Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 62

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

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The principal of the High School was Jacob L. McKowan, who had been selected on July 13th, previously, from more than thirty competitors, for the position. After much discussion his salary had been fixed at $2,000 per annum. He had previously conducted a female seminary at Cooperstown, New York. Philotus Dean was chosen professor of natural sciences, W. W. Dickson pro- fessor of mathematics, and Miss Mary Maitland female assistant. Among many applicants the latter, who had previously taught in the Second Ward public school, passed the most satisfactory examination. To govern deport- ment the black mark system was adopted, forty being sufficient to warrant suspension. The High School hours extended from 8:45 a. m. to 2:15 p. m., with a few minutes for luncheon during the middle of the day.

The High School began its career under the most flattering circumstances. The attendance was large and enthusiastic. The parents and teachers were. determined to make it successful, and nothing remained in the way of attaining this object except hard work and careful study of methods. In a short time the school was exceedingly prosperous and became the pride of the city. It is scarcely necessary to add that it has remained so down to the present day, with ever increasing attractions and ever expanding fields of usefulness. The prin- cipals of the High School have been as follows: Jacob L. McKowan, from 1855 to 1856; D. H. A. McLean, from 1856 to 1858; Philotus Dean, from 1858 to 1871; B. C. Jillson, from 1871 to 1880; C. B. Wood, from 1880 to

CHAPTER XXII.

THE GREAT REBELLION-CHICAGO ZOUAVES-REMOVAL OF THE CANNON-INDIGNA- TION OF THE PEOPLE-MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS-RECEPTION TO MR. LINCOLN- FALL OF FORT SUMTER-INTENSE EXCITEMENT-THE CALL TO ARMS-VOLUN- TEERING-PUBLIC MEETINGS-APPEALS OF ORATORS-FIRST COMPANIES TO TAKE THE FIELD-COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED-CONTINUED AND UNPRECEDENTED VOLUNTEERING-DEPARTURE OF OTHER COMMANDS-CAMP WILKINS-ACTS OF THE COMMITTEES-HOME GUARDS-CAMP WRIGHT-NEWS OF THE GREAT BATTLES-THE FIRST DEAD-MILITARY SUPPLIES-RECRUITING-EFFORTS TO FILL THE QUOTA-THE DRAFTS-DISLOYALTY-THE ENROLLMENT- EXPLOSION AT THE ARSENAL-INVASION OF GENERAL LEE-FORTIFYING THE CITY - WAR VESSELS - BOUNTY - RODMAN GUNS - MILITARY BONDS-OTHER DRAFTS-FEDERAL VICTORIES-GREAT REJOICING- SURRENDER OF GENERAL LEE-DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN- SUMMARY OF TROOPS FURNISHED-SOLDIERS' MONUMENT-RE-

LIEF FUNDS - SUBSISTENCE COMMITTEE - CHRISTIAN COM- MISSION - SANITARY FAIR - RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

Previous to the outbreak of the Rebellion several events of a quasi-military character occurred here, which should be considered as forming a part of the record of Alegheny County in that great conflict. The people, during the excit- ing presidential campaign of 1860, were fully alive to the vast importance of the issues pending, but none believed that severe measures would be resorted to by the South in case of defeat at the polls; nor had it occurred to anyone that the election of Mr. Lincoln meant secession and rebellion, though it became clear later that the leaders of the South had long premeditated such a momentous step. Even after the election of Mr. Lincoln was assured it was believed that although the advancement of slavery into the North, or into new territory, was at least checked, public affairs would resume their former tone and character.

On the 6th of August, 1860, the famous Chicago Zouaves, under Colonel Ellsworth, arrived here from Baltimore on their way to the West. They were given a splendid reception and escorted through the city by the Duquesne Grays, Jackson Blues, National Guards of Birmingham, Allegheny Rifles, Turner Rifles and Pennsylvania Zouaves, all under the command of Captain David Campbell. With drums beating and colors flying the companies marched through the streets, led by the Chicago Zouaves and followed by large and enthusiastic crowds. General Negley and Mayor Wilson were members of the reception committee. The following morning the Zouaves gave an exhibition drill at the Fair Grounds to an immense concourse of people, and astonished all by the wonderful precision of their movements. Captain R. B. Roberts, on behalf of the Duquesne Grays, presented Colonel Ellsworth with a magnificent sword, which had previously been the property of Captain P. N. Guthrie, who had served with distinction in the Mexican War. Captain Joseph Gerard, of the Pittsburg Zouaves, who had seen seven years of active service in the French army in Africa, complained of the discourtesy of Colonel Ellsworth in not con-

Note .- Nearly all the material in this chapter was obtained from the files of the Ga- zette, Dispatch, Post and Commercial and from the Records of the Adjutant-General.

