THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 APPOINTED TO MAKE St'lTABLE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 
 BRIN&ING ON FROM -MEXICO THK 
 
 NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 AND TO PREPARE A3D PRESENT 
 
 MEDALS 
 
 NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 ALSO TO MAKE THE NEC 'ESSARY ARKANUEME.VIS FOR THK 
 
 RECEPTION 
 
 ON THEIR RETURN PROM MEXICO. 
 
 N E W Y R K : 
 
 McS['El>n\ & BAKER, PRLXTERS, 25 PINE STREET 
 
 1850.
 
 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE 
 
 APPOINTED TO MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS 
 FOR BRINGING OX THE 
 
 BODIES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE N, Y. VOLUNTEERS 
 
 FROM MEXICO; 
 
 WITH THE 
 
 FUNERAL CEREMONIES 
 
 OBSERVED ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR INTERMENT. 
 
 AT a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, held on the 
 25th October, 1847, Alderman PURSER presented the fol- 
 lowing preamble and resolutions, viz : 
 
 Whereas, LIEUT. COLONEL BAXTER and LIEUT. CHAND- 
 LER have nobly fallen in the discharge of their duty, 
 after gallantly sustaining, in many hard fought battles, 
 the glory of the American arms and the honor of their 
 country ; 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. 
 
 567176
 
 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, appoint- 
 ed 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, appoint- 
 ed 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 appoint- 
 ment of Mr. ALEXANDER S. FORBES, who personally solic- 
 ited the agency, and who produced strong recommendations 
 to the Committee from the Baxter Blues, who communica- 
 ted 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 9th of February, from which city he pro- 
 ceeded on the 20th, 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 1 dispatch, which the Com- 
 mittee regret to state is the only one ever received by 
 them. 
 
 SAN ANGEL, NEAR CITY OF MEXICO. ? 
 MAY GTH, 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 immedi- 
 ately commenced searching for the bodies, COLONEL BAX- 
 TER, and the other officers, by calling on CAPTAIN PATRICK, 
 whom COLONEL BURNETT informed your Committee and 
 myself, had charge of them, and had promised to send 
 them to New York. Upon making known my business to 
 Capt. 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 regi- 
 ments. 
 
 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, immediately 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 I 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 officers 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 en-
 
 comiums showered upon our noble representatives,. by all 
 belonging to the army ; they are considered a band of In- 
 vincibles. 
 
 I shall write immediately upon my arrival in New Or- 
 leans, and can then say when will be the mrost 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 W T ard. 
 
 After the organization of the new Common Council, in 
 May, the 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.
 
 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 un- 
 fortunate event occurred at two o'clock, on the morning of 
 the 20th in st. 
 
 I arrived in this city on the night of the 17th, and hear- 
 ing that Alexander was in the city, I called on him im- 
 mediately, 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 at- 
 tended 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 coffin, and I shall 
 start at five o'clock to-day, for New-York, via Sandusky 
 and Buffalo, 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 
 associates. Intrusted in life with the mission of restoring
 
 9 
 
 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 
 incorruption, 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 the 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- 
 tion, 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 incident 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 that 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 
 
 lion, when they were re-arranged under the canopy, on 
 trestles, and laid iri 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 manage- 
 ment 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, dur- 
 ing 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 
 DITTIES REQUIRED BY THEIR COUNTRY, 
 
 IN MEXICO. 
 
 Tllli 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 arri- 
 val 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. 
 2
 
 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. EWEN, 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 ORDERS. 
 
 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 thereof. 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 11 th. 
 
 The following General Order was Issued by 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 or 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 np Broadway to Fourteenth 
 street ; through Fourteenth street to the Bowery ; down the 
 Bowery and Chatham street, to the east gate of 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 Arrange- 
 ments, 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 pro- 
 nounced 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 li- 
 censed 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 half-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 ARRANGEMENTS . 
 
 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 o'ershadowed the heav- 
 ens from morn till night, and the sun's rays were only visi- 
 ble just before the funeral cortege entered the western gate 
 of the Park. In the fore part of the day a thin disagreable 
 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 float- 
 ed at half-mast, and we noticed several private dwellings
 
 18 
 
 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, everything that 
 our citizens at large could do to mark their respect, was 
 done. From the hour of two P. M., minute guns were fired 
 till after the ceremonies in front of the City Hall were con- 
 cluded, and the bells of the various churches tolled the fu- 
 neral 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 coffins 
 were there reposing ; the watchful tread of a sentry from 
 the Baxter Blues, being the only sound which 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. JAMES BARCLAY, 
 
 Of Company C, New York Regiment ; died at San Angels r 
 January 30, 1848, aged 28 years. 
 
 CAPT. CHARLES H. PEARSON, 
 
 Died in the City of Mexico, October 10, 1847, of wound* 
 
 received in storming the Fortress of Chapultepec, 
 
 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. 
 3
 
 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 the broad plat- 
 form 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 Slate Militia, under the command of BRIGADIER 
 GENERAL JOHN EWEN, in reverse order, as follows : 
 
 Twelfth Regiment, commanded by COLONEL HENRY G. 
 STEBBINS, 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. Ay res, " 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, 
 wns composed of the following companies, to wit: 
 
 Union Riflemen, corn'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 " " " Wra.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. 
 
 Emmet " " " James McGrath, Co. E. 
 
 President's " " H. L. Moelyle, " B. 
 
 Washington Cadets, " " Henry Baldwin, " G. 
 
 President's Guard, " " Henry Brunner, " C. 
 
 " " " Thomas Jones, " A. 
 
 National Greys, " " 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 the policemen in preserving 
 order. They were followed by the Baxter Blues, after
 
 whom came the carriages containing' the Rev. Clergy, iu 
 the following order : 
 
 Reformed Dutch Rev. Drs. KNOX, HARDENSBURGH, FER- 
 RIS, 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 let- 
 ters on the drapery which overhung the coffins. Then 
 came the body of 
 
 FORBES, 
 
 WITH THE FOLLOWING PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Messrs. Aaron Baldwin, Messrs. John Reeves, 
 Wm. S. Williams, Charles;Smith, 
 
 Foster N. Mott, Fred. Watkins, 
 
 Richard White, James Malone.
 
 2;* 
 
 BAXTER. 
 
 PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Col. Burnett, 1st Regt. N.Y.V. 
 " Ming, 3d " " 
 
 " Carnes, 5th " " 
 
 " Brcnnan,7th " N.Y.A. 
 
 Col. Calhoun, 2d Regt. N.Y.V. 
 
 " Thomas, 4th " " 
 Lt.Col. Potter, 2d " " 
 Lt. Sweeny, 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. 
 
 PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Lt. Col. Duryea, 7th Rg. NYA. 
 
 " Hopkins,3d " NYV. 
 
 " Kesler, 5th " " 
 Major Thomas, 
 
 Lt. Col. Ferris, 9th Reg. NYA. 
 Major Lyon, 2d " Vol. 
 Capt. Innes, 1st " " 
 
 " J. Pattison,4th" " 
 
 Escorted by the Pearson Light Guard, as a Guard of 
 Honor, under Captain N. PIKE.
 
