SENSATIONAL SERMON, PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, SEA LION, CHINESE MINISTER, CORTLAND SCIENCE CLUB, GRANGE, AND SYRACUSE HEBREWS AT TROUT POND

 

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, June 29, 1903.

SENSATIONAL SERMON.

Preacher Advised His Race to Be a Law Unto Themselves.

WASHINGTON'S ADVICE SCORNED.

Only Evidence of Wilmington's Lynching Is Three Stones in a Field With Inscription in Indelible Ink—Criticism of Rev. Robert Elwood—Congregation Endorsed Him.

   Wilmington, Del., June 29.—Thousands of persons visited Sunday the scene where George White, the negro, was burned to death last Monday night by a mob for the murder of Miss Helen Bishop.

   The only evidence that remains of the work of the mob is three cobble stones in a field on one of which this inscription has been placed in indelible ink: "Here is all that remains of White."

   The Rev. Montrode W. Thornton, colored, pastor of the First A. M. E. church of this city, preached a sensational sermon to his congregation last night. He said in part:

   "The white man, in face of his boasted civilization, stands before my eyes tonight the demon of the world's races, a monster incarnate, and insofar as the negro race is concerned seems to give no quarter. The white is a heathen, a fiend, a monstrosity before God and is equal to any act in the category of crime. I would sooner trust myself in a den of hyenas as in their arms. With a court, law and officers of the law in his hands the despised negro can expect no mercy, justice or protection. The negro is unsafe anywhere in this country.

   "There is but one part left for the persecuted negro when charged with crime and when innocent. Be a law unto yourself. You are taught by this lesson of outrage to save yourself from torture at the hands of the blood seeking public. Save your race from insult and shame. Be your own sheriff, court and jury, as was the outlaw Tracy. Die in your own tracks, perhaps drinking the blood of your pursuers. Booker T. Washington's charity, humanity, advice of forgiveness, love for industry and so on, will never be reciprocated by white men."

   Discussion of the events of last week is rapidly ending, although the affair was the text of some of the clergymen Sunday. The preachers without exception condemned the lynching, notwithstanding the fact that public sentiment is overwhelmingly on the side of the lynchers.

   The Rev. Robert Elwood, the Presbyterian minister, who has come in for much criticism for his sermon of last Sunday night, in which he suggested lynching in case the negro escaped speedy punishment at the hands of the law, did not refer to the lynching or the criticisms. These criticisms were answered by his congregation in a set of resolutions expressing confidence in Mr. Elwood and saying that his remarks Sunday had not brought on Monday's violence.

 

President Theodore Roosevelt.

PRESIDENT AT OYSTER BAY.

Will Devote His Mornings to Business and His Afternoons to Recreation.

   Oyster Bay, L. I., June 29.—President Roosevelt passed a quiet Sunday with his family at his Sagamore Hill home. During the afternoon some relatives and personal friends called to extend their greetings. The president accompanied by Mrs. Roosevelt and their children, attended service in the morning at Christ church, of which Mrs. Roosevelt is a member. At the conclusion of the services an opportunity was taken by the members of the parish to pay their respects to the chief executive.

   It is announced by Secretary Loeb that the president will receive few callers at Sagamore Hill this summer, and those who hope to see him will be obliged to make engagements through Mr. Loeb in advance of their arrival at Oyster Bay.

   The president will devote his mornings to the transaction of executive business and afternoons to recreation and rest. During the afternoons, too, he will receive such callers as may have engagements with him or those whom he may summon to Sagamore Hill.

   The executive offices selected for Secretaries Loeb and Barnes and the clerical force this year are much more commodious and convenient than those occupied last year. They consist of six rooms in the second story of the Moore block and are well arranged and admirably adapted to the purposes of the executive staff. The desks and other furniture in the offices are chiefly those which were used in the executive offices of the old White House.

   President Roosevelt will spend no time in the offices, his work being done in his library at Sagamore Hill. The offices are in direct communication by telephone with Sagamore Hill.

 

SEA LION HEARD FROM.

John Boone's Missing Animal is in Pennsylvania Waters

   The sea lion which escaped from John Boone's Trout park [in Cortland] a week ago was heard from Saturday and will undoubtedly be captured before many hours. Mr. Boone received a telephone call from Wyalusing, Pa., and ascertained that the lion was at that time swimming back and forth in the Susquehanna river, a short distance above that town.

 

Liang Cheng.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

Chinese Minister at Amherst.

   The Chinese minister to the United States, Sir Chentung Liang Cheng, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Amherst college last week Wednesday.

