The final 1864 entries in the Union and Advertiser. As noted earlier, the Regiment was mustered out in November and returned home to Rochester.
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 1, 1864, p. 2
THE 54TH AT ELMIRA—NEGLECT OF THE GOVERNMENT—It has been conceded on all hands that the 54th is a model regiment and has so conducted itself at Elmira as to win the respect of both citizens and Federal officials. One would suppose that such a regiment, performing important duty, would receive its due if its service were appreciated. Such is not the case however. The government officials have steadily refused to furnish night shelter for the guard which is so indispensible and the cost of which is so small compared with what is expended in a thousand ways of less consequence. These cold, wet and foggy nights sixty members of the 54th, who act as reserve guard to act in an emergency, are denied shelter. They hover in groups about a fire with the rain pouring upon them, or if not rain a fog which is quite as bad. A rough board shanty would shelter them, and they are told they can have such if they will construct it at their own expense.
It is exposure of this kind that endangers the health of the men and causes most of the illness that prevails.
Again, the regiment is denied a building in which to deposit its commissary stores when they have been drawn. This neglect naturally makes the men of the 54th feel dissatisfied, and they will not be likely to renew their period of enlistment. They may be ordered to stay another hundred days, and if so will as good soldiers perhaps feel bound to obey; but they will not feel that their efforts to please have been appreciated and rewarded by the government.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 3, 1864, p. 2
REBELS ELECTIONEERING FOR LINCOLN—The Elmira Advertiser, a very unscrupulous and we need not add, indiscreet organ of Lincoln, gives publicity to a letter from a rebel prisoner in the pen at Elmira, advocating the re-election of Lincoln. The writer is no doubt what he claims to be, a "Johnny Reb," and hopes to see Lincoln re-elected. He but expresses the sentiment of the rebel leaders at the South who conspired with the northern engineers of disunion to elect him in 1860.
This "Johnny Reb" claims a hearing through the Advertiser, on the ground that he has an interest in this, his native country. Though a private in the rebel army, he presumes to tell the public what the rebel leaders think. Having, as he claims, the views and the confidence of the rebel leaders, he goes on to say that McClellan is an untried man and it will not be safe to elect him President. This fellow says he has been in the South till quite recently and no idle spectator. He has been fighting the Federal armies for three or four years now having been caught and caged, has consented to be used to electioneer against McClellan. McClellan don’t want the support of such a traitor. Lincoln is welcome to him.
This "Johnny Reb" suggests that if he can not have his liberty he will be a Union man but does not promise to be [rest of the sentence undecipherable].
The [ ] for Lincoln, has the following paragraph:
Two rebel prisoners were released yesterday, according to the order of the War Department in such cases.
Wonder if "Johnny Reb"—who recently came from the South, and who was not an idle spectator while there—is not one of the two liberated. If he was he will soon make his way south and have a "heap of fun" over the joke he played on old Abe.
Again we say, let Old Abe have the support of the Rebels who know so much, and who have fought so hard against the flag of the Union.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 4, 1864, p. 2
FROM THE 54TH REGIMENT—A Babbler who writes to the Democrat and pretends to be attached to the 54th Regiment now at Elmira, has a great deal to say about the Union, for which the Union does not care a straw. The fellow tells about the decline of McClellan and Seymour stock at Elmira. He knows the he is writing falsehood and he knows that the regiment to which he is attached, the 54th, has a majority of McClellan man in it. We have invited him to have a canvass made of the regiment to show how it stands. He dare not do it for it would give the lie to his statements. We have published a canvass of the officers, showing some three to one for McClellan, but he does not allude to it.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 7, 1864, p. 1
Under the "All Sorts of Paragraphs" section
—Twelve hundred sick rebel prisoners are to be sent from Elmira to Point Lookout for exchange. They will probably leave next Saturday.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 11, 1864, p. 2
BETTER FROM ELMIRA—An officer from Elmira says the construction of a guard house for the shelter of the soldiers of our city when on guard duty has at length been commenced. The new commander of the post, Col. Tracy, has made the order. Better late than never that our soldiers should be protected from cold, rain and fog when standing on duty at night. The drawing for a guard house was made by Lt. Geo. Fraunberger of the Grays Battery. The house is 65 by 20 feet, and will accommodate 75 men with beds in which all may sleep or rest.—Attached to the house is a prison.
