USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 2 > Part 37
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The parade and review, which had been announced to take place at 3 [. st .. were postponed until four o'clock, on account of the extreme heat. The Colonel seriously considered the propriety of countermanding the para !. but the fact that all Philadelphia was in the streets to see the regiment . that the military escort was already under arms and awaiting its movement- and that the reputation of the regiment would seriously suffer by so remark able a deviation from the order of arrangements, seemed to render a para ! absolutely necessary. So at 4.30 P.M., the regiment formed, and with It thermometer at 100ยบ Fahrenheit in the shade, and escorted by the First anl Fourth Pennsylvania Regiments, commenced its march over the prescribed ronte. Having passed through Spring Garden. Thirteenth, Walnut, ani Eighteenth Street-, as far as Columbia Avenue, it turned into Broad Street. and returning through that wide and handsome avenue. it passed in reviews at the corner of Jefferson Street. before Major-General Prevo-t. command the First Division, Pennsylvania National Guard. The reviewing stand be occupied by Mayor Fox. General Robert Patter-on, and many of the most distinguished citizens of Philadelphia. AAlthough the pavements over which the regiment passed were generally of cobblestone and utterly execrable, the
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street at the point selected for review was in admirable condition, and afforded the regiment a fine opportunity to display it- military accomplish- ments to the best advantage to the immense throng that occupied the side- walks, and the yards, piazzas. and windows of the elegant residences in that vicinity. Unfortunately, however. it was suffering severely from the intense heat, and the burning sun had already compelled many of the member- to leave the ranks from utter exhaustion. But a large majority of offivers and men exhibited wonderful powers of endurance, and steadfastly maintained their places during the return march through Broad Street and Chestnut Street to the Continental Hotel. When the regiment reached its comfortable quarter-, after their long and terrible march. there were few that did not require rest, and many were wholly exhausted. The services of the surgeons. Drs. Barron and Morris, were constantly required in all directions, but fortunately, no one was seriously injured by the fatigue and exposure of the day, and in a short time nearly all were convalescent.
An elegant entertainment, provided by the hospitable citizens of Phila- delphia, awaited the regiment at the Continental Hotel upon its return from the parade. Only a small part of its officers and members, however, were in a condition to immediately repair to the dining-hall, and a considerable delay occurred before the seats were filled. \ most unfortunate circumstance con- nected with this magnificent entertainment was the ntter impossibility of securing any considerable attention to the after-dinner speeches. So fatigued and exhausted were the young men of the Seventh, that they were in no mood to listen, and oratory was at a discount. Even the eloquent Dougherty could not obtain a patient hearing, and some of the more staid and venerable of the distinguished Philadelphians present were almost shocked at the in- attention. At 9 P.M. the festivities ended, and the regiment hurried away to the Camden Ferry and took a special train to Cape May, where it arrived at 2 A.M.
The reception at Cape May was unexpectedly brilliant. Fireworks. Chinese lanterns, rocket, illuminated the night as the regiment marched by the seaside from the depot to the city and when it paraded through the grounds of Congress Hall it was welcomed by the guests of that hotel with a great pyroteclinic display. The entire route along Ocean and Washington Streets was brilliant with illuminations, and when the Regiment reached the Stockton House, decorated fires, blue, red, green and white gleamed along its whole length and the words " Welcome, Seventh Regiment " blazed forth upon the night. The magnificent reception was at the end clouded by the insufficient accommodations provided for the regiment. It had been originally arranged that all the companies should be quartered at the Stockton House and there was considerable disappointment expressed when it was ascertained that about one-half the regiment must accept accommodation- elsewhere. In some cases the quarters assigned were very inferior and limited in character. the Stockton flonse being a notable exception, and the active business talent of Quartermaster Weed was taxed to the utmost to afford relief. The hotels were filled with guests on account of the visit of the Seventh and their proprietor- were strangely penny-wise in depriving the regiment of the accommodations bargained for. But this was the only unpleasant circumstance connected with the visit to Cape May.
