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32nd Regiment New York Volunteers
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
NEW-YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1862.
THE LATE COL. MATHEWSON—ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIS FUNERAL.
A meeting of Californians was held at the Astor House yesterday, to make arrangements
for the funeral of the late Col. Mathewson, of the California Regiment, who received
his death wounds at the battle of South Mountain. Hon. F. F. Low was appointed
Chairman, and Henry Thompson, Esq., Secretary. Mr. Stetson read a note from Major-Gen.
Sandford, stating that he had ordered out the Seventy-First Regiment as an escort
to attend the funeral, and requesting that the funeral might be postponed till
Thursday, the 9th inst., at 3 P. M. The meeting voted to postpone the funeral
accordingly. Mr. Macomber appeared as the representative of the officers of the
Greene-street M. E. Church, of which Col. Mathewson was formerly an honored and
highly-respected member, and tendered the use of that church for the funeral
ceremonies, which was accepted. The following gentlemen were then selected: Gen.
John C. Fremont, Hon. C. K. Garrison, Gen. James S. Ellis, Hon. F. F. Low, Geo.
Wilkes, Hon. Samuel B. Smith, Hon. E. F. Burton, Henry Thompson and Dr. Eugene
Crowell. A committee was appointed to wait upon the Board of Aldermen, then in
session, and, through them, invite the Common Council to attend the funeral.
A committee, consisting of Geo. Wilkes, Henry Thompson, and Hon. S. B. Smith,
was appointed to draft suitable resolutions, to be forwarded with the body to
the family of the deceased (a wife and four children) now in California. A resolution
was adopted, requesting the Rev. Mr. Ewer, who was an intimate friend of the
late Colonel in California to assist in the services at the church.
Col. M athewson at the time of his death was Acting Brigadier-General of Gen.
Newton’s Brigade, Slocum’s Division. His body was accompanied to
this City by a regimental detail, under the command of Capt. Ross A. Fisher,
and consisting of himself, Lieut. P. Stanley, Surgeon Wm. B. Little, and Sergts.
Wm. R. Evans, Thomas Burns, and Thomas Fitzsimmons. Lieut. Stanley, who has charge
of the body, which is lying in state at the Governor's Room in the City Hall,
served in the Mexican War in a South Carolina regiment, under Col. Pierce Butler.
He still wears a medal given him for gallant conduct in that service, bearing
the stamp of the Palmetto.
THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT, N. Y. VOLS.
Several discharges having been fraudulently obtained, all persons are warned
not to purchase, advance on or receive any discharge papers of this Regiment
without a certificate from an officer that the person presenting
it is authorized to borrow on or negotiate it.
CAPT. WHITLOCK.
CAPT. WYKOFF.
CITY INTELLEGENCE.
OUR RETURNING VOLUNTEERS.
THE NEW YORK THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT AND A MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY TO ARRIVE HERE
THIS AFTERNOON.
The Thirty second New York volunteer regiment, Colonel F. E. Pinto commanding,
is on the way home, and is expected to arrive here early this afternoon, by
way of Jersey. The Thirty-second numbers five hundred and one men.
The Eleventh Massachusetts battery of artillery will also arrive here this
afternoon, on the way home. The corps comprises about one hundred
and fifty men.
RETURN OF CAMDEN SOLDIERS.
ROME, JUNE 4, 1863.
EDITOR DAILY SENTINEL:
Dear Sir, Yesterday, June 3d, Messrs B. F. Stedman, James Hart,—Cook,
and other members of the 32d Regt. N. Y. S. Vols., who enlisted from Camden
in this Co., passed through this place on their way home from the army of the
Potomac. These patriots have nobly stood by their flag which
has witnessed twelve engagements with the rebels; and when returned to the
donor, there was scarcely the size of a hand's breadth unpierced with shell
or bullets.
Mr. Stedman was the first operator who planted the Telegraph Station on the
field of battle. This he did on occasion of the Burnside expedition at Fredericksburg,
where he was under the enemy's fire during that bloody and disastrous fight.
As the boys left the depot in the village for their homes, a quiet message
sped on the dires to Camden, announcing them as on their way; and although
but a moments notice was had, yet on their arrival they were greeted by the
citizens in mass, headed by their favorite band, who met them at the cars with
glad hearts and joyful strains, to bid them welcome home.
Yours, B.
THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
Contrary to expectation this regiment did not take its departure for the seat
of war yesterday. The encampment, however, at Staten Island was the scene
of bustle and preparation, as their departure is positively announced for
to-day. The want of the necessary arms and equipments has been the cause
of the delay, but yesterday all the requisites were provided, and the men
are quite enthusiastic at the near approach of the moment when they will
be
called upon to do active service in behalf of their country and their flag.