 24 
 GALLAGHER. 
 
 PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Capt. Waugh, 7th Regt. NY A. 
 
 Lieut. Crofts, 1st " Vol. 
 " Sutor, 1st " " 
 " Forbes, 4th " NYA. 
 
 Capt. Price, 7th Regt. N.Y.A. 
 
 " Ferber,4th " " 
 
 Lieut. Wiley, 1st " N.Y.V. 
 
 " Curran,lst " " 
 
 CHANDLER. 
 
 PALL BEARERS. 
 
 Lieut. Henry, 1st Regt. N.Y.V. i Capt. Van Dyck,8th Rg. NYA. 
 
 " Reed, " Lieut. Smith, 7th " " 
 
 Surgeon McKibbin, " Floyd, 1st " Vol. 
 
 Lieut. Brown, " " 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-Anns, 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 wers 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 deposi- 
 ted, 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 
 
 nion Council, in the name of the City, to the New York 
 Regiment, 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, howerer, quietly and efficiently, and not the slight- 
 est disorder was perceptible. The arrangements 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 Coun- 
 cil, 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 solemn and affecting occasion, with the deep 
 feeling of our personal unworthiness and sinfulness. Who 
 are we, that we should come before Thee ? 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 blexs-
 
 27 
 
 ing. To us, in Thy presence, belong sharne and confu- 
 sion 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 min- 
 gle our sympathies with the large circle of sorrowing 
 relatives to whose affections they shall never return. We 
 beg Thee, in mercy, to bind up the broken heart and ap- 
 point a speedy reconciliation and relief to those 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 shall we look but to Thee? 
 all power is thine, all consolations are thine, and mercy is 
 thine. Pity thou, we beseech thee, all descriptions of 
 sufferers 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 w r ar 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 
 4
 
 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 1 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 results, 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 which 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 them 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-
 
 m 
 
 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 to 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 this place, was a Second 
 Lieutenant of the Second Regiment of New York Volun- 
 teers. That regiment not being ordered into service, his de- 
 sire to serve the country in this capacity wasnot gratified ; 
 a private in the Baxter Blues, and well acquainted 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 thus 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
 
 son of Gen. Ailoniram 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 
 Yeo, 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- 
 treras, and fell mortally wounded on the field of Churu- 
 busco, August 20th, 1847, as is testified by his command- 
 ing officer, " whilst gallantly sustaining his colors." He 
 survived his wound until ten A. M., next day, when he ex- 
 pired in the arms of his associate, Lieut. Henry, with en- 
 tire calmness and resignation not a murmur having es- 
 caped 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 all 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 punctillious fidelity in the discharge of 
 every trust confided to him. His parents, \vho 3 knew him 
 best, can most keenly appreciate his loss and the military 
 experience of his sorrowing father will, we trust, enable 
 him lo derive consolation from the reflection that he met a
 
 32 
 
 death which a soldier might expect in a manner which a 
 soldier must env 7 y. 
 
 LIEUT. CHARLES F. GALLAGHER died at Misoac,the 10th 
 of September, 1847, at the age 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 brilliancy 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, Charles H. Pearson, whose 
 remains now lie before you, was born at Portland, Maine, 
 on the 13th of May, 1815. He was educated at the Wes- 
 lyan Seminary, Reed field, Maine, and came to Brooklyn
 
 83 
 
 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 had 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 the Pearson Guards. His anxiety to engage in 
 the Mexican 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 of 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 o. native of Albany. He 
 served under Gen. Scolt, and was noted for his distinguish- 
 ed gallantry in the various engagements which rendered 
 so illustrious the progress 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 folio-wing 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 the best drilled companies in the 
 regular service. The prospect of a serious di i culty with 
 Great Britain in 1845, in regard to the boundary of Ore- 
 gon, induced Captain Baxter, in connection with other 
 military gentlem n, (o attem t the 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 the order of the 
 government. Of these two regiments, Ward B. Burnett 
 was elected colonel of one and Charles Baxter of the other. 
 The dates of their 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 the 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 he 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 regiment, 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 that 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 came up with two hun- 
 dred of the enemy, and after a short engagement, defeat- 
 ed 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 time 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
 
 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, the 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 the 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- 
 iment 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 gallantly 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 hodies adjourned for the usual time, as a mark of 
 respecl 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 deep 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 minutesrafterwards, 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 you, 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 to commence, 
 we find lives of honor here closed by their sacrifices upon 
 j,he altar of patriotism. The youth, which is the reproach 
 cast upon cur 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. 
 
 Those 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 themselves in military 
 life, and it would seem as if the Providence which watched 
 over our 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 Providence, 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 Lave established the 
 fact beyond dispute, that in active and official service in 
 the field, a volunteer force is surpassed by none, an I \\ hy 
 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 whose 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 has 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- 
 nar}' 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 
 anything 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 
 10,000 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 them three hundred miles, through 
 a country extremely difficult of access, and a dense popu- 
 lation 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, tak- 
 ing 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 war- 
 riors in the heart and capital of the foe, where they re- 
 posed, surrounded by a hostile population of 200,000 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 I am forced to compress into a sentence: 
 but in my judgment, impartial posterity 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 de- 
 tail the action of the hosts of military men who have dis- 
 tinguished themselves in Mexico. I can only speak of 
 the commanders of the two armies. 
 6
 
 u 
 
 The engagements of General Taylor at Palo Alto and 
 Resaca de la Palma, fearful as they were, and desperate 
 as they seemed the capture of Monterey, the bloody 
 and obstinate resistance and victory of Buena Vista, to- 
 gether with the intelligence, good sense, modesty and hu- 
 manity of that distinguished commander, have made a 
 wide and deep impression upon the public mind, and se- 
 cured to him the lasting admiration and gratitude of his 
 country. So conspicuous is this truth that a large num- 
 ber of his fellow-citizens are prepared and anxious to in- 
 vest him with the highest office in their gift, the greatest 
 trust in the world. 
 
 But why do I speak of commanders? 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 
 their 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 chief- 
 tain ; and from such a material as them in times past,
 
 45 
 
 have been, 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 
 intelligent 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 un- 
 true to history, unkind to them, unjust to himself, and un- 
 faithful, 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 I am 
 fully conscious have nothing but their simplicity and truth 
 to commend them to your attention, and in thanking you 
 for the kindness with which you have received suggestions 
 so unworthy of the effort which you may have been led 
 to expect, and which are so well calculated to occasion 
 disappointment, allow me to congratulate you, as I think 
 I may not inappropriately do, that peace is again the 
 happy condition of our people. 
 
 All the departments of industry, social order, the inter- 
 ests of humanity, civilization and Christianity intellec-
 
 46 
 
 tual, moral, political progress require pence at. the hands 
 of every 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 while I rejoice that the crisis 
 through which the country has just passed, has nobly vin- 
 dicated 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 
 political 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 republicans 
 should hazard everything 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, com- 
 pared with this great evil, which threatens even the exis- 
 tence of institutions, which are the admiration of the 
 world, and the example and hope of the friends of freedom 
 throughout the civilized globe. 
 
 It is, therefore, with unaffected joy, that I congratulate 
 you on the re-establishrnent 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 States.
 
