V^ ^^" ^0 0» ''^^««l''r*' ■» 0* ,'-,'-. "^o. J> . / /^\ %,# .'^% \./ ;:^-v %,** • - ■ • ^"■nj-. C 0^ '•- "-^^^^ -'Mi'. ' /V- > V too "1 vr-^^ ' V : ' ^r^ cP ■^i v" aV-^ o^%^^» c'^^n • ■« A^'% o V rz. ^x •o V -^0^ :^w; - ° ^^ ^- \^5 vT -. VM.^-- .-'''^- '"?^-' /^-- ■' • v ^ ... ^"-^c^. -^ -^ ^^0^ ^"-^4.. W} '^'°- '> A COL. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. ■>^ c-«,-«-v-T B^v^.^^ ^^'yf^ ^^^yyC^c^/^iyeAy^^^ ^^^-1 LIFE Colonel Daniel E. Hungerford I. I. MURPHY HARTFORD, CONN. Press of The Case, Lockwood & Brainard Company 1891 li PREFACE. At the Re-union of the \"eterans of the Mexican War, held at the Hotel Continental, Paris, September 14, 1889, to celebrate the capture of the Capital of Mexico by the army of the United States, in the year 1847, ^^ eloquent tribute was paid by one of the speakers to Colonel Daniel E. Hungerford, who bore a conspicuous part in that great historic event. As Colonel Hungerford's modesty of character would never permit him to chronicle his own brave deeds, he has been persuaded by many friends that it was due to his family, and those who have the privilege of his close friendship, to allow his heroic achievements to be recorded in this form. I crave the indulgence of the reader for my execution of this work, which is due to the truth of history, that brave deeds should be kept in lasting remembrance, and that the generations of Hungerfords to come should be inspired to emulate his noble example as a gentleman and a soldier. I. I. MURPHY. Decemhkr 5, 1889. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. CHAPTER I. Ancestry of Daniel E. Hiing-erforcl — Description of Far- leigh Castle, Ancestral Home of the Hungerford Fam- ily — The Chapel — The Monuments in the Chapel — The Vault — The Church — The present Farleigh House. KTO one has ever heard Colonel Hungerford boast of his ancestr}^ Thorough and consistent American as he is, he believes that a man makes his own destiny, and should be judged by the results of his own life work. Yet I find b}^ examining the records that he has much cause for honest pride and satisfac- tion in the history of the Hungerfords that have gone before him, mau}^ distinguished in the civil and military annals of their time, as shown b}^ special favors and exaltations of rank from the sovereigns under whom they lived. Militar}^ genius seems to have been the prominent trait of the Hungerford race, and as the following pages unfold themselves, the 2 DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD, reader will conclude that the military ardor and warlike spirit of his forefathers have not been discredited through Colonel Hungerford's endeavors. Under the " Stars and Stripes," on man}^ a hard-fought tield, in the Mexican War, the Indian campaigns, and the Civil War, he has taken no mean part, having on more than one occasion won the most honorable mention from his superior officers. To look at Colonel Hungerford, the casual observer would never suppose, from his erect form, soldierl}^ bearing, and elastic step, that three score and ten 3^ears were his to record, years filled with so man}^ stirring incidents, midnight^ marches, bloody battles, thrilling escapes. With what satisfaction cannot the old soldier look back, and tell the stor}^ of those 3^ears to his kindred and friends, among the peaceful refinements of his delightful home. Let many, many 3^ears still be 3'ours, and may the relentless reaper long spare 3^our life to those who love you best ! Quoting freeh^ from the work of Rev. J. E. Jackson, compiled from authentic sources, and treating of the histor3^ of the Hungerford family, and Farleigh Castle, their DANIEL E. HUNCiERFORD. 3 ancestral home, it seems that the Hungerfords originally came from a town of that name, Farleigh, in England. The}^ had great wealth, were contributors to monastic foundations, and to the building of churches and alms- houses, The}^ were prominent supporters of the House of Lancaster, and in that cause suffered severely both in life and fortune. Sir Robert de Hungerford, Knight of the Shire of Wilts, flourished about 1325. A mon- ument to him is still standing in Hungerford Church. His nephew. Sir Thomas, was Speaker of the House of Commons during the last Parliament of King Edward the Third, having been recommended for that ofiice b}^ the Duke of Lancaster. This Sir Thomas came into possession of Farleigh Castle, sit- uated in Somerset County, England, in 1369. It had been previously occupied by the Bishop of Lincoln, afterwards Lord Treasurer and Chancellor. From that time till 1686 it con- tinued to be the principal seat of his descend- ants in the county of Somerset. In that count}^ their possessions were considerable, but in Wilts there were hardly any districts in which they were not at some time or another land-owners. The Hungerford crest is a wheat sheaf or 4 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. garb, rising out of a ducal coronet. Through their own and the adjoining counties, their crest could be seen on man}:' church windows and buildings, it being the custom of the nobility to affix their crests to their posses- sions. Sir Thomas died in 1398, and was buried at Farleigh. He was succeeded by his son, Walter, Lord Hungerford, Heytesbury, and Homet, K.G., High Treasurer of England in the reign of Henry the Sixth, He was a most distinguished person, and exercised great in- fluence during his time. The castle was com- pleted b}" him. He built for the convenience of his parishioners a church (the present one) standing outside the walls, instead of the older one within them-. He died in 1449, and was buried in Salisbur}^ Cathedral, in the " Iron Chapel," which exists to this da}^ Robert, second Lord Hungerford, married Margaret, heiress of the Botreaux family of Cornwall. This Lord performed signal mili- tary service in foreign lands. His death occurred in 1459, ^^^d he was buried in a famil}^ chapel (now destroyed) on the north side of Salisbury Cathedral. His lady, Mar- garet, founded the almshouse at Heytesbury, which still remains. A monument to him is DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, 5 in the row between the arches on the south side of the nave of Salisbury Cathedral. Robert, the third Lord Hungerford and Molyns (in right of his wife, the heiress of that family), was killed in the Wars of the Roses, 1 46 1. His son and successor was Sir Thomas Hungerford, who lived at Rowdon, near Chippenham. His death occurred in 1469. At this time the estates were wrong- fully taken from the family by Edward the Fourth, and given to his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. In 1470 a composition was made between the Duke and Margaret, Lady Hungerford and Botreaux, by which he took Farleigh and Hungerford Court, and she Heytesbury. The Duke of Gloucester is not known to have resided there, but his brother, George, Duke of Clarence, seems to have done so, for in this castle was born, on the four- teenth of August, 1573, his daughter Margaret Plantagenet, Countess of Salisbury. In 1483 the Duke of Gloucester transferred Farleigh Castle to John Howard, Duke of Norfolk, who, two years after, was killed at Bosworth. Sir Thomas Hungerford, who died, as before stated, in 1469 at Salisbury, left one daughter and heiress, who married Edward, Lord Hast- ings, and carried into that family a vast 6 DANIEL E. HUNCERFDRD. number of manors. Farleigh was not of that number, B}^ special arrangement it was kept in the male line, cind in 1485, after the Duke of Norfolk's death, it was restored by Henry the Seventh to the eldest of the second line of Hungerford, Sir Walter. He lived at Heytes- bur}^ and died there in 15 16. The next owner, his son, Sir Edward, married a Zouche, and their coat-of-arms, on stained glass, is now in Farleigh Church. He also lived at Heytes- bury, his death occurring in 1521. His son Walter was created Lord Hungerford of He3^tesbury, 1536, he dying 1540. At his death the estcites again passed into the hands of the Crown. The}^ were administered by Lord Se3^mour of Sudely (brother of Protector Somerset), as " High Steward of the lands of the Late Lord Hungerford, and Keeper of the Castle and King's Park of Farleigh, Hun- gerford." The office was afterwards filled b}^ John Bonham and Sir Ralph Hopton of Witham, near Frome. Sir Walter, son of the Lord Hungerford who died in 1540, finally recovered the lands. He was a famous mil- itary man, and was known as a great warrior. He had an only son, Edward, who died in his father's lifetime, and at Sir Walter's death, 1596, the estate passed to his brother. Sir DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 7 Edward. He died without issue in 1607. This Sir Edward purchased Corsham Manor. Sir Walter, who died in 1596, left three daughters, one of whom, Luc^^ married a kinsman of a junior branch of the famih^ Sir Anthon}" Hungerford, of Black Bourton, Count}^ Oxon. She had a son, Edward, after- wards Sir Edward Corsham, to whom, being his great nephew, the Sir Edward of 1607 be- queathed his estates; thus the Black Bourton branch succeeded to Farleigh. Ciceh" (Tufton), Lad}^ Hungerford, widow of the Sir Edward who died in 1607, re-married Francis Manners, sixth Earl of Rutland, who, in right of his wife, held the estates. He died in 1632, the Countess in 1653. It does not ap- pear wdiether they lived at Farleigh or not. Sir Edward, the great nephew above men- tioned, took a gallant part in the Civil War of Charles the First. Farleigh Castle seems to have been still held by the Countess of Rut- land, when it was seized as a garrison for the Crown, Sir Edward, at the time, living at Corsham, which, as just mentioned, had been purchased b}" his great uncle. He married Margaret, daughter and co-heiress of William Halliday, Alderman of London. He died with- out issue in 1648. His lady founded the Alms- 8 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. house at Corsham. She died in 1672. An- thony Hungerford, Esq., of Black Bourton, his half brother, succeeded him. The date of his death was 1657. His widow, Rachel, had the Castle and Park, until her death in 1679. He was the father of Sir Edward Hungerford, K. B, the "spendthrift," who squandered his fortunes and sold the estates in 1686. His brother, Thomas Hungerford, described as "of generous and adventtiresome disposition," is the one from whom Daniel Elihu Hungerford is directly descended. He came to America about 1628. The history of Farleigh Castle is ver}" clear, and Ccisil}^ traced. We find that Sir Thomas Hungerford, who came into possession, as pre- viousl}^ stated, in 1369, made many additions to the original edifice. He added the moat, towers, etc.,. and it was further strengthened and beautified by his son, the High Treas- urer of England. In that condition, Farleigh Castle continued to the end of its histor3% with- out much alteration; for John Aubrey, of Easton Piers, the celebrated antiquar3^ who visited the place about 1650-70, sa^^s it was then one of the two houses (Old Stourton House being the other) that were almost entirely the same as thev had been in the time of the DANIEL E. HUNCrERFORD. 9 old English barons. The oldest known de- scription of Fcirleigh Castle is the following, by Leland, the Antiquar^^ who made a passing visit in the localit^^ cibout 1540-2. I extract as below, preserving the old English: " From Through-bridge to Castelle Farley about a 3 miles by good corne, pasture, and nere Farley self plenty of wood. Or I came to the Castelle I passed over Frome water passing by there yn a roky valey and botom where the water brekith into armelettes and makith Islettes but soon metyng agayn with the principale streame, whereby there be in the causey divers smaul bridges. This water rennith hard under the botom of this Castelle, and there driveth a mylle. The Castelle is set on a rokky hill. There be diverse party towres in the utter (outer) warde of the Castelle. And in this utter warde ys an auncient chapelle, and a new chapelle annexid unto it. Under the arch of this chapelle lyith, but sum what more to the old chapelle warde, one of the Hunger- fordes with his wife. "Ther longgid 2 chauntre prestes to this chapelle; and they had a praty mansion at the very est end of it. The gate-house of the inner court of the castelle is fair, and ther be the armes of the Hungerfordes richley made yn stone. " The haule and 3 chambres withyn the second court be stately. There is a commune saying that one of the Hun- gerfordes builded this part of the castelle by the prey of the Duke of Orleaunce whom he had taken prisoner. Ther is a parke by Farley Castelle. Ther is also a litle above the Castelle, a village." When the Crown took possession of the estates in 1540, the following description is lO DANIEL K. HU NCIERFORD. given in the survey" taken b}^ the officer of the Crown: The Castcll of Far/ri^h Himgcrfordr. " The sayde Castell standeth in a parke lenyng unto a hill syde, portly, and very strongly buylded, havyng inward and ontward wardes, and in the inward wardes, many fa3Te chambres, a fayre large hall, on the hedde of which hall iij or iiij goodly greate chambres, with fayre and strong roffes, and dyvers other fayre lodginges, with all manner howses of offices." It appears that each of the round towers of the castle was surmounted b}- a conical roof of the extinguisher shape, common in tlie old French and Scottish Castles, as was also the case at Nunne}^ Castle (S3miond's Diary). In the British Museum (Add. Mss. 18,674) a draw- ing has lateh^ been found which represents Farleigh Castle as it was about 1 746. This also shows the conical tops to the tower, and the west front. The castle seems to have figured extensively in the militar}^ histor}^ of the time. Archaeo- logia. Vol. XIV., page 121, says, "In Dec. 1644, a writ issued from the King at Oxford ad- dressed to " Our trusty Sir Robert Walsh, K\ Whereas there are now remayning good num- bers of suits of Apparell for the clothing of our arm3^ at our city of Bristol, Nunney Castle DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. II and Farle}^ Castle. Our will and pleasure is thcit 3^ou immediateh^ repair unto the said places, and demand to receive the said cloath- ing into your custody, and conve}^ them to our arm}^" On the fourth of the same month, Edmund Turnor, Esq., was appointed b}^ Letters Patent to look after the various expenses of the King's Castles in the West: " Charles, by the grace of God, etc, to Edmund Turnor, Esq, Treasurer of our Garrisons of Bristol, Bath, Berke- ley Castle, Nunney, Farley Castle and Portishead Point : " Whereas, for the good and safetie of our people, we have thought fit to place and settle several garrisons in the said Castles and places, and for the well ordering of the same : We appoint you the said Edmund Turnor to be Treasurer of the said garrisons, from ist Nov. last." A newspaper of the da}^ " Perfect occur- rences," the sixth of September, 1644, sa3^s: " Two Parliamentaiy officers, Wanze}^ and Dowett, drew out each a troop of horse and dragoons from their stations at Brickworth and West Deane (near Salisbur}^ and went across the country towards Farleigh. Dowett arrived at the Castle; but he declined making an}^ at- tempt upon it, and then marched into Somer- setshire, with a view of beating up the neigh- borhood of Philip's Norton." 12 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. In March, 1645, Sir William Waller at- tacked Sir Francis Doddington at Trow- bridge, who fell back and occupied Farley Castle. The newspaper " Vicars' Burning Bush III. 286, Sciys: " We understand that Far- leigh Castle in Somersetshire (whereof Colonel Hungerford, brother of Sir Edward, is Gover- nor) after a brave resistance has been finally compelled to surrender." Sir Edward Hungerford, K.B., who sold Farleigh, died in London, and was buried in the old church of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. It has often been said thcit he reached the extraor- dinar}^ age of 115 3^ears, but this is an entire mistake, which has arisen from confounding him with his uncle. Sir Edward, whose monu- ment is in the center of the side chapel. The uncle having died in 1648 aged 52 (as is proved b}^ the date on his tomb), must have been born 1596. The nephew, wdio sold Farleigh, died 1 711. The difference between 1596 and 1711 is exactly 115 5^ears, but the error lies in apply- ing to one individual dates that apply to two. The last Sir Edward was born 1633, and conse- quentl}^ was 79 3^ears old at his death, instead of 115. He had by his first wife, Jane Hele of Devonshire, a son, Edward, and a daughter, Rachel, afterwards Viscountess Massareene. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 3 The son, following several precedents in the famil3^ married the Lad}^ Alethea Compton, who, had she lived, would have inherited a moiet}^ of the Dorset and Clifford estates, but both she and her husband died young. Sir Edward had by his third wife another son, who died in 1 748. In the great sale by Sir Edward were in- cluded the manors of Farleigh, Tellisford, Wick Farm, Hinton Abbe}', Norton St. Philips, Rowle}", Wellow, Road, and Lang- ham, with lands elsewhere in the neighbor- hood. The whole was bought b}^ Mr. Henry Baynton of Sp}^ Park. He and Lady Anne (Wilmot, sister of the Earl of Rochester), his wife, resided here. In 1702, soon after his death, the estates were sold again. The ma- norial lands at Farleigh were bought b}^ Mr. Joseph Houlton, ancestor of the present pro- prietor, but the castle itself did not come into possession of the Houltons until purchased by them from Mr. Cooper's family in 1 730, by which time it had begun to fall to deca3^ and the materials to be used for other purposes. The principal entrance of Farleigh Castle was on the southeast side, where the shell of the gatehouse still remains. Over the arch is a single sickle cut in stone^ the oldest device 14 DANIEL E. nUNGERFORD, used b}^ the Hungerford faniih\ Above this is a window, and higher up, though sometimes hidden b}" ivy, is a carved shield of their arms, surmounted b}^ a hehiiet and crest, and the letters E. H., for Edward Hungerford. The single apartment above the archway was a guard room, with a door leading on to the walls. There is no treice of a portcullis, but there are holes for the beams of a drawbridge. Erom this entrance a narrow moat, walled and paved with Ke3msham stone, went half wa}^ round along the upper, or south and west sides. The remains of it were latel}^ found under the ground, in front of the archway, and some portion of it ma}^ still be seen in the orchard on the left hand. The water was sup- plied by pipes from a spring called the King's Pond, nearly three-quarters of a mile off. As the ground on the lower sides toward the north and east falls away ver}^ abruptl3^ the water was held up by a strong dam at both ends. The dam on the west side was removed a few years ago. On the sides where there was no moat, the Castle was protected b}^ the steepness of the knoll on which it stands. UPPER OR OUTER COURT. It will be seen b}^ the plate of the ground plan, that the general area was divided into DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 5 two courts, the upj)er and lower. The first is entered directly on passing through the gate- house. It contained the stables, guard rooms, etc., and was formerh^ pitched all over with stone. To the left, on entering, is a high wall running around this upper court. This up^oer wall formed the back of the stables, etc., as the holes for the beams of the flooring are still to be seen in it. There were one or two small towers or bastions on this side, one of which is entered b}" a crumbing arch, a smaller one is farther on. The high wall went on to another entrance, exactly opposite to that alread}" de- scribed. Two fragments of thick masonr}" still remain to mark where this second entrance was. In a corner close b}^ it were latel}" the lower steps of a winding staircase, by which the rampart on this side was mounted. Through this gate was the exit to the Castle Park, which la}^ on the Avest and north sides. A carriage road led from it, winding under the walls and across the river b}^ a bridge (of which some traces are still left in the bank), round to the Trowbridge Road. The Park ex- tended nearh^ to Iford, and included the hills on both sides of the river. Farleigh Lodge Farm w^as a gamekeeper's house, and at the Dogkennel Farm (as it is l6 DAMET. E. ITUNGERFORD. still called) near Iford, the hounds were kept. The kitchen garden of the Castle was on the south side, now an orchard. THE LOWER COURT. The upper court ended where a line of wooden rails now crosses the Castle yard. Tm- mediateh^ on passing through these rails, where former!}^ was a pair of high iron gates, the visitor stands on the site of another gate- house, which formed the entrance to the dwell- ing-house. On each side of this site are two small square sunk gardens, that on the right being considerabh^ lower than the Castle 3^ard. The gate-house that stood between them is de- scribed b}^ Leland as " Fair, and there the Arms of the Hungerfords richh^ made in stone." It seems to have been flanked by small turrets, the fot-ndation of one being still to be seen. On this spot, the visitor ma}^ sup- pose himself to be standing immediatel)^ under the south front of the dwelling-house. This was in the shape of a hollow square or quad- rangle, with a round tower at each corner ; of two of these towers, portions still remain, and they are those which formed the ends of the south front. The other two, now wholly de- stroyed,- were, of course, at the opposite corners DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I 7 of the quadrangle ; and the intervals from tower to tower were filled up with the rooms. An old woman, called Bett}^ Sheppard, grand- daughter to Townsend, the last Sir Edward Hungerford's gamekeeper, had handed down to elderl}^ people, who were still living at Farleigh, (1832--45,) sundr}^ stories about the place. She used to show the Chapel to strangers, and she remembered the Castle when it was perfect. There was, immediately on passing through the inner gate-house (now destroyed) a large flight of about twenty steps, leading up to the hall. This hall, according to her account, was so large that a broad-wheel wagon might have turned round in it. The walls were painted with figures of men in armor, and on horseback. The rooms just mentioned were, according to the antiquary previously quoted, "stately," and were built by one of the Hun- gerfords who had taken prisoner the Duke of Orleans. The same authorit}^ also states that the Duke (father of Louis, the Twelfth King of France) was taken prisoner at the battle of Agincourt by Sir Walter Hungerford, then owner of Farleigh and a great man in Henry the Fifth's reign. Of the coats of arms in the windows or on the walls, many notes were taken on the spot 16 DANIEL ]■;. IIUN'OKRFORI). b}^ Le Vive, an antiquaiy (1701) who made a visit here at thcit time. The notes are still preserved. A tine hall table, said to have been part of the furniture, is preserved at Hinton Abbe3^ and various fragments, such as carved heads, mullions of windows, mantel-pieces, etc., have been recognized in cottages. In the neigh- boring church of Laverton, the front of the galler}^ was (a few years ago) made up of balustrades from the Castle. On leveling the ground in the northwest corner of the lower courtyard in 1845, fh^ foun- dations of some rooms were brought to light. The remains of an ash pit, furnace, oven, and flue, show that the back of the house la}^ on that side. The principal front, as drawn in Buck's "Antiquities," faced east, rising im- mediately on the edge of the bank on which the Castle stands. On the north side, where the bank falls most suddenl}^ there was a thick outer wall or facing of masonry. The front of the house on that side did not stand forward quite upon this outer edge, but stood back several feet within it, leaving space for a narrow strip of ground, the pitching of which still re- mains under the turf. DAMEL E. IIUNtiERFURDi IQ THE TOWERS. Of the two that are left, that which first meets the e^^e on passing under the entrance o-atewav formed the west end of the south front of the quadrangular dwelling-house. It was higher than the one at the other end nearer the chapel, and contained a ground floor room and three stories. The walls are in some parts eight feet thick, so as to allow stairs or small apartments within them. The rooms were of course circular, about fourteen feet across, and eight feet high. It was for many years held together by a network of ivy, o-rowine from a single stem, nearly two yards wide. On November 5, 1842, the ivy accidentally caught fire, and w^as entirely destroyed. The tower being thus deprived of its girders, a large part soon afterwards fell down, showing the interior, as it is now seen. On September t8, 1846, Prince Louis Napoleon, afterwards Napoleon the Third, Emperor of the French, visited the ruins of Farleigh Castle. He sat down on a piece of timber, lying in the Castle yard, and made a sketch of this picturesque tower. He after- wards lunched at Farleigh House, and greatly 20 DANIEL E. IIUNCIKKFORD. admired a fine bust of his uncle, Napoleon the First, which was in the parlor, naming the probable age at which it w^as taken. In the other tower nearer the chapel, there w^as a ground floor room and onl}^ two stories, in one of which are three large windows com- manding a pretty view down two valle3^s, east and north. Of the third and fourth towers now de- stroyed that which was in the northeast corner was standing as late as 1 797, when, having been partially undermined by plunderers for stone, it fell down after a hard frost. The towers had not subterranean chambers, but the foundations are laid in circular courses of masonr}^ each lower course being broader than the one c|.bove, until the lowest of cdl be- comes a solid floor, underh'ing the whole. They seem to have had different names: one was called the " Red Cap," another in the northwest corner " Hazlewell," perhaps from a spring below the Castle, near the watercress beds. " Red Cap " was the favorite appella- tion of a class of spirits which was supposed to haunt old castles. The Castle Chapel, dedicated to St. Leonard, stands in the upper court 3^ard, but within the area of a small cemeterv, the level of which is DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 21 several feet below the Castle yard. The parapeted wall round it is modern. This chapel, or more probabl}^ an older building on the same site, was in ancient times the Church of the Parish, but when the Hungerfords con- verted their house into a castle, and enclosed it with high walls and a drawbridge, it was necessar}^ to provide for the parishioners a church outside, to which the}^ might have free access at all times. Accordingl}^ when the parish church then standing here w^as appropri- ated by them as a domestic chapel, another (the present Church of Farleigh) was built on the ridge to the south of the Castle. This was done by Walter Lord Hungerford, High Treas- urer of England, 1443. The chapel is about fifty-six feet long by twenty wide. It is en- tered at the west end b}^ an open porch, the roof of which is of oak, embossed with sickles and the arms of the Hungerfords. The descent into the building is b}^ a few steps, the floor being below the level of the cemeter3\ There is neither aisle nor distinct chancel; but the latter is represented by a slight elevation of the pavement, for about nine feet from the east wall. The windows are of precisel}^ the same style as those of the parish church, the only difference being that the east window of 11 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. the one is the west in the other. The stained glass now there is of modern insertion. Tlie west window has decorated tracer}^ There were formerl}^ side windows: on the south side, five, and on the north side, three. Tlie}' were also of the same pattern as the side windows now in Farleigh Church. Being much dilapi- dated, the}^ were blocked up some 3"ears ago. The roof seems to have had a covered ceiling. The font, now in the chapel, was brought from the present parish church in 1833. The chapel was at one time much neglected; and in Grose's "Antiquities," (1774) it is drawn as half-roofless. It was repaired in 1779, and again in 1806. Having been long disused as a place for religious service, it has become a sort of repositor}^ for curiosities, found in and about Farleigh. Besides a large quantity of common soldiers' armor of various patterns, hanmngf about the walls, some of which are relics of the old armor of the castle, there is a miscellaneous collection of things either found or brought here from time to time. Among these are a heavy saddle tree, and military boots of the Commonwealth fashion, antique wooden stirrups, bits for bridles, old Castle keys, fragments of carved stone, etc., etc. There are also some good specimens of carved DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD, 27, oak furniture. On some of the arms is an H between two sickles. An old settle with the arms of Hungerford cut on the panels came from P'arleigh Church, where it had been one of the open seats, the rest having been at one time all of the same kind. Some trunks and papers were left in the chapel b}^ the Hungerfords, but the}^ were after- wards taken away b}^ them, except some papers which were allowed to remain undisturbed. Among these papers were two letters written b}" Oliver Cromwell. Both were addressed to Anthony Hungerford, Esq., of the Black Bour- ton branch of the famih^ father of the Spend- thrift, Sir Edward. One of the letters is quite legible, and reads as follows: " Sir, I am very sorrye my occacion will not permit mee to returne (/. e., to reply) to you as I would. 1 have not yett fully spoken with the gentleman I sent to waite upon you. When I shall doe it, I shall bee enabled to bee more particu- lar, beinge unwilling- to detaine your servante any longer. With my service to your lady and family, I take leave, and rest Your affectionate servante, O. Cromwell. July 30, 1652. " For my honoured friend M' Hungerford, the elder at his house, these." 24 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. The walls towards the eastern end were stenciled in foliated pattern. On one side of the altar is a gigantic representation of St. George and the Dragon, and near this are traces of a figure ai a knight, kneeling, bear- ing on his coat the arms of Hungerford. On the east wall is a painted consecration cross. Over the east window, in black and white upon the wall, is a shield of Hungerford quarterings, having for supporters a griffin and a large bird, intended for a raven, collared and chained. The side chapel, commonh" called St. Anne's, is on the north side of the principal chapel, and measures twent}" b}" fifteen feet. Under the arch between them lies the tomb of Sir Thomas Hungerford, who died in 1398, and his wife, who died in 1411-12, so that this side chapel was probably built b}" their son Walter, Lord Hungerford, K. G. In the will of Joan, Lady Hungerford (141 2), she sa3^s that she desires to be buried next to her husband " in the chapel of St. Anne, in the north part of the said church of Farleigh." In later times, it seems to have been princi- pall)^ used as a mausoleum. About 1650, it was embellished, and the vault underneath was enlarged by Margaret (Halliday), Lad}^ of Sir DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 25 Edward Hungerford, K. B. The walls and beams were covered with coats of arms, and figures of angels in various fantastic dresses and attitudes, blowing trumpets, etc., the Apostles, with their respective emblems; also the representation of the interior of some church with altar, tombs, and effigies, all in fresco. The floor was inlaid with black and white marble in lozenge shape, and gilded iron gates with arms and crests were placed be- tween the two chapels. The coats of arms on the walls of the side chapel are somewhat indistinct, but the}^ can still be easily recognized b}^ the aid of an original manuscript, dating from 1760, w^hich is still preserved. On the north wall, there are three shields ; on the same wall between the window and the east end, there are sixteen coats of arms. On the east wall, eight coats of arms. The four on the south wall, and the four on the west wall, are now obliterated, but they were exist- ing in 1 760. The first monument is to Sir Thomas Hun- gerford, and Joanna, his second wife. She was the daughter and co-heir of Sir Edmond Hussey, Knight of Holbrook, Count}^ Somer- set. They were buried within this side chapel. 26 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. The effigies bore the arms of their respective families. Sir Walter, the Knight's son, after- wards Lord Hungerford, appears to have been the first who adopted a garb or wheat-sheaf between two sickles, which appears on his later seals, as well as on his K. G. escutcheon in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The last will of Joane, Lad}^ Hungerford, contains a curious order about her funeral: "Joane, Lad}" Hungerford, Februar}^ i, 141 1. M}^ bod}^ to be buried in the Chapel of St. Anne, in the Parish Church of Farleigh Hun- gerford, next to the grave of my husband. I will, that with all possible speed after my de- cease, m}^ executors cause three thousand masses to be said for ni}" soul, and for the souls of all the faithful, deceased : Also I desire on my burial day that twelve torches and two tapers burn about m}^ bod3^ and that twelve poor women holding the said torches be cloathed in russet, with linen hoods, and hav- ing stockings and shoes suitable. I will that the two hundred marks now in the hands of mv son. Sir Walter Hungerford, be given to found a perpetual chantry of one chaplain, to celebrate divine service in the chapel of St. Anne, in the north part of the said Church of Farlei<£h for the health of mv soul, and the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 2'] soul of 1113^ husband, and the souls of all our ancestors, for ever." Sir Walter's "of Farleigh" tomb is in the southeast corner of the laro^e chapel. He was the seventh in descent from Sir Thomas, and he died in 1596. The inscription is curioush^ cut. It reads as follows : " Tyme tr3"eth truth." The tomb is of freestone, painted in red, green, and gold, the colors of the Hungerford liver}^ taken from one of their oldest coats of arms. Sir Edward Hungerford and his wife lie in the northeast corner of the smaller chapel. Sir Edw^ard Hungerford of Corsham, K. B., and Margaret (Hallida}^), his wife. This Sir Edward was great nephew to the earlier Sir Edward, mentioned above. He was comman- der of the Wiltshire forces for the Common- wealth, in the Civil Wars of Charles the First. He besieged Wardor Castle when it was de- fended by Blanche, Lad}^ Arundel. He lived chiefly at Corsham (which his great uncle pur- chased in 1602). His death occurred in 1648. His lad}^ was daughter and co-heir of William Hallida}^ a wealthy alderman of London. Her will charged her estate with " hve pounds per annum for the repair of the vault at Far- leigh Castle, when it shall be defective; the 28 DANIEL E. HUNGERP'ORD. same to be kept in stock in tlie meant^^me." She was the foundress of the large almshouse at Corsham, which, under the same will, is also maintained b}^ money from the estate. She died in 1672. The monument is ver\^ fine, and is said to have cost eleven hundred pounds. It is of black and white marble, the upper slab being a single piece, eight feet long by five feet wide. At the head of the tomb is a shield of fifteen quarterings of the husband's family. In the center, on an escutcheon, is the coat of arms of her own family, and under- neath, the motto," Dieu mon Appu}^ " (God is my support). At the other end of the monu- ment are the arms of the Hungerfords, single ; at her husband's feet, the crest of Hungerford ; at her own, that of Halliday. From an inscrip- tion upon it, it appears that her mother, Susan, Mrs. Halliday, married, as her second husband, an Earl of Warwick (Robert Rich, the third Earl of that family), and that the monument was erected during the life of the Lad}^ Hungerford whose figure lies upon it. The translation of the inscription is as fol- lows : DANIEL E. HUNGERFORI). 29 " Laid on this tomb you see the effigies of a worthy pair." Sir Edward Hungerford, Knight Margaret Lady Hungerford his of the Honorable order of the Bath, beloved wife, Daughter and co- Son of the illustrious Anthony heiress of William Halliday, an Hungerford of Black Borton, in eminent citizen and Alderman of Co. Oxford, Knight by Lucy his London by Susan, his wife, after- wife, who was descended from the wards Countess of Warwick, noble line of Hungerford of Farley in her praise, much might truly Castle, Co. Somerset. be said, but surviving, she forbids ( God, ) pj^ j.