USA > New York > To sacrifice, to suffer, and if need be, to die : a history of the thirty-fourth New York Regiment > Part 24
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THE STORY OF CHESTER S. RHODES
Mr. Chairman, Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Chester Rhodes was born in Crown Point, from old revolutionary stock. His father was Judge Levi Rhodes, and he was in the battle of Plattsburg. His grandfather was a revolutionary soldier, and his mother's maiden name was Lois Rogers. She had two brothers in the battle of Plattsburg. Her father was also a revolutionary soldier. Chester Rhodes had four brothers, three of them served in the war of the rebellion.
When the ladies of Crown Point made that flag they put it in the hands of Chester Rhodes as the bearer. His mother stepped up to him, threw her arms around his neck, and while the tears were rolling down her cheeks, said: "Chester, the ladies of Crown Point have put great confidence in you ; they have placed that banner in your hands. Go to the front, bear it aloft, and never turn from the enemy." On the bloody battle-field of Antietam he obeyed the last command of a
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loving mother ; turned, and faced a whole rebel army, with these words : "I will run no farther," and was pierced with seven bullets. His remains lie in the National Cemetery at Antietam. The number of his marker is seven hundred and seventy-eight.
The formal transfer of the monument and site to the United States, by Chairman Easterbrook, of the Monument Committee, and the acceptance of the same by General E. A. Carman, who had been designated by the War Department for that duty, then occurred. General Carman is a member of the Antietam Battle-field Board; has made a special study of the Antietam battle-field, and is the author of the inscriptions on the many iron tablets which everywhere tell to the traveler the story of that great battle.
CHAIRMAN EASTERBROOK'S REMARKS, FORMALLY TRANS- FERRING MONUMENT AND SITE TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
General Carman :
The Veteran Association of the Thirty-fourth Regiment Volunteer Infantry, State of New York, desire to donate to the United States this site and this monument, in order that they may be assured of perpetual care.
· As the official representative of the Association, it becomes my pleasing duty to present to you, the official representative of the United States, by appointment of the Secretary of War, this site and this monument.
The site as located, marks the extreme advance of the right of the Thirty-fourth Regiment on that eventful 17th of September, 1862. The blood of our heroic comrades, who went down in death that day, and the blood of crippled and maimed patriots who for forty years have suffered the excruciating tortures of incurable wounds, hallows this spot beyond the power of language to express. The monument also represents many another contest, sealed with the lives of our comrades of the Thirty-fourth, whose sacred ashes lie in unknown, unsung graves-Ball's Bluff, Harper's Ferry, Bolivar Heights, Charles- town, Berryville, Winchester, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Glendale, Nelson's Farm, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, all these are indelibly impressed on the memory of every living member of the Thirty-fourth Regiment, by reason of the loss of those whose ties with us had been welded in the fire of battle. The mystic chord of memory reaches out to unmarked graves on a score of fields, and the hearts of living comrades soften and their eyes grow dim with emotion when at their firesides they recall, and repeat to their children and children's children, the thrilling incidents and tender memories of the days of '61-'65.
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General, this monument symbolizes, is the epitome of all, and much more than I have expressed. Take it. Guard it. Keep it fresh and green, that it may be preserved for a thousand years, to certify the patriotic sacrifice of the men whose memories we to-day honor.
To you a distinguished veteran of this historic field, we entrust it in that spirit you so well appreciate.
GENERAL CARMAN'S RESPONSE, ACCEPTING THE GIFT, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT
Mr. Chairman, Comrades of the Thirty-fourth New York, Ladies and Gentlemen:
"After the pleasant and interesting exercises in which we have participated, the eloquent address of your orator, and that touching and inspiring one of the estimable and patriotic lady (Mrs. Donald McLean), who has just preceded us, it is expected that our remarks shall be brief, and we shall detain you but a few minutes.