   At the alumni dinner the distinguished representative of the Chinese empire acknowledged in fitting terms the honor conferred upon him. He was a student at Amherst years ago, but was called home after three years in the college because of a reactionary movement in the Celestial empire. All of the Chinese students sent here at the expense of government were re-called. But the young men had remained long enough to secure a good knowledge of American institutions, and this knowledge has been useful in the conduct of Chinese affairs ever since. Sir Chentung Liang Cheng was frank in expression of regard for America and American institutions. He said: "I love American institutions and believe the instruction of Chinese youth in America to be the best means of translating American ideas into China, thus bringing together the oldest empire of the East and the greatest republic of the West. You have my sincere thanks for the honor conferred upon me, and for this manifestation of your confidence in me at the beginning of my diplomatic mission to this country."

   Not so talkative as Wu Ting-fang, the new minister speaks like an American. He has been able to send several Chinese youths to Amherst in recent years, and has a sincere desire for the growth of American ideas in China. His presence at Washington will be fortunate for his country. It is a time when Russia is seeking to absorb Manchuria and assume administrative control by stealth. The attitude of the United States toward the plans of Russia is well known. Our minister in Pekin is pushing our demand for open ports in Manchuria, assuming that China is the real administrator. The commercial treaty now pending is delayed because China seems to be unable to enforce at present her administrative authority and open ports of Manchuria to American commerce. But the pressure will be kept up and we presume the Chinese minister fully understands the friendly nature of our attitude. We are literally forcing China to keep control of her own territory.

 

Hatch Library, Court Street, Cortland, N. Y.

CORTLAND SCIENCE CLUB.

Elects New Officers for the Coming Year After Hearing Reports.

   The annual meeting of the Cortland Science club was held at the clubrooms in the Hatch library building Saturday evening, June 27, 1903, Dr. F. J. Cheney vice-president, presiding.

   A very excellent review of H. C. Higgins' paper on the "Migration of Birds" was given by Dr. Cheney.

   Annual reports of officers and board of directors were read and on motion, accepted and ordered placed on file.

   Officers were balloted for and the following elected for the ensuing year:

   President—Prof. W. M. Booth.

   Vice-President—A. P. McGraw.

   Secretary—Rev. U. S. Milburn.

   Assistant Secretary—Superintendent F. E. Smith.

   Treasurer—H. L. Smith.

   Board of Directors—W. M. Booth, F. W. Higgins, U. S. Milburn, A. J. Murray, G. H. Smith, C. P. Walrad, H. C. Hendrick.

 

GRANGE IS OF AGE.

Will Celebrate its Twenty-First Birthday on July 10.

  Cortlandville grange, No. 461, will be 21 years old on July 7, and will then consider itself to be of age. This important event will be observed on the regular meeting night on July 10. There will be a box social, each lady furnishing refreshments for two put up in a box. The box will also contain the name of the one preparing the lunch. The boxes will be sold at auction and the gentleman securing one will seek out the lady whose card is enclosed for refreshments. There will also be a literary entertainment, upon which a committee is now at work. A fine evening is anticipated.

 

Dilger Cornell Company.

   Tonight the Dilger-Cornell company opens a week's engagement at the Opera House. The Dilger-Cornell company is one of the best popular repertoire shows on the road. It advertises a dollar show for little money, that's its trade mark, and is lived up to the letter. The opening piece, "The Princess of Patches," is a grand old Southern comedy full of the warm sunshine of that country. The princess is the sweetest princess one ever saw. The funniest tramp, he will make one laugh till he cries. Beautiful scenery is carried for the piece. Handsome costumes are worn, plenty of singing and dancing, six big specialties between the acts, no waits. It's a continuous show from start to finish. In every town played people have been turned away. The ladies may have the best seat in the house for 10 cents by purchasing their tickets before 6 o'clock tonight. [Paid ad.]

 

Sketch of Floral Trout Park, courtesy Cortland Histrorical Society.

THE SYRACUSE HEBREWS

To Hold a Picnic at the Trout Park Next Sunday.

   The Syracuse Hebrews Free school will hold its fifteenth annual excursion in the Trout park next Sunday. Elaborate preparations are being made for this, a program of sports has been arranged, a party of Indians will be with the excursion party and they will give exhibition of war dances and do some unique whooping. It is said that two special trains will be run with special excursion rate of 75 cents for the round trip. The hand bills state the Trout Park, Cortland, is one of the most beautiful parks in Central New York.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Farther Lights society of the First Baptist church will hold a combined work and program meeting at the church this evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The King's Daughters will hold a regular meeting at the home of Mrs. Wm. D. Coburn, 50 Union-st., tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock.

   —The new display advertisements today are—G. H. Wiltsie, Clearance sale, page 5; C. F Brown, Huyler's Candies, page 5.

