CHAPTER I.Patriotism of Central New York.—Determination of the People to put down the Rebellion.—Raising of Troops.—Organization of the various Companies of the 33d New York Regiment.
Patriotism of Central New York.—Determination of the People to put down the Rebellion.—Raising of Troops.—Organization of the various Companies of the 33d New York Regiment.
No portion of the Loyal North was more deeply stirred by the events of April, ’61, than the people of Western New York. The firing of the rebel guns on Anderson and his little band reverberated among her hills and valleys, arousing man, woman and child to the highest pitch of excitement and patriotism. There was no locality, however remote, no hamlet, however obscure, to which this wild fervor did not penetrate. Every thought and action were for the time absorbed in the one great resolve of avenging the insult offered to our flag, and suppressing the rebellion. Neither was it the sudden, fitful resolution, which comes and goes with the flow and ebb of passion; but the calm, inflexible determination, which springs from a sense of wrongs inflicted, purity of purpose, and a lofty patriotism.
The enthusiasm of the people at once assumedtangible shape in the raising of volunteers. The rebels had deliberately begun war, and war they should have to the bitter end.
Among the very first Regiments to be organized and hastened forward to the battle-ground, was the Thirty-third, consisting of the following companies:
On the reception of the news that the rebels had deliberately begun hostilities in Charleston Harbor, the utmost excitement was occasioned in the quiet village of Seneca Falls. Meetings were held in the Public Hall, under the auspices of prominent citizens, and immediate steps taken for the raising of volunteers. An agent was at once dispatched to Albany, in order to secure the necessary authority for organizing a company. The inhabitants aided materially with their funds and influence in furthering the enterprise.
E. J. Tyler, Esq., established an enrolling office, and placards were posted up in prominent parts of the village, calling for recruits.
During the first two days between forty and fifty were secured, and in a week’s time the number was increased to eighty. As fast as recruited, the men were set to drilling, in an ample building secured for that purpose.
On the 9th of May the company held an election for officers, which resulted as follows:
Not long after, J. T. Miller, Esq., now Inspector General of the State, presented a beautiful flag to the Company, in behalf of the ladies of the place. Captain Guion responded in a brief speech, as he received the banner, promising in behalf of the members of his command, that it should ever be defended, and never suffered to trail in the dust. The presentation exercises, which were held in the Public Hall, were very largely attended, and passed off with great eclat and spirit.
On the 13th of May the Company departed for Elmira, amid the wildest enthusiasm of the citizens, where it soon after became Co. A, 33d N. Y.
This Company was raised in Palmyra, Wayne County. Monday, April 20th, Hon. Joseph W. Corning, Member of the Assembly, who had just returned from Albany, volunteered as a private, for the war, attaching his name to an enlistment roll, and was followed in turn by Josiah J. White and Henry J. Draime. The nucleus of an organization was thus formed, which by the 24th numbered thirty-eight members. Four days later seventy-seven men answered to their names on the roll, and the Company immediately proceeded to organize, by the election of the following officers:
With but few exceptions, the citizens of the place exhibited a lively interest in the formation of this their first Volunteer Company. Every man was supplied with towels, handkerchiefs, et cetera, and many of them furnished with board from the day of enlistment until their departure. A fund of seven thousand dollars was subscribed for the support of such of their families as might require assistance during their absence. A sword, sash and belt were presented to each of the officers. The ladies of the village exhibited their patriotism in the presentation of a beautiful silk flag to the Company.
The 16th of May was designated as the day for its departure. Relatives and friends of the Volunteers, from the surrounding country, began to make their appearance early in the day, and long before the hour of leaving, the streets were thronged with people. The Company, now increased to eighty-two strong, was escorted to the depot by the Palmyra Light Guards, headed by the Brass Band. Following next in order were the Clergy of the place, and citizens on foot and in carriages, constituting a long and imposing procession. Flags, handkerchiefs and bunting of every description were waved from the windows and house-tops, and banners and emblems, with appropriate mottoes, were displayed at the street corners, as the procession moved along. It was a scene which the spectators and participants will never forget. Arriving at the depot, James Peddie, Esq., delivered a farewell address, and the Company was soon en route for Elmira.
Reaching there late in the evening, the men remained in the village until the next day, when accommodations were provided for them at Southport, some two miles distant. They were quartered here until the organization became Co. B of the Thirty-third New York, when they were transferred to the barracks.