The grounds of the encampment, which are beautifully located for the purpose
for which they are at present used, were visited yesterday by a numerous crowd
of visitors, friends of the Thirty-second, in expectation that they
would have the last chance of looking upon those they loved previous to their
entering upon the dangers of an arduous campaign. The regiment number about
850 men, and since their encampment on the Island have arrived at a high state
of proficiency in military manoeuvres. The greater portion of the officers
and men are composed of returned Californians, and have seen service in the
Mexican war. To the inhabitants of Staten Island, in the vicinity of Camp Yates,
they are indebted for Havelocks and other little comforts incidental to the
life of the soldier.
To-day the Thirty-second will arrive in this city, about eleven o'clock, at
the foot of Twenty-third street, when they will proceed to the corner of Twenty-fifth
street and Lexington avenue, where they will be presented with a stand of colors.
(June 28, 1861.)
THE CALIFORNIA REGMENT AT STATEN ISLAND (May 18th.)
Some five or six hundred men of this regiment, in pursuance of orders, were
yesterday transferred to quarters on Staten Island. The regiment is yet ununiformed,
and though they marched steadily and in good time through
the quiet Sabbath morning streets, they presented anything but a gallant array.
There is, however, good material in the men, and when armed and equipped, and
trained to military exercises, they will become a creditable
regiment. The first move in the right direction taken in their favor is the
move to Staten Island, where excellent quarters have been prepared for them.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
RECEPTION OF THE 32D N. Y. VOLUNTEERS.
Review by the Mayor and Common Council.
This fine regiment, which returned yesterday from the war, with but 500 men
out of the 1,040 who left here two years ago, had their official reception
this afternoon. At three o'clock the regiment was formed on the rear of the
Park Barracks, where they have been quartered and marched out into Broadway,
where the escort comprising the 8th Regiment N. Y. S. M.,
Col. Varian, was awaiting them. After the usual preliminaries had been gone
through, with the procession moved in the following order:
Police Escort of 29th Precinct, Capt. Speight.
8th Regiment N. Y. S. M., Col. Varian, 240 men.
32d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Col. Pinto.
The line of march was through Park Row, the Park where they were reviewed by
the Common Council, Broadway, 4th avenue, 23d street and Lexington Avenue,
where they are to return to Mrs. Lambeer, Jr. the
flags presented to the Regiment two years ago, and back to the Park Barracks,
where a collation is to be served up by order of the Corporation.
The gallant Col. Mathewson, who organized the regiment was killed at the battle
of Crampton Gap, as was also Lieut. Colonel Lemmon. The regiment
belonged to the third brigade, first division of General Sedgwick's corps.
They gallantly fought in nearly all the battles in which the army of the Potomac
took part, and it was one of the last regiments to leave the front when Hooker's
army recrossed the Rappahannock after the recent battles. The following is
a list of the officers :—
Colonel—F. E. Pinto; Lieut. Colonel—Chas. Hobbs; Major—Russell
Myers; Adjutant--John Stuart; Surgeons—Little, Totten, and Schoon; Quartermaster—F
Dustin.
Captains—W. G. Wykoff, Frank Godine, Wm. R. Hyslop, Wm. E. Stone, Wm.
Forbes, James Butler, Patrick Stanley, J. O. Jones, John Whitlock,
Robinson.
First Lieutenants—W. M. Davidson, Nathaniel Hibbard, L. F. Cleveland,
B. A. Leonard, Daniel P. Gates, Geo. Wolcott, Alfred Lawrence, Jno. W. Farrand,
Harvey Bell, Jr.
Second Lieutenants—W. N. Godley, W. Winney, J. F. Sammons, Jno. Godine,
S. F. Newell, Jno. E. Brown, Thomas Burns, Jas. Davenport, D. A. Macbeth, Patrick
Dimond.
The Major was formerly a member of the 29th Precinct Police and in honor of
his old comrade, Captain Speight asked and was granted the privilege of escorting
the regiment. The police escort looked well and their escort marching elicited
universal remarks among the large crowds who filled the streets on the line
of march.
RECEPTION OF THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
The formal reception of the thirty-second New York volunteer regiment, Colonel
Pinto, which arrives home this afternoon, will take place tomorrow afternoon.
The regiment will be reviewed by the corporation authorities, and the Eighth
New York National Guard regiment will act as the escort. The following order
has been issued:
HEADQUARTERS 8TH REGT. N. G. STATE N. Y., New York, May 26th, 1863.
