99th New York Infantry Regiment's Civil War Newspaper Clippings

A letter from a friend informs us that the Vermont 9th regiment is brigaded with the 19th Wisconsin, and 99th and 118th New York regiments, and stationed near Suffolk, Virginia, under Gen. Wistar. Probably about one fourth of the 19th Wisconsin consists of Vermonters, and doubtless there are several in the 118th New York, which hails from the vicinity of Lakes George and Champlain. Be that is it may, we have a pair of clever nephews, who are non-commissioned officers in Co. A, 118th New York—George Henry and Edgar M. Wing. We trust some of the good Green Mountain Boys will make their acquaintance and claim at least half of each for Vermont.

NAVAL BRIGADE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
In your notice of the inspection of the Naval Brigade, held at Staten Island, on the 14th inst., you have omitted to notice Company B, Hugh Barton Rorke, Captain; Charles Mosely, First Lieutenant; Wm. Hance, Ensign. (June 1861) 
The Naval Brigade, which has been so prominently before the public on account of some informality in its organization, has dwindled down to a few hundred men, and has been consolidated temporarily with the Third Massachusetts regiment. In justice to those men—who seem to be, with due respect to them, a sort of amphibious bibed--I must say that since their arrival here they have done duty both as sailors and soldiers with a zeal and promptitude second to no other troops. The reports published in some of the Baltimore papers, to the effect that these men are poorly fed is wholly devoid of truth. I visit the camp daily, and know that they get regular rations in common with other troops.

The Naval Brigade.
A SORRY STORY OF ITS TREATMENT.
A letter in the Troy (N. Y.) Daily Union, from a member of the New York Naval Brigade, addressed to his brother in Troy, describes the ill treatment of that regiment after its arrival at Fortress Monroe. The writer tells this story:
" On Friday, May 31st, we were landed and marched about three miles back of the fortress, and encamped, or rather 'left' on an old cornfield, a half a mile farther from the fort than any other regiment, in a perfectly unprotected condition, and without uniforms, arms, tents, or any camp utensils whatever. The brigade, however, was not composed of men who were easily discouraged, and we soon erected, with the aid of fence rails and bushes, sufficient 'shanties' to cover us and protect us from the hot sun, but we soon found that they were far from water proof, as for the two succeeding days and nights we had a continued rain, and our shanties were flooded and we were compelled to stand bolt upright or lay down in the mud. Fires were built around the fields and the men huddling around them, passed the night miserably away. Five days were passed by us on this field, alternately scorched by the burning sun and drenched by rain, living on short rations of raw pork and pilot bread, and then we were marched down to a narrow strip of sandy beach, close to and in the rear of the fort, where we were furnished with tents by General Butler, and surrounded with guards from the Fourth Massachusetts regiment, and kept closely confined in camp, under the charge of Colonel Wardrop. Here we found clams plenty, which with our rations afforded sufficient nutriment to live on.
" We led this life of service, living on prisoners' fare, for two weeks, and were then called upon to swear into the United States service for three years, for regular army pay; and when the men indignantly refused they were told that their rations would be stopped until they took the oath. Thinking they had no choice but starvation or submission, some three hundred and seventy-five took the oath. Others, on application for admission into other regiments here, were told that every regiment was strictly forbidden to receive as volunteers any of the members of the so-called Naval Brigade. A few got situations in the Quartermaster's Department as teamsters, which on being made known, the Quartermaster was forbidden to hire any more men. Thus being cut off from every avenue of escape, and closely confined on the beach, these much abused men continued to live on clams, occasionally receiving a little bread from the sympathizing soldiers for four days. Their tents were nearly all taken away from them, and at high tide the water flooded most of those that remained."

