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THE FOURTH ONONDAGA
REGIMENT. - This regiment will not
be ready to leave for the seat of war, nor will probably receive marching
orders before the latter part of the present week, or the first of the next.
Sword presentations seem to be the order of the day, and among those
that have already come off, as reported, we have yet to mention the
following. Capt. J. Forman
Wilkinson has been presented with an elegant sash, belt, haversack,
shoulder-straps and Sharp’s revolver, by the employees of the Central
Railroad. The occasion was made
a pleasant one by all who participated in it, and it was a most deserved
complement to a very worthy officer, who has made large sacrifices and left
an honorable and lucrative situation in order to serve his country.
The Quarter-Master Sergeant of the 149th, Joseph A. Davis,
also came in for a very pleasant surprise from Canal Collector E. A.
Williams and his former associates in that office, where he held the
position of clerk before entering the ranks of the Fourth Onondaga Regiment.
The gifts of his friends and former co-laborers consisted of a
handsome and serviceable sword, sash, belt and Colt’s revolver, ivory
mounted and appropriately engraved. Pungent
speeches were exchanged on both sides, and the recipient of the
complimentary presentation left the presence of his friends with renewed
courage and fresh determination to do his whole duty in such a manner as
would challenge the admiration of those whom he left behind him in the more
peaceful and quiet pursuits of city life.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/18/62)
FOURTH ONONDAGA
REGIMENT. - All persons having
claims for services or materials furnished for the use of the Fourth
Onondaga regiment, are requested to present their bills immediately to the
Quartermaster or the Quartermaster-Sergeant.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/18/62)
UNITED STATES MUSTER.
- The following notice has been
issued by Major Cook, commanding at Camp White : HEADQUARTERS CAMP WHITE,
September 17, 1862. Members of
the 149th regiment on pass or furlough this date are hereby
notified to report themselves at camp immediately for muster into the United
States service. A. J. Cook,
Major.
DESERTERS ARRESTED. - Three deserters from the 122d regiment, named Chas. Henry, Schuyler Segar and James Gallagher, were arrested here on Wednesday evening, and locked up in the station-house. It is charged that they deserted their post while on picket duty in Maryland, which is the highest crime a soldier can be guilty of. They will be sent back to the regiment for trial and such punishment as their crime merits.
CRINOLINE COVERING A DESERTER. - In Rochester, the other day, a volunteer deserted and was tracked to a saloon where he had formerly been employed, but the search there for him proved fruitless, and he is still at large. A day or two after, the cook, who professes a fondness for the fellow, acknowledged that when his pursuers were searching for him he was concealed under her crinoline. (SYRACUSE DAILY JOURNAL 9/19/62)
PRESENTATION TO CAPT.
GRUMBACH. - On Saturday evening
Capt. Nicholas Grumbach was made the recipient of a sword, sash and belt, a
present from his fellow members of the Board of Supervisors.
The presentation took place at the Mayor’s room in the City Hall,
and was attended by the members of the Board residing in the city, a number
of Capt. Grumbach’s company and several citizens.
Jason S. Hoyt, Esq. was called to preside, and after a few remarks
introduced Peter Burns, Esq. who in behalf of the Supervisors presented
Capt. Grumbach with the above named articles, in a neat and appropriate
speech. He regretted the
necessity which called for such an occasion, and thought the conduct of
Capt. Grumbach, who at no inconsiderable sacrifice had enlisted in the
service of his country, was worthy of all praise.
He referred to the high esteem in which the Captain was held by his
associates in the Board, and expressed a wish that he might return from the
war in safety and with honor. Capt.
Grumbach replied feelingly, and thanked the Supervisors for the testimonial
they had conferred upon him. His
associations with the members of the Board of Supervisors were of the most
friendly character, but he had had no expectation of being so kindly
remembered. He would look back
on this occasion as one of the proudest in his life, and should ever cherish
as sacred the gifts with which he was presented.
