Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 47

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania > Part 47

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"Eighteen dragoons left yesterday on the steamer 'Swatara' for the Rio Grande; the same boat carries out forty horses" (j).

In September, 1846, the German battalion here, consisting of four com- panies, paraded nightly under the command of Major Tickeisen and made a fine appearance. In this month the Duquesne Grays and perhaps others attended the encampment at Greenburg, where twelve companies assembled under General Montgomery. Several companies also encamped at Mckeesport. Captain V. Gutzweiler commanded a company in the German battalion. In September the Jackson Independent Blues elected James O'H. Denny first lieutenant and W. A. Charlton second lieutenant.

"Reports are rife that the Pennsylvania troops have been called for. We have not a doubt that they will be and that very shortly, if, indeed, steps have not already been taken for that purpose. Here in Pittsburg the boys are eager for the order to march, and in forty-eight hours the whole complement could be got under arms. The military spirit in our city is at fever heat and can only be reduced by a dose of glory" (k)

"The call for a regiment of Pennsylvania troops has created quite an excite- ment among our miltary friends. While it is quite certain that all of them cannot go, it is equally obvious that each of the companies desires to be selected.

(h) Commercial Journal, July 28, 1846.

(i) Commercial Journal, August 1, 1846.

(j) Commercial Journal, September 4, 1846.

(k) Commercial Journal, October 24, 1846.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

We hope that our troops will not be overlooked. They were among the first to offer themselves and from their geographical position they are entitled to the preference. Besides, no troops are better officered and disciplined. On the reception of the intelligence that war was declared, our companes immediately commenced recruiting, and at this moment we have two companies, numbering more than 200 rank and file between them, who could be mustered for marching in forty-eight hours. We allude to the Jackson Blues and Duquesne Grays. We have never seen a finer body of men than these companies parade; and their commanding officers, Captains Hay and Herron, are known to be highly competent, as are their subalterns. Although we could ill brook the idea of hearing of the death or mutilation of any of these men, our friends and fellow citizens, we would still be proud of seeing them in arms under the National standard, for they would gallantly uphold its honor and their own. We hope Governor Shunk will not overlook the claims of his former neighbors when the tickets for glory are being distributed" (1).

"Our soldiers are very much excited. The orders of the Adjutant-General came to hand yesterday. Captain Herron of the Grays forwarded by the return mail information that his company was ready. It looks like a hard case, that the flower of our youth must be marched off to the carnage of a field of battle to win slave fields for the South in an unjust war. However, our troops are all right" (m). "We Knew It .- Our friends, the Jackson Blues, at a meeting last night, volunteered for the war. They marched through the streets last night in full force with a band of music at their head. We knew that Captain Hay and his men would be ready when the time came" (n). . . "Recruit- ing .- The Grays and Blues are beating up for recruits. We understand that there will be no difficulty found in obtaining a sufficient number to fill the ranks of both companies. If the call was for a year instead of for the war, there can be no doubt that it would be responded to with much greater alacrity" (o).

On or about December 1, 1846, the Jackson Blues and the Duquesne Grays were notified by the Adjutant-General that their services for the war were accepted. The companies were reduced at once to a fighting basis, many dropped out and recruits were still called for. Calls were made upon the citizens to equip the companies. At a meeting of the Committee on Contribu- tions, appointed by the War Meeting of the 6th of May, 1846, there were present on December 2, 1846, Messrs. McCandless, Megraw, Captain Alexander Hay, Lieutenant Charles H. Paulson, John B. McFadden, Alexander Richardson, Alexander Black, M. D., C. S. Eyster, J. B. Guthrie and S. W. Black. On motion Wilson McCandless took the chair, and H. S. Megraw and C. S. Fyster, Esqs., were appointed secretaries. On motion of Alexander Richardson it was

"Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the chairman, for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of money subscribed and collected for the purpose of equipping the volunteers for the Mexican War, and how the same has been disbursed, to report at the next meeting of the committee."

The chairman appointed Alexander Richardson, J. B. Guthrie and Charles H. Paulson as said committee. On motion of Alexander Richardson, seconded by Dr. Alexander Black, it was

"Resolved, That the mayors of the cities of Pittsburg and Allegheny be requested to unite in a call for a meeting of the people on Saturday evening next, to take definite action in regard to our volunteers, and to make prepara-

(1) Commercial Journal, November 20, 1846.

(m) Commercial Journal, November 24, 1846.

(n) Commercial Journal, November 24, 1846.

(o) Commercial Journal, November 28, 1846.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

tions to receive in a becoming manner the accepted companies from other portions of the State."

