History of the Dewitt guard, company A, 50th regiment National guard, state of New York Part 8

B. ALMY, JR., Teacher, enlisted January 17th, 1866. Mr. Almy joined upon transfer from the Enfield Company, of which he was Orderly Sergeant. Is a teacher of ability; his present engagement is with the Public School in this village.

JOHN E. CLAPP, Clerk, enlisted March 15th, 1866. Is one of the most attentive members at the present time.

H. G. STODDARD, Clerk, enlisted March 29th, 1866. Mr. Stoddard, as will be observed, has very recently joined, but promises to become one of the best members of the Company.

J. H. WILLETTS, Student, enlisted May 7th, 1866. Mr. Willetts joined the Company almost a perfect stranger to all the members, but by his gentlemanly deportment and perfect willingness to learn, has gained the respect of both officers and men.

M. MCCALLESTER, Farmer, enlisted May 7th, 1866. His residence is so far from the village that he is only occasionally present at the drills and meetings, but from the eagerness he displayed to learn when he first became a member, we are led to believe he will make a good soldier.

C. N. TABER, enlisted May 31st, 1866. Mr. Taber promises to become a soldier of extraordinary merit.

LEWIS S. NEIL, Painter, enlisted May 31st, 1866. Although next to the last soldier enlisted in the DeWitt Guard, we are led to believe will soon become next to the best in his knowledge of military; and perhaps in this instance as in others, the last shall be first.

JOHN BARNARD, "The Hero of Lookout Mountain," seized with a patriotic ardour to serve his country in its trying period for National existence, on the 20th day of August, 1862, he volunteered and joined Capt. J. H. Terry's Company, then being formed in this village. Was duly examined and mustered into the United States service at Binghamton, N.

Y., on the 25th of September, 1862. Was unanimously elected 8th Corporal of Company D. He left Binghamton with the Regiment for the seat of war, September 27th.

He accompanied General Geary on a reconnoissance to Manchester, which occupied five days. December 10th ordered to reinforce General Burnside at Fredericksburg. This was the first time our hero came within hearing of the enemy's guns, but his courage was equal to any emergency, and never, through the whole course of his military life, did he turn his back to the enemy, but always stood up and boldly battled for the right.

Sunday, December 28th, had the first skirmish. On the 18th of January, 1863, was detailed by Colonel Ireland as one of the color guard of the Regiment. On the 27th day of April, was ordered on a march, and with eight days' rations and ninety rounds of ammunition, started for the Chancellorsville battle ground, where he arrived and partic.i.p.ated in the battles of May 1st, 2d and 3d. July 2d and 3d were engaged with the enemy upon the b.l.o.o.d.y fields of Gettysburg. September 24th, was ordered to reinforce General Rosecrans at Chattanooga, Tennessee. October 29th, partic.i.p.ated in the midnight battle of Wauhatchie. In this engagement one out of every three of the whole number were either killed or wounded. Color-bearer Baker was seriously wounded, and the colors of the Regiment fell into the hands of our gallant Barnard, he having escaped unharmed, although his overcoat, which was strapped upon his back, was shot through by one of the enemy's bullets. After this engagement he was detailed as color-bearer of the Regiment, vice Baker wounded.

On the 24th of November was ordered to march flying light, with only one day's rations; partic.i.p.ated in the famous "Battle above the Clouds;"

climbing over rocks and fallen trees, our bold and daring Sergeant succeeded in planting the colors of his Regiment on the rebel works, amid a terrific fire from the enemy. Sergeant Brink, with the State colors, was shot down upon his right, and Corporal Foot, of the color guard, upon his left. For this brave and heroic deed, Sergeant Barnard received the thanks of Colonel Ireland, as well as of all the general officers. November 25th, was engaged in the battle of Missionary Ridge, and November 27th in the battle of Ringold, Georgia. January 4th, 1864, was ordered to Stevenson, Alabama. While here Sergeant Barnard was detailed by the Commandant of the Post and appointed Post-Master, a very responsible position, having the entire charge of the mail for over five thousand troops. This office he held until Sherman's campaign against Atlanta commenced, and in May he again resumed his office in the Regiment. Was engaged in the action at Resacca, May 15th, battle of New Hope Church, May 25th, battle of Pine Hill, June 15th, and continued skirmis.h.i.+ng until June 21st, when he partic.i.p.ated in the battle of Kolb's Farm. June 24th battle of Kenesaw Mountain; still continued skirmis.h.i.+ng with the enemy, and drove them across the Chattahoochie River. July 20th was in the battle of Peach Tree Creek; also in the siege of Atlanta, and was among the first troops that entered the city, September 2d.

