USA > Pennsylvania > History of the twenty third Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, Birney's zouaves 1861-1865; comp. by the secretary > Part 24
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Having through the fortunes of war been separated from the brigade during the last year of its service, a period in which pro- motions would be most likely to occur, I have referred to those only of which I have personal knowledge. No brigade in the army was more fortunate in the quality of its officers; and, very many, too many to refer to here by name, were for their superior talent and ability ; for their gallant conduct, and for long faithful services, pro- moted to higher grades, detailed to staff duty, and assigned to other special and honorable service.
The case of Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight, of the One Hundred and Twenty-second New York, was one of unrewarded merit. He gal- lantly commanded the regiment in nearly all its battles, and until it was reduced below the number for which a Colonel could be mustered; and was finally killed in front of Petersburg, without having received the promotion which he had repeatedly earned and was justly entitled to.
The brigade was equally fortunate in the composition of its Staff, Captain William P. Roome, Assistant Adjutant-General ; Captain Samuel Truesdell, Assistant Inspector-General; Major George W. Ford, Assistant Quartermaster, and Captain Nat. Ellmaker, Assistant Commissary of Subsistence, were all officers of the highest qualities, possessing especial fitness for their respective positions. They served throughout with unsurpassed zeal and faithfulness, and retired honored and respected by all with whom they had intercourse.
To commemorate the services of this noble body of men upon this field of battle, and to dedicate memorials to their fallen comrades, we have met to-day. In looking back, visions pass before us like a dream. We see the demon of war with haughty mien uplift his arm to assail our national existence. Rebellious hordes are marshalled for unholy conquest. With rapid strides and swift approaches the swelling ranks besiege our capitol. Indignant loyalty with glaring astonishment nerves
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herself for defense. Liberty is fettered, and affrighted peace seeks safety in flight.
To arms ! to arms ! the people cry, The danger to our Capitol is nigh.
With sentiment akin to filial love, the masses with one accord uprise and bid defiance. The conflict rages. Death, devastation and destruction revel. Gloonì and sorrow prevail. Portentous clouds of darkness envelop us. Evil spirits, with hellish intent, pursue unchal- lenged their damnable ways. The angels mourn, and all nature in darkness weeps. But see, a silver lining appears. Peering with hope- ful aspect, Peace, with olive branch extended, seeks audience. In the distance seething masses of armed men struggle for mastery. With diminished force rebellion aims her blows, and finally sinks to rise no more. Victory perches on Loyalty's crest. Homeward turns the Spartan band, heroes all ! Halos of glory illumine the sky. Loved ones meet in joyous ecstasy. Liberty and peace have resumed their places. The dream has passed ; but stern reality bids us inquire, where is father, brother and son. In yonder graves they lie, victims of disloy- alty; and martyrs for their country. Let us keep their memories green, and each recurring year cover them with immortelles, and sweet- scented flowers. And let us not forget the living heroes. Let us re- member that to them we are indebted for the blessings of peace and prosperity which our re-united country now enjoys. Let us remember that the "stars on our banner grew suddenly dim ;" and that it was the private soldier who restored to them their lustre, and palsied the hand which attempted their obliteration. While our children are taught to revere that emblem of unity and strength, let them also be taught the danger of assailing it. Teach them to honor its defenders ; and if in after time it should again be threatened, let them emulate the patriotic example set by their fathers on this hallowed spot.
The band then played the following national anthem which was the first rendition of this afterwards popular song.
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GUARD THE FLAG.
NEW NATIONAL SONG.
This song is sung in the Public Schools everywhere, and at School-house flag-raisings ; it is also played by the bands of the U. S. Army and Navy.
WORDS AND MUSIC BY GEO. M. VICKERS. (Published with Compliments of the Author.)
Guard the flag, Guard the flag of our native land, Guard the flag of liberty ; Guard well the flag with heart and hand ; God save the banner of the free !
Sons of the nation, hold it aloft, Bravely its foes defy ; Our beautiful flag, the hope of the world, Ever shall wave on high !
CHORUS.
Guard the flag, Guard the flag of our native land,
Guard the flag of liberty ;
Guard the flag, Guard the flag of our native land,
Guard the flag of liberty ;
Guard well the flag with heart and hand ;
God save the banner of the free!
Guard the flag, Guard the flag that our fathers bore ; Let its pride our glory be ; Oh, let it wave o'er sea and shore, The starry emblem of the free !
