The Cortland News, Friday, October 13, 1882.
OLD 76th REGIMENT
N.Y. VOLS.
ENGAGEMENT AT
MCGRAWVILLE.
The
Veterans Surrounded by the Home Guard.
Names
of Soldiers Participating.
Full
Details of the Affair.
The fourteenth annual reunion and
twenty-first anniversary of the muster into the U. S. service of the old 76th
regiment N. Y. volunteers was held at McGrawville on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1882.
It was a gala day for the quiet little village, and will ever be remembered by
the inhabitants for the bustle and interest it created, and by the veterans for
the hearty, generous reception accorded them.
For weeks previous the people of the
village had been actively engaged in preparing to entertain the survivors of
the gallant 76th, evidently determined to leave nothing undone that could add
to the warmth of the welcome, or give [more] of the honor and pleasure bestowed
upon them by the heroes of hard-fought battles. And right well did they
succeed, is the testimony of the veterans, with whom their heartfelt welcome
and bounteous hospitality will ever be a cherished recollection.
Near 11 o'clock A. M. on this lovely
day over one hundred veterans formed in line on Main street, where young ladies
fastened bouquets to the coats of the 76th and preceded by Wm. J. Mantanye who
carried the regimental flag, and the McGrawville cornet band, marched to
Factory Hall to hold a business meeting.
This pretty hall is in a wing of the
large corset factory building of P. H. McGraw& Son, and is capable of
accommodating several hundred people. On this occasion it was most tastefully
and appropriately decorated. On the wall in the rear of the stage was the
motto: “Honored 76th—Ever at home in our hearts.”
On the left was a portrait of President
Lincoln, and his grand words: "With malice
toward none and charity for all."
On the right was an inscription in the
beautiful chirography of Mr. W. S. Webster, an employee of the factory, in the
following words:
"McGrawville's
greeting to the gallant heroes of Rappahannock Station, Warrenton, Sulphur
Springs, Gainesville. Second Bull Run, South Mountain. Antietam, Snicker's Gap,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel
Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy Creek, Coal Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon
Railroad, Poplar Grove Church, First Hatch's Run, Hicksford's Raid, Second
Hatch's Run, Five Forks, Lee's Surrender: In memory of brave deeds well done
and an honored fame well won."
These were
all bordered with wreaths of evergreen, while on the walls were portraits of
Grant and Garfield, war scenes, etc., with flags and festoons, and on the stage
were numerous vases of plants and flowers.
Col. John E. Cook, president of the
regimental association, took the chair at the business meeting. Lieut. Martin
Edgcomb, secretary, read the minutes of last year's reunion at Marathon.
The
mention of the name of Marathon stirred up joyful recollections, and led by
Col. Cook, the veterans gave three rousing cheers for the large-hearted people
of that enterprising village.
Letters and telegrams from absent
comrades were read by the secretary, all expressing regret because of inability
to attend the reunion, and some of them calling up army scenes and incidents
which brought enthusiastic cheers or bursts of laughter from the listeners. The
following absent members responded:
O. F. Gore, Marcus Clackner, Orlando
Madison, S. S. Bradt, Thomas Bond, Daniel House, Capt. C. L. Watrous, drum
major G. W. Northrup, R. W. Smith, P. A. Norton, E. Geo. Hall, G. B. Miller, Lyman
Culver, Capt. J. D. Shaul, W. H. Baldwin, W.J. Crozier, Capt, J. M. Waterman,
Lieut. U. A. Burnbam and Maj. E. P. Halstead.
By request of the regiment we publish
the letter of Maj. Halstead in full:
WASHINGTON, D. C. Sept.
2, 1882.
Dear Comrade
[Edgcomb]:
I am in receipt of
your invitation to the fourteenth annual reunion of the grand old 76th. It is with pride that I can boast of
having served in the brigade and division of the Army of the Potomac composed
in part of the gallant 76th regiment of N. Y. volunteers. While I served as the
Adjutant-General of the second brigade of King's division I saw the noble men
of that regiment on the march, in camp and in battle, and never beard them
murmur or complain of any thing they were ordered to do. They responded with
alacrity no matter how arduous the duty or difficult to perform, whether a long
march had just been completed, or a terrible battle ended in which they had
suffered heavy loss. Apropos of this, I am reminded of the march from
Fredericksburg to Cedar Mountain, Va., in 1862, when men fell out and died by the roadside of
heat and exhaustion. That was the hottest day, it seems to me, I ever saw, and
men carried their heavy knapsacks and marched forty miles to the music of Gen.
Bank's guns. And again, after marching and fighting for nearly two weeks, at
the close of the battle of second Bull Run, while Gen. Phil. Kearney was
fighting the battle of Chantilly, they were ordered out in a heavy rain to do
picket duty on the flank of our army toward the Potomac. Every man fit for duty
was in ranks and moved off steadily and with as much determination in their
looks as the soldiers of Cromwell or Napoleon. How I gloried that night in those brave men the pen can
describe. I knew every man was a hero who felt his duty and would do it well, for
I had seen them tried as gold is tried—in the fire.
