USA > Rhode Island > Rhode Island's early defenders and their successors > Part 3
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In 1821 Albert C. Greene, Brigadier General, 4th Brigade, was commissioned Major General, commanding the Militia. He was succeeded in 1822 by George D'Wolf, former Com- mander of the 1st Brigade.
Bennett H. Wheeler of Providence served as Adjutant General from 1821 to 1822. He was followed by Josiah Whit- aker who served from 1822 to 1823.
The West Greenwich Patriots received their charter as a military organization in 1823 and served until 1833. Nelson Gallup was the first Captain of the Company.
Thomas F. Carpenter became Adjutant General in 1823 and served until 1826.
In 1824 charters were issued to:
The Fayette Rifle Corps of North Providence, Capt. Sam- uel Jacobs. This Company was carried on the rolls until 1832.
To the Second Light Infantry of the Second Regiment, Capt. William C. Meyer, which served until 1830, and
To the Third Light Infantry of the 2nd Regiment.
The United Volunteers in the Second Regiment and the First Light Infantry in the Fourth Regiment were incorporated in 1825 under Captains Christopher Angell and William P. Munro. The Volunteers served until 1827 and the Infantry disappears from the rolls in 1834.
The Greene Rifle Guards were organized in 1825 but ceased to be part of the militia the following year.
Thomas F. Carpenter, former Adjutant General, com- manded the Militia from 1826 to 1831. Levi Haile served as Adjutant General during this period.
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In 1829 the Artillery Company of the Town of Foster was incorporated and remained part of the State's force until 1834. Capt. Benjamin Hopkins was its first Commanding Officer.
The years 1830 and 1831 found the militia of the State badly disorganized. Great difficulty was experienced in obtain- ing competent officers and the regiments were in a low state of efficiency and greatly reduced in membership.
Adjutant General Levi Haile was made Major General in 1831 and served as such for two years. He was succeeded as Adjutant General by George S. Rathbone of Warren.
The Chartered Commands were the only available de- pendable force, and when in 1831 a serious riot occurred on Olney Lane and on Smith Street in the northern part of Prov- idence, military aid being requested by the sheriff, the First Light Infantry was ordered out. On the following day the Infantry was joined by The Cadets, the Volunteers, the Prov- idence Artillery Company and The Light Dragoons.
The riot lasted three days and ended only when, under the fire of the military, four of the rioters fell mortally wounded on Smith Street near the river.
In 1832 the Glocester and Burrillville Safe Guards were incorporated, Arnold Pooler being the Captain. After four years the organization disappears from the roll.
The Assembly in 1833 commissioned Edward J. Mallett Major General in command of the Militia.
The Washington Rifle Corps in the 2nd Regiment re- ceived its charter in 1833, Seth Wilmarth being its first Cap- tain. It served until 1838.
During 1834, 1835, 1836 and 1837 the Militia was com- manded by Major Generals Benjamin B. Thurston, John H. Cross, Edwin Wilbor and Charles T. James respectively.
In 1838 James G. Anthony was elected Major General and served until 1844.
During this period Elisha R. Potter of Kingstown served as Adjutant General. (1834-1837) .
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In 1835 The City Guards of Providence, Capt. Daniel Angell, was incorporated. Its service covers a period of two years.
Jesse S. Tourtellot of Glocester, Nathan F. Dixon of Westerly and Edward H. Hazard of Providence served as Ad- jutant Generals during the years 1838, 1839 and 1840.
The First Light Infantry Company in the 15th Regiment, Capt. Wescott Handy, was chartered in 1840 and served but two years.
Elisha Dyer, Jr., of Providence was elected Adjutant Gen- eral in 1840 and served until 1845.
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IV
THE DORR WAR PERIOD-1840-1842
This may be regarded as the most important and interest- ing epoch in the history of Rhode Island's militia, important enough to warrant the introduction at this point, in order that the military phase of the political situation be understood, of a brief outline of the conditions that prevailed throughout the State during these years. It is during this period that we find the northern section of our State aligned against the southern portion and a state of civil war existing. We find the militia handling an unusual and dangerous situation with determina- tion and considerable ability, and speedily suppressing a wide- spread insurrection that threatened to overthrow the established government.
For several years the advocates of the adoption of a con- stitution to replace the King Charles Charter of 1663 had waged an active and vigorous fight in the assembly for a more equal representation for the northern towns and for an exten- sion of the suffrage.
Due to the unequal representation, the Constitutionalists were outvoted on every occasion and it was apparent that no help could be obtained from the Legislature.