" On the morning of Friday the 15th, officers and members were carly astir and all spent a delightful day. At 4 p.M. the regiment formed and proceeded to the lawn of Congress Hall for review by General Meade. Although
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the space was too limited for military purposes, the review was admiralde and was witnessed with pleasure by an immense number of ladies an ! gentlemen who were conveniently accommodated upon the broad and is tensive piazzas of the hotel. A dress parade in front of the Stockton Hlous. concluded the military duties of the day. A grand complimentary bail tendered to the regiment by the young men of Philadelphia and Lape Mu took place in the dininghall of the Stockton House in the evening. immense room was handsomely decorated and was gay with beautiful and elegantly dressed ladies and the military representatives of New York anl Philadelphia; and the ball was completely successful and eminently credital ... to its managers. While the ball was in progress the reception committee. of which General Bingham, the Postmaster of Philadelphia, was chairman, entertained their guests at a splendid supper. The speech of Major General Meade on that occasion is worthy of preservation and is as follows: "
" GENTLEMEN: I have been requested by the committee of reception to offer a sentiment and I comply with their wish the more readily because as a citizen of Philadelphia I feel sure it will be warmly welcomed. I propose the health of the officers and men of the Seventh Regiment. In offering thi- toast I feel an especial pleasure, as I have been more than once officially connected with it, and it affords me an opportunity of saying a few words in regard to the regiment you are about to toast. When I was passing through Frederick City at the head of my command, the Army of the Potomr. after the battle of Gettysburg, I happened to strike a small force or piekr: on the road outside the city and as I saw that the men were neatly and better dressed than any of my troops, I inquired what they were and was informed that it 'was a picket guard from the Seventh New York National Guard, and that it was holding possession of a cross road.' thus rendering my army a great and important service. I was struck by the soldierly appearance of the men. and remembering the former services of the Seventh. I made up my mind that if, as I then expected. I should meet the enemy at or near Hagerstown, I would bring up the Seventh and give them a chance to share in the important engagement I hoped to bring on at that point. I know that if the Seventh Regiment had gone under fire it would have behaved nobly. Gentlemen of the Seventh, though a regular officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy, I know, like all reflective citizens. that the Nation must look to its volunteer military organizations for assistance in the hour of peril. To the uniformed militia we of the remitir army look for the effective forces which are to bear the brunt of war anl maintain the honor and integrity of the Government. The debt of gratitude already due the militia forces will never be forgotten, for it was from their ranks that sprang the hosts of trained soldiers who achieved distinction and reputation as officers of the national army. The Seventh Regiment of New York was especially noticeable for its promptness in coming forward to the support and defence of the Government in the hour of peril and danger. Nout once or twice, but three times, the Seventh entered the service at the call of the President. and it also sent into the service a host of well-trained aal experienced officers: many of them served under myself and distinguished themselves. I knew -everal of them personally and appreciated them a- sterling men. I may mention among them Generals Bowerman. Shaler all Hamblin, who distinguished themselves while under my command. Gentle. men, I fully appreciate your sentiments and feelings in being members of a
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regiment like the Seventh and they do you honor, for by their means you maintain a school for the education of true soldiers that will always prove as it has already in the past, an inestimable service to our common coun- try. Your example also inspires and directs the military instincts of our young citizens and creates the nucleus upon which the nation can always erect a magnificent army. When you were invited to Philadelphia by its leading citizens, I was asked to review you, but other duties prevented and I was obliged to decline. It was then reported to me that, as a citizen of Philadelphia, it would be considered the proper thing to review your regi- ment here in Cape May. As a citizen of Philadelphia, as well as a regular officer I felt great pleasure in coming here to-day to review you; and while expressing my gratification at the opportunity, I must tender to you the hearty greeting of the citizens who invited you here. Gentlemen of Philadelphia an! Cape May, I give you the health of Col. Emmons Clark and of the officers and privates of the Seventh Regiment of New York."
