[Illustration: _R. F. Taylor_
_Col. 33d N.Y.S. Vols_]
[Illustration: THE TWO YEARS CAMPAIGN OF THE 33d. N.Y. Vols.
Col. R. F. Taylor.
THE UNION NOW AND FOREVER.]
THE STORY OF THE
THIRTY-THIRD N. Y. S. VOLS:
OR
TWO YEARS CAMPAIGNING
IN
VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND.
BY DAVID W. JUDD,
(Correspondent of the New York Times.)
Illustrations from Drawings by Lieut. L. C. Mix.
ROCHESTER:
BENTON & ANDREWS, 29 BUFFALO STREET.
1864.
PREFACE.
This volume does not propose to review the causes, rise and progress of
the unhappy civil strife, which for more than two years has rent our
land; neither is it designed to describe all the operations which have
marked the war in the single department of Virginia and Maryland.
It aims merely, as the title page indicates, at giving a narrative of
one of the many Regiments which the Empire State has sent into the
field, together with a description of the various campaigns in which it
participated.
Nor should it be inferred, from the embodying of their experience in book
form, that the soldiers of the 33d esteem their services more worthy of
notice than those of numerous other Regiments. The work has its origin
in the general desire expressed on the part of the members and friends
of the command to have the scenes and incidents connected with its two
years’ history collected and preserved in readable shape—valuable for
future reference—interesting as a souvenir of the times.
The plan, as will readily be seen, comprises separate sketches of each
company until merged into the Regiment; the regimental history from the
period of its organization at Elmira, in May, 1861, until its return from
the war, May, 1863; brief biographies of the various officers, and muster
rolls of the men.
Such facts as did not come under the personal observation of the writer,
have been derived from the statements and reports of Division and Brigade
Generals, and other sources. Owing to the confusion consequent upon the
death, disease and desertion attending a two years’ campaign of nearly
one thousand men, some of the members may find themselves incorrectly
“accounted for.”
A double interest attaches to the numerous engravings which embellish the
volume, from the fact that instead of being gotten up to order, they were
“drawn on the spot” by a skilful artist—an officer of the Regiment—who
participated in all the scenes through which it passed. They constitute
in themselves a pictorial history of the first two years of the Eastern
campaigns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
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, 13
CHAPTER II.
Elmira a Place of Rendezvous.—Arrival of Troops.—Organization
of the Thirty-third.—A Beef Incident.—Presentation of a
Flag.—Mustering into the United States Service, 30
CHAPTER III.
Departure for Washington.—Patriotism of the Williamsport
Ladies.—Arrival at the Capital.—Camp Granger.—Destroying a
Liquor Establishment.—“Cleaning-out” a Clam Peddler.—Review by
Governor Morgan.—First Death in the Regiment.—First Battle of
Bull Run.—Changes among the Officers, 39
CHAPTER IV.
Removal to Vicinity of Chain Bridge.—Upsetting of
Ambulances.—The Regiment Brigaded.—Frequent Alarms and
Reconnoissances.—Reviewed by General McClellan.—Crossing
of the Potomac.—Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen.—Formation of
Divisions.—Colonel Stevens.—First Skirmish with the Enemy
at Lewinsville Camp.—General Brooks.—General Davidson.—The
Seventy-seventh New York added to the Brigade.—A Novel
Wedding in Camp.—Circulating a Temperance Pledge.—Battle of
Drainesville, 45
CHAPTER V.
Grand Review of the Army, at Bailey’s Cross-Roads.—Pleasant
Acquaintances formed.—Changes and Deaths at Camp
Griffin.—Dissatisfaction at the General Inactivity.—President’s
War Orders.—Gen. McClellan’s Plans and Correspondence with the
President, 60
CHAPTER VI.
Advance of the Army of the Potomac.—The Thirty-third taking
up the line of march.—Flint Hill.—General McClellan decides
to move on Richmond by way of the Peninsula.—Embarkation of
the Thirty-third at Alexandria.—Embarkation Scene.—Mount
Vernon.—The Monitor.—Arrival at Fortress Monroe.—Agreeable
change of the climate.—Hampton.—Reconnoissance to Watt’s
Creek.—Rebel Epistolary Literature.—Bathers shelled by the
rebel gunboat Teaser.—Building a Redoubt, 56
CHAPTER VII.
