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 6
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The year ended rather unsatisfactorily. The recruits were more than offset by losses and attendance at drills averaged only about forty men.
At the annual inspection, December 20, the Company paraded fifty-six men out of a total of sixty-six, the Regiment 685 out of a total of 804. The 9th Regiment under their new Colonel "Jim" Fisk beat the 7th in the inspection by one man and was enormously elated. He was out to show those "aristocrats" that he could run a military organization as well as his "Navy" of Fall River boats and the Erie Railroad.
1871
Late in March 1871, First Lieutenant James H. Lounsbury, Jr., who had enlisted in 1862, served through the war with the Regiment and been commis- sioned in 1868, resigned. He was a fine soldier and his loss was much regretted, but there was an interesting battle at once for the vacancy.
The two most promising candidates, Sergeant William G. Dominick and Sergeant Henry S. Germond were ordered to appear at a special drill on April 4 where each in turn was to drill the Company as a test of his nerve and ability.
The old Company Minute Book discloses, further, that sometime before, a wager of a dinner for twelve or fifteen hungry warriors had been made with the Captain and the Second Lieutenant, by a "certain Corporal," who chestily
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THE 1870's
maintained that he could without notice act as First Sergeant at a company drill without an error.
The trial took place and said Corporal proved beyond dispute that he was there with the goods in the good old Ninth Company style. April 4 was set as the banquet day and a handsome dinner disposed of by the guests just in time to adjourn to the Armory for the "Lieutenant test" before mentioned. Interest was so great that it is recorded that Major (later General) George Moore Smith drilled in the company ranks during the competition.
The change from a two-hour discussion of a substantial meal to the rapidly changing movements of the School of the Company proved anything but delight- ful to those who had just helped the Corporal celebrate. The drill was the longest and the most uncomfortable of their military experience.
What happened the records do not show but at a meeting on April 24, Second Lieutenant Milton Sweet was elected First Lieutenant, and Sergeant William G. Dominick was elected Second Lieutenant, and the Company settled down to work once more.
THE ORANGE RIOT
War broke out in the City of New York during the summer of 1871 and while it lasted it was no mean war. The cause for the conflict had been imported from Europe by the great numbers of Irish immigrants who had come to America. Most of them hailed from the South of Ireland but there were always enough stout Orangemen from the North to start trouble abrewing. It seems that the latter proposed to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on July 12 by a parade through the principal streets and to flout their colors in the faces of their foes. This was too much. Worse than the red rag to the insulted bull.
The "Ribbonmen" vowed that this parade should never take place. Excite- ment ran high. The papers fanned the flames. Permission was given to hold the parade, then withdrawn. The Mayor vacillated. The Governor of the State took a hand and called out the Militia as the situation became critical.
On July 12 at 1:30 the 7th. Regiment together with the 6th, the 9th, the 22nd and 84th marched to Eighth Avenue and 28th Street-the Orange stronghold- to act with the police in protecting the fatal parade. The line of march was crowded with highly excited men and boys but no riotous demonstration took place until 28th Street and Eighth Avenue was reached.
Here the "Faubourg Saint Antoine" had assembled in great numbers to prevent the parade, a multitude of rough and desperate characters together with the usual crowd of curious sightseers were occupying the street, the roofs and windows of houses in the vicinity. The police were struggling vainly to clear the streets.
Up the Avenue came the 7th in column of companies with steadiness and composure. At 28th Street the Right Wing composed of Companies H, A, B, I, and C under Lieutenant-Colonel Haws were posted on the west side- walk of the Avenue to protect the procession from assault from the windows and house tops opposite. The other five companies-the Left Wing-F, K, E,
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
D, and G halted and were wheeled about and placed at the head of the proces- sion under command of Colonel Clark.
About 3 p.m. the procession was formed, the five companies of the 7th at the head followed by the Orangemen-less than one hundred in number-with the 22nd Regiment in column of fours on the right and the 84th on the left-leaving the 6th and 9th to bring up the rear.
