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 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
Lieutenant-Colonel Marshall Lefferts was elected Colonel of the Regiment on August 9. This same month the Richmond Grays returned the visit of the 7th Regiment and received a hearty welcome.
All thoughts of the impending tragedy of civil war were far removed from the members of both organizations and anyone who had been rash enough to prophesy that these men, meeting then in friendship, would in two short years be arrayed against one another, deserved to be considered a crazy fanatic. Mayor Mayo, of Richmond, in speaking about the threats to dissolve the Union, said: "Whatever trouble may befall the Union, the bayonets of the Richmond Grays will be seen going shoulder to shoulder with the 7th of New York!"
The annual inspection was held on October 20 at Hamilton Square. The total number mustered was 910, the largest in the history of the regiment previous to 1885. Of this number forty-six were enlisted in the Troop.
20
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
At Tilford Hall the cavalry unit "cheerfully cooperated with the regiment in all its movements, yet gravely discussed at its meetings the question, 'Does the 7th Regiment want to get rid of the Troop, as reported in the papers ?' "
A human document, fortunately preserved in the company archives, brings us closer to the members of the old Troop than any number of formal records.
Captain Edwin T. Cragin, after serving a year or more as commandant, was forced to resign on account of illness; and Edward M. Perley was elected to succeed him. Captain Cragin announced his decision in a printed letter, dated April 14, 1859. It is an imposing document addressed "To the First Troop National Guard, 7th Regiment" and headed by a fine woodcut vignette of a trooper in full dress, with drawn saber, and mounted on a prancing steed.
Fellow Soldiers,-
A little more than one year ago your kind suffrages placed me in command of this Troop. The office was accepted only after repeated solicitations, and then with much hesitancy. Had I then realized the responsibilities and anxieties of a commandant, as I have since, I should have shrunk instinctively from the trust, but having assumed the duties, I have en- deavored to discharge them to the best of my poor abilities, and although all has not been accomplished that I could wish, yet good progress has been made, and we have much to encourage us in our present prosperous condition, and much more to hope for in the future. If the same individual effort which has placed us in our present prosperous position be continued, as I doubt not it will, that high position for which we have labored and hoped will be attained. But the honor of leading you to that higher elevation is reserved for another,-my labors with you have ceased. Having done all in my power to do for you, I have this day, with feelings of sadness, resigned my commission, and am no longer your Captain.
Most of you probably have anticipated this action on my part, and are familiar with the circumstances which have forced it upon me.
On the 22nd of February last, I was prostrated from hemorrhage from the lungs, which has until recently, confined me to my house, and am still prohibited by my physician from exposure to night air. I have apparently nearly recovered my usual health, yet I have de- termined to give up business and spend some months traveling in a different climate. A few weeks more and I take my leave of New York, for the present at least.
The sacrifices which this course involves are many and serious, and one which weighs heavily upon my mind is my separation from this Troop, and this I have reserved for the last. And now the last formal link is broken which binds me to New York, yet there are ties which bind heart to heart, stronger than any formalities, which death alone will sever; and although I may never have the pleasure of seeing all your faces again, I never can forget the pleasant connection which has bound us together for one short year. I never shall forget the kindness and respect which has ever been shown me, and the prompt and cheerful obedience to all my orders as your commandant; and especially shall I remember with peculiar emotions, the kind sympathies which I received from many of you during my illness; be assured they never will be forgotten, no matter how great the distance which separates us, or how darkly adversities may gather over me, The First Troop National Guard will ever be a bright spot on which my thoughts will delight to dwell. I am happy in assuring you that I have none but the kindest feelings towards every member of this Troop, and I leave you with a sincere desire for your prosperity in this world, and your eternal happiness in that to come.
Your ob'dt servant, E. T. CRAGIN
21
THE EARLY YEARS
COMPANY I
SEVENTH REGIMENT
On Washington's Birthday, 1860, the regiment again visited the Capital City this time to take part in the inauguration of Mills' statue of Washington. The weatherman gave them a decidedly wet welcome and the newspapers made unfavorable comments on the whole affair, declaring it would have been a com- plete failure except for the presence of the "magnificent 7th."
The new armory at Tompkins Market was now nearing completion and active measures were taken to furnish it for the use of the regiment.
