USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 2 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
In the First. Twelfth. and Thirteenth Regiment - every company quali- tied all its men last year. In these regiments if a man cannot learn to shoot he must go, just as if he could not learn to march. . . . At Sea Girt the Penn-ylvania team in 1892 won the Hilton and the International Trophies. The soldierly spirit of the Guard is plainly shown in the interest that it takes in target practice.
The State of Pennsylvania has excellent cause to be proud of its Na- tional Guard division. Whenever they have been called upon. they have turned out promptly and in large numbers and have done their duty in a quiet. soldierly way. They are no longer regarded as " play soldiers " by anyone, but as a wellorganized. well instructed, and well-disciplined body of volunteer soldiers, who can be depended upon to carry out the orders given them and to preserve the peace.
397
DOINGS ON THE RANGE
The regiment's rifle range was considerably improved this year by the addition of two targets, one for 200 yards and one for 500 yards, making in all ten targets. The erection of bullet stops of heavy planking filled with sand in front of the firing points at 200 and 300 yards, twenty feet high, with openings corresponding to the position of the targets, the openings pro- tected by half-inch iron plates, thus thoroughly insured safe usage of the range by stopping all wild shots.
" The erection of a first-class range," said Major Herbert Cox, brigade ordnance officer and acting inspector of ritle practice of the First Brigade, in his report for 1893, " easily accessible to members of this brigade, will be noted in the large increase of the number of qualified men this year over last year. Since the city organizations have had the use of the present range there has been an increase in the number of qualified men in this bri- gade of 1129 qualified men. The range was opened in August, 1892."
The First Regiment maintained the standard it established for itself last year and qualified its every officer and man, but it had increased the number on its rolls eight, so that its aggregate this year was GOT, as against its 599 in 1892, and although the quality of the score necessary to become a sharpshooter had been raised, instead of 59, as was its number of sharpshooters in 1892, in 1893 it was 95, with marksmen as a consequence decreased from 540 in 1892 to 312 in 1893. The three regiments, the First, Twelfth, and Thirteenth, also again qualify their every officer and man, but this time the First Regiment's company average is 58.9, the Thirteenth 58, and the Twelfth 55.5.
In the division regimental match the Sixteenth Regiment led with a score of 351, the First Regiment was seventh with a score of BIS, and the Sixteenth Regiment also won in the division skirmish match with a score of 362, with First Regiment fourth with a score of 822. The Thirteenth Regiment was not in either, the Twelfth was second in both.
Pennsylvania did not participate in the Sea Girt interna- tional matches, as they were shot at a time when its teams were otherwise employed at home, but the Thirteenth Regiment shot two invitation matches with two leading New York regiments,
398
IS93
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
the Seventh and Twenty-third, and won them both by splendid scores.
In a company contest confined to companies of the First Bri- gade, teams of four men, five shots each at 200 and 500 yards, Company E, of the First Regiment, won the first prize, four gold collar badges, with a score of 165, as against a score of 155, that won the second prize, made by Company A of the Sixth, and a score of 146 for the third, won by Company I, of the Sixth. The highest individual score was made by Corporal Harry Shen- ton, Company A, of the Sixth, 47; and the next by Private James Stewart, Company E, of the First, 44.
What was styled the " First-class Regimental Match," partici- pated in by teams of four men each from all the regimental bat- talions, and separate company organizations of the First Brigade, which carried with it the Potter trophy and four gold badges with ruby bull's-eyes, was won by the team of the First Regiment, as follows: Musician, Theo. F. Shonert, Company H, with a total score of SS; First Sergeant II. L. Cooper, Company C, 84; First Lieutenant A. W. Deane, Company D, 83; and Sergeant-Major H. J. Mehard, 79.