The air was now full of Irish confetti, wild roars of rage punctuated by some shots from the rioters. The companies on the sidewalk including Company I fired a few shots in return at rioters on the roofs and at windows. The procession moved south on the Avenue and was halted at 23rd Street to give the Right Wing of the 7th time to break by the right into column of fours and move down the sidewalk and join the rest of the Regiment at the head of the column.
As this movement began, the pressure from the rioters in the street increased and the 84th suddenly fired a volley into the crowd on the east side followed by brisk firing from the 6th and 9th.
The 9th in column of companies after firing fell back hastily on the sidewalk interrupting for a time the march of the companies of the 7th. But with their usual discipline they soon extricated themselves and reached the companies of the Left Wing at 23rd Street without casualty.
The fatal volley had staggered the mob and it took to its heels in every direc- tion but not before Colonel Jim Fisk in the midst of his rear guard had been knocked down and disabled. He was carried into a store, which was promptly attacked by rioters, and he was later surreptitiously taken out via the back fence to a waiting cab.
The procession finally proceeded through 23rd Street to Fifth Avenue to 14th Street and Fourth Avenue to the 7th Regiment Armory leaving behind fifty-three killed or mortally wounded, three of whom were members of the 9th Regiment. Many of the killed and wounded, unfortunately, were innocent bystanders but the mob was broken and dispersed and the forces of law and order prevailed.
The 7th promptly cleared the streets in the vicinity of their Armory and remained under arms most of the night but were dismissed the following morning. Quiet again reigned in the city.
In all this lamentable affair the Regiment had once more showed its tradi- tional coolness and fine discipline under the most trying circumstances that citizen soldiers can be called upon to face.
1872
General Robert Anderson, familiarly known as the "Hero of Fort Sumter," died in France, October 27, 1871. General Anderson was a great admirer of the 7th Regiment and since the war had frequently attended its drills at the Armory and was personally known to many of its officers and members.
A special Ninth Company meeting was held after drill February 15 and it was resolved "That a request be made to the Colonel to order a parade of this Regiment on the occasion of the funeral obsequies of the late Robert Anderson."
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THE 1870's
The Regiment accordingly volunteered its services for escort and they were ac- cepted. Subsequently other regiments tendered their services, and General Ward, of the 1st Brigade, was detailed to command the troops. On the morning of the third day of April, the remains were escorted from the Second Street Cemetery to the foot of West 34th Street, and were conveyed thence by steamer to their last resting-place at West Point. The parade was uncommonly fine, and although the hour of the day was unfavorable, attracted a large number of spectators.
Company I started off early in 1872 with a freer and more elastic step because for the first time in years the Treasurer reported the Company "out of the red."
There was all of $18.82 free and clear with all debts paid on March 4.
Company dues of $4 per year were substituted for the old assessment plan which had proved burdensome.
The proposed summer encampment at Saratoga was voted for by two-thirds of the members on April 1.
Captain Arthur was a prominent candidate for the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Regiment upon the resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel Haws but lost out by one vote to Captain Ryder of "F."
Rifle practice at this time received an impetus by the introduction and favor- able report on a bill in the Senate to establish a rifle range and promote skill in marksmanship. The State was asked to appropriate $25,000 provided the National Rifle Association could raise $5,000 toward a fund for that purpose. A bill finally passed by a vote of 84-19.
As a regiment the 7th had given but little encouragement to this project and the query was propounded by the press, "The 7th drill well but how do they shoot ?"
This pertinent question was answered in the years that followed in a manner that did not bring the blush of shame to any member of the famous 7th.
CAMP SHERMAN-SARATOGA SPRINGS
The event of the year, however, was Camp Sherman at Saratoga Springs. On the morning of July 3 the Regiment left New York on a special train, the Ninth Company reporting but thirty-nine strong. After a long, hot day on the train the "special" of fourteen cars finally pulled into Saratoga at 6 p.m .! There had been numerous delays as usual with troop trains.
The march was at once taken up for Glen Mitchel over as dusty and hot a route as country roads then offered. After getting properly "het up" and pow- dered with dust, the record states that the men "were somewhat relieved" by a severe thunderstorm which hit the column within half a mile of camp! Double timing for the shelter of some two hundred and thirty wall and Sibley tents that fortunately had already been erected the much bedraggled Regiment promptly mounted guard without change of uniform.
