ARMED MADMAN, REGISTER & VOTE, "DAUGHTER" OF CONVENTION, GEORGE MAGER LETTER, PUBLIC WORKS, AND SHE RETURNS HOME MARRIED

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, October 6, 1903.

ARMED MADMAN.

Crank Asked to See the President and Drew a Revolver on an Officer.

   Washington, Oct. 6.—Later in the afternoon the police surgeon, after a careful examination of Peter Elliott, who created the disturbance at the White House and fired at a secret service officer, certified that he was insane. An order was issued immediately for his removal to the St. Elizabeth's hospital for the insane.

   At the station house Elliott said he was a Swede and gave his occupation as that of a machinist. He said he had lived in this country for 11 years, most of the time in Minneapolis. He said he came to Washington from Paterson, N. J.

   Elliott also said he had been in Lancaster. When locked up at the police station he made a long, rambling statement as to the reasons for his action.

   Elliot was removed from the police station late in the afternoon to the government insane asylum without difficulty.

   Among Elliott's possessions were numerous clippings from newspapers throughout the country describing incidents in President Roosevelt's life and cards of the Minneapolis Patent company. In one pocket were manuscripts written by him in the Swedish language on political and religious subjects. On one of them was an address to the American people written in a rambling and incoherent fashion. It was laudatory of President Roosevelt.

   In his talk at the police station Elliot declared he went to the White House because the president asked him to. He said he carried a pistol to protect himself and did not intend to do any harm to the president. All efforts to connect him with the anarchists failed. The prisoner requested that word be sent to A. A. Swan of Minneapolis. Swan's card was found on the prisoner; also a letter addressed to P. O. Oloffsson, Binghamton, N. Y.

 

Considered a Crank at Home.

   Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 6.—Inquiry developed the fact that Peter O. Elliott, a machinist, who rooms at 245 Cedar Avenue in this city, has not been seen about his old haunts for several months and that no one seemed to know where he had gone. He had been a familiar figure in the neighborhood and was generally considered rather peculiar. He talked much of socialism.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Both Register and Vote.

   If every elector who votes the general election ballot on Nov. 3, also votes upon the barge canal resolution it is morally certain that the resolution will be voted down. Whenever in the past a resolution bas been voted upon at a general election, the number of votes cast in the state for the ordinary election ballot has always been very many thousands larger than the number of votes cast for and against the resolution. It is therefore, vitally important that every elector opposed to saddling the state with a debt of $100,000,000 to construct a barge canal should register, so that he can vote, and then vote against this resolution.

   When a man has registered and voted against this resolution, his duty as a citizen has only been discharged in part. He should also see that his neighbor registers and votes against it.

   ◘ The women of Kansas have won a famous victory. They quietly organized a very effective campaign service and succeeded in electing women school commissioners in most of the districts of the state. They caught the men napping and beat them thoroughly. The issue was whether women teachers had a right to receive the attention of male friends and to marry while in school service, and the result seems to show conclusively that this new declaration of emancipation in approved by the people of Kansas. At any rate, while the new female commissioners run school affairs the women will have their way. But come to think of it, when doesn't woman have her way when she really wants it?

 

Alice Cately Ettling.

"DAUGHTER" OF CONVENTION.

Mrs. Alice M. Ettling the Guest of Honor in Boston.

   Mrs. Alice M. Ettling of Cortland last week attended, as usual, the Carriage Builders' National convention in Boston. She is always the guest of honor at these gatherings and the masculine members of the association vie with each other in showing her attention. While at this convention nine Boston papers published more or less extended items concerning her, and five of them had portraits, The News having one in double column size on its first page. The Boston Herald is one of the papers that very seldom fails to get whatever it starts after. It failed, however, to get her photograph for her portrait, but it had the following to say concerning her:

   "But the Carriage Builders' National association has also 'a daughter'—Mrs. Alice M. Ettling of Cortland, N. Y., a very bright woman, who is a manufacturer herself, carrying on one of the oldest concerns in central New York. She is the only woman exhibitor in the great exhibition which the association opens in Mechanics' Hall tomorrow morning."

   Because of her sex she is not enrolled as an active member, but she was adopted by the national association as its "daughter" more than fourteen years ago and this is the fifteenth consecutive national convention of the Carriage Builders' association which she has attended. She is continuing the business of the old manufacturing firm of Cately & Ettling, established more than seventeen years ago, and one of the largest in its line in the middle states. Her father died several years ago and since his death she has been the head of the establishment, employing many operatives. She is the only woman who ever went over into Canada to take out and leave a patent on her invention in connection with the branch of the carriage trade in which her establishment is engaged.