GENERAL ORDER, No. 7--Pursuant to Division and Brigade orders this regiment
will parade on Wednesday, the 27th inst., as escort to the Thirty-second regiment
New York volunteers, on their return from the seat of war. Line will be formed
in Broome street, Troop mounted. Field and Staff dismounted. The band will
report to the Adjutant at 1 3/4 o'clock on the parade ground.
By order of Colonel J.M. Varian.
D.B. Keeler, Jr., Adjutant.
We learn by telegraph that the Thirty-second left Philadelphia at half-past
twelve o'clock this afternoon, and will arrive here about five o'clock. The
Eleventh Massachusetts battery will arrive at the same time.
RETURNING VOLUNTEER REGIMENTS.
The 32d N.Y. and 11th Mass. Battery.
The 32d New York Vol. Regiment, Col. Francis E. Pinto, is expected to arrive
in this city from the seat of war this evening, their term of service having
expired. The regiment arrived in Philadelphia this morning, at nine o'clock
where they partook of refreshments provided by the citizens of that city, and
embarked on board of a special train of cars on the Camden and Amboy railroad,
at ten o'clock, for New York.
The regiment will arrive at the foot of Cortlandt street, where they will be
received by a committee, who will escort them to the Park Barracks, and furnish
the men with a dinner.
The 32d when it left for the seat of war two years ago, numbered 1,000 men,
and having participated in all the battles on the Peninsula, it has been reduced
to 555 men.
The Eighth regiment, National Guard, Colonel J. M. Varian, will parade to-morrow
(Wednesday) afternoon, and escort the 32d through the principal streets of
the city.
The Eleventh Massachusetts battery of artillery will also arrive here this
afternoon, on the way home. This corps comprises about one
hundred and fifty men.
IMMENSE IMMIGRATION FROM EUROPE.—
More than four thousand emigrants arrived at this port yesterday from Germany
and Great Britain.
LARGE ROBBERY OF NEW ORLEANS CURRENCY.—
Some time since the firm of Root, Anthony & Co., stationers and lithographers,
corner of Pine and Nassau streets, received an order to manufacture a large
quantity of notes for circulation for the Corporation of
New Orleans.
A contract for the printing was given to Messrs. Ormsby & Co., bank-note
engravers, and they struck off a large quantity of the notes in sheets of fives
and tens. Since December last, 531 sheets of these notes were stolen from their
office under very mysterious circumstances.
Nothing more was heard about the stolen notes until on the 21st inst., a young
man named Henry Bergman offered 169 of these $5 notes for sale to John J. Collins,
of 122 Broadway, who discovered their character and
refused to buy them.
When the notes were stolen the signatures and record numbers were still wanting,
and it is charged that the names of A. S. Howell, Comptroller, and John S.
Walton, Treasurer, and the number were added to the notes by the person who
stole them. Bergman had formerly been in the employ of Ormsby & Co., and
it is alleged that he obtained possession of the notes,
forged the signatures, and offered them for sale. He was arrested and committed
for examination by Justice Dodge.
THE LATE MICHAEL FLOOD.
CAMP OF THE 32d N. Y. V.,
NEAR WARRENTON, Va., Aug. 15, 1863.
At a meeting of the members of Co. "D," held this day, the death
of Corporal Michael Flood being announced, the following preamble and resolutions
were unanimously adopted: Whereas Intelligence has reached us of the death
of Corporal Michael Flood, who was wounded May 3d, 1863, at the moment he reached
the crest of Marye's Height, in the charge which planted our colors on that
stronghold, therefore be it Resolved, That we sincerely mourn the loss of one
who has endeared himself to us all by his bravery, attention to duties and
the kindness and good nature displayed toward his associates at all times.
Resolved, That ever in this conflict for the right, we will strive to uphold
the flag he so freely gave his heart's blood in protecting; and may the God
of Battles grant us a final and lasting triumph.
Resolved, That we tender our sympathy to the relatives of our late comrade;
with them look to Him alone who can grant consolation in hour of affliction.
Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be sent to parents of deceased,
and also to Rochester papers for publication. Geo. B. Herrick,
Sergt. Wm. E. Boulls, Sec'y. Chairman.
Committee-Capt. H. G. Gifford, Orderly Sergeant John Beedle, Sergeant James
Walls, Corporal N.C.M. Gifford, Timothy O'Reagan, John
Brooker, Frank Miles.
RECEPTION OF RETURNED VOLUNTEERS AT TARRYTOWN.
Last Thursday was a grand gala day at Tarrytown, the occasion being the reception
of Company H, 32d Regiment N. Y. Volunteers. Quite a
number of the citizens of Nyack crossed over the river to take part in the
festivities of the day, which, according to all accounts, were greatly enjoyed,
by all present. The procession was a fine one, exceeding in brilliancy anything
hitherto known in Tarrytown. The line of March was up Main to Washington street,
through Washington to Franklin, thence to Broadway, and up Broad way to Mr.
