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 13
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Private Lent would never accept office.
The medals were presented on behalf of the Company by First Sergeant Du Val, who said :
GENTLEMEN OF THE NINTH COMPANY :
Upon the roll of honor of the names of those distinguished for long and faithful service in our Regiment, to whom the thanks of our Colonel and of the Regiment have from year to year in published orders been extended, two names of members of our Company have appeared for a period running back beyond the date of enlistment even of the other veterans in our ranks, and it is in their honor to fittingly remark our appreciation of the credit they have reflected upon us that we are assembled here this evening. In their career is exemplified all that goes to finish and complete the perfect soldier-devotion to duty, regularity of attendance, intelligent performance of every task. In each and all of these they have not been found wanting, and while to most of us the desire for promotion has been an impelling cause, while the honor attaching to high office has proven an incentive to our zeal, these two men have been content to serve in the past, and continue to do faithful service today, as simple privates in the ranks of the Ninth Company. Enough has it been for them to stand in perfect credit on our roll, enough for twenty-five successive drill seasons to march shoulder to shoulder with the rank and file, enjoying its "cama- raderie," its goodfellowship, and thus saying to the Regiment and the world that the position of private in the Ninth Company is a sufficient reward for all the work and sacrifice it demands. When George W. Lewis and William S. Lent signed their enlistment it was no holiday work that the future promised, no pleasant Thursday-evening allured them. The country had entered upon a terrible war, our Regiment had once already been summoned to the front, and at any day might be called upon to proceed to the
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THE 1880's
post of danger. It was no play, but work, for which they offered their services. In the ranks then, as in the ranks today, no steadier, more faithful soldiers could be found. Tonight the Company does itself honor in honoring them. Privates Lent and Lewis, I have been requested by your fellow-members to present to you these crosses of honor with which the Regiment marks your twenty-five years of faithful service, and to assure you that with them goes the heartfelt esteem of each and every one of us, and the desire that you may continue to wear them in honorable pride of the membership in the Ninth Company for many years to come.
Mr. Lewis called on Mr. Lent, and Mr. Lent on Mr. Lewis to thank the Ninth Company for what they had done, which they both did in few and well chosen words.
The Lark Club then interrupted the ceremonies by announcing that a supper was served in the "Banquet Hall" at the Armory, to which congenial place the assemblage adjourned.
Horace C. Du Val has been appointed (after his election to the office), First Sergeant.
Lieutenant Harper has been unanimously nominated for Captain.
Captain James Thorne Harper, 1887-1895
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
THE ELECTION OF CAPTAIN JAMES THORNE HARPER January 13, 1887
At a meeting presided over by Colonel Clarke, Company I elected a com- manding officer to succeed their beloved Captain Casey. Out of eighty-five votes First Lieutenant Harper received eighty-four, "scattering, one."
Captain Harper enlisted as a private in the Ninth Company November 9, 1876; was elected Corporal, April 7, 1879; Sergeant, November 9, 1880; Second Lieutenant, February 7, 1882; First Lieutenant, January 10, 1884; Captain, January 13, 1887.
His promotion, though fast, has been well deserved. He is a thorough drill- master, a good tactician, and commands the respect of the Company.
In making this choice, the Company is to be more than congratulated upon securing such a man as its head, for the display of harmony in their ranks, and for the best wishes of all the members of the Regiment at large.
Captain Harper entertained the men of the Company at the Madison Avenue Hotel, immediately after the meeting was adjourned, where a most delightful supper was served. Speeches were heard from Captain Harper, Sergeants Du Val, Mulhallon and Delafield, Mr. Gerard M. Stanton of the Chicago Veteran Association fame, and who did so much for the New Armory fund, President Palmer of the Ninth Company Club, and of the Lark Club, and many others.
Life was made enjoyable till a late hour, and all retired well pleased with the evening's work.
Mr. Horace C. Du Val has resigned the secretaryship of the Ninth Com- pany, having been elected and appointed to the office of First Sergeant. Sergeant Du Val has been elected to the office of secretary for the last fourteen years, and in accepting his resignation, the Company loses one of its most faithful ser- vants, and one who always discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all.
At a meeting of the Company, on January 27, Chas. E. Warren was unani- mously elected secretary to fill the post vacated by Sergeant Du Val.
Corporal Frank G. Landon has been nominated for the office of Sergeant, vice Du Val, promoted; Private E. C. Denison, for the possible vacancy amongst the Corporalcy.
These nominations were made by the Company Nominating Committee, and judging from the way the Company received them, the election of the candidates is assured.
Regimental Team of Three Match
January 29, 1887, second competition. Conditions of match published in No. 3 of the Gazette.
