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REPORTS
OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEES APPOINTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRINGING ON FROM MEXICO THE
BODIES OF THE OFFICERS
.y\ OF THE
NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS,
AND TO PREPARE AND PRESENT
MEDALS
NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS.
ALSO, TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE
RECEPTION
FIRST REGIMENT OF NEW YOM VOLUNTEERS,
ON THEIR RETURN FROM MEXICO.
NEW YORK : McSPEDON & BAKER, PRINTERS, 25 PINE STREET.
1851.
THE KEW Y«RK PUBLIC IIBRARY
273254B
ivsrros. lenox \.s»
B 1M4 fe
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
APPOINTED TO MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRINGING ON THE
BODIES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS
FROM MEXICO;
WITH THE
FUNERAL CEREMONIES
OBSERVED 0^f THE OCCASION OF THEIR INTERMENT.
At a meeting of tlie Board of Aldermen, held on the 25th October, 1847, Alderman Purser presented the fol- lowing preamble and resolutions, viz :
Whereas, Lieut. Col. Baxter and Lieut. Chandler
have nobly fallen m the discharge of their duty, after
gallantly sustaining, in many hard fought battles, the
glory of the American arms and the honor of their coun-
-^try ; therefore,
Resolved, That while testifying our gratitude and admi- ration for the chivalry evinced by these-sons of our favored city, we deeply condole with the bereaved relations and friends of those struck down in the hour of victory.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to confer with similar Committees from military companies, with a view of making suitable arrangements for bringing on the corpse of the illustrious soldiers to the city of their birth.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, duly authen- ticated, be sent to the relations of the deceased.
Which were unanimously adopted.
And Aldermen Purser, Dodge and De Forest, ap- pointed such Committee on the part of this Board.
And directed to be sent to the Board of Assistants for concurrence.
On the first of November, the above resolutions were unanimously concurred in by the Board of Assistants, and Messrs. Allen, Schultz and Robertson, appointed as the Committee on the part of that Board.
The Committee, thus empowered, met from time to time, and after some delay, finally resolved upon the ap- poinraent of Mr. Alexander S. Forbes, who personally solicited the agency, and who {)roduced strong recommen- dations to the Committee from the Baxter Blues, who communicated freely with the chairman.
Your Committee procured, from the Department of War at Washington, all the necessary papers appertaining to a mission of this kind, and furnished with full credentials
and every power to further the object in view, the agent proceeded on his errand of humanity on the 29th day of January last, by the overland route to New Orleans, where he arrived on the 9Lh of February ; from which city he proceeded on the 20lh to Vera Cruz, where, on the 1st of March, at the castle of San Juan, he found the bodies of Colonel Baxter, and Captains Pearson and Van Olinda. From Vera Cruz, Mr. Forbes proceeded to the city of Mexico, from which place, under date of 6th of May, he addressed the following dispatch, which the Com- mittee regret to state, is the only one ever received by them.
San Angel, near City of Mexico, ) May 6th, 1848. ^
Dear Sir :
I have no doubt you think strange of not hearing from me long since, but as my mission was not fulfilled, and I could not say definitely when it would be, I consid- ered it as well to wait until this time.
On my arrival in Vera Cruz, 26th February, I imme- diately commenced searching for the bodies, Colonel Baxter, and the other officers, by calling on Captain Patrick, whom Colonel Burnett informed your Com- mittee and myself, had charge of them, and had promised to send them to New York. Upon making known my business to Captain P., he was surprised, and said he knew nothing of them, nor had he promised or spoken to Colonel Burnett on the subject, but at the same time proffered his assistance to me. In a few days I traced them out and had them properly taken care of until I am ready to return.
Upon enquiry, I found that the bodies of Captain Burke and Lieutenant Morris, had been sent or taken home by their brother officers attached to their respective regiments.
I remained in Vera Cruz to wait for the train from the city of Mexico to arrive, having understood the body of Lieutenant E. Chandler would be with it, and upon its arrival, finding such not to be the case, immediatel}^ made preparations to proceed to the city, and arrived here the 21st instant, after a long and tedious march of twenty-four days. I here found your letters in relation to the body of Captain Barclay, and acted according to order. I am now ready to return, and shall by the first train, which I am in hopes will leave here in five or six days, as 1 am anxious to get home. I feel sorry I have been detained so long, more on your account, and only hope you may have still remained in the Common Council for the purpose of carrying out your views in regard to the reception of the remains.
I have been very kindly received, and every attention offered me by oflficers and others attached to the army, and assign it more particularly to this reason, that the high position our gallant regiment hold in the minds of all such, serves but to make each anxious to see who can do the most to second the wishes of your Honorable Body in your patriotic efforts to respect their dead — and although proud as I am of my position as an agent of the empire city in this business, I feel more proud of them — it almost leads to envy. I believe every New Yorker would be the same were he here to see and listen to the respect paid, and
encomiums showered upon our noble representatives, by all belonging to the army ; they are considered a band of Ii^vincibles.
I shall write immediately upon my arrival in New Orleans, and can then say when will be the most likely time of my getting to New York.
With great respect,
I remain truly yours,
ALEXANDER S. FORBES.
To Geo. H. Purser, Esq., > Alderman Fourth Ward. ^
After the organization of the new Common Council, in May, (he Committees were re-organized by the appoint- ment of the following persons.
On the part of the Board of Aldermen :
Aldermen De Forest, Dodge, Gray, Smith, Downing? and the President of the Board.
And on the part of the Assistants :
Messrs. Schultz, Franklin, Brenan, Getty and Pax- ton, with the President of that Board.
The first information which the Committee received from their agent, was of a truly melancholy character, and which was conveyed to them by the following letter, ad- dressed to the brother of Mr. Forbes.
8
New Orleans, June 22, 1848.
Dear Sir : — It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of your brother, Mr. A. S. Forbes, which unfortunate event occurred at two o'clock, on the morning of the 20th instant.
I arrived in this city on the night of the 17th, and hear- ing that Alexander was in the city, I called on him imme- diately, and found him complaining of sea-sickness, as he supposed, but which I was immediately satisfied was at best bilious fever. I immediately called in Dr. Head and Dr. McCormick, of the army, who prescribed for him. Dr. M. pronouncing his disease black vomit. He rallied very much, and both physicians said he would probably recover. In the mean time I had procured a first rate nurse, and had sent for Mr. Bogert (his friend), who attended him until he died. On the night of the 20th, a change took place for the worse, which terminated his life in a few hours.
We have the body placed in a leaden coflSn, and I shall start at five o'clock to-day, for New York, via Sandusky and BuflTalo, with all the bodies.
Your friend,
R. M. FLOYD,
Lieut. N. Y. V.
Thus terminated the earthly career of one whose pros- pects in life were bright, leaving a wife and child to mourn over the loss of a protector and father, and a large circle of friends to lament the privation of one of their dearest asso- ciates. Intrusted in life with the mission of restoring the
remains of the lamented dead to their living relatives and friends, he returned united to them in bonds which can only be severed when the " corruptible must put on incor- ruption, and the mortal must put on immortality."
The intelligence in relation to the death of our friend having been verified by telegraphic dispatches, the Com- mittee hastened their preparation for the reception of the remains, and at noon, on the 4th of July, they received information that their bodies were on their way down the Hudson river, per the Alida, and might be expected at three o'clock. They immediately made the necessary prepara- tions, and after the arrival of the boat, the bodies, under the escort of the Baxter Blues, preceded by the Committee, amid the noise and confusion incidental to the celebration of the day, formed a mournful procession to the arsenal yard, which had been hastily prepared for their reception, where, under a sable canopy, and covered with a pall of their country's flag, they were placed by the Committee in charge of the Baxter Blues as a Guard of Honor, which from tliat time until the day of the funeral, guarded with devotion the remains of their late commandant, and his heroic associates, refusing relief from their patriotic duty, though often tendered by other military companies and associations.
The remains were afterwards placed at the disposal of Mr. Isaac H. Brown, Sexton of Grace church, who had been employed by the Committee to superintend the pre- paration of the bodies for interment. They were separately removed from the casings which surrounded them on their arrival, and placed in the coffins prepared for their recep-
10
tion, when they were re-arranged under the canop)'^, on trestles, and laid in state, for the visits of the public — a multitude of whom visited the arsenal to view the melan- choly preparation.
The Committee would embrace the present opportunity to notice with commendation the efficient services of Mr. Brown, and their approval of his official and gentlemanly conduct throughout the whole time of his intercourse with them.
The Committee would tender their thanks to Lieut. Robert M. Floyd, for the speedy and careful management of the agency after he had been so providentially intrusted with its care.
To the owners and agents of the steamer Lafayette, on the Mississippi.
To Messrs. Mudge & Wilson, of the St. Charles' Hotel, at New Orleans, for their care of the late Mr. Forbes, during his last and fatal illness.
To the Presidents and Directors of the railroads on the route, who refused remuneration for the conveyance of the remains of the lamented dead ; and
To Captain Stone, of the steamboat Alida, for the like service in conveying the remains from Albany to this city.
The final arrangements having been perfected, the Com- mittee proceeded in the discharge of their melancholy duty, as hereafter detailed.
11
ORDER OF PROCESSION,
WITH THE
CEREMONIES AND INCIDENTS AT THE FUNERAL SOLEMNITIES
IN HONOR OF THE
GALLANT OFFICERS
OF THE
FIRST REGIMENT OF NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN THE PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES REQUIRED BY THEIR COUNTRY,
IIV MEXICO.
THE MILITARY PARADED IN PURSUANCE OF THE FOLLOWING
ORDERS :
FIRST DIVISION— N. Y. STATE MILITIA.
DIVISION ORDERS.
New York, July 6, 1848.
The Major General announces to the Division the arrival of the remains of a number of our fellow soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country, in the late brilliant campaign in Mexico.
12
•
The bodies of the lamented and gallant Lieut. Col. Baxter, who fell when leading his regiment to victory at the Garita of Mexico, after the storming of Chapultepec ; Captain Pearson, who was killed at Chapultepec ; Lieut. Chandler, who was killed in the battle of Churubusco; Captain Barclay and Lieut. Gallagher, who died from exposure and sickness during the campaign, and of Lieut. Forbes, who lost his life while bringing back to us these honored remains, — are now waiting the last honors which we can pay to the memory of the glorious dead.
In conjunction with the Mayor and Common Council of our city, who have caused these precious relics to be re- stored to us, the division will unite in the ceremonials ap- propriate to this solemn event, on Wednesday next, the 12th of July instant.
The Fourth Brigade, under the command of Brigadier Gen. Ew^en, will form the Funeral Escort. The line will be formed in Canal street, with the left on Broadway, at one o'clock, p. m.
Gen. Ewen will also receive and assign to appropriate stations, such corps as may be desirous to unite with us on the occasion, from our sister city of Brooklyn, and also any entire companies from the other brigades of this division, which may desire to parade as part of the escort.
The officers of the first, second and third brigades, and those of the division staff, are requested to assemble in full uniform, (dismounted) with the usual badges of mourning, in front of the City Hall, at one o'clock, p. m., precisely, for the purpose of uniting in the procession.
13
The commandants of the regiments ordered on duty will send their standards and camp colors to the City Hall, on Monday next, for the purpose of receiving" the usual badges of mourning.
Gen. Ewen will detail suitable detachments to act as Guards of Honor to the respective remains, during the pro- cession, and until their interment.
Brig. Gen. Hall will order a troupe of horse to parade for Guard and Escort duty, to report to Brig. Gen. Ewen, at one o'clock, in Canal street, on the day of the proces- sion.
Brig. Gen. Morris will order a detachment of artillery to fire minute guns, during the procession, from Washing- ton parade ground.
By order of
CHARLES W. SANDFORD, Major General Commanding.
R. C. Wetmore, Division Inspector.
FOURTH BRIGADE— N. Y. STATE MILITIA.
BRIGADE OKDERS.
New York, July 8, 1848.
The Brigadier General announces that arrangements have been made by the Common Council of this city, to render appropriate honors to the remains of Lieut. Col.
14
Baxter, Capt. Pearson, Capt. Barclay, Lieuts. Chand- ler and Gallagher, who fell a sacrifice in the service of their country, in the Mexican campaign, and Lieut. Forbes, who lost his life while bringing to us these hon- ored remains.
In pursuance of such arrangements, and division orders of the 6th inst., this Brigade will form the Funeral Escort.
The brigade line will be formed in Canal street, on Wednesday next, the 12th inst., at one o'clock, p. m., with the left on Broadway. Col. H. G. Stebbins, of the Twelfth Regiment, will detail the company of Baxter Blues, Capt. Ayres, as a Guard of Honor to the body of Lieut. Col. Baxter, who formerly commanded said company, and Lieut. Forbes, late a member tliereof. Col. R. C. Mor- ris, of the Eleventh Regiment, will detail the City Guard, Capt. McArdle, as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Lieuts. Chandler and Gallagher.
The services of the Pearson Light Guard of Brooklyn, Capt. Pike, has been accepted ; said company will act as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Capts. Pearson and Barclay.
Commandants of regiments will send their standards and camp colors to the City Hall, on Monday next, for the purpose of receiving the usual badges of mourning.
Officers will wear crape on the left arm and on the sword hilt.
By order of
Brig. Gen. JOHN EWEN. N. Bergasse La Bau, Aid-de-Camp.
15
July 11th.
The foUo-wlng General Order was Issued Ijy the Committee.
The Clergy will assemble at the Governor's room, City Hall, at one o'clock, p. m.
The Pall Bearers will assemble at the Arsenal yard, at one o'clock, p. m.
The companies detailed as Guards of Honor, at the Ar- senal yard, at one o'clock, p. m.
The New York Sacred Music Society will assemble in the Governor's room, City Hall, at three o'clock, p.m.
The procession will move at two o'clock.
The LINE OF MARCH will be up Broadway to Fourteenth street ; through Fourteenth street to the Bowery ; down the Bowery and Chatham street, to the east gate cf the Park.
After entering the Park, the bodies will be placed on trestles, in front of the platform erected for the Orator, Clergy and members of the Common Councils of New York and Brooklyn.
THE CEREMONIES
will be opened with prayer by the Rev. Isaac Ferris, D. D., of the Dutch Reformed Church.
16
AN ORATION,
prepared at the request of the Committee of Arrangements, will then be delivered by
JOHN VAN BUREN, Esq.
The Ode prepared for the occasion, at the request of the Common Council, by George P. Morris, Esq., will be sung by the New York Sacred Music Society, who will occupy the balcony of the hall.
At the conclusion of which, the Benediction will be pronounced by the Rev. Spencer H. Cone, of the Baptist Church.
The bodies of the deceased will then be placed at the disposal of the relatives and friends.
It is directed by this Committee, that all public and licensed carriages and vehicles be withdrawn from the streets through which the procession is to pass.
The Chief of Police is charged with the enforcement of this order.
Persons having charge of the different church and fire alarm bells in this city, are requested to cause the bells to be tolled from the hour of two o'clock, p. m., during the procession, and the owners and masters of vessels in the harbor, and the proprietors of public buildings are request- ed to lialf-mast their colors, from sunrise to sunset. It is respectfully recommended, also, that our fellow citizens close their places of business during the solemnities of the day.
17
COMMITTEE OF AERANGEMENTS.
Aid. De Forest, 1st Ward. Ass't. Aid. Schultz, 5th Ward, " Dodge, 9th " " Franklin, 17th "
" Gray, 10th " " Brenan, 6th "
" Smith, 16th " " Getty, 8th "
" Downing, 13th " " Paxton, 14th "
MORRIS FRANKLIN,
President Board of Aldermen.
WILSON SMALL,
President Board of Assistants.
July 12th.
THE DAY
was, in every way, all that the occasion seemed fittingly to demand. Dark, sombre clouds overshadowed the heavens from morn till night, and the sun's rays were only visible just before the funeral cortage entered the western gate of the Park. In the fore part of the day, a thin disagreeable drizzle threatened to postpone the obsequies altogether, but towards noon, the rain ceased, and, in this respect, every thing was as favorable as could have been desired. The heavens above, in truth, seemed to sympathize with the solemn spectacle below. We never witnessed a gloomier or more melancholy-inspiring day.
THE APPEARANCE OF THE CITY
was in keeping with the solemn ceremonies of the day. From every public building the star spangled banner floated at half-mast, and we noticed several private dwell- 2
18
ings along- the line of the procession becomingly decked in sable habiliments. The municipal ordinance respecting vehicles and other street interruptions, it gives us much pleasure to say, were obeyed to the letter ; in short, every thing that our citizens at large could do to mark their re- spect, was done. From the hour of two, p. m., minute guns were fired till after the ceremonies in front of the City Hall were concluded, and the bells of the various churches tolled the funeral dirge at intervals throughout the day.
THE ARSENAL, CENTRE STREET.
At the Arsenal yard, after passing a field battery, dressed in crape, the visitor entered the hall, where reposed the mouldering remains of these gallant fellows. Six cofiins were there reposing ; the watchful tread of a sentry from the Baxter Blues, being the only sound whicli broke the stillness. Wreaths and flowers were strewn upon the cof- fins ; that of the lamented Pearson being covered with black cloth, fringed with gold lace. The other coffins were of mahogany, each bearing a plate inscribed with the name of its silent occupant, his age, place of birth, cause of death, &c.
The following were the inscriptions :
ALEXANDER S. FORBES,
Born Dec. 10th, 1819 ; died June 20th, 1848, at New Or- leans, while in the discharge of his duty as the agent for the Common Council, for bringing to New York the remains of the gallant heroes who fell at Churubusco and Chapultepec.
19
LIEUT. COL. CHARLES BAXTER,
Born Dec. 22d, 1814; died in the City of Mexico, Sept.
18th, 1847, of a wound received at the
storming of Chapultepec.
CAPT. JAxMES BARCLAY,
Of Company C, New York Regiment ; died at San Angels, January 30, 1848, aged 28 years.
CAPT. CHARLES H. PEARSON,
Died in the city of Mexico, October 10, 1847, of wounds
received in storming the fortress of ChapuUepec,
September 13, 1847, aged 31 years.
LIEUT. CHARLES F. GALLAGHER,
Died near the city of Mexico, September 10, 1847. aged 27 years, 2 months and 20 days.
LIEUT. EDGAR CHANDLER,
Born March 17, 1823 ; died Aug. 21, 1847, from a wound
received on the 20th, on the field of
Churubusco.
The scene was solemn and impressive, and will only pass from memory with life itself.
As meridian approached, the various companies of our city military were seen concentrating at the Arsenal, and about one p. m., the Pearson Guards, from Brooklyn, marched up to take their place in the line.
20
At two o'clock precisely, the bells of the City Hall and the various churches commenced a slow and measured peal, and nearly at the same moment the large procession started from the Arsenal, the Baxter Blues and the City Guard acting- as an escort of honor. The procession took the route as laid down in the programme, passing up Broadway to Fourteenth street ; through Fourteenth street to the Bowery; down the Bowery to Chatham street; through Chambers to the west gate of the Park, and thence to the front of the City Hall, where (he broad platform in front had been reserved for the reception of the bodies, to which they were borne by the pall bearers, and laid upon the trestles previously prepared.
