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 20
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Then the West Pointers brought the fight to a climax. A troop of cavalry was ordered into action. They came pounding down the road yelling just as all cavalrymen yell in the storybook charges. With a few sharp orders Captain Landon brought his men, who still held the road, to their feet. Bayonets were fixed and while the troopers from the Point came galloping on, the militiamen pumped lead into them as fast as they could. But the charge did not stop. Company I stood firm with their bayonets ready. A hundred feet, fifty feet, thirty feet, were all that separated the two forces. Captain Landon gave no order to retreat or to break and the men of the 7th stood fixed. It began to look as though some one was going to get hurt even if it was all in fun. And someone would have been hurt if the cavalrymen had not been West Pointers or some other force equally as skillful in handling horses. When it seemed as if the bayonets of the infantrymen must pierce the breasts of the chargers and the "thin gray line" go tumbling in the dust under the horses' hoofs, there was a sharp command and as one of the horses of the troopers reared back on his haunches and stopped, there was a sigh of relief from the line of infantrymen. Not that they were scared, but they had been excited.
Then after an exchange of compliments the two forces moved on together.
According to the historian of the cadets this encounter was a glorious victory for Uncle Sam's youngsters. According to the historian of the 7th it was not, because it is asserted that if there had been bullets in the Springfield rifles the charge would have crumpled up before it ever got within a hundred yards of the line.
On the march back to Peekskill, we took no part in the make-believe scrap, but made our reputation as a jolly marching Company, singing sweet melodies all the time, under the guidance of our famous "slaughterhouse quartet." We also proved disagreeably speedy, from the standpoint of the other companies, and spent most of our time waiting for them to catch up.
The old saying that the unexpected is always happening, proved true once more. On returning to Camp, when Captain Landon entered his tent he found on his library table a floral display of hand-picked daisies, with the appropriate inscription :
To the hero of Van Cortland Ville Cemetery from The Home Guard Peace hath her heroes as well as war.
Harry Bottome and W. T. Stewart constituted the Home Guard, who also had an ice cold shandygaff on tap for a lifesaver. Its needs and quality were amply demonstrated by the rapidity with which it disappeared.
The fighting spirit had reached such a point that the ordinary six o'clock morning drill was too tame, so next morning we appeared in dirty duck, went stealthily down the cliff, took to the boats, rowed silently across Answille Creek, landed on the opposite shore, climbed the bank, attacked the deserted ruins, without losing a man. As breakfast time was drawing near it was decided to retreat, the unknown enemy had scented our course and thrown broken bottles
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in the water at our landing. Corporal Stratton was the one unfortunate, cutting his foot so badly that he was on the hospital list for a month. Variety being in order, an entrenching drill took up the next early morning hours.
Variety was not all in the morning, evening too had its attractions. Sam Folsom was the star performer, sharing the honors with Colonel Appleton, who in another of his enthusiastic and loyal speeches, presented "Sam" with his Diamond Medal, for twenty-five years of service. It is needless to repeat what Sam said. Another Company innovation to come into prominence during this camp was our "Signal Corps," who after a few months of practice showed such proficiency in wig-wag talk that they were detailed to Regimental Headquar- ters, and from the tops of trees and other outlooks told the story of the sham fight with the West Point Cadets.
THE TRIP TO BUFFALO PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION August 30-September 3, 1901
The love of camp life had reached such a fever pitch that some remedy had to be found. At a special meeting in front of the First Sergeant's tent a motion that we take a trip to the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, was unani- mously carried. To finance this undertaking was an important point that had already been planned by those who had the trip in mind. Our camp checks were willingly contributed to the fund, and returned to Treasurer Folsom on account of the Buffalo trip. Another of the much talked of syndicates, made up of the Company's Wall Street magnates, was organized. Certain commodities were dealt in, in such a marvellous manner that a portion of the profits was devoted to this trip, giving every man who went, many times his money's worth. When this syndicate (Captain Landon, Arthur Coppel, S. D. Folsom, Eugene Horton, T. D. O'Connor, Rossiter) sold out, years later, its members were almost over- burdened with their profits. Not the profits of this syndicate, but the spirit that prompted it, is what this history wishes to record.