FROM SUFFOLK—A SHARP FIGHT.
Letters from Suffolk, under date of 2d, furnish some further particulars of the reconnaissance over the Nansemond on the day previous, by the New York 99th, Col. Wardrop, led by Lieut. Col. Nixon. Col. Wardrop being Brigade commander, was ordered to cross the South Quay bridge and ascertain the strength of the enemy in the rifle pits fronting .... Terry.
The enemy understood the movement and (says a correspondent) succeeded in decoying the brave fellows along, by firing only an occasional shot, until they were very near the rifle pits, when the hottest volleys were sent out from behind their breastworks, and large reinforcements emerged from the woods and deployed in the rear of the pits. Then the cannon from Fort Nansemond, the South Quay batteries, and from light batteries which had been playing on the rifle pits with accurate aim and thorough execution, were pointed at the advancing column of gray.
We have no means of knowing the loss of the rebels, but it must have been very large compared with our own.
Meanwhile the small number of our infantry being entirely inadequate to the work of advancing on such a force, fell back and recrossed the bridge, leaving, however, 20 or 30 of their number killed and wounded on the field, within a short distance of the enemy's sharpshooters.—The engagement lasted about two hours.
At about sundown some 200 commenced the hazardous work of bringing off the dead and wounded. As each one, bent on his humane errand and without arms, crept along behind what shelter the formation of the land permitted, the numerous rebels in the rifle pits would exercise their skill in shooting at them, until it become so dark that they could not see to draw a bead. But the brave fellows persevered, not withstanding, and brought off everyone of the killed and wounded. "Our loss is as follows:
KILLED—John McDonald, Robert Long, Michael Riley, Patrick Buckley, Patrick Moore, Edward Welsh.
WOUNDED--John Collins, both legs, severely; D. Klages, breast, severely; J. Haley, back of head; W. Williams, leg; G. S. Patterson, mortally; C. McLaughlin, mortally; A. Johnson, J. Bardnett, O. McPulan, H. HMorrison, slightly, both legs; T. Hoar, slightly, breast; P. Neelan, leg, severely; J. Calloway, head, severely; E. Baker, leg, slightly; J. Carty, shoulder, severely; E. Toner, face, slightly; M. Griffith, leg, slightly; J. H. Hart, leg, slightly; H Sutcliffe, thigh, slightly; T. Murray, ear, slightly; H. W. Lloyd, head, slightly; P. Crowley, arm, slightly; T. Ryder, neck and back, severely; W. Minot, both legs, severely; D. Dix, abdomen, mortally; E Welsh, dead; R. Condon, slightly; T. Coombs, slightly; J. Gibbons, slightly; W. H. Reynolds, slightly; J. Kennel, severely; J. C. James, dead; J. Dugan, mouth, severely; G. G. Stearns, hand, slight; J. O'Brien, head, dangerously; Patrick O. Henan, abdomen, slightly; John Mount, leg; __ Duncan, chest, mortally.

THE VOLUNTEER NAVAL BRIGADE.
Lieutenant Bartlett's Naval Brigade progresses towards complete organization. The Merchants' Committee have paid, through Lieutenant Bartlett, a gratuity of eighteen dollars per head for each man who embarked, to aid the landing of the troops and return of the ship. General C. T. James, of Rhode Island, had promised the brigade a full battery of his twelve pound rifled howitzers and shells. The depot of the brigade is at the Revenue Buildings, Staten Island.