William Wilkins, Richard Biddle, Walter Forward, Charles Shaler, Wilson McCandless, Moses Hampton, Samuel W. Black, George Darsie, Thomas Williams, John Mahon, A. W. Loomis, H. S. Megraw, H. Hepburn, Benjamin Patton, W. H. Lowrie, Harmar Denny, A. W. Burke were announced as likely to be present to address the meeting of Saturday, the 5th (p). On that date a large and enthusiastic war meeting was held at the old courthouse to devise means to collect funds for the volunteers. Benjamin Patton presided. Judge Lowrie was the first speaker, advocating the prosecution of the war. S. W. Black spoke wittily and happily to the same effect. Loud and repeated calls brought out Judge Shaler, who delivered a speech of great strength in support of the war. William Eyster, one of the collectors previously appointed, reported that he had called upon an Irishman who, upon learning of his crrand, promptly paid five dollars. A moment later his wife came in and desired to know what was wanted. She was told, whereupon she also put down her name and paid five dollars cash. When Mr. Eyster related this circumstance, cries came from all parts of the house for the name of this Irish woman. "Mrs. Martha Patrick," responded Mr. Eyster. Three deafening cheers were given for husband and wife. Captain Hay was called for and delivered a short speech. Wilson McCandless was then called out and deliv- ered an eloquent speech, justifying the war and the claims of the United States. Mr. Magehan also addressed the audience. The Jackson Blues were present, under arms, and the speeches were interspersed with national airs, marches, etc., from their band. A resolution offered by Mr. Eyster, appointing a committee to provide for the care of soldiers' families during their absence, was adopted by acclamation (q).

"The Jackson Blues have now eighty-five men on their roll, the Duquesne Grays have seventy-all good mien and true. A detachment of this latter corps leaves for Elizabeth to-day on recruiting service. Captain John Herron yesterday obtained eight volunteers from Westmoreland County. We hear nothing now but drums and fifes, and talk of war, Mexico, etc." (r).

In December, 1846, the troops for the First Regiment began to pour into Pittsburg, the Washington Light Infantry, under Captain Binder, the City Guards, under Captain Hill, the Philadelphia Light Guards, under Cap- tain Bennett, and the Washington Artillery, under Captain Nagle, arriving first about December 12th. It was related that Captain F. M. Wynkoop, of the Schuylkill company, sooner than be rejected from the service, volun- teered as a private in the Washington Artillery. He was subsequently elected colonel of the First Regiment. The Monroe Guards, under Captain Small, and the Cadwallader Grays, under Captain Scott, arrived about December 15th. Many candidates for the regimental offices were brought forward by their friends. Lieutenant Rowley was a candidate for adjutant. John B. Guthrie and A. W. Foster were candidates for major. A large sum was realized to equip the volunteers from a military ball given December 21st, the tickets selling for five dollars each. The Pittsburg Theater gave a benefit and raised prices for the same object. Nearly all the officers were publicly presented with swords and the companies with flags by the citizens on various occasions. Pittsburg had never before seen so lively a military time as in this memorable December, 1846. At last, just before the troops departed, the regimental election was held, resulting as follows: Colonel, Francis M. Wynkoop; lieutenant-colonel, Samuel W. Black; major, F. L. Bowman. The

(p) Commercial Journal, December 3, 1846.

(q) Commercial Journal. December 4, 1846. (r) Commercial Journal, December 7, 1846.

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Bother, Ble n

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

Blues and Grays were mustered into the United States service about 2 o'clock in the afternoon of December 16, 1846, with the following officers: Jackson Independent Blues-Alexander Hay, captain; J. O'H. Denny, first lieutenant; T. A. Rowley, second lieutenant. Duquesne Grays-John Herron, captain; W. Trovillo, first lieutenant; W. J. Ankrim, second lieutenant; J. W. Hague, third lieutenant.

On Sunday morning, December 20, 1846, all the companies here attended the various churches. In view of the numerous fistic encounters which had occurred in these commands it was said, "Some of the soldiers need praying for, that's a fact" (s). The Duquesne Grays became Company F and the Inde- pendent Blues Company G of the First Regiment. On December 21, 1846, the committee on contributions reported that $960.95 had been raised to equip the two companies. Among those who were presented with swords were Samuel W. Black, Alexander Hay, Lieutenants Rowley, Denny, Trovillo and Ankrim; Robert Anderson, Sergeant Chalfant and others. William E. Austin made the presentation speech to Lieutenant-Colonel Black, to which the latter elo- quently responded. Colonel Wynkoop also delivered a speech on this occasion. Upon the departure of the regimental officers they were addressed by Adjutant- General Bowman and Wilson McCandless. Wynkoop and Black replied.