The officers of the 54th took a vote the other day and there was a majority of eight for McClellan. The Grays Battery is far more decidedly a McClellan organization, but unfortunately the officers and men cannot be at home to vote as their time expires a day or two after the election.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 12, 1864, p. 2
READING MATTER FOR PRISONERS—The Army Committee of the Elmira Young Men's Christian Association appeal to the Rochester Y.M.C.A. to aid them in procuring suitable reading for the multitude of rebel prisoners at that place. The committee in charge of hospital service, &c. here, will be glad to respond to this appeal, one of our members having been in co-operation with the Elmira committee for some time. And we ask that all who desire to improve the moral and spiritual condition of these prisoners will send such books, tracts and papers as they are willing to spare to the Tract Depository No, 75 State st. where they will be taken care of by the Young Men's Christian Association and forwarded to Elmira for the use of prisoners.
It is hardly necessary to add that they are eager to obtain reading, and arrangements are made for its proper distribution and care.
The Bible and tract societies have already done much in their departments. Please send promptly to 75 State st.
M. Seward
Chairman
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 18, 1864, p. 2
REGIMENTAL HOP—The officers of the 54th Reg. Give a hop to-night at Baker's Dining Hall, Camp Chemung, Elmira. Messrs. Clark, Sellinger, Westcott, Briggs, Brown and Flint are the managers. We are indebted for an invitation to be present, which would be cheerfully responded to if business would permit.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 19, 1864, p. 2
THE HEBREW FESTIVAL—The festival given last night at Washington Hall, by the Hebrew Benevolent Society, was in all particulars a pleasant, social affair. There was a large attendance of our most respectable citizens, and all appeared to enjoy themselves very much. The committee who had charge were attentive to duty and did all they could to have the party pleasant and satisfactory to guests. Dancing began at 9 o'clock and continued till late into the morning hours, when the guests withdrew to carry pleasant recollections of the Hebrew Festival of 1864.
Those who have usually attended the pleasant parties given by this association, missed last night, a number of well known families of the Hebrew congregation who are generally present and contribute to the pleasure of the occasions. They were absent in consequence of family afflictions—bereavements by death, which forbade their participation in festivities of this character.
The following note to the committee of invitation explains itself:
HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGIMENT, N.Y.N.G.
ELMIRA, October 15, 1864
Messrs. Hays, Rosenblatt and Hays, Com., &c.:
GENTLEMEN:—I have received your very polite invitation, on the part of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of the city of Rochester, to attend their annual ball on the 18th Inst.
It would give me great pleasure under any circumstances to be present and share in the festivities of that occasion, but more particularly at this time, and if I could by my presence do anything towards the promotion of the object which the name of your society indicates to be the object of the association, I would make great sacrifices to do so. "Whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." My duties, however, are of such a nature as wholly to preclude the possibility of my being present on the occasion.
You will please present my best wishes for the success of your society to the association you represent and my obligations for the attention they have been pleased to show me, and accept for yourselves, personally, the assurances of my high regard.
With regret I am also obliged to state that the absence of our friend Lt. A. Rosenthal from his regiment cannot be obtained except upon the approval of authority superior to myself and will be by them refused. The presence of that worthy and efficient officer in the command of his company is esteemed highly necessary by my superior officers.
I am, very respectfully,
Your ob'dt serv't,
C. H. Clark [Clark, Charles H.]
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 20, 1864, p. 2
MILITARY PARTY—Newman's Band, attached to the 54th Regiment announce a grand military and civic party at Concert Hall, Elmira. The Elmira papers speak of the party as promising much pleasure to the military and citizens of their town.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 24, 1864, p. 2
A NEW COMMISSION AT ELMIRA—Col. Wisner of the Livingston Regiment, Capt. Darrow of the Grays' Battery, and Capt. West of the Veterans, have been appointed by the military authorities at Elmira members of a commission to investigate sundry charges against officers. Col. Wisner is President of the commission. It entertains charges and prepares the testimony to be presented to court-martial—it is a sort of grand inquest to indict if there is testimony. The commission has plenty of business at hand. The robberies of substitutes by the guards sent with them to Washington is among the matters considered by this commission.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 31, 1864, p. 2
RETURN OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The one hundred days of the 54th Regiment will expire on the 2nd instant, we believe. A letter from one of the officers states that they were preparing to break camp to-night and leave for Rochester to-morrow morning. Of this, however, he is not quite certain.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 1, 1864, p. 2
City Defence:
The recent alarm at Buffalo through fear of a raid of outlaws from Canada, has caused some uneasiness here in view of the fact that we have no military here. The Andrew Jackson Association, as will be seen by the following, has tendered its services to the Mayor to perform any duty he may require. As the 54th Regiment will return to-morrow, it is not likely that the Mayor will require the aid of any other organized body for city defence:
Rochester, Nov. 1, 1864
To Mayor Brackett:
We have the honor to transmit to you the following preamble and resolution adopted by our Association last evening:
Whereas, Our sister city, Buffalo, has been disturbed by outlaws and desperadoes from Canada, and as the like has been threatened against our own—our military being away from home, leaving us defenseless against the lawless mobs—be it
Resolved, The Andrew Jackson Association hereby tender their services to the Mayor, and are subject to his call in case of defence or for whatever lawful purpose he may deem necessary.