Tracy's residence, near the Andre monument, where the addresses of the occasion
were to be delivered. E. S. Doolittle, Esq., delivered a most eloquent address,
welcoming the members of Co. H in a most feeling manner, with many touching
allusions to the hardships and trials they had endured. Rev. Mr. Todd of Tarrytown,
and Mr. Williams, of Irvington, followed with addresses to the volunteers,
and heartily welcomed
them to their homes. Addresses were also delivered by Gen. Wool and Gen. Aaron
Ward.
A fine banquet was prepared for the returned Volunteers, to which full justice
was done by then and the invited guests. Everything passed off in
the most happy manner, and the soldiers were well satisfied that their services
to the country were appreciated at home.
THE RETURNING REGIMENT.
RETURN OF THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT NEW YORK
STATE VOLUNTEERS—RECEPTION BY THE COMMON COUNCIL—PARADE THROUGH
THE CITY.
The Thirty-second regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel Pinto, was received
in front of the City Hall by the Common Council, at four o'clock yesterday
afternoon, and under the escort of the Eighth regiment, Colonel Varian, proceeded
up Broadway, Fourth avenue, Twenty-third, street and Sixth avenue to the residence
of Wm. McLambor, Jr., and there, through the chaplain of the Thirty-second
regiment, Mr. Robinson, the colors were formally returned to the donor. The
reception speech was made by the Rev. Mr. Montgomery amid continued shouts
of approbation, upon his assurance that this rebellion would be crushed, and
that very soon. They showed
that they had seen service, and the several bloody fields were again brought
to mind. He spoke eloquently upon the absent by death upon the field, and encouraged
the men still to continue in the good work.
The line was formed and the whole body passed the residence of General McClelland,
when a scene took place seldom seen, and the General looked and bowed as the
caps of all from the Thirty-second went into the air. Passing on towards the
barracks they met the Seventh returning from the labors of a field day, under
command of Colonel Lefferts, who gave the escort and the returning Thirty-second
a salute on Broadway, near Grand street. It was duly appreciated. On they passed,
feeling that the old Seventh still have compliments to bestow upon those who
have served in the cause of the glorious Union. In the evening a dinner was
given to the regiment at
the Park barracks by the city authorities. All the officers and men of the
Thirty-second were present. No speeches were made upon the occasion.
NEW YORK CITY.—Senator Baker, of Oregon, has been chosen Colonel of
the regiment of Californians, now organizing in New York. They
have raised $25,000 for their equipment.
COL. BAKER'S CALIFORNIA REGIMENT.
The grand parade, announced for last Sunday, will take place tomorrow at Fort
Schuyler, where a large gathering of the fair friends of the regiment may
be expected. Visitors can be transported by the steamer Robert Anderson from
Peck slip early in the morning, or at 2 o'clock, when the boat makes her
second trip. It is a delightful sail.
COL. BAKER'S REGIMENT.
A company of recruits arrived here yesterday from Phoenixville, Pa., yesterday
morning, to join Colonel Baker's command at Fort Schuyler.
THE CALIFORNIA (THIRTY-SECOND) REGIMENT. (May 29, 1861)
A meeting of the Board of Officers of the regiment, now encamped at Staten
Island, was held on the 23d inst., at which resolutions were adopted conveying
to General Yates their thanks for his kindness and courtesy
to the regiment, and designating the camp in future as Camp Yates, in honor
of him. General Yates was furnished with a copy of the resolutions, to which
he has written the following in reply:—
STATE OF NEW YORK, DEPARTMENT OF VOLUNTEERS,
NEW YORK CITY, May 28, 1861.
To E. SPARROW, PURDY and others, officers of the Thirty-
second regiment:—
GENTLEMEN--Thanking you for your kind expressions of regard I beg leave to
state that I have only discharged a duty, which I have endeavored to discharge
alike to all the regiments at this depot, without partiality to any.
You are at liberty to use the designation you have made for your camp. Trusting
that the space afforded you there will be improved by unremitted attention
to the drill and discipline necessary to fit your regiments for active
service, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. YATES.
The Thirty-second (California) regiment, Colonel Matheson, encamped on Staten
Island, was also mustered into the services of the federal government yesterday.