Dress parade at the Pan-American, 1901
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Companies I and B at Buffalo, 1901 Captain Landon, Commanding
Captain Landon commanded the Battalion, which included Lieutenants Folsom, Bostwick and Sergeant Major Wall, from the Staff (formerly of Com- pany I), part of Company B, fifty men of Company I and the band. Leaving the Armory (Sergeant Houston acting First Sergeant) in the evening of August 30, we took our trains of sleeping cars at the Grand Central. By special arrange- ment through Captain Du Val with the New York Central, the track was cleared all the way to Buffalo for our benefit and we arrived at the exposition grounds early Saturday morning. Our drag with the weather authorities was not as strong as with the railroad, and our march to quarters was accompanied by a heavy shower, which repeated itself several times during the day. The first exhibit to attract our attention was the sidewalks, so-called, but in reality one continuous puddle, which proved fatal to our famous alignment. The camp, recently occupied by the West Point Cadets, was in the exposition grounds. It took but a few moments to make ourselves at home and post the guard, for everyone was anxious for breakfast. The Commissary Department had arranged with a restaurant, just outside of the gate, which was all that could be desired by the average traveller. Being in uniform we wanted everything strictly of a military character. It took most of our time teaching the fair damsels who waited on us, that it would not do, to ask each one what he wanted and cook it to order. Through the strenuous efforts of Sergeant Wall, assisted by many others, every- thing was rearranged to our liking.
Besides planning the trip to take advantage of Labor Day, following the West Point Cadets, was of special advantage, and the "Gray Jackets" re- ceived all the respect due the Cadets, whom the average traveller took us to be. There were also other uniforms about the grounds with gray coats, the Expo- sition Guards, resembling our snappy uniforms and military bearing, only in color, although we added white trousers, leggings and all the variations pos- sible, we were continually applied to as walking information bureaus. Being
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in uniform we had to have some military functions, dress parades, and a so-called guard mount, the former and most of the latter were postponed on account of the rain. Saturday evening, while making a very imposing appear- ance in the Plaza in front of the Electric Tower, Captain Landon posing majestically as Major, the rain came down once more and the next order was, "To the rear, double time, march !"
The exhibits of cotton lace, wax pumpkins and paper choo-choo cars being closed on Sunday, we all went to Niagara to see the Falls, which are never closed. Captain Landon organized the "Maid of the Mist" or "See It All" party, while Lieutenant Folsom ran the opposition, "Trolley Car," or "Nickel in the Slot Machine" party. Both had the better time, although the latter became so absorbed in the "get-rich-quick" machines, so lucrative to the proprietor, that he forgot to tell us when the car went by. This proved a mistake, for our Lieutenant, remembering it was Sunday, made a hasty retreat.
Monday afternoon was spent in packing up and calling in the wanderers. With another Parade we took our departure. On board the train during the evening, to show that we were duly impressed by all we saw, Byrd Wenman produced one of his famous impromptu shows, with the original wild Indians, Harry Stratton and Clinton Griffen. Byrd, of course, was the Big Chief. Tony Powers did the barking, and had the whole Company out.
Early Tuesday morning we were in New York again, and another memorable Company I trip had been completed.
COMPANY NOTES-1901
Our mess dinner on October 31 was a great success, and was well attended by the veterans. Chief Cook Williams and his assistants did themselves proud, and those steaks were certainly wonders.
Owing to a mistake our engaged vaudeville performers disappointed us at the last minute but the amateur talent of the Company came bravely to the rescue and furnished a bang-up show.
The features of the evening were first a presentation of a handsome sabre to Lieutenant J. L. Roberts, Jr. His little speech of acceptance will long be re- membered by all who heard it. Captain Roberts has received the highest honor a civilian can get, being commissioned First Lieutenant of Heavy Artillery in the United States Army.
Then followed a little surprise by Company B, who marched into the room and, after a few well chosen words by Captain Schuyler, presented Captain Landon with a silver buffalo, in token of their appreciation of his many cour- tesies while at the Pan-American and in memory of the splendid time all had.
Charlie Slosson and Norman Coudert did "their derndest," and were well received; and Byrd Wenman told of the exploits of his famous Dutch squad in a most amusing manner. Next, Mr. Coppell introduced "Dirty Tim, de pride of de Ate," and "Slugger Mike, de idol of de Nint," who did their best to put each other out of business with a series of right hooks and left jabs. After
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mixing things up in a glorious way, Slugger Mike floored "de pride of de Ate," and, amid wild cries of "Fake! fake!" "Dirty Tim" was counted out.
In the fall of 1901, Captain Fisk of Company D, having been promoted Major, Captain Landon became Senior Captain of the Regiment. Accordingly Company I took the right of line and every member was as proud as though he was personally responsible for the honor.