Truly yours,
A. G. Wheeler, President
Wm. M'Carthy, Vice. Pres't
Jos. Schute
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 1, 1864, p. 2
RETURN OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—A note from Adjutant Charles A. Brackett of the 54th states that the regiment will leave Elmira to-morrow (Wednesday) at six A.M. by special train for this city. The train will probably not arrive here before noon.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 2, 1864, p. 2
THE 54TH REGIMENT NOT TO RETURN TO-DAY—It was expected that the 54th Reg. would arrive here to-day. A despatch was received by Briggs and Bro. This morning from Surgeon Briggs, stating that the regiment would not leave to-day. He adds that he will announce by telegraph when the regiment leaves Elmira.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 3, 1864, p. 2
THE ELMIRA SOLDIERS—The 54th Regiment were to leave Elmira for Rochester at 8 o'clock this A.M., and were expected at noon, but had not then arrived.
Maj. Lewis returned last night, and reports that the Grays will probably return on Sunday next.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 4, 1864, p. 2
Return of the 54th Regiment
About half-past 9 p.m. yesterday the 54th Regt. N.Y.N.G. arrived from Elmira by the Erie cars in a special train. Though the time of arrival was uncertain, there was a large gathering of citizens at the Depot to greet the return of the soldiers, and they were warmly welcomed.
The regiment left the cars, Col. Clark and staff mounted their horses and the 54th marched to the music of Capt. Newman's Band through some of the central streets and finally came to Court House Square, where an evening parade was given. Though the men were laden with knapsacks and equipage not usually worn at such parades, they went through with great precision and effect. They showed in all their movements that they had lost nothing in the qualities of soldiership by their hundred days spent in the U.S. service at Elmira.
After parade the regiment marched to the armory, and the men obtained leave to go their homes. Previous to dismissal, Mayor Brackett addressed the regiment as follows:
Officers and Men of the 54th Regiment New York S. N.G.
As Chief Magistrate of the city, I welcome you home to your families and friends. One hundred days since the Commander-in-Chief of our state forces called upon you to render aid to our General Government. You nobly and promptly responded to the call. You went forth to duty, and you performed that duty faithfully, to the satisfaction of your superiors, with credit to yourselves and to your city.
It ahs been my pleasure to visit you quite often while absent in Elmira, and I can bear witness to your good behavior, and I rejoice that you now return to us with such honor. I feel it the more from the fact that for many years I was one of you, and at one time your commander.
The city has not been unminded of its duty.—It has cheerfully responded to all calls made upon it for aid to your families, and none have gone away empty.
During your absence we have had raids and been threatened with raids upon our frontier.—Our citizens have felt much solicitude for the safety of our city, for we have been entirely unprotected, in your absence. I rejoice that you have returned to us, for we can now feel secure as against any invasion.
You have made a great sacrifice in leaving your homes and businesses to serve the Government, and you are entitled to much credit therefor. The citizens of Rochester will praise you more than ever.
Allow me, in conclusion, to congratulate you upon your safe arrival here.
The 54th is still in the United States service and may not be mustered out for several days. The men will report for duty daily at the armory and draw rations.
