REOOLLEOTIOJ^S 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EARLY DAYS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD 
 
 OOMPRISINO THE 
 
 PROMINENT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FAMOUS SEVEl^TH EEGIMENT 
 
 NEW YORK MILITIA 
 
 '• • • • 
 
 BY AN EX-ORDERLY SERGEANT 
 
 A Veteran of the National Gtuard 
 
 .7-^-^"^ 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 J. M. BRADSTREET & SON 
 
 1868 
 
T3 
 
 ' ' Efitered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, 
 y* *r| ••*•/*; • I <"■■■ : By JOHN MASON, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Southern District 
 
 of New York. 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The manuscript of these "Recollections," having lain disre- 
 garded for two or three years, happened to fall under the notice of 
 the publishers, who saw at a glance that it contained much that 
 must greatly interest the members and friends of the distinguished 
 Corps of which it treats, and they took steps to possess and pub- 
 lish it The work certainly makes no pretension to the style and 
 polish that would indicate a practiced writer, and the first intent 
 was to have it rewrought; but its subjection to the anvil and ham- 
 mer of a professional smith would involve the necessity of drawing 
 the temper of the metal, and it was possible, and indeed probable, 
 that in hammering it into new shape, and giving it literary accu- 
 racy and polish, the work might yet lack the simplicity character- 
 istic of truthfulness — the peculiar temper that, with all its imperfec- 
 tions, imparts so much interest to its details and descriptions. It is, 
 therefore, retained in the shape in which it was found, in the belief 
 that its defects in style and method may be compensated by the 
 fidelity and fullness of the narration, and the intrinsic merit of the 
 subject 
 
 The Publishers. ' 
 
 ivi52J87 
 
TO THE READER 
 
 It may, perhaps, be supererogatory in the writer to avow that 
 he makes no pretension to any of the art or skill of book-making, 
 as that will doubtless sufficiently appear in the pages of the work. 
 He wishes, however, to remark, in explanation, that, having been 
 one of the earliest members of the National Guard ; from its " early 
 " days " he was familiar with all that was going on in the Corps, 
 and, although in a subordinate position, had a hand in much of it ; 
 and was in the habit of noting down various circumstances and 
 events of interest as they occurred in the course of his service. 
 Having also gathered up some notes and memoranda by others, 
 and observing a general interest and desire among the members of 
 the Corps to learn the history of its origin and " early days," he was 
 led to devote some leisure hours, in the intervals of a close and 
 exacting occupation, to the jotting down of such things as he could 
 " Recollect," and, as he deemed, might be interesting and amusing 
 to his fiiends of the past, and also to the present members of the 
 Corps, without, however, any pretension to the making of a His- 
 tory such as shovld be written of the Regiment, and such as there 
 is a demand for, but rather suggestive of such an undertaking by 
 some more competent hand ; nor had • he the least idea that his 
 labors would ever be thought worthy of a general publication; 
 othei"s, howbeit, either wisely or otherwise, after looking over its 
 pages, think differently, and their opinions have prevailed — so it 
 goes to the printer. 
 
 The writer is conscious that the subject of the work — to him 
 
 " A dear, enthusiastic theme "— 
 
 has led him, perhaps, to an undue indulgence of his "esprit de 
 ^^ corps;" but he could not help it — it was in him, and if it be a 
 fault, it must go with the thousand and one of its kindred scattered 
 through all the pages of the book; — "what is writ is writ" 
 
lote ir 
 
 THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT 
 
 "was bom and brought up," until 1847, as the Twenty-seventh 
 
 Regiment^ N. Y. S. A., having been organized 
 
 under that name in 1826. 
 
 Some of its antecedents, thiis : 
 
 In 1800 there was " The Eegiment of Artillery," in which De 
 Witt Clinton had served as a Major ; 
 
 And in 1802 a Battalion, called the " Brigade of Artillery," which, 
 in 1804, was organized as the Second Hegiment, under Colonel 
 Lebbeus Loomis — Kev. Gardiner Spring was subse- 
 quently the Chaplain — and, in 1808, was. changed to 
 the Ninth Regiment (the old Ninth). 
 
 General Jacob Morton commanded the Brigade of the two Eegi- 
 ments, called "Morton's Brigade." 
 
 In 1806 Major Andrew Sitcher commanded a Battalion, in which 
 
 were at least two of the Companies — the Second and the 
 
 Fourth — of the present Seventh Regiment 
 
IV. 
 
 NOTES PRECEDENT. 
 
 In 1807 the Third Eegiment was organized, whicli comprised 
 Sitcher's Battalion — Sitcher the ColoneL 
 
 In 1809 the Fourth Regiment was organized, Sitcher appointed 
 its Colonel, and Salter became Colonel of the Third 
 
 In 1812 the gallant old Eleventh Regiment was organized, 
 
 taking part of the Third Regiment — probably all that had 
 
 composed " Sitcher's Battalion " — certainly the 
 
 present Second and Fourth Companies. 
 
 In 1824 four Companies — the Second, or Infantry Battalion of 
 the Eleventh Regiment — adopted the gray uni- 
 form and the name of " National Guard" 
 
1864 
 
 TO 
 
 1864 
 
 COL. WASHINGTON R. YERMILYE, 
 
 THE PRESIDENT \} 
 
 And the Gentlemen poemerlt Members of the Eegiment, ^'^'^ 
 
 UNITED IN THE ASSOCIATION OF THE 
 
 beterons of i\)t National ^uarir, 
 
 ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED THESE 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE EARLY DAYS 
 
 OF 
 
 NARRATED BY ONE OF THEIR NUMBER, AN 
 
 EX-ORDERLY SERGEANT; 
 
 they having been noted down at odd spells, in order 
 
 " * To rescue from oblivion the memory of former events, 
 
 "over which the twilight of uncertainty had already 
 
 1 
 
2 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 "thrown its shadows, and the night of forge tfulness was 
 " about to descend for ever," as well as to 
 
 " Write out fair what time had blurred," 
 
 for preservation, within reach, and for the use, of the 
 future historian of the Renowned 
 
 Seventh Regiment of New York Militia. 
 
 A further incentive, beyond the mere desire 
 
 " To lead obhvion into day," 
 
 lita^ the notion that the interest which many of his old 
 : associates in arms, and, in fact, all who have "worn its 
 "gray" and served under its time honored old Banners, 
 continue to feel in the high character maintained by 
 their Glorious Corps, through so many years, might find 
 present gratification, even in the prosy garrulity of an 
 " ol' Soger's " narrations of some of the scenes and duties 
 in which they were engaged "long time ago," albeit 
 presented in this crude and unpolished manner. 
 
 Many of the events of those " early days," and per- 
 formances of duty herein narrated, in which some, if 
 not the most of us, had part, are interwoven, we are 
 vain enough to think, in some degree, with the progress 
 and advancement of the Corps to its present distinction 
 and renown, and eminent rank in the public estimation, — 
 a rank and eminence which was gradually acquired 
 through such a long succession of years, and maintained, 
 mainly, by the high standard of the morale of its com- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 3 
 
 position and the assiduous application of its Members, 
 at all times, to the sustaining of its Drill and Discipline 
 at the highest degree of excellence ; as well as by their 
 elevated training and gallant bearing in all Soldierly 
 and Gentlemanly accomplishments. 
 
 "Whilst we take pleasure in reverting to, and dwelling 
 upon, the scenes and events in which we have had part, 
 our thoughts will sometimes ramble away back in search 
 of the origin of that Martial Spirit which has so dis- 
 tinguished the people of this City, and produced results 
 so surprising and so gratifying ; but we look in vain 
 for a starting point, — even so far remote as to the first 
 settlement of the City ; for, on recurring to the annals 
 of those "early days," we are struck with the Military 
 Character which, in a degree, pertained to many of 
 the earliest burghers ; imbibed, doubtless, by them in 
 the great wars of the father land, and retained in their 
 migration hither. Even the sleepy reign of Walter, 
 the Doubter, has left abundant evidence of a Martial 
 Spirit amongst the people of his day, — witness the ac- 
 tivity with which they resisted the encroachments on 
 their Northern and Eastern boundaries, especially the 
 energy with which the Governor pushed forward his 
 power in the direction of the detested Yankees, and 
 the establishment of the fortress of Ooed Hoop on the 
 Connecticut river, in order to repel and circumscribe 
 the disposition of his troublesome and hated neighbors 
 
4 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 to squat nearer and nearer to his seat of Government, — 
 and to straggle into his settlements, — and to poke their 
 noses into the domestic concerns of his people. 
 
 And when Walter slept with his fathers, and William, 
 the Testy, governed in his stead, there is a continuous 
 stream of testimony to the Warlike Spirit that pervaded 
 the government and people ; albeit he did not always 
 seek the ends usually attained by " grim visaged War," 
 with " bloody noses and cracked crowns ;" but rather 
 pursued them through the milder, but equally hostile 
 and warlike, proceeding of "Proclamations!" against 
 the aggressions of his enemies ; especially his Onion- 
 raising neighbors of Weathersfield and thereabouts, who 
 had advanced their patches nearly up to the walls of 
 his strong hold of " Goed Hoop" under the very noses, 
 and sometimes actually bringing tears to the eyes, of his 
 redoubtable garrison : and when, on one sultry day, 
 whilst his valiant soldiers, having eaten a hearty dinner 
 and smoked their pipes, were, " as was their custom 
 " always of the afternoon," all soundly sleeping, the Fort 
 was invaded by the wily foe, and the garrison, every 
 mother's son of them, made prisoners, and led, one by 
 one, by the nape of the neck, to the gate, and discharged 
 with a kick on the seat of honor, to find their way back 
 to their homes as best they could. Language cannot 
 portray the awful ire of the testy Governor on receiving 
 the tidings thereof; — ^his outraged Martial Spirit could 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 5 
 
 only find vent in a constant discharge, for three days, 
 of a string of oaths and anathemas, in "triple X" low 
 Dutch, against his hated foes; — ^they were ^^dievenf" 
 " loosen-schalpen / " ** deugenieten ! ! " " Schobbe-jack- 
 " en ! ! ! " — ^more dreadful to hear and encounter than whole 
 batteries of " Parrotts," " Dahlgrens," and "Rodmans," 
 or the hundred or thousand pounder artillery of these 
 days ; — he even swore they were a squatting ! bundling ! 
 guessing! questioning! swapping! pumpkin-eating! cider- 
 watering ! ! horse-jockeying ! crew ; that he would not 
 dirty his hands by attempting to drive them back ! — all 
 this might well be considered too dreadful for credence ; 
 but is it not, and much more, written, and vouched, too, 
 by the greatest and most renowned historian of New 
 Amsterdam, the veritable Diederich Knickerbocker, him- 
 self? 
 
 And when we come to the reign of the renowned 
 Governor Stuyvesant the mind is bewildered in the 
 blaze of Military Glory that encircles its history. He 
 was surrounded by a long line of heroes who marched 
 with him to his various wars ; in which he was ever accom- 
 panied, also, by his valiant bosom friend and sage Coun- 
 sellor, the Gallant (in more senses than one, if the sage 
 historian before referred to can be relied on, and, we 
 opine, he can,) Van Corlaer, his renowned trumpeter. 
 
 Governor Stuyvesant was the very mirror of chivalry j 
 
g RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 of him we may truly say, as it was said to be said of 
 another great and renowned knight, '* there was nothing 
 "in all the world that more rejoiced his heart than the 
 "pleasant sounds of war." His whole career, from the 
 sending of his defiance to the Council of the accursed 
 Yankees, and delivered under their very noses with 
 the sharpest twang of Van Corlaer's trumpet, to the 
 closing scene of his administration, when, overwhelmed 
 by a superior force, the sturdy old soldier declared, 
 with an oath, that he would rather his body were carried 
 feet foremost out of his citadel than to sign the articles 
 of capitulation and surrender : — all proving a Martial 
 Spirit of the most exalted character in the Illustrious 
 Governor, which was, of course, shared in a good degree 
 by his gallant people. 
 
II. 
 
 It will not be undertaken in these brief narrations 
 to trace in detail, down through the succeeding years, 
 all the debasing influences of the pudding-headed En- 
 glish, who succeeded to the Government, which were 
 so well calculated to depress and crush out the Martial 
 8pirit of the People ; for, although they sometimes en- 
 gaged in wars and over-reaching contentions, they were 
 always with the feeble, and for the only object that they 
 ever fight, — namely, oppression of the weak, plunder, 
 or some rascally or swindling advantage in trade, ever 
 ignoring all sentiment of chivalry, or martial or personal 
 honor. The seed, however, that had been sown by the 
 valiant Dutch in the " early days," could not be erad- 
 icated ; it had fallen in strong soil, and was too well 
 implanted not to spring up and come forth, in subsequent 
 years, even after the lapse of a century, under the 
 exciting influence of the " freedom's spirit," which began 
 to develop into resistance to the characteristic rascalities 
 and progressive oppressions of English rule. 
 
g RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The exciting times just preceding the Revolution 
 brought out, in many of the people of the City, a 
 strong desire for freedom from the oppressive tyranny 
 of their base rulers, and developed a Martial Spirit, 
 eager for action, which pervaded the Dutch part of the 
 population, and also the descendants of those Hugue- 
 nots who had sought refuge here from the oppressive 
 tyranny of their own rulers, then forming a considera- 
 ble portion of the people of the city ; and which had 
 likewise, in some measure, affected the Puritan part of 
 the English residents, stern relics of the old Cromwell-ism. 
 
 The organization and proceedings of the "Sons of 
 " Liberty" are to be ever honored and held Glorious ; — 
 their detestation of, and hostility to, the English Ty- 
 ranny ; — ^their zeal in arousing the people to resistance ; 
 —their erection of a Liberty Pole in the fields (the 
 present "Park") with a flag inscribed to "Liberty," 
 the first one raised in the Colonies ; — the skirmish be- 
 tween them and the English soldiers, known as the 
 " Battle of Golden Hill," (John street, from Gold to 
 Pearl street,) as early as 1770, January 18th, in which 
 was drawn the first blood shed in the cause of the Rev- 
 olution ; and their ringing out the " tocsin of Liberty," 
 on the occasion, from the bell of St. George's Church, 
 (Beekman street,) — ^their active and persistent resistance 
 to the Stamp Act, — all give evidence that the old Martial 
 Spirit had not been dead, — only sleeping ; and it burst 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 9 
 
 forth with great power and brilliancy as soon as the 
 contest began to assume form and a tangible shape. 
 Marinus WiUet, Henry Rutgers, John Lamb, Isaac Sears, 
 Alexander McDougall, Gershom Mott, Richard Yarick, 
 Goven Yan Schaick, Abraham Yan Dyke, Yan Court- 
 landt. Fish, Gansevoort, John Morin Scott, and hundreds 
 of others, rushing to the front rank in all that was going 
 on ; and forming military associations, and drilling, and 
 qualifying them for service. 
 
 The very first germ of the "Continental Army" of 
 the Revolution was formed here, in the New York 
 City Militia. The Provincial Regiments raised in the 
 City, under the excitement of the times, (the officers 
 of the First were commissioned in 1775,) were embodied, 
 in May, as " The Army," being the first important 
 Military Act of the new Continental Congress, which 
 assembled May 10, (1775,) at Philadelphia. 
 
 Here, too, we find the impromptu Hero-Boy, Alex- 
 ander Hamilton, attracting the eye of the Great Wash- 
 ington, as he passed along the Common where the 
 boy-soldier was drilling his company of boy-soldiers by 
 the road-side, and was invited, through an Aid, to an 
 interview with the Great Chief, which led to his en- 
 gagement at Head Quarters, and early appointment to 
 prominent and responsible Military positions ; and ulti- 
 mately the attainment to the highest Career, and the 
 very pinnacle of military renown and of Patriotic State- 
 manship ; which, together with the many other young 
 
10 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 and gallant spirits who rushed forward to the aid of the 
 cause of the Revolution, in various ways, gave so much 
 eclat to the Military and Patriotic character developed in 
 a considerable portion of the people of the City, even 
 under the adverse and oppressive circumstances by which 
 the citizens were overwhelmed, and many crushed down, 
 shortly after the "War commenced. 
 
III. 
 
 When the War of the Revolution was over, the atten- 
 tion of the Legislature of the State was early directed 
 to the policy of establishing its Military forces on a basis 
 of more efficient preparation for usefulness in time of 
 need ; and, in a few years, laws had been enacted or- 
 ganizing them into Companies, Regiments, and the other 
 proper ramifications of a Military Establishment ; and 
 providing for their improvement in drill ; and offering 
 inducements for young men to enrol themselves in 
 Special Regiments and devote extra time for perfecting 
 themselves in the elements of '* War^s dread Art." 
 
 Some of the present Companies of our Illustrious Corps 
 trace their origin far back towards the beginning of the 
 century, and to the Laws thus early enacted. THE 
 FOURTH, it is thought, is amongst the oldest of the 
 Companies existing at present, it having been organized 
 in 1806. Its organization, and the commissioning of its 
 officers, were announced by the Commander-in-Chief, in 
 General Orders of June 25th of that year ; and it has 
 
X2 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 continued intact, by regular succession, down to the 
 present time. The first officers were John Forbes* Cap- 
 tain ; Thomas R. MerGein,^ YivsX, Lieutenant; and John 
 M. Bradhurst,% Second Lieutenant. It was attached, by 
 the order cited, to Major Andrew Sitcher^s battalion, and, 
 with it, consolidated, in 1807, with other Companies, 
 forming the Third Regiment§ of New York State Ar- 
 tillery ; all the Uniformed Regiments in the City being 
 designated as Artillery, although a portion of each was 
 armed with Muskets. Sitcher was the Colonel of the 
 new (Third) Regiment. On the organization of the gallant 
 old Eleventh, in 1812, at the beginning of the War with 
 England, the Company was transferred to the Second 
 (or Infantry) Battalion of that Regiment. Both the above 
 named lieutenants rose in succession to the command 
 of the Company ; and Mr. Mercein, after the War, attained 
 the head of the Regiment. Some of the other Companies 
 of the Seventh Regiment date their origin back to about 
 the same period. The Second Company completed its 
 organization, and its officers were commissioned the next 
 year, viz.: in April, 1807. 
 
 * Long the most eminent manufacturer of Sterling Silver-ware in the City. 
 
 f Afterwards of the firm of Kibk & Mercein, Book publishers and sellers, "Wall, 
 corner Nassau street. 
 
 X For many years a Druggist, corner of Pearl street and Peck Slip. Residence 
 on Washington Heights. 
 
 § The present Eighth is the lineal descendant of that old Third of 1807; or rather 
 of one half of it ; the other half coming down to the present " Seventh." 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. l^ 
 
 At the breaking out of the War of 1812, the MiUtia 
 of the City was found to be full of the Martial /Spirit, 
 which had come down from the earliest days and been fos- 
 tered and heightened by the insolent aggressions of the 
 English, that preceded and finally led to the War. 
 
 The various organizations of Regiments, Legions, Bat- 
 talions, and Companies, were in a very fair condition of 
 improvement, under the early laws of the State, and 
 furnished a nucleus around which soon rallied the gallant 
 and chivalrous young men, eager for Martial distinction 
 an.d fame, in support of their Country and its Flag and 
 Honor, and in defence of its borders against the gigantic, 
 arrogant, and unprincipled foe. 
 
 The several Regiments, foremost amongst which was 
 the Meventh, then but recently organized, under com- 
 mand of Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius Harsen, volun- 
 teered their services to the Government (not having 
 learned the now recently invented doctrine, of the bogus 
 Patriots of these days and their " friends," that the 
 " National " is a foreign government ; and that allegiance 
 and loyalty are due to the ^^ State" alone, even if it 
 should be in rebellion against the National Government !) 
 
 It is said that the Eleventh was the first to volunteer ; 
 it was accepted, and posted, some Companies on Bedloe's 
 Island, some on Staten Island, at the Narrows, and some 
 at other points in the harbor. 
 
 At another period, it volunteered in a body to labor 
 
l^ EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 
 
 in the erection of Fortifications for the defence of the 
 approaches to Brooklyn. And in September, 1814, it 
 was detailed for a Three Months' tour of Duty in Gar- 
 risoning the "North Battery"— the old "Red Fort," at 
 the foot of Hubert street, North River. 
 
 The Regular troops, recruited in large numbers in the 
 City, hurried forward, led by some of its most estimable 
 and dashing young men, to the Seat of War on the 
 Canada frontiers. A number of streets in the upper 
 part of the City are named in honor of gallant young 
 officers from the City who fell at that time, fighting 
 their country's battles. 
 
 The several City Regiments, when out of, as well as 
 when in, the service, devoted themselves assiduously to 
 the acquisition of proficiency in the duties of their 
 positions. It is on record, that the Company, now the 
 "Fourth," N. C, whilst on duty in the Forts, attained 
 such superiority in drill, that it was denominated through- 
 out the Regiment (the old Eleventh), " Bradhurst's Reg- 
 "ulars," Captain John M. Bradhurst, then commanding 
 it ; and it is a fact, worthy of notice, that, although its 
 composition has, of course, been changed, at least a 
 dozen times over, still the ambition to excel, and be 
 pre-eminent in all the duties of the soldier — 
 
 " Transfused like life, from breast to breast it glows, 
 " From sire to son by sure succession flows "— 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. J 5 
 
 has come down through all "the changes and chances" 
 of the intervening fifty years, to its successor, in direct 
 line, the Fourth Company of the present day ; the dis- 
 tinguishing characteristic of whose Members is so strik- 
 ingly in keeping with their "illustrious predecessors." 
 It is not pretended, by any means, that any one Company 
 is entitled to an undue share of the credit of the advance- 
 ment of the character and reputation of the Regiment 
 to its present eminence and renown ; for, in fact, all, — ■ 
 the ^^ post nati,''^ — ^the newer organizations, as well as 
 the original Four Companies, have, by the ability of their 
 officers and men, and their energy, assiduity, and zeal 
 for the interest of the whole Corps, displayed at all times 
 in the acquisition and preservation of its 
 
 " Wealth of ancient fame," 
 
 combined to form the character and reputation of our 
 present Gallant and Glorious National Guard, which 
 we, and all who have passed through its ranks in earlier 
 times, look upon with so much, almost paternal, pride ; 
 and of which each of us is so proud to still claim, 
 after a lapse of nearly half a century, 
 
 " I, too, am a National Guard I " 
 
 The peace of 1815 returned to the City a large 
 number of her gallant sons who had been in the field ; 
 yet but few of those, we think, entered the Militia Regi- 
 ments ; service in them appearing, probably, too tame 
 
IQ RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 for appetites used to higher spiced, and more piquant 
 fare. There had been, however, excited in many of the 
 young men of the City, a strong desire for distinction in 
 military exercises, which, after a season of reaction from 
 the excitements of the War, and of indifference on the 
 part of many, to mihtary matters generally, revived, 
 and gave a new impulse to the Volunteer Regiments, in 
 the direction of advancement and improvement in dis- 
 cipline and efficiency. 
 
 Many of us can call to mind the gallant and brilliant 
 appearance of the old Fourteenth Regiment, the " Gov- 
 '^ernor^s Ghiard,^^ that in 1814, when but a Battalion 
 of Two Companies (the First of which had been organ- 
 ized three years before under the designation of * ' Fleet 
 " Guards,"* Daniel E. Dunscoynh its Captain, and James 
 B. Murray, Lieutenant), had been detailed by Governor 
 Daniel D. Tompkins, as his Special Body Guard, he 
 being, at the time, a Major General in the Army of the 
 United States, and in command of this Military District ; 
 conferring upon it at the same time the designation of 
 " Governor's Guard," under which title it rapidly increased 
 in strength, and in a few years had acquired great dis- 
 tinction as the '^Fourteenth Regiment;'''' and, eminent for 
 its splendid discipline, and its Brilliant Uniforms, ex- 
 ceeding in richness and elegance all others in the City — 
 Blue Coats, and White Pantaloons, and tall, white 
 
 * SmoN PiiEET, a mau of prominence in that day, being its founder. 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 1 »7 
 
 waving featliers — -the front of the coats almost covered 
 with gold lace, and the cuffs and collars with gold 
 embroidery — and with its gallant cavalier, Colonel James 
 B. Murray, at its head, it was the pride and delight of 
 the beauty, fashion, and elite of the City. Its ranks 
 were filled by young gentlemen of the highest social 
 position, and it was equally distinguished, on the march 
 in Broadway, in the walks of fashion, and in the gayeties 
 of the ball room. 
 
 The Grand Ball given by the Regiment, in honor of, 
 and attended by, G-eneral Andrew Jackson (" old 
 "Hickory"), at the old City Hotel,* on the 22d of Feb- 
 ruary, 1819, was far ahead, in elegance and brilliancy, 
 of any thing before known in the City, and called out 
 several squibs and witticisms from " (7roato,"f the cele- 
 brated " quiz" and satirist of that day. The Fourteenth 
 was, a few years later, consolidated with the Second ; and 
 the 8ixth of the present day is the lineal descendant. 
 
 Next, perhaps, in display and eclat, came the Third 
 Regiment, (the old Third of 1807,) led by Colonel Wil- 
 liam T. Hunter on his splendid white charger, with full, 
 
 * Tho City Hotel stood on the -west side of Broadway, on the block from Thames 
 to Cedar streets, and was, for many years, the most distingue establishment of 
 the kind in the country. It was on the site of the " King's Arms Tavern " of a 
 hundred years previous, which was, in its day, one of the most prominent points 
 of interest with the fashionables of " Old New York " of those " early days." 
 
 f F. Q-. Halleck, then just " coming out" in his poetical career. 
 
 3 
 
18 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 flowing mane and tail, their uniforms but little behind 
 the Fourteenth in brilliancy, their feathers white, with 
 red tops : then followed the old Eleventh, a sound, 
 solid, excellent Corps, commanded by Colonel James 
 Benedict, afterwards Major General ; their coats of blue, 
 with red collars, and reaching to the knee ; white panta- 
 loons, with, until 1821, long "Suwarrow" boots worn 
 over them ; their feathers red, with white tops :* then 
 came the Ninth, led by Colonel Alexander M. Muir, and 
 subsequently by Colonel Samuel I. Bunt, (who was after- 
 wards Brigadier-General,) their feathers of red : follow- 
 ing them was the Second, Colonel Charles Town, with 
 feathers of dark blue, and red tops ; and several other 
 organizations, cavalry, riflemen, &c. ; the bare enumer- 
 ation brings them all up so clearly to the "mind's eye," 
 with their gay and gallant appearance, that it makes 
 one almost wish to be a boy again, and, perched up on 
 some stoop railing in Broadway, or jammed in the front 
 rank of the crowd in the Park, enjoying the pleasing 
 sights, as we did in those days, of the grand ' ' Fourth of 
 •"July," or other gala day parades, led by the vener- 
 able General Morton, (as much of a boy as any of us in 
 the enjoyment of the scene,) surrounded by his brilliant 
 Staff, all in the uniforms of the blue and buff of the 
 Revolution, with yellow plumes : — Ah, me ! the march 
 
 * The feathers, or plumes, as they began to be called, wom at that time, were of 
 vulture feathers, on a stem, very full, some six or eight inches in diameter and six- 
 teen or eighteen inches long, slightly wavi ng at the top. 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. JQ '^ 
 
 of nearly fifty years over our heads has changed all 
 that — and us, too, I find ! 
 
 Things went on quietly for a few years, each ap- 
 parently understanding and acquiescing in his rank in 
 the scale of excellence ; none attempting, or even think- 
 ing, of rivaling the Fourteenth in brilliancy and eclat, 
 the Third in dash and fume, or the others in their 
 several degrees of perfection in solid discipline and real 
 efficiency. But, instead of directing their energies to the 
 permanent improvement of their several corps in mili- 
 tary efficiency, they took the direction of "fuss and 
 "feathers," studying frivolities in the way of novel and 
 gaudy uniforms ; and in a little while most of the regi- 
 ments that had been foremost in the pubhc estimation 
 began to show signs of decay. 
 
 Many of the young men of spirit and ambition, es- 
 pecially those in the Eleventh, conceived the notion 
 that " all the Chivalry " could not be monoplized by one 
 or two regiments, nor confined under gold-laced coats 
 only, and began to consider ways and means for plac- 
 ing their own Corps farther in advance, or even, per- 
 haps, at the head of the Column of Improvement. They 
 found, however, the composition of the regiment a 
 great annoyance, and hindrance to improvement ; one 
 battalion — four companies — of heavy artillery, (three 
 and four pounders, in that day, were heavy artillery!) 
 
20 RECOLLECTIONS OE THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 and four companies of infantry, constituted the regi- 
 ment. 
 
 A' remodeling and reorganization of the whole force 
 was agitated, by which the different arms should be or- 
 ganized separately ; and at the same time schemes and 
 projects were rife amongst the active and ambitious spirits 
 in the infantry companies of the Eleventh Regiment for 
 changing their appearance, and adopting active measures 
 for, in some way, giving more eclat to their labors and 
 services ; various propositions were brought forward for 
 an alteration of the uniform, and suggestions made for 
 the adoption of a distinctive name ; they could only be 
 designated as company commanded by Captain Such-a- 
 one, in the Eleventh Regiment ; (that Regiment, however, 
 bore as high a reputation for sound practical proficiency 
 as any in the City ;) they had not even permanent num- 
 bers or designations to the companies ; if referred to by 
 number at all, it was by the relative rank of the captain, 
 and changed with every change in his seniority. 
 
 Major John D. Wilson, of the Eleventh Regiment, 
 formerly Captain of what was afterwards the Third Com- 
 pany ; Major Prosper M. Wetmore, who had com- 
 manded the Fourth Company, and been transferred to the 
 position of Brigade Major, on General Benedict's staff; 
 Captain Linus W. Stevens, then commanding a company 
 hi the First, or Heavy Artillery Battalion of the Regi- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH KEGIMENT. 21 
 
 ment, and who was dissatisfied with his position, and, anx- 
 ious for progress, determined that, when any movement 
 was made in the Second BattaUon, he would transfer 
 to it ; and many of the Une officers and non-commissioned 
 officers, and most active of the privates, became very 
 anxious that some movement in advance should be made, 
 and began to agitate the subject with much earnestness. 
 
 Whilst the field and most prominent officers of the 
 Brigade were planning and scheming for a general reor- 
 ganization — a "new shuffle and deal" in which all were 
 striving to ' ' get the honors '' — the company officers and 
 their men were agitating and discussing different styles 
 and patterns for a new uniform ; and they finally worked 
 themselves up to such a degree of earnestness in the 
 matter, some companies proposing a coat of peculiar 
 pattern, and others offering one of a different style — all 
 blue, however ; and so zealous did they become in devo- 
 tion to their several and respective proposals, that neither 
 would give way, and the thing seemed at a "dead lock," 
 and likely to fall through entirely, when a trifling inci- 
 dent gave a new turn to the matter and solved the diffi- 
 culty, that had got to be rather serious. 
 
 On the morning of the sixteenth of August, 1824, Ser- 
 geant Philetus H. Holt, of the Fourth Company, was on 
 his way to the meeting for pai'ade, for the reception of 
 the illustrious La Fayette on his last visit to this coun- 
 
22 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 try ; and, having sent his uniform coat to his tailor's* in 
 Franklin Square, for some alteration and fixing, in lieu 
 of it had put on his business coat, with the rest of his 
 uniform and equipments — his white pantaloons and 
 white cross-belts, cap and plume, and musket (in those 
 days the men provided their own muskets, and kept them 
 at home). His business coat, he being in the flour 
 trade, was of gray cloth, with metal buttons, and had 
 short skirts, a coatee, as such were denominated, and made 
 to button high up and fit closely, which, with his trim 
 figure and soldierly bearing, made quite a striking ap- 
 pearance ; and as he was passing through Pearl street, on 
 his way from his residence in Beaver street, to his tailor's 
 to change for his uniform coat, the singularity of his 
 dress attracted the attention of Major Wilson and Major 
 Wetmore, who were standing at the door of the latter in 
 Pearl street (No. 244) ; they were both, at first sight, 
 much taken with its novel and pleasing appearance, and 
 its fine effect generally ; they halted him, and scrutinized, 
 and criticised, and commented on it, both concluding on 
 the spot that "that was the dress for us," and conjointly 
 made up their minds to propose it at once to the several 
 companies ; Major Wilson going immediately, before the 
 parade, to his tailor's, and giving orders for a pattern coat. 
 
 During the parade, whilst the troops were waiting on 
 
 * Barent Andariese, one of the founders of the Second Company, N. G., its first 
 Lient. in 1807, and its second Captain. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 23 
 
 the Battery for the arrival of the marine cavalcade of 
 ships, steamers, and boats of all degrees, from Staten 
 Island, with the Illustrious Guest of the Nation, who was 
 to be landed at Castle Grarden, and from thence proceed 
 to review the troops, a group of officers of the Eleventh 
 Regiment were standing around Major Wilson, under the 
 shade of a tree in front of the line, in earnest conversa- 
 tion ; Captain Stevens was amongst them, and also Oli- 
 ver M. Lownds, an acquaintance of most of the party; 
 the measures in agitation for the improvement of the 
 Corps were, of course, under discussion, as they had been 
 of late, with the officers and men, "whenever two or 
 "three were gathered together." Major Wilson, it is un- 
 derstood, alluding, in the course of the conversation, to 
 the circumstance of La Fayette having commanded the 
 celebrated "National Guard" of Paris, suggested that it 
 would be an appropriate compliment to him, brought out 
 by the occasion, to call our Corps "National Guards;" 
 it seemed to strike all present very favorably ; and when 
 the officers returned to their posts, and mentioned what 
 had been proposed with reference to a name, it was re- 
 ceived by the men also with great favor ; nothing was said 
 to them, as yet, about the proposed uniform ; the minds 
 of many having been considerably excited on that subject, 
 it was thought best to approach them cautiously with the 
 new proposition. 
 
24 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 As the Reception of La Fayette marks an epoch in the 
 history of the Corps, it perhaps may not be uninteresting 
 to the older portion of our members to have here repro- 
 duced an account of the event as written out at the time 
 in the Book of Minutes of one of the companies : 
 
 THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE 
 having expressed an intention of revisiting this country, the Congress of 
 the United States unanimously passed a resolution inviting him to our 
 shores, and directed that a national ship should be held in readiness for 
 his conveyance whenever it would suit his convenience to embark : this 
 honor he declined, and took passage in the ship Cadmus, Captain Allyn. 
 and sailed from Havre for New York on the 13th July, 1824, accompanied 
 by his son, George Washington La Fayette. The ship arrived at 
 Staten Island on Sunday morning, 15th August: General La Fayette 
 and son immediately landed, and were met on the shore by Daniel D. 
 Tompkins, the Vice-President of the United States, and conducted to his 
 house, near by. 
 
 As soon as it had been ascertained that this veteran hero, who so early 
 in life had devoted his blood, toil, and treasure to the establishment of our 
 free institutions, was about to again land on our shores, and witness for 
 himself the blessings which had followed the establishment of a govern- 
 ment based upon the immutable principles " that all men are created free 
 "and equal;" ea;<e7Wive preparations were made by the Common Council of 
 this City to give him a welcome commensurate with the feelings of vene- 
 ration and gratitude which pervaded every class of citizens. 
 
 The following Order was issued by the Government in advance of his 
 arrival ; 
 
 ADJTJTANT-GENBRAL'S OFFICE, 
 
 "Washington, 11 August, 1824. 
 Order. — 
 
 The President of the United States directs that General La Fay- 
 ette, when he arrives in this country, be received at all military posts 
 with the honors due to the highest military rank in our service. 
 
 The General-in-Chief publishes the foregoing to the army by direction 
 of the Secretary-of-War. 
 
 AND in order that the Brigade of Artillery might be prompt in paying 
 all military honor and respect to the only remaining General Officer 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. £6 
 
 of the KEyoLTJTioN, and that he might be welcomed with all the ^^ pride, 
 ^^pomp, and circumstance" worthy a Guest of the Nation, and bosom 
 friend of our revered "Washington, the followmg orders were issued in 
 anticipation of his arrival: 
 
 NEW YORK STATE ARTILLERY. 
 DIVISION ORDEBS. 
 
 New York, July 24th, 1824. 
 
 The Marquis De La Fayette having been invited to visit this coun- 
 try has accepted the invitation, and his arrival at this port is daily expected. 
 Independent of his being a Guest of the Nation, his own private worth, 
 and his services in securing our Freedom and Independence, have endeared 
 him to all classes of the community, and he will be received with every 
 demonstration of kindness and respect. 
 
 That the Corps of Artillery would be foremost in paying all Military 
 honors to the soldier of the Revolution, the Major-GeneTal is well convinced. 
 He therefore directs that the troops of the Division in the City and its vicin- 
 ity, be under arms on the occasion, and to parade at the Battery for his 
 reception. They will be under the command of Brigadier-General Bene- 
 dict. As the period of his arrival is imcertain, the men will hold them- 
 selves in readiness to assemble at a moment's warning. Arrangements 
 are made to announce his arrival at the Hook, and as a signal of that event 
 a flag will be hoisted at the City HaU, and at the Battery. It will be 
 endeavoured to give the troops notice the day previous to the parade, and 
 the signal for immediately assembling, will be the sounding of the bugle 
 through the principal streets of the City. 
 