It rained all night and all the next day-the Fourth-in a most inconsiderate manner. Evening parade was dispensed with and altogether the first day was as uncomfortable as the weather and poor fare could make it. The following days of the encampment the companies settled down to the usual round of drills,
60
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
tomach Pur
Camp Sherman, 1872
guard mounts, parades and reviews by the Inspector-General, etc., and crowds of visitors enlivened the scene and relieved the monotony of camp life.
On July 8 the Regiment was reviewed by General Shaler and staff and in the evening the camp was illuminated. All day long details had scoured the woods for ferns and evergreens, and the decorations were said to be exceedingly beautiful and artistic. A fine display of fireworks wound up the 7th's program to the delight of some 15,000 visitors, and the following morning the Regiment entrained for New York.
The Ninth Company, thanks to the exertion of the officers, had lacked none of the obtainable comforts of camp life and uncomplainingly took its full share of the work. By close attention to the drills and ceremonies its discipline was undoubtedly improved, and the practical knowledge of guard duty acquired was of much value.
This camp furnished the first opportunity for gaining familiarity with the new arm, the Remington breech loader, shortly before issued to the Regiment by the State. No provision having been made for rifle practice, a committee of the officers, alone, had an opportunity of testing the piece. Enough was learned,
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THE 1870's
however, to prove the immense advantage claimed for iv over the old muzzle loader.
As the camp was entirely voluntary and the expenses borne by those partici- pating, it was hardly to be expected that the time would be entirely devoted to drill. The pursuit of pleasure was certainly the motive which induced many men to leave New York and the object was gained. At this time of the year the heat is usually intolerable and this July was no exception. A tour of guard duty consequently was followed by blistered ears and noses, and the sufferers received a merciless chaffing from those more fortunate. In spite of this discomfort and others, the camp was voted a great success. The Regimental temper was sorely tried by the Saratoga hackmen and tradesmen but as is well known this experi- ence is not novel. The Regiment returned, well browned, in good health and splendidly prepared for the faithful performance of any service for which it might be required.
NOTES FROM THE PRESS Saratoga, N.Y .- July 8, 1872.
THE 7TH.
What do the 7sters do?
They do everything except sleep, but up to this time no one has been allowed to sleep in camp. The only place free from practical joking, or where any man has yet known to sleep, is the guard-house. Yesterday Ed. Schuyler, Bob Milliken, and Will Crane broke the rules, just to get in the guard-house, where they could get a few moments sleep, and when they got there they kept each other awake, from force of habit.
SUNBURNT.
Many of the 7sters are so fearfully sunburnt that they will not be recognized by their friends in New York. Their faces are black and glossy. The blackest man in the Regiment yesterday was Will Kemp, whose face after five hours guard duty in the hot sun, assumed the color of an oak door. Many of the fellows have had their hair shaved tight, and several have had them sandpapered and scraped with a piece of glass! Many of them are taken here for bald-headed veterans. Kemp, Carrington, and Frank Bristol expect to pass in New York for Octoroons.
TONIGHT.
A charming fête champetre is taking place tonight at Camp Sherman, which is illuminated with calcium lights, Chinese lanterns, etc. All the fellows and girls have gone over from the big hotels, and even Sarah Toga has put on her good clothes for the occasion. Dancing is going on on the green, and many desperate flirtations are being conducted on scientific principles in the illuminated groves.
The tents of the officers are thronged with wit and beauty. Colonel Clark's tent is beauti- fully illuminated by a central chandelier. Adjutant Fitzgerald's quarters look like a fairy castle. Captain Allison has been talking sweet to the same young lady for hours. Captain Kipp and Captain Ely are captivating young ladies by the dozens, and Lieutenants Sniffen and Casey are too happy to describe.
The subject of rifle practice came up again in September 1872 and urged by a Regimental circular the Ninth Company and the First joined hands in an excursion to Clifton, N.J., to use the new Remington rifle at long range. Some fifty men from both companies and twenty members of the band took part-at their own expense.
62
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
On October 7 at the regular meeting of the Company, Captain Arthur announced that "this day he had written to Colonel Clark tendering his resignation to take effect immediately after Inspection."