The Regiment has done itself and our city great credit in its service at Elmira. It was while there the model regiment, it held the esteem of the people of Elmira and returned with their respect. While all would have been pleased to have abroad such an excellent corps to represent our city, all will be glad that it has returned. In these troublesome times when raids are threatened and disorder is likely to occur, our city requires the presence of just such a regiment as the 54th. If any have been in fear of a Canadian raid, they may now sleep in peace for the men of the 54th are here and will take care of all the raiders.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 5, 1864, p. 2
PARADE OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The orders of the 54th Regiment—still in the U.S. service—are to meet at the armory at 8 a.m. for guard mounting, turn out for evening parade at 4 p.m., and attend roll-call at 8 p.m. This will be the order daily till the regiment is mustered out of service.
The street and square in front of the Court House has been selected as the parade ground of the regiment. A fine parade was given there at 4 yesterday. There will be another this afternoon and one on Sunday afternoon. The orders of the regiment are the same that prevailed at Elmira. Our citizens should witness the evening parades to know how fine a regiment we have.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 5, 1864, p. 2
RETURN OF THE GRAYS—Major Thompson who came from Elmira this morning reports that the Grays Battery will return to this city on Monday next. Their time has not yet quite expired, but they will report to Maj. Lee, U.S.A.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2
The Alarm on Saturday—Rumor of Raid from Canada—Measures Taken for Defense!
For some days past rumors have been circulating that organized bands of desperadoes from Canada were preparing to make a descent upon this and other cities along the frontier. Not much attention was paid to the reports here as they received but little credit at intelligent sources.
On Friday Mayor Brackett received an anonymous letter dated seven miles from Lindsay, C. W., which is 25 miles or so from Port Hope. The letter was anonymous and told of a murder in Rochester in which the writer participated a short time since and gave the names of three citizens who were conversant with the transaction, and it further stated that they were concerned with others who were to destroy the city soon. The Mayor called together a few gentlemen to consult at the moment and the letter was not regarded as of much consequence. It was, however, deemed best to take sundry precautionary measures and they were taken. Maj. Lee, commanding U.S. troops, Gen. Williams and Col. Clark were present and with the Mayor took such steps as were deemed best, and this in a quiet way. What was done it is not necessary to detail. The names of the officers stated is a guaranty to the public that all was right. We may, however, remark that a company of the 54th Regt., under Capt. Ridley was sent to Charlotte on Saturday and quartered on the steamer Cataract and remained there yesterday.
On Saturday the Mayor received a letter from a Federal official in Canada stating that he "had full reason to believe that there is a conspiracy on foot to fire Rochester and Buffalo (more probably the former) on Sunday evening, Nov. 6th, or on the night of Election day, by a large, well armed and organized body of Rebels and bounty jumpers in Canada." He advised that precautions be taken.
On the receipt of this letter the Mayor invited the Aldermen and fifty or more citizens to meet at his rooms at 4 p.m. The meeting was held and the subject discussed. The impression was that no great danger existed, but if there was any design for mischief the conspirators would come to the city in a quiet way or might be here now. The prudent course appeared to be to take measures to ensure safety, and this was done. It is not necessary to relate all that transpired. An advisory committee of fifteen was appointed to act with the Mayor and hold an uninterrupted sitting day and night for the present. The Mayor's office is the headquarters of this committee and there all information may be sent.
Special Vigilance Committees for each Ward, composed of well-known and highly respectable citizens, are on duty, beside a large special police force, and back of all this a military force of about one thousand men, well armed and equipped.
Nothing transpired during Saturday night to confirm any fear of disturbance from without or within. The city was very quiet, and it may be truly said that it was never before so thoroughly patrolled in a single night.
Mayor Brackett telegraphed to Albany for the Grays' Battery at Elmira. The Adjutant General at once requested General Diven to send the Battery home. It came, arriving here yesterday p.m.
Gen. Diven came here Sunday morning from Elmira and met the Mayor and Advisory Committee. He expressed the belief that there was no real ground for alarm and did not think an attempt would be made upon this city, but concurred in the views of the Mayor and Committee that it would be well to take precautionary measures. He at once gave such orders for the disposition of the military as the city authorities requested.
On Sunday evening a detachment of 27 Veteran Reserves was sent by order of General Diven to Suspension Bridge to watch at that point. A detachment of the Grays with two guns went to Charlotte.
The city was fully patrolled last night and all was quiet.
Nothing has been discovered as yet to confirm the rumors or mischief. The large number of strangers reported in the city were not found, and all the hotels, taverns and lodging houses were searched. It is clear that the raiders have not come and we see no probability of their coming. The measures taken were to make things safe against all contingencies and to allay the apprehensions of the timid. Rochester we deem safe beyond all question, in so far as any movement or organized bands to plunder or destroy is concerned. The measures [remaining portion of final sentence hidden behind fold].
