LCCWHLA: The Union Standard

Opening Shots

From Kay Lingle :

So many new ideas have been shared lately. Here is a compilation of thanks from many members to many members for new ideas that are going around:

Thanks to Vince & Lindsey for the great newsletter and website. They inspire us all to grow!

Patrick & Mike Cassidy, thanks for all the atmosphere the fife & drums bring to our unit & the spirit of new ideas you bring to us.

Jeannie Cassidy has quickly become a welcome addition to the Patriot Daughters.

Mike A., thanks for getting us involved in a fun weekend at Lititz!

Don, the Thaddeus Stevens event was scrumptious. (Free gourmet food is great.)

Nancy K., many of us would like to do more Wheatland events. Thanks for inviting us. Keep us posted on future events.

Susan, the Yahoo e-mail group has increased civilian communication. We hope more people join. It’s the easiest communication tool! Great idea! Some of the topics that have been shared have been sources for shopping, unit quilt project, Haldeman Mansion, event info., civilian meetings and informal sessions ideas, and miscellaneous other things.

Pam, thanks for the Haldeman Mansion info. It has real possibilities!

Kay, thanks for the Haldemann Strawberry Festival info. 7 of us attended. Yes, the fall event is a possibility.

Nancy, thanks for the Railroad Museum History Channel information. Four of us had a fun evening playing 1890s extras and look forward to seeing our likenesses or shadows in the show.

Vince, Lindsey and Don, thanks for being willing to share at summer meetings & informal gatherings. We love to learn from you. We want to know more about “our “era.”

And thanks to everyone for other ideas that we forgot to mention!

Congratulations to 1^st Reserves member and recent Donegal High School graduate James Meisenbach on receiving the Donegal High Graduating Senior Award from Lancaster County Historical Society. The award is given to someone who “demonstrates a lively interest in history”. Now that’s an accurate description of the lively James! Good going and keep up the good work!

Lancaster and the Civil War Trivia

By Vince Slaugh

The following trivia questions are a few items I noted in my mind as interesting over the past couple months. Answers are listed on the last page of this newsletter. I cannot guarantee that all of my “correct answers” are accurate; it’s really only my best guess based on my readings. Enjoy.

1) If Antietam was the country’s “bloodiest day” because of the number of casualties, what was Lancaster County’s bloodiest day?

a) September 17, 1862 (The Battle of Antietam, Maryland)

b) October 8, 1862 (The Battle of Perryville, Kentucky)

c) July 2, 1863 (The Second Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

d) July 3, 1863 (The Third Day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

2) The first reported battle death of a born-and-raised Lancasterian occurred in what battle with what unit?

a) Battle of First Bull Run (July 1861) with Confederate J.E.B. Stuart’s Black Horse Cavalry.

b) Battle of Drainsville (December 1861) with the Pennsylvania Reserves

c) Battle of Shiloh (April 1862) with the 77^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

d) Battle of Mechanicsville (June 1862) with the Pennsylvania Reserves

3) Who was Lancaster’s most visible military hero of the Civil War Era? In other words, if you lived in Lancaster City, whom would you be reading about, talking about, or seeing in a parade most often.

a) Major General John F. Reynolds

b) Major General Samuel P. Heintzelman

c) Brevet Brigadier General Henry A. Hambright

d) Brigadier General Joseph W. Fisher

4) The first battle in which a Lancaster officer was killed occurred where?

a) Virginia

b) Kentucky

c) Tennessee

d) New Mexico Territory

5) Over the course of the war, how many “boxes, barrels, etc” did the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster send to hospitals?

a) 106

b) 601

c) 1,061

d) 6,016

*****Civilian Pages*****

The Patriot Daughters Feed Two Thousand

By Vince Slaugh

On two occasions of the war’s first couple months, Lancaster played host to groups of two regiments on their way to the seat of war. First, the 1^st and 2^nd Ohio Volunteers visited the Inland City, camping at Camp Dennison (named for Ohio’s governor) along the Conestoga River near Lancaster. Then, after the Ohioans departed, the 14^th and 15^th Pennsylvania Volunteers stopped at the Agricultural Fairgrounds—near the present Donnelly industrial site and Longs Park—in late May 1861. On both occasions, the newly-formed Patriot Daughters played a lead role in aiding the volunteers. As you read, note that a soldier speaks out against slavery in terms uncommonly strong for this stage of the war. The following article appeared in the May 30, 1861, Lancaster Daily Evening Express, the first part of which was probably written by editor J.M.W. Geist:

The Dinner at Camp Johnston: Being desirous to get a view of all the “sights,” we yesterday made a visit to Camp Johnston, to see and hear all that was to be seen and heard at the dinner given to the volunteers by the “Patriot Daughters of Lancaster.” To begin at the beginning, then, we got into an omnibus and started for the camp—but before we got there the omnibus gradually filled, packed, crammed, and we don’t know positively that it didn’t stretch somewhat for the accommodations of “another passenger.” Arriving at Camp Johnston at last, in rather compressed condition, we managed to find our way, amidst a wilderness of crinoline, to the gate, where, singularly enough, we met with no new difficulty. Our natural inclinations led us towards a place where the eating was to go on, and accordingly we made tracks towards the parade ground, where the tables were spread. Here, however, a rather unexpected and a little annoying incident occurred, consisting of the guard “presenting arms,” and informing us that we couldn’t pass, unless accompanied by a lady. Not being particularly gallant, we were not blessed with that (at this time) necessary complement of a man, and were somewhat at a loss what to do, but concluded it was best to apply to the officer of the day, who kindly accompanied us through the guard to the parade ground. Arrived there, of course the next thing in order was to go towards the eatables, which, however, was not so easy a task, as crinoline and its accompaniments were the main feature of the grounds. We were surprised and gratified to find that so many of our fair citizens were adding their presence to the other favors bestowed by their generous hands upon our brave volunteers. The crowd was large and animated, and the greatest good feeling prevailed.

The two regiments were on drill when we arrived, and presented a fine appearance, having improved rapidly and steadily in drill since their arrival here. General Negley was conspicuous among the officers—his red cap flashing among them here, there and everywhere, and the expressions of praise and affection which followed him everywhere testified to the fact that he is emphatically a good officer, for no other could establish such confidence among his men. The movements of the troops were satisfactory to every one (except, perhaps, some of the more timid portion of the assembly who happened to get between the two regiments, and made a regular stampede when the one in the rear charged bayonets and advanced in double quick time towards them; their time, however, was not nearly as quick as those who were getting out of their way) When the dinner hour arrived the two regiments stacked their arms, and marched over to the tables, which were groaning beneath the weight of everything which the kindness and consideration of the fair donors could suggest. It would be a fruitless task to attempt to describe the nature of the viands set before them, as a large portion of them disappeared in so short a time that we had not time even to see them. The greatest good humor prevailed among the men and the meal passed off pleasantly. Despite of the endeavors of the troops to do justice to the feast, they found it impossible to finish it, and after the dinner was over those engaged in commissariat for the different companies reaped a rich harvest. The best commentary upon the excellent arrangements for the occasion, was the expression of immense gratification found on the faces and in the words of the volunteers. One of them, as he left the table, declared that he was “200 per cent. better” after eating dinner once again. The ladies, after the meal was over, added another favor to the day’s donations in the shape of a general distribution of cigars, which were received with the greatest demonstrations of gratitude. So far as the table was concerned, it was such as our friends are not likely to see often during their war experience, and they paid their attentions to it accordingly. After they had left the tables, many members of different companies elevated themselves upon the tables, and returned the thanks of their companies to the ladies of Lancaster, for whom cheer after cheer was given. As it was rather difficult for one person to hear all the speeches at the same time, we must be excused for not mentioning them all. We listed to one, however, made by Private J. F. Howe, of the Columbia Guards, from Danville, Montour county, which was probably as fair a sample of all as we could have procured.

