USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 2 > Part 12
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On the afternoon of Monday, August 6. at 3.30, the Division was reviewed by Lieut .- Gen. Nelson 1. Miles, commanding the United States Army. Of this review General Miller in his annual report said the division presented " a splendid appear- ance and was highly complimented by General Miles." Through- out the entire encampment and for a time before and after there prevailed an intense heat and protracted drought. On account of this severe heat and not wishing to unnecessarily exhaust the troops the review tendered the Governor and Commander-in- Chief was declined.
The movement from the encampment began on the 10th of August, the time for the departure of each regiment being specifically designated from Division Headquarters. Accordingly, as directed. the camp of the First Regiment was broken at 7.30 on the evening of the 10th. A speedy march brought it to the station and within schedule time it was back again to its Phila- delphia rendezvous.
The depletion in the ranks of the National Guard brought about by a war of duration as short as the Spanish- American, was remarkable. It was conceded that of the enlisted men in the camp of 1900 at Mount Gretna sixty per cent. were in camp for the first time. The forty per cent. that had survived after the sweeping withdrawals, seemed to supply a sufficient leaven to well nigh restore the whole to its former prestige. With these facts in view, General Miller, in his report of the encampment, said that " the showing made by the division was in my opinion
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1900
most satisfactory and proved that the Guard was fully as able to take the field on short notice and to perform all duties required as ever it was."
And General Schall, speaking for his own Brigade, the First, said :
At no time since my connection with the National Guard did the several commands of this brigade enter the yearly camp in a better condition. in every respect, than in this encampment of 1900. This is owing to the fact that the officers were more familiar with their duties and displayed greater energy to excel, which is a matter of congratulation.
And Col. Frank G. Sweeney, the inspector-general, said in his annual report :
It was anticipated that, owing to the recent reorganization, and the fact that nearly 60 per cent. of the enlisted men were recruits. the summer inspection would fall far below the former high standard, but I am pleased to report the Guard in excellent condition.
The general appearance of the Division was superior, a result due in no small measure to the new uniform.
Decided improvement in military courtesy was noticeable; in fact, the discipline of the troops, at all times, would have reflected credit upon the Army of the United States. It was a pleasure to witness the military bear- ing and deportment of the men off duty, and while it is true that men were permitted to leave camp without the blouse, the regulation shirt habitually worn on such occasions, with canvas trousers, leggins and campaign hat. proved a uniform at once neat and soldierly.
There were errors in battalion movements and an apparent lack of comprehension of drill in Extended Order. but from the comments of the. inspector and from personal observation the Inspector-General is disposed to credit the defects to lack of opportunity for practice rather than lack of theoretical knowledge. .
The ceremonies were exceptionally good; in fact, I am satisfied they outranked any previous record made at an encampment; there was le-s raising of hands and turning of heads, while the military bearing. in general. was markedly good. Col. Albert J. Logan, who was detailed to determine the rating of ceremonies, in his very exhaustive and complete report pays fine tribute to this part of the work.
In conclusion, I would say, that in my judgment Pennsylvania has every reason to feel proud of its National Guard. In every department it is officered by men of intelligence and experience, who are ambitious of high results, while the rank and file severely tested by the unusual heat and excessive dust experienced at Mount Gretna, gave generous evidences of that magnificent fibre that has placed the American soldier in the front rank of the soldiery of the world. The State has a body of troops ready for any service. and loyal in highest degree to the welfare of the Common- wealth and nation.
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PERFORMANCES WITH THE RIFLE
There was, however, a depleted attendance at the annual in- spection, a consequent falling off in the percentages of attendance, and the general averages were appreciably lower. In the First Regiment the percentage of attendance for the Field and Staff was 95.23: for the First Battalion composed of Companies I, F, M, and K, Lieutenant-Colonel Good commanding, 98.31: for the Second Battalion, composed of Companies HI, D, A, and E, Major Williams commanding, 97.53; for the Third Battalion, composed of Companies B, C, L, and G, Major Allen commanding, 99.15. A downward tendency in the other ratings also had its effect. With a regimental general average of but 89.66, the First Regiment dropped to fourth place with the Sixteenth. 91.30, the Thirteenth, 91.07, and the Eighteenth, 89.52, ahead of it.
