USA > Pennsylvania > History of the twenty third Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, Birney's zouaves 1861-1865; comp. by the secretary > Part 27
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General Shaler and his party arrived here on Tuesday afternoon He was accom- WM. H, BANTOM, Co. G .. panied by his wife, Colonel William DeC. Boughton, Major C. H. Tucker and Colonel John B. Woodruff, of New York ; Colonel John Oakey, of Brooklyn, ex-District Attorney of Kings County ; Colonel Samuel Truesdell and Samuel Truesdell, Jr., of Brooklyn ; Colonel G. W. Ford, Mrs. Matthew Shaler, Mrs. Colonel Jussen and Mrs. Fred Grow. On their way here the party spent Monday night at the Continental Hotel, in Philadelphia, and a mem- ber of the old brigade staff said to a reporter of the Times, of that city : "We thought we would go up to Gettysburg a little ahead of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the battle, which occurs next month, and have a little Reunion before the crowd gets there. The Reunion will take place on the field. There will be between forty and fifty thousand people at Get- tysburg on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the battle, and there wouldn't be much room for us to hold a Reunion there on account of the crowds."
After leaving Harrisburg, while on his way to Gettysburg, on Tuesday, with the Survivors of Shaler's Brigade, Mr. George Dougherty, of Philadelphia, a member of the 23d
أو الحدوالد
القوى السورى الحر
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Pennsylvania Regiment, met with a rather serious mishap. One of his comrades tripped over a box in the lunch car, where there were no seats, and was thrown against a win- dow, his elbow going through the glass. In his fall he also struck Mr. Dougherty, and the latter was thrown back against the broken glass, cutting an artery in the neighborhood of his collar bone. The profuse bleeding was stopped by compression, the injured man's comrades taking turns in holding their thumbs on the orifice with a compressed handkerchief. Dr. Roller, the old surgeon of the regiment, was on the train, and he telegraphed from one of the way stations to Dr. T. T. Tate, of this place, asking him to be in readiness on the arrival of the train. Dr. Tate did so, and took Mr. Dougherty under his charge, administering the nec- essary surgical attention, the injured man was able to be out again on Wednesday.
The Commissary Gang of the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers captured quite a squad of the Eighty-second at the Vineyards. After cracking several botts of grape-juice, they were paroled and went on their way rejoicing.
Professor William Malcolm, of Philadelphia, the minerolo- gist, brought home several specimens for his cabinet. Prof. Sheely, of Gettysburg College, gave an exhibition of his valu- able collection. We tried bricks and cobble-stones on Malc. but he knew them on sight.
The flag used to veil the One- Hundred-and-Twenty-second monument was loaned for the occasion by Mrs. O. V. Tracy, who cherishes it as a valued relic of her lamented father. The flag was presented by the War Department to Hon. Charles B. Sedgwick, then Onondaga's representative in Congress and Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs. Mrs. Tracy was also a cousin of our beloved commander, General John Sedgwick.
Secretary William J. Wray, of Shaler's Brigade, is a courte- ous gentleman to whose efforts much of the Reunion's success was due. He labored early and late in its interest, but not without results that he may well feel proud of. He was pre- sented, while here, with a gold pin in the shape of a Sixth Corps badge, with the name of his regiment, the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, inscribed thereon.
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The Camp-Fire was one of the happy events of the occa- sion. The old Court House was never so crowded before with so many cheerful faces, made so by the laughable incidents and enjoyments of the talent dispensed, each of the commands contributing its best to entertain.
The dedication was complete in all its details. The march to the ground in organization, the great crowds of townspeople in attendance, the historical and eloquent addresses at each of the monument dedications, with the other impressive and ap- propriate ceremonies, was the crowning feature of the celebra- tion-highly creditable to the brigade.
Captain Moses' contingent, of the One-Hundred-and- Twenty-second, came in from New York City and Washing- ton, and were a pleasant party of ladies and gentlemen ; among the number being the Captain's mother and Mr. Slauson, his business partner.
The Twenty-third Pennsylvania's hospitable supplies were inexhaustible ; lunch, cigars, etc., were continually passed through the train, going and returning, as well as at the Camp- Fire and its Ball. In fact, at all times the cry was, " Come and help yourself," and if you didn't, the Commissary would help you.
We met General Shaler, with the ladies of his party, at the Vineyards. The cool, un- fermented wine was quite re- freshing.
The only regret of the trip was the absence of the First Long Island. May they so ar- range as to join with us on all future occasions.