Captain Edward G. Arthur, 1869-1873
Although urged to reconsider his determination, the Captain stated that it was a decision made after mature deliberation, and could not be changed. To most of the men the Captain's determination was a painful surprise, but the statement that no consideration could change his resolve, left the Company no alternative but to accept the situation. The following was, however, presented to Captain Arthur signed by all the members of the Company :
HEADQUARTERS COMPANY I, 7TH REGIMENT, N.G.S.N.Y. New York, October 10th, 1872.
CAPTAIN :
The soldierly characteristics of firmness and decision which you possess in an eminent degree, seem to discourage any appeal from your recent determination to RESIGN, but we find strong ground for hope in your unmistakable devotion to the true interests of the Com-
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THE 1870's
pany. Satisfied that the same spirit of self-denial and love, which has made you the ARCHITECT of our success will further constrain you to aid in binding together the elements of prosperity which-at this season more than ever before-need your energetic guidance to render them cohesive.
Withdraw the magnet now and the mass is dissolved, while a little longer contact will magnetize the particles and make us self-supporting.
Your untiring exertions in the face of seeming indifference, through eleven long years of arduous duty certainly entitle you to a release from further effort-but an anxious (and perhaps a selfish) pride on our part to rear a FITTING MONUMENT to your perseverance-in a well established and thoroughly organized Company-leads us to ask of you one more sacrifice.
Another half-year under your leadership-saves us from the demoralization of a hasty election of officers, in an advanced drill season-the inexperience of new instructors, with a revised manual and new arms-saves us the loss of four old members and probably our First Lieutenant-and gains for us-recruits-possibly a promotion to second-in-line and a renewed interest in the affairs of the Company with a FAITHFUL PROMISE from each and all of the undersigned to be punctually present at every drill of the season.
Surely no champion of Reform ever had greater power for good than is here offered, and we greatly mistake our Commandant if (in spite of business and domestic cares) he seize not this opportunity to retrieve our waning fortunes, and gain for us a forward impetus which cannot be checked even if he should be torn from us in the spring.
We ask but time to "trim our ship," to weather the storm of which we have received so little warning.
To
Captain EDWARD G. ARTHUR.
Captain Arthur, though still determined to carry through his announced resignation, made the concession that he would withhold it until his successor could be decided upon.
It was now apparent to many that the full effects of the losses of large num- bers of men who had enlisted during and after the war, had not been overcome. Renewed and even extraordinary exertions were necessary to preserve the relative standing of the Company. The difficulties which a change of commandants might bring into prominence were fully realized and altogether the future did not seem promising.
As in all such crises a few tried and true members aroused the spirit and enthusiasm of the Company and it determined to clear all hurdles and reach the objective-a new Company I, bigger and better and second to none.
The "Roll of the Members Most Distinguished for Long and Faithful Service" put out by the regimental committee at the end of 1872, included the following Ninth Company members :
Milton B. Sweet
First Lieutenant
Enlisted May 9, 1861
Whitman S. Lent
Private
66 Nov. 14, 1861
George W. Lewis
Corporal
Dec. 9, 1861
Edward G. Arthur
Captain
Dec. 19, 1861
Jacob J. Bogart
Private
Nov. 3, 1862
George W. Rodgers Private
66 Nov. 3, 1862
Henry S. Germond
Sergeant
Nov. 6, 1862
64
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I A GREAT YEAR FOR COMPANY I
1873
The drive for a new armory began promptly with the new year and every member of the 7th was urged to get in touch with his representatives in the State Legislature and in the city government and proclaim the needs of the Regiment in this respect. Petitions were signed by everyone of prominence in the city, a committee went to Albany to meet every objection, and the arguments on behalf of the Regiment were believed to be unanswerable.
The Ninth Company did its full share of this arduous work, and with the other companies was properly depressed at the result, total failure to obtain the necessary legislation. But they took a hitch in their belts and started all over again with increased determination to fight it out on that line if it took five years-which it darn near did.
The Company had further excuse for anxiety in that the recruiting program had also been unsuccessful and in spite of the Recruiting Medal, the repeated appeals and personal labors of the officers the losses exceeded the gains.
