USA > Pennsylvania > History of the First regiment infantry, National guard of Pennsylvania (Grey Reserves) 1861-1911, pt 2 > Part 38
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(5) Colonel S. Bonnation. Junior, commanding Twentieth Regiment, is hereby directed to designate such companies of his command as may be necessary to relieve the regiments named in Paragraph I of this order. and, for this purpose, will cause the details to report at the headquarters of each regiment, at or before noon of the days designated, in the above named paragraph. Upon the completion of the above duty, Colonel Bonnation will, and until otherwise ordered by the commander-in-chief, report to Colonel Hartley Howard, at Scranton.
By Command of Major General Pearson, JAMES B. MOORE, Lieut. Colonel and A. A. General.
I relieved the following regiments of that command. as follows: Four- teenth Regiment. Wednesday, September 5th: Eighteenth Regiment. Thurs- day. September 6th; Nineteenth Regiment, Friday, September 7th.
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In order to show the amount of duty performed, and the extent 1 territory guarded. I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanyp- map, which will show the disposition of my command, and the post. " occupied by the several companies of it, and the names of the officers c 4 manding the several companies and detachments, upon its being relies. ! in compliance with Special Order No. 56, headquarters N. G. of l'a , by : . First Regiment. Penna. Vols. N. G. of Pa .. Col. Hartley Howard, commandi .
It would be an act of injustice for me to partienlanice individuiis sufficient to say that each officer, non-commissioned officer, and enlisted ich performed his duty faithfully under the most trying circumstances. For the manner in which that duty was performed, and the good opinions eider tained by the regiment. I have the honor to submit copies of orders press. ' from the different officers, under whose command the regiment served, a : extracts from the publie press.
Headquarters Sixth Division. N. G. of Pa .. Kingston, September 7th, 1877.
SPECIAL ORDER NO. 52
The Major General takes pleasure in extending to Colonel S. Bonnation. Junior, and, through him. to the officers and men of the Twentieth Regimen! N. G. of Pa., his high appreciation for the gratifying manner in which he att: his command have performed every service devolving upon them since beir : assigned to report to his headquarters. Leaving home and business, almost within an hour's notice, this command took the field, and, in less than thirty days. was transformed from the mass of citizens of Philadelphia to . splendidly drilled and disciplined regiment, one that did not, and the Major General is satisfied will not, hesitate to perform any and every duty assigned to them, and, in parting with them, he would be remiss in his duty if he failed to acknowledge the excellent services of such efficient officers an l men.
By Command of Major General Pearson. JAMES B. MOORE. Lieutenant Colonel and A. A. General.
Headquarters First Regiment Vols. N. G. of Pa .. Scranton, September 20th. 15 ...
COLONEL: In parting with your regiment. I desire to express to you. and through you to the officers and men of your command, my hearty appre ciation of their soldierly bearing and discipline.
I regret to part with them, for so many were such thorough veterans. and they left their impress on the whole regiment. making it at once more efficient and reliable body of men.
You and your brother officers are deserving of much credit for the rapidity in which you effected such a fine organization.
1 am, very respectfully. Yours truly, HARTLEY HOWARD, Colo: 1.
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To S. Bonnatfon, Jr., Commanding the Twentieth Regiment, N. G. of l'a., Philadelphia, Pa.
Wilkesbarre, l'a., Sept. It, lori. Col. S. Bonnation, Jr .. Commanding Twentieth Regiment, N. G. of Pa.
COLONEL: The undersigned citizens of Wilkesbarre, impressed with the value of the services of your command here, would be greatly gratified at witnessing a diess parade of your regiment, at such time and place, before your departure, as the exigencies of the service will permit.
Very truly yours,
STANLEY WOODWARD
FRED. MERCUR
W. L. CONYNGHAM
G. IL. PARRISHI
JJNO. MONEISH, JR.
CHAS. PARRISH
C. M. CONYNGHAM
J. Il. SWOYER
LEWIS C. PAINE
F. A. HANCOCK
HENRY M. HOYr II. BAKER HILLSIAN
A. J. DAVIS J. VAUGHAN DARLING
R. B. RICKETS
G. M. REYNOLDS
G. M. MILLER
Headquarters Twentieth Regiment, N. G. of Pa., Wilkesbarre, Sept. 15, 1877.
Colonel Stanley Woodward. Chas, Parrish and others.
