USA > Rhode Island > Memoirs of Rhode Island officers who were engaged in the service of their country during the great rebellion of the South. Illustrated with thirty-four portraits > Part 11
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At the time of the death of the first Governor Sprague, it was believed that, owing to the youth of his nephews Amasa and William and of his son Byron, the great scheme he had laid out for erecting another cotton mill, which should surpass any that the firm then owned or any in the state, would be abandoned. Indeed the business friends of the young men strongly urged this step, under the impression that their eight large cotton mills and exten- sive print works would be as much as they could manage profitably. Most men, thus deprived of their long-experienced guide, and with a business so vast upon their hands, would gladly have reduced their responsibilities and curtailed their business ; but our young men thought differently, even though (owing to the commercial crisis which followed soon after, in 1857) the prospeets were anything but favorable.
The firm was continued as before. William, the subject of this sketch, then but twenty-six years of age, determined to carry out all the plans of his unele, in which determination his brother and cousin joined. The great cotton mill at Baltie was erected and filled with machinery, large dams were constructed, and one hundred dwelling-houses were built, involving an expen- diture of five hundred thousand dollars. This mill is built of stone, is one thousand feet in length, five stories high, and contains eighty thousand spindles.
Having thus given a brief sketch of the history of the firm of A. & W. Sprague during the three generations they have carried on the manufacturing and printing business, we shall now speak more partienlarly of the subject of this sketch, the present WILLIAM SPRAGUE, governor of the state of Rhode Island from May, 1860, to May, 1863, embracing the first two years of the rebellion, and now senator in the Congress of the United States from the same state.
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It has been stated that he was born in 1830. His education was confined to what could be obtained at the common school which he attended in his native village of Cranston, and in those of East Greenwich and Scituate, until he was thirteen years of age, when he was sent to the Irving Institute at Tarrytown, in the state of New York, where he remained two years. Returning then, he was by his uncle placed in what is usually called the "factory store;" that is, the shop attached to the calico works, in Cranston, where goods of all kinds are furnished to the operatives. Here William remained one year, when he was transferred to the counting-room of A. & W. Sprague, in Providence, where he did the work usually performed by the youngest boys, although this work is now performed in most counting-houses by laboring men. Here our lad opened the office, made the fires, cleaned the lamps, swept out the office, and did such other drudgery as appertained to the station; all of which he performed in so satisfactory a manner, that after three years so employed he was promoted to the place of book-keeper. No young man ever felt the importance of his position more than William did, when, at the age of nine- teen, he found himself book-keeper in the great establishment of his father and uncle. But a few years earlier he was dealing out tapes and buttons, pins and needles, molasses, oil and tobacco, to the crowds of men, women and children who, during the recess of their labors, came to make their purchases. Now, he was occupied in keeping accounts which amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The sales of the house were wholly of packages of goods, and their purchases of hundreds of bales of cotton, or of large invoices of dye-stuffs.
William continued to fill the place of book-keeper, to the entire satisfac- tion of his uncle, for three years, during which time, by his constant attention, he made himself familiar with all the ramifications of their extensive business; so that, when he attained the age of twenty-two years, he relinquished his position in the counting-room, and assumed that of an active participant in the concern. Here his active mind was constantly exercised; there was no portion of the business that did not come under his eye, and with which, from actual experience, he was not acquainted. Four years after (1856), his uncle died, when he was compelled to assume the whole weight of the busi- ness; and not content with this, as before stated, he finished the various projects which were commenced by his uncle. These were the erection of their great Baltic cotton mill and the completion of the Providence, Hartford and Fishkill Railroad, in which the firm were largely interested. During the
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years that have elapsed since the death of the elder Governor Sprague, the business of the concern, large as it was in his time, has, chiefly, under the direc- tion of William, been doubled, until the firm may now be said to be the largest calico establishment in the world. The company now own and have in opera- tion nine cotton mills, the full capacity of which, together, is eight hundred thousand yards a week; while their printing establishment, when in full oper- ation, is capable of turning out twenty-five thousand pieces, or about one million yards of prints, in the same time. It should be remarked that the firm sell their goods through their own houses, in the great markets of New York, Philadelphia and Boston, in addition to their sales in Providence. Such is, in brief, a history of the business concerns of Messrs. A. & W. Sprague. We leave this, and shall now speak of the political and military career of the subject of our memoir.