"We stand upon one of the great battlefields of the civil war; in some respects the greatest and most momentous one. Gettysburg only exceeded it in the number killed and wounded, but that was a three days' fight. Antietam was but one day, and on this one day as many men were killed and wounded as were killed and wounded in any two of the three days at Gettysburg. Chickamauga, the greatest battle of the west, does not show the loss, killed and wounded, for its two days' fighting that Antietam does for one. The true test of the severity of a battle is the percentage of loss of those engaged. The percentage of loss here for one day, on the Union side, was 20 64-100, or nearly 21 for every 100 engaged ; Chickamauga 19 60-100 for two days, and Get- tysburg 21 20-100 per cent. for three days. Reducing the equation to one day, we have 20 64-100 per cent. for Antietam, 9 8-10 per cent. for Chickamauga, and 7 7-100 per cent. for Gettysburg. This shows the relative or comparative severity of the fighting, that it was more than twice as desperate as it was at Chickamauga, and three times as desperate as it was at Gettysburg. The Confederate loss, killed and wounded, was 24 65-100 per cent. of those engaged.
"There were more.men killed and wounded on the Union side in the one day at Antietam, than in the two days battles of Shiloh, Cor- inth, Stone River and Chickamauga, more than in the three days battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Cold Harbor; more than in the five days of Groveton, Second Manassas, and Chantilly ; more than in the seven days on the peninsula ; more than in the II days' campaign, ending at Appomattox ; more than in all the battles around Atlanta ; and more than in all the operations around Vicksburg, including the siege from May I to July 4, 1863.
"Between daybreak and the setting sun of September 17, 1862, 40 years ago this day, over 93,000 men of kindred blood (56,300 Union and 37,300 Confederate) and 520 cannon, engaged on this field in a
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desperate struggle, and when the sun went down and mercifully put an end to the strife 3,634 were dead and 17,222 wounded, an aggregate of 20,856; Union 11,648; Confederate 9,208. About 1,770 were miss- ing, some of whom were dead, but most of whom were carried as pris- oners from the field. It was the bloodiest day of American history. Every State from the great lakes, on the north, to the Gulf of Mexico, on the south, from the Atlantic to the Mississippi, and, with the excep- tion of Iowa and Missouri, every State watered by the Mississippi, con- tributed to this carnival of death and suffering.
"The most desperate fighting and the great part of the loss were in this vicinity. Here, within 1,200 yards of the Dunkard Church, 55,728 infantry (Union and Confederate) were engaged with a loss of 2,854 killed and 13,661 wounded, an aggregate of 16,515, or nearly 30 per cent. of the number engaged. All this loss occurred before I p. m., more than three-fourths of it in the little over four hours from 6 o'clock to half-past 10, and on a field not over 1,500 yards from north to south, with an average width, east and west, of 900 yards, an area of about 300 acres. No other equal area on the American continent has been so drenched in human blood.
"And of this precious blood of the young manhood of America, you, comrades of the Thirty-fourth New York, contributed your full and generous share. You came upon the field at this point, at a most critical moment, and attested your manhood and courage by holding a most exposed position, until, struck in front and on both flanks, you were compelled to fall back, leaving 33 dead on the field and having III wounded, over 40 per cent. of the 311 engaged; about double the average on the whole field and 10 per cent. more than the average on this part of the field. (The loss of your regiment we take from the official records as published by the War Department. We observe that the inscription on your monument reads 43 killed and 74 wounded).
"The issues of the battle were momentous, far reaching and endur- ing. The three months preceding were the darkest in the history of the country. The Peninsula campaign had ended in failure; Buell's army in the west was on the retreat from Tennessee and Kentucky to the Ohio river ; Pope's army was defeated in front of Washington, and nowhere was there a ray of hope. France and our English 'kin beyond the sea' had long desired a pretext for recognizing the Southern Confederacy and intervening in its behalf, and had assured the Southern leaders that recognition depended upon Southern victories, and Gen. Lee declared that one of the objects of his Maryland campaign was to gain recognition of the Confederacy and achieve its independence, and when he crossed the Potomac he was playing for this great stake, and every man in his army, from general to drummer boy, knew it.