   Mrs. Ettling received a Boston Herald man, who called upon her at the Brunswick yesterday. Her eyes twinkled merrily when he asked [for] an interview.

   "I'm here for business," she said, "and I really don't like to talk of myself. My father had at one time the largest business in his line in the country, at all events in central New York.

   "It devolved upon me to continue it, and I have been at the head of it for the past four years.

   "Very many of the men attending this convention, who now have plants of their own, grew up in my father's employ and some were employed by our company. It in continued under the old name, although I control it now myself. I could not be a member, under the rules of this association, but I hold an honorary membership in it, and I never have yet missed a convention since I was taken into it.

   "When asked for her photo, Mrs. Ettling shook her head emphatically."

 

George Jean Mager.

LETTER FROM G. J. MAGER.

Greatly Enjoying His European Trip—A Stop at Interlaken.

   A Cortland friend of G. J. Mager has received the following letter from him which will interest all his friends and which we are permitted to publish in part. It is written from Beau-Site pension, Interlaken, Switzerland, under date of Sept. 20, and is as follows:

   Here we are at Interlaken, a most charming Alpine resort between Lakes Thun and Brienz. As I am seated here in front of our temporary home, Hotel Beau Site, (Hotel Beautiful View) most appropriately named, I cannot refrain from writing you a few lines to share with me the inexpressible feeling of admiration and enthusiasm which has taken hold of me as I am gazing at the awful grandeur of the Alpine mountains. Having been here yourself you have some conception of their majesty. They are particularly grand just now on account of the recent cool spell and consequent heavy fall of snow. The three loftiest peaks, Monk, Eiger and Jungfrau, are but a short distance from here and in full view of the naked eye. They seem like mighty giants raising their icy helmets far above the clouds into the clear sunlight apparently touching the very sky.

   Mrs. Mager, with a few other American' tourists, is enjoying today by cog-wheel railway, a tour among the snow capped mountains and glaciers, a trip which I deemed inadvisable for me to undertake on account of a cold and cough I contracted in New York City the day before sailing, and which has clung to me with more or less severity until the present. I did, however, while in Luzern, make the ascent to the top of Pilatus, 7,000 feet high, distance three miles, time ninety minutes. During our stay on its summit a snow slide obstructed the tracks, and on our return we were delayed a half hour while a force of men removed the avalanche.

   We arrived here yesterday over the narrow gauge railroad, and by the aid of a cog rail made an ascent of one hundred ten meters, so you can form some idea of our present altitude. The scenery along this route is most grand—the numerous little lakes and their turquoise blue waters, the fertile valley, orchards, cottages, churches, cattle, sheep, etc., and the mighty rockies on both sides, form a sight which a tourist can never forget.

   There is an English and American congregation here. They hold services in an edifice over four hundred years old—formerly an annex to a Romish monastery. This morning's services were largely attended by tourists from all over the world. During its progress I almost forgot that I was so far from home. In the prayer, "for all those in authority, etc., " all the English continental clergy pray for King Edward, the President of the United States of America, and some times also for Emperor Wilhelm. Yesterday and today have been delightful, warm and bright, the first we have had in many days.

   Tomorrow we proceed to Lausanne and Geneva, and from thence to Paris.

   Fraternally, G. J. Mager.

 

[Retired Judge] S. S. Knox.

CORTLAND BOARD PUBLIC WORKS

Grants Usual Rebate on Fifty New Cement Walks.

AND ORDERS MORE NEW WALKS.

Audits a Quantity of Bills—Petition Concerning the Grade on Stevenson-st. and Harrington-ave.—Request for a Walk on Pomeroy-st.—The Lackawanna Culvert on Clinton.ave.

   The regular meeting of the board of public works was held in the office of the city clerk last evening. Those present were Chairman S. S. Knox, F. H. Cobb, C. W. Collins and C. F. Wickwire.

   The meeting was called to order by Chairman Knox and the minutes of the preceding meeting were read and approved.

   The following bills were audited and ordered paid:

BII.LS AUDITED.

   Waterworks Co., $70.08

   S. S. Stearns, $21.60

   Cortland STANDARD Printing Co., $14.50

   F. C. Parsons, $8.00

   Jennie Lamont, $10.00

   Cramer and Spencer, $15.44

   Allen & Farrington, $48.50

   P.H. Whitney, 12.35

   Price & Co., $150.00

   Pay Roll, $289.08

   James Grant, $79.50

   Rebate was allowed for fifty new cement walks that have been laid.

