Muster-Out Day

Battery I finished its Federal service and was mustered out on June 23, 1865 around Washington, DC. The Battery had started out with 150 men in October 1861, and a total of nearly 250 had served in the unit over the course of the war. Thirty-four had died and many had been mustered out due to illness and wounds. Still, there were men there that day who had served in the Battery through the entirty of its existence. It is not hard to imagine the thoughts and memories running through their minds as they received their discharge certificates and packed their gear one last time for the train trip back to Buffalo or other home towns. Joy mixed with sadness.

In the spirit of that joy, we gather at their monument at Gettysburg each year on June 23rd to celebrate and honor the men who served in the original Battery I. This is also a chance for Battery members from all regions of the country to meet each other and tell tall tales about the events they attended since the year before, to build some esprit de corps, and just have a good time. Full uniform, of course! So save the date. Hope to see everyone there!