USA > Rhode Island > The "Old Stone Bank" history of Rhode Island, Vol. I > Part 15
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It is generally recorded that the balloon was invented by two Frenchmen, Stephen and Joseph Montgolfier, in 1783. Shortly before them someone had conceived the idea of making an object rise by certain aerial compositions, or gases, but the Mont- golfiers' idea was the simplest, and it was the first to work. They made their balloon rise by holding it over a fire until it became thoroughly inflated with hot air. When they
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released it, it rose and stayed aloft for sev- eral hours, descending slowly as the air within it cooled. This was their first official demonstration, and it was done on a large scale. The balloon, which was a linen globe 105 feet in circumference, was made for the occasion. Announcements were given out several weeks ahead of time, and govern- ment officials were present as invited guests.
The two brothers had done some exper- imenting with small balloons, using smoke for lifting power; but the first official ascen- sion was even so a venture, for the balloon was much larger than those on which they had experimented, and they used a new fuel for generating the hot air. The people of Annonay, in southern France, where the demonstration was carried on, wildly ac- claimed the success of the two brothers, and it is easy to see that a balloon in those days appeared nothing short of a miracle. Some of the peasants, in fact, looked upon it as being an instrument of the devil, and the great linen bag met a sad fate upon its land- ing in the rural districts. After the peas- ants recovered from their fright, they rushed upon the balloon and tore it to pieces. This was in June, 1783. In October of that same year Francois de Rozier ascended with a balloon and was the first human being to rise thus from the earth.
About this time experiments were being made in America. The Messers Rittenhouse and Hopkins, members of the Philosophical Academy of Philadelphia, constructed a car which was made to rise by the aid of 47 small balloons. Its passenger was the daring James Wilcox, a carpenter, who after being aloft several hours, was compelled to cut some of the little bags with his knife in order to prevent his descending in the mid- dle of a wide river. These balloons were filled with hydrogen gas, which until lately has been the standard filler for all lighter- than-air machines.
In 1856 James Allen made his first ascent in Providence from the vacant lot where the City Hall now stands. He had become inter- ested in balloons because of his poor health and the desire to do outside work. Later his son Ezra became associated with him and within a few years they had gained fame all over the country as balloonists.
When the Civil War began, they enlisted with the Federal Army as observers, and it was at this time, somewhere in Virginia, that Count Zeppelin, then a member of the German Embassy at Washington, took his first ride.
After the war the two Allens spent some time in Brazil, then returned to travel about the country giving ascensions at fairs and other celebrations.
The Fourth of July was always a fit time for balloon ascensions, and on that date in 1906 one of the first "scares" was caused by a free balloon. A free balloon was the kind in which men took voyages, as con- trasted with the captive balloon, which was held by a rope. On this Fourth of July, 1906, James Allen rose in the face of a rainstorm and presently disappeared before the hundreds of spectators on the Normal School grounds, where the ascension took place. Later in the day an Attleboro street- car conductor reported seeing the balloon; then it was reported to have gone over Brockton, Mass., then Scituate, Mass. The latter report said that it was going out to sea. For two days reports, never reliable, came in, and newspapermen posted them- selves at Allen's home. Then, just as the suspense was growing unbearable, Mrs. Al- len received a telegram from her husband. He was in Boston, and would be home in time for another ascension scheduled for the following day.
The pride of the Allen balloons was the "Royal Sovereign", which stood over a hundred feet in height when inflated. And because it was so big, it made too rough a toy for the wind. One day when it ascended from Dexter Training Ground, a stiff breeze caught it before it was above the trees. It was whisked into the upper limbs, and the car was knocked into a horizontal position, requiring the passengers to cling for dear life or drop. It was impossible to throw out any ballast, and the balloon raced along toward Cranston Street, bumping into build- ings and telephone poles, until finally reach- ing a corner it became lodged and the occu- pants fell out. One of them luckily landed on a pile of hay, but Ezra Allen fell 50 feet and was the most injured of the three pas-
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sengers. It took him a year to recover, but he resumed his ballooning afterward with the same enthusiasm. One of the Allen features at this time was an aerial honey- moon. A couple would be married in the car while it was on the ground, and as soon as the ceremony was over the balloon was released. The ride was only a short one, but it gave the couple a chance, we are sure, to believe that they were on their way to the seventh heaven of bliss.