 General Benedict will please make the necessary arrangements for that 
 purpose. He will establish a battery, selecting the heaviest pieces of 
 field artillery, to fire a salute on Major-General La Fayette's landing. 
 The necessary ammunition will be supplied by the Commissary-General, 
 and for which immediate application should be made, that every thing may 
 be put in a proper state of preparation. 
 
 Communications will from time to time be made to General Benedict 
 of the various services that may be required. 
 
 By order of Major-General Morton, , 
 
 J. Vandebbilt, Division Inspector. 
 
 FIRST BRIGADE N. Y. S. ARTILLERY. 
 BRIGADE ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July 27, 1824. 
 The Division Order of 24th inst. is promulgated for the information and 
 government of this Brigade. 
 
 I 
 
26 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 For the purpose of carrying into effect the orders of the Major- General, 
 and to insure the speedy notification of the troops, for duty on the arrival 
 of Major-General La Fayette, the Brigadier- General directs that com- 
 mandants of regiments shall forthwith promulgate to their commands the 
 above Division and this Brigade Order, and cause the same to be commu- 
 nicated to the members of the companies attached to their respective 
 commands. They will likewise each designate in orders a Eegimental 
 Parade Ground, at which place, immediately upon the receipt of the ex- 
 pected intelligence, they will cause a flag to be hoisted, as a signal to the 
 members of the different corps to hold themselves in readiness for duty 
 at a moment's warning,— and to assemble at their respective rendezvous 
 at the sound of the bugle. 
 
 Immediately on receiving oflScial information of the arrival of Major- 
 General La Fayette, Colonels Hunter, Brett, and Manley will be directed 
 to cause the bugles attached to their respective regiments to be sounded 
 through the principal streets as a notice for the immediate assembling of 
 the troops as above directed. 
 
 The Brigadier-General feels persuaded that a disposition will be evinced 
 by members of every grade and corps to appear promptly on parade, and 
 with equipments in the most perfect order, — as on no former occasion has 
 the Brigade been called upon to perform a more gratifying service, or a 
 duty more calculated to interest the feelings of citizen soldiers than the 
 one now contemplated. 
 
 The Brigadier-General- has much pleasure in accepting the services ten- 
 dered by the Commandant of the Veteran Corps of Artillerists* The 
 Company will receive a station on the right of the Artillery Line, and will 
 participate in the salute. 
 
 The Brigade Quarter-Master will confer with the Commissary-General, 
 and make the necessary arrangements for ammunition. 
 
 By order of Brigadier-General Benedict, 
 
 P. M. Wetmore, Brigade-Major. 
 
 ELEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. ARTILLERY. 
 REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July 28, 1824. 
 The annexed Division and Brigade Orders are promulgated for the 
 information of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and matrosses of 
 
 * The Veteran Corps op Artillery was an association of much inttrest, being 
 a company of Veterans who had actually been soldiers in the Revolutionary War, 
 They paraded on every Fourth of July morning, and marched to the Battery with 
 drum and fife, and fired a National Salute, at day-break, from the heaviest pieces of 
 field artillery at that time in use, which was heard all over the City in its then extent. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 27 
 
 this Eegiment, and in directing a compliance with the same, the Com- 
 mandant relies on, and requires from each member of the Regiment, an 
 adoption of the most energetic measures to insure that promptness which 
 becomes the soldier ; and which on numerous occasions has been noticed 
 in this Regiment, and for which the present occasion calls. 
 
 The Regimental Parade Ground will be Chathavi Square, the right on 
 the old Watch House, from the cupola of Avhich, under direction of Cap- 
 tain Mount, the American Ensign will be hoisted, and regarded as notice 
 for each member to hold himself in readiness to parade at a moment's 
 warning ; and at the sound of the bugle, or on receiving a verbal or printed 
 notice, to assemble on the Parade Ground as above designated. 
 By order of Colonel Peter W. Spicer, 
 
 Gilbert F. Everson, Adjutant, 
 
 Agreeable to the arrangements in the preceding orders, flags were 
 hoisted at the different parade grounds, and at all the public places as soon 
 as the news of his arrival had reached the City ; and on 
 
 Monday, 16th August, 1824, 
 the bugles were sounded through the streets at 8 o'clock, and orders 
 issued for the different regiments to assemble at 10. The Brigade Line 
 to form at the Battery at 1 1 . 
 
 GENERAL LA FAYETTE 
 
 landed at the Battery about 2 o'clock, from the steamboat Chancellor 
 LivixGSTON ; he was accompanied from the seat of the Vice-President at 
 Staten Island, by a Committee of the Common Council of the City; and 
 also by committees from the Cincinnati Society and the Chamber of Com- 
 merce, and a number of gentlemen of distinction, among whom were some 
 of his early friends and associates in arms. His embarkation at Staten 
 Island was announced by a salute from the shore, which was responded to 
 by Fort La Fayette, and by the steamship. 
 
 The Chancellor Livinc/ston, with her venerable passenger, was escorted 
 to the City by the splendid steamship Robert Fulton, manned by 200 U. S. 
 Sailors from the Navy Yard, and the steamboats Oliver Ellsworth, Con- 
 necticut, Olive Branch, and N^autilus, each having on board a large party 
 
 Thoy usually wore, on parade, a sword with shoulder-belt, and a Revolution cockade, 
 with 76 in gilt on it, and a blue feather with red top, on the side of an ordinary hat. 
 They were looked upon by all classes of the people with a high degree of favor and 
 interest. As their ranks thinned out, others than those entitled to a place among 
 them crowded in, impostors and pretenders, and soon destroyed all the respect and 
 interest of the people for the Corps. 
 
28 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 of ladies and gentlemen and a band of music, the whole forming, as they 
 approached the City, one of the most imposing and splendid aquatic exhi- 
 bitions ever witnessed. The lofty appearance of the steamship as she 
 proudly "walked the waters," leading the van of the procession, — her 
 yards manned by sailors, and elegantly dressed from the water to the tops 
 of her masts with the flags and signals of all nations. The Chancellor 
 Livingston followed, flanked by the Connecticut and Oliver Ellsworth, both 
 also elegantly decorated with flags and streamers. 
 
 The SHIP Cadmus, towed by two steamboats, brought up the rear, her 
 towering spars decorated in the most elegant and fanciful manner with flags 
 and signals; she moved majestically, as if conscious of the veneration 
 which was being testified for the Noble Patriot she had conveyed to our 
 shores. 
 
 As the procession passed Governor's Island, a salute was fired from 
 Castle "William — and when the General landed, 
 
 "Oh never has earth seen a moment so splendid." 
 
 The Veteran Soldier stepped on shore, and was greeted with a welcomt* 
 to our City, told in o. voice of thunder that "made old ocean tremble." 
 A Major-General's Salute from the Brigade of Artillery, a National Salute 
 from the Revenue Cutter, and one from the U. S. Brig Shark at anchor 
 off the Battery, and one from Fort Columbus, — a spontaneous burst of 
 cheering from the assembled thousands, and salutations from a large num- 
 ber of distinguished Citizens, among whom were many of his early acquaint- 
 ances, bespoke the heart-felt pleasure they all experienced in beholding the 
 " Venerable good old man" again in our country, and in good health : 
 
 "Oh, what a moment that to thee, 
 
 "Great Gallic son of Liberty! 
 
 "When girt by thousands burning high 
 
 "With gratitude and ardent zeal, 
 " Thou stood'st beneath the self-same sky 
 
 "'Neath which thou bled'st for Nations weal, 
 " And trod'st upon the cultured shore, 
 " Known as a battle-field before." 
 
 After partaking of some refreshments, and resting himself for a short 
 time in Castle Garden, the Veteran Chief reviewed the Division of Artil- 
 lery on the Battery, accompanied by Major-General Morton and suite, and 
 a number of distinguished officers of the Army and Navy. He was then 
 seated in a barouche and proceeded through Broadway to the City Hall ; 
 on his way he received the most lively demonstrations of attachment and 
 respect from the immense concourse of citizens through which he passed. 
 Never on any former occasion had there been witnessed such a universal 
 assemblage of the beauty, fashion, and splendor of our City. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 29 
 
 Arrived at the Hall, the General was presented to the Corporation of 
 the City assembled in their official capacity to welcome him, and received 
 the congratulations of that body. After which he received the Marching 
 Salute of the troops in front of the City Hall.* After the troops had 
 passed in review, they were dismissed in the Park, and the General was 
 conducted to the Governor's Room in the Hall, where the ofQcers of the 
 Brigade of Artillery were presented to him. 
 
 About half past five he proceeded to the " City Hotel, "f where a suit 
 of apartments had been prepared by the Corporation for his accommodation. 
 
 The proposed new dress having been made known, 
 and also the name that had been suggested for the Corps, 
 they were extensively and earnestly canvassed by the 
 members, and generally viewed favorably. Those who 
 had been most active and zealous in the discussion of the 
 various patterns for a new uniform, that had so distracted 
 and divided the minds of the members, were foremost in 
 advocating the new proposition ; being earnestly interested 
 for the advancement and improvement of the Corps, they 
 saw, beyond the merits of the dress proposed, an escape 
 from the "dead lock" on the several patterns previously 
 before the companies. 
 
 The officers of the four companies interested in the 
 movement, and which composed the Second Battalion of 
 the Eleventh Regiment, with their relative rank by sen- 
 iority of the captains, were : — 
 
 * One of the companies of our Regiment (the Fourth) had the proud distinction 
 of being selected and detailed as a Guard of Honor on the occasion. 
 
 f Tlie old "City Hotel," on Broadway, between Thames and Pine streets, then the 
 most celebrated establishment of the kind in the City. 
 
30 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 First. Captain Irad Hawley, 
 
 First Lieut. Augustus H. Sand, 
 Second Lieut. James Flinn, Jr. 
 
 Second. Captain John Telfair, 
 
 First Lieut. Peter W. Cole, 
 Second Lieut. George Wetsell. 
 
 Third. Captain William B. Curtis, 
 
 First Lieut. David T. Valentine, 
 Second Lieut. Benjamin H. Roach. 
 
 Fourth. Captain Howard A. Simons, 
 
 First Lieut. James A. Minard, 
 Second Lieut. William R. Whitney. 
 
 They formed themselves into a provisional "Board," 
 and had frequent meetings on the various subjects occu- 
 pying the attention of the Corps, prominent amongst, 
 which were "name," "uniform," "reorganization," &c. 
 
 At a meeting of the "Board," held at the old "Shak- 
 speare Tavern,"* on the evening of 
 
 Wednesday, 25th of August, 1824, 
 the resolution instituting and giving birth to our present 
 
 * "The Shakspeare Tavern," the old stamping ground of the Corps, having been 
 for many years so intimately associated with most of the events in the rise and pro- 
 gress of the Regiment, it seemingly is entitled to a passing notice. 
 
 It was for a long time the head-quarters of the officers and members and their 
 friends, in its "early days," for meetings, drills, entertainments, and enjoyments. 
 
 It stood at the south-west corner of Fulton and Nassau streets (the site of the 
 present " Sun Building"). It was a low, old-fashioned, massive edifice, of small, yel- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 3 J 
 
 renowned Corps was unanimously adopted in the follow- 
 ing words, viz. : — 
 
 ^^ Resolved, That the Battalion of Infantry attached 
 "to the Eleventh Regiment, N. Y. S. Artillery, be here- 
 " after known and distinguished by the name of National 
 "Guards." 
 
 As has been remarked in another place, "how strik- 
 " ingly has the prophetic expression of that simple reso- 
 " lution been fulfilled; the Corps then organized has 
 "indeed been 'Tcnown and distinguished hy the name of 
 " ^National Guards,^ to a degree and extent but little 
 " dreamed of at that time," or by those who framed or 
 passed it. 
 
 low bricks, two stories high, with dormer windows on the roof. The entrance in its 
 earliest days was on Nassau street — an entry running through, with rooms on both 
 sides. " The Tap," in those days, was in the south front room, on Nassau street, and 
 was fitted up with a circular " Bar" in one corner, of the old EngUsh fashion. 
 
 The building had been erected "long time ago," before the Revolutionary War; a 
 modem extension on Fulton street, three stories high, with a room for public meet- 
 ings and military drills in the second story, and an arched room in the third story for 
 concerts, and balls, and military drills, was added in 1822, for the accommodation of 
 the political, mihtary, and musical patrons of the house, it being a popular resort of all 
 those classes. 
 
 It was kept by Thomas Hodgkinson, an Englishmen by birth, who had come over 
 when quite young; he was brother to the celebrated comedian and vocaUst, John 
 EodgTcinson, who was very eminent in his profession, and at one time manager of the old 
 Park Theatre — he died of yellow fever in 1805. Eodgkinson bought and established 
 the house in 1808, and it soon became, and long continued, celebrated for the supe- 
 
32 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Prom that evening and that act dates the existence of the 
 Corps of National Guards, which has engaged so much of 
 our interest and feelings, and which we all love so much. 
 EsTO Perpetua. 
 
 At one of the preliminary meetings, " The Board'''' had 
 determined to adopt numbers for permanent distinctive 
 appellations to the respective companies ; and that there 
 might not be dissatisfaction at the assigning higher or 
 lower numbers, they drew for them. Captain Hawley draw- 
 ing No. 1, Captain Telfair No. 2, Captain Curtis No. 3, and 
 Captain Simons No. 4, (by mutual private agreement,) — 
 the same relative positions in rank they held before. 
 
 The announcement of the resolution adopting the 
 name was received throughout the Corps with much sat- 
 isfaction. 
 
 rior character of its refreshments and entertainments, and the quiet comfort and 
 rechercTie quality of the private suppers served up nightly to clubs and parties of "first 
 "people" of the City, with whom it was a favorite resort. 
 
 HodgMnson was an officer of the Second Regiment of N. Y. S. Artillery, and distin- 
 guished for his devotion to the cause of the country in the "War of 1812. At his 
 death, on the day of the reception of La Fayette, in 1824, he was a captain, and was 
 buried with military honors. Two of his sons served in the National Guard. 
 
 The house passed at his death to his connection by marriage, James C. StoneaM, 
 Esq., (afterwards alderman of the Second ward,) by whom the interior was remod- 
 eled and modernized — a handsome bar-room fitted up on the corner, with an entrance 
 on Fulton street — and was carried on with distinguished success, until it was demol- 
 ished on the widening of Fulton street in 1836. 
 
 The recollections of most of the ancient " N. G.'s " go back to the " Old Shakspeare" 
 as " The scene of many a past joy." 
 
EBCOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 33 
 
 Major Wilson, after comparing ideas and advising with 
 some of the most interested of the officers and men as to 
 the style and trimmings of his proposed coat, had the 
 pattern completed — and appeared before the several 
 companies separately assembled at The Shakspeare on 
 the evening of the 30th of August following, wearing a 
 complete private's uniform and equipments, as proposed, 
 and submitted them to the members ; and, after a full 
 and free canvass, they were adopted with great unanim- 
 ity as 
 THE UNIFORM OF THE NATIONAL GUARDS! 
 
 The dress consisted of a short coat of military gray, 
 or cadet mixed cloth, single-breasted ; square standing 
 collar ; three rows of buttons in front ; black braid running 
 back from each button across the breast ; buttons and 
 braid on the collars, cuffs and pocket-flaps ; shoulder caps, 
 or wings, with black tufts : white trowsers : glazed-leather 
 caps, with bell crowns, and trimmed with gold and silver 
 tassels ; brass initials N. Gr. in cipher in front of the cap ; 
 white pompon : cartridge-box and bayonet-sheath sus- 
 pended from a white belt of webbing around the body ; 
 on the cartridge-box was the "Cipher of the Corps," — 
 N. G-., in brass. This was the origin and introduction of 
 the brass cipher in military ornaments in this country, 
 which has been so extensively imitated and copied — some 
 other corps even adopting an appellation that tliey might 
 wear the identical N. Gr. So highly appreciated had the 
 
34 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Corps, and its dress and ornaments, become, and so talcing 
 its name, that it seemed the highest point of the ambition 
 and of the mental capacity of members of some other 
 organizations, to be mistaken for a "National Guard." 
 
 When the name had been determined on, and active 
 measures commenced for completing the organization of 
 the new Corps, Corporal Asher Taylor, of the Fourth 
 Company, devised and designed 
 
 THE COAT OF ARMS AND MOTTO. 
 
 He exhibited a sketch of it to Major Wetmore, who, 
 approving of it, procured it to be engraved in a vignette 
 cat, and presented it to the Board of Officers, by whom 
 it was formally adopted as 
 " THE HERALDIC INSIGNIA OF THE NATIONAL GUARDS." 
 
 The Arms consist of a shield, quarterly: the First 
 grand quarter, the shield of the United States ; the Sec- 
 ond, the shield of the State of New York ; the Third, 
 the shield of the City of New York ; the Fourth, the 
 initials N. Y. S. A., on a red ground, for the Corps of 
 Artillery ; on an in-escutcheon of gold, the cipher of the 
 Corps, "N. G-." 
 
 Crest .♦—An American eagle displayed, proper. 
 Motto : — " Pro Patria et Gloria." 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 35 
 
 An alteration was made in the fourth quarter, in 1835, 
 on the new colors, substituting two cannons crossed saltire- 
 wise, and in chief a blazing bomb, as insignia of Artillery. 
 {See Frontispiece.) 
 
 This Coat of Arms, solemnly adopted and promulgated 
 by the Corps as its distinctive insignia, its peculiar Ensigns 
 Armorial and Cognizance, has been so recognized and 
 respected by all honorable and intelligent men from that 
 day, now more than forty years ago. In a few cases, 
 however, parties, in defiance of ordinary good manners, 
 and the honorable and gentlemanly instincts which it is 
 generally claimed govern military men in an especial 
 degree, have adopted such close imitations of it as to be 
 hardly distinguishable ; and some have taken them 
 wholly, and display them as their own with a degree of 
 sapiency and easy impudence but rarely paralleled — 
 except, perhaps, in the case of the ass assuming the lion's 
 skin — and which in the days of chivalry would have 
 doomed the offenders to ignominy, disgrace, and the 
 scorn of all high-minded men. And the same also with 
 the metal cipher. 
 
 The gray uniform, with black trimmings, had been 
 worn by the United States Cadets at West Point since 
 1815 — prescribed for them by the Government, it is un- 
 derstood, out of compliment to General Winfield Scott 
 and his brigade, who fought the battles of Lundy's Lane 
 
3g RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 and Chippewa, on the Niagara frontier, in 1814, in uni- 
 forms of GRAY, trimmed with black, the Government 
 being unable at the time to procure supphes of blue, the 
 standard army color. 
 
 The National Guard was the first corps outside the 
 National Academy to adopt the gray as a permanent 
 uniform ; and in doing so every pains was taken to avoid 
 the least appearance of imitation in the style of the coat, 
 buttons, or trimmings. 
 
 When the gray uniform was adopted, in August, it was 
 understood that the changes were not intended to be 
 carried entirely into effect before the next spring, but as 
 many of the members as could conveniently do so, were 
 requested to have their new uniforms prepared by the 
 last parades in the fall. Sergeant Asher Taylor (of the 
 Fourth Company) tendered his services to act as Secre- 
 tary to the Brigade-Inspector at the approaching annual 
 inspection of the Brigade on the 12th and 16th of October, 
 proposing to have his new uniform made and to appear in 
 it ; his offer was accepted, and he was detailed in brigade 
 orders to that special duty, and had the satisfaction of 
 inaugurating the gray uniform of the National Guards 
 by the first exhibition of it on parade. 
 
 As "the new uniform was entirely novel, and different 
 from all others before worn in the City, it attracted much 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 37 
 
 attention, and was the subject of general remark and 
 criticism in military circles. The other regiments were 
 furnished an opportunity to observe and examine the 
 new style of dress that was destined to so soon outstrip 
 them all in the contention for public favor.* 
 
 As the changes and improvements so long contemplated 
 assumed form and reality, Captain Linus W. Stevens 
 took measures for procuring a transfer, with a portion of 
 his Company, from the Heavy Artillery Battalion of the 
 Regiment to the new Corps. Several other parties were 
 invited to raise companies to augment its strength. Oli- 
 ver M. Lownds, who was on intimate terms with many of 
 the officers, and had been present on the Battery when 
 the name of National Guard was first suggested by Major 
 Wilson, concluded to organize a company, and as an 
 additional inducement to him. Captain Stevens proposed 
 that he should take a number preceding him. 
 
 November 1st, Major Wilson resigned his position in 
 relation to the Corps and retired from the Regiment, in 
 consequence of failing health, very much regretted by all 
 his associates, to whom his high order of talents, his 
 enthusiastic zeal in advancing the interest of the Corps, 
 and his genial and amiable deportment to all, had 
 
 * That inspection parade was "out of town," in the open fields south of St. Luke's 
 Church, west of Hudson street — somewhat changed since that day. 
 
33 RECOLLECTIONS 0^ THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 endeared him in an eminent degree. He was succeeded 
 by Captain Irad Hawley, as Major of the Eleventh Regi- 
 ment. 
 
 Those members who had their new uniforms completed 
 were directed to parade in them on Evacuation Day (25th 
 Nov.) ; accordingly, some twenty to thirty from each of 
 the four companies appeared in their new equipments, 
 and were consolidated on the right of the battalion line. 
 This was the j^rs^ exhibition of the Corps in the new dress, 
 and from the circumstance that Captain Telfair of the 
 Second Company commanded on the right of the line, 
 and his command that day being entirely of the new uni- 
 form men, it has been stated that it was his Company, 
 the Second, that first appeared on parade in the new 
 dress, which is entirely erroneous ; the first parade in the 
 gray coat was of men from all the four companies. 
 
 When the regimental parade was dismissed, a detach- 
 ment of men, those in the gray uniforms, escorted the 
 colors to the quarters of the Colonel, Peter W. Spicer, in 
 the Bowery, where they, together with the officers of the 
 Regiment, were regaled with a spread of wine, punch, 
 and other refreshments. 
 
 By Regimental Orders of December 25th, 1824, the 
 Fifth Company of National Guards was recognized and 
 admitted into the Regiment : 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 39 
 
 Oliver M. Lownds, its Captain. 
 
 Charles B. Spicer (late a member of the Fourth Com- 
 pany, and Sergeant-Major of the 11th Regiment) 
 the First Lieutenant. 
 
 William H. Inslee, Second Lieutenant. 
 
 By the following order the Sixth Company was received 
 by transfer from the First or Heavy Artillery Battalion 
 of the Regiment : 
 
 ELEVENTH REGIMENT N. T. S. ARTILLERY. 
 SPECIAL ORDER. 
 
 New York, December 27th, 1824. 
 Captain Linus W. Stevens, now doing duty in the First Battalion of 
 this Regiment, is hereby directed to forthwith detach one Lieutenant and 
 any number of men, not to exceed twenty-five, from the Company now 
 under his command, and organize the same to perform duty as Infantry in 
 the Second Battalion, and to assume the command of the same ; and 
 to report himself and officer so detached to the Commandant of the said 
 Battalion ; he is also directed to assume the name and uniform of the Na- 
 tional Guards. 
 
 By order of Peter "W. Spicer, Colonel. 
 
 G. F. Everson, Adjutant. 
 
 Accordingly, on the 29th December, Captain Stevens, 
 First Lieutenant John H. Williams, and twenty-five 
 men, were so detached, and measures taken to carry out 
 their organization as the Sixth Company of National 
 Guards. 
 
 By a General Order of the Commander-in-Chief, of 
 
40 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 January, 1825, the First Brigade of Artillery was reor- 
 ganized :* 
 
 " The companies of the Second and Meventh Regiments 
 " doing duty with muskets, with the staff and music of 
 "the present Second Regiment, Colonel Robert F. Man- 
 "ley, Lieutenant-Colonel James A. Moore, and Major 
 ^^ Irad Hawley, to constitute the Second Regiment." 
 
 By which it will be noted the Corps became consoli- 
 dated with, and incorporated in, the Second Regiment, 
 which then consisted of four companies of La Fayette 
 Gfuards and two companies of Clinton Guards, being six 
 companies from the old Second, constituting one Battal- 
 ion, and our six companies of National Guards, from the 
 Eleventh, constituting the other Battalion. 
 
 All the other regiments of the Brigade were in Hke 
 manner disintegrated and reorganized under the new 
 ''dear 
 
 It was amicably arranged amongst the officers of the 
 newly organized Second Regiment that the right of the 
 regimental line should belong to the battalion which 
 should have the senior captain of the Regiment. On 
 
 * This was the " new shuffle and deal " in anticipation of which there had been 
 for a year or two past, so much " finessing" amongst the officers. 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 4 J 
 
 the first parade of the Regiment, on the 6th of June, 
 1825, the question of seniority came up, and after a good 
 deal of wranghng and disputation, it was decided in favor 
 of Captain Stevens ; consequently the right was taken by 
 the National Guards, much to the disappointment and 
 chagrin of the officers of the other Battalion, who had 
 calculated, when the arrangement was made, on a dif- 
 ferent state of facts as to seniority. 
 
 On the 6th June, the resignation of Major Irad Haw- 
 ley^ of the Second Regiment, was accepted ; and on the 
 12th, Major Prosper M. Wetmore, Brigade-Major, for- 
 merly Captain of the Fourth Company, was elected to 
 fill the vacancy. 
 
 The first appearance of the Corps on parade as a sep- 
 arate command was for an excursion for target practice, 
 which took place in August of this year. After examin- 
 ing various points in the vicinity of the City, Blooming- 
 dale had been determined on, and Barnet's Mansion- 
 House selected for Head-Quarters. 
 
 I have been permitted to reproduce from the Minutes 
 of the Fourth Company the following record of the affair., 
 as written down at the time : 
 
 SECOND REGIMENT N. Y. S. ARTILLERY. 
 EXTRACT FROM REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July 29th, 1825. 
 The several companies of this Regiment denominated National 
 Guards are directed to assemble, fully uniformed and equipped, for military 
 
 6 
 
42 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 improvement, on Friday^ 5th August next, in the Park in front of the City 
 Hall : Battalion line to form at 7 o'clock, A, M. 
 
 By order of Robert F, Manley, Colonel, 
 
 J. D. EvEHSON, Adjutant. 
 
 On Friday, August 5th, the Battalion paraded in obedience to the above 
 orders. Line was formed under command of Major Prosper M. "Wet- 
 more, of the Second Regiment, at 7 A.M., (Lieutenant Charles B. Spicer, 
 of the 5th Company, acting as Adjutant*) and marched to the foot of Roose- 
 velt street, where it embarked in good order on board the steamboat John 
 Marshall, for Bloomingdale, Avhere preparations had been made for the 
 exercises of the day. The landing was effected opposite Barnefs Man- 
 sion-House in beautiful style — the steamboat was moored within a few yards 
 of the wild, rocky shore, and an extempore bridge constructed, a la pon- 
 toon, of the small boats and gang-planks, over which the Battalion marched 
 to land in the most perfect order. The scene was singularly picturesque 
 and beautiful as the troops filed across the slight bridge, over the rocky 
 and uneven shore, and moved up the steep bank, through a wild and rural 
 foot-path, to the lawn in front of the Mansion-House ; the Battalion was 
 there formed for review. General Benedict received the marching salute 
 as the troops proceeded to the ground selected for the firing, where the 
 companies were dismissed, for the special duties of the day, to the com- 
 mand of their respective officers. 
 
 After the firing was completed, the Battalion was re-formed and marched 
 to the House, and dismissed for recreation. 
 
 Among the officers who accompanied the expedition were General 
 Benedict (Commander of the Brigade) and staff. Colonel Broivn and 
 Lieut.-Col. Kumhel (both late of Eleventh Regiment), Lieut.-Col. Stone 
 (Editor of the Commercial Advertiser), and Major Noah (Editor of the 
 National Advocate), Lieut. -Colonel Ho2jktns, of Eleventh Regiment, Com- 
 missary-General Muir, and a number of others. 
 
 It was observed that Barnet, commander-in-chief of the "Mansion- 
 " House," had been, during the early part of the day, actively engaged with 
 his whole army of cooks, har-maids, waiters, scullions, &c., in constructing 
 extensive works in the orchard to the left of his house ; and when the roll 
 of the " spirit{s)- stirring drum" was heard summoning the men to their duty, 
 it was understood at once that an assault upon Barnet's works was contem- 
 plated by our leader; and from the reputed skill of the engineers and 
 
 * Gexkral Spicer may well look back, in after times, through all his promotions, 
 honors, and distinctions, and exult in the incident in his early life of having been the 
 first to draw a sword in front of the now world-wide renowned "National Guard." 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 43 
 
 artificers who had dh-ected the operations of Barnet, a ^^warm" reception 
 was expected. 
 
 The active duties in which our men had been engaged during the morn- 
 ing had prepared their "appetites for slaughter," so that they moved to the 
 charge Avith a firm, undaunted step, the band playing a stomach-inspiring 
 tune, which the men (snuffing the air) pronounced to be "Roast Beef," or 
 something that sounded (or smelt) vastly like it. 
 
 By a skillful movement to our right, Barnet was taken in flank, and the 
 whole of his formidable array was surrounded and pronounced an easy 
 conquest, as his garrison appeared to be scantily provided with "provant" 
 and deficient in destructive weapons.* At a given signal the assault com- 
 menced at all points simultaneously, and never since the Battle of "Water- 
 loo (or the last target-firing dinner) has there been seen such carnage and 
 slaughter; nothing could withstand the charge — neither age nor sex, rank 
 nor condition, was spared — duck and drake, pigs, poultry, beef and mutton 
 — all, all, met a common doom, and disappeared 
 
 " Like the baseless fabric of a vision." 
 
 .Burnetts formidable array, 
 
 " His cloud-capped towers, his gorgeous palaces — 
 " All, like an insubstantial pageant, faded, 
 "And left not a wreck behind." 
 
 Our gallant Major conducted himself with the greatest deliberation and 
 bravery. At the commencement of the operations he "took the chair" in 
 the most elevated and exposed position, and was surrounded by a gallant 
 band of officers of different corps, the veterans of many a well-spread 
 dinner, who all appeared to perform with alacrity the exercises in which 
 they had been invited to join. 
 
 At length the conflict ceased — there is an end appointed for all things, 
 especially for dinner-scenes peculiarly circumstanced as this was — a liberal 
 supply of the "generous juice" was brought forth, which had a marvelous 
 effect upon the spirits of the men; all was mirth and "jollity," 
 
 " Quibs and cranks, and wanton wiles, 
 " Sport that wrinkled care derides, 
 "And laughter holding both his sides." 
 
 Many a gallant spirit was toasted, and patriotic sentiment proposed and 
 drank; and when 
 
 " Our Country — she stands the landmark of freedom and the home of the oppressed," 
 
 was given from the Chair, it was received with tremendous acclamation : 
 
 * There were more men than Barnet had prepared for, and consequently a short 
 supply of provisions, knives and forks, and everything else. 
 
44 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Such a noise arose 
 
 " As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest, 
 " As loud and to as many tunes." 
 
 Our great Commander-in-Chief (then De "Witt Clinton) — Our General 
 (James Benedict) — The Nation's Guest, La Fayette — Bolivar, the Star 
 of Liberty in the Southern Hemisphere — aye, all who have '■'■had to do 
 '■^ with TAberty" y^QVQ remembered with enthusiasm. The following was 
 given from the Chair : 
 
 " Our Guests — the countenance and encouragement of experience and science will 
 " direct and animate «s in the path to military distinction." 
 
 Lieut.- Col. Stone gave in return the following, adapted from Shakspeare : 
 
 " Our worthy and approved good friends, 
 
 " We have kind souls that would give you thanks, 
 
 "But scarce know how to do it." "Health to alll 
 
 " May you be here as merry 
 
 " As good company, good wishes, and good feelings 
 
 " Can make good soldiers. And when you go hence 
 
 '• Fair thoughts and happy hours attend you, 
 
 " And affectionate wives and pretty sweethearts await you." 
 
 After dinner, when the long roll was beat and the Battalion paraded on 
 the lawn in front of the house, not a man was missing, notwithstanding the 
 perilous service they had performed and the scenes of danger through 
 which they had passed. 
 
 The wings were thrown forward to form a square, and those who had 
 won the prizes called to the centre and addressed by Lieut.-Col. Stone to 
 the following effect : 
 
 " Citizen Soldiers : — I have the honor of being selected to award the 
 " prizes which have been won by the competitors of the National Guards 
 " this day ; and it gives me great pleasure in doing so to speak not only 
 " of your skill, but of the good order and discipline which pervades the 
 " Corps. In the militia as well as in the standing army, discipline is indis- 
 " pensably necessary. True, the soldier is a citizen; but while on duty 
 "the personal liberty of the citizen is in some degree merged in that of the 
 "soldier. In Europe, the people are enslaved by the soldiery; but hap- 
 "pily in free America our army is composed of the people, and no enlight- 
 " ened people will enslave themselves. Your bayonets are for the defence 
 " of honor and the maintenance of the freedom of your coimtry ; and the 
 *• military power is designed to defend and support, not overthrow, the 
 " civil. 
 
 " These prizes which you have so handsomely won are to be regarded as 
 " rewards for experiments in the rudiments of tactics. The road to honor 
 " and preferment here is not circumscribed by the narrow limits of hered 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 45 
 
 " itary claims — it is as broad as our continent and as free as the wind that 
 " sweeps over it ; strive then in the march for fame and glory to reach the 
 '•utmost summit — always recollecting that a soldier s character must be spot- 
 " Uss^ his honor untarnished, and his courage unsuspected." 
 
 After the prizes were presented to the different successful marksmen, 
 the Battalion was marched to the shore, where the steamer was in waiting. 
 In consequence of the lowness of the tide she could not approach suffi- 
 ciently near the shore to construct the bridge ; the men were therefore 
 conveyed to her in boats. 
 
 The embarkation was effected in perfect order and regularity, and pre- 
 sented a scene particularly striking ; as the Battalion descended the bank 
 through an obscure and irregular footpath to the margin of the river — the 
 groups of officers and men upon the rocks on the shore, the boats plying 
 in rapid succession filled with soldiers, the rays of the setting sun glanc- 
 ing from their glittering arms — all conspired to form a scene of rare beauty 
 and magnificence, and strikingly " a la mtlitaire." 
 
 The expedition terminated about 8 o'clock, the Battalion being dismissed 
 at that hour at the Park; and thus ended the ANNUAL TARGET- 
 FIRING EXCURSION, which had been looked forward to for many 
 weeks with such high expectations of enjoyment, and in many instances 
 with strong hopes of individual distinction in the competition for the prizes. 
 
 Under the following General Order, the Corps ac- 
 quired a distinct legal position and a name : 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK— GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Albany, October 1st, 1825. 
 THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF hereby directs that the several com- 
 panies now belonging to the Second Regiment, First Brigade, of New 
 York State Artillery, commanded by Captains Stevens, Tel/air, Curtis, 
 Simons, Lownds, and Lieut.-Commandant Flinn, at present comprising 
 
 The Battalion of National Guards, 
 of the Second Regiment, be detached therefrom and organized as a sepa- 
 rate Battalion. Major Prosper M. Wetmore is assigned to the command 
 of the said Battalion. 
 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief [then De Witt Clinton], 
 
 N. F. Beck, Adjutant-General. 
 
 The Corps now having a technical baptism and a legal 
 
46 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 name, assumed the "free and independent" position at 
 which it had been aiming, and stepped off, unshackled, in 
 the forward movement to distinction and renown which 
 lay out before it. 
 
 On the 12th October, 1825, Battalion Orders an- 
 nounce : 
 
 A new Company having been organized and admitted into the Battalion, 
 it Avill hereafter be recognized as the " 7th Company," and will be com- 
 manded by Captain Egbert J. Van Beuren ; George N. Allen, First- 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 The following staff-appointments were announced Octo- 
 ber 12th, 1825 : 
 
 John J. Manning, Quarter- Master, 
 
 Sidney P. Ingraham, Pay -Master, 
 
 Doctor David W. Bryan, Surgeon's-Mate. 
 
 Lieutenant Charles B. Spicer, Acting- Adjutant. 
 Simeon J. Drake^ of the 6th Company, Sergeant- Major ; Samuel L. Post, 
 of the 2d Company, Assistant Sergeant-Major ; Myer Myers, o^ the 5th 
 Company, Quarter-Master Sergeant. 
 
 Brigade Orders of 19th October, 1825, announce 
 elections on the 18th : 
 
 In the Battalion of National Guards — 
 
 Prosper M. Wetmore, Lieut. -Colonel. 
 Linus "W. Stevens, Major. 
 
 On the 19th of October, Lieutenant Andrew Warner 
 is announ'^ed as Adjutant, Lieut. Charles B. Spicer 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVPIXTH REGIMENT. ^^ 
 
 being assigned to the command of the Fifth Company. 
 Orderly-Sergeant James B. Wilson, Standard-Bearer. 
 
