Home > Anderson Zouaves Newspaper Clippings
Digital newspaper clippings for 1861 and years prior
Following are transcriptions of newspaper clippings related to the Anderson Zouaves and the family of John Lafayette Riker. This page only contains newspaper articles prior to and including 1861. For other years please use the links below. These pages will be updated regularly with content as it becomes available. Some of the articles while not expressly about the Anderson Zouaves have been included here as they give good general background information for those researching the history of the regiment, its brigade or the Civil War generally. The clippings will be listed in chronological order by “Event date”.
These transcriptions have been made by John Tierney and while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy it is possible that a few errors have been made. Should you notice any errors or have any questions about the transcriptions please contact the webmaster at az_62d_ny@mac.com
Event date: Monday, November 13, 1854.
Publication: New-York Times, Wednesday, November 15, 1854, Page 8
Died
At Stamford, on Monday, Nov. 13 of congestion of the brain, John L, only son of John L. Riker, aged 5 years.
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of his father, 125th st., near 5th-av, on Thursday, the 16th inst., at 11 o'clock A. M., without further invitation.
Event date: Monday, November 13, 1854.
Publication: New-York Times, Thursday November 16, 1854, Page 8
Died
At Stamford, on Monday, Nov. 13 of congestion of the brain, John L, only son of John L. Riker, aged 5 years.
The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of his father, 125th st., near 5th-av, on Thursday, the 16th inst., at 11 o'clock A. M., without further invitation.
Event date: April, 1861.
Publication: Unknown, April, 1861.
Anderson Zouaves.
Colonel John L. Riker is organizing a regiment under the name and auspices of the hero of Sumter. Major Anderson has authorized the use of his name, and since the inception of the enterprise has freely advised with Colonel Riker as to the formation of this regiment. At an early hour this morning a large tent was pitched in Union square, near the Washington Monument, which will be floored to-day, furnished with a few bunks and used as the regimental headquarters. The large tent at Staten Island, temporarily occupied by Wilson's Zouaves, will be used by this regiment, and other tents will be pitched at various points in the city. It is intended to form a full regiment of 1,200 men, which will include two artillery companies of 100 men each, with a full complement of howitzers. The regiment will be uniformed and equipped as Zouaves, and it will be equal, in all respects, to any of the city volunteer regiments.
Event date: Monday, April 22, 1861.
Publication: Syracuse Courier & Union, Tuesday, April 23, 1861, Page 2.
THE UNION MEETING LAST EVENING.
Great Demonstration–Enthusiasm of the Ladies–Salutes of Artillery–Speeches, Resolutions, &c.
Wieting Hall was packed almost to suffocation last evening on the occasion of the Union Meeting, to express sentiment with the present state of the country.
The galleries were completely filled by the ladies, who exhibited the greatest enthusiasm, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering the speakers and the music.
Spanier's Band assembled on the platform and opened the meeting by playing "Hail Columbia" in excellent style. This performance was received with rapturous applause, and the Band responded by giving "Yankee Doodle," and the inspiring strain of this lively air raised the enthusiasm of the audience to the highest pitch.
Major Peck* nominated Mayor Andrews as President of the meeting, and the nomination was adopted by acclamation…
Brief, pithy, eloquent and patriotic addresses were made by Major Burnett, Hon. Thos. G. Alvord, Hon. T. T. Davis, Hon. Dennis McCarthy, General Bruce, Capt. Silas Titus, Maj. J. J. Peck and Rev. Mr. Talmage.
* Major Peck was appointed Brigadier General of the brigade the Anderson Zouaves served in. Captain Silas Titus, also mentioned in this article served on Peck’s staff as brigade quartermaster.
Event date: Monday, April 22, 1861.
Publication: Syracuse Courier & Union, Wednesday, April 24, 1861, Page 2.
THE UNION MEETING LAST EVENING.
(We publish this morning from the Standard, its full report of the Union Meeting, held on Monday night, so as to give our readers a fair understanding of it. We were, unable to do so on Tuesday morning, owing to our lengthy mid-night, telegraph despatches, and the late hour at which the meeting adjourned.) — ED. COUR.
Great Demonstration–Enthusiasm of the Ladies–Salutes of Artillery–Speeches, Resolutions, &c.
Wieting Hall was packed almost to suffocation last evening on the occasion of the Union Meeting, to express sentiment with the present state of the country.