The First Regiment's practice at the firing points through the season of 1900 included an aggregate of 748 officers and men, 93 of whom had practised but failed to qualify, leaving 655 who were rated as follows: Sharpshooters, 12; first-class marksmen, 101; second-class marksmen, 534; and third-class marksmen, S. As compared with the previous year this was a gain of 5 sharp- shooters, 47 first-class, 138 second-class, and a loss of five third- class marksmen, making a total gain of 185. Veteran marksmen who had qualified for five years and over now numbered 138, and of these 49 had qualified for ten years and over. The regiment at this time was entitled to twelve ten-year gold medals, two for sharpshooters, six first-class, and four second-class marksmen. Every commissioned offieer and five non-commissioned staff officers, a total of 56 marksmen, 16 of whom were experts, had qualified for the year with the regulation revolver.
There were competition matches in which the First Regiment participated. which it either won, helped to win, or creditably preserved its standing. In the First-class Regimental Match for " First Brigade Trophy," contested for by six teams, the First Regiment had second place with a score of 337, against the Sixth Regiment in the first place with a score of 343. In the Regi- mental Skirmish Match for the State Cup, the First Regiment obtained second place with a score of 378. In the company match for the " Dolan Trophy" and individual badges contested for by fifteen teams, Company D, First Infantry, had second place with a score of 119. Company G. Third Infantry, being in the lead with a score of 125.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1900
" The Brigade Match for the State Cup was won for the third time and finally by the First Brigade with a score of 1030 points. the highest ever made (the highest previous score was 1023 ). defeating the Second Brigade by the narrow margin of two points. It was undoubtedly one of the most exciting and inter- esting matches ever held in this State, each brigade having won the trophy twice."
The successes in individual matches credited to members of the First Regiment were. besides those of lesser note, one of State, and the other of world-wide repute, indeed, remarkable achieve- ments.
The events incident to the winning of these distinctions are. thus recorded in the very valuable, interesting. and comprehensive annual report for 1900 of Maj. David S. B. Chew, who on March 7. 1900, had been named as major and ordnance officer of the First Brigade, vice Maj. Herbert Cox, deceased :
The championship medal offered by the State was won by Lieutenant H. J. Mchard. I. R. P .. First Infantry, with an average of 90.2. This is the first time this coveted medal has ever been won by a member of this brigade.
THE WIMBLEDOM CUP, presented by the National Rifle Association of Great Britain to the National Rifle Association of America, to be shot for annually, 30 shots at 1000 yards. open to all comers, was won by Private William de Foulke. Company E. First Infantry (at Sea Girt, September I. 1900), by a score of 140. possible 150. the second highest score ever made in this match during the thirty years that it has been contested.
The winning of this cup, practically carrying the championship of the world, reflects great credit not only on the winner and this brigade, but on the whole National Guard of Pennsylvania.
Colonel Bowman in his general order announcing results. achievements. and advancement in rifle practice makes special mention as follows :
The regimental inspector of rifle practice has, by great skill and steady nerve, not only distinguished himself. but has added new honors to the regiment by his successful competition in the contests for the "Brigade Championship Medal." " Hatfield Revolver Trophy." " Inspectors of Rifle Practice Match," Commissioned Officers' Revolver Match. and the "State Championship Medal." presented by the State of Pennsylvania. for the best general average during the entire series of competitions.
Such achievements are worthy of the highest commendation in a Guard famous for its expert shots, and Inspector Mehard is therefore entitled to special mention. for his distinguished record as a marksman.
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MIDNIGHT CEREMONY
1900
The colonel commanding invites a careful study of the report of the inspector for the year 1900, for the lasting benefit of the service and all concerned. There must be no lack of interest in this important part of our work as soldiers: every officer and man must do his inll du's at the rifle range. The improvement over the previous year must be emphasized in 1201, and the spirit of interest and improvement carried forward without in- terruption.
