Report of Committee to Recruit the Ninth Army Corps. February to August, 1864

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REPORT OF COMMITTEE

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February to Angfnst, 1864.

PREPARED BY THE SECRETARY.

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JOHN W. AMERMAN, PRINTER,
No. 47 Cedae Stekkt.

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REPORT OF COMMITTEE

RECRUIT THE NINTH ARMY CORPS.

The Committee to Recruit the Ninth Army Corps respect-
fully submit a report of the receipt and expenditure of the
moneys entrusted to them for this purpose.

The Committee was appointed at a meeting held at the Fifth
Avenue Hotel, on the evening of the 30th January, 1864, in
pursuance of the following call :

New-York, ZQth January, 1864.
Dear Sir:

General Burnside has been authorized by the President to recruit
the Ninth Army Corps to 50,000 men, and head-quarters have been
established in this city for the purpose.

The record of the Ninth Army Corps is too well known to need
detailed mention. From Roanoke to Knoxville, through the campaigns
of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Vicksburg and East Tennessee,
it has fought its way to the noble fame it now enjoys.

Among its Regiments is the 51st New- York State Volunteers, raised
in this city in 1861, and now returned after severe campaigns. Four-
fifths of this regiment have re-enlisted, and are now anxious to fill up
their numbers and return to the field.

You are invited to meet with us at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, Room
H., Saturday evening next, 31st January, at 8 P. M., to consider how
the purpose of General Burnside may be best promoted.

John A. Stevens, John J. Cisco,

James M. Brown, M. II. Grinnell,

Jonathan Sturges, W. E. Dodge,

Thomas Tileston, George Opdyke.

A larcre gathering of influential citizens replied to the call,
and was eloquently addressed by General Burnside, after
which a Committee was appointed, consisting of

Messrs. James M. Brown,

Eobert B. Roosevelt,
Edward Potter,
Elliott F. Shepard,
J. Butler Wright,
John Austin Stevens, Jr.

The Committee organized without delay ; appointed Mr.
James M. Brown Chairman and Treasurer, and John Austin
Stevens, Jr., Secretary. .

The veteran organizations belonging to this State attached
to the Ninth Army Corps, which had re-enlisted, were the
Fifty-first and the Forty-sixth, (a German regiment.)

The Fifty-first was a Regiment particularly dear to the hearts
of New- York. It had been greatly distinguished for the gal-
lantry of its rank and file. Originally commanded by Colonel Fer-
rero, Lieut.-Colonel Robert B. Potter, and Major Charles
W. Le Gendre, the first two of these officers had been pro-
moted to the rank of Brigadier-General for merit, and the
third, Colonel Le Gendre, was now in command of the Regi-
ment. , ,

He was now appointed chief of the recruiting service
of the Ninth Corps, for the State of New-York. Establishing
his head-quarters at 598 Broadway, with the aid of his excel-
lent officers, conspicuous among whom was the lamented
Sims, he at once set upon the work assigned to him ; and the
Committee had but little to do except to raise and disburse the
necessary funds, in accordance with his wise suggestions. ^

In addition to these Regiments, at the request of Brigadier
General, now Major-General Robert B. Potter, then command-
ing the Second Division Ninth Corps, the Committee also
undertook to recruit for the 34th Battery of Artillery, then
under command of the gallant Lieut. Benjamin, who had dis-
tinguished himself so greatly at the siege of Knoxville, m the
defence of Fort Saunders. •

The labors of the Committee for the recruiting of the 51st
New- York had hardly commenced before the Regiment was
again ordered to the "West, leaving only a small detail to rep-
resent it in New-York.

Early in April it was ordered to Annapolis, where General-
Burnside had been instructed to establish the rendezvous of
the corps.

The head-quarters in New- York, of the Fifty-first Regi-
ment, were successively under the direction of Captains Sims,
Holbrook and Stuart, all of whom were active in their efforts
to fill up the ranks.

The payments were only made on the receipt of vouchers
from United States mustering officers, showing that the men
were in charge of the officers appointed by the War Department.

