TO ARMS! TO ARMS!
ATTENTION: LOYAL MEN OF THE UNION!
COURAGEOUS, STOUT-HEARTED MEN ARE NEEDED TO FILL THE
VACANT RANKS OF OUR BROTHERS GONE BEFORE US! COME JOIN A REGIMENT THAT IS THE PRIDE OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
THE RED LEGGED DEVILS OF BROOKLYN!
ENLIST NOW, AND AVENGE THE DISHONOR OF BULL RUN!

A BREIF HISTORY OF THE FIGHTING FOURTEENTH

Since the time of the American Revolution, the people of Brooklyn have answered the call to defend their country. By the 1840's Brooklyn had many independent militia companies. Most were ethnic social clubs based on a military theme. One regiment, the 265th Infantry, had veterans from as far as far back as the War of 1812.

On July 5th, 1847 with the consolidation of the small militia companies, the 265th became the 14th Brooklyn. To bring it up to regulation strength, other small companies were included in the newly formed 14th. This resulted in a very broad ethnic diversity. Most of the men and officers of the 14th were from "well to do" families. Throughout the 1850's the 14th was called on to put down riots in Brooklyn.

In 1860 the first of the distinctive uniforms was issued. It was described as "a dark blue frock coat with three rows of buttons, gold lace trimmings, dark blue trousers, buff stripe and shako hat.

In 1861, with the secession of the southern states, the Brooklyn Navy yard was attacked and was being burned by rebel sympathizers. The 14th was called out to defend the navy yard. The 14th being the nearest militia ran to the "Yard" and being unarmed beat some 300 or more attackers into submission.

In April 1861, the 14th was issued their new "Chasseur" uniforms. The uniform consisted of a short dark blue jacket with a red false vest, Russian knots on the shoulders, three rows of 14 buttons on the front, bright red baggy pants, white leggings (gaiters), red & blue French style kepi. The uniform's history comes from the French army. Dating as far back as the 1700's, the Chasseur was an elite soldier. The uniform adopted by the 14th was from the Crimean war in Europe during the late 1850's. The Chasseurs distinguished themselves so greatly that the 14th Brooklyn with veterans of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, and being very well drilled, and having engaged in many military actions in their own city, decided to become a traditional Chasseur regiment. The uniforms were supplied by the City of Brooklyn, not the Federal Government. At one point during the war when the uniforms became worn, the Army tried to issue the 14th standard blue uniforms. The entire regiment including officers refused the uniforms. They were promptly resupplied their "Reds" by the City of Brooklyn.

On May 18, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln personally accepted the 14th into Federal service. The official US Army designation for the 14th was the 84th New York. The regiment protested and was backed by General McDowell who mustered the 14th into service personally. “You were mustered into service as the 14th Brooklyn and BAPTISED BY FIRE at Bull Run.  You shall never be called by any other number.”  For the rest of their service in the Civil War and for many years after they would only be called the 14th Brooklyn.

During the Civil War, many Generals both north and south praised the 14th for their bravery in battle. General Abner Doubleday said, "On many a weary march and many a hard fought field, I have seen their courage and devotion. Their name was a household word in the Army - they were the elite of our division." The 14th prior to Bull Run (Manassas) were stationed as President Lincoln's personal guard. When Colonel Elmer Ellsworth crossed into Virginia and was killed trying to remove a rebel flag, a small contingent of the 14th was there. From Bull Run in July '61 to Spottsylvania Courthouse in '64 the 14th fought in 21 engagements. They distinguished themselves at Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. In the winter of '63-'64 the 14th occupied Culpepper, Virginia as the provost guard. During that time the regiment entertained thousands of troops on the local "opera house" by presenting a variety stage show featuring songs, skits, and magic. The 14th is the only regiment to have three monuments at Gettysburg. The 14th's nickname, "The Red Legged Devils," came from the Rebels under Colonel Jackson that faced them at Bull Run.

After the Civil War the 14th became part of the New York National Guard. They were called up again for the Spanish American War, Pershing's Poncho Villa Campaign in Mexico, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. The number designation changed throughout the years and they became artillery then tank killers then artillery again then finally they are now a signal company. The armory built for them after the Civil War still stands and today's version of the 14th is still there.

"There was no corps in the war to which I was more, if as much, attached, as to the Fourteenth of Brooklyn.  I mustered it into service, and had it constantly with me; first took it into action and personally led it a second time up the hill against the enemy.  It was not only a most gallant regiment, but a most orderly and intelligent one, and one which with most pride I used to point out to our distinguished visitors."
 General Irwin McDowell, 1869

  "The enemy were a portion of the Fourteenth New York State Militia of Brooklyn, and fought with much more bravery than the Federal troops usually exhibit."
    General Fitzhugh Lee, C.S.A., 1861

 "The men of that regiment were from the city, clerks, book-keepers, and business men.  They were full of shrewd devices to avoid unnecessary hardships."
    Colonel Rufus Dawes on the 14th Brooklyn, 1862

 "With a toughness, a discipline and an "espirit de corps" seldom equaled in our military history, Brooklyn's "Red Legged Devils" fought through from First Bull Run to Spottsylvania."
    Bruce Catton, historian, 1961

 "The Famous Brooklyn 14th are here, guarding the town.  You see their red legs actively moving everywhere."
Walt Whitman at Culpepper, VA, 1864

 Captain W.C. Connor, C.S.A. of Natchez, Mississippi, when asked which U.S. unit fought the most gallantly at Bull Run replied, "The 14th of Brooklyn, and Griffin's and Rickett's batteries fought by far the most gallantly.  This is the opinion of all our officers."
    New York Post, May 18, 1862

 "The troops reviewed made an excellent appearance,........  One regiment, however, attracted particularly the attention of not only the President and Gen. Hooker, but, in fact, all others present.  This was the Brooklyn Fourteenth N.Y.S.M., or better known by the sobriquet applied to it by the rebels in the first Battle of Bull Run, as "The Red Legged Devils," because they fought so desperately.  As this regiment passed in review, "Splendid," "That is splendid," was uttered on all sides - and it was a splendid sight."
    New York Times, April 13, 1863

"The Brooklyn Zouaves (sic) attained a place in history at the first day's battle at Gettysburg, by their efficiency under fire and the bravery of their Colonel."
    F. Miller, "Photographic history of the Civil War",NY1911, Vol. 9, P.346.

There is an urgent need for loyal Union men, of good character, to join the valiant Red Legged Devils of Company G. Fourteenth Brooklyn, New York State Militia.

Lt. Bill Pangrass (352) 629-0488.
E-mail cog14nysm@peoplepc.com

1st.Sgt. David Brown (904) 740-8777
E-mail brown14thbrooklyn@yahoo.com