He began by tendering the heartfelt thanks of the Guards to the ladies and gentlemen who had originated and contributed to the bountiful repast set before them, now, alas! devoured, and especially to those Patriotic Daughters to whom they were indebted, not only for this, but for many other favors, which they would never forget, and which were generously tendered and thankfully accepted by men who, in the best moments of life and hope, had left their home and friends, for the defense of the glorious American Government. He said they had started from Danville to establish the great principle which our forefathers placed at the head of their Declaration of Independence, that “all men are created free and equal;” that they were all mechanics who loved the institutions which allowed the humblest citizen his own voice in the choice of his rulers, and they would never consent that the power in this fair country of ours, should pass into the hands of the Southern oligarchy, a military tyranny more terrible and degrading than the serfdom of Russia. The Guards could only tender their thanks to the Patriot Daughters now, but they might rest assured that if the opportunity should be given them, the remembrance of them and their many kindnesses, would nerve their arms to strike a blow for the old banner, the Stars and Stripes, under which they hoped to fight, and either conquer or die. They had gone forth, like their sires of ’76, to uphold and enforce the great principles of liberty and equality; and they were ready to shed the last drop of their blood to water the tree of liberty. They had started to battle for the great cause of human freedom, and they hoped to see that great evil—out of which the present troubles have arisen, and which has for years been a check to our national progress, and degraded America in the eyes of the civilized world—swept away and crushed out by the tide of popular feeling; then, indeed, would we be a free and happy people. They would fight bravely and never give up the ship, until the laws had been enforced and the old flag pole planted on every battlement all over the county, now unfortunately distracted by rebellion and fanaticism. In conclusion, they again returned thanks, from the bottom of their hearts, for all the kindness extended to them. He spoke for the officers as well as the men. They saw that their men were not properly provided for and regretted their inability to assist them—so that the officers, both for themselves and their men, owed them a double debt of gratitude. This is but a meager and brief sketch of the speech but it will serve to show the feeling which animated the men. Other speeches were made at the different tables, and a glee club from one of the companies discoursed some excellent music. The troops then filed off to the drill ground again, and when they had all taken their places some one proposed cheers and the enthusiasm was intense. For some minutes it was one continued cheer, accompanied by throwing of caps in the air, and other demonstration of satisfaction. The managers of the entertainment were amply rewarded for all their pains and trouble by the pleasure they must have experienced at the zest with which the recipients honored both the collation itself and the donors. Some fears were expressed before the dinner, that the supplies would be short, but after it was over the cook of one of the companies remarked that there was enough left there for three days; and as he belongs to the typographical profession, of course there can be no doubt of his veracity! After another drill on the parade ground, the men were marched into their quarters, and dismissed when General Negley was immediately called on and pressed for a speech. A platform was raised upon the shoulders of the men, upon which the General stood and made a strong and stirring address, referring to the support of the manly hands and noble hearts which he then rejoiced in, and expressing the utmost confidence in his men—saying that he relied on receiving their support in an every emergency, as he was now. Unfortunately, we were not able to take an abstract of the General’s remarks, which were appropriate and well delivered. The General was followed by the Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Adjutants of the regiments, and several others among whom was our friend Howe, whose remarks at the table have already been noticed. All the speeches were of the best character, and were greeted with hearty applause by the audience.

The whole affair was decidedly one of the happiest and most satisfactory arrangements we have ever witnessed—every one going away pleased, and better than that, leaving behind them the blessings and good wishes of as noble hearts as ever beat beneath a soldier’s uniform The “Patriot Daughters” have added still more to the honor and praise which they have every received from all who have experienced or seen their kindness and consideration for those who most feel the want of little acts of friendship. God bless them! May they ever go on in the good work which they have so well begun; and when peace shall have shed its light once again over our land, may the remembrance of their deeds ever remain a green spot in the world’s great Sahara.

---------------

I never say 2000 men all eating at once, before—enough to last them 3 or 4 days—endless variety—each graduated to the other, as 20 grains make one pennyweight.

O ladies, you will be remembered in the day of battle!—in the hour of death!

When the beneficiaries were filling their haversacks I noticed one devoted to onions—thought of the two sailors—Jack says on, if you could have what you wished, what would you wish? Tobacco enough to last as long as I live. Suppose you had the privilege of another wish? I believe I’d take a little more tobacco.

Finally on of the common soldiers rose to thanks the ladies. It became contagious—several up at once—one a boy, talking with the fluency of Cicero—the braver of Caesar. Where is there such a nation on earth?—in the records of all time. This 200,000 men on the way to battle, are a higher development of humanity than ever went to battle before. There are common soldiers worth a half million each—master spirits in the marts of commerce, for the great Republic is at stake—life—liberty—everything.