Short addresses were made by P. Corbett, Wm. Baumgras and James
Bonner, Esqs.- The party then adjourned to the Plymouth Rock, where the very
pleasant meeting was concluded with refreshments.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/22/62)
PRESENTS TO OFFICERS -
The
officers of no regiment were ever better provided with serviceable
testimonials of the esteem and regard of their friends, than are those of
the 149th . Nearly
all the field, staff and line officers, and many of the non-commissioned
officers, have been the recipients of presents of weapons or other useful
gifts. On Saturday evening, Lieutenant-Colonel Strong was presented with a
fine horse, valued at $200, by his friends in Onondaga,- the ceremony taking
place at Col. Eaton’s hotel at Onondaga Hill; P.H. Gardner, Esq., making
the address in behalf of the donors, and the Lieutenant Colonel responding.-
These addresses were both good, and several other gentlemen also made
pertinent remarks. Quartermaster Summers was this forenoon presented with a
fine horse, valued at $170, by some of his personal friends.
The ceremony was brief and interesting.
Mr. Samuel Rooney made the presentation, and Lieut. Summers
responded. Capt. James Lynch
has been presented with a sword by Mr. M.E. Lynch, and Lieut. E.D. Murray
with a sword by Judge Pratt. Capt.
Grumbach has received a sword from members of the Board of Supervisors.
A splendid sword is to be given to Col. Barnum, and Major Cook has
already received one. The late employees of Capt. Wilkinson, on the Syracuse and
Utica section of the Central road, have had prepared an elaborately finished
sword, which will be formally presented to him before he joins the regiment.
(SYRACUSE DAILY JOURNAL 9/22/62)
CAMP WHITE ON SUNDAY.
- Yesterday, - which was understood
to be the last day of the 149th regiment here, - thousands of
persons and hundreds of teams visited Camp White.
A large part of the regiment was there, and the occasion was improved
in last interviews and leave-takings between the men and their friends. It was also availed for the presentation of many articles
that the friends at home think may be useful to the soldiers in the field.
In the afternoon , a discourse was preached by Chaplain Bowditch to a
large audience. The County
Bible Society, by means of voluntary contributions, was enabled to present
the members of the regiment with Testaments.
This was done yesterday. The
supply of knapsacks, haversacks and canteens for the regiment was received
yesterday morning, and the officers of the Quartermaster’s department were
busily employed in their distribution.
These articles are, like the uniforms and blankets, of the best and
most serviceable kind. The knapsacks are specially commended, being of India-rubber
cloth, impervious to rain, and very light.
The equipments of the regiment are excellent. (SYRACUSE DAILY JOURNAL 9/22/62)
DEPARTURE OF THE
REGIMENT. - The 149th
regiment has received marching orders, which direct the departure of the
regiment at six o’clock this evening. It
is probable, however, that the regiment will not leave until tomorrow morning.
Col. Barnum reached here at half-past one this afternoon, and has taken
the direction of the preparations for departure.
Many of the men are still absent from the camp, and their officers are
actively employed in getting them back. The
regiment will proceed to Washington by way of the Central road to Geneva,
thence to Elmira by Seneca Lake, and thence to Washington by way of Harrisburg
and Baltimore. They will receive
their arms, Enfield rifles, at Elmira.
(SYRACUSE DAILY JOURNAL 9/22/62)
FLAG PRESENTATION TO THE
149TH. - The presentation
of the National flag to the 149th regiment by the officers of the
Salt Springs, will take place at the camps at about half past four o’clock
this afternoon. The flag will be
presented by the Superintendent of the Salt Springs, V.W. Smith, Esq., and
will be received for the regiment by Col. Barnum.
The Citizen’s Corps will escort the Military Committee and Salt
officers to the camp ground. The
Military Committee will take leave of the regiment, and several members of
that body are expected to make addresses.
(SYRACUSE DAILY JOURNAL 9/22/62)
LAST
CALL.- All
persons having claims against the 149th Regiment must
present their bills this forenoon to the Quartermaster or his Sergeant.
The regiment will march immediately, and the bills require the approval
of the Colonel and Quartermaster to make them valid.
MOSES SUMMERS, QUARTERMASTER.