In 1909 Count Zeppelin built a factory at Friedrichschafen, and it is here that all the famous airships bearing his name have been made. He exhausted his fortune in ex- periments, and when he died, though the government had saved him from being pen- niless, he was still dissatisfied with his in- vention. That was in 1917, when Zeppelins were being used in the War. It is unfortunate that he did not live to see in time of peace the greatest result of his achievement.
SECOND
RHODE ISLAND
REGIMEN
COLONEL JOHN S. SLOCUM
W HEN the War of the Rebellion opened in 1861, it found the people of Rhode Island ready to respond with enthusiasm to any call that would be made upon them for the defense of the imperilled nation. Presi- dent Lincoln issued his proclamation, call- ing for 75,000 men for three months, on the 15th of April. In the course of the week the First Rhode Island Regiment, com- posed of ten companies of infantry and a battery of artillery, under command of Colonel Ambrose E. Burnside, was dis- patched to Washington. The battery, under the command of Captain Charles H. Tomp- kins, accompanied by Lieut. Governor Samuel G. Arnold, embarked at Providence on the 18th; the first detachment of in- fantry, with Colonel Burnside in com- mand, accompanied by the Governor, and Colonels William Goddard and Lyman B. Frieze, Aides-de-camp, embarked on the 20th; and the second detachment, under Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Pitman, on the 24th of April.
The first detachment of troops arrived at Washington on the 26th; the second, on the 29th; the battery, on the 2nd of May. They were mustered into the service of the United States-the infantry on the 2nd and the artillery on the 7th, of May.
But it soon became evident that the gover- ment had undertaken a task not to be com- pleted by a service of three months. The alacrity with which the people of the loyal States had answered the appeal encouraged the authorities at Washington to make a second request. This time the period of service was to be for three years, unless sooner discharged, and the number of men summoned to the field was 42,034. The President issued the new call on the 3rd of May.
In Rhode Island, stimulated by the public sentiment of the State-always intensely loyal and patriotic-enlistments had been actively made since the day of the depar- ture of the First Regiment. On that day, Governor Sprague had directed Adjutant- General Mauran to issue an order at some subsequent time, looking to the formation of another regiment. General Mauran issued the order on the 29th of April, di- recting "the commandants of the several military companies to fill their companies at once to seventy-four rank and file, in- cluding two musicians, to be officered in accordance with the regulations of the Army of the United States." On the 30th, the governor, then in Washington, sent word that no more enlistments were necessary, as the capitol was safe.
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But so zealously had the work been carried on and so readily had the people engaged in it, that when the call of the President was made, the assembly of a new regiment was well on its way. By the 7th of May, four full companies had been raised and officers had been chosen-one at Provi- dence, commanded by Captain W. H. P. Steere; one at Bristol, commanded by Cap- tain Nathan Goff, Jr .; one at East Green- wich, commanded by Captain C. W. Greene; and one at South Kingtown, commanded by Captain I. P. Rodman. By the order of the 29th of April, General Charles T. Robbins, of the State Militia, had been assigned to the command of the regiment when full; but on the 13th of May, Major John S. Slocum, ac- companied by Surgeon F. L. Wheaton, both of the First Regiment, arrived in Provi- dence. Governor Sprague-still in Wash- ington-had been authorized on the 7th to raise a new regiment, and his offer to fur- nish another battery of artillery had been accepted. He detailed Major Slocum and Dr. Wheaton to organize the Regiment, and selected the Major to take command. Gen- eral Robbins accordingly declined the po- sition, and on the 18th, Major Slocum was announced, in general order, as the com- mander.
When the Regiment was advanced for serv- ice in the field, Major Slocum was made Colonel. Slocum was born in the town of Richmond, Rhode Island, November 1st, 1824. He was educated in the public schools of Bristol, where he spent most of his early life; in the classical schools of Fruit Hill and Marlborough, Massachusetts, and at a commercial school in Hartford. His pre- dilections for a military life were strong even in youth, and before he was eighteen years of age he became a member of the National Cadets in Providence. He after- wards commanded the Mechanics Rifles.