DEPARTURE OF THE NAVAL BRIGADE.
The Naval Brigade of Volunteers, Colonel Washington A. Bartlett, has made many unsuccessful attempts to be assigned to actual service. The expectation of those who took the most prominent part in its organization was, that by the aid of subscriptions from merchants and others in this city, the brigade would be enabled to purchase a full battery of rifled cannon, with James' and Sawyer's projectiles, both of which had been highly spoken of for their accuracy, range and power, and then, having the men and the guns, the government would place a ship at the disposal of the brigade and dispatch them to prevent privateering by the rebels in the Gulf of Mexico. They wanted twenty of the cannon, which cost a thousand dollars each. Through the industry of the officers the brigade was recruited and quartered on Staten Island in the unoccupied government Buildings. Seven companies were inspected by the State Inspector of New York, and the rolls filled for the three other companies, making in all ten companies, of eighty men each, ready to be mustered into the United States service. At Albany, however, they were informed that the corps could not be accepted as a special brigade or regiment, but the first six rolls would be accepted to be apportioned into other regiments. As this would destroy the espirit du corps of the Naval Brigade, they would consent to such a reception by the State, and the officers memorialized the President to have their command received into the service of the United States, for such duty during the war as the department might direct. Among the conditions upon which this appeal was made, it was stipulated that brigade should be composed of twelve companies one hundred men each, to serve as an artillery or rifle corps, and to be formed into two battalions of six hundred men each. On the 22d inst. the President replied to memorial, stating that if the Naval Brigade procure the permission of the Governor of the State, would, without trouble government of United States, report themselves to General Butler at Fortress Monroe on or. before 29th inst., organized, clothed. armwd (except heavy guns) and equipped, General Butler would be authorized muster and receive them into the of States and to attach them to his command. On following day necessary permission was given by Governor. Next day, the 24th inst., the steamer Coatsacoalcos was chartered, and measures were taken for immediate departure the brigade. Commodore Breese being unable to furnish clothing, proposals were invited by the Colonel and contracts made for a suitable uni- form. Concerning these there appears to be some serious misunderstanding. Contractors had communicated with the President to know if he would endorse orders of Colonel. The President addressed a letter Col. Bartlett, informing him of these facts, and stating that he was constantly receiving such communications--Col. Bartlett replied that he had not asked government for aid, and would not; but would execute his orders. Efforts were made, also, it is said, to prevent departure of Coatzacoalcos with troops, by inducing owner to annul charter. It was finally arranged, however, brigade should leave their quarters yesterday; preparations were made for departure. The steamer foot of Warren street was put in readiness for sea in the afternoon. She has on board five hundred Sharp's rifles, for the use of the brigade, two hundred Savage's revolvers, one twenty-four pound and fourteen pound rifled cannon, one hundred round shell, sixty thousand cartridges, together with clothing and five thousand rations for the men. It was arranged steamer would take about a thousand men, two hundred more which are needed to complete the brigade, to be recruited and forwarded afterwards. Last evening Coatzacoalcos left lock and proceeded down Staten Island, where she would take men on board and sail for Fortress Monroe about midnight. P-The are the staff officers:--Colonel, Washing- ton A. Bartlett; Lieutenant Colonel, Harry D. Whittemore; First Major, James Millward, Jr.; Second Major and Engineer, E. M. Dickenson; Quartermaster, Ira Winans; Comissary, Wm. H. Bebee; Chaplain, C. W. Dennison; Adjutant, William Millward; Paymaster, James Millward, Sr. Bartlett's Naval Brigade.
The following singular circumstances connected with this brigade are given in the New York Herald:
As the steamer Georgianna, which runs between Fortress Monroe and Baltimore, left the fortress on Monday night last, Col. Bartlett, his wife and son, took passage on board. The men (the Naval Brigade) were quartered about two miles from the fortress, and they, with the officers, assembled together a few hours before the sailing of the steamer, and made a new selection of officers, unknown to Col. Bartlett, who lay insensible from the effects of wounds received by a fall at the Rip Raps, while superintending the location of some guns a short time previous. On returning to consciousness he determined to proceed at one to Washington and have the affairs of his brigade settled. On the arrival of his party at the steamer, he found a large number of his men, who, with knives drawn and revolvers in hand, insisted upon knowing what was to be done.
Col. Bartlett stated to them the full circumstances of the organizing of the brigade and its non-acceptance by Gen. Butler, and stated that he was going to head quarters to see what was to be done, and pledged himself to return in forty-eight hours, to which proposition the men shouted "No!" "No!" and said that they had no confidence in his returning. He then tendered his son, a young, fair-haired, pale-faced boy, as a hostage for his return. This appeared to give the men satisfaction, and the child was handed over as a hostage, and the Colonel and his wife allowed to go on board the boat for Baltimore, on their way to Washington.

