Camp Wilkins

According to the PITTSBURGH POST of April 27, 1861, “Application has been made to Governor Curtin by many parties in this city to permit the military companies now here, to form a camp under the direction of the military department.  We understand that the Governor has telegraphed his inability to give such orders at present, but will recommend in his message to the Legislature, which convenes on Tuesday next, that an army be organized by the state and a camp formed at Pittsburgh.  We presume this is all the Governor can do.  In the meantime, we have no doubt, the volunteer companies in the city, will be maintained at the Fair Grounds by the citizens, and make such arrangements for themselves as will advance their discipline and render them effective when called upon to serve in the line.  We advise companies now formed and ready to be accepted not to move from their respective neighborhoods in the western part of the state, until more positive arrangements can be made for their accommodations.”[1]

This account further stated, “Efforts are now being made to have a military camp established here, and Mayor Wilson has telegraphed to Governor Curtin on the subject.  The county fair grounds, the place suggested, would be very suitable, and accommodate as many as would be likely to concentrate her. Accommodations for troops coming in from abroad and even companies organizing here, which will, if not obtained, soon disband, are needed, and we trust the authorities will see fit to make such an agreement.”[2]

While the Pittsburgh newspapers thought that the old fair grounds would make a suitable training camp, Amos M. Judson, a resident of Waterford with considerable writing and speaking experience, was commissioned by the ERIE DISPATCH to investigate the conditions of the camp.  While he acknowledged that life at Camp Wilkins was not too bad, he felt that the atmospheric purity left something to be desired.  He also complained about noise from the Pennsylvania Central Railroad whose track ran within ten feet of the camp along the whole length of the quarters.  Judson, however, praised the location of the camp as it was away from the “evil influence of city life.”[3]

The fair grounds were located in the vicinity of the present south side of Penn Avenue between what is now 29^th and 32^nd Streets and extended to the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Zeal for the Union cause raised disproportionately large number of volunteers, and Governor Curtin soon countermanded his orders to solicit troops.  The April 27, 1861, issue of the PITTSBURGH POST further indicated, “We have learned since our Executive Committee has taken this matter in hand, a committee has been appointed who have secured the Fair Ground for the purpose named, and telegraphed at length to Governor Curtin, requesting him to revoke the order to enlist no more troops.  It is expected that the Legislature will make a rare appropriation as soon as it assembles, part of which will be applied to keeping up the camp.  The Fair Grounds, even if the government does not so order, will probably be turned into a camp by the private enterprise of citizens.  It is necessary to keep the companies already formed together, and they should be properly drilled in regiments or battalions.  The Governor has been requested to send out a competent officer for this purpose.”[4]

On April 29^th the Pittsburgh newspapers were reporting that both home companies and those from abroad were ordered to rendezvous at the old fair grounds.  However, while the paper was being set for print, the governor countermanded the order and insisted that only those companies from abroad were to be ordered into the camp, while units from the city were to remain in their respective neighborhoods.  The receipt of this message prompted a special committee of Mayor Wilson and Samuel M’Kelvy, Esquire, to be dispatched to Harrisburg to induce the Governor to accept volunteers from the immediate neighborhoods as well.”[5]

The fair grounds were soon turned into a military camp, which was named Camp Wilkins in honor of Judge William Wilkins,[6] a prominent Pittsburgh citizen and one time ambassador to Russia.  There are a number of places in Pittsburgh that honor this pioneer banker and politician, including Wilkins Avenue and “Homewood,” a section of Pittsburgh named for the Wilkins estate.  The camp was located in what is now the Strip District of the City of Pittsburgh, but unfortunately not even a marker honors the site.[7]

In the early days of the camp’s history, one finds frequent but brief, mention of the facility in the local newspapers.  The PITTSBURGH POST, April 30, 1861, reported, “Colonel P. Jarrett of Lockhaven, Clinton County, who has been appointed officer at Camp Wilkins by governor Curtin, arrived yesterday afternoon, and is now engaged in making the necessary arrangements for the opening of the camp, where it is expected several regiments will be quartered.  Colonel Jarrett visited the fair ground, with some of the committees on troops and provisions and last evening a consultation was held with the commanders of the various companies now here.  The camp will be opened at as early a day as possible.[8]

After a preliminary review of the facilities, Jarrett arrived at the conclusion that only limited companies should be accepted into the camp.  On May 1, 1861, the contemporary accounts reported, “Colonel Jarrett states that only six companies for the present requisition can be accepted from Allegheny county.  Consequently, there is much rivalry among the officers of the thirty companies now organized here to be among those six, as the remainder will probably be disbanded.  At least five-sixth must be disappointed in getting into service.”[9]