 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 pall 
 
 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 spirits 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 which, the Benediction was pro- 
 nounced by the Rev. Dr. HARDENBERGH, 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 13th. 
 
 The Pearson Guard took charge of the remains of their 
 late Commandant, and were escorted to Brooklyn by the 
 Independence Guard of this city. 
 
 The other bodies were removed to the Governor's room, 
 where the Baxter Blues mounted guard over them, until 
 their removal on the next day.
 
 At noon, on the 13th, the military assembled in pursu- 
 ance of the following order : 
 
 FIRST BRIGADE, NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 
 
 BRIGADE ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July llth, 1848. 
 
 The troops of the First Regiment, in this city, will as- 
 semble, under the command of Lieut. Col. Ryer, mounted, 
 at the Arsenal at one o'clock, on Thursday, 13th inst., to 
 attend the remains of the gallant BAXTER, BARCLAY, GAL- 
 LAGHER, CHANDLER and FORBES, to their last resting place, 
 Greenwood Cemetery. Col. STEWART and staff will join 
 the Brigadier and staff, at his quarters, 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 to 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.
 
 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, Lieut. 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 
 second Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers, in carriages and on 
 horseback, together with a number of the field and staff 
 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, 1. 0. of 0. F.," 
 of which he was a member, as also that of the "Ring- 
 gold 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 GARLAND, 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 lo 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. 
 
 7
 
 52 
 
 The Rev. Dr. SEABURY, over the remains of Lieutenant 
 CHANDLER, also made a most impressive prayer, which 
 forced tears from many eyes. 
 
 The Baxter Blues 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 
 
 NEW YORK REGIMENT OF VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 WITH THK 
 
 ROLLS OF THE COMPANIES, 
 
 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 ob- 
 tained in Mexico by our armies. 
 
 MAYOR'S OFFICE, 
 October 27th, 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 officers 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 
 the 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 As- 
 sistants, 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 recommend 
 to the Board, in a report drawn for that purpose, that a 
 medal should be struck by the Common Council, com- 
 memorative 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 pro- 
 priety of adopting the recommendation of the Committee.
 
 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 human heart; and while 
 their sympathies have been excited in reflecting upon the 
 desolations consequent upon a state of war, in the suffer- 
 ings and death 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 
 
 our 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- 
 ture 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, 
 deprived from night to night of their ordinary and necessary 
 repose, liable at any moment to be surrounded and attacked 
 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 
 determined bravery than the history of the present war so 
 brilliantly portrays, and we proudly challenge the nations 
 of the world to present a series of victories, which under all 
 the circumstances connected with this campaign can com- 
 pare with those achieved by our gallant army from Vera Cruz 
 to the city of Mexico, and from Palo Alto to Buena Vista. 
 It would be an ungrateful task, and might appear inviduous 
 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 confidence 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 high- 
 est order of excellence ; that the officers have shown them- 
 selves worthy of the confidence placed in their valor and 
 their skill, in that they were always found in the front 
 ranks in the time of danger, uniformly leading ther gal-
 
 58 
 
 lant 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 impressively 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, 
 thatt he regiment from our own state lias performed a 
 conspicuous and important part in the recent struggle, and 
 that 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, fellas brave men love to fall, fighting 
 the battles of their 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 de joie 
 amidst the shouts of an assembled multidude, 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 inscriptions, 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 favora- 
 ble and permanent impression upon the minds of the re- 
 cipients, 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 
 8
 
 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 state, and when the time of his departure shall 
 arrive, he will bequeath it to his children as a precious 
 legacy, to be by them cherished and preserved as a valu- 
 able memento of their father's services upon the fields of 
 Mexico. 
 
 Actuated by such feelings^ the Committee most respect- 
 fully submit for adoption, the following preamble and reso- 
 lutions : 
 
 Whereas, The recent triumphs of the American arms, 
 under the command of its brave and gallant officers, 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 hour of 
 victory has exemplified the gratifying fact, that while act- 
 ing in 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 York 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,
 
 68 
 
 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. HATF1ELD, 
 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 now to add, 
 meets their highest expectation ; and enhances, if possi- 
 ble, 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 npon 
 the cactus, while the Mexican serpent is lying prostrate 
 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, which shortly after commencing its labors re- 
 organized the Committee by the following appointments: 
 
 Of the Board of Aldermen. Aldermen DE FOREST, 
 CROLIUS, 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 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 who first joined the regiment, and 
 who served in the seige 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.
 
 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 application 
 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 their return, the surviving members of that gal- 
 lant band, who at their country's call, sacrificed their do- 
 mestic endearments and cheering associations which clus- 
 ter 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 career of 
 victories, bade farewell to their wives, their children, and 
 their friends, with the fond hope that when the conflict 
 was ended, and the emblem of peace should wing it 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 friendship 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 Shields, 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 
 9
 
 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 injfront 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 misfortune 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 the 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 regiment, 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-arrns 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 fulmen, 
 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
 
 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, then the 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 there until 
 a fatal shot brought him lifeless to the ground ; and a 
 more fortunate hand, but not more devoted heart, caught 
 it as he 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
 
 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 proudest 
 monarch on his throne might envy. 
 
 The tattered flag which is now before us, and the na- 
 tional standard you so nobly defended, both of which have 
 been returned to be placed among the archieves 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 land-marks 
 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 careless- 
 ness 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 Assistants. 
 
 NEW YORK, Oct 2d,^1848.
 
 74 
 
 The Committee herewith publish the ROLLS of the va- 
 rious 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. McCARTY, 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. HALSTED, 
 CAPTAIN JAMES F. HUTTON, 
 SERGT. MAJOR PATRICK O'GORMAN. 
 QUARTER MAST. SERGT. EDWARD MCCUTCHEON, 
 " " " WILLIAM H. KEARNEY, 
 
 MUSICIAN DAVID E. CARPENTER, 
 PATRICK BERRY.
 
 75 
 
 COMPANY A. 
 
 CAPTAIN WILLIAM FORRY. 
 
 Lieut. 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 Sergt. 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 Corpl. 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 Mus'n. 
 
 u 
 
 Private 
 
 Israel Miller, Private 
 
 Charles S. Cooper, " 
 Thomas J. Rogers, " 
 Robert F. Allason, "- 
 Alexander Smith, 
 Jacob David, 
 Jeremiah Ring, 
 Thomas McGivern, 
 Michael Clark, 
 Conrad Muler, " 
 
 Wm. J. Berghdorf, 
 Henry Arckoll, ^ " 
 John Adams, 
 Peter Burnds, 
 William A. Coventry, " 
 James Duncan, 
 John Drew, 
 Patrick Fallen, 
 Thomas Foley, 
 Thomas Farrell, " 
 
 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, 
 John Munday, . 
 Rufus D. Pettit, 
 Peter Surmer, 
 Henry Stan ping, 
 D. S. Timmonds, 
 Everhard Welter, 
 John G. Wood, 
 Benj. F. Wheeler. 
 