GENTLEMEN: Your request to parade the Twentieth Regiment, before departure for home, is received. The same is granted, and will take place the day before our departure, which depends upon the arrival of the new regiment.
Allow me to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Wilkesbarre, through you, for the many acts of kindness, hospitality and friendship extended to us whilst performing duty here.
Respectfully, S. BONNALFON. JUNIOR.
Col. Cominanding Twentieth Regiment. N. G. of Pa.
(From the Record of the Times)
" The parade of the Twentieth Regiment. yesterday afternoon, was one of the finest affairs witnessed since the valley had been occupied by the troops. From the day the Twentieth reached the Valley, they have been ou constant duty, and no opportunity has been afforded our citizens of seeing them in marching order or of witne-sing a dress parade of the entire regi- ment. In order, therefore, to gratify them, and, in some slight degree, to make a return for their generous hospitality. Colonel Bonnaffon paraded the regiment through the principal streets, following. with one or two excep- tions, the line of march as published yesterday. The streets were crowded with people along the entire line. the crowd growing larger as the regi- ment neared the Valley Hotel, in front of which the troops were halted and formed in line for dress parade. The military display was witnessed by fully twenty-five hundred pwople, who crowded the street-, and the broad green fronting of the river. rendering it almost impossible to pass either in carriage or on foot.
"The whole appearance of men and officers was soldierly, and our
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citizens appreciated at a glance that the immense interests, guarded is Twentieth for many weeks past. had been in sate hands. They could a see, by their marching, drill, and discipline, that Col. Bonnation wa A thorough soldier, and in his entire staff and line officers. the Twentieth . commanded by able and experienced men-soldiers, on duty, and p.m. men, in social intercourse."
" Colonel Hoyt was present at the parade, and forwarded the tollewww telegram to Governor Hartranft:
"'Wilkesbarre, Sept. 19. Is ;: "'To His Exeelleney Governor Hartranft, Harrisburg, l'a.
"' This community, by the presence of not less than 2009 people. at a public parade of the Twentieth Regiment, N. G. of Penna., have te-titie l ... the appreciation of their services rendered here under your orders. in the interest of law and order.'"
The Regiment left Wilkesbarre, for Philadelphia, September 20th, at S A.M., and arrived at Philadelphia, 4 P.M., where it was mustered out. and paid off the same date.
It is with pride as a soldier, and satisfaction as a citizen. that I ral! your attention to the faet, that, upon the receipt of Special Order No. : s. headquarters N. G. of Pa .. and in announcing to the Veteran Corps, Fir -: Regiment, N. G. of Pa., that the regiment offered by them had been accept ! they promptly, and with one accord for the public good, uniformned an ! equipped this regiment upon moneys subscribed by loyal and lawabida : citizens. I would suggest that such action be taken as will cause the Legi- lature to reimburse those citizens who subscribed this money. that in even! of the like emergency occurring, there may be the same hearty financial assistance to aid in the restoration of order and the enforcement of thu laws.
I desire to thank his Excellency. the Governor, John F. Hartranit through you, for the honor conferred in appointing me to the comman! ! the Twentieth Regiment, N. G. of Pa. I also thank you for the kirdi -. extended to this command.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant. SYLVESTER BONNAFFON. . JR ...
Late Colonel Commanding Twentieth Regiment. National Guard of Perrt
AAPPENDIX F.
ORATION OF COL. WILLIAM MCMICHAEL. LAYING OF CORNER STONE REGIMENTAL. ARMORY, APRIL 19, 1SS2.
There is a theme of martial music which represents the approach, :1 ... presence and the departing march of a body of soldiery. The first faut notes grow clearer and londer until, amid the acclaim of trumpets. il. brisk beat of drums, and with the quick stride of an aspiring nowement. the troop- sweep by in all the brilliance and panoply of war, and tien tir tread slowly recedes away. For in the past we seem to-day to lar . distant footsteps of those determined men who on April 19th, Isol. Ns " the historie march of this command. summoned by patriotism and car . ! by duty. Storms and darkness were about our founders; States seende :
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laws violated, anarchy poisoning the life blood of the nation, and grim. vi-aged war raising its awful front to read our land in twain. Amid these huge throes this regiment was born, and into it was breathed the soul of deathless devotion to State and country; and so raising aloft its ever-vic- torious standards of discipline and service, it started on that march of unbroken honor it has since steadily continued, protecting the city, serving the State, maintaining the Union. The memories of its war time blend into the distinct experience of our more recent knowledge of its achievements, until now it comes before us to-day as strong, as active, as determined as ever; worthy of its history, the highest type of citizen soldiery, and in a nation restored, peaceful and united, amid the plaudits of the people, and with the official approval of the Commonwealth, it passes before us in the inspiring vigor of its ardent manhood, and marches forward to its eventful future. God speed its onward march, our gallant and valiant First Regiment of Pennsylvania.