" Early on the morning of Saturday, July IS, the regiment left Cape May and proceeded to New York without change of cars, the weather continuing extremely hot and oppressive. Arriving at the foot of Cortlandt Street about 4 P.M., it was received by the Seventy-first Regiment. . I. a finale to the uncomfortable circumstances of the excursion to Philadelphia and Cape May, a thunderstorm overtook the regiment as it wheeled into Broadway en. route for its armory. The excursion to Philadelphia and Cape May in 1870 is memorable both for its pleasure and its disappointment. The dis- agreeable and unfortunate circumstances of the trip were mainly attributable to the extreme heat, almost without a parallel in meteorological statistics. While some were at first di-posed to blame the Colonel and the medical staff for allowing the parade in Philadelphia to take place, it was generally con- ceded that the reputation of the regiment would have seriously suffered by a countermand of the order. On no other occasion has the regiment received more elegant and complimentary attention and the munificent hospitality of the citizens of Philadelphia was universally recognized and appreciated. To Major Joseph F. Tobias of that city the regiment was particularly indebted for his activity and influence in securing its brilliant reception and ho-pitable entertainment both in Philadelphia and Cape May."
THE ENCAMPMENT OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT N. G. S. N. Y .. AT FAIRMOUNT PARK, PHILADELPHIA, JULY, 1876. AND ITS PARADE THERE ON THE CENTI.VARY, 4TII OF JULY-TAKEN FROM HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT, BY COL. EM- MONS CLARK-VOL. 2, PAGE 2 12 ET SEQ. (BY PERMISSION. )
" The Seventh Regiment left New York on Saturday, July Ist, at S A.M., for Philadelphia. The Howitzer Section, Lieutenant Houghton com- manding. had preceded it a- a camping party, and all the necessary arrange- ments had been completed. The train arrived at the Centennial Depot at 2 P.MI., and without delay the Regiment formed in column and marched through the Contennial -Fair grounds via Belmont Avenue to the Lansdowne Gate. The few hundred visitors and numerous guards and attendants listlessly viewed the passage of the Regiment and carefully concealed their admiration, while the young soldiers as they marched magnificently along stole hasty and wondering glances at the numerous and superb buildings of the great exhibition. Arriving at the camp on George's Hill the Regiment
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was received with a salute from the guns of the camping party, and w.s. dismissed at the color line. Guard was mounted; the men hastened to mak". their tents comfortable, and before sunset Camp Washington was in perte order.
" Camp Washington was pleasantly located upon George's Hill in Faan mount Park, a short distance northwesterly from the Centennial Exhilatin" grounds. An irregular plateau of about twenty acres afforded room for the camp and a parade ground. A new road which was opened through the grounds in June, and the extremely dry and hot weather which injured the turf and was productive of dust, were serious and unexpected objection- to a location otherwise admirable. The view from Camp Washington wa- magnificent. The new and extensive buildings of the Centennial Exhibitio .. were spread upon the plain below; the beautiful Schuylkill pursned it- was to the sea in the valley beyond, and the great city of Philadelphia extended from the river's bank as far as the eye could reach in the distance. In the immediate vicinity of the camp was a forest grove and many fine old shall. trees, and a refreshing breeze constantly visited George's Hill while the city lay broiling in the sun below. The camp itself and all the paraphernali. of tent-life were as complete and perfect as could be desired."
" Tuesday, July 4th .- The morning was hot and sultry, and the Con- tennial military parade promised to test the strength and endurance of al. who participated. An early breakfast at Proskauer's Belmont Mansion; a short march by the shady and romantie road which leads to Behuont Station of the Reading Railroad; a quick trip by steam cars to the Broad Street Depot, and the Seventh Regiment marched down Broad Street from Chestnut. to take its place in line: the regiment was honored with a military salute by the West Point Corps of Cadets, and on the way it encountered troop- from nearly every State, from Maine to Florida, in uniforms and equip- ments of every style and variety, on the march, sweltering in the sun, or resting in the grateful shadow of trees or buildings. After some delay the signal to march was received, and the Seventh, with its large company front -. swept Broad Street, and, breaking into platoons at Chestnut Street, com- menced its memorable march through that famous avenue. From curb to house-top the street was thronged with people, and it was notably gay anl brilliant with flags, banners, and appropriate decorations. But no will enthusiasm greeted the Seventh or any other organization; and those who have seen New York or Boston on festive occasions wondered at the con parative silence and strange indifference of the people as the favorite military representatives of the several States appeared and passed. Chestnut Street was like a fiery furnace. The torrid sun beat upon the devoted heads of the soldiers, and the high buildings and the thronged sidewalks prevented a breath of air from reaching them. The young men of the Seventh pa- through this trying ordeal with honor: they marched with the precision of veterans: and not until they had passed the reviewing officer, General Sher- man, at Independence Hall, and had halted in Third Street. was any member obliged to leave the ranks from exhaustion. The return to Broad Street through Pine. under the burning sun and with the thermometer at 100' in the shade, was particularly fatiguing, exhausting, and dangerous; and nothing but the great care and prudence of the officers and the wise count
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of the surgeons could have brought the Regiment back to the Reading Railroad Depot without the loss or serious injury of a single man. Those who were temporarily overcome by the heat during the march or on the return train to Belmont were soon restored, and all were happy to reach the protecting canvas of Camp Washington in safety. Rest and freedom from exposure were the orders for the remainder of the day."
