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11th Infantry Regiment
New York
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
THE FIRE REGIMENT—Colonel Ellsworth and his officers have been active
in preparing this regiment for service. More work has been done in six days
than seemed possible. The men have been mustered into service; the officers
elected; the uniforms made, and on Sunday afternoon eleven hundred as efficient
and hardy soldiers as ever handled a gun, will start for the scene of rebellion.
Col. Ellsworth arrived in this city on Thursday of last week. On Friday he
called together a number of the principal men of the department. On Saturday
he selected his officers. On Sunday he mustered one thousand men. On Monday
he drilled them. On Tuesday inspected them. On Wednesday commenced giving them
clothes. On Thursday had them in quarters, and yesterday, (Friday), he was
ready in waiting for supplies. To day he will receive them, and to-morrow march
through the city escorted by the whole Fire Department on board the steamer
Baltic direct for the seat of war.
Who can now say that the New York firemen lack patriotism? Who can say that
the desire of gain influences their motives? For years they have worked for
the city, and now, when duty calls, they are found extending their benefits
to the whole country. The firemen have entered into this movement, with a full
understanding as to the work before them. They know the hardship they are expected
to endure. They offer their lives, and look to the citizens of New York for
the means to get them into active service. The trustees of the department and
other firemen have formed a committee to help them. Will not the citizens join
to aid this regiment to leave the city prepared for any emergency? The men
want such things as under-clothing, and contributions will be gratefully acknowledged.
The regiment will leave the city without their overcoats or blankets. They
leave because they believe they are wanted. Were it necessary for them to go
unarmed, they would go, but as the people can help them, they ask assistance.
The companies are located in the buildings in Canal street, between Broadway
and Centre, and will remain there until the time of their departure. The Finance
Committee, who are composed of the best men in the city, will gratefully receive
and acknowledge any help.
This morning an election of Captains and Lieutenants will take place. The Captains
of companies are to be as follows:
Co. A, John Coyle, of Hose 42.
Co. B, M. Murphy, of Hose 41.
Co. C, Ed. Burns, of Engine 16.
Co. D, John Downey, of Engine 34.
Co. E, John B. Leverich, of Hose 7.
Co. F, W. Burns, of Engine 6.
Co. G, M. Teagan, of Engine 13.
Co. H, W. Hackett, Engineer.
Co. I, John Wildey, of Engine 11.
Co. J, Andrew Curtill, of Engine 14.
John A. Cregier is appointed Major; Noah L. Farnham, Lieutenant Colonel. During
the week many presentations have taken place. Almost every officer has been
the recipient of some token from the company to which he was attached, and
it must be pleasant to the men to know that their fellows who are left behind
appreciate their efforts and sacrifices in behalf of the flag of their country.
There have been one thousand and one hundred men who have sworn to sustain
the Regiment. Nearly all of them have been uniformed, or will be by noon to-day,
and it is the hope of every fireman that each one will respond to the last
call, and be prepared to leave on Sunday. The whole country are watching the
Regiment of New York Firemen. They expect great things of them, and it is our
ardent prayer that they will return crowned with honor. It was the intention
of the Colonel to march the Regiment to Fort Hamilton, and spend a few days
in instruction, but important orders from Washington demand the immediate departure
of the Regiment. That all who have been selected will go we are sure, as it
would be an everlasting disgrace to be left behind on such an occasion. To
the members enlisted we say attend to your duties, and act like men to the
citizens. Lend the aid you can in furthering the object by your contributions.
The Common Council have voted a stand of colors for the Regiment. Mr. John
J. Astor has also; and this evening Company E receive a stand from the citizens
of the Fifteenth Ward. The American flag will be well displayed in the ranks,
and we earnestly hope that the Regiment will hang them in Firemens' Hall on
their return, untarnished by any description of stain.
Line of March of the Fire Brigade.
The Regiment will form at 10 o'clock, A. M., Sunday, the 28th. After dinner,
march at 1 o'clock to receive the colors from the Fire Department in front
of the Regimental Armory in Canal street, near Broadway. After which march
up Broadway to the Fifth avenue, to Thirty-third street, and receive the
colors from Mrs. Astor, at 2 1-2 P. M. Return down Broadway to Seventh street;
detour in front of the Everett House to Irving place; thence to Fifteenth
street, and through to Fourth avenue, around the Washington Monument. Thence
down Fourth avenue, and Bowery, and Chatham streets, to the Astor House;
receive their colors, and proceed to their destination. The Fire Department
to escort the regiment twenty-four front. Firemen to flank the regiment on
either side by twos. No persons to march between the escort or the regiment,
except the committee of the regimental fund, whose position will be at the
head of the regiment.
By order of O. F. Ockershausen, Ch'n Com.
John Decker, Chief Fire Dept.
(Leader, April 27, 1861)
OFFICE CHIEF ENGINEER,
Fire Department, 21 Elizabeth street, April 26th, 1861. In accordance with
a Resolution of the "Board of Engineers and Foremen," the Members
of the Fire Department, will meet on Sunday, the 28th instant, at 12 o'clock,
to escort the First Regiment New York Zouaves.
The Line will form in Broome street, right resting on Broadway. Officers of
Company's are requested to report immediately upon their arrival to the Marshal,
who will assign them their place in Line. The Exempt Firemen, Trustees, Officers
and Commissioners of Fire Department, are requested to take part in the procession.
By order of
JOHN DECKER, Grand Marshal.
THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
The march of Col. Ellsworth's Regiment of Zouaves through this city on Monday
afternoon, was peculiarly imposing and demonstrative, even in these military
times. Thoroughly equipped in light and appropriate uniform, and armed with
Sharp's breech-loading rifles, the great mass of the people were eagerly
desirous of witnessing their movements. The open space opposite and contiguous
to their barracks in Canal street, was seized a few hours before noon, by
a huge throng, who awaited their formation, but who were afterwards obliged
by the police to vacate the ground, and retreat, on either side, for several
hundred feet, so as to afford space enough for the regiment to form line,
and make the preliminary arrangements necessary to the march. This had the
effect of blockading that portion of Broadway bounding Canal street, and
the streets eastward of Elm. Among the crowd were many ladies, and among
the ladies many "sweethearts" of the Zouaves—the latter bringing
all the varied gifts which attention might prompt, to present to the particular
objects of their affection.
The relatives, males and females of several of the Zouaves were kindly permitted
by the police to enter the Barracks where many affecting scenes occurred. In
those quarters which were marked by all the bustle and activity, incidental
to a military departure were several members of the common Council, and the
following gentlemen, who compose the Committee, under whose auspices the Zouaves
were organized: A. F. Ockerhausen, Geo. F. Nesbitt, James Kelly, Chief-Engineer
Decker, W. H. Wickham, John R. Platt, John S. Giles, Z. Mills, A. J. Delatour,
James Y. Watkins, David A. Milliken, Wm. Wright, Henry A. Burr, and O. W. Brennan.
There were also precent Gen. Dix and Hon. Cassius M. Clay.
In the open place, opposite the barrack, Adam's monster Express wagon, drawn
by six horses, tandem, appeared at ten o'clock, and an hour and a half later,
two carriages were drawn up, containing Mrs. J. J. Astor, Jr. and her friends,
the former being there, to present through Gen. Dix, two stands of colors to
the regiment. Both flags were of fine silk—one being a large American
banner, without any inscription, and trimmed with heavy yellow fringe, with
a pair of very- heavy tassels.
The other was a large flag, lined with white silk trimmed similarly to the
other, and bearing the following inscription, in raised, embroidered letters:
U. S. NATIONAL GUARDS.
First Regiment New York Zouaves.
At half past two o'clock, while the Zouaves were being formed into a hollow
square opposite the barracks, Mrs. Astor and other ladies alighted from their
carriages. "Hats off!" was shouted from hundreds of throats, which
order was obeyed amid deafening cheers. Among the gentlemen present was General
John E. Wool.
Mr. Wickham presented the Zouaves with a beautiful flag, in behalf of the Fire
Department. The flag was of choice silk, trimmed with yellow fringe. In the
center were the coat of arms of the Fire Department, over which, in a neat
circle, were the words in raised gold letters:
"The Star-spangled Banner in triumph shall wave."
Mr. Wickham, in presenting the flag, said it gave him much pleasure to perform
the duty. He esteemed it a high honor, and he felt assured that the energy
which the Zouaves had displayed when members of the Fire Department would be
brought by them into the service of their country. He was sure that where the
bullets flew thickest and the fire was most fatal they would carry this beautiful
flag with which they were honored. (Cheers.)
Col. Ellsworth replied on behalf, of the regiment. He said he could not attempt
to share all the feelings of pride and satisfaction of the members of his regiment
at receiving the colors, as he had been but recently associated with them.
He knew in them beat brave hearts. The fame which they had as a body of firemen,
would be increased, he felt assured, by their military action, in other scenes.
He knew that the beautiful flag with which they were honored would be bravely
defended by his Zouaves, for while one of them breathed it would be vindicated.
The Regiment would come back to their city, perhaps, and when they arrived,
they would carry that flag with pride which they had so nobly volunteered to
defend, and it would appear unsullied, and attest their loyalty and bravery.
He felt proud at having the command of such a body of men, and willingly joined
his fortunes to theirs.
His acknowledgments were brief, for he was not a speech-maker, but he would
return, in conclusion, his own and the Regiment's thanks for the flag committed
to their charge. (Cheers.)
The Star-Spangled Banner was here played, and the air excited much enthusiasm.
Gen. Dix then presented a stand of colors to the regiment, in behalf of Mrs.
Astor. In doing so, he said, he felt honored by the duty imposed on him, and
read before the regiment the following letter of presentation:
Col. Ellsworth, Sir:—I have the honor to present the accompanying colors
to the 1st Regiment of Zouaves. In delivering the ensign of your nation to
the brave men who are now under your command, I am happy, in the confidence
that I entrust it to men whose hands are nerved by a generous patriotism to
defend it—whose hearts feel now more deeply than ever the honor of our
country's flag, an honor held as sacred and precious as their own lives. Accustomed,
as we are, to think of it in the discharge of ordinary duties with sympathy
and well-founded pride, those feelings grow stronger in the solemn moment when
they are going from us in a new and more perilous service. But, sir, I hope
that Heaven's most gracious eye will be with you, and protect you: and believe
me with much respect, Your obedient servant,
"Augusta Astor."
(Loud cheers followed the reading of this letter.)
Col. Ellsworth remarked he would fail if he should attempt to reply to such
a patriotic letter; but he would say that the confidence reposed in him and
his regiment would be amply justified. (Cheers.)
Col. Ellsworth was then introduced by Gen. Dix to the ladies present, after
which the regiment gave cheers for their Colonel, Chief-Engineer Decker,
Quartermaster Stetson and others.
The line was subsequently broke into columns, and in a couple of dozen platoons
proceeded up Broadway to Bond street; thence to the Bowery, down Chatham street;
around the Park, and down Canal street to the pier whence the Baltic started.
We cannot pick out each good-looking man in the long line of the Battalion,
for there were a large number of them. The Fire Editor of THE LEADER looked
about eleven feet high, and as savage as Crummels. He indulges in pride, just
now, because his is the banner company! May the Southern rebels never reduce
his shadow!
Another spunky-looking officer, Engineer Bill Heckett, kind of threw a terror
over us. He marched on like a butcher, and is evidently determined to say to
Jeff. Davis, if he sees him: "If you don't resign, and beg the pardon
of the people of the United States, I'll decapitate you!"
Then there was Capt. Jack Wildey. A nice little fellow for some yellow-visaged
traitor to run against! And then grandly stepped out the military secretaries,
Billy Maloney and A. G. Alcock, of the Atlas. Bowing all around to the fair
ladies were Captain Mick Tagan and Jack Downey, Billy Burns, and half a dozen
more of the old boys. Proud as a soldier of the Legion of Honor walked the
gallant Cregier, every inch a veteran.
The escort were all attired in red shirts and black pants, and firemen's hats.
They were headed by Chief Engineer Decker acting as Grand Marshal, assisted
by Assistant Engineers Baulch, Kingland, and Jacobs. There were delegates from
every fire company in the city, each delegation being accompanied by their
foreman and assistant foreman, with their silver trumpets. They also acted
as an escort at the sides of the troops, forming two deep, and marching with
the column. Many of the companies carried large silk American flags. North
River Engine Co. No. 30 carried a banner with the following inscription:
" IF
OUR COUNTRY CALLS,
THE BEST ABE READY."
A steam fire engine, stationed near by, shrieked its salute, the firemen cheered
till they were hoarse, a party with a small cannon fired several discharges,
the ladies all waved their handkerchiefs and small flags, the crowd on the
sidewalks and in the windows on Broadway clapped their hands, and the whole
demonstration was one of unparalleled enthusiasm. The flags were then escorted
to the color corps, where there were already five new silk standards of various
colors floating side by side.
The line of march was then resumed up Broadway and down Canal street to the
Collins' pier, where the Regiment embarked on the Baltic. The scenes of enthusiasm
and excitement continued the whole way. In front of the Astor House there was
but one deafening roar of cheers and one prolonged shriek from the steam engine
until the last of the cortege had passed. Broadway was a jam of people, who
gave the Zouaves a thorough ovation.
When the head of the regiment turned from the Park up Broadway, it was greeted
by a tremendous shout from the tens of thousands who had been standing for
hours in hopes of seeing this grand sight. A few platoons marched up the street,
and then a halt was ordered. Col. Ellsworth and his staff officers formed a
semi-circle in front of the Astor House, every window of which was bright with
fair faces, and whose roof was crowded with ladies waving flags.
After a short pause, Mr. Stetson came from the Astor House with a beautiful
silk American flag in his hand, and a blue guide color, both the work of the
ladies boarding in the hotel. In a few appropriate remarks, he presented the
colors to Col. Ellsworth, who made a stirring little speech in reply. The flag
was then saluted with rousing cheers—"One—two—three—four--five —six—seven—tiger—Zouave!" by
the regiment.
Pleasant little scenes constantly occurred during the march between the bystanders
and Zouaves. Here and there a spectator moved out his hand to shake that of
a Zouave. There would be a hurried greeting, and then the friends would part.
Little presents and emblems were also showered on the departing soldiers, who
will long have to remember their last day in New York.
The March of the Fire Brigade.
Through the kindness of Colonel Wm. Walsh and Major John Slowey, Bearers of
Dispatches to the LEADER, we are enabled to furnish our readers with a brief
account from our special correspondent of the movement of the Fire Brigade.
Annapolis, Thursday, May 2, 4 P.M.
ED. Leader: I presume it is unnecessary for me to detail any of the incidents
that transpired during the triumphal ovation that marked our departure from
New York. The heartfelt Godspeed that was given us on every side inspired the
regiment with the vigor of true patriotism, and every man, from our Colonel
to a private, felt that the honor of our glorious city was in a measure entrusted
to our keeping, and we were responsible that it should be kept untarnished.
The good steamer "Baltic" was in waiting to receive us on our arrival
at the Canal street pier, and the regiment embarked without an accident of
any kind to mar its progress. The farewell of the boys was of the most enlivening
character, and as we steamed from the pier, shout after shout was given and
returned with a hearty good-will. On our passage down the bay, the men were
quartered throughout the ship, and a good supper of corned beef, potatoes and
coffee was cheerfully relished after our long tramp throughout the city. Perfect
good order and discipline was observed by the men, and Colonel Ellsworth was
voted a "trump card," through an order given by him, "that no
officer in command should sit down to meals without first attending to the
wants of his men." At 6 1-2 P.M., guards were stationed in all parts of
the ship, and the men were ordered into quarters. The hold of the "Baltic" not
being sufficiently commodious to accommodate our force of nearly eleven hundred
men, many were obliged to sleep on deck. The night being clear and not unpleasantly
cool, the canvas bunk on deck was not considered a bad thing to do.
The after-cabin of the "Baltic" was secured for the officers of our
Regiment, and the detail from other regiments on their way to Washington. The
night was spent in droll scenes to evade the guard, and in humorous attempts
at invasion of each other's staterooms, three men being allowed to each room,
and all having different countersigns, to suit the humor of their occupants.
The countersigns were in many instances suggestive of the language of the bunkroom,
and might be used in the camp to immense advantage, from the almost impossibility
of their translation. One grand establishment inhabited by three Arabs fresh
from an up-town engine company, was christened the St. Nicholas, while adjoining,
a trio of hose-cart vamps reposed in what they termed the Baltic bridal chamber.
During the night the vocal talent of the Regiment was called into requisition,
and songs of every imaginable description were indulged in by the boys. At
last tired out and fatigued, Nature assumed her sway, and for a brief period
the ship was comparatively quiet. At six in the morning all hands were mustered
on deck, where ablutions were performed; after which a breakfast of mess-beef,
potatoes, bread and coffee, found us in ballast to start the day with. I need
not say that no evidence of dyspepsia was visible in either the rank or file,
but all hands took a hack at the provender in manly style. After breakfast
was over, the guard was again stationed to keep the men in order throughout
the ship.
The first drill with arms was held this morning on the quarter deck by companies—one
hour being allowed each company. This exercise was continued throughout the
day, the men falling into discipline and instruction with the alacrity of old
veterans. About an hour before nightfall we made Fort Monroe, and anchored
under its guns about seven in the evening. The steamer "Cataline" boarded
us while at anchor, and conveyed the intelligence that our progress up the
Chesapeake Bay would be unobstructed.
The Commander of the "Baltic" deemed it prudent, however, to wait
until daylight, as there were no lights visible to point out the channel. A
guard of
20 picked men from each company, amounting to 20 in all, did duty upon deck
all night, to prevent any surprise.
During the night, all hands were turned out and beat to arms, in consequence
of a steamer approaching, which the officers of the deck deemed of a suspicious
character. Ammunition was opened and ready for distribution, and the boys were
anxious to commence operations. Our alarm, however, proved groundless, the
steamer being a transport ship from Annapolis carrying the stars and stripes,
which was perceived by the rays of a lantern, and to which the boys paid a
tribute of "nine cheers for the Red, White
and Blue."
Nothing of any moment transpired during our passage up the Bay the next morning,
until our arrival off Annapolis. The steamer "Kedar" lying at anchor
signalled for us to lay to, and we cast anchor about six or seven miles below
the city. Our Colonel, in company with the captain of the "Baltic," proceeded
on board the "Kedar," and there found the Fifth Regiment of our city
waiting to be disembarked. On their return, a boat's crew in command of Major
Cregier proceeded to Annapolis, to communicate with General Butler, and to
receive orders in relation to landing. Major Cregier reported the following
morning, that the propeller "Whildon" was detailed to carry us to
the City, and on the next day she would be ready to receive us. We lay at anchor
all day Wednesday, and until two P.M. on Thursday. The time was mainly occupied
in company drills, and "high life below stairs;" sumptuous banquets
of raw-pork sandwiches being passed around at convenient intervals for digestion.
On Wednesday night, the store room was broken open by one of the ship's crew,
who attempted to sell stolen liquor to the men at exorbitant prices. He was
speedily discovered, and placed in irons. No rations of whiskey were distributed
at all during the passage. Our disembarkation on Thursday afternoon was safely
accomplished, and the "Whildon" landed us in good order and condition
about two P.M. at Annapolis, where the gallant Eighth Regiment, Colonel Lyons,
was in waiting, and received us with many a cheer and tiger.
After landing, the regiment formed into a hollow square, and remained in that
position until orders were given to proceed to Washington. We found
Annapolis a perfect military camp—the Boston Light Artillery, the Massachusetts
regiment and a picket-guard of the 69th Regiment being quartered there, and
waiting to be relieved. Colonel John H. McCunn is in command of the latter,
and is rendering efficient service in starting the rail-trains, &c., to
Washington. While here, I learned that Johnny Stacom, of 60 Hose, and Jemmy
Nesbit, of the 6th Ward, high privates in the 69th, were about ten miles from
Annapolis, on the line of the road, doing guard duty. They are both well, and
in good trim to punish a pork-steak, and wouldn't grumble at a little corned-beef
and cabbage. No person is allowed to go beyond the gates of the Headquarters
at the Naval School without a permit, and every one is examined. Two spies
are now confined in the Guard-House, waiting trial.
I am compelled to close my hasty and imperfect letter, as the order has been
given to proceed to the railroad depot, and we march in ten minutes. I can
only say that every one connected with the regiment is now well, a few cases
of temporary sickness occasioned by indiscretion being the only ill results
thus far in our journey. Colonel Ellsworth is fast becoming a great favorite
with the members of the regiment, and maintains the most perfect discipline
at all times. On our arrival at Washington, I will give any personal detail
and incident that may transpire. We expect to arrive there this evening.
HARRY LORREQUER.
Letters from the Fire Zouaves.
The subjoined letters from members of the Fire Brigade now in Washington, were
received by us through special messenger last evening. Parties to whom they
are addressed will call at THE LEADER office, 11 Frankfort street, and receive
the same. There is a large mail on board the "Baltic" that will
probably be received at this office during the coming week. We shall publish
weekly a list of letters received by us.
Wm. McArthur, 335 Broadway.
Mr. Lynes, corner Rivington and Tompkins.
John Carpenter, Thirty-ninth street and Eleventh avenue.
Charles McManus, 227 Madison street.
James Walton, 163 West Twenty-fourth street.
Thomas Smith, 132 Mulberry street.
Miss F. Jones, 100 Centre street.
4A Mrs. Mary Swenarton, New York.
Mrs. Fanny Bouton, 40 East Twenty-eighth street.
Mrs. Sarah Knowles, 74 Eldridge street.
Mrs. S. Hoey, 154 First avenue.
Miss Elizabeth Taylor, 120 Fifth avenue.
Letters will be retained at this office one week unless called for, and will
then be forwarded if the addressee is indicated.
What District is it?
As soon as the Fire Zouaves got into Washington, on Thursday night, they heard
a bell ringing, when one of Company A's men asked: "What District's
that?" "The District of Columbia, Republic of New York!" answered
his file closer. "It's ringing a General alarm—and here we are!" Hey—hey—hey!
From Our Own Correspondent.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 1861.
EDITOR LEADER;—My letter forwarded to you last week from Annapolis, was
not as full of interest as I should have liked it to have been, but, as one
in service cannot tell when duty will compel him to drop the pen and resume
the sword, you must draw on the fountain of Charity to cover any omissions
of fact and incident. Since our arrival we have twice changed quarters, but
are yet in the Capitol building. At first we occupied the South wing, now we
have moved to the Northern end where the accommodations are more ample and
convenient. On the day after our arrival here, we were busily occupied in arranging
quarters for the men, and during the morning a late breakfast was the consequence
of our operation, leading to a general growl among the privates. I notice that
the biggest grumblers are many of those fellows who will not be satisfied with
anything, and expect to find soldiers grub equal to Delmonico's best bill of
fare, with a bottle of Chambertin thrown in by way of a salad.
Things are working smoother with us since we have become accustomed to our
position and understand the difficulties by which we are surrounded. Every
one is now satisfied with the Commissary, and that is a great relief, unknown
except to those who have a hundred mouths to feed, all waiting eagerly for
the order to fall in for dinner. We have been better treated than any regiment
that has come to this city. Our supplies are of good quality and plentifully
served, and our quarters are kept in good order. Yesterday we were mustered
into service by Major McDowell, an officer in the regular army, and our regiment
took the oath to support the Constitution and
sustain the Government during the war.
There were some complaints and objections to serving during the war, as the
time of enlistment was supposed to be for only three months; yet all but a
dozen responded cheerfully to the obligation. We are now soldiers of the United
States army and the boys act accordingly.
You have probably heard of the alleged disgraceful conduct of a few of our
members and in common with all our friends in New York have felt aggrieved.
As the LEADER is read by nearly all the people of your city, let me say a word
on that subject.
We left New York with over one thousand men, many of whom had never met before
they were mustered into service. To have expected them to be all saints would
have been too much, and we all knew that if there were any bad or vicious natures
in the ranks, they would soon make themselves known through their actions.
The few derelictions committed were traced to less than a dozen men, six of
whom have been publicly disgraced and dismissed from the regiment. With this
exception, the men are as good material and behave as orderly as the members
of any company now in Washington. It is true that the novelty of a first visit
to this city led many of the boys to filibuster around in search of amusement;
but all the rumors and exaggerated stories put in circulation to their discredit,
are solely and purely lies, manufactured out of whole cloth. They are wild
and wayward, and many of their actions seem peculiar to newspaper reporters,
but as the bulk of their fun consists in running rigs on each other the world
should not be so censorious. All of the members of the Regiment are anxious
and willing to do their duty, and discipline among volunteers is not learned
in a day. The Fire Zouaves are not dandy soldiers, full of smirking politeness,
but rugged and vigorous warriors, who do not deserve the severe criticism that
has been showered upon them.
In relation to our destination, at this time I can say but little. Every morning
fresh rumors are started in regard to marching orders, but we, who know only
the order of the commanding officer, place but little reliance on such flying
gossip. The programme, as I believe it will be, is as follows: a stay in Washington
for ten days to complete a full change in arms and equipments, two weeks of
thorough camp duty and then active service. Application has been made for 60
Sibley tents, each of which are capable of holding 20 men. When these are finished,
camp duty will commence.
To show with what carelessness the regiment has been armed, I have only to
state that on an examination made on last Monday evening of our weapons, we
found eleven different kinds of breech loading and thirteen different sized
bores among a thousand rifles. There was not a hundred of a kind in the whole
lot. The weather thus far has been very disagreeable, and the men have consequently
suffered much from the want of proper clothing. Our butterfly costume will
answer very well for July and August, but as we have had frost nearly every
morning, they are too light to be comfortable or to even afford proper protection.
Men cannot stand guard duty without proper clothing, and we are wondering what
has caused the delay in forwarding our overcoats from New York. Will the Committee
who have charge of this matter send them along as soon as possible, as we sadly
need them? Our Colonel yesterday informed us that he had been promised a complete
light infantry uniform from the Government; also one thousand new rifles with
the sabre bayonet. If this promise is kept, it will be of the greatest importance
to us, as it will then place the regiment on an even standard with the best
Government troops.
This letter will naturally appear disjointed, but as I have only a few moments
at one time to devote to it, I will be pardoned for its want of specialties
or detail. As I write, a new order has just been promulgated by our Colonel,
that looks like business. Lieut. Colonel Farnham (Pony), who, by the way, joined
us yesterday, is ready to start with a party of five officers and one hundred
men (ten from each company), to lay out our camping ground. Pony has been at
work all day drilling the men, and this extra work will doubtless try the mettle
of the gallant little fellow. He has already made a good impression on the
members of the Regiment who were personally unacquainted with him; and as a
disciplinarian he will prove inestimable to us. Considering the hasty manner
in which the Regiment was put into service, and the wretched clothing furnished
to keep out the attack of cold weather, we have managed to move along without
any serious trouble. There are but few men on the sick list, none of whom are
in any danger, their attacks arising chiefly from indiscretion, and an unacquaintance
with camp fare. We send home to-morrow (Thursday) several who are unfitted
for active service, among whom is one of our military secretaries, who has
been in the hospital since our arrival here.
I find that the boys improve wonderfully in drilling. A day's instruction does
more with the Regiment than any other body of men that have come under my observation.
In the manual of arms they are somewhat deficient, but their evolutions and
marching is not excelled. I am overwhelmed with the labor of arranging matters
so that there may be few complaints and find that duty enough without any addition
in the way of correspondence. I hope to be enabled during the coming week to
send you a letter full of personal incidents of fun or fight, as the case may
be, and until then you must "hold your horses" in expectation.
I cannot omit mentioning that the officers in charge of the Capitol render
us every assistance in their power, and I desire to add my endorsement of the
personal kindness of Mr. Edward Dunn, Chief Engineer of the Capital, for many
kind attentions in the shape of writing materials and a well-furnished sideboard,
the latter a very desirable auxiliary to the weary soldier.
Thine ever,
HARRY LORREQUER.
P. S.--The Regiment has taken possession of the hill overlooking the Navy
Yard, and camp duty has already commenced. The boys had an opportunity to show
their New York fire education at the burning of a portion of Willard's Hotel.
The fire broke out about three in the morning, in a drinking saloon attached
to Willard's, and was said to have been the work of an incendiary. On the alarm
being given, the boys rushed to the engine houses, but finding the doors locked,
burst them open, and soon had the machines at work on the fire.
Col. Ellsworth acted as Chief Engineer, supported by the Captains of the Regiment
as Assistants. The Hotel was at one time in imminent danger, but after an hour's
hard work the flames were subdued. A great scarcity of water was felt and the
hose was cut in several places. The Columbian Engine was in charge of Companies
B and C, Captains Byrnes and Murphy, and did effective service. The Washington
firemen arrived after the conflagration was arrested, and their Chief demanded
the trumpet from Colonel Ellsworth, who replied that he would only surrender
it if the Washington Chief was able to show more men on the ground than himself.
After the fire we were entertained by a breakfast at Willard's, when a speech
was delivered by Major Mansfield, during which Mr. Willard was sensibly affected.
The gallant behavior of the men is the talk of the town, and has covered a
multitude of sins.
In haste, H. L.
From our own Correspondent.
It will be noticed by the following letter from Mr. Leverich that the mass
of our Fire Correspondence from the seat of war has failed to reach us. There
is a want of regularity in the mails between this city and Washington; and
the letter we publish was handed in to us through the kindly attention of
Mr. Kehoe, who left camp Lincoln this morning. We hope during the coming
week that all cause for grumbling at the mails will be over:
CAMP LINCOLN (Near Washington),
THURSDAY, May 17, 1861.
ED. leader: Here we are safely and comfortably quartered in our first camp.
It is on a beautiful site, in the rear of the Lunatic Asylum grounds. The boys
are in good health, and in excellent spirits, consequent on fresh air and good
food. Some, of course, will growl, but there is no reason for it, as all are
well cared for. Nearly a dozen have been condemned by the surgeons, and sent
home, and early next week we shall drum out the only miscreant that has shown
up thus far.
We have commenced drilling in earnest, and the progress made is very flattering.
Lieut.-Col. Farnham and our new Adjutant, Losier, from the West
Point Academy, have been hard at it, while Col. Ellsworth has been occupied
in the War Department looking after the supplies and arms for the Regiment.
Things begin to look a little like regular service. We have our guard-mounting
and evening parades. We rise at five, and go to bed at nine. The boys drop
into discipline easily, and their marching and alignments are equal to any
regiment that I have ever seen. How it will be when we come to drill with a
heavy musket or rifle, time will determine, but with a week's drill without
arms they cannot be excelled. We are on an advanced post, and considerable
feeling has been manifested at the delay in arming the Regiment. All are alike
in this respect, and we know that everything has been done that could be, and
are therefore satisfied.
Now for a little growl. When we left New York, the Committee from the Fire
Department were very busy in getting us off. They promised that every thing
necessary for our comfort should be on board the "Baltic;" but it
seems that the moment we left the city they forgot us, and to this day we have
but one butterfly suit, and the majority of the men are without a change of
under-clothing. The overcoats promised us have not made their appearance, and
every morning the guard are drenched with the heavy dew that falls hereaboats.
Can you not hurry up the Committee, as we are really in need of these artlcles?
Chief Decker came to see us on Monday, and was received by the whole Regiment.
Everybody from the city is pleased with the Regiment; the reports that were
made injurious to the Regiment has made firm
friends of all who visit the camp, and learn the truth. Engineers Baulch and
McCosker have also visited us, and left well pleased. Aldermen Brady and Henry
have gone through the camp.
We sent home a member of Hose Company No. 22, from Company E, named John McCosker.
Poor fellow, he was nearly gone with the consumption, and I never saw a man
more distressed at leaving. He is an active member of the Department, and should
be taken care of.
Engineer Decker made a speech to the boys when they were all in line. He impressed
upon them the necessity of obedience and discipline, and his words had a good
effect.
The authorities of Washington have under consideration the re-organization
of the Fire Department. The Chief has waited upon several members of the
Cabinet and tendered all the means in his power. There is no danger but that
the Chief could find enough men to volunteer to keep Washington free from fires
for a year. The Chief has taken great interest in the Regiment, and his visit
has been of great benefit. It is astonishing to note the change in the appearance
of the men; every face looks bright and healthy. The boys are darkening with
the sun, and a few weeks more will bring them to the color of bronzed muskets.
By the way, we have received the first instalment of our new rifles with the
sabre bayonet. They are a deadly looking weapon, and in the hands of such men
as compose our Regiment will do wonders in a close combat. Guard duty is something
new to the boys, and although several ludicrous mistakes have been made, they
have done remarkably well. One chap the other night was in great trepidation
at the approach of a cow. He hailed the creature, but, as the language used
was not in such terms as are generally used to such animals, no attention was
paid. "If you don't halt I'll shoot you!" came to the ears of the
party, immediately followed by the exclamation, "If it ain't a cow I'm
blamed!" A roar from the listeners was heard that bid defiance to all
order. Last night the Colonel sent a detachment to the city to pick up stragglers.
It seems that about a dozen, tired of being kept in camp, crossed the river
in fishing-boats, and were seen in the streets of Washington. Word was immediately
sent to the camp, and probably all will be arrested before morning as deserters.
We look to the New York papers for news of the war. You know more of it than
we do; so tell us, are we to have a fight or not? The boys are spoiling for
it. We came for it, and it must be had in one way or another. This being kept
in camp, is becoming irksome, and, notwithstanding the promises of a brush,
we are getting impatient. If fight it must be, let it come at once. There are
about 23,000 soldiers near the city, and some of these are not ready for active
service—red tape, they tell us, is the cause, but, whatever it is, it
is wrong.
How is it you do not get my letters? I wrote two last week, and see but one
noticed. This, the second this week, so publish both, if you get them. Allcock,
of the Atlas, fared but little better; he was also left out in the cold. HARRY
LORREQUER.
A Letter from one of our Boys.
The following letter, mailed to us nearly ten days ago, only reached the LEADER
office yesterday. Though it contains no news items of special moment in relation
to the Fire Brigade, it will be read with interest, as a chatty screed of
Life in the House of Representatives. Anything appertaining to the Brigade
is looked for by thousands of our readers, and though the letter is late
in its reception, it may be amusing, if not entertaining.
WASHINGTON, some time in May.
ED. LEADER:—Since I dropped the composing-stick in THE LEADER office
and turned soldier, I have passed through many eventful scenes full of instructive
moral. Becoming inoculated with military ardor after the manner of young Norval,
I joined the celebrated Fire Regiment, and have finally landed in the city
of magnificent distances, burning with the glow and enthusiasm of a patriot.
The life of a soldier is not all my fancy painted it, but it has attractions,
nevertheless, that cover, like Charity, a multitude of
sins.
It would be simply a twice told tale to describe our journey by land and water,
that has already been performed in a more graphic style than my feeble pen
could ever hope to imitate. I can, however, detail, somewhat roughly, many
incidents connected with our Regiment that may amuse the readers of your paper.
Upon our arrival at the depot in Washington, we marched to the capitol building
that had been assigned as our quarters, and during the first night of its occupancy
by us the entertainment provided was not of that enticing or substantial character
to give us any desire for its continuance. In fact, our treatment, owing perhaps
to the disorganized state of the Commissariat, was positively shameful. I was
better able to understand the cause of this neglect than many of my comrades
who imagined that they had engaged in a monster target excursion to Dan Pollock's,
and expected a good dinner and a general distribution of prizes. On the morning
after our being quartered at the capitol, breakfast being somewhat tardy in
preparing, a rush was made to the kitchen by a crowd, and because their wants
were not attended to forthwith they returned and called a meeting to have an
old fashioned free growl over our grievances.
After appointing a Chairman, they proceeded to business. A short-waisted little
fire vamp from an up-town Engine Company took the floor and made an immense
speech about not being treated right, and threatening to go home if matters
were not straightened up forthwith. The little fellow wound up by moving a
Committee to wait on the Colonel, and a chap who was writing a letter in the
Reporters' Gallery of the House proposed that all hands act as the Committee,
which was done, and the crowd started for Ellsworth. They returned in a short
time, apparently satisfied, Ellsworth having put them to rest by promises that
everything should be arranged in a day or two. I called the attention of Captain
Jack Leverich to the dumpy rebel who was creating all the fuss, and told him
to keep an eye on him, as he would be likely to gel the Regiment into trouble.
