79^th New York Highland Regiment

THE REDEDICATION OF THE CAMERON MONUMENT JULY 5, 1997

As you see, I am not wearing the standard uniform of the Army of the Potomac. I am wearing the uniform of the 79^th New York Militia Volunteer Infantry, otherwise known as the "Highlanders". The 79^th New York State Militia Volunteers were formed by Captain Roderick of the British Consulate in New York City on the 9th of October 1859; The 79^th New York "Highlanders" were fashioned after the famous British 79^th Highlanders. This type of uniform was worn from October 1859 until 1861. What I am wearing is a reproduction of an original ensemble worn by Sergeant Flavious John Cowen of the 79^th, as he left New York City to answer the call. The original ensemble is in the New York State Military Heritage Museum in Albany.

For those of you not familiar with Scottish attire, I am wearing a kilt made from the Cameron of Erracht tartan, a military sporran, a doublet with NCO sash and belt, and shoulder scales. My hat is the Scottish Glengarry. An interesting side note, here is that the New York Caledonian Club, founded in 1856, was the original sponsor of the 79^th Highlanders. The Club saw to the men's needs throughout the conflict. At the end of the war the Club saw that the standard capy was replaced, once again, by the Scottish Glengarry for their last parade in New York City. The New York Caledonian Club is still active today.

A freely elected government wove a permanent black thread into history of this young country. The conflict between the industrial North and the agricultural South, along with the issue of slavery, had developed to the point of armed hostility. On the 12^th of April 1861; Fort Sumter was fired upon by Confederate forces. With the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 men.

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In the rush to meet the call to arms, two Scottish American units were formed. The 78^th New York State Militia Regiment Infantry "Cameron Highlanders" and the 79^th New York State Militia Regiment Infantry "Highlanders". The Confederate States also fielded their own Scottish Unit known as the 3^rd Engineer Regiment, Company A, "Charleston Highlanders", thus placing countrymen against countrymen.

As the call was sounded, the 79^th was initially unable to field a Regiment owing to the lack of officers and men. On a second try, with intense recruiting, the 3 year enlistments were met. On the 29^th May 1861, one thousand officers and men were mustered in to federal service and formed into 10 companies.

They proudly marched off to the skirl of the pipes and drums headed for Washington D.C. In June 1861 they were assigned garrison duty under Mansfield's Command and received their first Federal Commander, Colonel James Cameron, an individual like many others who wanted to serve their country. With the influence of his brother, Secretary of War Simon Cameron, and his considerable military training Colonel Cameron was appointed Regimental Commander of the 79^th Highlanders at the age of 61.
As the politicians warred with one another and desired to see their troops engaged, the Generals dreaded the thought of armed conflict as the majority of their troops were ill-equipped and ill-trained. However, as with all wars, the politicians prevailed--thus setting the stage for the first clash of arms.

As the federal troops left Washington D.C. headed for Virginia, the 79^th, lead by Colonel Cameron as part of Sherman's 3^rd Brigade, proudly stepped out on the march that was forever to change their lives.

Their march took them toward Manassas. They crossed Bull Run stream at Red House Ford, and headed west on Centerfield turnpike toward Manassas Road. There, in the line of battle, Colonel Cameron ordered a charge up Henry House Hill, which he personally led. After being repulsed, he regrouped his men for a second charge. This proved to be futile and costly. However, Colonel Cameron was a "determined Scot" and in a typical "highland fashion", with sword waving, led a third charge to take the hill. Colonel Cameron fell 50 yards beyond the crest "when a volley fired by the Confederates smashed him to the ground". He was killed instantly by a .58 caliber rifle bullet to the chest. Colonel Cameron's foe on that fateful day was one Colonel Thomas J. Jackson, who because of his stand, received the nickname of "Stonewall".

Colonel Cameron left a legacy of courage and determination that was to see the 79^th Highlanders through some 57 engagements, including James Island; Kelly's Ford, 2^nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg; the Siege of Knoxville, the Wilderness, Ft. Stedman, and the final assault of Petersburg, ending with the pursuit and surrender of Lee's forces in April 1865 at Appomattox.

The Regiment, although not as well known as some, was a unit any member could be proud of. One member, a Francis W. Judge, First Sergeant, Company K, was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Lincoln for action at Ft. Sanders.

The Regiment was mustered out of federal service 14^th July 1865 after the grand review in Washington, D.C.. The regiment lost some 558 men, killed in action, or from wounds and disease. The last 79^th Highlander to pass away was Frank M. Chamberlain, who died on 16 November 1934.

As we gather here today to rededicate this monument that was built and commemorated to all the men who fought in one of the bloodiest wars in history, I would like to leave you with a poem written by Brigadier General David Morrison, the last Commander of the 79^th.

"One by one they pass away
From love, and friendship's clasp, and Ken.
An soon alas, the Cameron Men
Will naught be but a memory"

Remember.

David C. Getty

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