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70th Regiment
New York Volunteer Infantry
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
LAW REPORTS
THE SICKLES BRIGADE IN COURT.
At Supreme Court, Chambers, before Judge Barnard, this morning, the case of
Joseph H. Reynolds agt. Daniel E. Sickles was heard. The case was a return
to a writ of habeas corpus, the relator being, as alleged, the captain of a
disbanded company in the Excelsior brigade. The petition asks for the discharge
on the writ of upwards of forty men, including officers, on the general allegation
that they are restrained of their liberty. The writ was addressed to General
Sickles, and due return being made thereto, a motion was made to discharge
the writ on the ground of irregularities appearing upon its face. The court,
however, held the writ good and discharged the men.
THE SEVENTIETH REGIMENT. —Two companies of this regiment have received
orders to proceed to Fort Hamilton for the purpose of doing garrison duty.
Those selected are the efficient troops of Captain Thomas McCarty and Captain
John Timmes, which will form a battalion under the command of Major Robert
Smith. They will probably march to-day. Captain McCarty's company numbers 120
men and that of Captain Timmes 100 men, all excellent artillerists under good
officers. The following is a list of the officers of the regiment:
Field and Staff--Colonel, William J. Cropsey; Lieutenant Colonel, Francis C.
Grunning; Major, Robert Smith; Adjutant, John McDar; Quartermaster, Robert
Sullivan.
Company A--Captain Keyser and Liebtenant Batterman.
Comyany B—Captain John Timmes, Lieutenants Zinger Wackerman and Scheldmacher.
Company C--Captain Thomas McCarty, Lieutenants Peter Farrell, Michael T. Coleman
and Kobert Ellwood.
Company D--Captain Anthony Walter, Lieutenants Schack, Wills and Hoaninger.
Company E—Captain Richard J. Barry, Lieutenants G. S. Cowenhoven and
John Brague.
Company F—Lieut. White commanding, Lieuts. Morris and Horseley.
Company H--Captain ____ Snyder, Lieuts. Dellmyer, Ullman and Kendler.
Company K--Captain Joseph F. Miller, Lieuts. Hadfield and Owens.
GEN. SICKLES AND THE RETURNED REGIMENTS.
There were several Committees who waited upon Gen. Sickles, to prevail upon
him to take part in the reception accorded to these regiments. The
General's health would not allow him, however, to take any active part in the
demonstration made by the citizens of New-York to the returning regiments of
his corps, but he at last, at their earnest solicitation, consented to appear
on the balcony of the Metropolitan Hotel to see the troops as they filed past.
When the veterans saw their commander standing on the balcony of the Metropolitan,
their enthusiasm knew no bounds. Cheer upon cheer rent the air. Col. Hayman,
commanding the regiments, immediately halted the column, to allow the men to
have a look at their Corps Commander. Gen. Sickles stepped forward from the
balcony, and delivered the following speech:
SOLDIERS: So recently your commanding officer, I witness with the utmost pleasure
the hearty welcome you received to-day from the authorities and people of our
City. Although my health is not yet sufficiently restored to enable me to march
with your brilliant escort, I could not deny myself the opportunity of seeing
you once more. We have fought side by side for the great cause of liberty,
order and humanity. By your excellent conduct on many fields you have earned
these distinguished honors. Led by Kearney, Birney, Ward and Hayman, your valor
has often challenged the respect of the foe. Your devotion has won the affection
of comrades and commanders. Your sacrifices deserve and will receive the lasting
gratitude and remembrances of the nation you have faithfully served. Farewell,
my brave comrades.
At the close of the General's speech the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The
people crowding the sidewalks cheered with the soldiers, and the General was
compelled to remain on the balcony for some time, bowing his acknowledgments,
before he could retire.
THE EXCELSIOR REGIMENT.
The name of the Captain of Company A of this regiment, now stationed at the
Park barracks, is Kellerly, and not Kelly, as given in our edition of Tuesday.
CHINA AT GETTYSBURG.
Among the killed at Gettysburg was a young Chinaman, known as John Tommy. He
was attached to the First Regiment Excelsior brigade, in Capt. Price's company.
John Tommy was the only representative of the Central Flowery Kingdom in
the Army of the Potomac, and was wide known both from that circumstances
and certain peculiarities of his own. John Tommy came to this country immediately
after the breaking out of the war, and was induced to enlist in General Sickle's
brigade, at that time being raised in this city. He was then a mere lad,
entirely ignorant of our language. Being bright, smart, and honest, he soon
became a favorite at Red Hook, Staten Island, and was at once the butt and
the wit of the whole regiment. Before he became located on the Maryland shore
of the Potomac opposite Acquia Creek, in one of the reconnoisances on the
south side of the river,
Tommy was taken prisoner and soon became a lion in the rebel camp. He was brought
before General Magruder, who surprised at his appearance and color, asked him
was he a mulatto, Indian, or what? When Tommy told him he was from China, Magruder
was very much amused, and asked him how much he would take to join the confederate
army. 'Not unless you would make me a brigadier general,' said Tommy, to the
great delight of the secesh officers who treated him very kindly and sent him
to Fredericksburg. Here Tommy became a great lion, and his picture was published
in the Fredericksburg papers. Subsequently he was sent to the Libby Prison,
Richmond, where he met his captain, Benjamin Price, who had been taken
prisoner at Williamsburg.—After his parole Tommy came to New-York city,
where he employed his time in attending upon his sick and wounded comrades.