Colonel Bowman in the regimental order which follows the end of the rifle practice season calls attention to the " thought- ful and well-considered report of Captain Thos. H. P. Todd, act- ing regimental inspector of rifle practice for the season of 1893," the publication of which, he announces, shows an honorable rec- ord of faithful service, demonstrating, too, as it does, "that the officers and men do not intend to allow the standard raised in 1892 to be lowered, but, on the contrary, that they are deter- mined to elevate and advance it to a still higher degree of pro- ficiency and quality "; concluding as follows :
The colonel commanding hereby makes special mention of the meritorious records made by Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant L. E. F. Toboldt and Private K. W. Magill (late captain), of Company A, by having won Veteran Gold Badges, the result of ton consecutive years of effective and efficient qualification as marksmen or sharp-hooters. The possession of such a record is an honor of which any soldier may justly be proud. Your commanding officer also congratulates every officer and man upon the honorable and dis- tinguished record thus made by the regiment and takes great pleasure in officially recording his heartfelt appreciation of the hard and faithful work of the command in this most important branch of a soldier's training. With the increased facilities afforded by the regimental rifle range, he has perfect confidence in the regiment to achieve greater results in the future.
399
THE VETERAN CORPS TROPHY
1.93
On October 19, 1593, the regiment, in full-dress uniform, left the armory at 9.45 o'clock in the morning and proceeded via the Philadelphia and Reading Railway to Trenton, New Jersey, where, with the First Brigade of the Pennsylvania division and other troops from the State of New Jersey, it participated in the ceremonies incident to the dedication of the Washington Monu- ment erected " to commemorate the battles of Trenton and Prince- ton in the war of the Revolution."
And on Monday, the sixth day of November, the regiment, again with the First Brigade, participated at one o'clock in the afternoon in the parade arranged by the Joint Committee of City Councils that escorted the Liberty Bell on its return, after its six months' sojourn at the World's Fair in Chicago, from the West Philadelphia railway station back to its quarters of sacred and blessed memory in old Independence Hall.
Col. Theo. E. Wiedersheim at the October meeting of the Board submitted on behalf of the Veteran Corps a communica- tion offering a trophy, to be known as the Veteran Corps Trophy, to be shot for annually ander such conditions as the Board of Officers might prescribe. It was subsequently determined, upon the report of a committee who had carefully considered the mat- ter, that the trophy presented by the Veteran Corps should be known as the Veteran Corps Trophy, "and that it shall be con- tested for annually by the field, staff, and line of the regiment at a revolver contest," and held until the following contest, in the company quarters of the officer making the highest score, that officer to become responsible for its care and keeping, and that he shall also be presented with a gold medal."
On December 7, 1893, Corporal Frederick Taylor Pusey, of Company C, who will be heard from later on in a wider sphere of action, was made battalion sergeant-major and assigned to duty with the second battalion.
Captain Henry J. Crump, of energy, capacity, and acquire- ments invaluable wherever he served-and this resignation was but his temporary severance from the Guard-on June 28, 1893, resigned his captainey of Company D. The vacancy continued for quite a time, with First Lieutenant Artemas W. Deane mean- while in command, until April 20, 1994, when Theodore R.
--
400
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. C. P.
1994
Lammot was taken from his sergeantey and elected captain of the company.
Captain Charles Evans Rogers, a private in Company A, October 12, 1877, having passed through all the grades of com- missioned and non-conunissioned officer until he reached his cap- tainey July 5, 1892, on December 24 of the same year resigned it, and Captain Carroll B. Nichols, his second lieutenant, was on February 17. 1593, elected to succeed him. Captain Gustavus K. Morehead, a private in the State Fencibles, June, 1872, from whence on always of high repute, he continued with but brief in- terruptions to be of that organization, the Artillery Corps of Washington Grays and the First Regiment until April 24, 1891, when he resigned his captainey of Company G, and was honorably discharged. Captain George C. von der Lindt, advanced from the first lieutenancy, was on June 19, 1894, elected to succeed him. George B. Wright, a private in Company D, October 18. 1SS9, a sergeant June 17, 1891, was on February 19, 1894. named as second lieutenant and battalion adjutant and assigned to the second battalion. Walter D. Green, promoted, was ap- pointed surgeon February 19, 1894, vice Alexes Dupont Smith, resigned January 26, 1894, and William Guy Bryan Harland was July 14, 1594, named as an assistant surgeon to fill the vacancy caused by Surgeon Green's advancement.
A comprehensive eirenlar, profuse in extracts from the " New Drill Regulations," covering the advance and retreat extended order, guard mount, and other movements selected for their spo- cial pertinency to the new and improved order of all things military, was issued at the conclusion of the year 1893. The opening paragraphs directing that company commanders should give special attention to and instruct their men completely in what thereafter follows and enjoining the battalion majors in their general supervision to see that these instructions are faith- fully carried out, fully explain its purpose.