   Superintendent Becker said it was difficult to get men enough to lay walks so great is the number of walks that are being built at the present time.

   The following new walks were ordered:

   Mrs. B. A. Benedict, North Main-st., east side.

   Frank Peck, E. J. Bowdish, Groton-aye., south side.

   Fred I. Graham, Groton-ave., south side.

   Lackawanna Railroad, Pendleton-st., west side.

   A number of the residents of Stevenson-st., and Harrington-ave., came before the board with a petition signed by all but one of the residents of the two streets requesting that a quantity of dirt that was placed in the roadway on Stevenson-st., at the time of paving Groton-ave., be removed. They claim that the center of the roadway on Stevenson-st., is above the sidewalk grade and that water from Harrington-ave., which should run into the gutters on Stevenson-st., now flows across private property and leaches down upon Groton-ave. They asked that the roadway at the top of the hill on Stevenson-st., be lowered and that the dirt be used in bringing the low place on Harrington-ave., up to grade.

   Superintendent Becker, being called on, said that the center of the street was slightly above grade and that he thought it could be lowered and the fill on Harrington-ave., be made as requested. He was directed to consult with the city engineer and act according to his own judgment.

   Theodore Stevenson presented a petition signed by a number of business men and residents in the vicinity of the Pomeroy-st., school requesting that a walk be laid on Pomeroy-st., from Clinton-ave., to Elm-st., for the accommodation of the school children. No action was taken in the matter last evening.

   The matter of the culvert under the Lackawanna Railroad tracks on Clinton-ave., was next taken up. City Attorney Fred Hatch was directed to write the Lackawanna officials in regard to the matter.

   On motion of Mr. Wickwire, seconded by Mr. Cobb, the board adjourned for two weeks.

 

RETURNS HOME MARRIED.

Ceremony In Homer—The Happiest Girl in the World.

   The notice of the marriage of two Ithaca parties by Rev. C. W. Negus, pastor of the Baptist church in Homer, was published in these columns yesterday. In reference to this marriage the Ithaca News of Monday says:

   When Miss Winnie L. Hausner returned yesterday afternoon from a drive to Homer she informed her surprised relatives and friends that she was Mrs. Roy Westervelt and, incidentally, the happiest girl on earth.

   Mr. Westervelt and Miss Hausner had been life-long companions and, although they had been intimate friends, their private affairs and intentions had not been communicated to their friends. They drove to Homer yesterday and were there married.

   Mrs. Westervelt is the daughter of Will Hausner of Prospect-st.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Regular meeting of Grover Post, No. 98, in G. A. R. hall at 7:30 o'clock tonight.

   —Regular meeting of the common council in city clerk's office [tonight] at 8 o'clock.

   —The Fortnightly club meets tomorrow at 3:30 p. m. with Mrs. H. L. Smith, 53 Prospect-st.

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. Burdett Howard, 46 Grant-st.

   —At the regular meeting of the A. O. H. tomorrow evening the third and fourth degrees, will be given. A social session will follow.

   —The call for the Republican city caucus appears at the head of the editorial column today. The caucuses will be held Thursday evening, Oct. 8, from 7 to 8 o'clock.

   —The regular monthly business meeting of the Y. P. S. C. E. of the Congregational church will be held in the church Wednesday evening, Oct. 7, at 7:30 o'clock sharp. A social will follow.

   —The new display advertisements today are—S. Rosenbloom & Sons, Dry goods, etc., page 7; Geo. H. Wiltsie, Suits, cloaks, etc., page 5; L. & K. Freeman, Millinery, page 5; M. A. Case, Blankets, page 6; A. Mahan, Pianos, page 6.

 

CONFERENCE OF EMPERORS, ARRESTED, ENGLISH LANGUAGE, REV. MILBURN, EDGINTON-BURNS WEDDING, AND BOARDING CLUBS

 

Czar Nicolas II.

Emperor Franz Joseph I.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, October 5, 1903.

CONFERENCE OF EMPERORS.

Identical Note Sent to Russian and Austrian Ambassadors at Constantinople.

   Vienna, Oct. 5.—As an outcome of the conference between the czar and Emperor Francis Joseph at Muerzsteg the governments of Austria and Russia have sent the following identical [instructions] to the ambassadors of those countries in Constantinople:

   "You were recently instructed to declare that Austria-Hungary and Russia adhere to the task of pacification which they have undertaken and are resolved to persevere with the program drawn up at the beginning of the year, notwithstanding the difficulties hitherto opposed to its execution.

