The Aurora War Correspondent

Transcription

1 The Aurora War Correspondent Thursday, September 12 and 19, 1861 The time for stirring energy and action has come. The question is, are we doing our part in this momentous conflict? Why are we standing idle when our comrades are in the field? In this vein, on September 7, a meeting was conducted for the purpose of organizing a local militia company under the recent changes in the state laws. Unfortunately, very few attended the session, so another gathering has been scheduled for the 14 th. In accordance with the new state mandates, all men aged 18 to 45 are to be included in the militia groups. Each individual may choose to be a volunteer or a reserve person. The volunteer groups are to be organized into companies of at least 50, but not more than 100 men. Those in the company will be allowed to elect their officers, and will have uniforms and arms provided by the state. The units will be required to drill at least four days in each year, and are subject to government draft in time of emergency. The Governor may form entire regiments of five to ten companies, and determines where and when these troops will convene to elect a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Major who will then be commissioned by the head of the State for a six year term dating from the time of their election. Local Militia Groups Reserve militiamen will not be organized into companies, although they will still be eligible for draft under extreme circumstances. They also are subject to a six year term of service unless discharged by age or disability. We have received reports from Captain Swain s company, the Webb Guards of the Douglas Brigade, currently bivouacked in Batavia, that the soldiers there have been granted a major treat. On September 6, supplies consisting of 100 rubber blankets, 100 combs, 24 clothes brushes, 24 shoe brushes, and 100 towels were delivered to camp. Shortly after the arrival of these supplies, the men were formed into drill order, given their share of the allotment, and gave three cheers to the donors once everything was dispersed. From Camp Hammond, our correspondent reports that Major Greusel has communicated to General Frémont his desire to deliver a crack troop of soldiers once the time for deployment arrives. I will bring you [a] better drilled regiment for the length of time employed, than you have ever seen has been the good Major s boast. Our volunteers have been diligently employed in making these words a reality. They rise at 5:00 a.m., and drill until 7:00 at which time they fall out for breakfast. After dining, the men are engaged in straightening up tents, and cleaning the camp streets. Once these tasks are accomplished, drill is resumed until 11:30.

2 Lunch follows, and at 2:00, the soldiers assemble for another two hours of drill succeeded by battalion drill which lasts until 5:00. Supper is served, and the troops gather for dress parade at 6:00. At the end of the performance of this duty, the camp officers issue their orders for the following day, and the men are dismissed. All lights are to be extinguished at 9:00, and absolute silence is the rule until rising the next morning. Two volunteers are currently domiciled in the guardhouse. Sentries have been doubled about the camp. All persons will be required to show a pass signed by the Adjutant to gain access. The Captains at Camp Hammond are allowed to grant six one day passes at a time. Any visitors must report to the west gate to gain admittance. At this time, very few furloughs for more extended time away from the site are being given. In happier news, the ladies of Montgomery and Bristol hosted a pic-nic for the exceptionally popular Young America Company to which members of the Morris Guard were also invited due to the vast quantities of food. Major Greusel formed the men into ranks, and marched them to the grove where it was discovered that, while there was a great abundance of eatibles, there was not a corresponding amount of table space which left several of the Morris gentlemen waiting for a seat. Some of these soldiers refused to dine as a consequence, and departed after giving three cheers to the ladies, and three groans for the men who crowded them out. The fair dames of Montgomery were presented with a company flag for their kind attention from the fellows of Young America. After returning to camp, the soldiers were informed that henceforth there will be no further picnics held off the camp grounds. Major Greusel accompanied 60 Fox River Regiment volunteers into Aurora to attend the funeral of Captain William Dennison, former city resident, and more recently attached to Colonel McDowell s command at Burlington, Iowa. Dennison, who was a well-known conductor on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, later functioned in the same capacity for the Burlington and Missouri Line, and left his employment to create a volunteer company immediately following the President s second call for troops. The Captain s regiment was ordered to Missouri late last month, and although ill at the time, he attempted to make the journey with his men. At Keokuk, bilious fever had set in, and he remained in that city a few days to recover. Feeling somewhat improved, Dennison subsequently returned to Burlington where his condition worsened, and he departed this life September 4. The next day, his remains were shipped to Aurora for the gallant soldier s grieving parents. Burial took place September 6. Dennison was conducted to his grave with full military honors, only fitting for a loyal soldier who spent his life s savings to raise a military company. It has been said that Dennison in his grave is more honored and remembered by the patriotic people of our city, than many who think they have a stronger claim upon the respect of their fellow citizens Generous patriotism in these times will take a man nearer heaven, and further into the hearts of noble men and women, than hypocritical piety or hoarded dollars.