(June 1, 1861)
THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
Contrary to expectation this regiment did not take its departure for the seat
of war yesterday. The encampment, however, at Staten Island was the scene
of bustle and preparation, as their departure is positively announced for
to-day. The want of the necessary arms and equipments has been the cause
of the delay, but yesterday all the requisites were provided, and the men
are quite enthusiastic at the near approach of the moment when they will
be called upon to do active service in behalf of their country and their
flag. The grounds of the encampment, which are beautifully located for the
purpose for which they are at present used, were visited yesterday by a numerous
crowd of visitors, friends of the Thirty-second, in expectation that they
would have the last chance of looking upon those they loved previous to
their
entering upon the dangers of an arduous campaign. The regiment number about
850 men, and since their encampment on the island have arrived at a high state
of proficiency in military manoeuvres. The greater portion of the officers
and men are composed of returned Californians, and have seen service in the
Mexican war. To the inhabitants of Staten Island, in the vicinity of Camp Yates,
they are indebted for Havelocks and other little comforts incidental to the
life of the soldier.
To day the Thirty-second will arrive in this city, about eleven o'clock, at
the foot of Twenty-third street, when they will proceed to the corner of Twenty-fifth
street and Lexington avenue, where they will be presented with a stand of colors.
TROUBLE IN THE STOKES BRIGADE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
By referring to the HERALD you will find an article setting forth that three
lieutenants, attached to the Thirty-second regiment, were marched out of Sickles'
camp. The facts of the case are simply these:—The lieutenants referred
to went on a visit, by invitation, to that camp. Shortly after arriving there
they were placed under arrest on the charge of tampering with the men attached
to the brigade. They emphatically denied the charge, but to no purpose. They
were kept in confinement for four hours, and then brought before General Stickles.
After consuming two hours in searching for evidence which could not be found,
he concluded to call a court martial, which, of course, was illegal—he
not being a commissioned officer.
He was surrounded by his minions and protected by a six-barrelled revolver.
Without any evidence against the officers, he decided that one should be discharged
and the other two marched out of the camp; and as the two lieutenants were
unarmed, the order was carried out, by the aid and assistance of a company
attached to the brigade. About three hours after the arrival of the officers
outside the camp limits, Major Olmstead attempted
to read to them the proceedings of the bogus court martial, and after giving
them a wrong direction to their own camp, they were allowed to depart.
These are the facts of the case, and if you will insert them in your columns,
you will oblige,
Lieut. L. SWADDELL,
Lieut. L. SICHERMAN,
Lieut. C. DRUMOND,
Of Thirty-second regiment, Camp Yates.
(Tribune, June 28, 1861)
THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT.
This regiment, commanded by Col. Mathison, now quartered at Camp Yates, on
Staten Island, received orders yesterday to proceed directly to Washington
by the evening cars. It was found impossible, however, to get ready to leave
on such short a notice, and consequently they will not break camp until this
morning. Their orders are to proceed from Staten Island by boat to Camden,
and there take the Camden and Amboy Road, thus avoiding a stop in this city,
a proceeding which has proved so demoralizing to several regiments. All but
two companies of this regiment are from small towns in the interior of this
State, and are composed of hardy farmers and country boys, each one of whom
is a practiced rifleman. They express much disappointment at being supplied
with Springfield muskets instead of Sharp's rifles, which were promised. Nevertheless,
they are determined to do the best they can with such arms as the Government
is able to supply, and each man heard the marching orders with great satisfaction.
The regiment has been in camp about six weeks, and during that time the men
have, by their attention to drill and the other duties of a soldier, rendered
themselves exceedingly effective. They all speak in terms of warm praise of
their officers, and the officers return the compliment with interest. The regiment
is expected to arrive at Vanderbilt's Landing, Staten Island, at about 11
o'clock
this morning, where a boat will be in waiting, to convey them to Amboy.
THE BATTLE OF WEST POINT.
Splendid Victory of General Franklin's Division.
Special Correspondence of the New York
HERALD. Brick House Point, Near West Point, Va. May 7, 1862.
With my eyes full of burnt powder and my ears filled with the ringing of musketry
and the screeching of bomb shells, I sit down to endeavor to give you an account
of a fight that has raged here since ten o'clock this morning, and which is
still continuing, although I just now heard the cry that the rebels were retreating.
The first of this division of the grand Army of the Potomac arrived here yesterday
afternoon, under command of General Franklin, and by dark most of the troops
were landed on a beautiful plain, which is surrounded on three sides by dense
woods and on the fourth by the river, on the south side of the Pamunkey river,
and about half a mile southward from West Point. The reason why we landed here
is obvious. Had we landed on the other side of the river--West Point--where
it was at first intended we should land, we should then have has a considerable
stream of water between us and the rebels, and would have had considerable
trouble to reach then, as all the bridges have been destroyed. Our gunboats
have taken undisputed possession of the point, the rebels having disappeared
at the appearance of our forces, and the American flag of our Union now floats
from one of the most prominent buildings in the village.