At the opening of the Mexican War and on Feb. 18th, 1847, he received a commis- sion of the First Lieutenant in the famous 9th Regiment. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Contreas, winning a brevet of Captain, and again at Chepultepec, where he won a full Captaincy. At the end of the War his Regiment was disbanded, and he returned to civil life. He was married in 1858 to Miss Abby J. James, a daughter of
the Hon. Charles T. James of Providence. In 1860 he was a member and secretary of the examining board at West Point.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was commissioned Major of the First Regi- ment, and greatly endeared himself to the officers and men. As has been related, he was appointed Colonel of the Second, and in his brief command won the affection and admiration of the Regiment to a very high degree. He was a remarkably generous, gallant, and fearless man, and no officer in the army gave greater promise of a brilliant future. The Regiment was engaged in active service throughout the War, and it had the misfortune to lose its brave com- mander in the very first engagement at Bull Run, where the Union forces suffered serious reverses.
Recalling that unfortunate incident, we find that our Rhode Island Regiment was hotly engaged with one or two regiments from Georgia, Alabama, and with South Carolina artillery, and made so gallant a fight that the enemy was pushed off the plateau and down the hillside. In a corn- field on the slope, temporary shelter was discovered. But the fire of the Second was hot and deadly, and although fresh troops were constantly coming up against them, our boys obstinately held the crest they had so bravely won. For nearly half an hour- it seemed much longer to those who were waiting for support-while the Brigade was forming, the Regiment fought on, single handed. Early in the contest, Colonel Hunter was wounded in the neck, and re- tired from the field. Meeting Colonel Burn- side, he said, "Burnside, I leave the matter in your hands. Slocum and his Regiment went in handsomely and drove the scoun- drels".
The Brigade was immediately sent into the field, the First Rhode Island Regiment rushing through the woods with a shout, and relieving the Second, which made a flank movement to the left in the midst of the fire. The 71st New York, with its howitzers, formed on the right, and the 2nd New Hampshire came up gallantly in support of Reynold's Battery, which was now upon the right of the 71st. The battle at this time was raging furiously, the enemy holding his
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ground well, and men and horses were fall- ing on all sides before the rapid and scath- ing fire of the foe. To those who were in their first battle, the air seemed full of missiles. Governor Sprague, acting as vol- unteer aide to Colonel Burnside, and Lieu- tenant Weeden of the Battery, each had a horse shot from under him, in the early hours of the fight. The enemy was in full and constantly increasing force, but our own troops were coming up, the day was going well with us, and events seemed to promise a complete victory.
Along the upper boundary of the corn- field, to which allusion has been made, ran a rail fence. The Second Regiment ranged along this, making a gallant fight. Colonel Slocum, climbing the fence, turned to the Regiment, to cheer on his command. He was shot in the side and back of his head,
and fell to the ground. He was carried to a house nearby, and was there attended by a Dr. Harris, who was busily engaged in caring for the wounded men. But the brave soldier, although conscious and apparently recognizing his men, never spoke again. In a lull of the battle, a door was taken from its hinges, and he was borne to the rear.
He died too early for his country, but but not too early for his own renown. "We expect a great deal of Rhode Island troops today," said Colonel Hunter, as the Second went into battle. "You shall not be dis- appointed, sir," replied Colonel Slocum. Then turning to the Regiment he said, "Now, show them what Rhode Island can do," and thus he led his men into their first fight. The spirit of that injunction has made the precious history of the Second Rhode Island Regiment.