During the next day, when the boys were all busy writing letters to their sweethearts
and friends at home, which the Hon. Charles H. Van Wyck was kindly franking
for them, this same little chap came up to Van Wyck and wanted to know where
he could find Cameron, the Secretary of War. He also said that he had just
received a letter from his wife, stating that she was dying and would like
to see him before she paid the debt of nature. While the M. C. was explaining
that it would be very difficult to obtain an interview with Cameron, and that
his commanding officer would attend to the matter, one of his companions in
the Regiment came up and inquired what the little chap wanted. After learning
the wife story, he shouted, "Ha, Morgan, here's a big thing!" Morgan,
who was enjoying forty winks in the diplomatic gallery, replied, "What
do you want,
Johnny?" The latter replied, "Here's Coby Geer telling a member of
Congress that he has got a wife that's dying, and he wants to go home; he ain't
got any wife, has he, Morgan?" "Got any wife, Johnny! Narya wife,
and he's so ugly that he can't even raise a sweetheart. That rooster wants
ten days in the guard house. Wouldn't he look pretty with a wife? Indeed would
he. "Say, Mr. Congressman, don't you believe him; he is only stuffing
you." After the maiden or wife speech of Morgan, the little duck took
a very heavy back seat, and has subsided ever since.
We had plenty of fun while we were quartered in the capitol, and it was amusing
to listen to the chaffing of the crowd. One fellow would yell out, "Ha,
Jimmy Twigby, what a goodlooking Congressman you make; when are you going to
draw your milage?" Twigby responds by stating "about the time you
learn to keep step with those big feet of your'n." The seats of well known
M. C.'s are occupied by rounders who never dreamed of filling them in any capacity.
Prior's, the Pruseic acid Virginian's, chair is filled by a
Fourth Warder named Michael Dunn, who has posted his name over that of the
bowie knife secessionist. One of the favorite chorus singers at the Ivy Green
Free and Easy's rises in the South Carolina Keit's place, and asks a party
of five who are playing penny bluff on John Cochrane's desk, "who takes
out double headers for the house." He is replied to by one of Thirty-three's
boys, informing him that he is the only double-header in the place, and he
can take himself out as soon as possible.
The crowd find all sorts of amusement to while away the time, and as I write,
four of the members of Company A have obtained a furlough of three hours to
take a carriage ride. As not one of the party has a red cent, you can imagine
how much the darkey driver will receive for toting them around the city. All
of the boys are in the best possible condition—fit to go through the
Sons of Malta, and to enter the Vale of Mysteries. The Chief Engineer of THE
LEADER, Captain Jack Leverich, is as lively as a cricket, and while
I am writing to you on the desk of Boteler, of Virginia, he and Major John
Cregier are holding a Council of War in one of the magnificent committee rooms.
Each is lying on a superb couch of red damask, and while they are throwing
up wreaths of smoke from choice Havanas, are deliberating on the result of
their future movements.
I expect we will be encamped in a day or two, and if not too busy will send
along a line or two to keep you apprised of camp life. J. H. C.
The Washington Boys.
We hear glowing accounts of the gallant conduct of Captain Coyle, late Foreman
of 42 Hose, and now of Company A, the Fire Zouaves, in Alexandria. This Company
is composed principally of the young Democracy of the Twentieth Ward, and
has among its members as Lieutenant, Hughey Powers, late Foreman of Engine
Company No. 25, and a host of the boys from 42 Hose and 25 Engine. The first
Secession flag was taken by Billy Timms of 42 Hose, and two members of 14
Truck, whose names we regret have not been furnished us. All hail to the
boys of Company A, and their gallant officers.
The lads from 16 Hose write home flattering accounts of the handsome manner
in which they have been treated, and mention specially the care taken by Captain
Jack Wiley of the men under his command. We will be happy at all times to notice
any incident transpiring in the Regiment, if the boys will only drop us a line,
or their friends in this city send us any items in letters received by them
that would be interesting to the public. Send along the letters, and we will
take care to give credit where credit is due.
Contemptible Business.
One of the Secession dailies (we do not care to mention it farther than to
say that one of its small editions has been discontinued for want of patronage)
has thought to throw odium upon the Fire Zouaves now at Washington by publishing,
verbatim et literatim, a letter from one of the unlettered members of that
organization. As our firemen went to fight for their country's honor, and
not to be sneered at by a cowardly press, it is rather contemptible in any
man to cast slurs upon them because they cannot handle a pen as readily as
a bayonet. The members of the Fire Zouaves may not be able to do "fine
writing," or spell well, or punctuate correctly, but they can make a
dash at traitors, and will one day put a period to some such wretches' lives.
Death of Col. Elsworth.
A meeting of the Fire Zouave Fund Committee was held at the Astor House, yesterday
afternoon, at which appropriate resolutions were passed, expressive of sorrow
at the news of the untimely death of Colonel Ellsworth, and also of their
indignation at the villainous murder of one of the North's noblest and most
gallant sons by a dastardly traitor. A committee was appointed to visit Washington,
and take charge of the remains of the lamented dead.
A meeting of the Board of Engineers and Foremen will be held this evening at
Firemen's Hall to make arrangements for the reception of the body. Chief
Engineer Decker is in conference with Brigadier General Hall, the Common Council
and the Union Defence Committee on the funeral obsequies.
Company A, Fire Zouaves.
This company seems to be distinguishing itself. It is reported by telegraph,
that three members of the company, named Frost, Underhill and Timms, took
a Secession rag from the house of a fellow living some six miles from Camp
Decker. A few people gathered around them, and demanded to know by whose
authority they took it down. They promptly answered "By the authority
of the People of the United States!" This flag is in possession of the
company. It will be sent to Chief Engineer Decker in a day or two.
A member of this same company A, named F. E. Brownell, of Engine Company 1,
of Troy, had the satisfaction of putting a ball through the body of the assassinator
of Col. Ellsworth. At least, so says the telegraph.
We glory in these deeds, and trust company A may keep on, and make bloody work
among the rebels whenever or wherever they may meet them.
The Advance of the Federal Troops!—Attack and Possession of Alexandria!—The
First Zouaves first to the Attack, Death of Col.
Ellsworth.--The 12th, 69th, 5th, 8th, 28th, 71st and 7th, of New York, and
the Michigan and New Jersey Regiments in Virginia.—Major-General Sandford
in Command of the Troops at Arlington Heights.
The Advance has been sounded, and the Federal troops are in Virginia. While
this has been consummated, our army has met with a loss in the assassination
of Colonel Ellsworth of the Fire Zouaves. The troops have been under orders
for an advance for the past two days, and at 10 o'clock Thursday evening the
vanguard, consisting of six companies of District Volunteers, including the
National Rifles and Turners, stepped from the Long Bridge upon Virginia soil.
This vanguard was commanded by Inspector-General Stone, under whom Capt. Smead
led the center, Adjutant
Abbott the left, and Capt. Stewart, son of Sir Charles Stewart, the right wing.
Immediately afterwards the Twelfth Regiment, of New York, with the Michigan
troops, crossed the Long Bridge. Soon after came two New Jersey regiments and
the New York Seventh Regiment, which last arrived at 2, A. M. At about midnight
the force from Georgetown advanced in the following order: the Sixty-ninth,
Fifth, of New York, and Twenty-fifth, of Albany. At 6, A. M., Ellsworth's Zouaves,
who had embarked in boats, from their encampments, landed at Alexandria, and
took possession of the dock. The whole force was attended by two guns of Sherman's
battery, and a company of United States cavalry. As the battery marched in
the street, a whistle saluted them, and a train of cars steamed away, bearing
as is supposed the secession force. One company of horse, numbering thirty-five
men, were captured. The Zouaves immediately advanced, and took quiet possession
of the city. Colonel Ellsworth proceeded to the roof of the Marshall House,
and tore down the secession flag; and while coming down stairs with it, was
shot in the back by a rebel named Jackson, and immediately expired. The assassin
was immediately killed by private Brownel, of Company A. The body of the Colonel
was immediately removed to the Navy Yard at Washington.
While this movement was in the course of execution the main body had advanced
and took possession of Arlington Heights, and the road leading to Fairfax Court
House, controlling the Orange and Alexandria and Manassas Gap Railroad. The
Sixty-ninth Regiment moved from their encampment two hours in advance of the
remainder, taking a circuitous route from the Orange and Alexander Railroad.
Upwards of ten thousand Federal have advanced in Virginia.
Arlington Heights are held by the Seventy, Sixty-ninth, Eighth, Fifth, and
Twenty-eighth New York Regiments, advancing from Georgetown by the chain bridge,
under the command of General McDowal, and are posted on the hills and heights
overlooking Washington. At 4 o'clock, A. M., Major General Sandford and Staff
left Willard's, and proceeded to Virginia to take command of the advancing
forces.
It is believed that the forces at, Fortress Monroe have advanced on Norfolk,
and will be joined by the present advance and others from Chambersburgh for
Harper's Ferry. It is evident that the movement has commenced, and the rebels
will be drove to the wall. (May 25, 1862)
Letter from the Fire Zouaves.
SHOOTER's HILL, NEAR ALEXANDRIA,)
May 29,1861.
DEAR LEADER: It is exceedingly difficult to give a connected accurate account
of all the occurrences in a camp before the enemy. Excitement of all kinds
is at the highest pitch, and rumors as varied as the colors of the rainbow
follow each other so fast, that it would require a whole corps of scribes to
record them, to say nothing of the time occupied and the trouble taken to sift
the wheat from the chaff—the true from the untrue. Hereafter, it shall
be our aim to overcome as far as possible the difficulties alluded to, with
a view of furnishing THE LEADER with reliable accounts of the most interesting
incidents of our camp life; and, at the same time, of correcting the absurd
statements that appear from day to day in the New York dailies.
On Monday last, May 20, Reuben Jefferson crossed the ferry from Alexandria,
and gave himself up to the Zouave sentry, stating that he was a deserter from
the Mount Vernon Guard, 175th Regiment (?) Virginia Militia, and that when
they were called upon to swear allegiance to the Confederate States, he and
others refused to be sworn, and fearing ill treatment in consequence, he deserted
for the purpose of joining the Fire Zouaves, and fighting for the Stars and
Stripes. Having given satisfactory answers to all questions put to him relative
to himself, and such information touching the force of the enemy as we have
since found to be correct, he has been permitted the freedom of the camp, but
has not as yet been enrolled in the Regiment. Amongst other things Jefferson
stated that there were then in Alexandria seven military companies; three of
cavalry, and four of infantry—in all but about 400 men.
On Tuesday evening, May 21, Colonel Ellsworth having received instruction that
provisions were being conveyed to the Rebel camp from Marlboro, in
Maryland, he determined, if possible, to intercept the convoy, and bring the
plunder into camp. For this purpose 100 men, picked from all the companies,
were detailed, and under the command of the Colonel in person, were marched
out of camp, with knapsacks packed, and provisions for 24 hours. The preparations
for this little expedition, and the anticipation of speedy action and its consequent
fun, had the effect of enlivening the camp for some hours previous to the departure.
The party was out all night, and only returned to camp at a late hour next
day, weary and worn, with their trouble for their reward. This was a most beautiful
day in camp, and all hands set to work to fix up and make things ship-shape,
and by sundown almost every one had set his house in order, as far as circumstances
would permit. The balance of the men who were absent on various duties from
the first muster at the Capitol, were to day sworn into the service of the
United States by Major McDowall. Three objected to being sworn into the service "for
the war," and were returned to New York, looking very small, and doubtless
feeling so, amidst the jeers of their more enthusiastic and patriotic companions.
The site of our second camping ground was not well selected, first, because
a commanding point only 1000 yards distant completely overlooked us, and the
presence of a deep swamp exhaling the noxious vapors of the vastly increased
vegetation—caused by the action of the hot sun on the decaying matter
it contained—exerted a baleful influence on the health of the men, several
of whom suffered severely from the chill attendant on fever and ague of a bad
type. Our friend and brave companion in arms, Lieut. Chambers, was one of the
first to feel the results of exposure to these influences. The commanding point
above alluded to, should have been occupied by an outpost, or two twelve pounders
could easily have been placed in position there during the night time, and
have peppered us with impunity for a time at
least.
On Thursday night, May 23, we received orders to prepare for marching at a
moment's notice. This act set the quid nuncs to work in earnest, to discover,
if possible, our destination. All expected to be off at once, and it finally
leaked out that we were to take Alexandria.
This caused such a commotion in our regiment as we had not seen since the commencement
of our campaign. The fine Missouri rifles which had been previously distributed,
were overhauled, ammunition served out, knapsacks packed, provisions stowed
away, and with hope brightening each countenance and animating "each brave
spirit, we awaited the order to march. At this period of our expectations a
counter order was issued, to the effect that though the regiment was to remain
under arms, we should not start until 2 o'clock, A. M., on the following morning.
A partial dispersement took place, and little knots of men might be seen here
and there, talking of our prospects in the approaching struggle—strong
in their determination to do or die as became good soldiers in a just cause—several
retiring to their tents to write home once more, to think of absent friends
and old times, while a select few assembled in the tent of the gallant Ellsworth,
who discussed the affairs of the coming day until the assembly was beaten by
the drummers, and the firemen soldiers formed such a line as has seldom fallen
to the lot of a commanding officer to look upon. The stern determination, the
cool demeanor, and silent, willing obedience displayed on this occasion, was
worthy of the oldest and most experienced veterans; and as the polished bayonets
and bright barrels of the guns reflected the moon's rays along that almost
perfect line, we could not help feeling that such a sight was worth half a
life-time. Adding to this the sound of the orders given in a loud voice by
our brave Colonel, and passed from mouth to mouth in the same tone, we believe
it to have been the most impressive and beautiful scene we ever witnessed.
No length of years can wipe it from our memory—it is daguerreotyped on
our mind forever.
At length the eventful hour arrived, and with it the two steamboats "Mount
Vernon" and "James Guy," accompanied by the launches of the
sloop-of-war
Pawnee—which has been at anchor off Alexandria for some time—and
several lesser boats of different denominations. Of these a bridge was soon
and completely formed, over which the regiment defiled in the most perfect
order, from the gravelly beach below the house of Washington Young, of Geesboro,
to the decks of the steamers, whose paddles revolving soon started us down
the Potomac toward the long talked of Alexandria, the nearest stronghold of
the rebels to our camp. The six miles between the above points were speedily
passed over, and just as the rising sun cast his brightness athwart the waters
we ran alongside the wharf under cover of the black-muzzled guns of the rakish,
mischievous-looking Pawnee. Just as our boys were about to land in obedience
to the cool order of their commander, several sentinels who had previously
been observed by us, at the foot of the streets and on the piers, discharged
their muskets—some in the air and some toward the steamers—and
then giving leg bail they travelled at as lively a gait up the hill as if there
had been a general alarm of fire, or as if the Devil himself had been after
them with a particularly sharp stick. It was reported that at this time one
of our men discharged his piece after the flying chivalry who had burned "Southern
powder" so gallantly, injuring his posterior; but as we have learned to
believe just what we see, and as we did not see this, we do not vouch for the
accuracy of the report. We know it to be a fact, however, that the risibilities
of our men were excited to a degree better imagined than described, as many
of them exclaimed, "See how they run!" "How them fellers stick
in their toe-nails!" "Don't they scratch gravel!"
But the poor scared rebel soldiers, who had taken advantage of the steamer
hauling into the piers to show how fast they could run, had scarcely disappeared
up the ascent, when a landing was effected in less time than it takes me to
record it, by Company E, Captain Leverich, who immediately proceeded with instructions
from the Colonel to secure the railroad depot, and to take up enough of the
track to break up that means of communication with the f6rces supposed to be
in the vicinity of the town. While this important service was being successfully
performed by Company E, Colonel Ellsworth placed himself at the head of Company
A, Captain Coyle, and at double quick time ascended the slightly inclined street,
for the purpose of taking possession of the telegraph station—effectually
to cut off all communication between the advanced guard of the rebels and the
main body of their army. On arriving just opposite the Marshall House a Secession
flag which had been observed from our camp through field-glasses, and which
at different times twenty-five, fifty, and one hundred men had volunteered
to remove, attracted the attention of our gallant Colonel, who exclaimed to
the intrepid little phalanx who closely followed his footsteps, "That
flag must remain there no longer." Suiting the word of command to the
exclamation, Ellsworth of the Zouaves ordered the two first squads of Company
A to follow him, and entering the hotel ascended to the roof. Hauling down
the rebel ensign he twisted it round his arm, and passing downward through
the somewhat intricate passages of an old-fashioned house—dimly lighted,
withal—was met by the proprietor, James Jackson—accursed be the
traitor's name henceforth forever—who, coming from a bedroom on the third
story, as the courageous, though young and consequently indiscreet Colonel
was descending with the Secession flag in his hands into the comparatively
dark passage, leveled a double-barreled shot gun, and shot poor Ellsworth directly
through the heart! Private Brownell, of Company A—to whom too much credit
can scarcely be awarded—closely following on the heels of his commander,
instantly shot the perjured villain through the head, the ball taking effect
on the right side of the nose, and passing clear through the brain and head.
Our impetuous and brave commander was at once picked up by his immediate followers,
and placed on a bed. Of course both expired within a second or two of each
other; and while the body of the true and brave—recklessly brave—Colonel
was treated with all the respect, and honor, and kindness, that his qualities
entitled him to,—his foul murderer, the fratricide
rebel and base traitor to his country and his God—the despicable assassin
Jackson—lay neglected, but untouched and unmolested, where he fell, by
the hand of the boy Brownell, a member of Company A, First Fire Zouaves, Captain
Coyle, of No. 42 Hose, First Fire District New York Fire Department. Immediately
upon the occurrence of this sad event, information was conveyed to the head
of the column, two blocks below, where your correspondent was in waiting upon
Lieut.-Colonel Farnham, Major J. A. Cregeir, and Dr. Gray, the Surgeon of the
Regiment. The latter, with his usual promptitude, at once proceeded to the
scene of the murder, closely followed by the writer, when he discovered the
state of affairs above described.
Brownell's shot struck the villain on the bridge of the nose, tearing a hole
clear through his brain and skull, passing through a partition into another
room. The statements that Jackson was "pierced by a dozen bayonets," "pinned
to the floor," &c., &c., are all untrue—the only mark on
his person being the hole in his face. As may be supposed, the indignation
of the men who were aware of the murder was extreme, and but that the wiser
counsels and firmness of Lieut. Col. Farnham prevailed, there would not have
been one stone of Alexandria left upon another at this time. As it was, Captain
Coyle with his command, at once took possession of the Marshall House, setting
guards at all the entrances, and making prisoners of every one in it at the
time. Amongst those thus secured were several ladies and children, who were
naturally very much alarmed, but the Zouaves soon succeeded in calming their
fears, assuring them of protection and safety. The main body of the Regiment
was then ordered up, and passed on towards the Railroad depot on the Fairfax
road, most of the men being purposely kept in the dark as to the Colonel's
death, for fear of exciting them to desperation. Dr. Charles Gray, Surgeon
to the Regiment, made a post mortem examination of the Colonel's body, which
revealed the fact that "a charge of slugs had pierced his left breast
between the third and fourth ribs, entering the left auricle of the heart,
and destroying the whole of the integuments with which it came in contact." The
clothing of deceased was then examined by Dr. Gray, and the letters, papers,
decorations, money, &c., &c., removed, catalogued, and handed over
to the chaplain. The inanimate body of the young and brave Zouave, still warm,
with the lips just parted, was then tenderly raised from the bed on which he
lay as if asleep, and under the direction of the surgeon, placed on the blanket
of Alcock of the Atlas, who sewed it up, assisted by Perrin, the hospital steward.
Returning to the street we found a party of the "Pawnee's" sailors,
under command of Lieutenants Lowrie and Chaplin, Midshipman Small and Engineer
Champion, engaged in hoisting the Stars and Stripes on the pole outside the
door. The sailors who climbed the pole and made the flag fast to the cross
trees, were Peterson and Moore.
While these stirring and melancholy events were transpiring, Company E, Capt.
Leverich, had made its way, according to the order of Col. Ellsworth, to the
railroad depot, and were in the very act of capturing the rebel cavalry troop
stationed there, when they descried a friendly field battery of artillery forming
hastily in their rear. The company of Zouaves, however, coolly stood their
ground, resolved on the capture of the rebels, and it was only when the commander
of the battery had made the inquiry as to who the Zouaves were, ("under
which king, Benzonian?") and been answered satisfactorily, that Capt.
Jack and his boys were relieved from the undesirable predicament of being placed
between two fires. The captain of the battery, with military right, we presume,
on account of his seniority, but with little courtesy, took the sword of the
captain of the cavalry, which we consider Capt. Leverich entitled to.
Meantime, the main body of the Regiment had come up, the rest of the Rebel
forces had fled (the troop of cavalry, consisting of thirty-eight officers
and men with their horses and equipments, remaining in our hands), possession
of the Depot was taken for a camp, guards were mounted, scouts sent out, and
the men commenced enjoying themselves, congratulating each other on the ease
with which the capture had been effected. Co. A still remained in charge of
the Colonel's body, and after an hour or two a tug-boat was procured. A few
squads were detailed under command of Capt. Coyle, who escorted the body on
board and to the Navy Yard, Washington, where it was taken in charge by Commandant
Dahlgren, Lieut. Stryker and six privates of Company A remaining as mourners.
You know the rest.
Considering all things, we have lost but very few men since we left New York.
Theodore Holt, of Company G, a Brooklyn fireman, was accidentally drowned by
the capsizing of a boat near the Navy Yard. His body was recovered, very much
decomposed, and buried in the Cypress Cemetery. John Butterworth, of Engine
11, New York Fire Department, said by those who knew him to be a good fellow,
was shot in Alexandria by a sentry, for not promptly replying to the challenge.
A sad fate, but a warning to all not to trifle with a guard on duty, in war
time. _____ Buckley, of whom we have no account, was shot by Lieut. Dowd, Company
D, for insubordination and an attempt to strike his superior officer.
Our present location is one and a half miles southwest from Alexandria, on
Shooter's Hill. Further particulars of our situation and prospects, &c., &c.
will be given next week. All's well!
HARRY LORREQUER.
Statement of Mr. F. A. Brownell.
We had the pleasure of an interview at this office with Mr. F. A. Brownell,
who shot the assassin Jackson, and he informs us that many of the statements
in relation to the death of Colonel Ellsworth are not only exaggerated, but
entirely devoid of truth. The wood-cut in one of the illustrated weeklies
he especially complains of as being inaccurate in every respect, and leading
to the impression that were it not for his movement in throwing up the musket
of the assassin, Col. Ellsworth would not have been killed.
The idea prevalent in the community that Colonel Ellsworth was the victim of
his own rashness, Mr. Brownell states is entirely erroneous. On the landing
of the Regiment at Alexandria, Colonel Ellsworth detailed a special guard,
including Mr. House, a reporter for The Tribune, to accompany him to destroy
the telegraphic apparatus in Alexandria, thereby preventing communication to
the rebels at Harper's Ferry. This duty it was absolutely necessary to perform
forthwith, and Colonel Ellsworth was doubtless fully impressed with its importance
by the authorities at Washington, and perhaps ordered to personally perform
the seizure.
When Colonel Ellsworth gave the order for the special guard to follow him,
he also directed that Company A, Captain Coyle, should overtake him as speedily
as possible. While on the way to the telegraph office, the guard passed the
Marshall House from which the secession flag was flying. Colonel Ellsworth
was perfectly cool and self possessed, exhibiting neither haste nor rashness
in his manner, but was calmly impressed with the gravity of the mission on
which he was engaged. "We must take down that flag, men," was the
order given by the Colonel, and the guard quietly followed him into the Marshall
House. There appeared to be no one stirring inside the building except one
person, who claimed to be a boarder, and the ascent to the roof of the building
and the capture of the flag was silently performed.
On the descent from the roof, the assassin landlord, Jackson, was standing
in the open space at the foot of the stairway, with a musket pointed at the
guard as they descended the stairs. Colonel Ellsworth had thrown the flag around
his body, and as Brownell saw Jackson taking aim, he ran toward him and threw
up his musket with his own rifle. The assassin Jackson retreated a few steps,
and leveling his musket fired, the contents lodging in the body of Colonel
Ellsworth, causing almost instantaneous death. Mr. Brownell immediately returned
the fire, and the assassin fell.
It is to correct the misapprehension of the circumstances of the fall of his
Colonel that Mr. Brownell called upon us to assure as that there was no rash
impetuosity or desire for any ostentatious display of courage on the part of
Colonel Ellsworth, connected in any way with the manner of his death. No danger
was apprehended in the enterprise, and if any could have been anticipated,
Colonel Ellsworth was too cool and collected to have unnecessarily ventured
into needless peril. Captain Coyle's company were presumed to have followed
the guard, and their numbers would have been sufficient to have overawed any
outbreak attempted by persons in the hotel.
The action of Colonel Ellsworth was that which would have been prompted in
the mind of any officer in the service, under like circumstances, and Mr. Brownell,
while regretting the loss of his commanding officer, desires that nothing—even
the heroism of rash bravery—shall rest upon his memory.
As Mr. Brownell narrated to us a history of the painful death of Colonel Ellsworth,
we were deeply impressed with the modest manner in which he alluded to the
retributive part taken by himself in the affair. It was only upon our interrogatory
that any particulars were given of his own valor, and he was only desirous
to do justice to one who, in his opinion, possessed all the attributes of courage
and true manhood.
Colonel Farnham of the Zouaves.
We congratulate the Fire Zouaves on the promotion of Lieut. Colonel Farnham
to the command of the regiment. Pony is well qualified by military experience
to take charge of the boys, and his long association with a large number of
them in the ranks of the Department renders him personally popular. We have
great faith in Colonel Farnham, having known him long and intimately as one
deserving the confidence and esteem of his associates, and fully deserving
of the position that he now occupies. Pony graduated with Mutual Hook and Ladder
Company No. 1, and served with Billy Wickham, Joe Morrison, Jim Kennedy, and
other good firemen, after which he joined Engine Company 42. We think Farnham
joined the Department about the year 1850 or 1851, and has performed active
duty since that time. While in the Board of Assistant Engineers Pony was famous
for the promptness and ability displayed by him in managing the details of
a fire. We know the little fellow possesses executive ability of no common
order, and we prophecy for him a career as brilliant as it will be earnest
in the cause of his country.
True Courage of a Zouave.
We have been shown a letter from a member of the Fire Zouaves detailing the
particulars of the attack in which Seeley Cornell, of Company G, received
a mortal wound, and Joseph Cushman was dangerously shot. Cornell was wounded
in the breast, and died within an hour; Cushman received a bullet in the
thigh, but is now out of danger. Cornell died like a brave man, and as he
lay upon the ground with the life-blood gushing from his wound, he smiled
at his comrades standing around him and exclaimed, "Who would not die
a soldier's death!" A few moments after he turned to Cushman, who was
lying near him waiting the action of the surgeon, and shaking him by the
hand said, "Good bye, old comrade, it was our luck to suffer this time!" Shortly
after he expired in the arms of a member of his company. With a chivalrous
fear of death, the gallant members of the Fire
Zouaves are foremost in the hour of danger, and when the hour of reckoning
comes, a fearful retribution will be administered to those who are now in
arms against the flag of our country.
A Camp Incident.
A member of Company D, Fire Zouaves, sends to us the following incident: (June
15, 1861) "Last evening (Sunday) at about 6 o'clock an order was given
to 'fall in.' he men were all over the camp; some were taking tea, others
had just finished their meal, many were waiting to have it cooked,
while others were amusing themselves with games of leap frog, singing songs, &c.
There was a general scampering to get together, and the boys were in line as
soon as possible. Company D was selected by the Colonel for their promptitude
in getting ready to receive orders, being nearly five minutes in advance of
their comrades. We marched on special duty, on a quick step, nearly four and
a half miles, to the mill on the Fairfax road, where we have been doing picket
duty. We travelled the distance in the remarkably short time of twenty-eight
minutes from the first order to fall in. This is acknowledged to be the quickest
time on record, and is considered equal to mounted troops time. After we arrived
at the mill we were halted for about twenty minutes, and then marched home
again, much to our disappointment.
The cause of our alarm was in consequence of Companies F and H, in addition
to a company of Michigan troops on picket duty, having a brush with the rebel
pickets, whom they drove into the town of Fairfax. Our pickets captured a rebel
officer who was mounted on a splendid horse, worth in New York four or five
hundred dollars, and a thundering sight better looking animal than his rider.
The members of Company D are earning an enviable reputation for promptitude
and subordination in the performance of their duties, and that old veteran
in many a charge against a beer entrenchment, Captain Jack Downey, may be called "a
pink seed with a blue ribbon."
A Stroll through the Zouave Camp.
June 5, 1861.
DEAR LEADER: Even in these uncertain times, it would do your heart good to
spend at least one night in our camp. Our supper is finished, our labor for
the day is ended, and in solid comfort we have settled ourselves for a quiet
smoke. Night is gradually falling, and as the twilight deepens, the full round
moon becomes brighter, and one by one the tent lights are glistening, until
our camp resembles a grand scenic panorama. Some of the boys, weary and worn
from the toils of the day, have sought their blankets, and are now dreaming
of the dear ones at home; others embrace the opportunity of penning a line,
and repledging their loves to the girls they left behind them, while many are
discussing the chances for a fight, and speculating upon the next move to be
made by order of the man we love and reverence—our own Gen. Scott.
Let us now take a stroll through the camp, and a look at the sights everywhere
to be seen. A signboard arrests our attention, indicating the Hotel de Phenix
of Company E, corner of Leverich avenue and Chambers street, and as they appear
to be happy inside, I pay them a drop-in visit. Gus Phillips is Sergeant-at-Arms,
and motions me to be quiet. Charley Stagg and Johnny Scheffmayer are in the
prisoner's box on a charge of violating the rules of order which govern this
happy little family, and objecting to pay the attending fine, have been placed
upon their trial, before Judge Sam Hutton, whose increased proportions clearly
indicate that he has never been absent from his "rations." Sam's
ever smiling countenance, rosy as the rising sun, makes him acceptable to all
as a just and impartial Judge. Stagg and Sheff have been ably defended by the
never-yielding Ed. Donnelly, and the people have found an able advocate in
the indomitable Billy Mills. As I enter, the case is closed, and the Judge
is about to charge the jury, when Mills pleads for an adjournment of five minutes
to request Lieut. Berry to look out for morning rations for the learned Judge
and himself.
The jury retire, and return with the novel verdict that they have agreed to
leave the case to the decision of the learned and venerable Judge, which decision
shall be final. Both sides agree, the Judge rises, looks grave, drops his hands
to his ponderous sides, and in his pleasing way decides as a just punishment
that the prisoners at the bar shall each stand a portion of his guard duty—that
they each immediately deliver to him both rubber and woollen blanket, for his
own convenience, and that an order shall be served upon Sergeant Billy Whelan
to divide their morning rations between himself and his learned friend Billy
Mills. Ken Knowles objects to this decision, when he is immediately fined by
the learned Judge, who also kindly informs him that his morning ration will
be added to that of the prisoners at the bar, and declares the Court adjourned.
We look around, the tent is as clean and neat as a widow's cap, the rules of
order are well written and posted in a conspicuous place. Sam Waterhouse is
writing his weekly letter on the bottom of an iron pan, to that happy little
sheet, The Brooklyn Eagle. The balance are grouped together, eagerly listening
to Charley Kent, who is selecting four or five choice spirits to go with him
on a private lay, and bring back from within the rebel lines a secession flag
he has coveted, and therefore cannot resist the temptatation.
Filling our pipe, we bid the Phenix boys good night, and enter again into the
pale moonlight, when the silvery notes of our own Dan Collins, warbling that
favorite ballad, "The Dear Irish Boy," break upon the stillness of
the night, and motionless we stand until the last note has died away. Presently
up rushes our old friend, Johnny Maloney, and all in one breath exclaims—"Here,
Dan! what do you think of that for a fire vamp like me? Can't you set it to
music?" "No," replies Dan. "Then I'll add another verse,
and send it to The LEADER for publication." Having received Dan's approval,
away he goes, scratching up ideas for the necessary additional lines. Turning
from this group, we overhear a grumbler growling about his rations. "Serves
you right," says another; "you had no business to play points on
the Captain. Get a pass to go for milk, and tramp two miles through the woods
to get a glimpse of that pretty black-eyed girl of mine, and get back just
in the nick of time to save your bacon, and answer to roll call for parade,
so you got a hard biscuit for breakfast, and double-quick the balance of the
day to butter
it with—can't play nothing on Iney—oh, no! He can't see us"—when
Al Donnels chimes in with, "Say, Cheevers, I'd like to have had a picture
of Kent, Lu Weeks, you and I, when we mounted the deserter this morning on
our shoulders, tied hand and foot, and marched him through the camp to the
guard house—it would be quite an addition to the engine house; but the
poor fellow, I can't believe he knew the penalty, and, for one, am willing
to deal lightly with him for old friendship's sake."
As we leave this spot, we hear the cheerful laugh of a happy party, and decide
to just drop in. It is the officer's tent of Company E, and the happy faces
of the parties there assembled indicate everything but the cause of their being
on Southern soil. There is the ever pleasant and gentlemanly Captain Andy Purtill;
the hard-working Captain Ed. Burns; our old friend Captain Jack Downing; with
Captain Coyle, who is endeavoring to arrange his revolver, Captain Billy Burns
and Brother Alcock, (who, by the way, has not as yet been appointed to the
position his friends believed had been secured to him, but has acted as Postmaster,
Special Messenger, &c., &c. We trust his friends will now attend to
his case). Captain Jack Leveridge is entertaining his friends in his own hospitable
way: while Lieutenants Chambers and Berry are cracking a bottle, and spreading
the crackers and cheese for their welcome guests.
May this circle never grow less, and when all the hopes and heavy toils of
this most unhappy war are over, and peace and happiness reign again supreme,
may this happy party again meet in the same friendship and brotherly feeling
they now exhibit to each other. After pledging ourselves to the dear ones at
home in a bumper that Lieut. Billy Chambers declared was well worth it, I took
my leave, and as the tattoo beat, I was obliged to seek my tent, well pleased
with my stroll through the camp.
Your friend, OLD STOCK.
Letter from the Fire Zouaves.
CAMP ELLSWORTh,
NEAR ALeXANDRIA, June 12th, 1861.
Dear Leader—It seems very strange that our dispatch for last paper, though
mailed on Thursday in Washington, via Adams' Express, did not reach you until
Monday morning. We cannot account for it. Our mail service, which, by the way,
we completely organized ourselves, is not, now that we have been obliged to
give it up, what it ought to be; consequently we shall hereafter be the bearers
of our own dispatches as far as Washington, provided we can do so. This is
all we can do in the matter. The greatest difficulty is experienced in receiving
THE LEADERER here. Will it be believed that up to this day (Wednesday), we
have seen but one copy of The LEADER of last Saturday? Can nothing be done
with our friends of the Adams' Express Company to ensure the transmission of
our manuscript and the return of the paper with certainty and dispatch?
With the exception of a few of the ordinary alarms, to which we are now getting
accustomed, but little of note has transpired in camp since our last. On the
night of the 8th, W. J. Town, not a member of the Fire Department, accidentally
discharged his musket, badly shattering the middle finger of his left hand.
The finger was very skillfully amputated by Doctor Gray-—a single flap
from the inner side being used to cover the bone. The operation was, in all
respects, secundem artem; and the wound has, we are happy to say, healed by
the first intention. Town was a member of Company B, and will soon return to
New York.
While enjoying a very pleasant hour's conversation with Lieut. Snyder of the
Engineer corps, who is inspecting the erection of our earthworks, we noticed
Capt. Jack Wilder, who was officer of the day, doing the honors to a party
of ladies, whom he was escorting from point to point, explaining as they went
along the nature of the defences, the enfilading fires along the faces of the "peace," and
expatiating on escarps, curtains, glacis, and revetments, with an air that
would have astounded the members of 11 Engine. At a later hour we noticed a
small tea party in front of the Captain's tent, at which he presided, and where
the delicacies of the season were distributed with a lavish hand. Capt. Jack
Wilder means to prove that in court or camp he is equally at home.
On the same day we had the pleasure of making one of a little group in Dr.
Gray's tent, composed of three lady friends, their two gentlemen attendants,
the medico, Adjutant Loser, and the subscriber. Sherry, and the balance of
a luncheon brought by the ladies themselves furnished forth an impromptu banquet,
sweetened by the smiles and gay conversation of the divinities, that was quite
refreshing, and a happy relief from the monotony of our daily life at present.