Immediately on the landing of our forces from the transports, pickets were
thrown out to the edges of surrounding wood, and our tents were pitched on
banks of the river, and up to that time not one of the chivalrous sons of sunny
South had made his appearance, and our men became anxious to know why they
had been brought to a country where there was no foe. About dusk a part of
the division of General Sedgwick, under the command of General Dana, arrived
in transports from Yorktown and remained in the centre of the river, while
some of our light draught gunboats took a trip up the rivers Pamunkey and Mataponey
to capture a portion of the rebel mosquito fleet, which were brought into use
for carrying our men from the transports to the shore, as the river here is
too shallow for vessels drawing over six feet of water.
During the night some of the rebel pickets made a sortie on one of our advanced
videttes and shot him through the heart. The news soon spread through the camp,
and by daylight this morning the plain, which takes in about a thousand acres
of ground, running southwest from the York river, presented a scene such as
I have never before witnessed. Long lines of men extended from left to right
across the centre of the field, and squads of skirmishers stood marking, in
dim outline, their forms against the heavy woods and underbrush, which presents
an unbroken front to us on every side except that bounded by the river. Here
the men stood for some time, ready to march at a moment's notice; but no foe
appeared, and the men were permitted to return to their camps for the purpose
of getting their breakfast, and perhaps, some sleep. A strong picket, composed
of the New York Thirty-second, Ninety-fifth and Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania troops,
were left at the edges of the woods to keep a sharp lookout for the enemy,
who were now believed to be in close proximity to our line.
About this time, one of our gunboats discovered a regiment or two of the enemy
on the west side of the river, who dispersed in great confusion after having
received some half-dozen of our heavy shells in their midst. This was communicated
to General Slocum, who immediately made strenuous efforts to get the brigade
of General Dana on shore that we might be able to give the enemy a warm reception
should he make his appearance. General Dana was indefatigable in his labors
to get the troops off the transports, and through his exertions most of the
men and horses were off the boats by nine o'clock, and preparations were being
made to breakfast the men of this brigade, when the order was given for the
Sixteenth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second New York, and the Ninety-fifth and
Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania regiments to advance into the woods and drive off
some of the rebel scouts, who were firing occasional shots at our pickets,
and were supposed to be strongly supported by a force concealed in the woods.
This supposition proved correct, for no sooner had our men made an advance
into the woods than they were received with a volley of musketry from the rebels
who were hidden in the dense undergrowth. Our men pressed on, and gave them
a volley, after which the enemy retreated farther into the woods, with the
Thirty-second New York close at their heels; but they were too swift footed
for our boys—being more protected—and they soon left the Thirty-second
struggling in the mud.
While this scene had been going on on the right centre, another was transpiring
on the centre where the Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania regiment had entered the
woods. In a few moments after they entered they found themselves in a dense
swamp, and in their struggles to get across became separated from each other.
One of the companies managed to get to the other side, and was climbing the
bank on the opposite side when they descried a party of soldiers lying in ambush. "Who
comes there?" cried the party in ambush. "Friends," was the
answer. "What are you?" was the next interrogation. "A company
of the Ninety-fifth Pennsylvanians." No sooner was this answer returned
than the party, whom the captain had mistaken for some of his own regiment,
opened a terrible fire upon our men, who returned the fire and then returned
to our reserves. In this affair Captain Reateass, of Company B, was shot through
the shoulder but not dangerously wounded, and one or two privates whose names
I am as yet unable to learn, were killed and carried off the field by their
friends, who, before they quit the ground, revenged the fall of their brave
comrades by giving the enemy a few well directed volleys. But now the action
became more general throughout the lines, and from every quarter of the woods
came the sharp crack of musketry. I tried for a time to be ubiquitous, but
after travelling from one point to another some fifty times, for the purpose
of seeing how matters were going, I took my stand on the right, and calmly
awaited the coming events. The sharp reports came nearer and nearer, and, at
length a ball lodged in a tree at my side. I was about to move from my dangerous
quarters when my attention was attracted to that portion of the woods where
the Thirty-first and Thirty-second New York State Militia had entered. Four
men were carrying the body of a man, which, upon inquiry, I understood to be
that of Capt. Young, of Company G, of the Thirty-Second regiment, who was shot
in the throat, and died instantly. The fight had now been going on for three
hours here without intermission, and a number of men were killed and wounded.
At this juncture our men were withdrawn from the wood, where they were evidently
getting the worst of it, and the Second United States artillery, under Capt.