The spring inspections by Major Frank G. Sweeney, the bri- gade inspector. made by companies at the regimental armory from the 5th to the 16th of February, 1894, inclusive, were taken somewhat out of the ordinary, after their result was announced. by the publication of a general order in appreciative recogni- tion of the satisfaction with which that result was received at regimental headquarters.
401
REPRODUCTION OF CHICAGO WORLD'S FAIR
"The magnificent record made by this regiment in the spring inspections through which it has just passed under the critical eye of the very efficient brigade inspector. Major Frank G. Sweeney, commands the highest admiration and appreciation of the colonel commanding. fle therefore extends to the officers and men his heartiest congratulations and assures them that their faithful efforts, constant attention, and patriotic devotion to every duty. however exact. was greatly appreciated.".
In Major Sweeney's tabulation he foot-notes for Company D: " The uniforms of this company were new and the finest fitting I have ever seen " : and for Company HI: " This company deserves -pecial mention." Companies A. D. E. F. G, HI, and I have each a percentage of attendance of 100, with figures of efficiency respectively as follows: 1. 95.4; D, 95.4: E. 97.6; F, 97.3: G. 95; IT. 97.7 : and I. 97.7. Company B's percentage of attend- ance is 94.6, ("> 96.2. and K'S ×8.6. with their figures of effi- vieney: B. S4.> : C. 91.2 : and K. $0.1.
There had been in contemplation since early December of 1$93. initiated by a proposition submitted at a special meeting of the Board of Officers called for its consideration. for a repro- Anction of the celebrated Chicago World's Fair Midway Plai- -ance, in the expectation that the substantial results that followed its introduction there might be proportionately repeated here. The armory building needed funds, as well to reduce its per- manent indebtednes- as to meet current expenses, and after a careful business consideration the Board, convinced that there was sufficient assurance of favorable results to justify its sanction, resolved upon the venture, bent every energy toward its suc- cess, and announcing a time in the near future when the under- taking would be ready for public presentation the colonel ordered the armory closed for military duties and opened for the Plai- -ance from February 19 to March 3. both days inclusive.
The enterprise was advertised as " a reproduction of thirteen villages of the Midway Plaisance of the late World's Fair for the benefit of the armory fund," and was formally opened at S o'clock on the evening of February 19, 1894. by His Excellency. Governor Robert E. Pattison, and Hon. Edwin S. Stuart, mayor of the city.
" For the maintenance of good order and affording informa- tion," to preserve in a modest way the exhibition's association with its more pretentious original, the same name was given to the force to whom was assigned this duty as had been given the 26
102
1894
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
one of like character at the Chicago Fair, and First Lieutenant William J. Storck, of Company HI, was directed to organize a guard of thirty enlisted men volunteer details from the several companies, to be known as " The Columbian Guard of the First Regiment Midway Plaisance Exhibition." Corporal Herbert Heston, of Company E, of many years' experience before and many afterward in charge of the fire force at the Broad Street station of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was assigned to the super- intendency and direction of a like force to be taken from the ranks of the regiment for the protection of the scenery, property, and appointment of the exposition of a character that required a special and intelligent watehfulness.
Colonel Bowman's instructions concluded with this comfort- ing assurance of his faith, hope, and confidence in its success- a confidence in which every business man connected with and every promoter of the enterprise heartily concurred :
The colonel commanding appeals with perfect confidence to the officers and men to continue the energy and spirit manifested in this work and he assures them that with such unanimity of action, combined with the liberal support of their friends and fellow-citizens, great success will undoubtedly crown their efforts.
The Board of Administration consisted of three members : First Lieutenant Carl R. Thompson, of Company B, chairman ; Second Lieutenant Henry Nuss, Jr., of Company E; and First Lieutenant William J. Storck, of Company H. Eighteen mem- bers made up the Executive Committee: First Lieutenant Carl R. Thompson, B, chairman; Second Lieutenant Thomas E. Heath, F, secretary; Second Lieutenant Henry Nuss, Jr., E, treasurer; Sergeant-Major Harry J. Mehard, assistant treasurer; First Lieutenant Robert G. Stinson, staff; Major J. Douglass Heckman : Captain William D. Bennage : . J. W. Warren, Veteran Corps; First Lieutenant Winfield L. Margerum, A; Second Lien- tenant Charles S. Wood, B: First Lieutenant Louis F. Stees. C: First Sergeant Theodore R. Lammot. D: First Lieutenant Charles P. Hunt, E; Second Lieutenant Thomas E. Heath, F; First Lieutenant George C. von der Lindt. G: Second Lieutenant David De Costa. H: Second Lieutenant Joseph P. Boyd, I; and First Lieutenant Charles F. Hess, K.