The military escort consisted of the fourth Brigade of New York State Militia, under the command of Brigadier General John Ewen, in reverse order, as follows :
Twelfth Regiment, commanded by Colonel Henry G. Stebbens, composed of the following companies, to wit :
Tompkins' Blues, com'd by Capt. John Mayer, Co. C.
Benson Guard, " " Win. McCrea, Co. B.
Italian Guard, " Lieut. M. G. Laughill, Co. E.
Monroe Blues, " Capt. J. F. E. Prudhomme, D.
Lafayette Fusileers, " " Wm. McCauley, Co. F.
Independence Guard, " " James A. Boyle, " G.
Light Guard, " " Edward Vincent, " A.
Baxter Blues, " " Saml. P. Ayres, " H.
The last company paraded as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Lieut. Col. Baxter and Lieut. Forbes,
21
Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Col. R. C. Morris, was composed of the following companies, to wit :
Union Riflemen, com'd by Capt. John P. Ellis, Co. H. Continental Guard, " " John C. Helme, Co. B. Montgomery " " " T. S. Murphy, " E.
Washington " " " F. Piesmicker, " D.
" " " " I. Seafert.
City " " " Wm. McArdle, Co. A.
The last named company paraded as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Lieutenants Chandler and Gallagher.
Tenth Regiment, commanded by Col. Wm. Halsey, was composed of the following companies to wit :
President's Guard, com'd by Capt. Cornl. Clock, Co.
James McGrath, Co. E.
H. L. Moelyle, " B.
Henry Baldwin, " G.
Henry Brunner, " C.
Thomas Jones, " A.
Jacob Raynor, " H.
The Company of Pearson Light Guard, of Brooklyn, commanded by Capt. Nicholas Pike, paraded as a Guard of Honor to the bodies of Captains Pearson and Barclay.
At three minutes after four, the head of the column appeared at the west gate of the Park, preceded by a com- pany of dragoons, who aided ihe policemen in preserving order. They were followed by the Baxter Blues, after
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whom came the carriages containing the Rev. Clergy, in the following order :
Reformed Dutch — Rev. Drs. Knox, Hardenburgh, Ferris, Guildan.
Episcopal — Wainwright, Taylor, Price, Seabury.
Baptist — Cone, Evarts, Hopkins, Sumers.
Presbyterian — Smith, Chapman, Spring, Cox.
From Brooklyn — Rev. Messrs. Vinton, (Episcopal) — Hodge, (Baptist) — Jacobus, (Dutch Reformed.)
Methodist — Creagh, Vincent, Clark, Griffin.
Catholic — Bishop Hughes, Rev. Drs. Pise, Buchmeyer, Larkin.
Unitarian — Dewey, Briggs, Farley, Osgood.
Lutheran — Geissenhainer, Martin, Stohtman, Held.
Universalist — Skinner, Chapin, Rayner, Thayer.
These were succeeded by the bodies borne on separate hearses, with their names emblazoned in large silver letters on the drapery which overhung the coffins. Then came the body of
FORBES,
WITH THE FOI.L.OVVIIVG PALIi BEARERS.
Messrs. Aaron Baldwin,
Wm. S. Williams, Foster N. Mott, Richard White,
Messrs. John Reeves, Charles Smith, Fred. Watkins, James Malone.
23
BAXTER.
PALL BEARERS.
Col. Burnett, 1st. Regt. N.Y.V. " Ming, 3d " "
" Games 5th " "
" Brennan, 7tli " N.Y.A.
Col. Calhoun, 2d Regt. N.Y.V. " Thomas 4th " "
Lt.Col. Potter, 2d " " Lt. Sweeney, 1st " "
Escorted by the Baxter Blues, as a Guard of Honor, under Captain Kissner.
BARCLAY.
PALL BEARERS
Lt. Col. Borden, 8th Rg. NYA.
" Drucker, 5th " " Capt. Shumway, 7th " "
" Luerson, 4th " "
Lt. Col. Ryer, 1st Reg. N.Y.A. Major Rader, 5th " " Capt. Forsyth, 1st " " " Swartzwelder, 5th "
PEARSON.
FALL BEARERS
Lt. Col. Duryea, 7th Rg. NYA. " Hopkins, 3d " NYV, " Kesler, 5th " "
Major Thomas,
Lt.Col. Ferris, 9th Reg.N.Y. A. Major Lyon, 2d " Vol.
Capt. Innes, 1st " "
" J. Pattisoa,4th" "
Escorted by the Pearson Light Guard, as a Guard of Honor, under Capt. N. Pike.
24
GALLAGHER.
PALL BEARERS
Capt. Waugh, 7th Reg. N.YA.
Lieut. Crofts, 1st " Vol. " Sutor, 1st " " " Forbes, 4th " NYA.
Capt. Price, 7th Reg. N. Y. A.
" Ferber,4th " "
Lieut.Wiley, 1st " N. Y. V.
" Curran,lst " "
CHANDLER.
PALL BEARERS,
Lt. Henry, 1st Regt. N. Y. V. " Reed, "
Surgeon McKibbin "
Lieut. Brown, "
Capt. Van Dyck, SthReg.NYA. Lieut. Smith, 7th " "
" Floyd, 1st " Vol.
" L. Dunning,lst" "
Escorted by the City Guard, under Captain McArdle, as a Guard of Honor.
These were followed by the mourners, &c., in the order below :
Mourners and relatives of each of the deceased, in Carriages.
Mayors of the Cities of New York and Brooklyn.
The Common Council of the City of New York.
The Board of Aldermen,
Preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, and headed by their
President.
25
The Board of Assistants,
Preceded by the Sergeant -at- Arms, and headed by their
President,
The Common Council of the City of Brooklyn,
Civic Societies.
The Ringgold Association,
And such others as reported themselves to the Committee previous to the moving of the procession.
Citizens and Strangers.
The Mayor of Albany was also present, with several members of the Common Council of that city.
THE PARK.
After entering the Park, now densely crowded with spec- tators, the coffins were taken from the hearses, and placed on trestles in front of the platform. Upon each coffin the hand of affection had scattered flowers and laurel wreaths, and upon those containing the bodies of Pearson and Bax- ter, were laid their swords and other portions of their ac- coutrements they had worn when alive. The soldiery advancing with slow and solemn tread, formed a hollow square, enclosing the space where the bodies were depos- ited, the various bands the while performing the most touching airs best befitting the occasion.
BEFORE THE CITY HALL,
the scene was most imposing and impressive. Conspicu- ous upon the platform was the flag presented by the Com-
26
mon Council, in the name of the City, to the New York Reg-iment, just previous to its departure for Vera Cruz. Torn, tattered and blood-drenched, it told a fearful story of its own, which the scarred volunteers who bore it hither from Mexico, in the steamer Edith, seemed minutely to corroborate. The area, in front, the windows, balconies and roofs, were literally alive with human beings, of all ages, ranks and conditions of life. The police did their duty, however, quietly and efficiently, and not the slight- est disorder was perceptible. The arrang-ements in this respect were, in fact, perfect. Every nook and corner swarmed with human beings, and even the trees bent be- neath their living load. Upon the platform were seated John Van Buren, Esq., Orator of the day, the Clergy, members of the New York and Brooklyn Common Councils, and the representatives of the Press.
THE CEREMONIES
were opened by the following eloquent prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Ferris, of the Dutch Reformed Church :
Almighty and Most Holy God ! we bow before Thee, on this most soletnn and affecting occasion, with the deep feeling of our personal unworthiness and sinfulness. Who are we, that we should come before Thee 1 Verily we die, worms of the dust — creatures of a day ! We adore thee as the living and true God — as the King Eternal, Immortal and Invisible — worthy of all homage, both as a being infinite and eternal, and as the source of all bless-
27
ing". To us, in thy presence, belong shame and con- fusion of face, while glory, and dominion, and power, are thine. Called together in thy providence, under circum- stances of unusual character, we beg audience at thy throne of mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ. We mourn over the removal of dear friends by the visitations of war, while we admire their heroic example ; we mingle our sympathies with tiie large circle of sorrowing rela- tives to whose aflfections they shall never return. We beg thee, in mercy, to bitui up the broken heart and ap- point a speedy reconciliation and relief to those to that mourn; remember graciously the families and relatives of all those who have fallen in battle or by disease — espe- cially, be thou the God of the widow, and the fatherless, and the orphan. To whom sliall we look but to thee ? — all power is thine, all consolations are thine, and mercy is thine. Pity thou, we beseech tliee, all descriptions of suffers by the recent war with a neighboring republic, and overrule all the evils which have been endured. On this occasion we would commend to thy special favor the companions in arms of the departed, who are gathered around their biers, and the shattered remnant of hardy men whom they commanded, who have just been brought to their homes.
Oh, God ! we mourn over the ravages of war, even among the victorious ; over our whole land the mourners bow their heads in the dust for dear friends whom they shall see no more. Grant them mercy, and grant that we may learn war no more. We thank thee for the return of peace — may she ever abide among us, and our beloved country be distinguished for the cultivation of the arts of
28
peace and advancement in piety. Hasten the blessed period when all the nations of the earth shall cease from war, and the power of the gospel shall be universally felt ; and may we, as a people, be eminently thine instruments in accomplishing so desirable an end — may it be our special privilege to give the word of life and a free gospel to the people who through us have suffered sadly by the scourges of war, and thus repair, as far as may be, the injuries which have been sustained. We commend to thy pater- nal care the bereft widow and family of him who, in seek- ing to bring the remains of a beloved officer to his com- panions and relatives, has fallen a victim to disease. Having made the dearest of sacrifices to friendship, may his stricken family never fail to enjoy all that warm, de- voted friendship can do — above all, may the consolations of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ be theirs. Grant us thy blessing in the exercises of this occasion — aid in every duty ; and may such impressions be made, and such purposes formed, as shall in their resuhs, redound to thy glory, above all things, and our good. Hear us, in these supplications, only for the sake of our intercessor, Jesus Christ, and to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost be all the praise. Amen.
29
Alderman Gray, of the Committee, then introduced the Orator of the Day,
JOHN VAN BUREN, Esq., who delivered the following-
ADDRESS :
Fellow Citizens : — The proceedings whicli have thus far marked this melancholy occasion, have been in all res- pects appropriate. It is eminently fit and proper that the citizens of this metropolis, the popular heart and commer- cial centre of our great confederacy, should signalize by public observances, the return to them of the bodies of those whose lives have been yielded to the service of the Republic. Scarcely eighteen months since, those young men (save one,) left us full of hope and health, and rushed to the standard unfurled by our troops on the soil of a foreign enemy. They doubtless counted on returning crowned with honor, to resume their accustomed avoca- tions ; but that Providence that turns to ashes all human calculations, restores tliem to you thus — {pointing to the coffins.) The brilliant pageant of this day, its military and civic display, its parade and pomp, its concourse of grateful people, its solemn aspect, and above all, its moral, which conveys comfort and courage to the defenders of a free government every where, will mark the 12th of July, 1848, as an epoch in the history of freemen. To describe these ceremonies to you, would be only to remind you of what you see, and feel, and do. It seems to me more suitable, in compliance with the invitation to participate in these ceremonies, which I have received from the Com-
30
mon Council, to ask your attention to a cursory sketch of those whose memories are honored by these splendid de- monstrations of popular respect, honor and gratitude. The first to claim our notice, is the individual whose mis- fortune it was to be debarred from participating in the glories of the war, and who met his death whilst engaged in the solemn and painful duty of bringing fo their final resting place, the earthly remains of those, who, in com- mon with himself now lie before you. Mr. Alexander S. Forbes, an estimable citizen of tbis place, was a second Lieutenant of tbe Second Reigment of New York Volun- teers. That regiment not being ordered into service, his desire to serve the country in this capacity was not grati- fied ; a private in the Baxter Blues, and well acquamted with the distinguished officers of the First Regiment, whose lives had been the forfeit of their patriotic devotion, he was selected by the Common Council as the agent for bringing their remains to this city. In discharge of this melancholy duty he repaired to Mexico, and had reached New Orleans on his way home, he was then seized with fever and died on the 20th of June, 1848. The universal favorite of his acquaintances while living, his death is deeply and widely lamented. The gallant officers whose remains he had tlius far conveyed to the city, and whose memory we are assembled to honor, were Lieutenants Chandler and Gallagher, Captains Pearson and Barclay, and Lieutenant Colonel Baxter. I propose to refer you, rapidly, to such few prominent circumstances in regard to each, as I have had the time and opportunity to learn.
Lieut. Edgar Chandler was born in the city of New York, on the 17th day of March, 1823 ; he was the eldest
31
son of Gen. Adoniiani Chandler, who served as a volun- teer during the war of 1812, under Gen. Scott, at the tak- ing of Fort George, and was under Commodore Chauncey in the engagements of the Genesee river, with Sir James Yoe, and in Burlington bay. Lieut. Chandler was exem- plary and studious in his habits; modest and unassuming in his manners. A fondness for military life led to appli- cations, in his behalf, for a place in the military school at West Point, which were, however, unsuccessful. The same motive induced him to accept the offer of a lieuten- ancy in the First Regiment of New York Volunteers. He landed under Gen. Scott, at Vera Cruz, and participated, with his regiment, in the battles of Cerro Gordo, and Con- teras, and fell mortally wounded on the field of Churu- busco, August 20, 1847, as is testified by his commanding officer, " whilst gallantly sustaining his colors." He survived his wound until ten a, m., next day, when he expired in the arms of his associate, Lieut. Henry, with entire calmness and resignation — not a murmur having escaped his lips from the moment he was wounded until life became extinct. He obtained the respect and confidence of his fellow officers and soldiers, and fell deeply regretted by ail who knew him. Cut off at the early age of twenty- four, his character was only beginning to show the fruits which thorough education, strict integrity and masculine intellect promised to produce. Among these, the most conspicuous was a punctilious fidelity in the dis:harge of every trust confided to him. His parents, who knew him best, can most keenly appreciate his loss — and the military experience of his sorrowing father will, we trust, enable him to derive consolation from the reflection that he met a
32
death which a soldier might expect — in a manner which a soldier must envy.
Lieut. Charles F. Gallagher died at Misoac, the 10th of September, 1847, at the uge of 27. He was a native of New York, and served as Adjutant of the First Regiment; he distinguished himself at the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo, and died of sickness incurred by privation and exposure in the service of his country. Lieut. Gal- lagher was a model of manly beauty, and shared in a large degree, the admiration, attachment and love of his companions in arms. Foremost, not only to the field, but in the discharge of those less obtrusive, but no less neces- sary, duties of detail and discipline, the life which he had freely periled in battle, was eventually sacrificed to the less grateful and attractive calls of his position. A just public will compensate the absence of any brillancy in his death, by a higher appreciation of the memory of his virtues.
Capt. Charles H. Pearson was descended from ances- tors who had devoted a large portion of their lives to the service of their country. His grandfather, Nathaniel Pearson, served under Gen. Washington, with honor, dur- ing the Revolutionary war, and was on guard on the day when Andre was executed. Charles Pearson, the father of Captain Pearson, was taken prisoner by the British, during the late war, and confined for two years in the Dartmouth prison. His son, Cliarles H. Pearson, whose remains now lie before you, was born at Portland, Maine, on the 13th May, 1815. He was educated at the Wes- lyan Seminary, Reedfield, Maine, and came to Brooklyn
33
to reside, at the age of about 17. A large portion of his time was devoted to military pursuits. Gentle and unas- suming in his manners, he liad yet acquired in an emi- nent degree, the power of influencing the action of his associates and companions. The Municipal Guard of Brooklyn, were disbanded, and subsequently re-organized under the name of the Brooklyn Light Guard, a corps which he commanded for several years, and which were distinguished for their discipline and good conduct. In compliment of the deceased they now bear the honored name of (he Pearson Guards. His anxiety to engage in the Mexicnn campaign induced him, although chosen a captain in the Second Regiment of Volunteers, to accept a lieutenancy in the first, when it was called into the field. The resignation of a captain in his company elevated him to the same rank which he had held in the second regiment. He commanded Company E, and was the color captain of his regiment. He served with honor in the entire campaign from Vera Cruz to the gates of Mexico, receiv- ing the wound which caused his death on the 13th of Sep- tember, 1847, at Chapultepec, within sight of the city of Mexico, and was carried to that capitol where he died on the 10th October following. The concurrent testimony of all who knew Captain Pearson in every relation of life represents him as an upright, modest, generous and con- fiding man, an attentive and accomplished officer, and a brave soldier. Ardently attached to the profession to which he had devoted so much of his time, he sought and found in it distinction during life, and a death at the early age of 32, which those who most lament his loss cannot fail to respect and admire.
34
Capt. James Barclay was a native of Albany. He served under Gen. Scott, and was noted for his distinguish- ed g-allantry in the various engagements which rendered so illustrious the progtess of our troops from the coast to the capital of the Mexican Republic. He died suddenly, January 30th, 1848, at Mexico, aged 28, leaving a widow and child to mourn his loss. He had frequently expressed a wish to die, as he said, " with his harness on ;" and so sudden was the message that terminated his existence, that death found him as he had desired — clad in full mili- tary costume. No braver soldier or more generous-hearted man will be remembered by the associates and companions whom this brilliant but destructive campaign has afflicted and bereaved.
Lieut. Colonel Charles Baxter was born in this city on the 22d day of December, 1814. His father, Stephen Baxter, was at that time a lieutenant and pay- master of a regiment of New York State Volunteers, in the service of the United States. Five of his great uncles, by the name of Rosekrans, natives of Dutchess county, served as officers in the American army during the Revolutionary war. His brother William was a sergeant-major in the army, and was supposed to have fallen in the Florida war. At the age of 20 he joined the Pulaski Cadets, un- der the command of Capt. McArdle. The following year he raised the company of Kosciusko Cadets, which corps subsequently, and during his absence at the South, was disbanded. In 1839 he was elected Captain of the Scott Cadets, which company, by his indefatigable exertions, was placed upon a footing of high respectability, and was af- terwards consolidated with the Tompkins' Cadets, and took
35
their name. This corps, swollen by accessions from the Tompkins' Blues, was for many years distinguished for its discipline and standing, and in these respects compared advantageously with ti)e best drilled companies in the regular service. The prospect of a serious difficulty with Great Britain in 1845, in regard to ihe boundary of Ore- gon, induced Captain Baxter, in connection with otlier military gentlemen, to attempt tbe organization of a bri- gade of two regiments. Although the disposition of the Oregon question rendered the use of this force unnecessary, it was doubtless owing to this circumstance that two regi- ments out of the seven, which the President required from this state to aid in conducting the war with Mexico, were mustered within the time specified by tbe order of tbe government. Of these two regiments. Ward B. Burnett was elected colonel of one and diaries Baxter of the otber. The dates of tbeir commissions being determined by lot, Colonel Burnett obtained the seniority. In the fall of 1848, Colonel Baxter was elected to the Assembly, but learning that the first regiment had been called into ser- vice, and fearing that the second might not be, he resigned his seat in the Assembly, and his command of tlie second regiment, and accepted a lieutenant colonelcy in the first. In November, 1846, the Tompkins' Blues, as a tes- timonial of respect for his character, presented him with a splendid sword, bearing upon one side of the blade the motto, " Thy energy won me," and on the other, " Thy courage will hold me." A resolution was also passed re- questing him to retain his command of the company, which be did till the day of his death. The particulars of his life subsequently to his leaving the city, and the cir-
36
cumstances attending his death, are thus truly and elo- quently described in the Sunday Atlas :
Lieut. Col. Baxter left New York with his reg-iment, in January, 1847, and arrived at the Island of Lobos, where the troops were concentrated for the expedition to Vera Cruz, and for military instruction. It is said (hat his mili- tary skill was there noticed, and that he was detained as military instructor of brigade. He was at the taking- of Vera Cruz, from which place he commanded a detach- ment of eighty men to the relief of a foraging party, who were said to be surrounded by a large body of Mexicans. About nine miles from the city he met the foragers on their return, but proceeded and cauie up with two hun- dred of the enemy, and after a short engagement, defeated and routed them.
