The DeWitt Guard was organized in 1851, and the first regular meeting
was held December 31st. At this meeting a series of By-Laws were
adopted, very many of which are in operation at the present time,
although there is not at the present time a single person connected with
the organization who at that time was a member.
J. B. Terry was elected the first Secretary, and George H. Collins
Treasurer, with Stephen Brewer and Loren Day as Directors.
At that time the law permitted the Companies to have a certain number of
supernumeraries, and at the second regular meeting, F. Reed Dana, W. G.
Maurice, Isaac Tichenor, Julius M. Adsley, Dana Fox, E. M. Marshall,
John Rumsey, George McChain and S. B. Covert, were duly elected
supernumeraries. The first out of doors drill took place in the Park,
June 23d, and lasted two hours. The 4th day of July was duly observed
by the Company: a parade, at which the Company did their first street
firing, and a dinner at Colonel Seymour's Ithaca Hotel, constituted the
festivities of the day. At the regular meeting, September 2d, 1852, a
note was given to Colonel Millspaugh for fifty dollars, this being the
amount he advanced to pay the Armorer's bill. On Thursday morning,
September 23d, the drum beat at five o'clock, which warned the citizens
of the near approach of the departure of Captain Partenheimer's Company,
not for the seat of war, but for their first encampment at Goodwin's
Falls. At 9 o'clock the life-like engine "Lackawanna," with a modesty
becoming the Company to whom she belonged, introduced the Company to his
honor "William E. Dodge," who safely landed his "precious load of
freight" soon after at Goodwin's Landing. After a march of about three
miles, to the music of Canham's Brass Band, the camp-ground was reached;
tents were soon pitched, colors were hoisted, and at one P. M. were
ready for our first rations; at two P. M. of the same day the Company
paraded for the first time upon a camp-ground. The Company remained in
camp one week.
Thursday November 25th, 1852, by proclamation of the Governor, was
observed as a day of Thanksgiving. This being the day designated by the
fair ones of our village for the presentation of the Banner to our
Company, Captain Partenheimer's orders were responded to by a prompt and
full corps. Upon being drawn up in line in front of the Clinton House,
Hon. S. B. Cushing, on behalf of the Ladies, in a few appropriate
remarks, presented the Banner. Our worthy Lieutenant Bruyn, on behalf of
the Captain and his Company, returned his most sincere and heartfelt
thanks, with a few remarks highly complimentary to him from whose hand
he received the Banner, and to those Ladies instrumental in making the
donation. Alter a parade through the principal streets, and giving each
Public House a round of blank cartridges, with that good feeling ever
manifested by the Company, they were dismissed by our commanding
officer. March 3d William Glenny was elected Secretary in place of J. B.
Terry, resigned.
July 4th, 1853, was duly celebrated by the Company by an encampment
through the day in the Park. August 9th the Company were inspected by
Brigadier General Segoine, of Auburn. September 8th, 1853, the second
encampment of the Company took place at Goodwin's Falls; were here again
reviewed by General Segoine and Colonel D. E. Avery. On Sunday the
Company in a body attended church at Trumansburg. Washington's
birth-day, February 22d, 1854, was observed by the Company; a national
salute was fired by Sergeant McDonald, loading and firing five times a
minute. June 27th the committee of arrangements for the celebration of
the coming Fourth of July, offered the Company thirty dollars if they
would participate in the celebration, which was promptly refused, and
the Company voted unanimously to join in the celebration without money
and without price. Accordingly the Fourth day of July, 1854, was duly
celebrated in the true spirit of '76. The first target shoot of the
Company was held July 11th, 1854, and resulted in Sergeant McDonald
taking the first prize, L. Millspaugh the second and S. Stoddard the
third. Saturday August 26th, 1854, the Company appeared in full uniform
at 51/2 o'clock, A. M., to escort the remains of their late comrade, D.
Lewis Avery, to their last resting place. His remains were taken to
Aurora for interment.
Monday August 28th, the Company started for Camp Seneca, at Seneca
Falls, where a week was spent by them very profitably. The second target
practice was September 22d, 1854, and Sergeant L. R. King, E. C. Fuller,
M. E. Elmendorf, Lot S. Hinds and Sergeant McDonald, were declared the
best shots, and received the prizes accordingly. January 8th, 1855, was
duly observed by the Company; in the evening had supper at the Clinton
House. September 6th the Company unanimously voted to furnish uniforms
free of expense to all new members who would join. September 14th, 1855,
K. S. Van Voorhees was elected first Sergeant, L. R. King, second
Sergeant, F. K. Andrus, third Sergeant, and James McClune, fourth
Sergeant. September 19th, third target shoot, the lucky ones not
recorded. October 31st, 1855, the Company were inspected and reviewed by
General Segoine and staff, and Colonel D. E. Avery and staff; in the
afternoon of the same day was another target shoot. November 29th the
Company escorted the remains of their late Lieutenant, A. H. McNeil, to
the Depot, being en route for the city of Auburn. The Company held their
annual meeting and took supper at the Clinton House, January 8th, 1856.