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senting to a trial of skill between the two commands in the use of the musket and the sword.

The delight of the Republicans was great when it became known that Mr. Lincoln had been elected. "And now that the people have decided that Abraham Lincoln shall be our next President, let the insane howling about dissolving the Union of these States cease forever" (a). So many others said and thought. In November, 1860, a meeting was held here by the officers of the militia com- panies of the Allegheny County brigade, at which General J. S. Negley was indorsed for Adjutant-General of the State under the new administration. The Pennsylvania Infantry of East Liberty changed its name to the "Negley Zouaves," in honor of General Negley. Early in December J. E. Harris, a commercial traveler for B. A. Fahnestock & Co., of Pittsburg, was waited upon by a com- mittee of citizens in New Orleans, where he was stopping, and after being rigorously catechised in regard to certain statements he had made concerning the election of Mr. Lincoln, was warned or advised to leave that city at once, which he did unceremoniously (b). On the 22d of December the news came that a convention in Charleston, South Carolina, had "adopted a declaration of independence." This was received with grave apprehensions; but not until it was learned that other States had gone out of the Union did the spirit of resistance to secession begin to flame up in loyal hearts. Among these were some who said, "Let them go!"

"More treason," said the Dispatch editorially. "It is not enough that we are to be sold out to the secessionists -- the administration would bind us hand and foot, deprive us of arms and deliver us tied neck and heels to the traitors who would destroy the Union. It has already ordered 124 heavy guns from our Allegheny arsenal to the far South-not to defend the stars and stripes, for which our skillful mechanics made them, but to batter it down under the pirate flag of some Lone Star or Rattlesnake government. The order came a few days ago to ship on Wednesday, December 26th, the following guns: To Ship Island, near the Balize, mouth of the Mississippi, 21 ten-inch columbiads, 128- pounders; 21 eight-inch columbiads, 64-pounders; 4 iron guns, 32-pounders ; to Newport, near Galveston Island, Texas, 23 ten-inch columbiads, 128-pound- ers; 48 eight-inch columbiads, 64-pounders; 7 iron guns, 32-pounders; in all 124 guns, one broadside of which would throw five tons of balls. To take these would strip us entirely of cannon and leave us disarmed, and (as far as cannon are concerned) at the mercy of traitors. For months the muskets have been sent to Southern points, where rebels have already seized them by the thousand. Shall Pennsylvania be disarmed and Charleston be allowed with impunity to seize on Federal arms with which to overthrow the Union? Will our people submit to this? Our citizens of all parties as a unit denounce the movement as treason, and prominent Democrats, leading Breckenridge men, have tele- graphed to Washington to have the order revoked. If it is not done when treason endeavors to destroy the Union, while for two months yet in power, we owe a duty to the Nation, to the State of Pennsylvania and to ourselves, to prevent (by force if necessary) the transfer of these munitions of war, under color of law, to the enemies of the nation. . The people of Allegheny County should see that the cannon purchased by the National treasure are not conveyed to the far South; and they need not barricade Liberty and Penn streets to prevent it. Let them decide that no cannon shall be shipped till Charleston arsenal is in the possession of the Federal Government and Fort Moultrie reinforced, and none will be. . On applying for information to Major John Symington (of Maryland), in command at Allegheny Arsenal, he

(a) Dispatch, November 7, 1860.

(b) Dispatch, December 10, 1860.

andrew Flemings

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politely declined giving us any information. On inquiring in Law- renceville we were informed that, for a week or more, Government wagons have been hauling muskets to the city, one of the employes stating that 10,000 muskets were shipped within a week, no doubt to be placed where traitors can obtain possession of them without a gun being fired. From another source we learn that small arms, cavalry equipments, balls and shells have been quite recently shipped by river to the South. The Government is even now hurrying up the completion of the enormous twelve-inch gun at the Fort Pitt Foundry, and hopes, doubtless, to have it South before the 4th of March. There are about 100 ten-inch cannon (128-pounders) at the arsenal, and orders are to ship forty-four of this size. General J. K. Moorhead, M. C., on hearing of these movements, at once telegraphed to Mr. Stanton, chairman of the military comi- mittee, House of Representatives, to make inquiry at the War Department on the subject. Arrangements were making on Monday to haul some of these guns to the river. We suppose some one will tap the fire-bells on the route on their making their appearance on Penn of Liberty Street, that our people may witness their removal."