The reorganizing of units under different commanding officers also became a source of contention between the units and the new commanding officer.  Discontent prompted the Lawrenceville Union Guards to be among the first to withdraw from Camp Wilkins.  The unit had elected at a meeting of April 23, 1861, R. L. Ewalt as captain, Robert Galway as first lieutenant, Thomas Little as second lieutenant, and James A. Dunlevy as brevet second lieutenant.  Captain Herron brought his unit to incorporate themselves with Dr. S. G. Hays.  However, they withdrew contending, “The agreement made in regard to officers was not carried out and his men withdrew preferring to keep up their own organization.”[10]

As late as May 2^nd the camp was still not opened officially for the POST reported, “The arrangements for the opening of Camp have not been as yet completed though every effort has been put in order as quickly as possible.  A large force of carpenters are employed in arranging the buildings for quarters.  For this purpose large quantities of straw will be needed and our farmers abroad should be liberal with it.  Colonel Jarrett is active and prompt and seems very desirous to have the camp organized, being anxious to rejoin his regiment.  Yesterday he announced the acceptance of the six companies which Allegheny county will be allowed to furnish.”[11]

Companies accepted from Allegheny County were the Iron City Guards under Captain Gormley, Chartiers Valley Guards, Pittsburgh Rifles under Captain L. V. Smith, Duncan Guard under Captain Duncan, Garibaldi Guard under Captain Hardmeyer, and Anderson Guards under Captain George S. Hays.[12]

The account for May 2^nd further stated, “These have all been ordered into camp, and some went out yesterday afternoon.  An effort to purchase a flag for the camp has been so far unsuccessful, but the daughters of ex-Governor Johnston have taken the matter in hand and will have one prepared at once.”13

President Lincoln apparently countermanded the order for more troops from Pennsylvania, but Colonel Jarrett telegraphed Governor Curtin for permission to receive another regiment.  The newspaper expressed fear as a result of the presidential order that “many of the companies will disband.”

Some twenty-eight company commanders, whose services were rejected by Colonel Jarrett, met at the Common Council Chamber, where, at first, they proposed disbanding.  After some discussion the following resolutions were adopted:  

That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to proceed at once to organize all companies into regiments, to be officered in the proper manner.

That as soon as said regiments are organized, then regimental officers shall submit a plan for future action. 

Persons chosen to represent the officers were Colonel H. Hultz, Captain H. S. Fleming, and Captain D. Armstrong.  It was Captain Armstrong who advised the assembled gentlemen that every effort should be made to hold together their units until Harrisburg could be persuaded to uniform, quip and encamp the volunteers.14

By May 3^rd the POST reported, “Our county fair ground yesterday presented a most unusual and animated appearance, having been suddenly converted into a camp of military instruction.  During Wednesday night an entire regiment from Erie arrived by the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad.  It consisted of the following companies: Wayne Guard, Companies A, B, and C; Conneaut Rifles, Company D; Lee Boeaf (sic) Guards, Company R; Watson Guards, Company F. Girard Guards, Company G; Parson Guards, Company H; Franklin Pierce Rifles, Company I; and Reed Grenadiers, Company K.  The regimental officers are John W. McLane; Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Grant; Major M. Schlandecker; Surgeon J. L. Stewart; Adjutant S. Vincent;15 Commissary D. V. Derrickson; Quarter Master, S. B. Benson.  Only three of the companies are armed and still fewer fully equipped.  After breakfasting at the hotels, where provision had been made for them, the regiment formed in line and proceeded to the camp grounds, where they were assigned quarters in the cattle stalls, which they immediately set to work to arrange, by laying down straw for beds, etc.  Each stall accommodates four men comfortably and there will be ample room for all.  The accepted companies from this county, except the Pittsburgh Rifles, who refuse to go until they get their arms, equipments and uniforms, also took their places in camp. The Fayette Guards, Connellsville Rifles and Armstrong Rifles were also admitted to the camp on the same day.”16

By May 3^rd approximately 1,200 men were in the camp.  The following regulations and training orders were put in effect by Colonel Jarrett: 

            Order Number 1

                        First: Accepted troops arriving at Camp will be escorted to their respective quarters by assistant Quartermaster.

                        Second:  As soon as troops are admitted in the camp, a guard will be placed at the gate to prevent persons from entering the grounds who are not connected with the camp.

                        Third:  At 5 o’clock A.M. reveille will beat, the companies form in their respective streets and the roll will be called.

                        Fourth:  From 5 ¼ to 6 ¼ A.M. company drill.

                        Fifth:  Breakfast at 7 A.M.; Guard mounting at 8 A.M.

