June 24, 1861 – Harbor Defences and Coast Guard

The merchants and capitalists of New York city are moving for a local artillery battalion, to be commanded by experienced officers, and held in readiness under the pay of the State for any emergency that may arise in the harbor defences. The present need of the Government is such that, with a limited force of regulars at its command, it cannot be expected to furnish an adequate garrison to all Northern forts ; and the time may come when a lack of regulars or volunteers, drilled to the management of heavy guns and enured to the hardships of the casement, will prove a serious calamity. In this view of the case a coast guard has been fitted out at Boston, and the Massachusetts militia are being instructed in “heavy metal” at the harbor fortifications. Something of the same sort has been done in Connecticut, and we believe also in Maine. The New York committee—of whom are such men as Moses Taylor, Pelatiah Perit, N. L. Griswold, A. R. Low and Brother, the Howlands, Grinnels, etc—ask the Governor therefore, to equip a Local Artillery Battalion, for the better security of the great interests centering in New York harbor.

Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL

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