The regiment participated, pursuant to an invitation from the city authorities, in services conducted ander their auspices, on the night of Monday, December 31, 1900, commemorative of the ending of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth century. The design comprehended an impressive conclusion at Independ- ence Hall. The command in its service uniform, with band and field music, each man supplied with ten rounds of blank am- munition, left the armory about ten o'clock, and after a street parade, including a review by Mayor Ashbridge at the City Hall, marched down Chestnut Street to the State Ilouse, there forin- ing by battalions, the first on Chestnut Street, the second on Fifth, and the third in Independence Square. At fifteen minutes before midnight the band and drum corps sounded tattoo and taps, and as the last echoes died away, all lights were extinguished ; darkness followed until the State House bell began to peal forth its ringing notes of salutation to the incoming year, when a re-illumination, instantaneous and brilliant, reveille by the band and drum corps. repeated volleys of musketry by company and by battalion, added their greetings, sending forth their more demon- strative and joyous welcome to the opening of this, the new twentieth century. The ceremonies over, the command returned to the armory, where a nourishing lunch had been thoughtfully provided by the committee in charge on behalf of the city.
On June 29. 1901, Rev. Floyd Williams Tompkins. D.D., Rector of the Holy Trinity Parish, was appointed chaplain vice Rev. Samuel D. McConnell, resigned. Captain Charles F. S. Ellwanger, private. Company A. October 1, 1595, corporal, ser- geant, through the Spanish-American War. First Lientenant, July 20, 1900, was on September 6, 1901. elected captain of Company A, to succeed Captain Knox, honorably discharged. First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon William Muir Angney resigned June 24. 1901. and First Lieutenant and Assistant Sur- geon Wilfrid Bernard Fetterman, Jr .. appointed to the Medical
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1901
Department July 15, 1901, was on the same day assigned to the First Regiment.
At the November session of the Board of Officers (1900) a resolution prevailed that the "colors carried by the regiment in the United States service during the war with Spain as the First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry " be taken to Harrisburg, to be deposited in the flag-room, escorted by the commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers of the regiments in service uniform, and such of the ex-officers of that service as might accept the invitation which was directed to be extended to them. Colonel Bowman. Leutenant-Colonel Good, and Major Williams were ap- pointed a committee on details and transportation. The mission was fulfilled as directed. 1 subsequent General Order No. 1. Current Series of 1901, fixed the day for its performance as January 15, 1901. The escort, the whole body of commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers, visited Harrisburg, where in the executive chamber the colors were formally presented to His Excellency Governor William A. Stone, commander-in-chief. who received them and directed the adjutant-general to assign a place for and have them deposited in the flag-room.
The regiment was constant in the pursuit of its regular routine of military duty, consisting of instruction in the school of the soldier and company. In addition, in a series of battalion drills. beginning May 28, 1901, and continuing until July 10, 1901, the regiment was also instructed in the school of the battalion, in- cluding extended order, guard duty, ontpost duty, and advance and rear guard.
Through the month of April and part of May, 1901, the spring inspections were made by Maj. Charles H. Worman, the brigade inspector. In his general report he makes no specific reference to the First Regiment except to say that "the strength present at the inspection of the several organizations was comparatively satisfactory, that of the First Regiment being 671 present, 4S absent ": and then the other organizations follow in their numeri- cal order, none, however, reaching the aggregate of the First.
The regiment under command of Colonel Bowman in State uniform (including cap and leggings), with complete equipment. participated with the division in the military parade at Washing- ton. D. C., on March 4, 1901, incident to the ceremonies attendant
1901
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MCKINLEY INAUGURATION
upon the inauguration of President William McKinley, leaving Philadelphia in the morning of March 2, returning Monday evening, March 4, quartered while in Washington at Convention Ilall, Fifth and L Streets and New York Avenue, N. W. The President reviewed the column from a stand on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue at Executive Avenue between the Executive Mansion and the War Department.
The comments of Major-General Miller in his annual report are of interest : they serve not only to enlighten as to the ad- vantage that has followed these inaugural expeditions, but present historic and official answer to the adverse criticism that on several occasions had followed the Pennsylvania division of the National Guard when in attendance at a presidential inauguration.
