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3.7 Bro 553
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HISTORY
OF THE
FIFTH REGIMENT. M. V. M.
MENT OF
NFF
TRY.
BY
FRANK T. ROBINSON,
EX-MEMBER OF CO. H, AND A, AND REGIMENTAL HISTORIAN.
FIFTH M. V. M. HEADQUARTERS, NO. 82 MAIN STREET, CHARLESTOWN, MASS.
BOSTON: W. F. BROWN & COMPANY, PRINTERS, 113 FRANKLIN SI. 1879.
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155363
FORT PEIRSON, NEW BERNE,N. C. 1863.
INTRODUCTORY.
5 In compiling this history, the author has endeavored to confine himself to simple and authentic data, and in order to facilitate the search for faets, the Campaign and other Remi- niscences are placed at the end of the volume. It is to be regretted that a considerable amount of regimental property was burned in the Boston fire, Nov. 9th, 1872, in which there were valuable books, containing material that would have furnished more important detail than is herein used ; and again, the fire of December 28th, 1879, burned all of the origi- nal manuscript for this history, together with much valuable printed matter, as well as 1200 heliotype portraits, but by good fortune the author possessed most of the signatures of the proof-sheets, and was thus enabled to publish the present history.
It would probably be impossible to obtain an accurate Roster of the Regiment for each Campaign, and it would be presumable that the State Reports only could furnish the correct list : but the author has been obliged to con- sult several other sources, and if errors have crept in here and there, it is the fault, in a great measure, of the author- ities consulted," and by referring to the errata on the last page, many unavoidable mistakes found in this history ap- pear corrected.
The author sincerely hopes that this volume will meet , the approbation of the thousands who have from time to time been members of the Glorious Old Fifth.
* See Note, page vii.
NOTE.
It is earnestly desired by the author, that he may be im- mediately notified of every error found in this volume, of whatever kind it may be, in order that the Supplement, to be published in the early future, and so arranged that it can be incorporated with this book, may make the his- tory absolutely correct in every detail. For illustration, if a letter is wrong in a name, as in the case of Joseph D. Bragdon, of Co. E, 9 months' men, where the middle ini- . tial appears as S," instead of D, or as in the case of mis- spelling of the word Mankin's, page 70, reading Mamkin's ; such errors would appear in the Supplement, as correc- tions, and thus make the history more valuable as a guide in the future, when it would be too late to rectify mistakes.
The Supplement will be sent gratis to every subscriber, and will contain any information that may be received, of value to the volume.
FRANK T. ROBINSON, 25 Mount Vernon St., East Somerville, Mass.
* Adjutant-General's report has this initial S.
THE FIFTH REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOL- UNTEER MILITIA.
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ITS EARLY HISTORY.
The old militia of this State were composed of Artil- Jers, Light Infantry, Riflemen, and generally one regi- ment of Cavalry.
In looking over the records at the State House, I find that as far back as 1800, there was a regiment called the " Fifth Regiment of Light Infantry," and the companies composing it were from nearly the same location as those How attached to the Fifth.
The militia at the time of the war with Great Britain, when Madison was President, were in a fair condition, considering the times, and numbered about seven thou- sand men of what was then termed the " active militia." Through many years, to use the language of a past adju- tant-general, the militia were in a " deranged and de- graded condition," and in 1837, there were but few regularly organized regiments in the State, many of the companies being mutually disbanded on account of a lax- ity of interest. The celebrated Warren Phalanx, the first company in the Fifth from 1804 until the above date, woke up about this time, and for two or three years re- vived its regimental orders as - Colonel --- of - Light Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3d Division."
HISTORY. OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
In 1810, by an act of Legislature, it was provided that the active militia- of the Commonwealth should consist of volunteer companies of able bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45, who were to be enrolled by the asses- sors of each city and town. This law had the effect of enlarging the State force, although its discipline was no better than formerly. It is pleasant to chronicle the fact. that through all these years the Fifth had been one of the most prosperous in the State, and though the regi- ment's number was changed in this year, 1840. it still retained the same companies, and was called the Fourth Regiment Light Infantry; and the new Fifth regiment was composed of companies from the vicinity of Lowell. The regiment at this time was commanded by Col. Sam- uel P. Smith, and was in the 3d Brigade, 20 Division, M. V. M
In the year 1846, another reorganization of the State Militia occurred. At this time there was a union of en- rolled and active militia. and it was ordered that those companies not having more than 18 members should be disbanded.