THE SECOND RHODE ISLAND IN ACTION
R HODE ISLAND's famous Regiment, the Second, saw action from the first to the last of the War of the Rebellion. It had nobly responded to the hope of the people of this State, when it went forth to its mission of duty, heroism and sacrifice. On many fields it showed its valor. The first and last battle of the war bore equal testimony to its gallantry and fidelity of service. In a large army, there are always certain regiments which are known throughout the ranks to be trustworthy in every duty. On the front line, at the outposts, or in reserve; on the march, in camp, upon the field, these are the picked men-the men to lead a forlorn hope, to inspire a charge, to cover a re- treat. Many historians say that the Second Rhode Island was one of these trusted regi- ments in the Army of the Potomac. Much of
its fame resulted from the character of its commanding officers, but its good repute was due also to the private soldiers. Almost all of them born and bred in Rhode Island, they had the native independence and state pride which are characteristic of the com- monwealth where they had their origin. Those from other States, and those of for- eign birth who were glad to fight the battles of liberty for the country they had adopted as their own, were not lacking in patriotic devotion and faithful performance of the national duty.
After the untimely death of Colonel Slo- cum in the Battle of Bull Run, the Regiment encamped just outside Washington until the spring of 1862, when began the so- called Peninsular campaign. After some delays in leaving Brightwood, the Regiment
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sailed down the Potomac, landed near For- tress Monroe, Virginia, and presently made its way up the James River in the direc- tion of Richmond. After engaging in sev- eral hot skirmishes in that section, our men entered the Maryland campaign, which was followed by more fighting in Virginia, and then by the Battle of Fredericksburg. Next came the Battle of Salem Heights just out- side of Fredericksburg. An episode of this immortal combat recalls the bravery and courage on the field of the officers and men who upheld all the noble traditions of our historic state.
The enemy's line of battle was formed with its right resting in front of Salem Chapel, and thence running diagonally across the road and the fields beyond to a piece of woods, which gave an admirable cover. General Sedgwick formed his line, with Brook's Division, which was leading the column across the road, and Newton's, on his right. Howe's Division was placed on the extreme left. Colonel Brown of the 36th New York was still in command of the Brigade. The Second was in the rear of the Brigade, and was thus the last Regiment to come upon the field. On the extreme right of the line was a Brigade of New Jersey troops. Brown's Brigade, with a battery of artillery, was held in reserve, near a small house at the right of the road.
With this disposition of troops, the battle began, and at once became hot and angry. Our men had been skirmishing, marching, and fighting almost continuously since eleven o'clock of the previous night; the enemy was comparatively fresh, and was constantly receiving new recruits. And yet the men of the Second kept up well with their work, and did their best to clear the road. As the enemy showed himself the su- perior, and checked, stopped and finally broke our first line of battle, the reserve was called upon. The 36th New York, the 7th and 37th Massachusetts were put into the fight. Colonel Brown fell wounded, and the command devolved upon Colonel Eustis. The 10th Massachusetts was now sent in. The Second was left with directions to wait for orders. The aspect of affairs grew more and more serious. On the right it seemed as though some great disaster was impend- ing. Fugitives from the field in front began
to multiply. They came running back, throwing away their arms and knapsacks. The Battery, with other artillery, hastily limbered up, and went off to the rear. Our line was crumbling away, and the officers were busy in rallying and forming a second line upon the position of the reserves.
Just then General Newton and a few staff officers came riding down the road.
"What Regiment, Colonel?" he inquired, not immediately recognizing the Second amid the dust and smoke.
"The Second Rhode Island, sir," replied Colonel Rogers, "directed to remain here to await for orders."
"Move your Regiment at once to the right beyond that house," said the General, point- ing to it with a wave of the hand. "Our men are badly pressed, and need aid. Hurry up and help them!"
This was all that was needed, and the Regiment, long impatient to be in the fray, was instantly advanced in line of battle, wheeling up to make connection with the 10th Massachusetts. It was posted on the right of the second line, holding a hill, which gave a good position. Down came one of our regiments from the front, broken and in disorder, rushing through the ranks of the Second, and causing a temporary de- rangement. Quickly closing up, the Regi- ment swung to the right of the 10th Massa- chusetts, now engaging the enemy in front. But the hill was not large enough for an extension of the line, and a shoulder of it hid the enemy from view. The three com- panies on the left, under Major Jenks, made their connections with the 10th, and with that Regiment commenced firing upon the enemy. The seven remaining companies, with Colonel Rogers, moved farther to the right and front, across the field and a brook which traversed it, and came out in clear sight of the entire battlefield.