"The Confederate victories in June, July and August appeared so conclusive of the ability of the South to maintain itself that, Septem- ber 14, the day of South Mountain, when Lord Palmerston, prime min- ister of England, read in the Observer the accounts of Lee's victories at Second Manassas he wrote Lord John Russell, secretary for foreign
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THE DEDICATION
affairs, that the Federals had got a very complete smashing, and it seems not altogether unlikely that still greater disasters await them, and that even Washington or Baltimore may fall into the hands of the Confederates, and suggested that in this state of affairs the time had come for mediation between the North and South 'upon the basis of separation.'
"Lord Russell replied on September 17, while the battle of Antie- tam was in progress, that he agreed that 'the time is come for offering mediation to the United States government, with a view to the recog- nition of the independence of the Confederates,' and he further agreed that in case of failure of mediation 'we ought ourselves to recognize the Confederate states as an independent state,' and suggested a meet- ing of the cabinet on September 23 or 30 to consider the matter. Appreciating that this would be a hostile act, he concluded by saying 'we ought to make ourselves safe in Canada.'
"Then followed an exchange of views among the leading mem- bers of the cabinet, resulting in an informal agreement to move in the matter, and September 23, the day after Mr. Lincoln's proclama- tion of emancipation, Lord Palmerston wrote to Lord Russell that he agreed with him in his plan of proceedings about mediation, and that the offer should be made before the middle of October. It was evident that a great conflict was taking place northwest of Washington, which must have a great effect on the state of affairs, and if the Federals sustained a great defeat they might be at once ready for mediation, 'and the iron should be struck while it is hot.' On the other hand, should the Federals have the best of it 'we may wait awhile,' says Pal- merston, 'and see what may follow.'
"What followed is known to history. Lee was driven from Mary- land, the proclamation of emancipation was given to the world, and October 2 Palmerston suggested that the matter of mediation and recognition be deferred, and it was deferred forever. This was one great result of the battle, and there was another of much greater moment.
"From the beginning of the war earnest and patriotic men and women, recognizing that slavery was a curse to the country and the cause of the war, prayed and urged that the institution be destroyed. For a time that great and good man, Abraham Lincoln, the greatest statesman of his day, the greatest commander and the ablest strategist of the civil war, and the greatest leader of a free people, resisted the pressure, believing that the time had not yet come, but knowing that it would come, and when Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, he registered a vow that should he be driven back he would free the slave. Lee was driven back and, on September 22, came that immortal paper, the preliminary proclamation of emancipation. To use Mr. Lincoln's words 'When Lee recrossed the Potomac I threw the proclamation after him.'
"Here was made history, here was rolled back the first Confed- erate invasion of the North; on this field was arrested the recognition
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of the Southern Confederacy and foreign intervention; on this field died human slavery.
"It is eminently proper, men of the Thirty-fourth New York, that on this ground, hallowed and consecrated by the blood of your com- rades, you should perpetuate in enduring stone what you suffered and did here that our beloved country should live.
"You come here to perform this gracious duty when all is at peace. The scene is different from that of 40 years ago. You see the same blue mountains beyond the Potomac, the same blue hills of Maryland are here, enclosing entrancing valleys, the same rippling Antietam carries its sparkling waters to the Potomac, and the Potomac still runs to the sea, and there is the same blue sky above us, looking down upon this smiling valley, with its orchards, fields of corn and luxuriant grass, but the ground is not now plowed with shot and shell and harrowed with bullets; no more is it moistened and crimsoned with human blood; battle-death and suffering have disappeared.
"There are domes of flowers where stood the white tent
There are plows in the tracks where the war wagons went; There are songs where only was Rachel's lament.'
"Mr. Chairman, I congratulate you, your committee, and your comrades upon the beauty and appropriate character of your monu- ment ; it is an ornament to the field. In behalf of the United States, and under instructions from the Secretary of War, I accept its perpetual custody. A grateful government will give it the same tender care that it gives your comrades who fell here, and who now repose in yon- der peaceful cemetery that crowns with beauty the ridge that looks down upon the Antietam."
LETTER FROM CAPTAIN NORTHUP
Los Angeles, Cal., September 10, 1902.
