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

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[143] vindicating their loyalty and patriotism in a most substantial manner. Col. Corcoran, who arose from a bed of sickness to accompany his regiment, was nearly killed by kindness. He occupied a carriage with one or two friends, and it became necessary for the police to protect him from the crowd which pressed upon him from all sides.

When the procession arrived at Pier No. 4 North River, where the James Adger was waiting to receive them, an attempt was made to shut off the crowd and prevent their passing the gates, but the efforts of the police were unavailing. The throng pressed in, and soon the pier was a scene of the utmost confusion. The soldiers were forced from the ranks, and speedily becoming identified with the crowd had to fight their way to the steamer's gang-plank. For at least an hour the rush of soldiers and citizens towards the steamer, was terrific. Patriotic Irishmen were determined to bid their friends good-bye, and in their efforts to do so were knocked down and trampled under foot, kicked, bayoneted, and otherwise maltreated; but they heeded it not. Regaining their feet with a “hurrah for the 69th” they again entered the contest. Several soldiers were served in the same manner, others lost their muskets or caps in the scramble; but all eventually got on board alive.

At 6 1/2 o'clock the Adger steamed away from the dock amid the most uproarious cheering. If the friends of the Jeff. Davis Government ever reckoned upon any assistance from the Irish population of the North, the display of yesterday must convince them that they were mistaken. The harp of Erin floats beside the Stars and Stripes in perfect union, and will do so throughout the present struggle. If more troops are needed by the Government the Irish of this city will furnish five times the number they already have done. The following are the officers of the 69th regiment:

Colonel, Michael Corcoran; Lieutenant-Colonel, Robert Nugent; Major, James Bagley; Surgeon, Robert Johnson; Assistant-Surgeon,------Kiernan; Assistant-Surgeon, Patrick Nolan; Engineer, J. B. Kirker; Chaplains, D. Sullivan and the Rev. Mr. Mooney; Captains, James Haggerty, Thomas Lynch, Jas. Kavanagh, Thomas Clark, Patrick Kelly, J Bresslen, F. Duffy, James Kelly, and Coonan.

Mrs. Judge Daly presented the gallant fellows with a beautiful silken standard of the National colors.

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Thirteenth Regiment.

The 13th Regiment embarked amid the most intense enthusiasm of the citizens of Brooklyn, who congregated by thousands, lining the streets from the City Hall to the Armory, in Cranberry-street, near Henry-street, to see them off. It was announced that the regiment would take up the line of march at 8 o'clock A. M. Long before that hour the neighborhood of the Armory was filled with an almost impenetrable mass of human beings, nearly every one of whom had friends or near relatives in the regiment. Many ladies were there — the wives, sisters, and daughters of the soldiers. These were permitted to enter the Armory during the latter part of the day.

The old members of the regiment had all been provided with arms and equipments, but the new recruits, comprising by far the largest portion of the force, were devoid of nearly every thing excepting shoes and other articles of clothing; the great requisites, muskets, knapsacks, blankets, &c., were missing. All was bustle and confusion. Carts were sent to New York for muskets, and about noon they arrived. The other equipments came along by degrees, and were furnished to the men. It was then discovered that there were not enough of equipments for the number of men enrolled. The officer in command had only one course to pursue in this exigency, and that was to send those recruits who could not be provided to the arsenal, there to await further orders. The total number equipped was about 450, including officers and musicians. About 200 were compelled to remain behind. It is understood that they will be equipped and sent on.

After all necessary details had been arranged, the companies marched out and formed in line on Cranberry-street. It was then three o'clock, P. M. The street was kept clear by the police, under direction of Inspector Folk, and after the inspection of the command by Acting Brigade Inspector S. A. Dodge, the drums beat, the band struck up a patriotic strain, and the regiment marched to Fulton-street, and thence to the Fulton ferry. The crowd of spectators was immense. Every available space was occupied, every door-step and every window was filled. The enthusiasm was unbounded. Cheer after cheer rent the air as the noble fellows marched along.

The head of the regiment reached the ferry at 4 o'clock, and in a few minutes thereafter the men had all embarked on board the ferry-boat Atlantic, which had been especially provided for the purpose by the ferry company.

As the regiment was marching on board, the band struck up The Girl I left behind me ; and when the boat had moved out of the slip, they played Auld Lang Syne.

The Napper Tandy Light Artillery, Capt. Smith, was stationed on the city wharf, and fired a salute of 34 guns. A vast concourse had assembled at the foot of the street, and as the boat came in view the most tremendous cheers rent the air.

The troops were taken on board the Marion, lying in the North River.

The following is a list of the officers:

Colonel, Abel Smith; Lieutenant-Colonel, R. B. Clarke; Major, (vacant); Quartermaster, A Garrison; Paymaster, Boyd; Surgeon, Chase; Chaplain, The Rev. Mr. Lee; Commissary, Street; Sergeant-Major, J. H. Rosenquest; Quartermaster's Sergeant, Vail; Sergeant-of-the-Guard,