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Anderson Zouaves timeline
Following is a time line of the history of the Anderson Zouaves. It will take some time to complete and in fact may never be as it will be continually updated as new information becomes available. Sources for the information here will not be quoted as the objective is to keep this time line as concise and as brief as possible. The sources for this information are the books, newspaper clippings, letter, and diary entries which should be able to be found on the rest of this site. Should you have any information which you think could be included in this time line please send it to az_62d_ny@mac.com
Events for 1861
April 14
Major Robert Anderson evacuates Fort Sumter.
April 17
John L. Riker enlists as Colonel; Joseph J. Yates enlists as Adjutant.
April 19
The Seventh Regiment National Guard of New York leave for Washington.
April 20
Great meeting in Union Square.
April 22
Oscar Veniah Dayton enlists as Major.
April 26
Riker enlisting members in Troy.
May 2
Large tent is raised in Union Square to be used for recruiting the Anderson Zouaves. The tent had been used the previous summer by preachers in Central Park.
May 5
Rev. Goss preaches in tent on Union Square. His reading is from Psalms 46.5 “God is within her, she will not fall; / God will help her at the break of day”.
May 19
Riker, bearing dispatches from Washington, joins Major Anderson at Trenton and escorts him to New York.
May 25
Riker recruiting in Saultersville; Grand Military Demonstration in New York city includes the Anderson Zouaves.
May 26
Rev. Dr. Chapin preaches in tent on Union Square. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2d epistle to Timothy, chap. II.v. 3)
May 28
1200 men enlisted. Col. Riker complains of the demoralizing effect of keeping the recruits in the City.
May 30
Riker recruiting in Saultersville.
May 31
Riker leads 400 (of 1000) to Snedikers Hotel, Jamaica - only 50 are uniformed (most likely the Zouaves of Co. “I” who would have bought their uniforms from the 55th New York Lafayette Guard.