This Company was recruited at Waterloo, Seneca County. The people throughout the village andtownship heartily co-operated in the various plans undertaken for raising volunteers. War meetings were held at different places, from time to time, and a large relief fund contributed for the benefit of all such as should enlist.
Among those most active in organizing this Company, were Hon. A. P. King, Hon. D. S. Kendig, Messrs. R. P. Kendig, Wm. Knox, Sterling G. Hadley, Henry C. Wells, E. H. Mackey, Joseph Wright, and Dr. Samuel Wells. These gentlemen contributed freely of their funds and influence to the cause.
Eighty-six volunteers came forward and attached their names to the Roll. The following were chosen officers:
On the 26th of April the Company was sworn into the State service by Major John Bean, of Geneva, and received the name of the “Waterloo Wright Guards,” in honor of Joseph Wright, Esq. The ladies of the village devoted several weeks to preparing outfits for the men, who were bountifully furnished with every thing conducive to a soldier’s comfort. They likewise presented to the Company, through S. G. Hadley, Esq., a finely wrought silk banner. Rev. Dr. Parkes, of the Episcopal Church, receiving it, assured them that though torn and tattered in the fierce encounters of battle, this banner would never, he was confident, be dishonored.On the 30th of April the men departed for Elmira, where they were quartered in a barrel factory, and afterwards in the barracks.
The call for troops which followed the commencement of hostilities, received a hearty response from the inhabitants of Canandaigua—the loveliest of our western Villages. The Stars and Stripes were flung to the breeze from the Old Court House, and the building turned into a recruiting station. Charles Sanford was the first one to enroll his name. Ninety-three others were added in the course of a few days to the list. On the 28th of April the following officers were elected:
Gideon Granger, Esq., Henry G. Chesebro and other prominent citizens, interested themselves in the Company, and aided materially in completing its organization. The ladies of the place, likewise, contributed very much to the comfort and enjoyment of the men, by furnishing them with ample supplies of clothing, manufactured under the auspices of the Relief Society. The Company was encamped on the beautiful and spacious Fair Grounds, east of the village, where several hours were devoted daily to drilling. On the 10th of May it took its departure for Elmira, 99 strong, where it became Co. D of the Thirty-third.
Inspired with the common feeling of patriotism which everywhere suddenly manifested itself during the month of April, ’61, the inhabitants of Geneseo, Livingston County, immediately adopted measures for raising their quota of men for the war. A public meeting was called at the American Hotel, enrolling papers produced, and several recruits secured. A second meeting was soon after held in the Town-hall, and during the week a third convened at the same place. Hon. Wm. H. Kelsey, Messrs. E. R. Hammond, John Rorbach, H. V. Colt and Jas. T. Norton, Editor of the Geneseo Republican, were prominent movers in the matter.
A company consisting of thirty-four was immediately raised, and volunteered in response to the call for seventeen thousand troops from New York State. They were not accepted at first. The organization was, however, continued, and the men went into camp on the fair ground, tents being furnished them. The Agricultural Buildings were also placed at their disposal. When the order was issued at Albany requiring the maximum number of each company accepted to be seventy-four, the list of recruits was increased to that figure, and the company accepted. On the 4th of May it was musteredinto the State Volunteer service for two years, by Col. Maxwell. The election for officers had resulted as follows:
Large numbers of spectators were attracted to the Fair Grounds to witness the drill of the men in infantry tactics, to which several hours were devoted daily. On the ninth of May the mustering papers were received from Albany, accompanied with marching orders. The Company did not leave, however, until the 15th, nearly a week afterwards. Prior to its departure a splendid battle flag was received from Company A, Fifty-ninth Regiment, N. Y. S. Militia, Sidney Ward, Esq., making the presentation remarks, and Taylor Scott, Esq., replying in behalf of the Company. The citizens of the place also presented Captain Warford with an elegant silver-mounted revolver. Leaving in the morning, amidst much enthusiasm, the Company reached Elmira on the afternoon of the same day, and soon afterward became Co. E, Thirty-third N. Y.
On the afternoon of Friday, April 19th, 1861, a brief telegram was received at the village of Nunda, from Gen. Fullerton, inquiring if “Nunda could furnish a Company under the call of the President for 75,000 men.” A meeting was immediately convened that evening, F. Gibbs, Esq.,presiding. After brief speeches from the Chairman and others, volunteers were called for from among the audience, mostly made up of young men. Twenty-eight immediately stepped forward and entered their names upon the enlistment roll. On the succeeding Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, meetings were again held, and enough more recruits secured to form a Company. Messrs. Skinner, Dickinson and Grover were appointed a Committee to superintend its organization. The citizens generously received volunteers into their homes, and provided for them while perfecting themselves in drill.
