Co. H. and others at Governor’s Island
August 12, 2006
Photos by Dan Krebs
© 2006 Daniel C Krebs
July 11-14 New York City witnessed the bloody Draft Riots that were brought on by Lincolns Conscription Act and some of the exemptions within. The carnage that was reported from Gettysburg acted as the last straw that broke the camels back.
In an effort to keep the peace the Federal Government called up some of the regiments that just fought at Gettysburg and sent them north to New York. Their presence would indeed keep the peace while at the same time act as a well earned respite for these hardened veterans. The 8th Ohio received their orders to go north on August 15th and arrived on the 23rd. By this time the streets of New York were under control. Even so that night as they camped at Gov Island they thought the riots were starting up again but later found that it was merely rat shooting along the wharfs. The 8th OH decided to treat their special duty as a vacation of sorts and as a matter of fact the regiments Colonel (Sawyer) had such a good time that he was arrested and replaced by Major Winslow. On the 7th of September the 8th Ohio left NY and headed back to the front.
Co. H. were given the privilege by the National Parks Service to represent the Federal troop billeted on Governor's Island
