USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 1 > Part 5
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In obedience to Special Orders No. 6, current series, from regi- mental headquarters, issued in conformity with Special Orders No. 3, from the headquarters of the brigade, Company E, Captain Loudenslager, and Company H, Captain Frank P. Nicholson, were detailed to report on Thursday, January 22, 1862, to Lieutenant- Colonel Paynter, of the Third Regiment, Reserve Brigade, for escort duty to the remains of Lieut .- Col. John P. Van Leer of the Sixth New Jersey. Colonel Van Leer was killed in action at Williamsburg, Virginia, May 5, 1862.
By direction of Special Order No. 7. Regimental Headquarters, June 4, 1862, the funeral of the Rev. Father John McClosker, " a pious and patriotic divine. late chaplain of the 55th Regiment (Penna. Vols.), who sacrificed his life in the cause of his country," was furnished with an escort. The detail was made up of detach- ments of ten men each from Companies A, C, D, E, F, and G, with the proper complement of subaltern and non-commissioned officers, and was commanded by Captain Joseph N. Piersol.
First Lieutenant Jolm Trout Greble. U. S. A., who graduated from West Point with his class in 1857, of a leading Philadelphia family, killed at the battle of Big Bethel, June 10, 1861, was the first officer of the regular army killed in action in the Civil
35
ESCORT DUTY
1562
War. As a special recognition of his prominence and valor, his portrait has been accorded a place in old Independence Hall, among the founders of the nation.
First Lieutenant Orlando G. Wagner, U. S. A., a Philadel- phian of like prominence, who graduated as a topographical engineer from the West Point Military Academy with his elass in 1539, also fell early in the struggle, in front of the enemy's works at Yorktown, April 21, 1862. Lientenant Wagner gave promise of a brilliant career. He was buried from the residence of his mother, Arch Street above Eighth. In his Special Order No. 4, of April 26, 1861, which provided for the funeral escort, Colonel Elhaker referred to him as "that distinguished officer whose life was sacrificed in the cause of his country." The escort, commanded by Captain J. Ross Clark, consisted of detachments of twenty men each from Companies C, D, and G, and fifteen men each from F and K, with the proper complement of subaltern and non-commissioned officers. The detachment assembled for a preparatory drill at D Company's armory on Saturday evening, the day of the issuance of the order, at eight o'clock, and on Mon- day, the 28th of April, at four o'clock, the day and hour named for the funeral, procceded to the discharge of the escort duty to which it had been assigned.
Pursuant to Special Orders No. 5, Regimental 'Headquarters, May 3, 1862, issued in conformity with Brigade Headquarters Special Order No. 4, current series, the field staff, and company officers, in full-dress uniform, on Tuesday, May 6, united with the military escort at the funeral of Maj .- Gen. Charles Ferguson Smith, United States Volunteers. General Smith died of disease in the field. April 25, 1562. He was an officer of conspicuous promise, with a military record of exceptional proficiency. A West Point graduate, colonel of the Third United States Infan- try, a major-general of volunteers, he was assured of historic renown. His untimely death, while still in his early forties, inter- rupted a career of brilliant opportunity. It was said he had been seriously considered for command of the army.
In the need for vigorons action, in the more absorbing interest in the passing event, the necessity for the proper preservation of the military record is often overlooked. The want of it is not infrequently vividly presented in after years. The condition
36
1862
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
that research developed, and in a measure relieved, of the flimsy legal foundations that sustained this organization in its beginning, the salvation that came to it rather through legislative confirma- tion than administrative creation, is a potent illustration of a record indifferently cared for or not cared for at all.
The executive officer with his instinets constantly quickened to those ever essentials, order and accuracy, naturally turns to the future, and is prone to be insistent that it be looked after by an orderly preservation of the doings of the present. It was this prompting that led to the creation at a special meeting of the Board of Officers, on January 16, 1862, of what was suggestively styled the " Active Service Roll," to be maintained in each com- pany and ever to be remembered as a roll of honor. The war had so far progressed, honors had come, and distinction had been won, and casualties had so appreciably increased that Adju- tant Ford saw the urgeney for speedy action, so at this special meeting, called for another purpose, he by leave specially granted introduced and had unanimously adopted the resolution that created this memorable roll. The resolution provided that the companies should at once prepare rolls of their members " who had entered into active service and in what capacities." The roll was to be called the " Active Service Roll." The resolution also provided that on the first Monday of February following, the com- panies should report to the adjutant the number, names, and rank of all from their membership who had entered into active service since the organization of the regiment, that this informa- tion should be supplied monthly thereafter, that the adjutant should consolidate and condense these returns, and present them at each regular stated meeting of the Board. The scheme so well devised promised effective results.