The ladies were, in the meantime, employed in manufacturing various articles for their comfort during the career on which they were about to enter. A relief fund was also raised for the support of such families as would be left dependent. On the 6th of May the Company was mustered by Maj. Babbitt, and the following were elected officers.
Capt. McNair immediately proceeded to Albany, and procured the acceptance of the officers and men, the time of their service to date from May 13th. This intelligence was received at Nunda with all the enthusiasm which would now attend the reception of the news of a great victory.
The citizens turned out en masse to witness and participate in the exercises connected with the departureof the Company for the place of rendezvous. After music, prayer and the delivery of an address to the little band by the Rev. Mr. Metcalf, a revolver was bestowed upon Lieut. King by the Society of B. B. J., also one on Sergeant Hills, by Leander Hills, Esq. Each member of the Company was likewise provided with a Testament by Rev. Mr. Metcalf and John E. McNair, Esq. Miss Mary Linkletter then stepped forward and presented, on behalf of the ladies of the village, a silk flag, which was received by Captain McNair. The brass band and fire companies headed the escorting procession to the depot. Reaching Elmira on the 18th of May, the men were quartered on Lake Street, and, on becoming Co. F, Thirty-third N. Y., at the barracks.
Known as the Buffalo Company, was raised in that city, immediately succeeding the fall of Sumter. Fired with the patriotic zeal which everywhere exhibited itself during that eventful period, the inhabitants of the city put forth every exertion to raise volunteers for the Republic. Of the many companies organized, none were composed of better material, or presented a more martial appearance, than this. T. B. Hamilton, Esq., who has since become Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixty-Second New York Regiment, superintended its organization. Volunteers flocked to the recruiting station, and in a few days after the books were opened, seventy-seven names were enrolled. The Company wasnamed the Richmond Guards, after Dean Richmond, Esq., of Batavia, and received many flattering attentions from the city. The requisite number of men being obtained, the election of officers was held, which resulted as follows:
A few days later it departed for Elmira, when it became Co. G of the Thirty-third.
Geneva was not behind her sister villages in that display of enthusiasm and patriotism which marked the memorable days of April, and through the hitherto quiet streets the fife and drum were heard summoning the young men to arms. Messrs. Calvin Walker and John S. Platner moved at once in the formation of a Volunteer Company. The law office of the first named gentleman was turned into a recruiting station, and his name, together with Mr. Platner’s, headed a recruiting roll. In a week’s time seventy-seven volunteers were secured, and an election held for officers, resulting as follows:
Proceeding to Albany the Captain procured the necessary organization papers, and by the 25th of the month the Company was mustered into the State service by Maj. Bean. The ladies, in themeantime, had formed a Soldiers’ Relief Society, of which Mrs. Judge Folger was President, and Mrs. John M. Bradford, Secretary, and met daily to prepare garments for the men. All, or nearly all, of them were supplied with outfits consisting of shirts, stockings, blankets, &c., &c. Agreeable to orders they made arrangements to leave for Elmira on the 1st day of May, but owing to the unpleasant weather and other causes of delay, did not get away until the 3d. On the morning of that day the Company were drawn up before the Franklin House, when a tasteful silk flag was presented to it by the Rev. Mr. Curry, in behalf of the ladies of the place, Capt. Walker responding. Splendid swords were also donated to Lieutenants Platner and Drake, and Bibles and Testaments to both officers and men. In the afternoon the Company marched through the principal streets of the village, escorted by the Fire Department and a lengthy procession of citizens, and proceeded to the steamboat landing.
The wharves were crowded for a long distance with admiring spectators, while the perfect shower of bouquets which was rained down upon the men testified to the regard which was entertained for them. Amid the waving of handkerchiefs, display of flags, and deafening cheers of their fellow townsmen, they steamed away from the wharf, while the roar of artillery reverberated over the placid waters of Seneca Lake as they disappeared from view. Reaching Elmira on the following day, the men were quartered in the town-hall, where theyremained until becoming Co. H. of the Thirty-third N. Y., when they were transferred to the barracks. Captain Walker being chosen Lieut.-Colonel of the Thirty-third, Lieutenant Platner was promoted to Captain, Lieutenant Drake to 1st Lieutenant, and S. C. Niles to 2nd Lieutenant.