The conduct and appearance of the officers and men, with but few ex- ceptions, was of the best, notwithstanding the comments to the contrary of some of the Washington correspondents, who are always so willing to charge every aet of misconduct at an inauguration to Pennsylvania; due, no doubt, to the fact that Pennsylvania always sends enough of her troops to Washington to cover Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House, in honor of a new President, which is greatly to the credit of its military organization and splendid railroad facilities. I believe these trips to be of great benefit to the Guard, as they stimulate recruiting, train new officers in transporting and caring for their men, improve discipline, and afford the only opportunity thousands of our young men may ever have of secing the capital of their nation, and taking part in the inauguration of their Chief Magistrate, while displaying the effectiveness of the organization to the people that support it. and depend upon it, to support their laws and their Constitution.
Colonel Wm. H. Patterson, curator of the Veteran Corps, anthor, as has been previously stated. of a "History of the Artillery Corps of the Washington Grays," on February 4, 1901, at the regular session of the Board of Officers. delivered an address on the Washington Grays up to the time of their connection with the First Regiment. At its conclusion he was thanked by resolution for his able and interesting story.
A newspaper report of the anniversary parade of April 19, 1001. opens as follows :
There were no bright sunbeams to greet the First Regiment Infantry, N. G. P., as it marched forth yesterday in honor of the fortieth anniversary
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1901
of its inception. The gray clouds and the mist of rain did not, however, detract from this gallant and brilliant body of citizen soldiers. The twelve companies paraded in good strength; this being the first occasion (as was officially noted in the colonel's annual report) of the Regiment appearing with twelve companies in full dress uniform.
Colonel Wiedersheim commanded the Veteran Corps, Colonel Bowman the regiment. and Lieutenant-Colonel Good, Majors Williams and Allen the First, Second, and Third Battalions. The route was the one usually followed, and the regiment was re- viewed from the porch of the Union League by Maj .- Gen. Charles Miller, the division commander, his staff in attendance with him. Adj .- Gen. Thomas J. Stewart and Brig .- Gen. John W. Schall were also of the reviewing party. The annual dinner of the Veteran Corps was of pretentious and impressive proportions, with the Hon. James M. Beck, eminent for his eloquence and distinguished as a lawyer, as the leading speaker. The fortieth anniversary, another decade complete, had its distinctive recog- nition of remembrance throughout the entire regiment.
A tardiness and inattention, notably in a non-attendance at company drills, had in the end made itself so manifest as to in- vite attention and receive rebuke from regimental headquarters. In his General Order No. 19, of June 1, 1901, the colonel com- manding in its first paragraph said: "It is very apparent that too many of the company commanders have failed in the recent past to enforce prompt obedience to their orders requiring attend- ance of their officers and men on their respective drill nights or to set the example and lead the way by prompt attendance them- selves. Thus careless and unsoldierly habits have been formed prejudicial to discipline and military efficiency." Numerous paragraphs followed, noting other delinquencies, prescribing methods and measures for their (radication, and the order con- cluded as follows: " The discipline of the regiment must be maintained and every officer and man will zealously cooperate in earnestly upholding and advancing the efficiency of the regiment and the honor and distinction of the Guard."
Action followed this deliverance and the methods and measures thus suggested were invigorated by the introduction of a series of supplemental battalion drills, four for each battalion, and the creation, pursuant to the section of the code permitting it, of a
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CAMP EGBERT
1901
summary court, presided over by Maj. William S. Allen for the trial of such petty offences as were within its jurisdiction. Com- pany commanders were also directed to prefer and prepare charges and specifications against all offenders. With the rigorous en- forcement of everything that had been undertaken it was soon apparent that the colonel's prompt seizure of the situation had had its corrective effect.
On April 24, 1901, General Orders No. 10. from Adjutant- General's office at Harrisburg, directed that the annual encamp- ment for the year 1901 should be by brigade, fixed July 20 to July 27 as the time for the First Brigade, leaving the designation of place and names to the brigade commanders. Perkasie, Bucks County, and Camp Egbert were subsequently announced as the place and name. This location has been frequently occupied as a camping ground. Captain George T. Langhorne, Eleventh United States Cavalry, detailed as the Regular Army inspecting officer. aptly describes it in his official report. He said :
Perkasie is a town of about 2000 inhabitants on the Bethlehem Division of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia. and is in a beautiful valley.
