Reports of the special committees appointed to make arrangements for bringing on from Mexico the bodies of the officers of the New York Regiment of Volunteers, and to prepare and present medals to the New York Regiment of Volunteers, also, to make the necessary arrangements for the reception of the First Regiment of New York Volunteers on their return from Mexico

1 1 li ^

n

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

Emmet "

President's "

Washington Cadets,

President's Guard,

u u

XTntiVinnl firdiro

22

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.

44

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.

47

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.

48

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

50

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

131

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

132

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

133

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

134

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

136

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.

137

" 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.

138

" 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."

139

" 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.

Vp,

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