The galleries were completely filled by the ladies, who exhibited the greatest enthusiasm, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering the speakers and the music.
Spanier's Band assembled on the platform and opened the meeting by playing "Hail Columbia" in excellent style. This performance was received with rapturous applause, and the Band responded by giving "Yankee Doodle," and the inspiring strain of this lively air raised the enthusiasm of the audience to the highest pitch.
Major Peck nominated Mayor ANDREWS as President of the meeting, aud the nomination was adopted by acclamation…
In addition to the remarks of Messrs. Alvord and Davis, brief and stirring speeches were delivered by Hon. Dennis McCarthy, Gen. Bruce, Hon. C. B. Sedgwick, Capt. Silas Titus, Maj. John J. Peck and Rev. Mr. Talmage.— We have sketches of their remarks, but must defer the publication of them for a day or two.
Event date: Sunday, April 28, 1861.
Publication: New-York Times, Sunday, April 28, 1861, Page 3.
Anderson Zouaves
The Tent used by local preachers last summer at Central Park has been given to these volunteers. It will be erected in Union Square, close to the Washington Monument.
Event date: Friday, May 3, 1861.
Publication: New-York Tribune, Friday, May 3, 1861, Page 1.
Anderson Zouaves!
Named in honor and organizing under the auspices of MAJOR ROBERT ANDERSON, The gallant defender of his country’s flag and honor. The Anderson Zouaves Regiment, now in the process of organization, will be composed of good, able-bodied men, and all such are cordially invited to enroll their names at headquarters, Union Square; at Palace Gardens or at Landeman’s Hamilton Park.
To all Union Men
The Committee would respectfully request such as desire to aid the officers and others who are engaged in the arduous and expensive task of recruiting and organizing this Regiment, to send their subscriptions to either of the following gentlemen ; Major Robert Anderson, Brevoort House 5th-av. ; A. V. Stout, esq. , President of the Shoe and Leather Bank ; Shepherd Knapp, esq., President of the Mechanics' Bank ; the Hon. F. A. Tallmadge, No. 23 Chambers-st. ; Ambrose K. Ely, esq., No 108 Gold-st. ; the Hon. John R. Briggs, No. 20 Exchange-place.
Event date: Saturday, May 4, 1861.
Publication: New-York Times, Saturday, May 4, 1861, Page 8.
The Anderson Zouaves.
A large military tent has been pitched in Union square by Col. Riker for the enrollment of volunteers. Rev. Mr. Goss, of the Evangelical Alliance, will preach to the soldiers, in this tent, tomorrow, at 3 P. M.
Event date: Monday, May 6, 1861.
Publication: New-York Tribune, Monday, May 6, 1861, Page 1.
Anderson Zouaves!
Named in honor and organizing under the auspices of MAJOR ROBERT ANDERSON, The gallant defender of his country’s flag and honor. The Anderson Zouaves Regiment, now in the process of organization, will be composed of good, able-bodied men, and all such are cordially invited to enroll their names at headquarters, Union Square; at Palace Gardens or at Landeman’s Hamilton Park.
To all Union Men
The Committee would respectfully request such as desire to aid the officers and others who are engaged in the arduous and expensive task of recruiting and organizing this Regiment, to send their subscriptions to either of the following gentlemen ; Major Robert Anderson, Brevoort House 5th-av. ; A. V. Stout, esq. , President of the Shoe and Leather Bank ; Shepherd Knapp, esq., President of the Mechanics' Bank ; the Hon. F. A. Tallmadge, No. 23 Chambers-st. ; Ambrose K. Ely, esq., No 108 Gold-st. ; the Hon. John R. Briggs, No. 20 Exchange-place.
Event date: Sunday, May 5, 1861.
Publication: Brooklyn Eagle, Monday, May 6, 1861, Page 2.
Preaching in the Large Tent
At the large tent in Union Square, tee (sic) Rev. Goss, of the Evangelical Alliance, preached. He was invited to meet a couple of regiments but owing to the non-arrival of their uniforms they did not make their appearance. His text was from the 46th Psalm, 5th verse.
Event date: Tuesday, May 7, 1861.
Publication: Oswego Commercial Times, Tuesday, May 7, 1861.
News Summary
– Major Anderson has allowed the use of his name for a regiment of Zouaves in New York, and it is accordingly known as the “Anderson Zouaves”
Event date: Saturday, May 11, 1861.