May 28th L. R. King was elected first Lieutenant, in place of W. V.
Bruyn, resigned, and Charles F. Blood second Lieutenant, in place of A.
H. McNeil, deceased.
Wednesday June 11th, 1856. The Willard Guard of Auburn, accompanied by
Scott's Cornet Band of Rochester, arrived on an excursion to Ithaca.
When nearing the dock they were saluted with twenty-one guns from the
DeWitt Guard, and received by them accompanied by the entire Fire
Department of the village, and were escorted through the principal
streets to their quarters at the Clinton House. They were there welcomed
by an appropriate speech from J. H. Selkreg, Esq. William Shapcott, of
the Willard Guard, returning thanks on behalf of their Company to the
soldiers, Fire Department and citizens, for the cordial manner in which
they had been received. The Willard Guard paraded during the forenoon of
the following day, and at five o'clock P. M. were escorted to the Park
by the DeWitt Guard, where they were drilled in the different evolutions
of military tactics with great credit to themselves. On Friday morning
the DeWitt Guard again paraded and escorted their visitors to the
Steamboat Landing. After a few speeches, a great rivalry was kept up
between the two Companies for the last cheer, but amid the clattering of
drums it was impossible to tell which succeeded.
September 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th, the Company were encamped at Dryden;
on Friday they were reviewed by General Segoine and staff of Auburn. The
encampment passed off with perfect harmony, and without any thing to mar
the good feeling which prevailed throughout. Tuesday, December 10th, the
Company escorted the remains of their late member, Sergeant James C.
McClune, to their last resting place. February 24th, upon invitation of
the Pioneers of Tompkins County, the Company paraded and escorted that
body through the principal streets of the village. September 15th target
shoot. October 13th the Company were inspected at Goodwin's Falls by
Adjutant George H. Collins. Upon invitation of the President of the
Tompkins County Horticultural Society, the Company paraded and attended
their Fair, June 3d, 1858. Upon invitation of the Tompkins Blues, the
Company visited Trumansburg and joined in celebrating the Fourth day of
July. A very pleasant entertainment was provided by the citizens of
that place. July 21st the Company visited Owego, and were agreeably
entertained by the citizens; returned the same evening.
August 17th, 1858, the Company paraded in honor of the _successful
laying_ of the Atlantic Cable. August 31st, upon invitation of the
Ithaca Fire Department, joined with them in procession, and escorted
Cayuga Hose Company No. 4, of Auburn, to the Clinton House.
"The DeWitt Guard, accompanied by Whitlock's celebrated Cornet Band and
several invited guests, left Ithaca at 7 o'clock A. M., July 12th, 1859,
on an excursion to our neighboring city of Auburn, and to enjoy one of
the _pleasantest trips ever experienced_ by any Company of soldiers. The
Company mustered two Lieutenants, three color-bearers and twenty-five
men. The smiles of Heaven seemed to be upon us, and every thing seemed
given to _conduce to our happiness_. It was indeed a lovely sight as we
floated down the beautiful Cayuga, which lay sleeping between the banks
of those noble hills, decked in nature's verdant garb. It would have
been a lovely scene for some artist to sketch in glowing colors; but no
artist could touch so tenderly the points with which nature has adorned
them.
We arrived in the beautiful city at half-past twelve, amid the
thundering voice of artillery. Were received by the three military
Companies of the city, and were escorted by them through the principal
streets to our Head-Quarters White's Exchange. After a capital dinner,
we were marched to Fort Hill Cemetery to visit the grave of our lamented
Lieutenant, A. H. McNeil; an hour was spent in that beautiful cemetery.
In the evening we _were entertained_ at the residence of Mayor B. F.
Hall, which entertainment passed off to the perfect _satisfaction of all
present_. Wednesday morning were called together at ten o'clock, and
accepted an invitation of the Military Committee to visit the Prison and
Insane Asylum.
In the afternoon the Auburn Companies, together with the DeWitt Guard,
paraded for nearly two hours, after which each Company was practiced in
the Battalion movements; the DeWitt Guard taking the lead. Each Company
displayed a thorough discipline in military tactics, the movements being
of almost mathematical precision. In the evening the Company were the
guests of Doctor Willard, and was splendidly entertained at his
beautiful residence on Genesee street. The Doctor is a model gentleman;
truly did we enjoy his hospitality. From his residence we were marched
to that of Captain Dodge of the Willard Guard, where a splendid
reception was given in honor of the DeWitt Guard. Here we were honored
with the society of some of Auburn's fairest daughters, their influence
on us being such as (in the language of our worthy Chaplain, Rev. W. C.