On December 22, 1846, the Pittsburg companies and several others marched to the wharf to take boats for New Orleans. An immense crowd of citizens gathered to see them off. The departing companies were escorted to the wharf by others of the same regiment left behind, and by some half dozen others which had already arrived here in anticipation of the formation of another regiment. The boys boarded the boats, amid lingering farewells and bitter tears; flags and handkerchiefs waved, the whistles sounded, the bells rang, the planks were withdrawn, and as round after round of hearty cheers rent the air, the boats moved out into the river and turned their bows toward the land of the Montezumas.

"Our gallant volunteers are surely going to Mexico to kill women and children; this is too plain to admit of proof, and that woman they shot at Monterey while she was carrying bread and water to dying men, and binding their wounds with her own clothes, is one witness at the bar of heaven to prove it there. The weakness of the enemy has allowed them to get into their country, desolate their homes and bombard their churches, all for glory, as an Irishman knocks down his friend for love. Well, those who do not die there will doubtless return completely besmeared with glory. Those who leave their families to the charity of the world will know that this winter, or while the war fever lasts, they will be kept from starving; after that their wives can sew for twelve and a half cents a day to support themselves and children. If this country failed to support her old revolutioners and their widows, she will support no others. There is now an old widow in the upper end of Allegheny City, Mrs. Grove, who has had a cancer on her face for years. Her husband was in Washington's army during most of the war. After incredible exertions he secured a pension of forty-four dollars a year. It was his only dependence. I knew him for years when he lived here near us in a little house below the mill, and tottered on his staff, back and forth to Pittsburg-eight miles-with his silver hair hanging on his shoulders, to beg his pension pittance of fat, sleek office-holders" (t).

(s) Commercial Journal, December, 1846.

(t) This characteristic article is an extract from a communication written for the Com- mercial Journal by Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm and published by that paper December 23, 1846. She had bitterly opposed the war, and continued to lash the National administration in her own caustic fashion.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

"John D. Miller did a fine thing-like himself-on Tuesday. While the ceremony was going forward of presenting swords, pistols, etc., by the friends of the different members of one of our volunteer companies, a poor fellow said, 'Well, I have no friends, I suppose, and must go without any extras.' 'You shan't say that while I'm here,' said Miller, and he took the man with him to a dealer and equipped him with a revolver and knife of the best" (u).

The First Regiment was no sooner off than the other companies which had been raised here and rejected made strenuous efforts to get into the Second Regiment. It was stated that while Adjutant-General Bowman was in the city on the 18th of December, previous to the departure of the First Regiment, the services of the Hibernian Irish Greens were tendered him by Captain Robert Porter and accepted on the spot, the first company to be received into the Second Regiment (v). On December 21st the Pennsyl- vania Blues were tendered to the State by Captain G. S. Hays, and about the same time the German Dragoons were tendered by their captain, Leopold Salıl. Several other German companies also offered themselves.

"The Pennsylvania Blues, Captain George S. Hays, now number about eighty men, the pick and choice of our young men. The Hibernian Greens, Captain Robert Porter, are also full, and are as fine a body of men as can anywhere be found. Captain V. Gutzweiler's company, we learn, is now full. They have been accepted and are now ready to march. They will make good soldiers on the field" (w).

Late in December, 1846, the Second Regiment was ordered to rendezvous at Pittsburg. Companies for this regiment began to arrive before the First Regiment had departed. During the last ten days in December the compa- nies of Captains Naylor, Seyburg, Loesser, Geary, Murray, Glime, Wilson and two more from other parts of the State had been accepted and were here ready for discipline. Thus Pittsburg was permitted to furnish one company only for the Second Regiment. Four full companies which had been raised here were sadly disappointed on December 28th, when the news was received from Harrisburg that the Second Regiment was already full. Captain G. S. Hays' company, another raised by Captain Roberts in Fayette County, the German Grays under Captain V. Gutzweiler, and the company of Captain Leopold Sahl were ready. The old Pittsburg Blues, under Captain C. C. Seeley, were reported likewise ready. During the holidays another company was organized here, of which Thomas Wallace was elected captain.

"The following companies are now at this place, viz .: Westmoreland Guards, Greensburg; Cameron Guards, Harrisburg; Rangers, Philadelphia; Highlanders, Cambria County; Columbia Guards, Danville; Mauch Chunk Company. None of the Pittsburg companies have been mustered into service (for officers) yet. The election will probably take place on Tuesday next. The Reading and Uniontown troops are expected here to-night. The West- moreland Guards and Stockton Artillerists have been mustered into the service. The Harrisburg company will be here this evening and also Captain George's company. At an election of officers for the Second Regiment there were three candidates for colonel. Roberts of Fayette County was elected by a majority of six votes over Captain Hambright. J. W. Geary of Cambria was elected lieutenant-colonel" (x).