He was the kindest of nurses, and spent his little means in providing delicacies
for his sick fellow soldiers. In the subsequent engagements at Fredericksburg,
Chancellorville, and the last at Gettysburg,
John Tommy was one of the bravest soldiers in that bravest, of brigades, the
Excelsior. He seemed not to know what fear was, and was the universal favorite
of all his fellow-soldiers. He had not been wounded up to Gettysburg, but in
Friday's fight he was struck by a shell which tore off both legs at the thighs,
and he shortly bled to death. The company he was in went into the action with
twenty-eight men, and lost twenty in kilted and wound. Tommy's case is peculiar,
and he was the only representative of the empire of China in the finest army
on the planet.
MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN NEW YORK AND VICINITY.
EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
Upwards of two hundred recruits have been sent forward to join this brigade
within the last five days, fully uniformed and equipped. A batch of seventy-five
left yesterday afternoon via the Amboy Railroad. Recruiting for this brigade
is increasing very rapidly now that the citizens of New York have taken the
matter in hand. The private bounties now given, in addition to those of the
city and State, to this brigade, will undoubtedly fill it up before the time
assigned to draft. Colonel Charles K. Graham, detailed by General McClellan,
has now charge of the recruiting service, and has been most indefatigable in
his exertions to forward the men to the seat of war.
EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
Brigadier General Sickles has received from Washington an order to report
forthwith for orders and instructions. A great number of men are offering
themselves
as volunteers, but General Sickles is using the greatest care in selecting
his officers and men. Captain Somer, Lieutenant Colonel of the Sixty-ninth
regiment (auxiliary), having his command rejected by the Military Board at
Albany, transferred his command to the Jackson regiment, Colonel George B.
Hall, of the Excelsior brigade, and expects to be mustered into service on
Saturday. The headquarters of Captain Somer's command are at Montgomery Hall,
No. 76 Prince street, New York, and at No. 18 Newark avenue, Jersey City.
LAW REPORTS.
THE SICKLES BRIGADE.
In the Supreme Court in this city, on Saturday, the case of Reynolds agt. Sickles
was again heard. The relator is captain of a company of the Sickles brigade.
His allegations are that they (himself and the members of his company) were
induced to join the brigade by promises which have not since been realized.
They now ask to be discharged, the captain appearing on behalf of the company
by habeas corpus. Mr. Sickles made no return. His counsel however, contended
that the Court should not assume to act, as the writ was issued in another
county where the men were detained. The Court stated that as Mr. Sickles had
made no return to the writ he was in contempt, and having no status in court,
no motion emanating from him in respect to jurisdiction would b e entertained.
After some little further discussion the matter was adjourned, to be heard
at a campus forum in Camp Scott on Monday at 3 o'clock. Another application
for similar relief was the case of Thomas J. Ahl agt. Daniel E. Sickles, the
relator being captain of a company of eighty men, all of whom desired to be
discharged. The company came from Pittsburg, Pa., and allegation is made that
upon arriving here at their own expense, General Sickles attempted to place
over the men other officers of his city friends. Being dissatisfied they came
down in a body to the Staten Island boat on the 27th instant, and were driven
back by a detachment from the brigade of two hundred men, at the point of the
bayonet. Hence this application. The case is to be heard with the other at
the same place on Monday.
EXCELSIOR REGIMENT.
The headquarters of the Excelsior regiment is at the City Assembly Rooms, in
Broadway, the whole of the building being devoted to the officers of the regiment,
and it is needless to add that the spacious room is admirably adapted to the
purpose of drilling the recruits. Our readers are already apprized of the organization
of this regiment, which is to be under the command of Colonel Daniel E. Sickles.
There are over five hundred members enrolled, and the good work is speedily
going on. Captain Bradlee, the efficient recruiting officer, is exerting himself
to complete the requisite number (1,200) as soon as possible. The men are undergoing
thorough
(May 2, 1861) discipline under the instruction of competent military men, and
if we may judge from their performances last evening, the name of regiment
will indicate its efficiency when it is called to active duty. A portion of
the recruits are able to furnish themselves accommodations outside the building,
but those who are not are kept in the Assembly Rooms, and furnished with comfortable
sleeping apartments and substantial food.
THE LIEUTENANT COLONELCY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT, SICKLES BRIGADE. In a recent
issue of the HERALD it was stated that Capt. Holt, of the Nineteenth regiment,
of New York, had been appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the First regiment, Sickles
brigade. It should have read that Major J. Egbert Far...., who went out with
the regiment in the position of Major, had received the appointment.
THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
A detachment of one hundred men from Camp Clinton, Harlem, under Captain Bradlee,
of the Jackson Light Infantry (Excelsior Brigade), and a detachment of one
hundred men, under Captain Holt, from Camp Scott,
Staten Island, detailed to receive two companies of one hundred each under
Captains Doyle and Grover, will be reviewed at the headquarters of Brigadier
General Sickles, at the City Hall, at half-past nine A. M. to day,
after which the four companies will take breakfast in the Park barracks, under
the supervision of Quartermaster Green, of Colonel Van Buren's staff, and Commissary
Wright. The companies will then proceed to Staten Island to join the forces
at Camp Scott, where over sixteen hundred of the Excelsior Brigade are now
encamped. Six companies left the Red House on Wednesday for the camp at Staten
island, and ten companies more will leave to-day. The arrangements at the Island
are very satisfactory to the men, and we hope in a day or two to be able to
announce the camp complete, and ready for visitors. Two or three of the companies
require a few more good men, and for that purpose a recruiting office has been
opened at No. 102 William street, where men may enlist, and from there be taken
immediately into quarters.
