USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 1 > Part 4
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The regiment appears not to have assumed its now recognized designation of " First " until after the Reserve Brigade was fully organized, when the title " Third " was dropped. The old serial numbers of orders ceased, and the publication of the new serie- began with General Order No. 1 on the 7th of September, 1861. which announced as follows :
I. The Reserve Brigade authorized by an act of the Legislature of the Commonwealth approved May 15, 1861, entitled " A further supplement to an act for the regulation of the Militia of the Commonwealth approved April 21, 1858," having been fully organized by the election of a Brigadier General this regiment will hereafter be known as the " First Regiment Infan- try Reserve Brigade."
IT. Companies will retain the distinctive name of "Gray Reserves," but will forthwith have the necessary changes made in order to conform in all respects to the number of the regiment.
In a subsequent regimental order, " forwarding," as it did. " the accompanying Brigade orders," to the several companies. Colonel Ellmaker took occasion to express his appreciation of the election of the new brigade commander in the following phrase: " The Colonel commanding takes pleasure in congratulating the regiment on the acceptance of the command of the Brigade by that accomplished officer Geul. Francis E. Patterson." At the same time, too, as the command was now altogether on a military basis. he severed all connection with civic associations by the following directions : " This regiment having been originally organized under the supervision and auspices of a Committee appointed at a Public meeting for that purpose and since become a part of the Reserve
25
RESIGNATION OF COLONEL RUSIE
1861
Brigade, it becomes necessary that the accounts with that Com- mittee should be closed and audited." In conformity with these directions, all accounts were subsequently adjusted and all relations with the committee severed by its dissolution.
The third of the series of regimental drills was fixed by General Order No. 3, current series, of September 16, 1561, for Thursday, September 19, 1861, at three and one-half o'clock in the afternoon, on the Camden parade ground, and the quartermaster was directed to supply five rounds of blank cartridges, which were subsequently expended in volley and file firing. Company C's aggregate on this occasion was 61, while D's fell off to 48. The attendance could not have been up to expectations, as C supplied 18 men to equalize II. Colonel Ellmaker was in command, and with his accustomed skill exercised the regiment in the various movements of the battalion drill. General Patterson on the ground, not as a participant, but for observation, it was currently reported, expressed his satisfaction with the entire affair as a most creditable military performance. The companies were not dismissed on the grounds, but the regiment was kept together, and after recrossing the river. formed on Front Street, with its right resting on Chestnut, and then moved down Front to Walnut, to Third, to Arch, to Twelfth. to Chestnut, to Independence Hall, and thence by companies to the several armories, Company C escorting the regimental colors to the residence of the colonel. Darkness was well advanced before the route was completed, and the entire march was through muddy streets and over slippery cobbles. The vacancy caused by the resignation of Lieut .- Col. Richard H. Rush had not yet been filled. and that night, by a unanimous vote in all the companies, Major Napoleon B. Kneass was elected lieutenant-colonel.
Colonel Rush's stay with the regiment, though brief, con- tributes to its prestige. He was a soldier of distinction. 1 grad- uate of the West Point Military Academy, he had won honors in the Mexican War. He consequently soon sought the field and resigned his lieutenant-coloneley June 20, 1861, to become the colonel of that afterward famons regiment, the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry. How much he contributed to the renown of that distin- guished organization is best attested by the recognition accorded his capacity in the regimental history, as it appears in Bates's "History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers." " The discipline "
26
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1801
(so reads the history) "attained by the Sixth was in no small degree due to his zeal and skill as an organizer."
That this third of the series of battalion drills was far from satisfactory is quite apparent from the severe criticism given it in paragraph II of General Order No. 4 of September 27, 1861. What, if any, particular happening was a specific cause for the dissatisfaction is not definitely disclosed. If General Patterson was correctly reported, sound military critic that he was,-and these were no days for favors or flattery,-it is difficult to deter- mine whenee came the colonel's disappointment. It is not to be doubted, however, that he had sufficient justification, or he would not have placed upon record so sharp a rebuke. He was keenly sensitive to defeets, and what was lost from inattention, he was insistent should be recovered by closer attention. The para- graph reads as follows:
II. A regimental skeleton drill will take place on Monday next the 30th inst. on the parade ground, Camden, N. J., at 316 o'clock P.M. precisely. In order that the reputation of the regiment may in a measure be retrieved on the occasion of the next regimental drill the attendance of all the officers and non-commissioned officers is particularly enjoined.