Though 'neath it marching onward to war, Though 'neath its folds in peace, Our motto shall be to still guard the flag, Never our vigil cease !
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Reunion of Shaler's Brigade, Gettysburg.
"The Inspiration."
D URING the dedication of the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers' Tablet at Gettysburg, in August, 1886, Gen- eral Alexander Shaler, who had the honor to command the First Brigade, Third Division, Sixth Army Corps, in said action-who was present on this occasion as the orator of the day-expressed a wish that the regiments of the old brigade should be reorganized for the purpose of dedicating their monuments and for a Reunion on the field at Gettysburg.
In compliance with this wish a letter was prepared, setting forth the object, and mailed to each of its commands, request- ing that each Regimental Association elect a representative to serve as a Brigade Committee.
On August 1, 1887, the following comrades having been selected :- General Alexander Shaler, representing Headquar- ters; Colonel Samuel Truesdell, the Sixty-fifth New York, " The Chasseurs ;" James N. Mills, Sixty-seventh New York, "The First Long Island;" Captain Robert H. Moses, the One-hun- dred-and-twenty-second New York; Lieutenant-Colonel John M. Wetherill, of Pottsville, the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, and William J. Wray, of Philadelphia, the Twenty-third Pennsyl- vania, " Birney's Zouaves," met at the office of Colonel Trues- dell, New York City, and organized Shaler's Brigade Associa- tion, Survivors of the Sixth Army Corps, by the selection of General Alexander Shaler as President, William J. Wray as Secretary and Treasurer, with General Nelson Cross, Sixty- seventh New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel John M. Wetherill, Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Silas Titus, One-hundred-and-twenty-second New York Vol- unteers, Colonel John F. Glenn, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry G. Healy, Sixty-fifth New York Volunteers, Colonel William P. Roome, Headquar- ters Staff, as Vice-Presidents. Selected June 12, 13, 14, 1888, for Dedication of Monuments and Reunion of the Brigade, at Culp's Hill, Gettysburg, requesting each Regimental Associa- tion to arrange an excursion from their respective headquar- ters for their survivors and friends.
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About January, 1888, the Sixty-seventh New York Volun- teer Association changed the date of their dedication to July 1, 2, 3, 1888. With the other organizations of the Brigade, the work progressed favorably; and at the Brigade Committee meeting, May 9th, in New York City, the final details were formulated, and the Secretary instructed to issue the following circular letter :-
The Excursion.
HE One-hundred-and-twenty-second New York, having the longer distance to travel, added one more day to the trip, leaving Syracuse on Monday afternoon, June 11th, with three coaches filled with their survivors, ladies and friends. On reaching Canandaigua a sleeper was attached to their train, the railroad company showing them every atten- tion, making them as com- fortable as possible for their long journey. After a most pleasant ride, during which old associations were revived and renewed, they reached Gettysburg about 7 A. M. of the first day, just in time to sit down to breakfast at their headquarters-the Globe Inn. As the balance of the Brigade were not expected to arrive SAMUEL WEEKS, Corporal Co. C. before noon, individually and in squads they started off sight-seeing, the point of attraction being Culp's Hill, the scene where the Brigade went in on the third day of the action. After dinner, with the Brigade Band -the G. A. R. Band of Gettysburg-they marched to the depot to escort the other regiments of the Brigade, who came by way of Philadelphia.
The Twenty-third Pennsylvania, Eighty-second Pennsyl- vania, Sixty-fifth New York, Headquarters and detachment of the One-hundred-and-twenty-second, left Philadelphia on a special train from Broad Street Station, 7.40 A. M., Tuesday, June 12th, with eight carloads of their survivors, ladies and
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friends, and two combination cars, one loaded with commissary supplies, the other used as a lunch-room. The train was gaily decorated, while along the sides of the cars were long canvas streamers containing the regimental designations.
The run was a most delightful one, through the thriving valleys of Lancaster and Cumberland, across the South Moun- tain. On reaching Harrisburg another car was coupled to the train, with the Allegheny contingent and squads from Marietta, York, Columbia and the National Capitol.
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To make it the more social and enjoyable, lunch, cigars, etc., were being passed continuously along the lines by the Com- missary Committee of the Twenty-third, who tried their level best to make everybody feel at home. Reaching Gettysburg about I P. M. they found the One-hundred-and-twenty- second New York, with their friends, drawn up in line, under the command of Colonel Silas Titus. After the customary salutations, with gripsacks in hand, they were escorted to their respective headquarters.