COLONEL BARTLETT'S NAVAL REIGADE ACCEPTED.
WASHINGTON, June 6, 1861.
Colonel Bartlett, of the Naval Brigade, will return to Old Point Comfort this afternoon. He states that General Butler now has orders from the President and Secretary of War to accept the Brigade with the full complement of one thousand two hundred men and eighty officers, exactly as ordered by the President on the 22d of May. Colonel Bartlett says that he is prepared to prove certain newspaper publications are erroneous as to matters of fact concerning himself and command. 
The Secretary of War accepts the Brooklyn Phalanx upon the condition that Governor Morgan will designate it as one of the regiments belonging to his quota, and, further, that they shall be in service in ten days.
Collector Barney left for New York today, with funds to pay the revenue officers. 
The following is a copy of a telegraphic despatch received last night by Major Burnett, and has reference to the late Naval Brigade:—
WASHINGTON, June 5, 1861.
To James Millward, Sen.:—
The B. F. Butler Virginia Coast Guard is accepted and ordered into service. 
JAMES MILLWARD, Jun.,
Lieutenant Colonel B. C. G.

Folly of Sending Unarmed Men South-- Protest of General Butler.--Late and reliable information from Fortress Monroe, given in another column, places us in possession of the fact that General Butler has verbally, and perhaps officially, protested against the sending of unarmed troops to his command. There are already now at the fortress, or upon its environs, more troops without arms than can be supplied with them by the Quartermaster's Department as it is now situated at the fort. A few days since the unarmed Naval Brigade, Colonel Bartlett, arrived at Fort Monroe, in the steamer Coatzacoalcos, from New York; and we learn that General Butler actually contemplated sending them back without disembarkation. An arrangement was, however, subsequently made so that the brigade might quarter with Colonel Duryee's regiment of Zouaves until something could be done for them. The confusion, annoyance and ill feeling such an assault upon the already short commons of the Zouves will create may be well imagined. Well may Colonel Duryee say that troubles come not singly, nor by battalions, but by brigades.
Seriously, the folly of sending unarmed men to a scene of conflict is openly apparent. They are worse than useless. They are a burthen, a nuisance, which the already equipped corps can in no case be reasonably expected to withstand. Every one knows the esprit du corps and spirit of rivalry which exists among companies in the same regiment—even among squads in the same company. The same feeling is carried from companies to regiments, from regiments to brigades. How can it be expected, then, that any regiment already equipped and in warlike trim in every respect, can patiently behold the invasion of their camp, the occupancy of their tents, the seizure of their provisions, by a regiment with whom they have no affiliation, unarmed, un- equipped, unprovisioned, and worse than useless in time of battle? Patience under such circumstances is certainly not one of the soldier's virtues.
Send no more unarmed men to Fortress Monroe, unless those who go desire to make a retrograde movement which will be attended with neither honor or profit.

