Upon the conclusion of Mr. Lounsbury's oration, Gen. Noble turned to Judge D. A. Buchler, Vice-President of the Gettysburg Memorial Association, and thus addressed him:
SPEECH OF GEN. WILLIAM H. NOBLE
"Had it fallen to my lot, Mr. President, to select a battle-ground on which to stake the fate of this Republic, and of freedom, my choice would have fallen on some field in this glorious old State of Pennsylvania. This Key-stone State in that arch of the old thirteen bordering the Atlantic, which the years of God and freedom have multiplied till an arch of thirty-eight States, stiffened by that same key-stone, stretches from the Dominion to the Gulf, towers among the Rockies, and spans a Continent.
Had it been given to me Sir, further, to choose within your grand old State the dread arena of battle, I should have named this very Gettysburg, this lovely country carpeted with harvest, and ribbed by ridges on which were mantled the embattled hosts, and bordered by those blue mountains, which loom along the horizon.
Still further, had mine been the choice where on this battle-field most of the dear ones of my Regiment should fight and fall, and where a Monument should immortalize their sacrifice and valor, I should have fixed on this very knoll, so conspicuous a land-mark overlooking this battle-ground, and facing that ridge of victory, where the great dead are ranged in immortal array, awaiting that question of stewardship here, answered above by the Recording Angel, 'Died in battle for the land, freedom, and the flag.'
Honored Sir, this Monument which my Regiment has erected here to immortalize her fallen, has been cut out from the bed-rock of our dear old Connecticut, on it are graven her arms, and her words of trust in God, to keep and foster what He hath planted-'Qui Transtulit Sustinet.'
We have inscribed thereon the names and rank of very comrade who fell on this battle-field.
Within this solid granite we seem to have planted a part of the heart of Connecticut, of our dear old Fairfield County, and of her Seventeenth Connecticut Regiment.
To you and to the honorable staff of the Gettysburg Memorial Association, we now entrust what is so dear to us and Connecticut. Through the years that mantle over the future of this Republic we trust in the care of the old Key-stone State, that this monument, and this ground which she has sequestered for its erection, may be held as a sacred and immortal trust. Long may your venerable Commonwealth stand as the keystone of the arch of our Union, not only by her broad area, her vast industries, and her wonderful products, but in those inestimable qualities of public and private virtues, on which alone can rest the fortunes of this Republic."
Judge Buehler replied as follows:
SPEECH OF JUDGE D. A. BUEHLER
.
General Noble:
"I very much regret that his Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania, and, ex-officio, President of the Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association, has by his duties been kept away from this presence, and these ceremonies.
I thank you in behalf of the Memorial Association and of our State, for the exalted place you have given this honored Commonwealth. We are proud of her history, of the loving respect of her sister States, of her political and industrial importance, and of her grand record in the great struggle; the decisive battle of which, here fought, your own, and some of her regiments, this day signalize by monuments to their comrades who here fell.
We feel that in the eloquent tribute you have just rendered, to the purposes of Pennsylvania, to keep forever to the great dead, their monuments here, and the ground surrounding them-you have spoken the voice of Connecticut. We know well the history of your honored Commonwealth. We know her as a State memorable through all time, as founded under the first written Constitution on this Continent, and the first written Constitution in the world, organizing and based on popular government. The blood of her sons and of ours has mingled in about every crisis in arms on this Continent. All along the lines of this battle-field they touched elbows, and stayed the enemy in the hottest of the fight.
The influence of Connecticut stretches beyond her small area; her steadfastness, her enterprise, her intellect, inspire the hearts and industries of men throughout the Republic.
Bear back with you to your honored Commonwealth, and to her soldiers who here fought, the assurance that Pennsylvania will hold sacred, and forever guard, the monuments to her dead on this battle-ground. The dead of Connecticut here, she furnished indeed in her quota to save freedom and the flag, but their memory belongs not only to Connecticut but to Pennsylvania and our common country.