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2
Trouble at Elmira—Highhanded Outrage by the Federal Government
Private letters from Elmira bring important intelligence such as the partisan agents of the Associated Press do not think of sufficient consequence to give the public because it is unfavorable to Lincoln.
It appears on the authority of a gentleman whom we know very well, that Mr. Creed, a citizen, not in the military service, who had been to the army as the agent of the Democrats in the Chemung District to collect soldiers' votes, was arrested on an order from Washington and taken to that city without examination or without being informed as to the nature of the charges against him. The arrest caused great indignation and excitement in Elmira. A writ of habeus cropus was issued by a judge, but this was anticipated by Gen. Diven, who held Creed in custody, and it is said that Diven put himself beyond reach of process by going into the rebel camp, where the officer could not follow to serve the writ. Meanwhile the prisoner was taken out of the jurisdiction of the courts of this State, and of course beyond the reach of anything like a fair trial. It matters not what the alleged offence may be, the administration can make the testimony and convict the accused.
The Federal courts in this State are in full power and have no obstruction. That man is entitled to trial here if he has offended against United States law. His removal from the State was a highhanded outrage upon the people of this State, and one that ought to be resented in a becoming manner. But for the presence of a large body of military at Elmira, Creed would have been taken by force and carried before a judge. Such acts as this ought stir the blood of every freeman of New York. The man who does not devote his time and his efforts to-morrow to the work of driving the authors of such outrages from power should not complain when the heel of the tyrant is on his neck, and he is deprived of his liberty.
What action, if any, has been taken by the State authorities in reference to this matter we are not advised.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2
RETURN OF THE GRAYS—The Grays Battery arrived here by special train between five and six last evening, the officers and men in good spirits. A detachment of 30, with the guns, at once took a train for Charlotte, and remain there for the present. The Battery is still in the Federal service.
The Grays have demeaned themselves admirably at Elmira and have obtained the respect and confidence of both the military and citizens of that place. They are welcome home again.
The Grays will appear daily at the evening parades with the 54th, as we learn from Major Lee in command.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2
COLLISION OF REGIMENTS AT ELMIRA—On Saturday evening there was a collision at Elmira between the 77th N.Y.N.G., of New York, and the 56th, of Brooklyn. Both regiments had been ordered home, and the 56th had obtained transportation—a train of cars being ready. The 77th got to the railroad first, and took the train prepared for the 56th. The latter regiment charged upon the engine and forbade the engineer to move at his peril. Gen. Driven was absent on his way to this city. Capt. Lowe, his chief clerk, undertook to straighten matters and was assaulted and injured in the melee. Finally the 77th gave up the train to the 56th, and the latter started for Brooklyn.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 8, 1864, p. 2
THE GREAT SCARE—The city was very quite last night. The Advisory Committee was in session all night at the Mayor's Rooms and the city was patrolled a as before. There was not the least evidence of the presence of any persons here with bad intent and no intelligence could be obtained from abroad that tended to confirm any of the exciting rumors of the past few days. The city is as safe as it ever was from invasion or insurrection.
A woman of 45 or more who claimed to know all that the rebels in the South and the refugees in Canada were doing, came here on Saturday evening from Suspension Bridge and told a great story to the authorities to create an alarm. She had seen at St. Catherines a Rebel Colonel Johnson who told her that he had 1700 men to invade Yankeedom. This led to sending a special train with a detachment of soldiers to Suspension Bridge on Sunday evening.
The agent sent to St. Catherines to reconnoiter returned last night and our city authorities will do so but nothing has been disclosed that tends to show that any invasion from Canada is contemplated. The present organization for local defense will be continued for some time to come.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 11, 1864, p. 2
THE 54TH REGIMENT—This regiment of National Guard was mustered out of the U.S. service yesterday by Major Lee, after which the officers and men were dismissed to go where they pleased. The company at Charlotte was withdrawn and mustered out with the rest. The 54th has done good service, and the instruction the men received will be profitable to them.