THE NAVAL BRIGADE.
Lieutenant Colonel Harvey D. Whittemore telegraphed yesterday afternoon to Colonel Bartlett that the Naval Brigade is accepted by the State, and nothing will now impede the complete organization of this zealous corps.
The headquarters of the brigade are in the Franklin square (Pearl street). The depot is at the revenue Buildings, Staten Island, where the jack tars have been patiently waiting as volunteers without pay for the acceptance of the brigade under their own chosen leader. Col. Bartlett will bring to his aid a very complete knowledge of all the arms on the naval and military service. He, having served during the war with Mexico..... California, and having studied the military system of Europe .... with Marshall Mognan,.... and other celebrities of the French army. The brigade is to have ... shell guns, ....
We are requested to correct the statement made in our .... that "the wife of Colonel W. A. Bartlett had volunteered as naval nurse," as she does not feel herself competent for such important duty. The error was probably made by her having been at the brigade depot on Staten island, attending Divine service with some of her lady friends. Several ladies have volunteered their services to the Naval Brigade, and are preparing for active service in the field. 
THE NAVAL BRIGADE.
RETRUN OF ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY MEN—GREAT
DISAPPOINTMENT AND DISSATISFACTION AMONG
THEM—STATEMENT OF THEIR DEPARTURE AND RETURN—
THE UNION SENTIMENT IN THE VICINITY OF
HAMPTON. (JUNE 5, 1861)
The steamer Coatzacoalcos, which sailed from this city last Wednesday, with eight hundred men from the Naval Brigade, on board, bound for Fortress Monroe, arrived here yesterday, bringing back one hundred and eighty of the men, under charge of Major Burtnett. Most of them are in a destitute condition, having all been greatly disappointed and deceived by misrepresentations concerning the Naval brigade. Several called at our office yesterday and related the facts contained in the following statement:
The steamer Coatzacoalcos started from Staten Island on Wednesday morning last, the 29th ult., with the Naval Brigade (over eight hundred in number). Her destination was Fortress Monroe, where, after a pleasant passage, se arrived on the following morning. Soon after anchoring, Colonel Bartlett had communications with the fort. The men remained on board a day, and on Friday morning were landed by the steam tug, some distance above the fort, on a dilapidated bridge, and immediately marched to an open field. There the officers told them to encamp as fast they could, for they were destitute of camp equipage, uniforms and arms. Blankets were all that the men had given them, and some had not even those. They tore down some neighboring fences, and with the rails proceeded to make huts, covering them with brushwood from the thicket immediately in the rear of them. A regular encampment was formed, and the brigade was exercised in company, battalion and regimental drills. There were only about twenty muskets, and those old ones, among them, so that for arms they had to use clubs cut from the woods. Their rations were served out, but they had very few camp utensils. They were stationed beyond Colonel Allen's First regiment National Guard. On account of not being uniformed, they were cautioned by a mounted officer not to enter an adjoining wood, as they might be taken for secessionists by the pickets, and be in danger of being shot by them. Colonel Allen's regiment had strict orders not to allow them to pass the guard. No parade took place either on Sunday or Monday. In the afternoon of Monday, the whole brigade was called into line, Colonel Bartlett coming on the field in a light wagon. He entered into conversation with some of the companies on the right flank, and then moved towards company I, about the centre of the line. As he approached the officers led the company off, and the men did not hear the purport of the Colonel's conversation. They ascertained, however, that there was some foundation for the report which was being circulated that they were to return to New York. Lieutenant Colonel Whittemire told several of the men, who were standing in a group, that the brigade had not been accepted, and that they had been grossly deceived; that the steamer would leave at four o'clock that afternoon, and those who wished to go home could do so. He added, however, that he and Major Burtnett would endeavor to organize another regiment, to be called the “Butler Coast Guard," for duty both on land and sea. One of them was going to Washington, he said, and the other to New York to effect such an organization, and he wanted to know who of the men would join such a regiment. Several signified their willingness to do so, but the majority wanted to return. The principal narrator of these facts then went down to the wharf, where he found a number of the men assembled and Colonel Bartlett addressed them from the deck of the steamer Cambridge, and they asked him questions. The purport of this interview on the deck was that those one hundred and eighty men had become disgusted in consequence of the disappointment they had met, and were determined to return home, while the Colonel was endeavoring to persuade them to remain. He said he had enemies to content with, and he was going to Washington for the purpose of arranging the affairs of the brigade in a more satisfactory manner, and wanted them to stay in the fort forty-eight hours, where General Butler would furnish them with provisions, until his return. The