As the men were mustered, they were sent to Hart's Island,
one of the posts established to receive recruits.

The delays in forwarding the recruits to the Regiment caus-
ing some anxiety to the Committee as to whether the men
were likely to reach the organization for which they were des-
tined, the Secretary of the Committee, together with Captain
J. Stuart, at the time the recruiting officer for the Ninth Corps
in New-York, called at the rendezvous at Hart's Island, on
the 21st April, and received the following report :

DEPARTMENT OF OHIO.

S1M.JST. T. V. W&J&Z, V. VZthN. Y. v. Tc£.l{or
No. of Men received, 306 46 46 398

" sent to Army, 120 24 36 180

" at rendezvous, 186 22 10 218

306 46 46 398

When forwarded.

January 12, S 16 15

February 21, 45

" 29, 63

March 2, 9 8 21

120 24 36 180

(Signed,) Hanson E. Weaver,

First Lieut 8lh U. S. Infantry,
Mustering and Inspecting Officer of Post.

In the month of April the Ninth Corps moved from its
rendezvous at Annapolis and marched to join the Army of the
Potomac, then about to begin the great Virginia campaign :
while on the march the Fifty-first Regiment addressed the
following letter to the Committee :

Head-Quarters 51st Regt. N. Y. Vols., Infantry,
Near Bristow Station, Virginia, May 1, 1864.

At a meeting of the officers of the Fifty-first Regiment N. Y. Vet.
Vols. Infantry, held at Bristow Station, Va., on the 1st of May, 1864,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

First. — That the gratitude of the whole command has been won by
the Committee of the Ninth Army Corps for the City of New-York,
Messrs. James M. Brown, Robert B. Roosevelt, J. Butler Wright,
Robert Morris, Howard Potter, Elliott F. Shepard, John Austin
Stevens, Jr., for their generous and disinterested efforts to recruit
this Regiment to its full strength.

Second. — That as a special mark of esteem to John Austin Stevens,
Jr., the Secretary of the Committee, for the intimate identification of
himself with the interest of this Regiment, and his continuous efforts
for its special benefit, he be elected an honorary member of this
Regiment.

Third. — That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to each mem-
ber of the Committee, through its President, James M. Brown, Esq.,
and the original kept in the regimental records.

F. B. McReady,
Secretary of the Meeting and 1st Lieut.

Approved and respectfully forwarded to the President of the Com-
mittee, James M. Brown, Esq.

Charles W. Le Cendre,
Colonel 51st Regt. N. Y. V. V.

A few days later the Ninth Corps was thrown across the
Kapidan, and immediately became engaged in the desperate
series of engagements known as the Battle of the Wilderness.
Here, on the first day of action, its brave Colonel fell, badly
wounded by a ball which carried away one eye, and was
forced to leave the field. His health was so much shattered
by this second dangerous wound, that he was soon after com-
pelled to resign his command. The command devolved on

Major John G. Wright; the Lieut.-Col., R. C. Mitchell, act-
ing on the staff of Major- General Potter.

On the 19th May, the Eegiment addressed a further commu-
nication to the Committee :

Head-Quarters 51st Reg. N. Y. V. V., in the Field,
Spottsylvania Court-House, May 19, 1864.

John Austin Stevens, Jr., Esq.,

Secretary of Committee of Citizens of New-York,

engaged in Recruiting the Ninth Army Corps :

Dear Sir :

This hurried communication we send to you from our bivouac, near
the scene of yesterday's engagement, where the men of the Fifty-first
advanced against the foe, amidst a murderous fire, close to the face
of a scorching blaze of artillery.

Such has been the ceaseless character of our duties during the last
thirteen days that our present relief from duty seems almost unreal ;
our losses stare us in the face ; the turmoil of the fray is still before our
minds ; and in our heart lingers

" A deep feeling, like the moan
Of wearied ocean, when the storm is gone."