The regimental skeleton drill was then quite in vogue. It was frequently introduced in the intervals between the serial battal- ion drills then in progress.
The fourth and final drill of the series, ealled for two and half o'clock because of the shortening days, was held on the grounds at Diamond Cottage, Camden, on Thursday, October 3, in obedi- ence to General Orders No. 6 of October 1. The early hour for assembling had a tendency to deplete the attendance. Com- pany C and Company D again closely touched each other, C with 46 and D with 45. Colonel Ellmaker was, as always, in com- mand. The companies were dismissed on the grounds, after a most satisfactory performance. That the rebuke had borne fruit, that the reproof was well administered. that the regiment had " retrieved " its reputation, as it was determined it should, is best evidenced by the following excerpt from the Orderly Sergeant Book of Company C. entered as of the occasion : " The day was very hot. the drill was the best had yet, and gave great satisfaction to the Colonel."
As initiated by Colonel Ellinaker, who at a meeting of the
27
BATTALION EXERCISE
1861
Board of Officers on October 12, 1861, "asked the sense of the Board on the subject of devoting an early day to Battalion exer- cise," he was, by resolution, requested to issue orders for a regi- mental drill, he to name the day and the field officers, and the quartermaster to select a site. The following order was accord- ingly published :
HEAD QUARTERS IST REGT. INFTY. RESERVE BRIGADE, Phila. Oct. 19, 1861.
ORDERS No. S.
I. The Regiment will parade on Thursday next 24th inst., in full dress uniform, for Field Exercise. Companies will take the cars of the Philadel- phia, Germantown & Norristown rail-road at the corner of 9th & Green Sts., at 71 o'clock A. M. precisely on that day, and proceed under their respective commanders to the ground selected, corner of Old York Road and Nicetown Lane.
II. Immediately after arriving on the ground the following detail will be made for Guard duty :- Company "A," one Corporal and four men,-" B", two men,-" C," one Sergeant and five men .- " D," five men,-" E," three men,-" F," one Sergeant and four men,-"G," four men,-" H," two men, -- " I," three men,-" K," one Corporal and four men.
IlI. The time will be oeeupied as follows-target practice and company drills from 816 to 10 o'clock A. M. Regimental drills from 11 A. M. to 1 o'clock P. M. and from 21/2 to 412 o'clock P. M. Companies not wishing to practice target firing will be excused.
IV. The Quarter Master will make the necessary arrangements for trans- portation, rations, ete., and will also furnish twelve rounds of blank car- tridges for each man, charging the expense thereof to the several companies.
V. Captain Clarks' (D) Company will escort the colors to and from the field.
Officer of the day. Lieut. Atwood Smith
Officer of the guard, Lient. J. G. Murphy By Command of
COL. P. C. ELLMAKER. Jos. T. FORD, Adjt.
As illustrative of how, when journals of that day were kept, They were well kept, the following extracts are taken from the Orderly Sergeant's books of Companies C and D:
EXTRACT FROM COMPANY C
ARMORY "C" COMPANY
ORDER No. 14
IST REGIMENT RESERVE BRIGADE October 22nd, 1861.
In obedience to Regimental Order No. S the Company will parade in full winter uniform on Thursday the 24th inst. at 7 o'clock A. M.
CHARLES M. PREVOST, Captain.
25
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1861
lu compliance with above order the Company assembled at the Armory at 7 o'clock in full winter uniform, the Roll ealled, absentees being noted. the Company under command of the Captain proceeded to Ninth and Arch Streets, from which point we proceeded by Regiment in the Passenger Car- of the Ridge Avenue Railroad Company to Islington Lane & Ridge Avenue. where leaving the cars they marched to the Encampment on Islington Lane opposite Odd Fellow> Cemetery, reaching there at $15 o'clock. The Regiment was drawn up to hear orders of the day, when it was dismissed. Company "C" after changing their hats for the fatigue cap, were called into line for the purpose of practice in Skirmish drill. Lieut. Herring and Sorgt. O'Callaghan taking charge of the Ist Platoon as Skirmisher, the several firings, such as firing in advance, retreat, and the rallying by fours and on the centre were executed with great precision by the men, with entire sati -. faetion to the Captain and all concerned, the Company then returned to it- street, and ranks were broken. At HI o'clock the Company was again called into line for Regimental Drill the movements were executed admirably. and the firing was excellent, except one Company fire which was bad, the drill was very long being in line 21% hours at lle o'clock the Regiment was dismissed the Company then felt in for dinner which was served up in regular eamp style. The afternoon was devoted to Regimental drill again and at 5 o'clock the Regiment took up the line of march for the City, all pleased with the days performance.