Dunkirk, N. Y. May 30, 1861.
The Dunkirk battalion, two hundred and ten strong, has just left, to join the
Excelsior brigade, Gen. Sickles. Captain W. D. Stevens and P. Barret were in
command.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1861.
THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
INSPECTION AND REVIEW AT THE CITY HALL YESTERDAY.
The Park Barracks, which had assumed a rather monotonous appearance for some
days past, were yesterday morning the scene of much animation and liveliness.
This was in a great measure, if not altogether, owing to the arrival of four
detachments of the Excelsior Brigade at the City Hall; and the well known fact
that the regiment has been raised and is under the command of
Brigadier General Sickles had gathered together a larger crowd of distinguished
individuals than would otherwise have congregated.
The main body who were to arrive had left Dunkirk on the previous day, and
were met at the New York and Erie Railroad yesterday morning at nine o'clock
by Quartermaster Samuel Taylor and two other companies— one from Camp
Clinton, near Harlem, under Captain Bradlee, of the Jackson Light Infantry,
Excelsior Brigade, and the second from Camp Scott, Staten Island, under Captain
Holt, headed by Captain Scott.
The scene which took place at the ferry was one of much enthusiasm, and when
the different battalions met it was of a very animating and imposing nature.
The band struck up "Auld Lang Syne," after which the "Star Spangled
Banner" was exceedingly well performed.
The two companies from Dunkirk are numbers First and Second Companies, and
are under the command of the following officers:—
First Company—Captain, Wm. O. Stevens; Lieutenant, S. M. Doyle; First
Lieutenant, C. K. Abell; Second Lieutenant, H. C. Hinman.
Second Company--Captain, P. Barrett; First Lieutenant,
W. J. O'Neill; Second Lieutenant, Wm. Toomy.
The whole four companies arrived at the City Hall precisely at half-past nine
o'clock, for the purpose of being inspected and reviewed before his Honor Mayor
Wood and Brigadier General Sickles.
The men, being rather fatigued, having travelled all night in the cars, were
at once marched to the mess room in the Park Barracks, where they were entertained
to a hearty breakfast of bread, beef, eggs, potatoes and coffee, which they
did ample justice to. It is but right to state that the commissariat did its
part in good style, as the meal was both comfortable and of the best quality.
Previous to defiling off to refresh themselves, an immense crowd of distinguished
individuals having assembled in front of the City Hall, the band struck up "The
Red, White and Blue," "The Girl I left Behind Me," "Larry
O'Gaff," &c.
When they had been amply refreshed they were allowed an hour to rest themselves,
in order to prepare for review and inspection. At eleven o'clock precisely
General Sickles intimated to the officers of the different companies that the
Mayor would be in readiness to see them on review parade, and would inspect
them at half-past eleven. The men were promptly on duty at the time appointed.
They were all drawn up in line in front of the City Hall, where there could
not have been less than from four to five thousand persons present, composed
of the wealth and intelligence of the city. The windows of the hall were filled
with ladies, while upon the steps and in the square gentlemen were lined together
in dense crowds. At half-past eleven Major Wood, accompanied by Brigadier General
Sickles, Colonel Williamson, Colonel
Nelson Taylor, Major Macdonald, T. M. Powell, Captain Keller. &c., presented
himself, at whose appearance the band played, "Hail to the Chief."
The troops were then formed into open column, at which time they had a fine,
striking appearance, and were received with deafening plaudits from the immense
crowd. His Honor, in company with the before named gentlemen of military distinction,
and a good many of the civic authorities, then made a most minute inspection
of the troops, during which he took occasion to remark upon their fine soldier-like
appearance and their apparent fitness for any arduous duty they might be called
on to perform in the field.
This part of the performance having been gone through they were then drawn
into review line, which made them to be much admired. Mayor Wood and the other
gentlemen then took their place on the front steps of the City hall, when they
passed by in ranks of twelve men deep, headed by the band, playing appropriate
airs, and giving the general salute. The enthusiasm at this stage of the movements
of the troops was of a most marked character, and appeared to be warmly appreciated
by them. Handkerchiefs waved from the windows of the Hall, which honor was
well supported by the cheering and clapping of hands that followed. The whole
body was then drawn up in line, and went through various manoeuvres and evolutions,
with an aptness and precision which could not but be gratifying to all present,
as well as to convince the thousands of spectators who witnessed them, that
in military tactics and discipline they were in no way inferior to those who
had proceeded them to the scene of action. At the conclusion of these movements
the band played "The Star Spangled banner," and the troops left Park
for Staten Island ferry, at the foot of Whitehall street, where they embarked
for Camp Scott their gallant comrades at headquarters. On Proceeding down Broadway
and leaving the ferry, they were and loudly applauded.
ACCESSION TO THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE. General Sickles has accepted Captain Bennett's
company from Perry county, and the men will leave the Excelsior Brigade in
a few days.
GENERAL SICKLES' EXCELSIOR BRIGADE. (June 24, 1861)
Camp Scott, on Staten Island, the quarters of the Excelsior Brigade, has been
the scene of much activity during the past week, in consequence of the presence
of the United States mustering officers--Captains Cogswell and
Hayman. Twenty-five companies have been mustered since Thursday last, and in
every instance the troops took the oath with great enthusiasm. The mustering
will continue every day until the fifty companies composing
the brigade are exhausted. Yesterday, at four o'clock, Rev. Drs. Berkeley and
Twichell held Devine service at the camp, which was attended by the soldiers
and a large number of their friends. The brigade formed a hollow square, with
the general and his staff in the centre and the visitors outside, in which
position the ceremonies were conducted. A full band of music was on the ground
and assisted in the religio-military exercises. A dress parade followed and
wound up the day's proceedings.
THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
Is quartered Camp Scott, Staten Island. Five regiments regularly compose the
brigade, but one left for the seat of war yesterday, leaving at present but
four regiments on the island. Two of these four regiments take their departure
this (Wednesday) morning, each consisting of 1,046 men. The remainder will
leave as soon as they are provided with all their necessaries. The whole
brigade consists of about 5,000 men. In our list of officers of the First
regiment, Sickles' brigade, the Sergeant majors name appeared as William
J. Ray instead of William J. Kay. (July 1861)
LOCAL MILITARY MATTERS. (July 2, 1861)
EXCELSIOR BRIGADE--HABEAS CORPUS CASES.
At Camp Scott yesterday a special session of the Supreme Court, Judge Barnard,
was held at 3 1/2 o'clock p. m., the case in point being a suit of habeas corpus
for the delivery of 68 members, being a military company from Pittsburgh, who
desire to leave the brigade and are at present detained in the guard house.
A. Oakey Hall appeared for the brigade, and Mr. Reynolds for the dissatisfied
volunteers. The principal complaint of the latter, it appears, was against
the commissariat though other matters had to do with it. Before the trial was
allowed to proceed on its merits, there were two objections urged by the attorney
of the defendant, the first founded on the 38th section of the habeas corpus
act; both being overruled by the Court, thus bringing the case upon its merits.
In consequence of the absence of Gen. Sickles, or some other reason which did
not appear, the case was postponed until 4 1/2 o'clock, when as Mr. Reynolds,
the Pittsburgh men's counsel, did not appear, the case was adjourned indefinitely.
The authorities of the brigade represent on this point that, though there was
some unnecessary delay, caused by the required presence of Gen, Sickles at,
Kerrigan's camp to recover a deserter returned by a Paterson policeman, the
legal counsel of Mr. Sickles were on the ground, and prepared to carry on the
investigation of questions that might arise under the suit, and still the attorneys
of the plaintiffs saw proper to leave on account of the case not having been
brought up within ten or fifteen minutes of the time allotted by the Judge.
Another explanation was that Mr. Reynolds could not get some desired testimony
in time, and decided, therefore, for the benefit of his clients, to rest the
case to some future time when he would be better prepared.
In the case of Ahl agt. Sickles (one of similar import), Mr. Rankin, the attorney
for the prosecution, having no claim to make, the Judge adjourned the Court.
Camp Scott certainly deserves creditable mention for the neat and orderly disposition
of the tents, and the regular appearance of matters externally. Drills seemed
to be carried on systematically between the hours of 3 and 6. The Brigade Adjutant,
a Philadelphian, reports a little over 4,000 men on the ground. The Brigade
Surgeon, Dr. Fingley, and his secretary, J, R. Coxe, both Philadelphians, reports
at present a dozen or so cases of diarrhea, and only one death, since the laying
out of the camp. This occurred on Sunday night.
Talking with the men, who are generally of splendid material, the only complaint
of any sort mentioned to our reporter, was that pay was expected, which had
not yet been forthcoming. At some distance from the camp ten of the Pittsburgh
company were seen standing by the roadside. Among them were two officers holding
forth to their followers, and the understanding among outsiders, based upon
what had been said by the disaffected, was that these men had been released,
and would be followed in small installments by all the rest.
The argument of the Pittsburgh men and their friends was that, not having been
legally sworn into the service, they were at liberty to go and come when they
chose. The argument of the brigade interest was that a certain amount of money—about
$300—had been expended in their behalf, and they were now, therefore,
bound both by law and honor to repay this amount or remain in the camp.
To this the other side replies that they had been promised the right to elect
their own officers, &c., which was now denied. Officers of the Brigade
claim that injustice is done themselves, and say the principal difficulties
in their camp have arisen from dissatisfactory elections for officers. Companies
from a distance, not filled up, expect, it is stated, to retain their own Captains
and Lieutenants, while it is found necessary to blend these companies together,
and do away with many claimants to commissions; thus giving the aggrieved every
motive to vindicate themselves by a use of their influences against the officers
who have deposed them.
SICKLES BRIGADE
The Fourth of July will be celebrated in a very appropriate manner at this
beautiful encampment. It is proposed to fire the National salute at sunrise,
have a grand dress parade at eleven o'clock, after which the brigade will
march by column of companies to the place designated for the exercises the
day which will be opened by prayed followed by meals, when the Declaration
of Independence will be read, which will also be followed by music. General
Sickles will then address the brigade. At four o'clock a grand parade and
review will take place, and at eight o'clock fireworks, prepared with reference
to the times, will be displayed, after which a grand ball will be given.
As the grounds and accommodations are ample, the brigade doubtless expect
many patriotic friends.
THE SICKLES BRIGADE.
To the Editor of The N. Y. Tribune. (July 4, 1861)
Sir: Agreeable to the order of the Supreme Court of this State, that Court
was convened at Camp Scott on July 1, and with my counsel I attended at that
place. After a great deal of legal sparring, and the final overruling of the
objections of the counsel of the pseudo Brigadier General, Daniel E. Sickles,
the Court was adjourned until tem minutes past four o'clock of that day. My
counsel, Governor Rankin, and Mr. Reavey, waited patiently until twenty-five
minutes of five o'clock, and at that time seeing no probability of the Court
convening again, in respect to ourselves we left for New York. Since which
time my counsel nor myself have heard no intimation of the decision in regard
to the writ sued out against Sickles.