The overcoat question had long been a subject for serious con- sideration. The regiment was still without that necessary equip ment. Its conclusion, when the overcoat was finally secured, demonstrated the hold the regiment had on the public confidence. From the large infusion of inen of force and character, of business and professional standing, among its officers and within its ranks, who really controlled its destinies, this confidence could not have been otherwise than well reposed. And so while the regiment within itself had testified by its testimonial the value it placed
37
COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
1562
on the services of its colonel, as an officer, the publie through a mere substantial manifestation, its liberal contribution to the overcoat fund, with special emphasis had signified its appreciation of the regiment as soldiers.
The matter was exhaustively treated by the Board of Officers. Beginning with the first meeting in January, it received close attention through many subsequent sessions. When the scheme was fully consummated, committees on pattern, color, sample, estimates, safekeeping, distribution, were specially designated for these respective purposes; besides there was also the very impor- tant one of three from each company to solicit subscriptions from their " members and immediate friends." But the committee upon whose success or failure the ultimate result so essentially depended was first known as the " Committee to collect funds to procure overcoats." It afterward assumed the more significant designation of the " Committee on Ways and Meaus." It was this committee that was to test the public pulse, sound the business interests, aud eulist the sympathy and support of the heavy-moneyed institutions in furtherance of the purpose of their appointment. How well they fulfilled their mission has its best demonstration in the result.
The committee consisted of Lieut .- Col. Napoleon B. Kneass,. Captain William H. Kern, and First Lieutenant Atwood Smith. They were empowered to increase their membership whenever they deemed it advisable. This they did by calling to their counsels Samuel Welsh and Thomas Sparks, Jr., two soldiers from the ranks of Company A, men of powerful commercial and social influence. Whatever measure of publie utility had their counten- ance and support was assured of success. Their helpful aid was recognized with the fulfilment of their task in a suitable resolution of appreciation and acknowledgment.
The work seems to have been fully accomplished, cloth pur- chased, and the overcoats manufactured under a contract with John Mundell, Jr., " in accordance with his bid." Special regula- tions provided how they should be issued and for their care, custody, and insurance. 1 fine of five dollars was imposed if the coat should be worn without permission when not on duty. In the winter they were to be in custody of the companies, and in the summer were to be returned to the regimental quartermaster for proper protection from moth.
38
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1862
It is not altogether clear what amount was secured from subscriptions from " members and immediate friends." There is a record, however, that shows an obligation incurred for a pre- liminary expenditure, which would indicate that the sum was quite appreciable.
From the Report of Committee on preparation of history of organization and tender of services to General Government-Board Minutes-February 3, 1863. (See Appendix.)
By an examination of the books of the several Companies composing the Regiment, it appears that in addition to the amount received from the Con- mittee of Public Safety, the enormous sum of Twenty-one Thousand seven hundred and forty dollars and Sixty-three ( 821.740.63) cents was expended during the first year of the existence of the organization; beside incurring an aggregate debt of Eight Hundred and eighty-four dollars and twenty-seven ($884.27) cents which had to be provided for.
Thus it will be seen that an aggregate sum of nearly Twenty-three Thousand dollars ($23,000.00) was expended in one year by the individual members of the Regiment.
There are better proofs of what was done by the Committee on Ways and Means. One list of their collections supplies the names of the contributors among the moneyed institutions and the amounts subscribed by each, which aggregates the sum of seven thousand dollars.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO OVERCOAT FUND, "GRAY RESERVES "
Philadelphia Bank, 81000; Pennsylvania Railroad Co .. $500; Penn Mutual Insurance Co., 8300; Mutual Assurance Co., $300; Insurance Co. of North America, $250; Girard Bank, $250; Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Co., 8250; Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co., 8250; American Fire Insurance Co .. $200; Delaware Mutual Safety Insurance Co., $250; South- ward Bank officers, $100; Mechanies' Bink, $100; Insurance Co. State of Pennsylvania, $100; Enterprise Insurance Co., $100; Northern Liberty Bank, $100; Manufacturers' & Mechanics' Bank, $100; Penn Township Bank, $100; Bank of Germantown, SI00: Corn Exchange Association, $100; Union Mutual Insurance fo .. Slun . Bank of Commerce. $100; Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Co., $100; Franklin Fire Insurance Co., $100; Philadelphia and Trenton Railroad Co .. SI00; American Life Insurance and Trust Co .. $100; Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal Co., 850; Thomas Smith, $50; Schuylkill Navigation Co., SI00: Philadelphia Contributionship Insurance Co., $1750. (Total, $7.000.00.)