In 1840 the Suffrage Association of Providence was formed by many of the most prominent citizens. This society advocated the calling of a convention to frame a constitution. Branches of the organization spread rapidly throughout the northern towns. Petitions were presented to the Assembly. Parades and mass meetings were held. Newspapers and hand- bills aroused the people and on July 5, 1841 a great demon- stration took place on Dexter Training Ground. Some of the Providence militia and two of the chartered military companies acted as escort to the speakers.
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Organization being perfected, the Constitutionalists, un- der the name of the People's Party, proceeded to hold a con- vention and select candidates for office. Then followed an election at which all citizens over twenty-one years of age were permitted to vote. Thomas Wilson Dorr was chosen as gover- nor and an assembly of ninety odd members was created.
The people were called upon to be ready to enforce the popular will by force of arms, if necessary. The taking over of the state government was openly advocated. Voluntary military companies were organized and arms and ammunition were collected.
The Charter forces adopted the name of The Law and Order Party and elected Samuel Ward King as governor. He at once ordered the militia to be prepared to mobilize on short notice. Recruiting was being carried on in every town and vil- lage and the various organizations were parading daily with full ranks.
At this time the militia of the state was organized as a division made up of four brigades. Major Gen. James G. An- thony commanded the division. Elisha Dyer was Adjutant General. The roster of the division was as follows:
(1st) Brigade-Brigadier Gen. Edward F. Newton (Newport Co.)-1st Regiment, Col. Wm. Swan 10th Regiment, Col. Wilson Osborn
4th Regiment, Col. Thomas G. Turner
(2nd) Brigade-Brig. Gen. Martin Stoddard
(Providence Co.)-2nd Regiment, Col. Vinal N. Edwards 6th Regiment, Col. David W. Aldrich
7th Regiment, Col. John H. Eddy
12th Regiment, Col. Martin S. Paine
13th Regiment, Col. Elihu F. King
14th Regiment, Col. Abel G. Tripp 15th Regiment, Col. Nathaniel H. Short (3rd) Brigade-Brig. Gen. John B. Steadman
(Washington Co.)-3rd Regiment, Col. Jonathan R. Wells 8th Regiment, Col. Warren D. Lillibridge
11th Regiment, Col. Thomas Hoxie
(4th) Brigade-Brig. Gen. Alphonso Greene
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(Kent Co.)-5th Regiment, Col. Robert M. Bennett 9th Regiment, Col. Wm. S. Harris
In addition to the brigaded troops there were fourteen Chartered Commands subject to the direct orders of the Gov- ernor.
The question as to just how much reliance could be placed upon the troops of the 2nd Brigade gave the charter govern- ment considerable concern. Practically all of the regiments of this brigade had companies located in the towns that were in opposition to the established government, and some of the officers of these regiments were pronounced Dorr sympathizers.
The Chartered Commands were regarded as the most loyal of the State's forces and their number was greatly increased by the Assembly during the year, charters being granted to:
The Warren Artillery, Capt. Samuel Pearce; The Washington Cadets, Capt. George Whitford;
The National Cadets, Capt. Josiah Martin;
The Manville Light Infantry, Capt. Daniel Hall;
The Wickford Pioneers, Capt. George B. Thomas;
The Johnston Guards of the 14th Regiment, Capt. Joseph Lockwood;
The Woonsocket Guards of the 6th Regiment, Capt. Arnold Briggs;
The Sea Fencibles, Capt. Nathaniel G. Mauran.
Of these organizations, the Warren Artillery alone sur- vives, it being carried on the militia rolls of the State at the present time. The Washington Cadets became the Wakefield Cadets, and in 1844 the Company again changed its name to "The Narragansett Guards". It remained in the service of the State until 1861.
The National Cadets ceased to be active in 1847; The Manville Infantry in 1844; the Pioneers remained in service until 1850; the Johnston Guards went off the rolls in 1846, and the Woonsocket Guards formed part of the militia until the various State military organizations merged in the volunteer regiments of 1861.
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Positions held by Law and
Order Troop and the In- surgents on May 17, 18 and 19, 1842.
(From an Old Print)
Location of Law and Order : Troops June 28, 29, 1842
Newport Artillery at Meeting House.
Headquarters and Light Infan- try at Sprague's.
Warren Artillery and Infantry at Atwells.
Marine Artillery at Hunts. 3rd Brigade at Sheldons and Atwells.