Drilling of companies, and occasionally battalion drills, continue almost sans
intermission from daylight to dark, varied only by ball practice, which on
the whole is good. The men are rapidly becoming perfect, and take more interest
in their own improvement in this indispensable particular, than could possibly
be expected of them, from their previous habits and occupation; and our opinion
formed long since, still remains unchanged, that they will make one of the
finest and most useful bodies of men in the service of the United States.
Several railroad cars and locomotives have arrived at Alexandria, and are placed
on the railroad between here and the Manassas Junction, replacing those run
away with by the Rebels, whose swiftness of foot saved them from our clutches,
on entering Alexandria. The uses to which these cars can be put by us must
be obvious to all.
A grand flag raising is just now going on here. The flag is one brought from
Texas by Capt. Hartz, of the Eighth Infantry, who left all his wardrobe, so
that he might stow the flag in his trunk, thereby saving it from the traitors'
touch. It is quite a large one, forty by thirty feet, and is raised on a staff
eighty feet high, placed on the end of the dock, just opposite the sloop-of-war "Pocahontas." We
have just returned from witnessing the interesting ceremony. The direction
of the simple arrangements seemed to be about equally divided between Captain
Robert Tyler, Quartermaster-General of the District (late of the Third Artillery,
Sherman's Battery), and Captain Jack Leverich of Company E, the color company
of the Fire Zouaves, which company acted the part of guard of honor on the
occasion, and attracted much attention by their neat appearance and soldierly
bearing. The band was furnished by the Michigan First, and performed many beautiful
pieces—"Home, sweet home," among them, besides "Hail Columbia," "The
Star Spangled Banner," and "Yankee Doodle."
At a few minutes past meridian, our simple but sufficient preparations having
been completed, the Starry Banner of Freedom was unfurled to the breeze; and
as the light air wafted its folds over our heads, the band meanwhile discoursing
eloquently—the company of Zouaves drawn up in line with arms presented—the "tars" of
the "Pocahontas" manning the shrouds, in their white frocks and caps—the
group of officers, including Colonel Heinzleman, Captain Fuler, Captain Dove,
and Lieutenant Howison of the sloop of war, Adjutant Loser, Quartermaster Stetson,
Captains Leverich and Downey, and Lieutenants Berry, Harris and Seixas "of
ours,"—formed a picture which I would not have missed on any consideration.
Just as the roll of bunting reached the masthead, Colonel Heinzleman, by a
pull on the downhaul, broke the slight lashing that confined the flag and as
it gracefully fell to the breeze, three stunning cheers and a tiger from our
boys were replied to from the rigging of the "Pocahontas," while
the gun from her bow port bade a sullen defiance to the traitors who would
remove the ensign thus set by the hands of freemen. Long may it wave!
I was then marched off the ground, not however before they had given three
cheers for Col. Heinzleman, three for Capt. Tyler—both of whom have,
by their urbane manner, made many friends in our Regiment—and three for
themselves, and the same for their captain. The officers present then repaired
to the cupola of the Railroad Depot, where they were partakers of the hospitality
of Captain Tyler in true camp fashion, and afterwards we repaired to the quarters
of Capt. L, to write this hurried letter. William Harris, seaman of the "Pocahontas," prepared
the flag, and Seth O. Rogers, of Company E, First Fire Zouaves, hoisted it
to its place at the head of the pole. On the whole, this was one of the most
instructive little episodes we have met with as yet. In haste for the mail, &c., &c.,
HARRY LORREQUER.
The Zouaves in Camp.
CAMP ELLSWORTh, June 19, 1861.
Dear LEADER:—We were much disappointed at not seeing the whole of our
copy in print in last week's LEADER, as its insertion would have served to
keep the continuity of our narrative of the doings of the Zouaves.
We this week send you all that we consider prudent relative to the earthwork
which has been erected on the crown of the hill, a little above and in advance
of the present site of our camp. Fort Ellsworth is an irregular earthwork,
perfect in all its parts, now occupying the site of our last camping ground.
Its position has been well chosen, and the number of 8-inch sea coast shell
guns—each weighing 2 1-2 tons, and throwing a 68-pound ball—rifled
cannon and fieldpieces, with which it is to be furnished, will insure its easy
defence against any force the enemy can bring to attack it. The above are all
the particulars relative to our fort that we desire to give at present; and
these are only given with the consent of the engineer officers in charge, who,
knowing our intention, have afforded us every facility for obtaining all the
information we required. We are particularly indebted to the courtesies of
Captain Wright, Lieut. Barragar, Lieut. Snyder, and Lieut. ——,
of the Engineer Corps—all of whom are polished, educated gentlemen, and
are therefore capable of estimating the difficulties a correspondent of a newspaper
labors under when in pursuit of information.
Although, however, it would not comport with our views to publish such a description
of Fort Ellsworth as would aid the Rebel army, we do not desire that your readers
should be deceived into the idea that our defences at this place are mere "trenches," as
they might be from reading some of the accounts sent to other weeklies from
the camp. An earthwork and "trenches" are not by any means the same,
and those who style our works "trenches," only display their entire
ignorance of the subject of which they treat. An "earthwork" is a
field fort built without masonry, and its strength depends first on its position,
and next on the skill with which it is constructed, and the armament with which
it is equipped. Trenches are also field works, but as we have said, of an entirely
different character. In some cases they are used for the defence of a camp,
but more generally as "approaches" for the attack of a fort. Trenches
or approaches, or "parallels," are excavations three feet wide and
three feet deep, the earth from which is thrown up on the outer side, affording
a "breastwork" nearly six feet high, from behind which riflemen can
effectively annoy an enemy. Trenches are of various kinds, from mere "rifle
pits" to the elaborately constructed "parallels," required for
the reduction of a fortification. In the former case they are but holes hastily
dug in the ground,—the earth thrown up in front—in which from one
to twenty riflemen may be ensconced, while in the latter, the breastworks are
completed and strengthened by means of "gabions" and "facines"—the
parapet being crowned with sandbags. Trenches are the "zig zag" approaches
from parallel to parallels, in the regular siege operation of attacking a fort—the
object of the zig zag form being employed is to avoid an enfilade fire from
the besieged batteries.
The first parallel is generally commenced at a distance of from 600 to 1000
yards from the fort to be attacked, as the position and nature of the ground
will permit, and is connected with the second by the approaches or zigzags,
and parallel after parallel is cut and occupied, so connected, until the edge
of the ditch is reached, and a breach effected, when the result is determined
by a hand-to-hand conflict between the besieged and the besiegers. It is not
our purpose in this paper to enlarge on the sciences of Fortification and Gunnery—such
would not be useful to the majority of your general readers—but simply
to give our friends in New York some idea of field operations. Therefore, we
dismiss the subject for the present.
A few days since, we had the pleasure of an introduction to Chief Engineer
Smith, of the Alexandria Fire Department. The Chief is a good Union man, and
has tendered the use of every apparatus in town to our regiment, for whatever
purpose they may be required.
Lieut. Yates, of Company G, has resigned and left to seek service elsewhere.
His reasons for pursuing this course we are not aware of, though we regret
his loss as a drill-master to the company, who were, under his instruction,
becoming very expert in the bayonet exercise, as well as in the dashing Zouave
drill. Captain Tagen has returned, and means to keep his company up to their
work, and second to none in the regiment.
Captain Murphy of Company C, and our old friend Captain Byrnes of Company B,
have also returned from leave of absence, reassuming their respective commands
with a determination not to be left behind in the race for distinction. The
return of Captain Byrnes was made the occasion of a grand blow-out at the tent
of the non-commissioned officers of Company B. Major Cregier, Adjutant Leoser,
Captains Murphy and Byrnes, and Lieutenants Stryker, Powers, Fitzgerald, &c.,
were present. Lager was imbibed, and a good time generally was the result,—so
we have heard.
Remarks said to have emanated from Capt. Byrnes et. al. reflecting on Assistant
Engineer Roe and others in New York, and published in the LEADER some weeks
ago, are repudiated, and it is desirous that in
future such poor jokes will be omitted. An indiscriminate throwing of stones
is almost sure to hit some one hard.
Captain Purtell, who has recently returned from New York, and who was on the
sick list for some days in consequence of injury to an arm, is now quite well,
and at his duty again. We are under obligations to Andrew for taking letters
for us to New York, and are requested to say that he will in a few days send
on those two owls to his fast friend in Ann street.
Company I, Capt. John Wildey, now in their turn occupy the mill and points
adjacent thereto. They will probably be relieved by Company K, Capt. Furtell,
this week.
We have had several alarms lately—one last night, and one the night before—each
resulting in nothing more than giving the men that most necessary habit of
being ready for duty at a moment's notice.
The drilling of companies continues unabated, and the regiment has so much
improved in the manual of arms, that our friends would be quite astonished
could they see them. In marching, also, they might now, almost compete with
the vaunted Seventh. In the firings they are also fast improving. In battalion
drill they are a little behind, but with our men it is only to say and do;
therefore, when they say they will, we may expect them to become perfect in
this particular also.
The extraction of a serious tumor from the cheek of one of the men, was well
performed by Doctor Gray yesterday. The patient was put to sleep with chloroform,
and knew nothing about it until it was all over.
The sentence of the Court-Martial held since our last has been promulgated.
It was that McGinness and Myers be confined for seven days on bread and water.
On account of the prisoners' plea of the first offence, the sentence of the
court was remitted by the Colonel.
Company E, still in Alexandria, have been drilled for the last few days, by
Lieut. Coates, in the bayonet exercise and Zouave skirmishing.
Lieut. W. R. W. Chambers, although almost well when he returned here, has again
been obliged to return home at the urgent request of his friends, who know
that his present state of health requires him to remain at home—for a
time, at least. We sincerely hope that our friend Chambers may again be able
to join the boys. We know that in spirit he is with us A large number of Havelocks
have been received by the regiment from different sources. Our men were much
in need of them in this climate, and are very thankful to the donor. Capt.
J. Wildey, Company L, has received 11 from Mrs. Judge Roosevelt for his company,
for which both he and his men desire to return their best thanks.
The heavy guns now mounted on Fort Ellsworth unloaded doom the canal boats
that brought them to Alexandria, by Company E, who performed all the labor
connected with that operation in a remarkably short period. One of the guns,
while in the slings, swung round, and caught Lieutenant Berry, who was assisting,
between its muzzle and the boat's side. His side was considerably bruised,
but as no bad result had followed, the boys are quite pleased, Lieutenant Berry
being much of a favorite among them. The
Lieutenant still, however, retains the marks, and will very naturally long
recollect his narrow escape from being rolled out into a slap-jack.
Reports of all kinds reach the camp relative to the movements and force of
the enemy. One of these last night, said that two South Carolina Regiments—
the "chivalry"—who are also said by report to be so anxious
to make the acquaintance of the Zouaves, were within five miles of the camp.
The consequence was, that we were out at two o'clock, A. M., but were soon
turned in again. The boys don't like these false alarms, and say, "What's
the use of us fellows turning out all the time, and never getting to work?
just as if we were running to fires over again ?"
The weather is hot and sultry here now, though we have rather cool and somewhat
chilly mornings and nights. Those who would avoid colds, and the rheumatic
pains that surely follow, should be provided with warm as well as light clothes,
so as to change them with the weather. The rather jaunty and bright-looking
uniforms with which we were furnished by the Department, are woefully changed
since we left New York. Those who have had opportunity and inclination to wash,
have theirs faded almost white; while those who are at all careless, look as
though they had been cooks on board a collier for a year or more. The fact
is, our men want a change of clothes more than anything else at present, and
should be provided for in some way, as the same material for soldiers cannot
be found every day.
How about the paper? How in the world is it, that we cannot get the LEADER
package addressed to us, until the Wednesday afternoon after it is published?
There must be a screw loose some where. But where? Last Saturday's paper has
just now arrived. This is very inconvenient, as we are obliged to write now
without knowing what we wrote last week, so if there should be any repetitions,
you must blame somebody besides us for it. Why cannot our papers arrive here
on Sunday, as well as the odd ones that do arrive? This is what we want to
know.
If any one of your numerous readers are encumbered with more philosophical
instruments than they know what to do with, we can inform him or her, where
he or she can find a place for a chronometer, a barometer, a pocket compass,
a pocket sun-dial with spirit level attached, and a field glass—or, in
lieu of the last mentioned, an ordinary naval day and night glass, of medium
size. A series of observations with these instruments would be interesting
and instructive. Don't all speak at once!
The camp still continues healthy, and there are but few patients under the
doctor's charge. A large number of the men were never so well in their lives,
nor so capable of enduring fatigue, or privations of any kind.
HARRY LORREQUER.
June 20, 1861.—We have orders to be ready to advance at a moment's notice.
H. L.
Letter from the Zouave Camp.
CAMP ELLSWORTH, ALEXANDRIA, Va.,
July 3, 1861.
Dear LEADER:—In consequence of the irregularity of the mail service,
we find it impossible to keep up, as we intended a full and connected narrative
of the doings in camp. Every plan has been resorted to, to secure the certain
transmission of our weekly letters, without effect; we are, therefore, obliged
to run the risk of repeating what we may have written before on some subjects.
You must, however, for the sake of those at home, who we know are thinking
of us, have a few items for the bunkers.
Since our last, an Assistant Surgeon has been appointed. Dr. Mitchell, from
Massachusetts, an intelligent and fully qualified gentleman, has been added
to the medical staff.
In the absence of anything more exciting, our men are turning their attention,
during the few spare hours they have from drill, to various amusements, amongst
which may be reckoned "a right smart chance" of base ball players
and quoit pitchers. Some come out in appropriate costume, too. "Yes, indeed;" we
saw Capt. Wildey yesterday under a very gay ball cap, and over an equally gay
pair of ball shoes. Who' da' thunk it? Even the bold Colonel Cregier does not
hesitate to pitch a quoit, and we think he knows how to do it. Of this we intend
to be assured, as soon as the blacksmith sends home the quoits, as ordered.
Just now, anticipation of the glorious Fourth, so near, and recollections of
how many a one has been passed in the one city of the Union, occupy all our
minds, and lest you may suppose that we are to have no Fourth in Virginia,
we send the following as a sample of the invitations that have been issued
for a banquet to be given in honor of the day so so dear to us all.
CAMP ELLSWORTH, July 3, 1861.
SIR:—You are respectfully invited to dine with the non-commissioned officers
of Company H, in their tent, on the approaching Anniversary of our National
Independence, at 1, P.M.
By honoring us with your company you will much oblige
Your obedient servants,
Corporal John A. Smith, Ch'man,
Corporal Jesse H. Neall, Sec'y.
Sergeants: Thomas Curtis,
David Closey, Com.
Corporal: David McMurtie.
There is no doubt but this affair will be conducted in a manner calculated
to do credit to the company and the regiment; and we hope to be able to furnish
particulars for your next issue. Sundry boxes were received in camp last evening,
said to contain fireworks, from friends at home, and they will also add to
the enjoyments of the day. But how insignificant all human contrivances and
inventions are when contrasted with the works of the omnipotent Ruler of the
universe. An opportunity of witnessing one of the many wonderful phenomena
of the Heavens, was afforded us last night A comet or a nebulous star of vast
magnitude, and apparently very near the earth, with a brilliant and immensely
long tail, was to be seen extending through the sky diagonally across the "milky
way," and heading from southeast to north-west. The head was very luminous,
of a bright gold color, and the tail also occasionally bright—must have
been about 60° in length.
Many were the opinions expressed, as you may suppose, relating to the appearance
of the strange visitor, some creating not a little amusement. One individual
wished to know whether comets obtained their "passes" from our new
Brigadier-General Wilcox, or from General Scott. Another in our hearing stated
it as his belief that comets seldom get passed, while still another, in order
to display his knowledge of scientific matters, endeavored to concentrate the
nebulous rays by means of a double convex lens, with a view of having a regimental
smoke on the strength of it. This latter experimenter was finally persuaded
to keep his burning glass for use when the sun shines. Is our strange visitor
a forerunner of bloody work to be done? From whence came it? What does its
appearance portend? Is it one of the signs spoken of in Revelations: "And
the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely
figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind;" or what? A skirmish occurred
on the morning of the 29th, as you have doubtless seen by the papers, between
the pickets of the Pennsylvania 4th, and a secession scouting party, in which
the former had one man killed, and one seriously wounded. The secession men
lost there sergeant, who was shot dead, and it is believed that another was
killed and carried away, along with one or more wounded. This shooting of picket
guards by scouts, is one of the most villainous practices that ever disgraced
civilized warfare. War at best, is bad enough, God knows, but when men who
have a knowledge of every pathway in the country, sneak around trees and fence
posts, and shoot men in the back, we are satisfied that the whole civilized
world will cry out with indignation at the perpetrators of such cold blooded,
brutal murder—for murder it is, and nothing else. And should the assassins
be caught, we sincerely hope that they will be made to ornament the nearest
trees.
Cloud's Mill, of which you have heard so much, though it has become quite an
institution with us as an outpost, has nothing about it that is in the least
degree picturesque, or, indeed, remarkable in any way. It is a plain four-story
brick building, standing a little back from the road to Fairfax, and bears
the name of its owner, who resides about a quarter of a mile further on, on
the same side of the road. Companies B, I, and K have alternately been stationed
at the Mill, and Company A is now there. On several occasions we have visited
the different companies there, and are indebted to Captains Byrnes, Wildey,
Purtell, and Coyle, for hospitalities, and although we have seen some good
times there, let it not be supposed, that our Mill bears the least resemblance
to certain old ivy-covered structures situated on hill sides, where the busy
wheel is turned on its axis by a babbling brook, whose sparkling water is dashed
into shining atoms over the jagged rocks that line its steep inclining bed,
and whose swift moving surface is ever and anon broken by the leaping trout.
Oh! no. Cloud's Mill is not the Mill par excellence of romance—so treasured
in the minds of the novel readers—but as we have said, a most ordinary
common place brick building, noted for nothing but the millions of horrible
flies bred in its vicinity, the scantiness of the muddy fluid that stagnates
in the so-called, or rather mis-called mill stream, that winds its sluggish
way through a much neglected meadow, and almost hidden beneath a wild growth
of weeds and brushwood. Indeed, were it not for the recollection of the hot
biscuits furnished to the Captain's table by the hands of the charming "Ida," we
doubt very much that we should have soiled so much good paper by writing of
Cloud's Mill at all. As a stragetic point, it amounts to nothing--commands
nothing—not even respect—as an outpost, it is but an apology for
a guardhouse-—and, so much for the Mill, that possesses not even a maid
to attach to it a coloring of romance or sentiment.
On Tuesday last, in company with Hospital Steward Perrin, we took a long walk
to the front, some three miles beyond the cavalry pickets, for the purpose
of taking a look at the country round about us; but, on observing a party of
eight or nine suspicious-looking characters, who seemed to be enjoying their
midday lunch by the side of a road about a quarter of a mile ahead of us, and
believing that "discretion is the better part of valor" on such occasions,
we kept shady until the party rode off, when we leisurely returned to camp.
But one of these men seemed to be in uniform, though all were armed and well
mounted. Very little did they suspect who was looking at them, or how easily
their number might have been lessened, had we been armed with a Sharp's rifle.
As it was, certain capture would have been the result of our firing a single
shot from the pop-guns of pistols which were carried by us. In the day time
we do not believe the secession pickets approach any nearer to us than the
distance above noted; at the same time, we are convinced that we are surrounded
by traitors, who, when night comes, prowl round through the woods and by-roads,
meet the enemy's scouts, give them information of the position of our sentries,
and take an occasional shot at the guards themselves.
It would be a mere folly to enter into long contradictions of the false reports
continually copied from Southern papers into the New York Herald, as we might
have to continue them to the end of the war. Two paragraphs have recently appeared,
however, which, for sheer lying, surpass anything of the kind that has come
under our notice. One of these says that our men "have to be punished
to compel them to go on guard;" that "nine were killed on Friday
night, and every night one or more finds himself a dead man," &c., &c.;
and the other, not to be outdone in barefaced falsehood, says that "upwards
of fifty have already been slaughtered by the "Jackson Avengers," and
that "two or three are picked off every night." Now, the simple fact
is, that since we left New York we have had only one man killed and two wounded,
as is said, by the fire of the rebels. And it is by no means certain that these
were not shot by friends in mistake, or by themselves accidentally or through
carelessness. If the "Jackson Avengers," with all the oaths they
have taken, and all the lying they are capable of, cannot do more than this,
it is our private opinion that when our fellows get hold of them they will
speedily follow to keep company in a warm corner with the vile rebel they are
named after. Holding this opinion, it will not be wondered at that we do not
condescend to contradict the ridiculous report, that our men "have to
be punished to compel them to go on guard." The immortal Dick Marshall
still continues to thank his fast friends in New York, for the manner in which
he was treated while there, although he stoutly denies the imputation on his
hitherto unblemished character, that he was half seas over all the time he
was in the city. We must join Dick in denouncing the authors of the libel,
as we are satisfied that he was not in a state of inebriety all the time he
was there.
Captain Jack Leverich is quite indignant that a charge should be made against
him of purloining a badge from H. B. Venn. The Captain avers that Harry never
had a badge, and that the said Harry never could be the recipient of one from
a Sunday School, on account of his well known idiosyncracies.
That no one would give him one; and that if he had a badge, he never lost it.
Captain Jack's opinion is that the whole affair is a canard, circulated in
order to get square for the board of "that dorg," at the Racket Court
some months ago. However this may be, we feel no more inclination to interfere
in this scrape than we did in the other, so the two worthies mentioned must
settle the matter themselves, without our aid.
July 4th, 1861.
The glorious Fourth has arrived, and all is well and quiet. Grand preparations
are being made by Company H for the dinner; and as an extra strong guard is
being mounted, the band of the Michigan Regiment gives us"
Hail Columbia" in a style that warms every heart, and reminds us of old
times at home. It has been said during the last week, that the rebels were
to attack us on this day. If they should put their threats into execution,
they will find the Zouaves wide awake, and ready for them.
Just as we are about sending off our letter, we find a large number of the
members of Company E on the dock in front of their quarters at Alexandria,
keeping 4th of July after a fashion of their own. On top of a railroad baggage
car, we observe one prominent gentleman, supposed to be Judge of a Court (Supreme
here, of course),private Mills —who is charging a jury just elected—not,
however, without the usual number of challenges—and at his feet, on the
platform of the car, is to be seen William Henry, the Captain's colored man
of all work, who represents the prisoner at the bar, while he in turn is represented
by another orator, who disputes the legality of the tribunal, the jurisdiction
of the court, &c., &c. The prisoner, who, we find, is charged with
insubordination, desertion and winning the Captain's whiskey, is, we are happy
to say, likely to escape drowning, for the simple reason (as Louis Meeks says)
that he was born to be hanged. It is now 12 1/2 M., 4th July, 1861, and as
Capt. Tyler and a number of friends visit Capt. Jack, and as the mail leaves
at 1, and as we must drink with them on the occasion, we must, for this time,
conclude.
HARRY LORREQUER.
Letter from the Zouave Camp.
Dear LEADER—Since our last, the glorious Fourth has come and gone, and
however much we all may have wished to have celebrated it elsewhere with our
friends and relatives, we feel that the loyal firemen of the City of New York
could not be better employed on that honored anniversary than in defending
the Stars and Stripes of their country from the dishonor meditated by traitors.
With the little means at our command in camp, in addition to the few (not) "inconsidered
trifles" sent from home, we made what display we could, and endeavored,
in our loyalty, to make up by the will what we lacked in the deed. The non-commissioned
officers of Company H succeeded admirably in entertaining the Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel
Cregier, Major Leoser, the Medicos, Gray and Mitchell, Captains Wildey, Hackett,
Downey, Tagen, several lieutenants and other attaches of the regiment. A good
dinner was well discussed, speeches were made, toasts were drank, songs were
sung, and fun and jollity ruled the hour, or rather hours, for the golden rays
of the setting sun, as it lengthened the tapering shadows of the tall trees,
gave us notice of the approach of the short twilight, ere the jovial party
broke up and sought their own tents, pleased with themselves and every one
else, particularly with the manner in which they had been entertained by the
non-commissioned officers of Company H, to whom we beg to return our thanks
for their kind invitation. Contrary to the expectations of his friends, Jeff.
Davis did not dine in Alexandria on the Fourth, and the pies and cakes said
to have been prepared for him and his troops by the Secession leaders of that
village, must be a little mildewed by this time. In future we would respectfully
recommend them to consult the Zouaves ere they make any extensive preparations
for his entertainment.
Matters and things jog along quietly in camp, with the exception of sundry
growls respecting the quality of the rations delivered to the men. Our men
are a peculiar class, and although they are capable of and will endure all
the necessary privations and hardships that any men on earth will or can, they
are intelligent enough to perceive when and where a screw is loose, and will
not quietly submit to be imposed upon in the most trifling degree. Hence the
grumbling in regard to the provisions. They say they have done all that any
other men in the Volunteer Army have done, and that, if other Regiments are
supplied with fresh bread daily, they are also entitled to their "soft
tack," instead of the hard, black shingles that were, on one or two occasions,
served out. We confess that the sample shown us was not fit for use, and we
cannot see the necessity for it, as some 400 barrels of good flour was seized
at the Mills when we first took possession, that, in our opinion, being "contraband
of war," should have been devoted to the use of the troops; and it is
strange, to say the least, that such articles should be kept stored up for
the owners, and our men asked to eat the hard rye bran bread that has recently
been served out. Perhaps we may be permitted to ask whether some one does or
does riot profit by this arrangement, at the expense of the teeth and health
of the men? Is there a Ring here, also, and who is in it?
The delay in paying the Regiment has also been a source of very great inconvenience.
Every other Regiment that we know of has been paid; and yet we are now going
on three months in the service, and have received "nary red" yet.
This is not on the square. Some part of the delay may be accounted for on the
ground that, from want of experience in such matters, the first set of pay.
rolls were returned for not being properly filled up; but there has been, besides,
a great deal of delay, that certainly could and should have been avoided. We
know not on whose toes we tread in making this assertion, but we think it right
that the friends of the Regiment should know how we have been treated, in order
that in future some means may be devised by which the men may be enabled to
receive the pittance allowed to them. The want of this money is felt doubly
by those who have left families at home, who, for aught they know, may be suffering,
especially now that their allowances have been stopped.
It is now two weeks since the pay-rolls of this Regiment were forwarded, in
charge of a duly authorized agent, to the authorities of the great State of
New
York, and as yet the miserable $612 per man has not, up to the present writing,
been received. What is the cause? The rolls for the United States pay are now
being made out, and if it takes as long a time to accomplish nothing as it
has done in regard to the State pay, the war may by possibility be ended before
our men receive a cent to send home to their suffering families. Let this be
thought of, and acted upon.
The fireworks sent on by our friends in New York, did not, for the most part;
arrive here until the 5th; the consequence was, that Capt. Jack Wildey and
others had quite a good display on that evening, in lieu of having it on the
great Fourth. Adams Express Company is blamed for this, how fairly we cannot
say. The evening of the 5th, however, lost nothing by the non-arrival of the
pin-wheels, crackers, and Roman candles; and the singing by members of Company
I, in front of their captain's tent, was just as sweet, as the harmonious chords
floated off into the distance in the warm summer air, as if we had had command
of Edge's entire establishment.
We had an alarm on the night of the 5th, when some fifty shots were fired by
the sentries. Of course, there was a regular turn-out of the men, but it was
found there was no cause for the alarm:—some of the boys, as usual, trying
their hands at the fire-flies that are so numerous and beautiful in this region.
There are indications of an advance movement, among which may be reckoned the
arrival of a number of Regiments. The Third and Fourth Maine, the Second Scott
Life Guard, the Fifth Pennsylvania, the Second Vermont, &c. The last mentioned
arrived here yesterday evening, and were sent forward by rail, in the midst
of a thunder-storm. How the rain poured down in torrents, as the wind-broken
engine groaned its slow way along the apology for a railroad—how the
Vermonters bore their wet welcome to Virginian soil—how the sick were
huddled together in one close, ill-ventilated car, and the baggage and tents
were exposed to the fury of the elements on open trucks—how the Major,
Quartermaster Stetson, Dr. Gray and the writer, of the Zouaves, ornamented
the creaking, sighing, coughing, blowing, puffing, smoking, steaming, sweating,
gasping, slow coach of an engine, taking a "front seat on the charcoal-box" of
the same, immediately over the cow-catcher—how the said quartette enjoyed
the delights of a railroad trip at a speed of one mile in two hours, amidst
the pelting of the pitiless storm—how the poor, good-looking, good-humored,
take-it-easy women who accompanied the Vermonters, bore the discomforts of
their slow ride—how one of them while her brethren-in-arms were ploughing
their weary way through the long, dank, uncut meadow grass, to the camp-ground,
laden with trunks, camp-kettles, straw-beds, tents, tent-poles, knapsacks,
saddles, fire-locks, and all the paraphernalia of a regiment on the march,
braved the rain, the mud, and the half mile tramp through all—how the
other three remained in the car with the sick, and returned to the depot,
to minister to their wants—how the Major and the Quartermaster remained
at the camp of the advanced guard of the Zouaves, taking horsesback ride home
in the dark and the rain—how the Doctor and your correspondent returned
on the engine crab-fashion at the same lively gait at which we had gone forward—how
we found ourselves on foot at the depot, a mile or more from quarters—how
we fought our way through mud-holes, over rough pavements and old, neglected
brick sidewalks and streets that certainly had not been attended to since Harry
Arcularius was Street Commissioner—how, finally, we reached the hospitable
quarters of Captain Jack Leverich, drenched with rain, covered with mud, jaded
and tired, in search of a supper and bed—how the gallant Captain delighted
our hopes of aliment by blessing us with a few crackers, a glass of grog, and
a soft board in a dark room—how all of the above delightful reminiscences
might be descanted upon—the abortion of a railroad, indicative of Virginia
having been counted out of the march of improvement—the endurance of
the men, displaying Northern grit and stamina—the devotion of the women,
establishing, sans disputation, the truth of the line, "a ministering
angel thou!"—the sublimity of the thunder, the vividness of the
lightning, the howling of the tempest, showing the wonders of Him who "rides
upon the storm"—may, after your readers have taken a good long breath,
be imagined, but cannot be described by us in the brief space allotted to a
newspaper correspondent.
It has just been told us while we write, by no less a person than Pat Dennison,
the factotum of the Q. M., that the Vermonters were not allowed to enjoy their
neat and hardly occupied quarters without interruption, as shortly after we
left, the camp was fired upon, but fortunately without effect. We are still
of the opinion that the occasional attacks upon our pickets and outposts, are
by the farmers who still reside in the neighborhood. There are plenty of traitors
among them, who smile in our faces, and who only wait their opportunity to
pick off our sentries under cover of the night.
Company A, Captain Coyle, which has occupied Cloud's Mill for the last week,
had their tents and baggage forwarded to them yesterday, and the regiment moves
forward to occupy that position to-day. The tents are being struck, and all
is perspiration and activity. The thunder-storm of last night has had a good
effect on the weather and the roads—cooling the one, and freeing the
other from dust—so that the short march will be accomplished with ease
to the men. It is now fine, clear, and cool.
Since our last, Lieutenant Stryker, of Company B, Captain Ed. Byrnes, has resigned,
and left for New York. His leaving the Regiment is regretted by all. He was
a great favorite in his Company, and every man of them wishes him no worse
fortune than a better position in some equally good Regiment. Lieutenant Stryker
accompanied us when we bore the dispatch to General Scott announcing the death
of Col. Ellsworth, of whom he was the bosom friend, and from our knowledge
of Mr. Stryker we can safely say that he is an accomplished officer, a good
soldier, and an affable and courteous gentleman, qualified for any position
in a Regiment. We can only hope that he may secure such a one as his abilities
entitle him to, and that we may meet again.
We have also to regret the loss of Lieutenant Fergus, of Company K, Captain
Purtell. Lieutenant Fergus is a promising young officer, and his loss as a
drill-master will be much felt.
Among changes likely to take place, we may mention that our friend, Dr. Gray,
will probably be examined in a day or two as a candidate for the responsible
position of Brigade Surgeon. We have had many opportunities of witnessing operations
performed by our surgeon, and, knowing what we aver, have no hesitation in
saying that Dr. Gray is one of the most expert operators we have ever seen.
His knowledge of anatomy, coolness, precision with the knife, and a certain
suavitur towards the patient, qualify him for the highest position in his profession,
while his management of hospital and sanitary arrangements entitles him to
the gratitude of the Fire Zouaves for their remarkably healthy condition.
While we regret the probability of losing him, we cannot help hoping that the
Board of Examiners may have the good judgment to place in the highly responsible
position of Brigade Surgeon a gentleman who can be made so useful to his own
as well as to the other regiments composing the Brigade.
A gross injustice has been done to our Regiment by the circulation of a report
in New York to the effect that several houses in Washington had been burned
by the Zouaves, and that they would not permit the Washington firemen to extinguish
the flames. The truth is, not one of our men was in any way concerned in the
incendiarism. It is well known here that the fire was the work of some of the
members of a New Jersey Regiment, and that the few members of our Regiment
in town at the time worked with a will, aiding the Washington people to subdue
it.
The Washington folks know this, and it is too bad that at home we should be
so maligned. Is it not enough that the Herald should belie us? Truly has it
been said, "a prophet, seldom finds honor in his own country."
The following item has been sent us, which we have pleasure in including in
our weekly letter. First Lieut. R. N. Bowerman (formerly of the seventh company,
Seventh Regiment) of Company E (Captain J. B. Leverich) Fire Zouaves, was the
recipient of a splendid line sword and fixings on the evening of July 3. It
was presented by his co-employees of Messrs. A. & G. A. Arnoux, of 521
Broadway, and was suitably inscribed. Lieut. Bowerman arrived here on the fifth,
and now fills the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Lieut. W. R. W.
Chambers.
Mr. John Slowey, Superintendent of Markets, paid a flying visit to the camp
and to Cloud's Mill, on Tuesday last, and left without even stopping to say
how d'ye do to the subscriber. The future will tell whether we shall recollect
this piece of gallantry on the part of the ex-foreman of No. 19 or not.
The regiment is pulling up stakes, the tents are being struck, all hands are
preparing for a start—we have received warning that we must be in camp
to attend to our troops, and the consequence is that we must conclude without
mentioning several little matters of interest. When next we write, for which
privilege we fervently hope, we opine we shall have something to communicate
worth reading. "En avant mes enfants!"
HARRY LORREQUER.
From a High Private in the Zouaves.
UNDER A TREE,
CAMP ELLSWORTH, July 7, 1861.
EDITOR LEADER:—I would have written to you some time ago, but for the
fact that I could not procure any paper. However, I will now undertake the
penning of a regular double-breasted letter, in order to make up for all former
deficiencies, though I am not going to bore you with a chronicle of all the
current events that have transpired since we left Washington; such as how we
annihilated an entire railway depot; how we dazzled with fascinating glances
the vinegar-complexioned daughters of the F. F. V.'s; how we circumvented an
immense forest; how we destroyed an extensive secession hotel; how we blew
up a powder magazine; how we were reprimanded for working too hard in the trenches;
how we gutted a flour mill, and how we luxuriated upon slapjacks afterwards;
how we, like Nebuchadnezzar in his desolation, went on all fours into strawberry-beds
and sumptuously feasted upon their dainty products; how we disembowelled a
vast distillery; how many of our men were particularly addicted to meandering
their courses through aromatic onion beds, cabbage nurseries, radish plantations,
and fruit groves, in search of "Secession pickets," or articles "contraband
of war," and such other "petty eccentricities," as being
anxious to stand sentry and examine and search people for concealed "weapons," or
inspect milk-wagons and tell the driver you are very thirsty; how many of them
diurnally saunter through barn-yards and gratuitously assume the guardianship
of youthful tenants of the sty, fatherless goslings, and parentless chickens,
and with what sagacious instinct they can explore
the inmost recess of a hay-loft for a colony of hen-fruit; how on the Fourth
we revelled over many a brimming tancred of lager; how we improvised a tallow
candle procession and marched around the Colonel's tent; how we made the night
hideous with our howls, and how we were obliged to look on with impunity at
the luminous drapery in which the Capital was clothed, and satisfy ourselves
with the inward consolation that we, too, would be in the midst of "blazes" before
long.
