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Written by: David Minshall
In December 1873 the Amateur Rifle Club (ARC) of New York accepted, on behalf of American riflemen, a challenge from Irish riflemen for a long range rifle competition. The ARC appeal for native-born Americans seeking to be considered for the team was published nationwide. When the 1 July 1874 deadline for submissions was reached, none but members of the ARC had expressed interest.
The New York Times, 12 July 1874, published details of the trials for the initial selection of US riflemen to form the team and reserve that would compete against the Irish riflemen at Creedmoor during the coming September.
“The Amateur Rifle Club announces that six competition matches will be held at Creedmoor on the 15th, 18th, 22d, and 29th inst., and Aug. 1 and 5, at 11 o’clock A.M., the object being to select a team to practice for the Irish-American contest, which will take place Sept. 26. The conditions of the match are as follows: The match will be open to all native of the United States. Any rifle may be used which is of American manufacture and within the rules of the club. Any position may be assumed without an artificial rest. The distances observed will be 800, 900, and 1,000 yards. Number of rounds to be fired will be fifteen at 800 and 900 yards and twenty at 1,000 yards distance. No sighting shots will be allowed. The twelve making the highest aggregate score will be selected to form the team and reserve. Three markers will be provided two days in each week for the exclusive use of the selected team, each man being allowed 100 rounds of ammunition per week.”
The first of the series of competitions held under the auspices of the ARC, took place at Creedmoor on Wednesday 15 July 1874. The New York Times (16 July) reported that “No particular style of rifle was used, as the rules permit the use of any rifle of American manufacture.” The top three scorers were Gen. Dakin (159), G.W. Yale (156), J. Trageser (147).
The second competition took place on Saturday 18 July. Nineteen riflemen commenced promptly at 11 o’clock with firing at 800 yards, then progressed through the day to 900 and 1,000 yards. Wind veered through the day form the north-east to from the south-east, necessitating sight correction. Col. Gildersleeve’s long-range rifle was being repaired, so he used a Sharp’s military rifle. Gen. Dakin, who won the first competition, struggled somewhat in this competition, having suffered injury to one of his eyes the previous Wednesday when a cartridge had exploded. The top three were: L.M. Ballard (155), G.W. Yale (149), H.E. Fulton (147).
Nineteen men competed on Wednesday 22 July, for a place in the ‘team.’ With frequent changes in wind direction the scores were not as good as previous matches. The top three scorers were: J. Bodine (143), Gen. Dakin (133), Gen. Hawley (132).
The fourth competition was held on Wednesday 29 July. Despite a poor weather outlook the contest opened at 1:00pm; the cloudy sky was favourable to the marksmen’s vision, but the gusting strong wind required frequent sight alterations. A 30 minute heavy shower of rain from around 2:15pm made it necessary for the riflemen to retire to the range-keeper’s house. With more rain around 6:00pm, and shortly after commencing at 1,000 yards, it was decided to postpone or cancel the match. The majority favoured the latter proposition, and the matter was referred to Executive Committee of the Amateur Rifle Club (ARC). The top scorers after completing 800 and 900 yards were: J.S. Conlin (101), L.L. Hepburn (93), G.W. Yale (91).
The next day the ARC Executive Committee met to discuss the incomplete competition, and how to proceed. The following resolution was adopted, which was to be in force for all similar cases:
Resolved: That those who participated in the fourth competition shall be allowed to complete their scores at their option at any of the remaining competition matches; provided that no competitor shall be permitted to take part in more than six matches.
At 11:00am on Saturday 1 August the fifth competition for US team selection commenced at Creedmoor. The riflemen completed their 15 shots each at 800 yards by 12:30pm, when a 30 minute break was taken, before moving to 900 yards. The wind, blowing from the south-west, had not presented any significant problem, but the onset of heavy rain shortly after commencing at 1,000 yards drove the marksmen into their tents, and prevented further shooting for the day. The top scorers after completing 800 and 900 yards were: H.Fulton (104), Lt.Col. Gildersleeve (99), J.S. Conlin (99). After the storm subsided, the match was postponed until 10:00 am on Wednesday 5 August.
Wednesday 5 August saw riflemen once again gather at Creedmoor. Those who were prevented by heavy rain from completing their scores the previous Saturday, met early to make good their deficiencies. The top scorers were: H. Fulton (156), J.S. Conlin (155), A. Anderson (148).
The sixth of the regular competitions then commenced at 1:00pm with fifteen entries. The windy conditions were unfavourable for fine shooting, necessitating constant alterations of sights. The top scorers in the afternoon were: H. Fulton (155), Lt.Col. Gildersleeve (149), A.V. Canfield (145).
A final competition took place at Creedmoor on Wednesday 12 August. The ten entrants commenced shooting at the 800 yards targets at 11:00am. This was a supplementary day of shooting for the team selection, given that boisterous weather had interrupted some earlier competitions. During this last contest the gentle wind at the outset sprung up and blew in strong gusts, making for difficult conditions. The top scorers on the day were: L.L. Hepburn (166), J.T.B. Collins (152), J. Trageser (149).
The following were the aggregates of the best four scores made by those competing in the selection matches:
H. Fulton 604
L.L. Hepburn 590
A. Anderson 583
J.S. Conlin 579
T.S. Dakin 564
G.W. Yale 561
J.T.B. Collins 555
L.M. Ballard 554
F.S. Gardner 546
A.V. Canfield 546
E.H. Sanford 539
H.A. Gildersleeve 531
Col. Gildersleeve had not originally intended to participate in the international match, and shot several competition with a military rifle and open sights. And, while Col. John Bodine had desired selection for the international match, his distance from the range and business engagements had debarred him from completing the necessary matches. Bodine had however demonstrated himself as one of the best marksmen of the Club, the Committee fortuitously desired to add him to the Team.
It was these men that set to training with the aim of being selecting to compete for the American team in the match against Irish riflemen, scheduled for September 1874.