Company I 129
Company C 117
Company K
127
Company H 114
Company B
127
Company G 114
Company F
125
Company E 111
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THE 1880's
MORE NINTH COMPANY DRAMATICS
WILLIAM TELL
A Burlesque Extravaganza By H. J. Byron Lyrics by Horace C. Du Val, Ninth Company.
A Charitable Entertainment for Endowment of . MILITIAMEN'S BEDS in HAHNEMANN HOSPITAL By NINTH COMPANY DRAMATIC CLUB Assisted by Members of the Glee Club of the Seventh Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y. at ACADEMY OF MUSIC, APRIL 14, 1887, Irving Place and 14th Street Manager, Francis G. Landon
CAST
Gesler, Governor of Altorf, a potentate with a hate for freedom Sarnem, his factotum, Secretary of State for all sorts of Departments
Francis G. Landon George W. Fairchild Charles E. Warren
Rodolph, his General, a stalwart warrior (in the bud)
Lutold, Captain of the Guard
Robert L. Major
William Tell, a patriot out of work and anxious for a job
Albert, his Son-his father's idol but an idle boy
Verner, a Patriot in league with Tell, brave as a lion when nobody's by
Pierre and ( § Two Walking
Theodore S & Delegates
Emma, Tell's Wife, a stunning beauty ( ?)
Rosetta, Sarnem's Daughter, who thinks a good deal of herself Edward G. Schermerhorn
Peasants, Soldiers, Archers, Citizens, Pages, Swiss Boys, etc.
E. Hunt Allen Frederick C. Cunningham
Edward L. Montgomery
Henry W. Banks, Jr.
Alfred D. Ellsworth Willis M. Moore
Francis M. Bixby, Jr.
Edward P. Hatch
Thomas F. Neal
Robert P. Bliss
John W. Haulenbeck
Mortimer Osborne
Harry V. Borden
Alonzo Hebbard, Jr.
Wallace R. Platt
John A. Brower
William D. Hobart
Franklin A. Plummer
Louis B. Burtnett
Herbert Janes
William G. Richards
Paul H. Carter
Leonard C. Ketcham
Charles W. Smith, Jr.
Edward J. Chaffee, Jr.
Robert M. Lyman
Walter L. Thompson
Arthur C. Clayton
Clinton S. Martin
Henry H. Whitlock
Henry G. Martine
ACT I
ACT III
Scene 1. Tell's Cottage
Scene 2. A Room in Sarnem's House
Scene-The Market Place
Scene 3. Mountain Peaks
ACT II
Act IV.
Scene 1. Encampment of the Army
Scene-Ramparts of Gesler's Palace
Scene 2. The Gates of Altorf (No intermission between these Acts)
William D. Preston Walter N. Vail J. Wray Cleveland Clarence I. Hoeber William P. Claggett John W. Wood, Jr.
140
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
Scene from "William Tell"
THE NINTH COMPANY'S BURLESQUE OF "WILLIAM TELL"-1887
It is safe to say that a finer or more enthusiastic audience never gathered in the Academy of Music to witness an amateur performance, than that which greeted the members of Company I, on Thursday evening, the 14th ulto., on the occasion of the production of the burlesque of "William Tell." Every seat in the lower part of the house and every box were filled, many ladies were in full dress, and the entire appearance was that of an opera night. The play went smoothly and well from first to last, with occasional hitches incidental to all first performances, and the members of the Ninth Company's Dramatic Club are entitled to much credit for so successfully accomplishing an undertaking whose magnitude might well have bid them pause.
The first scene was the exterior of Tell's cottage, the gigantic Mrs. Tell (J. W. Wood, Jr.) being discovered lamenting the late hours kept by her lord and master. A chorus from the "Little Tycoon"-"O'er the Sea" was finely rendered and won encore. Albert, the hopeful son and heir (First Sergeant Vail), a ravishing dude, with a cane of fearful and wonderful proportions, makes his appearance, and is clasped in his mother's arms. Then comes the great William himself (Sergeant W. D. Preston), who proves to be gifted with much histrionic talent and a fine baritone voice. Space forbids our following the plot in detail. Mr. F. G. Landon, as the tyrant Gesler, made the hit of the evening, convulsing the house at times in roars of laughter. His "Birdie" song, a hornpipe with a savage bear, and his general acting throughout, winning rounds of applause. The Rosetta of E. G. Schermerhorn was a marvel of sweetness and beauty; the coy and bashful maiden was depicted to the very life. Geo. W. Fairchild, as Sarnem, Secretary of State for all sorts of departments, rendered his lines with the grace and dignity of an Evarts or a Bayard. Rodolph (Mr. Chas. E. Warren), the Commander-in-Chief of Gesler's Guard, showed by the perfect handling of his men that he would be a dangerous candidate for the next Corporalship in the Ninth Company. The drill and evolutions of his men received great applause. The Verner of J. Wray Cleveland was very good indeed-the gloomy and plotting friend of Tell, whose aspect struck terror to all beholders. C. I. Hoeber and W. P. Claggett, as Walking Delegates, would have won distinction in District Assembly No. 49.