Dear Colonel Suiter, and Comrades of the Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vols., Battle-field, Antietam, Md.
It will be a great disappointment to me not to be present with you at the unveiling of your beautiful monument Sept. 17th, just forty years from the time we fought so heroically on that sacred spot-made so with the life blood of many of our noble boys from Herkimer County and New York. But I am reminded that I must be brief, for you will hear from other comrades, and from those who will address you as speakers of the occasion. I would gladly write at length and give a thrilling report of scenes witnessed that day, did time permit. I wrote a personal letter to Lieut. Chapin, and he will perhaps mention in his remarks some messages that I asked him to deliver to several of the comrades who were so very kind to me after I was wounded, and state how I was permitted to cross Antietam, or Sharpsburg Creek, before going into battle ; also tell how the flag was carried from the field, and how many rallied after we had fallen back.
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No one can ever know how I earnestly long to meet you, my dear Colonel and Comrades, once more before answering to the final roll- call, and talk over again the scenes we passed through together in our army life, but in all human probability I shall never have that privilege. In any event, may we each resolve to do our very best, and to follow the noble example and teachings of the Captain of our Salvation, and at last hear the welcome plaudit "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
Fraternally,
E. S. NORTHUP.
LETTER FROM COLONEL SUITER
Herkimer, N. Y., September 16th, 1902.
· To the Officers and Members of the Thirty-fourth Regiment N. Y. Vol. Association. My Dear Comrades:
It is with feelings of the deepest regret that the infirmities of old age, I being now past eighty-six years, prevent my being present with you this memorial day, and to clasp your hands on this field where forty years ago to-day we participated in the hard fought battle of Antietam.
September 17th, 1895, seven years ago, our Association passed a resolution that I appoint a committee of three members of the Associa- tion to procure information, and make arrangements for the erection of a suitable monument to our memory on this field. The beautiful monument before you testifies more than I can express to you, how well and faithfully they have performed the work assigned to them.
As each year rolls by and we gather at our annual reunions, we look in vain for some familiar faces, but they are missing. The num- ber each succeeding year grows smaller. Soon we will all be gathered to our permanent camping ground, but this monument, the testimonial of an appreciative state and liberal county, will ever stand as a memorial to the memory of the gallant old Thirty-fourth Regiment.
Permit me again to say how sincerely I regret my being compelled by my old age and enfeebled condition from being present at this our annual reunion, and the dedication of our monument, and to thank the comrades of the monument committee for the able manner in which they have carried out the resolution, passed by you September 17th, 1895.
May God bless and preserve you all.
Respectfully yours, JAMES A. SUITER, Pres't.
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT
No. 30.
REPORT OF COL. SUITER ON THE BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS
FAIR OAKS, IN FRONT OF RICHMOND, VA., June 3, 1862. In pursuance of orders I beg leave to submit the following report:
I left camp, near Tyler's house, on the north side of Chickahominy, at about 2 o'clock P.M. on Saturday, the 31st day of May, 1862, preceded by the First Minnesota Regiment and followed by the Eighty-second New York (Second New York Militia) Regiment, Gorman's Brigade. We passed up the river about 1} miles, when we crossed, encountering great difficulties in passing the low lands adjacent to the south bank of the river, occasioned by an overflow of the banks of the stream, the men having some of the way to march through the water and mud waist deep. We arrived on this field about 5.30 P.M. I imme- diately formed my command in line, its right near the house on the high ground and extending thence easterly along a post-and-rail fence toward the wood in that direction, two pieces of artillery (a portion of Rickett's Battery,) being posted on the opposite side of said house, the First Minnesota Regiment filing off and forming in line of battle on the right, their line extending along and past a piece of woods situated on the westerly side of said house and about 150 yards distant from it, the Eighty-second New York forming in our rear, their line parallel with ours.