   —William Barnes of Charles-st., already in spite of the long drought and of the recent wet spell, has New Bonanza potatoes in his garden as large as goose eggs, and he fortifies his statement by exhibiting the potatoes.

 

CORNELL WON THREE, A BLACK RECORD, FOURTH OF JULY, STUDENTS GOING HOME, AND ADDITION TO NORMAL SCHOOL FAMILY

 

Cornell record-setting crew 1901.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, June 27, 1903.

CORNELL WON THREE.

Seconds Were Pennsylvania, Syracuse and Georgetown.

VARSITY RACE A WALKOVER.

Surprising Work of Syracuse In Freshman Race and Georgetown In the Varsity—Poor Showing by Columbia Crews—Record Broken by Cornell in Freshman Race.

   Poughkeepsie, N. Y., June 27.—Varsity four-oared race, 2 miles—Cornell first, time 10 minutes 34 seconds; third of a length over Pennsylvania second, time 10 minutes 35 4-5 seconds; third, Wisconsin, time 10 minutes 55 3-5 seconds; fourth, Columbia, time 11 minutes and 14 seconds.

   Best previous time in four-oared race 10 minutes 31 1-5 seconds made by Pennsylvania in 1900.

   Freshman race. Eight-oared, two miles—Cornell first, time 9 minutes 18 seconds; Syracuse second, time 9 minutes 22 1-5 seconds; Wisconsin third, time 9 minutes 32 seconds; Columbia fourth, time 9 minutes 41 seconds; Pennsylvania fifth, time 9 minutes 45 seconds.

   Best previous time 9:19 1/2, made by Yale in 1897.

   Varsity race, four miles, eight-oared—Cornell first, time 18 minutes 57 seconds; Georgetown second, time 19.27; Wisconsin third, time 19.29 2-5; Pennsylvania fourth, time 19.33 3-5; Syracuse fifth, time 19.36 2-5; Columbia sixth, time 19.54 1-5.

   Best previous time 18.53 1-5 made by Cornell in 1901.

Some Distinct Surprises.

   For the first time in years, there were distinct surprises in the intercollegiate races held here. Two crews of practically unknown quantities and whose coaches had not predicted or had not hoped for them anything better than fourth or fifth places in their respective, races, each finished second in the two most important races of the day.

   The Syracuse university crew took such close second honors in the freshman race that for the last half mile it was a serious question whether her boys would not pull to victory.

   Georgetown university in the varsity race, while finishing a very bad second to the phenomenal crew put in the race by Cornell University, walked away from the other four crews in the race, old timers with the exception of Syracuse, in a manner that made the rowing sharps simply throw up their hats for joy.

   Columbia university crews, from which very much had been promised, finished in the worst possible shape, although in the betting, in the general predictions and in the prognostications of her coach, she was supposed to have an excellent chance both in the four-oared and varsity races. As it was, she finished last in the four-oared race, being beaten out even by Wisconsin, which university had put a green crew in the field in a shell borrowed from Columbia.

   In the freshman race she was the fourth crew, and a very poor fourth, Wisconsin third, with Pennsylvania—from whom nothing had been expected, as her crew had been materially changed in the last few days—close fifth.

   In the varsity race Columbia finished last, being at least six lengths behind Syracuse, the fifth crew in the race, and at least four out of her eight men collapsing in the boat as the finish line was crossed.

   It was as it has been now for the past two years, Cornell day. As in last year's races, and as with one exception in the races of two years ago, Cornell won all three races, and while only one record was broken it is the general consensus of opinion that had the Cornell varsity crew been pressed, the record would have been broken even in that race.

Varsity Race a Walkover.

   The varsity race, as a matter of fact, was a miserable walk-over, Cornell taking the lead before the mile point had been reached and rowing away from her competitors in a manner so easy that at no time was she ever pressed for first place.

   The result was that in the last mile, where if pushed she would have rowed from 31 to 33 strokes per minute, she held a 28 clip almost to the finish, crossing the line at not over 30 strokes per minute and fully nine lengths ahead of all competitors.

   As has been indicated, the work of Georgetown in the varsity race was a great surprise. Her crew, instead of being as in previous years here, vacillating in stroke and form, was in both respects extremely steady. When at the second mile when it was supposed that both Georgetown and Syracuse would have practically finished for any places except fifth or sixth, this remarkable crew, with a slight increase of stroke, pulled steadily out of the bunch and while absolutely unable to reduce the enormous lead of Cornell, showed their superiority over all the other crews in the race.