He was at the battle of Cerro Gordo, where a portion of his regiment were distinguished and noticed by Gen. Twiggs, in a letter to Col. Burnett, in which one of Bax- ter's pupils. Sergeant Marx Manly Hart, with others, was commended for the gallant and close pursuit they gave Santa Anna, being at one lime between three and four miles in advance of the main body.
At the battle of Contreras, his regiment, in General Shields' brigade, was stationed at a hamlet to cut off the retreat of the enemy after their route, and to protect the flank of Gen. Smith's command, who soon drove them from their position in confusion. The following extract from General Shields, gives an account of the action in which he participated : — " At this juncture, I ordered the
37
two regiments of my command to throw themselves on the main road, by which the enemy must retire, to intercept and cut off his retreat ; and, although officers and men had suffered severely during the march of the night, and from exposure without shelter or cover to the incessant rain until daybreak, this movement was executed in good order, and with rapidity. The Palmetto Regiment crossing a deep ravine, deployed on both sides the road, and opened a most destructive fire upon the mingled mas- ses of infantry and cavalry ; and the New York Regiment, brought into line lower down, and on the road side, de- livered its fire with like effect. At this point, many of the enemy were killed and wounded ; some 365 captured, of which 25 were officers, and amongst the latter was Gen. Nicholas Nendoza.
At the battle of Churubusco, Colonel Burnett having fallen early in the action, severely wounded, the com- mand devolved upon Lieutenant Col. Baxter. General Shields, in his report, speaks thus forcibly for the gallantry of his brigade, the New York and South Carolina Volun- teers. " In this terrible battle, in which a strongly forti- fied enemy fought behind his works, under the walls of his capital, our loss is necessarily severe. The loss, I regret to say, has fallen most severely upon my command. In the two regiments of my own brigade, numbering about 600 in the fight, the loss is reported 240 in killed and wounded." The report notices the services of Lieut. Col. Baxter, and others, as follows : — " In closing this report, I beg to offer my thanks to the many gallant officers of my command for their zealous and fearless support during the conflict. To Col. Burnett, and Lieut. Col. Baxter of the
38
New York Volunteers ; to Lieut. Col. Dickinson, and Ma- jor Gladden, South Carolina Volunteers, as also to many of their gallant subordinates, every praise is due."
The following- extract of a letter from an officer of the New York regiment, dated Oct. 17, 1847, gives a more particular account of his regiment in this contest :
"' At Churubusco, the New York regiment made the first charge alone, tbe South Carolina regiment being nearly two hundred yards in the rear, coming up by the flank; Col. Burnett fell in the first charge, severely woun- ded, with about eighty officers and men. * * * Lieut. Col. Baxter formed the basis of a line of battle for the brigade to form on ; the South Carolinians then came up handsomely, and formed on our regiment, when, the order being given, both regiments charged in gallant style, supported by the ninth infantry."
Lieut. Col. Baxter fell mortally wounded while leading his regiment in tlie assault on Chapultepec, having re- ceived two musket balls in the groin, and died in the city of Mexico, on September 18th, 1848. The flag of his reg- ment was the first to float over the castle, and to one of his officers, Lieut. Brower, its commandant, the veteran and distinguished Gen. Bravo surrendered.
Gen. Quitman speaks thus briefly, but forcibly, of Lieut. Col. Baxter, in his report of the battle :
" The brave Captain Van Olinda, of the New York reg- iment, was killed at the head of his company ; Lieut. Col.
39
Baxter, of the same regiment, a valuable and esteemed of- ficer, while g-allantly leading his command, fell mortally wounded near the wall."
On the reception of the news of his death, the officers of the Second Regiment of New York Volunteers held a meeting, at which they passed resolutions expressive of the high regard they entertained for his character as a citizen, his gallantry and skill as an officer, and his devo- tion as a patriot, while he lived, and of the deep sorrow they felt for his untimely, but glorious death. Resolu- tions, embodying the same sentiments, were adopted by the Independent Guard, and the Independent Tompkins' Blues, of this city, and copies sent to his disconsolate mother. This company, at the same time, with a feeling which did credit to them, changed their name to Baxter Blues, as a memento to the memory and honor of their late commandant.
On the news of his death being communicated to the Legislature, resolutions were passed, expressive of their approbation of his services and patriotism, and their sor- row for his death, copies of which were sent to his mother, and both bodies adjourned for the usual time, as a mark of respect to the memory of their deceased associate.
Alderman Purser offered similar resolutions in the Com- mon Council, which were adopted in relation to him and the gallant and lamented Lieut. Chandler, and also one to appoint a committee to co-operate with any military bodies in making arrangements to bring on the remains of those officers.
40
His last words, as related in a letter written by a gen- tleman, in whose arms he died, to his father, a friend of Baxter's, will illustrate the keep interest he felt in the glory of his regiment, the honor of his state, and his own fame. This gentleman attended him with the kindness and affection of a brother. On the night of his death, he awoke from a doze, and in the following jocose manner, addressed his friend : —
" Mac — Doc — what are you doing?
The doctor answered that he was writing to his father.
" Then say to him that the New York Regiment was there, and that I fell where I should have fallen, at the head of it."
These were the last expressions of this honored son of New York, who, a few minutes afterwards, was a corps in the arms of his friend .
Thus departed the spirit of one of the most promising and gallant young officers that ever entered the volunteer service of his country. His skill and courage were ac- knowledged and admired by all who served with him in the achievement of those splendid victories, from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, which, will be so memorable in our national history. In his death, his country has lost a valuable and distinguished officer and patriot, his state a good citizen, and a large circle of acquaintances an esteemed friend. He was kind in feeling, gentle in his deportment, and in all his relations of life conducted him- self with the strictest propriety and integrity.
41
Fellow-citizens, I have thus detailed to yon, in a man- ner far from interesting, I fear, the prominent features of the lives we are commemorating. You will be struck, as I was, by the extreme youth of all the deceased. At an age when maturity seems in other countries (o commence, we find lives of honor here closed by (heir sacrifices upon the altar of patriotism. The youth, which is the reproach cast upon our government from abroad, seems to invest, with its disinterestedness and its energy, the citizens who give the highest glory and success to the working of our republic.
These young men were almost all natives of our state — they reflect glory upon the commonwealth which has given them to the Union. It is a singular circumstance that they were, almost without exception, descended from ancestors who had distinguished tliemselves in military life, and it would seem as if the Providence which watched over om- happy country, had ordered that while we reject hereditary titles, diffuse and distribute to the greatest at- tainable extent, worldly wealth, and avoid and fear stand- ing armies in time of peace, yet that our liberties shall be guarded by the transmission, in unimpaired strength and full volume, from generation to generation, of the valuable qualities^ of bravery and military skill, and the signal virtue of patriotism on which the vindication of national honor, and the preservation of our position and fame, un- der Providencej depend.
Those gallant officers, too, were volunteers — a class of military men whose merits and demerits have been largely discussed.
42
The Mexican war would seem to have established the fact beyond dispute, that in activ'e and official service iu the field, a volunteer force is surpassed by none, and why should it not be so ? A citizen called from the responsi- bilities and associations of civil life, leaves behind him those who observe his conduct, and wbose good opinion can only be secured by meritorious and gallant bearing. We have a right to expect from him intelligent action, and knowing as he must that his own safety, as well as the success of the military operations in which he is engaged, depends on obedience and strict discipline, it has seemed to me always inevitable that an American volunteer, of good character, must make the best soldier in the world. He bas the intelligence which enables him to appreciate the necessity of obedience, and the position at home which pride will not permit him to sacrifice. With every capaci- ty, then, to learn his duty, and every motive to stimulate his ambition, it has not surprised me to see the extraordi- nary and unparalleled success which has attended our ar- mies in Mexico, composed mainly of volunteers, nor to find the citizens of New York amongst the first soldiers of the Republic.
Fellow-citizens, I have endeavored carefully to avoid any thing like indiscriminate praise, or exaggerated pa- negyric— these are not natural to my disposition ; and I could undertake no special duty, however grateful or hon- orable, that should require me to express sentiments I do not honestly entertain. Fulsome adulation of the dead is not only injurious to them, but is unjust to the living. It seemed to me more wise to confine my remarks chiefly to their acts ; for it is on these they will be judged by the present public and posterity.
43
The Mexican campaign has elicited military talent of the highest order. We have seen a commander landing ten thousand troops without an accident, upon an enemy's coast, and almost under the guns of a fortress supposed to be impregnable — subjugating this fortress, subsisting those troops, and marching ihem three hundred miles, through a country extremely difficult of access, and a dense popula- tion of a disposition naturally warlike, and presided over by a chieftain of the highest reputation for military skill, carrying by storm, and in the face of extraordinary odds, the strongest positions for assault and defence, taking and leaving behind him cities far larger than any, save one, in our state, until without a defeat, check or even a serious disaster, he planted this small band of warriors in the heart and capital of the foe, where they reposed, surrounded by a hostile population of two hundred thousand souls for months, in perfect security and tranquility ; and event- ually compelled a country containing seven millions of warlike people, and the elements of extraordinary wealth, to submit to terms of peace satisfactory to the invaders, and welcome to the government in whose service they fought.
A volume would be too short to do justice to the achieve- ments which 1 am forced to compress into a sentence ; but in my judgment, impartial posterisy will award to the hero of this campaign the honor of being one of the ablest, if not the ablest living general of his day.
This is not the occasion nor the time to describe in detail the action of the hosts of military men who have distinguished themselves in Mexico. I can only speak of the commanders of the two armies.
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The engagements of General Taylor at Palo Alto and Recsaca de la Palina, fearful as they were, and desperate as they seemed, — the capture of Monterey, the bloody and obstinate resistance and victory of Buena Vista, together with the intelligence, good sense, modesty and humanity of that distinguished commander, have made a wide and deep impression upon the pubhc mind, and secured to him the lasting admiration and gratitude of his country. So con- spicuous is this truth that a large number of his fellow- citizens are prepared and anxious to invest him with the highest office in their gift, the greatest trust in the world.
But why do I speak of cotnmanders? Should we over- look the great army of privates ? These men see war in all its horrors ; on the march — in camp — in battle — the stern and severe and trying labors of military life, devolve on them. The luxuries of a camp they never know — the charms of society in a foreign country they rarely enjoy. Public notices of their gallantry are seldom given ; and cut down in the discharge of their duty, either by disease or carnage, no stone marks the place of their final repose ; no kindness brings their remains to the resting place of tlieir fathers — no public testimonials of recollection, grati- tude and honor wait upon their interment, yet in the hearts of these men beats the same devoted patriotism — in their action is manifested the same stern sense of duty — in their breasts breathe frequently the same high hopes — the same noble resolves — and around them cluster the same ties of associations, kindred and blood, that lend interest, dignity and character to the most illustrious military chieftain ; and from such a material as them in times past, have been
45
and again will be hewn, sovereigns, heroes and champions of popular liberty.
Brilliant as has been the conduct of officers of every grade in the recent feats of valor that have reflected such glory upon the American arms, no one circumstance stands out more proudly and gratefully to the observation of the country, than the order, steadiness and conspicuous valor of the rank and file of our armies in Mexico.
In view of these facts, notorious as they are to every intelh'gent citizen, I could not select even the distinguished men whose remains lie before you, as the objects of over- strained praise and flattery. He who does so, would be untrue to history, unkind to them, unjust to himself, and unfaithful, not only to those patriotic citizens, who with the same ardent desire to serve their country, have not enjoyed the opportunity, but also to those armies of heroes and patriots to whose action I have thus briefly and hastily adverted.
In concluding, fellow citizens, remarks which lam fully conscious have nothing but their simplicity and truth to commend them to your attention, and in thanking your for the kindness with which you have received suggestions 30 unworthy of the effort which you may have been led to expect, and which are so well calculated to occasion disap- pointment, allow me to congratulate you, as I think I may not inappropriately do, that peace is again the happy con- dition of our people.
All the departments of industry, social order, the inter- ests of humanity, civilization and Christianity— intellect-
46
iial, moral, political progress — require peace at the hands of ever}' government and people.
War is a stern necessity, sometimes forced upon nations as personal conflicts may be upon individuals. In all governments it carries with it disorder, distress, temporary destruction of property and loss of life ; but to our republic it is peculiarly unsuited ; and wliiie I rejoice that the crisis through which the country has just passed, has nobly vindi- cated the system from the reproach, that it is inadequate to the successful conduct of a foreign war, no one could have failed to observe that it brings in its train, that great politi- cal evil of increased patronage and power in the arm of the national government, which is the lurking danger of the system itself, and which all sincere republican sshould haz- ard every thing but national honor to avoid. Increased debt, disturbed occupations, destruction of health and life, of which the wrecks that lie before you are but small and partial evidences, sink into insignificance, compared with this great evil, which threatens even the existence of insti- tutions, which are the admiration of the world, and the example and hope of the friends of freedoui throughout the civilized globe.
It is, therefore, with unaffected joy, that I congratulate you on the re-establishment of peace, and trust that the day is far distant, when we shall again be called to mourn the loss of citizens and friends, who have been summoned to lay down their lives, to uphold the interest or honor of the United Slates.
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THE ODE:
PREPARED FOR THE OCCASION AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMON COUNCIL,
BY GEORGE P. MORRIS, ESQ.,
Was then sung by the New York Sacred Music Society, who occupied the balcony of the Hall.
From cypress and from laurel boughs,
Are twined, in sorrow and in pride, The leaves that deck the mouldering brows,
Of those who for their country died: In sorrow, that the sable pail
Enfolds the valiant and the brave: In pride, that those who nobly fall
Win garlands that adorn the grave.
The onset — the pursuit — the roar
Of victory o'er the routed foe. Will startle from their rest no more
The fallen brave of Mexico. To God alone such sprits yield !
He took them in their strength and bloom, When gathering, on the tented field.
The garlands woven for the tomb.
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The shrouded flag — the drooping spear —
The muffled drum — the solemn bell — The funeral train — the dirge — the bier —
The mourners' sad and last farewell — Are fading tributes to the worth
Of those whose deeds this homage claim; But Time, who mingles them with earth,
Keeps green the garlands of their fame.
At the conclusion of wiiich, the Benediction was pro- nounced by the Rev. Dr. Hardenburgh, of the Reformed Dutch church.
The body of Mr. Forbes was delivered to his friends, who removed it to Central Hall, from whence his funeral took place as detailed in the proceedings of the 13ih.
The Pearson Guard took cliarge of the remains of their late Comniaudant, and were escorted to Brooklyn by the Independence Guard of this city.
The other bodies were re:noved to the Governor's room, where the Baxter Blues mounted guard over them, until their removal on the next day.
49
At noon, on the 13lh, the military assembled in pursu- ance of the following' oirler :
FIRST BRIGADE, .NEW YORK STATE MILITIA,
BRIGADE ORDERS.
New York, July 11, 1848.
The troops of the First regiment, in this city, will assem- ble, under the command of Lieut. Col. Ryer, mounted, at the Arsencil, at one o'clock, on Thursday, 13th inst., to attend the remains of the gallant Baxter, Barclay, Gal- lagher, Chandler and Forbes, to their Inst resting place, Greenwood Cemetery. Col. Stewart and staff will join the Brigadier and staff, at his quarters, No. 56 Franklin street.
The Brigadier and staff will accompany the command.
The usual badge of mourning will be worn.
Commandants of regiments will issue the necessary orders (o carry this order into effect, and furnish the Bri- gade Major with a corrected roster of their respective offi- cers, and a return of all delinquencies, to the Brigadier- General, according to law.
By order,
HENRY STORMS,
Brigadier General.
John A. Bogert, Inspector. H. J. Storms, A. D. C. 4
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At three o'clock, p. m., the bodies were removed from the City Hall, under the direction of the Committee, and the procession formed in the following- order :
Two detachments of Horse Guards.
The Baxter Blues, Lieutenant Commandant Kissner.
BAXTER.
With relatives in carriages.
BARCLAY.
Relatives in carriages.
GALLAGHER.
Relatives in carriages.
CHANDLER. Relatives in carriages.
FORBES. Relatives in carriages.
Friends of the deceased, and officers of the first and sec- ond regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers, in carriages and on horseback, together with a number of the field and staflf officers of the citizen soldiery of New York.
51
At three o'clock, the several hearses were brought in front of the City Hall.
The Baxter Blues, under the command of Lieut. Com- mandant KissNER, proceeded to the residence of Alex- ander S, Forbes, for the purpose of escorting his remains to Greenwood Cemetery.
The body of Mr. Forbes was accompanied by the mem- bers of " Strangers' Refuge Lodge, No. 4, L 0. of 0. F.," of which he was a member, as also that of the " Ringgold Association," of which he was first captain.
The Baxter Blues, accompanied by Lothian's celebrated brass band, led — the rear was brought up by the Gulick Guard, under the command of Captain Carland, accom- panied by Wallace's band.
The procession was upwards of a mile in length.
They marched thus to Greenwood, where, on the hill, and overlooking New York, Staten Island and Brooklyn, the cavalcade rested. Here the bodies of the deceased were deposited in graves prepared for their reception, with their bodies at right angles, so as to form a Roman cross, head to head, on the centre of which a monument is to be erected.
An address was delivered over the body of Lieut. Forbes, in accordance with the rules of the Order.
52
The Rev. Dr. Seabury, over the remains of Lieut. Chandler, also made a most impressive prayer, which forced tears from many eyes.
The Baxter Bhies then fired three volleys, as a parting- salute, over the graves of the fallen heroes, who were at- tached to them by more than the mere chances of war, or respect as soldiers who fell in defence of their country.