November 15th he started on the Georgia campaign, and partic.i.p.ated in the siege of Savannah from December 11th until December 21st, when together with the color-bearer of the 102d New York, he hoisted the old flag upon the City Hall in Savannah. January 27th, 1865, started on the Carolina campaign. Was engaged in the skirmishes at Edisto River, Lexington Court House, S. C, and Averysboro, N. C. Arrived at Goldsboro, N. C, April 1st, 1865. Was present at the capture of Raleigh on the 14th of April.

On the 30th of April, the war having virtually closed by the surrender of Generals Lee and Johnson, Sergeant Barnard, with his Regiment, started homeward, arriving in Alexandria, Virginia, May 19th. Took part in the Grand Review at Was.h.i.+ngton, May 24th, and on June 9th was mustered out of the United States service.

Sergeant Barnard was engaged in fourteen battles, besides numerous skirmishes, which, in times previous to the late war, would have been considered battles of much account.

Suffering all the dangers, exposures and deprivations of the Georgia and Carolina campaigns, our Sergeant was never a day from his Regiment, unless detailed for special duty. He made every mile of the whole march on foot, carrying a burden that every American soldier knows is enough to break down the const.i.tution of almost any ordinary man.

No soldier ever enlisted in the service of his country, who is deserving of more honor than Sergeant John Barnard.

Remember, you that staid at home and experienced none of the trials and deprivations of war, those who sacrificed their health, their lives and their all for you, as well as every other citizen of this great Republic.

HISTORY OF THE COMPANY.

The DeWitt Guard was organized in 1851, and the first regular meeting was held December 31st. At this meeting a series of By-Laws were adopted, very many of which are in operation at the present time, although there is not at the present time a single person connected with the organization who at that time was a member.

J. B. Terry was elected the first Secretary, and George H. Collins Treasurer, with Stephen Brewer and Loren Day as Directors.

At that time the law permitted the Companies to have a certain number of supernumeraries, and at the second regular meeting, F. Reed Dana, W. G.

Maurice, Isaac Tichenor, Julius M. Adsley, Dana Fox, E. M. Marshall, John Rumsey, George McChain and S. B. Covert, were duly elected supernumeraries. The first out of doors drill took place in the Park, June 23d, and lasted two hours. The 4th day of July was duly observed by the Company: a parade, at which the Company did their first street firing, and a dinner at Colonel Seymour's Ithaca Hotel, const.i.tuted the festivities of the day. At the regular meeting, September 2d, 1852, a note was given to Colonel Millspaugh for fifty dollars, this being the amount he advanced to pay the Armorer's bill. On Thursday morning, September 23d, the drum beat at five o'clock, which warned the citizens of the near approach of the departure of Captain Partenheimer's Company, not for the seat of war, but for their first encampment at Goodwin's Falls. At 9 o'clock the life-like engine "Lackawanna," with a modesty becoming the Company to whom she belonged, introduced the Company to his honor "William E. Dodge," who safely landed his "precious load of freight" soon after at Goodwin's Landing. After a march of about three miles, to the music of Canham's Bra.s.s Band, the camp-ground was reached; tents were soon pitched, colors were hoisted, and at one P. M. were ready for our first rations; at two P. M. of the same day the Company paraded for the first time upon a camp-ground. The Company remained in camp one week.