Our stay in this part of the field is uncertain. We know not how
soon we may be again engaged, and we can merely send a note of
acknowledgment of the services you have rendered us. About three
weeks since, during a temporary halt at Bristow Station, a meeting of
the officers was held and resolutions of thanks to the Committee were
passed ; but the Secretary of that meeting, Lieut. McReadt, having
been wounded in the Battle of the "Wilderness," on the 6th inst., the
resolutions have probably not reached you.

While actively engaged in trying to strengthen our organization, it
may be satisfactory to you to know that the Regiment has borne its
part in the patriotic struggle now so critical. Since May 6th, until
yesterday, the 18th, the Regiment has been constantly under fire ; and
during that time we have been in the very front of the three late engage-
ments, losing during the campaign one hundred and twenty-five in
killed and wounded. A large majority of these were old members of
the Regiment.

The command has suffered not only in numerical strength but in
health. The urgency of the service required of us has caused a longer
continuance of fatigue than usually occurs except in sieges.

" The feigned retreat ; the nightly ambuscade,
The daily harass, and the fight delayed ;
The weary vigil, and the scant supply,
Tho tentleas rest beneath the humid sky."

\

8

Of the number of recruits secured by your endeavors — * have

joined and shared the campaign with us, and we understand that other
squads are at Alexandria or on the way to join the Regiment.

"While acknowledging the work you have already done, we presume
to thank you for labors in our behalf yet unperformed, knowing that
in your peaceful homes you sympathize in the efforts in which we are
humbly assisting.

We remain, gentlemen, yours respectfully,

JOHN G. WRIGHT, Major Com'dg 51st JV. Y. V.
SAMUEL H. SIMS, Capt., ^Acting Lt. Col.
GEORGE W. WHITMAN, Capt. 51st Beg t. N. Y. V.
GEORGE A. TUTTLE,
CHARLES W. WALTER, « "

DAVID F. WRIGHT, " Co. B., "

FRANK BUTLER, 1st Lieut. « "

WM. F. ACKERSON, " Co. F. "
PALIN H. SIMS, » Co. G. "

LEONARD S. SCHOONMAKER, Co. E.
WILLIAM CALDWELL, Co. I. "
S. M. POOLEY, » Co. D. «

CHARLES H. BUNKER, Co. H. "
WILLIAM E. BABCOCK, U Lieut. Co. F. "
JAMES H. CARBERRY, " Co. A. "

Endorsed upon the back of the letter was the following
note :

Hanover Town, Mag 29, 1864.
J. A. Stevens, Jr., Esq. :

Sir, — Owing to the rapidity of our movements it has been impos-
sible for me to forward this communication earlier. I now improve
the chance of a special courier who is going to the rear with orders
for Gen. Burn side.

The troops are now in line of battle, and no doubt we will be en-
gaged to-morrow. All the officers join in wishing to be remembered
to you. .

I have the honor to be,

Your obd't serv't,

David F. Wright,
Capt. 51st N. Y. V. V.
Acting A. C. S., 2d Div., 9tk A. Corps.

* This blank occurs in the original.

9

The Fifty-first Regiment partook of the varied fortunes of
the Army of the Potomac to the close of the war. Before
Petersburg, in the affair of the mine, 30th July, 1864, the
Regiment suffered severely, and among its officers lost on that
deadly field was the gallant Sims, who fell while rallying the
retreating column. In one of the flanking movements for the
possession of the South Side Rail-Road, known as the battle
of Poplar Spuing Grove, 30th September, 1864, the division,
to which the 51st Regiment was attached, being thrown for-
ward in advance of its supports, was in great part captured by
the enemy, and only a small detail of the 51st remained.
Thus to their other sufferings in the cause was added that of
confinement in the loathsome prisons of Salisbury and Dan-
ville. The Regiment was returned under exchange in Feb-
ruary, 1865, and again joined Grant's army.

The following report from the Lieutenant-Colonel, John G.
Wright, in command of the Regiment at the time of its cap-
ture, first informed the Committee of the number of men who,
by desertion or from other causes, failed to report.