^^^^j it, let this be hereafter. / His countrv. V For < His country, , ( His kindred ) ^'^'''"'' And fell most peacefully asleep, 23 October, in the year of Salvation, 1648. The record of the death of Susan his wife, above spoken of, is found in the register of St. Andrew's, Holborn. It reads as follows : "1645-6, Jan}^ 21, Dame Susan, Lad}^ to the Rt. Honorable Robert Rich, Earl of Warwick, died in Warwick House, Holborn, i6th and was buried in St. Lawrence Church, near Guildhall, London the 21st." Against the east end wall is a circular cop- per plate which for many years lay loose on one of the coffins in the vault below, and was originally on the lid of a C3dindrical leaden urn, which contained the heart of this Sir Edward. The arms on it are the same as those at the head of his monument. Translation. "Within are deposited the mortal remains of the most, illustrious Sir Edward Hungerford of Corsham in the Co. 30 DANIEL E. nUNGERFORD. Wilts, Knig-ht of the Honourable Order of the Bath, eldest Son of Sir Anthony Himg-erford, of Black Bourton, in the Co. of Oxford, Knight by his wife Dame Lucy Hungcrford, daughter of Sir Walter Hungerford, of Farley, Hungerford, in Co. Somerset, Knight, of which most eminent and ancient line of Farley Hungerford, he was the last. He w\as united in happy marriage for 27 years with Dame Margaret, daughter and co-heir of William Halliday, Citizen and Alderman of London. He died on the loth before the Calends of Novem- ber [/. ^., 23 October] 1648, in the 52"*^ year of his age." The following lines formed}^ painted on the window are mentioned as being there in 1 703 : " In the vault, under this monument, lyeth vSir Edward Hungerford, Knight of the Honorable Order of the Bath, only son of vSir Anthony Hungerford, by Lucy, daughter and co-heir of Sir Walter Hungerford of Farleigh Castle." " Margaret, Lady Hungerford, wdfe and relict of Sir Edward Hungerford, daughter and co-heir of William Hal- lyday, Alderman of the City of London, and vSusan, his wife, (who was afterwards Countess of Warwick) out of her pious affection to the memory of her deceased husband, beautified this Chapel, and erected this monument at her owm cost; and designs, when it shall please God to take her out of this world, to rest by her husband in this vault." The vault is under the side chapel, and is entered from the outside by a descent of eleven steps. Over the outer entrance is a cross, cut in stone. It is the arms of Sand3'S, a family into wdiich one of the Hungerfords DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. 3 1 married. At the foot of the steps are two arched doorways, filled up with stone. The vault is well built of ashler, and is arched. On the farther side, hdng across two stone trenches, are the leaden coffins of four males, two females, and two children. They are, most probabl3^ those members of the Hungerford family whose monuments are in the chapel above. In the 3^ear 1760, on one of these plates l^ang on a coffin was this inscription: "The Bod}' of the Lad}^ Jane Hungerford, Wife of Sir Edward Hungerford of Farley, Hunger- ford, Co. Somerset, and Daughter and Heir unto Sir John Hele, of Wembur}^ in the Co. of Devon, K\ who deceased 18 day of Ma3% 1664." The whole number of interments of this famih" known to have taken place here is as follows : (i) Sir Thomas Hungerford, 139S, ) - No. I. (2) Joanna, Lady H., his second wife, 1412, ) (3) Edward Hungerford, 1585, ) - i^o. 3, (4) Sir Walter of Farleigh, 1596, ) (5) Sir Edward (half brother of .Sir Walter), 1607, ) ,- No. 4. (6) Dame Jane (wife of Sir Edward), \ (7) Mrs. Mary Shaa (sister of Sir Edward), 1613, No. 5. (8) Sir Edward of Corsham, 164S, ) V No. 6. (9) Margaret (Halhday), his wife, 1672, \ (10) Jane (Hele), first wife of the Sir Edward who sold Farleigh, 1664. (11) Jane (Culne), second wife of the above, 1674. 32 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. The name of the last mentioned is entered as tlie first interment in the present register of P'arleigh. GoLigh, in his work, " Sepulchral Monu- ments," assigns to the other five coffins the fol- lowing names : (12) Giles Hungerford. (13) An infant of Jane (Hele) Lady H. (14) Culne Hungerford. (15) Edward Hungerford (son of the last owner). (16) Lady Alethea (Compton), his wife. Farleigh Hungerford Church is dedicated, like the Chapel, to St Leonard. It was built by Walter, Lord Hungerford, K. G., High Treas- urer of England in the reign of King Henry the Sixth, and, together with the church3^ard, was consecrated on St. Leonard's Da}^ No- vember sixth, 1443. Before that time, the parish church, as has been already stated, was on the site of the Castle chapel, close to what was then the principal house of the owners of Far- leigh. It is of perpendicular architecture, and consists of a tower, nave, chancel, and south porch, about ninety-six feet long by thirty feet wide, walls included. The tower is at the west end, fift3^-four feet high to tjie parapet, and is finished with a short pyramidal steeple, covered with stone tile ; the stair leading up to the top within the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. T,2) wall to which an extra thickness is given, so as to have outside the appearance of a flat but- tress. The west window has three lights and a semi-circular head, with perpendicular mul- lions and tracery. The vestry window is modern ; and the glass in it, bearing the device of a sickle, was collected from the neighbor- ing cottages. There is a doorwa}^ at the west end. There were five bells in 1791 (Collinson's "Somerset" III. 362). Now there are four, and two of these bear the inscription, " Philip Palmar, 1681." The crest of the Hungerfords, a wheat-sheaf between two sickles rising out of a ducal coronet, is upon the bells. The nave is twenty-four feet wide, and has no aisles. There are six square-headed win- dows, three on each side, of which five have double lights trefoiled. In the heads of the lights are roses of different colors; in the cen- ter of three vine leaves. In the window near- est the chancel on the north side is a portrait in old 3^ellow glass with helmet and chain gorget, surrounded b}^ sickles, and the letters T. H. It is commonl_v supposed to represent Sir Thomas Hungerford, the purchaser of Far- leigh. The side windows of the chancel are of the same pattern as those in the nave. As 34 DANIEL E, ITUNGERFORD. late as 1789, there was much ancient stained glass in them ; each window containing two figures on ornamented grounds such as our Lady, St. George, St. Mar}^ Magdalene, etc. ; also the arms of the Hungerfords. In the top of the chancel windows remains of this old glass may still be seen ; a knot of three sickles interlaced, with the coat of arms of the Hun- gerfords in the center of them. On one of the windows of the south side is an ancient piece of stained glass. On it is the shield of a Sir Edward Hungerford, Avho died in 1 52 1, and Jane Zouche, his first wife. In old times, the castle was, of course, known as the "Great House" of the village; and the Park in those days lay north and west of the Castle, in the direction of I ford and Hinton. It included within a circuit of about three miles what are now the Park Farm, Far- leigh Lodge Farm, Dog Kennel Farm, and the Wiltshire Park Farm. The present Farleigh House is an old build- ing with modern front. In the time of the Hungerfords, it was occupied b}^ their principal tenants. It had gabled fronts, east and south, and the parish road to Tellisford passed close to the hall door. When Sir Edward Hunger- ford sold his propert}^ in 1686, Mr. Edward DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 35 Wa3^te was in occupation of this house and the farm adjoining, under (as is believed) a lease for three lives. The lease was trans- ferred to Mr. Daniel Drake, who, in 1694, as- sio-ned his term to Dr. William Harris, Master of Winchester College. The rest of the Far- leigh estate had in a similar manner been leased in various parcels on lives b}^ the Hun- gerfords, except the Castle farm, which was the only one, in fact, of which Joseph Houlton, Esq., obtained immediate possession, wdien the purchase was made in 1700. Having afterwards, in 1705, b}^ marriage with the co-heiress of the Whites of Grittleton in Wilts, obtained that property, Mr. Houlton resided there, and never at Farleigh. The Farleigh estate, in 1715, was placed in settlement on the marriage of his eldest son, Mr. Joseph Houlton, Junior, with Miss Hooke of Bristol. In the following year, 1716, upon the death of a Mrs. Wilson, the lease of the house and farm expired, and the younger Mr. Houlton, then living in St. James' Square, Bristol, removed to Farleigh, and was the first of his family who resided there. He converted part of the farm into the present park. At his death he left one surviving daughter, and sole heiress, Mary Houlton, who had married, in 1746, James 36 DANIEL E. HUNGERFURD. Frampton, Esq., of Moreton, Dorset Coiint}^ She died without issue in 1 762. Mr. Frampton continued to enjoy the estate during his life, and at his death, in 1 784, it reverted to his late wife's cousin, Robert Houlton, Esq., of Bristol. He died the following 3^ear, 1785, and was suc- ceeded 1)}^ his only son, Joseph Houlton, Esq., who died in 1806, and was the father of the Lieut.-Col. John Houlton. By the latter gentle- man, who died in 1839, the house was changed and enlarged to its present style of architecture. John Houlton, Esq., his eldest son, inherited the property at his father's death, and he hav- ing died in 1868, his son, the present owner, Francis Houlton, Esq., came into possession. CHAPTER 11. Descent — Birth — Boyhood's days — Incidents of youth — Enters inilitary school — Elected to public office. 'X'HE famil}' of Hungerford can be said to be rooted in the soil of America. Six generations have lived and died in this country since the first Hungerford. Thomas, brother of Sir Edward Hungerford, K. B., landed on the shores of New England in 1628. As noted in the previous chapter, Daniel Elihu Hungerford traces his descent by direct line from him. The town register of Norwich, Connecticut, states that Thomas Hungerford acquired propert}^ there in 1630, and the register of Hartford, Connecticut, also bears his name as the owner of land in the township, the date of the entry being 1639. The first town in Connecticut that Thomas Hungerford lived in was New London, but he did not re- main there more than a few years, and the records just quoted show that he became pos- sessed of property in other parts of the State. The father of Daniel Elihu Hungerford, 38 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. Amos Hungerford, was born March 12, 1777, at Lj^me, Connecticut. His mother, China Har- rison, cousin of General William H. Harri- son, President of the United States in 1840, was born June it,, 1784. The}^ were niarried at L3^me, Connecticut, January 15, 1802. His father fought in the War of 1812 against the British. His grandfather, Nathaniel Hunger- ford, fought in the Revolution. He was the son of Green Hungerford, and Green the son of Thomas, Jr., whose father, Thomas, was the original Hungerford, who had come to America, as before stated, in 1628. Below is the descent in the regular order : Thomas, Sen. Thomas, Jun. Green. Nathaniel. Amos. Daniel Elihu. The uncles of Daniel Elihu were Josiah, Jehiel, Nathaniel, Elihu, and Stephen Hunger- ford. Daniel Elihu Hungerford, the subject of this sketch, first saw the light in Frankfort, Herkimer County, New York State. He was one of a large family, being the youngest of seven sons. His adventures began earl}^ in DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 39 life. When but two A^ears old, the family left his native place, and moved to Utica, Oneida Count3^ in the same State. Baby Dan was a vigorous and health}^ 5^oungster, and often proved more than a match for his nurse. One da3^ venturing too near the banks of the Erie Canal, close to which his parents lived, he fell in. But Providence was kind to him, and he was rescued, none the worse for the Accident. Recognizing the benefits of a good educa- tion, his father placed him at school at an early age ; he showed aptitude in his studies, and he soon became the leader not onl}^ among the bo3^s of his own age, but even of his elders. On the pla3^ground he w^as alwa3"s first ; none ran faster, pla3^ed longer, or fought more bat- tles than 3^oung Dan. The first da3^ he distin- guished himself b3^ fighting the biggest bo3^ in the school ; it seemed that wishing to put upon the new comer, and desiring to test his mettle, one of his classmates endeavored to pick a quarrel with him. Now this was not ver3^ difficult, for, even at that tender age, Dan was beginning to develop his courageous and com- bative disposition. Soon the two bo3^s were engaged in a rough-and-tumble encounter, but at last Dan got the upper hand. Then and there he established his reputation. No one 40 DANIEL E, nUNOERFOKD. ever interfered with him after that ; he was thenceforward " facile princeps." The school- master, evidentl}^ more amused than anno3^ed, and amazed at the daring courage of the new pupil in fighting a bo}^ so much his superior in size and strength, did not punish either combat- ant. He facetious!}^ announced to the class that that da}'' a Napoleon Bonaparte had come among them. I3an, having truthfulh^ admitted his part in the quarrel, did not suffer in the estim- ation of the worthy pedagogue, though he had flagrantly violated all order and discipline. This little incident, trifling in itself, foreshad- owed the career of the future man, and never was one prouder than the old schoolmaster when in later 3^ears he heard of the distin- guished and daring service that 3^oung Hun- gerford rendered to his country in after life. But to return to the incidents of his boyhood days. A friend of his father presented him with a drum almost as big as himself, which was his most coveted possession, and his heart's delight. He soon became quite expert as a drummer, and many a lively tattoo he pla^^ed on it to the great amusement of the bo3^s and grown people of the neighborhood, who showed their appreciation of the talents b}^ man}^ a coin. DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. 4 1 It is an old savinor, none the less true, that " like father, like son." Young Hungerford not only inherited from his father (who had been a gallant officer in the War of 1812) his mili- tar}^ spirit, but also his sterling quality of rigid honest}". His father never failed to illustrate b}" word and example that honor and honesty were above all price. The following incident would indicate this : The bo}^ had one da}^ in his ninth year found a large sum of money which he brought to his father. The latter commanded him to search for the owner, and restore the propert3^ with the strict in- junction not to accept a penn}^ for so doing, " My son," he said, " take no reward ; ^^ou must be honest without being paid for it ; adhere to this through life, and 3^ou will not only com- mand the respect of others, but 3"ou will also respect yourself." And those who know Colonel Hungerford can bear testimony to how well he has abided b}^ that parental advice. In 1S30, his father being in the transporta- tion business, and owmer of a large number of canal boats, took his family" for a pleasure trip to Alban}^ and return, railroads, at that time, not having come into general use. When the boat reached Alban3^ cargo was discharged, 6 42 DAXIKI, K. IIUN(;KR1-()RI). and loaded up for Whitehall, upon Lake Champlain via Cham plain Canal. As it was late in the fall, the family con- cluded to remain at Waterford until the return of Mr. Hungerford, who had gone to Utica. Mr. Hungerford, however, decided to sell his property there, dispose of his interests, and settle down with his famih^ at Waterford. There, we ma}^ sa3% the serious work of young Hungerford began. He attended the Saratoga Academ)^, cind soon gave evidence of where his tastes la}^ Before he had been well acquainted with his classmates, he had begun to organize them into a militar}^ compan}^ after his own crude fashion, equipping them with paper caps and swords made of laths. Every Saturday afternoon the worth}^ citizens of Waterford were treated to the free spectacle of Captain Dan, as he was called, and his youthful recruits, marching through the principal streets, breasts swelling with con- scious pride, and hearts burning with patriotic ardor, as in their mind's e3"e, they saw the red coats fleeing before them, routed by the Yankees to the tune of Yankee Doodle. No bolts or bars ever could keep young Dan in the house when the martial music was playing, and the soldiers passing, though man}^ DANIEL E. HUNCERFORD. 43 a reprimand he received for his hasty exits. One day he followed a detachment of United States troops going through the village en route to the West, a distance of ten miles, until, exhausted b}^ fatigue, he could go on no further. His brother, following him in hot pur- suit, then effected an easy capture of the 3^oung captain, who stoutly said, when pressed for an explanation, that he was only going to fight for his country, and help whip the Britishers. It is thus easily seen that our j^oung hero rightly recognized who had the best claim on his services. In school Dan was always the leader of the militant section of the bo3^s. He well remem- bers to this day how the main street of the vil- lage served ifi the tierce snowball tights, as the line of battle which divided the " uptown " and the " downtown " crowds, as the two factions were called. Man}^ a blood}^ nose and black- ened e3^e came from these encounters, and not to show either of these marks was considered more of disgrace than an honor. Dan, being the commander-in-chief and engineer of his side, naturalh^ took the most prominent part in these engagements, for he seemed to have the inborn nature to command, and was always heedless of danger. 44 DAXIKL E, HUNflEKl'OKD. In is 1 S X "S^ 4> 1^ si "8 I I ^ X DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. 53 seventh regiment of New York State militia, he having previously served as adjutant. He wrote at this time various articles on militar}^ matters, which excited con- siderable comment; among others, one ad- vocating militar}^ instruction in the public schools. This caused much discussion, and the subject was taken up by instructors throughout the country. The result we see at the present day; hardl}^ one of our States is without a detail of officers of the U. S. Army, teaching militar)^ tactics in their universities, and few schools there are, either public or private, in which some military instruction does not form part of the course. How man}^ are there now living who know and appreciate that the first agitation of this matter, so bene- ficial to the 5' outh of our countr}^ and incalcu- lable in its results, came from an article by young Hungerford's pen. Early in the forties he entered upon the most serious step in his life. A young lady, Mademoiselle Eveline de la Visera, loving and beloved b}^ many, was the choice of the •3"0ung man's affections. She came of an old French family, her parents being born in France, though herself born in New York city. She had received every advantage, and had gradu- 54 DANIEL E. HUNCIERFORI). ated with liij^li honors at the Female Seminary of Perth Ambo}^ New Jerse3^ of which the Rev. Mr. Halse}^ was the principal. The courtship was. short; the marriage followed soon after, and never did wedding bells ring more cheerily nor peal more merrih^ than on that bright morning when those two 3^oung hearts were united. And that union, sealed in the springtime of their lives, now that the autumn has come, and the winter approaching, is but the more firm. Through their long and eventful lives no cloud has ever rested on the horizon of their happ}^ married life. When the countr}" was in danger, Mrs. Hungerford was not the one to urge her husband to remain at home. She bade him go where his patriotic nature called him. And while he was away, her time was not spent in unavailing regrets; far from it, her tender heart and nobilit}^ of character found ample scope in ministering to the wants of the poor soldiers who, returning to their native town sick and wounded, needed woman's solace in their sad lot. Without ostentation or displa3^ Mrs. Hungerford did her duty and more. It has been hers to test the truth that "the bravest and noblest on war's blood}^ fields are the bravest and truest in love." DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 55 Three children blessed this happ}" union, Marie Louise Antoinette, Daniel Dominique, and Ada Elmire. Under the guidance of that good mother, herself a lady in every sense of the word, those children were well fitted to adorn the high stations the}" were destined to fill. The eldest daughter, beautiful and ac- complished, was first married to Edmund Gar- diner Bryant, of Brookl}^!, who died, leaving her a widow at the early age of nineteen. She then married J. W. Macka3\ the " Bonanza King " of California, one of America's financial geniuses, whose Aladdin-like career and im- mense interests have made his name known in all parts of the world. The second, a son, whose earl}" loss the}" had to deplore at the tender age of four years. The third married Count Guiseppe Telfener, an Italian nobleman, residing in Rome. Well may he be proud of his cultivated American wife, a type of charm- ing and graceful womanhood, who could com- pare most favorably w"ith any of the countesses presented at the Italian Court. In 1845, h^ is again in politics. The native American party was then at its height. The intense patriotism of young Hunger ford caused him to ally himself with that political organiz- ation. Solicited by his friends, he finally con- 56 DANTEI. E. HUNGERFORD. sentedto allow his name to be used, and he was elected to i)ublic ofhce b^^ his fellow-citizens. At the same time Harper, of the publishing firm, was elected mayor. Hungerford dis- charged the duties of his office with such satis- faction to all parties that he Wcis unanimous!}' renominated; and although his part}^ was beaten by several thousand majorit^^ he came within nine votes of a re-election. This spoke volumes for his popularit}^ among the people. Nothing could swerve him from his dut3% and though a strong partisan, the sanctit}- of the oath of office had for him too great a signifi- cance to be lightly considered. Whether on the field of battle or in civil life he alwa3^s felt that there was no obligation so sacred as that which a public office imposed. To be the custodian of the honor of the people was for him the highest trust that could be confided. CHAPTER III. Hostilities Break Out in Mexico — Receipt of News in New York — Hungerford Raises Troops — Ordered to Fort Ham- ilton — A Paymaster's Mistake — Departure for the Seat of War — Arrival — Letters from Mexico — Treaty of Peace — Triumphal Return of Regiment to Fort Hamil- ton — Reception Given by the City of New York. A BOUT the middle of May, 1846, news of the battles of Gen. Ta5dor on the Rio Grande reached New York. This kindled the flame of enthusiasm and patriotic ardor. The mar- tial spirit of the countr}^ was aroused and thousands gathered in the streets to listen and be fired b}^ the speeches delivered at almost ever}^ street corner. The cry was now, " On to the City of Mexico!", as, in a few years later, it was to be "On to Richmond!" though the latter was at our doors, and the former three thousand miles awa)^ Yet volunteers were read}^ and willing. Young Hungerford, returning from one of the meetings, realized that there was no time to be lost, and he deter- mined to be the first in the breach. He knew that the Halls of the Montezumas would never be taken by speeches in New York city ; regi- 58 DAM F.I. K. IIUX(;ERFf)RD. ments would have to be raised and blood}^ battles fou<2;lit before our fia^^ would 11}^ over the Mexican capital. A meeting of the Native American part}^ was called for that night at American Hall, corner of Broadwa}^ and Prince St. Hungerford attended, but, desirous of more earnest work than mere lip service, he had pre- pared a list for the signatures of those who were willing to enlist in the countr3^'s defence. The meeting was about to adjourn without an3"thing being done, when Hungerford, bound- ing on the platform, electrihed the meeting by a fervid, patriotic address. He drew a picture of the gallant little arm}^ of Taylor, hundreds of miles awci}^ from them that night, and look- ing to them for reinforcements. " Are we," he asked, "to content ourselves by sympathetic words ? Has not the time for action come ? " he cried. " Will we haul down our flag, and shame- fully retreat while there are thousands of men here able to prevent it ? Our fathers did not do this in 1 8 1 2. Let us show that we are as good patriots as the3\" Then, holding the paper in his hand, he appealed to the 3^oung men pres- ent who thought as he did, to step forward and sign, he inscribing his name first. In response to the 3^oung patriots call, one hundred and fifteen stalwart young Americans signed the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 59 roll. Two days after, he published in the New York Sun a notice, asking the signers to meet at California Hall, on West Broadwa3^ and organize a compan}^ of volunteers. It was signed D. E. Hungerford, Captain, and it pledged the signers to serve under him ; but when they came together, Hungerford said he did not wish to restrict them in choice of their officers, and he was perfectly willing to shoul- der a musket in the ranks, like any one of them. He therefore resigned his rank, and said he would come to whatever decision they came to. The men, however, thought that he, himself, was the one best capable of leading them, so they unanimously elected him to the position. Two lieutenants were chosen at the same time. That same evening was despatched a letter to the then Secretary of War, W. L. Marcy, offer- ing their services to the Government. While it was on the way to Washington, a requisition was sent to the Governor of New York State at Albany, to raise seven regiments of volunteers, subject to a future call, to be mustered into the U. S. service. A few days later, he received a letter from Mr. Marcy, commending him for his alacrity and patriotism, as being the first to offer troops from the State of New^ York. He referred him 6o DANIEL E. HUNtJKKI'ORD. to the Governor of the State. The Captain having made his application to the Governor, the latter recommended him to all}^ himself and company with one of the regiments then form- ing. The consequence was that he joined the First New York, thinking that that would be the first one to see ^ictive service. His commis- sion was signed by Silas Wright, Avith rank dating from the 4th of June, 1846. Soon after, Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson received special permission from the War De- partment to raise ci regiment of infantr\^ to go to California. The young Captain and his company received the first oft'er to form part of the regiment, but it was refused, as the con- ditions of the service were too ungenerous. The Government would not pa}^ the expenses of transportation of the company to their homes, after the}^ were mustered out of the service. This was manifestly unjust, as how could the men be expected to shoulder the cost of traveling from one end of the continent to the other. The Captain was willing, but he could not induce his men, so he was reluctantly obliged to decline the offer. No further call was made till November ; in the meantime, the Captain and his compan}^ met every week for drill, and strict discipline DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 6 1 was maintained by' him. The}^ drilled at the State Arsenal, then on Centre Street, opposite the Tombs. The muskets cost, each, twelve cents a night ; this and other expenses, not in- considerable, were all borne by the Captain, who found the self-imposed task a heavy one. Gen. Ward B. Burnett, a West Pointer, the Colonel of the regiment, examined young Hun- gerfor«d, and was agreeabh^ surprised at the proficiency he displayed, not onh^ in the duties of his position, but also in general military knowledge. Captain Hungerford kept his compan}^ in- tact until the time for mustering in the United States service, the other companies being obliged to fill up their ranks to the required number. Three companies having to be mus- tered in before a certain da3^ it became nec- essar}^ to distribute Hungerford's company among the others ; this he unwillingh^ con- sented to do, although much against the wish of his men, who had become greatl}^ attached to the zealous Captain. Huiigerford again began recruiting, and Avith a success that onh^ such energy and devotion could have. Soon he had another company" raised, some mem- bers of which came from the western part of the State as far as Buffalo. It was mustered 62 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. into the service of Uncle Sam on tlie ninth da}^ of December, 1846. Now he was given the important command of the redoubt, in the rear of tlie fort, manned bv his two companies. Sucli was the con- fidence liis superior officers had in him. He, realizing the importance of the trust, at once commenced a system of rigid discipline. Though far from being a martinet, he was not oppressive, and he never required more from his men than what he was willing to exemplify by his own adherence to duty. Here the Captain had an opportunity of showing an example of honest}^ to his men, and of giving a rebuke to his brother officers. To Captain Hungerford was deputed the pay- ment of the men's clothing. In receiving a sum of mone}^ from the paymaster for the nec- essar}^ expenditures, he was given a hundred dollars too much. Perceiving the error, the Cap- tain returned the excess amount immediatel3^ saAdng, " 1 have no use for this." " What is this for ?" inquired the pa^^master. "A slight mis- take," replied the honest officer. " Impossible, I've been in the Pa}^ Department thirt}^ 3^ears, and never yet made a mistake." " Is that so ? well, it only shows that we are all liable to make a mistake at times," he answered, thrust- DANIEL E. HUXGERFORD. 63 ing back the money. This regard for punc- tilious honest}^ was all the more rare, since it was generally accepted to be perfecth^ legiti- mate to profit by a pa3^master's error. But Captain Hungerford's fixed principles of integ- rit}^ did not permit of such acceptations. How few in life have this high sense of honor ; therefore all honor to the few who do possess it. One of the officers present remarked that he would never have returned the mone}^ "You would not!" responded the Captain, "then I am sorr}^ for \o\x ; that is not my idea of an officer's honor." Nothing more was said, and the Captain walked awa}^ in disgust, and it is to be presumed that the group of offi- cers who had heard the conversation wxre duly impressed by the lesson given them b}" this stripling 3^oung volunteer officer. Let us hope the impression was lasting. While awaiting the order for embarkation, there were man}" spare hours to be occupied. These wxre not spent b_v Captain Hungerford after the usual manner of ^^oung officers. The billiard table and card room had no patron in him ; he knew full well that, as there was no royal road to learning, so success in the mili- tary profession was to be won onl}" b}" assid- uous attention to dut}^ and hard work. What 64 DAXTEI, E. iri:X(;ERFC)Rl). might have been his hours of leisure were to him hours of labor and severe discipline. And were a desire for self-glorihcation his rul- ing spirit, much more would be known of his career than I am permitted to state in this l:)Ook. Feeling that he could not properly dis- charge the duties of his position without a thorough knowledge of what those duties were, and knowing that to instruct others he must first be well instructed himself, he made a complete study of the volume on the " Rules and Regulations of the Arm3%" and the "Arti- cles of War." This gave him not only a compre- hensive idea of his stricth^ militar}^ duties, but also of the internal economy of his com- mand. Afterwards, while in active service, he had man}^ times to congratulate himself on this preparation, and he had never cause to regret the time so employed. His accounts were as read}^ for inspection as his command were proficient in their drill. He became quite an authorit}^ in deciding technical points, and man}^ a vexed question was left to his decision. Life in the fort was uneventful, marked onh^ b}^ discipline, drills, and hours of study. But days of expectation must end, farewell to drilling-grounds, friends, and countr}^ must be said. Officers and men were at last thrilled to DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. 65 the heart b}^ the receipt of the long-coveted order to embark for Mexico. The last bugle sounded on shore, and the word for embark- ation was given. With alacrit}^ with jo}^ mixed with sadness, the order was obej^ed. Words grow faint, and realization indistinct, and we leave the imagination to supply the thoughts of that little band marching forth, with their lives in their hands, saying farewell, perhaps forever, to those they loved best. But war is a stern master, and very little heed can be given to those left behind. Far awa3% with Mexico in the distance, fame to be won, — with all this in view, Captain Hungerford, leading the way at the head of his compan}^ was the first to embark. Now for the battles in the unknown land, teaching was to be put into practice, the first baptism of blood and fire was near at hand. Cheeril3^ even gaily, they set out, alas ! so many never to return. But there was no quaking in the breasts of those brave men, to whom the countr3^'s honor and safet}^ were so well entrusted, and never did hearts beat faster nor with more glorious expecta- tions, as the too slow ship ploughed the waves, on the long voyage to Mexico. How well they performed their dut3^ the success that attended their arms, the victorious treaty of peace, by 9 66 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. which cin empire of territor}^ became ours and civilization was advanced — all form part of the nation's histor}^ and make its pages glow with untarnished brilliancy. I will not follow Captain Hungerford through the war. The official records amply testif}^ to his bravery and gallantry. Instead, I will give verbatim a letter he wrote to his brother from the city of Mexico, dated March 7, 1848, and in which he describes the movements he took part in, personal observations, and a general resume of the operations of the arm}^ Seeing clearly and writing clearly, his letter will prove inter- esting reading, and, being unreserved and free, it may throw a new light on some discussed points. He says : " I commence to-night a detailed account of the operations and incidents of the campaign in Mexico, in which I have been a participant. Many of the incidents about to be related have come under m}^ own observation. "On Sunday, January 3, 1847, Captain Charles H. Shaw's and ni}^ own company em- barked on board the bark Isabella at Fort Hamilton, situated at the entrance of New York Harbor. Captain Shaw, being the sen- ior captain, was in command of "the detach- ment. We remained l3^ing off the fort until DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 6/ the night, when we weighed anchor, and put to sea with a fair and favorable wind. Our destination w^as Point Isabelle, and we made Brazos Landing on tlie twent3^-fourth. We remained off the Brazos nearh^ a week, taking in water, food, and provisions. We were then ordered by General Scott to proceed at once to the Island of Lobos, a small island l3^ing just off the Mexican Coast. Lobos was designated as the place of rendezvous for the troops com- posing the Arm}^ of Invasion, under General Scott. We arrived here and disembarked, clearing ground sufficient for our encampment ; we pitched our tents for three weeks before the remainder of our regiment joined us. Our time was occupied during our sojourn on the island by drilling and preparing for more active duties in the field. General Scott arriv- ing with the last of the troops from the Brazos, we were again embarked on board ship to ren- dezvous at San Antonis Lizardo, a few miles above Vera Cruz, where it was intended to effect a landing upon the coast of Mexico, but the general-in-chief, altering his plan of land- ing, ordered the numerous transports of troops to run down to the Island of Sacrificios, much nearer the city of Vera Cruz, and just out of range of the heav}^ guns of the Castle of San 68 DAMKL K. IIUXdEKFOKl). Juan de Uloa. The island lies off about a mile from the mciin land, and affords a good shelter for shipping, from the heavy ' north- erns,' which blow so fiercel}^ in this latitude, and are very dangerous to shipping upon the coast, probabh^ the worst in the world. From this point the commander-in-chief proposed to land his force. "The disembarking commenced on the 9th of March, under protection of our men-of-war ; the landing was effected as follows : The First Division, General Worth, commanding on the ninth ; the Volunteer Division, General Pat- terson, commanding on the tenth ; and the Second Division, General Twiggs, on the tenth and eleventh. General Worth met with but little opposition, owing, probably, to the nature of the ground, and the deceived Mexicans, not anticipating a landing on this coast, had made no preparations for our reception ; the3^ sup- posing we would attempt tlie disembarkation at San Antonis Lizardo, had made rather ex- tensive preparations to oppose us at that point. On the tenth, we left the water or floating prison, and sallied forth on terra firma, glad to have space enough to use our elbows once more. We formed our line upon the beach, where we first planted the colors of the i DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 69 Empire State. It was a grand imposing sight — our dark blue jackets and white belts contrast- ing with our bright, shining ba^^onets, as the rays of a scorching tropical sun poured down, casting back a blinding reflection of glittering lire. The bright, glowing colors upon our state standard seemed as if rivaling the efful- gent ra3^s of the rainbow, as it took the gentle breeze, and loosened its folds to the free breath of the heavens. We proceed to possess our- selves of the man)^ hills overlooking the city. Before going farther, it may be well to give 3^ou an idea of the situation of the cit3% and a partial description of the immediate surround- ing countr}^ Vera Cruz is situated upon the point of the mainland, apparentl}^ running out into the sea. It is upon a sandy plain. Directl}^ in front, facing the sea, stands, upon a small island of coral, the celebrated San Juan de Uloa. The cit}^ is right upon the shore, indeed, the ocean washes against the foundations of some of the buildings ; to the rear, a level, sandy plain, extending some two miles ; then rise enormous high hills of loose sand, apparentl}^ lodged there from some un- known causes. Between these hills run the roads leading to and communicating with the interior. You will perceive that the city. 70 DANIEL E. HUNCERFORl). beino- upon a point, b}^ extending our line straight across, we reach the beach on the opposite side, and consequent!