DEPARTURE
OF THE FOURTH ONONDAGA REGIMENT.- The 149th regiment has received positive orders to leave Camp
White today for the seat of war. The
exact time for its departure has not come to our knowledge, but preparations
were being made yesterday for the breaking up of camp at an early hour this
morning. Nearly all the men were
out on furlough yesterday, making a last visit to their friends, and enjoying
themselves as they pleased. The
regiment will go to Washington via Elmira, by the New York and Erie road.
Noncommissioned officers were detailed to gather in the stragglers
yesterday, and a large number were picked up in various parts of the city.
The livery stables reaped a rich harvest, as everything in the shape of
horse flesh was engaged by the soldiers at high prices.
The soldiers having received their bounty monies were quite flush, and
it changed hands rapidly. The
Daguerrean artists got their share of it, while the boys exchanged
daguerreotypes with their lady-loves. Groups
of soldiers could be seen upon the corners of the streets, exhibiting to each
other the likenesses of dear friends, wives, sweethearts, sisters and
brothers. We have not seen the
streets so crowded in a long while as they were on Saturday, caused by an
influx to the city of the friends and relatives of the soldiers, whom they
were anxious to spend a few more hours with before their departure, many of
them, perhaps, never to return. Trying
scenes will be enacted today when the regiment takes its departure, of such a
mournful character that we should prefer not to witness. P.S. Since the above was put in type, we have later
intelligence in regard to the movement of the regiment.
Quarter-Master Summers returned from New York at 4 A.M. yesterday,
bringing with him a full supply of haversacks, canteens, and every other
needful article, which were distributed to the men at Camp White yesterday.
He has been quite active and untiring in his exertions to provide the
men of his regiment with a complete outfit, and this he has finally
accomplished at the expense of much hard labor and considerable outlay upon
his part, to the entire satisfaction of the members of the regiment.
“Moses” looks “ripe peaches” in his uniform, and will make a
“bully” officer. Col. Barnum
is expected home early this morning, to direct the movements of his regiment.
LAST
DAY OF THE 149TH REGIMENT.- The
announcement made in the daily papers that the regiment would leave for
Washington yesterday, drew a large concourse of the friends and relatives to
the city, who loitered about the depot for many hours, expecting to see the
regiment off and bid the boys “God speed.”- They were much disappointed at
the delay, particularly upon learning that the regiment would not leave until
7 o’clock this morning. They
expected to see them off at 6 o’clock last evening, but their departure was
postponed until 7 A.M., today. The
route is by Geneva and Seneca Lake to Elmira, and thence via Harrisburg and
Baltimore to Washington. The
National Colors ordered by the Salt Company, was presented to the regiment at
4 o’clock yesterday afternoon at the camp grounds.
The Citizens Corps acted as an escort, and Col. Barnum received the
flag in behalf of his regiment, which was drawn up in line.
The stand of regimental colors being prepared by the Israelite ladies
of the Seventh Ward, are not yet ready, and will be formally presented the
regiment through the Mayor, who will follow them on Friday next.
Lieut. Savage, of Capt. Lynch’s company, was presented with a sword
and pistol on the camp ground Sunday afternoon, by a party of his friends.
The presentation address was made by John Molloy, Esq., in his usual
felicitous style, and responded to by Robt. F. Trowbridge, Esq., on the part
of Lieut. Savage. Matthew J.
Dolphin was called upon, and in response made a very effective speech.
Capt. Lynch, himself, was the recipient of an elegant and costly sword,
a tribute of respect from Lieut. F. D. Murray, and M. E. Lynch, Esq.
This was an informal presentation and done so quietly that we had no
opportunity to notice it heretofore. A
handsome sword, sash and belt were presented to Capt. Grumbach by the Board of
Supervisors on Saturday. Col.
Barnum is to receive a valuable sword before the regiment leaves, and we
understand it was to be presented yesterday afternoon, at the same time with
the flag presentation. A number
of the friends of Quartermaster Summers presented him with a horse and
equipments at the camp ground yesterday morning, at nine o’clock.
The presentation was made by Mr. Samuel Rooney, to which “Moses”
responded in his usual “gilt edged” style.
Alexander McKinstry, ex-Inspector, now orderly Sergeant of Co. E, 149th,
was on Saturday evening made the recipient of an ivory-handled, silver-mounted
Colt’s Revolver and a sash, by his recent co-laborers in the Canal office.