About this time we heard volleys of musketry on the westerly side of the house. I was ordered to forward in line over the fence, and then formed on the right into line. While I was executing the last-mentioned movement the right of my line received heavy volleys of musketry from the direction of the woods on the west side of the house, which was returned by my command as it arrived on the line. The Eighty-second New York wheeled into line on my right, its right resting upon and supporting the battery, its left on my right. The firing became general along the whole line and continued so for some time, the enemy several times emerging from the woods, evidently with the intention of charging upon and capturing the guns above mentioned, but were as often repulsed and driven back.
About 7.30 o'clock the enemy were seen to file out of the woods on the west, evidently with the intention of outflanking and turning our left. About this time the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment wheeled into line in continuation of ours and on our left. A few well-directed volleys repulsed the enemy at this point and drove them back under cover of the woods. About a quarter of 8 o'clock I was ordered to charge the enemy with the bayonet in the woods, which we did in good order, pouring into them a withering and deadly fire as we charged, the enemy standing their ground till my command mounted the fence on the skirt of the woods, when they broke and ran in great confusion. We followed them about 20 rods, when we lost sight of them in the darkness. I was ordered to withdraw my command, which I did, and formed it in the field just outside of the wood, when we rested for the night.
My loss during the engagement was 19 killed, 76 wounded, and 3 missing .* Three of the wounded have since died.
The officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of my command manifested the utmost degree of courage and bravery during the whole engagement.
I was assisted in the field by Lieutenant-Colonel Byron Laflin, Major Charles L. Brown, and Adjutant George W. Thompson, all of whom rendered invaluable services. Their conduct, as well as that of my entire command, throughout the engagement, cannot be too highly commended.
All of which is most respectfully submitted.
JAMES A. SUITER,
Colonel, commanding Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers. Brigadier-General WILLIS A. GORMAN, Commanding.
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
No. 85.
COLONEL SUITER'S REPORT ON FIRST FREDERICKSBURG
NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., December 17th, 1862.
SIR: In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, I would submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the movements from the IIth to 16th instant.
I received orders to march at 6.30 A.M. on the IIth. We marched to within about three-quarters of a mile of Fredericksburg, where we halted in rear of a high point of land until about 5 P.M .; were then moved forward to the river, and immediately crossed over under a severe fire of shell from rebel batteries on the heights beyond the city, and from musketry from rebel troops in the city. Having gained the opposite side, my regiment was moved to the right of the road on the river, protected by a high bank, the men lying down. Three of my companies were sent to picket the street at my right, with orders to closely watch the movements of the enemy.
At daylight I moved my regiment on the first street running parallel with the river; was halted here for a few hours; was then moved to a position on Princess Anne street, sending one company to picket at or near the house on the bluff at the extreme right of the city, the enemy occasionally shelling us from their position on the heights beyond the city.
On the morning of the 13th I was ordered to the front to support the troops then engaged with the enemy. I was ordered to put my regiment in position near the graveyard, on the outskirts of the city. We lay in this position but a few minutes, when I was ordered to leave for another position. This was accomplished with the loss of but one man, Lieutenant Ransom, mortally wounded by the explosion of a shell. We moved to the left until we gained the street leading to the battle-field. In moving down this street I lost one man, killed.
Having gained a point, we moved by the right flank over the field on the right of the road, until we gained the hill, and took a position at the base at about 4 P.M., my line being the third; the fighting at this time becoming severe in front and to the left of my line.
About 5 P.M. General Tyler's Brigade came upon the field with loud cheers. This attracting the attention of the enemy, they opened upon my line with shell, killing and wounding many of my command. General Sully coming upon the field at this time, caused this brigade to again move off, which they did, in great confusion. By command of General Sully I now moved my regiment to a position in rear of the brick tannery, my right resting near the plank road. When it became dark, I threw one of my companies on the right of the road, forming a line of pickets in front of the rifle-pits of the enemy. At about 3 A.M. I was relieved by the Fourth Regular Infantry. I returned to the city and took a position on Princess Anne street at about 4 A.M., lying in this position until 9 A.M.
On the morning of the 14th, by order, I again moved my command to near the railroad; lay here until about I P.M., when I was ordered to Farquhar street, and took position upon the west side of the street; lay here until about 5 P.M., when I was ordered to my former position, near the railroad.