Immediately after the President’s proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers reached Penn Yan, a meeting was called at Washington Hall. General A. F. Whitaker presided, and George R. Cornwell was Secretary. Several addresses were made, and the session continued till a late hour. A roll was presented, and thirty-four names obtained.
On Thursday evening, April 25th, a much larger gathering was held, bands of music parading the streets and playing patriotic airs. Resolutions were adopted to raise a company of volunteers, and recruits came forward freely. After the County Union assembly on Saturday, April 27th, the Finance Committee appointed at that meeting, Messrs. E. B. Jones, C. C. Sheppard, D. A. Ogden, and F. Holmes, circulated a subscription to raise funds to provide for the families of volunteers.
On the ninth day of May, 1861, the Company, which at this time was known as the “Kenka Rifles,” was inspected by Major John E. Bean, of Geneva, and mustered into the State service. On the same day an election was held for officers, resulting as follows:
The Company continued to drill under its officers until receiving orders to go into camp at Elmira, on the 18th of May. On that day the Company departed, being escorted to the Railroad Depot by the firemen and citizens. A large concourse was assembled, and the ladies of Penn Yan presented a beautiful flag to the Company, which was addressed by Hon. D. A. Ogden and Mr. E. B. Jones. Each member was also presented with a Testament. Up to this period every effort had been made by the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity to assist in its organization and contribute to the success of the command. This patriotic zeal extended to all classes, but to none more than to the ladies, who rendered every assistance and attention to the men. On their arrival at Elmira they were quartered in Rev. T. K. Beecher’s church, and on the 24th May became Company I of the Thirty-third Regiment of New York State Volunteers. On the 3rd July, 1861, it was mustered into the United States service by Captain Sitgreaves, and from that time its history became identified with that of the Regiment.
Americans will ever remember with gratitude the patriotism displayed by our adopted fellow citizens, during the progress of the great uprising.Teuton and Celt alike manifested their devotion for their adopted country, by rallying to the rescue. This was true to a remarkable degree of the Irish population of Seneca Falls. The call of the President for troops led to the immediate formation of an Irish Company. Patrick McGraw, who had served in Her Majesty’s service for upwards of fifteen years, superintended its organization, and was afterwards chosen Captain. He was materially aided by Brig. Gen. Miller, and Messrs. John McFarland and George Daniels. On Sunday afternoon, April 11th, the Sabbath quietude of the village was disturbed by the music of bands and tramp of citizens. Every one was on the alert, and every eye turned towards one point, the Catholic Church, for there the organization of the Company was to receive, after Vespers, the sanction and benediction of the Catholic Pastor. A procession was formed at the Village Armory, composed of the Volunteers, headed by Capt. McGraw, the Jackson Guards, under the command of Capt. O’Neil, bands of music, and vast crowds of citizens. At 4 P. M. the procession arrived at the Church, which was immediately filled to its utmost capacity. Union flags gracefully hung around the sanctuary, and the choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and the “Red, White and Blue.” Vespers ended, an address was delivered by the Pastor, who urged loyalty to the Union, the defence of a common country, and the perpetuation of the traditional bravery of the Irish race.
Tuesday afternoon, May 22d, 1861, the Companyprepared to leave for Elmira. It was a general holiday in the village and suburbs. The factories ceased work, stores were closed, bells rung out their liveliest peals, the “Big Gun” blazed away, and every one was on the qui vive. The men were supplied with a graceful fatigue dress, of home manufacture. Equipped in their rakish caps, knit woolen shirts and dark grey pantaloons, they marched through the streets, accompanied by the Jackson Guards, the Fire Companies, and many thousands of loyal citizens. On the Fair Grounds the Company was presented with a flag, the gracious offering of the citizens. The Captain received, on the same occasion, a beautiful sword, Rev. Edward McGowan making the presentation speech.
The “Jackson Guards” and “Continentals” accompanied the men to Geneva, and escorted them to the steamboat provided for conveying them to Elmira. At the landing, the crowds were immense, and cheer after cheer went up from the assemblage for the Irish Volunteers, as the boat steamed away from the dock.
On reaching Elmira, the men were provided with quarters, and soon after became attached to the Thirty-third, as Co. K.