Lieut. Col. John M. Strong received the gift of a valuable war charger,
on Saturday last, from his friends in Onondaga.
The horse was purchased by Sanford D. Evans and Earl B. Alvord, who
were appointed a committee for that purpose by a meeting of citizens, at a
cost of $200. The ceremony took
place at Col. Eaton’s new hotel at Onondaga Hill, when R. H. Gardner, Esq.,
of this city, made a neat presentation speech in behalf of the donors, to
which the Lieut. Col. responded in an able and patriotic manner.
Speeches were also made by Jas. Johnson and H. Case, Esq., and the
occasion passed off with great eclat. Capt.
J. Forman Wilkinson is to be complimented with a splendid sword, elaborately
finished and appropriately engraved, before he takes his departure with the
regiment. It will be the gift of
his former railroad employees, which is sufficient to guarantee that it will
be a costly and elegant affair. A
number of the friends of Lieut. Ahio. L. Palmer, Co. H, 149th
regiment, presented him with a splendid sword and sash, on Saturday evening
last. The affair came off in the parlor of the Sherman House, and
everything connected with it passed off in the most happy manner.
Lieut. Palmer leaves with the regiment this morning, and carries with
him the best wishes of all our citizens.
BOUNTIES.- It is estimated that all the bounties paid and to be paid to the soldiers, will make an aggregate of $70,000,000. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/23/62)
From the Standard of last evening.- DEPARTURE OF THE 149TH REGIMENT. Onondaga’s Fourth Regiment in the Field! The 149th Regiment N.Y.V., the Fourth from Onondaga county, broke camp at the Fair Grounds this morning, and started at half past eight for the seat of war, via Geneva, Seneca Lake, Elmira, Harrisburg and Baltimore. The companies were formed at 6 o’clock, and shortly after seven the regiment started from camp under command of Lieut. Col. Strong, and marched down Salina street to the cars. Most of the baggage &c., was loaded the night before, so that no difficulty or delay was experienced in starting. The men were quickly stowed in their quarters, and in less than an hour the train started. About 60 men are left behind, most of them being deserters. Col. Barnum being somewhat exhausted by his labors of the past week, and wishing to avoid as much as possible the care and fatigue of a journey with the regiment, started at about the same hour for Elmira, via the Binghamton Road. The Skaneateles Cornet Band accompanied the regiment to Washington. It is also accompanied by a superior drum and fife corps. Capt. S. E. Thompson accompanies the regiment as drill master. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/24/62)
FLAG
PRESENTATION TO THE 149TH.- ADDRESS OF SUPT. SMITH - COL.
BARNUM’S RESPONSE.- A
very large assemblage of citizens and residents of the county gathered at Camp
White, yesterday afternoon, to witness the presentation of a stand of national
colors to the 149th regiment by the officers of the Onondaga Salt
Springs. At three o’clock the
officers of the company and the military committee, escorted by the citizens
corps and a band of music, (a member of the company bearing the flag,) started
from the Salt Springs office, and proceeded to the camp ground, where the
regiment was found drawn up to receive them.
At four o’clock, Supt. Smith, in behalf of the officers, addressed
Col. Barnum and the regiment as follows: Col.
Barnum: The gentlemen who are associated with me in the supervision of the
manufacture of salt, by which our city and county are distinguished, have
solicited the favor of being allowed to procure an ensign of the national
power and independence, and of presenting the same to the 149th
Regiment of New York State Volunteers, now about to enter the service of their
country under your command. They
have requested me to assume the office of making such presentation in their
behalf, and to express to you the sentiments which have animated their hearts
in the performance of an act at once agreeable to themselves, and not without
significant and solemn bearings to you and the brave men who are to attend
their gift to the field. Upon
you, Sir, and the gallant officers and soldiers of the 149th, to
whose custody and protection these colors are committed, is devolved the
arduous and hallowed duty of seeing that they shall be borne aloft in every
trial through which you may be called to pass, without suffering any taint of
dishonor. They are delivered into
your hands in the full confidence that they will be followed with pride and
constancy in every emergy; defended, if fate so orders, with unfaltering
fidelity and courage; and surrendered only with the lives of those to whom
their starry and azure folds shall appear as the beacon light of their
country’s hope and safety. Permit
me to remind you and your brave companions in arms, that you and they are
acting under circumstances never before occuring in the tide of time to an
enlightened nation. Ours is a
government of the people - not the rule of a dynasty administered for the
benefit of a favored few at the expense of the neglected and oppressed many.