   The three races may be described in detail as follows:

   Four-oared race—This race had been generally awarded to Pennsylvania because its four was known to have more practice and to have shown more formidable form while on the river. Wisconsin had a borrowed shell and a green crew, and was generally given in the ante race opinions last place. On the contrary, she was a threatening opponent of Cornell clear to the bridge which marked the middle of the two mile course and finished third, the nose of Pennsylvania shell being on a line with the bow oar of the Cornell shell as the flag fell. Wisconsin was a very poor third, almost 20 seconds or six lengths behind Pennsylvania, the curious thing about this being that she was fully 19 seconds or six lengths ahead of Columbia, from whom she borrowed her shell.

   The freshman eight-oared event was one of the greatest surprises of the day. While Cornell was the favorite, Columbia, it was thought, would give the Ithacans a hard rub for first place and would certainly finish second. Pennsylvania, because of their many changes in her crew, was not expected to do anything. Syracuse was given last place and Wisconsin was looked upon as an unknown proposition.

Broke Record by 1 1/2 Seconds.

   Cornell did not disappoint her adherents. The Ithacans finished first breaking the intercollegiate record by a second and a half, while Syracuse jumped from last place awarded it by public opinion to a good second place, losing the race only in the last quarter mile upon a terrific spurt by Cornell, and beating her nearest competitor, Wisconsin, by fully 1 3/4 lengths. Columbia finished a very poor fourth fully three lengths behind Wisconsin while Pennsylvania simply wallowed behind.

   Varsity eight-oared—Cornell in this race failed to break the record because at no time after the first half mile was she pressed by any crew in the race. Her time was 3 4-5 seconds more than the crew from her own college made in 1901 under more adverse circumstances so far as water conditions were concerned.

   It had been promised that Wisconsin and Columbia would give her a hard race, but Columbia's crew, after making a terrific start, showed either over-training or lack of endurance and rowed its boat to the finish with its men fainting at the oars.

   The surprise of the race was that Georgetown's crew, the adherents of which had not dared to back her for better than fourth or fifth place, rowed out of the bunch in the last mile, and while never a competitor of Cornell showed four other well advertised crews a clean pair of heels.

   During the first half of the race second and third places were contested for by the crews—Cornell safely in first place—in two divisions, Georgetown, Wisconsin and Columbia for second and Pennsylvania and Syracuse fighting gamely for third.

   Just above the bridge the spell was broken and the long pull began to sort out the superior mettle. The rear eights crowded up on Columbia which was steadily falling behind. First Syracuse and then Pennsylvania passed Columbia, whose spurt at the outset had taken all they had and which finally dropped far to the rear.

   The brilliant feature of the race was the contest for fourth place, which put Wisconsin upon her best efforts even to defend third. Down the last mile they came in a bunch, amid the roaring of cheers, the deafening din of the whistles, Cornell leading by full 10 lengths, easily pulling a stroke not exceeding 30 to the minute, Georgetown safely second, Wisconsin holding third by the output of her best and Pennsylvania and Syracuse all but in a dead heat for fourth place—Columbia hopelessly in the rear, and so they finished.

 

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIAL.

A Black Record.

   The year is not yet half gone, but the lynching record for 1903 is a long and black one. The Chicago Tribune has for many years kept a close and accurate account of these acts of lawlessness in the United States, and it has compiled for The Philadelphia Press a table of lynchings from the first of January last to date. The list is as follows.

   Negro burned near New Orleans, January 27.

   Negro hanged, Wrightsville, Va., February 8.

   Negro hanged, Bluefield, W. Va., March 29.

   Negro hanged, Tampa, Fla., March 10.

   Negro shot to death, Shreveport, La., April 12.

   Negro burned, Joplin, Mo., April 16.

   Negro hanged, Thebes, Ill., April 27.

   Two negroes hanged, Haynes Buff, Miss., May 4.

   White man hanged, Madison, Fla., May 20.

   White man hanged, Newcastle, Wyo., May 28.

   Negro beaten to death near Pittsburg, Penn., June 1.

   Negro burned, Belleville, Ill., June 6.

   Negro burned near Wilmington, Del., June 22.

   Here, remarks the Troy Times, are thirteen of these lawless and inexcusable occurrences. And as is seen with two exceptions they were located in the South, while in all but two instances the victims were negroes. The color line has been drawn with remarkable distinctness. If the South would more frequently lynch a white murderer it might not illustrate any increased respect for law, but it would help to indicate that such summary executions were more of an expression of a desire for justice and less a manifestation of race prejudice and hatred.

 

This page dated 1900.

FOURTH OF JULY

To be Observed by Orris Hose Co. at the Trout Park.

   Cortland is to have a Fourth of July celebration in spite of the apathy shown at the public meeting called some time ago by the common council to discuss the advisability of holding such a celebration. Orris Hose Co. has taken the matter up and bas decided to hold a first class celebration at the Trout park.