men said, "No, no; we have been deceived too often." Colonel Bartlett then offered his son, that they might take him to the fort as a hostage saying, "I will give you my son; you can take him." At the same time his son jumped off the deck of the vessel on the wharf. Just at that moment Captain Merrill, of the brigade, who had been arrested by order of Colonel Bartlett for disobedience of orders, stepped forward, and asked if he knew him" "Yes, I do," said the Colonel. "Do you know anything against my character?" asked Merrill. "No, nothing," was the reply. Merrill then inquired, "Do you know anything against me otherwise?" Colonel Bartlett replied, "No, sir, unless that you were places under arrest." Merrill, interrupting him, said, "I have documents to show that I was arrested unjustly. You have broken up my company, and used my money." There was a slight commotion at this moment. Lieutenant Johnson took hold of Merrill by the coat collar, and said, "That is my Colonel, and I will defend him," at the same time drawing a long dirk knife and brandishing it around him. The men were unarmed, and there is no truth in the statement that, with knives and revolvers drawn, they insisted on being told what was to be done. The statement that they accepted the son of Col. Bartlett as a hostage is equally erroneous. The Colonel told Lieutenant Johnson to put up his knife, and many of those around cried "Shame to draw on unarmed men." The men in squads then went on board the tug and were conveyed to the Coatzacoalcos; their rations being sent afterwards. In the evening of the same day—Monday—Major Burtnett arrived on board the steamer, and they started for New York about midnight. During the passage he informed them that he, as well as they, had been most grossly deceived, and had lost money by the Naval Brigade, and that he had come on board for the purpose of seeing them safely landed in New York. He added that Lieutenant Colonel Whittemore and himself were about organizing another regiment, and that private means would be immediately appropriated to purchase clothing and arms. The steamer arrived at Quarantine on Tuesday evening, and the men were landed in New York yesterday morning in a destitute condition. They had left the brigade because many inducements and promises had been extended, none of which had been fulfilled. The delivery of their uniforms and arms had been put off from time to time. First they were to receive them on Staten Island, then on board the steamer, and then at the camp, where they daily expected them in vain. Arms and uniforms were brought out in the ship, and it was said the reason why the cases were not opened because the owners, who had come with the goods, insisted on their pay before the articles should be delivered. The arms, uniforms and canteens were left on the wharf when the Coatzacoalcos sailed for New York. One of the inducements held out was pay advance, and before leaving the island most of the men were given a duebill, of which following is a copy— 
" THE UNION MUST AND SHALL BE PRESERVED."—JACKSON. HEADQUARTERS NAVAL BRIGADE, New York, May 27, 1861.
Whereas ___ has enrolled himself a member of Company ___, of the Volunteer Naval Brigade, was inspected and mustered into the service of the State of New York by Inspector Major Hoadley on the 16th day of May, 1861, whereas the said ___, of said company ___, has been (at request of the President of the United States) discharged from the service of the State of New York, by order of Governor, certified by Adjutant General of the State, on the 23d instant. And then by an order of the Hon. S. Cameron, Secretary of War, given through Colonel W. A. Bartlett, has been ordered to proceed with the brigade, and report to Major general Butler, United States Army, at or near Fort Monroe, then and there to muster and receive them into the service of the United States; 
Therefore, Washington A. Bartlett, Colonel of the Naval Brigade, do hereby declare that the said ____ is now in service of United States, from the time his enrollment, May 14, 1861; and that said ____ proceeding with Naval Brigade to Hampton Roads, and then being mustered into, accepted by United States, said ____ will then there be entitled to receive pay equal to two months' pay, to be paid by the Paymaster, after public notice in the city of New York, and to be paid to each person named, or holding the certificate, on his being legally constituted in the Brigade, or to his representative when duly assigned, after the party assignor shall first have been sworn in.
And further, to each man having been duly enrolled, and who may not be inspected, and passed, but who processes with the brigade and is inspected, and then and there shall have the misfortune to be rejected, then the value of one month's pay, by certificate, shall be given, and all the clothing charged to each man shall become his property, or a gift for his patriotism in attempting to enter the service, if not rejected by any fault within his own control. 
Given under my hand and seal, this 27th day of May, 1861. 
Approved and will be paid after public notice,
WASHINGTON A. BARTLETT, Colonel.
Countersigned by Harry D. Whittemore, Lieutenant Colonel. Registered by W. H. Beebe, Paymaster
Some of the due bills were sold by the men from sums ranging from one dollar up to the full amount. Quite a number of those who arrived here yesterday live out of New York, and have not the means of returning to their homes, and others left comfortable situations, which they cannot now regain, to join the Naval Brigade.

