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.