                        Sixth:  Between 9 A.M. and 12 P.M. the captains will devote their time principally to instructing the respective commands in the School of Soldier and Company.

                        Seventh:  Dinner at 1 P.M.

                        Eighth:  Between hours of 3 and 5 P.M. the captain will instruct the companies as instructed in No. 6.

                        Ninth:  Between drills the Captains will detain men for Police Duty.  Particular attention to this order is enjoined.

                        Tenth:  Supper at 6 ½ P.M.

                        Eleventh:  Tattoo at 9 ½ P.M.  Roll called.

                        Twelfth:  At 10 P.M. taps, when the lights will be put out, except in the officer’s quarters and no loud talking or disorder of any kind allowed.17

Dr. Franklin Irish received the appointment of Surgeon to Camp Wilkins.  Later he served with the Pennsylvania 77^th Infantry.

The POST of May 3, 1861, also reported,  “The grounds are suitable for the purpose and are being put in proper condition as rapidly as possible.  Honorable H. A. Weaver, Assistant Commissary General, presides at Mechanics Hall, which has been fixed up as the Commissary Department, and rations of fresh and salt beef, bread, crackers, coffee, sugar, etc., supplied in abundance.  Artists Hall is a hospital.  The camp will be in good order in a few days, when everything will go on regularly and smoothly.”18

Growth of the camp progressed rapidly for the reports of May 4^th state, “At Camp Wilkins matters passed off very pleasantly yesterday, the only draw-back being the disagreeable weather.  The men slept in stalls on Thursday night in the straw (of which there is not a sufficiency) and as a general thing passed the night comfortably.  Nineteen companies are now in camp and strict military discipline is preserved.  The commissariat is well administered by Honorable H. A. Weaver and there is no complaint whatever.  A beautiful flag was presented to Colonel Jarrett for the camp yesterday afternoon, which was immediately run up.”19 While the newspapers wrote in almost romantic spirit, it was obvious that portions of supplies still came from the Pittsburgh community.  Historical notes indicate that friends provided uniforms for the crack outfit of the Garibaldi Guards, who were well trained and disciplined but without any military dress.  They were purchased through Messrs. J. & L. Vogel on Liberty Street at eight dollars per suit.  Dinners were prepared and served by local women’s societies of Pittsburgh and various church organizations, which adopted different military regiments.  On one instance, the Ladies of the Liberty Methodist Episcopal Church presented the Erie Regiment at Camp Wilkins with 500 pies, which were distributed at a rate of fifty to each company.  Also a public appeal had to be made for shoes, as there were 50 to 60 men who were barefooted.20

Much of what is known about the activities of the camp as viewed from the standpoint of the troops comes to us through a letter from Lieutenant Plympton A. White.  A volunteer from Erie County, White was taken prisoner on June 17, 1863, and carried to Richmond.  He was one of a number who dug a tunnel and escaped from Libby prison the following year.  He was recaptured and on May 7, 1864, was went to Macon, Georgia, where he became ill.  He was then transferred to a hospital in Charleston, where he died on September 13^th.  Although many words were misspelled, his account gives one a personal glimpse into daily life.  On May 10, 1861, he wrote: 

Today is a cold and disagreeable day, been raining ever since sunrise.  The soldiers are all at rest to day, nothing going on but reading talking and gaming.  Other days we are engaged in various exorcises in the use of arms and field exorcise, and everything pertaining to war.  This exorcise is called revellie.  We breakfast at six, drill one hour, are then at liberty three hours, when again drill till dinner - 12 o’clock.  We spend about three hours in the afternoons at drill, have supper at six, each company is again called together at 9 o’clock when the roll is called and every man must be in his bunk in half an hour.  This call by drum beat is called “tattoo.”  Camp Wilkins is the old state fair ground situated in the east edge of the city.  There are a large number of ox stalls around the camp which we occupy as tents. They protect us from the cold and rain.  Many of the soldiers have suffered very much from the cold nights until recently having nothing to sleep on but straw an no covering.  But now we are more comfortable in the state having provided us a large wollen blanket.  I was more fortunate than the rest, a good woman in the city gave me two quilts, a mattress, a blanket, two towels, and many little household articles.  She is a good woman; her name is Drum.  At present we are all very well pleased.  The Pittsburgh people are very kind to us by little luxuries to eat which we do not get in camp.  We have plenty to eat.  Our food consists of beef or pork, bread potatoes and coffee.  We dont think of nicnacs.  It is a soldiers fair and we are satisfied.  Ach company has two or three cooks who prepare our victuals for us which is spread on a long table under a shed in the field.  The boys are all contented and merry.21  

The PITTSBURGH POST of May 9, 1861, reported, “Twenty-four companies are in camp at Camp Wilkins and the strictest military discipline prevails.  Company and regimental drills are regularly gone through with, and the volunteers are improving rapidly.  Colonel Jarrett, the commandant, having been ordered to join his regiment, the Eleventh, stationed at Camp Wayne, West Chester, Colonel McLane of the Erie regiment is now in command.  He is a thorough soldier and a strict disciplinarian, and under him the camp will now be a model for imitation.”22 In the various issues of the PITTSBURGH POST, one finds at least three different spellings of the name of Colonel John W. McLane,23 but the proper name is McLane.