 "A feather, one-third black and two-thirds white, not 
 "exceeding eight inches in length," was adopted to be 
 worn by the Field and Staff of the Battalion. 
 
 The officers and men of all ranks now entered with 
 one accord, and increased zeal, upon a course of united 
 effort to advance the strength, character, and efficiency 
 of the new Corps ; and especially the acquisition of the 
 highest degree of proficiency in "war's dread art." 
 
 The Battalion paraded on Saturday, 19th November, 
 1825, as part of a detachment, usual at that time on occa- 
 sion of executions in public, "to aid in preserving the 
 "peace at the execution of James Reynolds, convicted 
 " of murder ;" but not from the least apprehension of 
 any disturbance beyond the ordinary excitement of a 
 large crowd.* 
 
 Battalion Orders, December 27th, 1825, announce as 
 commissioned in the Corps : , 
 
 * The narrator haa no " recollection" of the ridiculous story in reference to the 
 conduct of one of the ofiBcers of the Battalion absenting himself from duty on this 
 occasion, put forth a few years ago in an ephemeral publication, and asserts that it is 
 entirely unfounded, as, if there had been any grounds for it, he must have known it. 
 The other httle matter of "the flask," stated in the same connection, he "recollects" 
 well, for he knew it thfn. 
 
48 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 James Flinn, Jr., Captain 1st Company, 
 John H. Williams, Captain 6tli Company, 
 David T. ValeAtine, Captain 3d Company, 
 Levi Hart, First Lieutenant 1st Company, 
 Seymour Hoyt, First Lieutenant Gth Company, 
 
 and the appointment of 
 
 Doctor Edward Marcellin, Surgeon's-Mate. 
 
 A Committee sometime previously appointed, consist- 
 ing of Major Stevens, Captain Flinn, Quarter-Master 
 Manning, Lieut. G-. N. Allen, and Lieut. P. H. Holt, "to 
 " designate and describe the uniform to be observed by 
 " the members composing the Corps," presented a report 
 March 2d, 1826, which was adopted by the Board of Offi- 
 cers, as follows, and ordered to be printed for the Corps, 
 establishing the details of -the 
 
 BILL OF DRESS OF THE NATIONAL GUARDS. 
 
 THE UNIFORM of the Corps shall consist of a short coat or coatee 
 of mixed cloth, a cap of black glazed leather, and white pantaloons, as 
 follows : 
 
 1. THE COAT shall be of the "Military Gray" manufactured for this 
 Corps, and for the United States Cadets ; single-breasted ; square standing- 
 collar, to meet and hook under the chin ; a double strip of black silk braid 
 to extend around the collar, and a blind button-hole of the same to com- 
 mence at the front and extend back on each side three and a-half inches, 
 and terminate in three fan loops, with a button in the center of the loops ; 
 one row of buttons in front, to be placed one and a-half inches apart (the 
 number to vary in conformity to the size of the person) ; blind button-holes 
 of the braid to extend across the front from each button (conforming to 
 the direction of the collar), and terminate in three fan loops ; the length to 
 rary, being longest across the chest, and diminishing gradually above and 
 below. The cuffs three inches deep, with four buttons around the upper 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 49 
 
 edge in front, a blind button-hole to extend downwards from each button 
 and terminate in three fan loops (to correspond with the breast) ; four 
 buttons on each pocket-flap, with blind button-holes as on the cuff and 
 breast ; four buttons on the plait or folds of each skirt, viz. : one, one inch 
 from the bottom of the skirt, one at the top, a third midway between the 
 two, and the fourth one and a-half inches above the third, the two buttons 
 at the top of the skirt to be enclosed in a diamond of braid, with a similar 
 diamond between them ; the edge of the back skirts to be trimmed with a 
 stripe of braid to commence at the top of the skirt, on the outward or 
 front edge, extending downwards on the skirt (varying from one to two 
 inches from the front edge to within one and a-half to two inches of the 
 bottom, and turn with a single loop continuing to the lower corner in front ; 
 on the corner of the skirt, between the braid and front edge, to be placed a 
 diamond of braid ; on the back of the coat a stripe of braid, to commence 
 at each of the buttons at the top of the skirt, and follow the two outer 
 seams of the back to the shoulder, thence along the sleeve to the shoulder- 
 seam, and following that to the collar. 
 
 2. The Wings to consist of a shoulder-cap of cloth like the coat, three 
 inches deep in the center, diminishing gradually to a point each way ; to 
 be padded full and secured to the shoulders at the top seam of the sleeve, 
 by the upper edge ; a stripe of black braid on the upper edge, and diagonal 
 stripes of the same to be placed one inch apart on the top, a tuft of black 
 worsted on the outer edge. The width of braid "around the collar," "on 
 "the back," "the diamonds," and on the "inner edge of the skirts," to be 
 three-eighths of an inch, the remainder to be one-eighth. 
 
 3. The Buttons of the pattern manufactured for this Battalion, and 
 known as "TAe Button of the National Guards." 
 
 4. The Pantaloons of plain white linen or cotton, and long enough to 
 touch the instep ; worn over boots. 
 
 5. The Cap to be bell-crowned, seven inches high in front; the vizor 
 to be of black leather, circular, two and a-half inches deep at the widest 
 part ; the cap to terminate at the lower edge in a point at the back part 
 of the head. Trimmings, plain brass scales in front, and one inch above 
 the scales the initials N. G. in cipher, over which an eagle measuring three 
 inches between the tips of the wings ; both the initials and eagle to be 
 brass. On the upper edge in front a black leather cockade, with a small 
 yellow button with an eagle impressed on it. Tassels of gold bullion, three 
 inches in length, finished with silver at each extremity, to be suspended, 
 by a gold and silver cord four inches long, from a ring at the upper edge 
 at the right side of the cap. Pompon, white, five inches in length, to be 
 worn in front and inserted into the cap through a plain brass ball. 
 
 6. Stock, or cravat black, and plain in front. 
 
 7. Gloves of deep buff. 
 
 7 
 
5Q RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ARMS AND ACGOUTERMENTS. 
 
 1. Musket according to law, with a white sling of linen or cotton web- 
 bing. 
 
 2. Cartouch Box of black leather, with the initials N. G. of brass; 
 suspended by loops of black leather. 
 
 3. Bayonet Sheath of the same, suspended by a throg of the same. 
 
 4. Belt of white webbing, secured in front by brass plate or clasp.* 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 
 
 1. The Second, Third and Fourth Sergeants and the Corporals will be 
 uniformed the same as the privates, with the exception of the trimmings 
 on the wings, where gold lace will be substituted for braid ; and with the 
 addition of a small, straight sword, with yellow mountings, and black leather 
 scabbard, suspended by a throg, to correspond with the bayonet. 
 
 2. The Orderly Sergeant will be permitted to dispense with musket, «fec., 
 and wear a sword the same as above defined, suspended in the same man- 
 ner to a similar belt. Coat the same as that of the other non-commis- 
 sioned officers. 
 
 OFFICERS' UNIFORMS. 
 
 1. Field Officers' coats will be trimmed as above defined (using gold 
 lace in lieu of braid), with the addition of three chevrons reversed on 
 each skirt. They will wear epaulettes and the chapeau de bras. 
 
 2. Company and commissioned staff officers (with the exception of the 
 Surgeons) will have the "trimmings on the collar" and the "diamonds" of 
 gold lace. Wings of gold bullion, protected by gilt scales and chains. 
 
 3. The coat of medical officers shall correspond with those of the Bat- 
 talion in point of color. 
 
 4. The swords worn by field, staff and medical officers shall be gold- 
 mounted, and straight blades — suspended by gilt chains to a gold-laced 
 belt, secured in front by a gilt plate or clasp ; sash of red silk net. 
 
 5. Sergeant- Majors and Quarter-Master Sergeants will wear the same 
 uniform as the Orderly-Sergeants, with the addition of a sash of red silk net. 
 
 distinctions. 
 
 1. Captains will wear a chevron on each arm above the elbow. 
 
 2. Subalterns will wear a chevron on each arm below the elbow. 
 
 3. Staff Officers (with the exception of Adjutant and Sergeant- 
 Majors) will wear, in addition to the chevrons of their rank, a lend of gold 
 lace on the right arm above the elbow. 
 
 4. The Adjutant will wear an arc of gold fringe connecting the two 
 extreme points of the chevron. 
 
 * In 1827, cross-belts of white webbing were added. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^\ 
 
 5. The Sergeant- Majors will wear an arc similar to that of the Adjutant. 
 
 6. Sergeants will wear a chevron on each arm below the elbow. 
 
 7. Corporals will wear a chevron on each arm above the elbow.* 
 
 Per Battalion Orders of April 1st, 1826 : 
 
 . Charles B. Spicek, from the 5th Company, Captain 7th Company. 
 Robert B. Boyd, Captain 5th Company. 
 Philetus H. Holt, Second Lieutenant 4th Company, 
 George L. Pride succeeded Lieutenant Spicer as First Lieutenant 5th 
 
 Compan3^ 
 
 John D. Wilson, late our Major of Eleventh Regiment, 
 is announced as Division Inspector, on the staff of Major- 
 General Benedict, April 27th, 1826, a position which he 
 held but a few months, his impaired health compelling 
 him to relinquish his ardent desire for a connection with 
 the service. 
 
 On the 6th May, 1826, a new Company, the Eighth, 
 was announced as organized in the Battalion of National 
 Guards — Andrew Warner, Captain ; William P. Mil- 
 lard, First Lieutenant ; Adolphus Davenport, Second 
 Lieutenant. 
 
 The Corps having now, nominally, eight companies, the 
 quota required for a Regiment, the Commander-in-Chief 
 at once directed it, under the following General Order, 
 to be so constituted and organized : 
 
 * Knapsacks, gray pants, fatigue jackets, or fatigue caps, were unknown in the 
 Corps at that time; they were gradually worked in, one at a time, in subsequent 
 years. 
 
52 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 STATE OP NEW YORK. 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Albany, May 6th, 1826. 
 The Commander-in-Chief hereby directs that the Battalion of National 
 Guards in the City of New York, now under the command of Lieut. - 
 Colonel P. M. Wetmore, and attached to the First Brigade of New York 
 State Artillery, be organized into a Regiment to be denominated the 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. 
 By order of the Commander-in-Chief, 
 
 N. F. Beck, Adjutant-General. 
 
 May 23d, 1826, an election under the new organization 
 for field officers of the Twenty-seventh Regiment was 
 held at "The Shakspeare," and 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel Prosper M. Wetmore was elected 
 Colonel. 
 
 Major Linus W. Stevens was elected Lieut.-Colonel. 
 
 Captain John Telfair was elected Major. 
 
 Major Telfair resigned June 20th, 1826. Captain 
 Howard A. Simons, of the Fourth Company, was elected 
 Major, June 27th, 1826. 
 
 The subject of providing Colors for the Corps had 
 engaged the attention of the Board of Officers as soon as 
 the Battalion was detached as a separate command ; and a 
 Committee consisting of 
 Captain Telfair, 
 
 Captain Flinn, 
 
 Lieutenant Spicer, and 
 
 Doctor Marcellin, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 53 
 
 was appointed for the procuring of a standard, to be 
 "The Banner of the National Guard." 
 
 The Committee spent some time in beating around, 
 and bowing, and flirting, and coquetting among their fair 
 friends, in the hope of ehciting an offer from some of 
 them to embroider and present a standard ; and " Young 
 ^^ Moustache'^ of the present day will be amazed to learn 
 that aU their efforts were vain, as they reported on the 
 29th of March (1826) that "the expectations hitherto 
 " entertained on that subject had not been realized !" — a 
 humiliating admission that would well-nigh "burst the 
 "kids" of half the gallant and irresistible fellows of the 
 Regiment in these latter days. The season being ad- 
 vanced, the Committee was directed to select a proper 
 design, and procure, without further delay, the standard 
 to be embroidered by Mrs. Lloyd D. Windsor, who had 
 performed similar work for several regiments. 
 
 Subscription papers for the requisite funds had been 
 circulated amongst the 9fficers and men and promptly 
 filled up. 
 
 The Committee accepted a design proffered by Sergeard 
 AsHER Taylor, of the Fourth Company, which he traced 
 on the silk, and the work was put in hand under his 
 supervision, and pushed forward so that the standard was 
 completed and ready for delivery by the latter part of 
 May. 
 
54 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Board of Officers, April 6, 1826, 
 the following preamble and resolution were adopted : 
 
 Whereas, Sergeant Taylor, of the Fourth Company of National Guards, 
 having assisted the Standard Committee in giving a suitable design to be 
 embroidered for the banner of this Battalion, and also facilitating the duties 
 of the Committee for prescribing the uniform of this Corps ; therefore. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of the officers of this Battalion be presented 
 to Sergeant Asheb Taylor, of the Fourth Company, for his skill and 
 ingenuity exercised in sketching a suitable design for, and tracing it on the 
 silk intended for, 
 
 The Banner of the National Guards, 
 and also for assistance rendered in furnishing the " Bill of Dress" lately 
 adopted. [He having prepared the text of the document.] 
 
 The First Parade of the new Regiment, in full uni- 
 form, was on the 31st of May, 1826, for the reception of 
 the new Colors. 
 
 The formation was in Park Place, and the Regiment 
 marched to the front of the City Hall, when the Honora- 
 ble Philip Hone, Mayor of the City, who had kindly 
 consented to perform the ceremony, delivered the stan- 
 dard to Colonel Wetmore, with an eloquent and compli- 
 mentary address. 
 
 The Flag was of red silk, bearing, beautifully embroid- 
 ered thereon, the Colors of the Corps, being the coat 
 of arms on a shield, with the crest and motto, supported 
 by wreaths of oak and laurel, and surrounded by golden 
 stars. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 55 
 
 The Board of Officers having some time previously 
 ordered a "State Standard," to complete a full suit of 
 colors for the Regiment, and the Committee on the Regi- 
 mental Standard conceiving that their duties ended with 
 the completion of that flag, they were discharged with a 
 vote of thanks of the Board for the satisfactory manner 
 in which they had discharged the duty assigned them. 
 
 On the first day of June, 1826, the Board 
 
 Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to take charge of and 
 to superintend the completion of the State Banner, now in the hands of Mrs. 
 Windsor, being embroidered. 
 
 Adjutant "Warner, 
 
 Pay-Master Ingraham and 
 
 Lieutenant Holt, 
 were appointed said Committee. 
 
 On the 15th June, 1826, Pay-Master Ingraham was 
 elected Captain of the Second Company in place of Cap- 
 tain Telfair promoted ; and William P. Millard (from 
 the Eighth Company) First Lieutenant. 
 
 Captain Alden Partridge, formerly an instructor in 
 military tactics at West Point, having established a pri- 
 vate military school at Middletown, Connecticut, which 
 was in very successful operation, and high repute in the 
 estimation of military men, the officers of the Twenty- 
 
56 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 seventh Regiment, at the meeting on the 12th of May, 
 1826, passed resolutions inviting Captain Partridge to 
 visit the City with the cadets of his command, and unite 
 with the Regiment in the parade in celebration of the 
 Fourth of July, which was expected to be on a grander 
 scale than usual, it being the Semi-Centennial Anniver- 
 sary of the great Declaration. 
 
 A Committee was appointed to confer with Captain 
 Partridge. They communicated the complimentary reso- 
 lutions of the Board of Officers, and received from the 
 Captain an acceptance, on the part of himself and his 
 pupils, of the invitation, which they received as very flat- 
 tering to their corps and institution. 
 
 As the State Standard was to be completed so as to be 
 delivered on the approaching "Fourth," his Excellency, 
 De Witt Clinton, was asked to perform the ceremony of 
 the delivery, which he kindly assented to ; and prepara- 
 tions were made to give due eclat to the parade and cere- 
 mony, not only by the Twenty-seventh Regiment, but by 
 the whole military forces of the City. 
 
 The venerable Major-General Morton was more than 
 usually impressive in his "Division Orders" for the Ju- 
 bilee Parade, remarking : 
 
 To celebrate the return of epochs important in the affairs of a 
 
 nation has the sanction of the remotest antiquity, and the period of fifty 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 57 
 
 years has a high solemnity attached to it from the ordinance of the Deity 
 himself. No era in the affairs of the world has heen of more importance 
 than the Declaration of Independence by the United States — it was the 
 dawn of freedom to mankind, and its beams are now illuminating and 
 enlightening the world. Well may we hail this, its semi-centenary anni 
 versary, with joy and gratitude. 
 
 When those intrepid statesmen subscribed that immortal instrument 
 which asserted our rights to freedom and self government, little did they 
 imagine that in a few revolving years their country would be sun'ounded 
 by so many blessings, and would take among the nations of the earth the 
 proud station it now occupies. 
 
 The following are the Regimental Orders for the occa- 
 sion : 
 
 NATIONAL GUARDS. 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. STATE ARTILLERY. 
 \ REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, June 28th, 1826. 
 
 The preceding General, Division and Brigade Orders are promulgated, 
 and in pursuance thereof this Regiment will parade in full uniform, on 
 Tuesday, the Fourth of July next, in celebration of the Fiftieth Anniver- 
 sary of American Independence. The line will be formed in the Park, at 
 half past six o'clock, A. M. 
 
 An invitation from the officers having been accepted by the Corps of 
 Cadets under the direction of Captain Partridge, to join the Regiment in 
 the approaching celebration of the National Jubilee, they will be received 
 from the steamboat at Fulton Market Wharf; from thence the Regiment 
 will proceed to Castle Garden, where it will be honored by receiving from 
 his Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, a Standard bearing the Arms of 
 the State, 
 
 The Quarter-Master will make the necessary requisition for ammunition. 
 
 By order of Colonel Wetmore, 
 
 Andrew Warner, Adjutant. 
 
 The Regiment was accordingly formed on the morning 
 of the Fourth, at six o'clock, and marched to the foot of 
 Fulton street, East River, and two companies thrown 
 
58 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 forward to the wharf, to salute and escort the ' ' Cadets " 
 to the regimental line ; and the whole then moved to 
 Castle Garden, where the illustrious De Witt Clinton, the 
 Governor of the State, in the full uniform of Commander- 
 in-Chief, and surrounded by a brilliant staff of eminent 
 military men and civilians, was in attendance for the 
 purpose of delivering to the Regiment the State Standard 
 which had been prepared for it. 
 
 On presenting the flag, the Governor made the follow- 
 ing remarks : 
 
 The soldier of a free State has, in addition to the chivah-ic sentiment of 
 honor so ardently cherished by military men, the elevated spirit of patri- 
 otism to direct his career, and to dignify his conduct ; as a component part 
 of a nation of free citizens, his own fame is identified with the glory of his 
 country. 
 
 Having the fullest confidence that you and the whole Eegiment under 
 your command, feel the whole force, and recognize the high importance of 
 these impressions, and honorable considerations, I commit this Standard to 
 your safe keeping and protection, with no ordinary gratification, and with 
 a perfect conviction that you will not disgrace it yourselves, nor permit it 
 to be disgraced by others. 
 
 Colonel Wetmore replied, expressing for himself and 
 the Regiment their deep sense of the distinguished honor 
 conferred upon them, in such a presence and from such a 
 source ; he adverted to the pledge by each individual 
 member of the National Guards, in subscribing the rolls 
 which bind them to the service, for the faithful perform- 
 ance af the duties imposed by the laws of the State, and 
 expressed his conviction that should exigencies require 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 59 
 
 of them the exercise of the sterner duties of the soldier, 
 they would be found among the first to dedicate their 
 weapons at the shrine of patriotism to the service of their 
 country. "And," he continued "on the ramparts of the 
 "outer walls, or ' i' the imminent deadly breach,' this 
 " Banner, bearing on its folds the heraldic insignia of the 
 "State of New York, shall proudly wave in victory, or 
 "honorably fall with its supporters." 
 
 The ceremony passed off with great eclat, in the pres- 
 ence of a large assemblage of the beauty, and fashion, 
 and elite of the City. 
 
 The flag is of blue silk, bearing the Colors of the State 
 of New York on a shield, supported, as on the Regi- 
 mental Standard, by wreaths of laurel and oak, and with 
 the State Crest, and the Motto "Excelsior." 
 
 The taste and skill evinced in the embroidery of both 
 the Standards reflect the highest credit on Mrs. Windsor, 
 wife of Lloyd D, Windsor, the veteran principal of the 
 old "Public School No. 1," by whom they were exe- 
 cuted. 
 
 After the ceremonial of the presentation, the Regiment, 
 with its juvenile guests, took position in the brigade line, 
 for participation in the military celebration of the day. 
 
 In the afternoon, the Cadet visitors were entertained 
 
60 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 at "Morse's Hotel," Park Row, and were invited to a 
 ^'billet" amongst the officers and men of the Regiment 
 during their stay in the City. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Board of Officers, July 10, 1826, 
 the following resolutions were unanimously adopted and 
 ordered to be published : 
 
 Resolved, That the officers of this Corps have witnessed with lively 
 satisfaction the correct, soldierlike, and gentlemanly deportment, and the 
 extraordinary proficiency in military exercises, evinced by the young gen- 
 tlemen composing the Corps, of Cadets on their recent visit to this City 
 upon the invitation of this Regiment. 
 
 Resolved, That the officers of this Regiment have derived much gratifi- 
 cation from their intercourse with this Corps of Cadets whilst quartered 
 with them during their recent visit. 
 
 In order to show the strength of the different regi- 
 ments in the City, at that day, the following is given : 
 
 Abstract of the Inspection of the First Brigade N. Y. State Artillery, com- 
 manded hy Brigadier- General Manley, held October 18, 1826. 
 
 Eegiraent. 
 
 Commandants. 
 
 NumVr of 
 Compa'es. 
 
 Privates 
 present. 
 
 Total 
 present. 
 
 Grand 
 total. 
 
 Second, 
 
 Twenty-seventh, 
 
 Fourteenth, 
 
 Ninth, 
 
 Brigadier-General 
 
 Col. I. A. Moore, 
 " p. M. Wetmore, 
 " M. Clarke, 
 " S. I. Hunt, 
 
 and Staff, 
 
 8 
 
 7* 
 
 9 
 
 8 
 
 193 
 
 189 
 177 
 
 178 
 
 289 
 277 
 276 
 272 
 5 
 
 472 
 437 
 
 529 
 472 
 
 7 
 
 Total force o 
 
 f the Brigade. 
 
 32 
 
 737 
 
 1119 
 
 1917 
 
 * One Company in the Twenty-seventh Regh-neut having been recently recruited, 
 and not nuifonned, was not ordered to parade for inspection, nor inchided in the 
 absentees of tlie Regiment. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. gj 
 
 On the 7th November, 1826, Colonel Wetmore, on 
 returning to the City after a short absence, and resuming 
 the command of the Regiment, pays a marked compli- 
 ment to Lieutenant- Colonel Stevens, "for the skillful exer- 
 "tions and indefatigable attention he has exhibited while 
 "in charge of the Regiment;" and adds: "The Com- 
 "mandant has noticed with great satisfaction, in the offi- 
 " cers of the Regiment generally, an evident progress in 
 "acquiring the elements of discipline and efficiency ; and 
 "while such a laudable spirit exists, as is at this time 
 "prevalent in the Corps, the surest guarantee is afforded 
 "of ultimate success in establishing a military reputa- 
 "tion." 
 
 On the 13th of November, 1826, G-eneral Manley took 
 the First Brigade to "the Village of Brooklyn," as he 
 naively terms it in his order for the occasion, (which, by 
 the way, was proper then, strangely as it may look now,) 
 for a regular " Field Bay," and a good time generally in 
 performing "Evolutions of the Line," by the four regi- 
 ments composing his command, in the open fields near 
 Red Hook, on a larger scale than he could find room for 
 in the confined Hmits of the City. 
 
 There seemed to have been, during the past season, a 
 general "revival" of military spirit in the Regiment, 
 which had also extended, in some degree, throughout the 
 
52 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Brigade, and was noticed by General Manley, in Brigade 
 Orders of 30th November, as follows : 
 
 The Brigadier- General avails himself of the present occasion to express 
 his satisfaction with the improvement of the Brigade during the past 
 season. The conduct of the troops, more especially on the parades of 13th 
 and 25th instant, was such as to give promise of perfection in military 
 discipline which it has not yet attained ; and he attributes the change to 
 that spirit of generous rivalry which has in an especial manner been cher- 
 ished by the officers of a part of his command. 
 
 As the season for parades passed on to a close, notwith- 
 standing the jubilant feelings generally prevailing through- 
 out the Regiment at the high praise everywhere accorded 
 to it, and the bright prospects that seemed opening before 
 it, a gloom could be seen on many a brow when certain 
 business matters of the Colonel were alluded to ; a sad- 
 ness was felt in many a heart, for a cloud had settled 
 upon and was obscuring the fair fame, the personal char- 
 acter, of their hitherto exceedingly popular and almost 
 idolized Commander. He had been mixed up in some 
 financial concerns, and speculating operations in Wall 
 street, which had resulted disastrously to his interest, and 
 very prejudicially to his character. 
 
 The self-respect of the officers and men of the Regi- 
 ment was sorely tried ; believing that 
 
 " Bright as his oivn good sivord, a soldier'' s fame should be I" 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. gg 
 
 after many consultations, they generally came to the con- 
 clusion that the matter was too serious to be overlooked, 
 and that it was incumbent on them to take measures to 
 rescue the good name and character of their young Regi- 
 ment from the odium which might attach to it from the 
 personal character of its commanding officer ; and at the 
 request, and, in fact, requirement, of many of them, 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Stevens consented to take the initiative, 
 and issued the following notice to each of the officers, for 
 an informal and consulting meeting : 
 
 Friday, December 22, 1826. 
 Sir: — You are requested to attend a meeting of the officers of the 
 Twenty-seventh Regiment, at Stoneall's, this evening, at seven o'clock, on 
 business of importance. 
 
 By request of officers, 
 
 L. W. Stevens, Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 In response to which a full attendance of the officers 
 was had, and the matter freely discussed and "ventilated." 
 The general conclusion was that the Colonel must ** some- 
 " how" remove the stigma which was resting on his name, 
 to the satisfaction of the officers, or retire, at once, from his 
 position in the Regiment. A considerable proportion of 
 them announced, on the spot, their determination to not 
 further regard him as their superior officer ; all of which 
 was put in shape and communicated to the Colonel — 
 rather a bitter dose — and the sequel was more so. 
 
 The officers met again on the 27th December, twenty- 
 
64 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 three present, and the Colonel sent to them a communi- 
 cation, in reply to the one from them, which, after being 
 read, was referred to a committee of five ; and after some 
 little maneuvering, the subject went over to another 
 meeting, on the 4th of January, 1827, when the whole 
 thing was opened up for discussion, and a full and free 
 interchange of views and feelings was had, and the sub- 
 ject again put over to a meeting on the 11th January, at 
 which the Colonel appeared, and "read certain papers, 
 "and addressed the meeting, and retired." A vote was 
 then taken by ballot, and without debate, on the 
 question, "/s the defence of Colonel Wetmore satisfac- 
 " tory?^^ and determined in the negative, by sixteen votes 
 to eight. 
 
 The "division" would appear as follows, judging from 
 the very meager recor<^i in the Book of Minutes. On one 
 side. Captains White, Spicer, Ingraham, Lieutenant Pride, 
 and three of the staff, viz. : Adjutant Warner, Pay-Master 
 Peat, Doctor Marcellin, seven; on the other side, Lieut.- 
 Colonel Stevens, Major Simons, Captains Williams, Val- 
 entine, Boyd, Lieutenants Phillips, Millard, Thompson, 
 Philarey, Holt, Maison, Wyckoff, Beach, Spelman, Ireland, 
 Whittemore, and Quarter-Master Manning, seventeen; 
 one appeared to act with the majority and vote with the 
 minority. 
 
 Next in order, of course, was a regular "free fight" 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 55 
 
 (figuratively) between the "high contending powers." 
 The "sixteen," on the one hand, were determined that the 
 obnoxious Colonel should "be no more officer of theirs," 
 that they would not oley any order emanating from him — 
 certainly a bold and hazardous conclusion ; whilst he, on 
 the other hand, aided in some measure by the "eight," 
 summoned all the thunders of the law, and all the strate- 
 getical tactics he was master of — and they were not insig- 
 nificant — to force them into subjection. It was a throwing 
 away of the scabbard with both sides — a tournament ' ' a 
 ^^VoutranceJ^ 
 
 Frivolous orders were at once issued to test the tenacity 
 of purpose — ^the "pluck" — of the "recusants," which of 
 course were disregarded ; and, en suite, the arrest of several 
 of the most obnoxious of them was ordered ; and the half- 
 dozen who were so selected were not a little elated at the 
 distinction. But the higher powers seemed, evidently, 
 willing that the contestant parties should have a little 
 scope to fight the battle, for a while, with their own 
 respective forces, and were slow to mix up in the thing 
 by ordering courts-martial. Every nerve was strained, 
 and no stone left unturned by either side, to further their 
 several objects. 
 
 The " sixteen" appealed to the rank and file, and a gen- 
 eral meeting of the non-commissioned officers and privates 
 was held at " The Shakspeare," at which resolutions back- 
 
gg RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ing up the officers were passed by overwlielmmg major- 
 ities ; and I find on the minutes of one of the companies, 
 the Captain of which had taken sides with the Colonel, 
 and the two Lieutenants with the opposition, the follow- 
 ing resolution, January 17th, 1827 : 
 
 Resolved, That this Company cordially approves of the correct and hon- 
 orable stand taken by the Lieutenants in the preservation of the character 
 of the Eegiment, and that we will support them in their endeavors to the 
 uttermost of our power. 
 
 And, it is believed, similar resolutions were passed by 
 most, if not all, of the other companies. 
 
 In the meanwhile "the officers" appealed to Governor 
 Clinton for relief, invoking his plenary power, as Com- 
 mander-in-Chief, to revoke the commission, and summa- 
 rily dismiss any obnoxious officer, and the following order 
 was the result; which, in the end, proved " the settler" — 
 the grand pacificator : 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK. 
 
 GENERAL OBDERS. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Albany, January 20th, 1827. 
 The Commander-in-Chief having received a petition, praying the re- 
 moval of Colonel Prosper M. Wetmore, of the Twenty-seventh Eegiment 
 of New York State Artillery, from the oflBce of Colonel of said Regiment, 
 ******** hereby organizes a Court 
 of Inquiry for the purpose of examining into the truth of the facts set forth 
 in the said petition. 
 
 The Court will be composed of the following persons, to wit : 
 Major-General Augustus Fleming, of the Third Division of Infantry, 
 
 President; 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. Qf 
 
 Brigadier-General Gilbert S. Mount, Third Brigade of Infantry, 
 Brigadier-General Henry Arcularius, First Brigade of Heavy Artillery, 
 
 Members ; 
 Colonel Samuel Stevens, Recorder and Judge-Advocate. 
 The Court will forthwith proceed to the said investigation, and report a 
 statement of fe^ts, together with their opinion, to the Commander-in-Chief. 
 By order of the Commandek-in-Chief, 
 
 N. F. Beck, Adjutant- General. 
 
 The Court proceeded at once in the duties enjoined on 
 it ; the sittings were held at " The Shakspeare," and were 
 continued for several weeks ; they attracted crowded 
 audiences of military men j able counsel contested every 
 inch of ground. 
 
 Whilst the sessions of the Court were being held, some 
 of the officers got an impression, from intimations hinted 
 to them, that if they should succeed in "throwing" the 
 Colonel, they were not likely to see their beautiful Colors 
 in the ranks of the Regiment again, they being in his 
 keeping ; they at once comprehended the danger, and 
 appointed a Committee to, if possible, withdraw them 
 from his custody — a measure that required all the strat- 
 egy and skill they were masters of The thing was 
 eventually accomplished in the following manner : The 
 Colonel of one of the other City Regiments, that was 
 about to procure new colors, was making enquiries of one 
 of our officers about the cost and manufacture of ours ; he 
 was advised (by one of the above Committee) to borrow 
 them for examination ; and being shortly afterward seen 
 in conversation with our Colonel — this was in the room 
 
gg EECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 at the session of the Court — and the words "six o'clock" 
 being heard to pass between them, it was inferred that 
 the other Colonel was to call at that hour for the Colors. 
 The Committee, which was decidedly a "Vigilance Com- 
 mittee," was at once on the " quivive" and took position 
 in the vicinity of the Colonel's quarters at the hour 
 named, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the other 
 Colonel enter, and in a short time emerge, bearing the 
 Colors ; he proceeded some distance toward his own* 
 quarters, when he was accosted by the Committee, as if 
 accidentally encountered. After the salutations of " Good 
 "evening," &c., one of them asked, referring to the 
 Colors, what he had there. "The Colors of your Regi- 
 "ment, which the Colonel has been so kind as to lend 
 "me," was the reply, "^e lend you the Colors of the 
 "Regiment!" exclaimed they ; "why, Aehas no authority 
 "to lend out the Colors ; they belong to the Board of 
 "Officers, to. whom you should have applied for the loan 
 "of them, and who would, doubtless, have been glad to 
 " oblige you." " We," remarked one, " are a Committee, 
 "appointed by the Board of Officers to take possession 
 "of all the property of the Regiment, wherever it may 
 " be found, and will now, here, relieve you of the Colors ;" 
 and, that "the firstlings of his head should be the first- 
 " lings of his hand," he suited the action to the word, 
 seized the Colors, and by ^'prompt maneuver^^ transferred 
 them from the Colonel's shoulder to his own, much to 
 the amazement and confusion of the former ; who, how- 
 
EECOLLEOTIONS OF THE„ SEVENTH EEGIMENT gg 
 
 ever, was satisfactorily assured that they had good reasons 
 for their action, and that he would be held blameless in 
 the matter. The Colors were borne off in triumph, and 
 placed securely beyond the contingencies of any demon- 
 stration of the adverse party. 
 
 When the Order of the Commander-in-Chief for the 
 Court of Inquiry had been received, the Colonel abated 
 his wrath, and held his breath for a season, and announced 
 in * ' Orders" a general amnesty * ' until after the decision 
 " of the Court of Inquiry is made known ;" which, in the 
 event, proved to be a long day! if he meant "made 
 " known" to any but him ! 
 
 THE COURT having closed its sessions, and it being 
 understood that their "Report," giving their ^^ statement 
 ^^ of facts, together with their opinion,^'' in the premises, as 
 required by the Governor, had gone forward to Head- 
 Quarters, "the Colonel," not waiting for the action of 
 the Governor on the "Report," or "until after the 
 "decision of the Court of Inquiry is made known" 
 announced in Orders of 6th April, that he had "for- 
 " warded to his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief ^Ae 
 * ' resignation of his commission //" 
 
 Now, 
 
 " Last scene of all, 
 " That ends this * * eventful history." 
 
70 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 General Manley, in Brigade Orders of April 9th, 1827, 
 announces : 
 
 The Commander-in-CMef having, on the 5th instant, [the day before, 
 mind you, the Colonel's announcement of the tender of his resignation !] 
 
 ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF CoLONEL PrOSPEB M. "WeTMORE, of the 
 
 Twenty-seventh Regiment, &c., &c. 
 
 [Exit] 
 
 %* Thus terminated the most trying and perilous ordeal the Regiment 
 has ever passed through, and which seemed at one time to threaten its 
 annihilation ; but, by the indefatigable exertions of its members and friends, 
 it rose superior to every trial, and now stands forth confessedly, in this 
 community, beyond all its compeers, the most reliable arm of the City 
 authority. 
 
 The decision of the question, " "What has the private character of a mili- 
 tary man to do with his official position?" was forced upon the Regiment 
 under circumstances of the most painful natui'e. Strong personal popu- 
 larity — important services rendered in the organization of the Regiment, 
 were required to be placed in one scale ; in the other, the obligation of the 
 citizen soldier to maintain that character which alone could do him honor 
 in either capacity. The struggle, though severe, was met with the spirit 
 which alone became the emergency; and the result distinctly enunciated 
 the great principle, which obviously formed the basis of the present exalted 
 position of the Corps — ^that to military qualifications viust be superadded 
 purity of private reputation., to constitute the true element of the character 
 of the Citizen Soldier. — Col. L. W. Stevens, 1852. 
 
IV. 
 
 Elections were at once held to fill up the "Field" of 
 the Regiment. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens was elected Colonel ; 
 
 Major Simons, Lieutenant-Colonel ; and 
 
 Captain John H. Williams, of the Sixth Company, 
 Major ; but he declining, 
 
 Pay-Master John I. Manning was elected Major. 
 
 Captain Williams shortly afterward resigned his com- 
 mission and retired from the service, with the highest 
 and most gratifying commendations of his old associates 
 of all ranks. 
 
 The Board of Officers, on 2d May, 1827, passed a 
 resolution adopting cross-belts, in addition to the waist- 
 belt previously worn. 
 
 Those officers who had adhered to the late Colonel, 
 
 were not, of course, well affected to the Regiment 
 11 
 
Y2 EEOOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH EEaiMENT. 
 
 under the new regime, and the most of them withdrew 
 quietly. 
 