All these, and many other little episodes of camp life, which might be interesting
to you, will have to be consigned to the historical storerooms of my cranium
for the present, until I have time and space to cater them out to you in detail.
Geographically speaking, our camp is bounded on the north by a heterogeneous
population of "sogers," niggers, Secessionists, and other benighted
bipeds; on the south by a defunct distillery (before alluded to), a sinuous
creek, in the chaotic waters of which the catfish and pollywog gambol promiscuously,
and a reservoir. Previous to that period in the world's history when the "sacred
soil" of Virginia was "desecrated" by the Gothic hordes of the
North, the latter institution was supposed to have contained a few fish, but
the carnivorous appetites of those "hirelings" were too great for
such dainty allurements to remain unmolested, and they are now all extinct.
On the east we are favored with the presence of a slaughter-house, which "wastes
its sweetness on the desert air," and a bird's-eye view of Alexandria,
which resembles its ancient predecessor in the possession of a large Ethiopian
population and a few immense pyramids—of offal and manure. On the west
we have Fort Ellsworth and a magnificent swamp. We sometimes make peregrinations
through the liquid mud of the latter, in search of sage frogs, the hind quarters
of which make tempting baits for the most fastidious epicure, when stewed.
But a voyage through this realm of reptiles is repaid with the involuntary
exportation of clay enough on each boot of the explorer to comprise the foundation
of a small German principality.
Our bill of fare, when coupled with the "perquisites" of scouting,
is everything that can be desired, with one exception only—that is, the
crackers, which are rather too tenacious for ordinary molart, and mine have
been decimated materially. I will, however, use the most strenuous exertions
to preserve one of my front teeth as a monument to commemorate the departure
of the rest.
Water is not very scarce in this neighborhood, but all facilities for bathing
lying outside of our line of sentinels, we are obliged to forego all such luxuries
as an ablution in the aforesaid fluid, and have been reduced down to sand-papering
ourselves once every two weeks.
Guerrillaism has given us very little annoyance since three of the fraternity
were polished off by the same number of Pennsylvania sentinels, and the"
Minnesotians" hard by express an earnest desire to "camp on the trail" of
some of these nocturnal visitors. This regiment embraces in its ranks some
of the tallest looking orphans I have yet seen turned out, and the regiment
that is preceded in an engagement by such a stockade of bone and muscle as
they possess need not have much apprehension about a big list of killed and
wounded, unless the enemy they face are a battalion of baboons.
The usual rumors of "forced marches," "Manassas Junction," "Richmond," "Right
of the line," "Advance Post," &c., are going the rounds,
but it is doubtful when the perpetual battle of The Herald is going to come
off, though one thing is settled, and that is that every one of us is prepared
for it, as a little excitement would be a great relief to our present inactivity.
I never enjoyed better health in my life than I do at present and am very well
satisfied with the substitution of the "shooting iron" for the "composing
stick." I am very thankful to you for sending me so many papers, as they
are worth their weight in gold out here. Yours, sincerely, W. N.
Brilliant Charge and Victory of the Fire Zouaves.(July 20, 1861)
Just before going to press, we learn that the Fire Zouaves charged upon a battery
of four guns at Bull's Run, and with a loss of fifteen men killed and wounded,
routed the Rebels at the point of the bayonet.
It is said that their rallying cry, "Remember Ellsworth!" was one
of the most fearful demonstrations ever heard or known. They mowed the gunners
down right and left, and in the space of eight minutes were in complete command
of the whole battery.
Further particulars are anxiously expected.
THE NEW-YORK FIRE ZOUAVES IN BATTLE.
TAKEN FROM NOTES FURNISHED BY JOHN JOHNSON, OF
ENGINE 40, AND MARION OF ENGINE 9, BOTH PRIVATES
IN COMPANY B, CAPTAIN EDWARD BURNS.
July 23, 1861.
To the Editors of the New York LEADER:
On Wednesday, July 17, we were ordered to march to Fairfax station. Our regiment
being in advance on the left, Companies A and B acting as skirmishers, who
soon made an attack upon the intrenchment occupied by a squad of the Rebels,
and drove them out and through four other camps—Johnson, of Engine 40,
taking their colors, on which was inscribed "Tenn. S. Rifles," being
an abbreviation for Tennessee Rifles. On a double quick we sped on to Fairfax.
Four miles beyond here we met the Garibaldi Regiment as an advance of the other
division, whom we took for the enemy, though after firing a few shots, discovered
our mistake.
Orders now came to retire back to Fairfax, which we did until Friday night,
when we marched to Centreville in double quick. Here we remained until Sunday
morning at 2 A. M., when we were ordered to Manassas, on the left of the brigade
(the right of Bull's Run), Colonel Wilcox of the Michigan Regiment, in command.
We soon heard the sounds of cannon and musketry, which started us off on double
quick again, and we did not hold until we had come within a mile of the battery,
having come fourteen miles. Cregier now told us that there was no time for
food or rest, and that we must prepare for battle at once. So with a cheer
we welcomed the news, and commenced to lighten ourselves of our overcoats,
haversacks, &c.; then took up our line of march over an open plain, under
fire from the enemy's batteries.
We were ordered by Gen. McDowell to support Arnold's Battery while it was being
planted, and from which the Sixty-ninth and Seventy-ninth had been repulsed.
We had got within fifty rods of the battery in an elevation,
and were in companies and about to form in line of battle, when the celebrated
Black Horse Cavalry made a charge upon us out of a skirt of wood on our right.
As they came out in couples on the open plain they would exclaim, "Friends!
Friends!" making us think they were such, and we were about to continue
to form in line, when they formed, drew up to within twenty feet, and fired
their pistols at us. In an instant we returned the fire, and men and horses
fell like ten-pins. Their first volley wounded two of Company B—one in
the ear, the other in the arm, while Lieut. Derers, of Company G, received
three shots.
The road that the Rebels came out of led between Companies G and B, and as
we got hard at work, the Black Horse Cavalry made a rush through them in order
to reach our rear and regain the woods. While doing so our men deployed to
the right, and took them as they came up, and very few got back to tell the
news. We rushed upon them with our sabre bayonets, and dragged them from their
horses, and in one instance a Zouave shot a Rebel with his own weapon. George
Amey, of Company B, was shot in the thigh by a grape from the battery, which
was playing away all this time upon us; but he got even, as he shot five of
the cavalry, driving his musket almost to the lock through one of them.
"
Ellsworth!—remember Ellsworth!" was the chorused battle-cry with
us all, and at each shout horsemen would fall from their horses, victims upon
our altar of vengeance. As they retreated we counted seventeen dead horses,
while dozens of them were running around riderless. Soon the remnant of them
returned, reinforced by another large troop of cavalry in gray uniform, who
came to the edge of the woods, but no farther, for we opened a volley from
our Minies upon them, and they soon retreated pell-mell, without firing a shot.
Col. Farnham, who had just risen from a sick bed to come with us, was at our
head, early and bravely giving orders the whole time—although he had
lost command, for each man was fighting on his own hook, and did not wait for
our captain's orders. Gen. McDowell now made his appearance, with Col. Wilcox
and Heintzelman, and Farnham ordered us in line again. We then marched in companies
to support Arnold while planting his battery, which he succeeded in doing,
and the artillerymen commenced at once to use them on a battery in front, and.
in one half hour, so well did they handle their guns, they silenced it. The
two batteries in the rear, commanding the first one, then commenced to throw
shell and grape on us. Farnham, seeing how destructive to us was this rain
of iron, ordered us to lie down, for it was certain death to stand up. The
gunners stood bravely to their guns, until nearly all were killed, as were
nearly all their horses. Those that were left, seeing how fatal it was to continue,
determined to save their guns if they could, and commenced to retreat with
them, in their hurry running over our men. This broke our line. We could see
four rifle regiments, which proved to belong to Louisiana, supporting the batteries,
which at once maneuvered to flank us right and left, under cover of the smoke
from the batteries. In time we saw a Secession flag waving and running towards
us. Col. Farnham seeing it, ordered us to rise and fire at the approaching
columns, who had accomplished their purpose, and got us on the right and left.
We went at those on our left with a will, and soon repulsed them, while the
dead they left behind them told how true had been our aim—a prisoner
said not fifty escaped. (Oh, the Minie is a terrible avenger!) The enemy on
the right retreated back to the woods again. Meanwhile the batteries were working
a way upon us. Up to this time we had lost about one hundred of our men, and
they were dropping fast beneath the constant stream of lead which the batteries
poured upon us. Farnham now gave the order to retire, which we executed in
good order, turning and firing upon the riflemen as we did so.
P-Now, the Fourteenth of Brooklyn came up to take our place, but after firing
one volley, had to retire also. We were pretty well scattered about this time.
As the Fourteenth followed us, the Michigan First came up to the post of danger,
but as soon as they showed the battery opened again, and the same fate awaited
them as did ourselves, the Sixty-ninth, Seventy-first, and Fourteenth. We had
now got together again, and formed in companies, when we saw the Sixty-ninth
returning to attack or charge their batteries, with bold, firm step. We saluted
them with cheers as they passed us. We saw the Sixty-ninth go over the rise
of the hill, when we heard the battery at work again, and it cut them down
fearfully, so that they were forced to retreat again, which they did in good
order. The riflemen whom we had repulsed attacked the Sixty-ninth, killed their
color-guard, and got possession of the green standard. We had at this time
gained a hill, and commenced to fire upon a body of cavalry who were anxious
to make a charge upon the
Sixty-ninth as they were drawing away, when Captain Jack Wildey, of Company
I, saw the riflemen in the act of retreating with the flag in their possession,
he at once called on the boys to the rescue, which was seconded at once by
all who heard him, and this, too, in the face of the fire from a battery. On
we sped, Jack in advance, and with his own hand he shot the Rebel who had the
flag, got possession of it, and returned it to the Sixty-ninth, who, at this
time, were not aware their color-guard had been shot down.
Major Lozier saw a troop of cavalry in a clearing of the woods forming, and
about to take the road that would bring them out where we made such slaughter
among the Black Horse gentlemen of Virginia. He gave word for the Zouaves to
charge upon them, which was no sooner said than done, and we raked them with
our Minies terribly. They gave us a hot fire, and many a boy dropped from among
us. Lozier's horse was shot from under him, but almost in an instant one of
those belonging to the enemy was caught, and he was mounted again, and said
that he thought he had not lost by the exchange. Hardly had he spoken before
that horse lay dead upon the field; but as horses without riders were very
plenty, he was soon in a saddle again, and we were in full pursuit of this
fresh body of cavalry. They made for the woods as usual, and we after them,
chock up to a masked battery, which we knew not of until we were on it. It
had not opened its' fire, as it was trying to cover the retreat of the troop
of horse, and we were so close upon it that it did not dare fire, fearing to
cut up its own men.
We were surrounded by a large body of infantry, whom we had to turn upon and
fight our way out. Our colors were in the hands of good men, who were waving
them upon the top of the intrenchments, but both were shot and the enemy got
our flags. As soon as this was known we rallied again and got possession of
them, tore them from the staffs, and they soon covered the breasts of two of
our men. It was a sickening sight to see our boys cut down, and could we have
been supported at this time we would have held this
battery, but, to make matters still worse, our own friends outside were sending
in volley after volley at us, which done us great harm. We gained the plain
and saw an officer of rank, who we were told was McDowell, endeavoring to rally
up a regiment to our support; but it was no use, although he exclaimed, "They
have got a battery, and cannot bold it without assistance." He rode close
to us and said, "Go it, boys, we will lick them yet!"
Our ranks were thin, and then every one that was left could mourn his partner.
We could gather but few, when the order of retreat was sounded; but it was
with sad hearts we obeyed the order, and joined the retreating column. A battery
fired upon us that had not fired a gun before, and the cavalry how came out
quite boldly and annoyed us very much, when Farnham, Gregier and Lozier, Knox
of Company A, and Lieutenant Fitzgerald of Company C (the only officers then
able to be in their places), after a few words together ordered a rally, when
we turned and gave the horsemen another volley from our guns, and compelled
them, for the fifth time, to retire with great loss. We could see them now
bringing field pieces, and placing them upon the hills behind us, and they
also had possession of Arnold's battery, which they opened upon us with. This
did us no great harm, and seeing that, they soon ceased to fire, and turned
to cut off our retreat across the bridge at Bull Run, that being the only way
we could retreat; but our own artillery had this in charge, and kept them at
bay and covered the retreat.
We could see our hospital in flames with the yellow and white flags still flying,
but this excited no sympathy from the Rebels, as they had shelled it and put
it in flames. They also fired at the ambulance and took the wounded back as
prisoners. This would not have been the case, had not the large wagon cavalry,
the baggage men and baggage of the officers blocked up the road, and prevented
them from going towards Centreville in safety. As we crossed the Bull Run bridge,
the battery there opened upon us, and knocked spots out of the officers' traps,
for around the road lay loose cigars, tobacco, pickled meats, liquors, &c.,
with which we regaled ourselves most heartily.
We arrived without any further loss at Centreville, when Colonel McDowell asked
Farnham to send his men back to help guard the bridge at Bull Run. Oar Colonel
said he knew the boys would obey the order, but it would be inhuman to ask
it. He was about to give it, however, when a fresh regiment of the reserve
came up, and they were ordered there.
On Monday morning we were ordered to Washington, and when we arrived we took
possession of the barracks that were formerly occupied by Butterfield's Twelfth
Regiment.
Our killed and wounded we cannot report, as the muster-roll has not been called,
but we are all satisfied with our day's work, and feel that we are more than
even with the enemy, and are anxious for the field again once more to shout—"Remember
Ellsworth!"
Our foes will not forget us.
BULL RUN.
BY A FIRE ZOUZVE.
Oh, it's all very well for you fellers
That don't know a fire from the sun
To curl your mustaches and tell us
Just how the thing oughter been done;
But when twenty wake up ninety thousand,
There's nothin' can follow but rout.
We didn't give in till we had to;
And what are yer coughin' about?
The crowd that was with them ere Rebels
Had ten to our every man;
But a fireman's a fireman, me covey,
And he'll put out a fire if he can;
So we run the masheen at a gallop,
As easy as open and shut,
And as fast as one feller went under,
Another kept takin' der butt.
You oughter seen Farnham that mornin'
In spite of the shot and the shell,
His orders kept ringin' around us
As clear as the City hall bell;
He said all he could to encourage
And lighten the hearts of his men,
Until he was bleeding and wounded,
And nary dried up on it then.
While two rifle regiments fought us
And batteries tumbled us down,
Then cursed Black Horse fellers charged us
Like all the Dead Rabbits in town;
And that's just the way with them Rebels,
It’s ten upon one, or no fair;
But we emptied a few of their saddles
You may bet all your soap on that air!
"
Double up," says our colonel, quite coolly,
When he saw them come riding like mad;
And we did double up in a hurry,
And let 'em have all that we had.
They came at us counting a hundred,
And scarcely two dozen went back;
So you see, if they bluffed us on aces,
We made a big thing with the Jack.
We fought till red shirts were as plenty
As blackberries, strewing the grass,
And then we fell back for a breathing,
To let the Sixty-nine's fellers pass.
Perhaps Sixty-nine didn't peg 'em,
And give 'em uncommon cheroots?
Well, I've just got to say if they didn't,
You fellers can smell of my boots!
The Brooklyn Fourteenth was another,
And them Minnesota chaps, too;
But the odds were too heavy against us,
And but one thing was left to do;
We had to make tracks for our quarters,
And finished it up pretty rough;
But if any chap says they can lick us,
I'd just like to polish him off!
The N. Y. Fire Zouaves. (July 27, 1861)
The New York Fire Department, as a body, has cause to be justly proud of those
of its members who were so severely tried on the field of battle on Sunday
last. Their conduct was noble, brave, and fearfully heroic. Old soldiers,
men who have seen the veteran troops of Europe on fields requiring not only
great courage, but the utmost skill and judgment, witnessed the attack and
defence of our red-shirted heroes, and pronounce them without a superior.
They contended against continual odds, and were seemingly picked out by the
Rebels for signal slaughter; their finest cavalry troop, and the most desperate
infantry in their service, were pitted against them. The former they cut
to pieces in a hand-to-hand conflict, leaving most of them dead upon the
field; and the latter they repelled three several times. It was not until
the cowardly Confederates, in overwhelming numbers, fell upon the brave corps,
and drove them back when they were exhausted with eight hours' incessant
fighting. So merciless were their foes, that the officers commanded the barbarian
troops to bayonet every wounded man wearing a red shirt!
Firemen of New York and of the United States, everywhere, rally to the revenge
of your brave brothers! Make these inhuman, heartless wretches repent this "most
foul and unnatural murder" in sackcloth and ashes!
The blood of your brethren by the wayside cries for revenge. Wait until the
hour of vengeance comes. Then let these murderers prepare for a terrible execution!
Red-Shirts, remember the cry, "Blood for blood! Ellsworth, Downey, and
Victory!" The Pay of the Fire Zouaves.
The State authorities have been blamed for the delay which has arisen in paying
the gallant Fire Zouaves for the time they were in the service of the State.
Our inquiries lead us to the opinion that this is unjust. As is known, the
Zouaves left without being mustered into the service of the United States,
and without any rolls being filed at Albany. It was the duty of the paymaster
of the Regiment to prepare his pay-rolls, and to submit them with a bond bearing
the names of two sureties. All regiments are required to do this, for obvious
reasons. Doubtless, from the peculiar circumstances under which the Fire Zouaves
were mustered, and under which they left, their paymaster was unable to submit
his rolls and bond over till about ten days since. The bond reached Albany
but a day or two before Governor Morgan left that city for Washington to examine
personally into the condition of the troops. The proper inquiries were at once
instituted to ascertain as to the responsibility of the sureties, but the requisite
information was not obtained until Governor Morgan had left. Immediately on
his return to this city, a few days since, he telegraphed to Albany to have
the bond treated as approved, and to have the money sent here. These orders
were complied with, and to-day the specie is on its way to Washington, so that
the gallant Zouaves will get their pay on Monday. First Regiment Fire Zouaves.
(Aug. 3, 1861)
A report is current, but generally discredited, that the Eleventh Regiment
N. Y. State Volunteers, Col. Farnham, is about to be disbanded. We cannot trace
the rumor to any reliable source, and believe it has no foundation in fact.
There are one or two officers desirous of resigning, and as it is necessary
to bring the regiment up to its original strength again, recruiting is to be
resorted to. Some few men came away to visit New York, while the missing were
coming into camp, and arrangements were being made to pay the troops off; but
all are now anxious to go back, if we except two or three deserters whose room
is preferable to their company.
The Fire Zouaves. (Aug 3, 1861)
Our private letters and advices from the Fire Zouaves, represent that great
want of discipline still exists in the regiment, the disaster at Bull Run
having shaken the confidence of the men in their commanding generals, and
made them more difficult to manage. Complaint is made that great numbers
of the Zouaves are now absent without leave in this city, and it is said
that unless they promptly report in camp, vigorous measures are likely to
be adopted towards compelling a return to their duties. So far as our own
knowledge extends, however, we can assure the authorities at Washington,
that of the Zouaves who have come back to New York, with or without leave,
the great majority did so because either wounded or otherwise disabled from
the effects of the late battle, and not being willing to trust themselves
to the care of hospital surgeons and nurses. These men are now recovering
rapidly, and will doubtless hasten back as soon as possible.
It should be said, however, that the regiment has been badly—scandalously—treated
since its arrival at the seat of war,—ignored by the State Government,
and but partially recognized by the Federal. This must be their apology for
anything that has been amiss in the past; while for the future we have brighter
and surer hopes.
Yesterday evening Messrs. Kelly and Watkins, two true and tried friends of
the regiment, went on to Washington for the purpose of seeing personally what
has been amiss in camp and hospital among the gallant fellows who fought so
bravely in the field. We are glad also to be able to announce that Henry A.
Burr, with characteristic generosity, has offered to advance $10,000 to supply
the Zouaves with whatever they may need until other arrangements can be made.
We hear from a variety of quarters that Wm. Dayton, of 322 Pennsylvania avenue,
Washington, both was and continues to be very kind to all the boys,—playing
the part of good Samaritan with a heartiness which proves it to be hia natural
character. We also hear from every side loud and earnest praises of the gallantry
exhibited at Bull Run by Col. Farnham, who is happily recovering his health,
Lieut. Colonel Cregier and Major Losier. These officers answered the highest
expectations that had been formed of their efficiency,—Col. Farnham's
resolve to be upon the field in spite of bodily ailment commanding universal
admiration.
Subjoined is a list of the wounded now in the hospitals of Alexandria and Washington.
Many are well and tenderly cared for, the Washington Infirmary being under
charge of those ministering angels the Sisters of Charity, and having in Dr.
Goulay a most skillful and attentive director:
IN ALEXANDRIA HOSPITAL.
Daniel Casback, Co. I. A. W. Penson, Co. E.
Anthony Burke, Co. F. Patrick McGuire, Co. D.
John H. Green, Co. D. D. McCauley, Co. F.
F. J. Gregory, Co. I. Samuel Langdon, Co. F.
Wolf Morrison, Co. G. Egbert Post, Co. E.
Henry Falkner, Co. B. Dan'l McCullough, Co. F.
G. H. Norton, Co. I. S. S. Walnhouse, Co. E.
WASHINGTON HOSPITAL
John Richmond. Lewis Meeks.
James McGowen. Thomas Goodwin.
George Avery. Charles Wilson, Co. E
Frank Mullony. Captain Lang, of 79th.
Jeremiah McCarty.
The fate of our correspondent, W. Alcock, becomes involved in darker hopelessness
day by day, though we do not yet utterly give him up as lost.
When last seen, he was in company with John Pertin, gallantly discharging a
duty of humanity by loading an ambulance with the wounded of the regiment,
utterly regardless of the iron hail which rained around them while in the performance
of their task. Just at the moment when last seen, two squadrons of the Black
Horse Cavalry were charging down towards the spot where Perrin and Alcock were
at work; and from that moment to the present, nothing has been either seen
or heard of them. They may be prisoners, wounded or unwounded, at Manassas
Junction; but the ominous silence as to their names leaves little hope of this.
If they fell, however, it was in the discharge of a labor of humanity, making
atonement for many shortcomings in the more careless hours of life;—but
we shall still not abandon hope that our correspondent, who was in the front
of the fight all day, and yet escaped unhurt up to the moment when last seen,—may
yet prove to be among the many unrecorded prisoners made captive in the last
charge of the Black Horse Cavalry. A letter has been sent through a sure channel
to Richmond, with inquiries as to the fate of many of our brave fellows. We
hope to hear, when the answer is received, that Mr. Alcock still lives to pursue
a career of usefulness when released from that bondage to which his fidelity
to wounded, comrades alone consigned him.
LATER FROM THE ZOUAVES.
From advices received just as we go to press a very melancholy picture is presented
of the present condition of this once noble regiment. Col. Farnham is laid
up in hospital, though steadily recovering; Lieut. Col. Cregier has returned
with broken health to this city, having nobly discharged all his duties so
long as he was able to keep his feet; and there are to-day but three captains
and three companies of the Fire Zouaves to be found at the seat of war;—Capt.
John B. Leverich with about forty-five or fifty men; Capt. Wildey with forty,
and Capt. Curtill with about the same. Capt. Leverich has resumed his old
duty of guarding the Government store-houses in Alexandria, his men apparently
clinging to him better than to any other officer,—as may be judged
from the fact that on Thursday last of the two other companies but forty
men could be found to muster on parade in camp, and of these not more than
ten or a dozen expressed themselves willing to mount guard.
As is quite natural, the officers and men left behind bitterly regret and deplore
the conduct of those comrades, commissioned, and in the ranks, through whose
malefasance and lack of fortitude this noble regiment is now threatened with
destruction. The illness of Col. Farnham has been greatly aggravated by the
shame he feels for the demoralization of his command,—his only present
hope of saving the regiment consisting in a resolve to make all those officers
who have proved themselves unfit for their positions resign. To Captains Wildey,
Curtill and Leverich, too much credit cannot be given for the devoted energy
they have displayed in attempting to gave the name of our New York Firemen,
from the slur and brand of military disgrace. They still hope that a majority
of the rank and file may be induced to return when assured of more competent
officers and better treatment than they have heretofore been given. Had there
been more such officers in the regiment, or more men like the noble Captain
Downey whose quartered and unburied remains still cry to heaven for vengeance
from the bloody battleground of Bull Run—we are confident that no spectacle
of disorganization, such as we are at present reluctantly compelled to witness,
could have occurred.
Nothing, we regret to learn, has yet been heard of our correspondent, Mr. Alcock,
nor of the Rev. Mr. Dodge,—although Harry Perrin, who was with
Alcock when the Black Horse Cavalry charged down on them, has been heard of
through an old woman who travelled up from Fairfax Court House to bring the
news. Perrin and Lieut. Underhill are held prisoners in an old barn at Fairfax,
and are acting as hospital-stewards to their wounded and mangled comrades.
Perrin being heard from, it is still possible, of course, that Alcock may have
shared his fate, and be still alive; James Leary, Orderly Sergeant of Company
E, is at Manassas Junction, wounded, but doing well. Also A. P. Muller, of
the same company, not wounded, who desires to be remembered to all friends.
Sergeant Major Tom Goodwin is fast recovering his health and spirits in the
Washington Infirmary, and Sergeant Lewis Meeks the same. It would now seem
certain that all stories about the butchery of prisoners and the wounded by
the Secession forces, are
either pure inventions or exceptional cases of barbarity displayed by Southern
fanatics.
Subjoined is a list of the killed and wounded in this regiment--not complete,
however, and not completeable until next week, when we shall give it in full
with all particulars:
LIST OF KILLED, WOUNDED AND MISSING,
NUMBERING 129, IN THE N. Y. FIRE ZOUAVES.
COMPANY A.
Killed.
Corporal Ebling. Private Gilbrath,
Private Eagan, " Devlin.
Wounded.
Thomas Thompson. Malarkey.
Missing.
Harrison, Smith,
Gotsling,
COMPANY B.
Killed.
Corporal R. Brown, Private J. Gorman.
Wounded.
R. Bowman, H. Falkner,
B. Reynolds, O. Walford,
John Harrington, H. Shields,
T. Delany, J. Steward.
Missing.
A. F. Carmody, L. Vanhusen.
COMPANY C.
Killed.
A. J. Lennon, Ira Wilson,
D. H. Taylor, Jos. Taylor.
Wounded.
Patrick Finn, J. Richmond.
James Heeny, Geo. W. Smith,
Wm. Murray,
Missing.
Sergeant Sandell, Private C. Moor,
"
Keregan, " J. Monteith,
Corporal Vandine, " Wm. Stevenson,
" Whiting, (prisoner),
Private John Broder, " E. H. Slocum,
"
W. G. Bishop, " J. H. Stevens,
"
J. Curren, " A. Tewelger,
" Wm. Davis, (prisoner.)
"
Daniel Doyle, " H. J. Weston,
"
J. E. Drummond, " J. C. Weatherh'd,
"
David Eberly, " H. Elleaw,
"
J. Finan, " John Wilkenson,
"
E. Ferris, " P. Lee,
"
T. Johnson, " G. C. Woods,
"
J. V. Jackson, " H. B. West.
COMPANY D.
Killed.
Captain Downey. Private G. Fosdeck.
Private W. Noll. " John Farlew.
"
G. Smith. " J. Greenleaf.
"
P. Coyle. " E. Rowe.
"
G. Warburgh. " John McGrath.
"
T. McGeehan. " T. R. Tappen.
" G. R. Taylor.
Wounded.
Private R. Diver. Private J. H. Grene.
"
John Finn. " John Remson.
"
P. McGovern. " W. H. Kollman.
COMPANY F.
Killed.
Private John Payton. Private John Vitty.
Wounded.
Corporal McCauly. Private Dan McColough.
Private A. Burk. " Jerry McCarthy.
"
M. Conolen. " Edward Sweeny.
"
John Cary. " Peter Wood.
"
Wm. Langdon. " Robert Dyer.
Missing.
Sergeant J. W. Campbell. Private W. H. Girven.
Corporal Wm. F. Wilson. " J. Hopkins.
Private Wm. Frankfort. " J. Rogers.
"
A. Flosbroy. " J. J. Weir.
COMPANY G.
Killed.
Lieut. Divveri. Private D. McGlin.
Wounded.
Corporal J. Shaw. Private T. Blany.
"
M. Trainor. " J. Cromer.
Private H. P. Hale. " T. Pender.
"
C.Wilson. " T. Snider.
"
W. Morrison. " E.Fisher.
Missing.
Lieut. Underhill. Private M. Riddam.
Private C. Kelly. " M. Regan.
"
John Maher. " M. Dwyer.
" M. Percell.
COMPANY K.
Killed.
Private Ernest Heslin. Private John Mosgan.
Wounded.
Private J. Comesky Private John Long.
"
E. Cal.... " Wm. B. Smith.
D. Flemming.
Missing.
Private J. Sullivan. Private T. Carroll.
"
G. W. H. Weidem- " Wm. R. Logan.
miles.
THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
WE were favored last night with a visit from twelve of the true and gallant
members Company E, New York Fire Zouaves, who came on to this city last
Wednesday evening, and return to their command by to-morrow afternoon's train.
They were introduced by Ex-Lieutenant W. R. W. Chambers, and seemed under the
immediate guidance of Corporal Sam Hutton, whose rosy cheeks and plump figure
are suggestive that he has been suffering comfort for his country. Of the whole
Company twenty-six are now ascertained to be either killed or prisoners; and
of the twelve we had the pleasure of seeing last night, no less than four are
still suffering from their wounds.
Sam T. Waterhouse, a thoroughly soldier-like Zouave, had his waist in splints
and his side in bandages. A. W. Penson had a crippled hand. Harry Holiday had
daylight shot through his arm in two places by two musket balls, and Harry
Clifford had been severely injured in the groin. The twelve had taken the precaution
of bringing with them high private Wm. H. Mills, the soldier-orator of Company
E, and famous wherever known as the People's Advocate. It was a delightful
visit, and we thank Captain Jack Leverich for suggesting that we would be glad
to see them, and thank the men for coming. We were glad to see them—fine,
honest, courageous fellows, with a sense of duty, who have come back with honor
to the city which sent them forth, and who will return to the seat of war to-morrow
evening, refreshed by the consciousness that New York is proud of them.
We are glad to learn from private advices that Col. Farnham is rapidly recovering
under the care of the attentive Chief Surgeon of the Washington Infirmary.
He is now able to walk about, and will soon be fit for duty. His regiment is
to be reorganized, ninety per cent, of its surviving and uncaptured rank and
file being eager to return; but in order to get rid more easily of certain
undesirable company officers, it will be mustered out of the service first,
and then mustered in again, with a new deal in the captaincies and lieutenancies.
By the way, we learn that when some Zouaves belonging to Hose Company No. 41
returned to the city about a week after Bull Run, and sought admission to their
hose house, the assistant foreman stopped them at the door and asked them, "Are
you home on furlough?" "No," replied the leader, "we got
sick of it and took French leave." Then you can't come in here," replied
the assistant, blocking the passage. Forty-one won't have any skulkers who
leave their companions and the honor of the New York Fire Department in danger
behind them. So mote it be all round! All honor to that assistant foreman.
(Aug. 10, 1861)
FIRE ZOUAVES.
Since the great Bull Run stampede, we hear of regiments of Fire Zouaves springing
up all over—in Philadelphia, Boston, and elsewhere; and a battalion
to be formed of firemen throughout the State of New York is talked of, with
its headquarters at Albany. There is no question but the material is good,
as was proved by the bravery of the New York boys in the face of great odds;
and if properly-trained under competent U. S. Army officers, o better fighting
men can be found anywhere. Let us, however, caution the organizers of these
new regiments from falling into some of the errors of the original corps.
Commence discipline in its strictest sense, and instruct every man to carry
and use his weapon, and conduct himself at all times and under all circumstances,
with the air and martial bearing of a true soldier. All silly slang talk,
all lounging disposition, all restlessness, should be left off when the uniform
goes on. To acquire the dashing abandon, the light foot and quick hand of
the true Zouave—in short, to become a model light infantry soldier—requires
untiring agility, unflinching courage, inflexible obstinacy.
Nothing can more aptly illustrate the chasseur a pied than a cat; easy, graceful,
light, frolicsome, always watchful; startled into action, fierce, vindictive
and calculating, assuming to defend only the more readily to spring forward
and secure a victory when least looked for.
Our First Regiment of Fire Zouaves were indulged in many instances by their
kind-hearted officers, and spoiled and petted to death by outsiders. An error
was committed in not commissioning the officers and transmitting rolls to the
Adjutant General's office, at Albany, and again in leaving the city without
proper orders. After reaching Washington, the men were allowed a license impossible
to obtain in any regular army, and much delay was experienced in getting them
into proper quarters. The unfortunate death of Ellsworth was a severe drawback
to the regiment's thriving existence; the men stood in fear of and at the same
time loved the young hero. When he fell, and Farnham and Cregier came in command,
the boys felt less restraint; they looked upon the ex-Assistant Engineer with
an eye of familiarity, and tried to push their old times' friendship to account.
To the credit of every officer, be it said, the strictest possible discipline
was maintained in the regiment; but men would and did steal off without leave,
and others urged all sorts of excuse to throw off the confinement of camp life,
and take a peep at old New York once more. A misunderstanding came up about
changing the uniform—no pay was forthcoming—and the rations were
not what they should be. At this stage of affair came the order to advance
to battle. The men forgot their troubles, and made such sad havoc in the ranks
of the enemy that it is not likely they desire to meet another regiment of
Fire Zouaves.
Taking advantage of the confusion, many escaped to New York to relate their
numerous exploits,—forgetting that, in so doing, they became deserters,
and were amenable to the United States Army regulations, which provide for
the arrest and punishment of all such persons. Several lieutenants and captains
gave the men permission to come to New York, for which they are to blame. Probably
some of the men really intended to run away; they thought the regiment was
temporarily disorganized and broken up, and now all, or nearly all, intend
to return. The arrival in town, however, of several officers has led many to
suppose the organization is all scattered and broken up. We understand, however,
that it is the intention of the officers still in command to recruit the regiment
up to its full strength, fill up all vacancies created by officers resigning,
and to allow the absentees time to return.
In case they will not consent to do so, they are to be dealt with as the law
directs. We are glad to hear this, and feel assured that with care and determination,
the original Fire Zouaves may yet become as noted for strict discipline as
they are in actual conflict. Those officers and men who are yet to be found
at the post of duty deserve a medal to mark the appreciation in which they
are held.
Let the five thousand Fire Zouaves who are now organizing and arming here and
elsewhere—especially our own Second Regiment, under command of Fairman--avoid
the obstacles which beset the path of their predecessors, and they will triumph,
even subduing the fire of rebellion as often as they have conquered the flames
that threatened their homes.
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
his command, which will be remembered as one of the first to respond to the
call of the Government, is stationed with its head-quarters at Port Charleston,
consisting of four companies under the command of Col. Maidhoff, with one
company (K) and two pieces of artillery at Port Summit Point, under the command
of Captain Seebuch, and three companies, with a detachment of the First Maryland,
at Port Wadesville, under the command of Major Henry Lux. The entire command,
though detailed by detachments, is
quartered in the midst of Secesh, yet, by the gentlemanly ability of Col. Maidhoff
and his officers, every thing is tranquil. The Eleventh has been posted as
distant as any militia regiment from our city, and has also proved to be as
efficient. By a coarse of stern and courteous action they have allayed that
bitter hatred existing in the Valley, and proved to those who are hostile to
the Government that New York citizens can be warriors without being fiends.
The regiment returns to their homes about the first, when it will be the pride
of New York to welcome back her citizen troops. The first campaign of the Eleventh,
under Col. Maidhoff, has been as successful as his most ardent admirers could
wish. His men and officers have always been ready for duty, and they return
with the proud satisfaction that they are no more holiday soldiers. (Aug. 23,
1862)
FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES. (Aug. 24, 1861)
The several companies of this regiment, upon counting up last Monday, showed
an aggregate of 31 discharged, 24 killed, 103 wounded, 164 absent and 606
present; total, 928. The number of Fire Zouaves in hospital at Washington,
August 17th, was 9; at the two hospitals in Georgetown, 4; at the General
Hospital, Alexandria, 7; total, 20. There are still some unaccounted for.