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" Camp Washington was neither a success nor a failure. The large number of men present, their soldierly and gentlemanly deportment, then attention to duty and obedience to orders, the pleasant and healthy location. the large and comfortable tents, the perfection of all camp appointments. the proximity to the Centennial Exhibition, and the grand historical period in the American calendar, were all elements of success and subjects of pleasant remembrance. On the other hand, the extreme, constant, and oppressive heat was fatal to military exercises and improvement; and the unsatisfactory commissariat. already noticed, materially interfered with the regular and ordinary duties of camp, and tended to demoralization. The extraordinary health of the Regiment, under these unfavorable circumstances. was a subject of great congratulation. The indifference and apathy of dull, phlegmatie Philadelphia toward the favorite regiment of New York was a subjeet of public comment and amusement in the Regiment. While some attributed this to jealousy of its great rival, and in proof thereof quoted the fact that the advent, movements, and departure of the Regiment were scareely noticed by the enterprising journalists of the Quaker City, the more charitable were dispo-ed to believe that the prudent inhabitants wisely preferred shade, and rest. and sleep in their quiet houses to the exposure to sun, and heat, and dust incident to a trip to George's Hill. Some feigned to believe that the people of Philadelphia had inherited from William Penn an aversion to the pomp and ceremony of men in arms; while others insisted that the great Centennial Exhibition so filled their eyes and obscured their vision that all minor objects escaped their notice.
" But, whatever the canse, it was nevertheless the fact that the Seventh Regiment, which at divers times had captured the hearts of the people of the principal cities of the country, received but slight notice and attention from the good people of Philadelphia. In general orders, dated July 20th, Colonel Clark gratefully acknowledged indebtedness to Adjutant-General Latta and the staff of Governor Hartranft, to Major-General Bankson anl staff, First Division. National Guard of Pennsylvania, and to Brigadier General Thayer. Superintendent of Fairmount Park, for official courterics : to Colonel Benson, First Regiment National Guard of Pennsylvania. for the tender of his command as an escort to the Regiment: to the Union League of Philadelphia, for the courtesies of the League House: to the New York Centennial Board. for hospitalities at the New York State Building in the Centennial Exhibition grounds: and to Mr. A. J. Drexel and Colonel Josoph F. Tobias. for distinguished attentions. To Colonel George A. Bernard, of General Bank-on's staff. a popular veteran member of the Seventh Regiment. all were particularly indebted for valuable personal and official courtesies. The total number of officers and mon in camp at Philadelphia was six hundred and forty-four. The expenditures on account of Camp Washington were $14,509.00, of which amount about five thousand dollars were paid from the regimental treasury."
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APPENDIX E.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT
Emergency Troops, 1877, Report of Colonel Sylvester Bonnaffon, Jr.
Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 20, 187 ;.