The officers elected for the Independent Irish Greens were: Robert Porter, captain; William Rankin, first lieutenant; James Kane, second lieutenant;

(u) Commercial Journal, December 24, 1846.

(v) Commercial Journal, December, 1846.

(w) Commercial Journal, December 28, 1846.

(x) Pittsburg Inquirer, January 3, 1847. !

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

William S. Kelly, junior lieutenant (y). On January 8, 1847, four companies of the Second Regiment left Pittsburg for New Orleans (z). The following day, Saturday, the remaining four companies, together with the regimental officers and staff, also departed, among them being the Pittsburg company, Independent Irish Grecns, commanded by Captain Robert Porter (a). Upon their departure Captain Porter and Lieutenant Rankin were publicly pre- sented with swords. The officers elected for the Second Regiment were: W. B. Roberts, colonel; John W. Geary, licutenant-colonel; William Brindle, major. After the death of Colonel Roberts in the field, Geary became colonel, Brindle lieutenant-colonel, and Lieutenant McMichael major. It was noticed by the newspapers that not so much enthusiasm was shown upon the departure of the Second Regiment as upon the departure of the First. The people were settling down to war as a business.

The first detachment of the First Regiment, consisting of the companies. of Captains Nagle and Small, and the second detachment, consisting of the companies of Captains Scott and Bennett, reached New Orleans December 28, 1846 (b). Recruiting continued herc in February, 1847, under the Ten Regiments Bill. Captain C. C. Seeley of the old Pittsburg Blues called for a few more volunteers and announced his command almost ready for the service (c). The Montgomery Blues were raised and organized in Birming- ham in February, 1847. T. H. O'Connor was chosen captain. This was the second company there, the Guards being the other (d). On March 29, 1847, Lieutenant Field left with sixteen recruits whom he had raised here for the war. In March Captain P. N. Guthrie, having been commissioned for the purpose, called for recruits for a company.

About the Ist of April, 1847, the city was alive with military movements and brilliant with uniforms and the pageantry and pomp of war. The new companies of this State were ordered to rendezvous here and Major Dusen- berry was ordered here from Baltimore to superintend operations of equip- ment and transportation. Vessels were chartered to convey the troops to New Orleans and were not permitted to take on any freight on the way down, but could do so on the return trip. The "Mountaineer" was thus chartered to carry two companies not yet arrived on April Ist.

"The whole number of troops expected to rendezvous here will be from I,200 to 2,000. The recruiting officers have orders as soon as they get fifty men to send them on. It is worthy of remark that now as formerly Penn- sylvania is first in the field. Nine out of the ten companies composing the regiment now arriving are from this State and one other from Maryland. A volunteer company from Virginia has enlisted and been ordered here" (e).

On Saturday night, April 24, 1847, pursuant to proclamation of the mayor, the streets were brilliantly illuminated in honor of the recent victo- ries of Generals Scott and Taylor, in Mexico. All parties and sexes partici- pated and many interesting transparencics were cxhibited. The illumination was effected with sperm candles, and one to each pane of window glass was considered a brilliant display. Even the county commissioners descended from their pedestals of dignity and illuminated the new courthouse. The hotels and theaters were made resplendent with light, color and transparen- cies and bands discoursed national and martial music. The cities poured their enthusiastic populace upon the streets to witness the gorgeous display and inhale the patriotism that burdened the air. Mottos and epigrammatic

(y) Post, January 6, 1847. (z) Post, January 9, 1847.

(a) Post, January II, 1847.

(e) Gazette, April 4, 1847.

(b) New Orleans Mercury, December 29, 1846.

(d) Post, February 18, 1847.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

sentences from the reports of Generals Scott and Taylor were displayed upon scores of public buildings and private residences (f).

"Captain Guthrie's company marched through our principal streets yes- terday. They are fine looking fellows and will soon be on their winding way to the Sunny South. They are eager for the fight" (g).

By the first of April, 1847, Captain Guthrie's company consisted of fifty- nine men. It left early in May and passed Paducah on May 16th. It was assigned to the Eleventh United States Infantry Regiment. Early in June the "Financier," loaded with government freight and dry goods, sank twelve miles below Pittsburg. About the middle of July, 1847, Lieutenant Ankrim returned and opened a recruiting office-particularly for the Duquesne Grays, it was stated (h). Lieutenant Williams of the Second Regiment opened a recruiting office about the first of August, 1847. Large numbers of cannon cast by Knapp & Totten were inspected by an officer of the Government here late in September, 1847, and formally accepted by him. One gun was fired till it burst, to test its strength. Formerly the proving ground was up at Sharpsburg, but now it was at Sawmill Run, Coal Hill serving as the objective point (i).