Among the early orders by Colonel McLane were to issue passes only between nine in the morning and three in the afternoon, with the stipulation that only six men could be on leave at any one time from any one company; prohibited companies to be left without at least one commissioned officer; and permitted visitors to enter the cap without passes only between the hours of three in the afternoon and six in the evening.  Later, by consent of the troops, the camp was to be closed to visitors in observance of the Sabbath, with services being conducted at 2:30 in the afternoon when the weather permitted.24

By May 18^th two battalions were formed from sixteen unorganized companies.  The first battalion consisted of the Pittsburgh Rifles, City Guards Company B, Chartiers Valley Guards, Meadville Volunteers, Iron City Guards, Government Guards, Garibaldi Guards, and the Allegheny Rangers.25 Officers attached to the battalion were Colonel L. W. Smith, Lieutenant C. F. Jackson,26 and Major Robert Anderson.27

The second battalion consisted of the Anderson Cadets, Fayette Guards, Armstrong Rifles, Duncan Guards, Jefferson Guards, Clarion Union Guards, Jefferson Riflemen, and the McKeesport Union Guards.  Officers responsible for this battalion were Colonel George S. Hays, Lieutenant Colonel S. D. Oliphant, and Major J W. Duncan.28

As early as May 21^st it was recognized that the camp was too small and proposals were made to move the facilities.  The PITTSBURGH POST sought to keep the camp at Pittsburgh arguing that the cost of eight to ten thousand dollars to move the camp might well be put to better use when one considered the facilities would soon be disbanded as the troops moved to the front.  The editors further suggested the removal of the seats at the end of the amphitheater and the leveling of the ground in the fair to accommodate all the troops presently there.  It was also argued that the location at Camp Wilkins was ideal since it afforded good water facilities and removal to a location from the city would impose additional hardships on visitors and troops as they traveled to and from Pittsburgh.29

On May 27, 1861, it was announced that Major General McCall found the grounds near Lawrenceville to be “wholly unfit” to accommodate four regiments, and left the responsibility for the transfer of the troops to Captain Thomas Merritt.  The new camp would be located at Hulton Station30 (presently Oakmont).  This new facility was named Camp Wright, in honor of an aide to Governor Curtin.31

By May 1, 1861, state authorities were authorized to draw from the Allegheny Arsenal32 muskets and rifles to furnish the Home guards.  These units were sanctioned by the Committee on Home Defense and were authorized by the state.  For a period, the guns were stored under guard in City Hall.  By approximately May 11, 1861, five thousand men were organized into Home Guard companies.  However, only 2,088 muskets and 882 rifles were distributed from the Arsenal or were purchased by the committee.  Most of the weapons were the old Harper Ferry flintlocks or old rifles, which were suitable for drill but little else.

On May 15^th, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed an act organizing fifteen extra regiments of cavalry and infantry beyond that required by President Lincoln.  This act which set up the “Reserve Volunteer Corps of Pennsylvania established thirteen regiments of infantry, one of cavalry and one of artillery.  The troops were to be enlisted for a term of three years, or for the war, or until time as the U. S. Government should call for them; then to be mustered into the U. S. Army, as requisitions from time to time should be made.”

Although there was patriotic zeal for the Union cause, problems between the men stationed at Camp Wilkins and the residents of Pittsburgh were inevitable. 