The following members were present :
Capt. C. M. Prevost
A. T. Goodman
-- Molan
Lieut. C. P. Herring
M. Gaul
Earp Ogden
A. Smith
V. Hinckley
Clark I1. L. Peterson
Sergt. O'Callaghan
E. T. Harper
1. W. Powell
Sharwood
W. Holmes
-- Parsons
Ireland
1. D. Harbert
Sergt. Siter
Qr. Mr. Bispham
N. Ireland
Sergt. of Guard
Corp. Allen Hoopes
I. S. Jarden
I. Sulger
Private S. Bell
C. O. Klett
S. Simes
H. Birkhead
W. R. Keilt
B. Saylor
L. L. Croeker
N. Lening
Jno. Truck-, Jr.
A. I. Craig
D. Lee
E. Thomas
S. Cook
If. Lap-ley
E. S. Tallmadge
A. Campbell
II. P. Leland
R. W. White
11. Ferber
F. Lee
R. B. White
G. W. Farr
L. Li-enny
W. H. Weatherill
G. W. Grove-
Jno. Mason
A. M. Wetherill Total 55
( . M. O'CALLAGHAN.
Ist Sergeant.
EXTRACT FROM COMPANY D
Philada. Oct. 24th. 1:61 In accordance with Regt. order- No. S the Com. pany paraded at the Armory-50 men-at i's o'clock A. M .- marched via 18th & Race Ste to the residence of Col. P. C. Elfmaker, 1637 Race Street, received the Regimental colors and escorted them via Race. 13th & Arch Sts. to the place of assembling the Regt. 9th & Arch arriving there at 714 o'clock A. M .-- took the Ridge Avenue care to Ilington Lane, and marched through the lane
1. B. Johnston
I. W. Shain
29
ELECTION OF MAJOR
1-6;1
to a field on the right hand. opposite the Odd Fellows Cemetery,-selected for the encampment-then dismissed for a brief interval, and reformed at 4 4. 3. for Company drill, occupying a half hour,-then dismissed until Il A. M. when it formed and took place in line. The Regiment was drilled in the school of the Battalion until 12 p.M., then dismissed until 212 p.M., when it was again formed for parade, lasting until 5 p. s., when it marched from the ground. returning through I-lington Lane. Ridge Avenue, Girard Avenue, and Broad Street to Willow Street where the Regiment dismissed. The Company e-corted the colors to Col. Ellmaker's residence, and then marched to the Armory and dismissed at 612 P. M.
Jos. W. RICKETTS, 1st Sergt.
The subject of filling the vacaney in the Majority, following the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel Kneass, was frequently before the Board. At the meeting of November 9, 1861, as the result of much investigation and after many inquiries, each company made its report as follows: " A Company had expressed itself unanimously in favor of George L. Senat. C Company would no doubt favor Seuat. E Company would nominate and support Major R. P. Desilver, Company F nominated Adjutant Joseph T. Ford, I Company nominated Captain Charles M. Prevost, and D, HI, and K Companies had no names to suggest, but would support the nominee." Adjutant Ford subsequently withdrew his name, and Captain Piersol declined to permit his name to be used. The question was not finally disposed of until January, 1862, when the unanimons choice fell upon Major Charles HI. Graff. The Board of Officers proposed his name on the seventh, at the same session the commandant was requested to order an election, and on the thirty-first Major Graff took his seat as a member of the Board.
A delinqueney evidently of some moment, its real character not fully diselosed, seemed to threaten reputation and hinder progress. So it would appear at least from the tenor of a resolu- tion introduced by Captain Loudenslager at a meeting of the Board of Officers of December 3. 1861, and passed at the same session. It ran thus: " That the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Adjutant be requested to inquire into the affairs of B and II Com- panies and apply such measures as they may deem necessary to promote their efficiency." The purpose of the resolution was obviously accomplished. The measures applied proved effectual. adverse comment ceased. The incident evinces a manifest deter- mination to be watchful and wary, that evils attendant upon neglect ur indifference may be checked in their ineipieney.
30
18GI
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
The grade of third lieutenant was established at the organiza- tion of the regiment. and an officer of that rank was for a time carried on the company rolls as a sort of a supernumerary non- commissioned officer. The creation of such a grade was wholly without warrant of law and the rank was soon abolished. It had its suggestion no doubt from a like grade prescribed for the artil- lery, but at that time unknown in the infantry.