Those who have conspired together for its overthrow are aiming to
overthrow the people’s supremacy. Their
treason is an hundred-fold more black and atrocious than any which darkens the
page of history. Heretofore
revolutions have been inaugurated to depose kings and tyrants to make place
for the elevation of better rulers and magistrates.
This, at least, is the theory of all justifiable revolution.
That which now shocks the common sense of mankind, and shames the
spirit of the age, is designed by factious and wicked men to overthrow the
people’s supreme authority, and to build up a despotism upon its ruins.
It
is destined, if successful, to do more. It
is to blast the hopes and desires of the wise and good men of every era, for
the establishment, universally, of systems of government founded upon the
capacity and virtue of the governed. It
is to defeat these nefarious and guilty purposes, and to defend the honor and
even existence of the Republic, one and indivisible, that you have dedicated
your lives to its service, turned your backs upon the domestic fireside, and
severed the cords that bound you to the arms and hearts of loving friends and
dependent kindred. Inspired with
a fervor that banishes thoughts of selfish ease or inglorious enjoyment from
your minds, you rush to the post of danger to confront the enemies of our
glorious Union and Constitution, and to beat down the incendiary hands raised
to fire the Temple of Liberty, and to destroy the heritage received from the
heroes and sages of Seventy-six. You
go hence to sustain and vindicate the great example of free government, so
precious in the eyes of multitudes in this and other lands, not only to
preserve and transmit it unimpaired to our own posterity, but to hold it up
for the encouragement, imitation and regeneration of the whole world.
In accepting this flag, and revealing its beautiful devices to the
breeze, in the presence of these brave men, you accept responsibilities of
uncommon magnitude; you pledge yourself and them to a cause sacred in the
sight of Heaven and the whole human race.
This flag is the symbol of civil and religious freedom.
Beneath its shadow you are to engage in moral strife, where blood may
flow like water; but you will be cheered by the remembrance that the prayers
of devout men and lovely women will ascend amidst the smoke and dust of the
battle ground for your safety and success.
If faint and weary, or hard pressed, you will bestow one glance upon
this banner, and renew the conflict with giant strokes.
It will always be to you the dearest object of your contemplation and
homage. You will rally around it
for mutual succor and support in the thickest of the fight, will bear its
streaming folds in the hot pursuit, and greet it with cheers in the moment of
triumph. Even if temporary defeat
and disaster should dim its lustre, and the missiles of the enemy should
convert it into shreds and tatters, it will all the more entwine itself around
your affections, will still be like a pillar of clouds by day and of fire by
night to inspire your hearts with fresh resolution and lead you to renewed
encounters. The foemen you go to
meet have abjured this, the noblest emblem of liberty; it will be your mission
to teach them again how to respect it. Pardon
me, for an allusion to a soldiers obligation.
The contemplation of this banner - with its display of Stripes and
Stars emblematic of the origin and growth of the federal Union will kindle in
your breast the fires of unquenchable love for, and devotion to your whole
country, respect for and attachment to the constituted authorities of the
nation, should be ever present in your thoughts,- prompt, cheerful and
unquestioning obedience to your superiors is the indispensable rule of the
camp, and should be the primary article in a soldier’s creed.
The practice of sobriety, abstinence from rapine and acts of violence
in the enemy’s country, offices of humanity and kindness towards fallen foes
or captives, will ever mark the bearing of a true soldier, and are none the
less to be observed because our enemies have trampled upon all the restraints
of civilized warfare. Neither
will you forget that a humble dependence upon.
Almighty power can never cease to become those who offer their lives
upon the altars of justice and right. A
reverential trust in the God of battles will prove a buckler to a soldiers
breast, and a solace in the hour of distress and dissolution.
