Notes for William M. KISTLER
06/01/98 Sydney Kistler to Charles Edwin Kistler (Co. A, 1st Regt Penna. Vol., Chickamauga, GA) "Willie has not been assigned to a ship but likely will go on the Ice Boat. That would be much better than one of those old monitors." Abstract of letter in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
Military: At time of enlistment he resided at 2224 Ritter St., Philadelphia and was working at Cramp's (shipbuilder) as a machinist. Described as having black hair, brown eyes, 67 1/4" tall, 130 lbs.. Enlisted in the Army July 5, 1898 at Philadelphia. Served in Battery D, 7th Artillery, first as private then corporal then sergeant. Discharged July 24, 1900 at Ft. Williams, ME to accept commission as 2nd Leutenant 18th Infantry. Was at Ft. Slocum, NY from August 23, 1900 to November 13, 1900. Sailed for Manila, arrived January 3, 1901, served until September, 1901. Returned to U.S. with regiment. While at Ft. Logan, CO, he tendered his resignation. Charges were preferred against him for being absent from drill, being intoxicated and other violations. Sources: Military records of William M. Kistler, National Archives; Letters in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL
Abstracts of letters in personal collection of Bruce Kistler, Winter Haven, FL:
05/17/04 William (The Sailors Home, Gravesend, Kent, England) to Mother and Father. "This is the first time I have had the heart to write to you. Can you forgive me for what I have done?" Was sick and in the hospital in the U.S. "Has my resignation been accepted?" Has just returned from Batoun, Russia. "Shipping is dull on account of the Russo Japanese war." "I had not any addresses of our English relatives or I should have looked them up." Has used the name Walter Kincayde for a year. "Please let me know what is the best thing to do."
06/13/04 William (Gravesend) to Sydney. Wants to know about his affairs. Went to Denver, St. Louis, New Orleans. "it was a seaport and if my resignation was not accepted I was a deserter and it would be easy to leave the country" Worked there for SPRR bridge outfit as carpenter and track pile driver. Shipped on the "Mississippi" to Bremen, London, the Black Sea then returned to England. Did not learn until recently that his resignation had been accepted. Resigned "to avoid a courtmartial with my pay accounts in this persons hands." The "immediate cause of the charges" appears to be his drinking. Lost $100 to a shark in an oil scheme in Salt Lake. Needs money for room, board and passage home.
07/24/04 William (Scandinavian Sailors' Temperance Home, 172 Carroll St., Brooklyn, NY) to Father and Mother. Arrived this evening on American liner "New York" from Southampton. Talks about misunderstanding with "Sensenig" regarding pay vouchers. The charge is being intoxicated and thus neglecting duty. "I think with good influence you might do something yet." Still using name Kincayde.
08/14/04 William (SS. Hamilton, Newport News, Va.) to Sydney (446 Nevin St.) I have a steady job here now on deck in charge of the gang ways, $25 a month and excellent grub. We run from NY to Newport News and Richmond. Details his debts. Talks of his pay vouchers (in the army), (subject of his trouble). The reason why I went away was that I didn't want to stand for trial. ...I see now that I should have done differently. ...I got desperate and quit. What were you going to ask the President to do for me, recommission me as a 2nd Lieut. or something else?
10/20/04 William (NYC) to Mother and Father. I have been pushed up two pegs since I joined this ship. I get $35 a month and have a nice room with my mate, we are lookout men. To get 2nd Mate I should have to take a voyage or two in a square rigger in deep water, but that will commit me to the sea for life and I have seen enough of it. I was hoping that you could suggest something for me to do ashore.
11/20/04 William (Newport News, Va.) to Sydney. Laid up here. I shall write to Southern Pacific RR and Texas Pacific RR for which I worked while in NO and Lafayette, La. I was in the Charity Hospital in NO about six weeks Feb-Mar, 1903. I think the mate will give me a recommendation in my right name. Talks for making application (for work) to RR Co. (PRR). Worked for Texas RR in Jan. 1904. I have a discharge from the steamer Mississippi dated at Bremerhaven and one from the Tuscarora dated Gravesend, England but they are made out to Walter Kincayde and I judge you don't want any reference to that in my application. I left Denver for St. Louis the day I left the Post. I had not made up my mind where I was going. I think when I started I was going to go home. My idea was to resign and go home as quietly as possible. I was distraught at the time... He is a little short sighted in his left eye. "When does Congress meet?" ...it all rests with Mr. Cassel...
Date unknnown. "How does a civilian address the Secretary of War? How would this do?: Sir: I respectfully request that I be reinstated as an officer of the Army. When I resigned it was under pressure of charges against me, which I acknowledge were grave; and this being the first time that anything of the like nature had been brought against me I wanted to avoid any public disgrace to my name or my regiment."
12/04/04 William (2318 E. Huntingdon St., Phila.) to Mother. I have left the Old Dominion Line and must get something to do here. I couldn't stand it there any longer. I shall try my best to make the army but I don't think I can make it. Left NY last evening. You might as well burn this.
Applies for reinstatement in January of 1905 through Representative H.B. Cassel. But reinstatement denied. Reenlists as a private July 26, 1907 at Ft. Slocum, NY. Later serves as 2nd Class private at Springfield Armory, MA. Letters reveal continued attempts at reinstatement through various Senators and others contacted by influential friends and relatives. At one point he seeks a private bill in Congress for his reinstatement.
7/23/06 Letter from sister Ida to Annie L. Kistler: " Sorry to hear Willie had so much trouble but glad to hear he had his sight restored."
01/13/07 Letter from William (Springfield, MA) to Father. "The enclosed papers speak for themselves. I am glad it is over."
Copy of letter from Wm Leob, Jr. Secretary to the President. Mentions letter of W.F. Calhoun "The President regrets he cannot take favorable action on your request."
Copy of letter from W.F. Calhoun. "I have diligently pushed your case to a conclusion. I am very sorry that we have been unable to bring about the results ...you desired."
Copy of memorandum from Adjutant General to Acting Secretary of
War outlining in detail Will's military history and violations.
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