Major General James W. Latta, Adj. Geul. State of Penna.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, upon the tender of a ir .. ment by the Veteran Corps First Regiment Infantry, N. G. of Pa .. to his Excellency Governor John F. Hartranft, for the suppression of riot atot maintenance of law, it was accepted July 25th, and in compliance with Special Order No. 28 C. S., IIcadquarters N. G. of Pa., the Regiment com- menced recruiting at ten A.M., July 20th, and was mustered into the servie: by companies for the emergency, by Colonel George H. North, aide-de-camp, and upon its regimental organization being complete, I was mustered a, Colonel. It was uniformed. armed, and equipped in thirty-six hours and at 9 P.sr., July 27th, received the following dispatch from Governor Hartranft : " Move your command at once," and left the armory at 10 P.M., reporte ! at West Philadelphia depot, when the following dispatch was received from the Governor: " Embark your troops immediately." I complied with the same, and left the West Philadelphia depot, en route for Pittsburg, at 12.20 A.M., July 28th, taking the precaution (as advised by the Governor) to detail engineers and firemen from my command, to act. in case the train hands refused to run the train. Upon my arrival at Harrisburg, at four A.M., I received the following dispatch from the Governor: " Do not proceed beyond Harrisburg, until you hear from me." I awaited further orders, and at six A.M. received the following dispatch: "Move on from Harrisburg through to Pittsburg, and, on your arrival there, report for duty to Major General Robert M. Brinton. Keep yourself in communication with General Beaver, at Altoona, who has been directed to keep you advised of the situation." I arrived at Altoona, and reported to General Beaver, and after some little delay in preparing the train. I proceeded to Pittsbur and arrived there, reporting to General Brinton at 6.30 P.sr., and was by him temporarily assigned to the First Brigade, First Division. N. G. of Pa. On August Ist, the entire division left Pittsburg, en route for Philadelphia. and upon its arrival at Harrisburg. it received orders to proceed to Scranton. and upon reaching Nanticoke. on AAugust 2nd. 12.30 A.r., I received verb.il orders from General Brinton to disembark my regiment, and to proceed. cautiously. to Plymouth. by way of the turnpike, arresting all persons inun! out of their houses. The right company was developed as skirmisher -. capturing ninety-two persons who were, by direction of General Brinton. turned over to Capt. A. L. Snowden, First City Troop, at Plymonth.
In compliance with Special Order No. 6, headquarters First Division. N. G. of Pa., dated Scranton. August 4th. I proceeded to Wilkesbarre. encamped my regiment between the lines of the Lehigh Valley and Susque. hanna railroads. below the South Street bridge, remained there until August 6th. when I changed the camp to a healthier location and a more commanding position. In compliance with Special Order No. 36, dated Harrisburg, August 4th, headquarters N. G. of Pa .. and by verbal instructions from General Pearson, relieved a battalion of the 15th Regiment, N. G. of Pa., at Fairview, on the line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. and continued
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guarding that point, and patrolling the line of the same railroad, from same point to Mill Creek, from August 10th to August 23rd, until informed by the railroad authorities that quiet had been restored. In compliance with instruc- tions received from Major General A. L. Pearson, commanding with Division N. G. of Pa., I detailed comprinies to guard the following named point -: Oak- wood Shaft, Lehigh Valley Railroad; Pine Ridge Colliery, Lehigh and Su-que- banna Railroad; Mill Creek. Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad; Laurel Run, Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad; Henry Colliery, Lehigh Valley Railroad; and in compliance with General Orders No. 7, headquarters Sixth Division, N. G. of Pa., I relieved the Sixth Division, N. G. of Pa. Copy of order as follows:
Headquarters Sixth Division, N. G. of Pa., Kingston, Pa., Sept. 3, 1877.
GENERAL ORDER NO. 7
(1) The following named regiments of this command will be relieved from further duty, in the Wyoming Valley, as follows, viz: The Four- teenth Regiment on Wednesday, September 5th; the Eighteenth Regiment on Thursday. September 6th; the Nineteenth Regiment on Friday, September 7th, and will proceed direct to Pittsburg, over the Delaware and Lackawanna and Western, Northern Central, and (vin Lewistown) Penna. Central rail- roads, when they will be dismissed until further orders.
(2) The Brigade commander, Fourth Brigade, will make requisition on these headquarters at once for the necessary number of passenger and baggage ears required to transport his command, and will cause all quarter- master's stores and camp equipage in the po-session of the several regiments to be tunned over (properly packed for shipment) to Major J. B. Steen, division quartermaster.
(3) One day's cooked rations will be prepared by the regiments on the days named in Paragraph 1 of this order, and the regiments be pre- pared to move from the station of their respective headquarters at 5 P.M.
(1) The Hutchinson Battery will remain in camp where now located, and Captain E. Y. Breck, upon the withdrawal of the Infantry Troops, will report to Colonel Hartley Howard, at Seranton, making requisitions for all necessary supplies for his command through him, until otherwise ordered.
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