Arnold, was ordered into position on the right, and Capt. Porter's First Massachusetts
battery took up a position upon the left, and in a few minutes the shells were
flying through the air at the rate of about ten a minute. This soon compelled
the rebels to make a move more on our left, where the shells flew less thick
than upon the ground they were then occupying. But there evidently is no rest
for the wicked, for no sooner had the rebels moved their forces upon our left,
than our gunboats, which up to that time had been unable to have a hand in
the affair, opened their batteries upon the foe with so much effect that, when
I commenced to write, they had completely driven the enemy out of sight and
hearing. I am inclined to think that this move upon our left was an expensive
one to the rebels, who, ere this reaches the readers of the HERALD, will have
learned that near our gunboats is not one of the safest places that can be
found. As soon as the guns of Captain Porter commenced to fire among them,
accompanied by those from the river, the rebels undertook to move one of their
batteries which they had got into position. The New Jersey regiment received
orders to charge upon this battery, and at it they went, with cheers that made
the very forests ring; but the rebels were again too fleet-footed. Before the
Jersey boys got through the woods, the enemy had made tall traveling, and got
out of sight in the woods.
Everybody has done well, and the troops have acted nobly. They have been under
arms all day thus far, and standing in the broiling sun without anything whatever
to eat, except that which they may have had in their haversacks. I have yet
to hear a word of complaint from any quarter. The idea of having an opportunity
to have a fight with the rebels seems to have absorbed all their other faculties.
More troops are constantly arriving, and just now Capt. Saunders' company of
Massachusetts sharpshooters pass by me on their road to the front. These are
the men who are able to teach the rebels that two parties can lay concealed
in the woods.
The artillery has now ceased firing, and I hear nothing except the occasional
discharge of a musket; it seems to be far off towards Williamsburg. I think
we have got into their rear, and, if we have, we intend halting them for a
few hours until General McClellan can come up to carry them back to their deserted
quarters at Yorktown.
At the close of the action in the afternoon the Fifth Maine regiment won encomiums
from all the staff for their bravery in heading an advance into the woods upon
the left. The gunboats are still throwing shell into the woods,
to keep the enemy from erecting batteries. We expect to have an attack or make
an advance to-night. We have no fear of the result. The rebel army now in front
of us, I have just learned, is under the command of General
Robert Lee.
General Franklin has just sent a dispatch to General McClellan announcing the
battle of to-day. You have, no doubt, received it by telegraph long ere this
reaches you.
I am compelled to bring my letter to a close while the firing is yet going
on.
THE KILLED AND WOUNDED.
First Lieutenant Frederick Poss, Co. F, 31st N.Y., killed. William Linser,
Co. F, 31st N.Y. (private), killed. Lieutenant Babcock, Co. D, 31st N.Y.,
mortally wounded. Minor Wiggins, (private), severely wounded. Abraham Davis
(private), 32d N. Y., ball through waist. E. Chasser (private), Co. G, 32d
N. Y., wounded. Wm. Umphries (private), Co. H, 32d N. Y., flesh wound. Edwin
Comp (private), Co. I, 32d N.Y., flesh wound. Joseph Hepstein (private),
Co. F, 31st N.Y., flesh wound.
KNOWN TO BE DEAD.
Captain Young Co. D, Thirty-second New York.
Captain S.H. Brown, Co. C, Thirty-second New York.
Lieutenant Wallace, Co. C, Thirty-second New York.
Lieutenant Pross, Co. F, Thirty-first New York.
Private Christian Hower, Co. B, Thirty-first New York.
Private William Linsener, Co. F, Thirty-first New York.
Private Philip Strolls, Co. F, Thirty-first New York.
Private Henry Urimclaserman, Co. F, Thirty-first N. York.
Private John J. M. McClernan, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Private C. Lebuy, Company L, Sixteenth New York.
WOUNDED.
Captain J. H. Boltis, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Private Patrick Kelly, Thirty-second New York.
Private Thos. Alterdys, Thirty-second New York.
Private E. B. Milligan, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Private J. A. Slocum, Thirty-second New York.
Private Pat. Kildernay, Thirty-second New York.
Private M. O'Donnell, Thirty-second New York.
Private Oliver Wells, Sixteenth New York.
Private J. M. Smart, Thirty-Second New York.
Private Richard Macnelly, Thirty-second New York.
Private John Stevens, First New York artillery.
Private A. F. Sawyer, Thirty-second New York.
Private C. Hagan, Thirty-second New York.
Private C. W. Smith, Thirty-second New York.
Private W. Robinson.
Sergeant P.S. Devitt, Thirty-first New York.
Private George Cupping, Thirty-first New York.
Private James A. Day, Fifth Maine.
Private —Etheridge, Thirty-second New York.
Private Jacob Walen, Thirty-first New York.
