Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Commanding N. Y. Seventh Regiment:

Sir: Your regiment has accomplished all that was intended by it in crossing over to Arlington to take possession of the heights, and have labored on the intrenchments manfully, also. The security of this city renders it imperative you should resume your encampment on this side; and you will this afternoon march [319] over accordingly, and hold your regiment here ready to turn out when called upon.

Very respectfully,

At a meeting of this regiment, held this morning, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, The trials and fortunes of war have brought us into close intimacy and companionship with the New York Seventh Regiment, (National Guard,) therefore

Resolved, That we feel it a duty, owing not only to them, but to our own hearts, to express so far as it may be in our power, our grateful obligations to them for their many favors.

Resolved, That we deeply appreciate the hearty welcome extended to us on landing at Annapolis, and their kind attention after the fatigues of transportation, and hazardous though successful service.

Resolved, That they have done all in their power to lessen the just feelings of dissatisfaction which have prevailed throughout the regiment, by sharing with us their rations and their little conveniences, and by ever being the first to offer assistance.

Resolved, That especially are our thanks due to the noble 7th for the generous entertainment, so spontaneous, so bounteous, so heartily appreciative of our condition, furnished on the afternoon of Saturday, April 27th, that no words can do it justice, or do justice to our gratitude.

Resolved, That in one other and very especial particular does their generosity and benevolence touch our hearts; we refer to the voluntary subscription raised among them, for the benefit of one of our officers accidentally wounded.

Resolved, That the term so often used in connection with the volunteer militia, “holiday soldiery,” has, in all the conduct of the regiment to which we are so much indebted, been triumphantly refuted; and that it will hereafter be worthy of the highest fame — fame that will now attach to the name of the “generous, gallant, glorious Seventh.”

Resolved, That wherever the Seventh may go we would go; where they lodge we would lodge; if ever their colors go down before the hosts of the enemy, the Eighth of Massachusetts would be first to avenge their fall with the heart's blood of every man.

The commanding officer of the Seventh Regiment of New York Volunteers, will proceed with his regiment to the city of New York, where it will be mustered out of the service of the United States, by Lieut. M. Cogswell, Eighth Regiment.

It is the desire of the War Department, in relinquishing the services of this gallant regiment, to make known the satisfaction that is felt at the prompt and patriotic manner in which it responded to the call for men to defend the capital when it was believed to be in peril, and to acknowledge the important service which it rendered by appearing here in an hour of dark and trying necessity. The time for which it had engaged has now expired. The service which it was expected to perform has been handsomely accomplished, and its members may return to their native city with the assurance that its services are gratefully appreciated by all good and loyal citizens, whilst the Government is equally confident that when the country again calls upon them, the appeal will not be made in vain to the young men of New York.

By order,

General order No. 21.--Special Order No. 146, Headquarters United States Army, is hereby promulgated, and in compliance therewith this Regiment will parade fully uniformed, in overcoats, armed and equipped for the march, at 3 1/2 o'clock P. M., 31st inst.--blankets rolled and strapped upon the knapsack. Each soldier must carry his canteen and haversack. Pistols, unloaded, must be packed in the knapsacks. The Commissary will provide two days rations for each man.

By order of

Resolved, That this committee desire to express their cordial recognition of the efficient service rendered to the cause of the country at a critical emergency of its public affairs by the Seventh Regiment of the New York State Militia, commanded by Col. Marshall Lefferts, and sharing so fully in the general feeling of gratification which pervades this community at learning that the commanding general of the U. S. Army, under the sanction of the President of the United States, has acknowledged, in special general orders, “the important service rendered by that regiment in an hour of dark and trying necessity;” the committee desire to unite their congratulations with those of their fellow-citizens, in extending a welcome hand to cheer the return of a body of soldiers who conferred such high honor on the city of New York.

Resolved, That this committee will take [320] pleasure in attending the reception to be given to the Seventh Regiment, on its arrival in this city to-morrow.

Resolved, That these proceedings be published, and a copy furnished to Col. Lefferts.

Extract from the minutes.