Thursday November 25th, 1852, by proclamation of the Governor, was observed as a day of Thanksgiving. This being the day designated by the fair ones of our village for the presentation of the Banner to our Company, Captain Partenheimer's orders were responded to by a prompt and full corps. Upon being drawn up in line in front of the Clinton House, Hon. S. B. Cus.h.i.+ng, on behalf of the Ladies, in a few appropriate remarks, presented the Banner. Our worthy Lieutenant Bruyn, on behalf of the Captain and his Company, returned his most sincere and heartfelt thanks, with a few remarks highly complimentary to him from whose hand he received the Banner, and to those Ladies instrumental in making the donation. Alter a parade through the princ.i.p.al streets, and giving each Public House a round of blank cartridges, with that good feeling ever manifested by the Company, they were dismissed by our commanding officer. March 3d William Glenny was elected Secretary in place of J. B.

Terry, resigned.

July 4th, 1853, was duly celebrated by the Company by an encampment through the day in the Park. August 9th the Company were inspected by Brigadier General Segoine, of Auburn. September 8th, 1853, the second encampment of the Company took place at Goodwin's Falls; were here again reviewed by General Segoine and Colonel D. E. Avery. On Sunday the Company in a body attended church at Trumansburg. Was.h.i.+ngton's birth-day, February 22d, 1854, was observed by the Company; a national salute was fired by Sergeant McDonald, loading and firing five times a minute. June 27th the committee of arrangements for the celebration of the coming Fourth of July, offered the Company thirty dollars if they would partic.i.p.ate in the celebration, which was promptly refused, and the Company voted unanimously to join in the celebration without money and without price. Accordingly the Fourth day of July, 1854, was duly celebrated in the true spirit of '76. The first target shoot of the Company was held July 11th, 1854, and resulted in Sergeant McDonald taking the first prize, L. Millspaugh the second and S. Stoddard the third. Sat.u.r.day August 26th, 1854, the Company appeared in full uniform at 5 o'clock, A. M., to escort the remains of their late comrade, D.

Lewis Avery, to their last resting place. His remains were taken to Aurora for interment.

Monday August 28th, the Company started for Camp Seneca, at Seneca Falls, where a week was spent by them very profitably. The second target practice was September 22d, 1854, and Sergeant L. R. King, E. C. Fuller, M. E. Elmendorf, Lot S. Hinds and Sergeant McDonald, were declared the best shots, and received the prizes accordingly. January 8th, 1855, was duly observed by the Company; in the evening had supper at the Clinton House. September 6th the Company unanimously voted to furnish uniforms free of expense to all new members who would join. September 14th, 1855, K. S. Van Voorhees was elected first Sergeant, L. R. King, second Sergeant, F. K. Andrus, third Sergeant, and James McClune, fourth Sergeant. September 19th, third target shoot, the lucky ones not recorded. October 31st, 1855, the Company were inspected and reviewed by General Segoine and staff, and Colonel D. E. Avery and staff; in the afternoon of the same day was another target shoot. November 29th the Company escorted the remains of their late Lieutenant, A. H. McNeil, to the Depot, being en route for the city of Auburn. The Company held their annual meeting and took supper at the Clinton House, January 8th, 1856.

May 28th L. R. King was elected first Lieutenant, in place of W. V.

Bruyn, resigned, and Charles F. Blood second Lieutenant, in place of A.

H. McNeil, deceased.

Wednesday June 11th, 1856. The Willard Guard of Auburn, accompanied by Scott's Cornet Band of Rochester, arrived on an excursion to Ithaca.

When nearing the dock they were saluted with twenty-one guns from the DeWitt Guard, and received by them accompanied by the entire Fire Department of the village, and were escorted through the princ.i.p.al streets to their quarters at the Clinton House. They were there welcomed by an appropriate speech from J. H. Selkreg, Esq. William Shapcott, of the Willard Guard, returning thanks on behalf of their Company to the soldiers, Fire Department and citizens, for the cordial manner in which they had been received. The Willard Guard paraded during the forenoon of the following day, and at five o'clock P. M. were escorted to the Park by the DeWitt Guard, where they were drilled in the different evolutions of military tactics with great credit to themselves. On Friday morning the DeWitt Guard again paraded and escorted their visitors to the Steamboat Landing. After a few speeches, a great rivalry was kept up between the two Companies for the last cheer, but amid the clattering of drums it was impossible to tell which succeeded.