Publication: New-York Times, Monday, May 13, 1861, Page 8.
Movements of Colonel Anderson
The hero of Fort Sumter left Philadelphia in the 6 o'clock P. M. train of Saturday, in charge of a Committee consisting of Messrs. Catherwood, Case, Ford and Mr. Gordon, Clerk of the Common Council of Philadelphia, who accompanied him as far as Trenton, at which point, on inquiry for Col. Anderson as to whom he would be pleased to suggest as his escort to New-York, the Colonel designated Col. J. Lafayette Riker of the Anderson Zouaves, special bearer of dispatches from Washington. Col. Riker expressed his gratification at the high compliment paid him, and assured them that he would fullfil the mission intrusted to him to the best of his ability. From Philadelphia to New-York, at every point at which there was a moment’s stoppage, the progress of Col. ANDERSON was one continuous ovation, signalized by expressions of the greatest enthusiasm, the most heartfelt welcome, a commendable curiosity to see the gallant soldier, whose patience, fortitude, wisdom and courage have placed the Government on the defensive, and on the impregnable side of right. Such was the pressure of the people that the Governor and other distinguished citizens of New Jersey found it necessary to remain upon the train, and accompany the party some distance to obtain a brief interview. At Beverly, Colonel ANDERSON bid adieu to his two youthful and beautiful daughters, who were greatly affected, as was the father, when the moment of parting had arrived. Greetings and welcomes met the distinguished traveler everywhere, notwithstanding the darkness that soon came on, personal recognitions were numerous, on which occasions Colonel ANDERSON had a kind word and hearty grasp of the hand for each. A volunteer officer on the car asked Colonel ANDERSON for a word of advice, “Do your duty, and be careful of your men,” was the prompt reply. Colonel ANDERSON’S escort arrived at the Brevoort House at 11 o’clock, P. M., where he will remain for a day or two, and then leave for the West.
Event date: Monday, May 13, 1861.
Publication: New-York Times, Monday, May 13, 1861, Page 5.
ROBERT ANDERSON ZOUAVES –
Organizing in honor and under the auspices of late Major, now Colonel, ROBT. ANDERSON, the gallant defender of his country’s flag and honor.
lNTERIOR TOWNS.
Captains of companies organizing in the river towns and elsewhere, wishing to join the Robert Anderson Zouave Regiment, now in the process of organizing will please communicate with Col. J. LAFAYETTE RIKER, Everett House. New-York.
APPLY FOR ENROLLMENT
at Head-quarters,
UNION SQUARE.
The Committee would respectfully request such as desire to aid the officers and others who are engaged in the arduous and expensive task of recruiting nnd organizing this regiment, to send thtir subscription to either of the following gentlemen :
Major Robert Anderson, Brevoort House ; A. V. Stout, Esq., President Shoe and Leather Bank ; Shepherd Knapp. Esq., President Mechanics Bank ; Hon. F. A. Tullmadge, 23 Chambers-st. ; Ambrose K. Ely, 103 Gold-st.
Event date: May, 1861.
Publication: Unknown, May, 1861.
The Anderson Zouaves.
This regiment, named in honor of the gallant Major Robert Anderson, and organized under his auspices, has nearly completed its complement of men, upwards of 600 having been enrolled. The men are all picked; many of them are from the river counties, and all are accustomed to hard work. The officers are: Colonel, J. Lafayette Riker; Lieutenant-Colonel, Teasdale; Adjutant, Carrsanford; Major, Tracy, formerly of the United States Navy; Engineer, Yates; Surgeon, Crandall. There is to be one artillery company, with a battery of two of Ames' rifled cannon, twelve pounders, and two twelve pound howitzers. The quick light infantry drill is to be adopted. / The regiment has a recruiting tent in Union square, under the charge of Captain Anderson, and another at Palace Gardens. The drill room is at the latter place. The officers are experienced, and the regiment will be one of our best. It is intended that it shall form one of a brigade, of which Major Anderson is to have the command. A few more first class recruits are wanted.
Event date: May, 1861.
Publication: Unknown, May, 1861.
The Anderson Zouaves.