   "For indeed, while on the one hand the revolutionary committees have provoked disturbances and deterred the Christian population of the three vilayet from co-operating in the execution of the reforms, on the other hand the officials of the sublime porte entrusted with their application have been generally wanting in the necessary zeal and have not been imbued with the idea which inspired these measures.

   "Both powers are united in the determination to show that it is their firm resolve to insist on the execution in their entirety of those reforms which are accepted by the porte and which are calculated to guarantee general security. In this connection you will receive detailed instructions without delay.

   "While the powers recognize to the full the porte's right or duty to suppress the disorders fostered by the insurrectionary agitation of the Macedonian committee, they at the same time deplore the fact that this suppression was accompanied by excesses and cruelties from which the peaceful inhabitants suffered. It therefore appears to them to be their urgent duty to come to the assistance of the victims of these regrettable occurrences, and the above mentioned instructions will acquaint you with the details of the humanitarian action which they deem necessary with the object of supporting the inhabitants who have been deprived of all means of existence, facilitating their repatriation and restoring the villages, churches and schools destroyed by fire.

   "The Austro-Hungarian and Russian governments entertain the firm hope that their continued endeavors to establish a lasting peace in the sorely tried provinces will attain their object and they are convinced that their impartial advice will be heeded by all to whom it is addressed in their own interests."

 

A CROOK ARRESTED.

Made Several Efforts to Get at the President.

HAD BOTH REVOLVER AND KNIFE.

Tried to Reach Him at Church on Sunday, Then at the Executive Office Monday and Finally at White House—Wounded the Doorkeeper With His Knife, But Was Himself Used Up in the Encounter—Says He is a Machinist from Milwaukee.

   Washington, Oct, 5.—A stranger who later gave his name as Peter Elliot of Milwaukee and his occupation as that of a machinist attempted to get into the White House this morning at the north portico entrance. He was stopped by the doorkeeper and on being told that be couldn't see the president became violent. James Cisele, the doorkeeper, tried to induce him to go away and an encounter followed in which the visitor was badly broken up. The stranger was armed with a revolver and knife and used the latter on Cisele, inflicting a wound on the elbow. The doorkeeper, however, finally succeeded in overpowering him and he was taken to the emergency hospital suffering from a scalp wound and a wound in the hand.

   After his injuries had been dressed he was transferred to No. 1 police station. Cisele's wound is not serious.

   Earlier in the day Elliott called at the executive offices to see the president, saying that he had been summoned. He refused to give his name and when questioned as to the nature of his errand said the president just wanted to see him for fun. He seemed harmless and was allowed to go. About an hour later he called at the White House proper, where the encounter with Doorkeeper Cisele occurred.

   The secret service men at the executive offices recognized him as the same stranger who attempted to enter the president's church, the Grace Reformed at 15 and O-sts., during the services yesterday morning, and who was turned away by the usher. The president was attending services at the time.

   At the police station be stated that his home is in Milwaukee and that he has been stopping here at 709 Fifth-st. He is small of stature and apparently about 40 years old.

 

Funeral of Fay Barber.

   About fifty members of Cortland tent, No. 304, K. O. T. M., attended the funeral of Fay Barber in Scott, N. Y., yesterday, the young man having been killed in a threshing machine Thursday. There were other Maccabees present from Groton and Spafford, and it was thought that between 600 and 700 people attended the funeral. Eighty-eight conveyances were in the procession. The services were under the direction of the Knights of the Maccabees.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

English.

   It is becoming more and more apparent that English has actually taken the place of French in diplomatic intercourse and is rapidly climbing to supremacy. Without going into an analysis of the two languages or discussing the relative merits of either the diplomats seem to have arrived at the conclusion that for their purposes English is the better of the two. This would imply a radical departure by them from the recognized standards previously set up, for it has long been held by the old types that the language of diplomacy should be used to conceal rather than reveal your purpose. But if one will take the trouble to review some of the notable diplomatic transactions of recent days he will be impressed by the force and directness of the language used as contrasted with the old circumlocutory style when French was in vogue. In short, real "United States" English is being used in international discussions, as emphasized by the proceedings before the last Hague tribunal, when each advocate was allowed to use his own language in pleadings, and still more in the official announcement that English is to be the medium employed in the next. And why shouldn't English assert itself when there are more people speaking it in Europe alone than any other language, not to mention Great Britain and the United States, which together have run a linguistic belt all around the globe?

 

Rev. U. S. Milburn, second line down, far right.

GLANCE OVER FIVE YEARS.

Rev. U. S. Milburn Beginning His Sixth Year at the Universalist Church.