The coming together at the stations on the morning of departure, the journey on the trains and the joining of the contingents from Syracuse and Philadelphia at Gettysburg, made up of the survivors and friends of the Brigade, was the renewal of old and beginning of new found friends, soon be- coming so well acquainted that they appeared as one large happy family.
The Brigade Committee very wisely arranged no part of the programme for the afternoon of the day of arrival, as the ambition of everyone, especially on their first visit to the old burg, is to strike out on their own hook after dinner. So the afternoon was enjoyed in individual visits to the field, calls at the regimental headquarters, and the many points of attraction and interest around the battle-scarred town. The crowds of Gettysburg people at the station, on our arrival, and their calls at the hotels to have a hand shake, was a quiet manifestation of their welcome, which was fully appreciated by the visitors.
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Camp-Fire.
O N the evening of our arrival, Tuesday, June 12th, all assem- bled 730 P. M. at Brigade Headquarters, and marched to the Court House, which had been kindly tendered by the town authorities. The front part of the spacious room being reserved for the brigade veterans, ladies and friends. Soon the building was packed, not even standing room was left. Some 300 ladies were present to grace the occasion ; and at 8 P. M., Comrade William J. Wray, Twenty-third Pennsyl- vania, of Philadelphia, who had been detailed as Master of Ceremonies, opened one of the happiest, enthusiastic, and en- joyable Camp-fires possible.
The Chair, after returning thanks and congratulations upon the large attendance of the brigade and townspeople, FREDERICK P. SIMON, Sergeant Co. K. stated that while they had printed programmes for all other of the Reunion Proceedings-Camp-fires were im- promptu affairs, and he was glad to announce of seeing enough talent present to keep the fire burning until after 24 o'clock ; but would try to maintain the good name of the brigade with closing the exercises at a seasonable hour, trusting those called upon would make their replies brief and interesting. That he was proud and glad to announce that among the distinguished officers of the brigade present, who honored the occasion, not only by his presence, but that of his entire family, was the General whom we all honored and loved, who com- manded the brigade in the action at Gettysburg, and was now the President of the Brigade Association, and it gave him great pleasure to introduce General Alexander Shaler. The General came to the front amid a perfect ovation, lasting several minutes. After returning his thanks for the warm and enthusiastic reception, in most feeling words, expressed his · gratification of the assured successful Reunion, by the pres-
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ence of so many brigade veterans with their ladies and friends, and on behalf of the Brigade Association, warmly thanked the people of Gettysburg for their attendance.
Professor Frank Jay, the colored member of the Twenty- third Commissary Department, was then stood up, and made the old Court House ring with mirth by his " Kersand" comi- calities. He tried to get away with but one comic song, but the audience wouldn't have it; so he kept them laughing while he told all about the Kangaroo Garden, at Kalamazoo.
Then Captain Robert W. Patrick, of the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, rendered the following poem, which he had composed while enroute on the train.
"Shaler's Brigade at Gettysburg."
Brave Comrades we have met once more, On this now sacred soil, To gaze on scenes, we saw before, And call to mind our toil.
We hail you now as brothers dear, Who stood as true as steel, When other hearts were filled with fear, Such fears, you did not feel.
But when amidst the cannon's roar, You heard the words " fall in," You promptly acted as of yore, With the same eager vim.
We all remember those who fell, Amidst the battle's roar, Their glory shall forever shine, When time shall be no more.
Let us recall to memory dear, Some scenes through which they passed, True men, who ne'er gave place to fear, And bravely died at last.
Think of those scenes at Marye's Heights, Where many heroes bled, Brave Shaler led us in that fight, And gallant Spear fell dead.
Remember Major Bassett, too, Who led you on to fight, Who, when the color bearer fell, Held up our flag in sight.
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And boldly dashed across the bridge, And up the hill he led, And set our colors on the ridge, To wave above the dead.
Think of the joy that filled our hearts, When on those heights we stood, When each had well fulfilled their parts, And every man felt good.
We cannot stop to mark each scene, In which we bore a share, But only cast a sudden gleam, And for new scenes prepare.
We well remember when we stood, On this same field before,
When thousands drenched it with their blood, Amidst the cannon's roar.