At 7 P.M. detailed 75 men for fatigue duty to throw up earthworks. Being absent about one hour, they returned to the regiment, the work having been abandoned. At about 10 P.M. received an order to again fall in and return to this camp, which was accomplished, arriving at about 2 A.M. on the 16th. My loss during this time was 3 killed, 12 wounded, and 18 missing.
I take great pleasure in stating that my command behaved most gallantly during the whole time they were under the terrific fire from the enemy's batteries, not a man leaving the ranks.
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT
I would also state that some cowardly members of a regiment (unknown) abandoned their colors, which were recovered by Captain Northup, of my regiment, and saved the disgrace of falling into the hands of the enemy.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
Your obedient servant,
JAMES A. SUITER, Colonel, Commanding.
Captain J. H. PELL, Assistant Adjutant General.
REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BEVERLY ON "SECOND FREDERICKSBURG"
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., May 8, 1863.
Lieutenant:
I have the honor to report that, in compliance with orders received from headquarters, this command left camp at or about 12 o'clock on the night of the 2d instant. On arriving at the Lacy house, opposite Fredericksburg, we halted, and remained resting on arms until sunrise. While here Colonel Byron Laflin was called to the command of the brigade, and I assumed com- mand of the regiment. The call for one lieutenant and 25 men as volunteers for special services was answered with promptness, and it is gratifying to know that 18 of the number were of those who claimed their discharge from the service the day before. At 6 o'clock or thereabouts, the regiment, left in front, crossed the bridge and entered the city.
After filing into Princess Anne street, arms were stacked and the men allowed to rest. Not long after, orders came to move to the right. Our course lay over an open field, in full view of the enemy, and, as a consequence, we were greatly exposed to the fire of his batteries. Shell and solid shot burst among or passed through the ranks, but I am happy to state that but 4 men were wounded, and no one seriously. During this trying time every man, as far as I could discern, was in his place, and as cool and collected as it is possible for men to be in like circumstances. Reaching the right, a canal stopped our advance, and we halted near the river awaiting orders. Between II and 12 o'clock, General Sedgwick having captured the heights, I returned to the city with my command, passed through and went up on to the heights, resting at noon upon the second crest. While here I received orders to return. I again passed through the city, recrossed the river, and went into camp on the heights opposite.
The command has remained here since that time. As before intimated, the loss is slight, numbering 2 slightly wounded, I severely, and I missing.
I am happy to state that I have no complaint to make of the conduct of the men, either on the march or while exposed to the enemy's fire. With the exception of the wounded and I man missing, all the command is present and ready for duty. I would state that I was most ably assisted throughout the day by Major Sponable and Adjutant Kirk.
I would also make mention of Lieutenant James McCormick, of Company H, the volunteer officer for special service. Though not under my special super- vision, I learn that he bore himself most nobly and bravely during the entire day.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
JOHN BEVERLY,
Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Thirty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteers.
Lieutenant ANDREW LEVERING, Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
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OFFICIAL REPORTS
THIS COMPLETES THE RECORD
The following correspondence explains itself :
HOTEL MARGARET, BROOKLYN, N. Y., April 18, 1902.
Hon. ELIHU ROOT,
Secretary of War,
Washington, D. C.,
DEAR SIR :- I enclose you herewith the deed of a plot of ground, which the above regimental organization, the Veteran Association of the Thirty-fourth Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, has lately acquired on the old battle-field of Antietam, at Sharpsburg, Md. We have taken the liberty to have this deed made out directly to the Government of the United States. We trust that the Government will see fit to accept the deed, and to give the plot such care and attention as may be necessary in the future. We are now having a splendid granite monument erected on the plot, and the same will be dedicated on the coming anniversary of the battle, September 17 next. We have conferred with your representative at Antietam, Mr. Charles W. Adams, and he has 'advised us that we should send the deed directly to you.
We consider that our monument will be one of the finest contributions thus far made to that historic field, and we are hoping that the Government will see its way clear to accepting the gift, and through its representatives, giving the monument and plot all needful care and attention in the future.