THE UNION SENTIMENT AT HAMPTON.
Mr. Thomas, a lieutenant in Company I of the Naval Brigade, who arrived here yesterday, says that he and another member of the corps, went about eight miles away from the fort, and found that the Union sentiment was very strong in that vicinity. About four miles from Hampton they met a member of an artillery company 'mounted, and after the interchange of some questions and answers, he told them that he had been a member of the artillery company long before the present troubles commenced, and had no alternative but to remain in it, although he was strongly in favor of the preservation of the Union, and opposed to fraternal bloodshed. He hoped that something would be done to prevent a bloody war, and expressed the wish and the belief that the Fourth of July would see the warfare ended. He said there was a strong Union sentiment among the people, but they were ruled by the secessionists. Mr. Thomas met another man walking in a lane, and took a revolver from him. This person said he was a Union man. Mr. Thomas was hospitable entertained by one family, who were opposed to secession, and says he came in contact with several citizens who told him they wishes the protection of General Butler, but were unable to procure a pass to communicate with him. The negroes seemed to have their own way, and the inhabitants were fearful of an insurrection among them.

DEPARTURE OF RECRUITS..
A detachment of fifty four men, in charge of Lieutenant Hyde, were sent yesterday by Major Burtnett, as a part of two hundred and fifty picked men, recruits ordered by Major General Butler, for the Virginia Coast Guard, stationed at Fortress Monroe. A similar detachment will leave every morning until Thursday, when the last will leave in charge of the Major. They were inspected by Dr. A. R. Holmes, of the Massachusetts Third regiment, who was detailed for that purpose.

TESTIMONIAL TO COL. NIXON.—The reception of Lieut.-Col. Nixon of the 99th Regiment, New York Volunteers took place last night at the City Assembly Rooms, by the members of Neptune Lodge No. 317 of Free and accepted Masons. 
The testimonial, was one of the best managed and pleasantist affairs of the kind we have ever witnessed. The gallant Colonel may well be pleased at the unsought for acknowledgement of his worth by his old companions and brothers of Neptune Lodge, Under the able management of Brothers C. W. Walker, Geo. Mendum, Martin Engling, Jesse Keys, and J. Howard the arrangements were of the most satisfactory character. The decorations, music, and banquet were in good taste, and gave satisfaction to the number of gentlemen and ladies who met to do honor to one of the many gallant sons of New York city.
An address to Col. Nixon, by Brother Geo. E. Mendum, called forth a heartfelt reply from the brave old soldier, (whose modesty is certainly equal to his bravery.) 
Several old-fashioned songs were sung by Mr. Leslie, and an original ballad, written in honor of the old 99th, was given with much spirit by Mr. Dix, who in making an allusion to "our gallant McClellan" met with such a tornado of applause that it was pretty evident Gen. McClellan was a favorite with the majority of the fraternity then and there assembled.
At a late hour the festivities closed. Numerous pleasant speeches were made by Brother Masons, and officers of the old 99th, leaving the impression on the minds of all the guests there assembled that they had been favored with a "good thing" and that Brother C. W. Walker was the light man to get up all the necessary arrangements for the mutual enjoyment of all re...shing a pleasant old-fashioned entertainment.

NEW YORK HERALD
MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN THE CITY.
THE NAVAL BRIGADE. (June 11, 1861)
RETURN OF NINETY MORE OF ITS MEMBERS.
Ninety more members of the Naval Brigade arrived in this city yesterday in the steamer State of Georgia, disappointed, disgusted and destitute. They appear to be in a worse condition, if possible, than the hundred and eight who came back in the steamer Coatzacoalcos about a week ago. The history of the brigade seems to be a series of broken promises. All tell the same story of brilliant promises and prospects, instead of which they experienced bitter disappointments. Like the men who returned on the 5th inst., those who arrived here yesterday are in a fearfully destitute condition, and complain strongly of the treatment they received. Some say they might have starved had they not eaten clams, which they dug from the beach. They presented a pitiful appearance when they landed at the foot of Beach street yesterday, those of them who live out of the city not having the means to reach their homes.

