TH

IX.-MILITARY AND OTHER EXCURSIONS.

HE visits to the Centennial of the military and other organized bodies from Michigan, although not within the range of official representation, did much toward giving to the State that enviable notoriety which it acquired.

THE MILITARY.

Seven Michigan companies visited Philadelphia during the Exhibition, namely: The Detroit Light Guard, one company; the National Guard, of Detroit, one company; the Ionia Light Guard, of Ionia, one company; and four companies of the Pelouze Corps, Detroit Cadets.

THE DETROIT LIGHT GUARD.

Among the many first class military organizations of the country that responded to the call for a showing of their drill and discipline at the nation's Centennial, was the Detroit Light Guard-an organization so well known in Michigan, and in fact throughout the whole country, that the mere mention of the name brings to mind thousands of old and cherished associations on the part of every one interested in military matters in the State. The Light Guard is the oldest, and for a long time was the only, military company in the State, having been organized on the sixteenth of November, 1855. The company absorbed much of the spirit and material of the "Brady Guards," the first uniformed company in Michigan, organized in 1836, and its successor, the "Grayson Guards," organized in 1850. For twenty-two years this company has continued to exist and prosper, although often in the face of many obstacles and discouragements. The principal citizens of Detroit have always taken a great degree of pride in the organization, as a large proportion of them have at one time or another been connected with it, either as active or honorary members. The Light Guard, although liable at any time to military duty at the call of the State, has been supported mainly by its own membership. The Light Guard acquired, during the late war, a brilliant record. Among those who distinguished themselves in the service of the Union, from the major-general down to the private, are to be found many who are or have

been connected with the company. General A. S. Williams, Colonel Horace S. Roberts, Major John T. Fairbanks, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert T. Elliott, Colonel Charles M. Lum, Colonel F. W. Swift, and others, are familiar representative names. The Guard, as a company, actively participated in the war. In response to the first call of the Governor of the State for volunteers, it immediately tendered its services, and on the first of May, 1861, the company was mustered into the service of the United States as company "A" of the First regiment of Michigan infantry. The company proceeded to Washington with the First infantry, and with it crossed into Virginia, where it encamped on Shuter's Hill, near Alexandria. Marching with the regiment to Bull Run, it participated in the battle of the twenty-first of July, 1861, losing two killed, six wounded, and thirteen taken prisoners. Returning with the regiment to Detroit, and its term of service having expired, the company was mustered out of service at Fort Wayne, August 7, 1861.

The members of the Guard that were unable to enlist with the company in the United States service, on the twenty-ninth of April met together and organized the Detroit Light Guard Reserve Corps. After the muster out of the company, the name was again changed to the Detroit Light Guard. The same organization has since been maintained. The company has on several occasions been called into the service of the State in cases of actual or threatened disturbance, notably during the riot in the city of Detroit, on the sixth of March, 1863, when it rendered, efficient aid in preserving the peace, guarding the jail and patrolling the district where the disturbances occurred.

The commanding officers of the company since its organization have been: Alpheus S. Williams, James E. Pittman, Henry L. Chipman, Jerome Croul, Enos R. Mathews, Charles M. Lum, Fred. W. Swift, George L. Maltz, David F. Fox, Robert A. Liggett, Charles Dupont, Lewis Cass Twombly.

Early in the year the company resolved to participate in the celebration of the Centennial Fourth in Philadelphia, but yielded to the general wish that they would remain to join in the celebration of the day in their own city. They however subsequently received an invitation from the Governor of Pennsylvania to take part in the review of the state militia at Philadelphia on the tenth of August, which invitation they accepted. On the morning of August fifth the Light Guard, accompanied by about one thousand friends from all parts of the State, left for Philadelphia by special train, the transportation being in charge of Mr. H. F. Eberts, a member of the company. Aside from musicians and attendants, the company was officered as follows:

OFFICERS.

Captain-Lewis Cass Twombly.