This law resulted in the disbandment of four compa- nies of the Fourth, " on account of reduction and non- bers. and inefficient condition." These companies were E. of Malden, Band C, of Charlestown. and H. of South Reading. The following towns from the South Middle- sex distriet were at this time represented in the Fourth regiment : Concord, South Reading, Woburn, Medford, Framingham, Sudbury, Natick. Cambridge, Charlestown. and one company from Boston ; the latter was disbanded, however, in 1847. In 1853, or thercabouts, the Sudbury company was added to the Second Batallion, and a Som- erville company took its place.
Up to 1555, there were three brigades in the State, and
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA. 3
the regiments of Light Infantry composing them were in a more or less imperfect condition. There were periods, however, when the military ardor of the people waxed strong, and at the time of the reception of Kossuth, was in an almost perfect condition.
The Fourth at this time wore the regular army uni- form, with the exception of the cap, which was plainer, and was ornamented with a blue and white five-inch pompon. The regiment participated in the reception of President Filmore, September 17, 1851, and on all great occasions turned out as many jen as any other organization. They numbered about this time 400, rank and file.
The " Bloody Fourth," so styled, was probably the richest in point of its members' means, and stood ahead of the other regiments for a long time, both in discipline and numbers. From the ranks of the regiment have sprung some of the great meu of our present time, and " the fast young men " of the old militia eventually be- came the governors and statesmen of a later period. How many stories could be told of the old encampments. Es- pecially to be remembered are those of Lowell for its in- tense heat, and Winter Island for the cold weather; and there was the grand muster at Concord, with the mag- nificent display as the militia passed in review before Governor Banks; and it is doubtless fresh in the minds of many of the old militia how strict (?) were the duties im- posed on them while in camp. It has been proved, how- ever, that for all the "royal times at muster" and the " play soldier" events that occurred to our oll militia, that the long roll of the late war called many of them to their eternal fest, and by their deeds they have forever Bared the standard of the militia and its necessity as a State force beyond the larm of politicians and demu-
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4
HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
The entire militia of the State usually oncamped to- gether for two days in the fall of the year, and the records state that during the muster at Lowell in 1851. it was the largest ever held in the State. At this encampment there was a regimental prize drill, and as the day was hot on which it occurred, Colonel J. Durrell Green, of the 4th Light Infantry, appeared on the field with the entire regi- ment in shirt sleeves and fatigue caps, and by los ardor and control of his men won the prize.
The regiment had as competitors the 1st, 6th and 7th Light Infantry regiments, which were composed of very good material, and were, at that time, doubtless as efficient, and often met each other on parades and inspections, as well as at encampments.
THE REPEAL OF THE MILITIA LAW - REORGAN- IZATION.
There was great excitement in 1854 and 1855, concern- ing the militia, which resulted in the reorganization of the Fourth and Fifth regiments. The Montgomery Guards were disbanded, and a complete revolution in the organ- ization of a State protective force was being agitated. and resulted in Walter Channing and 505 others petition- ing for a revision of the militia system of the Common- wealth. and also several other petitions and remonstrances relative thereto.
" The repeal of the Militia Laws" was a thing greatly to be desired by a powerful class, who thought that though the millennial day of peace and virtue bad not ar- rived, still they could rejoice at the gradual progress of those principles of truth. justice and humanity, under whose more fall and genial reign arbitration should take the place of the battle-field, brutal force relax its mighty
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
sway, and man assert the prerogative of his being -- the triumph of moral over physical strength.
A number of hearings were given at the State House in February, 1855, and there was at one time serious doubts as to whether the militia would continue as such. Among the most bitter opponents to the militia were the Hon. Chas. W. Slack, of Boston, and Hon. Amasa Walker, of North Brookfield. At one of the hearings. the latter gentleman remarked that "the militia as at present or- ganized was a source of great demoralization, and encamp- ments are such, no one can deny this: it was not so bad at cattle-shows." , He believed in an efficient organization of paid police, by the State, who should be anmed in every town and city when needed, and the people to be taxed 2 per cent. He thought the militia were a body tade for " the promotion of fast young men."
