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 :