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23rd Regiment
New York Volunteer Infantry
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
RETURN OF THE 23D REGIMENT.
— RECEPTION OF CAPT. SCHLICK'S COMPANY.
The 23d Regiment—one of the first to respond to the first call for troops,
two years ago—reached Elmira on Wednesday last, having served the full
term of its enlistment. With a due appreciation of the services of this gallant
Regiment, the citizens of Elmira turned out en masse and gave the boys a rousing
reception. This Regiment has been peculiarly fortunate, and returned with more
able men, we believe, than any other from this section of the State, that volunteered
under the call for two year troops. But this arises from no lack of prompt
and efficient service, for the 23d has always sustained itself nobly, and did
its whole duty. The selection of prudent and thoroughly military officers went
far toward accomplishing so desirable a result, and we feel truly thankful
that so many brave boys are spared from the dangers and privations which they
so cheerfully encountered two years ago, when the first booming of rebel cannon
reached the ears of the freemen of the North.
At a late hour on Friday, our citizens were notified that Capt. Schlick’s
Company would arrive in Bath at 2 P. M. on Saturday, and up to that hour all
seemed either busy with preparation or impatient for the hour to arrive that
was to bring their friends.
At the appointed hour an immense crowd had assembled at the Depot, and as the
train drew up to the platform and the soldiers made their appearance, a genuine
old-fashioned hurrah rent the air—a welcome to the weather-beaten heroes—the
martial band struck up a lively tune, and the procession moved up the street,
headed by the band, followed next by the firemen, then by Capt. Schlick’s
Company, and a miscellaneous rear guard of citizens, sufficient in number for
a first class Army corps. The procession was under direction of Capt. Monroe
Brundage, assisted by Marshal Breck, and as it moved through the principal
streets of the village, a thousand handkerchiefs were waved by fair hands from
the windows and balconies of the houses, in token of their admiration of the
little band of patriots.
Arriving at the Court House, the soldiers were addressed by Rev. O. R. Howard,
in a few well selected and timely remarks, when they were ushered within, where
a most bountiful and capital dinner, prepared by the ladies, awaited them.
It was a novel spectacle—those sun-burnt veterans of the war
forced to an assault unlike anything laid down or provided for in Scott's,
or anybody else's, military tactics; completely flanked and surrounded by a
swarm of pretty girls and fair ladies, and compelled to ignore "hard tack" and
pork, while they feasted upon the abundance of good things spread for their
reception. Like true American soldiers, they played their part gallantly: but
like too many unfortunate "lords of creation," they were obliged
in due time to "beat a retreat," and leave the ladies masters of
the field.
The reception given to Capt. Schlick and his command was a most pleasant affair,
and was appreciated fully by the soldiers, who were frank to admit that it
exceeded their highest expectation.
Since the organization of the 23d, Capt. Schlick's Company roll cumbered 87
men.—He returns with 60, including officers. Two of his company who went
out in the ranks, B. Bennitt, Esq., of Hammondsport, and Geo. B. Staniford,
of this village, return as Lieutenants, and both have made capital of officers.
The company has participated in eight general engagements, among which were
the second battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and the first battle
of Fredericksburg, besides numerous skirmishes. Four men have been killed outright,
four have died, a few were detached for battery service, and quite a number
discharged on account of wounds and ill health.
Capt. Schlick has been with his company since its organization, and has never
missed a march or battle. He has proved himself an able, thorough and competent
commander, and should he again enter the service, we confidently expect him
to receive a higher position than the one he has so faithfully filled for the
past two years, and to which his experience and military ability so justly
entitles him.
The Company is to return to Elmira this afternoon, where they are to be formally
mustered out of service.
The citizens of Elmira are taking measures to give a grand reception to the
23d Regiment, which is expected home before the 16th inst. The President of
the village, T. S. Spalding, Esq., has written to Col. Hoffman to notify him
of the fact, and to learn when the Regiment will reach Elmira. This Regiment
has earned a glorious reputation during its two years of service. A majority
of those who so gaily went forth have been discharged from sickness, died of
disease, or been slain in battle, and this fact will be painfully apparent
and awaken emotions of anguish to many as they behold the thinned ranks of
the returning Regiment. While we mourn for those who come not back with them,
for those who sleep beneath the turf, victims to this Slaveholder's Rebellion,
let us rejoice at the opportunity to welcome with full hearts and open hands
the shattered remnant of the "Twenty-Third."