The remonstrance was heard. and Col. William T. Gram- mer. of Woburn -- the only real military man on the House special committee to whom the various petitions were re- ferred --- General Jones, Colonel Wright, and others, by their manly efforts, gained their ends, and the long. vol- mininous report of the majority of the committee in favor of the repeal was substituted by the minority report of the committee, and it was voted that it " was deemed in- expedient to legislate," three to one. The following are the names of the important committee : Messrs. LINCOLN, of Deerfield, WEBSTER, of Chelsea, RICE, of Newton, TARBELL, of Boston, MUNROE, of Boston, FIELD, of Shelburne, and GRAMMER. of Woburn.
" Messrs. Monroe and Grammer reported that it was inexpedient to legislate on the subject, believing that the present military organization is as good as may be, and does not require any change."
In 185. Adjutant-General Stone's State report contains
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
the following interesting statements, and it will be seen that this was the year when the Fifth became a permanent regiment, and remained nearly the same as relates to its numbers and location up to 1876.
The reports read :
·
" For the purpose of having the organization of the Volunteer Militia more in accordance with the acts of Congress, which prescribes, that the system of discipline and field exercises, which is and shall be ordered to be observed by the army of the U. S., shall also be observed by the militia throughout the U. S., the following com- munication proposing certain changes in the organization of the Volunteer Militia was presented to the Governor and Council. Feb. 28, 1855."
" The proposed changes were adopted by the Governor and Council, as appears by General Order, Nov. 4, 1855."
ARTILLERY AND INFANTRY.
" The present organization and arrangement of Vol- unteer Militia is inconsistent in its designation as "Artil- lery" and " Light Infantry." inasmuch as the troops there designated are by the existing laws required to be armed and drilled as INFANTRY. . . . . That the interest of the service requires the disbandment of some regiments in consequence of small numbers of companies in said regi- ments."
Relating to the Fifth. we quote the following :
THIRD BRIGADE.
" Disband the First Regiment of AArtillery and Fourth and Fifth Regiments of Light Infantry, and organize the
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
companies of Artillery and Light Infantry in the follow- ing cities, viz. : Charlestown, Cambridge, Somerville, Woburn, Winchester, Concord and Waltham into a regi- ment to be known as the Fifth Regiment of INPANTRY."
Under this regine the Fifth appeared at the fall mus- ter. The State Reports of this encampment says of the Fifth : " The Fifth appeared at the fall encampment, un- der command of Col. Chas. B. Rogers, and is a recent organization, composed of Infantry from Charlestown, Cambridge, Somerville, Woburn, Winchester. Concord and Waltham. The regiment looked finely, and is an honor to this State."
Following are the companies of INFANTRY composing the new Fifth, with the date of organization and the first captain of each company:
Co. A, Concord. Organized as Artillery 1804. Capt. Thomas Heald.
Co. B, somerville. .. Infantry 1553. Capt. G. O. Brastow.
Co. C, Waltham.
Co. D, Charlestown .* Art., (1786) 1831. Capt. J. M. Robertson.
Co. E, Winchester.t 66 Infantry 1831. Capt. F. O. Prince. Co. F. Cambridge 66 1849, Capt. JJ. D. Green.
Co. G, Woburn. 1:35. Capt. S. B. White.
Co. H, Charlestown.
1850. Capt. G. P. Sanger.
There was a company from Watertown belonging to this regiment later, called Co. C., and was organized in 1786 as Artillery, and was first commanded by Captain Ebenezer Kent.
Commanders of the Fourth Regiment Light Infantry from 1841 up to the reorganization, 1855:
Colonel Charles Carter, Woburn, July 31, 1911, Sept., 1944. Colonel Royal Douglass, Cambridgeport, Oct., 1844, May, 1847. Colonel Samuel Blanchard, Medford, July 31, Sept., 1848. Colonel Moses F. Winn, Woburn, Sept., 149, May, 1550. Colonel J. Durrell Green, Cambridge, Jan., 1851, Feb., 1555. $ ( 6. D. transferred from Fourth as Co. H, of Fifth. ¡ Co. E, transferred to Medford.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
Col. J. Durrell Green was elected Colonel of the Fifth at the time of reorganization, and his appointment bears date March 31, 1855, but as he "refused to qualify." Colonel Charles B. Rogers was commissioned July 7, 1855.
COL. CHARLES B. ROGERS. 1st Colonel Fifth Regiment, M. V. M.