Bristol Artillery, Newport Vol- unteers, Middletown Volunteers, Barrington Volunteers and Bris- tol Neck Infantry returned to Greenville.
(From Military Sketch)
MEETING HOUSE
VILLAGE
CHEPACHET
ĐỊA Đe
KIMBALL'S
DO RR'S
AN'S
RETREATY
STORE ..
SPRAGUE TAVERN
>
HUNT'S
WORTH
GRATWELL'S
km
SHELDON
COTE'S
HILL
GREENVILLE
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MARINE ARTY
BRISTOL ARTY
ATWE
NEWPORT
AVENUE
ANTHONY
nous B.
ST.
WARREN
LOVE
DEAN
ABORN
BROADWAY
LANE
STREET
CARDENTER
HIGH STREET
TRAINING
DORE GUNS MAY 19th
FIELD
ARSENAL
ROAD
CRANSTON
ARTY.
INFANTRY
FEDERA
ARTILLERY
ST
:
On May 3rd, 1842 great excitement prevailed in Provi- dence. The streets were crowded with people from the nearby towns. All business was suspended. The recently elected People's Party officials were to institute their government.
A large parade formed at the Hoyle Tavern to escort Governor-Elect Dorr and the members of the new General As- sembly to the State House. Over two thousand men were in line, including several of the regular militia companies, The United Independent Volunteers and a volunteer troop of horse numbering fifty or sixty men.
The Providence Brass Band led the parade down West- minster Street, across Market Square to Benefit Street and the State House. The doors of this historic building were locked. No attempt was made to force an entrance. Instead the parade returned to Market Square and to an unfinished foundry build- ing at the corner of Eddy and Dorrance Streets, where the assembly organized. Governor Dorr delivered his inaugral ad- dress and considerable business was transacted. The First Woonsocket Artillery, Capt. Charles Sanders, was granted a charter and the charters of one or two defunct military organ- izations were revived.
Although urged to do so by Governor Dorr, the Assem- bly failed to take possession of the State House and adjourned after two days' deliberations to meet again in two months.
During this time the supporters of the Charter Govern- ment under Governor King were in Newport perfecting their organization. It would appear that both parties had reached the point where they were reluctant to make a move that would bring on actual war.
With the adjournment of the People's Assembly, the en- tire task of setting up the Constitutional Government fell upon Dorr. He hurried to Washington to ascertain the position of the Federal Government on the matter, and then arranged in New York and Connecticut for assistance in repelling possible Federal intervention.
On May 16 Dorr returned to Providence and was met at the railroad station by a force of over twelve hundred men in
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a well organized parade. Three hundred armed volunteers, one hundred regular militia men and the Dorr Troop of Horse act- ed as his personal body guard.
He was escorted to the Anthony house on Atwells Avenue, on the hill above Aborn Street, where he established headquar- ters. The militia remained as guard at headquarters after the parade was dismissed.
On the following day, it was apparent that a crisis was at hand. A warrant had been issued for Dorr's arrest, but the feeling of the people of Providence was such that service was dangerous, if not impossible.
While the Charter people were hesitating, part of the mil- itia guarding Dorr's headquarters marched through the city to the town house lot off Benefit Street, with the intention of seizing the field pieces and ammunition of the United Train of Artillery.
These guns are deserving of passing mention, having been captured during the Revolution from Gen. Burgoyne. They were given to the Artillery Company by Gen. Washington to replace some guns that had been borrowed from the Rhode Is- land Artillerymen and lost.
After some argument it was decided to take only two of the guns. In the excitement the ammunition was forgotten. The guns were hauled through the center of the city without interference and with several others were placed in a command- ing position in front of the Anthony house.
The Charter Government realized that the time for action had arrived and Governor King issued orders for all militia companies in Providence to be prepared for immediate service. All of the Chartered Commands were directed to assemble in Providence at once. Steamboats were sent at full speed down the bay to bring the troops from the southern towns to the city.
Some of Dorr's advisors realizing the seriousness of the situation began to fear the consequences of their acts. They urged Dorr to postpone his plan of seizing the arsenal, a two story stone building on Cranston Street on the site of the pres-
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ent State Armory. He refused to agree to delay, insisting that immediate action was imperative. Plans were also made for taking possession of the college buildings in order that they be used as barracks for the army he expected to raise. It was pro- posed also to seize the armories of the National Cadets and The First Light Infantry, thus obtaining muskets and equipment for his newly organized companies.