The final report of this committee, signed by its original mem- bers only, conclude- with this allusion: " To their associates, Messrs. Samuel Welsh and Thomas Sparks. Jr., of Company A. the Committee consider- the merit for the successful accomplishment
39
BRIGADE PARADE
1962
of its labors is eminently due." And this is confirmed by the Board of Officers, who, in their resolution of thanks, appreciation, and acknowledgment to the committee generally, say "That to Privates Samuel Welsh and Thomas Sparks, Jr., of Company A, who were added to their number by the Committee, the acknowledg- ments of the regiment ar- in especial manner due-as to their indomitable energy, perseverance, and influence may be attributed the success which attended the labors of the Committee."
The parade of the brigade on February 22, 1862, was eventful not only as an anniversary celebration, but as the occasion of its first and only review as a brigade by the governor of the common- wealth. It had, too, this other significance, that it was the last of the parade for a season, as a special feature in the commemoration of historic events.
The resolution of the Board of Officers that provided for a parade in celebration of the regimeut's first anniversary, was reconsidered and revoked because it was " considered injudicious under existing circumstances." General Order No. 9, of June 30, 1862, from regimental headquarters, impressively announced in its first para- graph : " The approaching anniversary of American Independence will be celebrated by a parade in full-dress uniform in the morn- ing. The commandant expects every man to do his duty. The recollections of the day demand it. The future welfare and per- petuity of the organization require that a creditable demonstration should be made on the occasion." Unforeseen and portentous happenings followed, and the order was revoked in language ominously reflective of the nation's anxiety. "In consequence " (so reads this order of revocation of July 3) "of reports having been received of a serious disaster to the Union arms before Richmond and the general suspense in regard to the fate of many brave officers and men who have friends and relatives in our midst, the order for a parade of the command to-morrow morning, July 4th, in honor of the Anniversary of American Independence, is hereby countermanded." It might be concluded from the phrase " serious disaster to the Union arms " that the country in its initial view did not accept the movement from in front of Richmond to Harrison's Landing solely as a " change of base," which subse- quent official despatches indicated was its purpose.
The public had come to look more seriously upon war and
40
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1862
observe it more from its practical side, so much so that the regiment was afterward, save for drill and instruction, funeral escort, or going to and returning from its campaigns, rarely seen upon the highways, until, recovering from the depression that fol- lowed the hostile legislation of 1864, it reappeared in 1865.
A field return survives this 22nd of February parade, rare, and of interest. Its preservation is due to its appearance in the regimental order book. There is also quite a complete story of the event told in the first sergeant's Orderly Book of Company D.
FIELD RETURN PARADE FEBRUARY 22ND, 1862 Present for Duty
Field Officers
3
Staff
S
Officers 33
Non-commissioned officers 78
Privates
433
Field Music
11
Total 568
Absent
110
678
ORDERLY BOOK, COMPANY D
Philada., Feby. 22nd, 1862.
In pursuance of Company Order No. ] the Company paraded, fifty-eight men, at the Armory at 10 A. M. in full uniform with gloves and overeoat- Marehed to its post in Regimental line at 11 A. M. Loenst St. east of Eigh- teenth facing South. After formation of the Regiment the Regt marehed at 111/2 A. M. via 18th, Spruce & Broad Sts. to its post on left of line of parade, Broad St south of Federal, facing west. At near 1 P. M. Governor Curtin and Aids passed along the line in an open harouche for reviewing the troops. L'pon the return of the Governor to the stand ereeted at the Academy of Music for his use, the parade moved by countermarehing in Broad Street wheeling at Walnut St. then passing the Governor in review, continued the March via Pine St, 19th. Walnut. 18th, Arch. 12th, Chestnut, Third. Walnut, Broad. Locust & Twelfth Sts; where the Regiment was halted, right resting on Chestnut facing West, and the parade was dismissed .-
The Company marched to the Armory and dismissed at 41% P. M.
Jos. W. RICKETTS, 1st Sgt.