Quite early in life William manifested a strong passion for the military art. When twelve years of age, he formed a company of forty boys, most of whom were older than himself; yet such was his influence among them, that he was chosen their captain. This was in 1842, a year memorable in the annals of Rhode Island as that of the insurrection, or, what is more generally known in the state, as the "Dorr War." A military spirit then prevailed throughout the state. Companies were everywhere organized, and constant drilling was kept up. This was deemed necessary, not alone to suppress the insurrection, but also for protection from attacks from without, which were threatened, particularly from New York. Our young soldier, not content with commanding his forty boys, resigned his place, compelled his youthful adhe- rents to elect him governor, and then assumed to himself the appointment of his own officers. At this time, the insurrectionists, under the command of Mr. Dorr, had assembled at Acote's Hill, in Chepachet, whither the state forces were advancing. Young Sprague, determined not to be outdone, also marched his band of young patriots towards Acote's Hill, which he might have reached in advance of the state troops, had not the regularly constituted authorities overtaken them when about half-way there, and turned them back.
In 1848, Mr. Sprague, then eighteen years of age, joined the Marine Artillery Company in Providence, as a private. This company derives its name from having been originally formed by seafaring men; and, although its organization had long been kept up, the members scarcely drilled, or per- formed any duty beyond that of uniforming themselves and parading on public occasions. Mr. Sprague took a deep interest in this company, the
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members of which now determined to make it more efficient. He was soon promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and then to that of captain. In this position a wider field was opened to him, and, mainly through his exertions, the company increased in numbers and efficiency. In a few years he was elected lieutenant-colonel, and finally colonel of the company. He had now reached the height of his ambition, the full command of a military company, and determined to make it as efficient as possible. Neither his time nor his money were spared; and, as he indulged in no sort of dissipation, amusement, or extravagance, his sole thoughts when not in his counting-room, were devoted to his company, which he succeeded in increasing to a full battery of light artillery.
In 1859, the cares of business had so much impaired the health of Mr. Sprague, that he felt himself compelled to visit Europe, for its recovery. Doubtless the earnest desire to witness the great events then transpiring in Italy, had as much influence with him as the recovery of his health; but in the desire to witness some great battle he was disappointed, as the war was over before he reached Italy. Nevertheless, he visited all the recent battle-fields, as well as those made memorable in the wars of the first Napo- leon. While in Italy, Mr. Sprague became acquainted with Garibaldi, and contributed liberally toward the fund then being raised for that distinguished patriot.
After an absence of seven months in Europe, Mr. Sprague returned, with his health restored, and received a warm welcome from his numerous friends. He arrived early in 1860, at a time when the state of Rhode Island was much agitated by the contending political parties, the republican and the demo- cratic. The former, in nominating its candidate for governor, had selected a gentleman whose political sentiments were not considered by some as pre- cisely in accord with a considerable portion of the members of the party. It was thought by those who were dissatisfied with the action of the nomi- nating convention, that moderate counsels should prevail in the treatment of the perplexing question that was then agitating the country. A convention was accordingly called, of the so-called conservative portion of the republicans, which nominated Mr. Sprague, who, though a Republican, and opposed to the administration of President Buchanan, was very conservative. The democratic party, anxious to defeat the gentleman nominated by the repub- licans, readily eame forward, and nominated Mr. Sprague and the whole conservative ticket, except that for attorney-general. The election soon after
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took place. It was the most warmly contested of any election that ever was held in the state, and resulted in the choice of Mr. Sprague. The following year (1861), Governor Sprague was reelected with little opposition. The result was a most happy one for the state, for there was no man more competent than its governor to carry it so successfully through the trying scenes connected with the rebellion. Few men in civil life had had a better military experience than the governor, who had been connected with one of the most active companies in the state for eleven years. His experience as a business man, and his command of a moneyed capital, were equally important towards raising, equipping, and subsisting the large mili- tary force called out by the state for the defence of the country and its constitution.