Capt. L. Todd, late of the 23d Regiment, is ...ing a company for the 15th N.
Y. Cavalry. This is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to get into
the Cavalry services. Captain Todd is an experienced officer, having served
two years with much credit, and those who wish to secure good pay, bounty and
an attractive service, will do well to sign his roll.
FROM THE 23d REGIMENT.
Belle Plain, Virginia,
January 23d, 1863.
FRIEND BARNES:
The Army of the Potomac have made a "forward and back again" movement,
this time, however, the hindrance emanating from a higher source, than the
Southern Confederacy. Some of the Artillery men inform us that on the second
day's advance they were only able to make two miles, and some of their guns
a mile apart, at that. We presume the next move well be "Halleck's grand
change." When the Army of the Potomac, will be one of the "has beens;" But, "go
on with the music." Unless inducements are held out, large enough to keep
us on the "floor" for another "sett," we expect to "seat
our partners" in about one hundred days.
As for this detachment of the 23d Reg't., we get along with our duties, as "Provost
Guard," very well, although the weather has been quite stormy, and "soft" underfoot,
for the last week. The men get wet one twenty-four hours, and then have forty-eight,
to dry themselves in. The most of the "forage" for the army is unloaded
at this landing. We guard the grain and hay from being wrongfully taken away;
prevent all "contraband goods," which generally means whiskey, being
brought on shore; arrest all dealers in the article; drive away all pedlers,
except authorized sutlers, and occasionally pick up a "three years, unless
sooner shot" soldier, who has got homesick and attempts to get there without
the "papers."
We have our quarters arranged, again, so as to be agreeable. Capt. Schlick
has a "Sibley tent" and stove, for his special use in which "Court
Martials" are held, being appointed "Acting Field Officer" of
the Regiment, for that purpose. All violators of military rules are brought
before him, to have their case investigated and be dealt with "according
to law."
The health of Co. A is quite good, with the exception of two or three slightly
ailing in camp, and Gil. H. May, who has been in Hospital some days, with "Typhoid
fever," but is getting better, so that he has been visiting the Co., to-day,
Yours. &c.
E. E. O.
The Twenty-third Regiment reached Elmira on Wednesday. Among those awaiting
it was a young lady from Cortland, who, on its arrival, was to marry one of
its officers, Capt. Clark, to whom she was engaged before the war. The train
came, but instead of bringing the young Captain full of life and with buoyant
hope, it bought his corpse. He had been killed but a few hours before near
Williamsport by coming in contact with a bridge. The bride was overwhelmed
with grief, and was borne away by sorrowing friends. The party returned to
Cortland, bearing the remains of Capt. Clark-a mourning troupe indeed.
Another good soldier from this town has fallen a victim to disease. Corporal
Timothy Gillins of East Painted Post, of Co. F, 23d Regiment, died at his fathers
residence on Friday. We regret that none of his friends have sent us the particulars
concerning his age and services. We learn that he was an intelligent, upright
and faithful soldier. He was wounded at the battle of Antietam, and rejoined
his company as soon as he recovered.
About the middle of March, we were about to step on the boat at Belle Plains,
Va., as he spoke to us and introduced himself. He was then on guard. He expressed
himself well pleased with the service notwithstanding its dangers and hardships,
and stated that he thought he should re-enlist. He spoke warmly of the anticipated
return home within two months. He was then in full health, but was soon after
taken with a fever and when the Regiment came home he was left at Washington.
He improved so that he was brought home a few days ago, only to die. He was
buried on Sunday. It was not generally known here or there would have doubtless
been many from this village present to pay the last tribute of respect to our
patriotic townsman.
WELCOME TO RETURNED SOLDIERS.