 Sergt. 
 
 u 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Samuel Henry, 2d. Lt. Thos. W. Sweeney, 
 
 James M. Bayles, Private Lawrence Graur, 
 
 Corpl. Louis Albough, James L. Harper, 
 
 Private Thomas W. Tobin, Erben Haun, 
 
 Albert L. Waggoner, " Joel Williss, 
 10
 
 r 
 
 Private John D. Bradley, Private David N. Decker, 
 " Julies G. Nordman, " Hendrick Mier, 
 " Joseph Roworth, Joshua Dudley, 
 
 " James M. Parker, " John H. Orr, 
 
 " John Callahan, " William Breslen. 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 1st. Lt. Augustus Jacobus, Private Alfred A. Leonard, 
 Sergt. Henry H. Satterly, " Benj. F. Bennett, 
 Private George T. Rosbeeck, " Conrad Heicher, 
 " Charles Gode, " Edward Fife, 
 
 " Joseph Banks, John P. Bouteer, 
 
 Joseph Heicher. 
 

 
 77 
 
 COMPANY B. 
 
 CAPTAIN ALFRED W. TAYLOR. 
 
 1st Lt. 
 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 1st Sgt. 
 2d u 
 3d " 
 1st Cor. 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 Private 
 
 Robert M. Floyd, Private 
 HypoliteDardonville, " 
 
 Carl Becher, " 
 
 Carl Butterbrod, " 
 
 Joseph Reutter, " 
 
 John Abel, " 
 Jacob Hirschhorn, 
 
 John Henkel, " 
 George Daub, 
 
 David Darkowski, " 
 
 John Bechtel, " 
 
 Adam Behland, " 
 Sylvester Beguet, 
 
 James Bowse, " 
 Thomas Dixon, 
 
 John Eber, " 
 
 B. Grassenauer, 
 William Gravenitz, 
 August Heiss, 
 Michael Kuber, 
 George Knortser, 
 Raoul Dorsch, 
 John Ludwig, 
 Allan McDonald, 
 Lindock Muir, 
 Otto Newbauer, 
 Christopher Newman 
 Conrad Pingell, 
 Peter Schon, 
 John Tweedy, 
 Carl Voss, 
 Carl Wentzell, 
 
 Charles Moorhead. 
 
 SICK. 
 
 Sergt. John Abel, Private Julius Latte, 
 
 Private Alexander Lission. 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Captain Gustave de Bongars, Corpl. Francis Bonez, 
 
 " Gustave deReichardt, " John Haab, 
 1st Lt. Mar pe Reed, Private Conrad Dorn,
 
 2d Lt. Francis Durning, 
 Private Martin Geier, 
 " Edward Holtzke, 
 " John Hunt, 
 '* James Kelly, 
 
 Hermann Konig, 
 
 Private Martin Dorn, 
 " Geo. Liebold, 
 
 George Nazel, 
 " Stefan Uberschutz, 
 
 George William, 
 " Frederick Viere. 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Sergt. P. Vander. Romein 2 Private Frederick Hartwick, 
 
 Lewis Bovet, 2 
 Corpl. Christian Meyer, 
 Private David Rathburn, 3 
 " Peter Wiese, 2 
 " Constantine Baillottz 
 Charles Debegue, 
 Philibert Dure, 
 " Carl Frantziiis, 
 
 Peter Hirshbach, 
 John Kocher, 
 Wm. Lackenmeyer, 
 Otto Naeder, 
 Francis Nolle, 
 Valentine Putxold, 
 Henry Sturmer, 
 Jacob Wirth. 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 2 Severely wounded at Chapultepec. 
 
 busco. 
 
 2 Killed at Churn-
 
 79 
 
 COMPANY C. 
 
 CAPTAIN GEORGE B. HALL,. 
 
 IstLt. 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 IstSgt. 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th" 
 IstCorl. 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th" 
 Private 
 
 Francis G. Boyle, Private 
 
 Alexander H. Barber, " 
 
 Edward Cook, " 
 
 William Peel, " 
 
 Barthol. M. Lynch, " 
 
 Philip Conway, 
 
 Geo. Gorham Craig, " 
 
 James McCann, 
 
 Martin Grosse, " 
 
 Andrew Shaffer, 
 
 Wm. P. Mclntyre, " 
 
 Samuel H. Beattie, u 
 
 Richard Burke, 
 
 William Benton, " 
 
 John Carter, 
 
 Thomas Reid, " 
 
 John Russel, 
 
 Philip E. Shannon, 
 
 David Costigan, 
 George Congdon, 
 Antonio Dabrouski, 
 Charles Eccleston, 
 Antonio French, 
 Frederick Hartman, 
 Bernard Hazen, 
 John Jenkins, 
 Adolph Kilgart, 
 Angevine Leonard, 
 William McVail, 
 James McNorton, 
 Owen Mohen, 
 Philip Myers, 
 Thomas Reed, 
 Joshua Smith, 
 Oliver A. Tilton, 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Private William Beattio, 
 " William Bolt, 
 John Farren, 
 
 Private Adam King, 
 
 C. Ramensnyder, 
 Benj. Van Clief. 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Capt. James Barclay, Private Andrew Golard, 
 
 Private Abraham Delamater, 
 Thomas Dodd, 
 Timothy Golden, 
 John Lawrence, 
 
 Christian Clemm r 
 Cornelius Lloyd, 
 James Saxton,
 
 80 
 
 COMPANY D. 
 
 CAPTAIN JAY P. TAYLOR, 
 
 1st Lt. 
 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 
 Sergt. 
 (c 
 
 a 
 
 Gorpl. 
 it 
 
 tc 
 
 u 
 
 Private 
 u 
 
 a 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 a 
 
 U 
 
 u 
 u 
 u 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 Francis Pinto, 
 John Hill, 
 Henry Dusenbury, 
 Robt. M. Harper, 
 Hugh Gainer, 
 Wm. S. McCormick, 
 Henry Stanton, 
 John S. Whaley, 
 Edw. R. Danburgh, 
 Peter Toell, 
 James E. Burch, 
 Wesley Smith, 
 John Davis, 
 Daniel S. Murphy, 
 Michael Mentze, 
 Robt. W. Anderson, 
 John Coyne, 
 Abram M. White, 
 Francis Willick, 
 Edward Dunn, 
 Abram M. Deremer, 
 Daniel Hawley, 
 Edward Schiller, 
 John Ashley, 
 John B. Halfpenny, 
 James Kelly, 
 
 Private 
 u 
 
 Richard T. Jefferson, 
 Reuben Jones, 
 James Kennada, 
 James Lennox, 
 Michael Larvey, 
 Michael Lewis, 
 Alexander Morand, 
 Edward Morand, 
 William McCanna, 
 John McNulty, 
 Payton J. Nodine, 
 Patrick Ryan, 
 Dan. S, Standerwick, 
 Michael Sullivan, 
 Goodrich Spaulding, 
 Lawrence Strobill. 
 James Topley, 
 John B. Cobb, 
 Joseph Lewis, 
 Phillip Lockwood, 
 James Manning, 
 Geo. R. McFadden, 
 Freedom G. Newton, 
 Charles Floyd, 
 William Wiley, 
 William Moulton,
 
 81 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Corpl. Jesse Carman, 
 
 Private Joseph Adams, 
 
 " Patrick Behen, 
 
 " Henry R. Browne, 
 
 " John Cooper, 
 
 " Thomas Conally, 
 
 " Luke Cassada, 
 
 " Samuel D. Duncan, 
 
 " Orlow Farrall. 
 