Dorr realized that this must be done before the arrival of the companies from down the bay. Upon the arrival of the of the Woonsocket Infantry, he directed that the attack upon the arsenal be made. At 2 A. M. part of the force assembled at the Anthony house, marched from Atwells Avenue through Love Lane, now Knight Street, to the training ground, ap- proaching the arsenal from the northeast.
The attacking force was led by Col. Wheeler and numbered about 250 men with two field pieces. Governor Dorr accom- panied his troops. Although the night was very dark and a heavy fog had set in, the march of the Dorrites had been ob- served and soon the church bells were ringing out the alarm. The people were aroused and in a short time a large crowd was on its way to the training ground.
Col. Blodgett, with a force of 200 men, was on guard in the building, with cannon trained out of the lower windows. The upper floor was occupied by infantry.
Col. Wheeler deployed his men in groups on different sides of the building and placed his two field pieces in position in a small grove at the eastern end of the training ground. He then demanded the surrender of the arsenal, and when the de- mand was firmly refused he quietly disappeared in the darkness. Some delay resulted and Dorr finally placed Col. Carter in command. The cannons were ordered fired, but it was found that the touch holes were filled with wet, dissolved powder, making it impossible to discharge them.
The failure to surrender on the part of Col. Blodgett was discouraging to the Dorrites, who began to drift away from their commands throughout the night. When daylight arrived, it was found that but fifty men remained in the ranks and the
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order was given to return to the Anthony house. The cannon were soon restored to firing condition and again placed on the Atwells Avenue hill.
On the 18th, the arrival of the Chartered Commands from the southern towns alarmed the Providence members of the People's Assembly, who promptly sent their resignations to Gov. Dorr. Expected reinforcements failing to arrive, Dorr was advised to retire to the north and return when his army was organized. He acted upon this advice and after he had left for Woonsocket, the sheriff arrived on Atwells Avenue with a warrant for his arrest. He was informed of Dorr's departure and was turned back by the guard.
The Constitutional Troops remained at the Anthony House with their cannon covering all approaches. Gen. De Wolf, a prominent figure in State affairs at the time, was in command. A regular guard was established and provision made for feeding the men.
In the meantime the Chartered Commands received or- ders to dislodge the insurgents. After considerable debate as to which organization should head the column, the honor was thrust upon the Newport Artillery, Capt. William B. Swan.
The march from the city was taken up through Aborn Street to the foot of Atwells Avenue hill. The column halted when in sight of the Dorr cannon. Finally the Artillery pre- pared to charge the hill. It was then discovered that the can- non had been withdrawn up the avenue to a rather high eleva- tion off Dean Street, to the north and overlooking the city.
Upon this elevation Gen DeWolf at once began the con- struction of a line of trenches and signalled the city for rein- forcements, by several shots from his guns.
The Bristol Artillery, Capt. William R. Taylor, proceeded along Atwells Avenue, going into position at the corner of Dean Street. The Marine Corps of Artillery, Lieut. Col. George C. Nightingale, continued along the avenue until checked by one of DeWolf's guns posted at what is now the corner of Knight Street. The Newport Artillery had taken up a commanding position in the fields west of Dean Street, while the recently
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organized Warren Artillery was stationed in the rear of the Bristol Artillery.
A flag of truce was sent forward with a demand for the surrender of the DeWolf forces. A parley followed and the surrender agreed upon conditional with the withdrawal of the guns of the Newport Artillery and of the Marine Artillery from the positions they occupied. When the guns were withdrawn DeWolf at once advanced his guns to cover the positions vaca- ted,-set his met to work on the entrenchments and soon com- pleted a formidable fortification commanding Atwells Avenue and the northern end of Dean Street.
This was, of course, very disturbing to the Charter forces and while they were trying to agree upon the manner of attack, the Dorrites, under cover of darkness, during the night of May 18th, quietly dispersed, leaving their guns pointing over the earthworks. Later on the Chartered Commands moved for- ward against the unoccupied works, captured the guns and re- turned to the city. They were shortly afterwards sent to their respective home stations and dismissed.
With the departure of the troops the agitation was renewed. The organizing, marching and drilling of Dorr forces contin- ued. In accordance with the custom of the times high sounding names were adopted by the various companies. Among the most prominent were "Dorr's Invincibles", "Harmonious Rep- tiles", "Pascoag Ripguts", "The Johnston Savages", "The Glocester Volunteers" and "The Diamond Hillers".
