Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-10
THE PUTNAM RIFLES.
"reminiscences OF the Stirring Days NJ
the Outbreak Of the War.

the Outbreak Of the War.
PRESIDENT LINCoLN's ELEcrIoN-rHK Or
GANIZATIoN OF THE RIFLEs-IN CAMP AT
sENEcA-rIaHTINa ALONG THE CANAL BED.
To the Editor of THE EVENING STAR
would like to say few words In regard to
one of the volunteer companies that were
mustered in" In the spring of 81. We know,
mean the old residents, of course, that during
that memorable struggle for the choice OF o
President that many of the people of this Dis
trict were opposed to the election of Abra-
ham Lincoln, believing that with his election
there would be trouble. On the night of the
election attended a party meeting-more
through curiosity than anything else-which
was held in building on the south side
of Pennsy lvania avenue, near 4la street,
known in those days as the "Adelphi Thea
ter" About midnight when 1t was known
that Abraham Lincoln was elected, one Of the
widest crowds came out of that meeting that
ever saw. heard great cry amongst them;
afterwards learned was the place of meeting of
the republicans of this city. They did rush for
1.-THE wigwam," and they made those who were
there go to the root at pretty lively rate
From there they made their way down on the
outside by means of lightning rods and rain
spouts. n number OF us, believing that We saw
what was then brewing, resolved TO organize a
military company to do what we could to keep
peace In our midst, and see that Abraham Lin.
coin was peaceably inaugurated. We organized
IN December 1860, company which had the
honor to name
co. a. PUTNAM RIFLES.
The company, which was one hundred and
eighteen strong, was composed of the young
men of South Washington. We met in a build
Ing known as the Island Hall, corner Virginia
avenue and 9th street southwest, and there or
ganized. l was elected secretary. We went
into the election of officers with the following
1htSIatDn. cAntAln. Samnet
Magruder, first lieutenant: James Boyce, second
lieutenant; George Augherton, first sergeant;
third sergeant; John T. Angel, fourth sergeant.
we then took steps to go into training. We re-
ceived our arms, and took up quarters in the
"Armory' building, which is now in possession
OF The nsh cOmmisson,and were drilled nightly
by the company of "sappers and miners sta
toned there. Through the attention and kind
ness of the members of this company, every
man OF whom was a thorough drill master, We
soon became a well drilled company. We Or
ganized especially for the defence of our city.
At the inauguration of President Lincoln in 81
this city was swarming with desperate men
thorities believed there would be some disturb
ance, orders were given that every man be sup
piled with ten rounds of ammunition on that
day, March 4th, 1861. The authorities were in
formed as to the character of the strange men
in our midst Soldiers were stationed upon the
housetops, to give warning of the assembling of
suspected men. Threats were openly made that
Lincoln should not be sworn in.
There was not a single volunteer organization
Abraham Lincoln, except the militia OF the Dis
trict of Columbia. When the excitement ran
high, after the firing upon the Star of the
West, the vessel sent out with provisions for
the starving garrison at Fort SUMTER the Presi-
dent called upon the volunteer organizations of
the District to be
SWORN IN FOR DUTY.
This was on the 18th day of April, several days
before his proclamation calling for seventy
five thousand men" for ninety days We were
then put in "war trim," carrying forty rounds
of ammunition. One night we were on duty at
the United States arsenal, the next at the Chain
bridge and again at the Long bridge, many a
night --Oing to bed on the sidewalks, covered
rain pouring down upon us. We found plenty
to do until the arrival of the gallant men of the
President. Then the government wanted men
to go to the upper Potomac for some purpose
which we did not inquire into. We were sworn
in to do duty only in the city, but We resOl we'd
to go where the authorities wanted us to go,
where we were needed. So we got everything
ready. The "boys" were proud to think they
were to be supplied with a train of army
wagons. On the 10th day of June, SCI we
started out of the city with the music playing
"The Girl Left Behind Me" and marched
until We reached that ancient burg known as
Tenleytown, where we pitched tents and staid
there three days. We then struck tents and
marched to the Chain bridge, took canal-boats
and went up the river until We reached Seneca.
We here pitched tents, got our grub ready for
WE ,h
had in front of us real "Johnnies' on horses.
armed with carbines, pistols ami sabers. They
was about three hundred yards wide. We re-
ported the fact to the colonel, who gave strict
orders not to fire unless these "Johnnies" fired
first.
BEGINNING HOsTILITIES.
Some OF our boys could not wait, SO the next
morning ten or twelve OF US went down to the
river shore, apparently to fish. One of the
crowd had long brass horse pstol We hailed
the Johnnies and they answered. Then words
went over TO them which would not be very
pleasant to the ears of the salvation Army"
They replied in pretty much the same language,
only they called us ID Yankees and other
Eorse-pistol, contrary to orders OF the cClcnel,
who came running over the banks of the canal,
which was right in front of camp, and wanted
to know who IT was that fired that gun No
body knew, of course. We told him that the
JOhnnies fired at US. He had hardly asked the
question when "bang"' came a reply from the
other side. "There it is again, colonel!' The
colonel got very mad and ordered the long roll
to be called. Every man soon had his war
bank, which directly on the shore OF the
river. We fired several volleys into them, when
they retreated up the shore road towards Lees
burg. We went down into the canal, which
contained water. as the SeceSsioniStS had
previously cut it and let all the water into the
river. Marching in the bed OF the canal, we
followed the enemy unseen. The further up We
went the narrower the river became. Just
they were leaving the main road We jumped
LET INTO THEM.
They were utterly surprised. We killed sew
eral of them aud wounded many horses and
men. Among the killed was Capt Schreeves,
who was il command of the "Johnnies." They
did not make their appearance again for at
least ten days, when they came back strongly
reinforced. One Thur-day evening, about sun
down, they let drive at us. We again drove
them OFF, rifles were far superior TO theirs,
being of the then improved rifle musket pat
tern, carrying ounce minnie ball. They
came back again some time during the night,
with such an increased number that we thought
the firing was only a ruse to keep us In front
of them while a larger force crossed the ford
just above. We kept them busy, they did
US. Our cOlonel-Lieut. Col. Everett, command
ing the fifth battalion, ID. G. NOls.-sent a
geant over the hills to Jamestown for Major
- to bring down his command reinforce
ment. The fight began just about sunrise,
which at that time occurred about O'Clock.
We drove the enemy from us and killed and
wounded several. On our side no one was hurt,
though some became quite nervous. We then
got back TO camp, made fires, cooked breakfast,
which was greatly enjoyed after our morning
got ready for dress parade, which was about 10
O'clock a. M, who 10! and behold, the REIN
fOrcements sent for six hours before from
Jamestown, a mile and u half away, arrived,
with drums and fife in full play.
CAPTURED BATTEAU.
While in camp at Seneca, one day our colo
mel, with the captain and first lieutenant, went
up to Poolesville to pay their respects to Col.
Stone, who was in full command OF the District
troops and left the camp in charge of I'd Lieut..
cnffna nff "a dnv AS he W. sfr linz