Continued Arrival of Troops.—Advance of the Army of the
Peninsula.—Arrival of the Regiment at Young’s Mills.—An
Aged Contraband.—Lee’s Mills.—The Various Companies of
the Thirty-third ordered to the Front.—Caisson struck
by a rebel Ball.—Continued Firing of the Enemy.—Falling
back of the National Forces.—Heavy Rain Storm.—The Beef
Brigade.—Enemy’s Fortifications.—Troublesome Insects.—Night
Skirmishing.—Celerity of the Paymaster’s Movements.—Evacuation
of Yorktown.—Early information of the fact brought to Col.
Corning by Contrabands.—The Rebel Works taken possession of, 76
CHAPTER VIII.
Battle of Williamsburg, 82
CHAPTER IX.
Williamsburg.—Condition of the Roads.—Pamunkey
River.—Contrabands.—Arrival of General Franklin, 94
CHAPTER X.
Battle of Mechanicsville, 103
CHAPTER XI.
“Gaines’ Farm.”—Liberty Hall.—Battle of Seven Pines.—Fair
Oaks.—Rapid rise of the Chickahominy.—The Gaines Estate.—An
aged Negro.—Golden’s Farm.—Camp Lincoln.—Letter from an
Officer, 109
CHAPTER XII.
Proximity to the Rebels.—Colonel Taylor fired at by a
Sharpshooter.—Picket Skirmishing.—Building a Bridge.—Position
of Affairs.—General McClellan Reconnoitring.—He writes
to the President.—Lee’s Plans.—Second Battle of
Mechanicsville.—Shelling the Thirty-third’s Camp.—Battle of
Gaines’ Farm.—A Retreat to the James decided upon, 118
CHAPTER XIII.
Battle of Golden’s Farm, 127
CHAPTER XIV.
The Retreat Commenced.—The Thirty-third one of the last
Regiments to Leave.—Savage’s Station.—Destruction of
Property.—General Davidson Sun-struck, 134
CHAPTER XV.
A Tedious Night March.—White Oak Swamp.—Sudden Attack by the
Enemy.—Narrow Escape of General Smith.—A Cowardly Colonel, 142
CHAPTER XVI.
The Enemy Out-generaled.—Arrival at Malvern Hills.—The
Thirty-third assigned to Picket Duty.—Battle of
Malvern.—Arrival at Harrison’s Landing.—General McClellan’s
Address.—Building a Fort.—Slashing Timber, 148
CHAPTER XVII.
Arrival of Reinforcements.—Visit of President Lincoln.—Attack
by the Enemy.—Reconnoissance to Malvern Hills.—A Deserter
drummed out of Camp.—A change of base decided upon.—Return
March to Fortress Monroe.—Scenes by the way, 159
CHAPTER XVIII.
Abandonment of the Peninsula.—Arrival at Acquia
Creek.—Disembarkation at Alexandria.—Pope’s Operations.—Death
of Generals Stevens and Kearney.—Retreat to the
Fortifications.—Responsibility for the Disaster.—Fitz-John
Porter, 165
CHAPTER XIX.
General McClellan Restored to Command.—Re-organization of
the Army.—Advance of the Enemy into Maryland.—March from
Washington.—Battle of Crampton’s Pass.—Harper’s Ferry
Surrendered, 176
CHAPTER XX.
The Battle of Antietam, 184
CHAPTER XXI.
Appearance of the Field after the strife.—Union Losses
and Captures.—Bravery of the Raw Levies.—The Thirty-third
complimented by the Brigade Commander, 196
CHAPTER XXII.
Pennsylvania Militia.—Visit of the President.—Beautiful Scenery
along the Potomac.—Harper’s Ferry.—“Jefferson’s Rock.”, 202
CHAPTER XXIII.