In the same issue (December 25th) the Dispatch said: "Our people are a unit in the sentiment that not a gun shall be shipped South," and in the next issue said, "The plain object of shipping guns South at this juncture is to put them in the hands of enemies of the United States, and it must not be per- mitted. . . . At present it is only necessary to prevent the transportation of these arms over three miles of land carriage, by interposing the bodies of citizens of the United States before the timber wheels engaged in the job. If Major Symington cannot get 124 guns hauled, they cannot be shipped and his respon- sibility ceases. We dissent from those who advise the guns be allowed to go to the wharf. If they go there they will be shipped to their destination."

The excitement in Pittsburg and Allegheny over the order to remove to the far South cannon from the arsenal was intense. The object of the Secretary of War was instantly perceived, and nearly all persons at first avowed that no guns should leave if force could prevent it. The subject was in everybody's mouth, and the streets were thronged with angry people. An informal meeting convened at the Mayor's office on the afternoon of the 25th, which was pre- sided over by William Robinson, Jr. Remarks were made by the chairman, S. F. Von Bonnhorst, J. Herron Foster, Charles Shaler, Thomas Williams, W. M. Hersh and others. Messrs. Robinson and Williams were appointed to confer with the authorities at Washington on the impropriety of stripping the arsenal here of arms; and a committee consisting of Messrs. Wilson, Wilkins, Jackson, Patterson, McCandless and Hersh was appointed to ascertain the amount of war supplies that had been sent South within the preceding ninety days, and the quantity now ordered away, and to request the contractors for removing the cannon to suspend operations until the authorities at Washing- ton had been conferred with. While this course was publicly taken, it was evident from the determination of the citizens that the removal of the cannon would scarcely be permitted in any event. A petition, signed by about fifty of the leading citizens, requested the Mayor to call a public meeting at the earliest possible date to consider the crisis.

The committee appointed to report on the quantity of ordnance here did so on December 26th. The officer in charge of the arsenal explained that the guns which had been ordered away had been prepared for two new forts on the Gulf of Mexico, and that the natural course of events required that they should be sent to their destination. The report was not satisfactory to the citizens as a whole. The majority were determined that the big guns should not be sent away. It had been ordered that they be taken to the wharf on Wednesday,

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the 26th. This was delayed, but, unknown to most of the people, thirty heavy boxes of muskets and bayonets were sent on that day from the arsenal to the steamer "Key West," directed to Galveston, Texas. While it is true that Major Symington may not have deliberately attempted to deceive the citizens, yet every act of his hastened the removal of all sorts of arms to the South and pointed to that conclusion.

About 5,000 people answered the call for a meeting in the Supreme Court room on the 27th, to hear the committee's report. A dispatch was read which had been sent to the President and Secretary of War by Messrs. Wilkins, Shaler, Robinson and Williams, to the effect that if the order for removal was not countermanded they "would not be answerable for the consequences." As the crowd could not be accommodated in the building, an adjournment was taken to the Courthouse yard. Through some mistake, or intentionally, the assem- blage was divided, part going to the City Hall, thence to the Market-house, and then back to the Courthouse, where the proceedings were resumed in the yard and on the street. From Diamond Alley to Fifth Street surged a dense crowd of determined humanity, anxious to learn what was to be done. General Moor- head spoke first and advised, through motives of public policy, against any interference with the removal of the guns. A letter was read from Major Sym- ington denying the report that the boxes sent away on the 26th contained muskets. At this juncture a dispatch was received from Philadelphia to the effect that Fort Moultrie had been abandoned, the guns spiked and Captain Anderson had retreated to Fort Sumter. "The excitement in the crowd increased to such a pitch during the reading of the dispatch that the speaker's voice was inaudible to those in the rear" (c). Resolutions were adopted express- ing surprise and indignation at the injustice of the order for the removal of the guns, deprecating any interference with the proposed shipment, and favoring a mild and conciliatory policy to allay excitement in the South. . The reso- lutions passed without discussion "by a pretty unanimous vote." The meeting then adjourned, but the crowd lingered as if expecting to hear other speakers or see something happen. A dispatch from Robert McKnight counseled a non- resistant policy and the temporary abandonment of decisive measures.