141
. THE 1880's
A bicycle and tricycle drill in the third act was beautifully done. On a darkened stage, some twenty or more youngsters dressed as pages of "ye olden time," in pink and blue, mounted on small tricycles to which were affixed red and green lanterns, followed their leader, Landon, mounted on a huge bicycle, through a great number of different and intricate movements, the beauty of the scene calling forth round after round of applause.
Too much praise cannot be given for the fine rendering of the different part songs and choruses throughout the piece. The selections from "Erminie," "The Black Hussar," "Beggar Student," and "Ruddygore," were all sung with good effect, a result largely due to the enthusiastic work done by the members of the 7th Regiment Glee Club, and the ladies and gentlemen who volunteered their assistance.
We congratulate the Company on the thorough success it achieved. We congratulate Mr. Frank G. Landon, to whom the credit of the inception and carrying out of the project is due, and we congratulate the Hahnemann Hospital upon the receipt of $1,100 toward the establishment of a Militiaman's Bed.
The full cast was recorded in a handsome souvenir programme, containing pictures of the Ninth Company Room, the Veterans' Room, Captain Harper and Lieutenant Du Val, besides scenes of a martial character, making the book well worthy of preservation.
-Gazette
GLEE CLUB NOTE 1887
Thursday evening, October 20, the rehearsal was progressing quietly, when our handsome secretary, Marker H. H. Arthur, interrupted the proceedings with an eloquent speech, from which the following is an extract :
MR. CHAS. H. HOYT, Conductor 7th Regiment Glee Club :
DEAR SIR: The members of this organization on learning of your appointment to and acceptance of the position of Inspector of Rifle Practice of the 71st Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y., concluded that an opportunity was then offered them to show you in a measure how much they appreciated your efforts in the past three years as conductor of the 7th Regiment Glee Club, to find the "Lost Chord" in the 7th Regiment. It is well known, Sir, that many times during the history of the "great and gallant 7th," glee clubs have been attempted, but to you belongs the honor of having, by perseverance, zeal, and the exercise of your ability as a musician, created "harmony out of discord," and placed the Club today on a footing worthy of the Regiment; and so, in the name of your comrades of this organization, I have the honor to present you with a sword (on the blade of which you will find the roll of the Glee Club) also a sword-knot and belt. May it be carried, like your baton, always to victory and success.
Captain Hoyt responded with much feeling, and stated his intentions were to continue with the Club, and that not even a commission could induce him to sever his connection with the boys; and after thanking them for the hand- some present he had received, he said that no matter what the future had in store for him, he would only part with it when he received his "final transfer." A number of his Ninth Company comrades were present, and expressed their admiration of the gift.
The Ninth Company assisted the Flushing Athletic Club in their Minstrels at Flushing, October 28, 1887, giving a Song and Dance, "Two Sailor Boys" (Marzials), by Messrs. Landon and W. D. Preston, followed by.
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
A PARADE OF THE "CHARLESTON BLUES" PRESENTED BY A DETACHMENT OF THE NINTH COMPANY Mr. Charles Elliot Warren, Commandant
Mr. A. C. Clayton
Mr. E. Davidson Mr. H. V. Keep
Mr. J. Down Mr. E. L. Montgomery Mr. M. Osborne
Mr. E. C. Denison
Mr. H. H. Whittock Mr. W. A. Pratt
Mr. J. N. Stearns, Jr.
Mr. W. A. Dennison
Mr. E. J. Chaffer
Mr. H. W. Banks, Jr.
Mr. F. A. Plummer Mr. E. H. Allen, Jr.
Mr. L. B. Burtnett Mr. F. M. Bizby
Mr. E. Y. Weber
Mr. L. W. McLeod
Mr. C. S. Martin
Little Rastus (water carrier)
Dr. Geo. B. Dowling
Miss Clementine Rosetta Vanastorbilt
Mr. E. Gilbert Schermerhorn
COMPANY I NOTES-November and December 1887
Hurrah ! Hurrah! Hurrah ! and a tiger. We inspected 103 officers and men at the Regimental muster and inspection November 22. And three more! for we have ninety-two marksmen. These records have never before been made by this Company, and considering the many changes amongst the rank and file during the past year, it is a great source of satisfaction to Captain Harper and many admirers of this Company.
