Anderson Zouaves Research

Dare-devil Dick [27 February 1862]













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Dare-devil Dick

[27 February 1862] 

...We have been out to Camp Tenallytown, where Brig.-Gen. Peck's Brigade is stationed, and we must say that the happiness of our excursion culminated at his headquarters. We found the General well, and everything in order of battle, ready to enter the "deadly breach," and destruction betides the foe that meets him. It is known that the General is very thorough in his command, and thorough generally; but as be is ever gentlemanly and generous to old and young, great and small, soldier and civilian, his brigade do not fail to recognize and appreciate him, and acknowledge his true-heartedness as a friend, his ability as a strategist, and his integrity as politician, statesman and soldier. His staff, Maj. Spencer, Surgeon; Capt. Morris, A. A. General; Capt. Silas Titus, A. D. C. and Quartermaster: Capt. Green, Commissary; Lieut. Charles Sterling, A. A. D. C, and Lieut. D. Lodor, A. A. D. C , are all agreeable and unanimous in the great work before them, and for courtesy, energy, bravery, and all the requisites for a belligerent or beatific life, as the case may arise, they need no advisers or reviewers. We had the pleasure of riding through the brigade with a portion of the staff, Capt. Titus leading off, which was a treat few outsiders ever get in this "vale of tears," or any other vale. We were greatly amazed at the order, style and discipline of the different regiments, and especially the "Anderson Zouaves," Col. Riker, and should "consolidate" with that regiment soon if long in its vicinity. The whole brigade call Capt. Titus "Dare-devil Dick," which needs no interpretation. I would only advise those who follow him up steep banks to never mind the bridle, but put both arms around the horse's neck, and they-will manage to keep up and come out as well as we did.

The "Pennsylvania Thirteenth," a nice little sheet published in camp, contains the following:

"Capt. Silas Titus, our worthy Brigade Quartermaster, was made the happy recipient of two handsome Presents, one of which was a beautiful meerschaum pipe and box of fragrant Turkish tobacco, the present of a well-known citizen of Pittsburg, Mr. V. H Garrard. The other, a beautiful and highly decorated bridle and breast strap, a present from the Quartermaster of the Thirteenth Regiment, Lieut. A. C. Day. May the worthy Captain long live to enjoy the rich fumes of the tobacco from out of his meerschaum bowl, and rein his noble horse with his beautiful bridle." 

Long live the Captain! 

- The Subsciber 

Syracuse Daily Courier & Union, No. 7, Thursday, February 27, 1862. 

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