[May 30, 1861]

The Civilian Email Group

Recently, the civilians of our group have brought the 19th century into the 21^st century by creating an online email group. This will facilitate communication within the group and has already been put to very good use. In an email, group “owner” Susan Spiller explains:

We'd like to encourage all civilians in the group to join the 'Civilians

of Company B' Yahoo Group - this is an email group designed to make

communication easier between us - a place to share planning and ideas and

information.....This is NOT a 'chatroom' - it is strictly an email sharing

situation.....

If you already belong to Yahoo, all you need to do is go to

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CiviliansCompanyB/ and click on "join this

group" and follow those procedures......

If you do not yet belong to Yahoo, you first need to go to www.yahoo.com

and 'become a member'......they'll put you thru a few hoops - you'll need to create an

'identity', which is some sort of 'handle' to be known by (it doesn't need

to be CW related at all, just something that 'works' for you).....That

identity will become "youridentity" @yahoo.com as your yahoo email address.....You

will see an area called "My Account" - go in there and in the email

address area enter whatever email address you prefer to use to receive you 'group'

emails, and then click on the little button next to that to select

it.......also look at "marketing preferences", because that's where you

can opt out of alot of rubbish that you don't want to receive.......

Once you've actually joined Yahoo, the next step is to go to our website -

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CiviliansCompanyB/ - and there click on

"join this group"......they'll put you thru a few more hoops, and Yahoo will

then send me a note asking me to "approve" your request to join (since I'm the

'owner' of the group) - after that, you're in - whatever group emails will

come to your chosen email address, you can post/reply to the group using

CiviliansCompanyB@yahoogroups.com as tho' it was some person's email

address.....Be aware that if you wish to reply ONLY to the individual who

sent an email rather than to the whole group, you need to be sure to put

that person's email address in the "to" space, because just hitting 'reply' will mean

that we all receive your message.

If you have any problems please let me know, and I'll try to help......

Susan (ravens3@comcast.net)

*****Military Pages*****

Company B’s Musicians

By Mike Cassidy

Take a close look at the picture detail of Company B at Fairfax Virginia in June of 1863. Two drummers are clearly present. Those same two Co. B drummers are also pictured in the photo, probably taken at the same encampment, of the regimental Fife and Drum Corps of the 30^th P.V.I./ 1^st P.R.V.C. (Look closely at the first and third drummers pictured from the left.) This photographic evidence conforms to the common practice for two field musicians to be assigned to each Company to perform signal duties. All the field musicians would perform together as a regimental Fife and Drum Corp for parade and ceremonial functions.

Musicians were given distinctive uniforms especially in volunteer units. Use of white belts, shoulder scales, and selected parts of the uniform usually reserved for NCOs, such as pants strips and buckles, were all employed by regiments to create a distinctive musicians uniform. Frock coats and other elements of the dress uniform were the rule. The 1^st P.R.V.C. clearly developed its own stylized uniform for its musicians. Our musicians are pictured in camp wearing the enlisted frock coat coupled with a NCO “square” buckle – a common practice for musicians throughout the war. There is no evidence of NCO pants stripes even on the regimental drum major who wears the customarily used rank insignia borrowed from the regimental quartermaster Sergeant. All 1^st Penna. Reserves musicians in their parade dress photograph also wore a red NCO sash—usually reserved for drum majors and principle musicians in the regular army and most volunteer units. Another unique touch is found in the head gear. Our field musicians were issued kepis (many look to be officers-style kepis) rather than the forage cap worn by most of the regiment.

Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Civil War Photographs [LC-B8184-B491]

First Bull Run’s First Anniversary

In another couple weeks, reenactors will gather to celebrate the 145^th Anniversary of the Battle of First Bull Run—that famous first battle and unmitigated military disaster for Northern arms. Therefore, it might be of interest to see how the editors of the Lancaster Daily Evening Express noted the first anniversary of that battle on July 21, 1862.