The "Ladies Army Aid" Association have tendered to the Colonel of the Anderson Zouaves a complete outfit for his regiment, including havelocks, flannel shirts, jackets, drawers and socks. This offer has been accepted, and the association request the immediate co-operation of all who wish to further this good work. Donations of money and goods can be sent to the Astor Library, from ten to three o'clock, or to the officers. Ladies are particularly requested to aid in making garments. Mrs. M. O. Roberts, No. 107 Fifth avenue; Mrs. C. R. Derel, No. 4 Bond street; Mrs. Wm. B. Skidmore, No. 36 Clinton place; Mrs. John Harper, corner of Fifth avenue and Twenty-seventh street; Mrs. Kleman, No. 38 East Twenty-ninth street; Miss E. Chester, No. 42 West Thirty-second street; Secretary.
Event date: Monday, May 20, 1861.
Publication: New-York Times, Monday, May 20, 1861, Page 1.
Anderson Zouaves
Eight hundred men have already been recruited for this regiment. Two companies from Albany and one from Troy will arrive here in a day or two, and attach themselves to Col. J. Lafayette Riker’s regiment. Recruits are received in the large tent erected on Union-square.
Event date: Wednesday, May 22, 1861.
Publication: The Syracuse Herald, May 22, 1911, Page 4.
The Civil War 50 Years Ago Today
May 22d, 1861—New York Was Sending Troops to Washington at the Rate of a Regiment a Pay — Stirring Scenes in the Country’s Greatest City as “the Boys in Blue” Starter for the War.
City Crowded With Troops. If Washington were an army camp fifty years ago to-day, New York city was scarcely less so. Troops were quartered in all its parks, arsenals, large halls and even beer gardens. Companies not mustered in were living in private houses. Recruiting stations were nearly mobbed…
The New York Herald on May 10th had printed a list of the regiments then in and near the city that had been raised by New York city and Brooklyn alone. They totalled 22,090 men. Before that date 8,950 had departed for Washington. Between May, 10th and May 22d accessions offset departures, so there must have been about 20,000 troops in the city fifty years ago to-day.
The quarters of the troops are shown in the list by reglments. The list is interesting to-day.
The First regiment, National Guard, 800 men, Colonel Allen, was at the hospital building, Staten Island. The Second regiment, 950 men, Colonel Tompkins, was encamped at the Battery. The Constitution guard, 900 men, Colonel Couts, were at St. John’s Wood (upper Manhattan) and the park. The Ninth regiment, 900 men. Colonel Van Buren, were at their headquarters, Thirteenth street and University place.
In Union square were the Anderson Zouaves, Colonel Riker, about 590 men. At No. 814 Broadway were about 700 volunteers under Col. J. McLeod Murphy. At No. 594 Broadway way were part of the First regiment, California volunteers, Colonel Baker. At Fort Schuyler was the advance guard, First regiment, 1,200 men, Colonel Duryea.
At Castle Garden, Battery were Colonel Hawkins’s New York Zouaves, 800 men; at “Landerman’s, near the Thlrd avenue railroad depot.” were the Steuben volunteers, 780 men, Colonel Bendix. At No. 444 Broadway was the headquarters of the Excelsior brigade, Colonel Slckles, acting brigadier general.
In private quarters were the companies of the Fifty-fifth regiment, Colonel Le Gal. At Yorkville park was the First regiment German rifles (the Twentieth), 850 men. Colonel Blenker. At “the Eagle drill rooms” was the Eleventh regiment, 550 men, Colonel Maidhoff. In barracks at Sandy Hook were the First’regiment, Natlonal Zouaves, 850 men, Colonel McChesney. The Astor. regiment, Colonel Steinwehr, was at Jones wood, The Sixty-ninth auxiliary regiment (Irlsh), Colonel Barry, were at No. 80 Chatham street. The Union Turner rifles, 800 men, Colonel Weber, were at the Turtle Bay brewery, foot of East Forty-fifth street. The First reglment, Scott, light guard, Colonel Hudson, were at the arsenal, Central Park.
At No 618 Broadway were the Second regiment, Scott life guard, Colonel Ward. At the old Bowery theater were the Union Rangers, Col. James E. Kerrigan. At the old government house, Staten Island, was “Colonel “Wilson’s Zouaves,” whose headquarters were Tammany Hall.
In the list were various other, commands not yet inspected, including the Brltlsh volunteers, the Bannockburn battallon, the Elite corps of light infantry, the Montezuma regiment and the Garibaldi guard.