 " John Wright, 
 
 Private John W. Joyce, 
 John C. Johnson, 
 Jacob Laud, 
 u Nicholas Mead, 
 " Nicholas Mooney, 
 " Charles E. Oakley, 
 
 James Roe, 
 " James Smith, 
 " Wm. H. Thompson.
 
 82 
 
 COMPANY E. 
 
 CAPTAIN ROBEKT A. CARTKK. 
 
 1st Lt. 
 
 2d " 
 1st Segt, 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 1st Cor, 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 
 Private 
 
 u 
 
 u 
 
 J. W. Henry, Private 
 
 David W. Doremus, u 
 Joseph Corniff, 
 John L. Trainor, 
 Francis Crawford, 
 Edward Slowly, " 
 
 Henry Betton, " 
 
 Phillip Ewault, " 
 
 Martin Duncan, " 
 
 George Platt, 
 James Armstrong, 
 William Blues, " 
 
 John Baun, 
 Francis Conroy, 
 Stephen Connor, 
 Mark Chrieser, " 
 
 Martin Folen, 
 
 George Geiren, 
 Robert Gannon, 
 John Graham, 
 William Hunter, 
 John Hoe, 
 Mark Kahn, 
 William McCoppin, 
 William Miller, 
 William Manson, 
 George Poos, 
 David Simmons, 
 Alexander Sivun, 
 James Searl, 
 John Thyson, 
 David Wells, 
 Chris. H. Dunn, 
 John W. Lyon, 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Private W. D. Hamilton, 
 
 Albert Lombard, 
 " John H. Leech, 
 
 Private Joseph Croto, 
 
 Timothy Dunovan. 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Capt. Charles H. Pearson, Lieut. Edgar Chandler, 
 1st Lt. Garret Fitzgerald. Private George W T . Blake,
 
 COMPANY F. 
 
 CAPTAIN S. S. GALLAGHER. 
 
 1st Lt. 
 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 1st Sgt 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 1st Cor 
 2d " 
 3d " 
 4th " 
 Private 
 
 James G. Hillis, 
 E. B. Carroll, 
 Michael A. Curran, 
 , W. H. Warren, 
 G. H. Pruyn, 
 John F. Hatfield, 
 Josiah Campbell, 
 .John Acker, 
 M. Conlin, 
 Thomas Suppis, 
 A. J. Constantine, 
 John Green, 
 W. B. Parisien, 
 Win. Anderson, 
 Charles M. Brower, 
 Charles Bath, 
 John Coss, 
 John Cox, 
 John Hink, 
 Barney Harrigan, 
 Frederick Hartman, 
 Joseph A. Jones, 
 Thomas Dooley, 
 
 Private Charles Keenan, 
 James Ludlam, 
 James Murray, 
 " Peter J. Mumpton, 
 " John E. Murphy, 
 " Peter McCann, 
 
 John McKeown, 
 " Scott McKay, 
 " John Myers, 
 
 Michael Nolans, 
 " John Nelson, 
 " Henry Otten, 
 " Wm. Quackenbusb, 
 " Peter Reilly, 
 " William Taylor, 
 " Henrich Vansell, 
 John Warren, 
 Joseph Warren, 
 " Edward Wilson, 
 " Garret Barry, 
 " William Tompkins, 
 u Henry Hardenbrook, 
 Joseph Boyle, 
 
 11
 
 84 
 
 COMPANY G. 
 
 CAPTAIN DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 
 
 Sergt. 
 
 c< 
 
 Corpl. 
 u 
 
 Lieut. M. N. Croft, 
 " Henry Gaines, 
 " John Wilson, 
 
 Chas. A. Sammons, 
 Chas. L. Thompson, 
 Wm. H. Williss, 
 Chas. F. Hall, 
 Alb'n K. P. Wallace, 
 Henry Rogers, 
 " William Doyle,' 
 " John Splain, 
 Private John Brown, 
 " Barnes Nelson, 
 James Cronley, 
 " Dominick Nelson, 
 " Bernard De Young, 
 " James Gibson, 
 " Lewis De Grandval, 
 
 Private 
 
 u 
 
 James Hart, 
 Thomas Healy, 
 Daniel 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, 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Lieut. William H. Brown, 
 
 Private James Wilson, 
 
 " Thomas P. Bowen, 
 
 " Edward Carr, 1 
 
 " VarnumVanSlyke, 1 
 
 " Martin Finney, 2 
 
 " William Hart, 2 
 
 " Charles Crap, 3 
 
 " Peter Farley,* 
 
 Private Ebenezer Fish, 3 
 
 " James Smith, 4 
 
 " John McKinney, 5 
 
 " ' Frederick Fox, 8 
 
 " John Dillon, 
 
 " Josiah B. Davis, 
 
 " John 0. Donnell, 1 
 
 " James Peck.
 
 85 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Corpl. Jacob Albrecht, 8 Private Charles Wheeler, 
 
 Private OrrinElwood, 11 
 " Robert Devoe, 1 
 
 Bernard Crummie, J 
 Andrew Kline, 1 
 Alex. Rodney, 10 
 John Shaw, 9 
 Joseph A. Dennis, 9 
 
 William Bell, 11 
 John Benjamin, 1 ' 
 Thomas Topham, 1 J 
 Chas. E. Randall, 11 
 Peter E. Butcher, 11 
 Frank Smith, 11 
 Thomas Ingham, 1 1 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 1 Wounded at Churubusco. 
 
 2 Lost his leg at " 
 Wounded twice at " 
 4 Lost his arm at u 
 
 'Disabled while prisoner of 
 
 war. 
 
 'Killed atPuebla. 
 9 " at the Garita de Belen 
 
 s Wounded at city of Mexico. 10 " at Churubusco. 
 8 Ruptured while in service. l J Died in Hospital.
 
 COMPANY H. 
 
 CAPTAIN ADDISON FARWSWORTH. 
 
 1st Lt. Jacob Griffin, Jr., 
 1st Sgt. Henry Moorhead, 
 2d " Tyler W. Gray, 
 3d " Geo. A. Seaman, 
 4th " Jarvis Streeter, 
 IstCor.John Butler, 
 2d " Hezekiah Dare, 
 3d " John Mackey, 
 4th " John Gower, 
 Mus'n. Daniel O'Keefe, 
 Private James Brady, 
 
 " Wm. H. Brumaghin, 
 " William White, 
 
 Michael 
 
 Private Asa Burke, 
 
 " George Craig, 
 
 " Jeremiah Daly, 
 
 " Alfred Dougherty, 
 
 " John H. Duffy, 
 
 " William Gross, 
 
 " James Leary, 
 
 " Alonzo Mather, 
 
 a George Porter, 
 
 " Norman Van Beuren, 
 
 " R. P. Van Ranken, 
 
 " Henry Webb, 
 
 " Cornelius Winters. 
 