John M. Huber, Esq., the JOHN MCCABE. Corporal Co. C. druggist, of Gettysburg, was of valuable assistance in looking after many of the details on be- half of the brigade, for which we heartily thank him. His brother Frederick was killed in action, at Fair Oaks, while serving as Ist Sergeant, F Company, Twenty-third Pennsyl-
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vania, being the first Union soldier from Gettysburg killed in the war.
The thanks of the brigade are tendered the Rev. H. W. McKnight, President of the Gettysburg College, for his ser- vices as Chaplain at the Dedications. He had the honor to serve in the One-Hundred-and-Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers-one of the old Sixth Corps regiments.
The badges worn during the Reunion were neat and ap- propriate ; that of the survivors being red silken ribbon, with blue Greek cross, designating the old Third Division, which the Brigade served in, inscribed: "Survivors of the (each command having its own designation), Shaler's Brigade Re- union, Gettysburg, 1863-1888." The friends' were of white silken ribbon, with the same inscription, with the words " Friends," in place of " Survivors."
Gettysburg Battlefield we found so well preserved as to scarcely need the services of a guide, the Battlefield Associa- tion having laid out roads along the entire lines, with sign- boards denoting the positions. Over two hundred monuments have been erected on positions occupied by troops in the action. All are original works of art ; many of unique and beautiful design. One would think, who has never visited the field, that with all these monuments it would have the sem- blance of a graveyard. Far from it, as it takes miles of driving to get around to view them.
Whitey Williams, of the Twenty-third Pennsylvania "Commissary," found time with all his duties to act as the Good Samaritan in conveying Comrade Dougherty, who was injured on the train, to the hotel. By reason of the horses running away, he now wears a bran new pair of pants.
Colonel John Oakey, of Brooklyn, and Colonel George W. Ford, of Connecticut, were the most venerable veterans on the trip, and seemed to enjoy the occasion quite as well as did the " youngsters."
The Pennsylvania Railroad sent W. C. Diefenderfer, Esq .. their representative, with the special from Philadelphia, with orders to remain with the party until their return-something unusual. So comfort and convenience was assured.
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Secretary George Gilbert, of the One-Hundred and-Twen- ty-second, worked hard, looking after the comfort of the "Twosters," and was doubly repaid in the consolation that everybody was pleased. .
The Official Visitations to the Fields of the First, Second and Third Days was instruc- tive ; graphically described in story of the action as well as in the many hundreds of monuments, marking the positions occupied by the troops participating. The well-made roads, with the lines so distinctly marked, tells of the good work per- formed by the Battlefield As- sociation, in the preservation of the Mecca of the War.
To all those on the trip we congratulate, as to their presence, dignity, sociability CHAS. DONAHUE, Co. G. and good behavior, which made our first Reunion such a grand success and so happy an event.
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Captain O'Brien, of the Eighty-second Pennsylvania, with his two stalwart sons, said the occasion was the happiest day of his life. He don't seem to have lost any of the sunshine of life, " old as he is."
. Colonel William J. Wallace, of the Twenty-second, is the same old Bill Wallace, of army days. He and his good wife took in all the enjoyments of the trip. .
The Fayetteville Recorder, of New York, gave a very reada- ble detail of the Reunion, occupying several columns of their paper, during three weekly editions. Brevet-Major A. W. Wilkin, the editor, was on the trip, enjoying himself, as well as taking notes of all that was going on.
Dr. Knapp, of the One-Hundred and-Twenty-second, after trying in vain to follow Captain Ostrander (who lost his leg in
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the Wilderness,) over the field, dubbed him the " One legged antelope."
The Birney Zouave Statue that surmounts the Twenty- third Pennsylvania Monument was designed by John Fergur- son, the proprietor of the Philadelphia Granite Works. It was modeled in clay by John Walz, Esq., of Philadelphia, a pupil of Prof. Wiley, late of the Academy of Fine Arts, of Philadel- phia, and of Professor Milley, of Paris. It represents a youthful soldier of nineteen years of age-the average age of the men of the regiment in 1863. The designer and modeler are to be congratulated upon the artistic and unique and appropriate position they have placed the figure. It is quite original ; showing the soldier grasping his piece from a trail arms-a reality-just as he appeared when he suddenly received the fire of the enemy.
George Dougherty's body guard from Kensington were a jolly set and enjoyed the occasion' very much. Our friend Sam Graves was of the party, and never tired trying to make everybody happy.