Peace to their manes.
" How sleep the brave who sink to rest. With all their country's wishes blest."
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE R. DE FOREST, JACOB L. DODGE, NIEL GRAY, WASHINGTON SMITH, THOMAS K. DOWNING, MORRIS FRANKLIN, ALEXANDER H. SCHULTZ, GEORGE H. FRANKLIN, PATRICK BRENAN,^ ROBERT P. GETTY, JOHN R. PAXTON, WILSON SMALL.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
APPOINTED TO PREPARE AND PRESENT
MEDALS
TO THE
NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS,
WITH THE
ROLLS O F TH E C O M P A Nl ES,
AS RETURNED TO THE COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, held on the first of November, 1847, the following- message was received from his Honor the Mayor, in relation to the victories obtained in Mexico by our armies.
Mayor's Office, ) October 27, 1847. $
To the Hon. Morris Franklin,
President Board of Aldermen :
Sir : — The recent intelligence from the seat of war, brings to us the gratifying assurance that the arms of the
54
American troops have been, even against the most unpar- alleled odds, victorious, and that the flag of our country now floats in triumph over the capitol of Mexico. It seems to me fitting that some public testimonial should be afforded of our sympathy with the gallant olflcers and soldiers who have, by their conduct in the battles near the city of Mexico, covered themselves with glory and won an imperishable fame ; and I therefore respectfully suggest tlie propriety of convening the Common Council on some future day, to be designated by yourself, to take action on this subject.
War is always to be deplored, it brings with it many sad and bitter associations, it carries mourning to the hearts of thousands ; but no true American could read the accounts of the glorious victories achieved by our countrymen, without a glow of emotion and pride ; no true American, however he might deplore a war, would hesitate at any sacrifice to ensure its prompt, honorable and successful termination.
Some tribute is especially due from the city of New York, the great commercial emporium of the Western World. Her sons have been permitted to share in these glorious victories — she is called on to mourn some of the best and bravest of her citizens — she deplores her loss — she rejoices in their triumphs, and all her citizens, I feel well assured, would join in any testimonial by which they might show that the honor of our common country is dear to all. That in the words of the lamented hero who gave his life for that country, they say, with all sincerity, " Our
55
Country, may she be always right — but, right or wrong, Our Country."
Respectfully,
WILLIAM V. BRADY, Mayor.
A motion was made by Alderman Meserole, to refer the same to a Special Committee of five members.
Which was adopted .
And the President appointed Aldermen Meserole, De Forest, Gilmartin, Smith and Crolius such Committee.
When the communication was sent to the Board of Assistants, which, after reading, concurred therein, and the following members appointed as a Committee on the part of this Board, to wit :
Assistant Aldermen Herring, Robertson, Coger, Hat- field and Clark.
The Committee met from time to time, and after debate as to the best manner of conveying an expression on their part of the admiration of our citizens, agreed to recom- mend to the Board, in a report drawn for that purpose, that a medal should be struck by the Common Council, commemorative of the battles in which our Volunteer regiment had been engaged, and requested the President of the Board of Aldermen, as also the President of the Board of Assistants, to convene both bodies on the twenty- fifth of November, to hear the report and deliberate on the propriety of adopting the recommendation of the Com- mittee.
56
Each Board having been called together according to the recommendation of the Committee,
The President of the Board of Aldermen stated briefly the object for which he had convened the Board.
Whereupon the Joint Special Committee on the subject of the recent victories obtained by our arms in Mexico, presented the following report, preamble and resolutions thereon.
The Special Committee, to which was referred the com- munication of his Honor the Mayor, in relation to the late American victories in Mexico, respectfully
REPORT :
That in contemplating upon the recent results which have crowned the efforts of the American arms with victories unparalleled in the annals of modern warfare, they have found much to excite their feelings, and to call into action every patriotic emotion of the liuman heart; and while their sympathies have been excited in reflecting upon the desolations consequent upon a state of war, in the suffer- ings and deatli of so many gallant men, leaving behind them desolate widows and orphan children, they have sensibly realized that it is the duty of the American people to throw the shield of their protection around those noble sons who have sacrificed the endearments of their homes for the dangers of the field, and to testify in a becoming manner the estimation in which they hold the services of those who still survive to uphold the common standard of
57
onr country, and to drop a tear of regret over the memory of those who have fallen in the hour of battle and found a soldier's grave in a hostile and distant land ; and we ven- tine the assertion that no parallel can be found in which so comparatively a small number of volunteers, fresh from the workshops and the plough, have penetrated so far into the country of an enemy, with such complete and glorious success, encountering difficulties on every side, in the pas- sage of steep and almost impassable mountain barriers, de- prived from night to night of their ordiriary and necessary repose, liable at any moment to be surrounded and attack- ed by a numerous hostile foe, familiar with every pass of the country, and guarded and protected by a numerous soldiery, been engaged in more desperate and unequalled battles with more brilliant success, evincing on every hand more detenriined bravery than the history of the present war so brillianlly portrays, and we proudly challenge the nations of the world to present a series of victories, which under all the circumslances connected with this campaign can compare with those achieved by our gallant army from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, and from Palo Alto to Buena Visia. It would be an ungrateful task, and might appear invidious to draw comparisons where all have done so well, and crowned our banners with such glorious wreaths, for we can say in sincerity, and appeal with con- fidence to the truth of our assertion, that better or braver troops, in every attitude of soldiership, never faced an enemy or won a battle ; that every department of the army has -proved itself of the highest order of excellence ; tlint the officers have shown themselves worthy of the con- fidence placed in their valor and their skill, in that they were always found in the front ranks in the time of dan-
58
ger, uniformly leading their gallant men upon the bloody- field, and exhibiting- upon all occasions the most intrepid coolness, perfect self-possession and undaunted courage : in short, that they have been skillful, prompt and prudent, and the large number of those who have fallen at the head of their commands, speaks more eloquently and impres- sively than words can do, of the courage and gallantry which bore them into the heat of the deadly fight.
In thus contemplating upon the bravery of the whole army, it is a source of pride and gratification to know, that the regiment from our own state has performed a conspicuous and important part in the recent struggle, and tliat in the engagements of the twelfth and thirteenth of September, the standard of the State of New York was the first to float in triumph from the walls of the strongly guarded fortress of Chapultepec; and although from the exposed and dangerous situations in which they were so often placed, but comparatively few will ever return to their families and friends, yet it is a consolation to know that those who fell, fell as brave men love to fall, fighting the battles of tlieir country, and expiring in the very arms of victory. How emphatically then are we called upon, as the representatives of a people who appreciate the ser- vices of their noble sons, to give some evidence to them and to the world, that their valor and their worth have not been lost upon those who claim them as their own. But how and in what manner shall this be done ? It is true that we may kindle in our streets and public squares bon- fires, commemorative of our victories ; we may cause the reverberations of cannon to be heard throughout the city ; our public buildings may glitter with the reflection of ten thou-
59
sand lights ; our bells may ring" a merry peal ; the military parade in all their splendor, and send forth a, feu dejoie amidst the shouts of an assembled multitude, yet these things are but for a moment, and leave no impression upon the minds of those whose victories they are designed to celebrate.
It has occurred to your Committee with much force, that the present would be an appropriate occasion for the Com- mon Council of our city to testify to the value of the services rendered by the patriotic band of this state, by causing an appropriate medal to be struck, with characteristic designs and suitable inscription, commemorative of the Mexican campaign, and presenting one to each surviving officer and soldier of the New York State Regiment, and to the widow, eldest son, father or mother of those who may have fal- len, as a testimony of their regard for the valuable services rendered by them and their associates in defence of that National Standard which now waves in triumph from the walls of the capitol of ^Mexico. Such a design, though novel in this country, has appeared to your Committee as more appropriate, and better calculated to produce a favor- able and permanent impression upon the minds of the recipients, than any other demonstration which could be made, stimulating them at all times, so to confirm their conduct, not only while remaining in the ranks of the army, but in their walks through life, as to prove themselves worthy of such special notice from their country, and when their term of service shall have expired, and the clarion notes of war be hushed amidst the loud huzzas of returning peace, and they be permitted again to mingle in their domestic circles, what a satisfaction it will afford to
60
the mind of a retired soldier, as he shows his wounds and fights his battles o'er again, to point to the evidence which he has received of the confidence and regard of his native or adopted stale, and when the time of his departure shall arrive, he will bequeath to his children as a precious legacy, to be by them cherished and preserved as a valu- able memento of their fatlier's services upon the fields of Mexico.
Actuated by snch feelings, the Committee most respect- fully submit for adoption, the following preamble and res- olutions :
Whereas, The recent triumphs of the American arms, under the command of its brave and gallant ofl&cers, have excited the admiration of the world, and called forth loud and approving plaudits from every section of our country ; and while their bravery and skill have been the theme of universal commendation, their moderation in the lionr of victory has exmplified the gratifying fact, that while act- ing the capacity of soldiers, they have not forgotten their characters as men or their responsibilities as moral agents, and
Whereas, The First Regiment of the New York State Volunteers have displayed that unbounded courage and fearless bravery which has caused them rather to seek, than to avoid the post of danger, by which they have won for themselves the admiration of the State which they have so nobly represented, and added fresh laurels to our here- tofore victorious and gallant army, and
61
Whereas, It is the desire of the Common Council of the city of New Yoik to testify their admiration of the gallantry displayed by the sons of the Empire State, in the unequal and hotly contested battles in which they have been en- gaged and to hand down to them and to their children a suitable demonstration that their services are appreciated by a grateful and confiding people, therefore.
Resolved, (if the Board of Assistants concur,) That our thanks are emphatically due, and are hereby tendered to the officers and privates composing the First Regiment of New York State Volunteers, who, in connection with their noble associates in the field of battle, have gained for our country victories unparalleled in the annals of modern warfare, and proved to an admiring world, that the raw recruits of a patriotic people can vindicate our national honor, and guard from danger our eagle and our stars.
Resolved, (if the Board of Assistants concur,) That the Common Council cause to be struck, under the direction of this Committee, a suitable medal, commemorative of the recent victories in Mexico, with appropriate designs and inscriptions, and each of the surviving officers and privates of the New York Regiment, and the widow, eldest son, father or mother of those who have fallen, which may sur- vive him in the order above enumerated, be presented with one on behalf of this Common Council, as a token of their confidence and regard, not only for their valor displayed upon the field, but for their moderation and forbearance in the hour of victory.
Resolved, (if the Board of Assistants concur,) That a copy of this report, together with the preamble and resolutions,
62
be duly authenticated under the seal of the city, and for- warded to the commandant of the Regiment of the New York Volunteers, to be by him promulgated among" the other officers and privates in such way and manner as in his judgment may be consistent with the general regula- tions of the army.
B. J. MESEROLE, WASHINGTON SMITH, CLARKSON CROLIUS, THEODORE R. DE FOREST, THOMAS GILMARTIN, SILAS C. HERRING, JAMES ROBERTSON, JOHN COGER, Jr., AMOS F. HATFIELD, G. F. CLARK.
A motion was made that the report be accepted, which was unanimously adopted.
The Committee now clothed with the necessary power to warrant their proceeding, appointed a sub-committee to examine into the cost and receive designs for the work; and at a subsequent meeting adopted their recommenda- tion, that the medals should be struck from fine silver, to be two inches in diameter, and the weight of each should not be less than two ounces, and that no difference should exist between those intended for the officers or the private soldier, and gave the sub-committee power to order the execution of the work, which, after an examination of the designs placed before them, and the specimens of work
63
submitted to their inspection by different artists, finally adopted the design drawn by Paul Dugan, Jr., which had been submitted by Charles C. Wright, Esq., and awarded to the latter named artist the execution of the work ; which, it is needless for the Committee to add, meets their highest expectation ; and enhances, if possible, the merits and laurels of the artist.
The following description of the medal was furnished the Committee by the designer :
On the reverse side is found a female figure, the head of which is surrounded with stars, representing the Genius of America, grasping in her right hand the fulmen, with her left she points to the rising sun ; her left foot resting upon the cactus, while the Mexican serpent is lying pros- trate beneath the American eagle; mountains form the back-ground, the palm indicating the South, and the walled city Vera Cruz, with the American shipping in the harbor. The figure rests on the stern of a Roman galley, which is intended to represent the naval power of the United States, and around the whole are the words, " Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec, and Churubusco."
On the obverse side is to be found a new and beautiful arrangement of the city coat-of-arms, designed by Mr. Chapman, with the marginal inscription, "Presented by the City of New York, to the New York Regiment of Volunteers in Mexico."
With the proceedings as above detailed, the labors of the Committee, under its original appointment closed, and
64
some of its active members went out of office on the organ- ization of the new Common Council, on the 9th day of May, 1848, whicli shortly after commencing- its labors re- organized the Committee by the following appointments:
Of the Board of Aldermen. — Aldermen De Forest, Croliusj Smith, Fitzgerald and Hatfield.
Of the Board of Assistant Aldermen. — Messrs. Hibbard, Webb, Herring, Wood and Clark.
The labors of the new Committee were confined to the preparation of the medals of those entitled to receive the same, under the following resolution of instruction, which passed both Boards :
That the Special Committee on Medals to the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, be instructed to have the name of each individual to whom the medals shall be presented, engraved thereon.
The Committee endeavored by all sources of information within their reach, to ascertain the probable number of medals required for the regiment, as well as the names of the recipients; and from the frequent failures attendant on their exertion, were finally compelled to await the arrival of the volunteers themselves — after which they were as- sured by Col. Burnett, that full and correct returns should be made by the commandants of the several companies. The number required being variously estimated from three hundred and fifty to eight hundred. The only communi- cation which gave them the first introduction to the labors before them, was the following :
65
Alderman De Forest,
Chairman of the Committee on Medals.
Dear Sir: — Enclosed, please find a list of all the mem- bers of Company H, First New York Volunteers, who are present to receive their medals, upon being mustered out of service. The number of all those who have been en- rolled or enlisted since the organization of the regiment, was about 1100, including recruits sent to Mexico.
The number of those v^^ho first joined the regiment, and who served in the siege of Vera Cruz, was about 780.
The number of those who served at Cerro Gordo, was about 650.
The number of those who marched from Puebla to the attack on the city of Mexico, was 527.
The number of those who remain of the original 780, is nearly 300.
I have the honor to be
Very truly yours,
WARD B. BURNETT,
Colonel, &c.
Fort Hamilton, July 18, 1848-
The medals for the above company were immediately prepared, according to the instructions of the Common Council, and delivered in person at Fort Hamilton, by the Committee.
5
66
Scattering returns of several of the companies from time to time reached the Committee, the medals for the mem- bers of which have been prepared as soon after apphcation being made for them as possible, and on the day of the public reception of the regiment by the citizens, at Castle Garden, previous to their disbandment, the Committee had the pleasure of delivering over to the staff of the regiment, and to the commanders of six of the companies, the medals prepared for such of the members as were actually present to receive the same. The subject being introduced by the following address, prepared at the request of the Commit- tee, and delivered in presence of the regiment, by the Hon. Morris Franklin, Esq., President of the Board of Aldermen.
ADDRESS.
The battle has ceased and the victory won, and we have devoted this day to welcome to their homes, and congratu- late upon tlieir return, the surviving members of that gal- lant band, who, at their country's call, sacrificed their domestic endearments and cheering associations which cluster around the family circle, for the dangers of the battle field, and the thrilling excitement of a soldier's life. But, alas! where are so many of those noble spirits, who, buoyant with hope, and looking forward to a brilliant ca- reer of victories, bade farewell to their wives, their children and their friends, with the fond hope that when the con- flict was ended, and the emblem of peace should wing its flight from one section of our country to the other, that they too would have rejoined that circle, to dry the tears which flowed over their departure, and to administer the balm of
67
consolation to their wounded spirits? They have found a soldier's grave in a distant land, where the tear of affec- tion never will bedew the sod which covers their remains, or the hand of friendsliip weave a garland for their tomb ; but a grateful people will hold in lasting remembrance the glory which they have achieved, and enrol their names among the patriots of America.
In retrospecting, gentlemen, upon the brilliant career which has marked your progress, and the success which has crowned your efforts in the struggles in which you have been engaged, we have good reason to congratulate you, and our common country, that in a series of conflicts and victories, unparalleled in the annals of modern war- fare, the bravery of the American soldiery, of which your regiment formed a conspicuous part, was eminently suc- cessful in maintaining the honor of our flag against une- qualled numbers, and amidst the embarrassments of a strange and unknown country, together with constant ex- posure to disease in a warm and unhealthy climate, you gained a series of victories of which the nations of the world might well be proud, and to which we can refer with feelings of national gratification and pride.
Under the command of the gallant Sliields, directed by the masterly manoeuvre of the chivalric Scott, the battle ground of Cerro Gordo will forever commemorate the valor of the New York Regiment, and weave a garland for their bravery which time will never fade.
The glorious scenes of Contreras, and the awful carnage of Churubusco, where so many fell as martyrs in their
68
country's cause, will form a page upon the record of our history, brilliant as the proudest monuments of ancient glory, when Rome stood forth in all her splendor, the wonder and admiration of the world.
At Chapultepec, your position was in front of Quitman's column, in the attack upon the outer fortification of that strong and extensive fortress, and you were among the first to scale the castle walls, and to plant upon them your own regimental colors, in the name and on behalf of the American people.
Throughout the war, and in every position in which you were placed, whether upon the plains, or upon the mountains, in the solid phalanx contending against fearful odds, or standing breast to breast in the narrow passes of the enemy ; whether in the heat of combat or in the hour of victory, as soldiers you remembered your duty, and as men regarded the misfortunes of the conquered and the slain.
How cheering is the reflection, in looking back upon the war which has terminated, that no blot or blemish mars the standard of our country, but that its stars continue to shine in all the brilliancy of their ancient glory, and that the results of the contest will prove to the nations of the world that while we are the advocates of peace, and desire to cultivate and maintain tlie most friendly relations throughout the globe, we can at all times maintain our national honor and vindicate our country from insult or oppression.