The report that appeared in your paper yesterday was totally incorrect, and
not based upon the facts as they occurred.
I went to Camp Scott under the protection of and agreeable to a writ issued
by the highest legal power known to the State, and supposed that i should be
at least protected from insult and uncharitable remarks, instead of which an
individual, who claims to be a major in that brigade, in a cowardly manner
made use of insulting and derogatory remarks concerning me. If that person
can find respectable vouchers to testify to his good moral character, I shall
be pleased to give him such redress as his case may deserve.
General Sickles was, I am credibly informed, absent, and likely to be absent
all day, and not, as your report stated, "in search of a deserter at Col.
Kerrigan's encampment," that duty only requiring a sergeant or corporal.
I have done with this, and all newspaper remarks, and ask an honest and patriotic
public in this individual, Sickles, and some of his time-serving officers have
a right to take, without color of law and without any indemnity to me, a full
company of men, and make false and unguaranteed promises to them, to benefit
some pot-house politician, whose only service to the country had been that
he has assisted to carry a precinct or stuffed ballot-boxes. I am well satisfied
that the Honorable Secretary of War is aware of the want of honor and manliness
this Brigadier-General, and that he will not call his paper brigade into active
service unless by separate regiments, many of whose officers are gentlemen
and soldiers, and have been grilled to their hearts content by this gigantic
Jeremy Diddler.
J. H. Reynolds,
No. 4 Clinton place, South Brooklyn New York, July 3, 1861.
THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
TO THE EDITIR OF THE HERALD.
METROPOLITAN HOTEL, May 15, 1862.
An article in this morning's paper is calculated to convey false hopes to the
families of some of those who fell in the fight at Williamsburg.
From all the testimony I could gather from my wounded officers and soldiers,
the following is a correct list of the killed wounded officers of my regiment:-
KILLED.
Capt. J. Brunn, Company E.
Capt. Bugbee, Company H.
Capt. Mitchell, Company I.
Capt. O'Reilley, Company G.
Second Lieut. Miller, Company E.
Second Lieut. Kilburn, Company A.
Second Lieut. Howe, Company D.
Second Lieut. Nelson, Company F.
Second Lieut. Haynor, Company H.
WOUNDED.
Colonel Wm. Dwight.
Lieut. Col. J. Egbert Farnum.
Capt. Ben. Price, Company D.
First Lieut. Dennison, Company E.
Capt. Denny Mahan, Company B.
First Lieut. Miles, Company B.
First Lieut. Hoxey, Company A. Second Lieut. Eddlegston, Company G. First Lieut.
Zeigler, Company D.
Lieut. Dodge, Company F.
Capt. McCauly, Company F.
First Lieut. Robinson, Company K.
Second Lieut. Stevens, Company C.
The following list, I am assured from every reliable source is correct. Very
respectfully,
J. Egbert Farnum,
Lieut. Col. First regiment Excelsior Brigade.
THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. ADDITIONAL NAMES OF NEW YORK KILLED AND WOUNDED IN
THE BATTLES ON THE CHICKAHOMINY. (1862)
THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE.
The following is the official list of killed and wounded in the Excelsior Brigade
(General Sickles).
FIRST REGIMENT.
Killed.
Corp'al D. W. Rowe F. Melvin A. V. Jackson.
Wounded.
Capt. J. M. Longwell Cor'l Thos. Serg't D. C. Rogers H. Simons.
Cor'l Rob't McKinstry. M. Worthington.
Corp'al N. L. Deramo. John Kelly.
(since dead.) Conrad Wagoner.
Cor'al L. H. Timmons.
Missing.
Florence McGill, (since returned.)
SECOND REGIMENT.
Killed.
George Boughton. Cor'l A. R. Whittaker.
E. Gleeson.
Wounded.
John Murphy. Cor'l Alvah S. Langley.
Thomas Crea. Corp'al John Hortican.
Adam Fox. Patrick McGrath.
William Williamson. James Barrett.
Noble Tracey. John Gallagher.
Patrick McGowan. Simon P. Evans.
Michael Taite. Orson Turner.
Thomas Brady. John Redner.
Cor'al Thos. Hogan. Thomas Brennan.
John Ball. James McCarty.
Daniel Mallady. N. Shortill.
Sgt. Richard Easterly. John Crispwell.
William Menfrates. Thomas Starr.
Capt. Thos. Rafferty.
Missing.
Serg't Thos. Denny. James Smith.
Corp'al Wm. Ward. David Shields.
THIRD REGIMENT.
Wounded.
Serg't W. D. Hall Ambrose Cross.
Serg't W. H. Stanton. Charles Mason.
Corp'al C. F. Bandle. Michael Mahoney.
Corp'al Jas. Harris. Austin Winthrop.
Leroy Aommack. Jerry Taylor.
Peter Polder. Philip Shafner.
Jacob Trimmer. William Trepton.
William Clanson. Daniel E. McLean.
John Philly. Joseph Walsh.
Alvin Barrows. Thos. Devereaux.
Milton L Bacon. Harvey Sullivan.
Patrick Boyle.
Missing.
Serg't Adam Becker. William Echl.
Adam Remner. John Hartman.
Peter Jost.
FOURTH REGIMENT.
Killed.
Alfred Walvaren. Michael Gleason.
Wounded.