}^ prevent com- munication between the city and the interior. General Worth kept more along the beach, probabh^ with a view of gaining an advanta- geous position, while, as I stated before, we proceeded to take possession of the hills. In effecting this, we had several smart skirmishes with the enemy's light troops and lancers. We finally gained a position, and bivouacked for the night upon the loose sand. I lost, in the day's operations, one man. It was my turn to be on guard that night, and a hard tour of duty I found it. I tore my clothes to pieces, going among the 'chaparral,' to place and post my pickets. Nothing of importance happening during the night to disturb the tranquillity of the camp, the next morning at an early hour we marched still further across the hills, and slept that night upon the brow of a large hill. A strong ' norther ' had sprung up during the night, and when da3dight broke, it was diffi- cult to tell whether there were an}^ human beings in the vicinity or not, but the doubt was soon dispelled ; officers and soldiers disinter themselves b}^ throwing off the heaps of sand which had served them for a blanket, blown DANIEL E. HUNGERFORI). Jl there during the night, Sucli was the same- ness of each da}^ and night until the sixteenth, when we had gained our position proper for the investment of the cit}^ Our position in the line of investment brought us on the Ori- zaba Road, one of the principal avenues lead- ing from the cit)^ We had cleared a sufficient space for the occupation of the companies in the line of battle, in which order we encamped with a space of twent}^ or thirty feet interven- ing between the companies' camps. We cleared also a ground for parade. After a lapse of several da3^s, we got our tents up from the beach, some three or four miles distance, no eas}^ task, there being no other means of transportation than little burros or "jacks," that were caught in the 'chaparral' There was no practicable road for wagons over the hills of sand, and through the 'chaparral.' While occup3dng this position, we were fre- quently called upon to furnish details for the working parties, building and establishing bat- teries for subjugation of the cit}^ On two occasions, m}^ company was called to the works. The last time I shall never forget. A tierce 'norther' was blowing the sand like a snow- drift, filling our eyes, ears, and mouths, coming with such force as to bring the blood as it 72 DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. struck the cheek. That was a terrible night. On returning to camp, ni}^ men became scat- tered, and some of them did not tind their way back until noon the next (la3^ Provisions were ver^^ scarce ; in fact. I do not know what we would have done, had there not been plenty of beef found among the ' chaparral.' We were obliged to send parties from camp to hunt beef, and supply us in that way. On one occasion, the nineteenth of March, a part}^ of beef-hunters from the First Penn- S3dvania Volunteers was surrounded b}^ a large force of rancheros who w^ere in our rear watching an opportunity^ to break our lines and gain the city. This little part3^ consisting of twenty under command of a subaltern, were in danger of being cut off from us. We, h'ing nearest, intelligence reached us first of their situation. Col. Bur- nett ordered four companies under arms, to march to the assistance and rescue of the part)^ The companies were Hungerford's, D3^ckman's, Ta^dor's, and De Bougard's, which were prompth^ got read}^ Leaving camp, we pursued the Orizaba Road, where we were joined b}^ Col. W3^nkoop, of the Penn- S3dvania Volunteers. With a portion of this regiment, we followed the road to where it DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 73 branches off, when Col. Burnett gave Col. Wynkoop one of his companies to make their respective forces equal. Col. Wynkoop was to follow the road leading to the right and gain the enem^^'s rear, while Col. Bur- nett was to take the left, leading through a thick ' chaparral ' and breaking into an open plain (where the enemy was sup- posed to be), and attack in front. After this arrangement, the two colonels took the agreed directions. I was with Col. Bur- nett. We pursued the road until we came to the opening, where we discovered the enem3^, about three-quarters of a mile from us, positioned upon the brow of a hill ris- ing above the plain. The Colonel immedi- ateh^ set about the disposition of his little force. Ta3'lor's compan}^ he ordered to gain a clump of trees or brushwood. The field was studded all over with clumps of trees and bushes. Under the cover of the 'chap- arral ' to the right, D3xkman's company was ordered to deploy as skirmishers to the left, and advance unperceived and attack the eneniA^'s right, while Hungerford's com- pan}^ was to advance upon the open plain and attack and charge in front. Arriving at the base of the hill, Hungerford charged 74 DANIEL E. HUNCERFORD. with his company up tlie hill and dislodged the enem}^ about eighty strong. However, the}^ fell back upon their main bod3% about five hundred horse and one hundred and twenty-five infantr}^ As soon as Captain Hungerford had gained the summit they opened a brisk fire upon him. He imme- diately withdrew his company just off the summit of the hill, so as to protect his brave men as much as possible. He then ordered them to load kneeling, and rise up so as to look over the hill, returning the fire with alacrit}^ and good effect. Captain D3^ckman, gaining an advantageous position, opened a well-directed fire upon the enem3"'s right flank, with execution, the Mexicans making a movement off to their right, with evident intention to cut oft" Captain D^^ck- man's compan}^ Captain Hungerford, seeing the^ apparent danger of the gallant Dyck- man, made a counteracting movement to thwart the supposed design of the Mexi- cans. The rancheros, being mounted, con- sequently moved faster than Hungerford's infantr3^ but the movement had the effect of causing the eneni}^ to take a greater cir- cuit than he intended, which brought him outside of Captain D3^ckman. He, however. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 75 succeeded in outflanking us. But Captain Hungerford again opened his fire, this time by the front and rear rank alternateh^ The enem}^ having so far gained an advan- tage by nearh^ surrounding us, tlie Colonel, seeing this, ordered the recall previously agreed upon, when Captain Hungerford with his company joined the Colonel on the right. Captain Dyckman not answering the recall, fears were entertained for his safet}''. Thus affairs stood at the setting of the sun. Here an incident occurred worth recording, showing the coolness of man in time of the greatest danger. B}^ this time the enemy had completed the chain and had entirely surrounded us. We were at their mercy. We knew not to what fate one of our com- panies was doomed. Col. Burnett, gazing at the last raj'-s of the setting sun, as it tinged the heavens with its gold and silver beams, showing forth all the beauteous colors of the rainbow's hues, exclaimed in a calm and quite undisturbed tone, as if looking from his own balcon}^ * What a beauti- ful sunset ! Did you ever witness such a sight ? ' We afterwards formed around a clump of bushes, prepared to repel a charge. The enemy venturing within range of our 76 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORl). muskets, we opened a lire upon them by platoons, which sent some six or eight of their horses away minus their riders. They did not appear ver}^ desirous of making a further acquaintance, so they kept at a respectful distance. Captain Dyckman at this time joined us, he having sheltered his company in another clump of bushes, while w^e supposed him in the greatest peril. A consultation was held as to further action. Captain Hungerford, Captain Taylor, and Captain D3^ckman coinciding that we should charge and break through the enemy's line at his weakest point, which was where his right had rested at the commencement of the a':tion, by this means to gain the main wood on our left and cut him off from his camp. Once in the wood, we w^ere safe from a charge of his horse ; while with this advantage, we could safely harass and anno}^ him. The Colonel, however, after ascertaining from the captains that their men had no bread or water, two things most essential to the soldier, he, with a Jackson-like firmness, ordered three sides of a square to be formed, leaving the rear of the square open, with the understanding that in case of a charge from the enemy, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 77 to complete it by throwing back the second platoon of Taylor's or Dyckman's compa- nies. The square thus compassed, and with these necessary precautions, we moved to- wards the camp, and triumphantly marched off the field, without meeting with any opposition, although we passed within a short distance of the Mexicans, as they were between ourselves and our camp. Col. Burnett opposed the proposition of the council of captains for the reason that the men had no bread in their knapsacks nor water in their canteens. We might have done without bread, but water was much needed, and without the latter our suffering would have been intense ; already it was being felt among the soldiers ; none but those having experienced it can know the great distress occasioned by the want of water during the heat of an engagement. Had Colonel Wynkoop followed the route of his directions, we would have captured the whole of the Mexican force; but for some reason that I have not been able to ascertain, he returned to camp instead, ver}^ soon after separating from Col. Burnett, leaving us at the mercy of an enemy not bound by any of the obligator}^ rules of 78 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. civilized warfare, and showing, whenever opportiinit}^ afforded, a savage barbarity that rivaled the most uncivilized of the Indian tribes on the American continent, from which our little force narrowly escaped. At the time of the occurrence, the eyes of the whole American Union were directed towards Vera Cruz, anxiously awaiting news from that quarter, making a mountain out of the smallest mole-hill, and transforming a little skirmish into a great and important battle. Had Col. Bur- nett made a report of the affair to the Commanding General, we would have had an early reputation, a reputation since bought at the expense of man}^ a brave and gallant fellow, whose bones are now bleaching among the heights of Cerro Gordo, among the rocky pedregats of Contreras, on the plains of Cherubusco, the hills and swamps of Chapultepec, and the Garita de Belen. The batteries having been completed and the siege batteries got into position, the can- nonade commenced from the American lines on the twenty-first of March, and continued with but little or no cessation till the twent}^- seventh, when commissioners from the Mexi- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 79 can authorities arrived at our camp, under a flag of truce, to negotiate a capitulation of the cit}^ and castle. The terms of the capitu- lation having been agreed upon and ratified by the proper agents of the two Powers, the cit}^ of Vera Cruz, with the famous and cele- brated Castle of San Juan de Uloa, capitu- lated and was evacuated on the twent3^-ninth of March, the whole Mexican arm 3^ la^dng down their arms in the presence of the Ameri- can troops, and being allowed to return to their respective homes, the officers on their parole. The Americans at once took posses- sion of the city, which the}^ found in a dis- tressed state from the effects of the siege. It was a horrible sight to behold the unburied bodies. The buildings presented the picture of an old cit}^ in ruins, rather than the com- mercial emporium of a nation, their dilapi- dated condition being the havoc made by the shells thrown from our batteries, showing the terrible result to the enem}^ of our superi- ority in the art and science of war. Our troops immediately commenced putting the cit}^ in proper order again, clearing out the stones, mortar, and rubbish from the streets and other public places. A few days of such work gave the city a new and health)^ appear 8o DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. ance. The stores and public houses were re-opened, and the}^ soon resumed their ac- customed business, being assured the proper protection from the American authorities. In the meantime, the troops were ordered from their positions behind the sand-hills to encamp on the beautiful level plains near the cit}^ This was a magnificent sight : an arm}^ of about twelve thousand encamped on a splendid plain, with numerous hills overlooking the fields of snow-white tents, each camp laid out in regular order, having its streets and avenues, its parades, etc., all presenting a picturesque and loveh^ scene. L3dng just off the beach, riding at anchor, was the American squadron, the larger men- of-war high out of the water, with their sides bristling with bright pieces of armament, and the broad pennant streaming from the main, while the glorious ' Stars and Stripes ' of ' happ}^ land ' were unfurled b}^ the soft breath of heaven from the peaks of large and small craft, as if enjoying the hilarit}^ of the occasion, and adding to the brilliancy of the spectacle. Such a sight of magnificent splendor would warm the coldest heart and almost make marble animate. This enjoy- ment was well received and duh^ appreciated. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. after the privations and extreme sufferings experienced during the siege, the officers uniting in congratulations, renewing the ac- quaintance of former times, and forming new intimacies with the gentlemen repre- senting the various States of our beloved Union gathered together in the service of their countr}^ "During a visit to town I took occasion to pa}^ a visit to the castle. I cannot but express m}^ astonishment at the impregnable appearance of the fortress, and yet to fall an eas}^ conquest to brighten the alread}^ illus- trious arms of the American troops! The castle is principall}^ built of the coral rock, a soft material, with a heavy granite facing, the granite having been brought from the United States some time before the begin- ning of the war. The walls are very thick, the front wall well planned and strongly constructed. There are also numerous out- works of water batteries, adding greatly to the strength and defense of the principal work, the castle. The works were well-con- ditioned and in good fighting order, having a full and complete armament of arms of various caliber, and capable of sustaining 82 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. a lon(^ and protracted if not a successful defense. " On the eighth of April, the volunteer divi- sion (Patterson's) broke up their encampment and took up their line of march for the inte- rior, preceded a few da^-s by Gen. Twiggs' division of regulars. The first da3^'s march was awful ; the day Avas extremely hot, not a breath of air stirring the green foliage upon the trees. The road la}^ over deep, loose sand, ankle deep, for about six miles, and owing to the scant}^ means of transportation, the men were compelled to carry their heav}^ knapsacks, in addition to their haversacks, with four da3^s' rations, besides arms and equippients and forty rounds of ammunition. Many of the men were compelled through excessive fatigue to lag along the road. We made onl}^ eight miles' march that day, and encamped, scattering along the road, near Monte Clavo, a beautiful hacienda belonging to Santa Anna. On the eleventh, we reached the Puenta National Bridge, a strongl}^ forti- fied pass in a beautiful roraantic situation, with two high, steep hills of rocks on either side. At the bottom of the baranca or gorge runs a beautiful river on the Sierra ; at the left, as one enters the vale, stands a fort, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 83 commanding the approach from either direc- tion. To the left, after crossing tlie bridge, is anotlier of Santa Anna's lofty palaces. Gen. Twiggs had a pretty smart brush with the enemy at this place the da}' preceding our arrival. " Nature had done much for the defense of the Puenta National, which the Mexicans abandoned after a few shots from Twiggs' artiller}^ We remained one night at this lovely spot of scenic beauty. The next day we followed the direction of our march. This was a hard march. The New York regiment furnished a guard of four compa- nies to the artillery, my company being one of them. This guard w^as of course expected to keep up with the artiller}^ which came very hard on the poor fellows, so heavily laden with their trappings. We made but one halt during the march of seventeen miles, and no water to be found the whole distance. Their sufferings were intense, yet the poor fellows murmured not, bearing up under the fatigues like, beasts of burden rather than human beings. Really they are worthy descendants of their forefathers of '76. In the afternoon we encamped, or I should sa}^ bivouacked, on Plan del Rio, where 84 DANIEL E. HUNGERFURD. our gallant men refreshed themselves by bathing in the stream running at the bottom of the ravine. This is also a somewhat forti- fied pass. Gen. Twiggs here again had an encounter with the Mexican troops the day before our arrival. Gen. Twiggs had discov- ered the enemy some three miles distant, pre- pared to oppose our advance, being strongly fortified and in full force on the heights of Cerro Gordo. The General had made during the day a reconnoissance of the enemy's posi- tion, and had gained much valuable informa- tion. He proposed to attack him the next morning. Gen. Patterson, however, preferred to await the coming up of the old war-horse. Gen. Scott, from Vera Cruz. Nothing of im- portance occurred from the twelfth to the sixteenth, when Scott arrived, much to the gratification of all concerned. Reconnoitering was continued during each day, and fre- quently the curiosity of the Yankees was discovered by the artillerists of Santa Anna's legion ; they would make known the discov- ery by despatching a deadly missile of war as messenger, but without any serious eft'ect. " General Scott, after having been put in possession of all the information that was obtained, formed his plans for the discom- DANIEL E. HUNCxERFORD, 85 fiture of the braves of the Great Chieftain of the New World. He proceeded at once to put them into execution, and on the seven- teenth commenced the movements necessary to secure a good position. Roads were made through the thick chaparral and over hills ; artillery was got into position ; and every pre- caution was taken and all arrangements com- pleted. Gen. Twiggs had a sharp tight on the seventeenth, before he dislodged the enemy from the advanced position upon the Sierra Telegrafo, a hill immediately to the south of Cerro Gordo, and within range of the guns of the latter. This object was gained late in the afternoon, with a small loss on our side ; that victory added greatly to the splendid achievements that followed the next morn- ing. As this point was the base of operations against the strong works of the Mexicans upon Cerro Gordo, our brigade (Shields') occu- pied a position near the base of this hill, and during the night we dragged the heavy artillery up the steep sides, and it operated with terrible effect upon the enemy's lines. It is astonishing how men will labor and endure such hardships under an excitement caused by the anticipation of a coming strife. For the time being they seemed to be pos- 86 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORI). sessed of uncommon strength both of body and mind. Shields' brigade bivouacked under the hill, on the morning of the eighteenth of April, a da}^ so bright in the annals of American histor}^ It was ushered in b}" the thundering peals of Mexican artillery, as if saluting the first ra3^s of the rising sun and paying homage to the bright aurora of an April morn. The grape and round-shot swept thick and fast over our heads as we la}^ under cover anxiously awaiting the order to advance. Nothing can create a more fev- erish excitement than lying inactive without the view of a battle's range, hearing the booming of the artillery and the sharp crack of the rifles and musketr}^ We were not kept long in suspense. The welcome word came. ' Fall in ! fall in ! ' was repeated by the officers in rapid succession, and soon the bristling bayonets of the brave volunteers were reflecting in the soft ra^^s of an April sun. We filed oft" to the right, around the base of the hill, and soon w^ere exposed to the terrific fire from the Mexican forts. Coming in full view of Cerro Gordo, with our troops already ascending it, onl}^ increased the desire to become a participant in the coming strug- gle. But in this we were disappointed. Gen. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 87 Shields being ordered to turn the enemy's left and gain position in his rear, we con- sequently crossed the ravine to the right through which the Mexicans were pouring a most destructive fire, and mounted the hill on the opposite side. As I reached the brow of the hill I turned to look back at ni}^ brave countrymen, as the}^ continued to ad- vance with stead}^ and firm step. I then discovered that I was not the onh^ one that looked upon that phalanx of chivahy, for the whole New York regiment were gazing upon the scene. At this moment the covering of the colors of the Fifth infantr}^ was taken off, and the beloved emblem of the free took the morning breeze. As it was unfurled to the airy breath of heaven, the sons of the Empire State saluted with as three hearty cheers as ever came from the throats of men. Now, with a rapid pace, we resumed our route, passing through a narrow path b}^ a flank. General Shields fell at the head of his brig- ade. Col. Baker, of the Illinois volunteers, being the next in rank, took command. About this time the heights of Cerro Gordo were taken, and the colors of the Fifth and Third infantry had taken the place of the tri-color of Mexico. A few minutes and the Mexican 88 DANTEL E. HUNGEREORD. army was in full flight, scattered in all direc- tions. We gained the deserted camp of the Mexicans. Here were sights too horrible to behold. The shattered limbs of men and beasts, the wounded and dead h^ing together, horses and mules dead in the road, some run- ning or rather limping awa}" in all directions, as if fearful that the enemy of their masters was also theirs. We filed out into the road, and waiting a few minutes for a couple of pieces of artiller3\ we commenced the pursuit of the fl5dng Mexicans, who fled with the greatest precipitancy before us. B}^ this de- tour to the right our brigade gained the advance of our arm}^ We pursued the enem}^ at a rapid pace for fourteen miles. Breaking upon the plains of Encero, we halted to await the coming up of the dra- goons. Gen. Patterson, joining us with the dragoons (he was previously sick, and we were consequently placed under the com- mand of Gen. Twiggs and in his division), ordered a general halt and encampment for the night. We encamped upon the plain, and Gen. Patterson occupied Santa Anna's hacienda of Encero, the third one of these establishments that we had met from Vera Cruz. DANIEL E. ?IUNGERFORD. ^9 - The troops were allowed to shoot beef for the supply of the several camps. I suppose nearly a hundred head of cattle were shot to feed "this army of invasion. They belonged, so I understand, to Santa Anna, but for which was paid, after the arrival of the army at Jalapa, the round sum of four thousand dollars, the money being handed over to a nephew of Santa Anna himself. - The next day, the nineteenth, we entered the city of Jalapa. It stands partially upon a side hill, and presents a beautiful appear- ance when viewed from a short distance. It is a fine town, the climate being healthy and the temperature moderate. All the vegeta- ble products of the tropics, as well as those of the northern climes, are here in abund- ance. Jalapa derives its name from jalap, a vegetable growing in the immediate vicinity. The troops, with the exception of the volun- teers, occupied very comfortable quarters m the city. I will take this opportunity of giv- inositioned to DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. lOI hold in check Santa Anna with his reinforce- ments, as well as to battle to the front, if the occasion demanded. Among the prisoners, taken b}^ Shields, were several generals, colo- nels, majors, captains, and an}^ nnmber of snb- altern officers. This battle Wcis fought almost entirely by infantr}^ artillery and cavahy not being able to pass over the 'pedregal.' " From Contreras, the Americans pursued the retreating Mexicans, until the latter had gained a still stronger position at Churubusco. The rifle regiment was skirmishing along the road. While our troops were passing through the villages of San Angel and Coyocan, Gen- erals Worth and Pillow were moving along the San Augustine road, and General Twiggs was upon the road from Coyocan, leading into the cit3\ forming a junction with the San Augustine road, at the bridge of Churubusco. Owing to the bad roads, and the short space of time available, little or no information could be gained by the reconnoitring of their posi- tion, nor could we learn an34hing of the importance of their works. The rifles in advance met, and drove in the light troops of the enem}^ and soon the roar of the artillery w^as heard. General Shields with his brigade was halted at Co3^ocan. Shields was ordered T02 DANIEL K. ITUNGERKORD. to countermarch his hri^^ade, and <^ain the rear of the enemy's left flank, at the Hacienda de Los Portales. The New York and South Carolina Volunteers, composing Shields' brig- ade, breaking through the cornfields and over ditches, came upon a level and open field, in the center of which was a building used as a barn, or grain storehouse. As soon as the head of the line of the New Yorkers (march- ing by a flank) appeared upon the plain, the Mexicans opened fire upon them. They, how- ever, gained the rear of the buildings, and commenced the formation of their line of battle, throwing their left oft' obliquel}^ in order to protect their men as much as possible. Before the line was completel}^ formed, the order to charge was given. They charged, and were compelled to retire under cover of the building where they partially reformed, charging again. They were for the second time rep'ulsed ; the third charge, however, proved successful. Previous to the last charge, the Mexicans made a movement to flank Shields' command, which happih^ was pre- vented 1)}^ the gallant ninth, making a counter- acting one. About this time the tete-de-pont or bridge-head was taken. Shields gained the road and pursued the flying enemy until DANIEL K. IIUNCERFORI). I03 halted b}' Major-General Pillow. The convent of Churubusco, strongh^ and extensively forti- fied, was taken. This undoubtedly had ^reat effect upon the operations at the bridge-head. "A stream of considerable size, called Rio de Churubusco, runs through the hamlet, which made it difficult to pass without first gaining possession of the works at the bridge. After the capture of the church, and the fall of the tete-de-pont, followed l)y the final rout b}^ Shields, Captain Kearne3^ with his dragoons, drove the enem}^ into their works at the bridge immediately before the cit}^ himself and several of his command being wounded while so doing. The troops, at the ver}" moment when the capital of Mexico was at their merc3% were halted, and an armistice was proposed in order to give the Mexicans a last opportunity to accept the liberal terms of peace, and thereb}^ save themselves the dis- grace of another defeat, and the reduction of the capital of their countr3\ The American troops were withdrawn to occupy the positions of Tacubya, Muscoac, San Angel, and San Augustine. During the continuance of the negotiations, the commissioners met at Tacu- bya. But after several days' sessions, General Scott being informed that Santa Anna was I04 DANIEL E. MUNGERKOR]). treacherously progressing the defenses of the cit3^ in violation of the terms of the militar}^ convention, entered into and agreed upon b}^ the two contending powers, he thought proper to give the requisite notice of the suspension of the armistice. On the sixth of September, he again assumed the offensive, and prepared for the speedy reduction of the cit}^ On the morning of the eighth. General Worth was ordered to attack the enem}^ in his new |)osi- tion, at Molino del Rey. General Scott at the same time ordered up the divisions from San Augustine, San Angel, and Muscoac, and made preparations for investing the city. "The battle of Molino Del Re}^ was a severel}' contested engagement, but after a combat of about two hours, the Mexican troops were compelled to give wa}^ before the invincible sons of Washington, though not without a severe loss having been sustained by each side. The occupation of Molino Del Rey proved to be of no importance whatever. On the eleventh, the several divisions received orders to take their positions : General Pillow near Molino, General Worth further across and on the road running to the north side of the hill of Chapultepec, General Quitman's division on the Tacub3^a road. Batteries were DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. IO5 established there by Captain Hungerford, with two companies under direction of Lieutenant Smith of the engineers. Batteries were also established near Molino del Rey, under direc- tion of Captain Hague, of the Ordnance, assisted by others. Early upon the morning of the twelfth, we commenced to cannonade the castle. The fire was returned with alacrity and spirit. The cannonading continued throughout the day, dismounting many of the enemy's guns, and making several breaches in the walls. Captain Hungerford asked per- mission of Generals Shields and Quitman, to retain command of his two companies, detached from the regiment, in order that the men might obtain some rest from their all- night labors. This was readily granted, accompanied with kind words for such thoughtful treatment of his men. However, always ^dert, he posted himself upon the flat roof of one of the buildings upon the edge of the town, from which point he could overlook the whole scene. Glass in hand, he watched the effect of every shot. Near the close of the day, he said to the officer next in command, "As sure as the sun rises to-morrow morning, we will be called upon to assault that hill, and I want you to be ready." Early on the morn- I06 DANIEL E. HUNCIERFORD, ing of the thirteenth, the captain placed his two companies on the right, and across the road near the batteries, in order to be ready and in the front, when the order to advance should be given. He had not long to wait, for soon the movement began. Sweeping past the South Carolinians, the New York Regiment rushed forward to the assault. Just after leaving the road, and in crossing a field of well-grown 'barle3% Lieutenant-Colonel Baxter fell, mortally wounded, and, the Major having been struck at about the same time, the Captain immediately sprang forward to the head of the line, assumed the command, and directed the movements of the regiment. The intersecting space, /. e., between the road and the high wall surrounding the base of the hill, was obstructed b}^ three deep ditches filled with water. Over this space he led his regiment. Reaching the wall, he directed the adjutant to break off ten men and see if there was not an opening, which he thought he had discovered the day before Avhile watching from the house-top. Having rectified the regimental line, and the adjutant reporting the opening, he flanked the regi- ment, and, filing along the wall, entered the enclosure. While this was going on, the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I07 gallant band of South Carolinians, known as the Palmetto Regiment, were enlarging the breaches in the wall in order to afford them- selves an opening. For the time and position thus gained, he was able to ascend the slope on the side opposite the city, and, reaching the brow of the hill, he halted for the dis- charge of two sixty-two pounders upon the rampart at the crest. Here it was that the gallant Dardonville planted the Excelsior flag of the Empire State. At this moment Major Burnham (having recovered from the shock he had sustained by his having been struck by the spent ball) came up and resumed the command. While we enter pell-mell over the wall and capture the West Point of the Aztec empire, the Mexicans retire before our bayo- nets, some precipitating themselves down the perpendicular side of the hill facing the city. In this moment of victory, Captain Hunger- ford himself gave the order to Color-Sergeant Riley: — "Haul down the Mexican flag, and run up ours. Sergeant." There was, however, difficult}^ in finding the passage or stairway leading to the flat roof of the building. The Sergeant, becoming impatient, ran the colors through a window in the second story and waved them in triumph; after which, finally Io8 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. finding the passage, the two colors of the New York and Voltigeur regiments met at the flagstaff. The one first raised is disputed, but when both were equally deserving, 'tis but little matter which was actually the first to be raised, and the honor can well be divided. The captain took prisoner Don Juan Carno, the engineer-in-chief, who had superintended the construction of all the defenses in and about the valley. These works were of such construction, and the positions for them so well chosen, as to excite the admiration and commendation of our general-in-chief, who said he had not seen better in Europe. "About half an hour after the capture of the castle, General Scott rode