Though disaster disheartened at one time, vietory elated at an- other. The country was as jubilant over success as it was de- pressed under defeat. "The recent glorious achievements of the Army of the Union at Island No. 10 on the Mississippi and Pitts-
40
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1862
observe it more from its practical side, so much so that the regiment was afterward, save for drill and instruction, funeral escort, or going to and returning from its campaigns, rarely seen upon the highways, until, recovering from the depression that fol- lowed the hostile legislation of 1864, it reappeared in 1865.
A field return survives this 22nd of February parade, rare, and of interest. Its preservation is due to its appearance in the regimental order book. There is also quite a complete story of the event told in the first sergeant's Orderly Book of Company D.
FIELD RETURN PARADE FEBRUARY 22ND, 1862 Present for Duty
Field Officers
3
Staff
S
Officers 33
Non-commissioned officers
78
Privates
435
Field Music
11
Total 568
Absent
110
678
ORDERLY BOOK, COMPANY D
Philada., Feby, 22nd, 1862.
In pursuance of Company Order No. 1 the Company paraded, fifty-eight men, at the Armory at 10 A. M. in full uniform with gloves and overcoat- Marched to its post in Regimental line at 11 A. M. Locust St. east of Eigh- teenth facing South. After formation of the Regiment the Regt marched at 1115 A. M. via 18th, Spruce & Broad Sts. to its post on left of line of parade, Broad St south of Federal, facing west. At near 1 P. M. Governor Curtin and Aids passed along the line in an open barouche for reviewing the troops. Upon the return of the Governor to the stand erected at the Academy of Music for his use, the parade moved by countermarching in Broad Street wheeling at Walnut St. then passing the Governor in review, continued the March via Pine St, 19th. Walnut. 18th, Arch, 12th, Chestnut, Third, Walnut, Broad, Locust & Twelfth Sts; where the Regiment was halted, right resting on Chestnut facing West, and the parade was dismissed .-
The Company marched to the Armory and dismissed at 41% P. M.
Jos. W. RICKETTS. 1st Sgt.
Though disaster disheartened at one time, vietory elated at an- other. The country was as jubilant over success as it was de- pressed under defeat. " The recent glorious achievements of the Army of the Union at Island No. 10 on the Mississippi and Pitts-
41
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
1800
burg Landing on the Tennessee demanded from all elasses a more than ordinary notice," and a salute of one hundred guns was ordered to be fired " in honor of the event." So was also a like salute ordered in honor of the brilliant operations of the army under Maj .- Gen. Ulysses S. Grant that eulminated in the aban- domment of Fort Henry on the Tennessee and the surrender of Fort Donelson on the Cumberland. Captain Charles M. Prevost, with his Company C, was charged with the execution of these orders.
The most cherished event of the year has always been the anniversary celebration of the nineteenth of April. It took a 'firm hold in the beginning, and that hold has never been relaxed. When the Board of Officers revoked its resolution to parade because it was deemed " injudieious under the circumstances," it at onee appointed a committee " to devise some plan for the proper observ- ance of the coming anniversary." It happened that the nine- teenth fell upon a Saturday. A promenade eoneert with a poem and oration at the Academy of Music was determined. upon, " the proceeds derived from the sale of the tickets of admission to be applied to the relief of our brave siek and wounded soldiers." The scheme met with a generous support and a large audience was in attendance. The regiment, in full uniform with side arms only, occupied the parquet. The Rev. Kingston Goddard delivered the oration, a poem was recited by Mr. Cleveland, Professor Wilkes gave a drill of his Regimental Drum Corps, and a highly credit- able musical programme, rendered by the well-known Germania Orchestra, interspersed the intervals.
The Schuylkill County riots of early May of 1862, more really a disorder than a riot, largely overshadowed by the more important happenings that were so soon to follow, are almost forgotten in the many " industrial disturbanees " of greater magnitude-one nation-wide-that later fell to the lot of the regiment to help sup- press. So soon disposed of it was rather an episode than an experienee.
In obedience to instructions from Brigade Headquarters, a detachment made up of Companies A and C, and of details of twenty men each from B, E, and F, the whole under the command of Captain Charles S. Smith, was directed by Special Order No. 5, of May 7, 1862, to proceed at three o'clock in the afternoon
12
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1862
of that day by rail to Pottsville, " to aid in the suppression of riot." Its ultimate destination, Minersville, was reached during the night.