Steel) to make some _willing captives_. The Company returned late in the
evening to their Head-Quarters, highly pleased with their evening's
entertainments. Thursday morning the Company was marched to some of the
principal residences, paying our compliments to those of whom we had
been the honored guests the evening previous. The hour of two P. M.
having arrived, the time for our departure, we were escorted to the
Depot by the military Companies together with many citizens. Hon. A.
Wells extending our thanks to the soldiers and citizens of Auburn, for
the kindness shown us during our visit with them. Rev. Mr. Steel
following in a few beautiful and appropriate remarks, during which tears
were seen to fall from the eyes of some of the soldiery. We had won many
friends; the hour of separation had arrived; nothing could be more
expressive than the falling of a tear, the utterance of the soul, simple
yet unexpressed; no language could be more eloquent. We entered the cars
amid many cheers, having had proof that pleasures enjoyed excel
pleasures anticipated.
After a pleasant return trip on the lake, we were much surprised to find
our own good citizens in large numbers, together with a Company of
Cavalry and the entire Fire Department, at the landing ready to receive
us, and escort us to our homes. We were received with a beautiful and
eloquent speech by Marcus Lyon, Esq., which was responded to by our
Chaplain, Rev. W. C. Steel. Were marched through the principal streets
to our Armory, highly pleased with our trip. Long will this excursion be
remembered by the DeWitt Guard; our _hearts_ having been united to the
soldiers and _people_ of Auburn by those bonds of friendship which time
shall never efface."
JOHN C. HAZEN, Secretary.
The 50th Regiment National Guard, consisting of Company A, Captain P. J.
Partenheimer, Company D, of Trumansburgh, Captain Belnap, and Company I,
of Havanna, Captain Mulford, the Regiment commanded by Colonel H. A.
Dowe, encamped at Ithaca, September 5th, 1859. On Friday were inspected
by General Segoine, of Auburn, and Adjutant Van Voorhees, of Ithaca. The
weather was fine during the encampment, every thing passed off pleasant
and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Long will Camp Burnett be
remembered by the members of the DeWitt Guard. January 4th, 1860,
Colonel A. E. Mather was elected a member of this Company, but was never
mustered in. June 4th, 1861, the Company paraded and escorted the Dryden
Volunteers to the Depot.
July 3d the Company was presented with a handsome stand of colors by
Sergeant John C. Hazen. April 2d, 1861, the Company tendered their
services to the General Government. August 6th, 1862, escorted
volunteers to the Depot; three hearty cheers were given by the members
of the DeWitt Guard, for those of their number who had volunteered in
the service of their country. September 28th attended the funeral of
Lieutenant Marsh, at McLean, who was killed in the army. October 28th,
1862, were inspected at Trumansburg. December 3d Captain Blood
introduced the Bayonet Drill. February 22d, 1863, was celebrated by the
Company by a parade, and a supper in the evening at the Clinton House.
March 19th attended the funeral of Peter J. Hausner, a soldier who died
from disease contracted while in the army. June 17th, 1863, the Company
the second time offered their services to the Government. June 22d the
Company paraded in honor of the returning volunteers, and escorted them
through the streets of our village. July 1st attended the funeral of
Lieutenant Avery, at Farmerville, who was killed in the army. Celebrated
the 4th day of July, 1863, by an excursion to Long Point, at which place
the Company engaged in target practice with both muskets and artillery.
Annual parade, inspection and review at Ithaca, October 21st, 1863. Were
inspected by General William Glenny and Colonel H. A. Dowe, since
promoted to Brigadier General. The Company had another target practice
same day. Washington's Birth-day, February 22d, 1864, was celebrated by
a parade and supper in the evening at Gregory's. April 25th, 1864, the
Company for the third time offered their services to the General
Government. July 4th paraded and had target practice. Aug. 28th, the Co.
was accepted by the Gen'l Gov't for 100 days' service at Elmira.
(_By B. R. W., Secretary._)
SEPT. 2D, 1864.--The Company assembled at the Armory at 6 o'clock, A.
M., with tears in their eyes and carpet-sacks in hand, to march for
Elmira. Headed by their gallant Captain, they proceeded silently to the
Depot, where the parting was truly heart-rending, and the Secretary, in
order to hide his feelings, was forced to take refuge in a freight car,
and solace himself with a fresh chew of _Mike Wick's best_. The voyage
was safely performed, the only cause of complaint being the _rye_
treatment which some of the men received at Willseyville.
The grand entree at Elmira was made at about two o'clock, P. M., where
we were received in behalf of the United States by the brilliant and
dashing Captain Colby, of the 58th, by whom, assisted by Drum-Major
Robinson's justly celebrated martial band, we were escorted to Barracks
No. 1.
On entering the portals of this haven of rest, our ears were saluted
with cries of _Fresh Fish_. Our inexperienced eyes searched eagerly on
every side for this delectable delicacy, but we failed to discover it.
The future movements of the Company at this post are recorded by our
worthy Sergeant, H. S.