If the " big erowd " is any assurance of popular endorsement. the enterprise certainly had the best evidence of the public's
403
REPORT OF FAIR COMMITTEE
approval. But the big crowd does not always mean big money. Though those in charge never lost in interest, nor slackened in energy ; though the full attendance continued to the end; though there were few complaints and everywhere satisfaction; though the merits of the exhibition were as generously exploited by its patrons as they were liberally upheld by the comments of the public press, nevertheless the enterprise was a disappointment, the venture a failure. The solution of the why of it was never sought, never disclosed. Its results were but akin to many of its kind. All of the regiment were alike enthusiastic dur- ing its inception and through its progress; and all, too, were alike content that whatever the result they had at least been per- mitted a season of social opportunity long to be remembered.
The committee submitted its final report, accompanied by an accurately itemized and thoroughly comprehensive account Itot only of this but of all the entertainments given through the year 1594, concluding as follows :
In all. six entertainments were given, including the Midway Plaisance, and it is due to the many minute details and complications arising from the latter that has delayed this report, until this time; while the financial result is not what was anticipated. it is the opinion that many desirable recruits were obtained throughout the regiment and that the question of entertainment should be pursued during the coming winter to keep up the interest in the command.
Your committee appointed to audit the report of the Entertainment Committee for the period covering from November, 1593-and as stated in the report-for six entertainments have the honor to submit that they have carefully examined the same, and find the account correct as regards the receipts as they appear upon the books of the Treasurer and the payment as per voucher submitted. and that the balance on hand is $36.89.
They would further submit, that they find, while the report states that the account is for six entertainments, it would appear to be exclusively for the Midway Plaisance, with the exception of the item of balance $15.02 brought forward from the previous entertainments. Also that the Committee failed to charge against the Midway account an item of 893.45 expenses of the Committee to Cineinnati in the Midway interest. Separating the Mid- way account from all the other entertainments, we find a profit on its account of $$8.42 as per statement. With this is to be con-idered the fact that the item of $1152.31 received from the Cycle show for electric lighting and power, there was a profit of 8322.50, which was lost in the Midway.
It will thus be seen that the Midway was a very unfortunate undertaking. for with all the time and labor given to it, and with receipt- aggregating nearly $13.000. there was but a paltry profit of $88.42, and this only with the aid of the $322.50 profit from the Cycle show.
The difference between the balance on hand, $36.89, and the $88.42 profit shown on the Midway, 51.53, represents the loss on the other entertainment.
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
Religions services were held at the armory by the chaplain. Rev. Sammel D. McConnell, D.D .. on the evenings of March 11. 18, and 25. 1894. A volunteer choir from members of the regi- ment supplied the vocal, and the band. under the leadership of Bandmaster S. K. Kendle, the instrumental music. The regi- ment was in attendance in full-dress uniform, as was also the Veteran Corps. The publie gave these services their countenance and support by their helpful presence in encouraging number -.
A street parade by the regiment in full-dress uniform accom- panied by the Veteran Corps, with the other functions and inci- dents pertinent to the occasion, commemorated the thirty-third anniversary of the organization of the regiment on Thur-day. April 19. 1594.
Brig .- Gen. Robert P. Dechert, a soldier of distinction and eiti- zen of merit, died at his residence. May 12. 1594, and the regi- ment was summoned to participate with the rest of the brigade in the funeral ceremonies of " the honored and distinguished Com- mander of this Brigade and a former captain of Company F. of this Regiment." on Thursday afternoon. May 15, at three o'clock. All commissioned officers were directed to wear the usual badge of mourning. Sergeant II. B. MeKnight of Company E, and Ser- grant Carl A. Wetenhall, of Company K, were detailed to report to Division Sergeant Major Martin at brigade headquarters for special duty incident to the occasion.