   The following committee has been appointed to arrange for the celebration; Edward Ringer, Leo Tyler, J. W. Angell and Lawrence Dudley.

   They have plans well under way. Invitations are to be extended to the fire department of Homer, McGraw, Marathon and Groton to be present. There will be a balloon ascension, fireworks, over $1,000 worth having already been ordered. These will consist of set pieces, pieces for the water, rockets, Roman candles, pin wheels, etc.

   A program of hose, foot, potato, bicycle, and wheelbarrow races will be arranged for. There will be a meeting of the fire department tonight, at which it will be decided whether or not the department will be called out. In case it is, the band will be hired and there will be a parade at 11 o'clock in which the visiting companies will be asked to participate.

   The last picnic given by the Orris hose was held at Trout park, and was one of the largest and most successful picnics ever held in Cortland, and every effort will be made to make this celebration equally successful.

 

Cortland Normal School.

STUDENTS GOING HOME.

Warm Friendships Formed and Strong Ties Severed.

   All trains leaving Cortland last night and this morning were well filled with Normal students leaving town. In the case of the graduates this is not altogether a pleasant occasion. It is truly said that the four years spent in college are four of the happiest years of one's life. It is no less true of the years spent in Cortland Normal. The fraternal life, freedom from irksome restraint, confidence reposed in the students by the faculty, the pleasant and friendly relations between the same, the spirit of the school, etc., are equal to that of many colleges.

   Friendships are formed here which last a lifetime and sometimes become more than friendships, in fact the Normal has often been called a great match making institution. Many times students will live and work together throughout the entire course, and when they separate after graduation, know that years will elapse before all will be together again, or that perhaps this may be the last time, and the farewells are often tearful in character. Added to this is the fact that they are leaving behind the experiences and associations that they can never know again except in memory.

   In the class that just graduated, four young ladies, all from different parts of the state, have lived together and had everything in common for three years. Out of a party of seven that have been together two years, six completed their work. The seventh one of the party remarked that when he came back next September he would feel like "one born out of due season." There are instances like this every year and it is a part of commencement little thought of, and impossible to be understood by undergraduates and others who have not been there.

 

Addition to Normal Faculty.

   Prof. Bromley Smith of Keystone Academy, Pa., was appointed by the local board of the Cortland Normal school yesterday afternoon—subject to the approval of the state superintendent of public instruction—assistant instructor in the science and physical culture departments. Prof. Smith has the most emphatic of endorsements and promises to be a valuable addition to the faculty.

 

Death of Mrs. Rose.

   Mrs. M. H. Rose, formerly of East Homer who has lived the past year with her daughter, Mrs. E. H. Knapp, in Homer, N. Y., passed away this morning. She was nearly 90 years of age. Funeral will be held from the home of Mrs. Knapp Monday at 12:30 p. m. and at the M. E. church in East Homer at 2:30 p. m., Rev. W. H. York of Syracuse officiating.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The next term at the Normal school begins on Wednesday, Sept 9.

   —There will be a band concert and dance at the Cortland park this evening.

   —The order of the Golden Seal will meet Monday evening in Good Templars' hall.

   —The quarterly conference of the First M. E. church will be held next Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock.

   —The new display advertisements today are—Randall & Rauch, Candies, page 8. McGraw & Elliott, Fine stationery page 5.

   —Lyman H. Howe's moving pictures will be one of the evening attractions at the Tompkins county fair at Ithaca in September.

   —One of the new flowing wells at Ithaca is now flowing 100,000 gallons per day and the water is said to be of a fine quality. The well is 250 feet deep.

   —The annual reunion of the One Hundred Eighty-fifth regiment, N. Y. Vols., will be held at Long Branch, Onondaga lake on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 a. m. It will be a basket picnic.

  —Barry J. Wattles of Killawog, N. Y., a cousin of Mrs. S. N. Holden of this city, died last night at 7 o'clock. His age was 10 years and 10 months. Funeral Monday at 1 p. m. at his late residence in Killawog.

   —The graduates of Cornell university in this city, and they are not a few, are highly jubilant over the wholesale way in which their alma mater swept things clean at the regatta at Poughkeepsie yesterday. The Syracuse university men, too, are happy over the excellent showing made by the crews from the Salt city.

   —The meeting of the Y. P. S. C. F. of the Presbyterian church tomorrow night at 6:30 o'clock will be a consecration meeting. It is urged that all the members be present. This will be the last Sunday evening meeting of this society till September, as during July and August it will join in the regular Thursday evening meeting.