Lieut. John Phelan. Michael Cowley.
Serg't John Manning. Thomas Lace.
Sgt. Wm. Devereaux. Richard Crane.
Serg't Wm. Cummings. Dennis Hogan.
Serg't Thos. Madden. Michael McCarty.
Patrick Downey. James A. Kent.
Patrick McKenna. John Gill.
James Duffey. Thos. V. Grant.
James N. Crompton. George B. Stall.
James W. Nichols. Peter Hemmer.
John Murphy. Michael Spain.
Firman Moffatt. John McColgan.
John Smith.
Missing--David Mehan.
FIFTH REGIMENT.
Killed.
Corp'al Sam'l Watson. Thomas Burns.
Wounded.
Sgt. Michael McIntire. Patrick Small.
Serg't Samuel Taft. Henry Dykenhart.
Serg't John Palmer. Samuel Johnston.
Corp'l Gustave Depart. Charles Moulton.
Cor. Gustave H. Mann. Harlan P. Goddard.
Corp'l Francis Bradley. Charles Larhen.
John Cody. Alexander Margery.
Edward Gillier. John Buckingham.
Victor Civoux. George A. Cowan.
Adam Toll. William Henderson.
Eugene Heirreman. Henry Morton.
Louis Wolfski. Michael Ainsworth.
John Dameraux. Henry McDonald.
Martin Moore. Charles McDevitt.
JERSEY CITY.
SUDDEN DEATH OF A SOLDIER—SUPPOSED CASE OF DRUGGING.—A re-enlisted
soldier named Frank Carrigan, belonging to Co. I, 70th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers,
died suddenly yesterday afternoon
in the cells of the City Prison, in Jersey City, where he had been committed
one day for being drunk and disorderly. The deceased, who was an athletic man,
while in the Recorder's office in the morning, walking across the room fell
prostrate upon the floor. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon the jailor discovered
him lying upon the floor of the cell, apparently in a fit and immediately sent
for a physician, but he died a few minutes after. No money was found upon him,
and from his actions and appearance, it is believed that he had been drugged
and robbed, as many others have been recently in Jersey City. The body was
taken charge of by Coroner Farrel. From papers found on his person, it appears
that he was a native of Galway, Ireland, 37 years of age, and had re-enlisted
on the 31st of December last.
PORT JERVIS, March 9, 1864.
To the Editor of the Journal:
Fourteen members of Company F, First Excelsior Regiment, having re-enlisted,
on Friday last came home on thirty-five days' furlough, and the
citizens of Port Jervis gave the gallant heroes such a reception as their bravery
entitled them to. On their arrival, flags were displayed, the entire Fire Department
and a large number of citizens waited on them at the train, and after escorting
them through the principal streets they repaired to
Westbrook's Hall, where the veterans were received on the part of the citizens
in an able address from Rev. Mr. Walters, which was responded to for the company
by Dr. C. M. Lawrence. Mr. Jacob May favored them with a patriotic song. They
then proceeded to Lockwood's Hall, where an address of welcome was given by
Mrs. S. E. Cunningham for the Ladies' Aid Society, after which they were invited
to partake of a sumptuous dinner which had been prepared by the Society. Says
one of the soldiers, "I shall remember this day as long as I live." The
Society received over seventy-seven dollars as the net proceeds of the dinner.— Too
much credit cannot be bestowed on Mr. Jacob May and the ladies for their efforts
in giving the gallant heroes of many a battle such a fitting reception.
This was the first company which enlisted from this town, and nobly have they
sustained its reputation.
One of the members of Company F, First Excelsior Regiment related a little
incident which occurred at the battle of Chancellorsville, of which Joseph
Pray, who enlisted from Port Jervis in the same company, is the hero. While
the battle was raging fiercely, Joe was ordered by the Captain to take charge
of their knapsacks and cartridge boxes, which were piled up and formed a sort
of breastwork or redoubt. Joe is a matter of fact "boy," cannot take
a joke, and is alike quick in speech and temper. He had not been long in his
new position before the rebels discovered the redoubt and commenced shelling
it, but poor Joe sat there seemingly regardless of the storm of shells which
were flying all about him.
Soon the Rebels came down on him, and one of them discovering Joe, clapped
his hands on his shoulders and exclaimed, "You are my prisoner." "How
do you know I be?" was the surly answer. "Because you are, and I
want you to go right along with me." This aroused Joe's ire at the want
of respect shown to his worthy Captain's orders, and, looking indignantly on
his captor, he said: "I ain't agoin' to go with you—the Captain
set me here to watch these knapsacks, and I'm goin' to do it." Notwithstanding
his protestations against disobeying the Captain's orders, the Rebels took
him along, and in due time reached Richmond. He has since been exchanged, and
is again at his old post.
The following is the result of the election in the town of Deerpark, held yesterday,
in relation to allowing absent soldiers to vote: The whole number of votes
cast was 544, of which 456 were for and 88 against the proposed amendment—majority
for amendment, 368. There was a majority of nine against the amendment in one
district.
EXCELSIOR BATTLE-SONG.
Dedicated to the Founder of the brave Brigade.
(Suggested by events at the Battle of Williamsburg, the first battle of the
Army of the Potomac on its march from Yorktown to Richmond.)