These, to quote the expressive language of another, on a similar
occasion, “are the lessons of your civilization and the illustrations of
your chivalry. They are the
soldierly qualities that will shame the slanders of your enemies, and win, for
you the applauses of an enlightened world.” I have only to remark in addition, the donors of this
“standard sheet” will mentally follow the 149th to the
battle-field with emotions of interest and sympathy second only to such as may
be experienced by those who share in the affections and relations of its
individual members. Their prayers
and fondest expectations attend you. They
almost realize that they are associates and partners in the service you may
render, or the renown that you may win. They
will rejoice to meet you on your return when this unhappy conflict shall be
over, and the good old government! shall
be reinstated in all its attributes as the shield and safety of our common
liberties, rights and institutions forever.
The honor of this flag will be as sacred to them as to you, and they
charge you to bring it back untarnished, that it may be preserved hereafter as
a grand memorial of gallant combat, securing to those who fight under it, and
for it, and the country they represent, an honorable mention in the history of
these eventful times. Receive
this precious gift-guard it as the apple of your eye-and may God have you and
all who are with you in His gracious keeping!
After the flag had been received and saluted by the regiment, Col.
Barnum replied as follows: Mr.
Superintendent of the New York Salt Springs: You will hardly expect, in
view of the feeble state of my health, any extended remarks from me, on the
present occasion-and yet, it is a matter of special gratulation with me, that I
am able to accept personally in behalf of my Regiment this beautiful gift
which the munificence and protection of you, gentlemen, has bestowed upon us;
And what is this which you have placed in my hand? The material of which it is composed you see in the streets
day by day-it scarcely attracts your notice-yet when thrown into the form
which this proud banner with its harmony of coloring and blazoning of Stars
bears, it becomes something more than mere material substance. It is instinct with vitality.
It dignifies itself as the standard of the people.
It represents in epitome the history of a great nation.
All nations, Sir, from the earliest dawn of civilization have adopted a
distinctive standard, and that standard has been so marked and distinguished
by the peculiar characteristics of the people whom it represents, that the
mere sight of it suggests at once the power or weakness, the noble or
groveling aims, the proud heraldy or the abject servility, the deeds of glory
or shame which dignify with grandeur or sully with disgrace the entire history
of that race. And such is the power of a mere flag over the sensibilities
of men that every true lover of his country in all ages of the world has
regarded it with a peculiar veneration and has prized it above all the
treasures which he possessed, prized it even to the pouring forth of his
heart’s best blood in the surging tide of battle for its defense.
And this flag within my grasp contains the epitomized record of the
American republic. How the
thought fires our blood with patriotic ardor!
It suggests the birth of our nation; the bitter trials of those whose
valor created this banner, and whose blood, so freely shed in its behalf, won
for it its majestic place among the standards of the earth.
It represents liberty and national unity, and as such it is endeared to
the heart of every loyal American citizen.
This proud emblem has always hitherto been honored and respected
throughout the civilized world, floating in beauty to the breezes of every
zone, and issuing in triumph from the red waves of battle.
No foreign people have been so rash as to presume to attack it, without
fore-reading the dire retribution which awaited their temerity.
I therefore, frankly confess that it is with some satisfaction that I
reflect, that the honor, if honor it be, of insulting that flag, was reserved
for American citizens. It has
been driven back in disgrace by the bayonets of Americans, and made to trail
in the dust before their arms and march, and God smiling upon the enthusiasm
of the North, it shall be the American people, such as you see in line before
you, who shall yet re-vindicate its honor.
And may we not hope in view of the recent triumphs of the gallant
McClellan that the day which shall witness such blest consummation is not far
distant ? I know not, sir, what
to pledge you in regard to our cause in upholding this graceful ensign.
No man knows of what stuff he is made-what he will do and dare in the
midst of scenes of carnage,-until he has fairly tried it.
Experience is the only sure teacher: but still, in the name of the
officers and men of the 149th Regiment, I pledge you that no
efforts on our part shall be wanting to uphold with honor this your gift.