First Lieutenant-Max Hochgraef.

Second Lieutenant-F. F. Wormer.

Quartermaster-A. P. T. Beniteau.

Sergeants-Thomas L. Grant, Charles Siau, Albert Denike, H. F. Eberts, Wm. E. Riddle. Color Sergeant-Hubbard Smith.

Corporals-C. F. Hall, R. W. Ballentyne, L. D. Harris, Harry Milward, Charles Schwartz, W. S. Barrows.

Markers-Charles Smith, John J. Bagley, Jr.

It is proper to combine with the mere record of fact something of the spirit of the occasion, as embodied by an appreciative newspaper writer in the extracts that follow:

Arriving at Philadelphia, the Guard and their guests were quickly domiciled in their chosen quarters at the Grand Villa Hotel, and assuming citizens' dress, occupied several days in sightseeing, and also received many visits from curious members of rival military organizations, the whilom fame and advent of the company having been duly heralded by the press of Philadelphia, which prudently warned their local organizations of the reputed mettle of the Michiganders they were about to encounter in a friendly contest for military superiority. On the tenth of August took place the grand review and parade of local and visiting military, to the number of at least ten thousand men, under the auspices of the State of Pennsylvania. This was the opportunity sought for by the Guard. Having been assigned a prominent position in the line, the Guard set out at an early hour for the rendezvous, accompanied by a host of anxious Michigan visitors. Whether by accident or design, the Michigan boys were placed directly in front of Pennsylvania's crack military organization, "The State Fencibles," of Philadelphia. Nothing daunted, however, the Michigan boys bore themselves bravely, as all Michigan soldiers do, although unused to such magnificent rivalry, and accordingly nerved themselves to win the honors of the day, if strict attention to duty and conscientious hard work could do so. And win they did, much to the surprise of their eastern fellow soldiers, who had evidently been taught to consider themselves invincible. From the time of starting, throughout the entire march, the Guard was the constant recipient of unusual demonstrations of applause and appreciation, and at numerous points, while executing some of their peculiar and difficult evolutions, the commands of the officers were literally drowned in the tumultuous uproar of approbation. Elevated into sudden though deserved notoriety through the results of its laudable efforts to excel, the Guard now found itself the military lion of Philadelphia, and the balance of its sojourn there was one continued round of invitations and entertainments, showing the desire on the part of all to do honor to the organization "from the far West," as it was termed. On the twelfth the company left Philadelphia for Long Branch, and on arriving there they found that an extensive affair in the shape of a "hop" had been gotten up in their honor by the sojourners at the Branch, and supper being over, "our boys" were directly made prisoners by the fair "belles of the beach," and marched off to the immense dancing hall of the "Ocean," where the captivity was made immensely pleasant by attentions showered without stint upon the "dancing members" of the corps. The following day a parade of the Guard was demanded and given, and it may be said here that never in the history of the Light Guard did that organization appear to better advantage.

The homeward route of the Guard was by way of New York, where they were met by an escort from the military of that city, and in their parade through Broadway won new laurels on

that historic military ground. Among many invitations, extended to the Guard through Captain Twombly to visit different points in New York and the East, the only one that could be accepted was from company "D," of Buffalo, by whom they were given a magnificent reception, and with whom a day was spent before final embarkation for home.

Previously notified of the movements of the Guard, the citizens of Detroit prepared to give to its famous military child a fitting welcome, and as the returning excursionists stepped from the cars, they found, to their glad surprise, a long and glittering line of soldiery and Knights Templar drawn up to bid them welcome home. Immense crowds of citizens thronged the streets, and welcoming cheers resounded from the throats of thousands who desired to say to their representatives, "well done." At the armory the company was met by a delegation of leading citizens, who welcomed them home with speeches and congratulations.

In the conception and carrying out of this ever to be remembered trip of the corps, great credit is due the commander, Captain Twombly, whose military zeal and perfect system of drill and discipline contributed not a little towards the attainment of the national reputation now possessed by the Light Guard.