Colonel Rogers was for many years a leading apothecary in Charlestown, and was early identified with the Charles- town City Guards. In this company he held various offices, including the captainey. He also held other regi- mental offices, and was the first Colonel of the Fifth un- der the new organization of the State Militia, his com- mission bearing date July 7th, 1855. That he was a thorough disciplinarian, and brought the regiment into favorable notice, is on record in the Adjutant-General's reports. During his term of command the regiment became one of the most popular in the State, and his retirement from the service was deeply regretted by all.
WAR RECORD OF THE FIFTH -THE FIRST THREE MONTHS TROOPS.
The Fifth grew in numbers and discipline, and at the breaking out of the great civil war were in a condition to respond to the call of " Father Abraham " for " seventy- five thousand strong."
The early pages of the history of the rebellion of 1860 will show, amidst the darkest and most revolting instances of treason and pasional corruption, the most glowing examples of patriotism, and the sublimest heroism.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
The people of Massachusetts were alive to the impor- tance of the events of the day, and one common voice seemed to say :
Men !- if manhood still ye claim, If the Northern pulse can thrill, Roused by wrong or stung by sbame, Freely, strongly still ! - Let the sounds of traffic die ; Shut the mill-gate -leave the stall - Fling the ax and hammer by - Throng to Faneuil Hall. -Whittier.
Among the few Massachusetts regiments who had the honor to be first in the movement to arms, the Fifth is conspicuous.
The national call was for three months men. but as the record shows, when the three months expired (July 19. 1501), the regiment found itself on the soil of Virginia, before the enemy, and at a time when its services. en- hanced tenfold by its discipline and acquaintance with the " situation," were valuable to the country. In this criti- cal hour there was no voice for returning home.
At a meeting lod on the 15th of April, 1861. it was voted to tender the services of the regiment to the Com- mander-in-Chief, and on the 17th, the regiment was ordered to hold itself in readiness for duty. On the 19th, orders were issued to report for duty, and the following compa- nies were attached to the Fifth Regiment : Company H, of the First, and Companies B. E, G. and I, of the Sey- vuith. The companies were received at Faneuil Hall by an enthusiastic people. Only partially equipped. the reg- iment left on Sunday, the 21st, at 4 o'clock, A. M., for Washington. The Boston Daily Advertiser said at that time: " This regiment will shed glory on the old Com- monwealth, whose houor she is so ready to sustain. Fol-
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT.
lowing the example of their unassuming commander. Col. Lawrence, the companies are arrayed in serviceable uni- forms. fatigue caps, and, freed from all paraphernalia, . which are but the pride, pomp, and circumstance of war. As the cars passed rapidly through the center of the old Bay State on this, the Sabbath day, its progress was viewed with favor by all, and no tithing-man attempted to arrest them."
The journey of the Fifth was one continuons ovation, ringing of bells, roaring of cannon, music and cheering. Eyes streamed fervent tears, and the " God bless you " was frequently heard, and told the intensity of feeling on the part of the people. At Meriden, Connecticut, also New Haven and Bridgeport, the regiment were treated in glorious shape.
On their arrival at Washington, the regiment was quar- tered in the Treasury Building. The following is a part of a diary of events from that period :
Apr. 23d. The baggage arrived. The President visited the regiment.
May 1st. Mustered in to United States army, and re- viewed by the President.
24th. Squad and company drill, as well as regimental drills, have brought us to a high state of discipline.
25th. Regiment ordered out to Alexandria, it being expected that an attack would be made in that direction. The enthusiasm of the men was intense. All the men were soon on the way to meet the rebels. General Mans- field highly complimented the regiment, declaring that he had " never witnessed a similar order more speedily and promptly executed." They crossed the Long Bridge at midnight.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
26th. The regiment are encamped, and have called their camp " Camp Andrew," in honor of His Excellency the Governor of Massachusetts.
29th. Orders received to be ready to march at a mo- ment's warning.
June 14. Reviewed by President Lincoln and Cabinet. We are called the " Steady Fifth," on account of gentle- manly conduct and soldierly bearing.
17th of June. This was a memorable day. and those who were awoke in the morning at 2 o'clock, by the sound of the long roll, will never forget it. The men were sleeping soundly at the time, and in ten minutes from the time the drums began to beat, the regimental line was formed. Co. H gave a grand dinner this day.
FOR BUNKER HILL.
[Dedicated to the Bunker Hill Company (Company IT) Charlestown City Guard, at Washington, D. C., by Geo. M. Dowe, June 17, 1861.]