The First Brigade was encamped on "Tunnell Hill Farm," about one and a half miles northwest of Perkasie and some 200 feet higher overlooking the valley on either side of the ridge. The railroad tunnels the ridge. hence the name of the farm. The site was an excellent one. the ground covered with rocks the only objectionable feature. There had been cleared off a sufficient space so as not to interfere seriously with the exercises.
The First Regiment, preceded two days before by the usual construction detail, left the armory on the evening of July 19, mider command of Colonel Bowman, with present for duty and on special duty as shown by the morning report of July 20: 13 commissioned officers, field and staff, with S non-commissioned officers and musicians, 31 company officers, 585 enlisted men: on -pecial duty, 1 commissioned officer. 33 enlisted men. Total, 671 out of an aggregate present and absent of 742; 49 com- missioned officers and 693 enlisted men.
There was a brigade review for the division commander on Monday afternoon, July 22.
The brigade presented an elegant appearance in their new and still clean summer uniform of fibre dyed lead gray, S-ounce cotton duck. Before
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1901
the review there was a presentation of medals and trophies to the success. ful competitors at ritle practice. The trophies were handsome and fitting and the presentations before the four regiments were a splendid stimulus to the interest taken in the very important small arms training of the soldier.
His Excellency, Governor William A. Stone, arrived in camp on July 23. He was received with military honors and reviewed the troops the same afternoon. This made four to six hours under arms for all the troops. yet all scemed to enjoy the work, especially as there was a large crowd of spetators, about ten thousand in number. As most of these were brought in excursion trains, it was at once seen why the railroad was glad to offer camping and manœuvre grounds free.1
On Tuesday, the same day with the Governor's review, the First and each of the other three regiments of the brigade were in turn reviewed and inspected as to personal appearance by the Adjutant-General, Thomas J. Stewart, specially referred to by Captain Langhorne " as a capable officer and an excellent in- spector."
Then there followed regimental drills in both close and ex- tended order, and the solution of some problems in minor tactics submitted by the Inspector-General, Colonel Sweeney.
Of these regimental reviews, inspections and drills, Captain Langhorne makes extended comment and draws conclusions that suggest a place and opportunity for more ready reference :
The regiments did well at the Reviews, and presented a good appear- ance at the inspection.
· There was a great difference in the set up and dress of the men of the different regiments, and especially of different companies. When good it showed careful attention on the part of the respective officers.
· The drills were good as a rule, and a great deal has been done and learned by the enthusiastic members of the regiments, both officers and enlisted men.
When it is considered that many of the members are new, and had but few drills, the showing was excellent. In many cases the mistakes and irregularities could be corrected by giving more care to the accuracy, which was conspicuously absent in a minber of instances. There was quite a difference between companies and company commanders. Too much praise
1 Official Report Captain Langhorne, United States Army, Adjutant- General's Report, 1902.
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REPORT OF INSPECTOR-GENERAL
1901
cannot be given to those most efficient. and in the other ca-es, but careful instruction is needed to make excellent companies, with the material of bright, enthusiastic, intelligent men.
And again to quote from Captain Langhorne on another line:
One is at once struck with the ease with which everything is done and the perfection of the arrangements, by the competent staff officers in charge. They have well profited by the experience they have had, in transporting and supplying their State troops, for the many encampments and other duties, for which the troops have been called into the service, and the smoothness with which the encampments I saw were run is admirable.
There is but meagre reference to this encampment in the reports of either the division, brigade, or regimental commanders. Captain Langhorne's report, attractive not only for its felicity of expression but for its concise and comprehensive detail, would rather indicate that the encampment was of more typical import than it was at first considered to be. Besides introducing an occasional new line of thought. he does not hesitate to recommend for trial in the regular army, the large company mess tent of the Guard, 60 feet long and 15 feet wide, as an excellent place for recreation when not used for meals, and to take the place at half the cost of the temporary structures then frequently built for use in the tropics. Then when it is remembered that at this Perkasie inspection the First Regiment regained its lost place as first in the order of merit, it is but a conclusive inference that in Captain Langhorne's comment that "There was quite a difference be- tween companies and company commanders," he did not mean to include the First Regiment companies among the indifferent that " needed careful instruction." but rather of the class com- prehended in his phrase "Too much praise cannot be given to those most efficient."
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