 Butler. 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 1st Sgt. James Ashton, 
 4th " William Boyd, 
 1st Cor. Robert Haines, 
 Private Nathan Bowen, 
 " William T. Burgess, 
 " Henry Clemshire, 
 Peter Duross, 
 John W. Lyon, 
 
 u 
 
 Private Alvin McCune, 
 
 " Joshua L. Simmons, 
 
 " Patrick Crimiere, 
 
 " James Dever, 
 
 " Patrick Roney, 
 
 " John Allison, 
 
 " John Connor, 
 
 " Robert Dyes,
 
 87 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Capt. Abram Van Olinda, ' Private Sopphe Myers, 
 1st Lt. Charles F. Gallagher, " Joseph Richardson, 
 Private William A. Jeffries, " Samuel S. Steele, 
 " Geo. E. Waddell, " David Niblock, 
 
 " William Allison, 2 '' Ransen Pettit. 
 
 NOTE. 
 1 Killed at Chapultepec. a Killed at Churubusco.
 
 88 
 
 COMPANY I. 
 
 CAPTAIN MORTON FAIRCHILD. 
 
 1st Lt. David Scannell, 
 
 Private Samuel Gardiner, 
 
 2d 
 
 " William Wiley, 
 
 
 
 James Higgins, 
 
 Private Jacob R. Riley, 
 
 u 
 
 James Button, 
 
 a 
 
 Augustus Brelett, 
 
 a 
 
 Richard Head rick, 
 
 u 
 
 Samuel Duffin, 
 
 a 
 
 Marx M. Hart, 
 
 
 
 Thomas Normand, 
 
 
 
 Patrick Minatur, 
 
 u 
 
 William McGuire, 
 
 a 
 
 Henry Phillips, 
 
 a 
 
 Thomas L. Decker, 
 
 u 
 
 Edward H. Ross, 
 
 
 
 George Pemberton, 
 
 u 
 
 Thomas Rowley, 
 
 a 
 
 Benjamin Remain, 
 
 u 
 
 George W. Struthers, 
 
 a 
 
 David Cairy, 
 
 u 
 
 Philip Streeter, 
 
 u 
 
 John Coleman, 
 
 u 
 
 James Stivers, 
 
 < 
 
 William Daily, 
 
 a 
 
 George Thistletom, 
 
 it 
 
 Joseph Duffin, 
 
 a 
 
 William Zwick, 
 
 
 
 Joseph Franklin, 
 
 u 
 
 Thomas L. Doty, 
 
 u 
 
 Joseph Fly, 
 
 u 
 
 James Mullen, 
 
 a 
 
 John S. Gardner, 
 
 a 
 
 Richard Oxten, 
 
 
 Robert 
 
 Dullay 
 
 . 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 Private John Sanders, 
 u Patrick McCarty, 
 " Frederick Stokes, 
 " John Hepburn, 
 " Harvey Lake, 
 
 Private George L. Wilber r 
 " Henry Bird, 
 " John C. Matthews, 
 " Horace J. Meech, 
 " Leonard W. Howes, 
 
 Daniel Robertson.
 
 89 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Private Charles M. Tucker, Private Joseph Emmons, 
 " James Mullen, Thomas Halsted, 
 
 " Moses D. Day, " Ebenezer Cook, 
 
 William Wilbur.
 
 90 
 
 COMPANY K. 
 
 CAPTAI1V CHARLES H. INNIS, 
 
 1st Lt. John Rafferty, 
 2d " James S. McCabe, 
 3d " Henry Dusenbury, 
 1st Sgt. John McClean, 
 2d " Eliphalet Everett, 
 3d " George Beebe, 
 4th " Lewis D. Frost, 
 1st Cor. P. N. Lawler, 
 2d " Frederick Cook, 
 3d " Henry S. Johnson, 
 Private Harman I. Beach, 
 " James Bowen, 
 " John Boyce, 
 " William Burns, 
 " F. H. Bennich, 
 " C. W. Baker, 
 " J. R. Baker, 
 
 Private John B. Beattie, 
 
 " John Collins, 
 
 " William Dempsey, 
 
 " Augustus Dollinger, 
 
 " Mathew Dougherty, 
 
 " Arrin Harrington, 
 
 " Peter Jacobs, 
 
 " Ferdinand Labahn, 
 
 " Michael F. Morris, 
 
 " James Plate, 
 
 " James H. Pitts, 
 
 " William Rhoads, 
 
 " John G. Snow, 
 
 " Jacob C. Sorners, 
 
 " Gushard Speakhart. 
 
 " James F. Tompkins, 
 
 " Timothy Wandell. 
 
 DISCHARGED. 
 
 1st Lt. 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 William Jones, 
 " John Cook, 
 " Edward Williams, 
 " William Stow, 
 
 Benjamin F. Bross, 
 James 0. Hern, 
 Thomas L. Tombs, 
 Randolph Tutlle.
 
 91 
 
 DEAD. 
 
 Private Patrick Pagan, 
 
 tf James Maxlum, 
 
 Charles Folley, 
 
 " John L. Young 1 , 
 
 " Andrew Van Allen, 
 
 " Alexander Cook, 
 
 " William Millon, 
 
 Private Thomas Burnett, 
 
 " Jasper Lynt, 
 
 " Charles Robbins, 
 
 " Henry Havern, 
 
 " Thomas Mullins, 
 
 " Nathaniel J. Randall, 
 
 " Thomas K. Boerum, 
 
 James Horton.
 
 REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE 
 
 APPOINTED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 
 
 RECEPTION 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS 
 
 01V THEIR RETURN FROM 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, and 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 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 es- 
 cape 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 I heir judgment may be fit and proper, for the 
 purpose of testifying- our gratification upon the return of 
 peace, and the complete triumph 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 pream- 
 ble 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 human- 
 ity ; 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
 
 9G 
 
 Resolved, Thai 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 a 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 to 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, toge- 
 ther with the President thereof. 
 
 Both sets of preambles and resolutions were respectively 
 concurred by the Board of Aldermen and the Board of 
 Assistant Aldermen, and the same Committees appointed 
 thereon. 
 
 They were subsequently approved by his Honor the 
 Mayor.
 
 97 
 
 The Joint Committee, in accordance therewith, met fof 
 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 6lh 
 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 the 6th of July, the Committee re-assembled, and 
 were (hen 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 that 
 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 the 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
 
 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, sub- 
 sequently addressed the following letter to the Secretary of 
 War. 
 
 " NEW YORK, July 7, 1848. 
 MY DEAR SIR : 
 
 The Coporation 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 pre- 
 sented 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 the whole are here 
 and prepared to attend this public reception ; and that you 
 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 Regiment 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 the 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, Sectetary of War." 
 