69
The purpose of commemorating- the events connected with this campaign, and to testify the value in which we hold the services of the officers and men composing- the first regiment of our State Volunteers, the Common Coun- cil of the city of New York have caused to be prepared a silver medal, to be presented to each surviving individual of that reg-iment, who enlisted therein prior to the passage of the resolution, and who have been in active service during the war, and to the nearest surviving relatives of those who have fallen ; and the honor has been conferred upon me to present the same to you on their behalf. Upon inspection of these medals, you will perceive that they bear upon one side the coat of arms of our city, with the name of the donors, and the name of the recipient ; and upon the other is represented a female figure, with a halo of stars above her head, emblematical of the Genius of America ; in her extended hand she grasps the fiilmen, directed with determined looks towards the city in the distance, and with the other points to the sun, while the palm indicates the south ; one foot rests upon the cactus, and by the other stands the eagle — proud of the conquest which he has obtained over the Mexican serpent, which lies prostrate and within his power. Behind the figure appears the stern of a Roman galley, representative of the naval power of the United States ; mountains form the back ground of the vignette, and the walls represent the city of Vera Cruz, where, thanks to you and the noble prowess of our gallant Scott, the flag of our country now floats in victory, and from which you commenced that triumphant march towards the capital of Mexico, which finally fell before the well-directed batteries of the Ameri- can soldiery, and you entered within its walls a proud and
70
victorious army ; not to revel there, and to realize the fancied dreams of a bewildered imagination, but to claim possession, and wave, in token of your triumph, the star- spangled banner of America, which now marks it as the fruits of victory — for when the Halls of the Montezumas were in your possession, when the din of arms had ceased, the wounded been gathered together, and the slain col- lected for their burial, than tlie mingled notes of prayer and praise were raised to Him who controls the destinies of nations ; and your gallant general, with the tears of gratitude coursing down his rugged cheeks, passed along the line, and from the overflowings of a grateful heart, congratulated one and all upon the glorious victory which they had achieved ! That must have been a time to try the feelings of the stoutest hearts, and cold indeed must those have been who could stand unmoved amidst a scene like this, and not realize the debt of gratitude which they had incurred, in being spared from the fate of those who were dead and dying around them. We present these medals to you, not on account of the intrinsic value which they possess, but as an evidence that the people of our city appreciate the valor which you have displayed, the sacrifices you have endured, and the glory you have pur- chased for our republic. We rejoice with you that the blessings of peace have followed the victories of our army, and you are permitted to rejoin the scenes of your former associations, there to recount the dangers you have passed, the battles you have fought, the victories you have won, and to drop a tear over the memories of those who fell upon the field of battle, giving evidence by their death of their devotion to the cause in which they were engaged. When your eye rests upon this token of our gratitude, and
71
you read inscribed thereon the names of Chapultepec, Churubusco, Cerro Gordo, and Vera Cruz, how many thril- ling associations will they bring- to mind connected with the events that mark their history, and call around you the persons of our Baxter, our Barclay, our Pearson, our Gallagher, our Chandler and Van Olinda, who did good service in the hour of conflict, but who are now, save one, reposing upon Battle Hill, beneath the sombre shades of Greenwood.
In this connection you will not fail to remember that brave and noble German, the adopted son of our country, the bold and fearless Romein, who was the standard bearer of the national flag in the attack upon Churubusco, when wounded and deprived of one hand, firmly grasped it with the other, and when that too was shattered and gone, gaining renewed courage from the dangers to which he was exposed, hugged it closely to his breast by the rem- nant of his remaining arm, and held it firmly lliere until a fatal shot brought him lifeless to the ground ; and a more fortunate hand, but not more devoted heart, caught it as it fell, and finally planted it upon the walls of the conquered city, amidst the loud huzzas of an enthusiastic and triumphant army. Take these medals, then, ye brave and gallant men, as emblems of your victories, and of the lasting gratitude of the people of our city, for the services which you have rendered ; dwell upon the history which they are designed to commemorate ; tell, and rehearse it to your children and your companions ; and when you shall be called upon finally to surrender up your lives, and yield obedience to the King of Kings, transmit them as precious boons to those who were the most nearly allied
72
to you in life, and who will be most likely to cherish them after your decease.
On behalf then, of the Common Council of the city of New York, I tender for your acceptance the medals to which I have referred, and ask you to receive them as an evidence that the people of our city, whose representatives we are, will cherish with the most lively recollections the services which you have performed in the prosecution of a war which has added a brilliant wreath to our country's glory, and cast a halo around your brows which the proud- est monarch on his throne might envy.
The tattered flag which is now before us, and the na- tional standard )'ou so nobly defended, both of which have been returned to be placed among the archives of our city, together with the evidence of the confidence and attachment of the people of the south in the presentation of the splendid banner, wrought by the fair hands of those who were indeed the last best gift of heaven to man, are " confirmation strong as proof of Holy Writ," that you are worthy of our confidence and entitled to our warmest thanks.
Long may our country remain the home of those who, like you, are ever ready to defend it in the hour of danger, and to stand as sentinels around our political institutions. Then, indeed, may we rest secure ; and amidst the com- motions which are now disturbing the ancient landmarks of the European world, our country will remain as the model republic of the nineteenth century, to which the people of other countries will flock as does the doves to
73
the windows, and around whom we will throw the shield of our protection, as we gather them within the fold of the American nation, where we trust that animating^ emblem, the stars and stripes of our country, will ever wave —
" O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
The Committee have been daily engaged since in the examination and collation of returns, hearing the various and repeated applications made by the returned soldier, the father, the mother, and the widow ; and though in some cases the gift has been received and lost by carelessness immediately afterward, yet in others it is cherished with devotion, and kept with the care of a sacred relic.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE R. DE FOREST, CLARKSON CROLIUS, WASHINGTON SMITH, EDMUND FITZGERALD, AMOS F. HATFIELD,
Of the Board of Aldermen.
TIMOTHY R. HIBBARD, CHARLES WEBB, SILAS C. HERRING, JAMES E. WOOD, GEORGE F. CLARK,
Of the Board of Jissistants .
New York, Oct. 2d, 1848.
74
The Committee herewith publish the Rolls of the vari- ous companies, as presented by their commanders, of those entitled to the medals, under the resolutions ; most of which have been delivered by the Committee, and some of which may never be applied for.
The returns, as made, are as yet imperfect, and cause some dissatisfaction to the relatives, as well as to the dis- abled, but returned volunteer.
Major General WINFIELD SCOTT, U. S. A. Major General JOHN A. QUITMAN, U. S. A. Acting Chaplain REV. M. McCARTHY, U. S, A.
Medals to each of the above were presented by special resolution of the Committee.
Colonel Ward B. Burnett.
Lieut. Col. Charles H. Baxter,
Lieut. Col. James C. Burnham,
Major Garret Dyckman,
Adjutant James H. McCabe,
Surgeon Mina B. Halstead,
Captain James F. Hutton,
Sergt. Major Patrick O'Gorman,
Quarter Mast. Sergt. Edward McCutheon,
" " '•• William H. Kearney,
Musician David E. Carpenter,
" Patrick Berry.
75 COMPANY A.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM FORRY.
Lieut. Israel Miller, " Charles S. Cooper, " Thomas J. Rogers, Sergt. Robert F. Allason, " Alexander Smith, " Jacob David, Corpl. Jeremiah Ring, " Thomas McGivern, " Michael Clark, Mus'n Conrad Muler,
" Wm. J. Berghdorf, Private Henry Arckoll, " Peter Burnds, " William A. Coventry, James Duncan, John Drew, Patrick Fallon, Thomas Foley, Thomas Farrell, "
John Adams.
Private Thomas Hemming, " Edwin W. Hacker, " John 0. Hunt, David Kelly, John Larking, Charles D. Lyon, William McGuinass, James McCoy, John Moran, Stephen S. Moore, Daniel Mickle, John J. Marshall, Rufus D. Petit, Peter Surmer, Henry Slaiiping, D. S. Timonds, Everhard Welter, John G. Wood, Benj. F. Wheeler.
DISCHARGED.
Sergt. Samuel Henry, Lieut. Thos. W. Sweeny,
" James M. Bayles, Private Lawrence Graur, Corpl. Louis Al bough, " James L. Harper,
Priv'te Thomas W. Tobin, " Erben Haun, " Albert L. Waggoner, " John Willis,
Private John D. Bradley, " Julias G. Nordman, " Joseph Roworth, " James M. Parker, " John Callaghan,
Private A. W. Decker, " Hendrick Mier, " Joshua Dudley, " John H. Orr, " William Breslen.
John Munday.
DEAD.
Lieut. Augustus Jacobus, Private Alfred A. Leonard, Sergt. Henry H. Satterly, ' Private George T. Rosbeeck, '
" Charles Gode,
" Joseph Banks, '
•' Joseph Heicher, '
Benj . F. Bennett, Conrad Heicher, Edward Fife, John P. Bouteer, Abm. Adler.
/
77
COMPANY B.
CAPTAIN ALFRED W. TAYLOR.
|
Lieut. |
Robert M. Floyd, |
Private B. Grassenauer, |
|
|
u |
Hypolite Dardonville |
J |
William Gravenitz, |
|
a |
Carl Becher, |
u |
August Heiss, |
|
Serg't |
Carl Butterbrod, |
u |
Michael Kuber, |
|
a |
Joseph Reutter, |
a |
George Knortser, |
|
(( |
John Abel, |
u |
Raol Dorsch, |
|
Corp'l |
Jacob Hirschhorn, |
a |
John Ludwig, |
|
(( |
John Henkel, |
a |
Allan McDonald, |
|
(.1 |
George Daub, |
u |
Lindock Muir, |
|
Private David Darkowski, |
a |
Otto Newbauer, |
|
|
(( |
John Bechtel, |
(( |
Christopher Newman, |
|
a |
Adam Behland, |
<( |
Conrad Pingell, |
|
a |
Sylvester Beguet, |
fi |
Peter Schon, |
|
a |
James Bowse, |
u |
John Tweedy, |
|
n |
Thomas Dixon, |
(( |
Carl Voss, |
|
a |
John Eber, |
a |
Carl Wentzell, |
SICK.
Private Julius Latte,
Private Alexander Lission.
DISCHARGED.
Captain Gnstave de Bongars, Corpl . Francis Bonez,
" Gustavo de Reichardt, " John Habb, Lieut. Mayne Reed, Private Conrad Dorn,
" Francis Durning, " Martin Dorn,
Private Martin Geier, " Edward Holtzke, " John Hunt, " James Kelly, " Hermann Konig-,
78
Private Geo. Liebold, " George Nazel, " Stefan Uberschutz, " George William, " Frederick Viere,
DEAD.
Sergt. P. Vander. Romein'^ Private Frederick Hartwick,
|
" Lewis Bovet^ |
a |
Peter Hirshbach, |
|
Corpl. Christian Meyer, |
a |
John Kocher, |
|
Priv'te David Rathbuin,' |
a |
Wra. Lackenmeyer, |
|
" Peter Wiese,^ |
li |
Olio Naeder, |
|
" Constantine Baillottz, |
u |
Francis Nolte, |
|
" Charles Debegue, |
a |
Valentine Putzold, |
|
" Philibert Dure, |
(( |
Henry Sturmer, |
|
" Carl Frantzius |
ii |
Jacob Wirlh. |
Henry Hartnich.
NOTE.
^Severely wounded at Chapultepec. ^ Killed at Churu- busco.
0
79
COMPANY C.
CAPTAIN GEORGE B. HALL.
Lieut. Francis G. Boyle, Private David Costigan, " Alexander H. Barber, " George Congdon,
Antonio Dabrouski, Charles Eccleston, Antonio French, Frederick Hartman, Bernard Hagen, John Jenkins, Adolph Kilgart, Angevine Leonard, William McKail, James McNorton, Owen Mohen, Philip Myers, Thomas Reed, Joshua Smith, Oliver A. Tarlton, Philip E. Shannon.
DISCHARGED.
Private William Beattie, Private Adam King,
|
l( |
Edward Cook, |
u |
|
Serg't |
William Peel, |
a |
|
a |
Barthol. M. Lynch, |
a |
|
a |
Philip Conway, |
(C |
|
a |
Geo. Gorharn Craig, |
ii |
|
Corp'l |
James McCann, |
a |
|
(( |
Martin Grosse, |
a |
|
li |
Andrew Shaffer, |
u |
|
a |
Wm. P. Mclntyre, |
a |
|
Private |
: Samuel H. Beattie, |
iC |
|
u |
Richard Burke, |
li |
|
u |
W^illiam Benton, |
u |
|
u |
John Carter, |
(( |
|
C( |
Thomas Reid, |
li |
|
u |
John Russell, |
a |
William Bolt, John Farren,
C. Ramensnyder, Benj . Van Clief .
DEAD.
Capt. James Barclay, Private Andrew lolard.
Private Abraham Delamater, " Christian Clemm, " Thomas Dodd, " Cornelius Lloyd,
" Timothy Golden, " James Saxton,
John Lawrence.
^ V
80
COMPANY D.
CAPTAIN JAY P. TAYLOE.
Lieut. Francis Pinto,
" John Hill,
" Henry Dusenbury,
Sergt. Robt. M. Harper,
" Wm. S. Cormick,
" Henry Stanton,
Corpl. Peter Toell,
'• James E. Burch,
" Wesley Smith,
" John Davis,
Private Daniel Murphy,
" Michael Mentze,
" Robert W. Anderson, "
" John Coyne, "
" Abram M. White, "
" John Ashley, "
" Michael Larvey, "
Private Richard Jefferson, " Reuben Jones, " James Kenneda, " James Lennox, Michael Lewis, Alexander Moran, John McNulty, Payton J. Nodine, Patrick Ryan, Dan. S. Standerwick, Michael Sullivan, Goodrich Spaulding-, Lawrence Strobill, James Topley, Francis Willick, Wilham Moulton, Edward Moran,
William McCanna.
DISCHARGED.
|
Edward Dunn, |
|
|
Abram M. Dooremer, |
|
|
Daniel Hawley, |
|
|
Edward Schiller, |
|
|
John B. Halfpenny, |
|
|
Charles Floyd, |
|
|
Joseph Lewis, |
Philip Lockwood, James Manning, Geo. R. McFadden, Freedom G. Newton, John B. Cobb, Edward Danburghy, John Whaley,
Henry Dusenbury.
81
DEAD.
Private Jesse Carman, " Charles Oakley,
" Joseph Adams, "
" James Smith, "
" Luke Cassada, "
" Orlow Ferrell, "
" John C. Johnson, "
" James Sullivan, "
" John Cooper, "
" Henry H. Bowne, "
James Kelly.
Private John W. Joyce,
" James Roe,
" Wm. H. Thompson,
" John Wright,
" Samuel D. Duncan,
" Thomas Connally,
" Nicholas Mooney,
" Patrick Beehen,
" Jacob Lema,
" Nicholas Mead,
82
COMPANY E.
CAPTAIN ROBERT A. CARTER.
Lieut. J. W. Henry,
" David W. Doremus,
Serg't Joseph Corn iff,
" John L. Trainor,
" Francis Crawford,
" Edward Slowly,
Corp'l Henry Betton,
" Phihp EwauU,
" Martin Duncan,
" George Piatt,
Private James Armstrong,
" William Blues,
" John Baun,
" Francis Conroy,
" Stephen Connor,
" Mark Chrieres,
Martin
Private George Geiren,
" Robert Gannon,
•' John Graham,
" William Hunter,
" John Hoe,
" Mark Kahn,
" William McCoppin,
" William Miller,
" William Manson,
" George Poos,
" David Simmons,
" Alexander Simm,
" James Searl,
" John Thyson,
" David Wells,
" Chris. H. Dunn,
Folen.
DISCHARGED.
Private W. D. Hamilton,
" Albert Lombard,
" John Leech,
" Joseph Dunham,
" Robert H. French,
« L. F. Hick,
" James Moran,
" Lawrence Grant,
" John T. Olney,
Private Joseph Croto,
" Timothy Donivan,
" Lawrence Cook,
" John Everhart,
" William Hober,
" Daniel Hartman,
" Charles Thompson,
" Cassandra Frisby,
" William Ormsby.
83
DEAD.
Capt. Charles H. Pearson, Lieut. Edgar Chandler, Serg't Garret Fitzgerald. Private George W. Blake,
Private Haven Brien,
" Joshua Bloodgood,
" Robert Holand,
" Thomas H. Foley,
" • Alex. McClennen,
" Valentine Neyele,
" Jacob Tuers,
" Alexander Young,
Hugh Brien, William Cornell, John Homer, James McManus, James McKenna, John Seaman, James Williams, Theo. Zimmerman.
84
COMPANY F.
CAPTAIN S. S, GALLAGHEE.
Lieut. James G. Hillis, " E. B. Carroll, " Michael A. Cnrran, Serg't. W. H. Warren, " G. H. Pruyn, " John F. Hatfield, " Josiah Campbell, Corp'l John Acker, " M. Conlin, " Thomas Suppis, " A.J. Constantine, Private John Green, " W. B. Parisien, Wm. Anderson, Charles Bath, John Coss, John Cox, John Hink, Barney Harrigan, Joseph A. Jones,
Private Charles Keenan, " James Ludlam,
a u u
a
James Murray, Peter J. Mumpton, John E. Murphy, Joiin McKeown, Peter M'Cann, Scott McKay, John Myers, Micliael Nolins, John Nt'laon, Henry Otten, Wm. Quackenbush, Peter Reilly, Henrich Vansell, John Warren, Joseph Warren, Edward Wilson, Frederick Hartman, William Taylor.
DISCHARGED.
Private Garret Barry, " John Bogardus, " Thomas Dooley, " Henry Hardenbrook. " Patrick Riley, " John F. Shaw,
Private Charles M. Brower, " Dines Costello, " John Jarnett, " James Mulligan, " John Ross, " William Tompkins,
Nicholas White.
85
DEAD.
Private Chas. A. Ring-old, Joseph Boyle, William Blake. Edward Cusing-, Wm. Cheyne, Thomas T. Davies, Benjamin Johnston, Thomas Lawler, John Sullivan,
" John Brower,
" John Burke,
" James Cook,
" Charles Carpenter,
" Henry Clarke,
" Wm. S. Evans,
" Edward Reily, .
" Michael Manning-,
" James Muracke.
COMPANY G.
CAPTAIN DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD-
Lieut. M. N. Croft, " Henry Gaines, " John Wilson,
Serg't Chas. A. Sammons, " Chas. L. Thompson, " Wm. H. Willis, " Chas. F. Hall,
Corp'l Alb'n K. P. Wallace, " Henr}^ Rogers, " William Doyle, " John Splain,
Private John Brown, " Barnes Nelson, " James Cronley, " Dominick Nelson, " Bernard De Young, " James Gibson, " Lewis De Grandval,
Private James Hart, " Thomas Healy, " Dan'l Montgomery.
" John Morton,
" James Munigan,
" John McDonnell,
" James McGill,
" John Noyes,
" Chas. E. Patterson,
" Thomas Powell,
" John Smith,
" Arad Smith,
" Alonzo Sanborn,
" John H. Snyder,
" William Shirtleff,
" Adam Saun,
" Lot Swift,
" William Hart,
86
DISCHARGED.
|
Lieut. |
Win. H. Browne, |
|
Private |
James Wilson, |
|
(( |
Thomas P. Bowen, |
|
(C |
Edward Carr,' |
|
a |
Varnum Van Slyke,' |
|
(. |
Martin Finney,^ |
|
a |
William Hart,^ |
|
a |
Charles Crap,'' |
Private Ebenezer Fish,^
" James Smith,*
" John McKinney,^
" Frederick Fox/
" John Dillon,
" Josiah B. Davis,
" John 0. Donnell,'
James Peck,
Peter Farley.*
DEAD.
