Doc. 196.-First Regiment of N. Y. Volunteers.
At half-past 4 o'clock, the regiment embarked on the Staten Island boat for New York. On the passage, the soldiers sang numerous stirring songs, suited to the occasion, and the full-voiced music rolled over the heaving billows like a refrain from some far distant isle, inhabited by the genius of song and the spirit of patriotism. Arriving at the Battery, they found a large and enthusiastic congregation of people waiting for their coming; and as they stepped from the boat, they were received with three uproarious cheers. But the enthusiasm had just commenced. Marching up Broadway preceded by a band of music, they were received with a continual ovation of cheers and shouts. Every tongue gave a welcome; and hats waved in enthusiastic greeting. It was enough. The gallant boys knew that they were departing upon a mission in which the heart of New York went with them; and the proud step and mantling cheek showed that they appreciated the eminent position. On arriving at the Astor House, the regiment formed in line, and Major-General Dix, accompanied by Dr. A. B. Mott, passed along the entire length, for review, with heads uncovered. The officers were called to the front, and the following letter was read to them:Colonel Allen replied with some difficulty, as he was suffering from a severe cold. The officers then entered a room in the Astor House, where the ladies were, and Dr. Mott said:
Col. Allen and officers of the First Regiment:--The ladies present, are those who have attached their names to the letter read to you, offering their services to contribute whatever is necessary for the use of the regiment. It would take too long a time to introduce them to you personally, but the occasion calls for a [282] fervent expression of feeling, which I am physically unable to express, and will therefore let Major Turner, to-day, say for me what I wish. He will be kind enough to express our kind feelings and intentions.Major Turner then spoke as follows:
In obedience, ladies, to the request made by the colonel, and equally for myself, I can utter but one sentiment expressing that entertained by my associate officers. It is indeed a source of consolation for us to know, that in leaving our homes, there are those behind coming forward, as you have, representing a large and formidable body of strong hearts, that have produced soldiers, and can cheer them in action — sustain them in the trials of life, and in the last and best, make them to know that you will assist those whom they leave behind them. For myself — and it is the sentiment entertained by the officers of this regiment — I can say that they are more than grateful. We can promise you, that inasmuch as we have the honor to be the First Regiment of New York Volunteers, we will pledge ourselves to sustain the high position that we hold; and permit me to assure you, ladies, that in our absence, you at home, when you hear of us, shall have no occasion to regret having proffered the valuable services you have tendered. We should not be indifferent to the fact that, on going to the field, we are not going to meet a foreign foe, but we are going to quell a rebellion at home. We are going to put down treason against the best interests of our country. We are going to preserve the liberties that we were born in possession of, and we will do more than that; we will prove to the world that we are not only the First Regiment numbered in the position of our army, but that we are the first nation on this earth. I thank you, ladies, in behalf of my associates. Let me assure you, ladies, there are many hearts throbbing in unison with those that are here. We will endeavor to discharge our duty, conscious that those who set us in the field had confidence in us. Again, ladies, let me, in the names of the officers of the First Regiment, return our sincere and most grateful thanks.The following impromptu lines, by E. T. P. Beach, were presented to Col. Allen:
The officers then returned to the regiment, and soon after it proceeded up Broadway, receiving again a great amount of cheering. Windows were beautified by the faces of the fair, who waved their handkerchiefs to the passing regiment. At length it turned down Canal street, and embarked on board the State of Georgia. The following is a list of the officers of the regiment: Staff.--Wm. H. Allen, Colonel; Garrett Dyckman, Lieutenant-Colonel; James M. Turner, Major; Walter Scott, Adjutant; J. Lawrence Hicks, M. D., Surgeon; John Howe, M. D., Surgeon's mate; Robt. S. Wormsley, Quartermaster. non-commissioned Staff.--Benjamin Page, Sergeant-Major; James C. Briscoe, Color-Sergeant; Robert B. Montgomery, Quartermaster-Sergeant; James Murray, Officers' Mess-Steward; John S. Brush, light General Guide; Richard J. Perry, Drum-Major; Richard Willis, Fife-Major. Co. A, Captain, Leon Barnard; First Lieutenant, John C. Campbell; Second Lieutenant, N. S. Marcemus. Co. B, Captain, James Clancy; First Lieutenant, George W. Duncan; Second Lieutenant, Wm. T. Allen. Co. C, Captain, Wm. L. Coles; First Lieutenant, James C. Shaw; Second Lieutenant, David E. Carpenter. Co. D, Captain, Henry M. Burleigh; First Lieutenant, Chas. Ingersoll; Second Lieutenant, John C. Horton. Co. E, Captain, Timothy Waters; First Lieutenant, Jos. Yeomans; Second Lieutenant, Henry E. Ayers. Co. F, Captain, David Tuomey; First Lieutenant, Jas. F. Hyde; Second Lieutenant, Jas. Dolan. Co. G, Captain, Wm. H. Underhill; First Lieutenant, Geo. S. Melville; Second Lieutenant, Henry S. Hetheringer. Co. H, Captain, Jas. H. Brennan; First Lieutenant, N. C. Hamilton; Second Lieutenant, C. M. Martin. Co. J, Captain, Ole P. Balling; First Lieutenant, Christian T. Christiansen; Second Lieutenant, Alfred Furberg. Co. K, Captain, Winer Bjing; First Lieutenant, Nicholas Grosbeck; Second Lieutenant, John Allen.--N. Y. Times, May 27.Hail to our banner!
Hail to the Banner that waveth in glory!
Hail to the Flag of our dear cherished land!
Hail to the standard long honored in story!
Boldly defend it, my brave, gallant band.
Hail to the donors fair,
Who in their country's share
Ever stand ready in peril or need
Hail to each tender heart,
Break though it may part,
Bravely will own their dearest “God speed.”
Guard well the Banner we give to your keeping,
It shieldeth your honor, Four fair, and your land;
Let the bright eyes that in farewells are weeping,
Behold it in glory return with your band!
Hail to the Banner bold!
Guard well each precious fold!
Cherish our starry-gemmed red, white, and blue;
God will uphold the right!
Bravely, then, to the fight--
God speed the noble First, brave hearts and true!