In February, 1861, while the Southern states, one after another, were passing ordinances of secession, and a determination was manifested to break up and destroy the Union, Governor Sprague visited Washington. He saw that a crisis was rapidly approaching in our affairs; that the states then in rebellion might attempt to take the capital; and that a large military force would be required there, at a very short notice, in order to thwart their plans. Knowing the patriotism of Rhode Island, and of the desire of the people to furnish every aid in their power in the emergency, Governor Sprague called upon Lieutenant-General Scott, made known to him the excellent organiza- tion and discipline of the military of his state, and tendered to him a full regiment of infantry and a battery of light artillery, in case they should be wanted .* In conversation with President Lincoln, he made a similar offer. General Scott expressed his fears that the insurrectionary spirit shown by the South might culminate in something very serious; and further remarked that, should a war break out, and it should become necessary to put down the rebellion with arms, an army of at least three hundred thousand men would be required before a movement could be made against it with any prospect of success. On his return to Providence, finding matters growing worse, Governor Sprague sent Major Goddard, then a commissioned officer in the cavalry. to Washington, in order to lay before General Scott a fuller state- ment of the military resources of the state.
* The editor of this work accompanied Governor Sprague when he called upon the general-in-chief of the United States army, and remembers, with great satisfaction, the earnest conversation of the general at that trying moment, and his plans for suppressing the encroachments of the South, should they culminato in open rebellion.
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On the 11th of April, Governor Sprague addressed a letter to President Lincoln, of which the following is a copy :
"STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, " PROVIDENCE, April 11th, 1861.
"SIR: At the time of the anticipated attack on Washington, previous to your inauguration, I had a messenger in constant communication with General Scott, giving him a minute detail of our military organization, and requesting him to make such demands for troops as the exigencies of the case should demand.
"I should not now be correctly representing the public sentiment of the people of this state, did I not assure you of their loyalty to the government of the Union, and of their anxiety to do their utmost to maintain it.
"I have just returned from New York, where I had an interview with Governor Corwin; and now take pleasure in saying that we have a battery. of light artillery, six pieces, with horses and men complete, and a force of one thousand infantry, completely disciplined and equipped-unequalled, or at any rate not surpassed, by a similar number in any country-who would respond at short notice to the call of the government for the defence of the capital. The artillery especially, I imagine, would be very serviceable to take the place of a similar number required elsewhere. I am ready to accompany them.
"That God will grant his protecting care and guidance to you, sir, in your trying and difficult position, and a safe deliverance from our unhappy difficul- ties, is the constant prayer of your most obedient servant,
" WILLIAM SPRAGUE. " To the President, Washington, D. C."