The Steuben Advocate of last week publishes full particulars of the return
home of the officer's and privates of Capt. Schlick's Company of the 23d
Regiment, to that village, on the Saturday previous, of the cordial welcome
tendered them, and of the sumptuous dinner provided for the occasion. Among
its allusions to some of the officers of that regiment, we notice the following
complimentary history of Capt. F. B. Doty, commanding Co. G of the 23d Regt.,
who was present and participated in the entertainment.
" Capt. Doty is a son of the old hotel keeper of that name, well-known to the
older citizens of Hornellsville and Steuben county. At the time of the breaking
out of the rebellion he was at Fort Pickens near Mobile. He hastened home and
joined the first Hornellsville company, then being organized by Lieut.-Col.
Crane, as a private. When Mr. Crane was made Lt.-
Col. at the organization of the 23d Regiment, Mr. Doty was selected as the
most suitable person to take command of the company; and he was promoted to
Captain. Without any ostentation or noise, he brought his company to a State
of discipline and perfection in drill, scarcely excelled by any in the Regiment.—His
quiet, unassuming disposition as a man, and his firmness as an officer, have
made him beloved by both officers and men. His company have made no march without
him at their head. He fought at their head at Rappahannock Crossing, Sulphur
Springs, Gainesville, Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredcricksburg.
At Bull Run he lost six of his company killed and wounded, and one taken prisoner.
At Antietam he lost eleven more, and others in different fights. His company
is sadly reduced from its original number. Lieut. Bennett informs us that at
Antietam he saw Capt. Doty take and disarm a secesh with his own hands.
Gen.Wadsworth and his Old Brigade.
The following extract from a letter, written by Major Wm. Gregg, of the 23d
Regiment New York, shows the estimation in which Gen Wadsworth is held by
the members of his old Brigade;—
We learn with pleasure that our old Brigadier General, James S. Wadsworth,
is the candidate of the Union party for Governor. It would be gratifying to
his old brigade to add their united vote to his majority in the State. If it
were possible for them to go to the polls, their vote would be given to him
without a dissenting voice, even Colonel Hoffman, Lieut. Hiram Smith, and Lieut.
Davoe—ultra Democrats as they always have been—have expressed a
wish to see him elected, and would gladly give him their votes if they had
the privilege.
I see that John Van Buren says he would willingly let the New York Volunteers
settle the question, but he is no more in earnest in that than he was when
in 1848, he assured the people that his father would be elected to the Presidency.
It was painful to me to read his last speech. I had hoped that a year's quiet
and retirement would have restored him to reason. It was no doubt painful to
you and all his old friends who are familiar with his political history. I
think if he would compare his last effort with the speech he made at Herkimer,
in 1847, at a convention got up by himself for the purpose of defeating the
Democratic ticket for the alleged reason that the
Syracuse Convention had refused to endorse the Wilmot proviso, he would probably
follow the advice he then tendered to Croswell, who had by a flourish, similar
to John's letter to Gov. Morgan, tendered his services to the Government then
at war with Mexico. The advice was that the crafty editor should tender his
services upon the side of the enemy, and then betray them as he had the Democracy.
Now, if Mr. Van Buren is in earnest, and wishes to get the country out of the
trouble he has contributed so largely to get us into, I would suggest that
a man of his experience in the kind of tactics he pointed out for Mr. Croswell,
would be of great benefit to it by enlisting under the Confederate banner,
and at a convenient time betray them, as he did his old political friends'
James S. Wadsworth, Robert Campbell, Jr., L. Robinson, and thousands of others
in our State, and then coolly asks Jeff. Davis after all was over if he was
really in earnest in the rebellion.
Yours, &c.,
WM. GREGG.
To The Front.— We learn from private sources that Capt. Dan. Blatchford
left Elmira on the 18th inst., for the seat of war, with a fine company of
men recruited in this city for the 179th Regiment N. Y. Vols., to be commanded
by Col. Wm. F. Gregg, late Major of the 23d N. Y. Vols.
Capt. Blatchford has associated with him as officers, 1st Lieut. John Hoy and
2nd Lieut., John Ottenot, late of the 21st N. Y. Vols. The Captain has been
an energetic servant for the Government, having recruited upwards of 140 men
for the service. Capt. Blatchford and his Lieutenants are self-made men, and
we have no doubt they will prove efficient officers to the service.
We wish them further success.