3 In further news concerning the formation of the Lincoln Regiment, Charles J. Metzner has been authorized by the Honorable I. G. Wilson to begin enlisting our citizens for this new unit. All those who desire to serve their country in this hour of peril will find an opportunity to sign the muster roll at the office of the undersigned [Metzner] on River Street, West Aurora, or at Concert Hall, on Main Street, East Aurora. C. B. Wells, Quartermaster for the regiment, appeared at a meeting held in Brady s Hall September 10, and was followed by Captain John S. Wilcox, Judge Parks, Colonel Joslyn, and Mr. Metzner. Their eloquence stirred the hearts of several in attendance, and many signatures were acquired at that time. B. C. Yates of Blackberry is currently raising a corps of sharp shooters especially for this squadron. The Lincoln Regiment s Camp Lyon is currently being installed on the Geneva Fair Grounds. Further north in St. Charles, Farnsworth s Cavalry now has seven different companies bivouacked, and by the end of next week, expect all of their recruits to be present. C. W. Wait, former editor of the Sycamore Republican, has been chosen to act as Quartermaster for this corps, and he informs us that most of the tents and other equipage were received September 5. Uniforms are en route, and company arms are expected to arrive at any moment. To date, the Farnsworth Cavalry is composed of two companies from Cook County, two from DeKalb County, two from Kane County, and a single unit from both McHenry and Du Page Counties. The Aurora Dragoons under Captain Albert Jenks send us the following information. The average height of the men composing this group is five feet nine inches, and we are told that They are well stocked with courage, muscle and patriotism. A complete list of company officers is appended. Captain: Albert Jenks 1 st Lieutenant: Samuel R. Sherer 2 nd Lieutenant: A. C. Ferre Qtrmaster Sgt: F. E. Reynolds 1 st Sergeant: Albert Collins 2 nd Sergeant: Charles C. Stephens 3 rd Sergeant: F. J. Snow 4 th Sergeant: James J. Johnson 5 th Sergeant: F. O. White 1 st Corporal: Daniel Bynon 2 nd Corporal: George Stewart 3 rd Corporal: Jerome B. Marlett 4 th Corporal: H. B. Douglas 5 th Corporal: George W. Hagadone 6 th Corporal: J. B. Loomis 7 th Corporal: James Surby 8 th Corporal: David Hill, Jr. First and second buglers have not been selected yet. George A. Cason has been designated company farrier, and James J. Hume is the saddler. Over and above those men listed above, the company numbers 73 privates.

4 For some time past, the friends of Lieutenants Walker and Ferre, and Adjutant George E. Willis have been occupied raising funds for the purchase of suitable weapons for these men. Charley Brooks procured three fine swords, and arranged for a presentation ceremony to be held at the Aurora House on Thursday, September 12. The balcony was beautifully decorated with flags, flowers and appropriate emblems, and at 8:00 p.m., E. R. Allen called the assembled crowd to order by introducing the chief speaker for the evening, Captain Silas Miller. A transcript of his remarks is appended. Captain Silas Miller Gentlemen:-- I have been detailed by your friends for the performance of a pleasant duty. They have joined in their desire to present to each of you a testimonial of their respect and esteem for you as men, and of their interest in, and sympathy for you, while engaged in that noble cause in which you have embarked. Their wishes have found expression and taken a tangible form in the most appropriate of gifts. The form into which their wishes have wrought themselves is that of a sword. Gentlemen, you are modest, and therefore I shall not attempt to tell you how great you are, or how much more worthy of respect and esteem than other men. You have only to reflect that almost any other persons standing in your positions and taking the same patriotic stand in this holy contest, would have received the same token of regard, to discover that your modesty becomes you, and that the confidence of loyal Americans is placed, not so much upon particular individuals as upon the inherent right of a just cause. It is enough of honor for you, and a sufficient recommendation, to these, your fellow citizens, to know that you are chosen, by those with whom you stand heart to heart and shoulder to shoulder, to act as leaders in this righteous conflict;-- as those in whom they are willing to rely when the bewildering, exciting time of action comes. When that hour does come, in God s name go forth, and when your right hands shall grasp these hilts, let the sight of these three blades, remind you that not only the Almighty Ruler of the Universe looks upon you, but that the hopes, the fears, and the dearest interests not only of this assembly, but of the whole American people, may be resting upon the discretion with which they may direct, or the avenging might with which their blows may descend. It is not long since this scene might have savored largely of the ludicrous. In the ordinary avocations to which you are called in times of peace, these implements might have served very well for the purpose of adorning your already sufficiently handsome persons; but as far as utility is concerned, the gift might better have been a