The press of Philadelphia commented very flatteringly upon the appearance of the corps, and a couple of extracts are given:

The Philadelphia "Press:" Then came the Detroit Light Guards, so picturesque in their white shakos, the cynosure of all eyes. Their reputation is now a national one, and Philadelphians are as conversant with their excellence in drill as the people of their own State; and they do march magnificently. Their evolutions were executed with mathematical precision, and established their right to the enviable prominence they have gained.

The Philadelphia "Bulletin:" From the commencement of the march at Columbia Avenue until its close at the Public Buildings, the Detroit Light Guard Infantry were the recipients of a perfect ovation, and the citizen soldiery never traversed our streets who more richly deserved the plaudits fairly showered upon them.

DETROIT NATIONAL GUARD.

The Detroit National Guard, officially known as Company B, Third Regiment Michigan State Troops, was one of the most notable bodies of men in the grand parade, on the Centennial Fourth, in Philadelphia, and in every way reflected credit upon their city and State.

The company was first organized October 25, 1869, as a distinctively Irish American military company, all of the original members being either of Irish birth or descent, although since that time some few who did not possess these distinguishing characteristics have been admitted to its ranks. On the thirty-first of March, 1870, the company was accepted by the Governor as a part of the regular militia of the State, and was accordingly mustered into the service as a company of the First Regiment. During the first four years of its existence, there were no noteworthy episodes in the history of the company; but in July, 1874, a supposed urgent necessity arose for their services to aid in the prevention or suppression of anticipated disturbances at Ishpeming, in the iron regions

of the Upper Peninsula. Accordingly they, together with Company A (the Detroit Light Guard), left Detroit, in obedience to orders, on the twenty-third of July. Fortunately, however, the magnitude of the troubles had been overestimated, and no occasion arose for active military intervention.

Early in 1876 the company decided to visit the city of Philadelphia and take part in the exercises commemorative of the Centennial anniversary of the Nation, and by long and regular drills prepared themselves for the critical ordeal, which they knew they must undergo when brought into review and actual competition with some of the finest bodies of men in the country. Their exertions were fittingly rewarded, and there is not a member of the company, or a person from Michigan who saw them on that occasion, but will ever remember it with justifiable pride. June thirtieth they were escorted from their armory to the depot, in Detroit, by an immense crowd of citizens, and about noon left on a special train by the Canada Southern Railway.

Arriving in Philadelphia on the evening of July first, they were received as the guests of the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania State Troops, who gave them a reception at their armory and escorted them to the quarters which had been engaged by them. They remained in the city five days, during which time they were the recipients of marked and flattering attentions. They attended the celebration of Mass at the Cathedral, in a body, with their band; they accepted invitations to visit both the Arch and Chestnut Street Theatres, and were compelled to decline others for want of time; they were honored guests at several military receptions tendered to them, and were hospitably entertained by the "Gallowglasses." A reception at their own quarters was given by the company in acknowledgment of these courtesies.

On the Fourth of July they formed a portion of the column of 20,000 men who took part in the grand procession, and though but a handful in that large body of men, their fine physique, superb marching, soldierly bearing, elegant uniforms, and, in short, general excellence, attracted universal attention and gained for them most favorable notices from the press.

PRESS NOTICES.

The Philadelphia "Public Ledger" said: "This was the only company from the West, and was well drilled." The "Times" said: "The National Guard, of Detroit, Michigan, Capt. O'Keefe, numbered sixty muskets, with an honorary guard of veterans. With their blue uniforms and green plumes, they elicited much applause. They are counted one of the best drilled corps in the West." The "Press," usually chary in its praise, allows itself to say of them: "It has rarely been our pleasure to see a more perfect organization, whether as regards the manual or tactics. The company wore dark blue coats and light blue pants, black shakos adorned by green and white plumes. The guard, judging from the ovation it received, was a favorite with our people."