We have assembled to-day upon its twenty-first anniversary at the laying of the corner stone of its new armory. The Ancient. Order of Masons have sanctioned the occasion by their impressive ceremonial; the State comments it through its Executive, the Mayor of Philadelphia, the Major General of our National Guard, the friends of the command, and our citizens are here, while from other States and our own fellow soldiers have come to testify their generous interest and to renew our regard and admiration for their friendship and renown. It is especially gratifying that the Twenty-second New York and its Veteran Corps give us their presence and approval, and we will make their welcome worthy of such men, and show them and our other visitors that Philadelphia appreciates this act of fraternity of the soldiers of New York, our own and sister States. The event which is begun to-day-the building of the armory-is the result of unceasing labor on the part of those who have promoted it and great liberality in the contributors to the fund. The broad foundations of our armory rest upon the popular heart. Every part of the imposing edifice which will rise here under the direction of its talented architect will be due to tireless workers and unstinted givers. The movement began among the companies, and they have constantly aided it with work and means. The Veteran Corps, commanded by a distinguished officer of the war, and composed of the elite corps of those who have been in active service in the regiment. has been very zealous renewing that activity which in 1977 mustered, uniformed, armed and equipped a full regiment-the 20th Guard-in thirty-six hours. a feat which its indomitable Colonel justly declared was " unprecedented in the military history of America." Indeed, all engaged have espoused the cause with loving ardor. On October 23rd. 1875, the Colonel called a special meeting of the board of officer-, at which were present the trustees of the regimental fund. the trustees of the State fund and members of the Veteran Corps, and a general com- mittee was appointed to further the object. How well they and their co-workers have discharged the important duty entrusted to them let this day bear witness. Their interest has never flagged, and in estimating what they have accomplished, it must be remembered how many other objects have claimed the public support. It has been peculiar good fortune of the com- mittee to number among their members one of the original signers of the call for that first meeting of citizens in April. 1861, from which this regi- ment sprang. He was at that momentous time elected by acclamation its first colonel: he led the One Hundred and Nineteenth forth to fight for the
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Union, and has ever been the constant and unwavering friend of the man mand. His unselfish labors, and those of his untiring associates, shall i. crowned when in the finished armory their work shall here stand conple te.
The efforts of those engaged in raising funds have met with a rejoint- characteristic of the large-hearted spirit of this community. . \ n ges officer of the Veteran Corps has repeated for us the magnificent In why his civic loyalty to Philadelphia has been so often attested; and while their is not time to refer to all who have subscribed, yet it will be seen that en has given freely in a similar spirit. The railroad companies, the bank. insurance and other corporations. our publishers. merchants, manufacturer. mechanics, and many citizens in various employment-, have taken this is. of showing their substantial appreciation; while the work of various [. .. ments has been made more congenial by the fact that their numbers are then the most influential and successful of the business community, and hese cheered on the cause by their cordial assistance. But nothing has done metr to make this undertaking successful than the co-operation of the ladies of Philadelphia. Women have always exercised a potent inthuiche. in American affairs. It was to the generous aid of a woman that Columbia. owed the means to make his voyage of discovery, and this liberal anl decisive action of Queen Isabella has been the type of what American women have done in American history. No body of soldiers can ever forget their courage and self-sacrifice during all our wars and their interest in all good movements, and we of the First. in addition to our other obligation owe them an especial one, because it was under the auspices of the ladies of Philadelphia that the Fair was held for the benefit of the arnagy fund, the receipt, of which have enabled this corner stone to be laid to day For more than twenty years the First has never yet, in the war or in the State, met the enemy before whom its flag has been lowered, but it viel !. its willing homage to these noble women, conquered by their wi-dom. their beauty, and their goodness.
