Two or three circumstances of peculiar interest, showing the morals of this officer, may not be inappropriate, and in a degree indicate his decision of character and fidelity to his untarnished reputation and walks of private life.
In the latter part of May, 1862, and just prior to the battle of Fair Oaks, by orders of General McClellan, the first ration of whiskey was issued to the troops. This being incompatible with the principles of General Glenny, he at once called his men in line, and stated that he believed the new element just introduced in the army was destructive of its best interests, prejudicial to its health, efficiency and discipline, and rather than stultify his conscience by being responsible for its issue, he would suffer himself to be cashiered for disobedience of orders. His position having been defined, the question was submitted to the Company, which, by a unanimous vote, rejected the whiskey. During the day General Howard, who by some means had become acquainted with the facts, at once dispatched one of his aids with a book, his compliments and a message, to General Glenny, to the effect that he was the only officer in the Brigade who had taken that position, and was gratified to know he had one under his command who had sufficient moral courage to take so exalted a stand.
At Chancellorsville, where the Union army met with temporary defeat, this Regiment made one of the most gallant stands of any during the war. It held its position and repulsed five successive charges made by the enemy under cover of their artillery. The enemy, a few minutes later, succeeded in turning the right of our lines, when orders were sent to General Glenny to withdraw his men immediately, which he did successfully under a galling fire, and just as the enemy were closing in upon him from front and rear in the form of a pair of shears.
Again at Po River, the Regiment was hastily thrown out as a skirmish line. Owing to emergencies the main army were obliged to change position so suddenly, that there was no time to withdraw or notify the skirmish line of their perilous position; and the only alternative was to leave them to their fate. It was not until some two hours later, when mistrusting all was not right, and finding the main army had left the position a few hours previously taken up, it was decided at once to make desperate efforts to extricate the Regiment, which was found to be surrounded on three sides, and the fourth fast closing in, which was accomplished with but slight loss. This was a prominent trait in General Glenny's character, to always hazard life rather than be a prisoner in the hands of traitors, whom he looked upon with contempt and scorn.
In the last charge made by the Regiment, or any of the army, at Farmville, April 7th, 1865, General Glenny lost fourteen men, and one officer of the rank of Captain. The latter finding himself mortally wounded, and having been rather a reckless young man, at once became alarmed with reference to his future state. While lying on the field, he called General Glenny, (then Colonel,) took him by the hand, and as soon as he could gather sufficient strength to speak, says, "Colonel, can you pray?" When answered in the affirmative he said, "I have got to die and am unprepared." In compliance with his request, General Glenny knelt by his side in prayer; but as missiles of death were flying on every hand, and the enemy opening an increasing fire, which required him to watch as well as pray, and to attend to the living as well as the dying, he at once ordered the Captain carried to the rear, where he soon died, leaving good evidence that he had found spiritual relief.
This was the closing drama of the war, as two days after General Lee surrendered the rebel army of Northern Virginia to General Grant. The Union army soon after returned to Washington and vicinity, where, by different commands, they were mustered out of service. The 64th proceeded to Elmira, where it received final pay and discharge July 24th, 1865. Thus ended near four years of warfare with General Glenny; he being the only officer who went out as such who returned with the Regiment.
The General is now engaged in the mercantile trade, and located in the store formerly occupied by John Kendall, Esq., and is carrying on a very successful and profitable trade.
Stephen Brewer, Saddles, Harness, &c., enlisted November 21st, 1851. Mr. Brewer was a good soldier; his membership with the Company was soon dissolved by his removal to Cortland village, where, like his professional brother Millspaugh, he has held many offices of trust and honor, among which was County Judge of Cortland county.
F. K. Andrus, Bookseller, &c., enlisted November 21st, 1851. Mr. Andrus has answered to his name as fourth, third, second and first Corporal, and fifth, fourth, third and second Sergeants. Was one of the most active members of the Company during the whole seven years, and over, of his membership. We find but very few meetings or drills of the Company that he is not marked present. He was a thorough soldier, never satisfied with half knowing how. His motto was, "Excelsior." No member who served while Sergeant Andrus was connected with the Company, will ever forget him; always good-natured and cheerful, inclined to look on the bright and never on the dark side of the picture; and during times in the history of the Company, when many were despondent, and the future looked any thing but encouraging, he was always with a cheerful heart and a ready hand, willing to contribute in whatever way was necessary to raise the standard of the Company; and we believe whatever he undertook he succeeded in accomplishing. Mr. Andrus is now one of the firm of Andrus, McChain & Co., probably the largest Paper Manufacturers in Western New York; and very many of our citizens and distinguished visitors from abroad, can testify to his politeness and urbanity in showing them through their large manufactory at Fall Creek.
Charles Clapp, Painter, enlisted November 21st, 1851. Mr. Clapp, at his own request, was granted a discharge soon after his enlistment. His military ardor was in no degree dampened, however, as will be seen from the following: He enlisted in the United States army December 30th, 1863, in Company M, 21st New York Cavalry, in which he served eighteen months; was engaged in the battle of New Market, and in the reserve at Cedar Creek. Mr. Clapp also had two sons in the army. He was particularly distinguished for his Good Samaritan kindness, as many of his comrades can testify. Having some knowledge of medicine, he imparted the all-healing balm to those about him who were sick or wounded.