 On the eleventh day of July the " Edith," with the de- 
 tachment, 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 display 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 re- 
 ceived by Major General Sadnford to his letter to the Secre- 
 tary of War, and the remaining companies of the regiment 
 not having arrived, it was feared from the " general orders" 
 published by the department, in relation to the discharge 
 of the Volunteers on their arrival at their respective desti- 
 nations, 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, his Honor 
 13
 
 100 
 
 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, re- 
 ceived thereto, expressing the regret that the existing ar- 
 rangements 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, ) 
 WASHINGTON, JULY 15, 1848. $ 
 
 SIR : I have received and laid before the Secretary of 
 War, your letter of the 13th 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 public 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, indepen- 
 dently of the known wishes of the Volunteers themselves, 
 for an immediate discharge on reaching the United States, 
 it would be legal to order them to be retained in service, 
 after their arrival at the several points of rendezvous, lon- 
 ger than may be absolutely necessary to prepare the rolls, 
 &c., for their muster and discharge as indicated in the
 
 10L 
 
 "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 New York. 
 
 The department having, therefore, refused for the rea- 
 sons set forth in the letter of the Adjutant General, to in- 
 terfere with the orders, heretofore published, two of the 
 companies, viz : Company E, Capt. Robert A. Carter, and 
 Company H, Capt. Addison Farnswortb, 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 with Col.
 
 102 
 
 Burnett, the commander of the regiment, arid 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 re- 
 ceive the officers and men composing it, and bid them wel- 
 come in the name of the citizens of New York. 
 
 The ceremony being concluded, they were to be receiv- 
 ed 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, to 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 Regiment, 
 together with the one presented to it by Major General 
 Scott, in the city of Mexico, as a distinguished 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 present- 
 ed by the Hon. Morris Franklin, President of the Board of 
 Aldermen, to the officers and men of the regiment enti- 
 tled 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 on returning to the Fort. 
 
 In order the more fully to carry out a portion of the fore- 
 going arrangements, 
 
 Messrs. Schultz, Hibbard and Small, and the Chairman 
 of the Committee, were appointed a sub-Committee to 
 procure 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 
 
 MILITARY, 
 
 WERE LAID BEFORE THE COMMITTEE 
 
 FIRST DIVISION NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. 
 
 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 tri- 
 umphant return from the battle-fields of Mexico. 
 
 The division line will be formed upon the Battery, with 
 the right on Whitehall, at quarter past 10 o'clock, A. M., 
 precisely, immediately after which, 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 inst., for the purpose of re- 
 ceiving the First Regiment of New York Volunteers. The 
 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 brig- 
 ade 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. 
 
 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 MORRIS. 
 
 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 
 Brigade 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 for 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, Aid. 
 14
 
 108 
 FOURTH BRIGADE N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 BRIGADE ORDERS. 
 
 NEW YORK, JULY 24, 1848. 
 
 In complianee 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 M precisely. 
 
 By order of 
 
 BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN EWEN. 
 , Brigade Major. 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 REGIMENTAL ORDER. 
 
 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 O. HUNT, Adjutant. 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 REGIMENTAL ORDER. 
 
 NEW YORK, JULY 25, 184S. 
 
 In pursuance of Division and Brigade orders of this date, 
 this regiment will parade in full uniform on Thursday, 
 27th 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 parade on Thursday next, the 27th inst., in 
 concurrence with the arrangements made with the Corpo- 
 ration of the city, for the purpose of receiving the First 
 Regiment of New York Volunteers, upon theirt riumphant 
 return from 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, Adjutant. 
 Serge ant -Major.
 
 Ill 
 
 FOURTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 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 therewith, 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, will 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. MILITIA. 
 
 REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 NEW YORK, JULY 24, 1848. 
 
 Pursuant to Division and Brigade orders, this regiment 
 will parade fully uniformed, armed and equipped, on 
 Thursday, the 27th instant, for the purpose 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 #t the above parade, at the drill room, over 
 Centre market, on Monday, the 7th day of August, at 4 
 o'clock, P. M. 
 
 By order of 
 
 ANDREW WARNER, Colonel. 
 SAMUEL COULTER, Adjutant.
 
 11.3 
 GOVERNOR'S GUARD SIXTH REGIMENT. 
 
 SECOND BRIGADE N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 ORDER No. 4. 
 
 NEW YORK, JULY 24, 1848. 
 
 In pursuance of Brigade 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 Regiment 
 of New York Volunteers, just returned from the battle-fields 
 
 of Mexico. 
 
 i 
 
 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 duties 
 as adjutant, after the parade of the 27th instant, with the 
 thanks of the colonel, for the 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 Brigade 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 Volunteers, on their 
 return from Mexico. 
 
 The line will form in front of the City Hall, at half-past 
 
 nine, A. M. 
 
 * 
 By order of 
 
 COLONEL BREMNER. 
 J. L. MORGAN, Adjutant. 
 
 EIGHTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. MILITIA. 
 
 HEAD QUARTERS WASHINGTON GREYS. 
 
 ORDER No. 10. 
 
 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 Regiment New York 
 State Volunteers, recently returned from their brilliant 
 Mexican campaign. 
 
 Capt. 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 regimental 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, 1848. 
 
 In compliance with Division and Brigade orders, for the 
 purpose of receiving the First Regiment of New York 
 15
 
 116 
 
 Volunteers, this regiment will parade, fully uniformed, 
 armed and equipped (except knapsacks), and white pant- 
 aloons, on the regimental parade ground, Broome street, 
 right resting on Broadway, on Thursday the 27th July 
 inst. 
 
 The regimental line will be formed at 9 o'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 regiment, 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. S. MILITIA. 
 
 REGIMENTAL 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 Military 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 or NEW YORK, ) 
 JULY 25, 1848. j 
 
 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 12th REGIMENT N. Y. S. M. 
 
 REGIMENTAL ORDER NO. 4. 
 
 NEW YORK, JULY 24, 1848. 
 
 In pursuance of the foregoing Division and Brigade or- 
 ders, 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 Swart- 
 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 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 RECEPTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIRST REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 OJf THEIR RETURN PROM MEXICO, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 
 
 UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE 
 APPOINTED FOR THAT PURPOSE. 
 
 The Common Council will, at 8 o'clock, on Thursday 
 morning-, 27th inst., proceed in the steamboat Columbia, 
 Captain Fuller, (which has been generously tendered for 
 the 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 Mor- 
 ris. They will then proceed into 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 follow- 
 ing order : 
 
 <h.e fivsi JDuriaton -fcto ffiork 0tate iHtlitia, 
 
 UNDER COMMAND OF 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL SANDFORD, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 THE FIRST BRIGADE, 
 
 COMMANDED BY 
 
 BRIGADIER GENERAL STORMS, 
 
 COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS, VIZ ; 
 
 FIRST HORSE ARTILLERY COL. STEWART. 
 
 SECOND INFANTRY COL. SPICER. 
 
 THIRD CAVALRY.. , COL. POSTLEY.
 
 122 
 
 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 THIRD BRIGADE, 
 
 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 BRIGADE, 
 
 COMMANDED BY 
 
 COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING REGIMENTS, VIZ J 
 
 TENTH INFANTRY COL. HALSEY. 
 
 ELEVENTH INFANTRY COL. MORRIS. 
 
 TWELFTH INFANTRY COL. STEBBIN&.
 
 123 
 BAND. 
 
 Stye first Ecgtment of 3to Ijork fooluntas, 
 
 COMMANDED BY 
 
 COL. WARD W. BURNETT, 
 
 WITH THE FOLLOWING FIELD AND STAFF.' 
 