On the day following the eighth, Company D and the men of B, E, and F, not with the detail in advance, organized as one company, under the command of Captain Joseph N. Piersol, Cap- tain J. Ross Clark to command the battalion, was directed to proceed by rail to the scene of the disturbance in support of the troops already there. The battalion, accompanied by Starr's howitzer battery of four pieces, entrained at the Reading depot at three o'clock in the afternoon, reached Schuylkill Haven during the evening, where, ordered to debark, it remained overnight, and the next day, the ninth, joined by the column under Captain Smith, the entire command returned to Philadelphia, "order having been restored." Colonel Ellmaker congratulated the troops on the promptness with which they had responded to the call for active duty, and after a short street parade the battalion was dismissed and the companies returned to their armories.
To an application for the payment of the troops under the laws of the Commonwealth the Adjutant-General's office made the singular ruling that though the services were rendered to the State and at the call of the Governor, nevertheless as the disturb- anee was local. the local authorities must bear the burden and the claim must consequently be made upon the Commissioners of Schuylkill County. The claim, if any was made, does not appear to have been entertained. Provision, however, was subsequently made for the payment of the troops on duty during this disturb- anee after some delay by an Act of Assembly, entitled " An Act for the payment of the troops of the Reserve Brigade First Division Pennsylvania Militia in service during the riots of the county of Schuylkill in the month of May, 1562. AApproved April 15, 1563. P. L., p. 459."
There is an interesting reminder of the incident to be found in the Orderly Book of Company D. where the names of a few of the participants appear.
ORDERLY BOOK COMPANY D, PHILA,, MAY 28, 1962.
The following members reported themselves for duty: Capt. Clark; Lieut. Ide; Lieut. Ricketts: Sergeants: Willis, De Coursey, and Seegar; Corporals: Moss; Hinckle; MeKean: Drie-back: and Privates: Seaver; Fine; Barr: Kimber: C. S. Lancaster; Butler; Boyles; T. B. Lancaster; J. M. Moss; II. G. Smith; F. A. Walker; Black; Robbins: MeDowell; Leitz;
.
43
CHANGES IN PERSONNEL
1502
Bartholomew; Latta; S. G. Smith; Rulon; Fox; White; Ashmead; Wills; Harris; Diekson; R. V. Massey, Jr .; Michner; Lewis; T. K. Walker; West; Colton; Marks; Wagner; II. C. Lancaster; Taylor; and A. Beckit, Drummer. The following members of other companies reported themselves, and fell into the ranks: Corp. Allen; Privates: Parsons; Goodwin; and Prevost; Perot; Butler; and Ferguson of Company C, and Atkinson, Trotter, Brown, and Morris of Company A.
Captain Joseph T. Ford, appointed captain and assistant quartermaster, United States Volunteers, June 11, 1862, resigned the adjutaney on June 19, 1862, to accept the appointment. William W. Keys, first announced as aeting, was on September 12, 1862, appointed adjutant to succeed him. He thereupon resigned his second lieutenaney in the line. Adjutant Keys was afterward elected captain of Company K to succeed Captain Henry D. Welsh and resigned the adjutancy November 12, 1862, to accept that clection. Captain Welsh had succeeded Captain Chas. P. Warner, who had resigned to take the field as captain of Company K, 119th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Captain Warner, who succeeded Major Truefitt on the battle-field in command of the 119th Pennsylvania, was killed in the same action at Spottsylvania on May 12, 1864. Lieutenant George S. Bethel, first announced as acting adjutant vicc Keys promoted, was on January 9, 1863, appointed as adju- tant, his appointment to date from November 12, 1862.
Resignations were frequent, a few in anticipation of the field, some from those who had already taken it, while others, in active service, but who had failed properly to signify their withdrawal, were reminded of the oversight by resolution of the Board of Officers.
On July 19, 1862, Captain Joseph N. Piersol resigned his captainey of Company F. He subsequently returned to the regi- nient as major. On August 2, 1862, Second Lieutenant Joseph W. Ricketts, Company D, resigned his lientenancy and was made captain of Company K. 115th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was killed in action at Shepherdstown, Virginia, September 20, 1562. Second Lieutenant Charles II. Fernald, of Company F, resigned Angust 2. 1862, to be mustered in as captain of Company D, 11Sth Pennsylvania, August 25. 1862. Third Lieutenant J. Drummond Mereer, of Company F, was made adjutant of the 110th Pennsylvania, Angust 2, 1862. He was killed in action Ww.fore Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, 1865. First Lieutenant
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