September 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th, the Company were encamped at Dryden; on Friday they were reviewed by General Segoine and staff of Auburn. The encampment pa.s.sed off with perfect harmony, and without any thing to mar the good feeling which prevailed throughout. Tuesday, December 10th, the Company escorted the remains of their late member, Sergeant James C.

McClune, to their last resting place. February 24th, upon invitation of the Pioneers of Tompkins County, the Company paraded and escorted that body through the princ.i.p.al streets of the village. September 15th target shoot. October 13th the Company were inspected at Goodwin's Falls by Adjutant George H. Collins. Upon invitation of the President of the Tompkins County Horticultural Society, the Company paraded and attended their Fair, June 3d, 1858. Upon invitation of the Tompkins Blues, the Company visited Trumansburg and joined in celebrating the Fourth day of July. A very pleasant entertainment was provided by the citizens of that place. July 21st the Company visited Owego, and were agreeably entertained by the citizens; returned the same evening.

August 17th, 1858, the Company paraded in honor of the _successful laying_ of the Atlantic Cable. August 31st, upon invitation of the Ithaca Fire Department, joined with them in procession, and escorted Cayuga Hose Company No. 4, of Auburn, to the Clinton House.

"The DeWitt Guard, accompanied by Whitlock's celebrated Cornet Band and several invited guests, left Ithaca at 7 o'clock A. M., July 12th, 1859, on an excursion to our neighboring city of Auburn, and to enjoy one of the _pleasantest trips ever experienced_ by any Company of soldiers. The Company mustered two Lieutenants, three color-bearers and twenty-five men. The smiles of Heaven seemed to be upon us, and every thing seemed given to _conduce to our happiness_. It was indeed a lovely sight as we floated down the beautiful Cayuga, which lay sleeping between the banks of those n.o.ble hills, decked in nature's verdant garb. It would have been a lovely scene for some artist to sketch in glowing colors; but no artist could touch so tenderly the points with which nature has adorned them.

We arrived in the beautiful city at half-past twelve, amid the thundering voice of artillery. Were received by the three military Companies of the city, and were escorted by them through the princ.i.p.al streets to our Head-Quarters White's Exchange. After a capital dinner, we were marched to Fort Hill Cemetery to visit the grave of our lamented Lieutenant, A. H. McNeil; an hour was spent in that beautiful cemetery.

In the evening we _were entertained_ at the residence of Mayor B. F.

Hall, which entertainment pa.s.sed off to the perfect _satisfaction of all present_. Wednesday morning were called together at ten o'clock, and accepted an invitation of the Military Committee to visit the Prison and Insane Asylum.

In the afternoon the Auburn Companies, together with the DeWitt Guard, paraded for nearly two hours, after which each Company was practiced in the Battalion movements; the DeWitt Guard taking the lead. Each Company displayed a thorough discipline in military tactics, the movements being of almost mathematical precision. In the evening the Company were the guests of Doctor Willard, and was splendidly entertained at his beautiful residence on Genesee street. The Doctor is a model gentleman; truly did we enjoy his hospitality. From his residence we were marched to that of Captain Dodge of the Willard Guard, where a splendid reception was given in honor of the DeWitt Guard. Here we were honored with the society of some of Auburn's fairest daughters, their influence on us being such as (in the language of our worthy Chaplain, Rev. W. C.

Steel) to make some _willing captives_. The Company returned late in the evening to their Head-Quarters, highly pleased with their evening's entertainments. Thursday morning the Company was marched to some of the princ.i.p.al residences, paying our compliments to those of whom we had been the honored guests the evening previous. The hour of two P. M.

having arrived, the time for our departure, we were escorted to the Depot by the military Companies together with many citizens. Hon. A.

Wells extending our thanks to the soldiers and citizens of Auburn, for the kindness shown us during our visit with them. Rev. Mr. Steel following in a few beautiful and appropriate remarks, during which tears were seen to fall from the eyes of some of the soldiery. We had won many friends; the hour of separation had arrived; nothing could be more expressive than the falling of a tear, the utterance of the soul, simple yet unexpressed; no language could be more eloquent. We entered the cars amid many cheers, having had proof that pleasures enjoyed excel pleasures antic.i.p.ated.