   —The E. & C. N. Y. R. R. sold round-trip tickets today from all stations to Cortland at the uniform rate of 25 cents and over 350 people took advantage of it and are spending the day in the city. The merchants are happy and so are the excursionists, but the bystanders who saw the crowd coming up from the station and forgot about the excursion rates wondered what had broken loose.

 

WAR REMINISCENCES [CHAPTER 24]

 

Capt. William Saxton, Co. C, 157th Regiment, New York Vols.

Cortland Evening Standard, Saturday, June 27, 1903.

WAR REMINISCENCES.

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

PREPARING FOR THE BATTLE.

Confederate General Jackson Sets Out to Flank the Union Army—Lee Keeps Hooker Busy at the Front Major—Carmichael Hears the Rebels Marching, but is Told He is New and Easily Frightened—Dispute Over an Important Order from General Hooker.

   To the Editor of The Standard:

   Sir—Saturday, May 2, 1863.—The Confederates followed up Gen. Slocum along the turnpike and plank road, on the afternoon previous, till they came to a road diverging south, leading to the old Catherine furnace, a mile and a half southeast from Chancellorsville. Here McLaw's and Anderson's divisions were stationed across the roads. Here Gen. Stonewall Jackson met Gen. Lee and they bivouacked for the night under the protecting foliage of some pine trees. Here they planned the move for the next day.

   The reconnaissance along Hooker's front had shown them that he was pretty strongly posted on the east and south, and was protected by thick woods. Cavalry Gen. Stuart reported during the night that he had been around to the right of the Union army and found it defenseless. There were several men there who were thoroughly acquainted with the whole country and knew every road and by-path. Among these was a son of Melzi Chancellor, who lived at the Dowdall house where Gen. Howard had his headquarters.

   Gen. Howard says when he started to follow up Slocum the day before, he forgot the members of his family and when he returned some of them were missing.

To Flank the Union Army.

   It was decided that Gen. Jackson should take his corps, over 30,000 strong, make a detour to the south back out of sight of the Union army, march around Hooker's right flank and rear, hurl it bodily on Howard's unprotected Eleventh Corps and rush it, with the hopes of driving Hooker's whole army into the river.

   The move commenced before daylight, on Saturday, May 2, the wagon trains moving on roads still farther south. Gen. Lee had with him not far from 15,000 men to keep up his show along the whole front. Could Hooker have known this condition of affairs, that would have been a good time to have crushed Lee or driven him off toward Richmond, but he did not know it.

Disposition of the Union Forces.

   The morning of May 2, 1863, found the Union army posted about as follows: The Fifth Corps, (Mead's) occupied the left of the army facing east, its left resting on the Rappahannock, where that stream turns to the east from a bend south below U. S. ford, entrenched. Then came the Second Corps, Couch's facing east. This Corps extended south as far as the turnpike east of the Chancellor house, also entrenched. Next came Slocum's Twelfth Corp bending around to the west and facing south. Next, Birney's division of the Third, Sickles' Corps, facing southwest with entrenchments along the north side of Hazel Grove, connecting on the right with the Eleventh Corps. Hooker bad ordered Slocum to post Williams' first division at nearly right angles to the right of the rest of his Corps, forming an interior line facing west extending north to the pike. Here they erected strong log breastworks as a reserve back of Birney and Howard about midway between Chancellorsville and Dowall's.

   The Eleventh Corps, (Howard's) consisted of three divisions of infantry and the necessary apportionment of artillery. The first division was commanded by Brig. Gen. Devans, later attorney-general in President Hayes' cabinet. He had two brigades, the first command by Col. Von Gilsa, the second by Brig. Gen. McLean. The second division was commanded by Brig, Gen. Steinwehr, who had two brigades. The first commanded by Col. Bushbeck, the second by Brig. Gen. Barlow. The third division (ours) was commanded by Major Gen. Carl Schurz. He had two brigades, the first (ours) commanded by Brig. Gen. Schimmelfennig, the second by Col. Krayanowski. The Eleventh Corps was posted on the right of the army mainly facing south. Steinwehr's second  brigade (Barlow's) was in reserve north of Bushbeck's first brigade. Bushbeck's first brigade connected with Birney on the right and extended partially across the Dowdall farm; here it was joined by Schurz's third division. First came Capt. Dilger's Battery I, First Ohio, then the second brigade Krzyanowski's, half in front and half in reserve. Then came the first brigade, (ours) Schimmelfennig's, along the pike disposed in like manner, the right extending through the woods to the Talley farm, our regiment lying in reserve a quarter of a mile north, in the south edge of the clearing of Hawkins farm. Devan's division came next, McLean's second brigade joining Schimmelfennig's and Von Gilsa's first brigade joining McLean's. Von Gilsa had two regiments on the pike extending into the woods half a mile beyond Talley's. All of Howard's Eleventh Corps faced south except the two right regiments of Von Gilsa's brigade, they turned at right angles north and faced west. Von Gilsa's brigade occupied the extreme right of the Union army, and the One-Hundred and Fifty-fourth Pa., and the Fifty-fourth N. Y. regiments were the ones north of the pike and facing west, the Fifty-fourth N. Y. being the right regiment.