At a meeting of the officers of the 54th Regiment, held at their headquarters Nov. 10, 1864, Col. C. H. Clark was called to the chair and Adjt. C. A. Brackett appointed Secretary, and the following action taken:
Whereas, The 54th Regiment have received many favors at the hands of their fellow citizens during their stay in Elmira and feel called upon to make some acknowledgement of the same, and especially to make mention of Ald. L. C. Spencer for the timely and bountiful gift by him of one case of fresh, superb oysters—a luxury at all times, and particularly so at the time they were bestowed, therefore
Resolved, That the thanks of the 54th Regiment are justly due and hereby gratefully tendered to Ald. L. C. Spencer for the generous donation above referred to, and that we shall ever hold him in kindly remembrance as a thoughtful, kind friend and a gentleman. Our thanks are also returned to all our fellow-citizens for their care and attention.
Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the daily papers and a copy served on Ald. Spencer.
C. H. Clark, Chairman
C. A. Brackett, Sec'y
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 11, 1864, p. 2
DEFENSE OF THE HARBOR—The Battery at Charlotte has been ordered to the city, and the men will be mustered out by Major Lee on Monday next. There is no military force at Charlotte. It is probable that a company or two will be here from Buffalo soon.
When the Grays were stationed at the mouth of the river, they had orders to bring every vessel to that they came in, except the regular steamers, which arrived by daylight. Vessels were brought to by a blank cartridge, but if they did not heed the notice a solid shot was to be put into the hull at once. The Canadian and other crews coming in were taken much by surprise when thus suddenly called to account. On Wednesday night a schooner came in from Canada and was hailed by a blank shot. When the vessel came to, a fellow climed [sec] upon the bulwarks and called out, "who is elected?" He supposed the gun was fired in celebration of a political victory.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 14, 1864, p. 2
PAY FOR THE 54TH REGIMENT—The 54th Regiment N. Y. N. G., as our citizens and the Federal authorities well know, was called out some four months since on an emergency to go to Elmira and serve one hundred days. The members left their home, and pursuits with little preparation and faithfully performed the duty assigned them. They returned with much credit for what they have done. This is all right so far as it goes, but that will not feed them or their families. It is the pay that they most need. The wages were very low and not a man in the regiment served except at a pecuniary sacrifice. Some have returned to find business dull and no situations open. Those who have families require the earnings of the summer to lay in food and fuel for the winter. In fact the pay of the regiment is due and past due, and the men want it. Payment may be made at one time as well as another. The Paymaster may be sent here from Elmira at any time to attend to this business. For the delay there is no excuse.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 14, 1864, p. 2
MAJOR GENERALS WITHOUT MEN—There are, we believe, three or four Major Generals in command on the lake frontier, sent out to protect it against raids from Canada. There are two such on the frontiers of New York. It will be interesting to hear that these Generals are without commands other than their respective staffs. Gen. Peck, whose headquarters are at Buffalo, cannot even supply a few soldiers to be stationed at Charlotte. He promised the Mayor two companies for this purpose last week; but on Saturday he telegraphed that he could send no men, as they had been ordered by the government to go South. Charlotte—the mouth of the Genesee—the best harbor on the south shore, accessible in all weather, and seldom closed by ice, is now without a single soldier to guard against invasion. No harm can result from boldly stating this fact, as it must result in immediate action to supply the want. No party of raiders from abroad would come there without taking means to learn the state of the defenses. They will keep posted without aid of the papers.
It is the duty of the General Government to defend the frontier, and it has thousands of invalid and other troops adapted to the purpose which are used for less important duty, such as guarding hospitals, taking care of contrabands, etc. The Federal Government probably intend to compel the frontier States to protect themselves. This can be done; but it is just that they should pay so much to the common fund and then draw nothing from it?
We would suggest that the pay of these Major Generals and staffs is sufficient to cover the expense of keeping several companies at the most exposed points on the frontier. If we must have either Generals without soldiers, or soldiers without Generals, the latter would be preferred for frontier defense.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 15, 1864, p. 2
GUARD AT THE ARMORY—It has been stated before that a suitable guard had been placed over the Armory on Exchange st., where the State arms, and the equipments of the 54th Regiment and Grays' Battery are deposited. The following orders were formally issued yesterday:
HEADQUARTERS 25TH BRIGADE
7TH DIVISION N. Y. S. N. G.