THE ARTILLERY PLATOON-1901
The Fortieth Games of the 7th Regiment Athletic Association, on Saturday evening, December 7, formed one of the most brilliant social and athletic events in the Regiment's history. Between the athletic contests there were several ex- hibitions which delighted the large audience and helped to make the show more attractive.
One of the most pleasing was the artillery exhibition of Company I. They brought into play two field guns and the speed with which they were able to dissect such a weapon and then gather up and readjust the scattered fragments seemed amazing to some of the spectators. Evidently few realized that the Ninth began as cavalry, and was a howitzer unit on the famous March to Washington in 1861. The 1901 gun crews were:
Chief of Platoon-Captain Landon First Sergeant-Corporal Wenman Guidon-Private Thayer
Chief of Sections-Sergeant O'Connor Corporal LeBoutillier
Gunners-Corporal Perrine Corporal Potter
Cannoneers-
1. Private Vanderbilt, W. D.
2. Private Moir
3. Private Little
4. Private Cragin, A. S.
Private Babbitt
5. Private Morrison
Private Fisher, T. R.
Private Coudert, N. J.
Private Bonney
Private Paddock
*
At inspection on November 18 our turnout was splendid, only one absolutely unavoidable absence being recorded. Our new position on the right of the line made it pleasant, as we were first to be inspected not only in the Regiment, but in the entire National Guard of the State.
The promotion of Brevet Captain J. L. Roberts to a commission in the regular army made a vacancy for Second Lieutenant in our ranks, and First Sergeant B. B. McAlpin was unanimously elected, amid great enthusiasm. Colonel Appleton conducted the election, and had as a guest General Worth of the U.S. Army, who was introduced to the men by Captain Landon and was given a few cheers that fairly shook the Armory.
Next to fill was the vacant first sergeancy, and after some mild discussion as to whether the Company should elect or the Captain appoint, it was decided that an appointment would be the best. Captain Landon then appointed Ser-
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geant B. Houston to the place, and the announcement was received with great applause.
Never has there been more interest in rifle-shooting than this season. About seventy men have already started strings in the continuous match and, with the interest kept up, we should be heard from later in the Kemp and Clark matches.
On November 23 we shot the first competition for the Halstead Trophy, our score being 256-nine points behind the leaders-and, as we have held in reserve most of our best men, with a little work the "Boxer" should once more adorn our Company room. In the class matches for cups presented by Lieu- tenant Cleveland, we developed many "mug-hunters," to say nothing of good scores. Corporal R. K. Potter won the first-class cup with 63, Private C. L. Phillips the second with 62, and Private C. L. McKenna the third with 61.
The Christmas Dutch will be held Thursday night, December 19, after drill, and promises to be a good one. Everybody come, and bring your friends !
-HAMMOND LEE HARDING
INDOOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT, 1902
The first tennis tournament of the season began on New Year's Day, to be continued on Saturday afternoons until finished. On Saturday, January 4, all the events except the finals in the handicap singles were disposed of, and these will be played on January 11. In this first tournament singles, scratches, and handicaps were the only events, the doubles having been reserved for a later tournament.
In the scratch singles Calhoun Cragin, a veteran of the Regiment, won the first prize and championship. P. L. Schuyler, Company B, was his opponent in the final round. Neither one was called upon to play in the preliminary game. Making their initial appearance in the first round, Mr. Schuyler de- feated S. Homans, a veteran, by default, and Mr. Cragin won from his brother, A. S. Cragin, after a severe struggle.
In the first set Calhoun Cragin had an easy victory, his opponent winning only one game. A. S. Cragin showed marked improvement in the second set, and for a time it looked as if he might defeat his brother. He was not quite equal to the task and, although defeated, he had the satisfaction of knowing that he had taken five games out of twelve.
The second round was completed in two contests. In one of these Mr. Cragin showed much superiority over W. D. O'Connor, Company I, by winning two consecutive sets, each by a score of 6-1. In the other contest the victory of Mr. Schuyler, if anything, was slightly more decisive, as he defeated E. M. Leask, Company D, by the score of 6-0 and 6-1.
Then came the final round between Messrs. C. Cragin and Schuyler. Mr. Cragin took the first set by 6 -- 1, and when he repeated his victory in the second set by 6-0, there were many expressions of delight over his clever playing. The third set proved to be the deciding one, although Mr. Schuyler, not in the least discouraged, made a gallant struggle to turn the tide. The score was 6-3, which gave the first prize and the championship to Mr. Cragin.