The Gettysburg Battle field Memorial Association accepts as a sacred trust this monument to the soldiers of the Seventeenth Connecticut Regiment who fell here.
BENEDICTION.
May the blessing of Almighty God be upon our land and all its homes, and May the Love of God, the Grace of Jesus Christ, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forever, AMEN.
Lieut. J. C. Mayne of Company "G," was called to the stand and in a few well chosen words was introduced by Chaplain Hall, as "the young hero who brought the State colors off of the battle-field after color Corporal Henry Burns was killed." he was greeted with the hearty cheers of his comrades.
As soon as the exercises were finished the "boys" scattered themselves about the fields searching for bullets and other mementoes. Comrade Dixon of Company "H," pointing out the exact spot where he received the wound which deprived him of his leg. Barney Marshall of Company "D," was near the spot where the Tablet is erected when wounded. Sergt. Selah G. Blakeman of same company recognized the course over which he helped a wounded comrade, and many other like incidents.
Before leaving Barlow's Knoll for the hotel, Mr. Asa S. Curtis of Stratford, who accompanied the Regiment from Bridgeport in 1862, as fifer, and who remained with them until its departure from Baltimore to Washington, placed upon the Tablet, a wreath of choice flowers, to the memory of John R. Booth and Stephen Crofut, who enlisted from Stratford in Company "D," and were killed. A fine bouquet of flowers were also placed upon the Tablet, brought from Stamford by Sergt. George A. Scofield of Company "B."
The hotel was reached by the party in time to partake of dinner, and by two o'clock all were ready to visit Cemetery Hill to witness the ceremonies of the Twenty-Seventh and One Hundred and Fifty-Third Pennsylvania Regiments. The members of the Seventeenth formed in line and acted as the escort. The visit to Cemetery Hill was full of interest, and the unveiling ceremonies were very short, C. H. Heiligman of Philadelphia, delivering the address for the Twenty-Seventh, and Lieut. J. Clyde Miller of Bethlehem, for the One Hundred and Fifty-Third, after which ample time was given to view the positions which the Seventeenth Regiment occupied on the 2d and 3d days of July, 1863. The stone wall, behind which the regiment was stationed during the fierce charge of the rebels, just at dark, on the night of July 2d, still remains. It was here that Capt. Burr grabbed a "Johnnie" by the collar of his coat during the fight, and drew him over the wall and made him a prisoner. The party wandered up to the top of Culp's Hill, and Col. Wooster, of the Twentieth Connecticut, pointed out the position occupied by his regiment and also the Fifth Connecticut. By supper time all were back to the hotel, recounting their experiences of the day.
THE CAMP FIRE.
On the evening of July 1st, a Camp Fire was held in the hall of Corporal Skelly Post No. 9, Department Pennsylvania, G.A.R. The exercises were opened by commander Wilbe, who called upon Col. Henry Allen of the Seventeenth Connecticut to preside. The Colonel, after making a few remarks, introduced Chaplain Hall of the Seventeenth Connecticut, intimating that the Chaplain was feeling bad, on account of not having had half an opportunity to show his eloquence in the morning, at the unveiling of the Tablet, and that he would now give him a chance. The Chaplain obeyed the call, and stepping to the front stated he had been intrusted with a very pleasing duty, and presented the Post with a handsomely bound photograph album, as a slight token of the appreciation of the members of the Regiment for courtesies extended their committee, and in making the visit of the Regiment a pleasant one. The gift was accepted in behalf of the Post by comrade John M. Krauth, after which Capt. Samuel B. Horne of the Eleventh Connecticut volunteers, and a member of Post 33, Department of Connecticut, G.A.R., (the youngest man enlisted from the State of Connecticut), was introduced. He responded in a manner which satisfied all that he was as good a talker as he was a soldier. He closed with a fine recitation, "The Wounded Soldier," the rendition of which was very impressive and touching.
Gen. Coit, of the fighting Fourteenth Connecticut, was introduced and delivered a very eloquent speech, advocated the erection of Soldier's Monuments in every county in the land, to perpetuate the indivisibility of the Union, and the sacrifices made to accomplish it.