To-Day is a marked one in the history of America. How well we remember when, a year ago, the news came here that our army, the great army upon whose success so much seemed to hang, had been driven back, defeated and almost crushed, in the great fight of Bull Run, on the 21st of July, 1861; what a cloud was thrown over the loyal heart of the nation, and how men gathered together, with saddened hearts and lowering brows, but with an expression of firmer determination and resolve that now we must be at work and speedily. That dark hour in our history was of priceless value to us. It taught us not only in part what we must do, but what the American people could do—for in a few days after that defeat from Maine to Wisconsin the roll of the drum called the nation to arms, and an army such as the world never saw started up in a moment and came marching to the defence of nation’s capital and the nation’s honor. That uprising of the people not only taught our rebel enemies, but those who watch us with jealous eye from across the great water, that the people were in earnest in the work they had undertaken. A year has passed away—a year of toil and trial, and still the cloud of rebellion obscures some of the stars of our glorious old flag; but now, on the anniversary of Bull Run, another call is made upon the American people for a new uprising of her loyal sons—and let not the government be disappointed. Let the answer be, as it was then, spontaneous and overwhelming, and let us not wait the stern lesson of another terrible defeat to rouse us to action. Let us rally round the old flag once more—one more such movement as we witnessed a year ago will finish the business. The world will see, and even the misguided rebels themselves cannot fail to perceive (unless the Supreme Ruler has given them over to utter destruction and extermination,) that the only course left for them is to lay down their arms and put an end to the war immediately. Let us not put to shame now the noble, the glorious action of our nation, on the occasion of which we today celebrate the anniversary, but come forth in even a more powerful response to the President’s call, which will strike terror to the breasts of all our open and secret enemies. We cannot afford that another field should tell again the tale of that bloody day; but we can better afford to send forth a million of our sons and brothers, and husbands to the fight, that it may the sooner be ended, and peace restored to the distracted sections of our once happy and united country. Remember, then, this day one year ago; and let it not only infuse us with a new determination to use every effort in the great work of crushing rebellion, but teach us to look upward with steadfast reliance on the God of battles, who has been with us for the past year, and will bring us out purer and better in the end.

Camp Wayne,

West Chester, June 11th, 1861.

Mr. Editor: —Since you were kind enough to compliment the Union Guards, at the time of their primary organization, we have been literally overwhelmed by the “sunny smiles of adventitious fortune.” Since our departure, all prior difficulties vanished into “thin air,” and joy and gladness dispelled the vexation and discontent that had prevailed in our ranks. Although not strictly on the tented field, or by the bivouac fire, to recount brave deeds done, or bloody frays made victorious, our camp life furnishes its incidents to weave into an interesting tale. Fun and frolic, duty and labor are agreeably interspersed.

The first Regiment, under the State Reserve was formed last Sunday. The post of honor, through chicanery and favoritism was allotted to the Brandywine Guards: and our Company secured the second post. We do not desire to cavil or object now at this unjust disposition of the two companies, as regret is unavailing; but in all equity and honor, the first position was deservedly ours. This same finesse of management gave to Chester county all the prominent posts. The Lt. Colonel, McIntyre, is of the Brandywine Guards: the acting Adjutant is from the same Company: the Quartermaster is from Chester county. In short, all the loaves and fishes were appropriated by men from this section of the country. Biddle Roberts, the Colonel is a native of Pittsburg; and Samuel, the Major is from Carlisle.

The “Union Guards” are well furnished with musical instruments from the rattle of the “[?]bones” to the soft strains of the flute. – Every night, we have a gratuitous concert. – Since our arrival here, we have improvised and adopted a “cheer,” in honor of the “Union” Fire Company. It is given by spelling the word, “Union” three times, and pronouncing it each time, ending with a hiss, a bomb and a tiger. It is popular and temporarily “lionized” its autheors. We have also introduced a new feature of evolution, not laid down in Hardee – called “the Company squat.” – The men are marched, in close order, so as to form a circle, when the command of “Company squat!” is given, when we sit down on each other’s knee. It is quite amusing to see the boys each the sport, which has become contagious, and as we have not secured the services of the Bummers’ Counsel, B.F. Baer, Esq, to get it copy righted (!) it has become adopted by the whole camp. I do not desire to be considered as a boaster, but our company is considered the best in the camp.