 Lieutenant Col. JAMES C. BURNHAM, 
 Major GARRET DYCKMAN, 
 Adjutant JAMES S. McCABE, 
 Commissary J. F. HUTTON, 
 Quarter-Master ISRAEL MILLER, 
 Surgeon MINA B. HALSTEAD, 
 
 Sergeant-Major PATRICK 0. GORMAN, 
 Quarter-Master Sergeant E. McCuTCHEON. 
 
 AND CONSISTING OF THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES, VIZ I 
 
 COMPANY A. 
 
 CAPTAIN WILLIAM FORRY. 
 
 COMPANY B. 
 
 CAPTAIN ALFRED W. TAYLOR. 
 
 COMPANY C. 
 
 CAPTAIN GEORGE B. HALL. 
 
 COMPANY D. 
 
 CAPTAIN JAY P. TAYLOR. 
 
 16
 
 124 
 THE COLORS OF THE REGIMENT, 
 
 In charge of several officers who were promoted for their 
 
 gallantry in 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 E. HUNGERFORD. 
 
 COMPANY H. 
 
 CAPTAIN ADDISON FARNSWORTH. 
 
 COMPANY I. 
 
 CAPTAIN MORTON FAIRCHILD. 
 
 COMPANY K. 
 
 ICAPTAIN 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 Chambers 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 the Garden. 
 
 After the return of the Volunteers to the Garden, they 
 will be drawn up therein in close columns, when the Pre- 
 sident 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 ofChurubusco 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 battle 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 ther 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 Assistant Jlldermen.
 
 127 
 
 THE DAY 
 
 Having arrived, in accordance with the arrangements, most 
 of the members of the Common Council, accompanied by 
 several officers 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 
 Columbia, 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 which 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- 
 Commitfee 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 Battery 
 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 participation in 
 some of the most brilliant triumphs of American valor. 
 
 After continuing a short distance up the North 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 into 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.
 
 129 
 
 The Regiment was then brought into close column im- 
 mediately in front of the stage, on which were assembled 
 his Honor the Mayor of the City, the Joint Committee of 
 Arrangements, and the remaining members of the Common 
 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 that 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 campain in Mexico, from its commencement at Vera 
 Cruz, until its close at the National Palace at the Capital.
 
 130 
 
 " We have watched you through all this rapid and brilliant 
 career, with solicitude, and we may add, with satisfaction. 
 We have seen you safely landing upon a hostile shore, in 
 the face of an enemy protected by a castle hitherto consid- 
 ered invincible; an act, under attendant circumstances, x- 
 hibiting in your commander a remarkable example of mili- 
 tary 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, bearing a con- 
 spicuous part in that desperate and fatal conflict, and head- 
 ing the first charge, w r ith 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 Mexico, 
 foremost in struggling up the steep ascents of Chapultepec, 
 to storm the last strong hold of the foe, and throwing 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 dis- 
 ease of many of your brave comrades. We have lamented
 
 131 
 
 with you the fall of Chandler, at Churubusco ; Baxter, Pear- 
 son and Van Olinda, at Chapultepec ; of Barclay and Galla- 
 gher, and many others, if less conspicuous, not less brave, 
 or less worthy. 
 
 " You return to us little more than one third of your ori_ 
 ginal 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. 
 
 events of the war, now happily past, in which you 
 you have borne so conspicuous a part, have elevated the 
 character of our country for military capacity and resources, 
 by showing in your example, the readiness with which its 
 citizens assume and fulfill, successfully, all the responsibi- 
 lities of disciplined soldiers. In this respect, not less than 
 in the renown of our arms, 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. 
 
 17
 
 132 
 
 " 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 
 higher than to preserve in the walks of civil life the senti- 
 ments which your bravery in the field has inspired. 
 
 " Once more, as the organ of the public authorities, I ten- 
 der 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 : 
 
 " SIR : 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 has 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 cor- 
 dial 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 gratifi-
 
 133 
 
 cation. 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. 
 
 u Our joy on this occasion, however, is diminished by the 
 sad reflection that many of our companions who left home 
 with us a brief period since, with high hopes, and an 
 honorable 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 fo r 
 your cordial welcome, and to assure you, and the citizens
 
 134 
 
 of New York, that this occasion will long be remembered, 
 and reverted to as a proud event." 
 
 Colonel Burnett was repeatedly cheered by those pre- 
 sent during the delivery of the reply, as well as at its 
 conclusion. 
 
 The regiment then reformed, and being preceded by his 
 Honor the Mayor, and the members of the Common Coun- 
 cil, marched to the 
 
 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 r 
 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. 
 
 The reception that these gallant and patriotic men 
 received as they marched through the various streets, was 
 all that the most sanguine heart of them could have de- 
 sired. Everywhere, from their entrance into Broadway 
 from the Battery, until their return to the Garden, the 
 liveliest and most enthusiastic demonstrations 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-
 
 136 
 
 mon Council, together with Major General Sandford and 
 his staff, and several other distingnished 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 
 advance, borne by the same officers, who had carried them 
 so gallantly 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.
 
 137 
 
 " 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 them, 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. 
 
 " 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. They are 
 now consigned to your charge peace is declared, and 
 may God, in his infinite mercy, grant it may be a lasting
 
 138 
 
 one with all the world. But should our country again 
 require 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 that 
 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. 
 
 " When you first received them, although their lustre was 
 untarnished, they had but little value, except that of their 
 beautiful texture : they come back to us dimmed with the 
 smoke and dust of battle, with their staffs shattered and 
 their folds rent ; but consecrated by your toils and suffer- 
 ings to imperishable renown. 
 
 " They will be placed in the archives of our city, as a 
 memento to our citizens of your services to your countiy, 
 and they will transmit the story of your sacrifices and 
 achievments to future generations." 
 
 The beautiful BLUE-SILKEN FLAG presented to the regi- 
 ment in the city of Mexico, by Major General Scott, and 
 on which the United States coat-of-arrns and the name of 
 the regiment are richly embroidered, was next pre- 
 sented 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 presented 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. 
 
 " 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 
 ofthe ' CITY GUARD," to the City Hall. 
 18
 
 140 
 
 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 
 regiment, by MORRIS FRANKLIN, ESQ., President of the 
 Board 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 spe- 
 cial messenger) your note of yesterday, inviting me on the 
 part of the Common Council, to be present 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 that gallant and patriotic
 
 141 
 
 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 nattered 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. 
 
 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.
 
 142 
 
 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 onshore, 
 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 
 demonstrations of rejoicing met them at every ponit at 
 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
 
 143 
 
 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 
 MEDALS, 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 VeraCruz 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 stipes 
 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. Farnsworth, 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 
 Storms, Morris, Hall and Ewen, and to the military in 
 general, for the manner in which they seconded the ar- 
 rangements of the Committee.
 
 144 
 
 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, lessees of Castle Garden, 
 for the generous use of the Garden on the occasion. 
 
 To 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 demonstations, 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- 
 ment formed so distinguished a portion, was mainly in- 
 strumental in procuring.
 
 145 
 
 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 this day so much honored fully 
 warrant us in the assurance 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.
 
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