Do the people of Cortland know of the brave deeds of their
heroes? I hope they do, and wish they might appreciate them as those who saw
them in battle.
It is with great regret I am compelled to say again, it is
not possible for me to accept your kind invitation. I trust it may be my good
fortune at some future time to meet with you at one of these reunions.
[Hoping] that God will spare us all another year, I am very
respectfully and fraternally yours, E. P. Halstead,To Lt. Martin Edgcomb,
Sec’y, Cortland, N. Y.
Lieut.
W. H. Meyers, treasurer, read his report of receipts and expenditures, which
showed a healthful condition of finances, and a recess was taken to give the
members the opportunity to pay dues, the roll of the drum meantime enlivening the scene.
Edgar Hatch, son of Capt. J. C. Hatch,
deceased, one of the most popular members of the association, being present,
was made an honorary member.
An invitation was received from the
153d and 121st regiments to join them in a reunion at Oneonta, on the 22d of
August, 1883.
Invitations from several places to hold
the next reunion were presented, but the one from Groton was finally accepted,
because, we suppose, the 76th have already had a highly satisfactory experience
of the liberality of Groton people.
The following officers were elected for
the ensuing year:
For President—Capt.
S. M. Byram.
Vice-Presidents—S.
Rindge, Amos Avery.
Lieut. Lucius
Davis, Lieut. W. E. Evans.
Secretary—Lieut.
Martin Edgcomb.
Treasurer—Lieut W.
H. Myers.
Executive
Committee—Edward Fish, Amos Avery, Edgar Hatch, Lucius Davis.
The
arrangements for the next meeting were left with the members residing in Groton
and vicinity.
On motion of W. J. Mantanye, a
committee on resolutions, consisting of W. J. Mantanye, A. Sager and A. P.
Smith, was appointed.
Maj. A. Sager, from the committee on
badges appointed at the last meeting, reported correspondence on the subject,
and that he had in hand a design presented by Lieut. M. M. Whitney, but that
the committee had come to no decision.
On motion, Capt. J. D. Clyde was given
charge of the regimental colors, with instruction to bring them to the next
reunion.
The dinner hour having arrived
adjournment was affected without a dissenting voice, all evidently impressed
with the belief that the good things of this life awaited their coming. Nor
were they disappointed. Nearly two hundred of the veterans with their wives and
friends assembled at the Kingman House, where they were served with such a
bountiful, appetizing repast as brought forth the warmest commendation, and
received the closest personal attention.
At 3 P. M. the regiment again formed
and marched to Factory Hall, where on the lawn nearby, Mr. L. E. Burnham
secured a photograph of the soldiers in group [wish we had this photograph—CC
editor]. The hall was crowded to its fullest capacity, many being obliged to go
away for want of standing room.
Capt. S. M. Byram, the newly elected
president, called the meeting to order, and Rev. M. Z. Haskins, of McGrawville,
opened with an eloquent prayer, which was followed with a song, "Flag of
the Free," finely rendered by the home glee club, Messrs. R. H. Graves, H.
H. Huntley and R, J. and F. G. McElheny.
A stirring address of welcome was
delivered by Mr. A. E. Seymour, who deemed it a pleasant task to welcome the
veterans, a remnant of that grand army of the Union which fought for us. “To
our brave soldiers we owe what we enjoy to-day. Our country honors the dead but
she does not forget the living.” He spoke of the bravery of the soldiers, and
alluded to Sergeant Banker of the 76th, who was wounded but told those who came
to remove him not to heed him but to go to the front. That was true patriotism.
Speaking for the people of McGrawville, the soldiers honored them by their
presence, and in the name of their fallen comrades; in the name of the
government, and in the name of liberty, whose home is here, he welcomed them to
their hearts and homes, and hoped that the greeting extended to them to-day
might be auspicious of their welcome when at the final roll-call they had gone
up higher.
Lieut. A. P. Smith in response said that
he was very happy to be there. They had been cordially welcomed wherever they
had held reunions, but this reception capped the climax. They had been halted
before a brigade of beauty who covered them over with lovely flowers; the
people had stuffed them with the best the country afforded, and for nothing,
too, which was the best of all. Speaking of what called forth the welcome, he
said the soldiers showed some degree of patriotism, it is true, but it was not
with them alone. The girl who with tears told her sweetheart that he could not
swing on her gate again unless he enlisted; the wife who gave up her husband,
and the mother her son, are the ones who deserve the highest tributes for the
truest patriotism. The Judge pictured the loved ones at home ever engaged in
making and sending to the soldiers the good things which made camp life
endurable and cheered them on to deeds of valor. To them belonged the need of
praise. In concluding, he would thank the people for their generous welcome,
for their loyalty, and tor the hearty grasp of the hand which showed that their
hearts were in the welcome. Humor, pathos, and wit, so alternated in the
Judge's speech, and so controlled his hearers that they changed from smiles to
tears, or now and then broke out in cheers.
The glee club sang "Flag of our
Heroes," after which Rev. O. H. McAnulty, of Marathon, delivered the
annual address, the publication of which, on account of its length we are
compelled to defer until next week.