 Captain Chandler White retired 20th April, and was 
 succeeded by Lieutenant Philetus H. Holt, as Captain 
 of the Fourth Company ; a position which he filled for 
 several years with great eclat and distinction — advancing 
 the character and drill of his company to the most ele- 
 vated standard then known in the City or Country. 
 
 Announced in Regimental Orders, May 29, 1827, the 
 following officers commissioned in the Regiment, viz. : 
 Philetus H. Holt, Captain 4th Company ; 
 William Thompson, Captain 6th Company ; 
 Thomas J. Ireland, First Lieutenant 4th Company ; 
 Benjamin B. Beach, First Lieutenant 6th Company ; 
 Nathaniel Tylee, Second Lieutenant 6th Company. 
 
 Captain Andrew Warner, of the nominal Eighth Com- 
 pany, (but, in fact, it was a ''myth''^ from the beginning, 
 having never had men enough to legally constitute a 
 company,) continued contumacious, and endeavored to 
 prolong the hostility to the new head of the Regiment ; 
 which resulted in his summary arrest and trial by Court- 
 Martial, ihQ finale of which is thus given: 
 
 BRIGADE ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July 10, 182Y. 
 The proceedings of the Brigade Court-Martial, for the trial of Captain 
 Andrew Warner, have been reported to the Brigadier-General. 
 
RECOLLECTION'S OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 73 
 
 The charges preferred against Captain "Warner were, disobedience of 
 orders, neglect of duty, and unofiBcer-like conduct. 
 
 The Court, after hearing the evidence in support of the charges, and 
 
 testimony in defense, have sentenced Captain Warner to be cashiered, 
 
 and to pay the costs of the prosecution. 
 
 The Brigadier-General approves the sentence of the Court. 
 ********* 
 
 By order of 
 
 Robert F. Manley, Brigadier-Genei*al. 
 
 J. D. Everson, 
 
 Brigade-Major and Inspector. 
 
 "So much for Buckingham I" 
 
 Pay-Master Peat resigned May 3d, 
 Surgeon Marcellin and 
 Lieutenant Pride resigned June 9th, 
 Captain Ingraham and 
 Captain Spicer resigned June 20th. 
 
 Regimental Orders, of August 6th, announce the ap- 
 pointment of 
 
 William P. Millard, Adjutant ; 
 Robert J. Delevan, Pay-Master ; 
 William C. Hickok, Surgeon, 
 and commissions of 
 
 James D. Oakley, Second Lieutenant 4th Company ; 
 Bailey J. Hathaway, First Lieutenant 5th Company. 
 
 Regimental Orders, September 7, 1827, give as com- 
 missioned : 
 
 William Halsey, Quarter-Master ; 
 Denis Philarey, Captain 7th Company; 
 
 10 
 
74 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Ezra F. Raymond, Captain 2d Company ; 
 Jacob Y. D. Wyckoff, First Lieutenant 7th Company ; 
 Smith Spellman, First Lieutenant 1st Company ; 
 Austin Melvin, Second Lieutenant 3d Company ; 
 Myer Myers, Second Lieutenant 7th Company ; 
 John Waydell, Second Lieutenant 1st Company. 
 
 Captain Valentine retired September 10th. 
 
 October 9, 1827, Regimental Orders announce as com- 
 missioned : 
 
 James D. Phillips, Captain 3d Company ; 
 Jacob Y. D. Wyckoff, Captain 7th Company ; 
 Austin Melvin, First Lieutenant 3d Company ; 
 Richard Ellison, First Lieutenant 2d Company ; 
 Samuel P. Wenman, First Lieutenant 7th Company ; 
 William Fardon, Second Lieutenant 3d Company ; 
 John E. Earlb, Second Lieutenant 5th Company. 
 
 October 10, 1827, Major-General Benedict, in announc- 
 ing, in Division Orders, the death of Colonel John D. 
 Wilson, his Division Inspector, remarks : 
 
 No language is necessary to awaken m the members of the Corps the 
 deepest feelings of regret for his loss, or of sympathy with his friends for 
 their sudden bereavement. The recollection of the many manly qualities 
 which adorned his character, is engraven on the memory of every one who 
 has been associated with him in any of the connections of society. To 
 those who have participated with him in the discharge of military duties, 
 will often recur the remembrance of his talents, his courtesy, and his 
 exalted sense of honor. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 75 
 
 Abstract of the Inspection of the First Brigade New York State Artillery, 
 commanded hy Brigadier- General Robert F. Manley, held October \2th, 
 1827. 
 
 Regiment 
 
 Commandants. 
 
 Numb'r of 
 Compa'es. 
 
 Matrosses 
 present. 
 
 Total 
 present. 
 
 Grand 
 total. 
 
 Second, 
 
 Ninth, 
 
 Fourteenth, 
 
 Twenty-seventh, 
 
 Brigadier-General 
 
 Col. James A. Moore, 
 " Samuel J. Hunt, 
 " Wm. E. Ross, 
 " L. W. Stevens, 
 
 and Staff; 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 11 
 
 7 
 
 156 
 179 
 221 
 185 
 
 234 
 289 
 332 
 276 
 5 
 
 453 
 447 
 607 
 437 
 
 7 
 
 Total force o 
 
 f the Brigade, 
 
 34 
 
 741 
 
 1136 
 
 1951 
 
 J, D. EvERSON, Brigade-Inspector. 
 
 The organization purporting to be the Eighth Company, 
 late commanded by Captain Warner, " not having fulfilled 
 "the requirements of the law," was disbanded by the 
 Brigadier-General, November 5th, 1827. 
 
 Colonel Stevens, in Regimental Orders, November 
 17, 1827, "announces to the officers and members of the 
 "Regiment the death of its late Pay-Master, Robert J. 
 " Delevan. In performing this melancholy duty, respect 
 "for the virtues of the deceased, combining all that is 
 "estimable in the character of the citizen and soldier, 
 " demands a passing tribute to his memory. 
 
 "His short association with the Regiment was marked 
 "by that promptness in the discharge of duty, that cor- 
 "rect and gentlemanly deportment, which at once consti- 
 "tuted him the valuable officer, the highly valued friend 
 " and associate. The remembrance of his virtues will 
 "long be cherished by all who had the pleasure of being 
 
76 KEOOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 "associated with him in discharging their duty to the 
 ''State, and in promotion of the welfare of the R-egi- 
 ** ment." 
 
 Evacuation Day, 1827, is thus noticed by Major-Gen- 
 eral Benedict: 
 
 SECOND DIVISION N. T. STATE ARTILLERY. 
 
 New York, November 20, 1827. 
 
 Upon the recurrence of a day rendered conspicuous in the Revolutionary 
 annals of our country by the interesting associations connected with the 
 successful termination of a contest unequaled in the history of modern 
 times for the fortitude and perseverance displayed in its prosecution, under 
 circumstances most appallingly adverse, and the objects of which were the 
 establishment of those principles which ennoble and dignify human nature, 
 the Major-General feels confident that he will but echo the sentiments 
 of those under his command, in expressing his desire that the occasion 
 shall not be suffered to pass without such testimonials as will be likely to 
 impress its importance upon the memory of the rising generation. 
 
 In pursuance of the object, the Major-General directs that the troops of 
 the Division in the City and vicinity appear under arms, on Monday, the 
 26th inst, in commemoration of the evacuation of the City by the British 
 troops in 1783. 
 
 ********* 
 
 By order of Major-General Benedict, 
 
 S. D. Jackson, Acting Inspector Second Division. 
 
 The Regiment accordingly paraded, making a beautiful 
 appearance, on the 26th. Line was formed in the Park 
 at 11 A. M. The whole military display on the occasion 
 was unusually imposing. 
 
 The Board of Officers voted to loan the Colors of the 
 Regiment to decorate the grand banqueting room of the 
 new Masonic Hall, on Broadway, opposite the Hospital, 
 for the Jackson Festival, on the eighth of January, 1828, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 77 
 
 in celebration of the election of the old hero to the Presi- 
 dency of the United States. 
 
 Immediately upon the disbandraent of the "bogus" 
 Eighth Company, energetic measures were adopted to 
 supply its place. Several of the strongest companies de- 
 tached a portion of their men to aid in putting the thing 
 through at once ; and their efforts were so effective that 
 the organization of the new Company by the Commander- 
 in-Chief was promulgated in General Orders, January 
 19th, 1828. 
 
 John H. Brower, Captain ; 
 ScHUREMAN Halsted, First Lieutenant j 
 Alfred H. Clark, Second Lieutenant. 
 
 And for the character of the members, and the ability 
 and energy of the officers of the new organization, let 
 the career and history of the "Eighth National Guard," 
 from that day to the present, attest. 
 
 Announced in Regimental Orders, April 1st, 1828, as 
 commissioned in the Regiment: 
 
 M. K. S. Lee, Second Lieutenant 2d Company j 
 James D. Oakley, Quarter-Master ; 
 George S. Schermerhorn, Pay -Master. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Simons resigned April 14th, 1828, 
 when Major John I. Manning was elected Lieutenant- 
 Colonel, and Captain Robert B. Boyd, Major. 
 
78 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Brigade Orders, May 12th, 1828, directed : 
 
 At full-dress parades, officers will wear crape on the left arm and on the 
 sword hilt, as a tribute of respect to the memory of our late Commandek- 
 iN-CuiEF [De "Witt Clinton]. 
 
 On the Fourth of July, of this year, the Regiment was 
 honored with the accession to its ranks, for that day's 
 celebration, of the Company of Philadelphia Grays, 
 commanded by Captain Miles. They arrived in the City 
 on the second, and Captain Holt, with his Fourth Com- 
 pany, was "charged with the duty of receiving and 
 "escorting them to their quarters;" where they were 
 met by the officers of the Regiment, and several other 
 officers of distinction, and partook of an elegant im- 
 promptu entertainment, the officers of the Twenty-sev- 
 enth standing hosts. 
 
 The "Grays" paraded on the Fourth with the Regi- 
 ment ; and, the next day, gave an exhibition of their 
 drill, and proficiency, generally, in military exercises, in 
 the Park, and were reviewed by the Mayor — the Fourth 
 Company volunteering a sergeant and twenty men for a 
 guard, and for sentinel duty, for the occasion. They 
 elicited great praise from a large collection of military 
 men and civilians. They returned to their homes, de- 
 lighted in the highest degree with their excursion to 
 this City, and the civilities and attentions extended to 
 them. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^9 
 
 RETIREMENT OF COLONEL STEVENS. 
 REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, July 9th, 1828. 
 
 The Commandant, being about to retire from the service in which he 
 has been engaged for the last eleven years, feels it but a"n act of justice 
 to express to the officers of the Regiment the great satisfaction he has at 
 all times experienced from the zealous and efficient coSperation in every 
 department connected with the duties of his station. 
 
 It affords him the highest pleasure, in retiring from the command, to 
 have it in his power to congratulate the officers, and, through them, the 
 members of the Regiment generally, upon the present flourishing situation 
 of the Corps, and the high state of discipline which, as the result of their 
 united efforts, it has attained. And he confidently cherishes the hope that 
 the spirit of generous emulation which now prevails will long continue, 
 and that the unanimity and good feeling which has so long existed, and 
 which is of such vital importance to the well-being of any association, will 
 long form their distinguishing characteristic. 
 
 In reviewing the period that it has been his honor to command the Regi- 
 ment, the Commandant is sensible of the weight of obligation under which 
 he has been placed to his associate officers, for the pleasure which their 
 cordial support — their promptness and alacrity in the discharge of their 
 duties — ^has imparted to the station which he has held. 
 
 It affords him much pleasure to felicitate them on the present state of 
 the financial concerns of the Regiment ; and it is a source of much grati- 
 fication to him, that, during his command, no extraordinary measure for 
 the obtaining of funds has been resorted to ; but that the receipts have 
 always met the current expenses of the Corps ; and it is a circumstance 
 creditable to the Regiment, that no loss of consequence, either from de- 
 falcation or neglect, has occurred to the funds during that period. 
 
 In taking leave of the Regiment, the Commandant tenders to the officers 
 individually, and the members of the Regiment generally, an affectionate 
 farewell; with the assurance that the recollection of the period he has 
 been associated with them will always hold the foremost seat in his remem- 
 brance. 
 
 By order of L. "W. Stevens, Colonel. 
 
 "W. P. Millard, Adjutant. 
 
 Colonel Stevens received the most flattering evidences 
 of the high estimation in which his character and services 
 were held by the officers and members of the Regiment. 
 
80 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Manning was elected Colonel ; and 
 Captain Levi Hart, of the First Company, Lieutenant- 
 Colonel. 
 
 Colonel Manning having become badly entangled in 
 controversies with some of the most active and influential 
 officers of his command, retired in September^ without ever 
 having paraded as Colonel of the Regiment ; and was 
 succeeded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hart, as Colonel ; L. W. 
 Stevens, the late Colonel, having first been unanimously 
 re-elected Colonel, on 1st October, but declined. 
 
V. 
 
 Nothing of especial interest during the year 1829, 
 except the "episode" related in the following pages: 
 
 AN" EPISODE IN THE HISTORY OF 1829. 
 
 Major-General Jacob Morton was the Commandant 
 of the Division of Artillery, in the City of New York ; 
 a position which he had held ''since when the memory 
 "of man runneth not to the contrary;" at least so it 
 seemed to us youngsters, and stiU more strikingly so to 
 those who were "waiting for his shoes," treading on his 
 heels in the line of promotion ; with them was, it is said, 
 the standing toast : 
 
 " Eternal rewards for Ms everlasting services.*' 
 
 The old General was personally highly respectable, well 
 
 bred, and in every sense of the word an " old-school gen- 
 
 "tleman." The usual extent of his labors was but little 
 
 more than to write beautiful and patriotic orders for the 
 
 11 
 
32 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Fourth of July and Evacuation Day parades, and to 
 review and command the troops out on those occasions. 
 His custom, more common in that olden time than now, 
 of being invariably an hour or two, and sometimes more, 
 behind the time at which he had ordered a review, whilst 
 the troops were wearied by standing under arms awaiting 
 his coming, had tended to somewhat blunt, and in a meas- 
 ure undermine, the feelings of respect and veneration to 
 which his personal character, his years, and his position 
 entitled him. 
 
 He was diminutive in stature, and had shriveled and 
 pinched-up features ; yet he, notwithstanding, made a 
 striking appearance on parade, in his uniform of blue and 
 buff, the Revolutionary style : 
 
 " And still his powdered hair behind, 
 " Was clubbed so neat and clever," 
 
 all in the fashion of the olden time ; and when on parade, 
 
 "A war-like cocked-hat frowned upon it." 
 
 He always displayed on his breast the venerated badge 
 of the "Society of Cincinnati" pendent from the blue 
 ribbon of the order. He was often spoken of in pleas- 
 antry or derision with the sobriquet, "The little Grod of 
 "War," or "Old Cockey Morton," according to the taste 
 or temper prevailing at the moment. Some uneasy spirits, 
 with more ambition to do something than brains to do 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 33 
 
 anything worthy of respect, had wormed themselves into 
 * positions on the old General's staflf, and, by their mussing 
 and meddling with the concerns of the Division, had got 
 the commandants of regiments by the ears ; and a general 
 feeUng of dissatisfaction had gradually spread through his 
 command, which on the Fourth of July of this year came 
 near breaking up the parade entirely. Some disputes 
 about rank and precedence led to the ordering under 
 arrest of some of the Colonels ; and this produced new 
 contentions about position, and precedence of the other 
 regiments, and the rank of the remaining Colonels ; and 
 these again led to fresh arrests, and then to the reinstating 
 of some of those previously arrested ; which still further 
 increased the confusion, and altogether complicated mat- 
 ters far beyond the abilities of the quiet old General, or 
 his Ught-headed attachis, to manage or unravel. The regi- 
 ments were meanwhile under arms, and kept standing on 
 the Battery during nearly the whole day ; several showers 
 of rain in the time producing great irritation and dissat- 
 isfaction among the men. The officers of our Regiment, 
 being more gamey than the others, sent up several remon- 
 strances to the bigwigs against' the imposition and annoy- 
 ance of the delay ; and finally, at near night, the weather 
 settling down with the appearance of a steady, heavy 
 rain, they concluded that endurance had gone as far as 
 was creditable ; and, by what seemed to be understood 
 throughout the Regiment rather by the intuition of the men 
 than any direct intimation from them, they suffered the 
 
g4 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ranks to "break" — the men, with loud cheers, retiring to 
 seek shelter from the impending storm of rain, and not 
 again returning to the field of stormy dispute and conten- 
 tion. It was with difiiculty that the other regiments 
 were kept by their officers from following our example — 
 the men cheering us, and desiring to imitate our spunk. 
 
 The afiair produced quite an excitement in the military 
 circles of the City, and the General and his staff denounced 
 all sorts of vengeance against us ; he ordered a Court of 
 Inquiry to examine into the affair, and to report the 
 "facts," with their "opinion" upon the conduct of the 
 field officers of the Regiment, in command ; but as no 
 one who knew anything about it could testify without 
 admitting that he was on parade at the time, and, of 
 course, thereby implicating himself in all the pains and 
 penalties of the General's fiery wrath, and the violated 
 law, the Court, it was understood, was unable to obtain 
 the least particle of evidence touching the conduct of any 
 individuals, let alone that of the field officers, on whose 
 "trail" they were especially sent; (in fact, the field offi- 
 cers were entirely ignorant of the movement until its 
 occurrence astounded them as much as it did the General ;) 
 and, after beating about the bush in every direction in 
 vain, they made their Report, contenting themselves with 
 letting off the field very easy, and opening their batteries 
 in a tirade against " the line officers and privates ;" which 
 the General reproduced and enlarged upon with the terms 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 35 
 
 of " disgrace" and " dishonor," in his Order promulgating 
 the finding of his Court of Inquiry, and at the same time 
 avowing his determination to have every individual par- 
 ticipating in the affair duly, and dreadfully, punished. 
 
 However jolly we might have felt over the affair at 
 first, we soon began to realize the fact that we were all 
 in a bad scrape, and came to the conclusion that there 
 must be no hesitation or backing down, the only chance 
 for our escape being to "bully it through;" we had 
 proved the caliber and heard the ring of the metal 
 arrayed against us, and determined to stand up and brave 
 it. Some of the active, ruling spirits in the ranks — the 
 materiel on which the subsequent prosperity and renown of 
 the Regiment was based — put their heads together, and, 
 after surveying their position and the field before them 
 in all their aspects, determined to make a dashing demon- 
 stration, to be either aggressive or in defense, as might 
 at the time promise the best effects, and, with that view, 
 called a general meeting of the rank and file, the non- 
 commissioned officers and privates of the Regiment, to * 
 consider the matter. The meeting was held at " The Shak- 
 "speare," the old stamping-ground of the Regiment, and 
 after several stirring speeches by the members, in which 
 the old General and his staff, and his ^^ Division Order" 
 were pretty thoroughly "ventilated," the following pro- 
 ceedings were had, here reproduced from a newspaper of 
 the time : 
 
36 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REaiMENT N. Y. S. ARTILLERY, 
 
 NATIONAL GUARD. 
 
 A Meeting of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Regi- 
 ment was held at The Shakspeare, on Tuesday Evening, 6th October, 
 
 1829. 
 
 Sergeant Allen M. Sniffen, 
 
 of the 5th Company, was appointed Chairman ; and 
 
 Sergeant Asher Taylor, 
 
 of the 4th Company, was appointed Secretary, 
 
 The object of the meeting having been stated to be the consideration 
 of the Division Orders of 25th ult., published in the Courier and Enquirer ; 
 a committee of three was appointed to prepare resolutions expressing the 
 sense and feeling of the meeting. The committee retired during the de- 
 livery of several addresses, and upon their return presented the following 
 resolutions, which were passed unanimously : 
 
 Wliereas, The publication in the newspapers of a Division Order, of 
 25th ult., promulgating the Report of a Court of Inquiry which had been 
 instituted to inquire into the conduct of the field officers of the Twenty- 
 seventh Regiment, with regard to the affair of the Fourth of July, which 
 said report, in relating the ^'■facts''' of the case, explicitly and unqualifiedly 
 exonerates the field officers from a participation in the affair alluded to ; and 
 
 Whereas, The said Court of Inquiry, in the expression of their " opin- 
 '■^ion" have thought proper to pass judgment upon the line officers and 
 privates, pronouncing them guilty of "disgraceful conduct," &c., &c. ; and 
 
 Whereas, G-eneral Morton, in promulgating the Report, repeats the 
 assertion of " disgrace" and " guilt" on the part of the line officers and pri- 
 vates, thereby tending to prejudge the case of those whom he at the same 
 time orders to be tried ; therefore. 
 
 Resolved, That we deem it a duty to our officers, to ourselves, and to 
 the character of our Corps, to express our indignation at the course pur- 
 sued by General Morton, and those about him, endeavoring to disparage us 
 in the estimation of our fellow-citizens. 
 
 Resolved, That the imputation of "disgrace" in the transaction of the 
 4th July, we hurl with contempt to those who had the command of the 
 military celebration of the day. 
 
 Resolved, That we appreciate as highly as General Morton, or those 
 about him, can do, the importance of subordination in every rank of a mil- 
 itary establishment ; that, under this feeling, we have endured the imposi- 
 tions and oppressions of General Morton on every occasion that we have 
 paraded under his command, when the repeated remonstrances of our offi- 
 cers have been disregarded ; that on the occasion in question, we consider 
 that the disagreeable duty imposed on the Division of Artillery was a gross 
 outrage upon every principle of honor and respect that sustains all asso- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. g^ 
 
 ciations of citizen soldiers ; that througli the imbecility of General Morton, 
 and those about him, nearly the whole day was consumed in ordering, and 
 counter-ordering, and rescinding orders when half executed, and in arrang- 
 ing and compromising difficulties thus created, while the Division was kept 
 standing until near night, under circumstances peculiarly vexatious ; that 
 we then thought, and we now think, that there is a point, even in military 
 subordination, beyond which endurance would justly entitle men to the 
 imputation of '^ shame" and '^disgrace." 
 
 Resolved, That, in reviewing the order of General Morton setting forth 
 the Keport of the Court of Inquiry, we consider that the course pursued 
 by that Court is entirely unwarranted by the authority under which they 
 acted, and evinced but little knowledge of the military law, or they would ^ 
 have known that neither General Morton, nor those about him, possess the 
 power to order a direct inquiry into the case of any below the rank of 
 field officer ; and we consider that, as the said Court could not have had 
 any testimony before them showing the conduct of the line oflScers and 
 privates, their " opinion in the premises was entirely volunteered and gratu- 
 itous, and we esteem it accordingly ; and we deem it but barely an act of 
 justice to our cause to state to the public, that the members of the Court 
 of Inquiry, besides the President, General Hopkins, were Alexander Ming, 
 Jr., and A. M. C. Smith. 
 
 Resolved, That the peculiarity of the publication in the newspapers of 
 the Division Orders of 25th ult, and that, too, before a copy had been 
 furnished to the parties concerned, is unprecedented ; and that the evident 
 desire of General Morton, and those about him, to create a prejudice and 
 excitement in the public mind against the Twenty-seventh Regiment, pre- 
 vious to and during an investigation of its condact, reflects the highest 
 DISGRACE on them as officers, as citizens, and as men of honor. 
 
 Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chair- 
 man and Secretary, and published in three of the daily papers. 
 
 The meeting and the resolutions settled the business ; 
 they raised a general laugh at, and completely turned the 
 tables against, the old General, ^^ and those ahout him," 
 who, like Uncle Toby's Corps in Flanders, "swore ter- 
 " ribly," and threatened direful things ; but, being unable 
 to make any headway against the general ridicule wliich ' 
 our resolutions had caused, they settled down to the con- 
 clusion that "the better part of valor was discretion," 
 
38 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 and let the matter drop ; the excitement gradually sub- 
 sided, and the affair, superseded by some new wonder, 
 was shortly entirely forgotten. 
 
 The worthy old General, after a while, shook off some 
 of his uneasy followers, and sunk back into his former 
 quiet ways, and dozed out the remainder of his command 
 in, doubtless, happy dreams of anticipation of the three 
 volleys which, a few years later, we (being detailed the 
 firing party for the occasion) delivered over his grave. 
 
 The high estimation in which his personal character 
 was always held, and the recollection of his manifold gen- 
 tlemanly qualities, predominating over all other feelings, 
 moistened many an eye — mine, I well remember, fairly 
 ran over, at the tap of Reidel's drum, as he improvised a 
 half-audible funereal roll to the remains of our venerable 
 Commander, as they were borne, in the twilight of a mild 
 autumnal evening, between our opened ranks, to their 
 last resting-place, in the Second street Cemetery, where, 
 we trust, 
 
 "After life's fitful fever he sleeps well." 
 Requiescat en pace. 
 
VI. 
 
 Since the retirement of Colonel Stevens, the affairs of 
 the Regiment had, in a great measure, been at a stand- 
 still ; there had been no election for Lieutenant- Colonel ; 
 and the line officers began to be restive under the supine- 
 ness and inactivity that seemingly had settled down upon 
 them, and cast about for new. measures and new men to 
 reinvigorate the spirit that had formerly pervaded their 
 ranks. 
 
 In the month of January, 1830, Colonel Hart and 
 Major Boyd both resigned, leaving the Regiment under 
 command of Captain Holt, who persistently declined 
 advancement — ^urgently pressed upon him by the Board 
 of Officers. 
 
 The officers now set to work in earnest to reestablish 
 the affairs of the Regiment on a more favorable basis ; 
 and to that end they recalled, by an election, on the 25th 
 of January, 1830, Colonel LINUS W. STEVENS to the 
 
 12 
 
90 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REOIMENT. 
 
 command ; who consented to serve only on condition 
 " that the subordinate positions in the field should be 
 "filled by efficient and approved men;" and after much 
 planning, and negotiating, and arranging, during the 
 spring and summer, all those matters were determined 
 satisfactorily all around ; and the Regiment set out with 
 fresh vigor on a new career of improvement and distinc- 
 tion. 
 
 It appears by Regimental Orders of July 2, 1830, that 
 the following officers had been commissioned by the Com- 
 mander-in-Chief : 
 
 Thomas Postley, Captain 6th Company ; 
 
 William Jones, Captain 3d Company ; 
 
 William T. Beach, Captain 5th Company ; 
 
 William B. Hall, Pay-Master ; 
 
 Isaac H. Sniffen, Quarter-Master ; 
 
 Samuel D. Dbnison, First Lieutenant 8th Company j 
 
 William B. Hatch, First Lieutenant 3d Company ; 
 
 Hervey Merritt, First Lieutenant 6th Company ; 
 
 Thomas W. Mather, Second Lieutenant 8th Company ; 
 
 Robert Heckle, Second Lieutenant 1st Company ; 
 
 Thomas P. Burger, Second Lieutenant 6th Company. 
 
 THE REGMMENT was detailed to perform the military 
 funeral honors at the interment of Major James Fairlie^ 
 on the 12th of October, 1830. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 91 
 
 Major Fairlie had been an officer of distinction in the 
 Army of the Revolution ; and as a citizen was much 
 esteemed for the high intellectual, social, and patriotic 
 qualities which distinguished his character in an eminent 
 degree. 
 
 The duty was performed in a manner to elicit from the 
 Major-Q-eneral the following graceful compliment : 
 
 DIVISION ORDERS. 
 
 New York, October 13th, 1830. 
 The Major-General begs to express to Colonel Stevens, Commandant 
 of the National Guards, his great satisfaction at their prompt compliance 
 with orders, and with the very soldierly manner in which the Regiment 
 yesterday performed the obsequies at the interment of Major Fairlie. 
 
 Though in the performance of such duties there is not a character of 
 high military achievement, still there is, in the expression of respectful 
 remembrance to departed worth, a sentiment awakened that accords with 
 the best and finest feelings of our nature. 
 
 By order of Major- General Morton. 
 
 S. D. Jackson, Division Inspector. 
 
 Abstract of the Inspection of the First Brigade New York State Artillery, 
 commanded by Brigadier- General Robert F. Manley, held October, 1830. 
 
 Regiment. 
 
 C!ominandant8. 
 
 NumVr of 
 Compa'es. 
 
 Matrosses 
 present. 
 
 Total 
 present. 
 
 Present 
 & Absent, 
 
 Ninth, 
 
 Second, 
 
 Fourteenth, 
 
 Twenty-seventh, 
 
 Brigadier-General 
 
 Col. James LefFerts, 
 " Isaac H. Reed, 
 » Jotham W. Post, 
 '* L. W. Stevens, 
 
 and Staff, 
 
 8 
 8 
 7 
 8 
 
 150 
 119 
 140 
 259 
 
 246 
 209 
 206 
 360 
 5 
 
 412 
 372 
 324 
 
 472 
 5 
 
 Total force o 
 
 f the Brigade, 
 
 31 
 
 668 
 
 1026 
 
 1585 
 
 J. D. FiVERSON, Brigade-Inspector. 
 
92 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 In May, 1831, knapsacks were adopted as a part of the 
 equipment of the Regiment. 
 
 In the month of June, 1831, the "Boston City 
 " Guards" visited the City as the guests of the Regiment. 
 They were received and escorted, on their arrival and 
 departure, by the Seventh and Eighth Companies, Cap- 
 tains WyckofF and Brower, who received the thanks of 
 the Commandant of the Regiment for the handsome and 
 spirited manner in which the duty was performed. 
 
 FIEST CAMP OF EXERCISE. 
 
 The subject of incorporating into the course of the 
 instruction and exercises of the Regiment the , practical 
 duties of the camp, had for some time engaged the atten- 
 tion of the officers ; but the want of proper appliances 
 and facilities for carrying out the project, had prevented 
 the undertaking until the spring of 1831 ; when (on 18th 
 May) a Committee was appointed, consisting of the field 
 and eight line officers (one from each company), to make 
 the necessary arrangements for a brief experimental tour 
 of camp duty at Poughkeepsie, on the first days of July. 
 The first step was to obtain the permission of the Brig- 
 adier and Major Generals for the Regiment to be absent 
 from the City on the Fourth of July ; this, on application, 
 was readily granted. The State authorities conceded the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 93 
 
 use of such camp equipage and other ^^ materiel" as were 
 needed ; and when the preUminary arrangements were 
 found to be in a state of forwardness, the following order, 
 initiating the affair, was issued : 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT N. T. S. ARTILLERT. 
 
 BEaiMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, June 6, 1831. 
 
 In compliance with the wishes of the majority of the Regiment to per- 
 form a tour of camp duty, and the necessary arrangements having been 
 effected, the Regiment will accordingly assemble, in complete uniform, 
 armed and equipped, including knapsacks, on the 2d of July. Regimental 
 line will be formed in the Park at 6 A, M. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief having instructed the Commissary-General to 
 furnish the necessary camp equipage, the Quarter-Master is directed to 
 attend at the Arsenal to receive and receipt for the same, and to make 
 requisition for ammunition for two brass six-pounders, say thirty-five 
 rounds, and also for five thousand rounds of blank musket cartridges. 
 
 It is recommended to each man to provide himself with a sack to con- 
 tain straw for bedding, and, in addition, with a blanket, a cloak, and such 
 other necessaries as may be conducive to health and comfort, on the 
 recommendation of their respective commandants. 
 
 The place of encampment is at Poughkeepsie, in view of the Hudson 
 River. 
 
 The CommandantSntertains the hope that more is to be acquired in one 
 
 tour of camp duty than in a full season in the usual manner of performing 
 
 the duty. 
 
 ********* 
 
 Sergeant Tuttle, of the 5th, is appointed Color- Sergeant; Sergeant 
 Cummings, of the 6th, and Sergeant "Williams, of the 8th, Color-Bearers. 
 The following-named gentlemen receive appointments for the Pough- 
 keepsie excursion : 
 
 Mr. Philetus H. Holt, late Captain of the 4th, Secretary ; 
 " B. B. Beach, late Captain of the 6th, Assistant Pay-Master ; 
 " Asher Taylor, late Orderly of the 4th, Assistant Quarter-Master, 
 
 Unanimity, or L'Esprit du Corps. 
 A spirit of good-will among the members of the Regiment is essential 
 to the good that may result from the excursion. The general deportment 
 of officers towards their men should be strictly regarded. " If this be cold 
 
94 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 *' or harsh on the one hand, or grossly familiar on the other, the harmony 
 "and discipline of the Corps cannot be obtained." The examples are 
 numerous and brilliant in which the most conciliatory manners have been 
 found perfectly compatible with the exercise of the strictest command. 
 The prompt arrest of the disobedient may be expected. 
 By order of L. W. Stevens, 
 
 Colonel Commandant Twenty-seventh Regiment, 
 "W. P. Millard, Adjutant, 
 
 As it could not,|)e expected that the officers and men 
 would be found aufait in all the details of the duties per- 
 tinent to such an undertaking, on this first attempt, and 
 in order to avoid, as far as possible, any confusion or 
 incongruity in their performance, the following Standing 
 Order for the encampment was prepared and distributed 
 in advance : 
 
 NATIONAL GUARDS. 
 STANDING ORDERS. 
 
 The attention of all is directed to the following orders, whereby the encamp- 
 ment will be governed : 
 
 New York, July 2, 1831. 
 Assembly, Inspection, and Parade of^uards. 
 
 The guard will be turned off at eight o'clock in the morning ; as the tour 
 of duty of the Regiment is short, they will be relieved twice in the twenty- 
 four hours, so that all may have an opportunity of learning the duty ; they 
 will therefore be turned off again at the close of the evening parade. 
 
 Ten minutes before the time, a bugle signal will be made for the details 
 to turn out ; when the men from each company will be inspected by the 
 First Sergeant, under the inspection of an officer of the company. Five 
 minutes after the first, a second signal will be sounded, when the First Ser- 
 geants will conduct their details to the regimental parade, and each detach- 
 ment, forming successively on the left of that which preceded it, will be 
 posted in open order, at shoulder arms, and fixed bayonets. The Adjutant 
 will receive their detachments and dismiss the First Sergeants. When all 
 are present, the Officer of the Ouard takes post, with sword drawn, six 
 paces in front of the center, the Sergeant and Corporal four paces in front 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 95 
 
 of the right and left. The Adjutant having told off the guard, drawn up 
 at open order, will command : " Officer of the Guard, 'bout face — inspect 
 your guard, march;" when the Sergeant and Corporal will take post on the 
 right and left of the front rank. The Oommandant of the Guard will inspect 
 arms ; this ended, he will take his station on the right of his command ; 
 his Sergeant now in the rear rank, covering him, still at open order. The 
 Adjutant will now command: "The troop — ^beat ofiF;" the music passes 
 down to the left and back, resuming its station on the right. At the com- 
 mand, "beat off," the new Officer of the Day will take his position in front 
 of the parade, having the old officer on his right, one pace retired. The 
 Adjutant will command: "Attention — shoulder arms — rear rank close 
 " order, march — ^present arms ;" at which he will face to the new Offi,cer of 
 the Day, drop his sword, and report : " Sir, the guard is ready to receive 
 "your orders." The Officer of the Day, having brought them to a 
 "shoulder," and ordered such further exercises as he chooses, directs the 
 Adjutant to march off the guard ; whereupon the guard is wheeled into 
 platoons, marches past and salutes the Offiicer of the Day, the Officer of the 
 Guard marching in front of the first platoon, the Adjutant on its left flank. 
 The column having passed the Adjutant, he breaks off; the old Officer of 
 the Day salutes the new, and gives him the standing instructions, while 
 the guard marches to the guard-house. 
 
 Service of Guards and Sentinels. 
 
 On the approach of the new guard, the old will turn out under arms, 
 and, as the new guard marches past, will 'present arms to it; the new guard 
 will carry arms, and the offi^rs salute. The new guard is then filed into 
 Une, a few paces distant from, on the right of, and dressing on, the old 
 guard. Both guards then standing at " shoulder arms," the officers will face 
 to each other, salute by dropping their swords, approach, and the old offi^r 
 will communicate to the new one his instructions ; the non-commissioned 
 officers of the two guards will, in like manner, approach each other, the 
 Sergeants two and the Corporals one pace in front of the line, with arms ^ 
 advanced, the new taking their instructions from the old ; this done, the 
 officers and non-commissioned officers will resume their stations. The first 
 relief having been designated, the Commander of the Guard will order it 
 "two paces to the front," when the new relief Sergeant takes charge of it 
 and goes to relieve the sentinels, accompanied by the old relief Sergeant, 
 who takes charge of the old sentinels as they are relieved. 
 