On December 16, 1561, the Board of Officers was summoned in special session to take suitable action upon the decease of Quarter- master Joseph M. Thomas, one of the founders of the regiment. He was among the leaders in the business community, of large in- fluence and wide acquaintance. He passed away while still in the midst of the active discharge of the onerous duties of his respon- sible office. The resolutions adopted at the meeting speak of him as "one of our most valued officers, one whose lively interest in the welfare of the organization contributed much to its success," and add this tribute: " That in looking back to the career of our deceased friend we find him preeminent in all the traits of charac- ter that dignify the man: as a merchant his integrity was never questioned ; as a publie-spirited citizen he was ever active in pro- moting the interest of his native city ; as a friend he was generous, kind-hearted, and sincere."
Albert R. Foering was afterward announced as first lieutenant and quartermaster, vice Joseph M. Thomas, deceased, and Walter K. Ludwig was selected as quartermaster-sergeant to fill the vacancy caused by Focring's promotion.
About this time, too. Horace L. Peterson resigned as sergeant- major and Benjamin M. Dusenberry was appointed in his stead. Peterson's appointment was made on July 20, vice Nathan Sper- ing, resigned July 19.
Captain William HI. Kern resigned his captaincy of Company B to accept his appointment of December 21, 1861, as regimental commissary. First Lieutenant Charles F. Hupfeld was specially assigned to command the company until the vacaney was filled. 1 subsequent eleetion inade him the captain. and he made his first appearance in his advanced rank in the Board of Officers, where he had always been faithful in his attendance as first lieutenant, at its meeting on January 31. 1-62. The resignation of Benjamin K. Ripperger, second lieutenant of this company, was also announced as of December 15, 1-61.
31
FULL-DRESS STREET PARADE
Something of a change had also taken place in the officers Hi Company HI. James Brown had resigned his second lieutenancy on August 24, 1861, and William W. Keys had been elected to served him. Captain Silas Wilson resigned his captainey December 15, 1861, and on February 11, 1562, Captain Francis P. Nicholson, elected his successor, made his first appearance at a meeting of the Board of Officers. The changes in these companies following closely, as they do, the recent resolution of the Board, awaken the suggestion, that in some way, remotely or other- wise, they have touch with the inquiry provided for in that resolu- tion.
The Board of Officers, between its first meeting, April 28, 1861, and the last of the year, December 17, 1861, had held thirty meetings, stated and special. These were all well attended. Cap- tain Charles S. Smith, of Company A, holds the conspicuous rec- ord, being present at every meeting, Colonel Ellmaker and Adjutant Ford were absent on but a single occasion, and Captains Londenslager and Piersol have but two absences scored against them.
Squad and company drills continued with their prescribed frequency. Two other battalion movements close this eventful year. The one was a full-dress afternoon street parade, Thursday, November 14. The details as to the route disagree. The only accurate information supplied is that the parade started at Twelfth and Arch Streets at three o'clock and ended at Independence Hall about half-past five, and that Company C's aggregate was 58 and D's 50. Captain Loudenslager's Company E escorted the colors to and from the grounds of formation and dismissal.
The other has a more distinctive feature. It was a brigade movement, pursuant to General Orders No. 5, from the headquar- ters of the Reserve Brigade. General Patterson for the first time exercised his command in evolutions of the line. The regiment formed on the morning of Thursday, November 28, at nine o'clock, on Market Street, with its right resting on Second Street facing north, with Colonel Ellmaker in command and Second Lieutenant Charles P. Herring acting as adjutant. Thenee it crossed the ferry and proceeded to the usual ground for manceuvres, near Diamond Cottage, Camden. There the whole brigade assembled and was satisfactorily exercised. so says the company journal. in the various fiehl manœuvres incident to the evolutions of the line
32
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1861
and school of the battalion, with occasional intervals of blank cartridge firing by volley and file. The event concluded at half- past two o'clock, when the brigade returned to the city, and before its dismissal was paraded, with General Patterson still in com- mand, down Front to Walnut, to Sixth, to Pine, to Broad, to Chestnut, to Fourth, to Walnut, where the colonels resumed com- mand and dismissed their companies to their several armories. The information from the records of C and D supplies the usual basis for the estimate of the regimental strength. D's aggregate was fifty-five, and C's fifty-three.