Hagerstown.—Martinsburg.—A New Campaign.—Return of Colonel
Taylor.—Crossing the river at Berlin.—Appearance of the
Country.—Loyal Quakers.—Removal of General McClellan.—His
Farewell Address.—Causes of his Popularity, 207
CHAPTER XXIV.
Gen. McClellan’s Departure.—Gen. Burnside’s Address.—March
to Fredericksburg.—Reasons for choosing this Route.—Randolph
Estate.—Failure of the Pontoons to Arrive.—Stafford Court
House.—The Thirty-third preparing Winter Quarters.—Scouting
Parties.—The Ashby Family, 218
CHAPTER XXV.
Completion of the Potomac Creek Bridge.—An interesting relic of
Virginia Aristocracy.—General Burnside determines to cross the
river.—March of the Sixth Corps.—White-Oak Church, 228
CHAPTER XXVI.
Laying of the Bridges.—A solemn scene.—Bombardment of
Fredericksburg.—Gallantry of the Seventh Michigan and other
Regiments.—Crossing of the left Grand Division, 236
CHAPTER XXVII.
Battle of Fredericksburg, 243
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Events succeeding the Battle.—A North Carolina Deserter.—The
Bernard Estate.—Re-crossing the River.—The Thirty-third in
its Old Camp.—Families on the Picket Line.—A Courageous
Female.—Changes in the Regiment, 251
CHAPTER XXIX.
Another Advance.—The Army stalled in mud.—Removal of General
Burnside.—General Hooker succeeds him.—Character of the two
men.—General Franklin relieved, and General Smith transferred
to the 9th Army Corps.—His Parting Address.—Colonel Taylor
assigned to a Brigade.—A Contraband Prayer Meeting.—Sanitary
Condition of the Army, 261
CHAPTER XXX.
Splendid Condition of the Army.—Gen. Hooker’s Programme.—A
Forward Movement.—Battles of Chancellorsville and
Vicinity.—Jackson turns Hooker’s Right Wing.—Operations
below Fredericksburg.—Strategy.—Address from the Commanding
General.—The Washington Estate.—Crossing the Rappahannock, 276
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Storming of Fredericksburg Heights, 290
CHAPTER XXXII.
Battles of Salem Heights, 302
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Gen. Stoneman’s Expedition Successful.—Reasons for the Campaign
proving a Failure.—Death of Jackson.—His Character.—Gen.
Neill’s Report, 315
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Departure for Home.—Ovations at Geneva and Canandaigua, 322
CHAPTER XXXV.
Splendid Ovation at Canandaigua.—Speeches and Addresses by E.
G. Lapham, J. P. Faurot, and the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel,
and Chaplain of the Regiment.—Return of the Regimental
Banner to the Ladies of Canandaigua.—Parting Exercises.—The
Thirty-third passes into History, 334
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.
The period through which we are now passing, may properly be said to
comprise one of the three great epochs which, according to Voltaire,
mark the history of every nation. Nay more. Have not the providential
developments of the rebellion revealed a new goal in our national
progress? Instead of being a dire calamity, may we not rather consider
the present civil war as a means, in the hand of Divine Providence,
for the solution of a great moral problem—the overthrow of slavery? So
completely had the South become wedded to her peculiar institution, that
no other instrumentality save the sword was adequate to effect their
separation. The shock of battle would alone loosen the bonds of the
captive. If this were the design of Providence in inflicting this war
upon us, no one can deny that events are slowly though surely working
for its accomplishment. Every acre of territory gained possession of by
our soldiers is an acre gained for freedom, and already entire States
have been wrested from the grasp of the usurper. Such a design precluded
the possibility of success on the part of the rebels; for, as the death
of one of the Siamese twins necessarily terminates the existence of the
other, so will the destruction of slavery ensure the downfall of the
Southern Oligarchy.
Alexander Stephens has styled it “The Corner-stone of the New
Confederacy.” The corner-stone demolished, how can the superstructure
remain? If, then, the blood which has flowed on so many battle-fields,
will wash out the foul stain from our national escutcheon, will it have
been shed in vain?