Colonel Buehler, of Gettysburg, the Vice President of the Battle-field Association, in very complimentary terms congratu- lated the Brigade visit as one of the most successful and pleasant that came to the old town.
The boys of Corporal Skelly Post, Gettysburg, were around at all times, trying to make the visitors feel at home. The use of their comfortable Hall was tendered us should occasion require, for which we return thanks.
Stout, robust, hale, hearty and rosy cheeks, Levi Albertson of the Twenty-third, worked and perspired in dealing around the ball-room the refreshments, and seemed to enjoy it; im- bued with the sentiment of us all, always ready to assist in making everybody pleased.
At the Dedication Grounds, nearly everybody cut a cane, or picked up some relic to take home to present to friends for their cabinets, as souvenirs of the spot where the Brigade was engaged.
William Blanck, Sr., one of the oldest comrades of the Twenty-third, was on the trip with his aged wife. We found
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them with us in all the occasions of the celebration, notwith- standing the fatigue of the journey.
The Eighty-second Pennsylvania Monument was the de- sign and workmanship of John Fergurson, of Philadelphia. The bronze coat-of-arms of the State of Pennsylvania, on the Twenty-third and Eighty-second monuments, was cast by Bureau Brothers, of Philadelphia.
Colonel Wallace and Bill Baker took charge of the distri- bution of the programs of the Ball. They say the next time they take charge of such work it will be by orders and not as
THE WHIRLIGIG-REACHING FOR PRIZES. Twenty-third P. V. Camp, 1861.
volunteers, as they lost nearly all their buttons in their desire to " just give me another one."
We found both the Pennsylvania and New York Com- missioners in charge of the erection of monuments ; pains- taking, exacting and true to their trusts-for which we add our commendation and congratulations. We take great pleasure in publishing their names.
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الأسرة
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PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSIONERS.
General Jno. P. Taylor, General J. P. S. Gobin, Colonel . John P. Nicholson, Colonel R. Bruce Ricketts, Major Samuel Harper.
NEW YORK COMMISSIONERS.
General Daniel E. Sickles, General Henry W. Slocum, General Joseph B. Carr, General Charles A. Richardson, Gen- eral Josiah Porter, General Charles K. Graham, Major George W. Cooney.
Many of the comrades of the Twenty-third visited the spot beyond the Taneytown Road, in the rear of the left centre, where Lieutenant Joshua Garsed, one of their most efficient and brave officers, was killed during the action of July 3d. His brother, H. E. Garsed, Esq., of the Ninety-fifth Pennsyl- vania, one of Philadelphia's attorneys, and his nephew, we found among the visitors.
The police of Gettysburg were well pleased with the visitation, as during the celebration they had no occasion to carry anybody off to the guard-house. We thank them for the police regulations at the Camp-Fire and Ball:
A contingent of the Chasseurs, Sixty-fifth New York, stopped at the Springs Hotel and enjoyed the medicinal waters of the celebrated Katasalyn Springs. We gave them a call on the visit to the first day's action, and were warmly wel- comed.
THE SIXTH CORPS BADGE.
The committee of arrangements for the Reunion at Gettysburg have prepared an elegant badge, to be worn by the survivors of the One Hundred and Twenty-second New York, and a separate badge for the friends who accompany them. The blue Greek cross which then designated the di- vision of the Sixth Corps to which the regiment was attached, forms a part of this badge. The frequent reorganizations made necessary by the heavy casualties of the campaigns under Grant, beginning in the Wilderness, while not separat- ing the regiments originally Shaler's Brigade, caused several changes in assignment to divisions ; and the One Hundred and Twenty-second was at different times attached to the First, Second and Third Divisions of the Sixth Corps, with corres-
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ponding changes in the color of the division cross. A "Twoster " can, therefore, sport a red, white or blue cross, as he pleases. His regiment never dishonored either of the colors and carried itself with honor in all the prominent engagements in which the Army of the Poto- mac participated, from Antie- tam to Appomattox, and in ad- dition to these it bore a promi- nent part in the glories of the Valley Campaign under Sher- idan, in '64, winning laurels at " Fort Stevens," " Winches- ter," "Fisher's Hill" and " Cedar Creek."
Tipton, the Gettysburg photographer, very kindly furnished gratis the photos of the several cuts in this book appertaining to Gettysburg field. He says he couldn't STEPHEN PALMORE, Ist Sergeant Co. H. think of making any charge for anything needed in the publi- cation.