   Rev. U. S. Milburn commenced his sixth year pastorate at the Universalist church yesterday morning. The pulpit and platform were tastefully decorated with cut flowers which added to the enjoyment of the occasion. The music, which was of a high order, was furnished by the regular church choir, which is composed of Harry B. French, organist; Miss Rema Reckhan, soprano; Miss Helena Alberts, alto; C. N. Tyler, tenor; S. H. Dale, bass. Aside from hymns and responses the following music was rendered:

   Organ Voluntary—Eventide, Clarke

   Anthem—Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem—Care

   Anthem—Rock of Ages, Buck

   The subject of Rev. Mr. Milburn's sermon was, "Does Human Equality Mean Conformity to a Universal Standard?" The text was Luke, xil, 48, "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." In concluding his sermon he said, after discussing the topic:

   I commence today my sixth year's pastorate with you. Five years, with their varied successes, have passed. I came to you as a stranger, nothing uniting us but our common humanity, brotherhood and faith. The ties of friendship and of love have been knitting us together during these years and at the beginning of the sixth we commence the work, not as strangers but as mutual friends. Is not much more given to us now than five years ago? Should there not be more required of us?

   Scarcely a half dozen times have I been absent from this pulpit upon the Sundays when religious services were held. But it would be difficult to tell whether it has been the public religious services or other associations which have had the greatest influence in binding us together. The communion in the home has been no small factor in the welding of these ties. We have been bound together by mutual interests, mutual joys, mutual sorrows. We have met at the bedside of the sick; we have mingled our tears at the bier of the dead. All these influences have made us no longer strangers to each other but mutual helpers.

   The needs of this church are many, but the greatest need is you—your presence at its services to add to the inspiration of numbers, to add your life to the spiritual current which flows through the channel of the church, and to receive more than you can give. We need the hearty co-operation of all those in the city who are liberal in their theological thought; men and women who belong here who are in sympathy with the thought, the philosophy of this church. True, a church stands for something more than thought: it is not merely a philosophical cult. But there is an intellectual side to religion. Religion must be reasonable; and one cannot discuss religious problems and questions without using the intellect.

   But what has it all amounted to?  What good has this church done in this community? What good has it done you? Of what value is it? Is it a paying investment? That is what the business man asks. Who can estimate its intellectual and religious influence! Interest can be computed, but who can compute the value of this church in the community? The books of the business institution can be balanced at the end of the year and the exact gain in dollars and cents stated. But the books of this church are the living human hearts and minds that have found peace, comfort, contentment; faith strengthened, hope renewed, love deified.

 

ELECTION APPOINTMENTS.

Inspectors and Ballot Clerks for the City of Cortland.

   The inspectors and ballot clerks for the coming election have been appointed as follows:

   First Ward—Inspectors, J. R. Ingalls, F. G. Dibble, Levi Butler and John McTighe; ballot clerks, John Warwick and Charles E. Lewis.

   Second Ward—Inspectors John Nix, H. C. Harrington, J. V. Chatterton and F. M. Quick; ballot clerks, Floyd Bentley and Eugene David.

   Third Ward—Inspectors, J. H. Turner, C. E. Sanders, W. J. Perkins and J. F. Tobin; ballot clerks, Dennis McCarthy and L. D. Miller.

   Fourth Ward—Inspectors, Edward Dowd, John F. Byrnes, Ezra Corwin and Charles H. Miller; ballot clerks, Daniel Dwyer and Charles F. Sarson.

   Fifth Ward—Inspectors, John Lannan, Addison Johnson, Eugene Wells and J. D. Doran; ballot clerks, Frank Rice and Webster Young.

   Sixth Ward—Inspectors, Thomas Fitzgerald, J. P. Keefe, W. H. Robertson and C. N. Tyler; ballot clerks, Thomas Kane and W. J. Elsom.

   All have not yet qualified and the list will no doubt be changed some in consequence.

 

Death of Luke Doyle.

   The death of Luke Doyle, aged 73 years, occurred at his home 216 Railroad-st., yesterday morning after an illness of about 6 months. He is survived, besides his wife, by one brother, John Doyle of this city. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from his late home, 216 Railroad-st., and from St. Mary's church at 9:30 o'clock.

 

Edginton-Burns.

   James Edginton and Miss Anna Hellena Burns were united in marriage at St. Mary's church this morning by Rev. J. J. McLoghlin. The bride looked very charming in a tailor made suit of blue broadcloth. The bride was attended by Miss Mamie Kane, while Jas. F. Dwyer acted as best man. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's mother at 68 East Court-st., after which the happy couple left on the 8:40 train for parts unknown, After Oct. 12 they will be home to their friends at 68 East Court-st.

