Tioronda, June 23, 1861.
. . . . I write chiefly to remind you of the stand of colors which Tiffany is making and promises for Wednesday. You may want to have them presented to the regiment the day they pass through New York, and, if so, will have to arrange the affair with the Colonel. I do not wish to appear in the matter, but you can present them in my name, or, if you like, perhaps Charley will be willing to, but don’t have any fuss or parade about it, and don’t let the men tramp through the city à la McChesney till they are exhausted. The colors will remain at Tiffany’s till the Colonel sends for them or notifies me.
Mary and Robert and the children are still here and all well. Mary broke the news of my going to the servants, who were very sorry for me and for themselves. In the course of next week I shall wind up my affairs–pay my debts, etc., and go to Mother’s. I shall go down on Wednesday when the regiment passes through New York, at all events, for the day and night, unless I hear to the contrary from you.
The Sixteenth left Albany for the seat of war via New York, June 25th, and, reaching the city early in the morning of the 26th, marched to Washington Square. Here at 3.30 before embarking for the South the regiment was presented with a stand of colors, state and national, made by Tiffany and Co.,– Eliza’s gift.
Mr. Robert S. Hone made the presentation in E.’s name, and Colonel Davies responded for the regiment,–also saying “already my command is deeply indebted to Mrs. Howland and her family for many articles which they needed while in Albany.”
Colonel Davies then delivered the state flag to the color-sergeant, who bore it to the line. Waving the national flag before the regiment, he asked each company if they would defend it. A prolonged “yes” rang from one end of the line to the other, followed by deafening cheers and waving of caps. That promise was faithfully kept.[1]
That same afternoon of the 26th the regiment left by transports for Elizabethport and from there by rail to Washington, via Baltimore. Before entering the last place ammunition was issued, in remembrance of the brutal attack of the mob there on the Massachusetts Sixth and other national troops. The Sixteenth New York was the first regiment to march through that city without some form of attack.
[1] At Gaines’ Mill the color-bearers were three times shot down, and all except one of the color-guard were either killed or wounded.
The regimental banner was in every march and every battle in which the regiment participated. At Crampton Gap Corporal Charles H. Conant was instantly killed by a minie ball through the head while holding one of the flags, and Corporal Robert Watson, of the color-guard, was shot through the leg in this action.
These flags are now deposited with other battle-flags in the Capitol at Albany.