Nick Wilson, the Superintendent of the battlefield grounds, we found to be a genial gentleman, ready to accom- modate at all times. He wears the blue cross with pride, having served in the Third Division of the Sixth Corps.
General Shaler brought with him, in honor of the Re- union, the old Brigade Headquarters flag. Comrade William McEntee, of the Sixty-fifth New York, took charge of it, carry- ing it on all occasions of the celebration. Mac felt highly honored in the selection, and well he might be, as the old standard led the Brigade in all its service.
Sammy McPheeters, of the One Hundred and Twenty- second, on his way from Syracuse, found the night air so chilly, after getting into Pennsylvania, that he proposed to get out and make a fire of fence rails. Thanks to somebody, the stoves were found to be fully supplied with fuel, and soon the cars were made comfortable. So Sammy didn't go fence- railing.
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Captain R. H. Moses, of New York City, who has acted as the representative of the One Hundred and Twenty-second on the committee of arrangements for the Brigade Reunion, has devoted much time to the affair, and is to be congratulated by his comrades for the successful result. His interest in the old regiment, and all that concerns it, seems to increase with the advance of time. We are greatly indebted to him for in- formation furnished from time to time in the preparation of the Veterans' Column.
The mothers, daughters and " other fellers' sisters " on the trip, added tone and dignity to the occasion ; so we couldn't help but be on our best behaviour.
Colonel Glenn's party, consisting of his wife, two daugh- ters-Miss M. E. and Miss H. M. Glenn-Mrs. Bowers, Mrs. Swartz, John Fox and wife, John Woodhead and wife, George Boger and wife, Alex. Colville and wife, Lambert Cline and wife, Conrad Cline and wife, Samuel Collins and wife, John Callahan and wife, Jos. Jordan and wife, Harry Clayton and wife, Daniel Engleman and wife, James Weldon and wife, Samuel Cavin, Jos. Bartley, J. G. Aitkin, O. G. Aitkin and Professor McMichael, were a most social crowd, adding much to the pleasure of the occasion.
Little Johnnie Johnson's Brigade, from Philadelphia, was with us in forec, in light infantry order. The heavies were left back to guard the homestead.
Captain Dick Lippincott marshalled the Rancocas con- tingent of fourteen. They roomed together, a most social crowd. We found the squad wherever we went, enjoying the occasion. Dick says he will have to kill some of them off, or they will soon outnumber the survivors.
Joe White, of the Twenty-third, joined the column at Gettysburg, with his wife and daughter-Miss Laura, R. Frank Walker, wife and son, Chas. W. Gibson, wife and daughter- Miss Pauline, James G. Milliken, wife and son-Clayton, all of Eastern Maryland ; so Maryland, " My Maryland " was repre- sented with a very pleasant party of our friends. They stopped over to greet the Maryland veterans who were to dedicate tablets.
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Comrade Redheffer, of the Eighty second, had been pre- vailed upon, by one of the young lady attaches of the City Hotel, to act as her escort to the Ball. While he was tem- porarily absent, arranging his curly locks and making his toilet, Captain Williams (82d), having previously learned of these intentions, ingratiated himself into the good graces of the aforesaid young lady, and easily persuaded her to cut the "Corporal " and ac- cept the "Captain" as her es- cort. When Redheffer, in full feather, returned, and learned what had been done in his ab- sence, he was a little put out at the disappointment, but solaced himself with the old adage of there being "as good fish in the sea as ever were caught." Being apprised that " Grand Pop " Cochrane had promised to do the agreeable JOHN HENDERSON. Co. E. for two other of the young ladies of the hotel, Bill not wanting to be left out in the cold en- tirely, called upon the young ladies in question and informed them that Dick would not be able to chaperon them, and, in his usual suave and persuasive manner, induced them to permit him to do the honors ; to which the ladies gladly and willingly assented, and the "Corporal" astonished the boys of the Eighty- second by marching into the ball-room, escorting the two young ladies. Poor Dick, when he learned of the trick that had been so successfully played on him, vowed vengeance on the destroyer of his happiness. He rushed to the Rink, resolved to spill the Corporal's gore. He entered the ball- room, with blood in his eyes ; but, at the sight of so much beauty, he became completely dazzled, and in a few moments he was waltzing around the room with one of the City belles, entirely oblivious to all, and seemingly very happy with him- self. But Dick declared that the next time he makes an engagement to act as escort to a young lady, he will have the Corporal muzzled.