Fellow-citizens: There is a reason and utility in this foundation. \ record of past prowess would attract your admiration, but, like the antique sword of Richelieu, this regiment might be laid aside as an honored wedjust no longer needed were it not for your knowledge of its necessity and its usefulness. In the new era upon whose luminous threshold we stand, the glad renaissance of social and intellectual liberty, it is not enough that organisms exist. We demand that they shall accord with the enlighter.l progress of the age. Unfettered thought, like the impartial sunlight exposing the weakness and decrepitude of effete and obsolete constructions and hewing down remorselessly the barren fig trees. The dull winter of . mental servitude is over, and the glorious spring of human thought i- 1: hand. full of the abundant promise of afluent freedom. In such an " you sustain this regiment not merely for what it has done, but what it will do. Yon have learned by the experience of the past generation. in the State and in the nation. that our institutions to be preserved must i- defended, and feeling that large standing armies are a menace to repuli . von look for that defence to a militia composed of the people, sharing der labors, knowing their wishes, and representing their devotion to free govern ment. How this command would serve its country if needed in the future you know as you gratefully recall its service in the past Not only if l the Gray Reserves, our parent organization, send to the war the 119th Penn sylvania Volunteers, but many officers and men besides. It was one of its
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first captains who led the Corn Exchange Regiment, as its colonel, into battle, and afterward commanding this regiment, and becoming major general of the division, has retirel now from active military affairs, but still endures with heroic fortitude those wounds received in the service of his country, which are more honorable than the decorations of kings. Nor do you fall to realize the inestimable value of the command during times of disorder, when you recall its admirable conduct during the riots of ISTE. Called suddenly at that time in the face of immediate personal danger, and to the discharge of a delicate and difficult duty, the regiment responded instantly, leaving business and pleasure with unquestioning patriotism, and exhibiting skill and courage in their leader. officers and men. humane moderation toward their tellow-citizens, but an inflexible and undaunted support of the government. they restored order by the force of their example and strength of their authority. Our people have observed, too, that wherever the command goes it carries with it the good name of the city. and that in its daily rond of duties at home it is an important agency in making good citizens. The punctuality, obedience and manly bearing taught to the young men are reflected in the precision of their business habits, for he who serves well his company will be found prompt and faithful to his employer. It was in this practical school of affairs that our present Adjutant General acquired that knowledge of the public needs which has given us the best military system this State has ever had. and which is being adopted as a model elsewhere. When the National Guard of Pennsylvania marched through Washington at the last inauguration, it elicited the highest praise from the General of the Army. and excited the admiration and enthusiasm of the assembled thousand- from all parts of the Union. It was just and fitting that on that day, so gratifying to all its friends, there should ride at the head of the First Regiment a prominent young business man of Phila- delphia, who enlisted in its ranks originally as a private soldier, and through continuous and efficient service won those eagles which he now wears, illustrating the wise belief of these times, that going leadership comes from the ranks, and promoted by merit. rests it- strength upon the free assent of popular approval.
Soldiers of the First. the future awaits you. The corner stone is laid, the armory has been begun. May Ile who has fashioned above ns the vast dome of the heavens, and wrought His power in the eternal hills. pro-per and protect it: and standing here to attest the liberality, the order and the prosperity of this great city which it will adorn. may it continue through successive generations the chosen place of assembly of brave, un-el- fish, patriotic men.
APPENDIX G.
ITINERARY OF VISIT. ARTILLERY CORPS OF WASHINGTON GRAYS, TO MOUNT VERNON, FEBRUARY 15-25. 1832 (WASHINGTON'S CEN- TENARY)
[From " History of Artillery Corps of Washington Grays" (MS.). hy William Houston Patterson. vol. i. pages 191-199.]
October 3, 1531. it was resolved that a committee be appointed to collect subscriptions for the intended excursion to Mount Ver-
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non; at what precise period the project was first broached cannot be definitely determined.
A favorable report from the committee in January. 1992. " provided forty members could be procured and navigation should be open," followed, and thereupon it was:
Resolved, That the 22nd day of February next. being the centennial an. niversary of the birth of George Washington, ought to be celebrated through out the nation by peculiar demonstrations of the spirit and signal mark- of the gratitude of a free people for the blessing- which they owe to the character and exertions of that great and good man.
Resolved. That the Corps, having adopted his name and ever looked upon his conduct as the brightest example which the citizen, the patriot. and the soldier could imitate. will testify their respect to his memory and their deep sense of the benefits he conferred upon his country by a visit to hi- tomb on the approaching anniversary.