The Provost-Marshal of Hooker's Division, Charles Young, who is also an officer
of the Excelsior Brigade, in announcing the fall of Captain Henry Brooks O'Rielly,
of the First Excelsior Regiment, at the Battle of Williamsburg (where Hooker's
Division, including Sickles' Excelsior Brigade, bore the brunt of the battle),
says
that, "Called into the field, as the First Excelsior was,
when the tide was fast setting against our troops—
contending with a rebel brigade on the left and an
unheard-of fire from as many more on the front—they
rushed boldly on—pushing the enemy as they went—
never leaving their post till long after their ammunition had given out, and
they had succeeded in breaking the Confederate lines three times at the point
of the bayonet, and the ground far in advance tilled
with their dead and wounded comrades—they won
the distinguished honor, as expressed to them by Gen.
Heintzelman, of ‘having decided the fate of the day'
—words substantially repeated to their wounded Colonel (Dwight) by McClellan
himself." * * "Captain
O'Rielly," adds the Provost-Marshal, "was a true type
of a generous-hearted man. His virtues and bravery
were akin—endearing him to all who knew him. Endowed with a mind highly
cultivated for one so young, he lent a charm to the circle in which he moved.
To
say that he inspired his men with enthusiasm on the
field, is but a slight tribute to his memory. He fell gallantly, saying, 'Boys,
follow me!—Forward !—words
which will follow his name while history continues to
record the daring and unflinching courage of the regiment to which he belonged."
Captain O'Rielly fell on the field of Williamsburg—not early
in the action," nor "as he was leading his company into battle"—as
erroneously stated in many of the public journals*—(* Although plundered
of his arms when the rebels had temporary possession of the ground, Capt. O'R.
was not "bayonetted," as stated by an army correspondent, whose error
resulted from a reported outrage on another officer, who fell in the same battle.
Nor was he "shot in the mouth," though the instant effusion of blood
from his mouth, after the Minie ball raked through his breast from side to
side, occasioned a supposition that he was wounded in the face.) but after
he had been for about two hours under the heaviest fire, where the battle raged
most fiercely,
and when the most desperate efforts were required to withstand the almost overwhelming
rebel force which was it the time directing its tremendous fire against that
regiment—the losses in which regiment being almost unparalleled in the
history of battles. His regiment having been so long and so warmly engaged,
that the "ammunition had actually to be taken from the cartridge-boxes
of the dead and wounded," the gallant Colonel Dwight resorted to all practicable
ways of sustaining the important position his troops occupied, till the long-expected
reinforcements should arrive—as the flinching of his regiment, in its
peculiar position at that critical period of the battle, would probably have
occasioned most serious detriment to the whole army. It was about half-past
two (2 1/2) o'clock, or two hours after his regiment had fought at its advanced
post, nearest the rebel lines, when the Colonel ordered that a "forward
movement should be made by detachments of twenty men from each company," or
two hundred in all —these detachments to rush forward, cheering loudly
and charging boldly on the rebels—to create an impression of strength
greater than he actually possessed, and to encourage the other men, in his
and other regiments, to continued effort in holding the important position
till reinforcements should arrive. It was at this critical juncture, and for
this desperate purpose, when the fate of the day apparently depended on the "unflinching
bravery of this heroic regiment"—the First Excelsior—that,
instead of sending a junior officer forward, Captain O'Rielly himself promptly
headed his own detachment on this "forlorn hope"—drew his revolver
for close quarters with the rebels—and was about springing across the
abatis against the foe, who were insolently shouting "Ball's Bluff" and "Bull
Run," in confident anticipation of another similar catastrophe, when he
was struck by a Minie ball, just as he had uttered the command, "Boys,
follow me!—Forward, march!"—and fell, to rise no more. This
was only a short time before Kearney's gallant Brigade came to the rescue,
and substantially decided the fate of the day, without reference to General
Hancock's operations, on the other wing of the army.
In the first expedition made by a portion of the Excelsior Brigade, from Lower
Maryland across the Potomac into Virginia, to free the country from the rebels,
who were ranging between Dumfries and Fredericksburg, the drafts made for filling
other companies took away most of Capt. O'Rielly's men, and he was thus temporarily
left without a command, being a junior Captain. But equipping himself as a
private soldier, with musket and
cartridge-box, he passed across the Potomac in the ranks of another company,
and continued with it till it returned from the hazardous service—being
resolved, as he said, that he would share every danger that, befell his men,
even though his commission should be forfeited by the informality of his course.
The manifestation of such spirit in the face of the enemy was properly appreciated
by his superior officers, as well as by the soldiers of his own and other companies.
During the last night but one before that of the evacuation of Yorktown, Captain
O'Rielly commanded the reserve (three companies) of the First Excelsior Regiment,
when on service in the trenches before Yorktown: and he was ordered by Lt.-Col.
Farnum to occupy with his own company, and "hold at all hazards," if
he was attacked, until reinforcements could reach him, the extreme "advanced
work of the whole position"—"a new redoubt, only partially
completed, and within three or four hundred yards of the rebel lines." The
rain of shot and shell which assailed him while on this hazardous service through
the night (the rebels having signalized their last nights at Yorktown by extraordinary
fires against our lines) is vividly described in the last letter ever written
by Capt. O'Rielly, the postscript to which was dated on the 4th May, just as
his brigade was starting from Yorktown in pursuit of the retreating rebels;
which postscript was in these words: "The enemy have evacuated Yorktown!
Our flag is now flying over their batteries! Our bands are playing for the
first time in three weeks. All around us there is great enthusiasm. I will
write again soon." But he never wrote more—falling, as he did, next
day, when leading his company in one of the onsets against the rebels during
the most desperate period of the Battle of Williamsburg. Captain O'Rielly "was
always the first to proffer his services, if danger was at hand— always
anxious to serve his country, at all hazards," says the brave Farnum,
Lt.-Col. of the First Excelsior. "He did his duty, every inch of it, as
none but a man like him could have done. * * * * He died nobly, like the brave,
gallant soldier we always knew him to be."
