Newark Daily Advance
April 29, 1861
Departure of the 1st Regiment
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Great Excitement -- The Streets thronged to excess.
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PRESENTATION OF A FLAG
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AFFECTING SCENES
The 1st Regiment, New
Jersey Volunteers leave this city to-day for the rendezvous at Trenton, thence
to proceed probably to Washington. Their departure has been made the occasion of
one of those popular ovations that sometimes occur in our city and the
demonstration to-day probably surpasses any ever before witnessed in our city.
Flags are flying in every direction, and everything is excitement. Throughout
the entire day the streets have been thronged to excess, and persons remained
standing at various points for hours in order to have a glimpse of the gallant
soldiers, who to-day left our city to defend their country against treason and
rebellion, and if need to lay down their lives for that object.
During Saturday and
yesterday, the shoes, blankets and uniforms were distributed to the men, and
many "blue coats" were seen last evening in the seats of the sanctuary - some of
their wearers perhaps listening to sermons from their pastors for the last time.
They were accompanied by their female relatives and attracted much attention.
During the afternoon they assembled at their armories, and were engaged in
preparing everything for their departure today.
At 5 o'clock this
morning the companies began to appear on the Park, and notwithstanding the early
hour a large concourse of friends collected to see them. After some time spent
in drilling, they were dismissed at 7 o'clock for breakfast until 10 o'clock,
when they again assembled on the Park in full uniform. A knapsack and haversack
were then distributed to each man from wagons previously driven there. The
knapsacks were made by Messrs. Peddie and Morrison, whose hands were at work all
day yesterday to get them completed. As each company received their knapsacks
they marched away to another part of the park and packed them.
Some of the companies
had muskets with them, which were to be taken to Trenton and placed in the
arsenal. All of the volunteers will be fitted out there with new muskets.
The scene at this
time was one of great excitement and confusion, and withal affecting. Here night
be seen a mother parting with her son; there a wife and husband separating, she
with loving care adjusting his regimentals, to that he might appear to the best
advantage, while he received the attentions with additional willingness; yonder
were a brother and sister speaking adieux; in still another place was a father,
brother or friend, pressing into the hands of a soldier a revolver, with which
he might possibly, if occasion offered, preserve (his) life. Tears flowed freely
on both sides, but amidst all the sorrow there was still rejoicing - that our
city could furnish so many to battle for the right.
The Park at this time
was surrounded by a dense mass of human beings, numbered by thousands. A strong
force of Police was stationed at the gates and excluded all but soldiers,
firemen and a few friends, whose urgent entreaties to see their relatives even
the officers could not resist.
The Fire Department,
under Chief Engineer Soden, had turned out to escort the military, and with
their red shirts and black pants presented a pleasing contrast to the blue suits
of the Volunteers. As the various companies passed the Firemen they were greeted
with cheers.
At last the knapsack
and haversack were given to the last soldier, the blankets were strapped upon
the knapsack, and the whole fastened to the soldiers' backs, and everything
being ready, the order was given to "fall in," and headed by Rubsam's Band, and
escorted and flanked by the Fire Department, the Regiment marched out of the
Park, up Broad St., through Washington Place, and down Washington St. to the
High School - followed by the concourse of people, who completely blocked the
streets from New to Washington St's., besides filling all the house tops and
windows overlooking the scene.
The school was
trimmed with flags and presented a fine appearance. The scholars were arranged
around a platform erected in Linden St. The regiment being drawn up on
Washington St., Mr. Geo. B. Sears, City Superintendent of Schools, advanced and
presented the flag with the following remarks
During the lapse of
ages and centuries as they have passed (____) (____) (__) (__) the earth. On
this occasion it is becoming that woman should present this standard, and that
it should also come from a free school. To the young all the hopes of the future
are before them, and as they are about to merge from this school, a dark cloud
comes over them. They say to their brethren, "Shall this cloud settle down and
crush our hope's?" I hear you say today "No." I have no fears to-day when I see
these men sustained by their mothers and sisters at home. Let this flag speak.
There is more eloquence in it to a soldier that human tongues can express. In
this cause you have nothing to fear. With the influence of those you leave
behind you, you have nothing to fear. They would gladly accompany you but your
valor prevents it. Their prayers will ever be for your safety.
In the name of the
ladies of the High School, I present to you this flag. Take it, and let not
traitor ever find shelter under its folds. [Applause.] If this Regiment should
fail, never let the flag be dishonored. Let it never return til you have done
your all to sustain the thirty-four stars represented on it.
Dr. J. J. CRAVEN, Surgeon of the Regiment,
received the flag and said
Ladies In behalf of
the First Regiment I thank you for this beautiful flag and we promise you it
shall be defended. Perhaps it may be torn and soiled in the conflict, but never
shall it be dishonored. Your have promised us your prayers. O how much good they
will do us! And now we bid you good bye with the only gift a soldier can give
you - God bless you.
The children then
sang "Hail Columbia" and the regiment gave three cheers and presented arms, the
band playing the "Star Spangled Banner." The regiment then marched to Market St.
and thence to Broad and back to the Park.
The flag is 6 feet 6
inches long, 6 feet deep, made of heavy silk with silk tassels and lace. It was
made by Madame Harrlott, 128 Broad St., at a cost of over $80, contributed by
the teachers and present and former pupils of the school through the efforts of
Miss Chase, the female principal. The thanks of the School are tendered to Mr.
George Wurtz for his aid in procuring the staff, and to others who have lent
their assistance.
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