The Troop had by this time been officially designated as the Ninth Company (Company I) and the Engineer Corps as the Tenth Company (Company K). Changes were made in their drill and organization, looking to their ultimate incorporation as infantry companies.
The cavalry had long been looked upon by the rest of the regiment as an ex- crescence which should speedily be dispensed with. The troopers and their officers, undoubtedly, were made aware of this fact on every possible occasion and they did not relish the state of affairs. However, it was no easy matter to reconcile a mounted man to military exercise on foot or to induce him volun- tarily to exchange the saber for the musket, and so the Troop continued its existence. As a sop to the "infantry," it even went so far as to purchase fifty United States "musquetoons" and to commence drill with them, thus taking the first step in the direction of a complete unhorsing.
During the summer of 1860, the city entertained an embassy from Japan and gave them a royal reception in which the 7th Regiment took part. The regular summer encampment was held at New Dorp, Staten Island, known as Camp Scott. Wretched weather ushered in this tour of duty and its proximity to the City of New York interfered largely with the strength of certain companies from time to time.
The next memorable event was the visit to New York of Colonel Elmer Ells- worth's National Zouave Cadets, widely advertised as the best drilled military organization in the country. The rivalry between the Zouaves and the 7th resulted in a competitive drill in which the Second Company came off with honors.
At last, after many vicissitudes, much hard work and the stubborn opposition of "their fellow soldiers of other regiments," the 7th had a home of its own. It occupied the entire block bounded by Third Avenue, 6th and 7th Streets and Hall Place. Facing Cooper Union and in the immediate vicinity of the Bible House, the Astor and Mercantile Libraries, the Tompkins Market Armory had what might be called a distinguished location. Each company furnished its own room and those of the "Troop and Engineer Corps were models of elegance." No unsightly Third Avenue Elevated impaired the appearance of the building for many years to come.
On September 5, the City of Washington presented a stand of colors to the 7th Regiment in City Hall Park and at the conclusion of the ceremonies the Regiment marched to its new armory at Tompkins Market. Mayor Wood, on behalf of the city, turned over the building to the Regiment.
22
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
"It is doubtful," said the Mayor in his address on that occasion, "whether this elegant structure, so creditable to the city, would ever have been erected, but for this regiment's hold upon public esteem. Your claims to its occupancy are based upon grounds of substantial service."
During September, Captain Perley, of the Ninth Company resigned and was succeeded by Napoleon B. Mclaughlin.
On the 11th of October, the Prince of Wales reached New York and received from all classes of people a welcome such as our great city alone knows how to give. As the popular young heir to the British throne landed at the Battery the place was glittering with the arms and bright uniforms of the 1st Division which acted as his escort to the City Hall. The 7th as it marched past so impressed the visitor that he pronounced it the finest regiment he had ever seen in any country.
THE WAR CLOUDS GATHER
Over the parades and festivities incident upon the visit of the Prince and the formal opening of the Tompkins Market Armory, hung the cloud of the impend- ing presidential election and its unbelievable consequences. Although the threats made by certain Southern states to withdraw from the Union if Abraham Lincoln was elected, were loud and fiery, no one really believed that anything would happen.
Cooper Union and the Old Tompkins Market The Seventh Regiment Armory, 1861
23
THE EARLY YEARS
"The threatening condition of the political affairs of the country," says Colonel Clark, "only added to the strength and power of the 7th Regiment for it brought the most intelligent and patriotic young men of the city to its ranks."
The Minutes of the Ninth Company meeting during the fall of 1860 contain the following significant entries :
At the meeting of October 12, James Marshall, P. Van Iderstine, Jr., and Lieutenant Cragin were appointed a committee to present suitable resolutions to ex-Captain Perly.
In accordance with the wishes of the Company, the Captain ordered leg chains to be hereafter dispensed with, and from this date they ceased to be part of the bill of dress. (November 6, 1860.)
At this time the election for President absorbed the public attention. Tre- mendous exertions were made by the adherents of the four candidates, Lincoln, Breckinridge, Douglas, and Bell. Results were looked forward to with intense anxiety. The South openly declared a determination to secede in the event of the election of Lincoln. New York City forced to decide between loyalty to the government and the loss of a large portion of her business, and certain ruin to many of her merchants, seemed stunned by the immensity of the interests in- volved. All classes discussed the situation, and while the opinions differed, few ventured to advocate a course which would compromise the patriotism of the city ! Election Day-November 6-opened with public excitement at the highest pitch. Quietly the vote was cast and the result awaited with anxious dread. The announcement of Lincoln's election was received with tremendous enthusiasm by his friends, but the opposition feared the consequences. Naturally the Militia occupied the public attention and the Armories became headquarters for war news. The 7th Regiment, being the most prominent, received the greatest share of popular favor as rapidly affairs assumed a most serious aspect.
II THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
T HE fateful year 1861 opened for the Ninth Company with the long anticipated reorganization. The National Guard Troop of the 7th Regiment, dear to the hearts of its horse-loving members, and more or less execrated by the line companies, ceased to be. Its thirty-nine rank and file were changed into "a light artillery corps" on February 14 after a lively discussion at the monthly meeting. The welkin rang with eloquent protests but when the following resolution was offered:
Whereas-It being the desire of the National Guard Troop, doing duty as Cavalry, to be changed to a Light Artillery Corps,-
Resolved-That such be transmitted to our Colonel and that he be requested to use his influence and endeavors to bring about the desired result
and it was put to a vote, there were "17 Ayes, 9 Nays (as befitted cavalry), de- clining to vote 5."
Thus the Company passed into its second stage by a bare majority and the gallant troopers became the custodians of two brass howitzers.
Perhaps on Washington's Birthday the troopers made their last mounted parade, as, after a review by Governor Morgan, the 7th marched down Broad- way to the City Hall and thence to its new armory. Here Colonel Lefferts delivered a stirring patriotic address that threw the entire organization into a fever of excitement and enthusiasm.
Affairs were now reaching such an ominous state in the nation that the Board of Officers voted to offer the services of the regiment to the Governor for any duty he might see fit to prescribe.
In March Captain Napoleon B. Mclaughlin resigned as commander of Company I to accept a commission in the regular army. This distinguished officer served with the Army of the Potomac throughout the war, rose to the command of a brigade and was brevetted Brigadier-General in 1865 for gallant and meritorious service in the field. (See Swinton's history of the 7th Regiment, page 478.)
New York City April 16th 1861
Officers and Members of
Company "I" Seventh Regt. N. Guard
Gentlemen ---
Having accepted a commission in the United States Army and being about to assume the duties pertaining to it, I am compelled to tender my resignation as Commandant of your Troop, and to take this opportunity of expressing my heartfelt regrets at parting with a command that has been so universally kind and respectful towards me, both as the soldier and citizen during our brief but pleasant acquaintance. But it is a source of enjoyment for me to know that I am surrendering the command into the keeping of such good and efficient officers and non-commissioned officers as those who now fill the respective offices of the
25
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
Troop, and who have aided me so satisfactorily in discharging my duties during the time I have had the honor to command you. And now as I am about to bid you farewell, I can only thank you for the many honors conferred, and sincerely hope that you will ever maintain the wide-spread fame of your Noble Regiment and your motto-"Pro Patria et Gloria" be ever kept in view.
I am very Respectfully Your obedient Servant, N. B. MCLAUGHLIN
n.B. Man have
Captain of the Ninth Company, 1860-1861
Departure of the 7th Regiment, N.Y.S.M., April 19, 1861, Broadway and Cortland Street. On the left the howitzers drawn by Company I -From Valentine's Manual, 1862
27
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
The portrait of General Mclaughlin comes from Anderson's History of the 57th Massachusetts Volunteers. He was Colonel of this regiment and also of the 1st Massachusetts Volunteers. While in command of a brigade of the Ninth Corps in the Petersburg lines General Mclaughlin was captured at Fort Sted- man by the Confederate forces under General Gordon, in March 1865.
Many attempts have been made to describe the feelings of the citizens of New York City and the demonstrations of their emotions when the news of the fall of Fort Sumter came over the wires on April 12, 1861. It suffices to say that the great majority of the people were first stunned-then outraged-and, no matter of what political party, immediately swung to the side of loyalty to the flag and to the Union. An outburst of patriotic devotion moved all classes and conditions.
THEODORE WINTHROP
Upon receipt of the news from the South, a young man living on Staten Island went to town and enrolled himself in the "artillery corps of the 7th Regiment." His name was Theodore Winthrop. The "corps" was the former Troop, now known as Company I.