Many of the commands would, not be recognized in the service under the names they, bore when recruited or mustered in, as in most cases the home designatlon gave way to the regimental number in the arm to which they belonged…
A Typical Farewell. On the departure ot the Seventh for Fort Monroe (on May 20th) this regiment marched between walls of cheering people from its quarters at Landimann’s park Third avenue, to the Steuben house on the Bowery, near First street. Here “the Misses Kapff, daughters of Capt. Sixtus Ludwlg Kapff, appeared on a small dais,” and with a banner in her hand one of the young women addressed the “brave warriors of the Steuben regiment,” speaking, in German.
She then unfurled the, banner and handed it to Colonel Bendix who replied “in a voice choked with emotion.”
The regiment next marched to No. 189 Bowery, “the establishment of Mr. Schneider & Sons,” where “Mr Caspar Schneider presented Colonel Bendix with two small, white silk guide colors, fastened with red, white and blue ribbons, the figure 7 painted thereon in gold letters.”
The march “was resumed to City Hall where “the balcony was thronged with lady friends of the regiment” In its center was placed an oil painting of General Steuben from the Governor’s room, mounted on a staff and draped with red, white and blue bunting.”
Here the regiment was presented with a Stand of colors. Judge Charles P. Daly, holding the national ensign, mounted a platform, and made a stiring speech, in which he declared that “the principle of national unity is a deeply implanted German sentiment.” He reviewed the career of Steuben and told the soldiers he knew the held as high an ideal of duty as the great tactician whose name their regiment bore. When proper responses had been made the band played “The Star Spangled Banner,” and “amid cheers and tears”, the Steuben regiment marched bravely off to board the steamer that was to take it South.
This farewell was typical.
It was repeated, with variations, almost every day in the week. The Irish, the Scots, the Italians, all had their day. Yet each and all cheered for the flag, and the marching lads felt their breasts swell with emotion when the time came to take a last hasty look into the eyes of some fair relative or friend. In the crowd.
Event date: Friday, May 24, 1861.
Publication: The Illustrated London News, Monday, June 15, 1861.
The Civil War in America
I could easily believe myself to be in Paris or some other city devoted to military display, instead of New York, the commercial emporium of the North. From morning to night nothing is heard but the sound of the drum or the martial strains from trumpet and bugle, as regiment after regiment passes on its way to the seat of war throughstreets [sic] crowded with a maddened population. All trade is at a standstill. Store after store down Broadway has been turned into the head-quarters of Anderson's Zouaves, Wilson's Boys, the Empire City Guard, and hosts of corps too numerous or too eccentric in their names for me to recollect. Verily, a cosmopolitan army is assembled here. As one walks he is jostled by soldiers dressed in the uniforms of the Zouaves de la Garde, the Chasseurs à Pied, Infanterie de la Ligne, and other French regiments – so great, apparently, is the admiration of our cousins for everything Gallic. I must confess I should prefer to see more nationality. In justice, however, to the men, I cannot do otherwise than express my unqualified approval of the material out of which the North is to make her patriot army. Many of those I have seen marching through the streets appear already to have served in the field, so admirably do they bear themselves in their new rôles. The very children have become tainted with the military epidemic, and little toddling Zouaves, three and four years old, strut, armed to the teeth, at their nurses' apronstrings. As I write I have a corps of chasseurs composed of all the small boys in the hotel exercising and skirmishing in the corridor outside my room; the shrill words of command from the juvenile Colonel pierce through and through my ears, and distract my attention terribly.
Event date: Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York
Office No 20. Pine-st, New-York, May 25, 1861.
Public notice is hereby given that the several regiments heretofore designated for inspection, with a view to determine their acceptance for service under the call of the President of the United States, will parade for inspection on SATURDAY next the 25th inst. at 3 o'clock P. M. Due notice will be given to the place at which each regiment will be expected to assemble.
By order of the Executive Committee.
P. M. Witmore, Secretary, Ex. Committee.
Event date: Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Saturday, May 25, 1861, Page 5.
Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York
Office No 20. Pine-st, New-York, May 25, 1861.
Public notice is hereby given that the several regiments heretofore designated for inspection, with a view to determine their acceptance for service under the call of the President of the United States, will parade for inspection on SATURDAY next the 25th inst. at 3 o'clock P. M. Due notice will be given to the place at which each regiment will be expected to assemble.
By order of the Executive Committee.
P. M. Witmore, Secretary, Ex. Committee.
Event date: Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Saturday, May 25, 1861, Page 5.