ROCHESTER, Nov. 11, 1864
Special Order No. __ In pursuance of Instructions from the Adjutant General's Office, Col. C. H. Clark, Commanding 54th Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., will immediately detail one Commissioned Officer and thirty men for duty at the Arsenal on Exchange st. By order of
Brig. Gen. Jno. Williams
Geo. Hyland, Jr., Brigade Inspector
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HEADQUARTERS, 54TH REG'T N. Y. S. N. G.,
STATE ARSENAL, ROCHESTER, Nov. 14, '64
Special Order No. 166. In pursuance of the above order this day from Headquarters 25th Brigade, Capt. Benj. Ridley, Co. D, is hereby assigned to command the State Arsenal and troops guarding the same. He will take thirty men of his own command, (2 Sergeants; 1 Corporal and 27 Privates,) and report to these Headquarters for duty without delay.
Should his own command prove insufficient, he has liberty to accept volunteers from other companies in this Regiment. By order of
Col. C. H. Clark
C. A. Brackett, Adjutant.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2
ORDER FOR COURT MARTIAL—The following order has been issued by Brig. Gen. Williams for Courts Martial to try delinquents and for other business relating to his brigade:
HEADQUARTERS 25TH BRIGADE
7TH DIVISION, N. G. S. N. Y.
ROCHESTER, Nov. 15, 1864
General Order No. 17
Regimental and Battalion Courts Martial for the trial of delinquents and for such other business as may come before them, are hereby ordered to convene at the Headquarters of the several Regiments and Battalions in this Brigade, on the 12th day of December, 1864, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Detail for the Courts:
For 54th Regiment—President, Major Warner Westcott.
For 58th Regiment—President, Major George M. Lockwood.
For 59th Regiment—President, Col. Benj. L. Hoyt.
For 104th Regiment—President, Lieut. Col. D. L. Norton.
For Battalion of Artillery under command of Major Wm. M. Lewis—President, Capt. Thomas Barnes.
By order of
Brig. Gen. John Williams
Geo. Hyland, Jr., Brigade Inspector
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2
ARTILLERY PARADE—This being the 27th anniversary of the organization of the Rochester Union Grays the 1st Battalion of the Artillery under Major Lewis, which still holds the name of the Grays, will parade at 8 p. m. Newman's Band will accompany the Battalion and there will be a pretty show.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2
MUSTERED OUT AND PAID-OFF—The 1st Light Artillery–the Grays–will be mustered out to-day, and the men paid off by Maj. Thurston, the Paymaster, sent here for the purpose.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 22, 1864, p. 2
PAYING OFF—Major Thurston paid off six companies of the 54th yesterday and the remainder to-day. The Grays Battery are also paid off, and the men mustered out of the Federal service by Major Lee.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 23, 1864, p. 2
RESIGNATION OF GEN. WILLIAMS—It is stated that our fellow citizen, Hon. John Williams, has resigned his commission as Brigadier General of the State Militia. Not having conferred with General Williams, we do not know why he has resigned, but we suspect that he has various and sufficient reasons. He may not have the requisite time to devote to the duty and he is one of the kind of men that will do his duty regardless of time. We do not think he has received from the authorities at Albany courtesy to which he was entitled. This locality, with the best military of the State, has been the most neglected, and had the least attention paid to its wants. If Gen. Williams has not felt this others have.
We regret that so good an officer and one so faithful to duty and so popular should resign. We fear the effect will be injurious to our local military. Every officer and soldier connected with the brigade will regret the withdrawal of General Williams, and all will accord him the credit of having done his whole duty.
Who the successor will be remains to be seen. Perhaps the district of General John A. Green will be extended westward so as to include this brigade.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 1, 1864, p. 2
CARD OF THANKS—ARMORY 1ST BATTALION LIGHT ARTILLERY (UNION GRAYS) N. Y. S. N. G., Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1864—At a regular monthly meeting of the above named battalion, held at their Armory on Exchange street, the 29th inst., the following resolutions were unanimously adopted and ordered published:
Resolved, That the thanks of this battalion be and are hereby tendered to Brig. Gen. A. S. Diven, Capt. U. S. Lowe and Capt. Eugene Diven for the many courtesies extended during our term of service while at Elmira.
To Cols. Eastman and Tracy, Commanders of the post. To Capts. Suydam and Dingledee, of the Qur. Dept., and Capt. Sappington, of the Com'y Dept. To Col. Provost, Lt. Col. Moore and the officers of the 16th V. R. C.
To Col. J. Q. Adams, of the 56th, Col. Wisner of the 58th, Col. Abbott of the 98th, Col. Downing and Dr. O'Hanlin of the 99th Regts. N. Y. S. N. G., and to the officers of their respective commands.