Yet this war, though it may result, under Providence, in the destruction
of slavery, is waged, on our part, for a different object, for our
national existence; and who so unjust as to deny to the nation
the same right which is freely accorded to the individual—that of
self-preservation? The motives which prompted the instigators of this
revolution allow of no misconstruction. Envious of the growing North;
imbittered through disappointed ambition; forgetful of our memories as
a people, and recreant to the sacred trust handed down by our fathers,
they deliberately plotted the common ruin of our country. Nor is it owing
to any lack of exertion on their part that the government is not now
overthrown; our capitol and national archives in their possession; Toombs
calling the roll of his slaves on Bunker Hill, and grass-growing in the
streets of New York and Philadelphia. It was against men prompted by such
motives and their infatuated followers that the sword was unsheathed, and
is now wielded.
Admitting, however, which was not the case, that they aimed simply at
a peaceful withdrawal from the Union, we could not have consented to
this, without ensuring the ultimate, if not speedy, downfall of our own
government. The right of secession once admitted, or, what is the same
thing, Mr. Buchanan’s theory, that secession, though unconstitutional,
resistance to it on the part of the executive is equally so, acquiesced
in—is there a state which would not eventually discover grievances
justifying a withdrawal from the Federal compact? One “wayward sister”
allowed to depart in peace, the whole family of States would eventually
become separated. It is, therefore, a duty which we owe to ourselves, and
the world, whose hopes and progress are identified with this last and
noblest experiment of a free government, to manfully and successfully
resist the breaking away of a single thread from the woof of our national
fabric, the erasure of a single star from our national constellation.
War is the legitimate result of man’s evil nature, and in falling upon
these evil times, we are merely experiencing the misfortune common to
all lands and all ages. Grim visaged Mars has presided at the birth, and
brooded over the career of nearly every nation. “What,” asks Dr. Fuller,
“is the history of nations, but an account of a succession of _mighty
hunters_ and their adherents, each of whom, in his day, caused terror in
the land of the living? The earth has been a kind of theatre, in which
one part of mankind, being trained and furnished with weapons, have
been employed to destroy another; and this, in a great measure, for the
gratification of the spectators.” America is not the first country which
has been called upon to give up the flower of her youth. Yet our losses,
though heavy, do not compare with those which have hitherto marked the
annals of blood. The siege and reduction of Jerusalem resulted in the
loss of 1,000,000 lives; 90,000 Persians were slain at the battle of
Arbela, and 100,000 Carthaginians in the engagement of Palermo; 12,000
infantry and 10,000 cavalry perished on the fatal field of Issus. Spain
lost 2,000,000 lives during her persecutions of the Arabians, and 800,000
more in expelling the Jews. Frederick the Great inflicted a loss of
40,000 on the Austrians in the conflicts of Leuthen and Leignitz. The
battle of Jenna, and the lesser engagements immediately following, cost
the Prussian army over 70,000 men. At the battle of Leipsic the French
suffered casualties to the number of 60,000, and the Swedes and their
allies 40,000 more; 50,000 French and Russian soldiers lay dead and dying
on the field after the battle of Moskowa, and Napoleon again lost 47,000
at Waterloo, and the Duke of Wellington, 15,000.
War has its lights as well as shadows. A retrospect of the world’s
history reveals the fact that the sword has been no mean instrumentality
in the development of the human race. Though leaving a trackless waste
behind, it has opened a way for the advance of civilization. From the
earliest period down to the late Russian war, when the English army
made known the true religion to the Turks, it has been the forerunner
of Christianity. Whatever the impelling motives; the resort to arms is
always attended with some good results. The enervation and effeminacy
which a long peace begets, disappear before a chivalric ardor and a
sublime energy. A generous and self-sacrificing spirit is developed
where selfishness and venality before existed; the political atmosphere
over-heated, foul, corrupt, is cooled, cleared, and purified by the
shafts and thunderbolts of war.