Think of the cheers that rent the air, When we had gained the day, And General Lee in full retreat, From that tremendous fray.
Cold Harbor now looms in our sight, Where many met their end,
Fell on our left, and on our right, Whose deeds we here commend.
We never can forget those boys, Who fell in freedom's name,
Amidst the carnage, and the noise, Death dealing smoke and flame.
Hurrah for gallant Sheridan, Who led us in the fray, At Cedar Creek and Winchester, And with him gained the day.
May he be spared, for many years, To friends and country too, And saved from death, and we from tears, And here I say adieu.
After hearty cheers for the Eighty-second, the Chair stated that Onondaga County was present in force, and called upon Major T. L. Poole, of Syracuse, for something on behalf of the One-hundred-and-twenty-second New York, who responded in a most amusing way, telling of the trials and tribulations
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of "The Twosters " first introductory to the brigade, especially the greeting they met with at the Cross Roads, and most eloquently and feelingly spoke of the comradeship cemented in the field whilst brigaded.
Then Comrade Bill (W. W.) Mayberry, of Philadelphia, set the entire audience wild with delight with his " Army Flea" rendition ; and the shouting continued until he gave them his Sneezing Song-everybody was delighted-they couldn't help it.
The Chair then stated that General John Cochrane who had been selected to act the part of brigade orator, was by reason of his physical disability compelled to be absent. That while they regretted very much the inability of their once brigade commander to attend-the post of honor on to-mor- row's dedication would be filled by General Shaler, who had kindly consented to deliver the oration-he was pleased to state that Captain Robert H. Moses, One-hundred-and-twenty- second New York, of New York City, was present with a copy of General Cochrane's farewell address to his old brigade in 1863, and introducing the comrade as one of the workers, of the reunion, who after a brief speech expressive of his feelings at the enjoyable time, proceeded to read the Gen- eral's address, which was loudly applauded at its finish.
*Sergeant William McEn- tee, of New York, of the Chas- seurs, Sixty-fifth New York, being called upon, after a brief address congratulatory of the occasion, sang one of the old Sixth Army Corps songs, in- voking loud applause.
THOMAS DORSEY, Co. C.
Capt. George W. Water- house, Eighty-second Pennsylvania, being called to the front, recited "The Soldier Tramp," which he ably rendered. The applause that followed brought him up again, this time recit- ing an amusing dialect, very much enjoyed.
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Then followed one of the happy events of the evening, by the Chair stating that he had a special message for the ladies ; and told that when the Twenty-third came to Gettysburg to dedicate their tablet in 1886, the chief of the Commissary, who looked after their stores, as now, was the genial Comrade William H. Bantom. That the first news he received on arrival of the train at Gettysburg, was a telegram from his dear wife, "That it was a boy ; what will you name him?" It kind of paralyzed Bant. at first, but he recovered sufficiently to wire back, name him for his grandfather, the occasion, the General, and the family ; so the child was christened, Charles Gettys- burg Shaler Bantom. His comrades to show their affection for the father, had prepared a souvenir for the little one, and it gave him great pleasure to present on behalf of "The Sur- vivors' Association, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers," a solid " Silver Spoon," suitably engraved, encased in a unique and costly box, to the baby boy. The proud father came to the front amid laughter and clapping of hands, receiving the gift with appreciative thanks, promising to number it with the family heir-looms as one of their most precious tokens.
As it was about time the ladies were heard from, Mrs. John Fox, of Philadelphia, was escorted to the platform, giving a recitation so ably rendered that she was recalled, and amused the audience with "The Regular Army Oh."
The Hon. Samuel Collins, of Philadelphia, was prevailed upon to give his dialect songs; so he sang an Irish, Dutch and old Plantation Melody, evoking hearty laughter and applause.
Comrade William H. Redheffer, Secretary of the Eighty- second Pennsylvania Association, being called upon, having such a severe cold, contracted on the trip, he could not talk, handed in a paper to have read, which we take pleasure in giving insertion in this publication.
The Chair then stated that Captain James M. Craig, one of the workers of the Twenty-third, who had looked after the Allegheny contingent, was present with his family, and called on his son, Master Eddie Craig, of Allegheny City, who de- livered in good style, "Sue's Wedding."
Professor Jay, whom we learned was quite a musician, . gave a Cornet Solo, so pleasing that he had to repeat his " Home Sweet Home."
