From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864:
FOURTH OF JULY IN TYRE. – The patriotic citizens of Tyre have procured a monument which is to be erected to the memory of the deceased Soldiers from that town. It is to be placed in the cemetery near the residence of JASON SMITH, Esq. The dedication of the monument is to take place in the grove near the cemetery on the Fourth of July. An obituary address will be given by Rev. P.E. SMITH, an oration by Rev. W.H. GOODWIN, of Geneva. The Exercises are to commence at 10 A.M. After the close of the exercises, there is to be a Pic Nic in the grove, each family furnishing their own refreshments. A good time is expected.
According to a history of Seneca County, Jason Smith was a veteran of the War of 1812. He volunteered for the Union army in 1862, but was rejected by New York Governor Morgan as too old, especially given a sufficient number of younger men and Jason’s prior service in the war against English aggression. Jason would have been 67 or 68 when he volunteered, I think. Rev. P.E. Smith was Jason’s son.
There were Pic Nics further south, too. The 50th New York Engineers were kept busy during the Overland Campaign:
During the operations of the Army of the Potomac in May and June, 1864, the main work of the regiment was that of laying bridges at various points, notably one 2,010 feet long, across the James. At Petersburg the regiment was in demand at all points for work of construction and repair on the fortifications, and it also assisted in destroying railroads. During its long service the men became very proficient in engineering and through its steadiness under fire is said to have lost during the last year of its service no bridge material of any kind.
It looks like 150 years ago today the regiment’s officers took a break and got together to enjoy a Independence Day dinner. Was Seneca County’s James H. McDonald at table?
“Celebrating the 4th of July, 1864, in front of Petersburg. Lt. Col. Ira Spaulding and officers of the 50th N.Y.V. Engineers at dinner”
different take on same dinner
________________________________________________
Thomas Nast did up Independence day 1864 for the July 16, 1864 issue of Harper’s Weekly (at Son of the South:
American Flag – “Protector Of All Rights”