After a pleasant return trip on the lake, we were much surprised to find our own good citizens in large numbers, together with a Company of Cavalry and the entire Fire Department, at the landing ready to receive us, and escort us to our homes. We were received with a beautiful and eloquent speech by Marcus Lyon, Esq., which was responded to by our Chaplain, Rev. W. C. Steel. Were marched through the princ.i.p.al streets to our Armory, highly pleased with our trip. Long will this excursion be remembered by the DeWitt Guard; our _hearts_ having been united to the soldiers and _people_ of Auburn by those bonds of friends.h.i.+p which time shall never efface."

JOHN C. HAZEN, Secretary.

The 50th Regiment National Guard, consisting of Company A, Captain P. J.

Partenheimer, Company D, of Trumansburgh, Captain Belnap, and Company I, of Havanna, Captain Mulford, the Regiment commanded by Colonel H. A.

Dowe, encamped at Ithaca, September 5th, 1859. On Friday were inspected by General Segoine, of Auburn, and Adjutant Van Voorhees, of Ithaca. The weather was fine during the encampment, every thing pa.s.sed off pleasant and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Long will Camp Burnett be remembered by the members of the DeWitt Guard. January 4th, 1860, Colonel A. E. Mather was elected a member of this Company, but was never mustered in. June 4th, 1861, the Company paraded and escorted the Dryden Volunteers to the Depot.

July 3d the Company was presented with a handsome stand of colors by Sergeant John C. Hazen. April 2d, 1861, the Company tendered their services to the General Government. August 6th, 1862, escorted volunteers to the Depot; three hearty cheers were given by the members of the DeWitt Guard, for those of their number who had volunteered in the service of their country. September 28th attended the funeral of Lieutenant Marsh, at McLean, who was killed in the army. October 28th, 1862, were inspected at Trumansburg. December 3d Captain Blood introduced the Bayonet Drill. February 22d, 1863, was celebrated by the Company by a parade, and a supper in the evening at the Clinton House.

March 19th attended the funeral of Peter J. Hausner, a soldier who died from disease contracted while in the army. June 17th, 1863, the Company the second time offered their services to the Government. June 22d the Company paraded in honor of the returning volunteers, and escorted them through the streets of our village. July 1st attended the funeral of Lieutenant Avery, at Farmerville, who was killed in the army. Celebrated the 4th day of July, 1863, by an excursion to Long Point, at which place the Company engaged in target practice with both muskets and artillery.

Annual parade, inspection and review at Ithaca, October 21st, 1863. Were inspected by General William Glenny and Colonel H. A. Dowe, since promoted to Brigadier General. The Company had another target practice same day. Was.h.i.+ngton's Birth-day, February 22d, 1864, was celebrated by a parade and supper in the evening at Gregory's. April 25th, 1864, the Company for the third time offered their services to the General Government. July 4th paraded and had target practice. Aug. 28th, the Co.

was accepted by the Gen'l Gov't for 100 days' service at Elmira.

(_By B. R. W., Secretary._)

SEPT. 2D, 1864.--The Company a.s.sembled at the Armory at 6 o'clock, A.

M., with tears in their eyes and carpet-sacks in hand, to march for Elmira. Headed by their gallant Captain, they proceeded silently to the Depot, where the parting was truly heart-rending, and the Secretary, in order to hide his feelings, was forced to take refuge in a freight car, and solace himself with a fresh chew of _Mike Wick's best_. The voyage was safely performed, the only cause of complaint being the _rye_ treatment which some of the men received at Willseyville.

The grand entree at Elmira was made at about two o'clock, P. M., where we were received in behalf of the United States by the brilliant and das.h.i.+ng Captain Colby, of the 58th, by whom, a.s.sisted by Drum-Major Robinson's justly celebrated martial band, we were escorted to Barracks No. 1.

On entering the portals of this haven of rest, our ears were saluted with cries of _Fresh Fish_. Our inexperienced eyes searched eagerly on every side for this delectable delicacy, but we failed to discover it.