 A relief is formed in two ranks, and marches with arms supported, and 
 by a flank ; the Sergeant marching by the side of the leading front-rank 
 man. When a sentinel sees a relief approach, he will face to it, halt, and 
 carry arms ; at six paces, the Sergeant of the relief commands : " Carry 
 " arms — halt ;" and adds, " number one," (or whatever the number may be, 
 
gg RECOLLECTIONS OE THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 that of the two sentinels, old and new, being the same,) "arms port;" at 
 this command, the two sentinels approach, when the old, under the direction 
 of the Sergeant, will whisper the instructions of the post to the new sentinel ; 
 this done, the old sentinel, still at " arms port," will pass quietly to his 
 place in rear of the relief, the new sentinel facing to it, when the Sergeant 
 commands for both: "Shoulder arms," and then to the reliefs "Support 
 "arms — ^forward, march." The files are numbered, one, two, three, four 
 and so on, from front to rear, so that number one, the first fi-ont-rank man, 
 being posted, number two, who was his rear-rank man, steps to the front, 
 in the vacant place of number one ; so that number one of the old relief 
 falls in in the front rank of the new relief, number two in the rear rank. 
 
 Sentinels forming the chain about the camp will not permit any but offi- 
 cers to pass out without permission. Sentinels will be relieved every 
 hour. 
 
 From the period when the countersign is given out until broad daylight, 
 sentinels wUl challenge all who approach their posts, and never suffer any- 
 one, until the countersign be given, to come within reach of his bayonet ; 
 placing himself for that purpose in the position of " arms port." The chal- 
 lenge is, "Who comes there?" — if answered, "Friend," he says, "Ad- 
 "vance with the countersign;" — if the challenge be answered "Grand 
 "rounds," or "Relief," the sentinel will say, "Advance, Sergeant, and 
 "give the countersign;" — if this be right, he passes the "rounds," if not, 
 and when a wrong countersign or none is given, the sentinel calls the 
 guard. 
 
 Grand rounds are made after midnight, by the Commander of the Post, 
 or by the Officer of the Day. In order to do this, he will repair to the 
 main guard, give the parole to the officer commanding it, who turns out his 
 guard at "shoulder arms," which is inspected, if thought proper, by the 
 Officer of the Rounds ; he then demands an escort of a Sergeant and two 
 men, and visits the sentinels, who receive the rounds as above stated. 
 
 It is the duty of the Officer of the Rounds to examine the sentinels as 
 to their instructions, and to ascertain whether they are acquainted with 
 their duty. 
 
 Compliments by Sentinels. 
 
 A Sentinel will carry arms to all officers, in or out of uniform, as often 
 as they may pass in front of his post ; he will present arms to the Officer 
 of the Day, and to any officer wearing two epaulettes and a sword ; the 
 latter compliment will be paid to any armed body of men passing near a 
 sentinel. In order to pay the salute, the sentinel, when approached, will 
 face his proper front, support arms, and from tliat position carry or present, 
 as the case may be, to the officer passing. No compliment is paid between 
 sunset and sunrise. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SETENTH REGIMENT. Q^ 
 
 Duties of the Officer of the Day. 
 This officer will be named in Orders, morning and evening. His duty- 
 is to watch over the police of the Regiment^ and to receive all persons 
 entering, or desiring to enter, the camp. The Officer of the Guard is 
 responsible to him for the proper execution of the duties of the guard, &c., 
 as he is responsible for the whole order of the encampment. They will 
 both appear always in full uniform. 
 
 Eegulatigns of the Camp, Roll-Calls, &c. 
 
 At daybreak a call will be made by the drum of the guard for th emusic 
 to repair to the parade ; ten minutes after, the whole will commence the 
 *^ Reveille," when all the officers and men will rise. The First Sergeants, 
 under the inspection of their officers, will call the rolls of their companies, 
 formed in front of their tents ; this done, and the companies dismissed, the 
 chiefs of squads will cause the men to put their tents in order, and from 
 each company a party will be detailed, under the conduct of the First Ser- 
 geant, to procure water, &c., for their companies. 
 
 At seven o'clock, the drum of the guard will sound "Peow on the trencher" 
 when the Regiment will Ireakfast ; at eight, the guards are detailed ; at 
 half-past eight, the long roll is. beat, when each company will assemble on 
 its own ground, and be marched to the parade, when the line is formed and 
 Orders are read ; each Captain then, by direction of the Commander of 
 the Parade, returning to his company, and marching it off, instructs it in 
 company drill until 12 o'clock (if not by special order otherwise directed) ; 
 they are then dismissed. 
 
 At one o'clock, the drum of the guard sounds ^'^ Roast Beef" the signal 
 for dinner. At ten minutes before three o'clock, or such time as the Com- 
 mandant shall specially direct, the guard drum beats the ^^ drummer's call" 
 and the music will assemble on the parade, and the ^^long roll" will be 
 beat, when the companies will be marched into line (the band playing) 
 preparatory to battalion drill. 
 
 The drums beat for evening parade one hour before sunset ; a signal will 
 be sounded for the music, which will assemble on the parade ; each com- 
 pany will assemble at the same time, on its own ground, and be inspected 
 by its officers ; ten minutes after the first signal, a second will be sounded, 
 and the call will be given by the whole music, when the companies, with 
 fixed bayonets, will be marched into line by the First Sergeants, and posted 
 in open ranks ; company officers will form in the rank of file closing, with 
 swords sheathed ; the line being completed the Adjutant will take post on 
 the right, and by signal the ''Adjutant's call" will be beat; on which the 
 field officers will move from the right, one pace in advance of the line, and 
 halt opposite their respective stations. As soon as the field officers are thus 
 situated, all the officers will advance, the Commandant sixteen paces in 
 
 13 
 
9g RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 front of the center, the Lieutenavt- Colonel and Major eight paces in front 
 of the right and left wings, and company officers six paces in front of their 
 companies, all facing to the line, with arms folded ; the staff officers will 
 take post on the right of the company oflBcers ; non-commissioned staff on 
 the right of the front rank; the whole will remain immovable on their 
 posts. The Adjutant will then, from the right, command: "Battalion — ■ 
 " order arms," and to the music, " heat off,'' at which will commence *' I'he 
 ^^ retreat" marching from the right to the left, and thence to the right, con- 
 cluding with "a roll" (at which officers drop their hands,) and two distinct 
 "taps" on the bass drum, at the first of which the officers (with the excep- 
 tion of the Commandant) will prepare, and at the second will face to the 
 front. The Adjutant will then, from the front of the center, command: 
 "Attention, Battalion — shoulder arms;" at ^^ shoulder" the officers will 
 prepare, and at "arms" will draw swords; he will then command: "Pre- 
 "sent arms;" and then face about, salute the Commandant of the Parade^ 
 and report, "Sir, the parade is formed." The Adjutant, then puts up his 
 sword, and takes his station one pace to the right and rear of the Com 
 mandant. The Commandant, after acknowledging the salute of the line, 
 will draw sword and order such exercises as he may judge proper ; on an 
 intimation from him the Adjutant will draw sword, advance, halt at a proper 
 distance, and order: "First Sergeants to the front — march;" at the first 
 words, they will "advance arms," at the last, march four paces to the 
 front, and halt; the Adjutant then adds, "Call rolls;" thereupon the Cap- 
 tains and First Sergeants fall to their companies, and the Sergeants call the 
 rolls, and immediately resume their front without an order. The Adjutant 
 orders: "First Sergeants, inward face — center, march — front, report;" 
 each Sergeant, commencing on the right-, recovers his musket, or brings his 
 sword to the first motion of present, and reports distinctly, "One (or more) 
 "absent," or, "None absent," as the case may be; each, after reporting, 
 will advance arms; when the Adjutant will order: "First Sergeants, out- 
 "ward face — posts — march;" the Sergeants march on a straight line, until 
 they arrive opposite their intervals, when they face, resume their posts, 
 and order arms. The Adjutant faces the Commandant, salutes, and reports 
 the result of the roll-calls ; and then, on an intimation from the Commandant, 
 faces the line, and commands: "Attention to Orders," puts up his sword, 
 and reads the Orders ; this done, he again draws his sword, faces to and 
 salutes the Commandant, and, on an intimation from him, turns again to the 
 line, and announces, " The parade is dismissed." Thereupon the officers 
 put up their swords ; the First Sergeants will bring their companies to a 
 shoulder, close ranks, and march them off to their respective parades. 
 
 The Adjutant will place himself in the center of the line of officers^ 
 who will face inward and close upon him; the senior Captain orders: 
 ^^ Front— forward, march," and when within six paces of the Com- 
 
 rff- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SETENTH REGIMENT. 99 
 
 mandant, they will half face to the right, salute bj touching the cap, and 
 disperse. 
 
 The Reveille, Retreat, and Tattoo are announced by the field music, and 
 must be strictly attended to. The hour for Reveille is fixed at five o'clock, 
 and Tattoo at ten o'clock ; after tattoo, the lights are to be extinguished in 
 the camp, and profound silence is to be observed; all strangers, unless 
 having special permission, will be excluded from the camp before the coun- 
 tersign is given out; this is done at dark. 
 
 Military Compliments, or Honors by Individuals. 
 
 " Courtesy among military men is indispensable to discipline. The good 
 " and the brave oflScer, or soldier, is always respectful toward his supe- 
 " riors ; he feels that in honoring them he does honor to himself and to the 
 "service. This respect will not be confined simply to martial obedience, 
 *' but may be extended to other occasions. It is always the duty of the 
 "junior to address, or offer first the customary salutation, and of the sen- 
 "ior to return such complimentary notice." 
 
 The salutation will be made by touching the cap or hat with the right 
 hand, without inclination of the head or body.* 
 
 [Let it be understood that the foregoing regulations were adopted in 
 accordance with the custom and usage at that time ; there are many alter- 
 ations and modifications introduced since, in the service.] 
 
 The Narrative of the Encampment will be made up 
 mainly of the "Reports" made at the time, enough of 
 which will be given to convey a general idea of the rou- 
 tine and performance of the duties, and the details of the 
 affair. 
 
 The Steamboat Congress had been taken up by the 
 Committee for a transport. The band of the United 
 States post at Governor's Island was engaged, which, 
 
 ♦ It wa3 subsequently defined that officers should " touch " with the back of the 
 hand outward, and privates with the palm outward. The regulation was strictly 
 observed, in and out of camp. 
 
100 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 with the martial corps of the Regiment, furnished the 
 music. A camp ground was hired of General Brush, of 
 Poughkeepsie ; and arrangements made with Mr. Swift, 
 of the "Forbes House," for subsistence. 
 
 REPORT OF THE QUARTER-MASTER OF JULY 1. 
 
 The following materiel has been prepared at the State Arsenal for the 
 excursion to Poughkeepsie, viz. : 
 
 78 Infantry Tents, 18 Wall Tents, 
 
 1 Marquee and Poles, 80 sets Poles for Infantry Tents, 
 20 sets Poles for WaU Tents, 1750 Tent Pins, 
 
 27 Camp Kettles, 110 Mallets, 
 
 2 Brass Six-pounder Field-pieces, each with double harness, 
 5000 rounds Blank Musket Cartridges, 
 
 40 do. Six-pound Cannon Cartridges, 
 
 12 do. Six-pound Shot, 2 yards Slow Match, 
 
 4 Sticks Port-fire, 2 Haversacks, 
 
 1 Tumbrel, with single harness, 
 
 3 Baggage Wagons, with double Harness, 
 
 1 Tarpaulin. 
 
 The above articles belong to the State, with the exception of the 
 marquee, which has been obtained from another source ; it is of the largest 
 slass of officers' marquees, and is a trophy of the late war, having been 
 captured from the enemy. 
 
 We are indebted to Colonel Sanford and Captain Nash, of the Third 
 Eegiment, for the loan of the field-pieces. They are both interesting tro- 
 phies of the War of the Revolution — one was captured at Saratoga, the 
 other at Princeton, and bear inscriptions to that effect. 
 
 The ammunition is securely packed in the tumbrel, and the camp equi- 
 page in the baggage wagons. 
 
 Arrangements have been made with Captain Paul to have teams at the 
 Arsenal early on the morning of the 2d, to convey them to the transport, 
 which is stationed at the foot of Liberty street to receive the Regiment. 
 
 The ammunition, for which the powder was furnished by the Regiment, 
 has been prepared at the Arsenal. 
 
 Everything in the Quarter-Master's department is in readiness for em- 
 barkation. 
 
 New York, July 1, 1831. 
 
 Sniffen, Quarter-Master. 
 To L. W. Stevens, Esq., 
 
 Colonel Commandant Twenty-seventh Regiment. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. JQX 
 
 The Regiment paraded in the Park, on Saturday, July 
 2d, and marched direct to the transport at the foot of 
 Liberty street, whither it had been preceded by the train, 
 protected by a guard, under charge of Quarter- Master 
 Sergeant J. D. Taylor. The embarkation was effected 
 in good order ; and, at a few minutes past seven, the 
 transport left the dock amid the cheers of a great con- 
 course of people, friends of the Regiment and others, 
 who had assembled to witness the embarkation. 
 
 REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 (extracts.) 
 
 HuBsoN River, Steamer Congress, ) 
 July 2d, 1831, 7.30 A. M. ) ^ 
 
 Captain "Wyckofp will be Officer of the Day, and 
 
 Lieutenant Cairnes Officer of the Guard. 
 At eight o'clock precisely the guard will be organized. Commandants 
 of Companies will detail their guards agreeably to previous orders. 
 
 The Quarter-Master and Quarter- Master Sergeant are especially 
 intrusted with the care of the State property in possession of the Regi- 
 ment. The Assistant Quarter-Master is charged with the duty of 
 forming the encampment; he will be assisted by the Seijeant-Majors, and 
 such other aid as may be necessary. Tents will be pitched at the sound 
 of the bugle; immediately previous to this signal there will be three 
 ruffles of the drum. 
 
 By order of Colonel Stevens, 
 
 Millard, Adjutant. 
 
 QUARTER-MASTER'S REPORT, JULY 2. 
 
 Transport Steamboat Congress, July 2, 1831. 
 The whole of the materiel was conveyed early this morning from the 
 Arsenal and safely embarked on board the transport; it is securely stowed 
 on the forward deck, and so arranged that the field-pieces can be cleared 
 for service, if required. 
 
 Sniffen, Quarter-Master. 
 To L. W. Stevens, Esq., 
 
 Colonel National Guard. 
 
% * * * '"O'' 
 
 •:i^ 
 
 102 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Poughkeepsie, July 2d, 1831. 
 
 After guard-mounting, the following Reports were 
 handed in: 
 
 CAMP CLINTON. 
 REPORT OF THE OFFICER OF THE DAT, JULY 2. 
 
 The Officer of the Day, appointed by Orders from Head-Quarters, on 
 entering upon the duties assigned him, on board the transport Steamboat 
 Congress, immediately after the promulgation of Orders, mounted the 
 BLACK PLUME, and the Officer of the Guard the white plume, the distinc- 
 tions directed to be worn by the persons filling those stations during the 
 excursion. 
 
 TTie Guard was paraded at eight o'clock, consisting of four men from 
 each company ; the Officer of the Guard placed a sentinel over the ammu- 
 nition and camp equipage — one man on the upper deck, and two at Head- 
 Quarters ; not having occasion for all the details, eight men were returned 
 to their respective companies. 
 
 At nine o'clock the officers breakfasted, by special invitation, with Cap- 
 tain RooME and Secretary Holt. 
 
 The several companies were paraded and drilled, half an hour each, on 
 the upper deck. 
 
 Captain Brower was occupied, with details from his Company (8th), 
 in preparing for the heavy artillery duty which had been assigned to him. 
 One of the guns was cleared and placed in a situation to afford them an 
 opportunity of drilling ; and they acquitted themselves in a manner that 
 showed the duty was by no means new to them. 
 
 The Regiment was paraded (without arms) on passing West Point, and 
 so disposed, on the upper and lower decks, as to make a handsome display ; 
 being a United States post, it was saluted with a gun, and music from the 
 band, and the martial Corps, alternately. 
 
 On approaching Newbuegh, the Regiment was paraded in a similar 
 manner, and a gun fired in return for a salute fired in very superior style 
 from the shore by Mr. Norris. A salute of one gun from New Hamburgh 
 was returned. All the steamboats saluted in passing, and their salutes 
 were returned. 
 
 As the boat approached Poughkeepsie, a salute was fired from the Caul 
 Rock, which was acknowledged by a gun when opposite the landing. 
 
 The Regiment paraded for debarkation at half-past four, and was received 
 by the president and trustees of the village, and a great concourse of citi- 
 zens. An escort, consisting of the Artillery and Fusileer Companies, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ;[03 
 
 fonning a Battalion under Major Beadle, conducted it to the parade, wlicre 
 arms were piled, knapsacks unslung, and the Regiment proceeded to dinner, 
 in the mess-house erected for the Corps by Mr. Swift, with whom arrange- 
 ments had been made for subsistence during our encampment. 
 
 After dinner the Regiment marched to the camp ground, whither it had 
 been preceded by the Quarter- Master and his Assistants, with the train. 
 The several companies immediately occupied the stations allotted to them, 
 and received their tents, poles, &c., details being furnished to pitch the 
 ofBcers' tents. 
 
 At half-past six the hugle signal was given for pitching the tents, at 
 which they were all raised simultaneously, and affixed in their positions, 
 with an order and regularity entirely unexpected in a first attempt ; in less 
 than a minute after the sounding of the bugle the formation of Camp 
 Clinton was complete. Some time was spent perfecting the interior 
 arrangement of the tents, upon the completion of which the drums beat for 
 evening parade. 
 
 The Companies mustered promptly, and made a good appearance ; imme- 
 diately after the parade was dismissed, the details for the guard were mus- 
 tered, and the old guard relieved. 
 
 The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed throughout the Regi- 
 ment during the day ; the men were cheerful, and appeared to enjoy them- 
 selves during the passage ; and through their attention and steadiness the 
 debarkation was effected without the least delay, and in perfect good order. 
 At dinner everything was conducted with decorum ; the table of the Officer 
 of the Day was honored with the presence of the field and staff. The cor- 
 rectness and precision with which the preparations for and formation of the 
 camp were performed were creditable to all concerned. 
 
 In closing, the Officer of the Day is gratified in being able to report that 
 at the conclusion of the day there was a general feeling of pleasure at the 
 manner in which its duties had been performed, and with the expedition 
 generally thus far. 
 
 The black plum^ was transferred to Captain Brower at the evening parade 
 of the guard. 
 
 J. V. D. "Wtckoff, Captain 7th Company, 
 
 OflBcer of the Day. 
 
 The Quarter- Master reported: 
 
 Camp Clinton, July 2, 1831. 
 The Train was landed on the dock immediately after the disembarkation 
 of the Regiment, but, owing to some misunderstanding on the part of the 
 
]^04 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 persons intrusted with the teams, the horses which had been provided for 
 the use of this department were used for conveying the companies' bag- 
 gage to the camp ground, in consequence of which, and the great weight 
 of the largest wagon (which required four horses, to ascend the hill), and 
 the breaking of some part of the gearing, we were considerably delayed 
 in reaching the camp ground. 
 
 Notwithstanding these detentions we succeeded in having the materiel 
 on the ground by the time the Eegiment arrived there, and had disposed 
 of it according to the arrangements of the Assistant Quarter-Master. 
 
 Sniffen, Quarter-Master. 
 
 To Colonel Stevens, 
 
 Commandant of the Post. 
 
 The Assistant Quarter-Master reported : 
 
 Camp Clinton, July 2, 1831. 
 
 The Assistant Quarter-Mastek, having been charged with the duty 
 of forming the encampment, has the honor to report that immediately on 
 the arrival of the transport at the wharf he procured a conveyance to the 
 site of the encampment, for himself, the Secretary, the Surgeon's Mate, 
 the Sergeant and Assistant Sergeant-Majors, and the Sergeant of the 
 Guard, who had been detailed for his assistance. 
 
 He immediately proceeded to mark out the ground, and stake the posi- 
 tion for each tent; and through the spirited exertions of the gentlemen 
 who assisted him he was enabled to complete the survey in time to join 
 the Regiment at dinner. 
 
 Upon the arrival of the Regiment at the camp ground, the companies 
 were directed to the positions they were severally to occupy, and the mem- 
 bers instructed in the modus operandi of kicking open a tent and pitching 
 it in its station. 
 
 The Assistant Quarter- Master has the honor to give the following detail 
 of the disposition of the camp : The head line occupies a space of three 
 hundred and twenty-eight feet, with an avenue forty feet in width, perpen- 
 dicular to the center, and leading to Head- Quarters ; the commands are 
 arranged on streets, each twenty feet in width, formed by a file of four 
 tents on each side, occupying forty-five feet in depth ; the tents of the line 
 officers face the streets of their respective commands, fifteen feet to the 
 rear of the lines of company tents, and sixty feet from the head line. 
 The Lieutenant- Colonel and Major occupy the center of the right and left 
 wings, twenty-seven feet to the rear of the line officers' tents, and eighty- 
 seven feet from the head line. The Head- Quarters occupy an eminence 
 commanding a view of the whole camp ground, one hundred and fourteen 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. |()5 
 
 feet to the rear of the center of the head of the camp ; the staff are quar- 
 tered to the right and left of Head- Quarters, as follows : fii-st on the right, 
 the Pay -Master, next the Sergeant- Major and Assistant Sergeant- Major ; 
 first on the left, the Adjutant and Quarter -Master, next the Assistant 
 Quarter-Master and Secretary, next the Surgeon and Surgeon's Mate, next 
 the Quarter -Master Sergeant and Sergeant of the Guard; six tents are 
 pitched in rear of the left for the music, and three in rear of the right for 
 the servants ; the main guard occupy three tents on the extreme left of 
 the head of the camp, at the entrance to the field. The two pieces of 
 cannon are placed, in battery, at the head of the center avenue ; and the 
 baggage wagons and tumbrel are disposed, as the ground would permit, 
 along the front of the right. 
 
 The following disposition, for ornament, has been made of the Colors : 
 the Regimental Colors are raised at Head- Quarters, one on each side 
 of the entrance ; the Regimental Camp Colors and two of Captain Roome's 
 Bandrols are placed, one of each, on each side of the front of Head- Quar- 
 ters; a pair of Regimental Camp Colors at the head of the avenue; and 
 the Colors of the Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Companies in 
 their respective streets, one at each end ; the Regimental Signal Flag is 
 raised on the main guard, and one of Captain Roome's Bandrols at each 
 corner of "sentry's rounds," marking the extremes of the encampment. 
 
 The Assistant Quarter- Master presents the following summary of the 
 encampment, viz. : 
 
 64 Tents for the rank and file, 
 8 Marquees for the line officers, 
 3 " for the field ofiicers, 
 6 " for the staff, 
 3 Tents for the guard. 
 6 " for the music, 
 3 " for the servants. 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 AsHER Taylor, Assistant Quarter-Master, 
 Colonel L. W. Stevens, 
 
 Commandant of the Post. 
 
 In the evening a communication was received from the 
 Committee appointed by the inhabitants to make arrange- 
 ments for celebrating the " Fourth of July," requesting 
 a conference in relation thereto. A Committee of three 
 was appointed to represent the officers, who returned 
 
106 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 from the interview with an invitation to all the officers to 
 the principal hotel of the place, where they met and were 
 introduced to the Trustees of the Village, the Committee of 
 Arrangements, and many of the most respectable inhab- 
 itants, all of whom united in a hearty welcome to the 
 Corps. After partaking of refreshments provided by the 
 Trustees and Committee, the officers returned to camp. 
 
 A note was received, in the course of the evening, from 
 the Rev. Mr. Cuyler, of the Dutch Reformed congre- 
 gation, tendering his services for prayers on the following 
 (Sunday) morning ; which were promptly and gratefully 
 accepted, with an intimation that the Regiment would be 
 ready to attend him at half-past six ; and at that hour the 
 next morning the Corps paraded for "Divine Service" 
 on the Regimental Parade, and were met in prayer by 
 the reverend gentleman. 
 
 Sunday, 3d July, was passed with as much quiet as 
 possible ; visitors to the camp were strictly prohibited. 
 Leave of absence was granted to such of the members as 
 desired to attend Divine Service, to which invitations had 
 been sent in from several Churches. They were in all 
 cases required to go in citizen's dress. 
 
 FOURTH OF JULY. 
 
 The Report of the Officer of the Day gives a summary 
 of the proceedings of the Regiment : 
 
BECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. XQT 
 
 Camp Clinton, July 4, 1831. 
 
 The Officer of Hie Day has the honor to report the following summary 
 of occurrences during his tour of duty : 
 
 In compliance with orders from Head-Quarters, the Officer of the Guard 
 was directed to admit visitors into the camp; in consequence of which a 
 great number of persons honored us with calls during tlio day, and all duo 
 civility was administered to them. 
 
 The Regiment formed at nine o'clock, and marched to the parade ground, 
 where it was reviewed by Major- General Brush, accompanied by his staff, 
 and performed several evolutions under his inspection. 
 
 At twelve o'clock a national salute was fired by Captain Brewer, with 
 details from the Eighth Company, and the Regiment paraded in celebration 
 of the day hallowed in the hearts of the free citizens of America ; it was 
 received at the head of the camp by Major Beadle's Battalion, and escorted 
 to the head of the procession line. 
 
 [After marching through the principal streets of the village the column 
 halted at the Dutch Church; the Regiment, filing by the right and left flanks, 
 opened for the procession to pass through into the Church ; after which the 
 Regiment occupied seats reserved for it in the body of the Church. 
 
 After the various ceremonies and exercises in the Church, which were 
 of a highly interesting and patriotic character, the Regiment returned to 
 the parade and piled arms; and at "Roast Beef marched to the "mess 
 "house" to continue the celebration with "the feast of reason and the flow 
 "of soul," around the festive board, in conjunction with the inhabitants of 
 the village, who had made arrangements to join them. The dinner was 
 followed by the usual and appropriate festivities — toasts, songs, recitations, 
 story, mirth and glee, accompanied by music and the firing of cannon.] 
 
 At the conclusion of the dinner the Regiment returned to camp, highly 
 gratified with the courtesies and civilities its members had received from 
 all with whom they had been engaged in the celebration and festivities of 
 the day. 
 
 ** ******* 
 
 The guard was turned off at eight o'clock, and the OflQcer of the Day 
 resigned the black plume to Captain Jones. 
 
 T. PosTLEY, Captain 6th Company, 
 
 Officer of the Day. 
 
 REPORT OP THE OFPIOER OP THE NIGHT. 
 
 July 5th, 1831. 
 Relieved Captain Postley at eight last evening; the countersign was 
 received from Head-Quarters at half-past eight, and was given out with a 
 
X08 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 charge to the sentinels to use proper vigilance in the discharge of their 
 duties, and at the same time to show every civility to strangers approach- 
 ing the camp. 
 
 A general mvitation having been given to the citizens to visit us during 
 the evenmg, an unanimous bustle took place after the parade, preparing to 
 give them a brilliant reception. ***** 
 
 Immediately after dark the camp was illuminated by placing a number 
 of lighted candles in each tent, the light of which through the canvas made 
 a picturesque and striking effect ; at the same time the fronts of the tents 
 were thrown open, exhibiting the interior arrangements for decoration, 
 which in many instances were highly ornamental. Lighted candles were 
 also placed in the ground in front of the tents, in every variety of figure 
 and ornament the fancy or whim of the occupants could suggest. 
 
 The concourse of visitors during the evening, until after eleven o'clock, 
 was very great, comprising all the beauty and fashion, and, in fact, nearly 
 the whole poj)ulation of the place j and the Officer of the Night feels it 
 due to the mi^mbers of the Corps to state that they appeared to vie with 
 each other in rendering every courtesy and attention in their power. 
 
 The hand was stationed at Head- Quarters, and played at intervals, and 
 in fine style, numerous popular airs ; the martial corps was a part of the 
 time at Captain Roomers quarters, where a party of ladies and members 
 of the Corps availed themselves of an even space of green to "trip it on 
 "the light fantastic toe" through the "mazes of the cotillon" and other 
 dances. Ibe ladies and gentlemen were generally invited to Head- Quar- 
 ters, and the officers threw open their quarters to the visitors, tendering 
 such refref^hments as the camp afforded. 
 
 Tattoo was postponed until twelve o'clock. 
 ********* 
 
 Orders having been given to be in readiness to strike the tents immedi- 
 ately a ?ter breakfast, the men were, early next morning, busily employed 
 in pacKing and preparing for departure; at half-past six, "Peas on the 
 *'tren'her;" after which, everything being prepared, the "Generale" was 
 beat, the bugle signal given, the tents struck simultaneously, and — Camp 
 Cl]*" fON ceased to be. 
 
 » ******** 
 
 Wm. Jones, Captain 3d Company, 
 
 Officer of the Night. 
 
 REPORT OP THE OFFICER OF THE DAY. 
 
 Camp Clinton, Steamboat Congbess, and ) 
 
 City of New York, July 5, 1831. 
 In compliance with Regimental and Special Orders, the Officer of the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. IQC) 
 
 Day entered upon his duties at eight o'clock, without parade of the guard ; 
 soon after which, everything being in readiness to de-camp, the line of 
 march, in column of company, preceded by the President and the civil 
 authorities of Poughkeepsie, was taken up through the principal streets 
 of the village to the Hudson River, where the Regiment embarked on 
 board the Steamboat Congress, parading on the promenade deck at half-past 
 nine o'clock A. M. The boat immediately after left the wharf amid the 
 cheers and waving of handkerchiefs by a large concourse of the assembled 
 citizens, which were returned by three cheers from the line and music from 
 the band. 
 
 In passing Newburgh and the military station at West Point, the Regi- 
 ment paraded on the promenade deck, and each place was saluted with a 
 gun, and two volleys of musketry by wings. 
 
 ********* 
 
 At six o'clock P. M. the Battalion was in readiness for disembarking, 
 and again paraded on the promenade deck ; on passing Fort Gansevoort 
 and the North Battery, and when opposite the steamboat landing, single 
 guns were fired by Captain Brower ; a volley was given between the first 
 and second guns, and two volleys between the second and third. 
 
 At a quarter before seven the debarkation was effected, and the evening 
 parade took place in the Park, immediately after which the several compa- 
 nies were dismissed. 
 
 The general deportment of the men during the day, and their appearance 
 at the evening parade, reflected the highest credit upon them and the 
 Corps ; and the Officer of the Day feels much pleasure in testifying to the 
 courtesy evinced by every member — so essential in the character of a 
 soldier. 
 
 ********* 
 
 In closing his Report, he takes the liberty of adding the entire satisfac- 
 tion expressed by every member of the Corps with whom he had an oppor- 
 tunity of conversing, in all the arrangements of the tour ; and his firm 
 conviction that the pleasure and beneficial results have far exceeded the 
 most sanguine expectations. 
 
 "W". T. Beach, Captain 5th Company, 
 
 Officer of the Day. 
 
IIQ RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ADDENDA TO THE MEMOIR OF CAMP CLINTON. 
 ABSTRACT OF FORCE. 
 
 Field. 
 
 Linus "W. Stevens, Colonel, 
 and the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major. 
 
 Staff. 
 
 Millard, Adjutant; Beach, Assistant Pay-Master ; 
 
 Sniffen, Quarter-Master; Taylor, Assistant Quarter-Master; 
 
 Varick, Surgeon; Cleveland, Surgeon's Mate; 
 
 Holt, Secretary. 
 
 1st Company, Captain Spelman, Lieutenant Heckel, 
 
 Non-commissioned ofBcers, 3; privates, 11; - - 16 
 
 2d Company, Captain Ellison, Lieutenant Raymond ; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 3 ; privates, 2*; - - 7 
 
 3d Company, Captain Jones, Lieutenant Welsh ; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 5; privates, 26; - - 33 
 
 4:th Company, Captain Roome, Lieutenant McAlister; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 7; privates, 43 ; - • 52 
 5th Company, Captain Beach ; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 2; privates, 11; ■ • 14 
 
 Qth Company, Captain Postley, Lieutenant Merritt ; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 5; privates, 20; - - 27 
 
 ^th Company, Capt. Wykoff, Lieut. Cairns, Lieut. Jenkins ; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 2; privates, 15; - - 20 
 
 8^^ Company, Captain Brower, Lieutenant Denison; 
 
 Non-commissioned officers, 7; privates, 21 ; - - 30 
 
 [Note. — Of the seven officers who did not accompany the Corps, five were absent 
 from the city or detained by sickness.] 
 
 Non-commissioned Staff. 
 
 Rhodes, Sergeant- Major ; Hoyt, Assistant Sergeant- Major ; 
 
 Taylor, Quarter- Master Sergeant; Rogers, Sergeant of the Guard. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Ill 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 Officers — Field, 
 
 Staff, - 
 Line, 
 
 Non-commissioned officers — Staff, - 
 
 Line, 
 
 Privates, 
 
 Music — Band, 
 
 Martial, 
 
 Servants, 
 
 All told, 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 16— 26 
 
 4 
 
 34— 38 
 
 149 
 
 14 
 
 7— 21 
 
 22 
 
 256 
 
 [Note — Several members joined the companies at the camp, and some were obliged 
 to return before the Regiment; in making the abstract, the largest muster of each 
 company was taken.] 
 
 61 
 
 72 
 
 480 
 
 00 
 
 73 
 
 63 
 
 202 
 
 00 
 
 MEMORANDUM OF EXPENSES. 
 
 Passages up, $101.00; do. down, including dinner, $187.50; - $288 50 
 Use of the field for camp ground, $ 15.00 ; use of boards, $15.45 ; 30 45 
 Use of marjwee, $10; transportation, $51.72 ; 
 
 Subsistence, 
 
 Powder, $27.25; sundries, $46.38; 
 
 Music — ^band, $130.00; martial corps, $72; 
 
 $1136 30 
 
 Of which was collected by assessment, at $10.00 
 for officers, $5.00 for non-commissioned officers, 
 $3.00 for privates, $872 00 
 
 Balance ifrom Regimental Fund, - - - -264 30 — $1136 30 
 
 [Note. — The charge for passage was fifty cents per man, each way; and for sub- 
 sistence, fifty cents per man, per day.] 
 
 QUARTER-MASTER SERGEANt's REPORT OF AMMUNITION. 
 
 Delivered, on Commandants' requisitions, to Companies — 
 
 July 4, Musket cartridges, 2,715 
 
 " 6, Returned to Arsenal, 2,285 
 
 5,000 
 
112 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Delivered on board of transport — 
 
 July 2, for salute at West Point, - 
 " " Newburgh, 
 
 ** " New Hamburgh, 
 
 " " Poughkeepsie, 
 
 Delivered at Camp Clinton — 
 July 2, for Evening Gun, 
 " 3, for Morning Gun, 
 " 3, for Evening Gun, 
 " 4, for Morning Gun, 
 " 4, for National Salute, - 
 " 4, for Evening Gun, 
 " 5, for Morning Gun, 
 
 On board of transport — 
 
 July 5, for Salute at Newburgh, " 
 " " West Pointy 
 
 « " New York, 
 
 six-pounder cartridge. 
 
 24 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 40 
 
 July 6, Returned to Arsenal, 12 six-pound shot. 
 
 Joseph D. Taylor, 
 
 Quarter-Master Sergeant. 
 New York, July 6th, 1831. 
 
 Immediately after the return of the Corps, the follow- 
 ing Card was prepared, and a copy forwarded to each of 
 the Poughkeepsie newspapers : 
 
 THE CARD. 
 
 The Officers of the Regiment of National Guards, on behalf of them- 
 selves and their associates, take peculiar pleasure, on their return to their 
 homes, and at the moment of laying aside the character and garb of the 
 soldier and resuming that of the citizen, in expressing thus publicly the 
 high sense they entertain of the hospitality and attention manifested 
 towards them by the inhabitants of Poughkeepsie during their recent tour 
 of sei'vice at Camp Clinton. 
 
 To Major Beadle, commandant of the escort, Captain ?ine and his 
 Company of Artillery, Captain Sleight and his Company of Fusileers, 
 their thanks are eminently due, for their flattering reception and escort. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. \l^ 
 
 Genei"al Maison, and the gentlemen composing the Committee of Ar- 
 rangements for the festivities of the Fourth; Colonel Livingston, the 
 President of the .Day, and the gentlemen associated with him in the cele- 
 bration of the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, will please 
 accept their acknowledgments for their distinguished attentions and civil- 
 ities. 
 
 They feel particularly flattered with the brilliant assemblage of beauty 
 and fashion which, on the occasion of the illumination of the Camp, 
 honored them with their attendance, and complimented them with their 
 delightful approbation. 
 
 To the united civilities of every individual with whom the Corps has 
 been associated in this their first tour of camp duty, are to be ascribed the 
 great satisfaction and unalloyed pleasure experienced by every member 
 of it. 
 
 By order. 
 
 P. H. Holt, Military Secretary. 
 
 New Yobk, July 6th, 1831. 
 
 All the Poughkeepsie papers gave flattering notices of 
 the Corps. We select an extract from that of the Journal: 
 
 The orderly, and exemplary, and gentlemanly deportment of this Corps, 
 and the complaisance and suavity of manners of the officers, demand from 
 ns and from our citizens the most unqualified commendation, and that 
 commendation could not be better evinced than it has been by the respect 
 and attention which our citizens vied with each other to pay to them. 
 