The records are not altogether satisfactory as to the various changes in the line, but other withdrawals, substitutions, and pro- motions during the year, gathered from the published special orders, appear as follows: First Lieutenant T. West Blake, originally selected for that office in a company, inadvertently in the first published roll styled D, when it should have been G, re- signed, and Henry Gorman, who resigned his second lieutenancy to accept promotion, was elected to succeed him. George W. Martin was the second lieutenant chosen in Gonnan's place. Frank Granello, the second lieutenant of Company I, resigned on August 24, and Edwin A. Adams was subsequently elected and duly qualified. Edwin Watson resigned his first lieutenancy in Com- pany D on December 15. Charles K. Ide was elected to fill the vacancy, and on the evening of the election William T. Martien announced by a communication to the company that he had re- signed his second lieutenancy. The resignation was subsequently accepted, and on May 2. 1962. Fir-t Sergeant Joseph W. Ricketts was elceted to fill the vacant second lieutenancy. John G. Murphy on the same day alo resigned as second lieutenant of Company F.
Colonel Ellmaker had been constant in zeal, persistent in effort, faithful in all things. IT was a disciplinarian and could enforce discipline. Thorough as a tactician, he knew well how to impart his knowledge. His voice, far-reaching and resonant, was in instant requisition on the field to correct an error or to avoid a mis- take. He knew how to measure men, and wisely chose for his sub- ordinates those only upon whom he could confidently rely. He had been well trained as a subaltern in that honorable corps from which the regiment had its being. His acquaintance was wide. among the best and most influential. Officers and men held him
33
TOKEN OF APPRECIATION TO COLONEL
1862
in high esteem and his presence, everywhere where most needed, was always forcefully felt.
The testimonial as a token of appreciation in recognition of deeds and services of special and significant moment has ever been of constant and immemorial usage. A number of officers, alert to the situation, had not been unmindful that Colonel Ellmaker was well deserving, at the hands of those whom he had so well and faithfully served, of some suitable token in recognition of their obligations to him and as expressive of their appreciation of his services to them. There could not be a more propitious time to concentrate their efforts toward this end than the opening of the New Year, with its attendant good cheer, fellowship, greetings, and congratulations. So in furtherance of this design, a committee was quietly organized, with Captain Charles S. Smith as chairman, Captain J. Ross Clark as secretary, and Captain Joseph N. Piersol as treasurer, with a view to perfect the necessary arrangements to carry out the purpose.
The details are meagre, but the purpose and end were fully accomplished. The publication of a circular order from the sub- committee on arrangements, on Christmas Eve of 1861, signed Charles S. Smith, Jacob Loudenslager, and John E. Addicks, shows that the affair was conjectured within no narrow limits. Each company was requested to select a delegation of five of its members-the commanding officer, a lieutenant, a non-commis- sioned officer, and two privates. The delegates in full-dress uni- form, the officers with side arms, and enlisted men with waist belts, without arms, assembled at the armory of Company B, on Wednesday evening, January 1, 1862, at seven o'clock, and proceeded thence in a body to the residence of Colonel Ellmaker to participate in the function incident to the occasion.
The significant frequency of the funeral procession, with muffled drum and arms reversed, was an ever-present reminder of the casualties of war. Details from the regiment, not in numbers proportioned as prescribed by regulations, but more in keeping with the reverence in which the public held the heroic dead, were repeatedly summoned to the discharge of such duty. By a singu- lar omission-probably from the fewer casualties in the season of profound peace which the nation had so long enjoyed-the books of tactics prescribed for and by General Orders No. 2, 3
34
1862
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
Headquarters Reserve Brigade, current series of 1561, were with- out the requisite instructions for a manual of arms in a funeral escort, but Colonel Ellmaker, with his clever aptitude for construc- tion, provided one and published it in full in Regimental Orders No. 2 of January 22, 1562. And that any possible suggestion of innovation might be avoided, added this cautionary injunction : " Officers and non-commissioned officers are again enjoined to diseard all books in Military Tactics other than those named in the order above referred to."
Details of one lieutenant and twenty men each from Companies B, F, and I, with the requisite complement of non-commissioned officers, all under the command of Captain Geo. W. Briggs, acted as escort on the occasion of the funeral of Thomas R. Birch, first 'lieutenant, Company K, 99th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Lieu- tenant Birch died of disease at Alexandria, Virginia, on January 5, 1862, and was buried from his Philadelphia home on Janu- ary 8. He had been a member of Company B, and in recognition of that membership the funeral was largely attended.
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