1. 'Tho' many miles away From homes and friends to-day, We're cheerful still ; For brothers side by side We stand with manly pride Beneath the shadow wide Of Bunker Hill.
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The memory of that spot Ne'er by one man forgot Protects us here : We feel an influence, lent From its proud monument - By freedom's angel sent Our souls to cheer.
3.
If o'er the darkening sky The piercing battle-cry Shall sound its call,
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
God of our native land Be with this little band : Columbia's guardian stand By one and all.
4.
By all that blesses life - While ranked in freedom's strife With right good will,
For victory we'll try --- With hope and daring high - Our cheers shall rend the sky For Bunker Hill.
Five hundred copies of this poem were printed and distributed through the various camps, and the song was sung with great spirit on all occasions.
July 13th. The regiment ordered to pack personal baggage, and store it at Alexandria, in anticipation of a march.
16th. The knapsacks were packed and left in camp. With three days' rations, and in light marching order. we crossed Shuter Hill, and with the other regiments of the brigade, took up the line of march for Centerville. The Fifth, in Col. Franklin's brigade, having been honored with the right of division, was at the head of the column, under Col. Heintzelman. At 7 o'clock the regiment halted, and prepared to bivouac during the night. At 84 o'clock an alarm was given, and several prisoners were brought in.
17th. The march was resumed at 7 p. M., with Com- panics A and K as skirmishers. The troops proceeded cautiously, the pioneers cutting away large trees obstmet- ing the road. At noon, Co. C was sent in advance as skirmishers, to relieve Co. K. Rebels were frequently seen, but out of range. The secession pickets soon spread the alarm, and the whole country was soon aroused. . \t
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
one point the advance gaard were fired upon by the enemy, but fled, leaving their guns, ete., as mementoes for our men. At 3 p. M., the troops reached Sangster's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. The enemy had flown. and our troops were disappointed. The regiment bivouacked in a new mown field, on the edge of a pine wood, enjoying their sleep very much.
18th. Co. D have au encounter on a reconnoiter, and kill one of the enemy's pickets.
20th. At half-past two o'clock, p. M., orders wore re- ceived to prepare for an advance. and three days' rations were distributed. The order to march at six was changed to midnight.
21st. At quarter-past one, A. M., the command came to "fall in lively." The regiment was soon on the march to Bull Run. The Fifth, after a double quick of several miles, halted at 11 o'clock. The general engagement had al- ready begun, and in a few moments the order was given to cross the ford. Soon the order came, "Fifth Mass. for- ward double-quick, march!" Taking position on the brow of a hill. they fired at the retreating enemy, but were compelled to leave their place, a rebel battery get- ting range on them.
A writer says, who saw the Fifth on the field : "I saw the Mass. Fifth in their dark uniform and their steady advance under the enemy's fire of shot and shell; I no- fieed them some distance off; they came into the field by a flank movement, and then into column, with as much cool- ness as if they had been on an ordinary muster-field. They had to pass over an open field exposed to the full force of the rebel batteries, but they did not waver in the least. On the brow of the hill I first saw their Colonel [Law- rence] at their head. He is a tall and slim man, with dark
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
hair. He is quite young, not more than twenty-five. They took their places, and fought bravely."
The regiment went through the severest part of the fight, and returned to Washington. After marching a full day's journey before reaching the battle-field, had fought on the field about five hours. had retreated over the route marched in the A. M., and were now ordered to march back to Washington, a distance of about twenty- five miles ; a truly hard day's work.
30th July. Arrived in Boston, where the excitement was intense. Streets and buildings were covered with people. Their march to the Common was one continued ovation.
Among the few regiments who for three months left their common callings, and girded on the armor for their country's defence, none can boast a fairer record than the Mass. Fifth.
Col. Lawrence and many other members of the Fifth, were severely wounded during the eventful battle of Bull Run.
GENERAL SAMUEL CROCKER LAWRENCE. 2d Colonel of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M.
Samuel Crocker Lawrence was born in Medford, Mass- achusetts, Nov. 22, 1832. He received his early educa- tion in the public schools of this staid and respectable old town, with the exception that he spent a short period at Groton Academy. Intended by his father to succeed to a share of his business, young Lawrence at the age of 16, took his place in the paternal counting-room. But he had carly manifested an inclination for study, and his father
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