now holds.
These, my dear comrades, are my parting words to you who compose the Company I love so well and have labored so willingly for.
Let me thank you all for your many kindnesses while with you, and above all do not, at least while I live, put me out of your memory. I shall on many occasions be with you in spirit, though my labor be ended. And finally, my official farewell. God bless and prosper you all, and our beloved Ninth Com- pany, is the wish of
Yours sincerely and affectionately,
William C. Casey, Captain.
LARK CLUB
New York, January 27, 1886.
Mr. F. G. Landon
DEAR SIR :
You are invited to become a member of this club. The dues are one dollar a year. If you wish to join and be with us on these "larks," please send your acceptance and dues for 1886 at once.
The first object of the club is to stimulate recruiting in the Ninth Company, to do which we propose to ask your cooperation and that of the Company generally. To bring the men together more socially, and after drill to occasionally give entertainments in the way of recitations, songs, banjo playing and other attractions, which we propose to offer as the growth and prosperity of the organization will permit. We also propose to have on holidays and possibly once a week, sleighing, skating, coaching, boating and theater parties, all in their season, and to encourage the idea of an Annual Dinner, amateur theatrical and minstrel shows, concerts, etc., producing at all times the best talent the Company affords.
Your attendance on these larks is optional. Only members who participate will be assessed. We hope you are with us.
Signed,
JOSEPH A. OUDIN, CLARENCE J. HOEBER, EDWARD Y. WEBER, EGBERT C. DENISON, CHAS. E. WARREN, Sec'y and Treas. Secretary's address, 9 West 49th Street.
Governors.
G. W. C. December 1886
First Sergeant George W. Chauncey, of the Ninth Company, 7th Regiment, has applied for and received his discharge. Sergeant Chauncey joined the Regiment on January 6, 1870, was elected Corporal December 14, 1871, Ser- geant April 23, 1873, and First Sergeant, May 10, 1881.
In the entire Regiment there was no more enthusiastic worker nor one more thoroughly posted on every point connected with the duties of a national guards- man. He has been specially mentioned by Colonel Clark as a model First
135
THE 1880's
Sergeant, and representatives from other regiments throughout the State have come to the Armory on Ninth Company drill nights purposely to see him form his company. He has been repeatedly offered a commission both in the Ninth Company and in other Companies of the 7th Regiment, and in other regiments, but has often declined, saying, that to be First Sergeant of the Ninth Com- pany was sufficient honor for any soldier to attain. In his entire seventeen years of service he has not missed a Company drill or parade of the Regiment. In parting with him the Company loses a faithful, energetic member, and a First Sergeant whose place will be difficult to fill. He leaves the Company with the good wishes and friendship of every member.
PRIVATES LEWIS AND LENT
After the presentation of the Diamond Cross to Privates Lewis and Lent by Company I, on December 30, 1886, the Company still further showed its appreciation of "long and faithful service" by partaking of a collation in honor of the event. Mazzetti distinguished himself in the preparation of the menu.
Company I coaching party to Bayside and return, February 22, 1886
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
After the viands had been devoured, the débris removed and cigars lighted, the master of ceremonies rapped for order, and stated that those who desired to talk would now have an opportunity to be heard.
Ex-Captain Arthur was prevailed upon, and told the men who had joined since '61 what he knew of Lent and Lewis. Impromptu remarks were made by Lieutenant Germond and many old members of the Company and their friends. Messrs. Hoyt and Clayton presided at the piano. The Company sang its old songs and enjoyed life hugely.
Amongst the many notables present were: Ex-Captain Arthur, Lieutenant Germond, Lieutenant Chauncey, Sergeant Chauncey, Captain Steele, Second Company; Lieutenant Nesbitt, his new right-hand man, and a host of others.
The committee having the matter in charge were Messrs. Du Val, Denison, Folsom, Dowd, Hoeber, Weber, Palmer, Weaver and Warren.
Immediately after the drill of the Ninth Company, December 30, 1886, the members of the above-named organization presented to Privates George W. Lewis and Whitman S. Lent (the only two men who have served the remark- ably long time of twenty-five years as privates in the 7th Regiment), the Dia- mond Cross of Honor for long and faithful service in their Company and Regiment. Privates Lewis and Lent both enlisted during the excitement of 1861, the former on December 9, the latter on November 14. They went to the front with the Regiment in '61 and '62 and have performed faithful duty con- tinuously since that time. They have both been elected "non-coms" in the Company. Private Lewis served as Corporal from 1868 to 1876, and was reduced in rank at his own request.
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