On Friday, the 28th, five heavy cannon were hauled to the wharf to be sent South. While all opposed the removal, many had concluded it was wiser not to interfere with the shipment; and, although held in check, underneath was a fire which the so-called motives of policy could not quench (d). "If the President of the United States is determined to perform his sworn and con- stitutional, as well as his patriotic, duty of preserving the Union, he should at once place the departments in the hands of inen who desire to save the Union" (e). The action of the meeting of December 28th temporarily allayed excitement, but the explanations were not generally accepted. The statements inade, though since proven to have been false in every particular, were taken as an evidence that the Government was not acting in bad faith, and conse- quently no obstruction was offered to the passage of the guns through the city. On the following day a rumor became current that General Moorhead had received a dispatch from Washington, saying: "Don't let a gun leave the city." It was now known that the forts on the Gulf were not ready for the guns; neither were the gun carriages ready at the Watervliet factory. It was also denied that the big guns had been made for the two forts on the Gulf, because their dates of manufacture were stamped on then-some as far back as 1846, and on none of those at the wharf later than 1856. By the 3Ist twenty-five of the cannon had

(d) Dispatch, December 29, 1860.

(e) Post, Saturday, December 29, 1860.

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been taken to the landing, five of which had already been put on board the steamboat "Silver Wave" (f).

A large meeting of "Wide-awakes," held in Allegheny on Saturday, Decem- ber 30th, denounced the removal of the guns and pledged themselves as citizen soldiers to the defense of the country. Similar meetings were held elsewhere. Nearly all of the old militia companies continued to drill and to otherwise prepare themselves for military service. On January 3d a large meeting, held in Wilkins' Hall, recommended thorough military organization in all the wards, boroughs and townships of the county. The Allegheny Minute Men changed their name to the State Guard and elected new officers, R. P. McDowell being made captain.

On January 3d the news was received that the order of Secretary Floyd for the removal of the cannon had been countermanded. "A feeling of satisfaction was manifested on all hands, notwithstanding the lurking impression that the guns never would have left our wharf whether the order had been revoked or not. Our citizens have accomplished in a peaceable way all they desired, and it is to be hoped that the 'big guns' will not again be disturbed until there is a more urgent necessity for their removal" (g). "The work of remov- ing the guns from the steamer Silver Wave, which was to have conveyed them to the South, was commenced yesterday. The boat had received thirty-five of the seventy-eight which were to constitute her cargo. Two of those already on board were removed yesterday afternoon, preparatory to their return to the arsenal. The general joy was increased by the firing of cannon, which con- tinued throughout the afternoon from a point on the Monongahela River above the bridge" (h).

The Jackson Independent Blues, on January 5, 1861, tendered their services to the Governor, if required in the country's defense. At a big meeting held January 8, 1861, in Lawrenceville, with Dr. James Robinson in the chair, resolu- tions were passed praising the conduct of Major Anderson in Charleston harbor, and expressing great satisfaction that the order for removing the cannon had been countermanded. The Pennsylvania Zouaves, Captain Gerard, also tendered their services to the Governor in the event of a rupture between the North and the South. An immense meeting of the workingmen was held in the City Hall January II, 1861, for the purpose of declaring their fidelity to the Federal Union, Henry McCurry presiding. On motion of W. W. Alexander a committee con- sisting of W. H. Moody, W. C. Bradley, Edward Armstrong, William Hadfield and Fred Mulholland was appointed to prepare resolutions. W. W. Alexander delivered a strong speech on the crisis and was loudly applauded. Amid much confusion several gentlemen, not workingmen, attempted to speak, but were not recognized by the chairman. The meeting adjourned with cheers for the "Union," "National Flag," "Major Anderson," etc. Postley, Nelson & Co. were given an order in January, 1861, by a Baltimore house, for a large lot of rifle barrels, twenty-five to be delivered daily, the contract to continue for several months. So far as known, shipments were made until the fall of Fort Sumter. A twenty-five ton gun, named "Union," was cast at the Fort Pitt Foundry on January 22, 1861, under the superintendency of Colonel T. J. Rodman and Joseph Kaye, foreman of the works. Although smaller than one previously cast, it had a bore of twelve inches, and was estimated to throw a ball six miles. An artillery company, to be commanded by Captain J. D. McFarland, was organized in January, 1861.