The prisoners, uninjured and wounded, at Richmond, number 43, while there
are some 17 at Centreville.
By adding these altogether in one grand total, we have 1,008 officers and privates,
which was more than the full number going into battle at Bull Run. It is probable
some of the wounded and prisoners may be counted twice over, in certain cases.
No new quarters are assigned the command as yet. It is likely that Major Lozier
will remain as a field officer. Captains Leverich and Wildey are to be promoted
to the staff. More care is to be exercised in taking in officers and men for
the future, and a rigid code of discipline is to be inforced.
FURTHER LOSSES AT BULL RUN.
Several members of the Fire Zouaves lost their badges at Bull Run and neighborhood.
In order to procure new ones, it is necessary that they should pay for the
same, or the Commissioners must do so for them.
We hope if the Fire Zouaves are reorganized and recruited, and go in again,
that they will leave their badges either with the Commissioners or the Companies
to which they may belong, as the wearing of them caused trouble before, and
may do so again. These badges can be of no use outside of New York City.
REORGANIZATION OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES – A LITTLE PLAIN TALK.
Our leaders are all aware, we presume, that the First Regiment of Fire Zouaves
assembled at the City Assembly Rooms on Monday morning last; that they were
counted up, and found to number some 600; that they again met on Tuesday
morning at the same place, and had about 100 less than on the preceding day;
and that when they were mustered in the afternoon, for the purpose of proceeding
to the Battery, some 200 more were non est. However, they proceeded to the
appointed rendezvous, and they are now there, or what is left of them. We
took occasion to stroll down to the camp on Wednesday noon, and our observations
were anything but satisfactory. There appeared to be no effective discipline.
The sentry at the gate was smoking a cigar; the guard next posted on his
right was sitting down on a stool; and another one, not a great way off,
was enjoying himself with cakes and lemonade.
This is all wrong. When soldiers are on duty, they are supposed to look like
such. Smoking, sitting down, and eating and drinking are not in the U. S. tactics,
and camps occupied by U. S. soldiers are not so easily entered, at will, by
parties who have very little or no business there. If the Fire Zouaves intend
to acquire distinction, as a body, they must commence anew, begin at the beginning
and persevere unto the end. All swaggering, lounging about, slang talk, is
unbecoming and ridiculous in a soldier. It is bad enough to witness men, while
in the garb of firemen, indulge in such antics; but when supposed to be a model
of trim and upright bearing, moving with exactitude and regularity, and seldom
or never speaking, and then only in a respectful and serious manner, the appearance
of actions directly opposite is absurd.
We noticed some fine-looking fellows at the camp, just the right build to make
strong soldiers; but one glance convinced the most casual observer they had
not been "set up" in the position of a soldier. To say that it is
impossible to get firemen out of a certain rolling walk and half Syksey gait,
is all nonsense. There are lots of firemen in other regiments who make up admirably,
even in the hastily constructed uniforms now given out to our troops. Why do
not they get a sort of shambling, shuffling, sailor swagger?
Because they have been taught the proper position, and are kept in it by the
force of example.
Attention and steadiness are the two grand points on which rests effectual
discipline. Without an observance of these points, no true fireman can become
a good soldier; but if he once masters them, he is the most capable man who
can be uniformed and sent upon a field, most especially when equipped as a
light infantry soldier or skirmisher. His quickness of eye and foot, his endurance,
nerve and determination, naturally adapt him therefor. Take a body of firemen,
in solid column, and lead them up like wooden figures, to stand inactive before
entrenched earthworks containing rifled cannon, and they are good for nothing;
but sound the charge for them upon the flanks of an enemy, or allow them to
manoeuvre themselves into positions, by file or squad or company, and they
will do immense mischief.
Our Fire Zouaves must bear in mind many little facts, and not run away, declaring
this, that, and the other thing is all wrong, whereas it is as much or
more the fault of themselves as that of the Government. When the First Regiment
was organized, no muster-rolls of the men were sent up to Albany, and no officers
were commissioned. This was a grand mistake. It was impossible to make out
proper pay rolls, and as difficult to tell who had been discharged killed,
wounded, or taken prisoner, unless some officer or private was by to furnish
information. This trouble followed the regiment all along. After getting to
Washington, and creating considerable notoriety (in reality damaging the good
name arid fame of the regiment), continually asking for passes and furlough,
and running to and from New York, refusing to take such uniforms as were at
first proffered them, and finally, breaking themselves up, as a regiment,—In
all these things, they have acted like everything but soldiers.
It remains to be seen if this regiment shall not come out of all its troubles,
better organized and more thoroughly disciplined than it has ever been. There
are a few good officers who deserve the positions they occupy, and the number
of reliable and true men yet remaining is sufficient to form the nucleus of
a substantial regiment. As for the "rounders" and "camp idlers" who
have dragged about the organization, the sooner they are put to the "right
about," at the point of the bayonet, stripped of their uniforms and equipments,
and punished as they richly deserve, the quicker will the regiment revive and
thrive. (Aug. 24, 1861)
FIRE ZOUAVES. (Sept. 7, 1861)
We have talked with a good many persons in reference to the condition of the
First Zouave Regiment, and what is its future prospect. The general impression
is that a regiment of firemen, officered by firemen, cannot succeed. We feel
constrained, but most reluctantly, to coincide with this impression. There
is either a want of ability in the officers or a want of discipline in the
men. The obligatory principle which makes soldiers seems to be lost sight
of by many; they do not regard the fact of their enlistment, and are as indifferent
to the cause which impels them to be mustered in as if it was a mere chowder
party or target excursion. It is all "Hurrah, boys! let's raise a row!" Such
men are not fit to be In an army, they are too wild, uncontrollable—in
fact, unprincipled. They care for nothing but their food and pay, and when
they get clothes, do not know how to take care of the same. Many such men
were in the First Fire Zouaves, and some are now in the Second.
We must, however, discriminate in our observations concerning such organizations.
While the runaways may pass as unworthy of notice, there are still good men
left--such as must make valuable soldiers if taken care of or drilled. The
question is, what shall be done with them? Attempt to recruit in Tom, Dick
and Harry, who may prove as bad or to be worse in fact than those of whom they
have but just rid themselves? Would it not be better to take the good men of
both fire regiments and mingle them into one organization, appoint instructed
army officers to command them, and at once begin to assume formidable shape?
Now either or both are in an ineffective condition, so far as can be ascertained.
There are some few firemen connected with the New York Department who are competent
to command a company. Of these not over half-a-dozen have assumed positions
in either of the so-called Fire Zouave Regiments. Until those who are really
posted up in military knowledge, so far as the school of the soldier and of
the company is concerned, consent to take positions as line officers, it is
useless to look for discipline. Again, every officer cannot command obedience
and enforce a severity in drill. He may possess the knowledge which is requisite,
but at the same time may be unable to impart that knowledge to others. It is
one thing to know yourself, but quite another to let others know what you know.
In this state of things it is far better and more necessary that officers who
were never firemen, or who have been in the army, or who were well instructed
in the militia service, should assume command. The material is good, there
can be no better for fighting purposes than firemen (throwing out, of course,
the bummers, rowdies, and diseased vagabonds who would rush into any organization
for the smallest kind of a chance), and we feel satisfied, if picked out and
energetically drilled under the proper instructor, they would achieve greater
fame than has ever yet fell to one regiment.
The onerous duty of guarding some three hundred prisoners of war, is now keeping
the First Fire Zouaves busy. How long they are to be so employed, or whether
moved to Scarsdale, can make no possible difference in the condition of the
command. If the organization can be kept up, we shall be happy to chronicle
its successes; but rather than read of any more unfortunate ruptures in connection
with it, we should prefer to see the regiment honorably dismissed as such,
and the men transferred into any other corps they might select. The First Fire
Zouaves gone from Garrison
to Camp.
On Tuesday morning, after a few hours' fun in guarding the miserable, sneak
dog prisoners from Hatteras Inlet, the First Fire Zouaves were removed from
Bedloe's Island to the Camp of Instruction at Scarsdale, Westchester County.
There were nearly three hundred men left the garrison in command of Major Loeser.
After embarking at the island on a steamboat, which subsequently landed them
at the foot of Twenty-third street, they were marched to the Harlem Railroad
Depot and took the cars for their new quarters. (Sept. 7, 1861)
FROM THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
We give place to the subjoined letter, and feel gratified at the statements
made by Mr. Cameron:
CAMP LYON, HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH REGIMENT, N. Y. V., Sept. 13, 1861.
EDITORS LEADER: All the outrages claimed to have been perpetrated in this vicinity,
of which the papers teem, are committed by scoundrels attached to the other
regiments quartered here, who claim to be Fire Zouaves. The Zouaves are now
guarding the houses of residents in the vicinity, against expected attack.
I can give you proof of this in a day or two. You will serve the regiment by
making this statement in THE LEADER. Yours truly, JAS. CAMERON.
FIRST REGIMENT FORE ZOUAVES.
We fear that this regiment has become so thoroughly demoralized that any attempt
to reorganize it will prove useless. The fact of a change in the command
and the transition from camp to camp has effectually predisposed the members
of the regiment against restraint of any character. The good material seems
to have lost its influence, and we can only regret that the regiment has
become reduced to its present unfortunate condition.
Every effort has been and is making to strengthen and recover its lost laurels,
but thus far no visible good effects can be seen in the morale or discipline
of the men. We trust, however, that things will mend, and that a last and vigorous
effort will be made to reorganize and perfect the regiment to its original
number of men. There is an opportunity to retrieve its fame, and we are anxious
to gee the First Fire Zouaves once more in the field, fully equipped, disciplined
and officered by competent men. Shall it be done. (Sept. 14, 1861)
THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
This organization has not yet seen the end of its troubles and annoyances.
During the week Captain Wildey has been shipping off the good men yet remaining,
who were willing to go to Fortress Monroe. There are now upwards of 300 there.
Within the past few days, a letter has been received from Alexandria stating
that the flags presented to the regiment were found in a pile of rubbish on
the outskirts of that place, and inquiries were made as to what should be done
with them. They are to be forwarded to Mayor Wood for safe keeping for the
present. It seems there were nine colors given to the regiment; they brought
home but two—the Fire Department banner and the Stars and Stripes. These
were carried into the field. The others were stored away. Where are those the
regiment captured from the Louisiana Zouaves ? Are they in "a pile of
rubbish" also? We think, if the truth be known, many an unjust suspicion
and evil act has been placed against the Fire Zouaves, and the matter ought
to be exposed. (Sept. 28, 1861)
FIRST REGIMENT FIRE ZOUAVES.
We have been favored with the perusal of a letter from Lieut. W. L. Watkins,
of the First Zouaves, now in Fortress Monroe. Lieut. Watkins represents the
members of the regiment in good health and fast recovering their former discipline
and esprit de corps. They are comfortably situated, and in a few days will
receive a new uniform, and be provided with an admirable fire-arm recently
introduced into the service. Col. Loeser and Major Moriarty are untiring
in their efforts to bring the regiment to a thorough proficiency in drill
and other military requiements.
In addition, we learn from Captain John Wildey, who has been detailed in the
city to forward the members of the regiment who remained in the city, that
the prospects of a complete reorganization are very flattering. Colonel Loeser
took with him 197 men, and Captain Wildey, since his departure, has forwarded
nearly 850 to resume their places in the ranks. Captain Wildey is confident
that the regiment, within a few weeks, will muster 800 active men. Captain
Wildey is stationed at the Essex House, corner of Grand and Essex streets,
where members of the regiment can report to him, with the assurance that they
will be treated as though they had gone on with the regiment. (Sept. 28, 1861)
We trust that a vigorous effort will be made to place the First Fire Zouaves
on a war footing, and thus give them an opportunity to recover any laurels
they may have lost since the Bull Run disaster. Every encouragement should
be given to the regiment, and we hope Captain Wildey will be successful in
his patriotic efforts.
A. O. ALCOCK (Oct. 12, 1861)
We alluded in a previous number to the necessitous condition of the family
of this gentleman, who was taken prisoner at the battle of Bull Run, while
nobly attending the wounded and dying of the Fire Zouaves. He followed the
fortunes of that regiment with no position but that of expectancy, and amid
the faithless of it, he looms out and beyond them all in the fidelity with
which he served it. We are now gratified to state that the following gentlemen
have consented to act as a committee to receive subscriptions to alleviate
the wants of his family: Henry Wilson, President Board Fire Commissioners,
Thos. Lawrence and Henry M. Graham.
FROM THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
Captain John Wildey, of the First Fire Zouaves, informs us that the U. S. Paymaster
is in this city, on his way to Fortress Monroe, for the purpose of paying
off the First Regiment of Fire Zouaves. They will receive their pay on Friday
next; and if any of the regiment desire to go on, they can do so by reporting
themselves to Captain Wildey, on or before Wednesday of next week. The regiment
is now in fine condition, and was recently complimented by Gen. Wool. We
hope all the members of the command will report themselves to Captain Wildey,
and thus restore the original prestige of the regiment.
FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
The story about twelve of these men being taken prisoners near Fortress Monroe,
as detailed in the dailies, is all moonshine. The Secessionists (that is,
the Old Dominion Cavalry) surprised some twenty-eight men sent out for fuel.
They captured a wagon, four mules, and three (not twelve) Zouaves. If the
officer in charge had been good for anything, the Fire Boys would have had
the fifteen rebel cavalry and their horses "as snug as a rug." This
is the true state of the case. (Oct. 19, 1861)
COLORS OF THE ORIGINAL FIRE ZOUAVES.
The colors presented to the Fire Zouaves, which left New York under command
of the lamented Ellsworth, and were subsequently led to the field by his
worthy successor, Noah L. Farnham, have been sent on to
Fortress Monroe, and are now in the keeping of the remnant of that unfortunate
battalion. These colors comprise, we believe, all but those given by the Corporation
of New York and the Fire Department. The latter, which were carried into the
field at Bull Run, were brought home with the regiment and have remained here,
in good keeping, ever since.
PERSONAL.
In the last issue of THE LEADER a paragraph headed "Can it be True?" and
reflecting severely upon Mr. A. O. Alcock, now a prisoner at Columbia, S. C.,
appeared without our knowledge. The subjoined letter from Mrs. Alcock we present
as our apology for the insertion of the paragraph in question. It is not our
habit to make charges, either in the absence of parties from the city or without
reliable proof of their correctness. The letter of Mrs. Alcock, we trust, will
set the matter straight:
TRUTH AGAINST THE WORLD.
To the Editor of the LEADER:
In the fire columns of THE LEADER of Saturday last I find an article which,
although it mentioned no name, was intended for the readers of that paper to
understand as referring to my husband, Mr. Arthur O. Alcock, and which article
accuses him of being disloyal to the Union. Such accusation I declare to be
FALSE, as we find nothing in his public or private letters to show that he
is anything but what he always has been, true and loyal to the Union. I have
a better opportunity to judge of his loyalty than others, and when those who
charge him with disloyalty find they have been misled, I have no doubt they
will, as gentlemen, give redress for the injury done a fellow-prisoner, and
one as loyal to the Union as themselves.
It was neither through carelessness nor accident that Mr. Arthur O. Alcock
was taken a prisoner of war, but through his humanity in not deserting the
dead and dying brother firemen and soldiers. It was a sad day for his family
that he was taken prisoner. Believe us, we would rather, for all that he and
us have suffered, for him to be a prisoner of war, and have the knowledge and
satisfaction that he did his duty to the last, than to have it said of him,
as it is of other men (if we can call them men), that were at the battle of
Bull Run, and are at present in New York City.
God grant that Mr. A. O. Alcock may soon return to us, and to defend himself
from malicious persons, who would not have penned the article above referred
to if he had been in the city!
By giving this a place in the fire columns of THE LEADER, the editor will do
justice to an injured man, and oblige his wife. ANNE ALCOCK.
THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
From a letter we have received from the camp of the Fire Zouaves at Newport
News, we learn that the remnant of the regiment are still in their tents,
with little hopes of again doing service as a regiment. Recruiting for the
regiment is next to impossible, for, notwithstanding Governor Morgan is endeavoring
to fill up its ranks, they remain at the low number of less than 400. Several
of the members of this unfortunate regiment who were taken prisoners at Bull
Run, have been returned. Among them Sergeant James Leary, who was badly wounded,
and several times reported dead. He looks as if he would again see service,
although yet unable to walk without assistance. It has been proposed to have
the regiment filled up by companies from other parts of this State, and to
that end several of the offices have been left vacant. This course might
bring it up to the minimum number of a regiment; but we have but little hope
in it. We should well like to see them succeed, but the loss of Col. Farnham
was the death of the regiment, and nothing can resuscitate it.
The Second Regiment, by the way, have been more fortunate, and they bid fair
to be the first of the New York volunteer regiments, notwithstanding the troubles
at their commencement of service.
(Leader, Jan 25, 1862)
THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
A recruiting party from the Eleventh Regiment, N. Y. V. (First Fire Zouaves)
arrived in this city yesterday. The party consists of one commissioned and
non-commissioned officer from each company. They come authorized by the War
Department to recruit the regiment to its full standard, and to induce those
of the original members of the regiment who did not return with them full
amnesty for all past offences in the way of alleged desertion, and the payment
of back dues. This will relieve many who have been hesitating about rejoining
their old regiment, and be an inducement to those who kept away believing
their pay forfeited. The money due to them is about $100, which amount will
likely call back many to their old regiment. The regiment is stationed at
Newport News, and is well situated as to quarters and rations. There are
about three hundred of them, and their discipline is pronounced to be superior
to any regiment in the service. Col. Loeser has worked energetically for
the regiment, clinging to them even when it seemed impossible to resuscitate
them, and he now calls upon the members to come back, offering them all in
his power. For the sake of the Department and the City of New York, we feel
that many of those who left when the regiment looked hopeless will go back.
They are now well officered, and, after one or two changes that are to be
made, will be much better. Colonel Loeser has changed nearly all his Captains.
In fact, but three remain—Capt. Downey, who is a prisoner of war; Capt.
Wildey, who has been elected Coroner, but who still holds his position, and
Capt. Purtell, who has had a furlough on account of sickness. The other Captains
resigned, on or about Oct. 4th, 1861. We have concluded, from an interview
with some of the officers of the recruiting party, that as it now stands
it is the best regiment that offers for young men to join. The Colonel has
the experience and energy to take care of his men, being a West Point man
and of superior intelligence. Capt. Mc-Farland, one of the recruiting party,
left for Albany yesterday to see the Governor in regard to the regiment.
By the first of the week the business of recruiting for the regiment will
be commenced in earnest, and we will cheerfully give our aid in so good a
cause.
(N. Y. Leader, Feb. 22, 1862)
FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
(N. Y. Leader, Mar. 1, 1862)
The recruiting party from this regiment held a meeting on Thursday evening,
for the purpose of bringing together the members of the regiment who are in
the city, and to adopt some means to recruit the regiment to its full standard.
The meeting was held in a hall in Grand street, near Forsyth, and was attended
by some three hundred persons, one-half of whom were or had been members of
the regiment. Messrs. Owen W. Brennan and Albert J. Delatour of the original
committee were present, Mr. Brennan acting as Chairman of the meeting. Gen.
Wetmore was also present, and appealed to those present who had belonged to
the regiment to return to it. He stated that the recruiting party had come
to the city prepared to offer the members who had been left behind their back
pay and fall pardon for past offences. He asked them to go back, not that the
Government wanted men, but that the whole city felt a just pride in the regiment,
and unless it was soon recruited to its full number, it would lose its position.
The General appealed strongly to the patriotism of those present, and created
quite an impression, both from the well known interest he has taken in the
regiment since its organization and the confidence the men felt in his statements.
At the close of the meeting, Sergeants Leary (now Lieutenant) and Fosdick,
who have been confined in the hospital at Richmond since the Bull Run fight,
were called upon, and gave a reminiscence of their captivity. Both of these
men will return to the regiment as soon as their health will permit. Lieut.
Leary was, on Washington's Birthday, presented with a regulation sword, sash
and belts by his friends.
The recruiting party will open an office at Lafayette Hall, Broadway, to-day,
and every day some of the officers will be in attendance to receive new men
and to explain to the old members the terms on which they will be received.
There is no doubt but that every man who is worth having will now go back with
the regiment. Some are not wanted. We allude to the cowardly crew who, fearing
that they might be again called upon to fight, created dissension among the
members, and left in the trouble for this city. These men had better stay away,
as they were worth nothing in the army, and the charge of rations would be
wasted. The officers of the regiment are well worthy of notice. With a very
few exceptions, they are gentlemen and soldiers, and no man who returns to
the regiment will regret it. Col. Loeser is one of the best officers in the
service, and has brought the men under his command to a perfection in drill
that is not equalled by any in the army. The remnant of the regiment is in
good repute with their commanding General, and everything in the way of clothing
and rations is furnished liberally.
THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
The recruiting party sent from this regiment has been quite successful. They
have already sent to the regiment enough men to form another company, and
the chances are that enough will be sent during the month to fill the regiment.
The late changes made in the regiment will promote the welfare of every one
attached to it. They now rank among the best drilled of our army, and their
good conduct since arriving at Newport News, has brought out the merited
encomiums of the general officers. Every man who belonged to the regiment
at its organization, should at once go to it, and by his presence lend his
aid in bringing it to its full standard of men. There are some who perhaps
would be better away from it, yet there are enough good men to fill it up.
The changes made in its officers are of the best. They are good soldiers,
and what is equally as good, look to the requirements of their men. Every
man who formerly belonged to the regiment, is by an order from the War Department
placed on the same footing as he was before he left it—back pay and
bounty included.
This order was given as an especial favor to the friends of the Fire Zouave
Regiment in this city. We are willing to admit the regiment has been badly
used, as the men claim and give as a reason for not joining again. But we also
know why they were thus treated. From the time they left New York they were
in charge of incompetent officers. Not one man, from the colonel down to the
lowest officer, had ever been in service. They went away in a hurry and against
orders, and were kept in a hurry until they landed in Alexandria. Here they
commenced organizing, but the utter incompetency of the line officers—who
seemed to think that their whole duty was to look out for themselves, and to
array their commands against companies and officers whom they deemed officers—soon
rendered the whole regiment more like a bear-garden than a camp of United States
soldiers. Some of the officers were apparently on the "make," while
others amused themselves by getting drunk and carousing; and had it not been
for Colonel Farnham they, and the regiment with them, would have been disgraced
before they left Alexandria. The writer of this article was there, and held
a captaincy. To save a good company, he was compelled to apply to be detailed
on special service, and the success he met with is known to every man in the
regiment. His men had everything that rightfully belonged to them, and they
acted as welt as men could act.
This could have been the case with every company in the regiment had a majority
of the officers acted in harmony, respected themselves and their fellows, and
looked more to the wants of their men than to their own pleasures. One of the
principal causes of complaint of the men of this regiment was the delay in
securing their pay. This can be easily explained.
The department at Washington was as anxious to pay them as they were to receive
it. Time after time they sent for the payrolls and muster rolls, but were unable
to obtain them, and when at last they were sent in, they were so full of errors
that no officer of the Government would risk paying them. One company was correct,
but by the advice of Colonel Farnham the captain refused to receive the pay
for his company until all were ready, to avoid the trouble and jealousy that
would naturally follow from one company being paid before another. Then the
writer took charge of the whole business, and prepared the pay rolls of the
regiment.
Before they were ready, however, the regiment went into the fight, and after
that came the trouble consequent on so general a repulse and loss of good officers.
The Colonel was killed—the Lieut.-Colonel sent home sick with fever;
and the Major, who was a young man, seemed so thoroughly disgusted and disheartened
that he knew not what to do. The captains advised their men to leave, and but
one company, that of the writer, performed duty. The curses of the men on their
officers will ever be remembered. They had lost all confidence in them, and
with the exception of one company were in a state of mutiny. And why this one
company? Not that the men were any better. Not that they had any better chance
of getting along. For they were looked upon with distrust by nearly all. But
simply because they had confidence in their officers, who they saw kept faith
with them and who they in return supported in time of trouble. There was not
a company in the regiment that would not have acted in the same manner, had
they been properly treated. But they were allowed to run wild, and the greatest
vagabond was looked upon as the best man. Good conduct was not rewarded, and
the consequence was that nearly all became demoralized. This is a very unpleasant
subject for us, but it is necessary that those of the men who have enough pride
left for themselves and the regiment may understand the difference between
how things were and how they are at present.
The regiment is now in comfortable quarters at Newport News, and they number
a little over four hundred men. Their Colonel, Charles McK. Leoser, is an able
officer and devoted to the work of raising the regiment. He is satisfied that
the men were good enough soldiers, and would sooner have them than new men.
The officers have nearly all been changed. Every company has a different captain,
who is retained on his merits alone (some changes have taken place this week).
They have an abundance of clothing and good rations. Their discipline is excellent,
and their drill unsurpassed. They are prompt and obedient, and their cleanliness
is noted in headquarters.
They look like regular soldiers, and their officers are held responsible for
inattention to the wants of their men, or neglect of their own duty.
In fact, it is one of the best managed regiments in the service, and when they
are sent forward, as they desire to be, they will do the fighting of a full
regiment. Now we appeal to every man who desires to serve his country and preserve
the name of the Fire Department to answer the call. While under the command
of the present officers, the Department and the people of New York may rest
assured that they will not be disgraced, even though there were but half the
number of men; yet we should be more than happy to see at least eight hundred
men in the next fight. If there are a hundred men in New York City who wish
good to the country and honor to the city, we appeal to them to come forward
now, and aid in filling our ranks (we are with them again), and all who come
will be insured good treatment, and what is equally as pleasing, as much active
service as will be permitted. The recruiting office is at Lafayette Hall, Broadway,
where will be found at all times an officer to answer, all questions, and the
roll of the new company under the command of the old officers of Company E.
(N. Y. Leader, Mar. 15, '62)
THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
The success of this regiment in gaining the respect and good will of the general
officers under whom they serve, is a gratification to every fireman of the
regiment and the Fire Department. In the recent fight at Newport News they
were complimented by General Mansfield for their coolness under fire, and
for their assistance in working the batteries. Even on board the "Cumberland," two
of the Fire Zouaves, privates Bracken and McManus, who were visiting the
ship, fought with the last gun and brought away the fighting colors of the
ship after she went down. In every reconnoisance or other duty they have
acted with the coolness of brave soldiers, and their conduct has been such
that encomiums were bestowed upon them by their generals. There are now in
this city one commissioned officer and one sergeant from each company, sent
on recruiting service. They are anxious to fill the regiment to its full
standard, and call upon the old members of the regiment to come again to
their colors. They are authorized by the War Department to restore delinquent
members to their former places without trial for desertion, and to guarantee
their back pay. To new men they can guarantee good quarters, rations and
clothing, and service in a regiment which will come out of the war with as
much credit as any regiment in the service.
They are now under officers who appreciate their services and who will attend
to their wants. The companies are each under good officers, and are as well
taken care of as the men can wish. Col. Leoser is rated as one of the best
young officers in the service—an excellent drill officer, a strict disciplinarian,
and a brave soldier. The 500 men he has with him can stand the test of drill
and general deportment with any in the service, as all who have seen them during
the past winter testify. We are anxious to see this regiment again filled,
that it may take the field with an equal chance.
The Committee who had charge of the regiment on the start are again at work,
and if hard labor will recruit the regiment it will be done. The office of
the regiment is at Lafayette Hall, Broadway, where a commissioned officer will
always be found to give information to old members or to those wishing to join
the regiment. (LEADERR, March 22, 1862)
RETURN OF THE ZOUAVE PRISONERS.
Nearly all of the prisoners of the First Fire Zouaves, captured at Bull Run,
have arrived in this city. None of the officers, however, have been returned.
We hoped to have had the pleasure of seeing our old friend Captain Downey come
home with the boys, but his stay in the sunny South cannot be much longer protracted.
Mr. A. O. Alcock, the correspondent of the Atlas, called upon us yesterday,
and appears in good health and spirits. Confinement does not seem to have left
many unpleasant traces in his physical condition, and he will ere long publish
a journal of his imprisonment. (May 24, 1862)
PAYMENR OF THE FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES.
This regiment is now mustered out of service, and will be paid off on Monday.
Two paymasters have been appointed for the work. Major Stuart, U. S. Paymaster,
will pay Companies B, D, G, and H, at No. 6 State street, on Monday, commencing
with Company B, who are to assemble at 11 o'clock, and the other companies
in rotation an hour after the other. Paymaster Teneyck will pay the other
companies, and will probably be ready at the same time, although no order
has been issued as yet. This last payment closes the career of this ill-managed
regiment. No body of men left the city with such flattering opinions and
so many friends; but now, after one year's service, they come back almost
unnoticed. It is unnecessary for us at this time to speak of the causes of
their disbandment, or to charge the troubled in the regiment upon those who
have had the command, as they commenced from the day they left the city and
continued until they returned, with the single exception of the Colonelcy
of. Noah L. Farnham.
The men will all, or nearly all, go at once in other regiments, and will, we
know, do credit to themselves and to any regiment to which they may be attached.
It has been understood that the late lieutenant-colonel commanding the regiment
has had authority to reorganize the Eleventh Regiment. We doubt, however, if
he can succeed, although ably fitted to command a regiment. (N. Y. Leader,
June 7 '62)
Alluding to our notice of the reception at the Bureau of Military Statistics
of the gun with which Jackson killed Ellsworth, the Troy Times says that there
has been a general misapprehension, ever since the death of Ellsworth, as to
the time when Brownell struck the musket of the murderer. It has been commonly
believed that he made no move, until the murderer had executed his purpose
thereby implying an unreadiness on Brownell's part in defending his superior
officer. The true facts of the case are that while Jackson was raising his
musket, Brownell struck it away, and would have prevented any injury to his
commander had not the two weapons struck against the bannisters, when Jackson
discharged his gun, and suddenly raising its muzzle, fired in the direction
of Ellsworth. Lieut. Brownell's promptness would have frustrated the design
of the murderer, if others had seized the gun when the Troy soldier so skillfully
parried.
LOCAL NEWS.
NEW YORK AND THE VICINITY.
A curious surgical case occurred on Wednesday, at Mount St. Vincent Hospital.
Robert Brown joined the Ellsworth Zouaves upon their first organization, and
was by Col. Ellsworth appointed a Sergeant at the first battle of Bull Run.
While charging a rebel battery his company was broken up by a body of Union
Artillery in rapid manoeuvering, and while rallying his men, Brown was shot
in the back of his head. He fell, and when he recovered consciousness, he was
groping about in perfect darkness, as he was stone blind. Some rebels found
him and asked him what regiment he belonged to. Knowing the intense hatred
felt for the Zouaves, he replied that he belonged to the 114th New York. "Why
your regiment," was the reply, “crossed the river yesterday afternoon." He
had supposed that the battle was still going on, as he was not conscious of
the twenty-four hours that had elapsed after his injury, and again overwhelmed
with the intelligence he sunk senseless upon the ground. When next he recovered
consciousness, it was the third day after the battle, and he was roused by
finding persons cutting a belt from around his body and searching his pockets.
He was finally taken to Richmond and placed in a hospital, where a large piece
was taken out of his skull, but without giving much relief. Supposing that
he was going to die, he made known the fact that he was by birth, a Virginian,
sent for his father. The latter offered to take him home and nurse him carefully
if he would swear allegiance to the Confederate Government. This he refused,
and his father, cursing him, left him to die. To punish him as a Union Virginian,
he was sent to the Libby prison and kept there for five months. Three times
he was set down for exchange, and then it was countermanded.
Finally he was exchanged, but had to go into the hospital at Baltimore. Getting
better he rejoined his regiment at Newport News, but was again taken sick and
was discharged. Since then he has been under medical treatment, as his head
still occasionally gave him trouble, but although his doctors were men of ability,
they did not cure him. A few months ago he became connected with the police,
and did duty, of course, faithfully, but exposure brought on another attack
of illness, and yesterday at St. Vincent Hospital, he submitted to a surgical
operation, which resulted in the extraction of a large flattened leaden ball
from within the skull, near the spinal cord. He is now doing well.
— Dr. Charles Gray, Surgeon of the Fire Zouaves, served with distinction in the
Crimean war and the Sepoy and Chinese rebellions, and was the recipient of
six medals and five buckles from the English and French governments. Dr. Gray,
although an Englishman, was among the first to espouse the cause of his adopted
country, leaving a practice of some five thousand dollars per annum, and attaching
himself to the medical staff of the New York Fire Zouaves.
BULL'S RUN.--During one of the charges of the Fire Zouaves upon the Mississippi
Rifles, a Fire Zouaves and a Mississippian came in contact, with discharged
rifles. Each drew his revolver. "Blaze away, Mississippi; I'll take the
last shot," said the Fire Zouave. The Mississippian did blaze away and
missed, when the Fire Zouave fired, the shot going through the heart of the
Mississippian.
— An escaped prisoner says that the greatest consternation prevailed among the
secessionists lest the retreat of our troops was a feint ordered by General
Scott, to induce them to advance toward Centerville and thus be cut off; and
further, that they fairly believed that the veteran commander was himself at
Centerville, and had entrenched that place, which could have been rendered
impregnable with a very little labor.
Col. Ellsworth's firemen Zouaves are, for the present, stationed at Fort Hamilton,
New York Harbor. (April 23, 1861)
THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS.
Colonel James C. Burke is progressing in the organization of the Eleventh regiment
New-York State Volunteers. His headquarters are at Tammany Hall.
—
A New York Zouave recently took a horse belonging to a rebel and ever since
has been much elated with his capture. A day or two since the owner of the
animal presented himself to the Zouave and demanded the horse. "I have
taken the oath of allegiance," said he, "and the horse is mine." "You
may have taken the oath, answered the New Yorker, "but the horse has not,
and I shall keep him till he does!"
THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
The armory of the 11th Regiment, at the Eagle drill rooms, corner of Delancy
and Chrystie streets, did not present during the forenoon of yesterday a
very animated appearance, it being understood at an early hour that it would
be impossible for them to depart before to-day. The rooms of several companies
were open for recruiting purposes, and quite a number of recruits were received.
The following order was promulgated:
HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH REGIMENT, N. Y. N. G.,
NEW-YORK, Wednesday, June 17, 1863.
REGIMENTAL ORDER, No. 10.—Pursuant to the above General Orders, No. 4,
from Division Headquarters, this Regiment will assemble in fatigue uniform,
fully armed and equipped, on Thursday, the 18th inst., at 2 o'clock precisely,
at the Regimental Armory, to proceed as above directed.
Commandants of Companies will forthwith make requisitions upon the Regimental
Quartermaster, Lieut. Lindenstruth, for all necessary supplies of clothing,
equipments, ammunition, &c. Issues upon such requisitions will be made
without delay.
Regimental Line will be formed in Second avenue, right on Fourth street, at
4 o'clock precisely.
Each officer will be allowed a small valise, which must be marked distinctly
and left at the Armory before 1 o'clock.
By order of J. MAIDHOF, Col. 11th Regt.
L. L. LAIDLAW, Adjutant.
COL. JAMES C. BURKE, who was formerly engaged in organizing the 11th Regiment
New York Volunteers, and who has the reputation of being a brave fighter, having
been indicted by the Grand Jury of New York, under the charge of uttering a
forged check for $526.26, with intent to defraud the
United States, was arrested there on Tuesday, just as he was starting for this
city, and committed until bail could be procured.
— It has been decided that the uniform of Col. Ellsworth's firemen Zouaves should
consist of a grey felt hat, skull fatigue cap, red fire shirt, grey jacket,
grey flowing pants, Zouave gaiters and blue overcoat. A firm of merchant tailors
have contracted to have the requisite number of these uniforms ready by Wednesday
night.
McCLELLAN’S COMMAND.
AlexAndria, Va., Aug. 12.
The Fire Zouaves struck their tents and left for New York this afternoon, where
they will be disbanded, preparatory to the reorganization the regiment.
A prominent resident of White House Point, named Burke, was arrested to day
by our pickets, about six miles from Alexandria. He is charged with being a
spy and acting as a rebel messenger. He is at present confined in jail waiting
orders from Washington.
From the Federal Camps in Virginia.
Alexandria, June 28.