 

BOARDING CLUBS ARE POPULAR.

A Feature of Normal School Life Meeting With Much Favor.

   The Oneonta Star says, boarding clubs are increasing in favor with students at the Oneonta Normal. That these clubs permit the members to live more economically than the "regular boarder" is the chief reason for their growing popularity. The club, too, is a frolicking place where members meet three times daily to eat and drink, swap yarns and talk over the more serious problems of school life. It is an easy going place, this club, with all the advantages of unrestraint and still without the license of speech and action which self-respecting young men and women do not tolerate.

   The club student, in most cases, rooms nearby. Good rooms, for one person, are obtainable at $1 a week or $2 when two persons occupy the same room. Club memberships run from eight to fifteen persons. The housekeeper furnishes the diningroom [sic], table linen, china and silver and does the cooking. For this she receives fifty cents a week from each member. The catering is done by the members, each in turn. The caterer holds office for one week and makes up the daily bill of fare and pays the bills. Expenses, including the 50 cents per member to the housekeeper, average $2 a week. The price of table board in Oneonta runs from $2.50 to $3.50. This shows a substantial saving in favor of the club. There are no mixed clubs, the rules of the Normal prohibiting the intermingling of the sexes at boarding places.

   A majority of the students belong to one of the chapters of the six fraternities represented in the school. Four of these fraternities are for women and two for men. These organizations are considered by the students as one of the most pleasing features of school life here and are of inestimable educational value as well.

 

BREVITIES.

   —Regular meeting of the common council in the office of the city clerk tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock.

   —Mrs. S. Darby-Turner's rooms have been connected with the Home telephone exchange. Her number is 65.

   —There will be a regular meeting of the Woman's Relief Corps tomorrow at 3 o'clock. A large attendance is desired.

   —The Lackawanna railroad is about to build a new passenger and freight station at Ithaca. All along the line this road is making improvements.

   —The regular monthly meeting of the board of public works will be held is the office of the city clerk at 8 o'clock this evening.

 

WAR REMINISCENCES CHAPTER 38

 

Captain William Saxton, Co. C, 157th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, October 3, 1903.

WAR REMINISCENCES.

By Captain Saxton of the 157th Regiment, N. Y. Vols.

THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE.

Nearly all Day Both Armies Preparing—Confederates are Slow—Confederate General Law Wants Round Top, but is Not Permitted to Seize it and Union Army Gets it—Terrific Bombardment by Cannon—Infantry Then Advances—Union Army in Stronger Position at Night.

CHAPTER 38.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—The Eleventh and First Corps remained practically the same as they did the night before. Hancock's Second Corps was placed on the left of the Eleventh Corps on Cemetery ridge facing west and on his left was Sickles' Third Corps which extended to the west base of Little Round Top.

   The Fifth Corps, Sykes', formerly Mead's, was massed to the right rear of the Twelfth Corps, near where the Baltimore pike crosses Rock creek. The Sixth Corps was on the road, coming. Through a misunderstanding on the part of General Mead, Buford's cavalry was withdrawn from Sickles' left and marched to Winchester, thirty miles away, leaving Sickles' left flank uncovered with no way to find out what was on his left front except what could be ascertained by his infantry. It was a very serious blunder, and left the Union commander as bad off as was the Confederate in regard to cavalry.

Confederate Position and Plan.

   On the Confederate side, their whole army was divided into three Corps, while ours had seven. Consequently their Corps were a good deal larger than ours. Ewell's Corps faced Slocum's, the Twelfth, and Wadsworth's division of the First and Ames' division of the Eleventh. Hill's Corps extended through the town west, then turned at right angles south along Seminary ridge and faced the troops on Cemetery hill and Cemetery ridge—parts of the First, Second and Eleventh Corps.

   Longstreet's division was being formed for an attack on our left, back of the woods on Seminary ridge mostly concealed from the Union army. Lee here planned to move Longstreet's entire Corps around the Union left and attack its flank, after the same manner as did Stonewall Jackson attack Howard at Chancellorsville, thus throwing his army between Mead and Washington.

   In order to make this move more certain of success he ordered Ewell as soon as he heard Longstreet's guns to attack Slocum on Culp's hill and the troops on east Cemetery hill. For some reason Ewell did not begin this attack until Longstreet's attack was nearly over.