Colonel Rogers found that the position which he had thus gained was admirable for flanking the enemy. The Regiment really overlapped the rebels' left, and was several hundred yards to the right of our own line, which rested near the house on the hill, where the three other companies were. In the woods to the right and well to the front, was flying an American flag, betokening the presence of some of our troops. In front
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was a confused mass of the enemy, without formation. A fragment of the 15th New Jersey was found in the field, and attach- ing it to his command, Colonel Rogers opened fire upon the squads of the enemy in front and on the left flank. Never was a more opportune movement and attack. The enemy was puzzled to know the meaning of it. Was it a re-enforcement? Was it an at- tack upon the flank? The Regiment deliv- ered its fire handsomely. The relief upon our own hard-pressed troops was instan- taneous. It checked the enemy line at once, and the second line was formed and de- veloped, making the position secure. Had the other regiment on the right of the line been moved over promptly to support this attack, it is possible that the battle might have been resumed and a brilliant victory won.
But that was not all. Out of the woods an officer came hurrying. "For God's sake, Colonel, come over and help us out!" It was the adjutant of a New Jersey Regiment, which was alone in the woods, and almost out of ammunition. There was no time to lose. The only orders which Colonel Rogers had received, were to hurry and help the distressed troops on the right flank. Here was a case that needed help. The Regiment was immediately put in motion for a charge, with company officers in front, and the Colonel leading. Away it went across the field to the front, scattering the squads of the enemy and driving them into the woods, in confusion, and soon ranged itself by the side of the New Jersey men, who were overjoyed at receiving the timely
succor. They had been left behind when the first line was broken, and had been maintaining an unequal contest, gallantly holding on till relief should come, and had now but a few cartridges left.
Lieutenant-Colonel Read was sent for, together with the three remaining companies and other support. The New Jersey Regi- ment fell back through the ranks of the Second, which at once closed up the line and prepared to open fire. Colonel Rogers seized the flag, placed it in position, and the men formed up to it without delay. The enemy's line was within short range, partially sheltered by a picket fence, and their fire was hot and withering. Our men, lying on the ground, replied as warmly, making the contest fierce and bloody. As the ranks occasionally wavered amid the deadly storm, Colonel Rogers would take the colors forward and rally the Regiment around them, to straight- en the line. Nobly the men responded to the orders and encouragement of the of- ficers, and there was no better fighting that day than in this isolated position in the woods. Colonel Rogers, judging that the supports were near, withdrew the Regi- ment slowly and steadily to the edge of the woods, where it met the three companies of the left and the 10th Massachusetts com- ing up. The re-enforcement was received with hearty cheers; and then, recovering the wounded, the command retired across the brook to the hill by the house, from the neighborhood of which the Regiment had started. The enemy did not attempt to fol- low, and the night fell upon the tired Rhode Island heroes.
PROSPERITY
TORCHLIGHTS AND TRANSPARENCIES
T TOMORROW is election day-be careful how you vote-go to the polls like a man and dressed like one. It is a privilege to exercise the right of franchise in this land of the free, and you ought to do it decently
and in order. The only way, is to go to the polls attired in one of our fancy Worsted and Cheviot Suits prices $10 to $25-Your ballot will be all the more appreciated as that of a prosperous free man if you have
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on one of our dandy Overcoats, piped with mohair braid and priced at $25."
Gone are the days when the public was regaled with such flamboyant appeals on the eve of election. However, the advertise- ment above representing a local clothing concern, appeared in bold black letters on the pages of a Providence newspaper near- ly a half-century ago. The bright lights of the modern city have dimmed the magical effect of the glowing redfire and candle- lighted transparencies that once illuminated the dark streets during pre-election demon- strations. Transparencies can still be re- membered by some of our older citizens, some of whom may have struggled up West- minster Street proudly holding aloft the cloth covered boxes that dripped wax upon the shoulders of the bearer and displayed such campaign slogans as, "We March and Vote for Principle and Not for $2.00 and the Cigars," "This is No Dog Show," "We Will See You Tuesday," and "We Must Have More Bustle in the White House."
Here is what you would have read in the daily news had you been interested in the politics that are now just a memory.
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