The ladies of West Chester are a little charish about visiting the Camp, as but few have as yet honored us with their presence. Our men are all well; but two or three being slightly indisposed since our arrival here. We have an excellent hospital here, fully supplied with all the necessary appurtenances. Dr. F. de W. Breneman of your city, is with us as Assistant Surgeon—a fact which gives our men great satisfaction.

I am quartered with the Captain, first and second Lieutenants, the four Sergeants, Corporal Hoffmeir, privates Rutler, Nauman, Steinhauser and that jolly typo, Nathan Bear. Our quarters are extensive and well arranged, as we have a dining room, bed room, and office parlor. Our bunks are weather tight, and well built, so that none can complain in rainy weather. We have three cooks detailed for the Company, and so far we have had plenty to eat. If short rations should ensue, be assured I will let you printers ventilate the matter! I am a firm believer in the power and efficacy of printers ink, as a curative to all abuses. Two men of Captain Neff’s Company refused to take the oath, and were drummed out of camp, by our drummer, Frank Haines, who, by the bye, is a “brick;” he is the life of the camp, and his presence is always welcomed in a crowd.—Out three cuisines, Geo. M. Bauman, William Dellet, and James Strachan, although not equal to Demonico, or Taylor, or Shultz Reese, deserve praise for their proficiency in providing for the inner man.

Ye Captaine Barton was tendered the post of Lt. Colonel of this Regiment, a position which he would have efficiently filled; but love for and pride in his company to whom he is devotedly attached prevented him accepting the position. They then insisted on him taking the place of Major; but this he also finely declined. Our Captain is by far the best drilled, disciplined and competent man here—a fact generally acknowledged. His men are devoted to him for his innumerable acts of kindness, courtesy, and attention. Our mess sends its respects to you. Sergeants Bauman and McCracken, and private Wm. Cox, and dozens of others desire to be remembered.

Yours truly,

S. R. Everts,

O. S. Union Guards.

A VISIT TO CAMP WAYNE.

On Tuesday morning a deputation of citizens, consisting of Messrs. Lewis Haldy, J. M. Westhaeffer, H. L. Zahm, James Coyle, and Abram Shank, Esq., started to Camp Wayne, with two flags to be presented to the Lancaster and Union Guards, and a sword to Lieut. O’Rourke, of the former company. The party was accompanied by Harry Williams, of this city, now doing business in West Chester, and the writer, who by invitation, joined the excursion. Arriving at the Steamboat station, we found that, through the forethought of Mr. Williams, a four-horse omnibus had been provided to convey the party direct to West Chester, where we arrived after a pleasant ride of an hour, over a fine road, and through a rich and beautiful section of the country, bearing the most cheering indications of a bountiful harvest to reward the labors of the husbandmen.

After a brief halt at the Mansion House, a spacious and well-ordered hotel, kept by a clever and accommodating landlord, we found an early opportunity to call upon our old friend and contemporary, Henry S. Evans, Esq., of the Record and Examiner, who gave our party a hearty welcome, and accepted an invitation to join in our visit to Camp Wayne. We found Mr. Evans, like many other publishers and editors, with accumulated duties upon his shoulders, the “War for the Union,” having drawn largely upon his office force, several of his assistants having entered the ranks of the volunteer service—the printers being always among the first to rally around their country’s flag in the hour of danger.

It was in Mr. Evans office, where, twenty-one years ago, we first saw Bayard Taylor, then a printer’s apprentice, now a distinguished author, traveller and poet, than whom few literary men have filled a larger measure in the great world’s eye. West Chester then seemed to us the most beautiful town in the State, and we need hardly add that twenty-years had added much to its rural and picturesque beauty, enterprise and prosperity. There are a few towns of its size which can boast more neat and comfortable residences, or more beautiful yards and gardens. Cowper said with much force and beauty—

“God made the country and man made the town,”

but in West Chester one feels that nature and man had formed an equal partnership in beautifying the place. Go along almost any street, and although you know your are in a town, you cannot help feeling that you are nevertheless in the country. The plesant effect is produced by the liberal distribution of trees along the side walks, and a judicious selection of shrubbery and flowers in the well arranged yards and gardens, many of the residences being surrounded with beautifully laid out and tastefully adorned enclosures. How much beauty, pleasure and comfort the denizens of a city secure by the exercise of a very moderate share of taste and liberality!