The speaker was frequently interrupted
by applause, and he grew more eloquent as he proceeded. On closing his hearers
manifested their appreciation in a most unmistakable manner.
On motion of Judge Smith, a hearty vote
of thanks was given to Messrs. Seymour and McAnulty for their grand speeches,
and as a further mark of appreciation, a lovely bouquet was presented by Mrs.
B. F. Taylor to Mr. McAnulty, who requested us to place on record his heartfelt
thanks to the donor for the beautiful gift.
After the band played "Marching
through Georgia,'' W. J. Mantanye, Esq., of the committee on resolutions,
presented the following, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the pleasure
of greeting our comrades at this annual reunion, to renew our bonds of
friendship and brotherhood, is saddened by the report that since last meeting
our comrade, J. Fletcher Potter, has passed beyond the sphere of earthly
reunions. We shall remember him as a true man, a good soldier, and Join his
relatives in mourning a common bereavement.
Resolved, That we learn with regret and sorrow of the misfortune of our comrade,
Parmenas A. Norton, which has deprived him of a leg, after his leaving an arm
on the battlefield. We extend to him our sympathy.
Resolved, That with grief we receive the announcement of the death of Gen. G. K.
Warren, the brave and brilliant commander of our fifth army corps. We believe
that his services in the late war were not only honorable to himself but
faithful to his country and his superiors, and greatly tended to the glory and
final triumph of the arms of the Republic. We sympathized with him in the grief
that darkened the later years of his life, and as a small token of our
appreciation of his talents and integrity, as well as our love, we direct that
$25 be paid by our treasurer to the persons who may be authorized to receive
the same for the purpose of assisting toward a monument to commemorate his name
and services.
Resolved, That to the
patriotic citizens of McGrawville and vicinity and their committees, and
especially the ladies, we tender the sincere thanks of the Association for the
hearty welcome and splendid entertainment they have given us on this our 21st
anniversary. We note with sincere pleasure that they, at least have not
forgotten their pledges of love and gratitude to the soldiers made in the dark
days of war, and this will be marked as a red-letter day in the annals of our
Association.
Resolved, That to Rev. O. H.
McAnulty and Mr. A. E. Seymour we tender our thanks for their able addresses
and the words of gratitude and of encouragement they have given us, and we
request that the same be published in the county papers, and entered in the
minutes of the Association.
Resolved, That to the band and to the glee club we also tender our thanks for the
beautiful music they have furnished and the pleasure they have added to our
entertainment.
Comrade
Avery sang, by request, "Take your gun and go, John," the regiment
joining in the chorus.
On motion of Maj. Sager, Hon. P. H.
McGraw and Mr. A. E. Seymour were elected honorary members, as also were I. W.
Walker, W. P. Henry and Dr. H. C. Hendrick, of the 157th regiment, on motion of
Judge Smith.
Mr. Seymour said that he was proud to
stand in such a goodly assemblage and be made an honorary member of so brave an
organization.
Judge Smith said that he saw present a
person, who, on account of his youth, was unable to go to the war and he hoped
to hear from Daniel J. Sperry. In response to loud calls, Mr. Sperry said that
he was like the new convert who, when called upon to relate his experience,
said that he had "not belonged to the consarn [sic] long enough to know
what to say." He had heard a good deal about a war which was fought down
South some years ago, but judging by the appearance of the Commissary it did
not amount to much. This reference to Judge Smith, who was quartermaster of the
regiment, was greeted with uproarious laughter.
At comrade Edgcomb's request, comrade
Avery sang "Cheer for the Dear Old Flag," which used to be sung for
them by a young lady when they were at Camp Campbell.
Major Sager said that the committee on badges had
decided on the style and members were requested to send orders for them to the
secretary, Lieut. Edgcomb. Judge Smith said that if the army owed more to one
than to another, it was to the nurses, and on his motion Mrs. S. E. Bucklin, an
army nurse, who was present, was made an honorary member. Mrs. Bucklin being
called out said that for three years she was in the army, was present at
Gettysburg and other battles, and was glad to meet again with the soldiers.
Three cheers were given for Mrs.
Bucklin; comrade Avery sang the "bean" song, which was greeted with
laughter, the glee club sang "The Soldiers' Chorus;" Avery and the
76th sang "Marching through Georgia;" Capt. W. E. Evans responded to
a call with a few appropriate remarks; Rev. M. Z. Haskins pronounced the
benediction, and the soldiers forming in line marched to the hotel, where they
dispersed until the reunion at Groton in 1883.
Quite a number from other
regiments were present, among whom we noticed Col. J. C. Carmichael, Dr. H, C.
Hendricks, Robert Bushby, I. J. Walker, W. P. Henry, Robert Champlin and D. C.
Turner, of the 157th; L. B. Atkins and H. E. Phelps, of the 185th; and Milford
Brown, of the 10th cavalry.
The names of the members of the 76th
will be published next week.
The McGrawville
Sentinel says that "everybody praised
the efforts of the ladies and citizens of McGrawville, but the satisfaction
received from the way in which the veterans seemed to enjoy themselves more
than repays for all."
76th
New York Volunteers: http://www.bpmlegal.com/76NY/
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