 They have received, as they well deserved, the good opinions and the 
 best feelings of our citizens. 
 
 Their visit to us will be long cherished with fond recollections. 
 
 JAMES MONROE, ex-President of the United States, 
 died in this City on the Fourth of July, at the house of 
 Samuel L. Gouverneur, his son-in-law, which had been 
 his residence for several years. He was buried on the 
 7th ; his funeral obsequies were celebrated with the most 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 imposing military display, in which the Regiment bore a 
 prominent part; and the eflfect of its recent training at 
 Camp Clinton was very manifest and striking, in the 
 marching and general bearing of the men, and elicited 
 the most flattering commendations from the military men 
 and others who witnessed it. 
 
VII. 
 
 The 2 2d of February, 1832, was the centennial anni- 
 versary of the Birthday of Washington. - 
 
 The Major- General, always alive to the due observ- 
 ance of occasions of unusual interest, called the attention 
 of his command to the propriety of giving a marked 
 prominence to the celebration in commemoration of the 
 event. The following is an extract from his Order of 
 January 25th, 1832: 
 
 In the retrospect of the life of Washington, with what pride and 
 delight may we follow him in his career of glory and usefulness in the 
 "War of Independence, and in the establishment of our republican govern 
 ment. Nor is his fame confined to his country alone ; it extends through 
 out the whole civilized world. Posterity may be said to have pronounced 
 upon it, and it now stands upon glory's proudest eminence. 
 
 While the deeds of heroes and conquerors of former times are passing 
 into forgetfulness, the virtues and the services of the illustrious Wash- 
 ington are cherished by his countrymen in ever-during remembrance, 
 and will be borne down the stream of time, with increasing honors, and 
 with a love and veneration that will never die. « * * ♦ 
 
1X6 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 On the 20th of February, the Major-General an- 
 nounced as follows : 
 
 The Committee of Arrangements of the Corporation have received from 
 G. W. P. Custis, Esq., of Arlington House, the Tent which George 
 Washington used during the Eevolutionary War, and have requested 
 the Major-General to have it pitched in the Park, in front of the City Hall, 
 with military attentions, and have designated it as the place of assembly 
 for the remaining companions in arms of General Washington. 
 
 The Tent under which the patriot and soldier reposed during the strug- 
 gle of our Revolution, where were held the councUs which formed the plans 
 of those glorious scenes which secured the independence of our country, 
 cannot but be an object of interest and veneration, and the young soldiers 
 of the present day will feel proud in paying honors to it. 
 
 The services of Colonel Stevens^ Regiment having been requested for 
 the occasion, and he having readily assented thereto, he will order for duty 
 on the 2 2d such part of his Regiment as he may think proper. 
 
 Accordingly, Captain Brower, with the Mghth Com- 
 pany, was ordered to parade for the service indicated. 
 
 The Marquee was escorted by them from the Arsenal 
 to the Park, and pitched in front of the City Hall, and 
 held in charge during the day. 
 
 It was an object of great and universal interest, and 
 was visited in the course of the day by the Mayor and 
 Members of the Common Council, and principal officers of 
 the City Government; also by many officers of the Army 
 and Navy, and of the City Militia, and several members 
 of the Society of the ^^ Cincinnati" and by quite a num- 
 ber of the remaining veterans of the War of Indepen- 
 dence, and an immense throng of citizens, all apparently 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^17 
 
 deeply impressed with the solemnity of passing under 
 the identical canopy that had shielded the head of the 
 great Father of his Country during such a long and crit- 
 ical period of his life, and which was so closely associated 
 with very many of the most momentous events of the 
 Revolution. 
 
 The officers of the Regiment were called to order for a 
 "Meeting of the Board," under the hallowed shelter; 
 and, inspired by the occasion and the associations, their 
 thoughts reverted to the times which the scene was well 
 calculated to call up in their minds, and from the great 
 Chief to his dearly beloved bosom friend, the only sur- 
 viving General officer of the Revolution, 
 
 THE ILLUSTRIOUS LA FAYETTE. i 
 
 Resolutions were adopted with great enthusiasm ex- 
 pressive of regard and veneration for that great patriot 
 and eminent soldier of our Revolution, and, in further 
 testimony thereof, they voted to procure a massive gold 
 medal, to be presented to him in their name, commem- 
 orative of the occasion and of their sentiments. 
 
 Accordingly, a medal, grand and unique in design, was 
 prepared, highly embellished with emblems of the fra- 
 ternity between the illustrious La Fayette and his great 
 friend, our Washington; and, when finished, it was sent 
 forward to James Fenimore Cooper, then in Paris, to 
 
11^8 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 be delivered ; accompanied by a letter to General La 
 Fayette, signed by the field officers of the Regiment, in 
 the following terms : 
 
 General : — ^The National Guard of the City of New York, a corps of 
 citizen soldiers, have the honor to present for your acceptance the accom- 
 panying token of the sentiments entertained by the sons of liberty in 
 America for the dauntless champion of that sacred cause, whose distin- 
 guished services in three Revolutions, and whose untiring exertions in 
 behalf of the oppressed and enslaved of every nation, have raised for the 
 hero ^^monumentum cere perennius." With a fervent prayer for your 
 health and happiness, we are. 
 
 General, your obedient servants, &c. 
 
 In due course a letter was received from Mr. Cooper, 
 enclosing the reply of General La Fayette. 
 
 Mr. Cooper described the presentation of the Medal, 
 at a dinner party at his house, attended by a select but 
 brilliant company of distinguished friends of General La 
 Fayette, of various nationalities. He said : 
 
 Demonstrations of attachment and of adherence to his principles are at 
 all times peculiarly grateful to General La Fayette, when coming from 
 America. He considers himself a disciple of our school. * * * 
 Your own offering has been happily timed, for it reached him at a moment 
 when his enemies were the loudest and most vindictive in their attacks. * * 
 
 GENERAL LA FAYETTE'S REPLY. 
 
 Gentlemen : — The precious specimen of American produce and Ameri- 
 can industry which, in the name of the National Guard of New York, and 
 by a unanimous vote of the Twenty-seventh Regiment of New York State 
 Artillery, you have been pleased to offer to an American veteran, is a new 
 testimony of that persevering affection of which it has been, during near 
 sixty years, the pride and delight of my life to be the happy object. The 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. Hg 
 
 only merit on my part which it does not exceed is to be found in the 
 warmth of my gratitude and the patriotic devotion that binds to the United 
 States the loving heart of an adopted son. 
 
 The honor which the gift and devices of the beautiful medal have con- 
 ferred upon me is still enhanced by its connection with the hundredth 
 anniversary birthday of our great and matchless Washington, of whom it 
 is the most gratifying circumstance of my life to have been the beloved 
 and faithful disciple ; in no point more than in his fond hope of a perpetual 
 union between the States of the Confederacy — an union which, as it has 
 been the cherished object of his last recommendation to his fellow-citizens, 
 and the wish of his last breath, so it shall be to the last breath of every- 
 one of us who had the happiness to fight and bleed for American inde- 
 pendence and freedom. 
 
 I beg you, gentlemen, to convey to the kind donators the expression of 
 my profound, affectionate gratitude and respect, and to receive for your- 
 selves the particular acknowledgments of your most sincere and obliged 
 fiiend, 
 
 La Fafette.* 
 
 * Colonel Stevens used to state, in his latter days, that this letter (the original) was 
 lost, having been stolen or otherwise surreptitiously obtained and withheld. Perhaps 
 it will appear some day in somebody's choice collection of autographs. Mark him. 
 
VIII. 
 
 In April, 1832, the "s" was dropped from the title 
 of the Corps, leaving it "National Guard." 
 
 The tour of duty at Camp Clinton having been found 
 80 productive of improvement and enjoyment as to cause, 
 in the following spring, a general and decided feeling in 
 favor of that, in preference to the usual manner of 
 " doing the State some service," accordingly a 
 
 SECOND CAMP OF EXERCISE, 
 Camp Putnam, was determined on for this year. 
 
 The City of New Haven, in Connecticut, having been 
 
 selected for the locale^ and learning by correspondence with 
 
 some of the principal citizens that the visit would not be 
 
 objectionable, but, on the contrary, very acceptable, and a 
 
 source of gratification to the people, arrangements were, 
 
 in due season, commenced for the undertaking. The 
 
 camp equipage was procured from the State Arsenal, the 
 
 16 
 
122 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 United States Band and the Regimental Drum Corps 
 (Reidel's) arranged for, and all the details put in proper 
 forwardness. 
 
 The same General Order of Regulations as at Camp 
 Clinton was issued ; 
 
 ROLL OF OFFICERS FOR THE EXCURSION. 
 
 Field, 
 
 r Linus "W. Stevens, Colonel; 
 
 The Lieutenant-Colonel and the Major. 
 
 Staff. 
 Adjutant Millard, Surgeon Neely, 
 
 Pay-Master Rhodes, Assistant- Surgeon Leeds, 
 
 Quarter-Master Sniffen. 
 
 Line. 
 
 1st Company, Captain Spelman, 
 
 Lieutenants Heckel, Teller. 
 
 2d 
 
 
 Ellison, 
 
 ( 
 
 ' Russell. 
 
 3d 
 
 
 Jones, 
 
 < 
 
 ' Read. 
 
 4tli ♦ 
 
 
 Roome (Edward), ' 
 
 ' Nichols, McAlister. 
 
 5th ' 
 
 
 Beach, 
 
 ( 
 
 ' Vermilye, Tuttle. 
 
 6th ' 
 
 
 Postley, 
 
 ( 
 
 * Delano, Marcellus. 
 
 Vth 
 
 
 Cairns, 
 
 ( 
 
 ' Jenkins, Mumford. 
 
 8th ' 
 
 
 Brower, 
 
 < 
 
 * Denison, Mosher, 
 
 "With the addition, for the occasion, of 
 
 Philetus H. Holt, Military Secretary; 
 Asher Taylor, Assistant Quarter-Master; 
 B. B. Beach, Assistant Pay- Master ; 
 J. C. Stoneall, Commissary of Subsistence. 
 
 On Thursday, June 28th, 1832, pursuant to orders, the 
 Regiment paraded, at five A. M., in the Park. The train, 
 consisting of baggage, camp equipage, and two pieces of 
 field artillery, was formed at the same time in the Arsenal 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. J 23 
 
 yard; the whole proceeded by the shortest route to "Ste- 
 "vens's Wharf" (between Fulton Ferry and Peck Shp), 
 where the Steamer United States was in readiness to 
 receive them, and at six, pushed off for New Haven. 
 
 FORCE EMBARKED. 
 
 1st Company, 11 
 3d Company, 50 
 5 th Company, 8 
 7th Company, 27 
 
 Field and Staff, 11; 
 
 2d Company, 4 
 4th Company, 40 
 6th Company, 23 
 8th Company, 33 
 
 Music, 28; Servants, 21. Total, 256. 
 
 On nearing " the haven where we would be," a salute 
 was received from Long Wharf, and answered. 
 
 On disembarking, the Regiment was received by Cap- 
 tain Francis's Company of Artillery and Captam-^xcH- 
 Kiss's Company of Grays, and, after interchanging the 
 usual military courtesies, was escorted by them through 
 the principal streets of the City, and back to the mess 
 house for dinner. 
 
 It was a gratifying indication of the good feelings of 
 the citizens towards us, that the watering carts had been 
 taken from their usual routes and employed during the 
 forenoon in sprinkling the streets through which the 
 Regiment was to pass. 
 
 The ground selected for the camp was on a fine, dry 
 
124 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 plain, about three-quarters of a mile from the steamboat 
 landing; and the use of an unoccupied hotel near the lat- 
 ter was granted to the Regiment by Mr. Brewster, with- 
 out charge, for the commissariat. 
 
 Previous to the disembarking, the staff was detached 
 for special duty; one party, under charge of the Military 
 Secretary (in the absence of the Assistant Quarter-Master, 
 who "had married a wife and could not come"), to lay 
 out the camp ; and another, under the Quarter-Master, 
 to remove the camp equipage and stores to the ground. 
 By the time the Regiment arrived on the field the 
 materiel was there, and all things in readiness ; and 
 the tents were pitched, and the camp in order, in good 
 season. 
 
 Friday^ June 29. — The regular routine duties com- 
 menced — guards, drills, parades, &c. — ^not overlooking 
 the pleasant service of gallanting and tendering the 
 courtesies of the Corps to the numerous parties of ladies 
 and gentlemen who visited the camp. At eleven, the 
 Regiment, in full uniform, marched to the City to partake 
 of the hospitalities of the Common Council, at the 
 "Tontine," the provisions for which were liberal and 
 generous in the extreme. 
 
 Saturday, 30^A. — After the usual morning duties active 
 preparations were commenced for the dinner party, to 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ]^25 
 
 which the Regiment had invited many military and civic 
 gentlemen of distinction, and at two P. M. the guests 
 were marched to the table to partake, with the Regiment, 
 of a soldier's dinner. The party broke up late in the 
 afternoon, after an exceedingly pleasant and festive time 
 of it. 
 
 Sunday, July 1. — All quiet and orderly in camp. The 
 members attended Divine service at the Churches, morn- 
 ing and afternoon, upon invitations from the clergymen 
 generally. 
 
 Monday, 2d. — The Corps marched to the Green for an 
 exhibition of its proficiency in drill and evolutions. Its 
 performance was greeted with great applause. [The 
 narrator heard Colonel Stevens declare, thirty years 
 afterwards, that the performance of the Regiment on 
 that occasion, in the "manual of arms," including "the 
 "firings," — ^in the "marchings," "wheelings and turn- 
 "ings," and "ahgnments," was in a style of excellence 
 that he had never seen exceeded by any Corps.] 
 
 Collations, refreshments, wines, bouquets, and compli- 
 ments in every shape, were crowded upon the officers 
 and men; and, in fact, the people seemed at a loss how to 
 give expression to the great abundance of their good feel- 
 ings toward the Corps, and all connected with it. They 
 
12Q RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 are a refined, warm-hearted, generous people — ^the citi- 
 zens of New Haven. 
 
 The evening was set apart as the Grrand Gala, of 
 which due notice was given to the citizens through the 
 papers. Immediately after dinner the work of prepara- 
 tion was seen in every direction, and every member of 
 the Corps was on the alert; the tents were arranged, and 
 ornamented with flowers and whatever else could be 
 obtained ; the streets were decorated with bunting and 
 evergreens; at dusk, the whole camp was illuminated, and 
 was soon filled to overflowing with the beauty and fash- 
 ion, the gayety, gravity, and dandydom of the City. The 
 officers and men were on the qui vive, doing their best, 
 in the capacity of host, for the credit of the Corps and 
 the gratification of the visitors. The evening passed 
 gayly — music, dancing and fireworks contributing to the 
 hilarity and brilliancy of the scene. 
 
 Tuesday, July 3. — At three P. M. Camp Putnam was 
 struck, and the Regiment, receiving every attention and 
 compliment that the military or the City could bestow, 
 embarked at eight, saluted and saluting until clear of the 
 harbor. 
 
 Wednesday, July 4. — Arrived at home at daylight; 
 and, the military celebration of the day having been dis- 
 pensed with, in consequence of the sudden appearance 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ]27 
 
 of that terrible disease, the cholera, the Regiment was 
 marched to the Park and dismissed. 
 
 There was much anxiety felt on the subject of the ex- 
 posed and irregular living of the members of the Regi- 
 ment during the week, fearing that it might induce the 
 dreadful disease ; but it was afterwards ascertained that 
 there was not a single death from cholera among the 
 members during its prevalence that season. 
 
 Abstract Return of the Inspection of the First Brigade of New York State 
 Artillery, commanded hy Brigadier- General James A. Moore, held 
 October, 1832. 
 
 Regiments. 
 
 Commanders. 
 
 Number of 
 Companies. 
 
 Total 
 Present. 
 
 Present 
 & Absent 
 
 Brig. -Gen. & Staff, 
 Ninth, 
 
 Twenty-seventh, 
 Second, 
 
 Col. James Lefferts, 
 " L. W. Stevens, 
 " Samuel J. Hunt, 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 246 
 435 
 256 
 
 7 
 368 
 593 
 528 
 
 Total force o 
 
 f the Brigade, 
 
 27 
 
 941 
 
 1497 
 
 [Note. — ^The Fourteenth Regiment having been consolidated with the Second, 
 there are now but three Regiments in the Brigade.]* 
 
 Regimental Orders, November 20, 1832, announce as 
 commissioned : 
 
 Samuel D. Denison, Captain, 8th Company; 
 Charles W. Teller, First Lieutenant, 1st Company; 
 Thomas W. Mather, First Lieutenant, 8th Company; 
 William F. Burt, Second Lieutenant, 8th Company. 
 
 * The Sixth, of 1860, is the descendant of the Second and Fourteenth. 
 
128 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 During the year 1833, gray pantaloons were adopted 
 by the several companies, and by the Board of Officers, 
 as a part of the uniform of the Regiment. 
 
 An occurrence causing some excitement in the Regi- 
 ment during the most of the year 1833: — -Captain Thomas 
 ' Postley, commanding the Sixth Company, accepted, and 
 quahfied by taking the oath of office, a commission as 
 Captain in another Corps, and a different arm of the 
 service (cavalry), intending to do duty in both; but Colonel 
 Stevens, believing that, in accordance with law and uni- 
 versal military usage, the acceptance of and qualifying 
 under a new commission annulled the former one under 
 which he had been serving in this Regiment, ordered an 
 election in his Company to fill the vacancy; but political 
 considerations, it is said, being urged on the Commander- 
 in-Chief (Governor Marcy), he interposed, and quashed 
 the action of the Colonel. The officers of the Regiment, 
 believing that his Excellency had taken an erroneous view 
 of the question, then made a formal demand for a Court 
 of Inquiry, to determine the right of the matter; which 
 was acceded to, and the Brigadier-G-eneral (Moore) was 
 ordered to institute such a Court. The regular Brigade 
 Court-Martial was directed to act as a Court of Inquiry, 
 and investigate the subject. After a protracted hearing 
 of testimony, and opinions on law and military usage 
 touching the question (including an examination of Major- 
 G-eneral Scott), the Court came to the conclusion, unani- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ][29 
 
 mously, that ''Captain Postley vacated his commission of 
 ^'Captain in the Twenty-seventh Regiment^ hy the a/xeptance 
 ^' of a subsequent commission in another Corps." The 
 Brigadier-General formally approved of the proceedings 
 of the Court, and of the determination it had arrived at. 
 The finding was, in fact, in accordance with universal 
 military rule, in the opinion of the most eminent military 
 gentlemen in the City, and also with the then recently 
 expressed written opinion of Adjutant-G-eneral John A. 
 Dix. On an appeal, however, of Captain Postley, from 
 the decision and finding of the Court, to the Commander- 
 in-Chief, his Excellency was "somehow" induced (by 
 party considerations it was generally thought) to upset 
 all the proceedings, and peremptorily order Postley to 
 duty in the Regiment, under his first commission; having, 
 after laboring through several pages of Hymarole, arrived 
 at the profound conclusion that an officer holding a com- 
 mission cannot, by his own act of accepting another com- 
 mission, dissolve the obligations imposed on him by his 
 first commission, without the assent of his superiors — 
 sapiently overlooking the fact, in this case, that he, the 
 Governor himself, had, by granting him a second com- 
 mission, discharged him, according to all sound military 
 logic, from the obligations of the first. There was, how- 
 ever, no higher appeal; and so, nominally, back to duty 
 in the Regiment Captain Postley came. But his position 
 in the Board of Officers promised to be everything else 
 
 but agreeable; he found himself sadly out of place. 
 
 17 
 
230 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The order of the Commander-in-Chief was dated 12th 
 November, and Captain Postley was excused, at his own 
 request, from parading his Company with the Regiment on 
 the following Evacuation Day. And on the 30th of 
 November his pliant friend, the Commander-in-Chief, 
 ordered the transfer of Postley and his Company, bag 
 and baggage, or, rather, such of the members (which, 
 however, was only a part of them) as adhered to and 
 desired to go with him, out of the Regiment and into 
 another arm of the service. 
 
 On the 7th December Colonel Stevens charged Cap- 
 tain Philetus H. Holt, late of the Fourth Company, with 
 the duty of raising and organizing a new Company to fill 
 the vacancy caused by the defection of the Sixth; all the 
 officers of the Regiment of course aiding with their influ- 
 ence, and the Fourth Company consenting to transfer 
 thirty men for a start. On the fourth of February follow- 
 ing (1834) the Commander-in-Chief announced the organ- 
 ization of the new Company: 
 
 Philetus H. Holt was the first Captain; 
 
 Thomas Delano, Lieutenant of the old 6th Company, 
 was First Lieutenant; 
 
 Theodore Crane, Second Lieutenant. 
 
 Such a detestation of Captain Postley, and the men 
 who adhered to him in his course, had come to pervade 
 the whole Regiment, that, for fear the new Company 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 131 
 
 might be looked upon as in some way a continuance of 
 the apostate one, they adopted an entirely different and 
 distinct cognomen; it was denominated "Company 6," 
 and has so continued to this day. 
 
 Announced in Regimental Orders, December 7, 1833, 
 as commissioned : 
 
 Washington R. Vermilye, Captain, 5th Company; 
 
 Nathaniel T. Burt, First Lieutenant, 5th Company; 
 
 Edward T. Backhouse, Second Lieutenant, 4th Com- 
 pany. 
 
 Abstract Return of the Inspection of the First Brigade of New York State 
 Artillery^ commanded hy Brigadier- General Moore, held October, 1833. 
 
 Begiments. 
 
 Commanders. 
 
 Numb'r of 
 Compares. 
 
 Matrosses 
 present. 
 
 Total 
 Present. 
 
 Present 
 & Absent 
 
 Brig.-Gen. & Staff, 
 Ninth, 
 
 Twenty-seventh,* 
 Second, 
 
 Col. James Lefferts, 
 " L. W. Stevens, 
 " Samuel J. Hunt, 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 10 
 
 160 
 
 292 
 157 
 
 4 
 
 257 
 398 
 224 
 
 7 
 384 
 535 
 460 
 
 Total force o 
 
 f the Brigade, 
 
 26 
 
 609 
 
 883 
 
 1386 
 
 * The Sixth Company was not ordered for inspection. In 1832 it inspected 48 
 present and 75 present and absent, which, added to the above figures of the Regiment, 
 would make— present 446, and present and absent 617. 
 
 Every recurrence of the great national Holy-days — the 
 Anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence, the 
 Evacuation of the City by the English, and the Birth of 
 Washington — was greeted by an order from our venerable 
 
132 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Major-General, ever fresh and original in thought, and 
 always couched in the most glowing terms of patriotic 
 and affectionate regard and veneration for the character 
 and services of the great heroes, and statesmen, and 
 patriots of the Revolution, and the principles they had 
 established. 
 
 FIRST DIVISION N. T. STATE ARTILLERY. 
 DIVISION ORDEBS. 
 
 New York, February 15th, 1834. 
 
 The twenty-second of February, instant, is the anniversary of the Birth- 
 day of Washington. The recurrence of that day can never fail to awaken 
 in our hearts pleasing reminiscences of his worth, and of his services to 
 our country. Love and veneration for "Washington is incorporated with 
 the warmest feelings of our hearts ; and while the expression of those 
 feelings do us honor, they are a source to us of high gratification. 
 
 In honor of this Anniversary, Brigadier General Sanford will order a 
 Battalion from his Brigade, with field-pieces, to fire a national salute from 
 the Battery, at noon. He will also direct the national flag to be displayed 
 there at sunrise. 
 
 By order of Major-General Morton. 
 
 N. T. Arnold, Division Inspector. 
 
IX. 
 
 The first time that the civil authorities had occasion to 
 call for military aid to maintain the peace of the City 
 was on the 10th April, 1834, during the municipal elec- 
 tion, when the services of the National Guard were 
 called for; and the call was responded to with an alacrity 
 that produced a very striking impression on the minds of 
 all classes of the people. 
 
 The elections, at that time, were held during three 
 days; and, in the inefficient condition of the City poUce, 
 were frequently the scenes of great excitement and turbu- 
 lence. On the occasion in question, party strife, from 
 some unusual cause, ran very high, and culminated in 
 the Sixth Ward ("the bloody ould Sixth") in a series of 
 brawls and riots, worthy the fame of that delectable pre- 
 cinct, from time immemorial down even to tlie days of the 
 "Dead Rabbits,"* in the reign of the renowned Fer- 
 
 * An association of blackgiiards and scoundrels that were used during a groat riot 
 in llio Sixth Ward in 1857, for a political purpose. 
 
134 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 nando — where "snap neck" and the "sprig of shillelah" 
 have, time out of mind, been the most potent and almost 
 only arguments for and against the cause of the various 
 political parties that have agitated that turbulent com- 
 munity. 
 
 Large crowds gathered about 4;he head-quarters of the 
 respective political divisions, from, whence they sallied 
 forth, armed with bludgeons and stones, and whatever 
 came to hand — j&rst one party, then the other — against 
 their opponents, endeavoring to drive them entirely off 
 the ground; and to such a degree of ferocity had the war- 
 fare attained, that many from both sides rushed to the 
 gun-shops in Broadway and vicinity for fire-arms. The 
 whole population of that part of the City had become 
 very much excited and alarmed; in the midst of which a 
 panic was raised, under the apprehension that the com- 
 batants might go to the State Arsenal, force it, and seize 
 the arms it contained. The bare thought of such a thing 
 was enough to excite the greatest horror; and a rush 
 was made by a considerable number of peaceable people 
 to seize and hold possession of the establishment and 
 the arms, against the rioters and fighting men of all 
 parties. 
 
 The State Arsenal was a three-story brick building 
 (erected in 1808), on the corner of Elm and Franklin 
 streets, and, with its yard, and outbuildings, and gun- 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^35 
 
 sheds, occupied the block between Centre and Ehn, and 
 FrankUn and White streets; in the center of the front, on 
 Franklin street, was a handsome three-story brick dwell- 
 ing, the residence, for the time, of the Commissary-Gen- 
 eral, who had the charge of the establishment. 
 
 The party that made for the Arsenal, as their destina- 
 tion became known, was augmented by a large crowd, 
 actuated by various motives — some for peace, some for 
 war, and many for anything, without knowing or caring 
 what. Access to the yard was an easy matter, and, the 
 Commissary-General being away, his son ("my son 
 "George"), who was in charge, on being summoned to 
 give up the keys of the main building, in which the arms 
 were deposited, made some demonstrations of unwilling- 
 ness, but was soon induced to an "unconditional surren- 
 "der," when the party armed themselves, without any 
 distinct idea, on the part of many, of "their end and 
 "aim." Some were for rushing out on the '^bloody 
 ^^Irishers," and crossing bayonets with their "shillelahs," 
 but the major part were for an "armed neutrality," and 
 bent on keeping the peace by force of arms; and to that 
 end were determined to "protect, preserve and defend" 
 the establishment, and especially the arms, from the bel- 
 ligerent crowds, who they apprehended might make an 
 attempt to possess themselves of them — which course, by 
 the by, their own action was well calculated to suggest 
 and invite. 
 
]_36 RECOLLEOTIOXS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The knowledge, by some of the foremost men of 
 the crowd, that the National Guard was ordered out and 
 was expected early on the ground, had a strong influence 
 to restrain those who were disposed for mischief. 
 
 The news of the attack on and capture of the Arsenal 
 spread, in every variety of exaggeration, like wild-fire 
 throughout the City; and, superadded to the already 
 current stories of "war and rumors of war" going on 
 amongst the rowdies, created an alarm and/?^ror scarcely 
 ever experienced before in the City. 
 
 In response to the call of the Mayor (the Hon. Gideon 
 Lee) on G-eneral Morton for military aid to subdue the 
 insurrection, the Twenty-seventh Regiment was ordered 
 to assemble forthwith; and in an incredible short space 
 of time a large portion of the members, uniformed and 
 armed, were on hand in the Arsenal yard. 
 
 The irregular force that had been holding the establish- 
 ment were, of course, superseded, their "occupation 
 "gone," and they quietly retired. 
 
 The Regiment was kept close within the limits of the 
 establishment, and quartered in the main building; and 
 the gates and sheds, and various assailable points, prop- 
 erly guarded. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 23*7 
 
 The turbulence and disorder subsided, owing, doubt- 
 less, to the demonstration of energy and power on the 
 part of the magistrates. 
 
 After midnight Mayor Lee visited the "garrison," and 
 reUeved the Regiment from further duty; thanking the 
 men for their prompt response to his call for aid to 
 restore order, and declaring, emphatically, that the City 
 had been in a state of insurrection, beyond the power of 
 the civil authorities to control or subdue. The men retired 
 to their homes, and "order reigned." 
 
 The people of the City, of all classes, were enlightened 
 hj the novel experience of that day — the mass of quiet 
 citizens, by the knowledge that a disorderly element ex- 
 isted in their midst, of a most formidable and alarming 
 character, spreading widely, and including parties and 
 classes before undreamed of in such connections; and the 
 civil authorities, by the assurance that they possessed a 
 power and a force, hitherto untried, reliable and at ready 
 command for such emergencies, which was deemed by 
 them of incalculable importance ; and the members of the 
 National Guard, by the evidence that had passed under 
 their observation, that on their organization, in a great 
 measure, the orderly people and the civil authorities of 
 this great City must rely for the future security of "life, 
 "liberty and the pursuit of happiness" within its borders. 
 The reflections called up by the events of that day sank 
 
 18 
 
X38 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 deeper in the minds of observing and thinking men than 
 appeared at the moment. 
 
 The attention of the mass of the people was, however, 
 for a time, in a great measure diverted from the serious 
 importance of the matter by the universal ridicule which 
 was thrown around it by the official report, made 
 shortly afterwards by the Commissary- General, so ex- 
 uberant and overflowing in grandiloquent bombast, 
 ridiculous egotism, and unmitigated "bosh," that it re- 
 mained a standing theme for jest and merriment, com- 
 pletely overriding, for a time, much of the serious 
 impression on the public mind, from the disorderly tumult. 
 
 The doughty knight commander, being away from his 
 citadel at the time of the irruption, could only report the 
 affair from the excited and exaggerated relations of his 
 faithful squire, '^my son George,^^ and the man "Corne- 
 "lius the carpenter," who had, apparently, been the 
 whole available force of the garrison; and their state- 
 ments, augmented by the inflation of the Commissary- 
 General himself, presented to the imagination a picture, 
 terrible indeed, of the doings of the "mob," led and 
 directed, they asserted, by "a man in a claret-colored 
 ^^coat"* who, by their stories, was a dreadful "raw-head- 
 *'and-bloody-bone" fellow; and also of another, who was 
 
 ♦ Understood to be Simeon Draper, Esq., then a young and ardent politician. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^gg 
 
 reported as very officious and was misnamed in their 
 Report, but who happened to be an officer of the Twenty- 
 seventh Regiment,* and whose military experience, and 
 instincts of disciphne, were effectually applied to withhold 
 the crowd from any turbulent action, by commanding 
 them, with the mien and bearing of authority, to "fall 
 "in," "form Hne," and, most effectual of all, to "keep 
 "still," thereby restraining them from any overt acts 
 until the arrival of the Regiment in force, which he 
 assured them had been ordered out for the emergency, 
 and might be momentarily expected. 
 
 In reference to the duties of the 10th of April, the 
 Common Council passed a resolution : 
 
 That the thanks of the Common Council be presented to the individuals 
 who thus nobly sustained their reputation as citizen soldiers, and proved 
 the importance and the necessity to the city of a well-disciplined militia^ 
 in time of peace as Avell as in time of war 
 
 Major-General Morton, in promulgating the resolution 
 of the Common Council, adds : 
 
 Next to the satisfaction arising from the consciousness of having per- 
 formed a duty, is the approbation of those whose good opinion we prize. 
 These resolutions, emanating from the municipal authorities of our City, 
 cannot, therefore, but be highly gratifying. 
 
 The late occurrences will show to the public the necessity and the use 
 of a well-regulated militia, prepared at all times to support the magistracy 
 
 * Captain Philetus H. Holt. 
 
]_40 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 
 
 in sustaining law and order in the community. It will confirm us in the 
 opinion, long entertained, that the time has not yet axrived when we may 
 beat our swords into plow-shares and our spears into pruning-hooks. 
 
 The Major-General doubts not that the Corps will still continue to per- 
 form its duties ; they will be sustained by their fellow-citizens, who will 
 see in them, not the array of an uncontrolled force, but a power directed 
 by the venerable majesty of the laws in the persons of the magistrates. 
 
 On the 21st June the Major-General "had the melan- 
 "choly duty to announce to the Division the death of 
 " General La Fayette," in France, on the 20th May pre- 
 ceding, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. The Gen- 
 eral thus concluded: "But a few years since we were 
 "engaged in welcoming him, with joyful and grateful 
 " hearts, as one of the soldiers of our Revolution, and the 
 "adopted son of our country. We are now called upon 
 " to pay funeral honors to his memory. 
 
 "The Common Council has resolved to pay funeral 
 "honors to the deceased, and have invited the Corps to 
 " unite with them on the occasion. 
 
 "The Division is therefore ordered for duty on the 
 "26th inst." — on which day the Regiment united in the 
 imposing military and civic demonstration in celebration 
 of the funeral obsequies of the last General officer of the 
 Revolution, the confidential friend of the great Washing- 
 ton, and the adopted son of our country — the illustrious 
 
 MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE. 
 
I. 
 
 THIRD CAMP OF EXERCISE. 
 CAMP HAMILTON. 
 
 The great gratification experienced by the members in 
 the tours of camp duty in former years, at Poughkeepsie 
 and New Haven, induced the Board of Officers to take 
 up the project of an encampment near the City, at which 
 all the duties of the service could be performed. 
 
 Hamilton Square (between Fourth and Third avenues 
 and Sixty-sixth and Sixty-ninth streets, five miles from 
 the City Hall) was accordingly selected for the site, and 
 orders issued similar to those that preceded the other 
 encampments; and the following Order for parade : 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. ARTILLERY, 
 NATIONAL GUARDS. 
 KEOIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, June 20, 1834. 
 In accordance with the expressed desire of the members of the Regi- 
 ment generally, to perform the duties of the season in camp, arrangements 
 
]_42 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 have been made to form a Camp of Exercise at Hamilton Square, which 
 will be designated "Camp Hamilton." 
 
 The Regiment will accordingly parade for that purpose, in full uniform 
 (gray pants), with knapsacks, and armed and equipped complete, on Mon- 
 day, 30th instant. Line will be formed in the Park at eight A. M. 
 
 ********* 
 
 The following special appointments are made for the term of the encamp- 
 ment: 
 
 AsHER Taylor, of Company 6, Military Secretary; 
 
 J. C. Stoneall, Commissary of Subsistence ; 
 
 Alexander "Welsh, Assistant Commissary of Subsistence ; 
 
 Isaac Varian, of the 8th Company, and 
 
 John Hustace, of Company 6, Assistants in Quarter-Master's Depart- 
 ment; 
 
 Leonard K. Smith, Principal Artificer. 
 
 ROSTER OF OFFICERS. 
 
 Field. 
 
 Colonel Stetens, 
 The Lieutenant-Colonel and the Major. 
 
 Staff. 
 Nichols, Adjutant; Sniffen, Quarter-Master; 
 
 Van Beuren, Pay Master; Neely, Surgeon; 
 
 Leeds, Assistant Surgeon ; A. Taylor, Military Secretary ; 
 
 Powell, Sergeant-Major; Chapman, Assistant Sergeant-Major; 
 
 J. D. Taylor, Quarter- Master Sergeant. 
 
 Zd Company, Jones, Captain; Reed, Doughty, Lieutenants. 
 Uh Company, Roome, Captain; McAlister, "Ward, Lieutenants. 
 ^ih Company, Cairns, Captain ; Crolius, Van Cott, Lieutenants, 
 8^^ Company, Denison, Captain; Shumway, Ormond, Lieutenants. 
 2d Company, Telfair, Captain; Cummings, Hoogland, Lieutenants. 
 \st Company, Teller, Captain; Morrison, Pearsall, Lieutenants. 
 Company 6, Holt, Captain; Delano, Backhouse, Lieutenants. 
 bth Company, Burt, Captain; Zeitz, Belden, Lieutenants. 
 
 Monday, June 30. — The Regiment paraded in the Park 
 in fine style; the train formed in Broadway, from the City 
 Hall upwards. Line of march taken up for Hamilton 
 
RECOLLECTIOXS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ]^43 
 
 Square, preceded by a detachment from the Quarter- 
 Master's Department, headed by the MiHtary Secretary, 
 upon whom had devolved the duty of forming the 
 encampment. The camp was laid out, and the position 
 of the tents indicated, by the time the Regiment arrived 
 on the ground. The Companies took their respective 
 positions, and pitched the camp with much precision and 
 dispatch. 
 
 The very efficient head of the commissariat, with a 
 strong corps, had erected a magnificent pavilion marquee^ 
 one hundred feet in diameter, in rear of the Head-Quar- 
 ters, fitted up with tables for messing the whole Corps. 
 * * In a few hours everything was in order, and the 
 guards turned off and posted. 
 