Information has been received from the Zouave camp this morning, announcing
the safe arrival of Lieut. Harrison and the Captain of the Zouaves, whose absence
last night gave rise to fears for their safety.
Lieut. Sweet's company returned at midnight, without meeting with the secession
cavalry.
Private Murphy is still missing.
The affair at Cloud's Mills seems only to have been another attempt of the
enemy to harass our pickets, who are at present the only victims of their warfare,
and to notify us of their presence. They made two captures, neither of whom
was prepared for resistance when pounced upon by about fifteen cavalry from
the road side.—Murphy, of the United States Cavalry, was for the moment
off of his horse; the other, a Zouave, was engaged picking cherries, without
his arms. Another portion of the rebel cavalry, about forty strong, drove in
the pickets to within a mile of Cloud's Mills, and then retired without succeeding
in making any further captures.
The compliment paid to the Pennsylvania troops, by the Inspector General, yesterday,
was to the 14th Regiment, Col. Hartrauft; and not to the 5th, as stated in
a previous dispatch.
A private of the South Carolina volunteers was arrested at Camp Tyler, to-day,
having tumbled over our pickets, which now extends two miles beyond Falls Church.
Information was derived from this source, that there were only
2000 rebel troops at Fairfax Court House.—The prisoner was taken to Washington.
The residents of Falls Church, who are now included within Gen. Tyler's lines,
are mostly from the Eastern States--many from Connecticut—and the Federal
troops are on very good terms with them.
Since the Cloud's Mills affair, two companies of the Fire Zouaves and a detachment
of cavalry, have been sent out to scout. The Zouaves feel very indignant at
the frequent loss of their men by surprise and capture.
Col. Farnham, of the Fire Zouaves, is gradually improving. He is to take the
position of Lieutenant-Colonel of the People's Ellsworth Regiment.
PAYMENT OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
Companies B, C, D, G, and H, of this regiment were yesterday paid by Paymaster
Stuart, at No. 6 State street. Those members who have been with the regiment
since its organization were paid in full; but those who participated in the
retreat from Bull Run and came to this city, as well as those who were some
months since formally mustered out of service and have since rejoined other
regiments, were offered pay for only the latter term of service. This they
refused to accept at present, claiming that they were promised and are entitled
to be paid from the date of the original muster-rolls. They claim that the
War Department issued such an order, but are unable to produce it. The matter
will be referred to the Secretary of War. The total amount to be paid to
the regiment is about $45,000.
ADJOURNED MEETING IN AID OF THE "FIRE ZOUAVES.—There was a very
slim attendance at Firemen's Hall on Wednesday evening last, and not much money
subscribed.
Upon the calling of the roll, the following new subscriptions were announced:
Engine Co. 5, $50; Engine Co. 42, $50 additional (making $250 in all); Engine
Co. 46, $100. Hose Co. 19, $150. John B. Miller (Hook & Ladder Co. 10),
$50. Zophar Mills, $50. Hose Co. 60, reported as having raised seven recruits,
and now looking around for more. Board of Fire Commissioners, $100.
The Chairman said he thought the work did not go on fast enough. He should
like to hear some one devise a plan by which the recruits could be got quicker.
A proposition was made to raise the bounty of the first hundred men from $35
to $50.
Mr. O'Brien, of Hook & Ladder No. 9, objected to this. He thought the Fire
Zouaves were now paying a larger bounty than any other regiment. He would therefore,
for the present, let it stand as it is.
Mr. Curtis, of Hook & Ladder No. 4, stated that the Ironsides Regiment
was paying $50 bounty. That organization paid this amount to-day.
Mr. Thomas, of Hose No. 19, moved an amendment, that the bounty be made $55.
The amendment being accepted by the mover of the original proposition, it was
subsequently acted upon, and carried unanimously.
It was next proposed that the fact of the offering of this handsome bonus of
$55, as well as the $200 said to be offered by the city, be advertised in the
daily papers and 1,000 large posters distributed about town for a like purpose,
so as to call general attention to the matter.
Mr. Thomas asked if any fireman who should be drafted on Monday next, could
be allowed to receive any benefit from the fund, or if persons were to be allowed
to draw the regiment they would go with?
Chief Engineer Decker said he would make his return to General Anthon on Saturday.
He thought there were some sixty members enrolled. Capt. Downey had got twenty-nine
of his men.
It was stated that General Anthon would count every man now enrolled in the
Second Fire Zouaves as belonging originally to the Department.
After some desultory remarks the meeting adjourned to reassemble on Wednesday
evening next, 12th instant.
—
The first general muster of the original New York Fire Zouaves since they were
stationed at the Battery encampment took place on Wednesday morning, in pursuance
of an order issued Tuesday by Col. Loeser, for the purpose of going into permanent
quarters in New York Harbor. Probably 300 of them assembled.—The order
was interpreted in various ways, some believing that New York Harbor meant
a well known island on the coast of Florida, and said they "wouldn't be
fooled as Billy Wilson's chaps had been". Not more than one hundred went
to Bedloe's Island. Those who remained had all sorts of complaints, but declared
if the Government would pay them they would enter immediately upon the discharge
of their bills. The Poughkeepsie Eagle of the 22d says, the Eleventh N. Y.
S. V., composed of a detachment of the First New York Fire Zouaves, under command
of Captain Sage, and three or four companies other regiments, the whole command
of Major Frazer, comprising hundred men, passed up on Hudson River Railroad
last evening on 6:12 P. M. train. This regiment is composed of two years troops,
and have been prominent in quelling the recent riots in New York city and Staten
Island. It was this regiment that Col. O'Brien was in command of when he was
killed by the mob. Captain Sage, of the Fire Zouaves, informed us that had
Col. O'Brien remained with his regiment instead of going into the crowd all
would have been well.
The same paper says that seven hundred more Mormans will pass up on the Hudson
River Railroad to-day, in addition to those of yesterday, making 1500 in this
shipment.
On the train which went up yesterday, there was one death and one birth.
A train of one thousand wagons will meet the whole party at Florence, Nebraska,
to transport them across the Plains.
ELLSWORTH’S LAST SPEECH.--Col. Ellsworth, on receiving notice of the
movement on Alexandria, addressed his Regiment as follows:
Boys, no doubt you felt surprised on hearing my orders to be in readiness at
a moment's notice, but I will explain all as far as I am allowed. Yesterday
forenoon I understood that a movement was to be made against Alexandria. Of
course I was on the qui vive. I went to see Gen. Mansfield, the Commander at
Washington, and told him that I would consider it as a personal affront if
he would not allow us to have the right of the line, which is our due, as the
first volunteer Regiment sworn in for the war. All that I can tell you is to
prepare yourselves for a nice little sail, and at the end of it a skirmish.
Go to your tents, lie down, and take your rest till 2 o'clock, when the boat
will arrive, and we go forward to victory or death. When we reach the place
of destination, act as men; do nothing to shame the regiment, show the enemy
that you are men as well as solders, and that you will treat them with kindness
until they force you to use violence. I want to kill them with kindness. Go
to your tents and do as I tell you.
THE NEW YORK ZOUAVES.
THEIR DEPARTURE FROM CASTLE GARDEN AND ENCAMPMENT AT RIKER'S ISLAND.
Yesterday morning, at half-past nine o'clock, witnessed the departure of one
of the finest regiments that has been organized in this State under the proclamation
of the President of the United States after the evacuation of Fort Sumter.
The New York Zouaves were organized on the stimulus of the furore attendant
upon the visit of the Chicago Zouaves to the metropolis last summer.
The organization consisted of about forty members, some of whom were members
of the Ellsworth command. The drill and equipment were strictly according to
Hardee, and in the short space of six months the corps attained a proficiency
in the light infantry tactics equalled only by their Western brethren, who
were received by our citizens with so much enthusiasm. When the call for volunteers
was issued the New York Zouaves offered their services to the State, with the
promise that in place of a company it should be a whole regiment. They were
accepted, and in one week the requisite number of a regiment—seven hundred
and eighty men—were enrolled. On the 4th instant Captain Heyman, of the
United States Army, inspected the regiment and mustered them into service.
Immediately after inspection the regiment was assigned quarters at Castle Garden,
which they continued to occupy until their departure yesterday morning for
Riker's Island. The Commissioners of Emigration, when they assigned their premises
to the State, authorities to be occupied as a military rendezvous, reserved
a portion of the same for the accommodation of newly arrived emigrants. As
only a rope divided the troops from the emigrants, various skirmishes took
place between them and the troops, which however were always put a stop to
by the interference of the officers. Independent, however, of this annoyance,
the accommodations for sleeping were insufficient, and not a little dissatisfaction
existed among the men in regard to their limited quarters. In view of these
disadvantages, and also the constant presence of friends crowding the embrasures
of the Battery, Colonel Hawkins used every endeavor to secure quarters out
of the city. Captain Dodge, commanding Bedloe's Island, was applied to allow
the
rendezvous to be occupied by the regiment, but owing to the force of United
States troops stationed there, they could not be accommodated. A like application
to the Commandant of Fort Hamilton resulted in a similar
manner.
At last Quartermaster Elliot procured Ricker's Island which was accepted by
Quartermaster General Arthur, and immediately fitted up with barracks, &c.,
which were to have been ready for occupancy on Monday last, but were not completed
until last evening. At this place the regiment will be kept in the best state
of discipline until their active services are needed at the seat of war.
The departure of the regiment having been announced through the HERALD, an
immense crowd gathered around the Battery to witness the display on the occasion
of their departure; but the spectators were in a measure disappointed, as the
regiment mustered inside of Castle Garden and embarked on board the steamtug
at the pier of the depot. The order to be ready and in marching order was designated
as nine o'clock, which order was strictly adhered to and observed. At ten o'clock
precisely the steamtug Young America, having the barge Irene in tow, both of
which were occupied by the departing troops, slipped her hawser and left the
pier. The drum corps of the regiment beat the salute, and the most deafening
cheers went up from the assembled multitude on the outside of the Battery.
Those on board the tug and barge were not idle, and returned the parting salute
of their friends with double interest.
As the tug rounded to and took her course eastward, the members of the Second
regiment, encamped on the Battery, where they were drawn up in line on the
water's edge, cheered the Zouaves in a very enthusiastic manner. The drum corps
of the Second also saluted the departing troops. Finally, Captain T. P. Mott's
efficient howitzer corps, of Col. Tompkins' regiment, thundered forth a deafening
salute of eleven rounds, from two twelve pound howitzers. The scenes on the
shore were very animating, men cheering, ladies waving their handkerchiefs,
vessels dipping their colors and steamboat bells ringing. The Zouaves, in the
meantime kept up a continued cheering. This scene of enthusiasm did not cease
until the regiment was pretty well up to the East river. Every vessel passing
the troops gave some token of applause, either by cheers or dipping of colors.
When above Blackwell's Island the revenue steamer Vixen, coming down the river,
was greeted by the troops, which was duly returned by the gallant tars, the
officers on both vessels doffing their hats as a mark of respect. The spectacle
presented by the Zouaves, mounted on the hurricane deck and formed into groups,
was grand, numerous American flags being in their ranks, forming a pleasing
contrast to their dark blue uniform.
At twelve o'clock the troops arrived at their destination, when the disembarkation
was effected in a very orderly and soldier-like manner, creditable alike to
the officers and men.
The accommodations at the new camp ground are of the most complete kind. The
barracks are somewhat similar to those in the City Hall Park. Riker's Island,
now called Camp Hawkins, in honor of the efficient commandant of the regiment,
is situated on the East river, about ten miles from this city. Surrounded by
water on all sides, it offers a magnificent site for the purpose it is devoted
to. The barracks are built in the shape of a parallelogram, open on one side.
The south and north sides are five hundred feet in length by twenty feet wide.
The former is fitted up with bunks for the accommodation of the men, while
the latter is arrayed for the mess--a long row of tables being stretched the
entire length of the room. Adjoining this is the culinary department, superintended
by Mr. W. B. Davis, one of the contractors for supplying the regiment with
rations. Four French cooks are engaged in the department. At the east end of
the general mess room, partitioned off, are the officers' quarters and mess
rooms.
A separate building, for the habitation of the field officers, is erected on
the south side of the barracks. The ground, admirably adapted for the purpose
it is intended for; the only difficulty experienced is that the regimental
drills will not be as convenient as those at the Battery, on account of the
ground being uneven; otherwise every comfort is experienced, the troops being
enabled to indulge in the luxuries of a bath in the salt water.
The bunks for the men are arranged in three tiers; between every tier there
is a window for the admission of pure air. The roof is also made perfectly
watertight, and no fear need be entertained of being drenched by the
rain.
Immediately on arriving at the camp the guard was posted, and the barracks
formally taken possession of.
The quarters of each company are separated by partitions, in order to keep
the men separate. On the whole, the entire arrangements, planned and laid out
by Colonel Hawkins and his ...., Quartermaster Elliott, reflect great credit
upon these gentlemen.
The annexed is a complete list of the field, staff and line officers:--
Colonel, Rush C. Hawkins; Lieutenant Colonel, George Betts; Major, Edgar A.
Kimball; Adjutant, James W. Evans; Quartermaster, Henry H. Elliott, Jr.; Surgeon,
.... George H. Humphrey; Chaplain, Rev. T. W. Conway; Quartermaster's Sergeant,
Edward C. Cooper; Drum Major, Charles T. Smith.
Company A.—Captain, Andrew S. Graham; First Lieutenant, C. Childs; Ensign.
T. Klingsohr.
Company B.--Captain, Wm. B. Barnett; First Lieutenant, G. A. C. Barnett; Ensign,
T. L. Bartholomew.
Company C.—Captain, Otto W. Parisen; First Lieutenant, W. H. Ennis; Ensign,
J. D. Mitchell.
Company D.—Captain, Henry Wright; First Lieutenant, J. S. Harrison; Ensign,
J. K. Perley.
Company E.--Captain, Adolph Lebalre; First Lieutenant, J. H. Bartlett; Ensign,
W. A Bartlett.
Company F.—Captain, Wm. H. Hammell; First Lieutenant, H. C. Perley; Ensign
C. W. Prescott.
Company G—Captain, Edward Jardine; First Lieutenant, A. P. Webster; Ensign,
T. P. McElrath.
Company H.—Captain, James C. Rodriguez; First Lieutenant, L. Leahy; Ensign,
V. F. Lefon.
Company I.—Captain, Henry W. Copcutt; First Lieutenant, J. Burke; Ensign,
J. H. Fleming.
Company K.—Captain, Joseph N. Stiner; First Lieutenant, Francis A. Silva;
Ensign, G. F. Doughty.
Communication with Camp Hawkins will be kept up daily by the steaming Young
America plying between the city and the camp for the accommodation of the contractors.
Messrs. Davis , Elijah & Graham, and Mr. James Steele.
RECRUITING IN BROOKLYN FOR CO. C 11th N. Y. S. VOLS., OLD FIRE ZOUAVES.—Capt.
James L. Duncan, of 37th N. Y. S. Volunteers, has opened a recruiting office
on the corner of Myrtle avenue and Fulton street, and offers superior inducements
to the Fire Laddies of this city to fill up the ranks of the Coler Company.
All those who desire to enlist in "Co. C," are invited to call at
his office and see two of the old boys. Uniform, a la Hawkins.
THE MURDER OF COL. O'BRIEN.
The New York Herald gives the following account of the murder of Col. O'Brien
by the mob in New York. The Colonel had just previously suppressed a violent
demonstration by ordering the men under his command to fire into the crowd,
and it is also said that he fired a pistol himself--the ball from which killed
a woman and child. He afterward went into a drug store, and this is what
followed:
Col. O'Brien stayed in the drug store for some few minutes; it is thought that
he went in to get some refreshments. The crowd were around the door at this
time. There was scarcely a word spoken, but the towering glances of one thousand
men looked down in their vengeful spirit upon him as he stood in the door.
He then drew his sword and with a revolver in the other hand walked out on
the sidewalk in the very centre of the crowd. He was immediately surrounded,
and one of the men came behind and striking him a heavy blow on the back of
the head, staggered him. The crowd them immediately surrounded and beat him
in a most shocking manner.
HE IS HUNG UP TO A LAMP POST.
After having been terribly beaten his almost inanimate body was taken up in
the strong arms of the crowd and hurried to the first lamp post, where it
was strung up by a rope. After a few minutes the body was taken down, he
being still alive, and thrown like so much rubbish in the street.
THE BODY IN THE STREET--APPALLING SCENES.
The body lay in the middle of street, with- in a few yards of the corner of
Thirty-fourth street. Nature shudders at the appalling scenes which here
took place. The body was mutilated such a manner that it was utterly impossible
to recognize it. The head was nearly one mass of gore, while the clothes
were also saturated with the crimson fluid of life. A crowd of some three
hundred persons wounded the prostrate figure. These men looked upon the terrible
sight with the greatest coolness, and some even smiled at the gory object.
Our reporter walked leisurely among the crowd which surrounded the body,
and in company with the rest gazed upon the extended mass of flesh which
was once the corpulent form of Colonel H. F. O'Brien. Notwithstanding the
fearful process which the soldier had gone through, he was yet breathing
with evident strength. The eyes were closed, but there was a very apparent
twitching of the eyelids, which were now and then convulsed, as if in the
most intense agony.
THE BODY DRAGGED AROUND THE STREET.
After lying for somewhat of an hour in this position several of the crowd took
hold of the body by the legs, and dragged it from side to side of the street.
The operation was gone through with several times, when the crowd again left
the body lying in its original position.
LIFE STILL EXISTING.
Had Col. O'Brien been a man of weak constitution, he would certainly have ceased
to exist long before this time. He was, however, thro' life, a man of great
natural strength, and this fact probably kept him breathing longer than would
any other common person. The crowd remarked this, and watched his every slightest
movement with the most intense anxiety. Now and then the head would be raised
from the ground, while an application of a foot from one of the crowd would
dash the already mangled mass again on the earth. This conduct was carried
on for some time , and when our reporter left the body was still lying in
the street, the last spark of existence evidently having taken its flight.
Colonel O'Brien, who was so brutally butchered by the New York mob on Tuesday,
had but a few hours previously magnanimously spared the lives of the rioters
by causing his men to fire blank cartridges instead of balls. Nothing illustrates
the cowardly character of the ruffians more powerfully than this. The destruction
and pillage of an orphan asylum is another deed which stamps the rioters with
undying infamy.
THE MURDER OF COL. O'BRIEN.
From the New York Herald.
COLONEL O'BRIEN AMON THE CROWD.
The action of Colonel O'Brien, as described by several who were within a hearing
distance of him during the whole time, is thus described from the commencement
of the conflict. He urged on the soldiers to fire into and attack the people
in all manner of ways. How true this is cannot be accurately determined with
any degree of actual certainty; but the fate which he met with, as will shortly
appear, is one of the most horrible that either history tells of, or the present
generation ever witnessed.
Colonel O'Brien, as has already been stated, was on horseback, and had the
entire command of the military. It was by his orders that they fired, and also
by his instrumentality, whether he be right or wrong in the matter, that the
heart's blood of many an able youth was stopped in its flowings.
HORRIBLE OCCURRENCE—A WOMAN AND CHILD KILLED.
Probably the most heartrending occurrence which one could imagine took place
during this fight. Col. O'Brien held a revolver in his hand, and was riding
up and down between either line of the crowd. He, as it is stated, fired
his revolver into their midst, the ball killing a woman and child, which
she held in her arms. After several rounds had been fired the people began
to disperse, and the police proceeded to another part of the city. Col. O'Brien
and his command, however, remained. The Colonel dismounted from his horse
and walked into a drug store.
THE CROWD ATTACK COL. O'BRIEN.
Had the commander of this military force taken his departure at this time there
is little doubt that his life would have been saved. But fatality had destined
him for its victim and he was a doomed man. Col. O'Brien stayed in the drug
store for some few minutes; it is thought that he went in to get some refreshments.
The crowd were around the door at this time. There was scarcely a word spoken,
but the towering glances of one thousand men looked down in their vengeful
spirit upon him as he stood in the door. He then drew his sword and with
a revolver in the other hand walked out on the sidewalk in the very centre
of the crowd. He was immediately surrounded, and one of the men came behind
and striking him a heavy blow on the back of the head, staggered him. The
crowd then immediately surrounded and beat him in a most shocking manner.
HE IS HUNG UP TO A LAMP POST.
After having been terribly beaten his almost inanimate body was taken up in
the strong arms of the crowd and hurried to the first lamp post, where it
was strung up by a rope. After a few minutes the body was taken down, he
being still alive, and thrown like so much rubbish in the street.
THE BODY IN THE STRET - APPALLING SCENES.
The body lay in the middle of the street, within a few yards of the corner
of Thirty-fourth street. Nature shudders at the appalling scenes which here
took place. The body was mutilated in such a manner that it was utterly impossible
to recognize it. The head was nearly one mass of gore, while the clothes
were also saturated with the crimson fluid of life. A crowd of some three
hundred persons wounded the prostrate figure. These men looked upon the terrible
sight with the greatest coolness, and some even smiled at the gory object.
Our reporter walked leisurely among the crowd which surrounded the body,
and in company with the rest gazed upon the extended mass of flesh which
was once the corpulent form of Col. H. F. O'Brien. Notwithstanding the fearful
process which the soldier had gone through, he was yet breathing with evident
strength. The eyes were closed, but there was a very apparent twitching of
the eyelids, which were now and again convulsed, as if in the most intense
agony.
THE BODY DRAGGED AROUND THE STREET.
After lying for somewhat of an hour in this position several of the crowd took
hold of the body by the legs, and dragged it from side to side of the street.
The operation was gone through with several times, when the crowd again left
the body lying in its original position.
LIFE STILL EXISTING.
Had Colonel O'Brien been a man of weak constitution, he would certainly have
ceased to exist long before this time. He was, however, through life, a man
of great natural strength, and this fact probably kept him breathing longer
than would any other common person. The crowd remarked this, and watched
his every slightest movement with the most intense anxiety. Now and then
the head would be raised from the ground, while an application of a foot
from one of the crowd would dash the already mangled mass again to the earth.
This conduct was carried on for some time, and when our reporter left the
body was still laying in the street, the last spark of existence evidently
having taken its flight.
THE KILLING OF COL. O'BRIEN.
This scene has before been reported by telegraph, but the New York papers furnish
some additional particulars of the fiendish cruelty of the mob to the dying
man, as given by the Rev. Mr. Clowry, an Irish Roman Catholic Clergyman,
who was a witness from first to last of the scenes of which he speaks, and
who, in his capacity of priest, administered the last sacraments of the Church
to his dying countryman:
The mob made a rush at him, and in an instant he was knocked down, trampled
under foot, and the heartless, cruel mob were upon him. His revolver was taken
from him; hid sword was broken into fragments, and every fist that could get
within reach, every club that could be brought to bear; every brick or stone
that could be thrown with true aim; every heel that could hit the head of the
unfortunate man, was put into requisition. In a moment he was beaten insensible,
which fact is the only consolation left to his friends, for the cruelties and
indignities offered afterwards to his body, had they been endured by a being
capable of feeling, would have been too horrible for belief.
Having been struck to the earth, he was seized by a hundred hands and dragged
into an alleyway, out of sight of his wife and children, and also almost within
sight of his troops, who of course, had no idea of the atrocities being perpetrated
on their commander, and there he was beaten and kicked and clubbed for hours.
The first blow was struck this officer about 2 p. m.
— he did not die till 8 p. m. All the intervening time he was surrounded by the
crowd, who refused to permit any one to render him any assistance, and when
a humane druggist went to him and gave him a drink of water, the mob entered
his store and gutted it from end to end.
For all these hours this man lay there, watched over by some of the mob, and
whenever a groan, or a sigh, or a heavy labored breath would give token of
life, there was always a ready foot to kick his bleeding head, or a ready hand
to dash his head against the paving stones. And this where his wife and children
could almost see him and hear his groans.
At about 6 p. m., or perhaps before, Father Clowry, endeavoring to prevent
the deed of violence, entreated permission of the mob to administer to the
dying man the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. He argued to them, "The man
is already dying; he can never recover; you have done your worst; now pray
let me remove his body, and render to him the last offices of our church." The
answer was, "You can do your office here, and will protect you in it,
but no one shall remove the man from where he lies."
Finding all further remonstrance useless, the Rev. Father gave to the dying
man the consolation of the Church as he lay. He remained with him till he died,
which was at 8 o'clock. Even then, the mob would not permit him to be removed,
but threatened with vengeance any one who should approach the bleeding body.
At about 9 o'clock p. m. a new riot in another direction attracted the attention
of the crowd, and, taking advantage of the lull in the excitement, Fathers
Clowry and McNulty obtained possession of the body, procured a cart from the
street, placed the corpse upon it, and with the help of some bystanders conveyed
it to the Dead House of Bellevue Hospital.
The Murder of Col. O'Brien.
The N. Y. Herald gives the following account of the murder of Col. O'Brien
by the mob in New York:
The action of Col. O'Brien, as described by several who were within hearing
distance of him the whole time, is thus described from the commencement of
the conflict. He urged on the soldiers to fire into and attack the people in
all manner of ways. How true this is cannot be accurately determined with any
degree of actual certainty; but the fate which he met with, as will shortly
appear, is probably one of the most horrible that either history tells of or
the present generation ever witnessed.
Col. O'Brien, as has already been stated, was on horseback and had the entire
command of the military. It was by his orders that they fired, and also by
his instrumentality, whether he be right or wrong in the matter, that the heart's
blood of many a youth was stopped in its flowings.
Probably the most heartrending occurrence which one could image took place
during his fight. Col. O'Brien held a revolver in his hand, and was riding
up and down between either line of the crowd. He, as it is stated, fired his
revolver into their midst, the ball killing a woman and child, which she held
in her arms. After several rounds had been fired the people began to disperse,
and the police proceeded to another part of the city. Col. O'Brien and his
command, however, remained. The Colonel dismounted from his horse and walked
into a drug store.
Had the commander of this military force taken his departure at this time there
is little doubt but that his life would have been saved. But fatality had destined
him for its victim and he was a doomed man. Col. O'Brien stayed in the drug
store for some few minutes; it is thought that be went in to get some refreshments.
The crowd were around the door at this time. There was scarcely a word spoken,
but the lowering glances of one thousand men looked down in their vengeful
spirit upon him as he stood in the door. He then drew his sword and with a
revolver in the other hand walked out on the sidewalk in the very centre of
the crowd. He was immediately surrounded, and one of the men came behind and
striking him a heavy blow on the back of the head, staggered him. The crowd
then immediately surrounded and beat him in a most shocking manner.
After having been terribly beaten his almost inanimate body was taken up in
the strong arms of the crowd and hurried to the first lamp post, where it was
strung up by a rope. After a few minutes the body was taken down, he being
still alive, and thrown like so much rubbish in the street.
The body lay in
the middle of the street within a few yards of the corner of Thirty-Fourth
street. Nature shudders at the appalling scenes which here
took
place. The body was mutilated in such manner that it was utterly impossible
to recognize it. The head was nearly one mass of gore, while the clothes
were also saturated with the crimson fluid of life. A crowd of some three hundred
persons surrounded the prostrate figure. These men looked upon the terrible
sight with the greatest coolness, and some even smiled at the gory object.
Our reporter walked leisurely among the crowd which surrounded the body,
and
in company with the rest gazed upon the extended mass of flesh which was
once the corpulent form of Col. H. F. O'Brien. Notwithstanding the fearful
process
which the soldier had gone through, he was yet breathing with evident strength.
The eyes were closed, but there was a very apparent twitching of the eyelids,
while the lips were now and again convulsed, as if in the most intense agony.
After lying for somewhat more than an hour in this position several of the
crowd took hold of the body by the legs and dragged it from side to side
of the street. This operation was gone through with several times when the
crowd
again left the body lying in its original position.
Had Col. O'Brien been a man of weak constitution he would certainly have
ceased to exist long before this time. He was, however, through life, a man
of great
natural strength, and this fact probably kept him breathing longer then would
any common person. The crowd remarked this, and watched his every slightest
movement with the most intense anxiety. Now and then the head would be raised
from the ground, while an application of a foot from one of the crowd would
dash the already mangled mass again to the earth. This conduct was carried
on for some time, and when our reporter left the body was still lying in
the street, the last spark of existence evidently having taken flight.
It is stated by the police and other authorities, that during the troubles
of yesterday and Monday, over two hundred people must have been among the
killed and wounded.-- One hundred and fifty negroes are known to have been
either
killed or so badly wounded that their recovery is doubtful. The other sufferers
are either the white people engaged in resisting: the draft, or the police
and military, many of whom have been killed or wounded. It is utterly impossible
to obtain anything like a true list of the casualties during the frightful
confusion which at present exists.
The Poughkeepsie Eagle of the 22d says, the Eleventh N. Y. S. V., composed
of a detachment of the First New York Fire Zouaves, under command of Captain
Sage, and three or four companies of other regiments, the whole under command
of Major Frazer, comprising four hundred men, passed up on the Hudson River
Railroad last evening on the 6:12 P. M. train. This regiment is composed
of two years troops, and have been prominent in quelling the recent riots
in New
York city and Staten island. It was this regiment that Col. O'Brien was in
command of when he was killed by the mob. Captain Sage, of the Fire Zouaves,
informed us that had Col. O'Brien remained with his regiment instead of going
into the crowd all would have been well.
The same paper says that seven hundred more Mormons will pass up on the Hudson
River Railroad to-day, in addition to those of yesterday, making 1500 in
this shipment.
On the train which went up yesterday there was one death and one birth.
A train of one thousand wagons will meet the whole party at Florence, Nebraska,
to transport them across the Plains.
MILITARY. — The Eleventh N. Y. S. Y., composed of a detachment of the
First New York Fire Zouaves, under command of Captain Sage, and three or four
companies of other regiments, the whole under command of Major Fraser, comprising
four hundred men, passed up on the Hudson River Railroad last evening on the
6:12 P. M. train. This regiment is composed of two years troops and have been
prominent in quelling the recent riots in New York city and Staten Island.
It was this regiment that Colonel O'Brien was in command of when he was killed
by the mob. Captain Sage, of the Fire Zouaves, informed us that had Colonel
O'Brien remained with his regiment instead of going into the crowd all would
have been well.
PERSONAL.—Major James H. Hinman, of the 11th regiment, N. Y. V., was
in town yesterday, looking the very picture of health and vigor. Major Hinman
was formerly attached to the 16th N. Y. V., a two years regiment, the term
of service of which expired recently. He has just returned from New Orleans,
where the 75th was stationed, and is now on his way to join the
111th in the army of the Potomac.—[Syracuse Standard.
THE ORIGINAL ZOUAVES.
[From the Chicago Post.]
The following is a list of the members of Col. Ellsworth's original Zouaves
who have received commissions in the volunteer service since the commencement
of the present civil war:
Elmer E. Ellsworth, Colonel New York Fire Zouaves.
____ McChesney, Colonel Brooklyn Zouaves.
J. B. Taylor, Colonel Eleventh Massachusetts regiment.
Joseph R. Scott, Lieutenant Colonel Nineteenth Illinois regiment.
E. Frank Yates, Lieutenant Colonel Eleventh Massachusetts regiment.
D. W. Lafflin, Lieutenant Colonel ____ New York regiment.
Charles De Villiers, Lieutenant Colonel Cleveland, Ohio, regiment.
Chauncey Miller, Adjutant Nineteenth Illinois regimet.
Robert W. Wetherell, Quartermaster Nineteenth Illiuois regiment.
R. E. Haverty, Assistant Quartermaster Nineteenth Illinois regiment.
J. R. Hayden, Captain in the Nineteenth Illinois.
J. V. Guthrie, Captain in the Nineteenth Illinois.
J. H. Clybourne, Captain in the Nineteenth Illinois.
B. Frank Rogers, Captain in a Massachusetts regiment.
____ Fullwood, Captain in Pittsburg Zouaves.
Robert Inness, First Lieutenant Nineteenth Illinois.
Clifton Wharton, First Lieutenant Nineteenth Illinois.
P. N. Guthrie, First Lieutenant Nineteenth Illinois.
Freeman Connor, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
S. W. Stryker, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
James Dewill, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
L. S. Larrabee, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
____ Coates, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
George Fergus, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
E. B. Roy, First Lieutenant New York Fire Zouaves.
G. A. Bussee, First Lieutenant Hecker regiment.
Louis James, First Lieutenant United States Army.
John Long, Second Lieutenant Nineteenth Illinois.
C. H. Shepley, Second Lieutenant Nineteenth Illinois.
Robert Ross, Second Lieutenant Fifth Wisconsin.
P-One of the original Zouaves, C. Suttendyf, holds a second lieutenancy in
the New Orleans Zouaves, being the only ....
DEPARTURE OF THE FIREMEN ZOUAVES.
Colonel Ellsworth's regiment off for the War.
Colonel Ellsworth's regiment of Firemen Zouaves, which was to have left the
city yesterday, started from their headquarters in Canal street, near Broadway,
at a quarter to three o'clock this afternoon.
The officers of the regiment are as follows: Colonel, E. Emer Ellsworth; Lieutenant
Colonel, Noah L Farnham; Major, John A. Creiger.
Companies and captains: A, John Coyle; B, Edward Burns; C, Michael C. Murphy;
D, John Downing; E, John B. Leverick; F, William H.
Burns; G, Michael A. Tagen; H, William Hackett; I, John Wildey; J, Andrew D.
Purtell.
The time appointed for forming was 11 o'clock, and a great crowd above and
below the headquarters, composed on considerable part of ladies, attested the
interest which was felt in their departure. Hundreds of women were present
who desired to see and speak with their husbands, brothers, or cousins, previous
to their departure, but their great number compelled the police to refuse permission
to pass to or near the quarters of the regiment.
The headquarters, previous to the departure, presented a scene of extraordinary
activity and excitement. The men were marched by companies into the basement
of the building to receive their arms. The lively enthusiasm of the great majority,
and the uniform cheerfulness and gentlemanly behavior of the whole, were especially
worthy of remark.
Their arms will consist of Sharp's rifles and knives--a sort of bowie knife
about sixteen inches long, sometimes called an "Arkansas toothpick," which
fit the rifles and may be used as bayonets--and revolvers. The two latter arms
will be furnished them on the steamer.
Two stands of colors were presented to the regiment--one by Mr. W. H. Wickham,
on behalf of the New York Fire Department—and the other; by
Mrs. John Jacob Astor, Jr., accompanied by a letter.
The following are General Dix's remarks and Mrs. Astor's letter:
REMARKS OF GENERAL DIX.
Colonel Ellsworth: I have been requested by the donor of the colors about to
be presented to you to read to you her letter of presentation. I have accepted
the service with the greatest of pleasure; and I regard it as an honor second
only to that of commanding such a regiment as I see before me, and of marshalling
it under a flag presented by so graceful and patriotic a donor.
MRS. ASTOR'S LETTER.
Colonel Ellsworth—Sir: I have the honor of presenting the accompanying
colors to the First Regiment New York Zouaves. In delivering the ensign of
our nation into the charge of the brave men under your command, I am happy
in the confidence that I entrust it to men whose heads are moved by a generous
patriotism to defend it, and whose hearts feel now more deeply than they have
ever done that the honor of their country's flag is sacred and precious to
them as their own.
Accustomed as we are to think of them in the discharge of their ordinary duties
with grateful sympathy and a well-founded pride, these feelings grow stronger
the solemn moment when they are going from us to engage in a new and still
more perillous service. I pray, sir, that Heaven's gracious protection may
be over you and over these, to preserve and bring you back in safety to those
whose hearts will follow you each day with prayer, and with a hopeful expectation
of being gladdened through your success. Believe me yours,
With much respect and true, regard,
Augusta Astor.
THE FIRE ZOUAVES ORDERED TO FORTRESS MONROE.
Special order No. 396. General Headquarters, State of New York,
Adjutant General's Office, Albany, Sept. 17, 1861.
The Eleventh regiment New York State Volunteers, known as the Fire Zouaves,
Colonel Lozier commanding, will proceed forthwith to Fortress Monroe, and report
for duty to Major General Wool.
Colonel Lozier will make requisition on Colonel D. D. Tomkins for transportation,
and on Major D. B. Eaton for subsistence for the route.
Brigadier General Yates is charges with the execution of this order.
THE DEATH OF COL. ELLSWORTH.
Full Particulars of the Assassination by an Eye-Witness—The Zouaves Swear
that they will be Revenged—Singular Coincidences.