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FEBRUARY, 1902
Now, oh, gentle readers, have compassion, be kind, for of a truth no such absolute tommyrot has ever been immortalized into poetry as that which is to follow. However, in justice to myself I plead "not guilty," and I place every bit of blame, without fear or favor, on a certain corporal whose name is better left unsaid, for his sake. And now prepare for the worst:
The village Smith was pondering Upon the culprit's guilt, He'd robbed a house in Cleveland, The house that Vanderbilt.
It was surrounded by a Mote ; His wife was filled with pain,
Her Hubby didn't care a rap, His motive was but Gane.
"The Power of the press," said she, "Has done us up quite Brown, But Adams Foster to be still And save the Little town."
No Moore will Spitzka tackle brains (A Noble calling, true !), But in the Paddock he will burn And lose his last red sou.
The Bottome of this poem is nigh, The poet is a howler, And though we know it's pretty foul, It surely could be Fowler !
NINTH COMPANY MINSTRELS, 1902
On March 17 the great and only Ninth Company minstrels gave a perform- ance at Terrace Garden. It was a great success. The opening chorus by the Company was well rendered, and certain parts of it seemed to be appreciated, especially the song, "I Hates to Get Up Early in the Morn." Endman Bottome then proceeded to spring some jokes which eventually caused his being removed from the stage. Next was a song and dance by Fred Hahn, cleverly done. Norman Coudert, the vocal contortionist, obliged with a beautiful ballad entitled "Sadie," assisted by the quartette.
The hit of the evening followed, with "Back to the Woods," rendered by Tony Power, and he was compelled to give a half dozen encores. The inter- locutor then introduced "Colonel Applejack," who spoke to the men in stir- ring words, and then, waxing serious, presented our old comrade, Colonel Cleveland, with a handsome medal from the Company.
The first part concluded with the patriotic ballad, "The Old Flag Never Touched the Ground," led by the Colonel, and this elicited storms of cheers.
The lantern slides of the Company were fine and caused much laughter.
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In the olio were Coudert and Williams, in clever tricks; the Slosson brothers, in a new dance direct from lower Sixth Avenue; Byrd Wenman, who told in his inimitable style of his adventures with the Prince; and Cawley and Edwards, in a grand cakewalk.
I have almost forgotten to mention the Ping Pong Quartette, who dug up some exceedingly fervid chords. All in all, the evening was a very pleasant one and everyone had a good time.
Thanks are due to Professor Rene Streth who coached the show and whose patience was most praiseworthy. I also wish to express the thanks of the men to Mr. John Mason, who very kindly presented us with all the Smart Set Turkish cigarettes we could smoke, and they certainly made a hit.
Let's have another show soon.
-H. L. H.
STAG MINSTREL SHOW 9th Company
7th Regiment
Given at TERRACE GARDEN on the evening of March 17, 1902, St. Patrick's Day For the Members of the Company, past and present, and their friends, the future Members of the Company
PART FIRST-FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH THE MINSTRELS
Interlocutor: Booker Washington
Bones Mr. Tillman Mr. McLaurin
Tambos Mr. Childs-Hahn Mr. Byrnes-Jack
Minstrels
William A. O'Connor
Howard L. McAllister
William B. Cawley
Robert K. Potter
John B. Powers
Fred M. Gane
Charles A. Slosson
Edgar Williams
J. Fred'k Hahn
Norman J. Coudert
Byrd W. Wenman
Forrest P. Lindley
William H. Edwards
George F. Hawkins Charles L. Phillips
Theophilus H. Gee
Harry H. Bottome
Edward Slosson
Hammond L. Harding
Williams Edward
Also THE COLORED JUBILEE SINGERS
In their latest Soul-Stirring Song and Patriotic Musical Triumph, entitl'd "The Old Flag Never Touched the Ground, Boys !" Led by COLONEL APPLEJACK (This Tableau and Scene entailed an outlay of $50,000 stage money before the curtain was raised.) We have Primrose and Dockstader skinned to death!
PART SECOND-THE WONDERFUL MOVING PICTURES!
(The moving effect is best obtained by closing and opening the eyes rapidly.) Showing the famous Ninth Company in camp, afield, and afloat. Also, thrilling pictures of the Guinea War !
(1) THE CALL!