Corpl. Jacob Albrecht,^
Private Orrin Elvvood,"
" Robert Devoe,'"
" Bernard Crummie,'"
" Andrew Kline,'"
" Alex. Rodney,'"
" John Seaw,'
" Joseph A. Dennis,^
Private Charles Wheeler,"
" William Bell,'
" John Benjamin,"
" Thomas Topham,"
" Chas. E. Randall,"
" Peter E. Butcher,"
" Frank Smith,"
" Thomas Ingham,"
NOTE.
'Wounded at Churubusco. ^Lost his leo- at " ^Wounded twice at '' *Lost his arm at "
'Disabled while prisoner of
war. Trilled at Puebla. ^ " at the Garita de Belen
^Wounded at city of Mexico. '" " at Churubusco. ^Ruptured while in service. "Died in Hospital.
87
COMPANY H.
CAPTAIN ADDISON FARNSWOETH.
|
Serg-'t. |
Henry Moorhead, |
Priva |
|
a |
Tyler W. Gray, |
a |
|
u |
Geo. A. Seatwan, |
a |
|
a |
Jarvis Streeter, |
a |
|
Cor'pl |
John Butler, |
a |
|
u |
Hezekiah Dare, |
a |
|
u |
John Mackey, |
n |
|
a |
John Gower, |
u |
|
Mus'n. |
Daniel O'Keefe, |
a |
|
Private |
James Brady, |
(( |
|
(( |
Wm. H. Brumag-hin, |
a |
|
u |
WiUiam White, |
Cl |
|
Asa B |
lurke. |
Private George Craig, Jeremiah Daly, Alfred Dougherty, John H. Duffy, William Gross, James Leary, Alonzo Mather, George Porter, Norman Van Beuren, R. P. Van Ranken, Henry Webb, Cornelius Winters,
DISCHARGED.
Lieut. Jacob Griffin, Jr., Serg't. James Ashton,
" William Boyd, Corp'l. Robert Haines, Private Nathan Bowen,
" William T. Burgess,
" Henry Clemshire,
" Peter Duross,
John W. Lyon.
Private Alvin McCune,
Joshua L. Simmons, Patrick Crimiere,
u a u a li a a
James Dover, John Allison, Patrick Roney, John Conner, Robert Dyes.
DEAD.
Capt. Abraham Van Olinda,' Privaf.e Sopphe Myers,
1st Lt. Charles F. Gallagher " Joseph Richardson,
Private William A. Jeffries, " Samuel S. Steele,
" Geo. E. Waddell, " David Niblock,
" William Allison,'^ " Ransen Pettit.
" Adam Hansel, " Wm. M. Cooper,
" John Meserve, " Geo. Shaw,
Michael Butler.
NOTE.
' Killed at Chapnltepec. ^ Killed at Churubusco.
(^ '
t lA.'
|
89 |
|||
|
COMPANY I, |
|||
|
CAPTAIN MORTON |
FAD |
||
|
Lieut. |
David Scannell, |
P |
riva |
|
William Wiley, |
a |
||
|
Private Jacob R. Riley, |
a |
||
|
Aug-ustus Bielett, |
(; |
||
|
Samuel Duffin, |
u |
||
|
Thomas Normand, |
a |
||
|
William McGuire, |
a |
||
|
Thomas L. Decker, |
u |
||
|
George Pemberton, |
u |
||
|
Benjamin Romain, |
u |
||
|
David Cairy, |
a |
||
|
John Coleman, |
C( |
||
|
William Daily, |
(( |
||
|
Joseph Duffin, |
a |
||
|
Joseph Franklin, |
a |
Private John S. Gardner, James Higgins, James Hutton, Richard Headrick, Marx M. Hart, Patrick Minatur, Henry Phillips, Edward H. Ross, Thomas Rowley, Geo. W. Siruthers, Philip Streeter, James Stivers, George Thistleton, William Zwick, Joseph Fly,
DISCHARGED.
Lieut. James D. Potter, Private John Sanders,
" James W. Greene, Private Patrick McCarty, Frederick Stokes, John Hepburn, Harvey Lake, Thomas L. Doty, James Curren, Sam. Gardner, James Mullen, John Thurston,
a
Daniel Robertson, Henry Bird, John C. Mathews, Horace J. Meech, Leonard W. Howes, Edward Cook, Robert Dulay, Joseph Emmons, Richard Oxton, Edward Tenney,
George Loomis.
90
D]^AD.
Private Charles M. Tucker, Private Thomas Halsey,
|
James Mullen, |
a |
Ebenezer Cook, |
|
Henry Holmes, |
a |
John Watkin, |
|
John Hammond, |
a |
Joseph Bell, |
|
George L. Wilbur, |
a |
Wm. H. T. Burns |
|
William Craig, |
u |
George Coleman, |
|
Charles Glenn, |
a |
James Murphy. |
|
Smith Harris, |
a |
Wm. H. Bishop, |
|
Moses D. |
Day. |
37
91
COMPANY K.
CAPTAIN CHAELES H. INNIS.
Lieut. James S. McCabe,
" John Rafferty, Serg't. John McLean, " Edward Reynolds, " George Beebe, " Lewis D. Frost, Corp'l. P. N. Lawler, " Frederick Cook, " Henry S. Johnson, " Eliphalet Everett, Private Harman L Beach, " James Bowen, John Boyce, William Burns, F. H. Bennich, C. W. Baker,
Private John B. Beattie, " John Collins, " Augustus Dollinger, " Mathew Dougherty, " Arrin Harrington, Peter Jacobs, Ferdinand Labahn, Michael F. Morris, James Plate, James H. Pitts, William Rhoads, William Dempsey, Jacob C. Somers, Gushard Speakart, J. R. Baker.
ii ii a li
DISCHARGED.
Lieut. William Taylor, Sergt. Joseph Henriques, " William Hughes, '* Samuel D. Sirrine, Corpl. Alexander G. Moran, Private John D. Baker, " Charles D. Lane, - " Henry S. Woods,
Private
a
a
William Jones, John Cook, Edward Williams, William Stow, Benjamin F. Bross, James 0. Hern, Thomas L. Tombs, Randolph Tuttle.
92
DEAD.
Private Patrick Fagan, Private Thomas Burnett,
James Maxlum, " Jasper Lynt,
Charles Folley, " Charles Robbins,
John L. Young-, " Henry Havern,
Andrew Van Allen, " Thomas Mullins, Alexander Cook, " Nathaniel J.Randall,
William Millon, " Thomas K. Boerum,
James Horton.
REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE
APPOINTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE
RECEPTION
FIRST REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
ON THEIR RETURN PROM MEXICO.
The officers and men of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers being, with the other troops composing the American army, on their return to their country and their homes from Mexico, after the conclusion of the war, it was deemed that a public and appropriate reception, under the direction of the municipal authorities, should be tendered them on their arrival in this city, as a testimony of the esti- mation entertained by their fellow-citizens, of the gallant bearing of the regiment, evinced in some of the most bril- liant triumphs of American arms, especially at the battle of Churubusco, at the storming of Chapultepec, at both of which places it displayed a courage and a heroism which have justly distinguished it as one of the bravest regiments of the whole army, during the war.
94
It was also deemed proper to celebrate at the same time, the restoration of the peaceful relations which formerly existed between our own and the neighboring" republic of Mexico.
Accordingly, on the 26th of June, 1848, in the Board of Aldermen, the following preamble and resolution were pre- sented by Alderman Smith, viz:
Whereas^ Official information has been received, that peace has been restored between this country and Mexico, and that the gallant soldiers who have nobly sustained themselves upon many a well-fought field, and shed a lustre upon the American arms, are now about to return to their respective homes; and
Whereas^ Among those most honorably distinguished, are the men composing the New York Regiment, who are daily expected to arrive in this city ; and
Whereas^ It has been usual, upon the return of peace, for our citizens to mingle in some public demonstration, by which they may express their gratitude for so great a blessing, and to testify to those who may have partici- pated in the strife of arms, the value in which they hold their services, and congratulate them upon their escape from danger, and a safe return to their families and homes ; therefore,
Resolved^ (if the Board of Assistants concur,) That a Committee be now appointed to take this subject into con- sideration, and upon the return of the troops of our State
95
from Mexico, to recommend and carry out such demonstra- tion as in their judg-ment may be fit and proper, for the purpose of testifying- our gratification upon the return of peace, and the complete triumpfi of the American arms in the recent contest in Mexico.
The same were unanimously adopted by the said Board, and Aldermen Smith, De Forest, Gray, Libby and Swart- wout were appointed such Committee on the part thereof, the President being- added thereto.
On the same day, at a meeting- of the Board of Assistant Aldermen, Mr. Hibbard also presented the following pre- amble and resolutions in relation to the same subject, viz :
Whereas, It is becoming a great and magnanimous peo- ple, while rejoicing in the restoration and blessings of peace, to be mindful also of those whose personal sacrifices, privations and valor won a boon so grateful to humanity; and
Whereas, It is understood that the First Regiment of New York Volunteers have embarked from Vera Cruz, and may be expected shortly to arrive in our city ; and
Whereas, Every man comprising our small army in Mexico, was expected to do his duty, and it appears that the individual fortitude, conduct and bravery of our volunteers fully sustained the expectations of their fellow-citizens — covering themselves with imperishable re- nown— elevating the standard and military character of their country at home and abroad — deserving alike the gratitude and benediction of a free people ; therefore, be it
96
Resolved^ That the city of New York, not unmindful of the merit and services of those brave men, who volunteered to represent her in the army of our common country upon the soil of Mexico, should welcome their return to their country, families and friends, with grateful acknowledg- ments for the faithful and brilliant manner in which they have fulfilled their duties — in nobly sustaining our honor and flag on the battle fields of Mexico — in their moderation in victory — in their humanity to the sick and wounded of the enemy — as well as their irrepressible energy and valor in action.
Resolved^ (if the Board of Aldermen concur,) That a Committee of five be appointed to arrange the proper recep- tion of the officers, non-commissioned officers and privates of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, upon their arrival, and lo escort them through the city ;*and that the military, civic societies, and citizens generally, be invited to join with the Common Council in their reception.
Which were likewise unanimously adopted, and Assist- ant Aldermen Hibbard, Jamison, Miller, Schultz and Getty appointed such Committee on the part of the Board, together with the President thereof.
Both sets of preambles and resolutions were respectively concurred in by the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Assistant Aldermen, and the same Comnjittees appointed thereon.
They were subsequently approved by his Honor the Mayor.
97
The Joint Committee, in accordance therewitli, met for the first time on the evening of the 29th of June last, and after organizing, and making some progress in relation to the subject committed to their charge, adjourned to the 6th of July following, — the Secretary being directed to invite Major General Sandford, and Brigadier Generals Storms, Morris, Hall and Ewen, to attend their subsequent meet- ings.
The Chief Engineer of the Fire Department was also invited to be present.
On tiie 6th of July, the Committee re-assembled, and were tlien informed, from a reliable source, that a portion of the regiment, under the command of Major Garret Dyckman, had embarked at New Orleans, on the 27th of June, in the steambark "Edith," for Fort Hamilton. Their arrival was consequently expected within a few days.
The Committee being possessed of no certain information in relation to the time of departure, or expected arrival of the remaining companies, and they also being desirous tliat the whole regiment should be present at the reception about to be tendered it, it was determined to communicate with the War Department, in order that directions might be given or issued therefrom to continue in tlie service, the companies which should first arrive, until the arrival of the whole regiment.
In accordance therewith. Major General Sandford, and Alderman Smith, the Chairman of the Committee, were
7
98
appointed a sub-Committee to communicate with the War Department in relation to this subject, as well as to request permission for the other troops that might be at the time on this station, to unite in the ceremonies of the occa- sion.
Major General Sandford, one of this sub-Committee, subsequently addressed the following- letter to the Secretary of War.
" New York, July 7, 1848.
My Dear Sir :
The Corporation of the city of New York has made extensive arrangements for a public reception of the New York Volunteers, upon their return from Mexico, and has prepared medals, with suitable inscriptions, to be presented to every member of the regiment.
The military of the city, with the civic societies, and the citizens at large, are making preparations to unite in this reception, and it is intended to combine with the occasion a celebration of the peace with Mexico, and the triumphant return of our army.
Under these circumstances I address you, by request of the Committee of Arrangements of the Common Council, to request that you will give directions to the commanding officer on this station, not to disband any part of the regi- ment of New York Volunteers, until tlie whole are here and prepared to attend this public reception ; and that yon will give permission that all the troops from Mexico, which may then be on this station, may be brought over to the city for the purpose of uniting in the celebration.
99
It is understood here that seven companies of the New York reg-iment are now on their way to this port from New Orleans ; and that the remaining- three companies are coming- here from Vera Cruz direct. If this be so, they will probably arrive within a few days of each other, and you will confer a special favor upon this city by retaining the companies which arrive first, until the others appear.
I am very respectfully.
Your most obedient servant,
CHAS. W. SANDFORD. The Hon. W. L. Marcy,
Secretary of War.
On the eleventh day of July the " Edith," with the detachment, under the command of Major Dyckman, on board, consisting- of four companies, viz: Companies A, B, E and H, anchored at the Quarantine. Her arrival was hailed by the disphiy of the national colors from the City Hall, and the various hotels and public buildings in the city, as well as from the numerous shipping in the port.
No answer as yet, on the 13th of July, having been received by Major-General Sandford to his letter to the Secretary of War, and the remaining companies of the regiment not having arrived, it was feared from the "gen- eral orders" published by the department, in relation to the discharge of the Volunteers on their arrival at their respective destinations, that those companies which were already here, would be discharged before the arrival of the remaining ones, unless the request of the Committee in this respect was complied with. Accordingly, on that day,
273254B
100
his Honor the Mayor addressed a letter to the Adjutant General of the army, at Washington, embracing- a similar request.
An answer was soon afterwards, on the 16th of July, received thereto, expressing the regret that the existing arrangements of the department could not be changed ; and also a copy thereof was received on the same day by Major General Sandford, with an endorsement requesting him to accept it as an answer to his letter on the same subject to the Secretary of War.
The following is a copy of the letter received by his Honor the Mayor, from the Adjutant General :
Adjutant General's Office, )
Washingion, July 15, 1848. \
Sir: — I have received and laid before the Secretary of War, your letter of the 13ih inst., requesting that the dis- charge of the New York Regiment of Volunteers may be postponed until the arrival of all the companies, with a view to a [)ublic reception of the regiment as a body^ by the Common Council of the city of New York.
With every disposition to further the views of the city authorities, the Secretary of War doubts whether, inde- pendently of the known wishes of the Volunteers them- selves, for an iumiediate discliarge on reaching the United States, it woidd be legal to order them to be retained in service, after their arrival at the several points of rendezvous, longer (ban may be absolutely necessary to prepare the rolls, &c., for their muster and discharge as indicated in the
101
" general orders" heretofore published, and he therefore instructs me to express his regret, that the existing arrange- ments cannot be changed.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, [Signed] R. JONES, A. G.
W. F. Havemeyer, Esq.,
Mayor of the city of JVew York.
The department having, therefore, refused, for the rea- sons set forth in the letter of the Adjutant-General, to interfere with the orders, heretofore published, two of the companies, viz : Company E, Capt. Robert A. Carter, and Company H, Capt. Addison Farnsworth, were on or about the 22d of July, mustered and discharged from the service of the United States.
On the same day, the 22d, the remaining companies with the staff of the regiment, under the command of Lt. Col. James C. Burnham, arrived in the ship " Fanny For- rester." They were soon after disembarked and took up their quarters at Fort Hamilton.
In the meantime, the Committee had progressed with and nearly perfected their arrangements, and were only awaiting the arrival of this last detachment, in order to complete them, and fix the day for the reception. The detachment, therefore, having arrived, they proceeded to complete the arrangements, and, on consultation witli Col.
102
Burnett, the commander of the regiment and other officers thereof, Thursday the 27th of July, was designated as the day.
Among other arrangements, it was concluded that on the day of reception, the Common Council should proceed in a steamboat, to be procured for the occasion, to Fort Ham- ilton, and having received the regiment on board, escort it to Castle Garden, where his Honor the Mayor would receive ihe officers and men composing it, and bid them welcome in the name of the citizens of New York.
The ceremony being concluded, they were to be received by the military, under the command of Major General Sandford, drawn up in line on the Battery, with the high- est military honors, and thence escorted by them through the various streets of the city, (o be designated as the line of march in the programme of the day, back to the Castle.
On their return to the Garden, the Colors of the Regi- ment, together with the one presented to it by Major General Scott,, in the city of Mexico, as a distinguislied mark of his estimation of its bravery exhibited in the battles in which it was engaged, were to be presented to the city, and re- ceived on the part thereof by his Honor the Mayor.
After the conclusion of this ceremony, the medals pre- pared under the direction of the Joint Medal Committee, by the order of the Common Council, were to be presented by the Hon. Morris Franklin, President of the Board of Al- dermen, to the officers and men of the regiment entitled to receive them.
103
The regiment was then to return to Fort Hamilton, under the escort of the Common Council.
The Committee also concluded to furnish the regiment refreshments on board of the boat, both on coming up from and returning to the boat.
In order the more fully to carry out a portion of the foregoing arrangements,
Messrs. Schultz, Hibbard and Small, and the Chairman of the Committee, were appointed a sub-Committee to pro- cure a suitable boat for the occasion.
Messrs. Schultz, Libby and Small, were also appointed a sub-Committee, to cause the necessary refreshments to be furnished.
On account of the large number of guests to be received at Fort Hamilton on board of the boat, it was concluded that no invitations should be extended to accompany the Common Council, except to Major-General Sandford, Brig- adier-Generals Storms, Morris, Hall and Ewen, with their respective staffs, and the members of the press.
A special invitation was directed to be sent to Major General Scott, then being on a visit for the benefit of his health at Rockaway, Long Island. The same was subse- quently dispatched by a special messenger.
The Committee had at first intended to embrace a civic and military procession ; but after further consideration, it was determined to dispense with the civic portion of it, so as to have a purely military one, it being in the opinion of the Committee, more consonant with the occasion.
104
ACCORDINGLY THE FOLLOWING ORDERS ISSUED BY THE VARIOUS COMMANDERS OF THE
3ililttarq,
WERE LAID BEFORE THE COMMITTEE
FIRST DIVISION— N. Y. S. M.
DIVISION ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
This division will parade on Thursday next, the 27th inst., (in concurrence with the arrangements made by the Corporation of the city, for the purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, upon their trium- phant return from the battle-fields of Mexico.
The division line will be formed upon tlie Battery, with the riglit on VVhiteliall, at quarter past ten o'clock, a. m., precisely, immediately after wliich the Volunteers will be received by the division.
The salute, upon the landing of the Volunteers at Castle Garden, will be fired, under the direction of Brigadier- General Morris of the second brigade.
Brigadier-General Hall, of the third brigade, will direct two troops of horse to report to the Division Inspector upon
105
the Battery, at 10 o'clock, precisely, and a troop to report to the Major-General at the same hour, at his quarters, for escort duty.