We understand that a work is about to be issued by some one in the 23d
Regiment entitled: "Camp Fires of the Twenty-Third." It will contain
a spicy recital of the doings of the 23d, and will be eagerly sought and read.
The Remarks of Lieut. Felton.--The remains of Lieut. Charles G. Felton of the
22d N. Y. V., arrived this morning, and were taken in charge by undertaker
Ryan. One notice of the funeral will be given hereafter.
Promoted.—Capt. Schlick, late of the 23d Regt., and who raised the first
Company organized in our village, has been commissioned Major in the 22d N.
Y. Cavalry. Lieut. Bennitt, also of the old 23d. has been commissioned Captain
in the 22d N. Y. Cavalry.--Bath Advocate.
UNION MEETINGS.
Rev. J. De Bois, late Chaplain 23d New York State Volunteers, will speak in
behalf of Union principles and candidates, at
Mayville, Sept. 29 Delanti, ..................Oct. 15
Rusti, " 30 Sinclearville, ..........................." 16
Kiantone, Oct. 1 Bucklin's Corners .........." 17
Frewsburg, " 2 Ellery Center, ..................." 19
Kennedy, " 3 Jamestown, ........................." 20
Ellington, " 5 Ashville, ................................" 21
Cherry Creek," 6 Panama, ........................." 22
Omar, " 7 Clymer, ....................................." 23
Arkwright, " 8 Sherman, ............................" 24
Forestville, " 9 Mina, ................................." 26
Silver Creek, " 10 Quincy, ........................." 27
Sherman Center, 12 Westfield, .................." 28
Dunkirk, " 13 Centerville, .........................." 29
Fredonia, " 14 Salem, ................................" 30
Speaking will commence at 7 o'clock, P. M.
By Order Co. Com.
UNION MEETINGS.—Rev. J. DeBois, late Chaplain 23d N. Y. S. Vols. will
speak in behalf of Union principles and candidates, at
Forestville, Oct.................. 9.
Silver Creek,.................... " 10.
Sheridan Center,.............. " 12.
Dunkirk,........................... " 13.
Fredonia,.......................... " 14.
Delanti, ............................." 15.
Sinclerville,........................ " 16.
Bucklins Corner, ................" 17.
Ellery Center,..................... " 19.
Jamestown,........................ " 20.
Ashville,............................ " 21.
Panama,............................. " 22.
Clymer,.............................. " 23.
Sherman,.............................. 24.
Mina,.................................... 26.
Quincy,................................. 27.
Westfield,........................... " 28.
Centerville,......................... " 29.
Salem,................................. " 30.
Meetings at 7 o'clock in the Evening.
By order of the Co. Union Com.
Union Meetings.--Rev. J. DeBois, late Chaplain 23d N. Y. S. Vols. will speak
in behalf of Union principles and candidates, at
Sinclerville,................................Oct. 16.
Bucklins Corner,.......................... " 17.
Ellery Center,.............................. " 19.
Jamestown,.................................. " 20.
Ashville,...................................... " 21.
Panama,....................................... " 22.
Clymer,....................................... " 23.
Sherman, ………………............ " 24.
Mina, ……………………………" 26.
Quincy,........................................ " 27.
Westfield,………….................... " 28.
Centerville,................................. " 29.
Salem,......................................... " 30.
Meetings at 7 o'clock in the Evening.
By order of the Co. Union Com.
UNION MEETINGS.--Rev. J. DeBois, late Chaplain 23d N. Y. S. Vols. will speak
in behalf of Union principles and candidates, at
Frewsburg,............... October 2.
Kennedy ………………….." 3.
Ellington,………………… " 5.
Cherry Creek, .................... " 6.
Omar, …………………….." 7.
Arkwright ………………...” 8.
Forestville ……………......." 9.
Silver Creek, …………....." 10.
Sheridan Center,............... " 12.
Dunkirk, …………………" 13.
Fredonia, ………………..." 14.
Delanti, …………………." 15.
Sinclerville,....................... " 16.
Bucklins Corner ………...." 17.
Ellery Center, ……………" 19.
Jamestown, ………………" 20.
Ashville, ........................... " 21.