into the open space in front, and seeing the young captain, who had already disposed of his prisoners, he called him to him, and complimented him before all the staff. The regiments shortly took up their march upon the city, the prisoners and wounded being quartered in rooms and properly cared for. "While this was being done. Worth, upon the San Cosmo causeway, was moving for- ward, overcoming all obstacles and opposition. The ground and surroundings were such that the cavalry could not operate, much to their DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. IO9 discontent, but the}^ watched ever}^ move, and gloried in our success. Quitman, with his volunteers and the mounted rifles, dismounted, followed along the De Belen causeway, dodg- ing from arch to arch, in steady advance. About midway, between the hill of Chapul- tepec and the Garita, a strong battery was encountered, flanked b}" similar ones off the road, which were soon captured, the cannon- eers fleeing, and our own men following and entering the other and more formidable bat- teries and lines of breastworks at the gates, at the same time giving freel}^ the point of the ba5"onet, driving the enemy, capturing their artiller3^ and gaining the gate of the city about one o'clock p. m. The guns captured were turned upon the enem}^ following them til] a concentrated fire from three sources was brought to bear upon them, sweeping awa}^ ever}^ man, and killing Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin. , Captain Hungerford, with his two com- panies, was ordered b}^ General Quitman to skirmish inside of the gates and recover the guns left between the two forces. On the right was a long line of works, with sev- eral redoubts, extending to the gate of San Antonio. To the front, on the left of the no DANIEL E. IIUNGEREOKD. causewa3^ was sitiuitecl a strong fort, called the Citadel, and directly to the left of the gate was a batter}^ on the Paseo. In passing to the front through the gateway, and while crossing a small bridge, he sustained a fire from these several directions, and, remarka- ble fact, not a man was injured, though the clothing and canteens of many were struck. Before the enemy could reload, the captain had gained the arches of the aqueduct, run- ning in the center of the causeways advanc- ing from arch to arch, driving the Mexicans before him, till he had regained the guns then on neutral ground, between the contending forces ; this accomplished, he returned to the batter}^ at the Garita, and reported. While upon the platform of the captured batter}^ and looking towards the cit}^ a small part}^ of the enem3^ occupying the roadwa}^ near the citadel, were engaged in manoeuvring a four- pound cannon, and firing it. A ball from this cannon struck a few yards in advance of the captain, ricochetted, and, striking the apron of the batter}^ rebounded, hitting the captain between the shoulders. " Had it struck him on its forward march, the subsequent proceedings would have in- terested him no more, and he would have come DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I I I to a full stop, then and there. As it was, how- ever, it did not place him even hors de combat, for he returned to his skirmishers, till recalled about half an hour after. Again, while oc- cupying one of the arches of the aqueduct, two of his men fell, shot by the enemy's guns while their breasts were touching his shoulder blade ; the same shock that struck them also killed a South Carolinian. It came from the mischievous little four-pounder, that had pre- viously saluted the captain. How it got into the arch was discovered sometime after the taking of the city. The ball had struck one of the pillars of the gate, and glancing, it had been turned in the new direction with the fatal results already noted. " Late in the afternoon, Worth had gained the San Cosmo Garita. During the night Santa Anna withdrew his troops from the city, and the civic authorities then surrendered it to General Quitman. This was in the early morning. Immediately after the surrender, we marched in, and occupied the Grand Plaza. At last all was over. The halls of the Monte- zumas were won, and the " Stars and Stripes," floating from the National Palace, was saluted by the thundering roars of our artillery, amid the cheers and wild huzzas of the victorious army. 112 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. '* This ended the lighting part of the war. Some small afifairs took place on the outside, but the object had been gained : and now to consummate a peace. Our troops occupied various positions in and about the valley, but within supporting distance of each other. Soon reinforcements arrived, which insured our safety, and our communications with ' Hail, Columbia ' were again open. Now we would be able to receive news from our friends. We were for eight months cantoned in or near the city, having nothing to do but the ordi- nar}^ duties of camp or garrison life, during which time the captain was for about two months in command of the regiment, the colonel and major being in New York wounded, and the lieutenant-colonel engaged in serving upon a High Court of Commission. " Now you have a history of our doings since my last letter. You will notice that I have carefully avoided the use of the mono- syllable '/,' though perhaps not more modest than the ordinary run of men. The use of that particular word is not very agreeable to me, hence its exclusion here. I have always preferred to let my actions and the official re- cords speak for me. " Hoping you will be able to gather the in- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. II3 tent of my descriptions, and wishing you the best of health and prosperity. " I remain, " Your affectionate brother, " D. E. HuNGERFORD." The following letters were written on paper bearing the seal and stamp of the city of Mexico, captured by the United States forces, and distributed among officers and men as the legitimate spoils of victory. One can well imagine with what eagerness this paper was sought, telling on its face of the glorious triumph of their arms, and enabling them to send words of cheer and comfort to their far-away homes. I am not surprised that Colonel Hungerford has carefully pre- served the record of those bygone days, which to him and his family are fraught with interest that no pen can do justice to. But the reader will easily perceive, and readily enjoy, his description of incident and country, given with genuine good-nature and keen observa- tion, and often with a depth of pathos, which clearly mark the appreciative man. I give the letters verbatim, feeling that to alter would be to mar them. I may, however, be excused for one general remark. Fear, he 15 114 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. appeared to have none, and, at times, he seems to have allowed the poetry of his nature, even among the horrors of war, to illustrate itself by his vivid impressions of the beautiful scenery about him. A light heart enables one to cast his burdens off, and, in his penned lines, his amiability and cheerfulness of disposition are often apparent. One cannot fail to remark the keen judgment and the breadth of view displa3^ed by the 3^oung volunteer officer, which made him a true prophet of the coming events. But I will not anticipate. His letter dated " National Palace and Government House, City of Mexico, Novem- ber tenth, 1847," and written to his brother, says : " Being on guard, and not being able to enjoy that repose so essential to the health and better feeling of the human family, you will pardon me when I say that, for want of other employment, I while away a few moments of a long, tedious night in scribbling a few ' flib-flabs ' for your entertainment. The opportunities for correspondence are not very frequent, and, when an opportunity does come, I generally find subject matter sufficient for two or three letters to my better half ; but at the same time I am not unmindful of the claims of correspondence you have upon me. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. II5 " Since my landing upon the beach near Vera Cruz, on the tenth of March last, I have been an actor and participant in seven distinct and separate engagements, and have, thus far, escaped the leaden messenger of death, although at Churubusco, Chapultepec, and Garita de Belen, I was nearly sent into the presence of the Great Commander-in-Chief of the universe, without orders. At the latter place, on the thirteenth of September, I was ordered to the front in command of two com- panies, to skirmish and drive back the enemy. I was under a fire of four pieces of artillery, and about three hundred muskets, for one hour and a half to two hours, the enemy's artillery being placed in position of cross-fire. While performing this duty, I was struck in the back by a four-pound shot. Don't laugh, though the singularity of the shot made me laugh at the time. When it occurred, I was facing and looking at the gun that threw the shot, which, falling about fifteen paces in advance of me, glanced by me on my right, struck the work, rebounded, and struck me between the shoulder-blades. Soon after, I was ordered in, I took shelter in one of the arches of the aqueduct. I had not been there five minutes, before a round shot was sent in Il6 DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. to the arch, killing two men, and severely wounding three others. The men who were killed were so near me that their breasts touched my back, as we stood under the arch. In another arch I had two men belonging to my company instantly killed by one ball, a four-pounder. Here my first lieutenant was so severely wounded, that he was disabled in consequence for some months. You may judge of my whereabouts, when 1 tell 3^ou that I lost, out of my company, at Churubusco, twenty men and one officer killed and wounded, and at Chapultepec, and the Garita de Belen, two officers and eleven men killed and wounded. I left Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor, with eighty-three men, besides four officers. I now number for duty fourteen men and two officers. One of the latter is a 3^oung officer, promoted from the ranks after our entrance into this city. Those whose bones bleach upon the plains of Mexico cer- tainly deserve the appellation 'the gallant and brave,' while those who have already gone back to their homes, or soon will, carry with them the seal of having borne the brunt of battle, some with but an arm, others a leg, while others, again, carry in different parts of their body the leaden souvenirs which will DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. II7 alwa3^s remind them of the twentieth of August, and the thirtieth of September, 1847. "Since m}^ tarry in this celebrated city of the Aztecs, I have discovered a great living curiosity in the person of a Mr. Samuel Jewett, a cousin. Only think, three thousand miles from home, and find a cousin. He is also from the State of New York, somewhere about Onondaga. He is married to a Mexican lad3^ and has a large family ; this fact alone (I mean the large famil}^) confirms the relationship. I frequenth^ visit his house to while away an afternoon, and improve myself in the ' lingo ' of the Mexicans, indeed, I have become so accustomed to speaking Spanish that I am fearful of losing my mother tongue altogether. " We are at present doing nothing but guard duty, and spending the time in idle- ness. We will be so emplo3^ed until the arrival of the expected reinforcements, when it is thought that our division, General Worth's, will be sent to Querctaro, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles from here. " I have not heard from home in four months ; but, now that communications are established, I expect by this train two bushels tl8 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. •and a half of letters, and a good-sized cartful of newspapers." Again, on February fourteenth, 1848, he writes to his brother, in which he says, " If I do not write a long letter this time, you must pardon me, for I have had a great deal of official writing to get off by this mail, and I am ver}^ tired. *' I have no other battles to recount, since the last ' drubbing ' the}^ got before the gates of their capital. Seiior Don Mexicano (?) evi- dentl}^ does not care about meeting us. By the bye, the}^ got a " capital " flogging there, such a one as they will be likely to remember. A part}^ of Texas rangers visited Orizaba, a short time since, in the hope of capturing Santa Anna, but they succeeded in capturing his regimentals only, he himself escaping b}^ the aid of his cork leg ; this unnatural append- age has made him as famous as the man in the song, Monsieur Herr Von Damn. There are various rumors of peace, none of which can be depended upon. A peace, at the present un- settled state, cannot be consummated, however devoutly wished for. Besides, it would be highly itnpolitic for our government to think of making a peace, until a firm and responsible government was established in the country. DANIEt E. HUNGERFORD. llg There is no confidence to be placed in the thing that they call a government : besides, the people are not united, being almost in a state of insur- rection within themselves. They must be made to feel the full weight of the war, and let them have time for proper reflection, become united, establish a permanent government, and then a peace can be made with safety. At present, if a peace arrangement were to be entered into, we would no sooner be out of the country than they would commence a border warfare, which would last for years, and involve us over again in trouble and ex- pense. It would then become necessary to keep a large force upon our frontiers at an im- mense cost, whereas the resources are now drawn from the enemy, to make him feel the full burden of the war, which, in the course of time, will bring him to his senses, and make him sue from us, in turn, a peace, which he, in his blindness, has refused. Who has ever before heard of a conquering people, suing and begging a peace ? The thing is unparal- leled in the historical records of the w^orld. The lenity shown these Mexicans by the American Government is an example for Euro- pean monarchies to follow. The liberal gener- osity extended to them has been mistaken as a 120 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. weakness in our resources. Why was not the blow, so efifectually struck at Vera Cruz, fol- lowed up ? We there extended to them the olive branch of peace, which they, in their mad insanit3^ declined ! Again, at Cerro Gordo, the peace-offering was made, only to be haughtily spurned. At Churubusco, also, while our arms were shining forth in the brillianc}^ of a victorious sun, our small but sturdy column was withdrawn from the very gates of their capital, to allow them to accept the hand of peace. When the beautiful city of Mexico was at our mercy, which we might have entered without opposition, as they them- selves acknowledged, but, hoping that their na- tional pride would come to the assistance of their understanding, and prompt them to save their nationality ere their capital fell, here again the demon of self-destruction swayed his power. The termination 5^ou know. Our troops took possession of their capital, their armies scattered to the four winds of heaven, their government broken, which they ineffectu- ally tried to patch up at Querctaro. What re- mains to be done ? Nothing but wdiat I pro- posed in the above. To think of making a peace with this remnant of a government would be the maddest folly ; the one proposing DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 12 1 such a thing should be put in a lunatic asylum, out of harm's way. " 1 am in very good health. This is a de- lightful climate, a continual spring. At present, the fruit trees are in full blossom, green vege- tables in plenty the year round. The valley may well be called the paradise of the earth. On either side are steep and lofty mountains, forming a scene far surpassing the fanciful imagination of the artist, the basin of the valle3^ with its greensward, strongly contrast- ing with the snow-capped pinnacle of Popo- catapetl. Here nature's loveliness has her empire, and reigns in majestic grandeur. I must stop, however, in the midst of such glow- ing beauty, for fear that I may turn your ideas from the wilds of Wisconsin to the lovely and fruitful valley of Mexico. " Give my love to my friends." The following report by the colonel of the regiment will be of interest as describing its part in the investment and capture of the city of Mexico. It will be noticed that the gallant captain comes in for his full share of the honors won on the field of battle. The similarity of the official report and the cap- i6 122 DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. tain's own narrative, written hurriedly, is worthy of mention. " To Brigadier-General Shields : " Official report of the part performed by the first regiment United States Volunteers of New York, in the investment and capture of the City of Mexico. "The Volunteer Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Shields, to which my com- mand belongs, left the city of Puebla on the eighth, and encamped at Buena Vista on the sixteenth, in full view of the country sur- rounding the city of Mexico, and arrived at San Augustin, in position for investment, on the nineteenth day of August, 1847. Generals Pillow and Twiggs with the Third, and Worth's division of regulars, left San Augustin on the morning of the nineteenth, and, at three o'clock, p. M., the New York and South Caro- lina regiments were ordered to their support, under Brigadier-General Shields. The regi- ment marched immediately, leaving Major Burnham with a force of about one hundred men, consisting of company C, under com- mand of Captain Barclay, Lieutenants Sher- wood and Boyle, one detachment of thirty-five men of different companies, and twelve sick. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 23 The regiment pursued its way across the ' Pedregai; a series of ledges of rocks and chasms, with great difficulty, and at the deep ravine, through which a torrent falls, some eight or ten lost their way, and returned to San Augustin. At midnight, we reached the village of San Geronimo, in a drenching rain. Every tent was occupied, and our troops, wet and weary, were obliged to stand under arms in the road until daylight, when the enemy's works in the immediate vicinity of the village were' to be stormed by the second division of regulars. We then repaired to the church and other shelters in the neighborhood, by order of General Shields, to prepare our arms for action. As the sun arose, the cheers of the storming party were heard, and our men assembled to meet the legions of the enemy, who were retreating upon the fortifications, near the city of Mexico. We captured three hundred and thirty-six prisoners, and among them were one general, two colonels, and many subaltern officers, with at least two hundred stands of arms, lances, horses, etc. "The regiment was then ordered to return to its former position at the church, from which small commands were sent to overtake straggling parties of the enemy, in which 124 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. they were particularly successful, under the direction of Captain J. P. Ta3dor, and his first lieutenant, A. W. Taylor. At about nine o'clock, A. M., we received orders to advance upon the city of Mexico, leaving company D, and about fifty men of other companies that had not yet returned from scouting, in charge of the prisoners. We marched from the village of San Geronimo, with about three hundred officers and men. After passing through San Angel, and halting for a short time, the second division of regulars engaged the enemy in front of Churubusco. We were soon ordered to countermarch, and directed, with other troops, to the right of the enemy, and reach the rear of his formidable position. The New York regiment was now upon the right of the brigade. We followed the road- way for about a mile, crossed a ditch into low, wet, grounds, pursued our way for about a mile and a half more, through cornfields and marshes, and reached the enemy's right and rear at Los Portales ; the whole, in consequence of the character of the ground in which we had passed, was very much extended, so that a few minutes were lost in forming the regiment to the front. During this time it was discovered that the enemy's works were DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 25 flanked by an embankment, with a deep ditch extending parallel to a roadway for more than a mile in the rear, and to the hacienda of Los Portales. This formidable breastwork and hacienda were occupied by at least three thousand infantry, besides large bodies of cavalry. It was not until our line was formed to charge this work that the enemy was dis- covered with large bodies of other troops endeavoring to turn our left, but we had now reached a point where we were receiving a random fire from the enemy's line, at a distance of about three hundred and fifty yards. The order to charge was received with cheers, and the regiment advanced to within one hundred yards of the enemy's line, under a most terrific fire, in which I was wounded in the left leg by an escapette ball, compelling me to turn over the command to Lieutenant- Colonel Charles Baxter. The regiment as yet being entirely unsupported, it was thought advisable to retire until the South Carolina regiment in our rear would come up and form on our left, which that regiment did in most gallant style. General Shields then ordered the two regiments, or parts of regiments, to charge on the enemy's line, which they did most bravely up to the bayonets of the enem3^ 126 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. brcciking their line, crossing the ditch, and reaching the roadwa3% where we planted the standard of our state and nation. But this advantage was gained at a great loss. Out of less than three hundfed officers and men who entered the field, one hundred and five were killed and wounded. A few were now sent back to see to the dead and wounded. The remnant of the two regiments was again ordered to advance upon the city of Mexico. In advancing, the enemy retired in pretty good order, until we were joined by a piece of artillery captured from the enemy, and com- manded by Captain Ayres of the third regi- ment United States artillery, manned princi- pally by volunteers. This piece was fired several times at the columns of cavalry, after which the enemy retreated in disorder. We were then halted, and ordered back to Los Portales. " In the desperate engagement, where al- most all were heroes, it was difficult to name those who most distinguished themselves, as all who were there may ever remember with pride, that they participated in one of the most daring charges ever made by Americans against an enemy. These were those in the command who were foremost and steadfast in DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 27 every movement, from whom I take occasion to mention : " Lieutenant-Colonel Charles H. Baxter, who had two horses shot under him during the en- gagement ; Captains Garrett, Dyckman, Dan- iel E. Hungerford, Abram Van Olinda, Morton Fairchild, and Lieutenant Mayne Reid com- manding Company B, who particularly distin- guished himself; Jacob Griffin, Jr., Company H ; Charles F. Brower, commanding Company F ; J. Miller, commanding Company A ; John Rafferty, Company K ; Charles S. Cooper, Company A ; Charles H. Innes, Compan}^ G ; James S. McCabe, Compan}^ K ; J. Ward Henry, Compan)^ E ; James D. Potter, Compan}^ I ; T. W. Sweene3^ Company A ; Sergeant-Major James L. O'Reiley, who fell, while gallantly advancing in front of the colors ; Color-Sergeant Romaine, with the national colors, who, after receiving a wound in the right arm, carried the colors in the left, and it was not until he re- ceived the third and mortal wound ; that the colors fell. In falling. Corporal Lake, of the colors, seized it, and was immediately shot dead. Orderly Sergeant Doremus of Company A again saved it from the ground, and carried it throughout the engagement. The State colors were gallantly carried by Sergeant 128 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. Rogers, Company I, during the battle. Or- derl}^ Sergeant Baxter of Company I, O. S. Fitzgerald of Company E, and O. S. Wilson of Company G, who, after being wounded, so that he could not use his musket, assisted Captain Ayres in directing the piece of artiller3^ " Adjutant Robert A. Carter behaved gal- lantly throughout the engagement, and was sent at one time for medical assistance, and during his absence as well as throughout the day. . . . " Captain J. F. Hutton, U. S. Commissary and Lieutenant George B. Hall, assistant quartermaster, assisted the commanding officer and rendered efficient services. " It is with the highest pleasure that I recom- mend to your notice Assistant Surgeon Minor B. Halstead, acting surgeon of the regiment. His skill and activity can be alluded to by you with higher encomiums than m}^ own. He was with the wounded prisoners in the morning, and with our wounded in the evening, and night and day ever since in our hospital, and in attending to the wounded of other corps. He speaks in the highest terms of Dr. John G. McKibben, acting assistant surgeon, who rendered him efficient aid in the perform- ance of his duties. To Dr. Swift, U. S. Army, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 129 I would here return my most sincere thanks for his care and attention. It is with the deepest regret that I mention the death of Lieutenant Edgar Chandler, who fell earl}^ in the action, while fearlessh^ standing by his colors. In conclusion, I will sa}^ for my gal- lant regiment that it was the third occasion we served under the same commander, and with signal success. "Signed, Ward B, Burnett, Colonel Commanding Regiment." The following report b}^ Lieutenant-Colonel James C. Burnham gives the official account of the part the regiment took in the battles of Chapultepec and De Belen. " First up the ditch, first up the enem3^'s works, and the first to place the national flag upon the conquered castle " tells the stor}^ of the valor of the First Regiment on the heights of Chapultepec. Captain Hungerford is well to the front, in the honor and glories of that da}^ One more roll of honor to bear his name. 17 I30 DANIEL E. liUNCERKc^RD. " Report of Lieutenant-Coeonel James C. Burn HAM. " Headcjuarters First Recjiment U. S. Volunteers OF New Y(,)Rk. "City of Mexico, September i6, 1847. "To Captain F. N. Paoe, A. A. Adjutant-General, "Sir : I have the honor to make the follow- ing report of the part taken b}^ the First Regi- ment U. S. Volunteers of New York, in the affairs of the twelfth and thirteenth inst. In the absence of Colonel Ward B. Burnett, who was still confined at the Hacienda iMoscoac from a wound received on the twentieth ultimo at Los Portales, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Baxter was in command of the regi- ment. The regiment, after furnishing the dif- ferent details that had been ordered for a storming part}^ light battalion and batteries, was reduced to two hundred and eighty officers and men. We arrived at Tacub3^a on the morning of the twelfth inst., and were posted, until about eight o'clock on the morning of the thirteenth inst., on the right of the road from Tacub3"a to the city, and near Captain Drum's batter}^ to protect saidbatter3^ About eight a.m., on the thirteenth, as the division filed past the gate on the Tacubya road. Colonel Baxter re- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I3I ceived orders to advance and storm the castle. After proceeding about half a mile, he was or- dered by the general to file by the left by a ranch, through the cornfield. Here we were re- ceived by a shower of grape, canister, and mus- ket balls, when Colonel Baxter fell, severely wounded, leading the charge. I immediately took command, and in ascending the hill, was struck by a spent ball, which disabled me for a few minutes. Notwithstanding the difficult nature of the ground, intersected as it was by numerous ditches, and swept by a galling fire from the enemy, the regiment which I have the honor to command, was the first up the ditch, first in the enemy's works, and the first to place the national flag upon the conquered castle. General Bravo, commanding the gar- rison, surrendered himself a prisoner of war to Charles B. Brower, commanding Company F. The Castle, having surrendered, I was ordered by the general to proceed with my command on the Tacubya road, and was halted at the aqueduct, where the men refilled their cart- ridge boxes. After a short rest, we advanced towards the Garita de Belen, where two skirmishing parties, under command of Cap- tains Taylor and Hungerford, were detailed by order of General Quitman, and rendered essen- 132 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. tial services, in driving the enemy from the batteries at the Garita. A working party was also detailed to carry sand-bags, fill ditches, and make a road under direction of Lieuten- ant Pinto, Company D. Captain Barclay was then ordered to superintend the building of a breastwork, and rendered me efficient aid. As the second in command throughout the day, the Acting Adjutant, Lieutenant Charles Innes, having been wounded about this time, I ap- pointed Lieutenant McCabe, of Company K, in his place, and assigned Lieutenant Francis G. Boyle in command of Company K. "At dusk, a large working party was detailed from the New York and Pennsylvania regi- ments, and placed under the command of Cap- tain Fairchild, in order to erect a battery in front of the Garita, as well as to strengthen our position in other respects. At daylight, the following morning, we marched with the rest of the division into the Capital. " I feel that it is due to Drs. Edwards and Mc Shevey, of the Marine Corps, for their kind at- tention to our wounded during the absence of our surgeon, Dr. M. B. Halstead, who was ordered to remain in charge of the hospital at Muscoac. Captain Hutton, commissary to the regiment, was left in command at Muscoac, and DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 33 was active in forwarding supplies. Captain Van Olinda was killed, gallantly leading his company, and Lieutenant Mayne Reid severely wounded at the head of his company at the hill. "In closing my report, I must do justice to those gallant officers, by particular notice, whose assistance to me both in the attack upon Chapultepec, the advance on the city, added greatly to the brilliant results of the day. They were Captains Barclay, Taylor, Hunger- ford, Fairchild, and Pearson (the latter fell, severely wounded early in the engagement) ; Lieuts. Henry, whose gallantry deserves es- pecial notice, Miller, McCabe, Innes, Brower, Griffin, Green, Boyle, Scannell, Farnsworth, Burning, and Doremus. A list of killed, wounded, and missing in the storming of the castle and the subsequent battle on the road to Mexico is herewith annexed. " I have the honor to be, " Ver}^ respectfully, " Your obedient servant, "Signed. "James C. Burnham, ''''Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding U. S. Regiment." A sad duty for the colonel to perform was making known to sorrowing wives, mothers, 134 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, and children the list of the dead and wounded in his company. Some had given all that man could give, life itself, in defense of country and flag. Let us hope for the fallen a kindly greeting on the eternal shore from the Great Comforter, and may they realize that "sweet is the welcome to the brave, who die thus for their native land," and forever fresh and green may their memory be kept in the nation's gratitude. Messrs. Editors : By publishing the following list of casual- ties occurring in Company G, First Regiment, New York Volunteers, you will confer a favor on many that are interested, who have not yet heard from their friends since the}^ left for the seat of war. Deaths. — Corporal James Abrecht, killed by Mexicans, Puebla, July 13, 1847. Privates John Benjamin died at Puebla, July 9. Peter E. Butcher died at Puebla, September. David Belt died at Vera Cruz, April 5. Bernard Cranmer, killed in battle, Churubusco, August 20. Robert Devoe, killed in battle, Churubusco, August 20. Joseph A. Dennis, Garita de Belen. Orrin Ellwood, died at the City of Mexico in November. Charles J. Hackler died at Puebla, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 35 September. Thomas Ingram died at Moscoac, September ii. Andrew Kline, killed in battle, Cliurubusco, August 20. James Peck died at sea, May. Charles C. Candall died at Puebla, October. Alexander Rodney died of wound received in battle, September 1 7. John Shaw, killed in battle at Garita de Belen. Frank Smith died in hospital at Perote, date unknown. Thomas Topham died in hospital, Puebla, August. Charles Wheeler died at Lobos Is- land, February 27. Wounded a7td otherzuise disabled.