(2) ON TO CROTON !! (3) VICTORY !!! (4) HOME (?) AGAIN.
Company I on the Club House porch, Creedmoor, May 1902
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PART THIRD-VAUDEVILLE OLIO By special permission of the White Rats
I. EDOUARD DE WILHELM The Mysterious Magician and Preposterously Perfect Prestidigitator. Introducing both Feets of Strength and Skill Together with the Novel Sketch entitled DIS DE BAR DONE; or, HERRMANN DEAD Assisted by the Vocal Contortionist, Mons. COUSSÉ NORMAN
II. THE GREAT COLORED COMEDIANS Direct from the Dewey Theatre, WILLIAM B. CAWLEYFLOUR and LITTRE BILLEE
III. THE FAMOUS RAGTIME EXPONENTS, THE SLUSH BROTHERS Lately on Broadway
IV. THE GREAT GERMAN DELINEATOR AND MONOLOGIST, WHENMANS ABYRD Personal Recollections of Prince Henry During this Sketch beer will be passed, unless you are quick
V. THE HOBOKEN STRING QUARTETTE They are Regular Cut-Ups
The Mastodon Minstrels and Holy Olio staged, musicked and managed under the direction of RENÉ STRETTI Automobiles may be checked in the foyer, free of charge A slight charge for BUNS, according to displacement BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS Please leave your money at the door As the performers are not city broke, don't throw things on the stage BE NICE !
THE RESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN LANDON
The Company is always prepared to lose a private by promotion, but the announcement that First Lieutenant Cleveland had been promoted to General Roe's Staff was a surprise no one was willing to accept. We appreciated the honor to our First Lieutenant, or more strictly speaking, to the State. It was with the deepest regret that we said goodbye to our First Lieutenant, but not to Wray Cleveland, for he continued to visit the Company almost as regularly as when he was our Lieutenant.
April 1, 1902. With Lieutenant Cleveland's promotion, and the drill season over, no one looked for anything out of the ordinary when we assembled for the Memorial Day parade. On our return to the Company room, Captain Landon announced that he had handed his resignation to Lieutenant McAlpin, to take effect before the first of October. Not a rumor had been heard. No one could realize that such a thing could actually happen. And when all asked "Why?," Captain Landon explained that his duties at Albany were such that he was unable to give the time he felt was necessary to the Company,
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
Captain Francis & Landon! Company" Seventh Regiment, NOVO C Feeling that your announcement to relinquish the Captaincy of Company & is prompted, perhaps,by a too conscientious view of the time and thoughtyou shouldde. volejas Commanding Officer,and Believing that your resignation would be nost detrimental to the interests of the Company, we,withall earnestness, urge you to reconsider your od. pressed intention.
Weare firmly convinced that the present excellent condition of the Company is due to your personality and we also realize keenly that your resignation would interfere with
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it's prosperity. We therefore suggest that you allow us to assume many of those details which you now perform there! bymakingit unnecessaryfor you to give so much of your time to the Company. For the accomplishmentof this red sult, we, your active Company, pledge you /your hearty cooperation/ as a unit and as individuals.
With the hope thatyou will allowus to participate further in your success, we earnestly request you for to remain withus as Commanding Oficer of Company ! Your obedient servants,
June twentysiath,1902.
(Signed by every officer and man of Company I)
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and that under such conditions it was better for all concerned that he should resign. It was with due appreciation that Captain Landon had carefully con- sidered both sides of the question, that we immediately determined to show him that we considered it for the best interests of the Company that he should reconsider his resignation. To that end a committee was appointed to draw up a petition; this being signed by every member of the Company, a special meeting was called in midsummer, to present the petition; every point was argued at length and we even reminded our Captain that his Albany business was of an uncertain character and might not take so much of his time in the future. Our efforts only brought forth the following letter :
"Mansewood" Staatsburgh-on-Hudson New York, August 1, 1902
To the Men of "I,"
It is with gratification beyond words that I thank you for the resolutions you presented to me on the twenty-sixth of June last.
With the same feeling of true friendship for me and loyalty to the Company, that prompted your resolutions, I must ask you to accept my resignation.
I assure you with all sincerity that I have forwarded it after long and serious and loving thought as to the welfare of the Company, believing as I most truly do that it is best for all. I shall cherish through life with loving memories your resolutions. Thanks, my true friends, a thousand thanks, for your many acts of thoughtful kindness to me, and with my best wishes for the future happiness and success of you individually, and of Company I, Believe me,
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