"
Of his conduct everywhere, nothing can be said but in praise;" says the
gallant Col. Dwight, commander of the First Excelsior: "And on that last
scene, most earnestly to be desired by the soldier, the field of battle —and
in that happiest of deaths, the death of duty on the battle-field—Captain
O'Rielly fulfilled all that I had hoped and confidently expected of him. His
name is without reproach."
"
'Forward!—forward!' said the Captain— and thus died a true and
noble patriot—one of God's noblemen," says Lieut. R. E. Brewster,
of the Fifth Regiment in the brave Brigade. "How much better to die thus—to
meet such a glorious death—than live to see a stain on our glorious flag!
'Excelsior' is on our banners, and the gallant, brave O'Reilly's dying words
are our watchwords— ‘FORWARD! —FORWARD!' "
I.
The warlike drum's wild battle-tones
Are rolling loud and far—
The bugles sound the bold "Advance!"
For Freedom and the War.
II.
"
Excelsior" bright is blazon'd
On our banners waving high,
And brave O'Rielly's dying words
Our glorious battle-cry:—
"
Forward!—forward!—forward!"
Press on against the foe!
"
Forward!—forward!—forward!"
To victory we go!
III.
" Follow me, brave Soldiers!"
Said the Captain brave and true—
"
Forward!—forward! now, Excelsiors!
And rout the rebel crew!"
IV.
The shot and shell rain'd thick and fast
Against our gallant lines;
And the rebel troops were yelling
From their forts and forest-pines:—
V.
Yelling were those rebel hordes—
Bitter were their taunting words—
Threat'ning further "Bull-Run shame!"—
But, with leaders shouting "forward,"
Our brave soldiers, pressing onward,
Won that bloody field of fame.
VI.
O'Rielly fell!—but his dying words
Will live in warlike story—
Nerving our arms for gallant deeds
On future fields of glory.
VII.
The Captain's thrilling dying words,
While his life-blood ebbed fast,
Were, "Forward !—forward!—forward!"—
Still warlike to the last!
VIII.
And "Forward !—forward!—forward!"
Our war-cry still shall be,
While Excelsior's on our banners
And we battle for the free.
IX.
Again the drum's wild battle-tones
Are rolling loud and far,
And bugles sound the bold "Advance!"
For Freedom and the war.
X.
"
Excelsior" bright is blazon'd
On our banners waving high,
And brave O'Rielly's dying words
Our glorious battle-cry:—
"
Forward !—forward!—forward!"
Press on against the foe!
"
Forward!—forward!—forward!"
To victory we go!
XI.
Then, with banner, ball and bayonet,
Charge boldly on the foe !
Let shot and shell rain iron hail—
For victory, hurrah!
Let shot and shell rain iron hail!—
For victory, hurrah!
Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah!
For victory, hurrah!
[From the Rochester Daily Union and Advertiser.]
DIRGE FOR THE BRAVE:
SUGGESTED BY THE FALL OF CAPTAIN HENRY BROOKS O'RIELLY, OF THE FIRST EXCELSIOR
REGIMENT.
BY WM. H. C. HOSMER.
(The Captain fell in rallying his soldiers for another onset against the rebels,
after having been for some hours in the thickest of the battle—the losses
in the Excelsior Brigade, especially in the First Excelsior Regiment, in which
he was a commander, being almost unequaled in the history of warfare. His remains,
disinterred from the battle-field, were re-interred with military honors, by
the Fifty-fourth Regiment and the Union Blues, at Mount Hope, Rochester, New
York— his native city.)
I.
Let the muffled drum be heard,
While we bear him on his bier:
Let our hearts be deeply, strongly stirred,
While the bell of death we hear.—
First and foremost in the strife,
He offered up his life.
II.
The precious blood he shed
Will nurture Freedom's tree.—
Think of the true and early dead,
Who died to make us free!—
Young, but evermore renowned,
His grave is hallowed ground.
III.
Blest is the holy earth
Where his remains repose!
While gallant sons like him have birth,
We fear not foreign foes.—
Shameless traitors have no den
To hide them from such men.
IV.
Then let the muffled drum
And wailing fife be heard!
His name, when eloquence is dumb,
Will be a rallying word.—
True and faithful to the last,
His spirit heavenward passed.
V.
Young hero, fare-thee-well!
Historic fame is thine!
I envy thee thy funeral knell—
A nameless fate is mine.—
Green be turf upon thy breast—
Rest, with Earth's noblest, rest!
VI.
Like Korner,* of the past,
Lord of the Lyre and Sword!
When loudest rang the bugle-blast,
Thy life-blood was outpoured.—
Earth, that freely drank thy gore,
Is holy evermore.
VII.
A storm of shot and shell
Rained on his little band;
But foremost of the first he fell—
His tried blade in his hand.—
"
Forward!—forward!" was his call,
When sped the fatal ball.
VIII.
Son of an honored sire!
Marked out for early doom!
How frail this offering of the lyre
On thy untimely tomb!—
Sadly rings the funeral knell—
Young martyr, fare-thee-well!
* Korner, the German poet, who was skilled in the use of the lyre and sword,
and who died nobly fighting for his Fatherland. His fall inspired one of the
finest lyrics of Mrs. Hemans. Avon, May 25.
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New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs: Military History
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