As one of the most promising young writers of the day and one of the first victims of the war, his name was joined with that of Colonel Ellsworth and be- came a symbol of sacrifice and patriotism throughout the country.
Young Winthrop was born in New Haven, Conn., September 22, 1828. He had entered Yale at sixteen and was graduated in 1848. Delicate in health but keen of mind, he took many honors. On his mother's side Winthrop could count seven presidents of Yale, so, much was expected of him. Failing health, however, soon taught him that a goodly part of his life would have to be spent out of doors.
He travelled for several years in Europe, then obtained a position with the W. H. Aspinwall Pacific Steamship Company and lived two years in Panama. After this, adventure called him to California, Oregon, Vancouver and the western plains where he endured many hardships and barely escaped with his life from a serious illness. He joined the unfortunate expedition of Lieutenant Isaac G. Sprain of the U.S. Army and again nearly perished in the jungles while prospecting for a ship canal across the Isthmus of Panama.
Returning east in 1854 Winthrop decided to settle down and study law. He was admitted to the bar and practised in St. Louis for a time, found it uncon- genial and unremunerative and gave it up. By this time the young man had had considerable experience and could indulge his craving to write. His first efforts received encouragement from no less a judge than James Russell Lowell then editor of the Atlantic Monthly.
The year 1861 found him back in New York and when the call came he was naturally among the first to respond.
When on the 19th of April the 7th Regiment received orders to proceed at once to the defense of Washington, Theodore Winthrop left the Tompkins
7
Theodore Winthrop, 1861
29
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
Market Armory with his hand on one of the two brass howitzers manned by Com- pany I. One account says that after the formation of the Regiment in Lafayette Place, about 4 p.m., "the column moved through Fourth St. and down Broad- way, the 9th Co. leading, through solid walls of cheers. Men who marched in the flanks of the companies assert that when they reached the ferry they were absolutely deaf. Many wildly enthusiastic scenes occurred in the city during the years that followed but none ever equalled this."
The names of those who marched with the Company that day were:
1st Lieut. Henry A. Cragin
2nd Lieut. Charles C. White
Mc Bride, Irvin H. Fuller, Andrew
Keeler, Edwin Jr. Moore, Lawrence Jr.
Privates
Barrie, John
Mingay, Elwood B.
Brownell, Henry
O'Bierne, James R.
Childs, Henry A.
Osborne, Charles H.
Concklin, John P. Jr.
Swezey, Joseph H. S.
Concklin, James R.
Sweet, Milton B.
Corey, Robert P.
Warren, Charles J.
Dean, William C.
White, Charles D.
Edgar, Samuel P.
White, George W.
Fitzpatrick, Thomas A.
Winthrop, Theodore
Mack, Valentine
Van Iderstine, Peter Jr.
Mac Lane, Archibald
Young, David A.
Merriman, Elijah R.
Three others joined before departure.
Two months later, on June 21, the body of Theodore Winthrop was brought back to the Armory. It lay upon that same howitzer at the same door, wrapped in the flag for which he had gladly given his life.
His descriptions of the "March to Washington" and "Washington as a Camp" were originally published in the Atlantic Monthly of June and July 1861. The editor, Mr. Lowell, had asked Winthrop to write of his experiences at the front and the two articles were the result. In the August issue of the same magazine there is a eulogy of Winthrop by one of his intimate friends and in October the Atlantic began the publication of his posthumous novel Cecil Dreeme.
Another writer in an unsigned article in Scribner's Monthly, May 1880, pays the following tribute to the hero:
The first one to fall will be the last remembered. Some day it may be thought fitting to erect a separate monument to the patriotism and genius of Theodore Winthrop, who left his countrymen a picture of his true heart and manly fervor in the pages of John Brent, and other books, and of his love of country in the manner of his early death. He marched with the 7th to Washington, as a member of the Ninth Company, and after the first cam- paign, accepted a place on General Butler's staff, with the rank of major. In the battle of Great Bethel, he led an impetuous assault on the enemy's flank, and was shot dead at the head of his troops. His writings, published posthumously, have given him a durable fame.
Sergeants
30
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
Doctor Thomas W. Parsons, the poet, has embalmed his memory in the "Dirge for One who Fell in Battle," first printed in the Atlantic Monthly, and beginning :
"Room for a soldier! lay him in the clover; He loved the fields, and they shall be his cover : Make his mound with hers who called him once her lover : Where the rain may rain upon it, Where the sun may shine upon it, Where the lamb hath lain upon it, And the bee will dine upon it."