As Luther C. Furst, who was stationed at Camp Wilkins, noted, they (the troops) “make free use of all the milk cows, ducks, chickens, etc. that come into camp; and whatever of onions, lettuce and other vegetables they may meet with in their stroll through the neighborhood.”33 Private Furst, a religious man, believed that “most of our soldiers have very little regard for the Sabbath, and I think our present troubles were in part brought on by the wickedness of the nation.”  He also was critical of the officers for theft and other vices, “The officers are to blame more than the privates for they set a very bad example.”34

The problem with the lack of guns was a source of discontent with the troops.  As late as June 3, 1861, a disillusioned Jefferson Guard wrote:  “I can conceive of no excuse for feeding two thousand men in a camp of instruction and not providing them with uniforms or guns to drill with.  Just imagine, two thousand men receiving one month’s instructions and not knowing how to load a gun or make a charge.  It looks like child’s play to us, and we perform our duties with like seriousness and interest.  Consequently if fifty armed secessionists were to break in upon us we would all probably run like so many sheep.”35

It is somewhat ironic that as the soldiers grumbled on June 3^rd that a supply of guns arrived at Camp Wilkins.  However, the weapons were not distributed until July 15^th.   The men were again disappointed when the much-coveted weapons were 1818 vintage flintlock muskets.36

By June, 1861, the men were frustrated by delays in moving to a new camp site, lack of weapons, and fears that the war would be over before they saw any action.

Based on an incident of June 17, 1861, animosity existed between the units inside the camp and the Home Guards, who still were not called into military service.  The Fifth Ward Home Guard’s Company B, a largely German unit under the command of Captain Francis Felix, was presented with a flag, and set apart the day as a day of celebration at Iron City Park, located above the Allegheny Arsenal in the vicinity of the present 39^th and 40^th Streets along Liberty Avenue.  Two other German speaking and one English unit from the Fifth Ward Home Guard were invited for the celebration.  A number of men from the Jefferson Light Guards and the Venango Greys were not invited but were on hand at the park.  After heavy drinking of German lager beer, a brawl broke out between the Home Guard units and the men of Camp Wilkins.  Lieutenant Charles McDaniel and Captain Over of the Venango Greys rushed a squad of men to the park in time to see their comrades literally being thrown from the picnic grounds.  The raucous was not over.  As the Home Guard marched back to the city past Camp Wilkins the melee started again.  In a rock-throwing brawl, a German named George Eichenmiller, a baker and father of four, was struck in the head and died of the injury. 

Fearing that the Germans and other city residents would attack the camp in retaliation, the volunteers rushed to the new camp headquarters and attempted to procure the arms that had been stored there.  Colonel Alexander Hays ordered the excited men to form into companies and told them that if arms were needed to defend the camp, he would provide them.  With his assurance, the men were ordered back to their tents and barracks where the night and following days passed without further incidents.

Although it was reported in the POST of June 4, 1861, that Camp Wilkins received a company from Beaver County, the importance of the old fair ground as a military installation was over-shadowed by Camp Wright.37  By June 11, 1861, all new companies were to be accepted at yulton Station, but previous accounts revealed that on Hulton Station, but previous accounts revealed that one regiment was to be left at Camp Wilkins.  However, based on contemporary accounts of the period, it appears that the months of August and September were still active ones for Camp Wilkins.  For example, George D. Recoles, Assistant Adjutant General, wrote to the Lieutenant Colonel Emory of the War Department on August 1, 1861, “I am instructed to direct you to receive and muster into service at Pittsburgh in squads of 50 or more volunteers for three years service.  These volunteers when mustered in, will be sent you to Camp Wilkins and there subsisted by the Government with a supervision of yourself and officers.”

The Pittsburgh Post of August 30^th and 31^st, 1861,38 made mention of some of the units which were formed and ready for action, but it appears that the last unit admitted to Camp Wilkins was a Volunteer Fire Company from McKeesport, which entered service on September 4^th.  By the middle of September, troops were being moved from the facility.  Colonel George S. Hays, M. D., Allegheny County, departed from camp with 500 men to join General George McClellan. 

On September 27^th Colonel James A. Elkin of the United States Quartermaster was named the commander of Camp Wilkins.  In the short-lived history of the military facility, Camp Wilkins had a number of commanders.  Other men who were assigned in charge were Colonel Alexander Von Schemmelfinnig,39 a veteran of the Hungarian Wars for Independence, and Colonel Hays. 

By the end of October of 1861, virtually all troops were removed from the camp.  By year-end local newspapers made no mention of either Camp Wilkins or Camp Wright.  Perhaps one of the last references of note to the military camp may be found in the PRESBYTERIAN BANNER, October 26, 1861.40 This publication noted that Secretary of War Simon Cameron made a tour and paid an official call to Camp Wilkins.  He inspected the facilities, as well as the 3,000 ready-for-service militia.  Apparently Cameron was impressed with the camp’s general appearance.

While the number of troops that received their early training at Camp Wilkins was relatively small in comparison to the vast number of men ultimately serving in the military, this facility played a role in the formation of the Union army.  It was from camps such as these that eventually a disciplined military developed.  In spite of the problems associated with military life at Camp Wilkins, an army emerged that would sustain numerous casualties in America’s bloodiest war. Yet, the army was willing to continue the fight for the preservation of the country.