Brig.Gen. John W. Schall, promoted from the colondler of the Sixth Regiment, was on May 19. 1894, appointed a brigadier- general and assigned to the command of the First Brigade.
The City Council arranged for a celebration of the one hun- dred and eighteenth anniversary of the Declaration of Independ- ence on July 4. 1894, and under the auspices and at the invitation of the Joint Committee in whose keeping were the details the regiment with the brigade in the early morning proceeded to Bel- mont Mansion. Fairmount Park, where the military and civic demonstrations of the day were held. The military exercises over about non, after a generous luncheon provided by the com- mittee, the troops returned to their quarters.
The yearly oneumpment was referred to by General Greenland. in his adjutant-general's report for 1591.
On May 10 [1994 ] General Order No. 6. Headquarters Na- tional Guard. was issued for a division encampment to be held at
405
CAMP SAMUEL W. CRAWFORD
Gettysburg from August 11 to LS, inclusive ( Saturday to Satur- day). and Maj .- Gen. George R. Snowden, division commander, was ordered to take command. " This was the event of the year," said the adjutant-general subsequently in his annual report, " to the National Guard, and too much cannot be said in its favor."
The general headquarters and different brigades, with the ex- ception of the cavalry and artillery, which were formed in two battalions and encamped with the regular United States artillery and cavalry on the east side of the Tancytown Road, were en- vamped on both slopes of Seminary Ridge and on the grounds ocenpied by the Confederate forces during the battle of Gettys- burg.
The drill and review grounds consisted of all that portion of the field lying between Seminary Ridge and the Taneytown Road of contour and size well adapted to the purpose.
The encampment was formally opened with the prescribed salute at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning. August 11; the flag went to full staff, and, as had been previously announced, the camp was named. in honor of one of Pennsylvania's distinguished commanders of the much esteemed and highly reputed Division of Pennsylvania Reserves, Camp Samuel W. Crawford.
An occurrence, rather unique in military annals, had its happening in the casual touch which one who afterward had a close association with the First Regiment had with General Crawford when he commanded a division of General Warren's Fifth Army Corps. The occurrence, so singular of itself, deserves a record somewhere, and it would probably not be an intrusion if it were given space here.
In early February of 1865, during the Petersburg invest- ment, in most wintry weather, with a couple of inches of snow on the ground and snow still falling. upon the other side of Hatcher's Run a demonstration had been made involving a couple of divisions of the Fifth Corps and one division of the Sixth. with a view to developing the enemy's right. Craw- ford was leading and, needing a heavier force for a heavier pressure, a brigade of the Sixth was ordered to his support. General Crawford had a couple of brigade commanders. one of whom was always for vigorous fight, and the other, always ready to do what he was told, was rarely inelined to seek opportunity. A staff officer of the Sixth Corps brigade had been sent forward
406
HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, N. G. P.
1894
to apprise General Crawford that it was on its way and would soon be with him. There was a sharp cracking fire on the skir- mish line, but no general combat was as yet at hand. The staff officer found General Crawford dismounted, with his staff around him, in a fairly open piece of timber. He had left his horse with his orderly and was approaching the general afoot when one of his own staff, who had doubtless been sent out to press the movement more vigorously, riding at a gallop, dismounted hastily, and hurriedly joining his chief, said: "General, I have found General C-, but I cannot find General B- General Crawford's reply was a rebuke-keen, entting, incisive. " No, I suppose not ; he is too far to the front for you. Mr. - , will you ride forward and find him?" The Sixth Corps staff officer said what he had to say, gathered what the general had for him to take baek, and hastened to get away as quickly as possible. It was decidedly a family affair, and no business of his.
Pursuant to specific directions from division headquarters, details of six men from each company, with a full complement of line and departmental officers under the command of Captain William S. Allen, of Company B, left the Reading Terminal at 10.45 on Wednesday evening, August S, charged with the eree- tion and construction of the regimental camp at Gettysburg on lines that had already been there established. The regiment in heavy marching order, service uniform, campaign hats, fatigue caps in reserve, and each man provided with two pairs of white trousers, with Colonel Bowman in command, followed at 8.45 P.sr. on Friday, August 10, and was quartered in its previously prepared and well-constructed encampment when the bugles sounded for the formal opening at nine o'clock on the following morning.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.