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The popular Adjutant of the Twenty-third, Thomas K. Boggs, by reason of a severe wound received in action, is now an invalid. His physician would not permit him to attend the Reunion, but he was with us in contribution and spirit. Many inquiries were made for him by the boys.
To all the survivors of the Brigade who were unable to be with us on the trip, we send hearty greetings, and hope they will answer roll-call at the next Reunion.
The Brigade Committee issued a card program, to con- veniently carry in the vest pocket, containing the hour of each of the many ceremonies of the Reunion. We found it quite handy ; saving the annoyance of hunting up the Com- mittee, to learn " what next ?"
Secretary Krauth, of the Battlefield Association, very kindly secured from the town authorities the use of the Court House, for the Camp-Fire. This gentleman we found ready and willing at all times to assist, and we thank him for his many attentions.
The newspapers gave very extended notices of our Brigade celebration, for which we cordially thank them.
Dr. Roller, of Hollidaysburg, don't seem to age fast. From Surgeon of the Twenty-third he became one of the distin- guished of his profession in the Army of the Potomac. He met many on the trip whom he attended their wounds on the field. The boys were glad to greet him.
Colonel Sam Truesdell, Secretary of the Sixty-fifth, with his artificial leg, managed to get around to participate in all the events of the occasion, although he had to talk in whispers-the result of a severe cold contracted on the trip.
The old Colonel of the One-hundred-and-twenty-second, Colonel Silas Titus, we found with his old command, looking hale and hearty for one so aged. May he live for many, many more years and enjoy the pleasures of life.
The Complimentary Ball of the Twenty-third was a pleasing ending of the festivities of the Reunion ; giving the opportunity of all mingling in the pleasures of youthful time, which was indeed very much enjoyed by the Brigade people, as well as those of Gettysburg's invited.
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The hospitality extended by all the commands made everybody feel at home, and it was the expression from all that in the near future the Brigade should hold another Reunion.
Groups of the survivors around the monuments and other points on the field were taken by the photographers, Tipton and Mumford, of Gettysburg, Rile & Co., of Phila- delphia.
Shaler's Brigade monuments are on the top of a slope at Culp's Hill, in rear of the line of works they occupied during the action of the morning of the third day. The Battlefield Association, in arranging the positions, laid out brigade lines. Green's Brigade, Twelfth Corps, who built and originally occupied the works, are placed immediately in rear of the front line. Twenty feet back is Candy's Brigade line, who relieved them, and twenty feet further back is Shaler's, with the exception of the One-hundred-and-twenty-second New York, who occupy a large boulder in the works-they having secured a deed for the position betore that portion of the line was purchased by the Asso- ciation.
Of the forty survivors of the One-hundred-and-twenty- second New York Volunteers present, three had each lost a leg, three each an arm, and a number of the others bore honorable scars.
The audience at the Camp-Fire were very enthus- iastic, catching on quickly to all that was good. It was, THOS. H. MICHALS, Sergeant Co. H. indeed, quite an honor to pre- side over such an assembly, so full of distinction, intelligence and appreciation.
What stalwart fellows were the One-hundred-and-twenty- second New York. It must be a fine growing country up in .Onondaga County ; we shook hands with several of the boys
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over six feet. Poole, Gilbert and Hubbs, as a combine, would weigh as much as the gallant chargers at Balakava numbered.
Syracuse was well represented in all that assisted in mak- ing the Reunion a success. Strong in numbers, sociability, eloquence and deportment.
For the compilation of this book and the other honors bestowed upon the Secretary, he gratefully returns his thanks to the Brigade Association.
Mr. W. C. Diefenderfer, of Philadelphia, who was detailed as the representative of the Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Department for the round trip, was indefatigable in making all the railway arrangements as comfortable as possible. We found him quite a pleasant gentleman, who seemed to enjoy the trip.
Captain Thomas Mckean, of the Eighty-second, came on from Brooklyn, and was warmly welcomed by his old com- rades, whom he had not met since the muster-out. Although nearly half a centennial since he was born, he don't seem to have passed the thirties.
The following are the crews that safely carried our Special from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and return, and we shake them warmly by the hand.
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD-TO HARRISBURG.
Conductor-Jas. Sterling. Baggage-Master-Jno. M. Mur- phy. Brakemen-Frank Frenip, Hayes Speakman. Engineer- B. F. Kennedy. Fireman-Jno. Cline.
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