Camp Wayne is located about a mile south of the town, the ground being most excellently chosen, high and dry, with three wells of the best water we ever drank. We found the Lancaster boys all in good health, fine spirits, and most comfortably provided for, and all glad to see their friends.

The missions of the party having been made known, Captains Barton and Neff, formed their respective commands in line, when the flags were presented with an appropriate speech from Mr. Shank, who eloquently referred to the promptness with which the recipients of these testimonials had responded to the call of their country, and the pleasure it afforded him to be deputed to present these beautiful banners, in behalf of their friends and fellow-citizens of Lancaster, to true hearts and brave hands, who they felt assured would never allow them to be dishonored.

The replies of both Captain Barton and Capt. Neff were eloquent, chaste and appropriate; indeed, both these companies have captains who can gain and charm the ears of friends with eloquent words, as well as repel the enemy with those more weighty arguments now demanded by the exigencies of the times. They pledged their respective commands that in their hands not a star should be dimmed nor a stripe erased, unless they all fell beneath its starry folds. They accepted the gift with grateful hearts, as another mark of the distinguished favor which had been so freely lavished upon them by the citizens of Lancaster, whose generous kindness to them could never be forgotten.

In presenting the sword to Lieutenant O’Rourke, in behalf of a number of his friends in Lancaster, Mr. Shank alluded in terms of just commendation to the alacrity with which the men of all nations, who had adopted the land of Washington as their own, had rallied around the banner of the free, and among the first and most prompt of whom were the gallant Sons of the Emerald Isle, of whom the recipient of this gift was a most worthy representative, and in whose hands his friends felt that this sword would never be dishonored.

The Lieutenant’s reply was worthy the occasion and characteristic of his genial open-hearted nature. His heart was full—he was overpowered with gratitude, and language failed him to give utterance to his thoughts. He pledged his fidelity to the glorious flag of his adopted country, and concluded with expressing it as his most decided conviction that Auld Ireland and America, united in so glorious a cause as he and his companions in arms are about to engage, could soundly thresh the rest of the world!

The enthusiastic applause which greeted the speaker, showed that Lieut. O’Rourke had touched a responsive chord in the popular heart. The presentation over, the flags were raised over the officers’ marquees of their respective commands, amid the enthusiastic cheers of the men for the citizens and Ladies of Lancaster, when we proceeded to visit the points of interest in the camp. We are gratified in being able to state that all the appointments are highly creditable to the State and satisfactory to the men. Their quarters are comfortable, having been made so by the men themselves, who have spared no labor to fit up their bunks. They have good and wholesome food and an abundance of it, the Commissariat of the camp having been got in good working system. The hospital is highly creditable to the Surgeons in charge, being well ventilated and provided with every comfort for the sick. Our young friend, Dr. Breneman, Assistant Surgeon, is as much at home in his new field of labor as if he had been there for years, and we predict for him an extended career of usefulness and honor. There were only some eight or ten patients in the hospital, and none of their ailments were serious. They were all cheerful and full of hope.

Our friend Evans having been introduced to the officers of the Lancaster companies extended an invitation to them and their visitors to partake of the hospitalities of his house that evening, which was accepted, and the evening was passed at his beautiful mansion in a most agreeable manner. Besides the parties already named, Captains Barton and Neff, Lieut. O’Rourke, Col. Herr, of Columbia, and Lieut. McPhail sat down to a supper, which, although an impromptu affair, was equal to any we had ever paid our respects to. Mrs. Evans (a sister of Edw. C. Darlington, of this city,) is a most estimable lady, and the latch string of their mansion has always been out to welcome the soldiers at Camp Wayne…

Ladies & Gentlemen of the Guard,
Attached is the photo of Colonel Washburn accepting the Recognition Award presented to the Mifflin Guard from the National Park Service, for our services to Gettysburg Battlefield performed in 2005. This award is not given out lightly, the Guard should be proud of it's accomplishments. Regiments should publish this in respective newsletters or web sites if you choose to do so.