The attack of the seven thousand rebels, under General Beauregard. upon the seventy famished men, under Major Anderson, in Fort Sumter, took place on the 11th of April; and, as the news of this dastardly assault and · beginning of the war of the rebellion was conveyed by telegraph to all parts of the Union, the people, with one accord, rose to arms. President Lincoln's proclamation, calling for seventy-five thousand men for the defence of Waslı- ington, reached Providence on the 15th, and was immediately promulgated. Governor Sprague, on his return from Washington, anticipating a call, had requested the officers of all the active military companies in the state to keep up their drill, and be ready at a moment's notice; so that, when the alarm
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was sounded through the President's proclamation, Rhode Island was ready to obey the call. On the 18th of April, three days after the proclamation was published, the first battery of light artillery, of six guns and one hun- dred and fifty men, under Colonel C. H. Tompkins, newly clothed, completely equipped and officered, took their departure for the capital. Two days later (the 20th), the first detachment of the first regiment of infantry, six hundred strong, under Colonel A. L. Burnside, with provisions for thirty days, followed. Governor Sprague accompanied this detachment in person. The following week, the second detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph S. Pitman; took its departure. The entire force of this regiment and battery numbered nearly fourteen hundred men. The first detachment, taking a steamer at New York, reached Annapolis on the 23d, and reenforced the command of General B. F. Butler, then occupying the place. From Annapolis they took up their line of march for Washington, and encamped in a beautiful grove near the city, which was occupied by Rhode Island troops until the army of the Potomac advanced in March, 1862. It bore the name of "Camp Sprague."
After remaining a few weeks with the regiment, during which time he was assiduously occupied in making arrangements for providing for the wants of officers and men, the governor returned to Rhode Island. During his absence new military companies were formed. Governor Sprague now took hold with vigor, and determined to form a second regiment. With this view, he appointed Major John S. Slocum, of the first regiment, colonel, and selected the most competent men for the other regimental and the company officers. He visited their armories every night, and by his presence, encour- agement, and ardent zeal in the cause in which he had embarked, induced hundreds to come forward and join the ranks. The regiment was soon filled up, and, after remaining in camp a few weeks to perfect themselves in drill and marching, embarked for Washington, accompanied by Governor Sprague.
The governor remained with the Rhode Island troops most of the time, and accompanied them on their march with the army to Centreville on the 16th day of July, 1861. The battle of Bull Run took place on the 21st; and, as it is a matter of history, we shall enter into no details here. The two Rhode Island regiments, with the second battery of artillery, were among the foremost in this memorable fight, and, as is well known, suffered severely. No one was more prominent in the action than Governor Sprague. He was every- where in the thickest of the fight; and when his horse was shot from under
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him by a musket-ball, the governor immediately procured another animal and still continued conspicuous upon the field, encouraging the men by his pres- ence and bravery. The two bullet-holes found in his clothes, after the battle, show that he did not shun danger.
On his return to Rhode Island, Governor Sprague did not relax, in the least, his efforts to rouse the people to action. The President called for five hundred thousand troops, and he was determined that his state should furnish her full quota. Enlistments for the new regiments of infantry and additional batteries of light artillery were pressed with vigor. The latter arm of the service having proved so effective in the battle of Bull Run, the governor now determined to raise a full regiment of ten batteries of six rifled guns, of one hundred and fifty men each, which in due course of time were raised, equipped and sent forward to the seat of war. It is unnecessary to enter into the details of these proceedings; we simply record the result. A third regi- ment of infantry, under Colonel N. W. Brown, went forward, and was at once sent to Port Royal. A fourth, commanded by Colonel Isaac P. Rodman, and the first battalion of the fifth, accompanied General Burnside's expedition, and were engaged in the battles of Roanoke Island and Newbern.
Other regiments followed, for the spirit of Rhode Island, under such an energetic and patriotic leader did not for one moment falter. Two regiments of cavalry were also raised under Governor Sprague's orders; the first was organized in the autumn of 1861, under Colonel R. P. Lawton, who was suc- ceeded in command by Colonel Duffie, a young French officer, fresh from the Italian battle-fields, who was strongly recommended to Governor Sprague, and by him placed in command of the regiment. The second cavalry was organ- ized a year later, and the command given to Lieutenant-Colonel Corliss.
In May, 1862, Governor Sprague was elected to the Senate of the United States, by the General Assembly of Rhode Island, for six years from the 4th of March, 1864. He received ninety-two votes out of one hundred and three polled. It is not proposed in this place, to enter into a history of Governor Sprague's senatorial history. Ile was for some time on the military committee of the Senate, where, from his knowledge and experience in military affairs, he rendered great service. IIe has always been, and is still with the majority of the distinguished body of which he is a member, in their efforts for the maintenance of the Union.