   Pickett's division of Longstreet's Corps was absent at Chambersburg and did not come up till the morning of the third day. On our part, the advance division of the Sixth Corps did not arrive at Rock creek till after 4 p. m. and the rear did not come up till nearly 7 p. m. Only a few regiments of the Sixth Corps were in the fight, consequently the forces of the two armies were about equal. Lee had the longer line, being the outside of the circle. His line was about six miles long. Neither side had cavalry. General Mead, by massing the Fifth Corps in the rear of the Twelfth corps on our right, intended to attack Ewell's left during the forenoon; but upon General Slocum reporting that his front was very unfavorable ground over which to make a successful attack, the plan was abandoned by General Mead and he decided to await Lee's further move.

The Lay of the Land.

   Cemetery ridge after extending south a ways toward Round Top, sinks down into lower ground, and the ridge seems to bend round to the east and then south again. A small stream called Plum Run rises in the valley west of the ridge and runs south along the west bases of the Round Tops. A similar stream rises in the valley east of Seminary ridge called Plum Run branch and unites with the other stream near the west bases of the Round Tops. In the angle of these streams is a rocky knoll called "Devil's Den." This knoll is covered with woods and great boulders, and a low ridge extends from here to the Emmetsburg road on the west. The Emmetsburg road runs southwest from Cemetery hill diagonally through the valley between Cemetery and Seminary ridges, and where it crosses the low ridge above mentioned is the "Peach Orchard" and back of this is the wheat field. There is a cross road running from Peach Orchard south east to the Taneytown road, passing the north base of Little Round Top.

   Hancock's Second Corps occupied a space of about three-fourths of a mile along Cemetery ridge to where it sinks down into the plain. Sickles' Corps, which was only about 10,000 strong, had a longer line along this lower ground.

Danger at Devil’s Den.

   By the withdrawal of Buford's division of cavalry Sickles' left was uncovered, and this wooded knoll around Devil's Den and the low wooded ridge extending across the valley to the Peach Orchard was the source of a great deal of uneasiness on the part of General Sickles.

   He foresaw that Lee could mass a large number of troops back of it out of sight and be prepared to duplicate Stonewall Jackson's move on Howard at Chancellorsville. Sickles went to General Mead to get him to personally inspect this part of the line and have it changed, but General Mead was occupied elsewhere and sent General Hunt, Chief of Artillery, with Sickles. Sickles pointed out the danger of the position and the advantage of seizing this knoll and ridge, but General Hunt declined to assume the responsibility of ordering a change. The pressure on Sickles' pickets became so strong that he decided to assume the responsibility himself and he ordered his Corps to wheel to the left. This threw Humphrey's division along the Emmetsburg road facing west and at the Peach Orchard Birney's division turned a sharp angle to the east facing south along the low ridge to Devil's Den and the west base of little Round Top. This left quite a break between Sickles' right and Hancock's left. It was about a mile from Peach Orchard to Little Round Top. It was 3 p. m. by the time this move was completed and there was a strong pressure on Sickles' pickets in front.

Rebels Slow in Preparing.

   On the part of the Confederates it took a long time for Longstreet to arrange his corps out of sight of the Union army. Hood's division which was to be his right division, was not all up until noon and Law's brigade, which was the extreme right brigade, had marched from Guilford, twenty-four miles away, starting at 3 o'clock in the morning.

   General Lee supposed that our left was at the Peach Orchard, and it was his plan to strike a heavy blow with Longstreet's Corps on Sickles' left and crush it. Law's brigade of Hood's division was to lead in the attack and the other brigades were to follow in succession on his left as Sickles' line was forced back.

Artillery Bombardment.

   In order to cover this attack all of the available artillery of Ewell's and Hill's corps opened on Cemetery hill, and where we lay we received the fire from those batteries I had seen planted from the northeast, north, north west and west of town. I never saw the air so full of exploding missiles before nor since. They were bursting all around us, in front and rear, to right and left, over head and among us. We lay flat on the ground, dug our noses a little deeper into the bosom of Mother Earth every time a shell passed near us. The boys said the Johnnies were throwing camp kettles, scrap iron and any old thing they could get hold of at us. The fragments of shell make such peculiar, humming sounds sometimes as they rush through the air. A number of the boys were hit and I shall never forget how one poor fellow yelled when a piece of shell which had lost its forward motion fell toward the ground and struck him on the back. He wasn't injured any, except the bruise from the falling piece of iron; but he thought on the instant that he was mortally wounded. I laughed then and I can't help smiling now as I saw him jump up and rub his back and start for the rear on his hands and feet—yelling at every jump. A good many shells passed just over us and went into the cemetery and smashed the tomb stones as completely as Mrs. Nation with her little hatchet does the show cases and liquor bottles of some Kansas town's joints. When Longstreet's attack commenced this cannonading ceased and Gen. Schurz walked along in front of our division encouraging the men, and when opposite our regiment I heard him say it was the worst cannonading he ever witnessed.