We, that is the North, have experienced but few of the evils, and all
the benefits, resulting from a condition of hostility. Indeed, were
it not for the absence of so many familiar countenances, we should
with difficulty realize that the country is engaged in a bloody civil
strife. On every side are to be seen unmistakable evidences of national
prosperity. The industrial arts are pursued with more vigor and success
than ever before. The various channels of commerce, instead of being
drained, dried up, are crowded to their utmost capacity. At no former
period have our ship-builders been so active in constructing vessels
for our own and other governments as at the present time. New factories
are being built, and new avenues of trade opened all over the Eastern
States, while the inexhaustible resources of the great West are being
developed in an unparalleled manner. The inhabitants of Ohio reduced
their debts last year to the amount of twenty millions of dollars, and
it is estimated that the wealth of the country is increasing at the rate
of six hundred millions per annum. A national debt, it is true, is all
the time accumulating, but as a recent writer on political economy has
well said: “When a nation maintains a war upon the enemy’s soil, and so
manages its affairs that the annual expenses fall below the real value
of its industrial products, it is evident that it must be increasing in
wealth. The merchant who makes more than he spends, increases in riches,
and it is the same with a nation. An increase of national debt is no
sign of increasing poverty in the people, for this debt may be a simple
transfer of only a small portion of the surplus wealth of individuals to
the general fund of the commonwealth—an investment in public instead of
private stocks.” There is every reason for encouragement, and if we will
prosecute the war in which we are now engaged steadily and unflinchingly,
victory and a glorious, honorable, and permanent peace will crown our
efforts.
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.
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 assumed tangible 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:
FIRST COMMANDER. LAST COMMANDER.
A, Capt. Guion, Capt. Tyler,
B, 〃 Corning, 〃 Draime,
C, 〃 Aikens, 〃 Cole,
D, 〃 Cutler, 〃 Gifford,
E, 〃 Warford, 〃 Warford,
F, 〃 McNair, 〃 McNair,
H, 〃 Walker, 〃 Drake,
I, 〃 Letts, 〃 Root,
K, 〃 McGraw, 〃 McGraw.
COMPANY ORGANIZATIONS.
COMPANY A.
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:
Captain—GEORGE M. GUION.
First Lieutenant—E. J. TYLER.
Second Lieutenant—PRYCE W. BAILEY.
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.
COMPANY B.
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:
Captain—JOSEPH W. CORNING.
First Lieutenant—JOSIAH J. WHITE.
Second Lieutenant—HENRY J. DRAIME.
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.
COMPANY C.
This Company was recruited at Waterloo, Seneca County. The people
throughout the village and township 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:
Captain—JOHN F. AIKENS.
First Lieutenant—CHESTER H. COLE.
Second Lieutenant—ANDREW SCHOTT.
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.
COMPANY D.
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:
Captain—J. R. CUTLER.
First Lieutenant—STEPHEN T. DUEL.
Second Lieutenant—SAMUEL A. BARRAS.
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.
COMPANY E.
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 mustered into the State Volunteer service for two years, by Col.
Maxwell. The election for officers had resulted as follows:
Captain—WILSON B. WARFORD.
1st Lieutenant—MOSES CHURCH.
2nd Lieutenant—JOHN GUMMER.
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.
COMPANY F.
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.
Captain—JAMES M. MCNAIR.
1st Lieutenant—GEORGE T. HAMILTON.
2nd Lieutenant—HENRY G. KING.
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 departure of 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.
COMPANY G,
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 was
named 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:
Captain—T. B. HAMILTON.
First Lieutenant—A. E. EUSTAPHEIVE.
Second Lieutenant—I. V. GERMAIN.
A few days later it departed for Elmira, when it became Co. G of the
Thirty-third.
COMPANY H.
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:
Captain—CALVIN WALKER.
1st Lieutenant—JOHN S. PLATNER.
2nd Lieutenant—ALEXANDER H. DRAKE.
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 the meantime, 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 they remained 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.
COMPANY I.
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:
Captain—JAMES M. LETTS.
First Lieutenant—EDWARD E. ROOT.
Second Lieutenant—WILLIAM H. LONG.
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.
COMPANY K.
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 Company prepared 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.