By order of
C. W. SANDFORD,
Major-General. R. C . Wetmore, Division Inspector.
FIRST BRIGADE— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
This brigade will, in pursuance with division orders, parade on Thursday next, the 27th instant, for the pur- pose of receiving the First Regiment of New York Volun- teers. 'J'he line will be formed on the Battery, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
By order of
Brigadier General STORMS.
J. A. BoGART, Brigade Major.
H. Johnson Storms, Aid-de-Camp.
106
SECOND BRIGADE— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
In compliance with division orders of this date, the brigade will parade on Thursday next, the 27th instant, for the purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York Volunteers.
The line will be formed on the Battery at 10 o'clock, A. M , precisely.
The national salute will be fired by the fourth regiment, upon the landing of the troops.
Col, Yates will make a requisition upon the Commissary- General for the necessary ammunition.
By order of
Brigadier General JMORRIS.
Fred'k a. Woodworth,
Acting Brigade-Major.
107
THIRD BRIGADE— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
In compliance with the above Division order, this Brig-ade will parade on Thursday next, the 27th instant, for the purpose of receiving- the First Regiment New York Volunteers.
The line will be formed on the Battery, at 10 o'clock, A.M., precisely.
Brigade staff will assemble at the General's quarters, at half past nine o'clock, a. m.
The resignation of Colonel Ebenezer Jessup, of the Ninth Regiment, has been accepted, and he is honorably discharged the service. Lieut. Col. Ferris will assume the command of said regiment, until further orders.
Colonel Ferris will direct the troop of horse belonging to the Ninth Regiment, as an escort to the Brigadier General, to report at his quarters, at No. 16 White street, at half past 9 o'clock.
By order of
W. HALL, Brigadier General. Jno. S. Northrop, ^id.
108 FOURTH BRIGADE— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
BRIGADE ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
In compliance with Division orders of this date, the Brigade will parade on Thursday next, the 27th inst., for the purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York Volunteers.
The line will be formed on the Battery at 10 o'clock, A. M. precisely.
By order of
Brigadier General JOHN EWEN.
, Brigade Major.
FIRST REGIMENT— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS.
New York, July 25, 1848.
In compliance with Brigade orders, this regiment will parade fully uniformed, armed and equipped, on Thursday next, the 27th inst.
109
The regimental line will form on the Battery, the right on Whitehall street, at half past 9 o'clock, a. m.
By order of
JOHN STEWART, Colonel. Isaac 0. Hunt, Adjutant.
SECOND REGIMENT— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
REGIMENTAL ORDER.
New York, July 25, 1848.
In pursuance of Division and Brigade orders of this date, this regiment will parade in full uniform on Thursday, 27lh inst,, at 9 o'clock, a. m.
The regimental line will be formed in Mercer street, right on Broome street.
By order of
C. B. SPICER,
Lieut. Col. Commanding.
W. M. PosTLEY, Adjutant,
110
HEAD QUARTERS.
THIRD REGIMENT (hUZZARS) M. S. N. Y.
New York, July 25, 1848.
" General Orders, July 24, 1848," are hereby promul- gated to this command for its government.
In compliance with Division and Brigade orders, this Regiment will |)arade on Thursday next, the 27th inst., in concurrence witii the arrangements made with the Corpo- ration of the city, for the purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, upon their triumphant return froua the battle fields of Mexico.
The assemblee will be on the usual ground, at St. John's square, at half past 9 o'clock, a. m., of said day.
By order of
S. BROOKE POSTLEY, Colonel,
Commanding Third Regiment
(Huzzars) M. S. N. Y.
C. D. Stiles, Jidjutant. , Sergeant-Major.
Ill FOURTH REGIMENT— N. Y. S. M.
New York, July 25, 1848.
Order No. 44.
The foregoing" Division and Brigade orders are promul- gated for the information and government of this regiment.
In compliance therewilli this regiment will parade as cavalry and light artillery, on Thursday, the 27th instant. The line will be formed in White street, the right on Broadway, at 8 o'clock, a. m., precisely. Cavalry and drivers in dark, artillery in light pantaloons.
Commissary General Stewart will furnish the ammuni- tion necessary for a national salute.
Horsemen, and all acting as drivers, Avill report their horses at the Arsenal yard, at 7 o'clock, a. m.
Quarter Master Alford will report to the Commissary General the number of pieces and ditto of harness required, at least one day prior to the parade, and will see that every piece is furnished with ammunition and proper equipments.
By order of
CHAS. YATES, Colonel. Jas. p. Pond, Adjutant.
J. F. Smith, Sergeant -Major.
112
FIFTH REGIMENT— N. Y. S.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS.
New York, July 24, 1848.
Pursuant lo Division and Brigade orders, this regiment will parade fully uniformed, armed and equipped, on Thursday, the 27th instant, for the purj)ose of receiving" the Regiment of New York Volunteers on their return from Mexico.
The regimental line will be formed in Broome street, the right on Broadway, at 9 o'clock, a. m., precisely,
Company F. will escort the colors to the ground.
The Colonel gives notice that he will hear appeals from non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates, from fines incurred at the above parade, at (he drill room, over Centre market, on Monday, the 7th day of i\.ugust, at 4 o'clock, p. M.
By order of
ANDREW WARNER, Colonel.
Samuel Coulter, Adjutant.
113
GOVERNOR'S GUARD— SIXTH REGIMENT.
SECOND BRIGADE N. Y. S. MILITIA.
Order No. 4.
New York, July 24, 1848.
In pursuance of Brig-acle orders, this regiment will pa- rade on Thursday morning- next, the 27th instant, fully uniformed, armed and equipped (white pants and without knapsacks), for the purpose of receiving the First Regi- ment of New York Volunteers, just returned from the bat- tle-fields of Mexico.
The line will be formed in Varick street, opposite St. John's church, at half-past 8 o'clock, precisely.
Edwin J. Mercer is hereby appointed adjutant of this regiment, and will be respected accordingly.
Acting Adjutant Dunham will be relieved from his du- ties as adjutant, after the parade of the 27th instant, with thanks of the Colonel, for tlie able and efficient manner he has discharged the duties of that office.
By order of
THOS. F. PEERS, Colonel.
W. 0. Dunham, Acting- Adjutant.
114
SEVENTH REGIMENT— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
REGIMENTAL ORDER.
No. 13.
New York, July 25, 1848.
In compliance with Brig-ade orders, this day received, this regiment will parade, fully uniformed, armed and equipped (with white pants,) on Thursday next, the 27th instant for the purpose of receiving" the New York Volun- teers, on their return from Mexico.
The line will form in front of the City Hall, at half-past
9, A. M.
By order of
COLONEL BREMNER. J. L. Morgan, Adjutant.
EIGHTH REGIMENT— N. Y. S. MILITIA.
HEAD QUARTERS WASHINGTON GREYS.
Order No. 18.
New York, July 25, 1848. In compliance with Brigade orders of the 24th inst.,this regiment will parade on Thursday next, the 27th inst., to
115
join^in the reception of the First Reg-iment New York State Volunteers, recently returned from their brilliant Mexican campaign.
Captain .Varian will report with his troop to the Major General, at a quarter before ten o'clock, a. m., at his quar- ters, No. 110 Chambers street, for escort duty.
The reg-imentalj line will be formed in the Park, right resting on Beekman street, at 9 o'clock, a. m., precisely.
By order of
Lieut. Col. WM. BORDEN.
Jas. Henry Dyer, Acting Adjutant. Jno. V. Harriott, Serg't Major.
HEAD QUARTERS. NINTH REGIMENT— NEW YORK STATE MILITIA.
NATIONAL CADETS ORDER NO. 2.
New York, July 24, 1S48.
In compliance with Division and Brigade orders, for the purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York
116
Volunteers, this regiment will parade, fully uniformed, armed and equipped (except knapsacks), and white panta- loons, on the regimental parade ground, Broome street, right resting on Broadway, on Thursday the 27th July instant.
The regimental line will be formed at 9 c'clock, a. m.
The commandant of each company is directed, at each roll call on the day of parade, to read or cause to be read to his company the following notice, and also to have the same printed in his company order.
The commanding officer of this regiinent, in accord- ance with the statute in such case made and provided, gives notice that he will attend at Military Hall, No, 193 Bowery, in the city of New York, on Thursday the 3d day of Au- gust next, at 8 o'clock, p. m., and will then and there hear all appeals that may be made to him, for the remission of any penalty incurred by any non-commissioned officer or private under his command.
•
The resignation of Colonel Ebenezer Jessup has been accepted by the Brigadier General, and by brigade orders he is honorably discharged from the service.
By order of
B. CLINTON FERRIS,
Lieut. Col. Commanding .
J. Van Winkle, Adjutant.
117
TENTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA.
KEGIMENTAL ORDERS.
New York, July 25, 1848.
In compliance with Division and Brigade orders of the 24th inst., this regiment will parade, fully uniformed and equipped, with white pantaloons (and without knapsacks), on Thursday next, the 27th of July inst., for the purpose of receiving- the First Regiment of New York Volunteers.
The regimental line will be formed on Hanover square, at 9 o'clock and 30 minutes, a. m., precisely.
The commander of the regiment gives notice, that he will attend at Mihtary Hall, No. 193 Bowery, on Wednes- day, the 16th of August next, at 8 o'clock, p. m., and will then and there hear all appeals that may be made to him, for the remission of any penalty incurred by any non- commissioned officer or private of said companies.
The captain of each company is directed to read or cause to be read, at roll-call, the above notice to his company.
By order of
CoL. WILLIAM HALSEY. James R. Dodge, Acting- Adjutant.
118
WASHINGTON GUARD. ELEVENTH REGIMENT— N. Y. STATE MILITIA.
ORDERS NO. 13.
Head Quarters, City of New York, ) July 25, 1848. \
In compliance with the preceding" Division and Brigade orders, this regiment will parade in full uniform, on Thurs- day, the 27th instant.
The line will be formed at 9 o'clock, a. m., in Broome street, right on Crosby street.
By order of
Col. ROBERT C. MORRIS. John P. Prall, Adjutant.
HEAD QUARTERS— 12tli REGIMENT— N. Y. S.
REGIMENTAL ORDERS— NO. 4.
New York, July 24, 1848.
In pursuance of the foregoing Division and Brigade orders, this regiment will parade on Thursday next, the 27th instant.
119
The regimental line will be formed in Chambers street, right on Broadway, at 9 o'clock, a.m.
The Court of Appeals, for the above parade, will be held at the Branch Hotel, No. 36 Bowery, on Friday, August 4th, at 8 o'clock, p.m.
By order of
H. G. STEBBINS, Col.
John M. Keeler, Adjutant.
A vacancy having occurred in the Committee appointed on the part of the Board of Aldermen, in consequence of the lamented decease of the late Alderman Robert Svvart- wout, Alderman Crolius was appointed by the Committee to fill the same.
The arrangements being now fully completed, and the various sub-Committees having reported,
Messrs. De Forest, Schultz and Miller were appointed a sub-Committee to prepare a programme of arrangements? for the proposed reception.
The sub-Committee subsequently reported the following, which was adopted and published under the direction of the Joint Committee :
PROGRAMME OF ARRANGEMENTS
OF THE
RECEPTION
OF THE
FIRST REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS,
ON THEIR RETURN FROM MEXICO,
BY THE
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE APPOINTED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
The Common Council will, at 8 o'clock, on Thursday morning, the 27th inst., proceed in the steamboat Columia, Captain Fuller, (which has been generously tendered for tlie occasion, by the proprietors of the People's Line,) to Fort Hamilton, where they will receive on Board the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, and return with them to the city, landing at Castle Garden at about ten o'clock.
On the approach of the steamboat to the Battery, and during the landing of the Volunteers, a salute will be fired
121
therefrom, under the direction of Brigadier General Morris. They will then proceed to the Garden, where the Mayor will receive and welcome them to the city.
The ceremonies of reception being concluded, the Vol- unteers will be received by the First Division New York State Militia, under the command of Major General Sand- ford, formed in line on the Battery, with the highest mili- tary honors.
Immediately thereafter the line of military will break into column, and the procession will march in the following order :
^t Iixst Wwmon—'Nm gork Btatt iHUttia,
UNDER COMMAND OF
MAJOR GENERAL SANDFORD,
CONSISTING OF
THE FIRST BRI^ABE,
COMMANDED BY
BRIGADIER GENERAL STORMS,
COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS, VIZ :
First — Horse Artillery Col . Stewart.
Second — Imfantry Col. Spicer.
Third — Cavalry ;. . Col. Postley-
122 ITHE i^JSCO'I^B BRIGADE,
COMMANDED BY
BRIGADIER GENERAL MORRIS.
composed of the following regiments, viz :
Fourth — Light Artillery Col. Yates.
Fifth — Infantry Col. Warner.
Sixth — Infantry Col. Peers.
THE TSIIKB BRIC^ABIE:,
COMMANDED BY
BRIGADIER GENERAL HALL,
COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS, VIZ :
Seventh — Infantry Col . Bremner.
Eighth — Infantry Col . Borden .
Ninth — Infantry Col. Ferris .
THE FOURTH BRIGADi:,
COMMANDED BY
BRIGADIER GENERAL EWEN,
COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS, VIZ C
Tenth — Infantry , Col. Halsey .
Eleventh — Infantry Col. Morris .
Twelfth — Infantry Col. STEBBiys.
123 B AIVD.
®lje Jirst Heglmcnt of l^m Hock iJoluntecrs,
COMMANDED BY
COL. WARD B. BURNETT,
WITH THE FOLLOWING FIELD AND STAFF I
Lieutenant CoL James C. Burnham, Major Garret Dyckman, Adjutant James S. McCabe, Commissary J. F. Hutton, Quarter-Master Israel Miller, Surg-eon Mina B. Halstead, Sergeant-Major Patrick O'Gorman, Quarter-Master Sergeant E. McCutcheon.
and consisting of the following companies, viz : COMPANY A.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM FORIIY.
COMPANY B.
captain ALFRED W. TAYLOR.
COMPANY C.
captain GEORGE B. HALL.
COMPANY D.
captain jay p. TAYLOR.
124
THE COLORS OF THE REGIMENT,
In charge of several officers who were promoted for their
gallantry iu bearing the same at the battles of
Churubusco and Chapultepec.
COMPANY E.
CAPTAIN ROBERT A. CARTER.
COMPANY F.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL S. GALLAGHER.
COMPANY G.
CAPTAIN DANIEL D. HUNGERFORD.
COMPANY H.
CAPTAIN ADDISON FARNSWORTH.
COMPANY I.
CAPTAIN MORTON FAIRCHILD.
COMPANY K.
CAPTAIN CHARLES H. INNES.
CHATHAM GUARD.
Military companies out of the city, and volunteer fire companies that wish to participate in the ceremonies of the reception, will be assigned a place therein, in the order in which they shall report themselves.
The procession thus formed, will then proceed up Broad- way to Park row, through Park row to Chatham street ; up Chatham street to East Broadway ; up East Broadway
125
to Grand street ; through Grand street to Broadway ; down Broadway to Cliambers street ; through Chambers street to Greenwich street ; down Greenwich street to the Battery.
When the head of the column arrives at the Battery, the military will form into line, and the Volunteers will pass in front of the line into ihe Garden.
After the return of the Volunteers to the Garden, they will be drawn up therein in close columns, when the Pres- ident of the Board of Aldermen, Morris Franklin, Esq., will present them with the medals ordered by the Common Council, (and which have been prepared under the direc- tion of the Joint Medal Committee, appointed for that pur- pose) for their bravery and gallantry evinced in Mexico, especially in the battles of Churubusco and Chapultepec, in which they were so conspicuously engaged.
The presentation of the medals being concluded, the STANDARD presented to the Regiment by the Corporation of the city of New York, immediately preceding their de- parture for Mexico, on which is emblazoned the coat-of- arms of the city, and which, after being triumphantly borne in the various battles in which the Regiment was engaged, was the first to float from the walls of Chapultepec, will be delivered by Col. Burnett, commander of the Regiment, to his Honor the Mayor, who will receive the same, as well as the other colors of the Regiment, in behalf of the city.
The ceremonies of the day being thus concluded, the Volunteers will then proceed again on board of the steam- boat, and return to Fort Hamilton in company with the Common Council.
126
The proprietors of public buildings, and the masters and owners of vessels in port, are respectfully requested to dis- play their flags during the day.
The owners and drivers of all public and licensed car- riages and vehicles are directed to withdraw them from the streets through which the procession is to pass ; and the owners of private vehicles are requested to comply with the same.
The Chief of Police is charged with the enforcement of the above order.
By order of the Committee of Arrangements,
WASHINGTON SMITH,
T. R. DE FOREST,
JAMES S. LIBBY,
CLARKSON CROLIUS,
NIEL GRAY,
MORRIS FRANKLIN, President.
Committee on the part of the Board of Aldermen .
TIMOTHY R. HIBBARD, A. H. SCHULTZ, ROBERT P. GETTY, JEDEDIAH MILLER, JOSEPH JAMISON, WILSON SMALL, President.
Committee on the part of the Board of Assistants.
127
THE DAY
Having arrived, in accordance with the arrangements, most of the members of the Common Council, accompanied by- several oflficers attached to the military of the city, and also some belonging to the regiment, as well as several mem- bers of the press, assembled on board of the steamboat Cohambia, at the foot of Beach street, and within a few minutes after eight o'clock, the hour fixed for the departure, were on the way to the Fort.
After stopping a short time at Governor's Island, for the purpose of taking on board the United States Band, sta- tioned there, the boat proceeded on her way and arrived at Fort Hamilton at about nine o'clock.
Immediately thereafter, a procession was formed in the following order :
BAND.
COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL.
OFFICERS BELONGING TO THE MILITARY OF THE CITY, ALSO
OF THE REGIMENT ON BOARD.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
Which proceeded to the brow of the hill or bluff, where it was received by the Regiment, drawn up in line, with arms presented.
128
After a review, and the execution of several military manoeuvres vv^hich were performed with great precision, the Regiment broke into column, and being preceded by the band, and accompanied by the members of the Common Council and others, thence marched to the boat, and all being on board, were soon on their way to the city .
A substantial breakfast, under the direction of the sub- Committee appointed for that purpose, had been prepared on board of the boat, to which the Volunteers were invited soon after the departure from Fort Hamilton.
The boat soon neared the city, and swept past the Bat- tery amid the discharge of cannon, and the cheering of the vast multitude of citizen soldiery and others, assembled there to greet the return of these men after their participa- tion in some of the most brilliant triumphs of American valor.
After continuing a short distance up the Nortli river, she turned and proceeded towards the Garden pier, where she arrived at half-past ten o'clock, a. m.
The members of the Common Council and others having proceeded from the boat into the Castle, the Volunteers were then landed, under a National Salute, fired by the Fourth Light Artillery, Col. Yates, under the direction of Brigadier General Morris, and marched inio the Garden, preceded by the band from Governor's Island, playing " Home, Sweet Home," where they were received by the immense gathering of citizens, with deafening and long- continued cheering.