Space does not admit of enlarging upon the family of Governor Sprague. Ilis ancestor, Jonathan Sprague, is first noticed in Rhode Island history in 1681.
15
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He was for many years a member of the general assembly, and in 1703 was chosen speaker. By intermarriage, the family is connected with Roger Wil- liams, the founder of the state. The Reverend Doctor William B. Sprague, of Albany, and Charles Sprague, the well-known poet of Boston, are descend- ants of the Spragues of Rhode Island.
FIRST REGIMENT
OF
RHODE ISLAND DETACHED MILITIA.
HEN the President of the United States issued his call for seventy-five thousand men to defend the nation, on the 15th day of April, 1861, the proclamation stirred up the fires of union and patriotism nowhere sooner than in Rhode Island. .
The excitement was so great, that little else was thought of but the all- important subject of the preservation of the country in the hour of her peril. Anxious faces crowded the streets, seeking what they could do to aid in main- taining the national honor. Flags were everywhere displayed, the printing offices were thronged, and the enthusiasm of the people was thoroughly aroused.
The state, through its energetic governor, at once placed at the disposal of the government the services of its sons, and a three months' regiment of volunteers was immediately raised. Men vied with each other for the privi- lege of entering its ranks.
The most important personal arrangements were sacrificed to the eause. Some who had engaged their passages for foreign travel, forfeited their antiei- pated pleasures in order that they might be able to shoulder a musket in the defence of the flag, against the attacks of treason and rebellion.
The regiment was made up of the choicest material. To be a young man was the envious wish of many who longed to enter the ranks, but who were restrained by advancing years. Wherever the soldiers appeared in the streets, they were attended by crowds of applauding people. The ladies aided
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materially with their needles in preparing the tunies for the men. They also presented to the regiment a beautiful silk banner, accompanied by these words: "With this banner Rhode Island places her honor in your hands. May God protect you in your noble course. God save the Union."
By the 20th of April, a part of the First regiment was ready to start for the front, and under the command of Colonel Burnside, the detachment left Providence at four o'clock in the afternoon. They were followed by the tears, prayers and benedictions of the whole state. Thousands crowded the way to bid the men farewell, and amid the cheers of the assembled spectators and the notes of the national airs, the "Empire State" glided from the wharf, bearing with her one of the first offerings of Rhode Island in the great sacrifice.
It was indeed a strange sight, to see a state that had been slumbering for so many years in peace and abundance, rising to prepare herself for the great struggle for the preservation of the Union, and sending forth her sons girded for the conflict.
The next day the detachment arrived in New York, where it remained until transferred to another transport. The men were not allowed to leave the steamer during the day. It being Sunday, divine service was held on board by the Reverend Augustus Woodbury, chaplain of the regiment.
At five o'clock, in the afternoon, the men were transferred to the steamer Coatzacoalcos, and were soon gliding over the sea off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. One incident, which created quite an excitement at the time, occurred in the afternoon of Monday. A suspicious-looking steamer was seen approaching, which was taken for a rebel pirate. The drum beat to arms, ammunition was distributed, and the men prepared for their first engagement. The alarm was unnecessary, however; the steamer proved herself to be a loyal tug-boat. Being favored with fine weather during the rest of their passage, the regiment arrived at Hampton Roads in the evening of the 22d. On the 23d, the transport steamed under the guns of Fortress Monroe, and thence proceeded, under convoy of the United States cutter Harriet Lane, to Annapolis.
The night of the 24th was spent by the First regiment in some unoccu- pied buildings belonging to the Naval Academy. The next day the men were early on the march to Annapolis Junction. After leaving the gates of the Naval School, the regiment was ordered to halt, and were directed to load with ball cartridges, there being the possibility of an attack from bodies of armed rebels in the vicinity. At one time during the wearisome march, while
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