— Captain D. E. Hungerford, slightly. First Lieutenant C. H. Innes, slightly, also at Garita de Belen, se- verely. First Sergeant John Wilson, wounded at Churubusco, also at Chapultepec, slightly. First Sergeant D. Montgomery, wounded at Chapultepec, slightly. Corporal C. L. Thomp- son, wounded at Garita de Belen, slightly. Privates : N. Barnes, wounded at Churubusco, slightly. E. Carr, wounded at Churubusco, severely. C. Crapp, wounded at Churubusco, severely. B. De Young, wounded at Churu- busco, slightly. P. Farley, wounded at Churu- busco, severely, lost right arm. A. G. Fiske, twice wounded at Churubusco, severely. M. Finney, wounded at Churubusco, severely, lost right leg. William Hart, wounded at Churu- 136 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. busco severely, lost right leg. Thomas Healey, wounded at Garita de Belen, slightly. J. Mc- Kenney, wounded at the Cit}^ of Mexico, se- verely. J. McGill, wounded at Churubusco, severeh^ John Smith, wounded at Churu- busco, slightl3\ James Smith lost left arm. A. Laun, wounded at Churubusco, se- verely. Lott Swift, wounded at Churu- busco, slightly. V. Van Sl3^ke, wounded at Chapultepec, slightly. P. Berr3^ wounded at Churubusco, slightly. J. O. Donnell, taken prisoner by the enem}', March 10, 1847. Here- gained the company on September i6th, after the entrance into the cit3\ He was beaten in such a manner, while prisoner, as to be disabled. Yours respectfully, D. E. HuNGERFORD, Captain Coiniiia/iding Company. It is alwa3^s more pleasant to award praise when it is not sought. Captain Hungerford has been always willing to let the records speak for him, and it is fitting to quote here a newspaper extract relative thereto from a Nevada journal. [Extract from Territorial Enterprise, Saturday, December lo, 1864.] An Ancient Document. " A friend has shown us a proof slip taken in the office of the New York Military Argus, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, 137 directly after the Mexican War. It appears that about the time the First Regiment, New York Volunteers, returned, some did a large amount of blowing about the glorious feats performed b}^ their valiant selves during the war, much to the disgust of the really brave men who marched with their country's flag; so an official document, of which the slip be- fore us is a proof, was published, giving a list of officers of the First Regiment, who marched with the army under the command of Major- General Winfield Scott upon the City of Mexico, the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth of August, 1847, specifying where each was employed upon the nineteenth and twen- tieth of August, and the eighth, twelfth, thir- teenth, fourteenth of September, 1847. In this roll of honor we find the names of two persons now in this city, Messrs. Hungerford and Burn- ing. According to this official record. Captain D. E. Hungerford fought in the battles of Contreras, San Geromino, Churubusco, Cha- pultepec, Garita de Belen, and the City of Mex- ico. Second Lieutenant Francis Durning fought at the battle of Contreras, San Geromino, Churubusco, Chapultepec, Garita de Belen, and the City of Mexico." While negotiations of peace were going on. DANIEL K. nUNGERFORD. the gallant little arni}^ was resting on its arms in the City of Mexico. Never in the histor}^ of any nation were successes so continuous, and so marvelous. Without the loss of a gun or a flag, they had marched on their conquering way, a distance of three hundred miles, from Vera Cruz to the enemy's capital, with no base of supplies, like Caesar of old, burning their bridges behind them. The enemy were strongly intrenched, everything on their side, their forces far outnumbering ours ; our troops not understanding the language of the country through which they were passing. With our advance, ever}^ step was hazardous, ever}^ height of importance capped by a strong cita- del, the hills between blown over by hurri- canes of sand, till, according to the captain's own description, the bivouacs of the soldiers resembled mounds of snow. But in the lexicon of that army there was no such word as " fail." The flag they carried must find a lodgment, and wave victoriously over the Mexican capital, if it took every man of them to do it, and the}?" were to find a grave beneath the enemy's sandy hills. Did they succeed ? You, I, America, the world know the story. It has covered that little army with imperishable re- nown, and while one veteran remains, he DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 39 should have a claim on one and all of aflfection- ate gratitude. In the United States, enthusiastic celebra- tions were marking the joy of the people at the triumph of the nation's heroes, for such they had now become ; and well may their praises be sung, for this, the third time in the history of the world, the spectacle was pre- sented of a young republic so strong in its prin- ciples and the affections of its people, that, in the hour of its danger, it was able to furnish from every rank of its citizens, soldiers to whom the finest legions of Napoleon were not superior. In the interim, while awaiting the signing of the treaty of peace, the army could at last enjoy a little well-earned repose. They re- lieved the monotony by various amusements. Though conquerors among the conquered, by their magnanimity of conduct, and the scrupu- lous regard shown for persons and property, the population was rendered less hostile to them than they expected. Balls were given in many places. All the theaters were open, arid gambling games occupied most of the hotels and places of resort. Many excursions were made, by both officers and men, to the mines, and other places of interest in the vicinit}^ 140 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. The volcano of Popocatapetl and the pyramid of Cholula were often visited. In this way the time was passed ; but the greatest joy was that they were now enabled to hear from the loved ones at home more frequently. In the volunteer divisions many swords, spurs, etc., were presented by the different companies to the favorite officers. They were generally accepted. An attempt was made by the Captain's company to present him with a sword ; but his strict ideas of what con- stituted proper military discipline would not permit him to accept it. When he learned that such a thing was in contemplation, he sent for his orderly sergeant, and asked him how the company was getting on, and what was that paper circulating among them ? The sergeant after some hesitation replied that they were raising a subscription to present him with a sword. The sergeant was surprised at the answer the captain made him. Said he, " Go right back to the company, and stop that immediately. If I hear any more about it, I will put the whole company in the guard-house. They are neither to approve nor disapprove of my conduct. " The captain rightly thought that it would seem ill to command the necessary discipline over his men, by the force of a gifted DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I4I sword. Nothing more was heard of the sword after that ; but the men saw that their captain had illustrated most effectively that duty for duty's sake, and not for the com- mendation of others, should guide the true soldier, whether he be found in the ranks, or wearing the epaulettes of the officer. This incident only increased the popularit}^ of the captain among his men. Indeed, they had many times to experience his watchfulness and fatherly care over them ; they knew he had no likes or dislikes for them, except that he loved the good soldier, and hated, loathed the bad one. One little fact, among many that might be cited, will show how his thoughtf ulness and keen regard for their interests endeared him to them. The sum of twenty-one dollars was allowed each member of the company for his equipment of clothes, etc., and it was disbursed through the captain of the company. It was ex- pected, or rather the army contractors expected, that the soldiers would promptl57' expend all of that money in the purchase of the necessary articles. But the contractors were not going to squeeze every cent out of Captain Hungerford's men, if the captain could prevent it, so he promptly explained to the men that only the uni- form and one or two other things were required 142 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. to be standard, the remainder could come from their own store of clothes. The consequence was that the contractors did not get all the money from Captain Hungerford's compan3^ owing to the vigilance of the captain, but, on the other hand, when the army had entered the city of Vera Cruz the captain was enabled to return to every man in his company a part of the twenty-one dollars, accompanied by the full statement of the number and price of each article drawn. It was a great surprise to them, as they had never expected to receive a penn}^ of it, but their captain was thinking of them and guarding their interests more than they had anticipated. Returning to the incident of the sword, the captain had declined a similar presentation from his friends before leaving New York, sa}^- ing he had not yet won such a distinguished honor, but that if he lived to return, and his conduct had been such as to merit their esteem, he would be only too proud to receive such a testimonial from his fellow-citizens. Until that time, however, he could not feel justified in being the recipient of an expectant appro- bation. " As I behave, so reward me," he said. "'Well done, faithful servant' is sufficient reward for me, which I doubt not, if deserv- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 43 ing, you will award." To such sentiments he has alwa3^s most strenuously adhered, keeping up the character of an officer and a disciplinarian, while with the warmest of hearts, looking to the interest and well-being of his men, at the same time maintaining the dignity of the commander. But to return to Mexico. An election hav- ing been held, and a new and more responsible government having been established, with whom we could with safety negotiate, the treaty of " Guadaloupe Hidalgo " was signed. Soon after its ratification the various divisions received their instructions from the War De- partment for evacuating the country, which was effected in a most orderly and considerate manner, thus ending a campaign of wonderful successes, without a single defeat or reverse, fighting against a vastly superior number, be- hind fortifications placed in most favorable positions for defense, fortifications pronounced by our engineer officers to be equal to any in Europe. The Mexican Engineer-in-chief had received his English education in an educational estab- lishment in Bond street, New York, from which he graduated with distinguished honors. The Faculty of the school, after the war, gave 144 DANIEL E. HUNCiERFORD. a banquet in honor of Captain Hungerford, in recognition of the humane treatment to the gallant enemy whom he had taken prisoner at Chapultepec. They further testified their ap- preciation of his soldierly and manly conduct, b}^ presenting him with many letters of intro- duction and recommendation to numerous high oificials and distinguished persons in Cuba and Mexico, should he have occasion to visit those countries. This banquet will ever be a pleasing souve- nir in the captain's memory. The First Regiment of Volunteers was re- ceived in New York on its return with ever}^ demonstration of joy and gratitude. Its fame had preceded its coming. After its brilliant record during the war, and in deference to the united wish of the people of the cit)^ and State, it was deemed that a public and appropriate reception under the direction of the municipal authorities should be tendered them on their arrival in the cit}^ as a testimonial of the esti- mation entertained by their fellow-citizens of the gallant bearing of the regiment, shown in those most brilliant triumphs of American arms, which marked their victorious march through Mexico, especially at the battle of Churubusco and the storming of Chapultepec, at both of DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I45 which places it displayed a courage and a heroism which justly distinguished it as one of the bravest regiments of the whole army. The common council held several meetings, and made the necessary arrangements for the reception. They but expressed the feelings of ever}^ one in the unanimous resolution passed in which they said that it became a great and magnanimous people, while rejoicing in the restoration and blessings of peace, to be mind- ful also of those whose personal sacrifices, privations, and valor won a boon so grateful to humanity. Every man comprising our small arm}^ in Mexico was expected to do his duty, and it appears that the individual conduct, fortitude, and bravery of our own volunteers fully sustained the expectations of their fellow- citizens, elevating the standard and militar)^ standard of their country at home and abroad, deserving alike the gratitude and benediction of a free people. They therefore thought that the city of New York — not unmindful of the merit and services of those brave men who volunteered to represent her in the army of our common country upon the soil of Mexico — should .welcome their country, families, and friends, with grateful acknowledgments for the faithful and brilliant manner in which they 19 146 DANIEL E. TTUNGERFORD. have fulfilled their duties in nobly sustaininj^ our honor and flag on the battlefields of Mex- ico, in their moderation in victory, in their hu- manity to the sick and wounded of the enemy, as well as their irrepressible energy and valor in action. The regiment having arrived at Fort Hamil- ton from Vera Cruz, the twenty-seventh of July was designated as the day of their recep- tion. On the morning of that day the common council, accompanied by many distinguished visitors, proceeded in a steamboat to Fort Hamilton, where the regiment embarked in the presence of a large crowd that had assem- bled to witness their departure, and amid the booming of the artiller}^ of the fort. As the boat neared the city, and swept past the bat- tery, it was greeted by the discharge of cannon, and the citizen soldierl}^ and a vast multitude of the people assembled there to welcome the return of those men after their participation in some of the most brilliant triumphs of American valor. It was, indeed, a grand wel- come to the returning heroes. Arrived at Castle Garden, the highest honor they could receive, a national salute thundered forth its greeting ; and as they marched ashore, "Home, sweet Home" was played by the band, while DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 147 the immense gathering gave vent to their feel- ings in deafening and long-continued cheer- ing. His honor, Ma3^or Havemeyer, then ad- dressed the regiment, welcoming them back with grateful heart and a pride of their gal- lant deeds animating their fellow-citizens. Colonel Burnett fittingly and modestly replied, after which the regiment re-formed and marched through the city. All the available military organizations in the State were called out, and many volunteer companies took part in the parade. The reception that the gallant and patriotic First New York received, as they marched through the various streets, was all that the most sanguine heart of them could have desired. Bunting was flying everywhere, and the whole city seemed to be in the streets to do them honor. Thousands had come from the neighboring towns to mingle their applause and huzzas of welcome to returned heroes. The tattered flags, torn uniforms of officers and men, and the man}^ gaps in their ranks told a tale that touched the hearts of those thousands of inhabitants and strangers that densely crowded the streets, filled the windows and balconies, and lined the tops of the houses and public buildings along the route of the 148 DANIEL E.^UNGERFORD. procession. Everywhere the}^ were received by the heartiest and most enthusiastic demon- strations of joy at their return, and admiration of their bravery. When the procession was over, they marched back to Castle Garden, which was filled to the doors by the military, eminent citizens and strangers and others. Here the ma)^or and the several committees were waiting to receive them. The national and regimental colors and two guide flags were presented to the ma3^or, followed by an- other, a flag given to the regiment by General Scott after the battle of the City of Mexico. This flag had been made by the ladies of Mexico. Appropriate and feeling speeches accompanied the presentations. After this part of the ceremony, the medals, which were voted b}^ the common council to be bestowed on officers and men, were presented. This concluded the reception. The regiment, re- forming, embarked, and accompanied by man}^ distinguished officers and citizens, landed at the fort, where leave was taken of them. Thus ended a day never to be forgotten by the gal- lant participants, nor by a single one of those thousands who assembled from all parts to honor those to whom the country owed so much. New York has seen many days of DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 149 public joy and demonstration, but never in the memory of those who have survived that oc- casion has there ever been an event of such a touching character, and marked by such un- bounded enthusiasm penetrating every rank of the community. Old and 3^oung, rich and poor, had that day united in a spontaneous and unparalleled welcome to the country's heroes. Truly it can be said, at least on this occasion, that republics are not ungrateful, for ours, by the enthusiastic joy with which its people received its citizen-soldiers, was neither ungrateful to, nor unmindful of, those brave men who had risked their all for their country, offering up their lives on the altar of pure patriotism. The twenty-seventh of July will forever remain a lustrous day in the annals of the great commonwealth of the Empire State. CHAPTER IV. Mustering out of the service of the United States — Offer of Governinent position — Discovery of gold in California — Off to the mines — Arrival at Vera Cruz — Pushing through the forest — Privations and sufferings — A meeting in the wilderness — Reaches San Francisco. A FTER the ceremonies of reception and ^~^ the return to the fort, the Captain com- menced his preparations for mustering out of the service of the United States Govern- ment. Tlirougli his attention to details, and tidelity in the care of what was entrusted to him, he was able to make out his muster roll and final reports, accounting accurately for each man and his account, and for all property received during a two 3^ears' ser- vice, in the short spaice of time of two hours and a half. Many captains whose arrival at the fort preceded his by twelve days, were retarded by from three to fifteen da3^s, owing to the additional time required for the settlement of their account. This shows how well the Captain had profited by his I DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I5I study of the army regulations, while he was stationed at the fort. His final accounting with the government having been duly audited and found correct, he was enabled to receive his pay, and an additional three months' extra allowance, more than two months before any other officer in the regiment. This speaks most favorably for his prompt- ness and accuracy. In fact, it became neces- sar}^ for Congress to pass an amnesty act, exonerating volunteer officers from further liability and accountability, while doing service in the War with Mexico. But the Captain, as we have seen, had no need to take advan- tage of the amnesty. Mone3^s, camp and gar- rison equipage, ordnance stores, in a word everything, even to the last flint of a musket, were all rigidh' accounted for by him. The citizens of his ward, desirous of honoring him for his gallant services, called a meeting, with the object of presenting him with a suitable testimonial. One of the com- mittee appointed b}^ the meeting had the indelicacy to Ccill on the Captain, and asked him what he would like to have. The Cap- tain replied that he had merely done his dut}^ like so many others, but as the}^ had already 152 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. decided to convey to him in that manner the expression of their sentiments, he could not refuse to accept their testimonial. Since he was asked as to his choice of the object, he would take the liberty of suggesting a sword, epaulets, or pair of spurs, or any- thing that would bear the appropriate mili- tary signification. The committee, however, held that a watch would be of more utility, seeing that the war had ceased. The Cap- tain naturally did not debate the subject with them. They purchased a very valuable watch, had suitable inscriptions engraved thereon, and made preparations for a splendid ban- quet, but on the day before the presentation was to come off, the Captain took the boat for Albany, and he does not know to this da}^ what became of that banquet, at which the principal figure would have been missing. If the gift had been a sword, or anything pertaining to the militar}^ service, the Cap- tain would have been most happy to receive it, but having already a costly watch to remind him of the passing moments, he felt no necessity to have two. Though he did not choose to accept the watch, he, neverthe- less, was highly appreciative of the kind DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 53 wishes and sentiments of the citizens of his ward, which prompted them to honor him in that way. His business connection having suffered during his absence in the army, on his re- turn many of liis friends interested them- selves to have him appointed to a position in the Custom House. This was not diffi- cult to do, owing to the gallant record of the Captain. His name was second on the list, and he was about being named for the office. This, however, did not meet with the Captain's approbation, and as soon as the mat- ter was brought to his attention, he took im- mediate steps to have his name erased, saying that he did not do service in Mexico to obtain a political office, and he did not wish an}^ one to have the chance of accusing him of being a Democrat for the bread and butter he ate. This incident only illustrates those that have preceded it. His principles did not allow him to accept the honorable and profit- able employment that was offered him, be- cause it conflicted with his high standard of honor, so, notwithstanding the sacrifices its refusal entailed, he would not yield to the entreaties of his friends. About this time the country was fired by 154 DANIEL E. HUNGERFURD. the news of the discover}^ of gold in California. New York, like other cities, was excited and stirred up by the marvelous tales told of the new El Dorado. Captain Hungerford was casting about for some opportunity for the development of his energies. Now a held presented itself. It appealed forcibly to his adventuresome disposition, besides the hope of securing the pecuniar}^ rewards. Cali- fornia was three thousand miles away, at the other end of the continent, but he did not hesitate an instant. He quickl}^ made the necessar}" arrangements, bid good-bye to his \ wife and famil3% and like other brave-hearted and courageous men, he pushed out from New York, and set his face toward the land of gold. He arrived at Vera Cruz the mid- dle of February, 1849, ^t twelve o'clock, mid- day. In three hours the quick-moving Captain had left the walls of the cit}^ behind him, on his way to the Capital, which he finally reached without molestation. An incident took place on the route which showed his coolness and courage. He had been informed that ladrones or robbers infested the road. At Jalapa, the Captain was pointed out the chief of the band, but, instead of displaying an}^ fear of the famous bandit, the Captain DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 55 walked right up to him and notified him that he was starting out on the road that night, and if he were going to attack him he would be ready to meet him. The des- perado of great renown was dumbfounded, but made no reply, thinking probably that he would have too warm a reception from that particular party. So the Captain and his friends, owing to his daring, were allowed to pursue their way in peace, being spared the usual fate of many others. They remained three days at the Capital, the Captain renewing acquaintances^ pur- chasing horses, and preparing to proceed on the long journey to the Pacific coast. Again taking up the march, the adventuresome band arrived at Guadalajara, there making another halt of three days to rest his men and ani- mals ; setting out again, refreshed and eager, he finally arrived at Mazatlan, on the Pacific coast. There he purchased a small schooner, of about forty tons. He had determined to go b}^ sea from that point to San Francisco. In the harbor was the English frigate In- constance, whose gallant captain was Sir Charles Courtne3^ a true Briton admirer of pluck and daring. The adventuresome Cap- tain received a royal welcome from him, and 156 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. was the recipient of many courtesies at his hands. He visited the ship quite often, and was allowed the privilege of copying maps and charts of the coasts. Besides, other kind as- sistances were rendered him. The genuine hospitalit}^ extended him b}^ Captain Courtne}^ was the most pleasing remembrance of the whole trip, and is always borne in grateful memory b}^ him. Captain Hungerford was occupied for two weeks in fitting out the frail little bark. His knowledge of sailoring and navigating was of the most meagre description, but he readil}^ adapted it to the work at hand. At Mazatlan the Captain found twent3^-seven Americans, gold-seekers like himself, who had reached there, but were unable to proceed further, being absolutely destitute. The}" had come from the Southern States, through New Mexico and Texas ; the}" too had tramped many a mile. Joyfully the two adventuresome bands greeted each other. But what was to be done ? The Captain's resources were slender, the boat already crowded, and he had the greatest difficulty in looking after his own men. But his heart was touched at the distress of his countrymen. He could not leave them behind; so, notwithstandino: the sacrifice, he o:enerouslv DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 57 agreed to take them on board, and whatever extra expense was incurred the}^ could settle when they arrived at San Francisco. Putting to sea in their little craft, the}^ were greeted with heart}' cheers and "bon vo3^age" from the gallant tars of the '' /neons ^ance," led b}^ their captain, the sailors having manned the rigging, to wish the brave hearts a God- speed. The cheers were heartih^ returned from the deck of the schooner, and waving adieu the}^ boldh^ set sail for the golden shores of California. But the winds were not propitious. After a tedious twent}^ da3^s of calm in the Gulf of Cortes, now knowm as Gulf of California, the}' reached San Jose del Cabo, near Cape San Lucas. Here they took aboard fresh supplies of water, meat, and vegetables, and again started out. Reach- ing the cape he put out to sea for eighty or a hundred miles ; returning, he would find the same rock of the cape to meet their anxious gaze. The little boat, having a round or egg-shelled bottom, and no keel, could only hold her own with the fresh, northwest winds which prevailed, blowing down along the coast. What an agonizing delay to those adventuresome spirits, burning with the de- sire to reach the El Dorado — twenty-one 158 DANIEL E.^UNGERFOkD. da3^s of this fruitless endeavor! At last he put in at San Jose del Cabo, the point he started from, where he abandoned the schooner. A consultation was then held; the result was that the Captain, selecting ten trusty men, determined to finish the hazardous journey b}^ land, though he knew he would have to travel fourteen hundred miles through an unknown country, beset with dangers and swarming with hostiles. But men of his stamp do not count perils, so they fearlessl}^ pushed forward. The others remained on board, and going back to Mazatlan, they sold the schooner, obtained passage on a steamer which had come round Cape Horn, and arrived at San Francisco some time in ad- vance of their more adventuresome comrades. The Captain and his followers left San Jose in April, and from the day of starting out all was hardship and privation. Had it not been for the grim resolution and indefatigable energ}^ of the Captain, more than one would have fallen b}^ the way overcome by fatigue and sufferings. For four days the}^ were without food, three da3^s without water. Gnawing hunger, burning thirst, and intense physical exertions were their lot, 3^et the}^ pressed on. For sixteen da3^s the3^ rode through a sand3^ DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 59 desert, from habitation to habitation, without shelter or food for man or beast. To this day tlie Captain remembers the experience with a shudder. He does not think that in all God's terrestrial domain there is a spot of country so desolate and so barren as that which the}^ passed through on that never-to- be-forgotten sixteen-da^'s' ride. Onl}^ the determined character of the Anglo-Saxon could have surmounted such obstacles and sufferings. At El Rosario, a small hamlet, they secured suificient to keep body and soul together ; from there they dragged on footsore and weary, till, coming to a small settlement, they saw a sight which gladdened and thrilled their hearts to the core. The American flag waving in the breeze greeted those exhausted but strong-hearted pioneers from afar. And that starry banner was fl3ang over territory which their valor and heroism had made all their own. No storm-tossed mariner on a tem- pestuous sea ever beheld the long-watched- for beacon light with more heartfelt joy than did those brave men, when the)^ gazed upon the national emblem of their countr3^ in that far awa}^ hamlet. Surely, the words of the poet found no response in the breasts of those weary travelers, when he said, — l6o DANIEL E, IIUNCERFORD. " Breathes there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself has said, This is my own, my native land ? " San Diego was the name of the place, and a gcirrison of three companies of U. S. infantry was stationed there. Here tlie Captain found his friend and former companion in arms, Lieutenant Tom Sweene}^ (now Brig-Gen. Thomas W. Sweeney, a one-armed veteran on the retired list of the U. S. Arm^^), formerly of his regiment, and who had been trans- ferred to' the regulcir arm}^ From him the Captain and his followers received ever}^ attention and assistance, in their dire and pitiable condition. Now the hardships were over ; from thence to San Francisco all was without incident, till he entered the Plaza, Portsmouth Square, the second of July, 1849. To reach there he had made a journey of six months and three da3^s ; he had undergone sufferings, priva- tions, and hardships. But now all was for- gotten. He had retained what he had started out with — a strong heart, unflinching courage, and unbounded energy. These were the qualities that would be bound to tell. One without them had no place nor right in that community. CHAPTER V. Early days in California — In business — Losses by the flood — Studies medicine — Organizes " Sierra " Bat- talion — vSword presentation — Burned oiit — Relieving distress — Fighting the Indians — Explores Pyramid Lake. T^HE gold fever had drawn from every class. Among those sturd}^ pioneers were law- yers, doctors, men of family note and educa- tion. Most of them, indeed all of them, had no fixed purpose, except to reach the land of promise. All were willing to set aside the prejudices of caste and education, in their endeavor to obtain what passes current every- where, and is the open sesame to the world's friendship. In consequence, the professional man could often be seen at the most humble occupation, feeling that he suffered no de- gradation from the contagion of honest labor. There was no waiting for something to turn up. Every one went to work at the first oppor- tunity offered, content to remain in a tem- porary position, until time and circumstances would justify a suitable change. Mere labor- l62 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. ers received fabulous rates of pay, and even by digging dirt, a man could in a short time accumulate a considerable sum. Idlers have no place in our S3^stem of society, and, in the early days of California, there were assuredl}^ no drones in that hive of busy bees. The American character adapts itself readily to time and place, and the phenomenal develop- ment of the Pacific coast, unparalleled in the history of civilization, is the most striking example of it. There has been so much written on the early days of California, and the stirring incidents have been related and commented upon so fully, that it would be superfluous to go over the ground here, though the history of that time will never be without interest to the manhood and youth of our country, and always thrilling in the memory of the actual participants. There were no wharves then in San Fran- cisco, and all freights coming into that port were discharged by means of lighters. Captain Hungerford was not long in finding something to do. He was offered the position of superin- tendent of three or four bateaux to do the lightering of several large vessels. He ac- cepted, and his salary was fixed at twenty DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 63 dollars per day. The men received an ounce of gold, or sixteen dollars a day, for their labor. At that time, indeed, the laborer was worth}^ of his hire, and needed no " protection." From lightering the Captain became a merchant, and, tinder the firm name of Simon & Co., he conducted a general store on Clark's Point, then a hill, just under Telegraph Hill, now the junction of Broadway and Sansome streets. The winter of 1849-50 was one of the hardest known in the histor}^ of California. The town being built mostly of canvas houses was ill fitted to withstand the severity of that season; the heav}^ winds, rains, and storms, often leveling the insecure habitations and places of business. Those sturdy pioneers who ma}^ still be living will readil}^ remember the mud lakes in the street. On Montgomery, from Pacific and Washington streets, the side- walks were built up with sacks of beans and cases of tobacco, two and a half feet in height. Many crossings, of the principal streets were made of corduroy and plank, placed on short piling. The visitor of to-da3^ and the people of San Francisco of the present generation, little know of the suffering and deprivation of those times, that tried men's soles and boots, worth one hundred and fifty dollars a pair. 164 DANIEL E, IIUNGEREURD. The heavy rains had caused a great deal of damage, and it was the Captain's misfortune to be one of the sufferers. The frail structure wherein his business was conducted had be- come undermined by the floods, and the owner, not thinking it worth while to repair it, since it was to be demolished the following spring, the Captain compromised by relin- quishing his lease. Winter having come, and business being suspended on account of lack of communication with the mines, the Captain closed up his affairs, having amassed a consid- erable sum as the result of his energy and hard work. Now he was stricken down. Pneumonia had followed a severe cold, and dysentery set in with it. All through the winter, and late into the spring, he struggled with these grim enemies, but his grit and determination carried him through, as they had done before. While still convalescent, thin and emaciated, but with all the vim of his former self, he started for the mines. Again the raging element was against him. The flood which swept Sacramento City carried with it his stock-in-trade, with which he was trying to reach the mines. However, nothing daunted, he continued his course on to Marysville, thence to Forster's Bar, on the DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. 1 65 Yuba River. Here he met with many ups and downs. He engaged in various trades and occupations, carr5dng on butcliering, black- smitliing, mining, auctioneer, law ; anything tliat was honest and would prove profitable, everything going on at the same time. He employed a large number of men, and any one at all capable was generally taken in and given a chance at Hungerford's. He was, in theatrical parlance, a " general utility " man, always on the stage and able to respond to every call. During the summer he was robbed by Jim Stewart, a notorious character, who afterwards suffered for his man}^ misdeeds, being hanged by the Vigilance Committee at San Francisco. The Captain sustained a loss of nearl}^ five thousand dollars, a portion of which, however, he subsequently recovered. Another winter was passed amid the snow and inclemencies of the bleak Sierra Nevadas. In the spring of '51 he pushed on further up the Yuba to the Forks, now known as Downie- ville Count}^ seat of Sierra County. Here he formed a partnership with Dr. C. D. Aiken, and commenced the drug business, the Doctor practising his profession, and the Captain, under his guidance, attending to the commer- cial affairs of the firm. For five years the 1 66 DANIEL E. IIUNGEKFOKI). copartnership lasted. During this time he had learned thoroughly the drug business, and, having the advantage of the Doctor's practice, and the Count}^ Hospital close by, he was also enabled to acquire a training in the medical profession. He was an industrious, hard student ; many a midnight taper he burned, poring over his books. But for him, like all other successful men, what was worth doing at all was worth doing well, and, in all his undertakings through life, he applied himself with a zeal and perseverance that compelled success. Civil pursuits, however, did not wean the Captain from his military tastes. The old love was not extinguished. During this time he organized the "Sierra Guards," a military organization belonging to the State Militia. This action on the Captain's part roused the patriotism and military ardor of the people, and helped to turn a part of their attention from the wild pursuit of sordid gain. Four other companies were raised in the county, forming the Sierra Battalion, of which he was elected, and commissioned. Major Commanding. Now he was in his element ; he devoted all his energies to his command, and soon himself and men had won quite a reputation for drill- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 167 ing and efficiency of organization. Indeed, his popularity was such that, in 1855, the Sierra Guards presented him with a magnificent sword. The following description of the occa- sion is taken from a newspaper of the da}^ "On Monday, the eighth inst, Col. R. H. Taylor, on behalf of the Sierra Guards, pre- sented a magnificent gold-hilted dress sword to Major Daniel E. Hungerford, their chief officer, as a testimonial of respect for a soldier who distinguished himself in the War with Mexico, as well as their appreciation of a gen- tleman who needed not such distinction to ensure the friendship and respect of his fellow- citizens and associates. " The sword, a most elegant and costly speci- men of workmanship, bears on the scabbard the following inscription : MAJOR DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, From the Sierra Guards, January 8, 1855. Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Chapultepec, Garita de Belen. " Our Volunteers were there." " It was expected that Harlow B. Cossett would make the presentation, inasmuch as he 1 68 DANIEL E. I1UN(;ERE(JR1). was mainly instrumental in getting up this most deserved and appropriate present; but, owing to Mr. Cossett's legal engagements that day^ the sword was presented by Col. Taylor, after a ver}^ appropriate extempore address, in which he spoke eloquently of the distinguished services of New York's sons, not only in Mex- ico, but on other fields of strife. We regret that our limited space will not permit a full report of his remarks, but we must content ourselves and our readers by quoting onh^ the closing words of the address ; he said : " 'This blade is of true steel ; and in the day of trial, hereafter as before, be true as steel to your friends and to your country. The blade is bright, so were your own brave deeds upon the battle-fields of Mexico, in behalf of that proud banner of our Republic. It is bright, so is the recollection of 5^our services in the hearts of your comrades in arms, and of those who this da}^ surround 3^ou. It is bright, so may your pathway be through this life, where- ever the star of 3^our destiny may guide you. The hilt of this good sword is bound with silver, firmh^ bound ; ma}^ it be long 3^ears be- fore "the silver cord" of your life may be loosened, "or the pitcher broken at the foun- tain, or the wheel broken at the cistern " ; the DAXiKi. E. iiu.