Anderson Zouaves.
General Order.
May 25, 1861
This Regiment will form on the extreme right of the line, as ordered by the Union Defence Committee on 14th st., between 9th and 10th ave. Captains will march their companies from stations and barracks as early as 1 o'clock P. M.-forming around Union-square at 2 o'clock precisely. By order
J. Lafayette Riker, Colonel.
Prescott Tracy, Adjutant.
Event date: Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Tuesday, Sunday 26, 1861, Page 8.
Grand Military Demonstration Inspection of ten regiments of New York Volunteers
Anderson Zouaves.
A very few of these men appeared in uniform at the inspection yesterday. It is anticipated however, that the whole of the men will be fully uniformed by Wednesday. The costume is a neat affair of blue, faced with yellow and has the great recommendation of cheapness; pants, jacket, vest and cap will not cost more than $10. 80 men were inspected yesterday by the Union Defence Committee, presenting a very fine appearance. Mrs Col. Anderson has taken great interest in the progress of this regiment, making the officers under many obligations to her, and also to the ladies of the New York Relief Union who have kindly supplied the regiment with shirts, drawers etc. The following are the staff officers, line officers have not yet been elected:
Col. J. Lafayette Riper, (sic) Lieut. Col. W. S. Fisdale, (sic) Maj. Oscar V Dayton, Adj. Prescott Tracy, Commissary Wilson Hubbell, Quarter-Master J. J. Yates.
Event date: Sunday, May 26, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Monday, May 27, 1861, Page 8.
Dr Chapin in the Camp.
Rev. Dr. Chapin preached in the large tent encampment of the Anderson Zouaves, situate in Union Square, yesterday morning. He spoke from the text “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, (2d epistle to Timothy, chap. II.v. 3) Our eloquent Universalist divine was listened to by a large and devoutly-impressed assemblage. He expatiated in warm and vigorous language on the duties, the trials and the hardships of a soldier’s occupation, and on the rewards and glories of a faithful soldier’s services ; and exhorted such of them as had devoted themselves to military life to fight the good fight manfully, being steadfast to the end.
Event date: Wednesday, May 29, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Wednesday, May 29, 1861, Page 8.
Anderson Zouaves.
Twelve hundred men have joined this regiment. Each recruiting officer has made and affidavit to the effect that every name inscribed on his roll is legitimate. Col. Riker and Lieut.-Col. Tisdale pledge themselves, if called upon by the Union Defense Committee to furnish in less than 48 hours a sufficient number of able bodied, healthy men, to form a regiment. Col. Riker complains very much of the demoralizing effect it has upon the men by keeping them in the City ; and states that the only way to make good soldiers is to keep them away from local and home influences. If this is the case, the sooner quarters are provided for them the better.
Event date: Thursday, May 30, 1861.
Publication: New York Tribune, Thursday, May 30, 1861, Page 8.
[No heading]
The uniform consists of a blue Zouave jacket, with a red edge, on which is a row of brass, bell buttons. In the lower comers are the initials A. Z.. The pants are blue and the leggings and gaiters similar to those of the French Zouaves.
Event date: Friday, May 31, 1861.
Publication: New York Times, Friday, May 31, 1861, Page 8.
Anderson Zouaves.
This Regiment goes into quarters to-day at Snediker’s, on Long Island. Four hundred men leave for the barracks to-day, three hundred to-morrow, and the balance the next day.
Event date: Friday, May 31, 1861.
Publication: New York Herald, Saturday, June 1, 1861.
Anderson Zouaves / Encampment in Jamaica
The Anderson Zouaves, under command of Colonel J. Lafayette Riker, took their departure at four o'clock yesterday afternoon for Snediker's Hotel, Jamaica, there to pitch their tents until they receive a specific summons to proceed to the seat of war. The whole main building, together with the appended out offices, &c., have been placed at their disposal, and they intend to make themselves as comfortable as possible in these quarters until they are called into a more active field. The regiment now numbers one thousand men, about fifty of whom are uniformed, but all of them expect to be uniformed by next Tuesday. The ladies of the Astor Library have been very attentive to this regiment, having furnished them with several necessary articles. The regiment will be mustered into the United States service in the course of next week, and the officers will be duly elected by ballot. This corps is principally composed of firemen, and after a little drilling they may compete favorably with other regiments in point of discipline and pluck.