Richard Calhoun of the First Connecticut Heavy Artillery, commander of Post 62, Department of Connecticut, also made a telling speech, and was followed by Hon. A. H. Byington of the Norwalk Gazette.
The only drawback to the evening's enjoyment, was the intense heat of the overcrowded room, which necessitated an early adjournment.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2D.
About 8 o'clock A. M., the members of the Seventeenth again fell in and marched to the depot, acting as escort to the One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth New York Volunteers. The cars carried them to within one-half mile of "Devil's Den," where the monument of the One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth was located. The "Devil's Den" seemed to be appropriately named, for a "wilder spot" is seldom seen. Rocks upon rocks were piled there, and their presence would appear to have prevented troops from occupying the position, but here it was that some of the most severe fighting of the battle took place. Col. Ellis of the One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth New York was killed here, and a life size statue of this gallant officer surmounts their "Tablet." Gen. Stewart L. Woodford delivered the oration, and a large party of the Seventeenth and their friends were among his audience. The morning was spent here and upon "Big and Little Round Top," the party dividing up and forming into "go as you please" squads. The afternoon saw every vehicle in the town in use, for every one was bent on seeing all that remained to be seen, in the few remaining hours.
The party who visited "Barlow's Knoll" in the afternoon for the purpose of having their pictures taken by the "Tablet," experienced a great deal of pleasure(?) A bus, loaded with "jovial spirits," left the hotel about 3 o'clock, singing war songs with variations, "bound to have a good picture taken." "Barlow's Knoll" was reached in safety, and Mr. Tipton, the artist, was promptly on hand with his camera. While discussing the position in which the group should be taken and just as Mr. Tipton had "got his machine loaded and ready to fire," a violent wind and rain storm came down upon us. Such scampering to get under cover, and such a hasty packing of photograph instruments were never heard of. It broke up the affair instantly, but the rain was falling in such torrents that the teams could not move, so there the party remained, maintaining their jollity in the meantime. It was decided that there was a "Jonah" in the party, but it was not decided fully whether it was Col. Sam. Moore of the Fourteenth Connecticut, or "Chaplain" McDonald of the Seventeenth.
On Wednesday evening the ladies and gentlemen assembled in the parlors of the hotel. Sergeant Williams, of Company C. presented Mrs. Capt. Moore, on behalf of the company, with a picture of the Tablet. Private Lounsbury responded in behalf of the recipient.
Capt. Horne, representing Hon. M. W. Pember, "Doc" Chaffee, Sheriff Hutchinson, and himself, was selected to present Col. Allen with a handsome floral tribute, and he made quite a success of his task. We regret that we have not sufficient space to enable us to give a full account of this affair.
After the "presentations" were over then came the singing, and everybody sang. War songs and negro melodies predominated, and the colored waiters from the dining-room "took a hand." Jollity reigned supreme. By 11 o'clock all were in bed, as an early start was to be made in the morning.
DEPARTURE FOR HOME.
Breakfast at half past five, and promptly did all hands respond on Thursday morning. Bills having all been paid the night before (except by one person, and that no less a personage than the Hon. A. H. Byington, but this was overlooked, as it was known by all that the gentleman now hailed from Washington, and while there had become corrupted, (Mr. Byington himself giving as reason he did not pay because he "did not want to lose interest on his money over night), consequently there was not the least confusion. At six o'clock, line was formed in front of the "Eagle," three rousing cheers were given for the "citizens of good old Gettysburg," three more for "landlord Yingling," the command "right face" is given and we march to the depot. The train is in readiness and soon all are on board. The train bearing the One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth New York Regiment left at a few minutes after six o'clock, and at half-past six "good byes" are said and amid the cheers of the citizens our train starts and we begin our return trip. At Carlisle we are compelled to make a short stop, and some of the boys investigate the immediate vicinity of the depot. Comrade Calhoun of Unionville imagining himself a great general, strolled about, giving orders, and getting his imaginary troops ready for a charge on a great wheat field, which lay near the railroad track. A short run and we are again in Harrisburg, stopping only long enough to connect the two trains. Once more we are on the Pennsylvania road, and feel that we are almost flying. Pleasant company causes time to pass swiftly, and the trip homeward seems to exceed the outward run in shortness. At Philadelphia we leave the Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, also Gen. Noble's party, and comrade George S. Purdy, who are to make a visit in the "Quaker City." At Newark, N.J., we part with Capt. Gray and wife, this being their home. At half-past three we reach Jersey City, and fifteen minutes later the excursionists are out of the cars and at the Ferry. No time to be spared, so hasty farewells are said. Thus ends the trip, and so far as hard the members of the Seventeenth Connecticut Association can confidently feel that it was in every respect a grand success.