The singular feature of this is not the requisite forty members. but that the " navigation should be open " to render the excursion to Mount Vernon practicable. A glance at the situation will di -- play the absolute necessity for open navigation. With the exception of the strips of railroad between New Castle, on the Delaware, and Frenchtown, upon the Elk River (an estuary of Chesapeake Bay ). the journey to Mount Vernon and the return therefrom were made exclusively upon steamboats.
Let us preface with the itinerary of First Sergeant Benjamin K. Fox, preserved in his roll-book, one of the most precious relies of the primeval Corps. Fox, the second lieutenant-so it was said -preferred to go in his old place as orderly sergeant, and Joseph Mort gave way that he might do so.
The Light Artillery Corps of Washington Grays. under command of Captain Joseph Worrell, Jr., left Philadelphia February IS, 1832. at 6 o'clock A.M., on a visit to the tomb of Washington with three officers and thirty-seven men, accompanied by Captain Francis Johnson's brass ban.l.
Arrived at Baltimore at dark, and dark and muddy enough it was, God knows. on same day. Had some difficulty in procuring quarters.
Sunday, 19th, left Baltimore on steamboat Fredericksburg. Captain Jenkins, for Washington City. We touched at Alexandria and passed to another boat, the Franklin, lying at another wharf, during a heavy rain. Proceeded on our passage and arrived at the wharf within two miles of the city on Monday about 3 P.M., where we were met by the Corps of Washington Grays (Captain Beal), and escorted into town. raining very hard all the march and roads very muddy. Got to our quarters ( Bernard'- Hotel) about half-past & P.M. literally soaked through and somewhat coll. The officer- and non-commissioned officers were invited to the residence vi
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Colonel John G. Watmough (representative from Philadelphia County), and were very kindly entertained, meeting a great many of the most dis tinguished men of the Nation. (Great time -!! )
Tuesday, February 21st, visited the President of the United States. Andrew Jackson, and took several glasses of wine-pretty clever old chap! Also George M. Dallas, Esquire, and tried the quality of his: good! In the afternoon were invited by Colonel Gamble, U. S. Marines, to visit his quarters at the Navy Yard, where the same ceremony was gone through, etc., etc .. etc. Also Sammel C. Potter, formerly of Philadelphia, who, by the by, there was no mistake in.
Wednesday, 22nd February, This morning at sunrise (clear and very cold) the Corps was on the march to the boat to convey them to the object of their visit (Mount Vernon), where we arrived about 9 A.M. After sending a deputation on shore we were permitted to land. We marched from the landing (?) in a file up the rugged shore of the .Potomac, till we arrived on a plain within a few hundred feet of the sanctuary that contained the ashes of the Mighty Dead. when the Corps was halted, wheeled into column, and reversed; then marched on to the front of the tomb, wheeled into line. and, resting on arms. After the band had played a solemn dirge, we were ordered to shoulder arms, and then filed off without music to the mansion, leaving the sacred spot with feelings that might be felt but not described. On arriving in front of the venerable building once the residence of the General, we halted and piled arms, and were kindly invited by Mrs. J. A. Washington [her husband being confined to his room from indisposition] to partake of some refreshments; also to view the mansion and its many curi- osities, amongst which was the key of the Bastile ( presented to the General by General Lafayette). Also an old African, a servant of the General's during the Revolution, in whom it seemed to revive recollections of former days once again to see a military display. The Corps was then dismissed- after allowing them ample time to gratify themselves, the drum was beat to assemble. when we formed, and after the band had played some beautiful and pathetic airs, we took up our arms and marched to the landing-place, where we re-embarked. After discharging three volleys on board the steam- boat, we proceeded on our return to the City of Washington, where a general parade of the troops in the place awaited our return. We joined the parade and took up the line of march to the Capitol, and were there reviewed by something less than forty generals. colonels, etc., etc., etc. The parade dis- missed, we marched to our quarters. where an invitation from His Honor the Mayor (General Van Ness) awaited us to partake of a collation. We did so, and returned to our quarters. preity tired of the eternal round of feasting. etc .. etc .. etc .. and immediately commenced preparing for the balls of the evening, to which we went about S r.M. A very lovely and fashionable company at the Grand Ball. but rather stiff: at the second ball rather more sociable : had altogether a pleasant time; kept it up until 4 A.M.
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