 A beautiful park of six brass guns was posted in bat- 
 tery, in front of the camp. 
 
 Tuesday, July 1. — The fore part of the day was spent 
 in drill. 
 
 Commissary-General Argularius visited the camp for 
 the purpose of trying some experiments on our battery 
 with a newly invented percussion lock for field-pieces. 
 
 The camp was visited by many citizens. 
 
144 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Wednesday, July 2. — The camp seemed the center of 
 attraction for ladies and gentlemen, and was thronged 
 during the day. 
 
 The Corps was occupied with the usual military exer- 
 cises. The evening parade went off in fine style, and 
 was witnessed by a large collection of citizens. 
 
 Thursday, July 3. — Invitations had been issued to the 
 Mayors and Members of the Common Councils of this 
 City and of Brooklyn, to the officers of the Navy and 
 Army on this station, to the principal military gentlemen 
 of the City, and to many citizens of distinction, to visit 
 the camp at evening parade. The early part of the day 
 was spent in drill and exercise, and in preparing to receive 
 and entertain the company. 
 
 In the afternoon the camp was thronged with a large 
 number of eminent gentlemen visitors, civil and military. 
 
 The Evening Parade was formed in a style of excel- 
 lence and precision which could only, at that time, be 
 exhibited by the Twenty-seventh Regiment; and the 
 Regiment was reviewed by the Mayor of the City, the 
 Hon. Cornelius W. Lawrence, accompanied by the other 
 distinguished visitors; after which a series of evolutions 
 were performed, presenting an exhibition of military 
 perfection, under circumstances so decidedly favorable as 
 probably to have never been equaled in this City; the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 1^^ 
 
 unostentatious neatness of the uniforms, the respectable 
 and inteUigent appearance of the personnel, the perfection 
 and precision attained in the drill, and, above all, the 
 ability and efficiency exhibited in the commanding and 
 other officers — all of which, together with the unusually 
 numerous and brilliant assemblage of officers and distin- 
 guished citizens, combined to present a display unparal- 
 leled in the military annals of the City. 
 
 Friday, July 4. — The following Regimental Order was 
 issued : 
 
 TWENTr-SBYENTH REaiMENT N. T. S. ARTILLERY, 
 NATIONAL GUARD. 
 
 Head-Quarters, Camp Hamilton, ) 
 New York, July 4, 1834. ) 
 
 For the celebration of the Fifty-eighth Anniversary of American Inde- 
 pendence the several Companies will be formed at a quarter before eleven 
 A. M. precisely, in full uniform, white pantaloons and fatigue caps, with 
 bayonets and waist belts, prepared to join in the exercises of the day. 
 
 It is desirable that all the members, as far as practicable, should remain 
 in camp during the day ; and it is especially enjoined upon every individual 
 of the Corps to appear in the uniform above mentioned, and in the neatest 
 possible manner, during the day and evening. 
 
 The Commandant trusts that every member of the Corps will feel that 
 the honor and credit of the Regiment, and of the occasion, depend in 
 some measure upon his individual appearance and conduct. 
 
 By order. 
 
 AsHER Taylor, Military Secretary. 
 
 The Companies paraded in beautiful style, and moved 
 to the messing pavilion, which had been fitted up and 
 decorated for the occasion. 
 
 The Declaration of Independence was read, and an 
 
 19 
 
146 RBOOLLEOTIONS OP THE SEVENTH RBaiMENT. 
 
 Oration delivered; which, with music at intervals by the 
 band, comprised the exercises of the morning. 
 
 At twelve o'clock a national salute was fired by volun- 
 teers for the artillery duty, from the Fourth Company, 
 which was performed in exceedingly good style, the last 
 discharge being a salvo from four guns, in but one report. 
 
 The afternoon was spent in receiving and entertaining 
 the immense concourse of visitors that thronged the 
 iBamp. It was computed that at least thirty thousand 
 persons visited it during the day and evening. 
 
 The evening was devoted to banqueting, gayety, and 
 merriment; the camp was splendidly and brilliantly illu- 
 minated, and the celebration closed with a magnificent 
 display of fireworks. 
 
 Tattoo at twelve o'clock. 
 
 Saturday, July 5. — -The morning was spent in prepara- 
 tions to leave. At three P. M. Camp Hamilton was 
 struck. 
 
 The flag-staff was left on the ground, by previous de- 
 termination of the officers, as a memorial of the occasion, 
 and remained standing for many years. 
 
 The Regiment marched to the City in the afternoon, 
 and was dismissed in the Park. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^47 
 
 The members hardly had time to settle down in quiet, 
 after the excitement and fatigue of their life in camp, 
 ere they were again "rattled up" to the aid of the City 
 officials, in quelling a most formidable and alarming dis- 
 turbance that was raging in various parts of the City. 
 
 For several months, in the fore part of the year, there 
 had been a good deal of excitement against a portion of 
 the citizens entertaining anti-slavery opinions, or, as they 
 were from that time generally denominated, ^^Aholition- 
 '^ists,'' who were holding a series of public meetings, in 
 which they indulged in the most latitudinarian discussions 
 and violent and exciting declamations in favor of their 
 peculiar views, and, of course, in denunciation of all ad- 
 verse to them; and were evidently making an impression 
 on the public mind, alarming to the demagogical-political 
 organizations which had, from time immemorial, exercised 
 the monopoly of manufacturing and directing the sup- 
 ply of "public opinion" for the use of the "governing 
 "classes," and of promulgating and dictating what should, 
 and what should not, be held by the people to be "true 
 "patriotism," "party usage," "love of country," or 
 "worthy the support of a great, enlightened, and free 
 "people!" They were quick to perceive that if this new 
 heresy was permitted to spread amongst the people, to 
 much extent, their occupation would soon be gone, and 
 they accordingly took measures to check, and, if possible, 
 to crush out the strange and abominable doctrine that 
 
248 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ALL MEN are endowed hy their Creator with the inalienable 
 right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which 
 seemed to be the burden of the song of the new sect. 
 
 The leading party newspapers of the day, too — those 
 disinterested, enUghtened, and veracious (as well as vora- 
 cious) " general guides " to men's minds and consciences 
 in political matters — "opened fire" along their whole 
 line, and from their heaviest ordnance, and from their 
 ^^ longest hows," threatening instant annihilation to the 
 hostile and alarming party, and inciting and inflaming the 
 vulgar prejudices and vile passions of "the baser sort" — 
 the classes always available and reliable for such work — 
 to a course of open hostility, and to acts of violence, in 
 hopes to make short work with the pestilent faction. 
 Accordingly, the meetings of the Abolitionists were 
 attacked and broken up; and the mob, increasing in 
 boldness under the promptings and encouragement of 
 their friends and advisers, as in a like case in recent 
 times, proceeded to the dwellings of some of the most 
 prominent and obnoxious of the ^^Abolitionists," and, in 
 their own expressive phrase, ''went through them " — smash- 
 ing, sacking, and finally burning such of their contents as 
 were too ponderous to be "lifted." 
 
 The matter seemed to be getting rather serious, even 
 for our phlegmatic Mayor, and his Honor was finally con- 
 strained to give it some heed. His first resort was to the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^49 
 
 modus of that illustrious predecessor, William the Testy, 
 whose way of proceeding is held in such high estimation 
 by a certain portion of the great men and patriots of 
 these later days, for his anti-fighting proclivities, except 
 by proclamations and manifestoes,* he fulminated a 
 "proclamation" to the rowdies, enjoining them to "be 
 "still!" with about as much effect as to attempt to 
 "whistle down a Nor'wester." Finding that "fair 
 "words" were of no avail, his Honor resolved to try 
 what virtue might be found in more vigorous demonstra- 
 tions, and called out several Troops of the City Cavalry, 
 and put them on the mob; but neither the horses, which 
 were expected to be the most formidable {i. e., frightful) 
 portion of the force, nor their riders, could be brought to 
 striking distance, or within " a brickbat's range." 
 
 The mobs continued to thrive and increase under the 
 mild and "peace", appliances of the authorities, and to 
 grow more violent and threatening; and finally the Mayor, 
 on the afternoon of 11th July, required the services of 
 the National Guard, the Twenty-seventh Regiment; and 
 the men responded to the call with a promptitude and 
 alacrity that was actually startling to the slow nags of the 
 City Hall; for, at a couple of hours' notice, between three 
 and four hundred of the members were on hand, in line 
 of battle, in the Arsenal yard — "ready!" 
 
 * As this appears to have been written during the great rebellion, the narrator 
 probably thought there should have been more lighting and less manifesto in some 
 cases. 
 
150 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Whilst the " big wigs " were humming and hawing^ and 
 wondering what they should do next, Colonel Stevens 
 was occupied in putting the boys through a refreshing 
 drill, particularly in the use of the bayonet and in the 
 firings, and gravely admonishing them to steadiness and 
 coolness in the duty before them; and especially, under all 
 circumstances, to wait for orders, and promptly obey 
 THEM, whatever they might be. 
 
 Upon being directed by the Mayor to march with his 
 command to the City Hall, and hold himself in readiness 
 for such action as might be required, the Colonel re- 
 quested a proper supply of ammunition before he moved; 
 but the Mayor strongly objected to the men having hall 
 cartridges, could not imagine that anything of the kind 
 would be needed, and positively declined to allow them; 
 but the Colonel gave him to understand that he would 
 not take his Regiment on any service without he was fully 
 prepared to perform it, nor lead out his men unless they 
 were furnished with the means to protect and defend 
 themselves in any emergency. This rather nonplussed 
 his Honor, who, however, realizing that the Colonel was 
 determined and in earnest, sagely concluded that if he 
 would not go without ammunition, why, of course he must 
 have it, and a limited supply of ball cartridges was 
 served out. * 
 
 Colonel Stevens used, in after times, to often speak of 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 15I 
 
 his anxiety at the time as to how "his boys " would con- 
 duct themselves in this their first appearance in such a 
 trying position. They were, a large portion of them, 
 quite young, and had had but little training of their 
 minds to the reality of such grave duties as were then 
 before them; he watched, with no little solicitude, their 
 reception of the ball cartridges, which seemed a novelty 
 to many of them; they turned them over in their hands 
 as if surprised at their appearance, and appeared to be 
 remarking to each other upon the new and strange posi- 
 tion in which they found themselves; they all, however, 
 he noted, placed the cartridges in their boxes. 
 
 The Regiment was then marched down Broadway to 
 the Park. The streets were thronged with an excited 
 crowd of the canaille, rough and rowdy-looking rascals, 
 who assailed the men with hisses, and hootings, and all 
 sorts of vituperation, and the mob and the riotous pro- 
 ceedings seemed, in fact, to be rather popular with the 
 people generally, even of the better class, who were in 
 the streets looking on; their behavior, however, and the 
 hootings of the rowdies had the effect, the Colonel ob- 
 served, of exciting the boys to a proper pitch of feeling for 
 the occasion, and by the time they arrived at the Park 
 nothing would have suited them better than an order to 
 pitch into their blackguard assailants. 
 
 The Regiment remained for a considerable time in 
 
152 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 front of the City Hall, and was kept on the move, march- 
 ing, and wheeling, and countermarching, in presence of 
 the assembled crowds, to let them all see that they were 
 on hand and ready for work when needed. 
 
 It was understood, during the evening, that there 
 were large and threatening collections of people in dif- 
 ferent parts of the City; and about ten o'clock word came 
 of a great and very disorderly gathering in the vicinity 
 of the Spring Street Church (between McDougaland Yar- 
 ick streets), which was one of the most obnoxious points, 
 there having been several meetings of the Abolitionists 
 held there, and the minister and members of the congre- 
 gation were understood to be amongst the most zealous 
 and active of the obnoxious class. It was apprehended 
 that the mob meditated the destruction of the Church 
 building, and Colonel Stevens was directed to march with 
 celerity to the scene of the apprehended disorder. Be- 
 fore moving, he gave the order to "load" — with ball 
 cartrides, of course; and closely watching, with no 
 little interest, the motions of the men, he was satisfied, 
 from the jerk and emphasis with which the "ram down" 
 was given, that they were all right, and that there would 
 be no hesitation or hanging back on their part when the 
 time came for action. 
 
 Immediately pushing for the disturbed district, the 
 Regiment first encountered the mob in serious force in 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. "[53 
 
 Thompson street, above Prince, where they were makuig 
 demonstrations of mischief against the dwelling of the 
 pastor of the Spring Street Church, which they had evi- 
 dently doomed to destruction; but before they were stirred 
 up to the "sticking point" the timely approach of the 
 Regiment checked their intention. The mob receded 
 before the advance of the troops, and the Colonel pressed 
 on, surrounded by an immense collection of excited peo- 
 ple, towards the Church, which was understood to be the 
 especial object of the fury of the mob. All the streets 
 in the vicinity, for several blocks around, were filled with 
 the disorderly crowd; and as the Regiment, in column, 
 wheeled from McDougal street into Spring, and also at 
 other points, the men were assailed with stones and other 
 missiles thrown from the windows, and from the crowd, 
 by which many of them were hit, and several prostrated, 
 and they were with difficulty restrained from opening fire 
 at will on their assailants. A striking feature was the 
 frequent stream of sparks struck out by the stones glanc- 
 ing on the bayonets and barrels of the muskets. 
 
 The Regiment pushed firmly through the dense mass 
 
 towards the Church, the men using their bayonets just 
 
 enough to let the fellows feel "that such things were." 
 
 Near the Church they encountered a barricade of carts, 
 
 barrels, rubbish, and painters' ladders, piled up across the 
 
 street, and roped and chained together to obstruct the 
 
 passage. From the top of the barricade a blatant City 
 
 20 
 
X54 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Hall politician, one of their "friends," was haranguing 
 and urging on the mob; he was summarily jerked from 
 his bad eminence, and, with a dozen or so of the rascals 
 who had been arrested in riotous acts, sent to the rear 
 under guard. 
 
 The Church had been attacked, and a portion of the 
 pews and furniture thrown into the street. A fellow was 
 in the steeple ringing the bell, to attract and excite the 
 mob; he was promptly seized and placed in custody, and 
 the Church cleared of its irreverent and turbulent con- 
 gregation. 
 
 The two Aldermen who were deputed by the Mayor to 
 accompany the military force, and direct, under their 
 power and authority as magistrates, the action of the 
 Regiment; became very much alarmed at the magnitude 
 and temper of the mob, and commenced "palavering" 
 with them, and set up some one to address them, and tell 
 them to disperse and go home; to which some fellows in 
 the mob tauntingly replied that they might go home 
 themselves, that there were not enough military in New 
 York to drive them away. The magistrates actually 
 entered into negotiations for "an armistice," and agreed 
 to a "cessation of hostilities " on their part, upon d^. prom- 
 ise of some of the mob to then disperse. They thereupon 
 urged Colonel Stevens to ^' retreat,''^ and return to the 
 City Hall, asserting that the mob was too formidable for 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. J 55 
 
 his "handful of men" to contend with. They were told 
 by the Colonel, in his usually pleasant, quiet, and decided 
 manner, that there was no "retreat" in the case; that he 
 was there with his Regiment for the purpose of dispers- 
 ing the mob and quelling the riot, and he could not retire 
 until that was done, and that he should proceed to the 
 City Hall only through that crowd. They still persisted in 
 directing him to avoid a collision, as the mob was strong 
 enough to destroy his command. He moved two Compa- 
 nies up to the barricade under a shower of stones from 
 behind it (whilst his other Companies stood ready), and 
 broke up the obstruction, marching through the debris, 
 squeezing his way, and wheeled into Yarick Street, 
 leading along with him his aldermanic accompaniment. 
 There, meeting Sheriff Oliver M. Lownds (who had for- 
 merly been a Captain in the Regiment), who had with 
 him a posse of police (the old-fashioned "leather-head" 
 watchmen), and being abandoned by and disencumbered 
 of the timid Aldermen, who had disappeared in the dark 
 and were not seen again, he proposed to the Sheriff that 
 they should return together, and under his (the Sheriff's) 
 authority, finish up the job; which being assented to, the 
 Colonel countermarched his Regiment, and, forming col- 
 umn of grand divisions (his Companies being small) 
 closed up in mass, he moved back against the mob. Oc- 
 cupying the carriage-way of the street, flanked on each 
 sidewalk by his "leather head" auxiliaries, with their 
 *^ locusts" of ancient renown — well known, doubtless, to 
 
156 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 many of the scalawags in front of them — our boys using 
 their bayonets where necessary, and cheered by the sound 
 of "watcheys"' clubs, vigorously applied in a "devil's 
 "tattoo" on the heads and shoulders of the disorderly 
 rout — (the combined action effectually driving them back) 
 the boys charged with cheers through the remains of the 
 broken up barricade, and in a moment were "masters of 
 "the situation," and had the mob at their command; and, 
 pushing them rapidly back to Sullivan street, on the fur- 
 ther side of which the Colonel halted his leading grand 
 division, holding Spring street in that direction, and 
 wheeling the second to the right, across Sullivan street 
 and the third to the left, facing in the opposite direction, 
 and " 'bout facing" the fourth as it stood, they held com- 
 pletely and securely all the streets, effectually severing 
 the mob into four fragments; and the rascals, realizing 
 that their power was thoroughly broken, dispersed in 
 "devil take the hindmost" order; and peace and quiet 
 seemed almost instantly restored in that section of the 
 City. 
 
 The whole performance of the Regiment was admira- 
 ble. The men were assailed with stones and every imag- 
 inable offensive missile, and some of them even spat in the 
 face by the vile rabble. A number of them were struck 
 and more or less bruised; the Sergeant-Major was felled 
 to the ground at the side of the Colonel; notwithstanding 
 all which, they maintained the order and steadiness of 
 
EECOLLEOTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. l^J 
 
 veterans, with a forbearance from retaliation, and a sub- 
 ordination to discipline, truly surprising, and reflecting the 
 highest credit on the commanding officer, and all engaged 
 in the duty. The Colonel, elated that he had accom- 
 plished his ends without resorting to the deadly use of 
 arms, joyously exclaimed, *'A victory, without firing a 
 ''shot!" 
 
 On its way to the City Hall the Regiment made a de- 
 tour through Centre street, and, "having its hand in," 
 dispersed, in short order, a party of rioters that was assail- 
 ing a colored Church (Saint Philip's). 
 
 The men were dismissed, in the Park, at daylight. 
 
 Some traces of the turbulent spirit remaining, the Kegi- 
 ment was put on duty again the next night — the right 
 wing scattering a riotous crowd in Chatham Square, that 
 had successfully defied one of the other Regiments; and 
 the other wing performing like service in Hanover Square, 
 where an attack was made on the very valuable store of 
 a wealthy and prominent Abolitionist. Detachments 
 were sent to other localities to put things to rights and 
 keep the peace. 
 
 The authorities evincing, finally, a determination (after 
 being shown that the thing could be done) to suppress the 
 
]^58 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 disorderly proceedings, the rioters took the hint and 
 abstained from further violence, and "order reigned" 
 once more. 
 
 The praises of the good conduct and the good services 
 of the Regiment, especially of the able and firm action 
 of Colonel Stevens, were in all men's mouths for a long 
 time afterwards. 
 
 The importance of the organized Militia Regiments 
 came more and more to be appreciated by the thinking 
 and conservative portion of the citizens, who began to 
 realize in these popular outbreaks, and organized and 
 combined disregard of law, the reality of an element of 
 fearful interest, which was becoming a subject of much 
 solicitude for the future peace and quiet of the City. 
 And they also, in the same connection, had been led to 
 observe the action and deportment of the Twenty-seventh 
 Regiment, and also had scrutinized its composition and 
 materiel, until they had very generally come to view it, 
 too, with no ordinary interest, as their principal reliance 
 for security in times of difficulty and disorder hereafter. 
 
 His Honor Cornelius W. Lawrence, the Mayor of the 
 City, took an early occasion to address a grave paper to 
 General Morton, acknowledging the eminent services of 
 the militia in the recent outbreak, remarking : 
 
 It will be a source of confident satisfaction to know that, whenever the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 159 
 
 peaceful energies of the laws are insufficient to protect the rights and 
 property of the citizen from the effects of internal commotion, there is, 
 under our form of government^ a power adequate to every emergency, and 
 one so conducted that its existence and its exercise can never endanger 
 the liberties of the people. 
 
 Although the circumstances which marked the continued outrages on 
 the occasion alluded to were such as imperatively required of the magis- 
 trates to issue their instructions for an effectual use of the deadly weapons, 
 yet it cannot but be a deeply gratifying reflection that the service required 
 of the military was so judiciously performed as to accomplish its object 
 without the shedding of blood. I rejoice that the determination of the 
 magistrates on this subject became thoroughly known, as it tended to 
 destroy the dangerous delusion which prevailed in the minds of many per- 
 sons, that the civil authority is without the requisite power to make an 
 effective use of the arms of the Militia. 
 
 After referring to the various measures that had been 
 taken, he goes on : 
 
 The National Guard was charged with the duty of removing the rioters 
 from a section of the City where the most outrages had been committed, 
 and in the performance of this service, while assailed with the missiles of 
 the mob, evinced a forbearance commendable in the citizen, united with 
 the determination which belongs to the character of the soldier. 
 
 The Regiment settled down quietly to its routine du- 
 ties, all the available time of its members being devoted 
 to improvement in drill and martial exercises. 
 
 In the month of December the dwelling of Colonel 
 Stevens, in Chatham street, was burned to the ground, 
 with most of its contents, among which were the Regi- 
 mental Colors. 
 
■[ (JQ RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 The Colonel, having received a civil appointment, re- 
 signed his commission on 30th December, and retired 
 from military life. 
 
 The most flattering tokens of the respect and affection 
 of his associates of all grades were liberally bestowed on 
 him. On his promotion to the field, in 1827, his Com- 
 pany, the Sixth, presented him a beautiful silver pitcher; 
 and on his resignation, in 1828, the Regiment (officers 
 and men) united in a present of a splendid and massive 
 pair of pitchers. The officers presented him a compli- 
 mentary sword on his return to the Regiment in 1830; 
 and, on his final retirement, still further evidences of their 
 flattering appreciation. 
 
 A LEAP FROM THE RECORD OF COMPANY 6, NATIONAL GUARD, 
 
 ON THE OCCASION OP THE RESIGNATION OP COLONEL STEVENS. 
 
 Colonel Stevens entered the military service of the State, September 
 1, 1814, in the Company commanded by Captain George H. Stanton, in 
 the Eleventh Regiment N. Y. S. A., then commanded by Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Cornelius Harsen, and was immediately ordered into the public 
 service. On the tenth of June, 1815 (after the war), he was appointed a 
 First Sergeant in the Eighty fifth Regiment of Infantry, commanded by 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Edward W. Laight. 
 
 In 1818 he entered Captain Mann's Company in the Eleventh Regiment 
 
 of N. Y. S. Artillery, then under command of Lieutenant-Colonel George 
 
 W. Brown, and was elected a Sergeant. In 1820 he was elected Second 
 
 Lieutenant, and in 1821 First Lieutenant. The charge of this Company 
 
 immediately devolved upon him, in consequence of the absence of his 
 
 Captain from the City. He attained the rank of Captain, March 16, 1822. 
 ********* 
 
 There is no exaggeration in the assertion that no officer in the City has 
 
 commanded with as much credit to himself and advantage to the service 
 
 as Colonel Stevens ; or one who has commanded, for such a length of time, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^g^ 
 
 80 universally, the respect and esteem of those under his command, as 
 well as of the public generally. 
 
 In the affair of rescuing the character of the Regiment, in the year 
 1827 — in elevating and establishing its discipline at a standard far above 
 all others in the City — in the projecting, arranging, and conducting the 
 several encampments — and in every act of his command, he has evinced 
 talents of the highest order. And the unostentatious suavity of his man- 
 ners, the conciliatory course in all the jarring and discordant circumstances 
 that have occurred, the unwavering rectitude of his conduct towards the 
 members of the Regiment, of every rank, have secured him a hold on their 
 affections and respect that will be as enduring as life. 
 
 January, 1835. 
 
 21 
 
11. 
 
 Oa the 12th January, 1835, 
 The Lieutenant-Colonel was elected Colonel; 
 The Major was elected Lieutenant-Colonel; and 
 Captain Edward Roome, of the Fourth Company, elected 
 
 Major. 
 
 The new "field," directly on their inauguration, invited 
 all the members of the Regiment to meet them at The 
 Shakspeare, on Thursday evening, January 15th. 1835, 
 on ^^ business of importance.^' There was a large attend- 
 ance, when a proposition was presented for an alteration 
 and improvement in the uniform; which being accompa- 
 nied and backed up by a liberal provision of champagne, 
 and other like incentives to a due appreciation of the 
 improvements suggested, the proposed amendments were 
 agreed to with great enthusiasm. 
 
 After being formally submitted to the Companies, and 
 to the Board of Officers, 
 
1^54 recollections of the seventh regiment. 
 
 The New Bill of Dress 
 was adopted, and the alterations carried into effect in 
 time for the first parades in the spring. 
 
 The full uniform coat, with the trimmings as adopted 
 then, has come down to the present day (1864), through 
 a period of nearly thirty years. The principal new fea- 
 tures of the coat were the narrow, small skirt; the gold 
 lace, as at present, on the skirt, cuffs, and collar; the three 
 rows of buttons, with the braid in front, and the worsted 
 epaulettes with white fringe (shorter then than now), 
 instead of the previous shoulder-cap and black tuft. The 
 new cap was of black glazed leather, slightly conical 
 (Polish), with a brass visor projecting square out, brass 
 scales, and on the front of the cap the cipher of the 
 Corps (N. G-.) in brass (which, by the by, should have 
 been always retained). 
 
 The gray fatigue jacket and cap (Kapi) are of more 
 recent adoption. 
 
 The reputation and eclat the Regiment had acquired 
 during the preceding year had produced a very favorable 
 impression upon the community generally, and the mis- 
 fortune of losing their beautiful and highly-prized Colors 
 excited a general feeling of sympathy. 
 
 And in view of the essential services the Regiment had 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. J g5 
 
 rendered the municipal authorities, the subject of their 
 calamity was brought to the attention of the Common 
 Council, and referred to a Special Committee of the 
 Board of Aldermen, which, on the second of February 
 (1835), made a report, from which we extract : 
 
 * * * It appears that the Stand of Colors belonging to the 
 Twenty-seventh Regiment was destroyed by the late fire in Chatham 
 street, at the quarters of Colonel Linus W. Stevens. * * * Your 
 Committee are of opinion that the soldier-like appearance of said Regi- 
 ment, and the patriotic services rendered to the City authorities on various 
 occasions, justly entitle them to the respect of the Common Council, 
 * * * and therefore offer the following resolution : 
 
 Resolved, That the Corporation present a Stand of Colors to the Twenty- 
 seventh Regiment of New York State Artillery, and that the sum of four 
 hundred and fifty dollars be, and the same is, hereby appropriated to pay 
 for the same. 
 
 Which was adopted by the Boards, and 
 
 Approved hy the Mayor, February 6th, 1835. 
 
 The money, with the amount m addition contributed 
 by the members of the Regiment, was placed at the dis- 
 posal of the Board of Officers, and the field officers 
 were appointed a Committee to procure the Colors. 
 
 To AsHER Taylor, then a veteran private in the ranks 
 of Company 6, who had designed the former Colors, was 
 entrusted the preparation of the designs and drawings, 
 and the supervision of the embroidering of the new 
 Standards. 
 
IQQ EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The woiji was put in hand, in the estabUshment of 
 M. Paul T. Garishe, in Broadway, next below the New 
 York Hospital, and pushed forward so as to be com- 
 pleted in time for the first parade in the spring. 
 
 The COLORS consisted of 
 
 A REGIMENTAL STANDARD 
 
 of Crimson Silk, studded with twenty-four Stars,* and 
 with fringe of gold. In the center, on an ermine mantle, 
 turned up blue, with gold fringe, and borne on lances, A 
 Shield, bearing the Arms of the National Guard, as 
 follows : — Quarterly ; — the First Grand Quarter, paly of 
 thirteen, gules et argent; on a Chief, azure, twenty-four 
 Stars of the second; — the Arms of the United States of 
 America : — the Second Grand Quarter, a Sun rising from 
 behind Mountains, with a Sea in the foreground, all 
 proper; — the Arms of the State of New York: — the 
 Third Grand Quarter, argent, the Sails of a Windmill, in 
 saltire, between two barrels in fess, and two beavers, in 
 pale, all proper; the Arms of the City of New York : — 
 the Fourth Grand Quarter, gules. Two Cannons, crossed, 
 saltire-wise ; in Chief, a Blazing Bomb, all or; — the Insig- 
 nia of Artillery : — an Inescutcheon or, bearing the Cipher 
 of the Corps (N. G.) sable. 
 
 Crest,-:-AN AMERICAN EAGLE, displayed, prop* 
 er : — 
 
 * The nnmber of the Statea of the Union at that time. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. IQ^J 
 
 Motto,— "PRO PATRIA ET GLORIA," on a Gold 
 Ribbon beneath the mantle : — * (See Frontispiece.) 
 
 Staff, — Gilt, surmounted by a Gilt Eagle, with wings 
 extended upwards; — trimmed with a rich Scarf of red 
 and Gold, and massive gold tassels. 
 
 A STATE STANDARD, of dark blue Silk, with gold 
 Stars, and fringe, and beariijg on an Ermine Mantle, 
 turned up red. The Arms of the State of New York, 
 with the Crest, and Motto, "Excelsior:" the flag borne 
 on a richly gilt lance, with scarf and tassels. 
 
 Upon the completion of the Colors, the Regiment 
 paraded in the new uniforms on the first day of Jurie, 
 1835, for their reception. Line was formed in front of 
 the City Hall, and his Excellency Governor Marcy, who 
 had been invited to participate in the ceremonies, made 
 the presentation. 
 
 The following account is clipped from a newspaper of 
 the day : 
 
 Presentation of Colors by the Governor. — In pursuance of public 
 notice, the tasteful and splendid Stand of Colors voted by the Corporation 
 
 * This is a technical description and definition of the " Arms op the National 
 "Guard," as finally established in 1835, and borne on the Colors for more than thirty 
 years, and should be adhered to in every minutiae by all the Companies and mem* 
 bors of the Corps, 
 
168 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 of the City to the Twenty-seventh Regiment, "National Guard," First 
 Division of Artillery, was presented to them on Monday by the Governor 
 of the State. 
 
 The weather was auspicious, and everything contributed to render the 
 ceremony truly imposing. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were 
 present, besides the officers of the City under Major-General Morton, the 
 officers of the United States Army and Navy, &c. 
 
 The Regiment in the new uniforms looked extremely well, and executed 
 the various manoeuvers in a soldier -like manner. 
 
 A piece of sacred music composed for the occasion, entitled " Consecra- 
 "tion of the Banner," was performed by the band before the Colors were 
 received in line ; and when the banners were crossed, drooping, in front of 
 the Regiment, and every man uncovered, the solemn devotional tones of 
 the music gave to the scene a character of deep and pervading interest. 
 
 ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY aOVERNOR MARCT. 
 
 Officers and Soldiers of the National Guard : — It gives me sin- 
 cere pleasure to present to you, at the request of the Common Council, 
 and in their behalf, these Standards, as the testimonial of the high consid- > 
 eration in which they, and the entire body of their constituents, regard you 
 in your military character. 
 
 Distinguished as this City is for its military spirit ; for its many excel- 
 lent and well disciplined Militia Corps ; for the alacrity with which they 
 perform the duties of citizen -soldiers ; and for the praiseworthy example 
 they exhibit to the Militia of the whole State, the very favorable notice 
 which the Common Council have taken of this particular Corps cannot be 
 otherwise regarded than as a gratifying proof of meritorious conduct, and 
 a substantial reward for the many efforts you have made to sustain and 
 exalt the character of our Militia system. 
 
 In quiet times, when no dangers threaten us from abroad and a cheerful 
 obedience is yielded to the laws, the great importance of the Militia sys- 
 tem is not fully realized, and it is liable to fall into disrepute. Its burden 
 is then felt, and its usefulness is not perceived ; but tranquil security is 
 not the permanent condition of any nation. Some events among us during 
 the last year have shown what the history of all governments share, that 
 the civil authority must in some emergencies rely on military force for aid 
 in preserving public tranquillity, and securing the due execution of the laws. 
 The alacrity with which you obeyed the call of the civil magistrates in a 
 late alarming crisis, and the prompt and efficient assistance you gave them 
 in protecting the lives and property of your fellow-citizens, and in preserv- 
 ing the public peace, earned for you the favorable regard of the municipal 
 authorities of this City, and justify the appropriate testimonial of their ap- 
 probation now bestowed on you. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^gg 
 
 In the name and on behalf of the Common Council, I commit to you 
 these Standards, in the full confidence that they will be gallantly home 
 wherever duty requires. If, in the course of events, it should be necessary 
 to call on the military force to preserve the public peace, or to vindicate 
 our rights or honor, I doubt not the "National Guard" will be found 
 among the first to obey such a call, and, if the exigency of the service 
 require it, to peril their lives in their country's cause. 
 
 These are the present 
 
 COLORS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, 
 
 "The proud banners that with prayer 
 Had been consecrated there." 
 22 
 
170 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 FKAGMENT. 
 
 H. W. L. 
 ******* 
 
 Take thy Banner I — May it wave 
 Proudly o'er the good and brave. 
 
 Take thy Banner I — And beneath 
 The war-cloud's encircling wreath, 
 Guard it — 'till our homes are free ; 
 Guard it — God will prosper thee I 
 In the dark and trying hour, 
 In the breaking forth of power, 
 In the rush of steeds and men, 
 His right hand will shield thee then. 
 
 Take thy Banner! — And when night 
 
 Closes round the ghastly fight. 
 
 If the vanquished warrior bow, 
 
 Spare him * * * * 
 
 * * he our love hath shared; 
 
 Spare him — ^as thou would'st be spared ! 
 
 Take thy Banner I — And if e'er 
 Thou should'st press the soldier's bier, 
 And the muffled drum should beat 
 To the tread of mournful feet, 
 Then its gorgeous folds shall be 
 Martial cloak and shroud for thee. 
 
XII. 
 
 The new uniforms gave very general satisfaction, and 
 attracted to the Regiment the admiration of all who took 
 an interest in the advancement of the Volunteer Corps of 
 the City. A fresh impulse was given to the spirit of im- 
 provement, and a determination manifested to a still 
 further elevation of the prestige of the Regiment; and, as 
 a stimulant to exertions in that direction on the part of 
 the members, and as a reward to those who might render 
 .eminent services in promoting the interests of the Corps, 
 the Board of Officers instituted an "Order of Merit," 
 the distinguishing badge of which (a ^' Cross of Honor") 
 was to be conferred on, and worn by, those who should 
 "excel in the discharge of the various duties of the 
 "service." 
 
 It was directed in Regimental Orders, September 3, 
 1835, that members of the Order of Merit, wearing the 
 Cross, should receive from sentinels and others the honors 
 and salutations as to commissioned officers. 
 
172 EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REaiMENT. 
 
 Amongst those designated to be distinguished with the 
 Cross of the Order was "the Commandant who should 
 "present the best drilled Company for inspection," and, 
 "in each Company, to the member who should have 
 "recruited the greatest number during the year," and 
 also for other specified good services. The number to be 
 conferred was not to exceed twelve each year. 
 
 The first distribution of the crosses was to be in Octo- 
 ber. A spirit of emulation was aroused amongst the 
 members of the several Companies to win the distinction 
 of the Cross for recruiting; and the several Captains put 
 their Companies in special training for the Cross for supe- 
 rior discipline. 
 
 On the 26th October, the trial for superiority in drill 
 was held in the Arsenal yard. 
 
 Brigadier-General Hunt, of the First Brigade N. Y. 
 
 S. Artillery, 
 Colonel KiERSTED, of the Seventy-fifth Regiment N. • 
 
 Y. S. Infantry, and 
 Lieutenant Drum, U. S. Army, 
 were appointed judges. They awarded the palm of supe- 
 riority to the Seventh Company, Captain John T. Cairns. 
 
 And Regimental Orders of November 20th, 1835, an- 
 nounced the award of the first ten Crosses of the Order 
 of Merit, as follows • to 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. l*J^ 
 
 I. Captain Cairns, of the Seventh Company, for the 
 best drilled Company; 
 
 II. Lieutenant-Commander Shumway, Eighth Com- 
 pany, for the Company receiving the greatest 
 number of recruits. 
 
 And for the greatest number recruited by members — 
 
 III. In the First Company, to Abiel Miles; 
 
 IV. In the Second Company, to Clark Yreeland; 
 Y. In the Third Company, to James Scribner; 
 YI. In the Fourth Company, to James Roome; 
 YII. In the Fifth Company, to Edward Shortill; 
 YIII. In Company 6, to Asher Taylor; 
 
 IX. In the Seventh Company, to Charles W. 
 Yultee; 
 
 X. In the Eighth Company, to Henry J. Beers. 
 
 And subsequently, by the "Order of Merit," to the 
 "two members of the Regiment most distinguished by 
 "their knowledge of the 'art of war,' and for zeal and 
 "activity in promoting the interests of the service :" 
 
 XI. To Thomas M. Adriance, of Company 6, for- 
 merly of the Fourth; 
 
 XII. To Robert E. Launitz, of the Eighth Com- 
 pany. 
 
 Meetings of the members of the Order of Merit were 
 held, and Captain Cairns was elected Commander, and 
 measures inaugurated for carrying out the organization 
 and objects of the institution. 
 