"Those who were there
Will never forget,
Those who were not
Will always regret."
THE TABLET.
Is a beautiful and massive structure, in design Sarcophagus. Its general dimensions are seven feet ten inches high, seven feet wide, and four feet ten inches deep. Its construction is purely Connecticut, being made of Niantic, or Mill Stone Point Granite, and was designed and manufactured by Wm. H. Curtis of Stratford, a former member of Company "C," this Regiment. On the front, raised in bold relief, is the State Coat of Arms and National Shield combined. On the back is a raised and polished panel occupying the whole surface of the die, and on the same is the following inscription: "Erected by the survivors of the 17th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 11th Corps, in memory of their gallant comrades who fell here on the first day, and on this battle-field on the second and third days of July, 1863." On the front of the die, each side of the Coat of Arms, are two raised and polished panels, as also one upon each end of the die, on which are inscribed the names of the members of the Regiment who lost their lives, as follows:
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Lieut.-Col. Douglas Fowler. Sergt. William O. Dauchey, Sergt. Bethel S. Barnum, Sergt. Samuel Comstock, Corpl. Alvah E. Wilcox, Private Calvin Nobles, Private Michael Fox, Private Theodore Blakeman, Private Daniel H. Purdy, Private Rufus Warren, Private William F. Bradley, Private Stephen C. Crofut, Private James Flynn, Private Francis Nash, Private John W. Metcalf, Private John A. Black, Private Cassius M. Crabbe, Private William S. Gregory. |
Capt. James E. Moore, Sergt. August E. Bronson, Sergt. Edwin D. Pickett, Corpl. Henry Burns, Corpl. James Gordon, Private William W. Westlake, Private Frank J. Benson, Private Smith Delevan, Private Richard D. Taylor, Private Joseph S. Whitlock, Private John R. Booth, Private Francis C. Foote, Private George H. Guernsey, Private John Welsh, Private Wilbur B. Morgan, Private Lawrence Carney, Private Eliphalet Mead. |
On either side of the length of the second base, in very heavy raised letters, appears 17th Conn. Vols., the surface of which are polished, making a beautiful contrast to the cut surface. The foundation upon which same rests, is a solid piece of mason work of stone and cement, and is laid in depth five feet. In this foundation, under the Tablet, is deposited a box containing
One volume Catalogue Connecticut Volunteer organizations.
One volume Struggles and Triumphs, or Forty Years Recollections of P. T. Barnum.
Copy Constitution and Amendments Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteer Association.
Copy proceedings Seventh Connecticut Volunteer Association from organization, November 21, 1867, to re-union August 28, 1882, at Bridgeport.
Copy proceedings Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteer Association at Fairfield August 28, 1883.
Names and residence of contributors to the Gettysburg monument.
Names and residence of 282 members of the Seventy-Fifth Ohio Volunteers, known July 1, 1884.
Copy Bridgeport Standard (Daily and Weekly), Bridgeport Farmer (Daily and Weekly), Bridgeport Morning News (also copy Sunday Edition), Bridgeport Evening Post, Norwalk Gazette, Norwalk Hour, The Westporter, Danbury News, Stamford Advocate.