On January 6 Sergeant Henry S. Germond was elected First Sergeant and Corporal Albert Delafield promoted to Sergeant.
The number present at drills during January was but thirty-eight out of a total of seventy-three members on the rolls.
The first outdoor parade of the year was as escort to the West Point Cadets on their return from the Inaugural Ceremonies at Washington, March 6. On this occasion the two finest military organizations in the country met for the first time and marched together through the city. They were enthusiastically received, and Major-General Emory Upton, Commandant of the Cadets, ex- pressed their gratitude for the cordial reception by the 7th in a letter to Colonel Clark.
It seems that as late as 1873 the Ninth Company was still flirting with the guns which they had hauled to Washington in 1861, for in a regimental order of March 3 the Adjutant commends the "voluntary services as well as the proficiency in artillery practice of the officers and men of the Howitzer Section." Lieutenant W. G. Dominick was in command of this section which reported for drill "in full fatigue, artillery cap and sabre."
The small attendance at drills and meetings at last provoked severe comment. The lack of enthusiasm was so disappointing to the officers, that it was almost a relief to them when drills were finished. A number of the older men seemed to feel that the demands upon their time were becoming irksome, and were only induced to remain by their personal friendship for the officers.
The relations between officers and men continued as intimate as ever but the men seemed to tire of what they considered monotonous military duty.
The constant strain upon our faithful Commandant proved too much of a burden. His health had never been rugged and its preservation became a consideration which could no longer be overlooked. At a meeting on April 7 the Captain announced "that for reasons heretofore made known to the Company, his resignation had been forwarded to Albany."
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THE 1870's
While the announcement was not unexpected, it was apparent that the Company felt the loss very keenly, and regret was expressed in person or by letter by almost every man in the ranks.
Troubles, however, had only commenced and all felt that a crisis was at hand. Lieutenant Dominick made a forcible address, in which he highly complimented the Captain for long and distinguished service, especially refer- ring to his many acts of generosity and enthusiastic devotion to the interests of the Company.
It is proper to state that pending the official announcement of Captain Arthur's resignation several available names had been considered. Any argu- ment which could be presented to a candidate, with any hope of success, under the peculiar circumstances, furnished an excuse for a protracted conference.
At a special meeting held after drill April 10, the Recruiting Medal was presented to Lieutenant Dominick who again offered it for competition. Lieutenant Sweet created something of a sensation by stating that "in accordance with his previously expressed determination his resignation had been for- warded." Being a universal favorite his loss was severely felt especially at this time.
Lieutenant Dominick positively declined the Captaincy, and it became neces- sary to go outside the Company for a Commandant. One man at once attracted enthusiastic attention, but his prospects were so flattering, and the inducements the Company was able to offer him at this time so dubious, that no one really believed that "I" could get him. Connected with the finest Company in the Regiment, with the promise of early succeeding to the Command, the possibility of securing him for Company I seemed most remote. However, "Old Captain Smith" of the Eighth, as he was familiarly called, was in no hurry to retire. His forty years of active service had endeared him to every man in the Regiment, and he showed no disposition to leave his beloved company. Company I therefore resolved to dare failure and to put the question. Accordingly a committee consisting of Lieutenant Dominick, Sergeant H. S. Germond, and Corporal G. W. Lewis was appointed to wait upon First Lieutenant William C. Casey of the Eighth Company, and if their advances were received with favor, to tender him the nomination for Captain. Several informal meetings were held at one of which the command was tendered. After a few days' delay, the Committee received the following letter :
64 Pine Street 14th April, 1873
LIEUT. W. G. DOMINICK, Chairman of Committee,
Dear Sir:
Having considered your conversation with me on Saturday, and after my interview with Colonel Clark today, I have concluded to accept the nomination you so kindly made, with the assurance that if elected to the position of Captain, I shall do all in my power to promote the good and welfare of the 9th Company.
Very truly,
W. C. CASEY
The news was quickly circulated and created quite an excitement.
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THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS OF COMPANY I
On April 23 a special meeting was held in accordance with the following order :
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