It shall be our earnest endeavor, with this flag as an excitement, to
maintain the honor of Onondaga County. And
when peace shall finally fold her white wings over this now distracted
country, we shall strive to restore it to you; and though torn through with
the scorching rays of the southern sun, yet we hope to bring it back all
glorious with a proud personal history, and emblazoned with the names of many
a field of conflict where the gallant hands and stalwart hearts of the men of
my command have swept it on to victory. Officers
and Men of the 149th: Will you make good the pledge I have this day
made in your behalf ? (Loud
cries-we will, we will, and cheers.) Then
in your hands I place it, and to your bravery I confide it, (placing it in the
hands of the Color-Bearer, Col. Barnum continued:)-And you, sir, who are to
bear this precious emblem upon the field of strife, be faithful to your trust;
and though the smoke and dust and gore of the dreadful battle hour may tatter
and discolor it,-and tho’ you may be stricken and bleeding, let not your
firm grasp upon that standard be relaxed except with your latest breath.
The ceremonies were very impressive, and were observed with close
interest by the members of the regiment and the dense throng of spectators.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/24/62)
PUT
A RAG ON IT.- A
boy about ten years old, attracted considerable attention yesterday
afternoon from passers-by, with his loud lamentations, which could not have
been more vociferous if he had lost a limb by amputation.
Seating himself on the steps ascending to Wieting Hall, and holding
one hand in the other, he gave vent to the most piteous outcries, requesting
some one to “put a rag on it.” A
large crowd soon gathered about him, and to the enquiry of every one as
regarded the nature of his injuries, his only reply was “put a rag on
it.” We examined the injured
hand, and found a spout of claret on the middle finger of the right hand,
with a small blood blister on the neighboring finger, and this constituted
all the injuries that caused the outcry of “put a rag on it.”
Every question as to how the lad met with the slight injury was met
with an appeal to “put a rag on it.”
A modest appearing and very pretty young lady, attracted by his
cries, mingled for a moment with the crowd that surrounded the lad, and out
of pure sympathy, inquired how he came by the accident, but the only
response was- “boo-hoo-oo !-put a rag on it.”
The young lady smiled, very gently remarked that the boy was
apparently more scared than hurt, and modestly passed on.
Female sympathy, always on the side of suffering humanity, had little
to do in that case, and it passed on with the gentle creature who had
tenderness enough to stop in a crowd of men and ask the cause of suffering.
There are plenty of such earthly angels, but such an incident as the
one we refer to is of rare occurrence.
In the meantime, a clerk came out from McCracken’s dry goods store
in the Wieting Block, with a rag and a piece of twine.
At the sight of it, the lad suffering from a small effusion of blood,
became calm-dried his tears-the clerk tied a rag on it, and the boy went his
way rejoicing, followed by the snickers of several who had witnessed his
painless agony. Certainly it
was that he was “more scared than hurt.”
The sight of blood unnerved him.
What tenders the incident the more singular, is the fact that his
father went as a soldier to the battlefield with the regiment that took its
departure yesterday. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 9/24/62)
THE FLAG PRESENTATION. - By
the Jewish ladies, and the sword presentation to Col. Barnum, by other
friends, are indefinitely postponed, the fire Sunday night having interfered
with the arrangements. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 10/7/62)
FLAG AND SWORD
PRESENTATION. - It is announced
that the flag prepared by the Jewish ladies of this city, for the 149th
Regiment, and the sword procured for Col. Barnum, by his friends, will be
presented this evening, at the City Hall. Should the weather prove favorable
Company D, 51st N.Y.S.M., will parade in the afternoon, and display the
flag. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 10/17/62)
ILLNESS OF LIEUT.-COL.