From Our Special Correspondent.
Washington, Friday, May 26. (1861)
I had become utterly tired of inaction, and was about returning to New-York,
when, on Thursday afternoon, Col. ELLSWORTH sent for me and expressed a wish
that I should remain in camp, as his regiment had been placed under marching
orders, and he was confident that the Government would pursue aggressive measures
within a few hours. Of course I postponed my journey, and on repairing to the
encampment found every indication of immediate action. Vast quantities of ammunition,
rifle cases, cartridge boxes, belts, bands, and all things else making up a
soldier's equipment, had just been landed from a steamboat, and were piled
up near the Colonel's tent. Squads of men were employed in unpacking and distributing
these articles, under the supervision of the Colonel, who, notwithstanding
all the bustle and confusion, did not allow the slightest detail to escape
his oversight—his mind grasped the whole minutiae, and he infused his
activity and spirit into his men, who worked with a will.
By 6 o'clock every preparation for marching had been completed, and the regiment
awaited orders from head-quarters, the men meantime employing
themselves in writing letters by the moonlight. The picturesque effect of this
scene can hardly be described.
About 9 o'clock the Colonel received a dispatch, from Gen. Mansfield, commander
of the forces in the district, informing him that his command would march at
2 A. M., on boats which would be furnished by Capt. Dahlgren, commander of
the navy yard, and proceed to Alexandria, where they must land after daybreak,
simultaneously with the entrance of the First Michigan Regiment, who were to
enter the city by way of Long Bridge.
The orders also stated that if an attack should be precipitated by the rebels
on the Michigan Regiment, the Zouaves must land directly at Alexandria, march
through the town, and attack the enemy in the rear. The orders left much to
the discretion of Col. E., who appreciated the compliment, coming as it did
from head-quarters.
The steamers Mt. Vernon, Baltimore and James Guy were selected to carry us
to the rebellious city. These vessels lay anchored in the stream, and we embarked
partly by barges and by means of a bridge of boats. At 2 o'clock A. M., while
the moon was shining its brightest, and so light that you could see to read,
and the Potomac as placid as a mill-pond, smooth as glass, the embarkation
took place. Not a whisper was heard, everything was conducted with the utmost
order. A distinguished Surgeon of the army, who had been through the Crimean
and Sepoy wars, and who was present, remarked that it was the finest embarkation
he had ever seen. Half an hour's steaming, with a long trail of launches and
barges, brought the steamers opposite Alexandria, which, in the morning twilight,
was invested with an unnatural quite. It was found that all our men (900 in
number) could be accommodated on the Mt.
Vernon and Baltimore; but the James Guy accompanied us, nevertheless, and was
used to convey orders from one steamer to the other.
As we neared the town, a line of secession sentinels could be observed, stretched
as far as our eyes could reach; dressed in blue overcoats, they could be easily
distinguished in the morning light, but as we approached the shore they discharged
their pieces in the air, and ran helter-skelter up the hill, to join the main
body of the rebel army. Just as we neared the dock, a small boat filled with
secessionists, shot in ahead of us. They said they had just returned from the
Pawnee under a flag of truce, having obtained from Commodore Rowan, of the
Pawnee, an hour's grace, in which to remove the women and children, previous
to the occupation of the city by the Federal forces. Notwithstanding this,
to us, inexplicable move on the part of Commodore Rowan, Col. E. decided to
disembark his men, and this part of the work was done as orderly as the embarkation,
and in an exceedingly short space of time. The regiment proceeded to disembark
by companies Company E having the honor to be the first one ashore, Company
A following immediately after them. Col. Ellsworth, being at the head of his
men. I landed with Company A, and immediately ran forward and offered my services
to Col. Ells- worth as his aid, which were accepted. I was sent to find the
Adjutant and he was ordered to form the regiment into line, which he accomplished.
Capt. Leverich, with his company (E), was dispatched to the depot, to tear
up the tracks, leading south, which was done as only Zouaves could do it. Col.
Ellsworth then started post haste for the telegraph, to stop the communication
with Richmond by that way. I volunteered to accompany him, and off we started,
accompanied by our Chaplain, G. W. Dodge, in uniform, and E. H. House, of the
Tribune, (who acted in a noble manner, as I shall show presently.) Col. Ellsworth
then called for a file of men from Company A, to follow him in double quick
time, and the whole party started up the street toward the telegraph office.
On our way, we had occasion to pass the Marshall House, kept by one J. W. Jackson,
who had flaunted out a secession flag upon our arrival in town. Col. E. spied
this, and remarked to me that he must have that flag. We entered the hotel;
in the front room we found one white man, (the proprietor,) and a negro. Col.
E. asked him who raised that flag. He replied that he was one of the borders,
and did not know. He then went up stairs, and reaching the skylight, Col. E.
ascended the ladder, myself after him. Handing me his revolver, I handed him
my knife, with which he cut the halliards, and hauled the flag down. We now
proceeded to descend, private Francis E. Brownell being first, Col. E. next,
House next, with his hands on Ellsworth's shoulder, myself being last. As we
rounded a turn in the hall to go down stairs, the proprietor, (the pretended
boarder) stood at the foot of the stairs, with a double-barreled gun in his
hands and aimed at our party, and more particularly at the one in advance.
Brownell threw up his piece to ward off the gun which Jackson aimed at him.
Jackson, however, discharged his piece, the contents lodging in the heart of
the Colonel, who fell forward on his face, his life's blood perfectly saturating
the secession flag, which the Colonel was carelessly rolling up as he descended
the stairs. Quick as lightning Brownell discharged his piece, killing Jackson
immediately, hitting him between the eyes and finished the job by thrusting
his sword bayonet into his breast. The sudden shock only for an instant paralyzed
us; recovering, we turned the Colonel on his back, washed his face with water,
and endeavored to revive him, but to no effect. I immediately stationed guards
about the house, forbidding any one to leave it, threatening myself to shoot
the first man of the rebels that dared to move.
Our perilous situation can easily be imagined; there we were separated from
our company and regiment, only seven of us in the heart of a hostile town,
surrounded by we did not know whom. At this critical juncture Mr. House, snatching
up the pistol of the Colonel, for he was unarmed, rushed to the telegraph office
and so deranged the working of the wires that they will be of no use to the
rebels in this emergency. This was an act of bravery on the part of Mr. House,
which is deserving of mention, as to derange the telegraph was an important
part of the business. The balance of Company A, wondering at our long absence,
had started to look for us, and came to our rescue just in the nick of time.
The Surgeon, Dr. Gray, was then sent for, but he could be of no use, as the
spirit of the brave and beloved Colonel had taken its flight, never more to
be disturbed by traitors and murderers.
Having occasion to pass through the streets of the city with the Adjutant of
the Michigan Regiment, I discovered that all the rebels had not yet left the
city, as I was hissed frequently by the inhabitants, and made to feel that
I was in a perilous situation.
We endeavored to keep the melancholy death of our leader from the ears of his
men, who had learned to love him as dearly as their rough natures could. Those,
however, who heard of his fate, vowed to avenge his murder. How harrowing was
the scene! Strong men came and looked upon the pallid features of him whom
they had seen a moment before full of health and vigor, and as they gazed a
convulsive sob and unbidden tear told how sincerely the gallant spirit that
had so lately tenanted that mortal frame was mourned.
Preparations were at once made under direction of Surgeon Gray for the removal
of the body to Washington. It was neatly inclosed in blankets and then placed
on a litter, borne by four of his men, supported upon muskets, and so was transported
to the boat, followed by a guard for its protection.
Col. Ellsworth, in making his toilet before starting on the expedition had
decorated his breast with several military medals, and also
..... honorary member of No. 14, Engine Company. While pinning this to his
coat, a bystander had jestingly remarked that it would turn off a ball, and
possibly be the means of saving his life. The Colonel laughingly assented to
the remark, and it is a singular circumstance that a portion of the charge
which killed him struck upon the badge, leaving scarcely a perceptible indentation,
and still another portion smashed a large-sized button upon his coat, and shot
away one of his decorations—a splendid Maltese cross—presented
by the Quartermaster of the Independence Guard, Baltimore, in 1860, when the
Chicago Zouaves were the guests of that corps. H. J. W.
HOW COL. ELLSWORTH'S DEATH IS NOTICED.
CANANDAIGUA, N. Y., Saturday, May 25.
The flags are at half mast, and the bell tolling, expressive of the general
regret of our citizens at the death of the gallant Col. Ellsworth.
Philadelphia, Saturday, May 25.
The news of Col. Ellsworth's assassination occasions the most intense feeling
here. The flags are all at half-mast, and a public meeting of young men has
been called to give expressions to their sentiment in regard to the lamentable
occurrence.
Boston, Saturday, May 25.
In Boston, Portland, Concord and many towns throughout New England, flags have
been at half-mast as a testimony of public mourning for Col. Ellsworth.
OBSEQUIES OF COL. ELLSWORTH.
PROGRAMME OF ARRANGEMENTS.
The remains will arrive by an early train from Philadelphia on Sunday morning.
Gen. Hall will detail a military escort. The Chief-Engineer of the Fire Department
will direct an escort of firemen, which, together with the Fund Committee of
the Firemen's Zouave Regiment, will receive the body at the railroad depot
in Jersey City. They will then proceed to the Astor House, where the remains
will be given into the charge of the family of deceased, who will hold them
till 10 o'clock A. M. There will be a private funeral service during the interval.
At 10 o'clock the Joint Committee of the Common Council and the Fund Committee
will take charge of the body and proceed with it to the Governor's Room at
the City Hall, where the citizens will have an opportunity of viewing it from
11 o'clock A. M. to 1 o'clock P. M.
ORDER OF PROCESSION
Military, under command of Brig.-Gen. Hall.
New York Fire Department.
Hearse.
PALL-BEARERS.
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Union Defence Com.
John Jacob Astor, Jr., “
Theodore Dehan “
Gen. Prosper W. Wetmore, “
Col. Edward Hincken. Col. F. A. Townsend.
Col. William H. Allen. Col. Asboth.
Robt. T. Haws, Comptroller of the City of New-York.
Wm. H. Wickham, President of the Fire Department.
Henry A. Burr, President of the Board of Trustees.
John Decker, Chief-Engineer of the Fire Department.
Wm. M. Tweed, Commissioner of the Fire Department.
George F. Nesbitt, Zouave Firemen Committee.
Zophar Mills, “
James Kelly, “
Family of deceased, in carriages.
Gen. John A. Dix and Officers of the First Division of Volunteers.
Zouave Firemen's Committee.
Union Defence Committee.
Mayors of New-York and adjacent cities.
Common Council.
Heads of Departments.
Members of the Bar.
Home Guard of the Eighth Regiment, Washington Grays.
Civic Societies.
Citizens generally.
The Union Defence Committee meet in the Mayor's Office.
Officers of Gen. Dix's Division meet in the room of the Board of Councilmen.
The Home Guards, Eighth Regiment, form on Warren street, the right on Broadway.
LINE OF MARCH.
The line of march will be up Chatham street, Bowery down Fourth avenue to Fourteenth-down
Fourteenth street to Broadway to Cortlandt street, down Cortlandt street,
to the “General Francis Skiddy”.
Acting Major-General Hall will act as Grand Marshall.
A. J. DELATOUR.
Chairman Committee pro tem, Geo. F. Nesbitt, Secretary.
MILITARY ORDERS. General Orders No. 4.
Head Quarters, New York, May 25, 1861.
The Major-General Commanding, with feelings of heartfelt sorrow, announces
to his Division the death of Col. Elmer C. Ellsworth, of the Eleventh Regiment
N. Y. Volunteers, the Firemen's Zouaves. Three weeks ago, strong in health
and in hope, he led his command through our streets to the place of embarkation,
followed by five thousand of the gallant and self-sacrificing firemen of the
City to greet the departure of their associates with their good wishes and
prayers. To-morrow his lifeless remains will be borne through the same streets,
followed by a hundred thousand of his sorrowing countrymen and friends. Had
he met his fate in battle, in the face of honorable adversaries, no feeling
of bitterness would mingle with the tears which will be shed for him. But it
has pleased God, for purposes inscrutable to us that he should be the victim
of a double perfidy; that he should be struck down by the hand of an assassin
and a conspirator against the Government of his country —illustrating
the painful truth that the career of secession, which began in public treachery,
is to be carried out in a spirit of bloodthirstiness and private revenge.
In the absence of the greater portion of the regiments of the Division, which
have gone to the theatre of war to bear their part in upholding the authority
of the Government, Brig.-Gen. William Hall, in conjuction with the Firemen
of the City, takes charge of the funeral ceremonies; and the remaining regiments
of the Division in this City and its vicinity will, under his direction, take
the places that may be assigned to them.
The officers of the Division will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty
days in memory of their youthful and gallant campanion in arms, who in the
last act of his life signalized the fearlessness and generosity of his character
by courting danger himself instead of casting it on his subordinates.
This order will be read to the several regiments of the Division.
By order, Major-General Dix.
L. B. Holabird, Division Inspector.
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF ENGINEERS AND FOREMEN.
A special meeting of the Board of Engineers and Foremen of the New-York Fire
Department, for the purpose of taking suitable action in reference to the
death of Col. Ellsworth, was held, last evening, at Firemen's Hall, Mercer-street,
Engineer Baulch presiding. It was decided that each company should appoint
one delegate, to be at the Astor House at 5 o'clock this morning, and escort
the remains of Col. Ellsworth to the City Hall. At 1 o'clock, the Fire Department
will form in procession on Broadway, with the right resting on Murray street.
The large banner belonging to the Department will be in charge of Hose Co.
No. 42. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, The calamity that has befallen the regiment recruited from the New-York
Fire Department, in the untimely death of their commanding officer, Col. E.
E. Ellsworth, demand from this body a hearty expression of sorrow at the loss
that the community as well as the volunteer service have sustained, and,
Whereas, A public expression of regret from this Board is eminently just, feeling
as we do that the decease of Col. Ellsworth is no ordinary calamity, therefore;
Resolved, That this Board feel deeply their inability properly to express their
deep feeling of sorrow at the untimely end of Col. E. E. Ellsworth. His abili-
ties as an officer promised for the regiment under his command distinction
in the field. The affectionate regard for him by his men, promised that unanimity
of feeling and action so essential for success, and that at the opening of
his career as a soldier of our country to be suddenly removed from the sphere
of his usefulness in connection with the unfortunate circumstances attending
his decease, compel us to reluctantly acknowledge our inability to express
in befitting language our sorrow at the loss sustained by our associates in
arms.
Resolved, That to those who, by the decease of Col. Ellsworth, are called upon
to mourn the loss of an affectionate son, an esteemed friend, and a beloved
commander, we tender our heartfelt sympathies in their bereavement - consolation
is beyond our ability to offer. May the knowledge of the fact that his life
was sacrificed on the altar of our common country, and in defence of her laws,
assuage the grief of those who now mourn his untimely end. To his parents,
his friends and his regiment we tender our earnest wishes, that the knowledge
that he died at the post of duty, may be some little amelioration of their
sorrow in this the hour of their affliction.
P-Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family of
Col. Ellsworth, and to the regiment of Fire Zouaves, and entered in full on
the minutes.
DELEGATION OF ALBANY FIREMEN.
Albany, Saturday, May 25.
A Delegation of three from each Fire Company here left on the New World to-night
to receive and escort the remains of Col. Ellsworth to this city.
THE SUCCESSOR OF COL. ELLSWORTH.
The name of Lieut.-Col. Farnham, who succeeds the late Col. Ellsworth in the
command of the Fire men's Brigade, had been erroneously confounded in some
of the City papers with that of Capt. Farnham, formerly in the Mexican was.
Col. Noah L. Farnham, who now commands the regiment, is a merchant doing
business on Broadway. He is son of Geo. W. Farnham, of this City, and has
long been identified with the Fire Department, having several times elected
Assistant Engineer. He is personally known to almost every member of the
Department, and is universally popular. He was for some time a member of
the Seventh Regiment, has a thorough knowledge of military tactics, and is
possessed of every requisite foe a good and efficient officer. Like his predecessor,
Col. Ellsworth, he is somewhat diminutive in stature, from which fact he
has long borne the soubriquet among the foremen of "Pony Farnham." In
lamenting the sad loss sustained by the regiment in the fall of Col. Ellsworth,
it is some consolation to know that it will continue to be commanded by one
every way worthy to be his successor.
ANOTHER ZOUAVE DEAD.
Chief Engineer Decker received a telegram last night from Alexandria, stating
that John Butterworth, of No. 11 Engine, had been shot dead by a sentry --
he having refused to give the countersign when approaching the lines. The
sentry of course, only did his duty. His body will reach this City this morning
with Col. Ellsworth's, and will be suitably received and disposed of by the
Fire Department.
HAVELOCKS FOR THE FIRST REGIMENT, FIRE ZOUAVES.
The above regiment, it seems, have, since their arrival at the seat of war,
been suffering for the want of havelocks. Colonel Farnham has written to
several of his friends in this city to try and if possible secure the aid
of the ladies in their behalf. We are happy to state that there is an effort
being made to procure the article; but it will cost about $300 for the required
number. The Ladies Army Aid Society, Astor Library, intend furnishing them;
and they will be immediately forwarded to Washington. All money sent to the
above society, with names of donors for the Firemen Zouaves, will be duly
acknowledged and the thanks of the regiment returned.
Personal--Lieut. Frank E. Brownell, the avenger of Col. Ellsworth, who has
been spending the Summer with Mr. Brownell, in Ellery, Cattaraugus Co., has
been ordered to report at St. Louis, Mo.
— Mr. Fell, manager of the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway, retires, we believe,
about the 22d of this month. Since his appointment that gentleman has enjoyed
the respect of his employers, the esteem of those under his control, and we
believe, the confidence of the business public generally.
We trust that he will elsewhere find a field of usefulness equal to his acknowledged
business capabilities.--Huron Signal.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer has the following:--
We were this morning favored with a call from Thomas R. Clinton, Esq., of Buffalo,
who is about to assume the agency of the American Express Company, in this
city. Mr. Clinton has, for many years, been officially connected with the city
government of Buffalo, and brings to the discharge
of his new duties great energy, a thorough knowledge of business, and integrity
of character which is above question. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman,
and we feel assured that the administration of affairs in the Cleveland office
will be entirely satisfactory to our citizens, under the able management of
Mr. Clinton.
Mr. Clinton is now in this city. P-Madame Jerome Bonaparte is at Niagara Falls.
PRESENTATION OF A TELESCOPE TO COLONEL FARNHAM, OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES
The Colonel of the gallant regiment of New York Fire Zouaves has been the recipient
of a splendid present from the Christ Church Sunday school of this city,
in the shape of a large field telescope. The following correspondence passed
on the occasion:--
New York, June 10, 1861.
Col. Noah L. Farnham, Washington, D. C.:-- Dear Sir--The Sunday school of Christ
church, York, in remembrance of your pleasant associations with them, desire
your acceptance of the field glass, assuring you their lively sympathy your
labors in the noble cause in which you We hope that the glass may prove of
practical you, besides serving to call back memory days that have passed, and
ever to remind forward to the haven of peace. Very truly and affectionately
yours,
Frederick S. Wiley, Rector
James Hall, Superintendent
Alex. Walker, Asst. Sup'dent.
D. A. Smith, Committee.
H. C. Platt, “
T. H. Nicholson, “
C. M. Black, “
DEPARTURE OF ANOTHER DETACHMENT OF FIRST FIRE ZOUAVES. (Sep. 25, 1861)
Another portion of the First Fire Zouaves, numbering about one hundred and
fifty, were put on board a transport at a late hour on Monday night, in order
to be transferred to Fortress Monroe, where a number of their comrades are
at present located. It is hoped that when the regiment gets properly organized
at the Fort they will arrive at that degree of military proficiency which
will reflect credit upon themselves and the department to which they belong.
PRESENTATION.— At a meeting of Co. F, 10th Regiment, held at their Armory,
Monday evening last, the Company presented their Captain (Harris)....
PRACTICAL JOKE Of A Chicago Fire Zouave—A member of the new York Fire
Zouaves, who went from this city to join Col. Ellsworth in April, and who until
then, had been an industrious type in the Chicago Tribune office, was out on
picket duty one day last month, when the following incident occurred:
An F. F. V., with rather more than the usual superciliousness of his race rode
up in a carriage from the direction of Alexandria, driven of course by his "servant." Zoo-zoo
stepped into the road, holding his bayonet in such a way as to threaten horse,
negro, and white man, at one charge, and roared out: "Tickets." Mr.
V. turned up his lip, set down his brows, and by other gestures indicated his
contempt for such mud-sills as the soldier before him, ending by handing his
pass over to the darkey, and motioning him to get out and show it to Zoo-zoo.
"
All right," said the latter, glancing at it "move on," accompanying
the remark with a jerk at the coat-collar of the colored person which sent
him spinning several paces down the road. "Now, sir, what do you want?" addressing
the astonished white man.
White man had by this time recovered his tongue, "Want? I want to go on,
of course. That was my pass." "Can't help that," replied Zoo; "it
says pass the bearer, and the bearer is already passed. You can't get two men
through this picket on one man's pass.
Mr. V. reflected a moment, glanced at the bayonet in front of him, and then
called out to his black man to come back. Sambo approached cautiously, but
fell back in confusion, when the "shooting-stick" was brandished
toward his own breast.
"
Where's your pass, sirrah ?" asked Zoo zoo.
"
Here, massa," said the chattel, presenting the same one he had received
from the gent in the carriage.
"
Won't do," replied the holder of the bayonet. "That passes you to
Fairfax. Can't let any one come from Fairfax on that ticket. Move on." A
stamp of the foot sent Sambo down the road at a hard gallop.
"
Now, sir, if you stay here any longer, I shall take you under arrest to head-quarters," he
continued.
Mr. V. grabbed up his lines, wheeled around, and went off at the best trot
his horses could manage over the "sacred soil." Whether Sambo ever
hunted up his master is not known.—Chicago Tribune.
THE TROOPS IN AND AROUND THE CAPTIOL.
THE ARMY OF THE UNION IN SPLENDID CONDITION AND EAGER FOR THE FRAY.
Washington, June 2, 1861.
On visiting several of the camps in the vicinity of Washington to day, I find
everything quiet. They are all waiting with great anxiety for marching orders.
They will probably be gratified before long.
General Scott will soon have matters in condition for an advance movement into
the very heart of the enemies' country.
At Alexandria everything was quiet and orderly. The troops were suffering considerably
from the intense heat. This is one of the hottest places in the State. The
soldiers hope to be, before long, in a healthier portion of the Old Dominion.
The government is considering the matter of sending down to Aquia Creek a sufficient
force to hold that position as soon as the batteries are silenced. The commanding
officer says it is entirely useless to dislodge those batteries unless we hold
them; for the moment that our guns are withdrawn the secessionists commence
immediately to reconstruct them again.
It is reported this evening that the Zouaves will go down to Aquia Creek, for
the purpose of holding that position, provided the government determines to
take such a step.
The First Connecticut regiment went into Virginia last night, to relieve the
New York Twelfth, which returned to Camp Anderson in this city to-day, at two
P. M. The latter regiment has been encamped at Roache's Mills, on the four
mile run, nine miles distant from Washington and several miles southwest of
Alexandria, since they left here, where they have been actively engaged in
skirmish, drill and scouting. They were pleased with their trip, which they
said they would not willingly have exchanged for the dull routine of barrack
life.
A number of the National Rifles of this city, commanded by Captain Smead, together
with a party from the Twelfth New York regiment, and several officers of the
Marine Corps, rendered efficient service to-night in the extinguishment of
an incendiary fire, and saved other adjacent tenements from destruction.
The War Department to-day despatched two special messengers with instructions
to Generals McClernand and ...
METROPOLITAN MILITARY MATTERS.
Obsequies of Col. Farnham of the Fire Zouaves, and Removal of his Remains to
New Haven for Interment—Seizure of the Steamer Marion by the United
States Marshal-Blowing Up Fort Columbus a Herald Canard Arrival of Another
Massachusetts Regiment on Route for the Seat of War—Opening of Bids
for Army Tents—Unwonted Activity at Recruiting Offices—Condition
of Regiments in and about the City, etc.
The new proclamation by the president is having a wholesome effect, and suits
plain people well. It is now seen that the Administration is in earnest. The
bold action of our city banks in responding to the call for $150,000,000, has
also inspired confidence, and left not a loop on which to hang a doubt, of
determined persistent pushing of the war to victorious issue. Our men are to
have arms, equipments, and food, in abundance; and there will be no lack of
artillery, of cavalry, and of ships of war. It is clear that a new leaf has
been turned over, that a more vigorous policy is about to be inaugurated; that
there is to be a grand concert of Union strength; that the back bone of this
mighty rebellion is to be broken, and that the spirit and daring of the rebels
is to be so completely crushed to earth, that it never can by any possibility
rise again.
All this gives impetus to recruiting. The effect was perceptible, yesterday,
everywhere throughout the city. No regiments arrived here or left the city
yesterday. The funeral of Colonel Farnham, late commander of the Fire Zouaves,
was the leading event of the day. At recruiting offices there was unusual activity.
A gentleman arriving last night from Washington, who paid us a visit, would
seem to have brought the Bull-Run panic with him. He declares that the Cabinet
Ministers and others are hastening to send their wives and families from the
city, in anticipation of its attack, and possible conquest, by the rebels.
The defences of the Capital, he declares, are insufficient; and
Tuesday next, he is positive that the attack will be made. "Release Faulkner" is
the war-cry of the enemy; and neither Davis, Lee, nor Beauregard, can withstand
the fury. The Government, he insists, is too weak to withstand; the demoralizing
contracts which Cabinet and confidential officers have dealt in have disgraced
the service and disheartened the people. Maryland is bristling with secessionists;
and they are a mighty power here in the city of New York. But fortunately,
despite this alarm, there are 105,000 soldiers at and near Washington, who
will probably greet their Southern visitors as is becoming to a civil war.
The arrest of the traitor Faulkner has disheartened the secessionists at Washington,
toward whom the Government has been and is unwisely lenient. The rebel troops
have actually fallen back from Washington several miles. Maryland is about
to elect a Legislature of Union sentiment. General McClellan is confident and
equal to the emergency. In spite of three or four secession newspapers, a traitor
Congressman, and their sympathies, New York is still loyal to the Union.
Our readers may therefore drink their coffee this morning with calm composure,
and read our column of war news in the cheering conviction, that what is doing
is well, what will be done will be well done, and quickly.
OBSEQUIES OF COL. FARNHAM.
Four colonels of New York regiments, one after another, in the full flush of
their manhood’s prime, have been called by death from their posts of
duty at the seat of war. Two of these have met death through injuries received
at the hands of traitors to the country, whose nefarious designs they were
aiding to frustrate, while the others were struck down by disease, in the midst
of their patriotic labors. First, we mourned Colonel Ellsworth, the brave and
chivalric young officer, the first leader of our gallant Fire Zouaves; next,
Colonel Vosburgh, the courteous commandant of the Seventy-first Regiment; third,
Colonel Kennedy, the honest and patriotic politician of endearing memory; and
lastly, Colonel Noah L. Farnham, upon whose shoulders fell the mantle of Ellsworth.
It is not necessary here to give a biographical sketch of the recent commandant
of the New York Fire Zouaves. There was no man in the Fire Department better
known than he was, none more highly esteemed, and none whose death would be
more sincerely lamented. Only thirty-two years of age, he has erected for himself
a monument more lasting than brass, and in future histories his name will have
a place of honor.
The funeral of Col. Farnham took place yesterday. At nine o'clock, the friends
of the deceased, together with his companions in arms, assembled at the residence
of his father, Gen. W. Farnham No. 123 West Thirty-eighth street. A detachment
of police was also in attendance. There were no religious exercises in the
house, but the whole time till 10 o'clock was for arrangements for the funeral.
The coffin in which the body lay was placed in the parlor. It was a metallic
coffin, with a half glass cover. The remains were habited in the uniform worn
by the Colonel on the battle-field at Bull Run. On the top of the coffin rested
the American flag, the cap of the deceased, and two wreaths of white flowers.
The silver plate bore the following inscription:
NOAH L. FARNHAM,
Aged 32 years, 4 months, 8 days.
A large number looked upon the features they had known so well in life. The
face was very much emaciated—the result of a long sickness.
At ten o'clock the coffin was placed in the hearse in waiting, after which
the funeral procession was formed. The procession moved to Christ Church, corner
of Fifth avenue and Thirty-fifth street, in the following order:
Section of Police.
Carriage containing the officiating clergymen, Rev. Mr, Dennison, and Rev.
Mr. Wiley.
The hearse, with the following pall-bearers, formed on each side:
Col. Lefferts. Chief Engineer Decker,
Lieut. Col. Shaler, Major Loesier,
Capt. Clark (N. Y.), Capt. Wiley (F. Z.),
James Kelly, Mr. Delatour.
A private of the Fire Zouaves in the rear.
Two carriages, containing the immediate relatives of the deceased.
Commissioned officers of the Fire Zouaves and United States Chasseurs, in fatigue
uniform.
Commissioned officers of the Seventh Regiment, N. G., in fatigue uniform.
Ten members of Second Company, N. G., in charge of Corporal James. They were
in full dress, and marched two abreast. The deceased formerly belonged to this
company of the Seventh.
Several carriages containing relatives and friends, and citizens generally.
As the procession entered the church, the choir sang a requiem. The coffin
having been laid in front of the chancel, the impressive form of burial service
of the Episcopal church was gone through by Rev. Mr. Wiley. Rev. Mr. Dennison
read the Lesson from the 15th Chapter of 1st Corinthians, when a hymn was sung
by the choir. Rev. Dr. Wiley followed with an effective and impressive eulogy
upon the deceased, praising his character and commending his military career.
At the conclusion of his remarks, prayers were read, after which the audience
were permitted to pass the coffin and look upon the deceased.
Leaving the church, the procession was again formed, and the remains escorted
to the New Haven Railroad depot, whence the remains were sent by the 12:15
train to New Haven, for interment.
Acting as an escort to the remains to New Haven were Captain Wiley, Captain
Partell, and Lieutenant Byrne, of the First Regiment Fire Zouaves, and Corporal
James, and privates Mix, Quillard, Gordon, Brower, Oakley, Hall, Ames, and
Milney, of the second company National Guard, of which Colonel Farnham was
formerly a member.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Fire Zouaves--This body, or rather the remains ...... Doubtless our numerous
leaders have been partly amused but even more vexed to read and note the
dirty ... contained in the daily papers in reference to these men.
It needs no small amount of patience to curb one's temper after perusing these
editorial attacks in papers which were mainly instrumental in bringing on the
hasty conflict at Bull Run, and whose editors and correspondents prove themselves
to be about the most in the way, and some of the fleetest-footed cowards in
Virginia.
Until Col. S P. Heintzelmann, of the Seventeenth Infantry, rendered his official
report of the operations of the Third Division of the Department of N. E. Virginia,
great praise was accorded to the Fire Zouaves, and not only the columns of
the Times (which now so roundly abuses them) contained flaming announcements
about their great courage, but the whole Cock Sparrow Legion, and "On
to Richmond Brigade, hallooed moat mightily over the deeds of those brave men.
Now, we happen to have seen and conversed with dozens of soldiers who were
closer to the enemies' works than some of the generals in command, and who
saw the positions of the different regiments, and witnessed the work they did.
They cannot all be mistaken. If they are not, it is certain that the Battle
of Ball Run was a blander from beginning to end, and the generals in command
stand convicted, according to their own official reports, of want of necessary
knowledge.
We are not disposed to go over the detailed reports of Brigadier General McDowell,
commanding the five Divisions, or of all the officers at the heads of the several
Brigades. It is sufficient for our purpose to examine the report of Col. Heintzelmann,
wherein he speaks of the Zouaves. He says:
" At a little more than a mile from the ford we came upon the battle-field. Rickett's
battery was posted on a hill to the right of Hunter's division and to the right
of the road. After firing some twenty minutes at a battery of the enemy, placed
just beyond the crest of a hill, on their entrance left, the distance being
considered too great, it was moved forward to within about 1,000 feet of the
enemy's battery. Here the battery was exposed to a heavy fire of musketry,
which soon disabled it. Franklin's brigade was posted on the right of a wood,
near the centre of our line, and on ground rising toward the enemy's position.
In the meantime, I sent orders for the Zouaves to move forward to support Rickett's
battery on its right. As soon as they came up I led them forward against an
Alabama regiment, partly concealed in a clump of small pines in an old field.
At the first fire they broke, and the greater portion of them fled to the rear,
keeping up a desultory firing over the heads of their comrades in front; at
the same moment they were charged by a company of secession cavalry on their
rear, who came by a road through two strips of woods on our extreme right.
The fire of the Zouaves killed four and wounded one, dispersing them. The discomfiture
of this cavalry was completed by a fire from Captain Collum's company of United
States cavalry, which killed and wounded several men. Colonel Farnham, with
some of his officers and men, behaved gallantly, but the regiment of Zouaves,
as a regiment, did not appear again on the field. Many of the men joined other
regiments and did good service as skirmishers.
This above shows that Col. Heintzelmann ordered the Zouaves to support a battery
which had been disabled by "a heavy fire of musketry." He then "led
them forward against an Alabama regiment," but "at the first fire
they broke, and the greater portion of them fled to the rear." Col. H.
did nothing of the sort! He led them up to a fence some two hundred yards from
where three regiments of riflemen were posted, who fired upon them to the right
and left oblique! The artillery played upon them in front! After the second
fire, the Zouaves, while retreating, were broken into disorder by the charge
of Black Horse Cavalry coming upon their rear! "The fire of the Zouaves
killed four and wounded one, dispersing them." Indeed! Why, one Zouave
private killed one with his musket, and afterward dispatched another one with
a knife; and an officer killed one more, and wounded a second with his revolver.
Out of some seventy or eighty of these picked troopers, not a dozen got off
with their lives! As for the United States Cavalry, Col. Heintzelmann speaks
of, they may have aided in punishing or dispersing some of them but it is a
question if these United States troopers were not making "confusion worse
confounded," for it is alleged that a squad of them rode in the rear of
one of our city volunteer regiments, hampering their movements and almost breaking
through their lines, as did the cannoneers of a certain battery who rode with
caissons helter skelter through the ranks of the Seventy-first Regiment! We
admit that the Fire Zouaves did not charge in a body after the attack made
upon them by the Cavalry, but that they could be found foremost in the fight,
in the ranks of other regiments, or in picking off rebel stragglers wherever
they saw them, there is overwhelming testimony to prove.
Much stress is laid by some of the generals in command about the wonderful
services performed by the artillery. There were, at no one time, over twenty-six
guns in service, and two of the batteries were completely silenced and partly
captured by the enemy. And yet, despite such disadvantages, columns of infantry,
comprising regiments worn down with a fatiguing march, parched with thirst,
and about half-…ed, were led on to intrenched works mounted with rifled
cannon, skirted on either side by masked batteries and concealing the men.
If this is the generalship to be displayed in leading the Union troops, the
sooner we give up the fight the better for it must end in ultimate defeat.
As for the sweeping accusations made against the Fire Zouaves by the Times,
it is of a character with their impudent and false statements, pronounced time
and time again, by that journal, and others of its kind against the Fire Department
of New York. It is powerless to do harm. If such papers whose cock-a-doodle
editors ride out to see battles, and fancy themselves Napoleons out of uniform,
expect men drilled in light-infantry tactics, and equipped as Zouaves, should
approach earth-works in solid lines like British Grenadiers, they do not know
what they are talking about any more than those who might command such troops
knew how to handle them. We should just like to ask General McDowell, Col.
Heintzelmann, or any of their "elbows of the Mincio" friends, if
the Fire Zouaves were in proper position at the Battle of Bull Bun, until forced
into their own mode of fighting by circumstances; and also, if—setting
aside the poor and unfortunate dead and wounded—the whole programme of
operations, published like a Fourth of July procession, was not farcial in
the extreme?
What would Napoleon, Wellington, or Marshal Saxe have thought of advertising
an army before any proper reconnoissance of the field of its operations had
been made, and then marched on in utter ignorance of the country it had to
traverse. For says Col. Heintzelmann himself, we went on "with directions
to stop at a road which turned into the left to a ford across Bull Bun, about
half way where we turned off from the turnpike and Sudley's Springs, at which
latter point Col. Hunter's division was to cross.