Woonsocket became the stronghold of the Dorr forces and here was assembled a considerable store of muskets and ammunition. Chepachet and Diamond Hill were armed camps. Strong patrols covered all roads leading from Providence to the north. Travellers were arrested and abused and the revolt was again becoming open and dangerous.
The activity of the mounted patrols on the northern roads led to appeals in the newspapers for the formation of more cavalry companies and in consequence the Burrillville and Gloc- ester Horse Company was organized for the purpose of keep- ing the roads open for travellers during the year. A troop was
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also organized and chartered in Providence under the name of "The Providence Horse Guards", the following being selected as the first officers: Capt. Almon D. Hodges, 1st Lieut. George W. Hallett, 2nd Lieut. Samuel G. Arnold, 3rd Lieut. William Warner Hoppin and 4th Lieut. John Giles.
Capt. Hodges was prominent in the social and military life of the State and for seven years had served as Colonel of the 2nd Regiment, 2nd Brigade.
This Company was an active unit of the militia until the reorganization in 1879 when it became Company B of the Cav- alry Battalion, afterwards Troop B, and continuing as such, with a splendid record, up to its muster into Federal Service in 1917.
During the early part of June, the Constitutionalists were active in collecting arms and ammunition from various sources. During the night of June 19, a raiding party from Providence marched to Warren and attempted to seize the cannon just issued to the Warren Artillery, but were driven off by the in- habitants of the town. A series of raids by the mounted patrols along the Woonsocket Road and on the Douglas Turnpike fin- ally aroused the Law and Order officials to action and a cam- paign was planned, having as its object the dispersing of the insurgents. The various military companies were prepared for action.
On June 21st, the First Light Infantry of the 2nd Reg- iment and the 3rd Ward Company of the City Guard were reviewed and made a splendid showing. On the following night, the Dorrites attempted to break into the Armory of the Marine Artillery Company with the intention of seizing the Company's guns, but were driven off.
On the 23rd, the Assembly revived the charter of the Foster Artillery, an organization that had been inactive since 1834. Capt. William Rounds was placed in command of the company with Angell Sweet and Joshua Paine as lieutenants. An unsuccessful attempt was made by the Dorrites to capture guns assigned this company while they were being sent over the road to Foster.
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Naturally the conduct of militia organizations suspected of favoring the Constitutional Party was carefully scrutinized. The United Independent Volunteers, Capt. William J. Spencer, and the First Light Infantry Company of the 15th Regiment, Capt. Westcott Handy, were charged with acting as escort to Gov. Dorr, while The United Train of Artillery, Col. George W. Bennett, was accused of negligently or wilfully allowing their guns to be taken by the Dorrites.
In the General Assembly the committee on charters rec- ommended that the charters of these organizations be revoked. On June 25 this recommendation was considered and an act repealing the charters of the Volunteers and the Infantry was passed.
Doubt existing as to the guilt of the Artillery, action on this organization was deferred and steps were taken to at once reorganize the command. Capt. Bradford Hodges, a strong Law and Order man was appointed commanding officer, while Col. Bennett, reduced in rank, was permitted to continue with the company as a lieutenant.
In three days the company mustered sixty "true and faith- ful" men and was soon regarded as one of the most efficient organizations in the State.
A provisional regiment, made up of four of the chartered companies and the City Guard of Providence was organized for immediate service and stationed on Smiths Hill Common. Capt. William H. Brown, of the First Light Infantry was ap- pointed Colonel of the regiment while Almon D. Hodges was made Lieut. Colonel and Josiah H. Martin Major. George W. Hallett was the regimental adjutant.
On June 24th Governor King declared marital law throughout the entire State. A strong guard was posted at all of the armories and patrol stations were established at strategic points about Providence. The Sea Fencibles, a recently char- tered organization commanded by Capt. Nathaniel G. Mauran, was issued six new six pounders and with the National Cadets, commanded by Col. Martin, was stationed at Olneyville Square.
The 1st, 3rd and 4th Brigades of Militia were ordered into
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active service together with the chartered commands, and on the 25th the troops began to arrive in Providence.
The Newport Artillery, Bristol Artillery and Warren Ar- tillery, 350 men, armed with muskets and manning seven pieces of field artillery, arrived by steamboat. The Steamer "Massa- chusetts" reached Providence on the evening of the 24th with 150 infantry men from Newport and Middletown while the "Providence" brought up 260 men from Newport and Bristol.
Troop movements were taking place on practically all of the main highways of the State. Companies from the smaller villages were hurrying to join their regiments at various mobili- zation points. Officers were rushing about assembling their men and collecting equipment.
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