STRONG. - A telegram from the
headquarters of the 149th regiment at Sandy Hook, Md., gives the painful
intelligence that Lieut.-Col. John M. Strong is lying ill of fever, and that
the Surgeon of the regiment - Dr. J. V. Kendall - considered his condition
dangerous. Mrs. Strong left yesterday forenoon to join her husband.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 10/17/62)
FLAG AND SWORD
PRESENTATION. - A squad from the
Davis Light Guard, Co. D., Fifty-first Regiment, paraded the streets
yesterday afternoon, and exibited the beautiful Regimental Flag procured for
the 149th Regiment, by the Jewish ladies of the Seventh Ward. The
presentation ceremony took place at the City Hall last evening, in the
presence of a large number of citizens, among whom we noticed a fair
sprinkling of ladies. The presentation speech was made by Rev. Solomon
Deutsch, Pastor of the Jewish Synagogue on Mulberry St., and was an eloquent
and patriotic effort. The flag was received by Major Andrews on behalf of
the regiment, by whom it will be sent forward immediately. An elegant Sword
and belt was presented to Col. Henry A. Barnum at the same time and place.
The sword was got up to order by Messrs. Willard and Hawley, and the blade
and scabbard are elaborate pieces of workmanship. The cost was about $200.
The blade is a very fine one, and is adorned with war scenes, and near the
hilt is a fine line engraving of the head of Washington; the handle is of
solid silver. The scabbard is of gold and silver, richly chased and
engraved. The inscription is as follows: Presented to Maj. Henry A. Barnum,
12th Regt. New York Volunteers. For gallant and meritorous Conduct at the
battles of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Chickahominy and Malvern, By his
friends in Syracuse. The presentation address was made by Hon. Thos. T.
Davis, and handsomely responded to by Col. Barnum. We have no room for a
more extended report this morning.
(SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION 10/18/62)
TO THE FRIENDS OF THE
COLORED MAN! - There is a young
colored man stoping at the American Hotel, whose name is Charles Smith,
whose case seems worthy of sympathy. This same Charles Smith was enticed
from his master by an Abolitionist, who told him that if he only could get
away to the North he would be well cared for. This young colored man is
anxious to return to his master, and wants the true friends of the
colored man to assist him in getting back home. The young man so cruelly
betrayed by the Abolitionist is a smart, intelligent and pleasing person,
and very anxious to get out of his present misery. Those who are inclined to
doubt the truth of this statement, may satisfy themselves by calling at the
American Hotel, on James street. He says he left a good and kind master, and
all that he desires is to be provided with means to return. There is no
humbug about this, as the poor betrayed colored man gives the name of his
master, a Mr. Charles Phelps, and the place of his residence as Norfolk,
Virginia, now held by the Union troops. (SYRACUSE DAILY COURIER AND UNION
10/18/62)
THE QUARTERMASTER OF THE
149TH REGIMENT. - Editor
Courier. - There are some points
made in the letters published by you on Monday morning from the 149th
regiment, which justice demands that attention should be called to, as there
are utterly groundless causes of complaint against the Quartermaster,
however much somebody higher in authority and beyond his regiment may be at
fault. 1st. The Quartermaster must issue the kind or quality of
food that is issued to him by the Brigade Quartermaster, with the privilege
however of having spoiled food condemned by Board of Survey and returned -
drawing other rations in its stead. The lack of vegetables and the kind and
quality of rations is therefore no fault of the Quartermaster, unless in the
latter case he refuses to have them condemned and returned. 2d. That
"thinking more of his pocket than of the good of his men" has any
bearing, I cannot see, as no opportunity occurs for him to convert the
rations into money, and the Sergeant drawing the company rations ought to be
sharp enough to know whether he gets his weight and measure or not. 3d. The
lack of full or any rations is at times entirely beyond the control of the
Quartermaster, and is only one of the many "sufferings" incident
to a soldier's life. Particularly is this true when troops are moving from
place to place, which it seems has been the chief occupation of the 149th
since its departure from home. I make these remarks for the benefit of the
men who complain to their friends at home as well as that of the
Quartermaster. A new regiment, with officers who have not seen service has
much rough usage which experience will enable them to avoid, and the most
experienced officers, serving as Quartermaster, cannot fail at times to be
censured for errors not his own, though it is sometimes difficult to make
those who suffer to believe that the fault can exist beyond the officers of
their own regiment. I ask you to publish these comments with the hope that
they may allay some of the fears of the friends of both the Quatermaster and
the complaining men. Respectfully yours. H. A. BARNUM. (SYRACUSE DAILY
COURIER AND UNION 10/22/62)