Rich Mendoza
Mifflin Guard Secretary

Report from the Lititz 250^th Anniversary Event

Those attending the Lititz Event wish to commend Private Arbenz on his coordination for this weekend. His timely and informative communication, helpfulness and expressions of gratitude were well received. The cooperation with other medical and military units was heartening. It was good to participate with units from our past and future.

Private Arbenz and Private Lingle guarded us all, educated the citizenry and drilled many a young soldier. However, we do question whether the young men they recruited are really of the appropriate age. We are sorry to report that both of our soldiers suffered serious problems and needed to have operations of the face, arm or urinary tract. With the good surgeon’s skill, the Patriot Daughters care and Mr. Bailey’s elixirs, they are, however, miraculously cured!

Mayor Sanderson Pentz was there to share his wisdom with all. We were pleased to learn of the new steam printing press that his newspaper has acquired.

The ladies were pleased to serve their sisters in the Sewing Society of Lititz. Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Koch, Mrs. Cassidy, Ms. Scott, Ms. Spiller and Mrs. Lingle were in attendance. They sewed, educated the citizens, showed the latest fashions, nursed, wrote letters for soldiers, sold their handiwork at the Soldiers Fair, and solicited help for the cause. The local citizenry was well represented and it was interesting to meet the past and present military groups.

A good weekend was had by all.

Military Notes for Bull Run

By Joe Coleman

Units are requested to provide Andy Siganuk with troop strength updates
over the next two months. Parking and camps will be behind Belle Grove
Mansion. The time frame of the event calls for frock coats, Shoulder
scales, havelocks and white gaiters along with other uniform items
prevalent at the beginning of the war. I wonder aloud if the Patriot
Daughters might be so kind as to insure that Company B men are sent off
with a havelock to protect them from the July sun.

1) B, The Battle of Perryville. The 79^th Pennsylvania, with nine of its ten companies from Lancaster, took 189 casualties.

2) A, The Battle of First Bull Run. In rumors that ultimately proved untrue, it was reported in the Daily Evening Express and the Intelligencer that a young man who grew up in Lancaster and had moved to Virginia joined the Confederate army and was killed at the Battle of First Bull Run. I lost my citation, but if you really want to know more, check back with me in a couple years after the newspapers are digitized and searchable.

3) C, Henry Hambright, by my estimate. He supposedly turned to promotions to lead the Lancaster County Regiment and was roundly celebrated as a paternalistic commander and accomplished drillmaster. Also, it appears that Gen. Reynolds made relatively little effort to keep in touch with his hometown.

4) D, New Mexico Territory. Lieutenant Lyman Mishler, son of a prominent Lancaster merchant and brother of a Union Guards officer, died while serving a regular artillery battery at the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico, on February 21, 1862. His death and the fate of his remains received some attention in Lancaster newspapers through 1865.

“Opening Shots”: From Kay Lingle	1
Lancaster and the Civil War Trivia by Vince Slaugh	2
Civilian Pages
The Patriot Daughters Feed Two Thousand by Vince Slaugh	3
The Civilian Email Group	5
Military Pages
Company B’s Musicians by Mike Cassidy	6
First Bull Run’s First Anniversary	6
Soldiers’ Correspondence: The Union Guards at Camp Wayne	7
A Visit to Camp Wayne	8
Reenacting Pages
The Award-Winning Mifflin Guard	10
Report from the Lititz 250^th Anniversary Event	10
Military Notes for Bull Run	10
Calendar	11
Answers to Trivia Questions	11

4-6	Landis Valley Civil War Village - Lancaster, PA - Fee: $5 by 5/1/06 (no discount for children)
19-20	Eckley Miner's Village - Hazleton, PA - No Fee
25-27	Pennsylvania Reserves at Second Bull Run - Manassas Virginia, NPS Event - No Fee

9	Unit Meeting - 2:00 PM at the Ironville Church
21-23	145th Anniversary of the Battle of First Bull Run Reenactment - Middletown, VA (on the Cedar Creek Battlefield) - Fee: $15 by 3/31/06, $20 by 5/31/06 (free for children 12 and under)