THE NAVAL BRIGADE.
The anniversary of the landing of the Naval Brigade at Fortress Monroe will be celebrated at the Cooper institute, this evening:
Col. Bartlett will read the President's Commission ordering the corps into the service, May 22, 1861. Relate its organization and equipment, and recite the history of the various engagements with the enemy so far as he knows them. Col. Bartlett will also report to the public who aided him in raising the corps and present a complete account current of it cost and who has paid his bill!! who were its donors and supporters and its opponents. Also, how he came to be wounded, the treatment the corps received on its entry into the service-- how it came to have its name changed to that of the Union Coast Guard of Virginia, through the action of some of the then existing officials of New-York City, who are now in the Rebel army, and its final transportation into the 99th New-York Infantry.
There will then be a proposition made to raise a second Naval Brigade on the same plan as the one now in service--to serve as artillery or rifles--to be commanded by Col. W. A. Bartlett, or any other accepted officer, when duly elected and commissioned by the President or the Governor of the State of New York.
A PASTOR IN THE RANKS.--Rev C. W. Dennison, formerly of this city, has enrolled himself in the Volunteer Naval Brigade, just organized at New York under Lieut. BARTLETT.

RETURN OF THE NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS.
On Monday, the 20th instant, the remnant of the Ninety ninth regiment New York Volunteers, in command of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Nixon, arrived here from Newbern, N. C., after a highly creditable and honorable service of three years, during which time it has participated in some of the heaviest battles of the war. The original number of this veteran regiment was 1,194 men, of these 159 returned. Two hundred recruits and re-enlisted veterans, representing the regiment, were left at Roanoke Island, under Colonel D. W. Wardrop, who commands the District of the Albermarle. 
The flags of the Ninety-ninth bear the inscription of Hatteras, Cherrystone, Hampton Roads, (having lost forty-nine men on the ill-fated Cumberland frigate), Big Bethel, Suffolk, Hanover Junction, Newbern, &c. The arrival of this gallant regiment in this city last Monday was more like a funeral pageant than the return of brave warriors who have nobly done their duty on many hard fought battle fields. On their march up Broadway not a cheer was given them, and as for our militia, not one of the regiments volunteered to do retort duty. The Common Council has taken no notice of this veteran body. Probably their officers have no political influence. The veteran Twentieth New-York regiment, formerly commanded by General Max Weber, now in command at Harper's Ferry, has extended an invitation to the Ninety-ninth regiment to partake of a supper on Monday evening.
Three years ago the Ninety-ninth Volunteers left New York, known as Bartlett's Marine brigade, but were shortly after reorganized, and their number given them by Governor Morgan. Our City Fathers should certainly give this gallant regiment a reception, which it richly deserves. Colonel Nixon's headquarters are at No. 73 Chambers street.

For The Soldier's Friend.
NEW RED, WHITE AND BLUE.
BY EX-LIEUT. P. KELLY,
Ninety-ninth Regiment N. Y. S. Vols.
In New-York City so gay I was born,
On the Fourth of July, a bright sunny morn;
I have been in the army with veterans so true,
Fighting for Freedom, the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus:
We'll march away, march, like veterans so true,
And fight till we die for the Red, White and Blue.
All day a scouting we go through the wood,
Sometimes we are up to our knees in the mud;
Without any rations, and barefooted, too,
We'll all die defending the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
At night we station our pickets around,
Roll in our blankets, and sleep on the ground;
The dear ones at home in visions we view,
While guarding the Union, the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
We are up in the morn before break of day,
Eat hard tack and coffee, and then march away;
We're after the Johnnys we are bound to subdue,
Make them submit to the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
Down with all traitors wherever they be,
The robber Jeff Davis, Joe Johnston, and Lee;
Longstreet and Hood, and the whole rebel crew,
We made them knock under to the Red, White and Blue. 
Chorus.
I have been in the army over three years,
Fought for the Union with the brave volunteers,
Been in hard fighting—dangers went through—
Three cheers for the Union, the Red, White and Blue! 
Chorus.