The Regiment was then brought into close column im- mediately in front of the stage, on which were assembled
129
his Honor the Mayor of the city, the Joint Committee of Arrangements, and the remaining members of the Com- mon Council, wearing" rosettes and badges commemorative and explanatory of the occasion.
The word, "order arms" being obeyed with precision, the colors were brought in front, and the officers ordered in advance of their companies.
When Alderman Franklin introduced to the officers and men of the regiment, his Honor Mayor Havemeyer.
The Mayor thereupon made the following impressive and eloquent
ADDRESS TO THE REGIMENT:
" Fellow Citizens :
In the name of the municipal authorities, and in behalf of the people whom they represent, I bid you a cordial welcome to the city. We receive you, returning to your homes, your friends and your kindred, from the scenes of your toils and sacrifices, and of your heroic achieve- ments, with proud satisfaction.
" But little more than a year and a half ago, in obedience to the call of our common country, you left us, and within that period have shared all the perils and all the honors of the campaign in Mexico, from its commencement at Vera Cruz, until its close at the National palace at the capital.
" We have watched you through all this rapid and bril- liant career, with solicitude, and we may add, with satis- faction. We have seen you safely landing upon a hostile 9
130
shore, in the face of an enemy protected by a castle hither- to considered invincible ; an act, under attendant circum- stances, exhibiting in your commander a remarkable ex- ample of military skill, and in you, our citizen soldiers, the order and discipline of veterans.
" We have followed you after the fall of the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa, marching towards the enemy's capital, under the immediate command of the gallant Shields ; sharing in the brilliant victory on the heights of Cerro Gordo, and foremost in the pursuit of the retreating foe. At Contreras holding successfully the less conspicuous, but important position assigned to you. At Churubusco, bear- ing a conspicuous part in that desperate and fatal conflict, and heading the first charge, with the loss of large numbers of your comrades.
"We have seen you crowning your honors by your achievements in the final battle before the walls of Mex- ico, foremost in struggling up the steep ascents of Chapul- tepec, to storm the last strong-hold of the foe, and throw- ing to the breeze from his proud castle, first of all, the American flags which you received from the authorities of our city, and an association of our citizens, and which, with their staffs broken and shattered, and folds torn, you now bring back covered with glory, borne and commanded by the same brave men who carried them triumphantly through the storms of battle, from the heights of Cerro Gordo to the Halls of the Montezumas .
" We have seen your ranks diminished by the death and disease of many of your brave comrades. We have lamented with you the fall of Chandler, at Churubusco ; Baxter
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Pearson and Van Olinda, at Chapultepec ; of Barclay and Gallagher, and many otiiers, if less conspicuous, not less brave or less worthy.
" You return to us little more than one-third of your orig-nal number. More than as many as now compose your gallant corps have perished in battle, or by disease, and most of the others have preceded you, disabled by wounds or by sickness. The small number of you who have sur- vived the chances of the battle field, and the still greater perils of the climate, and the condition in which you re- turn; the wounds of some ; the disabled and wasted forms of others ; those torn banners, too, tell more strongly than words, the desperate nature of the service in which you have been engaged. None but you can fully know the hardships you have endured — none but you can so well appreciate the blessings of the peace which has crowned your victories.
" The events of the war, now happily past, in which you have borne so conspicuous a part, have elevated the character of our country for tnilitary capacity and resources, by showing in your example, the readiness with which its citizens assume and fulfill, successfully, all the responsibili- ties of disciplined soldiers. In this respect, not less than in the renown of our arras, have your sufferings and sacri- fices conferred great and lasting benefits upon the country, and they will confer still greater, if, by your experience, they shall teach us properly to estimate the blessings of peace.
" In returning to the associations of civil life, you will carry with you the respect and favor of the communities of which you are members, and your ambition need aim no
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higher than to preserve in the walks of civil life, the sen- timents which your bravery in the field has inspired.
" Once more, as the organ of the public authorities, I tender to you a most cordial welcome, — a welcome which I am sure our citizens are most anxiously waiting to repeat for themselves."
A burst of applause, repeated and continued for some time, from those of our citizens assembled within the Castle, evidenced their approval of the welcome extended by his Honor the Mayor, in behalf of the city, to the brave men composing the regiment. After the same had subsided,
Colonel Burnett replied to the address as follows :
" Sib : — We are deeply and gratefully impressed with the evidence of kindness and approbation evinced by the glo- rious and most gratifying reception which the city of New York lias this day given to us. The flattering manner in which you have been pleased to allude to the conduct of the regiment, awakens the most agreeable emotions and yields the highest degree of satisfaction ; and we shall ever feel grateful to our fellow-citizens for this most cordial welcome.
" To know that the conduct of the regiment, throughout the long and arduous campaign just closed, has secured the approbation of the people of the great state, which it had the honor to represent, affords us no ordinary gratifica- tion. It is the hope of securing it that cheers the soldier in the performance of the most difficult duty, and when attained, constitutes his highest reward.
" Our joy on this occasion, however, is diminished by the sad reflection that many of our companions who left home
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with us a brief period since, with hig-h hopes, and an hon- orable ambition to serve their country, are not now with us to participate in your generous reception, and to share with us your distinguished honors. Unfortunately, many have yielded up their lives in patriotic devotion to their country, and all that is left is the memory of their gallant deeds.
" Of the conduct of the regiment, it does not become us to speak. Its acts are now before the country, and have become a part of its history ; and if they have been such as to secure the approbation of the state, which sent us to the field, and of the Union, our highest ambition will have been attained. We can only say, that we endeavored to do our duty, and to sustain as far as it was in our power, the honor of the country and of the Empire State. How far we have succeeded, we leave to others to determine, satisfied that our countrymen will do us justice.
" As this will be the last occasion on which we shall thus meet, I cannot omit the opportunity of presenting to you, the officers and men, and bearing testimony to their devo- tion to the state, and of commending them to the kind consideration and gratitude of the people.
" In conclusion, allow me to return our sincere thanks for your cordial welcome, and to assure you, and the citizens of New York, that this occasion will long be remembered, and reverted to as a proud event."
Colonel Burnett was repeatedly cheered by those present during the delivery of the reply, as well as at its conclusion.
The regiment then re-formed, and being preceded by his Honor the Mayor, and the members of the Common Coun- cil, marched to the
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BATTERY,
and thence along- the line of military, under command of Major General Sandford.
Its reception here was beyond description. The enthu- siasm of the soldiery, as this brave but shattered regiment passed along their lines, overcame the restraint of military discipline, and gave vent in loud and long continued cheering, to their admiration of its gallantry upon the bloody but victorious fields of Mexico.
The military soon afterwards broke into column, and took up their line of march as an escort to the Volunteers ; the van of the
PROCESSION
being led by the " Tiger Guards," of Brooklyn, and the rear brought up by the " Chatham Guards" of this city.
The procession then moved up Broadway to Park row ; through Park row and Chatham street to East Broadway ; up East Broadway to Grand street ; through Grand street to Broadway ; down Broadway to Chambers street ; through Chambers to Greenwich street, thence down Greenwich street to the Battery, as laid down in the Programme of Arrangements for the day.
When the head of the procession arrived at the Battery, it halted, the military formed into line, with arms pre- sented, and the Volunteers, under the immediate escort of the " City Guard," marched past them into the Battery, and from thence again into the interior of Castle Garden.
135
The reception that these gallant and patriotic men re- ceived as they marched through the various streets, was all that the most sanguine heart of them could have de- sired. Every where, from their entrance into Broadway from the Battery, until their return to the Garden, the liveliest and most enthusiastic demontrations of joy at their return, and of admiration of their bravery, was exhi- bited on the part of the thousands of inhabitants and strangers that densely crowded the streets, filled the win- dows and balconies, and lined the tops of the houses and public buildings along the route of the procession.
After the Volunteers had returned to
CASTLE GARDEN,
They formed into close column in front of the stage, which was occupied by his Honor the Mayor, the Committee of Arrangements and the remaining members of the Com- mon Council, together with Major General Sandford and his staff, and several other distinguished officers connected with the military of the city, as well as a number of emi- nent citizens and strangers. The other parts of the build- ing were densely crowded by the military and other citizens.
The presentation of the
COLORS
of the regiment to the city, being the next order of ar- rangement, the national and regimental ones, together with two small ones, used as guide colors, were brought in
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advance, borne by the same officers, who had carried them so g-allantly in Mexico, and were presented in behalf of the regiment, by
COLONEL BURNETT,
Who, on the occasion, delivered the following address :
" In the month of January, 1847, the New York Regi- ment, numbering about eight hundred men, left this city, under my command, to serve during the war with Mexico.
" Before our departure, the Corporation of the city of New York, gave us a stand of colors, and a society of pa- triotic citizens, the Texas and Oregon Association, a na- tional flag. These were presented to the regiment, for- mally, at the Island of Lobos, in Mexico, where a solemn oath was taken by every officer and soldier, that no enemy should capture them while life was spared to defend them.
" The close of the war, and the disbanding of the regi- ment, have induced us to request the authorities of the city to take into their charge those sacred emblems of our State and Nation, that they may be preserved as the eloquent, though silent relics, of the shattered remnants of the regi- ment that pledged and gave, in defending th^m, their hearts' blood and their lives.
" The devotion and reverence of a soldier for his colors can scarcely be realized by one who has not fought under them in a foreign land. The stars and stripes reminded us of our duty to the Union, and the arms of the city and state, with the motto ' Excelsior,' impelled us to emulate the gallant deeds of the army, who had already covered themselves with imperishable glory.
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" These colors were the companions of the regiment at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapul- tepec, the Garde de Bolin, and upon the Grand Plaza of the city of Mexico. From the time of their reception at Lobos Island to this day, they have been revered and honored as the life and soul of that 'morale' which gives unity and power to a regiment in the hour of battle They were ever in the advance in the hands of those who bear them now, and always our beacon light 'to victory. The wounded and the dying would look to them in their last moments, and smile to see them planted in triumph upon the works of the enemy, amidst the cheers of the living.
'' Our oath to preserve them has been fulfilled. There are now consigned to your charge — peace is declared, and may God, in his infinite mercy, grant it may be a lasting one with all the world. But should our country again re- quire our services, she will find us ever ready to rally under her banners, and to serve her with never-dying zeal and devotion."
The Mayor replied as follows :
" On behalf of the municipal authorities, I receive with pride and gratification these flags, one of which was their gift; the other, that of an association of our citizens, and which you now return to the city.
" When they were presented to you, you promised tliat they should never be surrendered to an enemy or dis- graced, and the noble manner in which that pledge has been redeemed, has proved you worthy of the confidence which was reposed in your gallantry and patriotism.
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" When you first received them, although their histre was untarnished, they had but httle value, except that of their beautiful texture : they come back to us dimmed with the smoke and dust of battle, with their staflTs shattered and their folds rent ; but consecrated by your toils and suffer- ings fo imperishable renown.
They will be placed in the archives of our city, as a memento to our citizens of your services to your country, and they will transmit the story of your sacrifices and achievements to future generations."
The beautiful blue-silken flag presented to the regi- ment in the city of Mexico, by Major General Scott, and on Avhich the United States coat-of-arms and the name of the regiment are richly embroidered, was next presented by
Lieutenant Colonel James C. Burnham, as follows :
" Gentlemen :
It gives me great pleasure to present to you the flag pre- sented to the regiment, by General Scott, after the battle at the city of Mexico. It was made by the hands of the ladies of Mexico, and now with the battered standard of the regiment, we present it to you."
The Mayor, in response, said :
" I accept likewise, with great satisfaction, this magnifi- cent banner, a beautiful specimen of the handiwork of Mexican ladies, and presened to you by General Scott, as a testimonial of his approbation of your gallant conduct, to be placed side by side with the others which I have re- ceived."
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" Representing the governments of the Union and the State, and associated as they will hereafter be, may they be emblematical of the harmony and fraternity which should ever characterize the relations of the state with the Union, and of the Union with the other Republics of the American continent."
THE COLORS AND FLAG
Having been taken charge of by the Committee, were sub- sequently conveyed by a portion of them, under the escort of the " City Guard," to the City Hall.
After the conclusion of the ceremonies of the presentation and reception of the colors and flag of the regiment, the
MEDALS,
Ordered by the Common Council, and prepared under the direction of the Joint Committee appointed for that pur- pose, were then presented to the officers and men of the reginjent, by Morris Franklin, Esq., President of the Roard of Aldermen.
The following letter received by the Committee, from
MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT,
in reply to the invitation dispatched to him to participate in the ceremonies of the reception, was afterwards read by Alderman Franklin :
" RocKAWAY, July 26, 1848.
" Gentlemen : — I have, at this moment, the honor to receive (by a special messenger) your note of yesterday, in-
140
viting- me on the part of the Common Council, to be pres- ent to-morrow, at the reception of the first regiment of N. Y. Volunteers.
" Under this note and other circumstances, it would be as much a duty as a pleasure to comply with the flattering- invitation, because it would be in my power, within the limits of truth, to say much of tbat gallant and patriotic corps, which perhaps, might not be said with equal pro- priety by another than their late Chief Commander, on the fields which they have done so much to render glorious ; but I returned home very low in health, and have only within a few days been flattered with a return of strength, and I am certain that the exertion and excitement conse- quent on a meeting with the Common Council and my late brothers-in-arms, would throw me back in my recovery for many months, if not forever.
In haste, I have the honor to remain.
With the highest respect.
Your most obedient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Messrs. Washington Smith,
and others, Committee, &c."
The volunteers exhibited the liveliest interest during the reading of this letter from their beloved and distinguished late Chief Commander ; and their enthusiastic and soul- stirring cheering at the mention of his name, showed the depth of their affection and veneration for him who had led them on from victory to victory, from Vera Cruz to the ancient capitol of the Montezumas.
141
The regiment then re-formed, and in company with the Committee of Arrangements, members of the Common Council and several distinguished military officers and cit- izens, embarked at about six o'clock, p. m., on board of the " Columbia," then lying at the Castle pier, to
RETURN TO FORT HAMILTON.
An excellent lunch had been prepared for them on board of the boat, of which they partook during the trip.
Arrived at Fort Hamilton, the Volunteers went on shore, where they formed, and thence marched, under the escort of the members of the Common Council, Major General Sandford and staff, and several other distinguished military officers and citizens who accompanied them in the boat, to their camp, where leave was taken of them.
The Common Council and others then returned to the boat, and were soon on their way to the city, where they arrived, and were landed at the foot of Beach street, at about 8 o'clock, a. m.
Your Committee have thus reported a history of their proceedings, and of the ceremonies on the occasion of the reception of the brave and patriotic officers and men com- posing the gallant but shattered first regiment of New York Volunteers, on their return from Mexico.
The event was one not soon to be forgotten. From the time of the landing of the Volunteers at Castle Garden pier until their departure therefrom on their return to their camp at Fort Hamilton, the warmest and most enthusiastic demonstration of rejoicing met them at every point at
142
which they made their appearance — in the Garden, on the occasion of their reception, there by the municipal author- ities— on the Battery, by the military, as they passed along their lines — on the route of the procession, by the thousands of all ages, sexes and conditions, that lined the streets and doorways, and filled the windows, balconies and house- tops ; — again, at the Garden, on the occasion of the pre- sentation to the city of the Colors which they had sustain- ed with such gallantry — on the delivery to them of the Medlas, ordered by the Common Council — and on their departure to return to their camp at Fort Hamilton.
It was a welcome, sincere and cordial — a reception bril- liant and triumphant, which the citizens of New York, military, civic and others, this day extended and accorded to the brave men who had participated in the privations and sufferings, and shared in the glories and triumphs of that brilliant campaign, which has shed such lustre and cast such renown upon the American arms. At the landing and at the bombardment of Vera Cruz — the victory of Cerro Gordo — in the capture at Contreras — the route at Churu- busco — the storming of Chapultepec — at the Garde de Bolin — who had stood upon the Grand Plaza of the city of Mex- ico, and watched how proudly floated the stars and stripes of their beloved country from its ancient halls and palaces — placed there by the victories of the army of which they formed so distinguished a part.
Companies E, Captain Robert A. Carter, and H, Captain A. Fransworth, having been discharged and mustered out of service previous to the day of the reception, did not par- ticipate in its ceremonies.
Your Committee would take the opportunity of tendering their thanks to Major General Sandford, Brigadier Generals
143
Storms, Morris, Hall and Ewen, and to the military in general, for the manner in which they seconded the ar- rangements of the Committee.
To the proprietors of the People's line of steamboats, for their kind and generous tender of the use of the " Columbia," for the purposes of the Committee, on the day of the reception.
To Captain William A. Fuller, commander of the " Columbia," for his gentlemanly deportment and unre- mitting attention to the Common Council and their guests.
To Messrs. French & Heiser, lessess of Castle Garden, for the generous use of the Garden on the occasion.
Te George W. Matsell, Esquire, Chief of Police, for his excellent order of Police arrangements, and to his aids, and the Police generally, for the efficient manner in which the same were carried out.
And to all others who in any way aided the Committee in carrying out their arrangements.
The preamble and resolutions under which the Commit- tee acted, referred to a celebration at the same time, of the restoration of the blessings of peace between our own and the sister republic of Mexico.
This was happily combined in the ceremonies of the oc- casion of the welcome and reception of the Volunteers, as while our citizens exhibited their demonstrations warm and enthusiastic, of joy at their return and of admiration of their bravery, they, at the same time rejoiced in the return of the blessings of peace, which the gallant and heroic ' conduct of the American army, and of which the Regi-
144
ment formed so distinguished a portion, was mainly instru- mental in procuring-.
Your Committee also rejoice with their fellow-citizens in the return of those brave officers and men from the scenes of their toils and sufferings, and of their glories and triumphs, to their country and their homes, as well as in the restoration of the blessings of peace between our own and the Mexican nation. May it never be broken. But if it should be, either with her or with any other nation or people, the gallant conduct of the officers and men of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers upon the fields of Mexico — which we have tliis day so much honored — fully warrant us in the assurauce that the sons of New York, if called upon again, will be ever ready to fight the battles of their country, whether on a foreign soil or on their own repelling a foreign foe, and that where " the fight is thick- est, and the fire is hottest," there will they be found cover- ing both themselves and their country, as at Churubusco and Chapultepec, with imperishable glory.
WASHINGTON SMITH T. R. DE FOREST, JAMES S. LIBBY, CLARKSON CROLIUS, NIEL GRAY, MORRIS FRANKLIN,
President, ^
TIMOTHY R. HIBBARD, A. H. SCHULTZ, ROBERT P. GETTY, JEDEDIAH MILLER, JOSEPH JAMISON, WILSON SMALL,
President.
Committee on the part \ of the
Board of Aldermen.
Committee on the part )■ of the Board of Assistant Aldermen.
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