Law Wants Round Top.

   It was after 4 o'clock when Law's brigade moved to the attack and found Sickles' left flank was not at the Peach Orchard, as was supposed, but there turned a sharp angle and his line reached to Plum run. Law could not "envelop" the line as he had been ordered to do, and he halted and sent scouts to Round Top to ascertain were the left of the Union army was. The scouts reported that neither Round Top nor Little Round Top was occupied by the Federal forces, and that behind them was parked a large wagon train. Law saw at once that if Longstreet's whole Corps could be sent farther to his right, both Round Tops could be seized and the Union army compelled to change position. He reported this to General Hood, his division commander, and asked permission to seize these points without attacking Sickles' left front. Hood's orders were to attack and he could not change them. Law protested and Hood called a stall officer and had Law repeat the protest in his presence and ordered the staff officer to repeat it to Longstreet. This was what Longstreet had been urging General Lee to do and he did not feel at liberty to urge the matter further, and ordered Hood to begin the attack from the present position.

The Confederate Attack.

   It was nearly 5 o'clock when Law's troops finally attacked. His two right regiments climbed the slope of Round Top, then turned north down into the valley between the two Round Tops. The other regiments of his brigade and Hood's division struck Ward's brigade of Birney's division at Devil's Den and along the gorge of Plum Run. Here a desperate fight ensued. Reinforcements were sent to Ward's left, which prevented the Confederates from passing between him and Little Round Top for a time, but Ward was finally compelled to give way. Our artillery from Devil's Den knoll poured canister into Hood's advancing columns at short range and inflicted terrible damage. This battery, Smith's, was compelled to fall back with the infantry, leaving three guns in the hands of the enemy; but the cannoneers took away all the ammunition and implements so they could not be used by the enemy against them.

   The Fifth Corps, which was in reserve at Rock creek, was ordered forward to support Sickles and as soon as it could double quick the two mile distance, was thrown into action.

Little Round Top Secured.

   General Warren rode up Little Round Top to get a better view and found it unoccupied, but unless troops could be gotten there at once, part of Hood's division would be upon it and the key to the Union position be lost. He rode rapidly back down the slope and met Vincent's brigade of Birney's division of the Fifth Corps just arriving and ordered them to seize the hill at once. They rushed to the crest just in time to meet the Confederates coming up from the west and drove them back. The two left regiments passing over the hill southward, struck the two regiments of Law's brigade that had just come down from Big Round Top, and, after a sharp encounter, repulsed them. Another brigade of the Fifth Corps was sent to Little Round Top and the position was secure.

   The Forty-fourth New York (Charlie Bowen's regiment) held the center of Vincent's brigade, and he told me afterward of the desperate fighting there, and the rapidity with which they threw up a line of breastworks from the loose stones around. This regiment lost 111 killed and wounded during its defense of Little Round Top. The balance of the Fifth Corps was sent to Sickles' assistance as fast as it came up, along the line to Peach Orchard. General Hood on the Confederate side was soon wounded and his division turned over to General Law.

   The angle at the Peach Orchard was furiously attacked and after a continued fierce struggle was broken and the Union troops forced back. Sickles was severely wounded near Trostle house and suffered the amputation of one leg. His line was forced back from the advanced position he had taken.

Union Position Stronger.

   Williams' and a part of Geary's division of the Twelfth Corps were taken from Culp's hill and sent to the left. The weary Sixth Corps was arriving and was massed in the rear of the Fifth Corps back of Little Round Top. A division of the Second Corps was sent to assist the Third. Desperate fighting continued till dark, but Longstreet had only succeeded in forcing the Union line back in a stronger position, The assault, so far as accomplishing that for which it was intended, was a failure. Both sides had lost heavily, but the Union side had now a stronger position than before.

How Did Any Escape?

   As we lay on Cemetery hill and listened to the roar of the cannon and the roar of the musketry I could not help saying to myself, "Oh, the lives that are being given up!" When the musketry fire first commenced I was reminded of popping corn in a corn popper. It commenced slowly, then increased, then grew faster and faster until the popping blended into one continual roar. Oh! It was awful. When we thought that with each of these reports was carried a leaden bullet toward some human being, the great wonder was that any escaped alive. The fighting was not over yet and the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh New York had yet to take another part. It was after sundown before Ewell got ready to attack the Union right. Then he sent forward Johnston's division to attack Culp's hill and Early's division to attack east Cemetery hill. W. S.