A most enjoyable entertainment was given in the Company room after drill November 3, 1887. Ruby N. Brooks, banjoist; Jno. Patterson, comic songster; and A. Weber, accompanist, supplied the professional talent, and a Mr. H. C. Mecklen, harpist, with many of the men of the Company looked after the rest of the show.
Brooks played well and was encored many, many times.
Patterson kept us on a grin during his part of the performance, and his songs on the "Windy Man from Brooklyn" (no reflection on the Lieutenant), "Calla- han's Son," and "McGee's Political Pull" were well received.
The playing of Mr. Mecklen on his harp was simply charming, and the selections from Erminie were particularly enjoyable. His presence certainly added much to the programme. Mr. Georger (Ninth Company) sang one or two ballads, playing his own accompaniment, and sang them well. He most surely is an addition to our ranks. (Dramatic Club on deck.)
The entertainment was a success, and was enjoyed by all. We were glad to see a number of our neighbors from the Sixth and Second who seemed to be with us.
A Christmas supper and entertainment was held at Mazzetti's immediately after drill, Thursday, December 22, 1887.
Messrs. Ruby Brooks, banjo; Chas. M. Denton, guitar; William Eisbach, zither; Fred Ballantine, humorist; Thomas Patterson and Jno. W. Carrol, songs and recitations, entertained and helped us digest one of Mazzetti's most attractive menus. All of the Company and many invited guests enjoyed a "large" evening. The Committee of Arrangements was Lieutenant Gould, Corporal Stearns, and Private Warren.
By unanimous wish of the Company, Captain Harper has appointed Third Sergeant Francis G. Landon to be First Sergeant, vice Vail, honorably dis-
143
THE 1880's
charged. Sergeant Landon formed his Company at the first drill after his appointment (calling the roll from memory), in less than four minutes. "He's all right."
The following non-commissioned officers have passed the Board of Examina- tion and received their warrants: Sergeant A. C. Clayton, Company I; Corporal H. V. D. Black, Company B; First Sergeant Francis G. Landon, Company I.
A portrait of Captain William C. Casey, who was commandant of this Com- pany for fifteen years, is to be painted by the celebrated artist William A. Chase, and when completed will occupy a prominent place in our Company Room.
THUMB-NAIL SKETCHES OF SOME NINTH COMPANY MEN
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Egbert C. Denison, Miles C. Palmer and George J. Weaver were great friends and companions in the 'eighties and early 'nineties, in worldly affairs outside, as well as in the Armory. Before I joined the Company in 1887, I knew them by sight, having seen them together at the Monmouth Park racetrack and at the Windsor Hotel bar.
Bert Denison was small and dapper, immaculate in dress and courteous of speech. He had the respect of all, and the affection of most members of the Company. An amusing story of his physical examination relates that as his height was slightly under the National Guard requirements, a pair of shoes was furnished with heels an inch thick. Bert always loved to be with his old comrades after his discharge, and I am sure that our annual gathering and dinner at Travers Island was the happiest day in the year for him. At such times that indescribable look of happiness and friendship would show in his face. It was a sad blow for many of us when he died a few years ago.
Miles C. Palmer looked like an aged man when I enlisted in 1887. His nickname was "Grandpa." When I met him about twenty-five years later at one of our reunions, he hardly looked any older. "Grandpa" Palmer suffered with rheumatism which sometimes made him "grouchy." At such times his criticism of men and affairs was sharp and cynical. But at other times he was a charming and interesting companion. The rheumatism eventually forced him to retire from the Regiment, and after that his health was so poor that we saw little of him.
George J. Weaver was a fine soldier, a courageous man, and utterly loyal to the Ninth Company and the 7th Regiment. He had a distinguished military career, which was cut short when he died of pneumonia, in the prime of life, about 1906. Passing through the non-commissioned grades, he succeeded our own Frank Landon as First Sergeant of Company I, thereby inheriting the highest standard of efficiency to live up to. Nevertheless, George Weaver did · well as First Sergeant, and in time was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment by Colonel Appleton, where again he had to follow the brilliant example set by Adjutant Francis G. Landon. At one of our annual dinners at the Hotel Astor, the toastmaster complimented George Weaver for defending the Regiment in an argument about the Spanish War. When George arose to reply, he said
144
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
these words, "It is only natural for me to defend the Regiment, for my heart is in it, and I say to you comrades of Company I, that my time, my best efforts, and my purse, so far as I can afford it, are always at the disposal of the Com- pany." No wonder we are proud to belong to an organization which produces such men and such loyalty.