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The Chair then announced that the Rink Building would be thrown " wide open " by the Twenty-third, immediately after adjournment, where all were invited to partake of their hospi- tality. After returning the thanks of Shaler's Brigade to the town authorities for the use of the Court House, the people of Gettysburg for their large attendance and hearty welcome,
THOUGHTS OF LOVED ONES AT HOME.
with cheers upon cheers, amid the inspiring music of the G. A. R. Band, of Gettysburg, the happy Camp-fire closed.
During the evening, the Twenty-third Commissary, passed buckets full of cold lemonade around every half hour. The audience found it quite refreshing.
To sum it up, it was a most enjoyable occasion, every- body seemingly glad to have been there.
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Visit to the Battlefield of the Second and Third Days' Action
A T 2 P. M. Wednesday, June 13th, carriages were taken at Headquarters for a visit to the battlefield. Colonel John Long, of the Passenger Department Gettysburg Railroad, go- ing along as guide and lecturer ; the first stop was made at East Cemetery Hill, where a vivid description was given by Colonel Long, of the march northward of Lee's and Meade's armies. A review of the first day's fight, the scenes enacted at Cemetery Hill, on the night of the second, when Hayes' and Hokes' Confederate Brigades charged among the guns of Weiderick and Rickett's, and were driven back almost annihi- lated. The terrible infantry fighting at Culp's Hill, on the morning of the third, when the enemy were driven out from the works they occupied, which had been abandoned the night before by Geary's troops, who had been sent to the support of Sickel's. From this commanding position was had a view of the entire field from Big Round Top on the left, to Wolf's Hill at the right, and away off to Rommel's Farm, where was pointed out the Cavalry Shaft, the scene of the fight between Jeb Stuart and General Gregg, in which the rebel cavalry were sent South. Carriages were then taken, and the drive continued past Rickett's guns where brave Pennsylvanians fought hand to hand in saving them during the rush of the Louisiana Tigers. Here was pointed out where Carroll's Bri- gade came on the double-quick, and getting on the flank of the Tigers, swept the field. As we ascend to Culp's Hill, Steven's guns are seen, which did so much execution during the charging at East Cemetery Hill. Passing along the line of Wadsworth's Division, we soon reached the position where the gallant New Yorkers, of Greene's Brigade, Twelfth Corps, repulsed the repeated attacks of Johnson's Confederates. This was where our brigade (Shaler's) went in, (our second position) relieving regiments, assisting in driving the Johnnies on the morning of the third, beyond the lines. The drive was con- tinued to McAllister's Mills, beyond which was the extreme right held by the brigade of General Thomas H. Neill, of the Sixth Corps. Returning, we crossed the swale to the right of which
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Johnson's and Rhodes' Confederate Divisions, in three lines, charged six times and were repulsed each time. Six hundred dead Confederates were found in front of Culp's Hill, showing the desperate work done along the front of Geary's lines. At Spangler's Springs we stopped to taste of the waters, from which the wounded of both armies quenched their thirst on the night of the second, and early morning of the third. Driv- ing along the Baltimore Pike, we enter the National Cemetery, one of the finest laid out and well kept burial places of the Union dead, where lie some 3,000 of the comrades. Here we found Sergeant Holtzworth, formerly the genial guide of the battlefield, who, by reason of a paralytic stroke has abandoned that calling, and is now the Superintendent. At this point we found the Sixth Corps mark among the artillery that manned these heights. Continuing the drive, passing Zeigler's Grove; and along the Emmettsburg Road to the right of Sickel's line ; here was described the desperate fighting of the old Third Corps on the afternoon of the second, where Birney, Ward, Graham, Carr, and De Trobiand struggled against the overwhelming at- tacks of Longstreet. Beyond, on the left and half a mile to the front, was pointed out where Berdan with his sharp- shooters attacked the advanc- ing columns of Hood ; check- ing him for forty minutes, which gave the Round Tops in possession of the Union forces. The drive was then continued past the Peach Orch- ard, the angle of Sickel's line, which was held so tenaciously by our troops ; "The Loop," through the woods to the famous Wheatfield, where Gen- THOMAS S. MARTIN, Capt. Co. I, 23d P. V., 3 months' service. Killed at Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862, while Lt .- Col. rith Pa. Vol. Infantry. eral Zook and Colonel Ellis, of the Orange Blossoms were killed. Thence to the
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