No such road was found to exist, and about 11, A.M., we found ourselves at
Sudley's Springs!
Here is a general commanding a division marching about for several hours, apparently
looking for a road which a hunter could not find, and then coming back again
to where he started from! We fancy the generals were as much mixed up as the
men. It looks like another .... of the Mincio's affair.
We are happy to hear none of the Fire Zouaves have died, in consequence of
the Times' terrible charge! Death of Col. Farnham: The Fire Zouaves again called
upon to mourn the loss of their commanding officer. Ellsworth's form is hardly
interred, his full, rich voice yet lingers in the ear, and his memory is but
just avenged, when lo! the successor .... whom he chose as his brother in the
field, lies upon the edge of the tomb, awaiting the last ceremonials and honors
which humanity can offer. Brave, beloved Farnham is no more! Scarcely entered
upon manhood years, just ripening toward the prime of life, as was his predecessor
in arms, he has fallen asleep in death, everywhere regarded with admiration
and pride. Not only does the New York Fire Department lose one of its brightest
ornaments, an officer ever faithful at the call of duty, and distinguished
as sincerely for kind and cheering words, as well as modesty and uprightness
of character—but the military world acknowledges the decease of one of
its most valorous sons; the country, one of its bravest defenders.
Col. Noah Lane Farnham (or "Pony Farnham," as he was more familiarly
called, was born in New Haven, Conn., June 6, 1829. He served his time out
as a fireman in Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, joining the company in the fall
of 1851, and being elected foreman thereof in 1854. He was chosen an Assistant
Engineer twice, once under Carson, and once under Howard. We believe the first
time to fill a vacancy. In consequence of his employers (Clapp, Kent & Beckley),
in whose establishment he grew up, desiring him to give up either the Fire
Department or military duty, he sacrificed the former, and, therefore, remained
with the Seventh Regiment, which he joined as a private, but had at that time
been advanced to the rank of sergeant. He was soon promoted to second lieutenancy,
and thence to be first lieutenant. While occupying this position, Ellsworth
came to New York for the purpose of raising a regiment of firemen for the war.
He solicited from one of the editors of this paper the names of such persons
as were likely to make good officers. Among these names was that of Farnham,
with whom Ellsworth had formed an acquaintance when he brought on his Chicago
Cadets. The young lieutenant cheerfully took hold of the new organization,
but most reluctantly allowed his name to be used as that of a field-officer.
His own words were: "I don't like long jumping. It is time enough to be
a colonel after you know the duties of a captain and major."
However, Farnham was overpowered, and being thoroughly in love with the Zouaves
drill and tactics, (for he had partially organized a company of gymnasts to
camp out and make a tour of the Northern and Eastern States), he took the command
when Ellsworth fell. Colonel Farnham was an excellent scholar, and had acquired
knowledge of the French language within the past few years, mainly by self-teaching.
He was one of the best fencers and most expert gymnasts in the city. In private
life his strictly moral and conscientious character won for him hosts of admiring
friends; an imprudent word or deed never found expression in the life of young
Farnham.
The father of the deceased is George W. Farnham, the well-known tailor of Broadway.
The remains are to be conveyed to the grave from his residence, No. 123 West
Thirty-eighth street. A brother of his belongs to the Seventh Regiment. Noah
was never married.
The funeral ceremonies were without much display. The remains will be taken
to New Haven on Saturday noon.
An account of these matters will appear in our Sunday edition.
JEFFERSON BRICK ON THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
We observe that Jefferson Brick has been furiously attacking the Fire Zouaves
for running away at Bull Run, although many of them ran back again immediately
afterward. He has exhausted the language in expressing his abhorrence of
their conduct, and is determined to give them no quarter. We have no doubt
there are some bad timbers in that regiment, as in every other, but that
is no reason why the whole should be condemned. Where two hundred men were
lost, there must have been some bravery, but what most amuses us is, to hear
Jefferson Brick lecturing people about running away, for which he professes
the utmost aversion , when he himself ran fourteen miles before the enemy
at Solferino, and on the first alarm at Bull Run, fled precipitately, breaking
his carriage, cutting the horse free from the harness, and making the best
of his way on the bare-backed steed to Washington, and, after all, refused
to pay for the damage done. A fine thing indeed for Jefferson Brick to preach
about running away. We doubt not if there are runaways among the Zouaves
they would be very useful in Brick's running brigade.--Herald, Aug. 16.
Present to Lieut. Frank Brownell.-- The avenger of Ellsworth's death has been
the recipient of a handsome present from some friends at Boston in the shape
of a dagger. The handle of the dagger is of ivory, carved by Wm. Lantz. At
top is the American eagle, in the act of killing a rattlesnake, symbol of the
Southern Confederacy. On one side of the handle is executed in bas relief a
likeness of Governor Andrew; on the other, the head of the Goddess of Liberty.
Between these are introduced on one side the coat arms of Massachusetts, and
on the other, that of the United States.
The Fire Zouaves and Their Food.--We have been requested to publish the following
letter from the well-known philanthropist of Ludlow street, which we commend
to the intention the Times people, and the rest of the Zouaves defamers. Washington,
August 10th, 1861.
" To the Editors Sunday Mercury:
" I am now visiting the seat of war for the purpose of seeing for myself how
our brave men are cared for; and am sorry to say, that as far as I have gone,
on all sides, complaints arise on account of the shameful treatment they receive
from the commissary officers. And I am satisfied that half their sufferings
have not been told. I have visited among others the encampment of the Fire
Zouaves, poor, ill-treated but noble fellows. There are about two hundred and
fifty of them here who are firm, tried, and true, and, after all they have
suffered, are anxious to have their regiment again in the field, filled up
to its original number. If they are supplied with good officers, fit to lead
such men, and are properly cared for, they will perform deeds that will astonish
the world. If I was a military man, I would seek no greater honor than to lead
such a noble set of fellows to the battle-field to vindicate our right to life,
liberty, and happiness, against the rebels and traitors who would crush out
the last spark of liberty and give us in its stead a military despotism. I
am not surprised at so many taking French leave; but I am satisfied that nearly
all will return when they become convinced that they will be treated like men,
and not like dogs.
" The men are satisfied the Government have furnished money enough to provide
the best provisions in abundance for every man in the field; but those devils
of commissaries, quartermasters, and sutlers, are grinding the dollars out
of the stomachs and off the backs of our noble men who have left home and all
that is near and dear to them on earth, to battle for the maintenance of our
glorious Union, the only place on the earth where a man can be a man if he
choose. God bless my country, and deliver us from the dangers by which we are
now surrounded.
" The story told by the Fire Zouaves is repeated by every regiment I have visited.
In one of the Maine regiments the Commissary is a stripling of a boy, a son
of a judge of that State. I doubt if he knows the difference between beef and
mutton. Politics are not the only qualities necessary in a man to fill an office
on which the health and comfort, and, in a great degree, the efficiency of
our army depends. I hope a change will soon take place in these officers, or
God help our country! Through the ill-treatment of these men, our soldiers
were beaten before the battle of Bull Run; they were supplied with a few wormy
biscuits and a small quantity of what they called corned beef. I saw a sample
of it, and tried to tear a piece off with my teeth; it was so salt that it
made my tongue smart again. The water they had to use, you can see a sample
of running in the gutters of the streets. Only think of men being thus provisioned,
marching such a distance, and without rest, and attacking an enemy of at least
four times their number, not worn out by long
marches, and with plenty to eat, strongly intrenched, and entirely surrounded
with masked batteries, and coming off with the loss of but a few hundred. It
is truly wonderful that the brave fellows were not all cut to pieces. Truly,
these commissaries are doing good service to, and fighting the battles of the
rebels better than they can do it themselves. The men all say, if the Government
could not afford it, they would not complain but endure it as long as life
lasted; but to have a lot of politicians plundering them to enrich themselves
is more than they can endure. Yours, etc., John W. Farmer."
MILITARY MATTERS DIFFERENCES IN REGARD TO RATIONS.--Every officer and private
in this city and elsewhere, who has seen service, whether for a month or three
months, cannot understand why there is such a discrepancy in regard to the
estimated ..... rations. We are unable to fathom the probable difficulty. All
we know is, that the State of New York has paid
from 35c. to 45c. per day for each man's rations; and that the allowance "for
the ration of a soldier stationed in a city, with no opportunity for messing,
will be commuted at 40c. per day." According to the master (or pay) rolls
made out for our several returned regiments, they allow 25c. for forage and
ration, or 12 1-2c. for either. Why, and how this difference? Until troops
are mustered out of service, we believe they are entitled to receive rations.
If commuting for the same, they certainly do not deduct some thirty-seven cents,
simply because the Government happens to delay in mustering out. In order that
our volunteers may know what the Army Regulations say upon the subject, we
copy that portion referring to the
" COMMUTATIONS OF RATIONS.
" 1,091....When a soldier is detached on duty, and it is impracticable to carry
his subsistence with him, it will be commuted at 75c. a day, to be paid by
the Commissary when due, or in advance, on the order of the commanding officer.
The officer detaching the soldier will certify, on the voucher, that it is
impracticable for him to carry his rations, and the voucher will show on its
face the nature and extent of the duty the soldier was ordered to perform.
" 1,092....The expenses of a soldier placed temporarily in a private hospital,
on the advice of the senior surgeon of the post or detachment, sanctioned by
the commanding officer, will be paid by the Subsistence Department,
not to exceed 75c. a day.
"
1,093....The ration of a soldier stationed in a city, with no opportunity of
messing, will be commuted at 40c. The rations of the non-commissioned regimental
staff and ordnance sergeants, when they have no opportunity of messing—and
of soldiers on furlough, or stationed where rations cannot be issued in kind,
may be commuted at the cost or value of the ration at the post.
" 1,094....When a soldier on duty has unnecessarily paid for his own subsistence,
he may be refunded at the cost of the ration. When more than the cost of the
ration is claimed, the account must be submitted to the Commissary General."
According to the estimate of the Army Regulations, the hospital return is 9
cents and 5 mills per ration; or $9 55 for 100 rations. Of course, allowance
must be made for the advanced price of food and other necessaries, which would
increase the amount of the above very considerably.
We understand, however, on the authority of officers who know the fact, that
the Subsistence Department receives rations according to a new scale, published,
we believe, in pamphlet form, whereby the troops are defrauded in this manner.
The Commissariat draws from the Government say 15 pounds of sugar for 100 men,
according to the new scale, while but 12 pounds is dealt out according to the
old schedule! In the same manner, 12 pounds of rice is received, and only ten
pounds is given out! If this is true— and we have no reason "to doubt it yet—it can be seen, at a glance,
how the soldiers are robbed, and why the position of an officer in the Commissary
Department is at a premium!
No wonder some gentlemen—who do none of the fighting, but who deal out
provisions and groceries--are getting immensely rich over this war. No wonder
the troops threaten to shoot their colonels and quartermasters who never investigate
or look into these things. The fault does not lie with the Government. It provides
the best mess pork, rated as A No. 1, and pays the price therefor; but no such
food is dealt out to the soldiers: it is resold and exchanged for meat of an
inferior quality. The best brand of bread, flour, and biscuit is purchased
by the Government for its troops: they receive stale, worm eaten stuff instead!
P-The Seventh Regiment had to expend some thousands
of dollars to procure decent rations (outside of
their little luxuries), during the short time they were
in service. Others, less fortunate, had to go to sleep
supperless, many a night, for the reason that they
could not eat the dirty, nasty stuff.
There is apparently no regularity in regard to either the quantity or quality
of the rations issued, in the first place; and in the second, the estimate
of its value differs as greatly as its character. Its rate is equally fluctuating;
according to the printed muster rolls of the Government, it is set down at
25c. for ration and forage; by allowance, the single ration is claimed at 30c.;
by contract of the State authorities it varies from 23c. to 45c.—the
latter price being allowed for supplies at Fort Schuyler, and distant camps.
We pronounce the whole thing a complete humbug, and unworthy of existence in
an intelligent nation like ours. So long aa it exists, men cannot be found
ready to re-enlist; and their honest exposition of the evils which are tolerated,
deters even raw recruits from joining. Until an alteration is made, in this
respect, defeat after defeat may be looked for.
FIRST REGIMENT FIRE ZOUAVES. (1861)
General Wetmore has been assigned the charge of the returned Zouaves, until
the authorities have arrived at some conclusions in relation to their future
course. They are ordered to report at the City Assembly Rooms, in Broadway
tomorrow morning.
Return of the First Regiment of New York Fire Zouaves.
They are to be mustered out of the service.
In our evening edition yesterday an announcement appeared to the effect that
the United States transport Blackstone had arrived at this port with the New
York Fire Zouaves on board. The statement caused quite a sensation here, as
the return of this splendid fighting corps was wholly unlooked for and unexpected.
The surprise became all the greater when it was known that the Zouaves were
to be mustered out of the service with as little delay as possible. The Blackstone
arrived in the morning, and the officer in command, Lieutenant Colonel McFarland,
immediately repaired to Quartermaster Tompkins to arrange for temporary quarters
for the regiment pending the necessary arrangements preliminary to the disbandment.
Colonel Tompkins ordered the regiment to be quartered on Governor's Island,
and the transport immediately proceeded thither and landed the men. The Zouaves
appear to be in excellent health, but somewhat dejected, owing to what they
consider bad treatment by the government. The cause of the disbandment is said
to be the neglect of the Secretary of War to send the regiment in the advance
with General McClellan. They complain that they have been compelled to perform
an unfair proportion of the drudgery at Newport's News, digging graves, acting
as nurses, &c., the greater portion of the time of their encampment in
that region. Many of the Zouaves eluded the sentinels yesterday, and came up
to the city in small boats, to see their friends. They will be paid off in
a few days, and mustered out of the service.
(May 20, 1862)
RETURN OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES.--On Wednesday afternoon, the remnant of that gallant
band which passed up Broadway 1,000 strong but a few weeks ago, headed by the
courageous Ellsworth, returned to the City of New York, whence they were gathered
together and departed at ten days' notice. What a strange contrast did their
return present to their departure! Instead of moving along, with twenty platoons
of twenty-one front, all trim and shining, in new uniforms, of gray and black—their
jaunty red caps sitting snugly upon each head—they tramped up Broadway,
through Bond street, and down the Bowery, by the flank, a little over 300 strong,
with red-skull caps and dirty red shirts, more like a lot of boatmen than a
regiment of soldiers. The Fire Department banner in their centre, tinged with
smoke, cut by sabres and pierced with balls, and the American flag stained
by blood, told the story of their deeds. Despite all the official records,
in the face of all blackguardism at the bidding of a venal, political sheet,
we honestly believe that the Fire Zouaves killed more rebels, two to one, than
any other regiment which was brought into action at the Battle of Bull Run.
The reception of this regiment, notwithstanding the short and unexpected notice
given of their coming, was more enthusiastic than that tendered to any other
which has returned home.
In consequence of Major Loeser being lame, from a wound in the foot, the command
was given over to Lieutenant G. A. Bernard, of Co. I (late of the Second Company
National Guard). A large escort of the Fire Department in uniform, turned out
to receive the gallant fellows; and took them to the Park Barracks, where they
partook of a lunch, and subsequently to the City Assembly Rooms. Here they
are temporarily quartered, being dismissed until 8, A M., on Monday morning.
In the evening, a meeting of the returned members of this regiment was held
at Humboldt Hall. James L. Ferris was called to the chair, and John H. Schnedwin
appointed secretary. The following preamble and resolution was adopted, which
we publish with much pleasure, knowing the truth of the statements made therein:
Whereas, Several of the journals of the city have grossly misrepresented the
members of this regiment, now in this city, as vagabonds and demoralized deserters,
thereby leading the public to suppose that we are not men of character or public
pride; and, whereas, some of the field-officers, who were in command at the
battle of Bull Run, in making up their report of the doings of the several
regiments under their charge, have credited other regiments with duty which
was performed by us alone, and falsely charged us with a dereliction of duty
and cowardice, which, if true, would be sufficient to call down the condemnation
of the entire republic; therefore, in justice to ourselves,
Resolved, That a statement of our grievances, since we left New York, should
be laid before the public, as follows:
We left our respective families, occupations, and fire companies within eight
days of the time that the first call was made for the organization of a regiment
of Fire Zouaves; and in that call, during the eight days preceding our departure
from the city, we were the recipients of numerous promises of clothing and
food, few if any of which were fulfilled. For instance, we were promised Sharp's
breech-loading rifles, with sabre-bayonets, and a Colt's revolver and bowie-knife.
This promise was but partially fulfilled in the shape of eight hundred Sharpe's
rifles and two hundred carbines, but the promised saber bayonets, revolvers,
and bowie-knives we did not receive.
We understood, on receiving the rifles, that they were to be our own personal
property, to be carried at our sides during the war; but on reaching Camp Lincoln
they were taking away from us, and in lieu of them we received two hundred
Minie rifles, with sabre-bayonets, and eight hundred Minie muskets, with the
ordinary bayonets, but on reaching Alexandria after that (on our part at least)
hard-fought battle of Bull Run, these were taken from us, and we were left
without arms with which to defend our flag or ourselves in case of an unexpected
attack. In addition to the above, which might be deemed by some small inconveniencies,
but which were not so considered by ourselves, we suffered more than almost
any other regiment in the service, through want of a regular supply of provisions,
water, baggage-wagons, and innumerable other necessities. The charge that we
deserted is utterly false. Our officers, after the Battle of Bull Run, not
only came to New York, but some of them ordered us to follow them if we could.
These are facts which can be substantiated by indubitable proof. We are not
deserters. No; far from that, we are extremely anxious to march again against
the traitors to the best Government in the world, which has conferred so many
blessings on us, and which is the hope of the oppressed of all lands, and to
the defence of the glorious Stars and Stripes—that flag we all love so
dearly.
It was quite humorous to notice the eats and coons which some of the men carried
upon their knapsacks, on Wednesday. They brought with them one contraband, "Bob," who
can be found at the house of Hose Co. No. 22. There were fourteen more anxious
to come, but the Government officers prevented them from doing so.
Four carriages in the rear of the ranks contained wounded members of the regiment.
Their names are: F.J Gregory, E Maloney, G. H. W. Norton,
Patrick McGovern, James McCurran, D. McGanley, John McCarthy, Charles Wilson,
James Heeney, A. W. Pensall, John Richardson, W. Morrison, John Johnston, William
Dwyer, Sergeant Langdon, and Sergeant-Major Thomas F. Goodwin.
The remarks made by Gen. Prosper M. Wetmore were as follows: He commenced by
saying that they had been received nobly and with great enthusiasm. He said
also that they came back with some stories told against them, but he did not
believe them; he would not believe them. (Applause.) He studied out all those
written by officers commanding at the battle in which we lost national credit
and honor, and he could make out a case for them. He believed they did, as
well as the others did. The officers in command that day did not know them
as Ellsworth knew them; that was the trouble. This is not a regiment to be
placed in line to be shot at by masked batteries. (Applause.) It was their
province to have been upon the flank and to fight according to Zouave tactics.
The speaker then detailed the circumstances under which they were sent home.
He was in Washington a week ago last Monday, and saw the regiment. He found
them everywhere, and a good many of them where they ought not to have been.
(Applause). He said to himself, these are the men that Ellsworth led; they
must not be thrown away. He went to the Secretary of the State, who acceded
to the justice of what he said, and told the general in command to make an
order to send them back to New York, provided he (Gen. Wetmore) would give
an assurance that, to the best of his belief, they would reorganize, and a
regiment of seven hundred men, First Fire Zouaves, should return to the seat
of war. (Great enthusiasm.) He gave his word, and he was not afraid but they
would enable him to make it good. If 699 were organized, and one more necessary,
he would take a musket himself. (Cheers.) He felt bound to see the regiment
right, and see it do right. He believed that Ellsworth looked down to see if
they would make good their pledges to him. (Cries of "We will.")
We had put our pride upon the regiment, and they must make good what they had
promised. He wished that their present commander might so arrange the duties
he owes to his country as that he might stay with them. (Continued cheers.)
He saw what they wanted; it was a man who understands them. He had taken the
responsibility to advise their commanding officer to give them a short leave
of absence; to let them stack their arms there, and then go home and see their
friends, and tell their stories of the past and their intentions for the future,
and he would take their words
to be there at eight o'clock on Monday morning. (Cheers.) If there was one
who would not keep that word good, let him step out and he would be excused.
(Cries of "No, no.") When they go back, he believed that the officers
in high command over them will know better how to manage such troops as they
are. When their major had them under command he would put them through the
double quick, and twice double-quick, and all sorts of ways, until they would
be the best regiment that writes its name—United States Infantry. He
would remind them, too, that they came back with only a third of their number,
some of whom are beneath the sod, some wounded and in the hospital, and some
prisoners with the enemy; but many others were neither killed, wounded, prisoners,
nor are they present. During the three days' leave which their colonel would
give them, they must hunt up those to whom he referred, and bring them on Monday
morning at eight o'clock. That terrible and perilous word that begins with
a d had not yet been written opposite any soldier's name of the First Fire
Zouaves, and would not be until after Monday morning, after which he could
not promise them that it should not be. Let them be here on Monday morning,
and they are still soldiers of the Fire Zouaves. They are not men who have
enlisted for the pay, but the pay should be theirs if they keep their promise
on Monday morning. Everyman that returns at that time with his name on the
roll will receive it at the regular time.
THE ELLSWORTH ZOUAVES.
Corporal Francis A. Brownell, the gallant avenger of the assassination of Col.
Ellsworth, left the city yester- day to join his regiment. During his stay
in New York he has been the guest of Councilman Barney, who took an active
part in conducting the obsequies of the late Col. Ellsworth. Previous to
his departure he paid a visit to the Board of Brokers, by whom he was presented
with a magnificent silver mounted pistol. It will be remembered that the
weapon used to avenge Col. Ellsworth was a pistol, and this testimonial is
a similar weapon. (May 31, 1861)
COLONEL ELLSWORTH'S ZOUAVES.
All communications and packages for the United States National Guard, First
regiment, New York Zouaves (Colonel Ellsworth's), will be received at David
W. Lewis' office, 35 Water street, new York. By order of the Commissary.
(May 1861)
FUNERAL OF HENRY S. CORNELL. (June 1, 1861)
The funeral of Henry S. Cornell, amember of Company G, New York Fire Zouaves,
who was shot near Alexandria on the night of the 31st ult. by a party of
secessionists, took place yesterday afternoon, at four o'clock, from the
residence of his brother-in-law, 115 Chrystie street.
At an early hour the house was crowded with the friends of the young man, who
went to have a last glimpse of their old comrade.
The funeral should have taken place at one o'clock, but it did not take place
until nearly four, owing to many detentions. The members of the Donovan Guard
and No. 13 Engine Company having arrived, the Rev. Mr. Snyder, of Forsyth street,
proceeded to hold the usual exercises over the body. He said, speaking of the
young man and his career, that, although it was short it was none the less
patriotic, and that although one might fall in defence of his country there
were many ready to follow. He concluded by a prayer for the safety of the Union,
and the hope that it would soon be brought out of its present difficulties.
The coffin containing the body of deceased lay in the front parlor. It was
decorated with a beautiful American flag, a gift from the late Colonel Ellsworth
to Mr. Cornell.
On the coffin was a plate bearing the following inscription:
HENRY S. CORNELL.
AGED 21 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS.
DIED MAY 31, 1861.
The funeral procession was headed by Shelton's brass band, and was followed
by the members of Thirteen Engine and the Donovan Guard, of which he was a
member. The hearse came next, after which came the family and friends, in carriages.
The route taken was through Chrystie to Grand, Grand to Broadway, and down
Broad- way to the South ferry, whence the funeral cortege proceeded...
The Fire Zouaves and the State Government.
The following correspondence between Mr. H M. Graham and Governor Morgan, in
relation to the Fire Zouaves of this city, corrects the statements which
have gained currency:
" New York, June 31, 1861.
"
To His Excellency Edwin D. Morgan: "Dear Sir: I desire to call your attention
to the... ...ments have been drawn, and... excitement, greatly aggravated by
the conviction that whatever formalities may have been lacking, the regiment
which bore itself as the Zouaves did at Bull Run ought to be kindly treated
instead of being made the subject of any indignities from their fellow citizens
or state authorities. Believing you to be a friend of the firemen of this city,
and above all a friend of justice, I respectfully solicit from you such a letter
for publication as shall effectually set at rest the reports referred to, or
else give them such definite shape as shall leave no doubt as to the position
and prospects of the Zouaves. I am, dear sir, very truly yours,
" H. M. GRAHAM."
"STATE OF NEW YORK, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Albany, August 2, 1861.
" Dear Sir: I am directed by Governor Morgan to acknowledge the receipt of your
favor of the 31st ultimo, and to inform you in reply, that the Eleventh regiment
New York Volunteers (Fire Zouaves,) were paid the amount due them from the
state some days ago.
" It would be a useless task to even attempt the correction of all the erroneous
rumors afloat, and least of all is it necessary to seek to set right the false
stories in circulation respecting these brave men. Time will accomplish all
in this direction; in the meantime the number is small who give any heed to
the reckless gossip about the Fire Zouaves and others of our heroic soldiers
in the field.
" I am, with much respect, your obedient servant,
L. S. DOTY, Private Secretary.
" H. M. GRAHAM, Esq., New York city."
CORRESPONDENCE.
To Editors of the Sunday Mercury:
A short time since, all the newspapers in this city were very prolific with
their praises of the gallant Fire Zouaves"; but suddenly a change has
taken place among some of them, since they find that there is no more dirty
work to perform. That contemptible sheet, the New York Times, has lately seen
fit to traduce and belie the Zouaves, because one Col. Heintzleman (whose word
is no sooner to be believed than the humblest fireman in the regiment) made
a statement in regard to the action of the Fire Zouaves at the battle of
Bull Run. I have conversed with several who have returned with other regiments
from the seat of war, and who were in the above engagement, and they all agree
that, for bravery and fighting, no regiment on the field could surpass the "boys";
and I, with a host of others, believe that it was so, the statement of Col.
H. the "little villain" to contrary. The Times has always been the
sneaking enemy of our firemen; and it is to be hoped that the time will yet
come when its editors will have to apologise for the filthy slurs and abuse
it has heaped upon our noble firemen. Now that the regiment is at home again,
let some statement be published that will throw the lie back into the teeth
of the base slanderer. Respectfully yours, G. A. W.
Jersey City, Aug. 15, 1861.
To the Editors of the Sunday Mercury:
Will you please inform me in your next issue, if the detachment of Fire Zouaves
who came on here some two months ago with Col. Ellsworth's body are still living?
I have heard they were all killed.
Yours, respectfully, J. S.
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
Two Fire Zouaves of this City Captured by the Rebels.
A letter received in this city to-day from a member of the regiment of Fire
Zouaves, at Alexandria, dated on the 30th of June, reports the capture of two
soldiers of that regiment by the rebels. Their names are Murphy and Kelly;
the latter formerly a compositor in the office of the EVENING POST. The
letter states that a small party of the Zouaves were engaged in guarding a
road near the Morton House, in the vicinity of Alexandria, when they were approached
by a body of rebel cavalry, whose superiority was so evident that the Zouaves
fell back, except the two men who were captured. Murphy had been mounted, but
was at the moment out of the saddle, and before he could regain it was taken.
Kelly stood his ground, and with his rifle took deliberate aim at the head
of the foremost horseman, firing and killing him instantly, and without leaving
his post, he proceeded to load again, but before he could fire was captured.
An Indigant Fire Zouave Prisoner.
The Richmond correspondent of one of the Charleston papers relates the following: "Among
the prisoners is a noble looking and intelligent Zouave. I saw him on the field
just after he was taken. While passing a group of our men, one of the latter
called him some hard name. "Sir," said the Fire Zouave, turning on
his heel, and looking the Virginian full in the eye, "I have heard that
yours was a nation of gentlemen, but your insult comes from a coward and a
knave. I am prisoner, but you have no right to fling your curses upon me because
I am unfortunate. Of the two, sir, I consider myself the gentleman." I
need not add, that the Virginian slunk away under the merited rebuke, or that
a dozen soldiers generously gathered around the prisoner and assured him of
protection from further insult.
THE ELLSWORTH REGIMENT.
To the Editor of The N. Y. Tribune.
SIR: I wish, in justice to my regiment, to correct a statement which appeared
in your paper of the 11th inst., saying "the Ellsworth Regiment was to
be mustered out of the service, having only 400 men for duty." My Morning
Report shows 752 men for duty. We were temporarily detached for special duty,
and are now under orders to join our division as soon as relieved. By inserting
the above in your paper you will oblige
S. W. STRYKER, Colonel 44th Regt., N. Y. State Volunteers.
Headquarters 44th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Yorktown,
Va., May 15, 1862.
LOCAL MILITARY MOVEMENTS.
THE ELLSWORTH FIRE ZOUAVES TO BE MUSTERED OUT OP THE SERVICE.
The Eleventh regiment New York Volunteers, better known as the Ellsworth Fire
Zouaves, will be mustered I out of the service of the general government this
morning. The regiment returned from the seat of war at the beginning of last
week, and have been quartered since that time on Governor's Island, where the
work of mustering them out of the service will be performed.
LOCAL MILITARY MATTERS.
Ellsworth Fire Zouaves Mustered Out of the Service.
The First regiment New York Fire Zouaves, or Eleventh regiment of Volunteers,
assembled at Governor's Island (yesterday morning, and were mustered out of
the service of the United States government. Only about thirty were absent.
The members did not get their pay but were given to understand that they would
be fully paid in the course of a few days. Many have already volunteered in
other regiments.
FUNERAL OF A NEW YORK ZOUAVE.
Alexandria, June 2, 1861.
Henry S. Cornell, the Zouave who was shot on Friday night at Cloud's Mills,
was buried at the Zouave camp this morning with military honors. The chaplain
of the regiment read the Episcopal burial service. The exercises were very
interesting and affecting. Joseph Cushman, Cornell's comrade, who was wounded
at the same time is doing well.
CELEBRATION BY THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
The New York Fire Zouaves will celebrate the Fourth in grand style to-morrow.
The eighteen guns mounted at Fort Ellsworth will belch forth a national salute
at sunrise and sunset, and the astonished natives of Alexandria will witness
what has probably never been seen there before, a brilliant display of fireworks.
Death of A Fire Zouave Captain.--We regret to announce the death of Capt.
Manuel Silva, in command of Co. F, Second Regiment Fire Zouaves,
and late assistant foreman of Peterson Engine Co. No. 31. The deceased was
sun-struck a few days ago. An attack of brain fever followed, and ended his
career.
The Eleventh Regiment.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Harper’s Ferry, June 2, 1862.
The correspondent of the New York Times stated a falsehood about the Eleventh
regiment, New York State Militia. The companies of Captains Roth, Kubin, Sollsman
and Fisher refused to be sworn in except in Washington. They were disgraced
and sent back. The other six full companies were sworn in by Gen. Sexton, and
as one man gave three hearty cheers for the Union, and went immediately on
the battle field, although they had been on the march for fifty hours without
rest and returned only to their first camp at half-past one o'clock at night
in a terrible thunder storm.
J. Maidhoff.
Colonel Eleventh regiment, N. Y. S. M.
CANADIAN RESPECT FOR COL. ELLSWORTH.
The Detroit Free Press of May 28 says: -- On the Queen's birthday the several
fire companies of Chatham, C. W., left on the steamer Canadian for Port Huron
and Sarnia. Upon arriving at Port Huron, Assistant Engineer David Walker,
having just heard of the death of the gallant Col. Ellsworth, proposed, as
a token of respect to the departed, that all present should raise their hats
three times in solemn silence, which was done in a truly impressive manner.
The Fire Zouaves.--Agreeably to orders, the New-York Fire Zouaves assembled
on Governor's Island yesterday, when the pay and muster-out rolls were made
out. As soon as the rolls are examined by the U. S. Assistant Paymaster, the
men will be paid and mustered out of the service. The majority of the men express
their determination to unite with other regiments, and are therefore anxious
that there should be no delay in disbanding the old organization.
LIEUT. FRANK BROWNELL.—We see it stated that Lieut. FRANK BROWNELL,
of the 11th Regular Infantry, has been ordered to report to the Army Retiring
Board, on account of the partial loss of his voice. He has been on duty in
Illinois.
INCENDIARY FIRES IN WASHINGTON.
THE FIRE ZOUAVES CALLED INTO SERVICE.
THEIR HEROIC CONDUCT.
PREPARATIONS FOR WAR BY THE REBELS.
Special Dispatch to the New York Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, May 9.
INCENDIARY FIRES.
Let New York honor yet more her gallant firemen. They are the first conquerors
in the unholy war, and have just defeated the plans of our adversaries. They
deserve the thanks of all good men. At 2 o'clock this morning most unearthly
and long continued yells announced to the startled citizens that fire was at
its mischief, and had attacked a liquor establishment next door but one to
Willard's immense hotel. Immediately Gen. Mansfield, Col. McDowell, and others
were in attendance, while the guests of the hotel, in varied wardrobes, filled
the corridors and avenues thereof. In a short time the fire was extinguished,
and all was pronounced safe.
At 4 o'clock another fire announcement was made, and this time fierce flames
were seen rushing from the lower part of the building that had been on fire
before. The bells rang for aid, but no aid appeared, and meanwhile the flames
spread with fearful rapidity towards the hotel, which was filled with dense
volumes of smoke. After seemingly interminable delay, one or two inefficient
fire companies appeared, against whose feeble efforts the fire
made continued progress.
HEROIC CONDUCT OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
At this juncture Gen. Mansfield bethought him of our gallant fire laddies,
and dispatched an Aid to Col. Ellsworth, asking for a detachment. "Fire!
fire!" rang through the quarters, and in the twinkling of an eye ten
men from each company were running swiftly and in order down the broad avenue,
headed by their Colonel. Reaching the engine house, they found it barricaded,
and—evidently with intention—so fastened as for a long time to
defy their entrance; but they broke in the door, and rushed the engine to
the fire.
Here they were joined by several hundreds of their companions who would not
brook the idea of confinement or idle slumber while their enemy was in the
field. With trumpet in hand, they came and accomplished wonders, some of which
were frightful to behold, such as this: Two of them held each a leg of the
third, they standing on the roof enveloped in flames, while he, head downward,
was suspended over the burning building until he succeeded in reaching a hose-pipe
which was extended from the end of a short ladder.
Col. Ellsworth seized the trumpet from a fireman, who remonstrated, insisting
upon his right to command. "Well," said the Colonel, "if you
have more men here than I have, you can take it."
After two hours' hard and perfect work, they subdued the fire, confining it
to the original building and the one next to it. In complete order they were
marshalled, when Col. Ellsworth led them up the hill, where Gen. Mansfield,
bare-headed, addressed them, thanking and praising them, and repeating several
times, "I am proud of you, very proud of you."
After a short congratulatory speech from Col. Ellsworth, and accepting an invitation
from Mr. Willard to breakfast, they gave three immense cheers, sang "Dixie," and
contentedly marched in perfect order to their quarters.
The building was fired by Secessionists in four places. The matter will be
thoroughly investigated by the Fire Marshal to-day. It is without doubt one
of a series of movements to destroy the city by fire, to which allusion has
been made before. It is needless to expatiate upon the intense excitement caused
here, or upon the pride felt by New Yorkers in their fellow-citizens. Among
others, Simeon Draper, F. B. Cutting, Abraham Wakeman, Thurlow
Weed and Farmer Abell congratulated the boys, who were delsious with joy, and
stood metaphorically on their heads with delight.
The interior of Willard's Hotel is uninjured, and the guests are entertained
as usual. A fine stand of colors is to be presented to the regiment as a testimonial
of the respect and gratitude of the House, for which the Willards subscribed
$100. To-day the Zouaves have been all the rage. Nothing is too good for them,
and they are the admiration of everybody.
ENCAMPMENT OF THE FIRE ZOUAVES.
Col. Ellsworth has received orders to encamp on Arlington Heights. His men
are at once to erect tents and prepare for out-door life. At this prospect
they are delighted, and all agree that, having now a fair start, they will
prove that they are gentlemen as well as firemen, and soldiers as well as
gentlemen. It seems understood that the First Regiment of New York Zouaves
are at once to change their present arms, Sharp's carbines, which are far
better suited for cavalry service than for such as their, for Minie rifles
with sabre bayonets.
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