The Camp Cameron mentioned in Winthrop's articles lay north of the city straight out 14th Street about two miles from Willard's Hotel, on Meridian Hill and opposite Columbia College. Although the expanding city has long since marched over the site of the 7th's camp, a "Map of the Defenses of Washington, Engineer Bureau, War Department, 1865" shows Columbia College a little north of the present Florida Avenue on "14th Street Road."
The ranks of Company I were speedily filled by active and intelligent young recruits who came on from New York anxious to take part in the first campaign. At Camp Cameron the new members were elected in a body and the company placed under the command of Lieutenant Wickstead of the Third Company for drill and instruction. Non-commissioned officers were appointed by him and Colonel Clark says that when the regiment returned to New York in June, Company I had made considerable progress in infantry tactics. Why not? It had been drilled in three branches of the service and was ready for anything!
Still drilling, however, as artillery, the Ninth and Tenth Companies were quartered in one of the outbuildings of the Stone Mansion, while the eight infantry companies occupied the broad, level and handsome avenues of the
--
Camp Cameron, Washington, D.C., 1861
31
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES
camp. Shortly afterward Company I set up housekeeping in a large mess-tent in the rear of the camp. It was on May 10 that sixty-eight recruits, forwarded by the steamer Matanzas, had come to swell their roster and it is to be hoped that in three days they were able to make a presentable appearance, for on the 13th the whole regiment was reviewed by President Lincoln.
LETTERS FROM THE FRONT 1861
In addition to the Winthrop articles the archives of Company I preserve the following letters written probably by a sergeant who served in the Washington campaign. They were loaned by an ex-member and deserve a place in this story :
April 20, Outside Phila. Half Past 6 A.M.
Did you ever see such a time as yesterday in New York? It was worth dying for. We did not get into Phila. until 3 o'clock this A.M. * * * No sleep, but more deviltry than would have made half a dozen other regiments sick.
Thursday, Washington, April 26, 1861
It is just daylight and I have rolled off my feathers, (the soft side of a board), and am writing on the desk of one of our representatives, or some other grand rascal. We have had a harassing and fatiguing time, and I don't think we can be called feather bed soldiers. At Annapolis, the other night, we had alarm signals from the boat, and the long roll was sounded, and we had the honor of having our Company first into line. I tell you there was a stir for a short time. We took up our march (for Washington) before daylight, and marched all day in a boiling sun along the line of rail road, which the infernal scoundrels had torn up, we relaid the track, rebuilt bridges and built embankments as we went along. Took a rest in the midst of a thunder storm-which we considered a blessing-though we did get wet. Started again and marched all night, working steadily until we reached the Junction. The 7th Regt. opened the road from Annapolis to Washington. We were out scouting at the head of the column, beating up all the dangerous thickets and hills that might afford cover to an enemy. This was very fatiguing, since it has been a long time since I have done any work of that kind. In consequence I pegged out about noon and joined the main body. We arrived in Washington yesterday, and Oh how glad the people were. One said "My wife will sleep sound tonight". It was not simply because we had arrived, but that we had opened the route, and other troops could come. There was a report that we had been literally cut to pieces, but we were all safe, and but few down from fatigue and heat. We marched to the White House and "Old Abe" stood uncovered as we passed him, and well he might. It was no ordinary sight to see us, with a square front of 37 files, march from one end of the Capital to the other, after all the work of the preceeding day and night. We had dinner at the "National" and pitched in very merrily, having been on short fare, and rough at that. Last night about nine, we were taken up to the Capitol, and quartered in 'around the Senate Chamber. It was a funny scene to see soldiers sleeping all over the floors, sofas, and lounges. Just imagine a crowd of wits and sharp boys calling upon the "Gentleman from Virginia," "Georgia," "New York," etc. for explanations, reports and asking side splitting questions. I'll venture to say that there was more talent and ability in that Chamber this morning than ever before. Tell to send me some gold as bills won't go, except at heavy discount. I do not know how long we may be here, but Government has no facilities to supply us with rations, and in lieu we get their value, and pay the balance out of our own pockets at a hotel, which amounts to 55 to 60 cents a day. Rich isn't it? Fight for your country and pay your way! Glory and $12.00 per month and found !
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.