   I have gone into detail in regard to the position of the Eleventh Corps at the risk of being tedious, for it was the principal actor in this day's tragedy.

A Historic Place.

   This same locality, occupied by the right of our Corps, and to the south and west was made still farther historic, by the battle of the Wilderness, a year later fought between Generals Grant and Lee.

   The shape of the Union line was something like a sickle, back being the front of the army, the handle being the Eleventh Corps. The length of the line was five or six miles. The Union position was surrounded by Jack oak thickets, except the openings, of which I have previously spoken. One at the north around the White house, another around the Chancellor house, that looking to the southwest called Fairview, southwest of Fairview on higher ground called Hazel grove, to tbe northwest of Hazel grove about a mile where the Eleventh Corps was posted is Dowdall's, connecting on the west with Talley's. The Union army had pickets well out to the front along the whole line south, and most of the roads had cavalry videttes. This was the situation at 8 o'clock on the morning of Saturday, May 2.

To Keep Hooker Busy.

   Some Confederate cavalry in the woods in front of Mead on the left annoyed him somewhat. A battery opened sharply on Hancock's division of the Second Corps, also infantry and artillery on Geary's division of the Twelfth Corps.

   This was part of Lee's plan to keep Hooker occupied.

   Gen. Taylor, adjutant-general of the army of northern Virginia, says Jackson had 26,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, 1,600 artillery, a total of 33,600. Jackson had 102 pieces of artillery besides four pieces of Stuart's horse artillery.

   Gen. Lee, a few days after the battle stated to the Confederate war department, that both Longstreet's and Jackson's Corps had 30,000 men and were too many for one man to handle and asked to have the two Corps divided into three, which was done.

Hooker Reconnoitres.

   At daylight Gen. Hooker in order to become thoroughly familiar with his position and note for himself its defenses, accompanied by his staff and Gen. Sickles, rode around his  whole line.

   Gen. Howard says, "I joined the cavalcade at Dowdall's and Hooker noticed the breastworks unusually well built by Schurz and Devans and as he looked over the barricade, he said to me: "How Strong! How strong!"

   I wish to say here, notwithstanding all the statements in history and Gen. Howard to the contrary notwithstanding, the One-Hundred and Fifty-seventh N. Y. did not throw up a single shovelful of dirt or place a stick or stone in the form of an entrenchment.

   When we finally fell back by the side of the Eighty-second Ill., (Col. Hecker) there was what appeared to be a plowed furrow thrown up, and that was the only pretense of breastworks I saw except when we occupied those of the Fifth Corps next day.

   Stonewall Jackson's marching columns were not hidden entirely from the Union army.

Major Carmichael was Vigilant.

   Major Carmichael of our regiment, who had charge of part of the picket line, heard the sounds of wagon and artillery moving west past his front and in the morning reported the same to Gen. Howard, and was told: ''You are new troops more frightened than necessary."

   The skirmishers in front of Gen. Green's brigade of Geary's division of the Twelfth Corps soon after daylight heard the enemy marching to the right on the road in front of them. They distinctly beard the officers giving commands and men talking as they marched along. Some of the skirmishers climbed trees and saw the column of the enemy moving west. This was immediately reported to headquarters. At 8 a. m. Gen. Birney reported to Sickles and he to Hooker, that a continuous force of the Confederates was marching along his front towards our right. The report was circulated, and believed that the Confederate army was in full retreat toward Gordonsville. Every private in our regiment knew it, and some of our boys went up on a knoll by the plank road to see if they could get a glimpse of the retreating Johnnies.

Gen. Hooker’s Orders.

   Gen. Hooker, after returning from his inspection of the lines, immediately issued the following order:

   "Headquarters Army of tbe Potomac, Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863, 9:30 a. m. Circular.

    "Major Generals Slocum and Howard: I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that the disposition you have made of your Corps has been with a view to a front attack by the enemy. If he should throw himself upon your flank, he wishes you to examine the ground and determine upon the position you will take in that event, in order that you may be prepared for him in whatever direction he advances. He suggests that you have heavy reserves well in hand to meet this contingency. The right of your line does not appear to be strong enough. No artificial defenses worth naming have been thrown up, and there appears to be a scarcity of troops at that point, and not, in the general’s opinion, as favorably posted as might be. We have good reason to suppose that the enemy is moving to our right. Please advance your pickets for purpose of observation as far as may be safe in order to obtain timely information of their approach."