I have the honor to remain,
Very truly yours, L. N. CHAPIN, Secretary Monument Com.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, June 18, 1902.
DEAR SIR :- Referring to your letter of April 18th last transmitting, on behalf of the Veteran Association, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, State of New York, deed of a plot of ground on the battle-field of Antietam, and replying to your further communication of 11th instant, on the subject, I beg to inform you that under authority of the Act of Congress approved August 30, 1890 (26th Stats. 401), "authorizing the Secretary of War to acquire land by purchase or gift, for the purpose of marking the lines at Antietam," I hereby accept the conveyance above referred to, on behalf of the United States.
The delay incident to the acknowledgment and acceptance of the conveyance was occasioned by the necessity of having the deed duly recorded, as the laws of Maryland provide that
"No deed of real property shall be valid for the purpose of passing title unless acknowledged and recorded as herein directed. (Public General Laws of Maryland, Vol. 1, Article 21, Section 15, page 255.)
Mr. L. N. CHAPIN, Secretary, Veteran Association, &c., &c., Hotel Margaret, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Very respectfully, ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War.
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HISTORY OF THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT
"THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD"
"As man map, be tougbt bis figbt, Proved bis trutb by bis endeavor ; Let bim sleep in solemn rite, Sleep forever and forever. Lap bim low, lap bim low, In the clover or the snow; Tabat cares be? be cannot know. Lap bim low !"
189
"Patriotism is such a loving sense of the unity and the vitality of the national life as will lead one gladly to obey the law, to guard its dignity, to aid its enforcement, to exercise a noble self- restraint, to cultivate civic virtues and political wisdom, TO SACRIFICE, TO SUFFER, AND, IF NEED
BE, TO DIE for the country"
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REDEDICATION
On October 12, 1996, The Captain Henry Galpin Civil War Roundtable of Little Falls, New York, in conjunction with the Antietam Battlefield National Park Service, met at the 34th New York Volunteers monument. The purpose was to rededicate this recently renovated monument and remember the gallant men who so faithfully served in the 34th New York.
At the ceremony, Cletus Mclaughlin, a descendent of a member of the 34th New York, spoke in behalf of those present. In his speech he echoed some of the heart rendering words spoken in the Gettysburg address.
"As President Lincoln so eloquently expressed that historic day in Gettysburg, 'we cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow-this ground. However, 'it is for us, the living,' to guard the memory of those who gave that last full measure of devotion'."
The reprinting of this regimental history has been motivated by the sincere respect, honor, and gratitude we hold for the brave men of the 34th New York. Although the elements of nature and time have eroded the fields on which they fought, and washed away the blood they shed, the trials they passed through and the sacrifices they made have not been forgotten. The preservation of this volume ensures that their deeds will not be lost to future generations.
The Captain Henry Galpin Civil War Roundtable Little Falls, New York 1998
Many years later, with the hand of time thinning their ranks, the re- maining veterans of the "old 34th" finally saw fit to commit their deeds to paper, so that future generations would know them. But as time passed and the future became the past, the written legacy of the 34th New York sank into obscurity.
The sacrifice made by the men of the 34th New York should never be forgotten, for its impact and rel- evance are timeless. To that end, the story of the 34th New York Vol- unteers, as was recorded by the men that lived it, has once more been brought into the light. And it truly is a tale, as Colonel Fox suggests, told by "that grandest type of man- hood - The American Volunteer."
Republishing of this text was made possible by the Captain Henry Galpin Civil War Roundtable of Little Falls, N. Y. Founded in 1990, the Galpin CWRT's mission is the promotion, cultivation and preser- vation of our Civil War heritage.
Captain Henry Galpin Civil War Roundtable Rededication of the 34th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument Antietam National Battlefield - October 12, 1996
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"There are no better teachers for those who come after us than the silent monuments on the battlefields, marking the places where men died for a principle they believed right, whether they wore the blue or gray uniform." Major Wells Sponable at the dedication of the 34th New York Monument, September 17th, 1902.
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