\(;f:rford. 169 scabbard is gilded with the glow of the most precious of metals ; so ma}^ 3^our own deeds untarnished glow with golden light, while you shall remain on this terrestrial camping- ground, and, when at last you shall march forward at the great roll-call hereafter, may your field of dut}^ be in a land whose golden brilliancy shall be undimmed for ever." Major Hungerford replied as follows : " ' Col. Taylor, and Gentlemen of the Sierra Guards : It is with pleasure and pride that I receive this beautiful memento of your appro- bation, though I fear that, in this instance, the merit has been over-rated. Be that as it may, your kindness of to-da}^ will be by me remem- bered with gratitude, and it shall, if opportu- nit}^ ever presents, be my incentive to such conduct as may be more deserving of such a mark of your consideration. " * The inscription engraved upon the scab- bard of your testimonial brings vividly to my mind scenes in which it was my good fortune to be a humble participant, the result of which, I leave to your kind indulgence, and the pages of our countrj^'s history. What wonder is it that our arms are brilliant with gallant deeds, when such reward awaits the soldier's return ? I accept this splendid sword from the Sierra 22 170 DANTKI. K. irUN(;EKF()RD. Guards, and here, in the presence of this as- semblage, I dedicate it to the service of m}^ country, subject to its calls, whether it be on a foreign shore, defending her rights, punishing her wrongs, or upon our soil, repelling an in- vading foe, or, worst of all that can befall a nation, a civil strife, threatening her nation- ality, — to any and all of which I most sacredl)^ volunteer its good steel, trusting in the God of Battles for strength to wield its' bright blade in the cause of liberty and the rights of man, justice, and the honor of my country.' '' The Guards made a fine appearance that day. It would be hard to find a finer looking little company an3^where ; the company was formed at the instance of Major Hungerford, and ver}^ apt scholars have the}^ been of a ver}^ accomplished instructor." That sword, presented thirty-five years ago in a presentation speech well worthy of being remembered^ and of his remembrance, was, in the Major's well-chosen words, dedicated to the service of his countr}^ at home and abroad, and his career has been an echoing fulfillment of the promises made there, that no tarnish should ever rest upon its bright blade. The true soldier, the cultivated man, the good hus- band, the kindly father, — well may his family A 9 • DANIEL E. HUNCxERFORD. 17I and descendants cherish and revere his well- marked life. The reader will not fail to remark the fore- sight and penetration of the gallant Major, when he sa)^s in his words of acceptance : "or worst of all that can befall a nation, a civil strife, threatening her nationality." The sound of the rumblings, which betokened the up- heaval that was so soon after to come upon our fair land, had been heard b}^ the young officer, when the}" had not reached the ears of veterans and gra^Mieaded statesmen. The shot at Sumter found in him no w^averer. Long before he had resolved that, when war came, which he clearh^ saw would come, the army that bore the "Stars and Stripes" at its head would be the army on whose muster rolls the name of Daniel E. Hunger ford would appear. During this 3"ear his famih^ joined him, and the joys and sweets of domestic bliss were his to cheer him in his labors. But he was to be again tried ; a fire broke out ; the devouring flames consumed ever^^thing, and sturd}" hearts saw their all vanish in the pitiless smoke of a great conflagration. Of that bustling town hardl}" a stone upon a stone was left. But there were no weeping and sitting on the ruins 172 DANIEL E. HUNC.ERFORD. for that community. Ere the smoking embers had ceased to burn the sound of the hammer and buzz of the saw were heard, and, with the slender materials at hand, larger and more substantial homes were built, and soon the sun shone on happy homes and contented peo- ple. The Captain and his Doctor partner were foremost in the work of " reconstruction." In such disaster and sufferings the}^ felt their time, energy, and assistance belonged to their fellow-men. The gratitude of those they be- friended was their rich reward. The Captain hired a large building on the outskirts of the cit3^ fitted it up, and gave accommodation to many homeless people ; and, though fabulous prices would have been gladl}^ paid to obtain shelter, he would not accept an}^ compensation whatever, except an insignificant sum from each, just enough to cover the hire of the building, which it was impossible from his own means to defra}^ War, fire, and flood had now sorely proved the Captain, though in all his misfortunes he had never failed to lend a helping hand to his fellow-creatures in distress. The Captain, or Major, as we must call him now, and his kind- hearted wife, unostentatiously did man}^ acts of kindness and charitv, which endeared them DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 73 to the people of the town. Unselfish deeds always bring their own reward, and this reflec- tion has consoled them when some of those they befriended were forgetful in their grati- tude. Reverses only make more persevering the courageous heart; and in spite of all his troubles and difficulties, which would have discouraged many a man of sterner stuff, the Major spurred on in his endeavors, feeling that the "tide in the affairs of men " would soon take a more favorable turn. The Territory of Utah, particularly that portion which bordered upon California, known as Washoe, had been reported to be a rich mineral district. Tales were told of the wonderful finds, and, as in every new discov- ery, it was thought to be richer than an}^ pre- ceding it. Many flocked to the region. The Major, always on the alert and quick-acting, heard the news, and, in the spirit of adventure, and the hope of bettering his condition, set out for Virginia City. Arriving there, he found the town in a state of great excitement. The day before, intelligence had been received of the horrible massacre on the Carson River, May, i860. Men, women, and children were gathered in the streets, and terror and conster- 174 DANIEL ETHUNCJERFORr). nation were depicted on ever}^ face. Many thought that the Indians would swoop down and butcher every one in cold blood, as they had done with their fellow-citizens at Carson River. All business was stopped, and nothing was talked about or discussed but the threat- ened Indian attacks. Those who have never lived in those earl}^ mining towns cannot form any appreciate idea of the daily dread of the people, constanth^ living in the fear of burn- ing and massacre by the bloodthirsty savages. Meetings were held at Virginia City, Car- son, Gold Hill, and Silver City by the excited citizens to take means for defense. What was to be done ? There were few, if any, arms ; and men without weapons could be little or no use against the Indians. It was known, however, that the Major had arrived, and it was also known that he, being in command of the Sierra Battalion, had under his control, just across the borders of the State and Territory, arms and ammunitions. A committee was, therefore, appointed to Wciit on him, and ask him to fur- nish arms, etc., for their protection, and to fit out an expedition to fight the Indians. The Major, while fully recognizing the gravit}^ and peril of the situation, replied to the citizens that he was an officer of the State of Califor- DANIEL E. HUNGEREORD, I 75 nia; the arms, etc., under his control were the property of the State of California, and it was not in his discretion to take them be3^ond the State limits ; to do so would constitute an un- authorized invasion of the Territory of Utah, belonging to the United States. Every argu- ment was used to induce him to permit the arms to be brought over, but without avail. They offered to indemnify in any amount, in an}^ liability, but the Major could not see his duty clear to accept. Never in his life before was there such a conflict in his mind between duty and human s^^mpathy. There was not one of that committee whose heart was torn like his own by the thought of the massacre of their fellow-citizens. The mutilated bodies were being brought in to weeping wives and children, and frenzied men were clamoring for vengeance against the miscreants strolling up Mount Davidson. He thought over the terrible situation. " Our citizens are being killed, property destroyed, no immediate relief or protection. The onl}^ succor is in my hands." After deep and earnest thought he concluded as follows : " Gen. Jackson took the responsibility at New Orleans ; so will I now, and to the people I leave my justification." Thus decided, he acted without delay. He im- 176' DAXTEI, E. lIUX(,KR?(^Rr). mediatel}^ sent the following despatch to Dr. E. G. Bryant, of his staff: "Virginia City, May 13, i860. "To E. G. Bryant, Doxiniieville : " Send me immediately all the arms and ammunitions of the National Guard. Telegraph Lieut. Hall at Forest City to send all the rifles in his possession. vSend to Goodyear's Bar, to Captain Kinniff, to send me all his rifles. Forward as soon as possible. Big fight with the Indians. The whites defeated. Send me your heavy sabre. Spear, Meredith, and Baldwin killed. "Signed, Major D. E. Hungerforu." Happil}', an hour after sending the fore- going despatch the Major received the follow- ing from the Governor of California : "San Francisco, ]\Iay 13, i860. "To Major Hungerford : ",5/>, You will please collect such arms and ammunition as you can find in Downieville, and forward them, by ex- press or otherwise, to the scene of action in Carson Valley. " Respectfully, your obedient servant, "John G. Downey." The Major received this with great jo}'. He was now relieved of all responsibilit3^ and he entered heart and soul in the preparation for avenging the massacre. Men of his ardor and energ3% coupled with militar}" knowledge, were of vital necessit}' to the terrified settlers at that direful time. DANIEL* E. IIUNGERFORD. I 77 The citizens held a meeting that evening. T. D. Johns was chosen as commander to defend the cit}^; and he appointed the Major as Adjutant. Without a moment's dela3% the latter commenced to organize the forces into companies. Everything was in disorder ; chaos reigned supreme. The inhabitants were panic-stricken. The occasion demanded a man of the character and ability of the Major to restore order and give assurance to the terrorized citizens. Unceasingly he worked night and day, until gradually a feeling of con- fidence and security began to take the place of fear and distrust. The Major, having been informed of the action of the good people of Sierra County, many of whom w^ere acting as escort to the arms which had been telegraphed for, despatched a messenger to them with instructions to organize into four companies at the first halting place, and that he would meet them en route, before they reached Virginia City. This was done. The Major met the party eight miles from the cit3^ assumed the command, and on the following day entered Virginia City under arms, and in full military order. The inhabitants received them with open arms, wild with joy. They greeted their rescuers with deafening cheers. The anx- 23 178 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. iously-awaited aid had come ; now their brothers would be avenged. Here the Major reorganized the battalion, as they had only undertaken to escort the arms and stores as far as Virginia Cit}^ Captain Creed Ray- mond's compan}^ also joined him at this time. Three companies of United States troops hav- ing been ordered from San Francisco, under Captain Stewart, with instructions to report and cooperate with the military organization that should be found in the territory, and Major Hungerford's being the only organized militar}^ body, Captain Stewart reported to him. The Major, Captain Stewart, and Cap- tain John, held a consultation and agreed upon a plan of campaign. Col. Jack Hayes, of Texas Rangers celebrity, arriving at Virginia City while preparations were going on, the excited citizens clamored for his services. A braver man than Jack Ha5^es never lived. He had won his reputation by many sanguinary encounters with the redskins. Given a hand- ful of men he would often defeat and slay three and four times that number of Indians. He never had any experience in regular military organization, and so was not capable of, nor did he claim ability to, handle and direct large bodies of men. But the people DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 79 insisted on his appointment, and he was placed at the head of the expedition. Major Hunger- ford wished to. retain command of his Sierra Battalion, his own pupils, in whom he naturally had more confidence, feeling that he could thus render more effective service in fighting the redskins alone. The result of the expedition justified the wisdom of the Major's desire. However, with his consent, reluc- tantly given, it was finall}^ merged into the Utah Regiment, Col. Ha3^es commanding. Col. Ed. Saunders was elected Lieutenant-Col- onel, and Charles Fairfax, Adjutant; Hunger- ford being, of course, the Major. Col. Hayes, before being elected, had agreed to follow the plan proposed by Hungerford, Stewart, and John, which was to attack by the front (Carson River), while a movement would be made in the direction of Honey Lake, and thus entrap the whole Indian force between Pyramid and Mud Lake. Col. Hayes, however, thought best not to adhere to his first determination; so he moved to the Carson River, and there encamped for three days. From his encamp- ment on the Carson, he moved forward in the supposed direction of the hostiles, who, it seems, kept themselves well informed with regard to his movements, retiring as often as l8o DANIEL E.^IUNGERFORD. it suited their purpose to do. They finally made a determined stand at a narrow pass through which the trail ran. Here the first battle, known as Williams' ranch, occurred. It was of a most irregular character, without order or command ; but this cannot be said of the Sierra Battalion. It was kept well in hand by Major Daniel E. Hungerford, who, besides leading in the thickest of the fight, was able by his manoeuvre to save the day. Were it not for the discipline of his men, and his tactical manoeuvering, they would have lost the camp, and every man in the command would have been massacred. The well-conceived plan of young Winnemuca, the intelligent chief of the Pay Utahs, had been perceived by Ihe Major, who immediately, by making the movement which checked him, saved all. The following is taken from the Alta California, describing it : " At one time they (the Indians) showed a disposition to outflank our men, a platoon of them riding along the sand ridges up the river bordering the camp, but Major Hungerford checked this movement by sending out a force, which stopped their advance in that direc- tion." This is correct, except that Major Hungerford, instead of sending out a force. Daniel e. hungerfoRd. i8i commanded and accompanied the movement himself. Col. Ha3^es, recognizing the danger, and seeing the dispositions of the Major, rode across the field to where he was, and congratu- lated him then and there upon his good generalship and promptness. The battle terminated in favor of the whites, but it was not of a decisive nature. The Indians withdrew to the Truckee River. The Regulars were not in this battle, not join- ing the forces till the following day. As the lesson of this engagement. Col. Hayes, perceiving the loose and unsatisfactory character of the organization, and seeing that discipline, if not so necessary in guerilla war- fare or Indian encounters, was absolutely essential to the success of operations on a large scale, separated the command into two divisions, Lieut.-Col. Saunders commanding the mounted force, and Major Hungerford the infantry, composed of three companies of Regulars, the Sierra Battalions, and companies of hastily-formed volunteers from the mining camps, Col. Ha3^es being Commander-in-chief. The next day, the now reorganized forces marched to the Truckee River and succeeded in turning the position held by the Indians. On the day preceding the morning of the l82 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, second of June, our scouts reported the Indians occupying the heights and crags commanding our line of march. Their posi- tion could not have been better chosen. At the intelligence brought in by the scouts, all was uproar and excitement ; the camp was in a ferment; the horsemen running for their horses, etc. The Infantry, commanded by Major Hungerford, were soon under arms, and proceeded to attack the enemy, who were strongly posted on the hillside, and sheltered behind rocks. The fortifications were simple, but almost impregnable, com- posed, as they were, of two large rocks, a short distance apart, placed on each boulder. Another rock was put between, resting on the top of the two others, thus forming a kind of arch, and the loophole made between being used by the Indians to fire through. Standing behind the large boulders, and tiring through the opening, their heads were the only parts of the body exposed. Apparently secute, the redskins awaited the attack of the whites. Major Hungerford, however, spoiled all their carefully laid calculations b}^ moving off to the right, flanking the enem}^ and causing him to abandon his position. B}^ the Major's movement, they were forced to fight in the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 83 Open. There the chances of success would be more even ; but, Indian-like, the}^ did not prefer this st^de of warfare; so they retreated in the direction of Pyramid and Mud Lakes. Though hotly pushed, they succeeded in escap- ing, owing to their knowledge of the country. The whites "pushed forward to P3^ramid Lake, where they found the Indian villages deserted. Here they encamped for the night. Col. Hayes had sent out five men as scouts, as an advance. Following soon after himself, at the head of his mounted force, he came upon their dead and naked bodies, which told one more story of Indian atrocity and the ambuscade by which they perished. The Indians had retired to their mountain fastnesses ; not a trace of them was to be seen. Fearing the vengeance of the whites, they had either hid themselves in their ravines and mountains, of which they alone knew the secret, or had moved away from the region. Thus ended the Indian war in Washoe. The Volunteers returned to Vir- ginia City and other camps, where they were disbanded. The Regulars remained at Pyra- mid Lake, and established an intrenched camp (Haven), which they occupied for a consider- able time. They afterwards fell back upon higher ground, and built Fort Churchill. 184 DANIEL E. HUNGEREORD. Major Hungerford returned to Downieville, organized a prospecting party, and again returned to the vicinity of Pyramid Lake. Here he found the bodies of one hundred and thirt3^-three dead Indians, slain by the aveng- ing settlers in the battle at that place. He built a small fort which he called Fort Defiance, which is standing to-da3^ and again commenced prospecting operations. After some weeks of labor he went back to Downie- ville, carrying with him on his back the whole distance the remains of his friend, William S. Spear, one of the party, killed in the first expedition, known as the Ormsby Massacre. The Major could not allow the bones of one who was so dear to him to bleach on the field; so he determined, notwithstanding the danger and difficulty of the task, to restore them to his sorrowing wife and famil}^ The expedi- tion in which the brave Spear lost his life, was sent out after the murders at Williams' Ranch. Hastily formed, and without proper organiza- tion or discipline, they were no match for the wily enemy. Coming up with the Indians at Truckee River, the latter furiousl}^ attacked and defeated them, sla3dng eight3^-three out of the total force of one hundred and fifteen ; a massacre indeed ! DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, 1 85 After the dispersal of the Indians by Col. ■ Hayes' force, the Infantry, which, as stated, was commanded by Major Hungerford, the settlers were free for some time from the fear of Indian attacks. Of the part taken by the Major, the following quotation from a paper of the day' speaks : " Major Daniel E. Hungerford arrived from the Pyramid Lake Expedition last week. We have been informed b}^ private letters from the camps that, in command of the Sierra Bat- talion, Major Hungerford won the highest ad- miration of the officers and all the men, by his knowledge of militar}^ affairs and assiduous instruction of the volunteers. Considering the brave and distinguished service which this brave and good-hearted gentleman has ren- dered in the war with Mexico, the country has treated him shabbil}^ While trivial and worthless persons have been promoted, this man, whose brave conduct was especiall}^ and publicl}^ acknowledged in the commanding officer's official despatches, is not thought of when important places are filled by men in- ferior to himself. Major Hungerford is a soldier by nature, education, and experience in the most important battles of the Mexican War. Military service is his proper vocation, 24 l86 DANIEL E. TTUNCERFORD. and no man on the Coast is more capable of extensive usefulness, or better deserves the consideration of his fellow-countrymen." Apropos of Pyramid Lake, it was for some time thought that Fremont was the first to explore it. The distinction reall}^ belongs to Major Hungerford, as the clipping from a California paper of April 8, 1865, clearly shows. "Pyramid Lake. Its Original Explorers. — The Virginia Enterprize, alluding to recent explorations among the islands of Pyramid Lake, in the State of Nevada, falls into error. It says that no boat had previously navigated the Lake, and that no craft except Fremont's tub-rafts had l)een before seen on its waters or reached the island. This is a mistake, as we shall proceed to prove. "In July, i860, Major D. E. Hungerford, then of Downieville, later of the Army of the Poto- mac, and now of this city, organized a pro- specting party and went to Pyramid I^ake. On arrival there they constructed two canoes, lashed them together, and thus reached the island at the head of the Lake. The names of the party of thirteen, a record of the expedi- tion, and date of the event were placed in two bottles, one of which was buried in the rocks DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 87 at the place of landing, and the other at the highest point of the island, where the}^ also erected an American flag, constructed of their shirts. A celebration was held, and George M. Beach, Esq., of this city made a speech. On their return to the mainland the}^ tilled the canoes with stones and sunk them. The col- lective name of the party was 'The Pyramid Lake Pioneer Mining Compan}^' chiefl}^ be- longing to Downieville." The following is a cop}^ of the honorable discharge of the Major from the regiment. He was the last in service. Indeed, when the companies returned to Virginia City all were disbanded except his own command. He, fearing that trouble and rioting might result from the sudden disorganization of so man}" armed men, had taken the precaution to retain his command and discipline. This proved to be a necessary step, for he was afterwards obliged to restore order and stop the looting which 'was being carried on by some of the soldiery. His forethought and prudence were highly appreciated and deeply felt by the citi- zens, many of whose property and lives he was the means of saving. Alwa3"s expectant and looking ahead, he clearly foresaw what would come about from the relaxing of discipline and military rule : t. l88 DANIEL E. niNGERFORD. Headquarters Utah Regiment of Volunteers. ) Virginia City, U. T., June lo. iS6o. ) To Daniel E. Hungerford, J/a/or Utah Regiment of Volunteers. Dear Sir, — The Utah Regiment of Volunteers under my command is hereby disbanded, and you are, therefore, honorabh* discharged from the service as Major of the Regiment. Your accounts will be forwarded to the "War Department with the accounts of the regiments in general. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, John C. Hays, Col. Commanding Utah Regt. Vol. (Attest) Charles S. Fairfax, Adjutant. The official report of the Major to the Gov- ernor of the State of California is here given. In the difficult and tr3'ing role the Major had to play, few could have acquitted themselves with more honor and patriotism. No self-lau- dation, but praise and commendation for others he freely gives. Headquarters Sierra Battalion, C. M., \ DowNiEviLLE, June 26, 1S60. ) To John G. Downey, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of California. Dear Sir, — I have the honor to report, in obedience to your despatch of the thirteenth of May, i860, directing me to collect such arms and ammunition as I could find in Downieville, and forward them by express, or otherwise, to the scene of action in Carson Valley ; being myself at the time in Virginia City, 1 telegraphed to Surgeon E. G. Bry- ant to forward the arms, accoutrements, etc., of the National DANIEL E. HUXGERFORD. 1 89 Guard, Captain John E. Ager, and the arms, accoutrements, etc., of the Goodyear Rifles, Captain B. Kinniff, which were received and turned over to B. L. Lippincott, Quartermaster of the Utah Regiment of Vohmteers (receipts for which are here\\'ith enclosed). Not having instructions as to the dis- position of the arms, etc., upon their arrival I considered myself as bound in discretion to turn them over to a mili- tary organization, to the end that they might be used for the best protection of the inhabitants of Utah Temtory, and I tnist that my acts may receive the approbation of your Excellency. The hurried manner in which all busi- ness connected with the fitting out of the expedition against the Indians was done, must be my excuse for not ha\'ing received more satisfactory vouchers for the arms, accoutre- ments, etc., property of the State of California. I am com- pelled also to cite in further extenuation the great excite- ment existing, as well as the difficulty of finding persons occupying situations who were acquainted with that peculiar line of public business. It is with pleasure that I inform your Excellency of the patriotism of the citizens of Dowoiieville, who promptly re- sponded to the call of their fellow-countrymen in Utah for assistance, and by private subscriptions raised the means of subsistence and transportation for the one hundred and thirty-five good citizens who volunteered to escort the arms, accoutrements, etc., free of expense to the State, many of whom volunteered again for the campaign. These were organized into three companies, under Captains E. J. Smith, John B. Reed, and F. F. Patterson, and subsequently joined by Captain Creed Raymond's Companj' of Sierra Greys, the whole forming the Sierra Battalion, under my command, and subsequently a part of the Utah Regiment of Volun- teers, under the command of Colonel John C. Hays, remain- 1 90 DANIEL E. IIUNOERFORD. ing with, and taking part in, the mihtary operations, until discharged on the tenth of June, i860. In September, 1854, I organized in this (Sierra) County the Sierra Guards, and have continued in the service of the vState since. In 1856 I was commissioned as Major of the First BattaHon, Second Brigade, Fourth Division, California Militia, and, having now seen some of the companies put to the more practical use, I beg leave most respectfully to tender this my resignation as Major in the service of Cali- fornia, to take effect July the first, i860. I have the honor to be your Excellency's most humble servant, D. E. HUNGERFORD, Major Commanding Sierra Battalion. The Major thought proper to withdraw his resignation, as clouds were beginning to darken in other parts of the country, and he wished to have his hand on a sword hilt that could be quickly drawn. The Governor, replying, ac- knowledges the efficient service the Major has rendered, and expresses his appreciation of the aid that he gave to the citizens of the neigh- boring Territory. State of California, Executive Department, |^ Sacramento, June 28, 1861. S D. E. Hungerford, Major Sierra Battalion^ C. M. Dear Sir, — Your communication of the twenty-fourth inst. is received. Officers of your battalion have been com- missioned, and the requisitions filled out with the best arms now in the service. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORI). I9I I am pleased that you have found it compatible with your private affairs to withdraw your resignation, as I should dislike exceedingly to lose your services at a time when they may be needed. You can rest assured that any- thing I can do to advance the efficiency of the Sierra Bat- talion will be done, as I will not soon forget their prompt- ness when called upon to render aid to our neighbors in Nevada Territory. Very respectfully your obedient servant, John G. Downey. • CHAPTER VL Breaking out of the Rebellion — Off to the War- — Commis- sioned as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-sixth New York — Joins Regiment at Washington — Letters home — Camp incidents — Prophecies — Appointment on Mili- tary Board — Assisting Surgeons. T^HE Republic was to pass through such an ordeal as no other government had ever undergone — this time, not on a foreign soil, but in its own land, where rivers of blood would flow, and four long j^ears of fratricidal strife would wage, before the " Stars and Stripes " would wave in triumph from every part of the Nation's domcun. North, South, East, and West. Dark, ominous clouds were appearing on the horizon of our national destin}^ The}^ had not been seen by all, or if seen, were gen- erally regarded as a nimbus that the golden sun of pure patriotism would soon dispel. But thoughtful men — the}^ were not many — knew the terrible storm would have to break. Major Hungerford, as we have seen in the pre- ceding chapter, six years before the awful con- flict began to rage, had pierced futurity by his DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 93 clear perception of the true import of what was passing about him. Perhaps alread}^ dur- ing the Indian campaign he had seen in his mind's eye the conflicts of tliose mighty armies in a few years rusliing together on a vaster field. It is not appropriate in these pages to discuss the causes which led to that great war. They are well-known, and nothing would be gained by their repetition here. The pages of histor}^^ are open to all, and therein one can read. When Lee laid down his sword to Grant at Appomattox, hatred and strife should have been laid down with it, and peace and recon- ciliation taken up. The secessionists of to-day are those who, b}^ voice or pen, commit the heinous crime of hindering or impeding the blessed work of good-will and fraternal union. Our misguided brethren of the South — whose valorous deeds in a cause they thought just shine with the glorious feats of arms of the heroes of the North, forming part of our com- mon heritage, the heroism of the American soldier — have been, as we all know, conquered by the sw^ord the}^ took up. Now that the beaten foe has accepted the result, their coun- try overrun, their property destroyed, and many of them ruined and impoverished, can 25 194 DANIEL E. TIUXGEKKORD. we not afford to be generous and extend the outstretched hand in fraternal friendship? The stars which glitter in the tirmament of our National banner now gleam with no fad- ing light. Blood and treasure have made them of a never-ending brillianc^^ and when the roll-call of those States of these United States is called, there is to-day no faint wavering re- sponse, as before the shot of Sumter Avas lired; but, instead, a thundering answer of "present," which is heard to the furthermost corners of the earth. Major Hungerford in these dark days was at Downieville. Like ever}" other true patriot he was waiting in anxious suspense, hoping that our statesmen would devise some means to avert the pending strife. But such was not in the power of man. The lowering clouds had to burst. x\nd when once the national flag had been hred upon, from that moment there was but one side on which a loA^al soul could stand. The Major, in his far-awa}" home in the Sierra Nevada, bcA^ond the reach of railroad or telegraph, was watching the operations with his accustomed perspicuit}" and foresight. When the pon}^ express brought in the news of the disaster at Bull Run, he w^as one of the DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 95 first to get it. He then knew the war was reall}" on. To help preserve the flag and Union was his first duty. No other had an}^ claim on him. "The civil strife threatening her nationalit}^ " was now at hand. Returning home that evening he said to his brave little wife, " I am going to Washington to join the army ; " but, far from being dismayed, she replied, "I am not astonished, I expected it." This Spartan wife and mother did not tr}^ to induce him to remain ; she knew his countr}" demanded his services, and she would not keep him, notwithstanding the sacrifices she would be compelled to make. In two da3^s the Major w^as off for the seat of war, his sword, his baggage, and a God- speed from his wife and children to cheer him on his journe}^ It was the Major's intention to go direct to Washington and offer his ser- vices to the President, asking him to assign him wherever he was the most needed. Arrived at San Francisco he embarked the next da}^ on the Pacific Mail steamer for New York, via Panama. On board, he met fifteen U. S. Army officers, among whom were Major Robert Allen, Major Grierson, Captains Win- field Scott Hancock, Mason, and M3^ers, Lieutenants Grigg, Alexander, Ingram, and 196 DANIEL E. nUNnERFORD. others, from all of whom the Major received ever}^ courtes}^ and consideration. Several of these officers were his comrades in the Mexi- can war. After a pleasant passage of twenty- three days, he reached New York, and, before stepping ashore, he was offered the appoint- ment of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty- Sixth New York Volunteers, which was imme- diately accepted, the Major receiving the warm congratulations of his fellows-passengers, fore- most among whom was his good friend Han- cock, afterwards Major-General, whose friend- ship he retained till the last day of the Gen- eral's life. The pony express had carried across the continent the names of the passengers aboard the steamer ; hence the Major's arrival was anticipated, his gallant record being well knowm. A command was at once made for him, which, as related, was tendered him before he left the steamer. In forty-eight hours from landing he had started for Washington, to join his regiment. The night before his departure (Sept. 18, 1861), writing to his wife, he says : " I arrived here on the fifteenth. I was met on board the steamer by a Lieutenant of the Thirty-Sixth Regiment (Col. C. H. Innes) with the proffer of DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. I97 the Lieut.