-H. L. HOTCHKISS, JR.
1888 FIFTY YEARS A COMPANY
THE NINTH COMPANY'S SEMICENTENNIAL REUNION
The dinner of the Ninth Company, 7th Regiment, given at Delmonico's on Wednesday evening, March 7, 1888, in commemoration of its semicentennial birthday, was a great success. Over one hundred of the active and veteran members of the Company sat down to a banquet worthy of the caterer's name. The flags of the Company and of the old Troop were gracefully festooned about the room. Cappa supplied the musical part of the feast and a degree of enthusi- asm was evoked such as is seldom seen, even among the gathering of the "boys" of "I" Company. After the cloth was removed, Captain Harper named ex-Captain E. G. Arthur as toastmaster, who in a "few words" began touching upon the subjects selected for every one of the toasts. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith's response to "Our Regiment" was what only a man with the Colonel's experience
REGIMENT
NATIONA
SEVENTH
D
GUARD
S.N.Y.
TOUJOURS PRET
inthe Company. "th . Regiment.
unind . 'Ininer . Hedmonday corning. March 1 1.5:55 .
145
.THE 1880's
could make it. The subject, as he most truly said, was one that no man could do justice to in an after dinner speech. Suffice it to say that the Regiment was his pride, that the act that made him a member of it was the one act to be remembered for a lifetime, and that it was such companies as the Ninth Com- pany that made the Regiment what it was. He was glad of his honorary member- ship in the Company.
Captain J. Thorne Harper eloquently and forcibly responded to the toast, "Our Company," as soon as the cheering and napkin-waving with which he was received had in part subsided. Captain Harper has an impressive manner in speaking. He delivers his words clearly and with earnestness and, as the speaker of the evening, he was listened to with the closest attention. He told us of his first visit to the old Armory, of seeing on the walls of the Ninth Company room a portrait of Theodore Winthrop, and how the thought of calling such a man "Comrade" had clinched his determination to join the Company. The hero who died at "Big Bethel," fighting in the uniform of our Regiment, was to him the type of what the Ninth Company man should ever strive to be. A second ovation of equal vehemence and enthusiasm greeted ex-Captain William C. Casey as he rose to reply to the "Diamond Cross of Honor," of which he is the distinguished wearer. So overwhelming was the greeting tendered to him that, as he said, for the first time in his life he was embarrassed in the presence of the Ninth Company. He soon convinced his hearers, however, that he had lost none of his old power of saying what he had to say. His reminiscences of war days, of his Eighth Company experience, and of the time when he parted with his old comrades to link his fortunes with Company I were greeted with enthusiastic applause. Lieutenant Germond of the Ninth Company of Veterans replied for that organization. He congratu- lated the Company on the good fellowship existing between the active and the Veteran organizations and regretted that those who had preceded him had covered all the ground he had intended his speech to occupy.
Clarence R. Conger maintained his reputation as the first orator the Ninth Company has produced, in response to the "Citizen Soldier." Lieutenant Gayer Dominick gave interesting reminiscences of the Orange and Labor Riots, and Lieutenant H. C. Du Val completed the regular toasts of the evening by re- sponding to the "Ladies" in a manner that brought an intermixture of tears, laughter, and seriousness to everyone present. He complimented the chairman on adhering to the custom of the knights of old in calling upon the handsomest and bravest of their number to respond to this toast, showed how easy the path was made for all young men of matrimonial intent by first joining the Ninth Company; proved that the Company had always earned and won the com- mendation of woman, and that in that lay the secret of its success, and finally sprung upon the unsuspecting listeners an original song, "The Sons of Toujours Pret," with the chorus of which Cappa and the "boys" made the rafters ring. Ex-First Sergeant Geo. W. Chauncey, the historian of the Company, brought the evening to a close in a speech correcting some of the details of the speeches made by his predecessors, and Captain Watts of the Troop of fifty years ago, presented the name of his youngster of four years for honorary membership.
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
"TOUJOURS PRET"
Written especially for the Semicentennial celebration of the formation of the Ninth Company, 7th Regiment, by Lieutenant H. C. Du Val, March 7, 1888. Printed by request of the Committee.
Air: "Son of a Gambolier."
Just fifty years ago today, old "Toujours Pret" was born, 'Twas long before our Emmons led, or Cappa blew his horn, But then, as now, we led the van and rivals laughed to scorn, And Captain Watts can tell we were by no dissensions torn.
Come listen to my ditty, from Company I I stray, Like every other member, I back it night and day, Like every other member, I'm in the ranks to stay, For I'm the son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a "Toujours Pret."
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