Private Lancert Parker, Fifth Maine.
Private Freman Way moth, Sixteenth New York.
Private F. Detra, Thirty-first New York.
Private A. Carlton, Thirty-second New York.
Private W. C. Sweeney, Thirty-second New York.
Private C. Gumrin, Thirty-second New York.
Private H. M. Helms, Sixteenth New York.
Private L. Parrin, Sixteenth New York.
Private C. Thockeray, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Private L. A1pheus Maso, Fifth Maine.
Private Henry Bennett, Thirty-second New York.
Private Hill, Thirty-second New York.
Captain N. Martin Curtis, Sixteenth New York.
Private Thomas Chilton, Sixteenth New York.
Private J. Mott Smith, Thirty-second New York.
Private Thos. S. Murslmon, Thirty-second New York.
Private William Steal, Thirty-second New York.
Private G. Willson, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Private John Willson, Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania.
Lieutenant J. Twaddel, Thirty-second New York.
Private Joseph Taulh, Thirty-first New York.
Private Charles Allen, Thirty-second New York.
Private Minor Hicken, Thirty-second New York.
Private Olmon Davis, Thirty-second New York.
Private Charles Chatteman, Thirty-second New York.
Private H. Choper, Thirty-second New York.
Private W. Humphries, Thirty-second New York.
Sergeant E. Camp, Thirty-second New York.
Private John Hepstein, Thirty-first New York.
Private Wm. Luisener, Thirty-first New York.
The wounded are being cared for in the most hospitable and humane manner, and
no pains will be spared to render them as comfortable as possible. The dead
will be sent home as far as practicable. We are hearing of
men who are dying of their wounds.
I send you a correct map of the ground on which the fighting is now going on.
Richmond is thirty miles distant from this place.
THE DEEDS OF THE 1st CALIFORNIA, 32d REGIMENT, N Y. V.
BY WILLIAM A. BARRETT, CO. H.
I.
You gallant Thirty-second boys, come join me while I sing,
The deeds of our late commander, brave Roderick Matheson.
Likewise many of our comrades, whose bones lie in the grave,
Their lives being offered a sacrifice their country for to save.
II.
'Twas on the 7th of May, my boys, at West Point we did land.
The rebs hard pressed by McClellan, attempted there to stand;
But to gain that desired object it seems they were too late,
By sundown on that bloody day they were in full retreat.
III.
Early that morning brave Matheson was in full joy,
As he issued forth his orders, his skirmishers to deploy,
The regiment followed after them and soon engaged were they,
In driving the rebels out of the woods, and thus we gained the day.
IV.
Onward, then, to Richmond, boys, it was the cry from all,
Pursue the retreating traitors, give them plenty powder and ball;
Follow them up closely boys, and their capital we'll take,
And Richmond it will soon be ours, but that was a great mistake.
V.
'Twas on the 26th of June, brave Porter showed his skill,
The next day our division engaged them at Gaines Hill;
At Charles City cross roads, too, we let the traitors see,
That altho' we were retreating still victorious we would be.
VI.
To the James River then we came, where we were all well cared,
From thence we marched to Newport News where transports were prepared,
To convey us to Alexandria, it being the safest way,
And reinforce Pope's army without the least delay.
VII.
But all our efforts were in vain, reinforcements were too late,
Pope, after three days fighting, at last had to retreat;
And back to Washington he did come before he made a stand,
When the boys they cheered most heartily—McClellan was in command.
VIII.
The rebels being overjoyed with the battles they had won,
Hastily invaded Maryland with two hundred thousand men;
But placing all our confidence in gallant Little Mac,
We met, we fought, we whipped them, at the battle of Crampton Gap.
IX.
'Twas there the gallant Matheson, wounded fell,
While bravely leading on his fearing shot or shell;
" Onward, onward, Thirty-second, either conquer or die,"
Were the last commands of Matheson, then by a tree did lie.
X.
Major Lemon then took command, and bravely his duty done,
He was also wounded mortally just was won;
The leaden hail was terrible, the bullets whizzing by,
And that day many a brave man for his country’s cause did die.
XI.
Onward we pursued them, then, to the field of Antietam,
That we'd bag the rebel army there was the opinion of every man;
But Jackson to our Generals with a flag of truce did come,
And while burying the dead on both sides they to Virginia run.
XII.
So now they've left Maryland, we will them quick pursue,
Success attend our Generals, to them much praise is due;
Success attend our efforts, the world for to let see,
That the Stars and Stripes shall forever float the Banner of Liberty!
Back to 32nd Regiment During
the Civil War
New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs: Military History
Last modified:
November 5, 2009
URL: http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/32ndInf/32ndInfCWN.htm
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