-Colonelcy of the regiment You may judge of my surprise. The regiment is now in Washington, and I shall leave to-day to join it. I accept this, and hope for promotion. The army appointments have been all made. The chances of war are unknown. We ma}^ never meet again. A soldier stakes his life, and he can fall at an}^ time ; but if the sacrifice must be, why, then, the hope of meeting in a better world." When the Lieutenant-Colonel reached Washington, after reporting to the pro- per authorities, he immediately set to work, dis- ciplining his command and exerting himself to the utmost in the discharge of his duties. He marked out for himself the high standard of conduct which he always followed, and he knew no other law than dut}^ conscientiously performed, come what would. While at the camp, in writing to his wife, under date of Oct. 7, 1 86 1, he sa3^s, " You will perceive that I have not changed m}^ locality yet, nor do 1 know when we will be moved from here. We are constantly at work preparing for the field. Since I joined the regiment I have been grati- fied to see a ver}^ great and marked improve- ment in the regiment. Without wishing to flatter myself I can truthfull}^ sa}" (this to 3^ou alone) that I am popular among militar}^ men. IqS DANIEL E^HUNGERFORn. and particularly am I considered by m}^ commanding generals and others. I have marked out for m}" course a strict discipline, not only over m3^self, but I hold others equally rigid. It has never been m}^ policy to expect more from others than I do from m3^self. I may in the end make some enemies, but that necessarily follows the conscientious perform- ance of any public duty. I find I am gaining considerable reputation. As an instance of this, to-day our regiment was inspected by the Assistant Inspector-General of General McClel- lan's staff, whom neither I nor any of the reg- iment knew, yet he seemed to know all about my military career and capacit}^ This would go to show that I am spoken of in high mili- tary circles. Also, I am making the acquaint- ance of distinguished public men, and I hope by a proper course of conduct to profit b}^ such acquaintance." " Since m}^ coming here, I have been rather unfortunate. First I had dysentery, then a tremendous boil, having ridden fifteen hours without dismounting. When I got rid of that, I sprained my knee, and strained the muscles of the leg, from which I am at present suffer- ing. I have, notwithstanding the Surgeon's and General's advice, kept constantl}^ on duty. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 1 99 I have received my commission, which dates from Aug. 5, 1861." The next letter is dated November 4, 1861. In it the Lieut-Colonel speaks with proper pride of his appointment on a Board of Mili- tary Examiners. He has not yet recovered from his injuries, but he is impatient to get to the front where the fighting is going on. He says, " Here, as at my last writing, expecting orders ever}^ day to move to the front. I wrote you in my last of the accident I had met with by the fall of my horse. I have not yet recov- ered, in fact, I am suffering as much as I did the day after the injury. The boils have all disappeared ; were it not for that unfortunate fall, I would be in the enjoyment of very good health. I learned to-da3^ through Brig. -Gen. Couch, that I was held in esteem at Division (Gen. Buell's) Headquarters, and also at Gen- eral Headquarters (Gen. McClellan's). In proof of. their estimation, I have been detailed by General McClellan as one of the Board of Mili- tary Examiners, to examine the volunteer offi- cers as to their competenc}^ and fitness in moral and military capacity. This I consider a very high compliment to me and m}^ qualifi- cations, inasmuch as I was not aware that General Headquarters knew of the existence 200 DANIEL E.^IUXCERFoRD. of such an individual as 3^our humble servant. I regret that my regiment is not with the ad- vance, and I fear that we may be continued in the vicinit}^ of Washington all winter. In that case, m}^ chances of advancement look rather slim. If I could onl}^ have one or two good fights, or even respectable skirmishes, I think I would be all right. For the last two da^^s and nights we have had a terrific rain-storm, which I fear may have caused a failure of the great naval expedition ; of that, however, I am not at liberty to speak. On the first of the month we were mustered for payment, but we will not receive any money for a week or two yet. If we do not move from this place until after the men are paid off there will be a high old time, for soldiers and sailors will have their regular spree." The following oflicial documents refer to the Board of Examiners mentioned by the Lieut-Colonel in his letter: Headquarters Army of the Potoimac, ) Washington, Oct. 21, 1861. \ Special Orders ) No. no. f Extract. 20. Under the authority of the loth section of the act of July 22, 1 86 1, a Military Board, to consist of the following- named officers, will meet at such place in Buell's Division DANIEL E. IIUNG^RFORD. 201 as its commander may designate, at lo o'clock a. m. on Wed- nesday, the 23d inst., or as soon thereafter as is practicable, to examine into the capacity, qualifications, propriety of con- duct, and efficiency of all officers of volunteers serving in said Division who may be brought before the Board. Detail for the Board. Brig.-Gen. D. N. Couch, Volunteer vService. Col. Oilman Marston, 2d New Hampshire Vols. Lieut.-Col. H. L. Potter, 2d Regiment Excelsior Brigade, N. Y. Vols. The Junior member will record the proceedings. By command of Major-Gen. McClellan. [Signed] S. Williams, As St. Adj. -General. [Official.] Division Headquarters, Oct. 23, 1861. J. M. Wright, Assistant Adj. -General. Gen. Couch. Headquarters Army of the Potomac, ] Washington, Oct. 31, 1861. ) Special Orders ) No. 124. f Extract. 14. Lieut.-Col. Daniel E. Hungerford, 36th New York Volunteers, and Lieut.-Col. Jeffers M. Decken, loth Massa- chusetts Volunteers, are detailed as members of the Military Board, appointed by paragraph 20 of Special Orders No. no of the 2ist inst., in the place of Col. Oilman Marston, 2d New Hampshire Volunteers, and Lieut.-Col. H. L. Potter, 2d 26 202 DANIEL l^II UNGKR1. " Howe had been waiting for the Confederates at a short distance. The latter, being received by a terrific fire, halted, when a charge of the One Hundred and Second completed the repulse at one side, while on the other the Thirty-sixth New York carried off the flags of the Fourteenth Alabama." The following clipping from a California paper gives a detailed description of this daring piece of gallantry : "a gallant charge." "At the battle of Malvern Hill, the last of the seven days' fight before Richmond, the Thirty-sixth New York Regiment was posted upon the right flank of Major West's batteries. About half-past three in the afternoon, a rebel regiment came out of the wood and formed their line of battle. The color-sergeant stepped out about ten paces to the front, and planted the colors of his regi- ment, as in the days of ancient chivalry, challenging the foe to take them. The gallant Thirty-sixth made a change of front, delivered a volley, charged bayonets, drove the enemy back into the woods, and captured the rebel flags. This gallant exploit was witnessed by twenty thousand Federal troops, who made the air re- sound with their cheers and huzzas. The colors repre- sented the Fourteenth Alabama Regiment. The Thirty- sixth was the last regiment to give way before the rebels, on the first day of the battle of Fair Oaks, stub- bornly disputing the ground, while retreating before an overwhelming force, until reaching a favorable position, when they held the victorious rebels in check." DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 267 The following official reports of the part taken b}^ the Thirty - sixth New York in those engagements reflect much credit on the gallantry, bravery, and coolness shown by the Colonel. The reader will see that the Thirty-sixth and their dashing officers had their full share in the fighting and re- nown : [Official Report.] " Headquarters 36TH Regt., N. Y. Vols. "Intrenched Camp, June 5, 1862. '■'■To Lieutenant Byron Porter, A.A.-G. "Sir: " I have the honor to report, for the information of the brigade commander, the part taken by the regi- ment under my command in the battle of the thirty-first of May. Almost simultaneously with the first discharge of arms in our front, about ten o'clock a. m., I received orders to move with my regiment to the front, to the support of Captain Flood's battery, who had taken up a position on the right of the Richmond stage road. I at once proceeded to the right and front of the battery, and occupied a portion of the rifle-pits in course of erection there, and held that position until about six o'clock p. M. when I was ordered to fall back, as the enemy had turned our right flank in large force. At this time, General Devens having been disabled, I as- sumed command of the brigade, and the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Hun- gerford, who led it oft" in good order near Battery Couch by my orders. All of the officers and men of 268 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. my command behaved with the utmost coolness and bravery. I make particular mention of Lieutenant- Colonel D. E. Hungerford, who exhibited great cool- ness, bravery, and judgment, in the skillful handling of the regiment after having the command; Major J. Rainey ; Surgeon E. B. Dalton ; Captain James J. Walsh ; Lieutenant D. E. Murphy, and Sergeant-Major Charles P. Lindsey. Enclosed please find a list of the killed, wounded, and missing. " I have the honor to be " Most respectfully yours, (Signed) " CHAS. H. INNES, " Colonel 36th Regt., Neiv York Vols.'' " Headquarters 30 Brigade, 4th Corps, "Intrenched Camp, June 5, 1862. " Captain Francis A. Walker, A.A.-G. "Sir: " I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the division, the part taken by the brigade under my command in the battle of the 31st of May and the ist of June. Subsequent to the disabling of General Charles Devens, which happened about 6 p. M. at that time, having received an order (the enemy having turned our flank in large force) to fall back, I at once ordered the Thirty-Sixth New York Volunteers (which was the last regiment in the rifle- pits) to fall back to the intrenched camp and take a position there ; at the same time I despatched an orderly with the same instructions for the Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, who soon arrived in good order, imder the command of Captain Orzo Miller ; at the same time three companies of the Seventh Massachusetts Volun- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 269 teers, three of the Tenth Massachusetts, and two com- panies of the Thirty-Sixth fell into line, having been out on picket duty, and Captain Flood's battery, who at once came into battery. Having disposed of this force, I at once turned my attention to the arrest of all strag- glers, and disposed of them to good advantage in the rifle-pits, according to the similarity of arms. At this time General Keyes arrived on the ground, and I in- formed him of the disposition I had made of the forces there. It proving satisfactory to him, he ordered me to take charge of all the stragglers that might pass through there. vShortly after Colonel Hayman of the Thirty-Seventh New York Volunteers marched in, and I communicated my instructions to him, and stated that it was very necessary to have a strong picket thrown out, that I could not do it without weakening very materially my position. He at once placed himself and regiment at my disposal, and picketed our left flank and front. About half an hour before day the whole com- mand was formed in line, ready for action. The Sev- enth Massachusetts having been temporarily detached for service on the right, with the general commanding the division, I am unable to report the part taken by them, but feel assured they have done great credit to themselves. Too great praise cannot be rendered to Brigade-Surgeon Charles O'Leary, and Surgeons E. B. Dalton, Thirty-Sixth New York Volunteers, and C. W. Chamberlain, Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers, for their devoted attentions to the wounded. I desire to call to the special notice of the general commanding Captain Orzo Miller, who commanded the Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers after Col. Briggs had been severely wounded. 270 DAN IK I, W IIUN(;ER1'()KD. He led his regiment in gallant style, and only left the field when ordered to fall back at dark, which he did in good order. Colonel D. E. Hungerford and Major James A. Roney behaved with great gallantry and cool- ness throughout the engagement. Massachusetts and New York have cause to be proud of these regiments. " I have the honor to be " Yours respectfully, "CHAS. H. INNES, " Coinniaudiiig Third Brigade, CoiicJis Division, Fourth Corps. CHAPTER X. Conceiving Plan of Attacking Confederacy through Texas — Application to Governor of California for Troops — Gecrecy of Movements — Expedition to Mexico — On the Point of Success — Betrayed — Intrigues of French Consul — Triumphant Acquittal — Arrival in Mexico with Armed Force — Saving of Arms and Stores from Capture — Surgeon and Doctor in La Paz — Leaves for Europe. TN all the Lieutenant-Colonel's letters it is seen how thoroughly he kept himself informed of the movements of the forces, and the accuracy by which he foretold man}^ of the movements which were after- wards made. For one of his perception and discernment, it is not surprising that he was able to perceive what would escape the e5'e of the ordinar}^ observer of the situation. During all the operations of the Arm}^ of the Potomac, he had his attention fixed on the Western armies. He saw what few did, that a vital blow could be struck at the Confederac}" b}^ an attack through Texcis, the citadel of rebellion. Keeping his own counsel, the matter was quietl}' sub- 272 DANIEL ^IIUNGERFORD. mitted to the authorities at Washington, and was favorably considered b)^ them. The}^ may have seen the importance of the movement, but it was througli the Lieu- tenant-Colonel that it was first formally brought to their attention. After Malvern Hill, the plan having received the official sanction, he felt that the moment had come, the time was ripe. During the operations of the Arm}^ of the Potomac he was not unmindful of the importance of the Pacific coast, and the danger that it was in from the secession element. 'Tis true that California was a loyal state, none more so, but it is also a fact that there were not a few in that state whose hearts did not beat warmly for the Union cause. Colonel Hungerford had personal cognizance of this, indeed, he had been even solicited, while in California, not to go to Washington to enter the Union army ; but to remain, and a high command in the Confederate service would be given him. Needless to say, the offer was spurned by him. " Gentlemen," he replied to them, "you insult me b}^ such an offer. M}^ honor and j)atriotism alike demand that the flag of my countr}^ is the one for which I DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 273 should draw my sword. I have ah^eady fought twice under it. M}^ father in 1812, and my grandfather in the Revolution, have, it is my proud boast to say, shed their blood in its defense. It is not in the character of one of the Hungerford race to raise his hand in rebellion against his own flag." This feeling and patriotic response was well calculated to impress those traitorous souls. Indeed, had the offer been made in a different manner, he would have denounced them in their true colors, but coming as it did honor forbade him that course. From the banks of the Chickahominy he conceived the idea of invading Texas by wa}^ of Arizona and New Mexico. Gen- eral Carleton was already in that part of the country, and he had been moved for- ward to Santa Fe, New Mexico. To raise a large force, overtake him, and, thus united, successfully invade Texas, striking perhaps a fatal blow in the rear of the Confederacy, was surely a feasible plan, and gave prom- ise of important results. The Lieutenant- Colonel, thousands of miles away on the Potomac, knew all this, and he felt that the 35 2 74 DANIEL I^IIUNGERFORD. time had arrived to make the move. He then would have greater scope, and, un- trammelled and free, be able to do greater service for his country, and win greater glory for himself. The lieutenant-colonelcy did not offer the same field for the dashing and ambitious officer that the expedition to Texas would. He returned to California full of enthu- siasm, thinking that in a few short weeks he would be marching at the head of a victorious arm^^ of invasion into Texas. Immediately, on his arrival in California, he intended to raise the necessary force for the carrying out of his project. His ability as an organizer of troops would again, he thought, come in good pla}^ Reaching Downieville, he addressed the following letter to the Governor of Cali- fornia, making the necessary application. As will be perceived the real intent is veiled, for the obvious reason of not letting the information by any chance or acci- dent be conve^^ed to the enenl3^ Once the real object known, the success of the expedition would be imperilled, if not de- feated. In those days, when spies and traitors were lurking in Government offices, DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 275 high and low, it behoved the prudent man to be guarded and circumspect, even in official communications. The plan of the Colonel' having, as already stated, received the favorable consideration of the Govern- ment, he expected the instant co-operation of the Governor of California. Hence he was eager to be on the spot to commence the organization of the force necessary for its accomplishment. Under date of August 25, 1862, he writes the Governor, as follows : " Dear Sir : "I have just returned from the Atlantic States, hav- ing served in the Army of the Potomac as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Thirty-sixth New York Regiment, from August 5, 1 86 1, till July £, 1862. I would like to again take the field, and as a matter of pride would feel highly gratified to do so at the head of a regiment from my own State, California. I therefore beg to sub- mit to your Excellency the idea of raising one or more regiments for active service in the East. "I do not question for a moment that the men can be raised for the purpose, and it has been a source of mortification to many Californians that their State has not been represented in the grand fighting army of the Union. "Therefore, in accordance with their views and my own desires, I write you as above, and I trust that you will not consider my correspondence an intrusion on 276 DANIEL K. IIUN(;KKK()RD. your time. Before my arrival, this was suggested to me by Mr. Phelps, our representative in Congress, who, at the same time, informed me that a project for enter- ing Texas from this coast was engaging the attention of the department, and he thought it would eventually receive favorable consideration. My object in addressing you is to obtain your views concerning the tender of one or more regiments to our National Government, in advance of the government call, should they make one upon you. " Hoping that the above may meet with your Excel- lency's favorable consideration, and awaiting your reply, " I remain your obedient servant, " D. E. HUNGERFORD. (Signed) "To His Excellency, Leland Stanford, "Governor of California." For the East, the Lieutenant-Colonel states that he wants the troops, a literall)^ true as- sertion ; but in his own mind it was east in Texas that the destination was to be. He expected an immediate response to this im- portant communication, l)ut none came. Im- patient to take the held, he writes again to the Governor, this time under date of Sep- tember 18, 1862. " Dear Sir : " On the twenty-fifth of August I wrote you, propos- ing to raise one or more regiments of volunteers for service in the East, expecting you would communicate DANIEL E. HUNGEREORD. .277 with the general government to ascertain if that number of troops would be accepted for such service. A consid- erable time has elapsed and, I have received no answer to my proposition; and learning through the newspapers that a regiment is in course of organization at San Francisco, and that you are about to issue your call for another, may I hope that such is your intention, in fur- therance of my proposals ? I have already had many proffers from various parts of the State, and continue, by each mail, to receive encouragement and offers of co-operation, but can do or effect nothing until I have authority from Your Excellency, or the War Department. I am satisfied that two full regiments can be easily raised, provided they may be immediately sent to the seat of participation in active military operations. " If at all within your province, I would be pleased to engage in the work at the earliest moment. Troops are more necessary just now than at any other time during the war. Awaiting your reply," etc., etc. Again he had thought prudent to veil the real object of the raising of the troops. To that letter the Governor replied as fol- lows : "State of California, "Executive Department, "Sacramento, Sept. 26, 1862. "Col. D. E. Hungerford — " Dear Sir : Your favor of the eighteenth instant is at hand. I would say in answer that I have received no advices from the War Department relative to the raising 2 7^ DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. of a regiment in this State. Until such advices reach me I cannot act in the premises. "Very respectfully, " Your obedient servant, "Leland Stanford." More dela}^ Time was slipping b}^ and he was chafing at tlie slowness of the Gov- ernment in moving. He had expected to receive the necessar}^ instructions as soon as he reached California ; but the weeks were going, and he was not 5^et on the march to invade Texas. But the dela}^ did not damp his enthusiasm: it only increased it. He felt (and the highest competent men in the nation had endorsed his views) that the expedition would have important results, and he determined to carry it out against all obstacles. Here is what a California paper says of the project for raising a regiment of troops. It seems that even the press had not pene- trated the real design : "a CALIFORNIA REGIMENT. "There is some talk of raising a regiment of volun- teers in California to proceed directly to the East to take part in the war. From what we have heard, we think, if the matter was taken hold of in the right way, that a full reofiment could be raised in the State of men DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD, 279 who would equip themselves and pay their passage to New York. One company at least, and perhaps two, could be recruited in Nevada County ; and many who cannot go themselves would furnish the outfit and pay the expenses of a substitute. This State has not been called on for its quota of troops, under the late calls, in consequence of the great expense and delay that would be occasioned in transporting them to the East ; but in the present period of gloom and disaster to the national cause, many feel that it is the duty of California to take a more direct part than she has been called upon to take, in the great work of maintaining the national integ- rity. Perhaps, if a regiment was raised and equipped, some arrangement could be made to defray the expense of their transportation to the seat of war, either by the State, or by means of a public subscription. We notice by the Downicvilk N'ews that Colonel Hungerford, who has lately returned from the East, is moving in the mat- ter of raising one or more regiments in this State. The News says : ' We understand that Colonel Hungerford, but recently returned from the Army of the Potomac, has applied to the Governor for permission to raise one or more regiments of volunteers, to be conducted directly to the field in Virginia. If at all within the power of Governor Stanford, we have no doubt that the applica- tion will be successful. With the assurance that the men will be taken directly to the scene of war, there will be no difficulty in procuring enlistments. The main difficulty last fall was that the volunteers expected, what afterwards occurred, that they would be kept in inac- tivity on this coast. Colonel Hungerford has a repiita- tion as a military man, has come direct from the hard- 28o DANIEL i^llUNGERFORD. fought field of the Peninsula, and is desirous to return with, a regiment or two of California fighting men. Whoever goes with him will have no difficulty in getting into business, or in getting sight of the belligerent ele- phant. We eagerly hope his application may be success- ful. We don't think any military leader could be found more competent, certainly none braver, or more effectu- ally tried in the hottest fires of Mexico and Virginia.' " The receipt of the letter from the Gov- ernor came as a bitter disappointment to the Colonel. He had conceived a project of great magnitude, and one that promised far reaching results. It had been favorably con- sidered by the Government, and he had re- turned to California, feeling that the pro- posed expedition was alread}^ an assured success. But California was slow moving, and the War Department apathetic. The Cabinet, and in fact the whole countr}^ had been thrown into consternation b}' the ra- pidity of Jackson's movement in Virginia ; Washington itself they thought was threat- ened, and, in the almost panic that then pre- vailed, the gallant Colonel's proposition ap- pears to have been lost sight of. Galling and maddening as was the delay, and eager and restless under his forced inaction, his ardor and patriotism would not permit him to lose heart in the undertaking, despite the DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. 28 1 many discouragements and apparent lack of support that he had to encounter. He there- fore turned his attention to another field — Nevada. He was already well-known in that Territory. His services there in the Indian War in i860, and the brilliant manoeuvres he had made during the engagement with the hostiles, whereby the camp was saved and a second massacre prevented, were all remembered with gratitude by the people. Identified prominently not onl}^ in the com- mercial development of the coast, he had also the confidence of the State as a thor- ough military man, knowing every detail of his profession. Men of his stamp were not too common in those da3^s of gold-seeking and wealth-hunting. Indeed, on the statute books of California there is hardl}^ a law that in any wa}^ relates to the militar}^ or- ganization of the State that he is not en- tirely familiar with, or else had some part in its being placed there. The oath taken by the militia of that State, binding them- selves to obey the mandate of the general, as well as the State government, was writ- ten b}^ his pen and incorporated in the law mainly through his efforts. Therefore, if California had failed him, he had no reason 36 282 DAN'IKl, K^UIXCKRKORl). to expect that Nevada would ; so his enthu- siaiTL and hopefulness were not abated. A requisition had been made upon the Gov- ernor of that territory for a regiment of in- fantry, and two more companies of cavahy, four companies of cavalry having alread}^ been raised. The Colonel made immediate application for the command of the infantry. The return mail brought his commission. The Governor knew the reputation of the Colonel, and he could not forget how the arrival of the Colonel in Virginia Cit}^ a few years before had come as. a deliverance to the population of the territory from Indian attacks and atrocities. He rightly felt that he could not make a better choice. The Governor's selection was heartil}^ approved b}^ the people. The principal paper in the Territory refers in the following manner to the Colonel's appointment : " The new regiment of mounted infantry being raised in this Territory is progressing finely. It will certainly, at all events, not suffer because of the inexperience of the officers to whom its command has been intrusted. Daniel E. Hungerford, the Colonel, is an experienced and brave soldier, and has been proven so on many a hard-contested battle-field. So long ago as 1841, he held a commission in the New York vState Militia, and was one of the first to raise and offer to the government a DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 283 company for service in Mexico. In that country, he par- ticipated in all the battles from Vera Cruz to the capi- tal, and was wounded in one of the battles in front of the City of Mexico. He came to the Pacific coast at an early day, and came to this Territory as major of the troops sent here from California in the spring of i860, to protect the inhabitants against the Pay Utahs. In this campaign he came up with, and defeated the savages at William's Ranch and Pyramid Lake. Soon after the first battle of Bull Run, he was at once appointed Lieu- tenant-Colonel, and served all through McClellan's hard- fought campaign. " Coming to California, he sought for authority to raise a brigade, but was -prohibited from doing so by the circumlocution office. " If thorough military knowledge, long experience, and undoubted personal bravery are good criterions. Colonel Hungerford would seem to be the right man in the right place. " He has been engaged in the following battles, where there wei^e few that showed more bravery and gallantry : Vera Cruz, Nueva Rancho, Cerro Gordo, Ama- zoec, Contreras, Churubusco, Chapultepec, Garita de Belen, all in Mexico ; William's Ranch and Pyramid Lake in Nevada Territory ; Young's Mills, Yorktown, Bottom's Bridge, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill in the Peninsular campaign." Armed with the necessaiT authorit}^ the Colonel immediately set to work to fill the requisition. The task was an arduous one. Nevada was sparsel}- settled. The distances to be traveled were great, and much care 284 DANIEL ^^lUNGERFORl). and keen discrimination were necessary in the selection of the men. In the capacity of Assistant Adjutant-General he superin- tended the recruiting. Regardless of the many dilhculties he was not daunted, and, in a short time, succeeded in filling the quota of two companies of cavalry and six companies of infantry. At this point recruiting was suspended by general orders from the headquarters of the division. This was a hard fate for the Colonel ; all his labor and expectation had gone for naught. Working night and da}^ making many sacri- fices that he could ill aftord, he w^as buoj^ed up with the hope of soon taking the field, and doing inuch for his countr3% the official records of whose wars had already borne his name more than once for gallantry and bravery. That order seemed to deprive him of the cherished hope. He had spent several thousand dollars out of his own pocket which he could not afford ; but, what he valued far more, his military command, he was now without. Again a private citizen against his own will, his sword sheathed, but eager to draw it once more in the service of his countr3\ The Mexican commissioners sought him, and solicited him DANIEL E, HUNGERFORD. 285 to enter the service of that Republic, and assist them in driving out the foreign invaders of their soil. The Colonel had nian}^ friends in Mexico, and had consider- able reputation in that country as a militar}^ man. His humane treatment of the distin- guished captive, Don Juan Carno, that he had taken prisoner at Chapultepec, endeared him to the Mexicans, and won their respect as a generous foe in time of war, but a sterling friend of their Republican institu- tions and government in time of peace. As history tells, Napoleon the Third was about putting in execution his dream of a Latin Empire in the New World. To obtain a foothold on the soil of Mexico, despoil the Mexicans of their government and territor3^ and, when the United States would be torn asunder by the internal strife then raging, to pour myriads of his legions into our -countr}", and thereby estab- lish the supremac}^ of his dynasty on the Western Continent, was the stupendous project that dazzled the usurper's brain. A part had already been fulfilled. Mexico had been invaded, a quasi - empire had been established, the Republican Government had been driven from the capital, though its 286 DANIKl. i;. IIUXCERFORD. troops were fighting bravel}^ against the despotic, swa)^ of the foreigners, and con- testing every inch of their native land. Maximilian was sitting on the throne, sus- tained — not by the will of the people — but by French ba5^onets, a poor and trembling support for any throne. But might during those da3^s was overcoming right. The monarchical governments of the Old World were looking on in indifference, some per- haps with io3^ at the spoliation of a free people. The Great Northern Light, the Giant of Republics, was being rent b}" internal strife, and could render no aid to the threatened sister. Upon whom else could the Mexicans call than the patriotic and libert3Moving militar}^ men of the North who, in drawing their swords for their struggling neighbor, w^ould be but fighting on another soil the battles of their own countr}^ When the ofter was made to the Colonel, he saw the real state of affairs and the portentous significance of the events then being enacted. The dan- ger-cloud was looming, growing da}^ by day, and forming another powerful menace to our threatened National sovereignty. The Government in those times could not well DANIEL E. HUNCIEREORD. 287 make an armed protest against the flagrant aggression on its Southern border. Its very existence was already in jeopard3^ it could not afford to divert even a single regiment to enforce its just demand. Clearl}^ to private citizens on their own responsibility would have to fall the dut}^ of the main- tenance of the Monroe doctrine then openly violated. Colonel Hungerford with his ac- customed habit of looking ahead, felt that to help drive the invaders from Mexico and prevent a foreign government from obtaining a foothold upon the free soil of America would be the means of rendering signal service to his own count}^ He knew that once in Mexico, at the head of an armed force, there would soon be thousands of Americans to join him, and who could fail to foresee the beneficent results that would flow from such a generous display of American valor and patriotism, in the aid of a helpless Republic ? What an ever- lasting debt of gratitude Mexico and her people would have ever felt to us. The expansion of trade that would result, the closer union of the two races, their fra- ternization in a common cause, all this, besides the immediate and glorious conse- 288 t)ANir.T.^! ItUNGKRFORr). quence of ridding the United States of a menace, and Mexico of a t3^rant'wS rule. With these fruitful reflections, and the lio])e of a speedy realization of the brilliant ideal. Colonel Hungerford accepted the ofl:er. The policy of tlie United States Government being neutral, the strictest secrec}^ had to be maintained. The Colonel's plan was to sail from San Francisco with a large force of men, fully armed and equipped, and land in Mexico, then combine with the Mexican arm^^ To do this required a man of capability, sound judgment, and energy, yet cautious and possessing a keen knowl- edge of men. When the Colonel arrived in San Francisco, he forthwith began his prep- arations. In conjunction with the Mexican Com- missioners, Generals Placido La Vega and Sancho Ochoa, he succeeded in recruiting about five hundred men. Ever3^thing had been done in the quietest possible manner ; not a suspicion was aroused. To blind the public as to the real objects of the expedi- tion, it was given out that they were an organized body of "prospectors" bound for Arizona, and for protection against the Apaches and other hostile Indian tribes. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 289 they had thought best to arm themselves and assume the character of a military organization. The plans had been so well laid, and carried out with such carefulness and forethought, that ten thousand stand of arms, ammunition, quartermaster and commissary supplies, and telegraph material, with men were on board the barque Brontes, and the day of sailing fixed, before the true nature of the movement was even suspected. The clearance and other neces- sary papers had been obtained. The Ameri- can flag flying, they awaited only the order to make sail, and bid goodbye to the golden gate. For once keen newspaper men were completely deceived. As for the Govern- ment oflicials, it can be surmised that it was not difficult to throw them off the scent. To undertake, and successfully put in execution, an affair of such magnitude in a populous cit}^ like San Francisco, with- out exciting the least suspicion, was a work that few would have had the ability to carry through. The men were oathbound : their sworn obligation being to fight against all the enemies of Mexico, but never to take up arms against the United States. The latter proviso was not necessar}^ as 290 DANIEL E. llUNGEREokl). the}^ were all staunch Unionists, but the Colonel, not knowing what complications might arise, thought prudent to insert it. The whole undertaking was on the point of success. All arrangements had been made. In a day, a few hours, they would have been at sea sailing to their destination. But this great and important movement, fraught with the prospect of vast good to both the United States and Mexico, was doomed to fail, through the base treacher}^ of one from whom it was the least ex- pected. An American newspaper man had betrayed the Colonel to the French Consul at San Francisco. The Colonel had gone to this man and imparted to him, in the most sacred confidence, the real object of the expedition, which he was at libert}^ to reveal when the Brontes was well out to sea. The Colonel had selected his paper, as it had alwa3^s professed such intense patriotism, that he thought the secret would be safest with him. The result was that the French Consul made formal protest to the Custom House authorities, who had not been well "posted." They dela3^ed the sail- ing of the barque, and, in the meantime, the Consul and the local police concocted to- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 29I getlier an affidavit that some of the weaker members of the party were induced by means of French gold to sign. On these Judas Iscariot affidavits, the gallant Colonel and twenty-two of the officers were apprehended, the barque was unloaded and the arms and material stored : thus temporaril}' frustrating the well-con- ceived design, Uirough the stupidity of a Custom House official, who ought to have known better, and the vile perfidy of an American journalist. No blame can be attached to the French Consul. It was his dut5^ if he could, to prevent the barque leaving port : but to have his plans thus thwarted b)^ a member of the American press, whose paper had always proclaimed its great patriotism and loyalty, was . so revolting in its hideousness, as to be hardl}^ believable. The trial was one of the " causes celebres " in the history of the State. The sympathy of ever}^ right thinking and patriotic man, woman, and child in the communit}^ was with the Colonel and his companions, and nothing but loathing and contempt were felt for the miscreants, who, for a handful of the foreigner's gold, would 292 DANIEL E. IIUNGEREORD. betra}^ their own citizens, and stain their manhood with a perjurer's taint. The best counsel in the State offered their services to tlie Colonel ; but, not needing their assist- ance, he declined it, preferring to argue and plead his own case, though not the semblance of a case was made out against him. His speech to the jury was a scath- ing denunciation of the corrupt methods that had been used against them, and fierce in the condemnation of the emissary of a foreign government, plotting in the city of San Francisco against a struggling Ameri- can Republic, and aided and abetted in his nefarious work by men who claimed to be Americans. At times during his speech he was bit- terly sarcastic, and the crowded court was often convulsed with laughter at his witt}^ references to the bribed witnesses, and the contradictions of their evidence. In the sa- cred name of justice, he demanded an im- mediate acquittal, without the jury leaving their seats. When the Colonel had finished, the foreman arose and announced that the}^ rendered a verdict of " Not guilty," which was received with ringing cheers b}^ the en- tire court. Indeed, during the trial, the pro- DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. 293 ceedings often degenerated into a farce, and the prosecuting attorne^y and the bribed wit- nesses, it was thought, could hardly brazen it out to the end, so great was the ire and sentiment of the people against them. The Colonel's speech to the jury attracted consid- erable attention, and was widely read. His crime was patriotic zeal, and he knew no honest American citizen could award pun- ishment for such an offense. His eloquent words to the jury, loft}^ in sentiment, and expressing high patriotism and lirm resolve, and as dealing with an event of great im- portance in the annals of California, will be read with interest. The Colonel said : " I appear before you in defense of myself against the wicked and malicious persecutions of perjured wretches and shameless officials, whose tender regard for truth and honesty has been polluted by the magic influence of French gold, aided and abetted by a public journal, and that, too, while professing a deep sympathy for a sister Republic now struggling for existence against the wicked and unholy usurpation of an Austrian tyrant, sustained by French bayonets. How men so base could be found in this American community, whose element is universal liberty, is indeed most wonderful, a community whose proverbial sympathies are ever with the oppressed, and whose aid and succor has, upon all occasions, been ex- tended, and, most especially, to a patriotic people strug- gling for the maintenance of Republican liberty and na- tional existence. 294 DANIEL i:. IIUNCIERFORD. " But so does it seem, and how do they appear ? This scum of filth has arisen upon the surface of the waters as an obnoxious poison, unfitted and incompatible to mix and combine with the purer elements of the truly great principles of American republicanism, whose sympathies are justly aroused when the cries and wails of their suf- fering brethren reach them, as wafted along upon the gentle breeze of heaven from the several quarters of the globe. If to be held guilty for my personal sympathies for Republican Mexico is a crime, then I am content to be guilty. 'Tis but a few years gone by, when I could have been found in the ranks of my fellow countrymen, combating in the deadly strife of war, these very peo- ple who now so excite my every sympathy that I will aid them by every honorable means in my power, even to the jeopardy of my own life, to the re-establishment of their republican forin of government. If to assist the weak against the strong, the right against the wrong, then do I propose to be a criminal. Believing as I do in the truth and the righteousness of the Monroe doc- trine, I must so direct my every act that they may be consistent with its teachings ; and I most fervently pray and hope to live to see placed upon the National Palace of Mexico the eagled-flag of the Republic, in fraternal association with our own beloved starry-banner. The one there by right, the other as a guardian — a warning to the tyrants of the Old World that Ainerica belongs to Americans." The Colonel then went on to review the evidence, showing clearly the falsit}^ of the charges, and taking occasion to excoriate, by bitter invective and sarcastic references to DANIEL E. HUNClERFORb. 295 the bribed officials and their dastardl}^ en- deavors to subvert justice. In closing, he said : " Now, gentlemen, if you can find anything- in the evidence to even excite a suspicion of guilt, then I am willing to abide by your judgment. I ask no charity or leniency ; will receive none. Again assuring you, gentle- men of the jury, that I know no more of these alleged transactions than you do, yourselves ; and, in conclusion, having established my entire innocence, I ask not in charity, but demand in the most sacred name of justice a free acquittal from your seats, without resorting to the jury-room." The jury could do only one thing, acquit him instant!}^ and unanimously. All the allurements of French gold, and the vile attempts of the shameless conspirators could not hold against the twelve honest men who had listened to the truthful and eloquent words of the Colonel, so convincing of his innocence and the patriotism of his motives. About two months after, the Colonel, still enthusiastic and determined, left San Fran- cisco, with a much less force, for the mouth of the Colorado River, at the head of the Gulf of California, to which place the arms and military stores had been already trans- ferred. Taking them on board another vessel he proceeded to La Paz, Lower Call- 296 DANIEL ^HUNHERFORn. fornia. Here he found that General La Vega, with a portion of the Colonel's men, had crossed over to the State of Sinaloa, with a view of revolutionizing that State in behalf of himself. The Colonel could not engage in anything of this kind. The engagement that he had entered into was to serve the Federal Government of Mexico, and assist them in repelling the invasion of their soil, and thereby establish the suprem- acA' of the Monroe Doctrine, which was be- ing openly violated. He could not, in honor, oppose the Government, or take part in any manifestation in favor of any individual, no matter whom. He was bound to respect and recognize the lawfulh^-constituted authority. He therefore sent tw^o agents to General Corona, who commanded in Sinaloa, offering to deliver the arms and stores to him on payment of the amounts still due to Ameri- can merchants for the same. This General Corona was unable to do, so the Colonel or- dered the return to San Francisco of the vessel and properties belonging to the mer- chants, thereb}^ saving them from capture, the French having several men-of-war in the Gulf and upon the coast. The Colonel remained at La Paz watch- DANIEL E. nUNGERFORD. 297 ing developments, not knowing what part he would be called upon to take. The War Department at Washington was informed of his arrival, and something he thought might arise that would demand his services, either for his own Government or Mexico. During a space of one month, four sepa- rate revolutions occurred, none of which he could be induced to have anything to do with ; they made every attempt, and all man- ner of persuasion was used, but he stood firm, holding that he came there to fight for the Federal Government, and not to take part in the partisan disputes and warfare among themselves. By this attitude and the uprightness of his acts he gained the confidence and respect of all parties. Soon the news came of the battle of Queretaro, and the capture of Maximilian and the renegade Mexicans, and their final disposition. Napoleon the Third had awak- ened from his dream, and his generals and satellites were paying by their lives for their desperate attempt at the violation of the rights and subjugation of a free people. Now, it may be asked, what was the re- sult of the Colonel's eftorts and sacrifices in the raising of these expeditions to help Mex- 38 298 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORl). ico, and assist by force of arms in the as- sertion of the inviolability of the Monroe Doctrine ? Who can doubt their potent ef- fect in the final withdrawal of the French troops, when referring to the correspondence and interview of William H. Seward, our Secretar}^ of State, Avith the French Minister . of Foreign Affairs ? We find Mr. Seward using these expeditions of Colonel Hunger- ford and others as his principal argument, he saying, "as must be evident to you, it is impossible to control our people; it is plainly apparent what they are doing." This endorsement b}^ the Secretary of State of the value of Colonel Hungerford's well-directed movements in Mexico for the higher and national interests of the United States and the entire continent, give to it the consequence it is b}^ just right entitled to. It must have been ver}^ gratif3dng to Colonel Hungerford, for it closed the last of his military endeavors ; and no one who has read the preceding chapters, will fail to ac- knowledge that he has ever done all his op- portunity allowed him to do, and has always fulfilled his dut}^ in a worth}^ and patriotic manner. During the Colonel's stay in California, , ^fv /y/ii- .#iW^r^> &'^Mfr ,jnd^/t'(/oaf -iurA ty^t^'-iji'^t// t/tArr/fOH^ a^ 'yt/u J^fi// ,/fi'Mr2t/M^ ^ /tm^ Am -^ ^'/t^/Z/hA^^ 0-fi€/...:Zawj .o/,,cuA *•«/// •y^a/r *f/{i DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 299 engaged in the raising of expeditions to Mexico, and before Grant had left Washing- ton to command the Army of tlie Potomac, he wrote the following to a publication, re- garding the Virginia campaign. Coming be- fore Grant had made a move, it is remarka- ble as pointing out in advance the exact plan of the General's and its general similar- ity with that of McClellan's. The commu- nication is as follows : "The general plan of Grant's campaign against the rebel capital is not very dissimilar to that of McClellan's, in 1862, except so far as General McClellan's army was very considerably diminished, leaving him to an entire front attack, without the aid of demonstrations to divert, even momentarily, the enemy's attention. It was ex- pected that General Wool, and subsequently, General Dix from their departments, and General McDowell from Fredericksburg, would make such demonstrations ; more particularly was it expected from General Dix, who then occupied Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, and might easily have threatened, if not have captured, Petersburg. McDowell should, at the same time, have made a stra- tegic manoeuvre, with a view of turning the rebel posi- tion. These movements would have compelled the rebels to send out a corresponding force to meet them, when the rebel capital would have been at the command of McClellan. The defeat of Banks and Shields would not have occurred, and the great terror for the safety of the national capital, and subsequent disasters of the seven days' fight we would have been spared the humiliation 300 DANIEL E: HUNCEUl'ORl). of ; there would have been no second Bull Run, Fred- ericksburg, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg- to mourn for, and the war much nearer its termination. It is not the purpose here to discuss as to who was at fault in these defeats ; but to show a similar- ity in the two campaigns, so far as the general plans are concerned. At present, we have a concerted combination of action on the part of the armies, all centering to, and for, a fixed point and purpose. McClellan was not the General-in-Chief, he commanding only his immediate army. McDowell, it is true, was, at the very early part of the campaign, under his orders, but before it was time to make the movement, he withdrew from the Army of the Potomac, leaving McClellan entirely upon his own resources, without the hope of aid or assistance from those necessary demonstrations, or the means of military combination. General Grant, however, has full control and command of all the armies of the Union, and can order such movements, attacks, feints, or manoeuvres, as he may seem disposed, and is now using all the availa- ble force in combined and harmonious concert, having in view one real and principal object : from Butler on the South of the James, Smith on the Peninsula, Burnside from the direction of Fredericksburg, and Meade, with the greatest army on the inland route, all converging to the center of attraction, Richmond, whose doom is sealed, and has but a few days to run. "Cortes." " Semper Paratus Patriicy While the Colonel was at La Paz, an ac- cident happened whereby a prominent citi- zen was seriousl}^ injured by a gunshot bANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 30I wound, breaking his right arm above the elbow. There being no surgeon at La Paz, the Colonel was importuned by many, and expressly asked by the United States Consul, Mr. Elmer, to attend the case. The Colonel had no diploma ; but seeing at once that it was a case of necessity, and with his usual characteristic of doing the best he could un- der all circumstances, he took upon himself the responsibility and attended the patient with the happy result of successfully treat- ing him. As will be remembered from the preceding pages, he had alread}^ had consid- erable experience in the stud}^ and practice of medicine, and, though lacking the diplo- ma, was quite as well qualified in point of abilit}^ as if he had possessed it. His time was so constantl}^ occupied while he was in California, that he was unable to fulfill all the formalities necessary to obtain the sheep- skin. As the case was an exceedingly difficult one, the Colonel's skill in the management of it gained him considerable reputation. The population of La Paz being poor, and much sickness and disease prevailing, he felt it his dut}^ to practice the profession in general, as the facilities for obtaining medi- 302 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. Cell assistance were very meagre. He soon had a large practice, though his tender heart and generosity of character were not adapt- ed to the gathering of large fees from his patients. No one ever hesitated to consult him because of their poverty. They knew too well his charitableness and kindly feel- ing, and the}' felt that their inability to pay would never ensure any less sympathy or less able treatment at his hands. Not only did he soon become reputed as a successful doctor and surgeon, but among the entire community his benevolence and charity en- deared him to all. On numerous occasions the Doctor held consultations with the Surgeons of the United States Navy. La Paz, being a coal- ing station, was frequently visited by our men-of-war. There were, at one time, five anchored in the harbor. These gentlemen never for a moment questioned the right of the Colonel to the title of Doctor. Men of proven professional knowledge themselves, they knew that the mere possession of a diploma did not always make a man worthy of it ; and, as they recognized the ability and capacit}^ of the Colonel (as evidenced by his success in the profession), they were al- DANIEL E. HUNGERF(JRI). 303 ways quite ready to exchange opinions and courtesies with him. In later years, how- ever, in order to satislV the demands of for- mal etiquette, he pursued a regular course at the Toland Medical College at San Fran- cisco, where he was highl}^ esteemed. There he filled the important position of Assist- ant Demonstrator in Physiolog^^ assisting in man}^ intricate and difficult operations.- In 1874, he left La Paz for a tour in Eu- rope. In leaving, he met with an unexpected demonstration upon the mole, a long wharf of about three hundred 3^ards from which passengers embark — to go on board the steamer. This wharf was lined by two rows of women and children dressed in their hol- iday attire, through which the benevolent Doctor had to walk to gain the stairway, all kneeling, and with clasped elevated hands imploring God's choicest blessings upon their friend and benefactor, the kind-hearted Doc- tor. The Colonel's heart has been touched many times in his life, but never has he felt so deeply moved as when he witnessed the gratitude of such a multitude, spontaneously rendered, springing from the heart of each one of them. Those poor people had noth- ing to give, but they knew who had done 304 DANIEL ,E. IIUNGERFORD. much for them; the philanthropic "Doctor Americano" was leaving them, and the}^ would fain testif}^ b}^ all in their power their gratitude and appreciation for his man}^ good works. But the thanks of those poor simple folk, so genuinely and feelingl}^ given, were sweeter and far more accepta- ble to the Colonel than the largest fee he had ever collected. CHAPTER XL Arrival in Europe — Tour of the Continent — Visiting Battlefields — In Paris — Reception to General Grant — Return to the States — Building; Railroads — En- joying Life at Villa Ada, Rome, Italy. T EAVING La Paz, the Colonel journeyed '^ to Bruxelles, Belgium, where he joined his family. He had had an eventful and stirring life in the States; from New York to the Mexican War, in which battles he had made a brilliant record, back to New York, where his regiment was received by such a reception of public joy and demon- stration that has never been exceeded in point of spontaneous enthusiasm and grate- ful welcome; then through Mexico again, this time as a pioneer of California, taking the overland route from Vera Cruz to San Francisco, after undergoing innumerable difaculties, sufferings, and dangers; in Cali- fornia as a prominent citizen, taking a prominent part in the development of the coast, and lighting at the head of a com- mand that he himself had organized against 39 306 DANIEL E. IIUNGERFORD. the Indians in Nevcida ; at the breaking out of the Civil War, on the Peninsula, ever ready to the call of his country, and mentioned in the official reports of those blood)^ conflicts for gallantry, bravery, and coolness ; after, the Mexican expeditions, and then settling down in Mexico to an arduous practice as physician and surgeon in a foreign community. He therefore con- sidered that he had well earned a vacation, the first he had ever taken in his bus}^ life. During four 5^ears he traveled all over the Continent, visiting historic places and points of interest. The battle-grounds of Metz and Strasbourg were gone over by him, and the scenes of great campaigns in Europe, from Waterloo in Belgium to the ancient fields of strife of the old Roman Emperors in Italy, had all an eager attraction to the close-observing Colonel. Of keen and appre- ciative nature, those four 3^ears of obser- vation and study were well-enjoyed pleasure to him. Writing from Mexico, his letters have portrayed his vivid impressions of the beauties of nature. In the Old World, the Italian skies, artistic and beautiful France, picturesque Switzerland, the storied and castled Rhine of German}^ and the art and DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 307 sculpture treasures of the Continent were a revelation of delight and instruction to one that had hitherto known but the majesty and grandeur of the scener}^ of his own country. Of a practical bent, he took special note of the ways of living, and the difference of customs, between Europeans and Americans, and enriched his mind with information and statistics that are of such value to the educated traveler. Fortunate is he who has the pleasure of listening to the reminiscences of one who has had such an experience, living an active and adven- turesome life during the most stirring times and events in his own land, and having a mind stored with the result of four 3^ears of keen observation and appreciation of the scenery and the manners and customs of the people of the Old World. In 1878, the Colonel, after finishing his tour, came to Paris, where his beautiful home was the scene of many hospitalities extended to his countrymen, that would find their way to the gay city. Nothing gave him more pleasure than the greeting of his friends and acquaintances; but there was no one more welcome at his board than an old soldier, nor no topic more con- 3o8 DANIEL E. HUNGERFORl). genial than that which recalled the Mexican War, the early days of California, or the Civil War. Speaking fluently French and Spanish, and having the entree of the best official and civil societ3^ the Colonel gave many brilliant entertainments to the elite of the Parisian world, and fully sustained the reputation of his countr3^men for their liberal and magnificent hospitality. On the evening previous to the opening of the Exhibition of 1878, he gave a recep- tion to the American visitors and the distinguished people who had gathered in Paris to witness the opening ceremonies of the next da}^ It was a happy thought to unite all in a splendid entertainment, as a kind of prelude to the round of official gaieties that were soon after to begin. To welcome so man}^ of his countrymen on a foreign - soil, and bring about the meeting of so many of the noted people of America with the celebrities of France and other European countries, in such a cordial, in- formal, and fraternizing manner, was the delightful act of hospitality that he con- ceived and brilliantly carried out. Another equally delightful and apprecia- tive act of courtesy was the reception ten- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORt). 309 dered to General Grant. He had come to Paris on his tour around the world. He was a comrade-in-arms of Colonel Hungerford, during the Mexican War. The latter pro- posed to his daughter, Mrs. Macka}^ to thus honor the General who had won the proud title of the most distinguished American soldier, and had twice held the highest office in the gift of the people. Mrs. Mackay de- termined that, although on a foreign soil, her father's renowned comrade-in-arms should be Avelcomed by such a scene of dazzling bril- liancy that all the glories of the Empire could not excel. In Paris have been given many entertainments of splendor and mag- nificence, but never one that surpassed in gorgeousness and beaut}^ the reception of- fered by Mrs. Mackay to the "Hero of Appo- mattox." Generals, statesmen, celebrities of the world, and noted men from all countries participated by their presence in this fete of admiration and esteem for the great soldier- statesman. The resources of luxurious and artistic Paris were drawn upon to their ut- most, in the adornment and decoration of the magnificent residence of Mrs. Mackay. The Champs Elysees that night gleamed with the light and glitter of the most cele- 3IO DANIELLE. IIUNGKRFOUn. brated social event that was ever held on that world-noted avenue. The French journals were amazed at the grand tribute of a private American family to one of their countryriien, eminent in war and the pursuits of peace. . The respect and regard of Americans for their pul)lic men, regardless of politics, could not have been better illustrated than by this regal banquet to one who had been twice President of their country and leader of its armies. To describe an affair which has been already full}^ chronicled in almost all the journals of the globe would indeed be superfluous. Suffice to sa5s however, that in^ all the fa- mous tour of General Grant around the world, when splendor of Occident and lav- ish richness of Orient were rivaling in the entertainments that kings and potentates were vying with each other in his honor, there was none that excelled, in beauty and dazzle, the reception given him by his old comrade-in-arms in the art center of the Old World. How times had changed ! Thirt}" years before, both subaltern officers in Mexico, the General a lieutenant, the Colonel a cap- tain, their swords hashing together in a se- DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 3II ries of dashing victories ; tliat da}-, both private citizens of the- great Republic, One had been twice commander of its armies, and the twice -elected of the Nation; the other had made a gallant record in three wars, and had had an honorable career in civil life, 3^et the latter was then giving the former the finest reception he had ever re- ceived. The General said, during the course of the evening, to a distinguished states- man, as the}^ were conversing together in one of the gilded saloons, that he had al- wa^^s considered the day he was made a second-lieutenant in the United -States arm}^ as his proudest and happiest da}^ ; but he must thereafter reckon another with it in equalh^ jo5^ous remembrance, — the reception given in his honor that evening by his old comrade-in-arms, Colonel Hungerford. In the fall of 'j^, the Colonel returned to the United States, making a trip through the Western and coast States, and living his earl}^ life over again in the seeing once more of the scenes of former days. He vis- ited Fort Defiance, which he built twent}^ 3"ears before and which he found still stand- ing. When he first traversed that country it was as a pioneer, when all was virgin^ 312 DANIKL K, IIUNCERFORD. forest soil and prairie. The treasures of gold and silver were locked in nature's em- brace. But pushing, energetic Americans had transformed the unknown land into a region of thrift and prosperit}^ that, in point of material civilization and progress, is no- where surpassed. Men like Colonel Hunger- ford, brave and strong hearted, were the forerunners that hewed the wa}^ for the thousands and millions that were to follow. What a keen delight to return after those years, to talk over old times and struggles with others like himself, who had borne the brunt, and had come out of it all, men of mark and standing. Accompanied b}^ his daughter. Countess Telfener, his son-in-law. Count Telfener, and Mr. Macka3^ all won- dered and were delighted at the wealth and enterprise of the great West. Ever}^ where they were welcomed with the welcome that onl}^ the big-hearted Westerners know how to give. A California paper speaks of the party as follows : " Distinguished visitors, Count Telfener, Ada, Countess Telfener, Colonel Daniel E. Hungerford, and John W. Mackay, left here yesterday morning for Lake Tahoe and California. Colonel Hungerford looks no older than in the early days of the Comstock. He appears to be DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 313 a hale and rugged man of about forty or forty-five years of age. He is a very young-looking man to be the father-in-law of Mr. Mackay and the Count. Judg- ing from what he has thus far passed through, he is good for one hundred years. Colonel Hungerford met in this city many old-time California and Nevada friends, with whom he was greatly pleased to talk over the joys and sorrows, the excitements and adventures of the early days. He is now the same earnest, cordial, unassuming man that he was in the camps of California, and in the tents, brush shanties, and canvas houses of this town, when the Comstock was young." "Colonel Hungerford arrived in California in 1849. He started from New York, and went to Vera Cruz, then struck across the country and finally reached the Pacific at Mazatlan. Then he and eleven others bought a schooner; but, after knocking about in it for a time, found it unmanageable on account of some defect in the steering apparatus, and abandoned it, taking to the land again. The party suffered terrible hardships before reaching California. On one occasion they were four days without food, and three days without water. The Colonel says he can sympathize with Dr. Tanner. He says he has been in many battles, and endured many hardships in the Mexican War and in the late Rebellion ; but in all of it he never suffered as he did on the trip from Mazatlan to San Francisco. In a battle there was always some excitement to brace him up to endure, but in marching and starving in a wilderness it was a dreary, dead drag." " The Colonel is full of military spirit, and, when there is any fighting going on within his reach, he has always been in it. He even took a hand in our Pinte War in 40 314 DANIEL E. lIUNGERFORl). order to keep in practice. He received a military education, not at West Point, hut at a private military academy in New York, his native State." " He was in the War of the Rebellion, and in some of the hottest of the battles. He was a Lieutenant- Colonel of the Thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. At the Chickahominy he crossed the first troops that got over the river, holding his position with fifteen hundred men, until a destroyed bridge was rebuilt and support reached him. In the early days of California, he says he was broke fourteen times in one summer, in mining, and finally came out eight thousand dollars ahead in the fall. In 1850, he wintered at Foster's Bar in a tent so small that he could not sit erect in it, was obliged to crawl in and out on his hands and knees. Often the snow fell to such a depth as to completely cover his tent, and he would have to dig his way out in the mornings." "From Lake Tahoe the party will go to San Fran- cisco, when the Colonel and the Count and Countess will return overland to St. Louis, thence will go down the Mississippi to New Orleans, and from there will go directly to the city of Mexico. The Count goes to Mexico to look after railroad interests held in that country. He is also interested in inines in Mexico, but will not visit them on this trip as it is necessary for him to be in Rome in November." In Texas the Colonel went into the rail- road business. Active and energetic, he could not look on in the theater of busy life and bustle. In the early days he had DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 315 cut his way through forest and thicket, in his pioneering and prospecting expeditions. That same country he was now laying rail- roads in, and joining Mexico to the States by one more powerful bond, hastening to the union of the two peoples. Surely the march of progress and civilization has been wonderful. What has taken centuries in the Old World to accomplish is done in the New in the short space of fift)^ years. Colonel Hungerford had fought in early manhood in Mexico, and the brilliant tri- umphs of the gallant little army had gained an empire of territory, containing precious metals and bounteous soil. That territory, inhabited onl}^ by the red man, he had ex- plored as pioneer, prospector, and soldier. Civilization and prosperity had changed all, and in middle life he returns to build a vast network of railwa)^ through that same territor}^ become populous with cities and villages, and smiling with fields of golden grain, and the hand of the husbandman reaping an abundant harvest, and securing for himself the blessings of peace and content. The Colonel was president of the New York, Texas <& Mexican Railway for five 31 6 DANIEL ET IRLNGEKFORI). years, until 1885, when, unable an}^ longer to withstand the solicitations of his family, he left Texas, and crossing the continent took sail from New York to join them at the beautiful Villa Ada, Rome, Italy, a castled residence that has played its part in Italian history. Situated on high ground and overlooking Rome, the panorama of the Eternal Cit}^ is before one's gaze from its windows. The meandering course of the Tiber can be fol- lowed by the e3^e, until its yellow waters meet the waves of mighty ocean at Ostia. Historical incidents and pages in the de- velopment of the world's civilization and Christianity are brought vividly to the mind, in the contemplation of the very spots in which the scenes have been en- acted. The Sabine Hills, Frascati, Tivoli, bring the thoughts back to the da3^s of the old Roman Empire. The lofty towers of St. Peter's, and the glittering cross surmounting all, rising above the clouds, is embraced in the same vista, which includes in its scope the Coliseum, where, in the time of pagan Rome, Christ's followers were torn b}^ wild beasts, and suffered mart^^'dom for their faith's and civilization's sake. DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. ^:>^7 Far awa}^ in the distance, but easil}^ per- ceived when Italian skies are radiant, lie the dancing blue waters of the Summer Sea. The Colonel's stud}^ overlooks the Cam- pagna, where in ancient times were mar- shaled the rival hosts for Rome's subjuga- tion. The fields of manc^uvres of the Roman Legions are there, as they existed in the ages when the world was new. The sound of the battle drums could be heard b}^ him, were the sleeping warriors to be aroused b}^ the tocsin, for the assembling of their forces. Athens and Sparta are not as rich in historic lore, nor do they present such a scene of classic beauty, as is unrolled before the Colonel's gaze from his window in the Villa Ada. In no other spot on the world's surface are there so many ruins and monuments, marking such portentous events in the earth's histor}^ It is in this inspiring and beautiful home that fate has decreed that the golden sands of Colonel HungerfoiTi's life should run out. One would never suppose that " Fra gli arcadia" Roma is the same 3l8 DANIKl. E. HUNflERFORD. cordial, unpretentious Colonel Hungerford, of Californian da3"s ; 3''et such it is, for he has been made a member of the Society, and that is his scientific appellation. Also, a member of Acadeni}^ of Sciences of Cali- fornia (corresponding), much of his time is spent in research and the acquirement of special knowledge. Traveling often on the Continent in the evening of a well-spent life, he is enjoying a well-merited repose. And, though his declining 3^ears are being passed far from his native land, and under another flag than his own beloved starry banner, 3^et his heart is loj^al and true to America, the land of his birth. Men like him never change. The kindly heart, the generous Uciture, the unassuming manner are with him to-da}^ as in the days of yore. With kindred, family, and romp- ing grandchildren, in his stud}^ among his books, the American flag above his desk, reminding him of native land be3^ond the sea, nobod}^ will deny the old soldier the peace and contentment that a life of devo- tion to country, family, and friends has justly earned for him. It may be permitted for me to repeat, in closing this brief nari'ative of the life DANIEL E. HUNGERFORD. 319 of a worthy citizen and a gallant soldier, what has been already said in the opening chapter of this book, that : Long may the reaper spare him, To those that love him best ; And green may be the turf above him Wlien they lay him to his rest. The End. H121 74 m />^\ \ > v^ ,^v .._ ,• /^--. °mf •/% iw /% °^^-" O, * o „ o -^ .0 0' '^0^ ^^--^ '• v./ .^;^¥a:; V.^^ /^^% "^-..Z -^-^^-'^ ^ All niiiiii lift ---^^ ' ^. .