   "I. H. Van Allen, Brig-Gen. and Aide-de-Camp."

Gen. Howard’s Observations.

   Gen. Howard writes as follows:

   "Headquarters Eleventh Corps, May 2, 10 minutes to 11 o'clock, (10:50 a. m.)

   "Major-Gen. Hooker, Commanding Army—General: From Gen. Devan's headquarters we can observe a column of infantry moving westward on a road parallel with this on a ridge about one and a half to two miles south of this. I am taking measure to resist an attack from the west.

   "Respectfully, O. O. Howard, Major-Gen."

   Gen. Howard in his Century Magazine article "Jackson's Attack Upon the Eleventh Corps" says: "Gen. Hooker's circular order to Slocum and Howard neither reached me nor, to my knowledge, Col. Meyenburg, my adjutant-general."

Gen. Schurz’s Testimony.

   Gen. Carl Schurz writes to Gen. Hooker on the 22d of April, 1876, from New York City in answer to Hooker's letter of inquiry to him: "About noon or a little after on the day of the attack of the Eleventh Corps, I was at Gen. Howard's headquarters, a house on the Chancellorsville road near the center of our position. Gen. Howard, being very tired wanted to rest a little, and asked me as next in rank to open dispatches that might arrive and to wake him in case they were of immediate importance. Shortly after a courier arrived with the dispatch from yon calling Gen. Howard's attention to the movement of the enemy toward our right rank, and instructing him to take precautionary measures against an attack from that quarter, I went to Gen. Howard at once and read it to him, and if I remember rightly, while we were speaking about it, another courier, or one of your young staff officers, arrived with a second dispatch of virtually the same purport. We went out and discussed the matter on the porch of the house."

Letter from H. M. Kellogg.

   I have a copy of a letter in my possession from Comrade H. M. Kellogg of Cortland, N. Y., with whom I am slightly acquainted, and can bear testimony that he is an honorable, truthful and respected business man of that city. He formerly belonged to Co. G, Fifty-fifth Ohio of Gen. McLean's brigade. He had been detailed at Howard's headquarters and had sole charge of all records, letters, orders, etc. He says:

   "T. A. Meysenburg, Gen. Howard's A. A. G., came to me after the battle of Chancellorsville and we had returned to Brook's station, and told me as soon as I could write up the record books and file properly the orders and letters received of that campaign, to make an exact copy of the whole Chancellorsville matter ready for his signature, to make them official, and that they would probably be wanted at Washington. I finished my records and when I came to the dates of May 2 and 3, there was no such order on file or in my possession. Although I had always been a great admirer of Gen. Hooker, I had to admit that he had been caught napping and knew nothing of Jackson's movement and made no preparation to meet him; that he had been outgeneraled and surprised in broad daylight.

   "I made an official copy of the papers ready for use and turned them over to Col. Meysenburg, A. A. G., so that if an investigation was had they were ready for use."

   In June we started again and marched via Catletts, Centerville, Goose creek, Edward's ferry, Jefferson, Middletown, reaching Frederick, Md., June 28, at dusk. That night Hooker was relieved of his command, and he left us. We marched at daylight for Emmettsburg, 30 miles, reaching there that night. June 30, we lay quiet and I did some work on the records. On the day before the battle of Gettysburg began, while in the tent, Col. Mysenburg walked in, came to me and handed me a paper, saying "There is a very important paper relating to the Chancellorsville campaign; file it among those papers in its proper place and record it now, giving it its proper date. Of course you cannot enter it in the records in its proper place of May 2 because the pages are full, but enter it among the June accounts of this campaign."

   The paper was folded and worn at the edges as if it had been carried in the vest pocket or in a diary. When I opened the paper I was struck almost dumb with astonishment as I read this 9:30 a. m. order of Gen. Hooker's, word for word. I made up my mind there was trickery, devilish, detestable trickery going on. Hooker had been gone only 48 hours. Where had this order been? Who was the coward that carried it in his pocket and kept it from its proper place in the files for two months? I wrote an extra copy for myself, which I have now. The order is not in the files at Washington."

   What can Gen. Howard say to the above letter of Comrade Kellogg of Cortland, N. Y.? Or what can he say to Gen. Schurz's letter, in which he positively states that he (Schurz) read it to him (Howard?) Does he mean to quibble out of it, and because Schurz received it and opened it while he took a nap, (but read it to him) that it did not come into his (Howard's) personal hands? Again, how long a nap do you suppose Stonewall Jackson was taking at this hour?

   W. S.