X74 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The Great Fire, on the night of the 16th and morning 
 of the 17th December, 1835, which destroyed some 
 twenty odd miUions of dollars' worth of property, pre- 
 sented an opportunity for the Corps to render service to 
 the public in another line. 
 
 The great extent of the "burnt district," and the im- 
 mense amount of valuable goods and property of various 
 kinds which remained amongst and about the ruins, 
 .exposed to depredations, required the exercise of energies 
 beyond the ordinary civil powers, and the Mayor accepted 
 the tender of the service of the Regiment for guard duty 
 in the emergency. 
 
 A line of sentinels was formed from the foot of "Wall 
 street, up Wall, and to the foot of Broad street, outside 
 of the limits of the devastated district, rendering entire 
 protection to the exposed property during the night of 
 their service. The narrator "recollects" well his two 
 "turns" on post during the night, at the corner of the 
 ruins of the old Merchants' Exchange, at Hanover street, 
 in an exceedingly cold and driving storm of sleet and rain, 
 and the gloomy and dreadful appearance of the smol- 
 dering ruins, extended over a space of upwards of fifty 
 acres, broken here and there by a fitful flame from a half- 
 smothered fire. He " recollects " as well, too, the " relief" 
 of toasting Ms toes in the "off" intervals at the glowing 
 fire, and refreshing with the genial hospitality of the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEYENTH REGIMENT. ^75 
 
 noted "Auction Hotel," of George "W. Brown, in Water 
 street, which was the head-quarters of one wing of the 
 Regiment for the occasion. 
 
 His Honor the Mayor of the City (Cornelius W. Law- 
 rence, Esq.) addressed an elaborate communication to 
 General Morton, reciting the services rendered, and ex- 
 pressing "the thanks of the public authorities, as well as 
 "of the citizens generally, for the zeal and devotion 
 " exhibited in the discharge of the arduous and unpleasant 
 "duty." 
 
 The General, in promulgating to his command the 
 letter of the Mayor, remarks: "The commendation 
 "bestowed has been, the General is persuaded, well mer- 
 "ited. The soldierly and discreet conduct of the troops 
 " who formed the cordon along the line of desolation 
 " caused by the late fire, is spoken of, on all occasions, in 
 "terms of the highest praise." And adds: "The Corps 
 "will also, by this late event, learn with satisfaction that 
 "there are offices of protection and kindness which their 
 "association, as citizen soldiers, will enable them to ren- 
 " der the community." 
 
 In the month of February, 1836, the peace of the 
 loweiv part of the City was disturbed by a "strike" among 
 the stevedores and other "'long shore" workmen. After 
 parading the streets and along the docks for several days, 
 
176 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 their demonstrations assumed a riotous aspect, eliciting 
 vigorous action on the part of the civil authorities. The 
 Mayor called on the Twenty-seventh Regiment, which 
 promptly paraded, at eight o'clock, on the morning of the 
 24th February, and was quartered in the large court- 
 rooms of the City Hall, and furnished with fresh ammu- 
 nition, and held ready for action; which coming to the 
 knowledge of the rioters, with the assurance that the 
 Mayor was determined that there should be no further 
 disturbance, order was restored, and the Regiment dis- 
 missed in the evening. 
 
 These frequent, systematic, and defiant outbreaks 
 against law and order set the "big wigs " to thinking that 
 it was necessary to make some organized preparation for 
 them. Attention wa^, of course, directed to the National 
 Guard, and after consulting all around, the arrangement 
 announced in the following Order was arrived at : 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH REQIMENT N. T. STATE ARTILLERY. 
 STANDING REGIMENTAL ORDERS. 
 
 New York, February 24th, 1836. 
 
 His Honor, the Mayor of the City, having expressed a wish that some 
 military corps should be held ready at any moment to aid the civil author- 
 ities, the Commandant has tendered the services of this Regiment, and 
 directs the members to preserve, in good order, their ball cartridges, and 
 to assemble in full uniform (gray pantaloons) at the Park, immediately on 
 the exhibition of the private signals. 
 
 The signals will be displayed at the Bleecker Street House, Riley's 
 Fifth Ward Hotel, Niblo's GTarden, Bowery Theatre, Washington Hotel, 
 Merchants' Exchange, Holt's Hotel, and Bradley's Seventh Ward Hotel. 
 
REOOLLECTIOXS OF THE SETEN'TFT REGnfRNT. I'J'J 
 
 The prompt and soldier-like manner in which the Regi- 
 ment had responded to the call of the magistrates, and 
 the discreet, energetic and satisfactory manner in which 
 the required duties were performed, on the various occa- 
 sions that it had been "out," had not escaped the notice 
 of the citizens, which the following scrap from a daily 
 paper of the time will show : 
 
 The National Guards. — The alacrity with which that fine Regiment, 
 the National Guards (the Twenty-seventh), turned out upon the occasion 
 of the late stevedore rebellion, deserves much praise. This Regiment is 
 six hundred strong, composed entirely of the respectable young men of 
 the City, full of spirit, and in higher discipline, it is admitted, than any 
 other volunteer uniform corps of Militia in the Union. Their dress is 
 gray, and very neat and soldier-like. They are quite experienced in the 
 matter of riots. It was they who did such efficient duty at the "affair of 
 **the barricades" (carts) at Ludlow's Church, during the Abolition riots, 
 two years since. They may be considered the most efficient police we 
 have, and we believe the Mayor and Common Council look upon them as 
 such. 
 
 To increase the efficiency of the Corps in the line of 
 "street service," the Commander-in-Chief, a short time 
 afterwards, assigned to it a Battery of Artillery, of two 
 howitzers and a field-piece. 
 
 The trial this year (1836) for superiority in drill was 
 early appointed to be held in the month of September. 
 An entire day was to be devoted to it, and all the Com- 
 panies were to be brought under examination. They 
 accordingly entered upon a course of extra drill, in pre- 
 paration for the ordeal — most of them more from a desire 
 
 not to be lowest in the scale of proficiency than any ex- 
 
 23 
 
■[78 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 pectation of being highest. Some two or three of the 
 Companies, however, were put under training as severe 
 and exacting, ahuost, as that to which the prize-fighter 
 or the race-horse is subjected, in order to develop their 
 utmost capabihties. 
 
 The Seventh Company proudly bore its laurels, won 
 the year before, and was eager to vindicate its envied 
 position as first in the scale of excellence. But it was 
 soon perceived that they were to be hard pressed by the 
 MgJith, whose talented and ambitious young commander 
 thought he saw the coveted distinction within reach of 
 his efforts. 
 
 The standard system of drill at that time was accord- 
 ing to "Scott's Tactics;" and the officers of the Regi- 
 ment, one and all, prided themselves upon their thor- 
 ough acquaintance with it, and strict adherence to its 
 most minute details. A deviation from " ^Ae Boole,'''' 
 either in a word of command or a movement, would be 
 detected by every officer and derided by three-quarters 
 of the rank and file, so thoroughly was it studied and 
 understood throughout the Corps. Captain Cairns, of 
 the Seventh Company, was an especial adept in, and 
 devotee of, all the intricacies and mysteries of "the 
 "Book;" in fact, he subsequently prepared and pub- 
 lished a work on the Elementary Instruction of Kecruite, 
 based mainly on "the Book" of General Scott. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^79 
 
 The 12th of September was the day appointed for the 
 "trial games." The Companies were formed in the Ar- 
 senal yard, at successive hours, and placed in charge of 
 the judges; and each Captain put his Company through 
 the School of the Soldier, and of the Company, and such 
 marchings and evolutions as he thought proper, or were 
 suggested or called for by the judges. 
 
 The actual contest for ultimate superiority had settled 
 down to the trial of the Seventh and Eighth; although 
 all the Companies exhibited a proficiency but rarely 
 equaled, and which, under any other circumstances, 
 would have astonished the lookers-on and elicited the 
 highest commendation. 
 
 The Seventh was put on exhibition first of the two; and 
 WiQ prestige of its former success, with the high reputation 
 of its Commander as a disciplinarian and tactician, had 
 inspired the members and the numerous friends of the 
 Company with the utmost confidence in its again being 
 victorious; but Captain Cairns had overdone the mat- 
 ter — had drilled his men to so fine a point that it was 
 really painful to witness; every motion so slowly and 
 deliberately performed — so automatic, so elaborated in 
 all the details — that it appeared like hesitation on the 
 part of the men — like pausing to think, before they 
 stirred — ^that it forcibly struck the observers as entirely 
 inefficient for any practical service, and ridiculous as an 
 
180 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 exhibition of perfection in usefulness. Whilst the drill 
 of the Eighth was equally exact and perfect in the per- 
 formance, and with the brusque, animated and pointed 
 manner for which the Regiment, and that Company in 
 particular, has ever since been distinguished; in the man- 
 ual of arms and in the marchings, the perfection of Cap- 
 tain Shumway's training was marked and unmistakable. 
 The palm of superiority was unanimously accorded to the 
 Eighth Company, which came out of the trying ordeal 
 entirely ^^ sans reproche," as its young Commander had 
 entered the lists '^ sans 2>eur." The result was, of course, 
 highly gratifying to the members and to the numerous 
 friends of the Eighth, and especially so to its gallant 
 young Commander, Captain Shumway, being the first step 
 forward in the brilliant career in which he led his glorious 
 Eighth Company, through a period of upwards of seven 
 and twenty years; ever maintaining its proficiency in drill 
 and discipline at the highest degree of perfection; and its 
 personnel comprising gentlemen eminent for character, 
 ability and social position. It was conceded for many 
 years to be the model Company in the City. Captain 
 Shumway was also distinguished, by the Grovernor of the 
 State, with the brevet rank of Colonel, having steadfastly 
 and persistently resisted the frequent and pressing efforts 
 of his brother-officers in the Regimental Board to promote 
 him to the "field;" his attachment to his command and its 
 personnel, and theirs to him, predominating over all the 
 promptings of ambition or allurements of advancement. 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ]^gj 
 
 To such an intensity had the excitement of emulation 
 been carried that the disappointment and chagrin of the 
 defeat was overwhelming to Captain Cairns and his 
 Company. He immediately left the Regiment, with the 
 greater part of his men; and afterwards organized them 
 into a new Company, under the name of "Independence 
 " Guard " — attaching it as a flank Company to one of the 
 Infantry Regiments, — and maintained for it, for several 
 years, a very respectable position, in the estimation of the 
 military public; — in fact, it could not well have been 
 otherwise, from his high character as an enthusiastic drill 
 officer, and the very high state of discipline his Company 
 had attained before it left the National Guard. 
 
 The Seventh Company was resuscitated under Captain 
 Bremner. 
 
 The "Order of Merit," that had been the primary 
 exciting cause of the contention, and which but a year 
 before had opened up such a brilliant field for ambition, 
 sank under the excitement — disappeared — ^^ and was never 
 ^^ heard of more/" 
 
 The venerable Major-General Jacob Morton died (of 
 apoplexy) on the fourth of December, 1836, upwards of 
 eighty years of age. He was buried with the highest 
 military honors, in the performance of which the Twenty- 
 seventh Regiment bore a prominent part. 
 
132 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 
 
 General Morton had ever been, from his early man- 
 hood, conspicuous for his ardent devotion to the military 
 service of the State, and for the marked ability that had 
 generally characterized the performance of the duties of 
 his various positions. He was a man of cultivated mind, 
 and refined and gentlemanly manners, and held an ele- 
 vated social rank; — educated for the bar, but had been, 
 nearly all his life, in some public employment. For almost 
 thirty years he was Clerk of the Common Council, which 
 position he held at the time of his death. 
 
XIII. 
 
 The veteran narrator's "recollections" of the career 
 of the Regiment after this period are somewhat of the 
 character of poor Cassio's on one occasion (but not, how- 
 beit, from the same cause); he "remembers a mass of 
 "things, but nothing distinctly." He therefore abandons 
 all regularity of narrative, and can only refer to his recol- 
 lections of a few incidents. 
 
 The Flour Riots, in the early part of 1837 — as the sack- 
 ing of a few flour stores, and the destruction of a large 
 portion of their contents because flour was scarce and 
 dear, was called — and the threatening of Wall street by 
 the mob, and to ''go thrmigh^^ the banks, when they sus- 
 pended specie payments in the spring of the same year, 
 because dollars were scarce with them and hard to get, 
 called the Regiment several times to the front; on the 
 first occasion to restore order, and on the latter ones to 
 maintain it. 
 
134 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 The halting and "piling arms" for a few hours in 
 front of the Merchants' Exchange afforded an oppor- 
 tunity to the grave and solid men of that region, such 
 as but few of them had ever had before, to observe and 
 scrutinize the character and deportment of the person- 
 nel of the Regiment; and realizing by the events pass- 
 ing around them, as they had never done before, how 
 much their future safety, and the peace and quiet of the 
 City, and the protection and security of their property 
 from riot and pillage, depended on the reliable character 
 of its members and the efiBciency of its organization; all 
 of which made a deep and lasting impression on their 
 minds, and secured their favorable consideration ever 
 after; which has been strikingly manifested in various 
 ways, especially in their encouragement of their sons and 
 clerks to join its ranks. Among the veterans and passed 
 members of the Regiment, at this time, are numbered 
 very many gentlemen of the highest business and social 
 positions, who, in their young days, were attracted to its 
 ranks by the influence upon the public mind of the char- 
 acter and reputation gained- for the Corps in those days 
 of riot, excitement and peril. 
 
 It is estimated that there are more than ten thousand men who have 
 served in the Eegiment since its formation, and who are met' with, not 
 only everywhere in our own country, but in every quarter of the globe, 
 and in all the various walks and avocations of life ; not a few of them dis- 
 tinguished by military, civic, social and mercantile eminence; gnd many 
 occupying with credit high positions of trust and honor, with reputations 
 and business habits founded, unquestionably, in a great measure on the 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ]^g5 
 
 early training received under the "Colors of the National Guard," for the 
 strict order and rigid discipline they were there subjected to, requiring and 
 habituating them to stand up firmly and squarely on both feet, and to bear 
 themselves uprightly, with head erect, and looking steadily to the front 
 prepared to move to any point, and to execute promptly, with confidence 
 and self-reliance, whatever duty any exigency might require, it is asserted 
 by many now advanced in years, have exerted a material influence in 
 forming their business habits and characters; and they delight to avow the 
 belief that much of their success in after life is attributable to the habits 
 of order and promptitude they thus in early life acquired in serving under 
 " The Colors of the National Guard;" and the sentiment of the Motto then 
 impressed on their minds has been largely the ruling principle of their 
 whole lives — 
 
 " Pko Patria et Gloria." 
 
 — Notes on the Colors. 
 
 And when the day of bitter trial came, the Motto of the 
 Corps was truly the ruling principle of its members. 
 They all stepped to the front, as one man — Pro Patria et 
 Gloria ; and in the shadow of the Capitol of the nation, 
 in the presence of the President of the United States, 
 and under the sacred "Banner of the National Guard," 
 and the august ensign of the nation, held up their right 
 hands to heaven and swore fealty to the National Govern- 
 ment, in the face of all its perils. "We were thrilled," 
 says Winthrop* " and solemnized by the stately ceremony 
 "of the oath." "Upon the minds of those who wit- 
 "nessed, or participated, on that bright spring afternoon," 
 says Colonel Clark, '\ "in the sublime scene, with its grand 
 
 "surroundings, impressions were made which time can 
 ** never efface." 
 
 * In the Atlantic Monthly. f In his History of the Second Company. 
 
 24 
 
136 KECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 
 
 Oh 'twas a gallant day, 
 
 In memory still adored — 
 That day of our sunbright nuptials 
 
 With the musket and the sword. 
 
 — Private Miles OReilly. 
 
 The Regiment numbered a thousand men, all loyal. It 
 is questionable whether any other organization, mihtary 
 or other, of equal numbers, presents such a record. 
 What though a few, supposed not half a dozen, who had 
 served in the Corps, some of them many years previous, 
 and having become estranged from the principles of honor 
 and patriotism which had for so long a time been the 
 distinguishing characteristics of its members, proved false 
 and recreant, and, as ''Copperheads,^^ took the side of trai- 
 tors and rebels, yet the Regiment was true ; its thousand 
 gallant and patriotic hearts all beat in honor and loyalty 
 to the great national cause, and in unison with their early 
 and constant training — Pro Patria et Gloria. 
 
 Shortly after the tour of garrison duty at Fort Hamil- 
 ton, in 1839, the narrator removed from the City, and 
 remained away for several years; and, of course, could 
 not be so close an observer of the course and action 
 of the Regiment. The various "turn outs," marches, 
 encampments, and excursions, and the whole subsequent 
 career of the Corps, must be left (doubtless to the great 
 relief and satisfaction of the reader) for more modern 
 membership and more competent hands to narrate. 
 
REOOLLKCTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. Igf 
 
 The Corps did not lose its distinctive character nor its 
 identity when, in 1847, in the new arrangement and re- 
 organization of the MiUtia of the State, its numerical 
 designation was changed from Twenty-seventh to 
 
 SEVENTH REGIMENT; 
 
 but the same "National Guard" as it had been in the 
 beginning, it was then, and, it is hoped, will ever be; bear- 
 ing, clustering around the proud recollections of its origin 
 and "early days," and of its prompt and gallant services 
 in sustaining the civil authorities whilst it was the 
 " Twenty-seventh,^' the more recent, fresh, and brilliant 
 honors and distinctions, acquired under its later designa- 
 tion, "The Seventh;" still lifting. 
 
 " * * its starry flag on high 
 To fill with light our troubled sky;" 
 
 and has extended, not only over our own City and State, 
 but throughout the whole land, and even to the highest 
 military circles of Europe, the reverberations of its 
 renown. 
 
 The old members and friends of the Corps were much 
 interested and gratified at a striking manifestation of its 
 power and influence, as displayed in an incident that 
 occurred in 1857. 
 
 In the month of June of that year a noted high City 
 functionary found himself arrayed against the judicial 
 
138 EECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 authorities; or, rather, the judicial authorities arrayed 
 against him. He had surrounded himself with a large 
 force of his myrmidons to prevent the service of a war- 
 rant issued by one of the Courts, and was determined to 
 resist arrest. They had actually beaten back, in a bloody 
 struggle, the officer having the process, backed by a strong 
 poUce force. At this juncture the Regiment happened to 
 be passing down Broadway, in full force, bound on an 
 excursion for pleasure to Boston. On its being perceived 
 by the civil officer who was resisted and kept at bay, he 
 demanded its interposition to his support, and the proper 
 forms of requisition, orders, &c., being hastily gone 
 through, the General being present, the Regiment was 
 wheeled into the Park, and halted in front of the City 
 Hall. The thud of its "order arms," sounding through 
 the aisles and passages of the building, reached the ears 
 of the recusant official, giving him notice of its presence, 
 which "struck more terror to his soul" than all the thun- 
 ders an^ menaces of the Courts, backed by an army of 
 policemen, had been able to do; he, realizing in a moment 
 "the situation," and startled from the equanimity of his 
 fancied security, cowering, and with blanched cheeks, at 
 once succumbed. The supremacy of the law having been 
 thus asserted and re-established, solely through the influ- 
 ence of its prestige, and "the power of its great name," 
 the Regiment, after but a brief detention, "shouldered 
 "arms" and resumed the march, on "its winding way" 
 to its destination. 
 
EECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ^gO 
 
 A few days afterwards, having returned to the City, 
 the Regiment was on duty for several days and nights, 
 deahng with the celebrated "Dead Rabbits"* riots, in 
 the vicinity of the "Five Points" — a sequence, and part 
 and parcel, of the turbulent proceedings inaugurated at 
 the City Hall. 
 
 It may well be imagined that the " wonted fire " of the 
 Veterans of the Corps was not a little excited and aroused 
 on witnessing the Regiment, the pride, boast and glory of 
 their "early days," start up at the first gun of the rebel- 
 Uon, and, without pausing or waiting for preparation, 
 march on the instant, and in advance of all other organiza- 
 tions^ A THOUSAND STRONG, of its own members, at the 
 urgent call of the National Government, "in the hour of 
 "its dark and trying necessity," to the protection and 
 preservation of the National Capital, menaced by rebels; 
 thus realizing all its early promise, and justifying the con- 
 fidence of its friends. Indeed, 
 
 " Hope's young promises were all made good ;" 
 
 their gallant Corps, with "its wealth of ancient fame," 
 proved itself still first and foremost in availabiUty, loy- 
 alty and strength; and, as it had ever been, in discipline, 
 and in the confidence, and interest, and afiections of the 
 
 * "On the eve of the 4th of July, a gaug of thieves and desperadoes, known as the 
 « Dead Rabbits,' made an attack upon a few policemen on duty near their haunts," Ac. 
 
190 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 people of the City; for, with the same unhesitating 
 promptitude and alacrity that, when in its ranks, they 
 had so often witnessed it, in its "early days," spring to 
 arms at the call of the magistrates, it now rushed forward, 
 with its own artillery and camp equipage, to present 
 itself, ready for instant action, before the President of 
 the United States and the General-in-Chief, — the largest 
 Regiment, it is believed, that had ever been seen in this 
 country — perfect in its organization, complete in its equip- 
 ments and appointments; — its personnel and materiel, and 
 the perfection of its discipline, the wonder of all, military 
 men as well as others, who beheld it. 
 
 After securing the safety of the Capital, and fulfilling 
 all the requirements of the Government, and sending 
 forward from its ranks, to the Grand Army of the Nation, 
 a greater number of men, its own members and its eleves, 
 than was furnished by any other then existing organiza- 
 tion in the United States, not excepting even West Point, 
 the especial protege of the Government, the Regiment 
 still maintained its organization, discipline and strength 
 intact, and up to the highest standard; standing, en re- 
 serve, always ready to respond at any moment, as it did 
 several times, to like sudden calls from the Government. 
 
 Among the men, estimated at more than eight hundred 
 in number, including the former members of the Regi- 
 ment, who entered the National service, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. |Q]^ 
 
 Three* attained the rank of Major-General; 
 Nineteen, Brigadier-General; 
 Twenty -nine, Colonel; 
 • Forty-six, Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 When the Regiment was first "mustered in" at Wash- 
 ington, on the 26th April, 1861, General McDowell, of 
 the United States Army, the mustering officer, as he 
 approached one of the Companies, paused, in evident 
 surprise, and, turning to the Captain, remarked: "Why, 
 " sir, you have a Company of officers, not private soldiers;" 
 which might be said, as well, of every Company in the 
 Regiment; and the expression is strikingly verified by the 
 fact that in the long list of the "fallen brave" of the 
 Regiment, all but two or three held the rank of commis- 
 sioned officers, ranging from Lieutenant up to Colonel. 
 
 It is a notable circumstance that quite a number of the members of the 
 Regiment, gentlemen in character and by education and position, filled 
 with 
 
 " A manly thirst for martial fame," 
 
 but who, notwithstanding their eminent qualifications and fitness, were 
 unable to command any of the mysterious "influences" that so sti-angely 
 and capriciously direct the granting of commissions, have adopted the 
 expedient of enlisting as privates in the Regular Regiments, where they, of 
 course, at once attract the notice of their officers, and are made Sergeants, 
 and most of them have been rewarded with commissions in the Regular 
 Army, for bravery and meritorious conduct, and all will doubtless find that 
 the readiest route to eminence, sparing them the humiliation of " bending 
 "the supple hinges of the knee" in sycophancy to political ^' injlne7ice," 
 "that thrift may follow fawning." — Notes on the Colors of the National 
 Guard 
 
 * As stated by Msyor-General Dix. 
 
192 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Every stricken field of the war sends back testimony 
 to the gallantry of the men of the Regiment; and, 
 
 " Go where loyal graves lie foremost, 
 There the Seventh claims its dead I" 
 
 The soil of Gettysburg, Ball's Bluff, The Wilderness, 
 Fair Oaks, Bull Run, Baton Rouge, drank their blood, 
 poured out like rain; — Bristow Station, Donaldsonville, 
 Cedar Creek, Charleston Harbor, Murfreesboro', and the 
 Shenandoah Yalley, and Malvern Hill, and Olustee, and 
 Port Hudson, and Fort "Wagner, consigned many of 
 them to 
 
 " * * the long, deep, blessed sleep 
 Of the battle-field's holy ground." 
 
 From Andersonville, the charnel prison-pen of the 
 accursed Confederate rebels, the spirits of our murdered 
 appeal for eternal vengeance on the base authors of the 
 terrible suffering and lingering death of the prisoners of 
 war doomed to the tortures of that horrible hole. 
 
 And Antietam, too, and Gaines' Mill, and West Vir- 
 ginia, Great Bethel, Kulp's Farm, Cold Harbor, Camden, 
 Manassas, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, and many other 
 fields where skirmish and battle occurred, received the 
 tribute of the life-blood of the men of the Seventh, 
 offered up on their country's altar — the shrine of patriot- 
 ism and of loyalty to its Government. 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. J 93 
 
 In the contemplation of their gallant deeds and glori- 
 ous death, 
 
 " The tear that we shed, tho' in secret it rolls, 
 Shall long keep their memory green iu our souls." 
 
 The walls of the several Company Rooms, at the Regi- 
 mental Armory, are studded with the memorials erected 
 by the living to their brothers "fallen in the great strug- 
 "gle," and "whose bones lie mingled with the soil" of 
 every State where battle was done, from Pennsylvania to 
 Georgia, and Florida, and Louisiana. 
 
 The First Company 
 
 INSCRIBES ON ITS TABLETS THE NAMES OF ITS GALLANT SONS, 
 
 Captain George Le Fort, 
 Captain Theodore Russell, 
 Captain J. J. Trenor. 
 
 The Second Company 
 
 REARS A MEMORIAL TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Captain Henry H. Alden, 
 Colonel Noah L. Farnham, 
 Captain Eugene Kelty, 
 Lieutenant Silas A. Miller, 
 Sergeant Gurdon L. Phipps, 
 Lieutenant D. Yon Postley. 
 
 The Third Company 
 
 DEVOTES ITS MONUMENTAL MARBLE TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Lieutenant Robert McD. Hart, 
 25 
 
194 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 Lieutenant John A. Baker, 
 Captain Frederick Hurst, 
 Captain H. G. Radcliffe, 
 Captain Samuel G. Mulligan, 
 Lieutenant W. R. Tremain. 
 
 The Fourth Company 
 
 CONSECRATES ITS TABLETS TO THE MEMORY OF ITS FALLEN BRATE, 
 
 Colonel Alford B. Chapman,* 
 Captain Edward A. Harrison, 
 Colonel James E. Mallon, 
 Lieutenant John E. Moies, 
 Captain Samuel H. Starr. 
 
 The Fifth Company 
 
 DISPLAYS ON ITS MEMORIALS THE NAMES OF 
 
 Lieut.-Col. Thomas J. Addie, 
 Captain A. Biddle, 
 Captain George W. Bissell, 
 Sergeant Augustus Fleet, 
 Lieutenant William H. KiNGSLAND,f 
 Captain George W. Lewis, 
 Lieutenant Henry N. Timolat, 
 Lieut.-Col. George Tucker. 
 
 * Herced, in the battle of The Wilderness, by three bullets, one near the heart, he 
 fell from his horse, and calmly remarked to his men, "/ am mortally wotmded, danH 
 " cwrry me back, let me die at the front" 
 
 \ Andersonville. 
 
recollections op the seventh regiment. ^95 
 
 Company 6 
 
 PERPETUATES THE MEMORY OF ITS NOBLY FALLEN SONS, 
 
 Captain H. Arnold, 
 Captain E. A. Cowdrey, 
 Captain Asher M. Ellsworth, 
 Captain H. Hicks, 
 Colonel Robert G. Shaw,* 
 Lieutenant Charles G. Smedberg, 
 Lieutenant Cha!iles F. Van Duzer. 
 
 The Seventh Company 
 
 DEDICATES ITS TABLET TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Lieutenant A. S. Bogert, 
 Captain Louis H. Lent, 
 Captain Fitz James O'Brien, 
 Captain George A. Morey, 
 Lieut.-Col. George H. Stevens, 
 Captain William J. Williams, 
 Private William E. Schenck. 
 
 The Eighth Company 
 
 KBEOTS ITS SPLENDID MONUMENT TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 Private J. Lawrence Keese, 
 Captain S. A. Mellick, 
 Adjutant Lewis 0. Parmelee. 
 
 * Fort Wagner, 
 
x96 recollections of the seventh regiment. 
 
 The Ninth Company 
 
 INSCRIBES ON ITS MEMORIAL THE IMMORTAL NAMES OF 
 
 Major Theodore Winthrop,* 
 Captain William Wheeler, 
 Sergeant Fordred Drayson. 
 
 The Tenth Company 
 
 EMBLAZONS ON ITS WALLS THE NAMES OP 
 
 Lieutenant Milnor Brown, 
 Adjutant Charles A. Gadsden, 
 Captain J. Henry Plume, 
 Major Clifton K. Prentiss, 
 Captain Henry A. Sand, 
 Captain Robert Seabury, ' 
 Captain Wright Staples, 
 Private Edward B. Welles. 
 
 The fields that were consecrated by their blood, and 
 the earth that enfolds their remains, will long be cher- 
 ished in the memory of their comrades as 
 
 "The free heart's Holy Land." 
 
 The present "narrator" here closes, with an earnest 
 protest against the outrageous and infamous desecration 
 of the great and glorious name, around which the Begi- 
 
 * Great Bethel 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. ig'J 
 
 ment had gathered so much distinction and wide-spread 
 renown, by its being appropriated bylaw to the "ra^, 
 ^^tag and bob-tail" the whole of the Militia of the State, 
 who all don it, and strut and pompositize, apparently 
 imagining themselves transformed, as by some Prospero\s 
 charm, into, and looked upon as, the veritable National 
 Guard of forty years' standing and character. 
 
 A striking evidence of the great popularity and the 
 strong hold upon the public mind the Regiment had 
 attained, is found in the numerous imitations and assump- 
 tions of its distinguishing appellation, and insignia, and 
 decorations, by others. 
 
 The "National Guard" was the first and only Corps 
 to adopt and establish, or dream of establishing, a ^^ Coat 
 ^' of Arms" with Crest and Motto, all in proper heraldic 
 order, as a distinguishing insignia; taking the National, 
 State and City armorial bearings, and, united with the 
 military insignia of the title of its own arm of service, 
 with its own cipher cognozance, all combined as proclaim- 
 ing its fealty and devoir to its constituted rulers, and in 
 the order of their supremacy. Following its lead, many 
 others strut out with all sorts of imitations and close 
 resemblances, showing how highly the idea was appre- 
 ciated; and some, with such manners as they happen to 
 have, do not hesitate to copy entire what they do not 
 seem to comprehend; very much in the manner that mod- 
 
198 RECOLLECTIONS OP THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 ern snobbery enters a heraldry shop and offers to buy, 
 with his money, anybody's coat of arms that the shield 
 and crest may happen to strike his fancy as grand and 
 flashy. 
 
 One modern Regiment displays a certificate, the most 
 prominent, and apparently most appreciated, embellish- 
 ment of which is an exact copy of the Shield of the Seventh 
 Regiment, only varying the initials of the appellation of 
 the Corps; and some copy it exactly and entire, "stop, 
 "dot, and comma." 
 
 The establishment, in these latter days, of the Associa- 
 tion of Veterans has had a marked effect in reviving old 
 feelings of interest in the Regiment, and 
 
 " Wakening thoughts that long have slept " 
 
 in the minds of many of the former members of the 
 Corps; amongst whom, for many years, there had been 
 growing up a desire for some sort of an organization of 
 old members that would have a tendency to recall and 
 continue the social relations, and perpetuate the attach- 
 ments and intimacies that had existed with them while in 
 service in the glorious old Corps, around which centered 
 so many happy recollections. Finally, on the evening of 
 February 8, 1859, a few (eight) of the old members assem- 
 bled at the Armory of Company 6 (at La Fayette Hall, 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. -[QQ 
 
 Broadway), and instituted measures for the formation of 
 such an Association, which resulted in the organization 
 of the 
 
 "VETERANS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD, 
 
 AN ASSOCIATION OF THE BETIRED MEMBERS OF THE SEVENTH, FORMERLY 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH, REGIMENT N. Y. S. M. 
 
 Instituted in 1859. — Incorporated by the Legislature, 1861. 
 
 The objects of the Association are 
 
 The Promotion of Social Union and Friendship 
 
 BETWEEN FORMER AND PRESENT COMPANIONS IN ARMS, 
 
 and to 
 
 Continue the Recollections of Service in the Regiment, 
 
 and to 
 
 Create a Fund for Useful and Benevolent Purposes." 
 
 The anniversary of the issue of the General Order of 
 the first of October, 1825, detaching the Corps as a sepa- 
 rate command, and officially recognizing its name of 
 "National Guards," was fixed upon by the veterans for 
 the festal day of their Association — its ^^ Anniversary,^^ — 
 to be observed with all due honor and distinction, and 
 celebrated with festivities and enjoyments, and pleasant 
 reminiscences of former associations and services, in 
 " auld lang syne " in the ranks of the Regiment. 
 
 " Handing the treasures of its glory down, 
 Bright, brighter than before." 
 
 The following list of the officers of the Association in 
 January, 1863, presents the names of several who were 
 identified with the Corps years before its organization 
 
200 RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
 
 under its present name, and whose interest in its progress 
 and career has continued unabated through that long 
 period of almost half a century; and they all have been 
 asssociated, at various times, with most of the prominent 
 events and services that have so steadily advanced the 
 character and reputation of the Regiment, down to the 
 present time. 
 
 BOARD OF MANAGEMENT, 
 January^ 1863. 
 
 Linus W. Stevens, Colonel ; 
 "Washington R. Vermilye, Lieutenant-Colonel; 
 Philetus H. Holt, Major. 
 AsHER Taylor, Adjutant; Thomas M. Adriance, Pay-Master; 
 
 Rev. Samuel D. Denison, Chaplain ; 
 John H. Quackenbush, Quarter-Master; 
 Gilbert L. Arrowsmith, Commissary. 
 Captain Wright F. Conger, Lieutenant John M. Davies, 
 Captain Theodore W. Todd, Lieutenant George R. Hegeman, 
 Captain Abraham Denike, Lieutenant William O'Brien, 
 
 Captain Cyrus H. Loutrel, Lieutenant Matthew E. Baker, 
 
 Captain William A. Pond, Lieutenant Jackson S. Schultz, 
 
 Captain James W. Halsted, Lieutenant Andrew Hoogland, 
 Captain Ephraim B. Place, Lieutenant D. I. Marriner, 
 
 Captain William D. Briggs, Lieutenant Edwin R. Tremain. 
 
 A considerable number of the old members of the 
 Regiment came forward at once and identified themselves 
 with the new Association; and many of the modern and 
 younger ones, as they become eligible by the service 
 of a full term in the Regiment, are also enrolling them- 
 selves in its ranks; and it bids fair to soon occupy a posi- 
 tion, in strength and respectability, and of prominence in 
 
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. 201 
 
 the public estimation, consistent with the objects of its 
 institution, and its relation to the Regiment; which, too, 
 
 "Whilst along the stream of time its name 
 Expanded flies, and gathers all its fame," 
 
 will be surrounded by a devoted band of thousands of its 
 past members, all retaining a lively recollection of their 
 old connections, and distinctions, and enjoyments in its 
 ranks, and keenly aHve to whatever may promote or 
 affect its prosperity, its character, or its fair fame; and 
 also maintaining an endless chain of interest, and sympa- 
 thy, and association between the services, and enjoyments, 
 and distinctions of the present, and 
 
 THE RECOLLECTIONS OF ITS EARLY DAYS. 
 
 And now, all Honor, and Health, and Strength to 
 
 The Gentlemen of the Seventh Regiment; 
 
 and Glory, and Triumph, and Renown to their 
 
 GALLANT CORPS, 
 
 "wherever they may go, and wherever their Colors may 
 
 "be advanced." 
 
14 DAY USE 
 
 RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED 
 
 LOAN DEPT. 1 
 
 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or 1 
 
 OQ the date to which renewed. 1 
 
 Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. " 
 
 DAVIS 
 
 
 INTER-LIBRARY 
 
 
 LOAN 
 
 
 JUN 2 7 1967 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TT^oiA Rn™ 7 •«« General Library 
 "-^i^tst'oHiel' Univers^^ofCalifornia 
 
YE G9452 
 

 
 
 ■,\ ''■'/ 
 
 i . ^:) ■ 
 
 
 ■*'r-K 
 
 
 1