5 lather brush or a fine tooth comb. Had you been obliged to wear them, as you will be now, in the discharge of your daily duties, it would have been an intolerable nuisance. But boys! We have fallen upon different times! God gave our fathers wisdom, and that Godgiven wisdom gave to us the grandest government the world has ever seen! Now, in our own time, traitors have sprung to arms, rebellion instituted and organized, and the emissaries of hell are all abroad in our native land, to steal and force from us that rich legacy of God and our fathers. The sword has become the only arbiter between us and our foes! Instead of following your accustomed pursuits, you are chosen to take a prominent part in this contest. It is therefore meet and proper, Walker, when your friends would bestow upon you an emphatic and essential Godspeed in this glorious enterprise, that they should come to you with the sword; for it will, I believe, be more instrumental in your possession, in fixing souls in a permanent and lasting resting place, than awl and pegs ever were, even in your skillful hands. George, it is said that the pen is mightier than the sword; but when the pen, directed by man s erring wisdom, proves too weak to decide our issues for us, having laid that aside, gird on this sword, and with God overhead to direct, you will prove the fogydom of the notion that writing is more potent than fighting, when fighting is the business in hand. Little Doc, you have been accustomed to commit torture;-- but the instruments have differed from this. With the forceps you pull, and tear, and mangle, and murder. With this you thrust and cut, and genteely and mercifully slay. It won t take you long to learn the manner. Learn it quickly and well. Gentlemen, you have your swords. Use them to help yourselves; to help these your companions in arms; to help the friends who have bestowed them upon you; to help your distressed country; to help your everlasting God. I have already said enough. Speeches must not be indulged in. Even eloquence should hardly be tolerated, unless of the bobtailed species, and not adorned with long, rhetorical flourishes and extremities. But while I would have you become efficient in the use of your weapons, let me ask of you that cruelty and vengeance may not characterize your actions while they are in your hands. Remember that you are men, and let not the taunts which have been flung upon you by those who are to engage you in this contest, so embitter your feeling as to drive you on from victory to disgraceful revenge; but always remember that Earthly power then is likest Heaven s, When mercy tempers Justice; And though this is a violent contest between brothers, the most direful of all broils, yet remember that Though from the heroe s bleeding breast Her pulses Freedom drew; Though the white lilies in her crest Sprang from that sacred dew While Valor s haughty champions wait Till all their scars are shown, Love walks unchallenged through the gate To sit beside the throne. Go forth then, with your swords to conquer. -- Go with Justice on your right to nerve your arm to valiant deeds; with Mercy and

6 Brotherly Love in your hearts to restrain anger and revenge; and conquering, bless yourselves and your friends with peace; and returning, receive their blessings, and God in return. Colonel Joslyn then received the swords in the names of those for whom the rapiers were intended. Upon conclusion, the large crowd present who had gathered together to see those deadly weapons present to their friends, knowing that they were presented with no idle purpose gave the three honorees three lusty cheers. While unable to attend the festivities in person due to personal duties at camp, Walker, Ferre and Willis composed a letter to the Beacon to express their abundant appreciation for the favor done them. In grateful and heart-felt respect, the undersigned would return to the citizens of Aurora their thanks and happy appreciation for the noble gift of Thursday evening last, and for the joyful encouragement was the most encouraging of our lives. It was a manifestation of kindness of their presence on the occasion, which to us, that we shall never forget, and the more heartfelt appreciation of which we hope to demonstrate in that cause, which is so dear to every loyal American heart. In other news from Camp Hammond, the recent onslaught of showers has been most welcome, as the rains have settled much of the dust that made drills rather onerous. We hear that the uniforms for our soldiers are still late in arriving, and that the soldiers are still awaiting delivery of their weapons. Agents are currently in the process of purchasing mounts for Captain Jenks s cavalrymen. Our correspondent from camp writes that $70 to $90 are being spent for each mount, and at such a cheap rate, there are fears that the horses secured for these prices may not be entirely suitable for the mission that lies ahead of them. It is well known the companies of cavalry are much needed at the present time in Missouri, but of what service can we be if we are furnished with horses which are not considered fit to work on a farm. Shortcomings of these animals notwithstanding, the men are highly pleased by the quality of the fodder being provided by H. Paine who holds the contracts for this vital supply. Paine has purchased fifteen to twenty