Panama,............................. " 22.
Clymer,............................. " 23.
Sherman, ……………….." 24.
Mina ……………………." 26.
Quincy,…………………. " 27.
Westfield ,........................ " 28.
Centerville,...................... " 29.
Salem,............................. " 30.
Meetings at 7 o'clock in the Evening.
By order of the Co. Union Com.
Interesting from Our Regular Army Correspondent.
Letter from Fred. Burritt.
CAMP 23D, UPTON'S HILL. VA.,
October 23, 1861.
Editors Advertiser:—
I had promised myself to not write another letter until some brilliant achievement
of this battalion should furnish the occasion for a little exultant
jollification over a successful battle, but conclude to profit by the illustrious
example of the prudent Gen. Patterson in July last, and have the glorification
in advance,—the minutiae and details of valorous deeds in expectancy.
The order was to cook three days' rations immediately at ten o'clock Monday
night and the same allowance of pork and pilot bread is required to be kept
ready for the haversack, but the peremptory command to harness and fall in,
though momentarily due may not be given in a week.
Conjecture was busy yesterday morning between the probabilities of a diverting
attack toward Manasses and an expedition to remove the piratical blockade of
the river below, and in the midst of a cold autumnal rain with the Virginia
mud as treacherous to the sole as the skin of a live eel to the grasp of a
fisherman, a long pedestrian excursion promised no delights. A load of telegraphic
wire was brought up here some days since, to be used somewhere in the wake
of an advancing column. The hospitals across the Potomac are prepared for the
reception of an increased number of inmates, and those who are so diseased
or disabled as to be of no service in the ranks for months to come, will be
sent home if possible. Among this class are a few who have persisted in becoming
and remaining sick and disabled in the hope of discharge. Shirking their share
of the labor of soldiering, a drag to the army, a bore to the Surgeons and
a damage to the service,--for if they acquire any knowledge of tactics, their
attainments are of as much value to Beauregard as to us, without the expense
of their maintenance. To the few who have so mistaken their calling and honorable
obligations, we all say—God speed homeward.
This and the Twenty-First regiment have finished their labors on two small
pentagonal earth works a short distance in front, which will mount seven guns
each, and the cannon are also mounted in the fort at Upton's House, so we consider
our digging duties finished in this immediate neighborhood.
We have also erected two field breastworks here for the use of the light battery
at our left elbow in case they might be needed for the protection of the cannoniers.
The Massachusetts 18th, 22d and 9th, with several batteries are still tented
on the hills to the right and nearly a mile distant from our "right bower" the
Twenty-First. All of these troops are in hourly readiness to pull up stakes.
Behind them and in the neighborhood of where Hall's house was burned are a
number of Pennsylvania regiments and Stuart's regiment among them. I paid them
a visit on Monday, and found all well and in good spirits and improving their
time much in drilling.
The Twenty-Fifth New York, are also in their vicinity having left our brigade
last week. Colonel Kerrigan, ex-Councilman of N. Y., Congressman & c., lately in command of that regiment is now under arrest charged with attempt
to encourage insubordination and mutiny.
We all have the utmost confidence in Gen. Wadsworth and respect for his bravery—though
he seems utterly regardless of personal safety and never sends a man, even
when scouting, where he would not go himself. The N. Y. 14th Militia, of Key's
brigade say that he was the only General they could see, on the battle field
at Bull Run.
He made a reconnoisance last week, with a small squad of Cavalry and four Companies
of the 35th, in all one hundred and seventy men, to a point within a mile of
Fairfax, C. H., the rebel pickets firing and falling bock at his approach.
He stationed his men and went alone to inspect the enemy, and found a brigade
of infantry with cavalry and cannon in line of battle, expecting an attack.
He remained with his handful of men in that neighborhood till he was ordered
back.
Gratifying order just come to pack, hitch up and leave at three P. M. Air cool
and bracing, and we are much rejoiced—but wish the General would tell
us all who can keep a secret where we are going. You at home will know before
this reaches you.—
Yours, &c.,
FRED BURRITT.
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New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs: Military History
Last modified:
November 3, 2006
URL: http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/23rdInf/23rdInfCWN.htm
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