The Pittsburg Blues, under Captain C. C. Seeley, it was claimed by him, had tried hard for acceptance and admission into each of the regiments which rendezvoused here, and in fact under all the State calls for troops. He failed again in September, 1847, at which time Lieutenant Thomas A. Rowley was commissioned to raise a company. The latter, by October 16th, had secured about thirty men.

"Captain Rowley's company have elected the following officers: Thomas A. Rowley, captain; A. McClory, first lieutenant; James McLean, second lieu- tenant; Alexander Scott, third lieutenant. The company numbers forty-five men and the Telegraph says they will be ready to proceed to Mexico in two weeks .- Gazette" (j).

The company took the name of "Rough and Ready Volunteers." By Octo- ber 29th they numbered more than sixty men, and it was reported they were to join the New York regiment commanded by Colonel Hughes.

October 6, 1847, Captain P. N. Guthrie, then at the City of Mexico, who had himself been wounded, reported the condition of his company as follows: At the City of Mexico-Milo Ames, David Ayers, Alexander Cook, John M. Cranmer, Charles Citzon, W. R. Call (wounded slightly in the foot), John Cease (died of chronic diarrhea), Samuel Coleman, Andrew Davidson, John Duff. William Dorman (wounded severely in the leg), Frederick Eck- hart, Robert Given, Samel Guysenger, Nicholas Guental, John C. Hardy, (wounded slightly in the leg), Conrad Hergensoder, Asbury Harvey (wounded slightly in the groin), Joshua Hudson, Phillip Hickman, Thomas Jordan, Jacob Johnson, James M. Kelley, Thomas Kelley, George Heplinger, Isaac Lockhart, Jacob Lyon, John Little (wounded severely in the foot), Thomas Morrison, Michael Meehan, R. R. Madden, William Mitchell, John McAleese, Thomas Neil, Gabriel Neis, James Nesbit (wounded slightly in the leg), John O'Hara (wounded in six places by lancers), Isaac Price (wounded slightly in the leg), Lenox Rea (wounded in the leg by a shell, leg amputated), James G. Riddle, W. M. Smith, George Seip, J. B. Sterritt, Albert Ueltschey (wounded slightly in the shoulder), George Webb, Charles West, Michael White, Peter Breading, Daniel Knox and George H. Shibber. At Pittsburg were Andrew Lvon and Lewis H. Moore. At New Orleans were William McAllister and

(f) Post, April 26, 1847.

(h) Post, July 15, 1847.

(j) Post, October 22, 1847.

(g) Post, April 27, 1847.

(i) Post, September 30, 1847.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

Samuel Hise. At Vera Cruz were George Petriken, Charles Frank and Henry Boyle. At Santa Fe were Fiskus Brown and Thomas Layton. At Perote were W. J. Anderson, Samuel McCartney and Samuel Sweet. At Puebla were James Alexander, M. A. Ccase, J. J. Carskaddon, Henry Davidson, Patrick Hunter, John Hanna, John Kobler, John Linhardt, J. B. Price, W. H. Bunting, Arthur Reeves, C. J. C. West and James Smith. The dead were Jesse Flowers, James McKee, D. L. Kilburn, A. J. Avery, William Clark, John McSpadden and Daniel Schleppy. In his report Captain Guthrie said:

"My men all behaved in very gallant style through the actions of the 18th and 20th of August and on the 8th of September; also in several skir- inishes with the lancers on the Ioth, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th of September. And I am very proud of them. The action on the 8th of September at Molino del Rey was the hardest and most severely contested battle that has been fought in this country. Sergeant Lenox Rea distinguished himself very much by his acts of heroism. He had five as brave spirits as his own with him- Corporals W. M. Smith, John M. Cranmer, Thomas Neil and Privates Asbury Harvey and Alexander Cook. He penetrated the fort and followed the enemy right up to one of their batteries, stationed immediately under the guns of Chapultepec, and in the very midst of the Mexican army took prisoners, three officers and fifty-three men, bringing them along the very front of the Mex- ican line, deceiving them by his boldness into the belief that the situation of affairs was vice versa. Hc reported himself and prisoners safely to a lieutenant of the Fifth Infantry, and a few minutes afterward had his leg completely torn to atoms by a shell. He is now doing well and will no doubt be sent home by the first train" (k).

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 47

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192