Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-02-09
CAVALRY CHARGE IN GOTHAM.
Gen. sickiss Describe, an Exciting Seems
Of Pity Years Ago.

Gen. Sickles Describes an Exciting Scene
Of Pity Years Ago.
Probably the only cavalry charge
ever executed In the streets OF New
York." said Gen. Daniel E. Sickles the
other day, was ordered by me way
back In the forties Twas a stripping Of
twenty -one then and aide-de-camp with
the rank Of captain on the staff OF
Brighten. George p. Morris, of the
state militia. Maj. Duff had organized
a company Of cavalry for service in the
Mexican war, and on the eve Of their
departure had requested Cen Morris TO
review them. Gen. Morris consented,
and the review was fixed for nine
o'clock on the day they were to en-
bark, and the place selected was in
Park place. At that time Park place
was fashionable residence street, ex-
tending from broadway TO Church
street and abutting the grounds of Co
lumbia college. The day OF the review
was clear and beautiful, and the side
walks, the stoops of the houses and
the windows were thronged with spec
tators. Young Woodwork, son OF the
poet Woodwork, OF old Oaken Bucket
fame, was my companion aid.de-camp
lie was about my own age. While ]
knew how 10 ride and keep my saber
from getting between my legs and trip
ping me up, confess my knowledge OF
matters military was not quite so well
defined as at present The troop pre-
sented Il fine appearance drawn up IL
line in the wide street, in span new
uniforms glittering sabers and snowy
accoutermcnts, all being well mounted.
Gen. Morris lived up the Hudson, aud
because OF some delay did not reach the
city as he expected. We waited until
nearly 10 o'clock, and as the hour for
the departure of the troops approached
we were all somewhat nervous, espe-
cially since the major was anxious TO
show his men 10 good advantage. FL
nally, II becoming apparent that Gen.
Morris would not be on hand, Maj Duff
suggested that either Woodwork or !
should conduct the review. Woodwork
declined the honor, and after some hest
tation consented to act as reviewing
officer.
Then Maj Duff. with an elaborate
salute, rode up and asked me " would
order the inspection or the review first
1t was poser to me whether the in
spection precede the review or the re-
view precede the inspection. ordered
the inspection. thought the grim old
majors eyes twinkled bit. lie gave the
order, and the troops formed for inspec-
ton. | passed up and down the lines
OF men, complimented the major upon
their fine appearance, the neatness of
their uniforms, and their soldierly bear.
ing, returning to my position beside
Woodworth. The inspection over,
gave the order for review; the troops
paraded, the spectators applaudcd and
everybody felt elated. The major again
rode up and asked me II would please
order the troops to execute n maneuver.
For the life OF me didn't know any
more about cavalry cvolutions than |
knew OF the canals in Mars thought
IA moment, and then remembered that
cavalry could charge,
Execute charge, major | com.
manded, us IL such orders were OF
everyday occurrence.
This timr the majors eye brows
were olcva.od the sixteenth of an inch,
and detected an expression OF concern
that ! afterward fully appreciated.
However he salutcd, and placing him.
self at the head of his men trottcd down
the street toward Broadway and
wheeled his column. The bugle sounded
aud with drawn sabrcs, first on low
trot, then faster, and then breaking in,
to mad gallop, the troops dashed
down the open space between the
double line of spectators with all tn,
| yigor and push as in actual battle
Happily no one was killed, but enough
people came near destruction In thi,
wild charge OF inexperienced troopers
The horses, carried away by the clatter
plunged or were crowded to left anC
"iohL. Henacinuthc terrified spectators
| VINO tumbed backward over one an
other and were nearly iiattenad ugalns
the house fronts in their efforts I,
escape from heels and hoofs. Two Of
three were ridden down, but rolled on
OF the way unhurt II was a scene oi
terror which fortunately turned out t,
be harmless. The troops halted II
grand style at the end of the street
NATURALLY ! was not long in realiz
ing the cnormity of my oifense in order
ing a charge in spch cramped quarter
instead of some ordinary cavalry evolu
tions and don't wonder that tn
ma or's eyebrows were n trfle elevate,
when gave my command."-N Y. Sun