It will show the difficulty under which Regiments in the field
labored in keeping up their organizations, and how much the
51st N. Y. V. V. was indebted to the labors of the Committee
and of its friends at home :

Head-Quarters 51st Reg. N. Y. V. V.,
Alexandria, Va., May 12, 1865.
John Austin Stevens, Jr., Esq. :

Dear Sir, — Enclosed please find the rolls of men who were enlisted
from this Regiment, but who have never reported. The Regiment is
now on duty in this city, guarding United States military prisons, and
have the most comfortable quarters, the best rations and the lightest
duty they have had since their entry into service. We have two
hundred and sixty-one enlisted men present with the Regiment, and
the number is daily increasing. Quite a number of men who were re-
ported dead at Salisbury, N. C, have returned to the Regiment, and
others are expected, so I am in hopes the mortality will not prove as
great as has been reported. The health of both officers and enlisted
men is very good. If you should visit Washington to witness the
contemplated Review, I trust you will not fail to come down and see us.
Respectfully yours truly,

John G. Wright,
Lieut- Col. Commanding 5lst jY. Y. V. V.

10

The rolls reported 140 men, enlisted between February and
August, the time of the labors of the Committee, as having
failed to appear.

The missing men were gradually restored to the command,
and when the Kegiment at last returned to ISTew-York, where
it was originally raised under the name of the Shepakd Rifles,
in 1861, on the 25th July, 1865, 456 men were mustered out
and received their discharges.

During the period of their labors the Committee enlisted 667
men, of whom 564 were for the 51st Regiment, a fact which
furnishes a striking instance of the difficulty in keeping an
organization in the field, even with great outside exertions, un-
der the system adopted, perhaps of necessity, during the war.

The tables annexed show the disposition of the recruits and
the amount of money collected and expended by the Commit-
tee. In this connection it is proper to say, that the Committee
were able to collect from our liberal and public -spirited com-
munity as much money as they thought necessary for the pur-
pose they had in charge. "Without their efforts the 51st Regi-
ment could not have kept the field.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

By order.

John Austin Stevens, Jr.,

Secretary.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS

!un<l to |lcmtit the §Uh &m$ timp.

General Subscribers.

Feb. 11, 1864. Jonathan Sturges, $100 00

J. F. D. Lanier, 100 00

Morris Ketchum, 100 00

Moses H. Grinnell, 250 00

Liverraore, Clews & Co., 100 00

William H. Marston, 100 00

William Curtis Noyes, 100 00

National Bank Note Company, (by E. F. S.,) 100 00

Feb. 13. J. Butler Wright, 100 00

James Brown, 250 00

Howard Potter, 100 00

James M. Brown, 100 00

J. C. Brown, 100 00

C. S. Brown, 50 00

Feb. 17. Phelps, Dodge & Co., 100 00

J. Warren & Son, 50 00

Robert B. Roosevelt, 100 00

Spofford, Tilcston & Co., 1 00 00

Fisk & Hatch, 100 00

L. P. Morton & Co., 100 00

Charles Carow, 50 00

George Griswold, 100 00

John C. Green, 1 00 00

William F. Cary, 100 00

Hugh N. Camp, 100 00

C. N. Potter, 100 00

J. B. & W. W. Cornell & Co, '. . 100 00

Chas. Burrall Hoffman, 100 CO

J. G. King's Sons, 100 00

G. S. Robbins & Son, 100 CO

Moses Taylor 100 CO

Feb. 19. George C. Ward. 100 00

Carried forward, $3,350 00

12

Brought forward, $3,350 00

Feb. 19. James Lenox, 1,000 00

20. S. Gandy, 100 00

26. Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, 100 00

J. P. Moro-an & Co., 100 00

Morris K. Jesup & Co., 100 00

Thomas H. Faile, 100 00

Members of New- York Stock Exchange, through
Edward King.