A splendid reception was given to Mr. Lincoln, who passed through here

(f) Dispatch, December 31, 1860.

(g) Gazette, January 4, 1801.

(h) Gazette, January 5, 1861.

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on his way to Washington in February. The special train bearing the President- elect was due in Allegheny at 5:20 in the afternoon, but long before that hour an immense crowd gathered to welcome "Honest Old Abe," as he was familiarly called. An accident delayed the train, but the crowd still lingered, regardless of the fact that at 6 o'clock the rain began to fall heavily. From the depot to the St. Clair Street bridge, and even the bridge itself, was packed with humanity who were willing to brave the inclemency of the weather in order to see the man upon whom, it was believed, the perpetuation of the Union depended. At 8 o'clock, to the great joy of the crowd, the train arrived. The crush was so great that it was necessary for the military companies to clear the way and escort the President-elect from the train to his carriage. As soon as the tall form of Mr. Lincoln appeared tremendous cheering followed, interspersed with calls for a speech from hundreds of throats. In response to the demand, Mr. Lincoln arose in his carriage, and excused himself from an address at that time, but promised that the next morning he "would have a few words to say to them." The Pennsylvania Dragoons, Jackson Blues and Washington Infantry, all under the command of General J. S. Negley, then escorted Mr. Lincoln to the Monongahela House, where another immense crowd had assembled, and where Mr. Lincoln was again importuned for a speech. It was said that 10,000 people were assembled in and around the hotel upon his arrival. So great became the demand for a speech that Mr. Lincoln mounted a chair in the hall and delivered a short address, merely excusing himself until the next morning. This satisfied the people in the hall, but not those on the street, who also desired to see the great man, and continued to clamor for his appearance. He finally emerged upon the balcony and informed them that he would address the citizens of Pittsburg from that spot at 8 o'clock the next morning, his language being: "To-morrow morning I will address you in broad daylight, at half-past eight o'clock, from this balcony, when you will have an opportunity of seeing my handsome physiognomy." The morning of the next day was rainy and dismal, but a vast crowd assembled on the street to listen to the promised speech. Mayor Wilson delivered a short address of welcome and was followed by Mr. Lincoln in a speech of about fifteen minutes in length, which was con- stantly interrupted with cheers. He spoke of the distracted condition of the country, and said that he would do nothing, as President, in opposition to the spirit of the Constitution, contrary to the integrity of the Union, or would prove in any way inimical to the liberties of the people or peace of the whole country. He said that the crisis was an artificial one-that there was none except such as might be gotten up at any time by turbulent men, aided by designing poli- ticians, and recommended that all people should keep cool. He referred to the important industries of Pennsylvania, particularly of Pittsburg, and declared that labor was the true standard of value. Immediately succeeding his speech he was escorted to the depot, where another large concourse of citizens had gathered to catch a glimpse of him and witness his departure. "The crowd in waiting was one unequaled for number and density. There was a solid mass of humanity about the depot almost impenetrable, and the enthusiasm exceeded anything we ever before witnessed. The rain had ceased to fall, and old and young, males and females, crowded around the depot by thousands" (h).

The organization known as the Allegheny Brigade was commanded by General j. S. Negley, and the companies composing it by Captains Vierheller, Boyce, McKee, Rowley, Snyder, Myers, Wilkinson, Gerard, Roberts, Gerst and Campbell. In those days all companies had special names, such as Pittsburg Blues, Pittsburg Zouaves, Aliquippa Riflemen, National Lancers, etc. Wash-

(h) Gazette, February 16, 1861.

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ington's birthday was celebrated with imposing ceremonies by all the above con- panies and an immense assemblage of citizens. In March the City Guards were organized under Captain T. J. Brereton. Three students in the Western Theologi- cal Seminary from Memphis and New Orleans seceded in February, 1861, giving as their reason for so doing "the want of conservative sentiment in Allegheny County" (i). President Lincoln's first inaugural was very favorably received by the citizens of this community. All were pleased with its firm tone and manifest spirit of fairness, and there was a general feeling of satisfaction that the disastrous administration of Buchanan was at an end.

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 62

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