To the officers and men of our own 54th Regt. To Messrs. Henry Baker & Co., of the "Hotel Hemlock," Loring & Co., Cook & cov[ ], "Mine host" Silas Haight, and Mr. Guinnip. To Gen. John Williams, Major A. T. Lee, Ald. D. T. Moore (in whose honor our camp was named), Mayor Brackett, Hon. John M'Convill, and Mr. Andrews, of the Provost Marshal's office.
To all the above named gentlemen the battalion feel under obligations for the many favors extended during our term of service in the U. S. army—favors which will be long remembered by us all collectively and individually.
By order Wm. M. Lewis
Maj. 1st Battalion, Art'y, N. Y. S. N. G.
John Wrenn, 1st Lieut and Ajt.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 6, 1864, p. 2
OFFICERS OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The unpaid officers, field, staff, and line, of the 54th Regiment will assemble at Headquarters, Armory, at 7 o'clock this evening.
C. H. Clark
Colonel
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 8, 1864, p. 2
ELECTION OF OFFICERS—Of Co. "B." 54th Reg. German Grenadiers, Wednesday evening, Dec. 7, 1864. Capt. F. C. Schoen; 1st Lieut. Adam Young; 2d Lieut. John N. Weitzel; Orderly, Lewis Bauer; 2d Sergt. Jacob Renner; 3d do. Peter Reinhard; 4th do. Philip Miller; 1st Corp. William Kentzel; 2d do. Philip Nippert; 3d do. Henry Koeler; 4th do. David Meier; Color Bearer, Peter Seifried. President, Adam Young; Vice do. Charles Goetzman; Secretary, David Wettlin; Treasurer, Christian C. Meir.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 13, 1864, p. 2
REGIMENTAL ORDER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT—The following minutes of the proceedings of the 58th Regiment are sent us for publication:
HEADQUARTERS 58TH REGIMENT N. G.
MT. MORRIS, Dec. 10, 1864
At a meeting of the field and staff officers of the 54th Regiment, N. G., held at the headquarters of said regiment on the 10th inst., the following order was made, approved and ordered published:
Ordered, That the thanks of the officers and men of the 58th regiment, N. G., are due and hereby tendered to Gen. Diven, Col. Tracy and Lieut. Col. Moore, and the officers in their several departments, for their kind and obliging treatment of the regiment while on duty at Elmira.
The thanks of the 58th are also tendered to Col. Adams of the 56th, Col. Clark of the 54th, Col. Abbott of the 98th, and Major Lewis of the Battery, and the officers and men of their several commands, for their kind, sociable and gentlemanly conduct toward said regiment, and the agreeable associations formed during the term of service of said regiment at Elmira.
The thanks of said regiment are also tendered to Lieut. Finch, Mustering Officer, and Major T. S. Thurston, Paymaster, for their particular care and attention to the rights and interest of the private soldier in mustering out and paying off the last farthing. By order
R. P. Wisner
Col. Commanding 58th Regt. N. G.
C. T. Braman, Adjutant.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 15, 1864, p. 2
PAYING THE OFFICERS—A letter received this morning by Lieut. Darrow of the Gray's Battery, from Major Thurston, U. S. Paymaster at Elmira, encloses him an order for his pay while in service. Major Thurston expresses a desire to have the officers of the National Guard promptly paid and suggests to the Lieutenant that as he has become familiar with the method of preparing papers, that he explain to those who are not, what it is necessary to do to secure payment. Major Thurston desires to perform his duty both to the officers and the government, and to do this the papers must be made according to the forms laid down by the Department. Some time since a communication was published in these columns reflecting upon this officer. It came from an officer of the State Militia, who probably labored under a misapprehension of the facts. By what we have learned of Major Thurstoon, through those who have had official business with him, we are fully satisfied that he performs his duty promptly and impartially, to both claimants and the government.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 15, 1864, p. 2
THE REBEL PRISONERS AT ELMIRA—The Advertiser says the Government has made an arrangement with the rebels in relation to prisoners of war, by which each party are entitled to furnish their own prisoners with such articles of clothing, blankets, and provisions as they may need. Wm. W. R. Beall, a Brigadier General in the rebel service, has been commissioned to supply the rebel prisoners, and is now taking measures to supply such necessary articles to the prisoners at Elmira.
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