Mch. 9. A. B. Baylis, $100 00

Seyton & Wainwright, 100 00

Edward King, 100 00

A. L. Corse & Co., 100 00

Ward, Campbell & Co., 100 00

W. & J. O'Brien, 50 00

Ward & Co., 50 00

D. Groesbeck & Co., 50 00

B. M., 50 00

Weeks & Co., 50 00

Fearing & Dalton, 50 00

George S. Rainsford, 50 00

Clark, Docile & Co., 50 00

Wm. H. Neilson, 25 00

Edward Wolff, 25 00

H. Meigs, Jr., & Smith, 50 00

1,000 00

17. D. Stinson, 250 00

April 21. G. S. Stephenson, 50 00

Stanton, Sheldon & Co., 50 00

Alex. Van Rensselaer, 100 00

Timothy G. Churchill, 25 00

22. Elliot C. Cowdin, 25 00

Marie & Kanz, 50 00

Wm. T. Blodgett, 100 00

E. D. Morgan & Co., 100 00

May 10. Wm. M. Vermilye, ■ 100 00

John E. Williams, Presd't, 100 00

Spraa;ue, Cooper & Colburn, 100 00

Van^Wyck, Townsend & Co., 100 00

Nehemiah Knight, 25 00

16. The New-York Produce Exchange, by Ar-
chibald Baxter, Pres't, 2,000 00

Carried forward, $9,025 00

13

Brought forward, $9,025 00

Special Subscription?, to close Account.

Mch. 30, 1865. James M. Brown, 100 00

Howard Potter, 100 00

J. Butler "Wright, G5 00

Robt. B. Roosevelt, 65 00

E. F. Shepard, 65 00

$9,420 00

Paid to J. M. Brown, Treas., $6,500

R. B. Roosevelt, Treas.,. . . 2,525
J. B. Wright and J. A.
Stevens, Jr., Committee

to close accounts, 395

$9,420 00

Disbursements of Committee to Recruit Ninth Army Corps.

In Drafts of Executive Committee, on James M. Brown, Treas.

Feb., 1864. To paid, in month of February, for recruits, $1,740 00

" Col. C. W. Le Gendre, expenses of

tour through State of New-York,
to establish agencies,. . . .$200 00

19, 1864. " John W. Oliver, printing

and posting, 88 00

22. " Telegram to Secretary of

War, 11 08

21. " Bill of January advertise-
ment, 24 30

27. " J. W. Oliver, printing, 25 75

29. " Advertisements, February, . 24 30

373 43

March. " in month of March, for recruits, . . 2,350 00

11. " Advertisements, City and

County, $31 23

14. " " " 38 90

19. " " " 40 85

17. " Printing, 7 00

" Telegram, 3 73

28. " John W.Oliver, 1000 mam-

moth posters, colors,. ... 125 00

246 71

April. " in month of April, for recruits, ... 1,770 00

" Capt. H. H. Holbrook, sundry ex-
penses of recruiting, 55 60

Carried forward, $6,535 74

May.

21.

14

Brought forward; $6,535 74

In Drafts of Executive Committee on Robert B.
Roosevelt, Treas.

To paid, in month of May, for recruits, . . . 2,410 00

" J. W. Oliver, printing, $9 00

" Advertising, 2 00

" Capt. J. J. Stuart, expenses

recruiting office, 12 40

" petty clerical assistance, ... 86

Mcb. 3, 1865.

Dec. 30, 1865.

24 26

(in cheque of Special Committee,)
by J. Butler Wright, John
Austin Stevens, Jr., to close ac-
counts, and settle outstanding
claims, " Hathorne," 400 00

Bill printing report, J. W.Amerman, 50 00

Recapitulation.
Paid for 667 recruits,

" Incidental expenses of Committee, &c.,..

3,670 00
750 00

),420 00

),420 00

Summary op Enlistments.

1864.

51st V. V.

46th V.V.

*S9th V.V.

34th
Battery.

Total.

February, . . .

94

0

11

0

105

March, . .

97

4

0

22

123

April, . .

143

8

0

34

185

May, . . .

57

8

1

15

81

June, . . .

6

0

0

0

6

July, . . .

55

0

0

0

55

August, . .

112

0

0

0

112

564

20

*12

71

667

The above is a summary of the number of men, and the
dates at which they were enlisted, into the different organiza-
tions attached to the Ninth Corps.

* Men enlisted into this Eegiment were paid for at the request of Gen. E. B.

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