USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Genealogical history of the town of Reading, Mass., including the present towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with chronological and historical sketches, from 1639 to 1874 > Part 56
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Are all the clear and warning words, By the great Statesman spoken - In rush of trade, - in lapse of years, -- Unheeded, and forgotten ?
Not yet ! The heroes' worthy sons Hold to the Union, steady ; With purpose firm, they man their guns ; Are for the conflict ready.
OF THE TOWN OF READING.
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When the war summons, startling, rang Along our Northern border - How then, our sturdy yeomen sprang, In answer to that order.
From the white sands that belt the Cape, Wet with the spray of ocean, To where the trees of Berkshire bend With fair and gentle motion ; -
From Essex' smooth and fruitful farms, Where flows the Merrimack ; From Concord's glorious, hallow'd plains, Bright with the martyr's track ; -
From Bunker's swelling mount of green, Where stands the granite tow'ring, Where Prescott fought and Warren fell, 'Midst British bullets show'ring !
Our " Spindle City " sends its youth - First sacrifice to Freedom ! It sends, as well, its lawyers forth, When dangerous "cases " need 'em !
Our own dear town, with ready hand, Its treasures quick un-Lock-ing - When rang the call, sent forth its " Guard," 'Round Freedom's banner flocking !
God guard them in their distant camp, By the Potomac's waters ; And bring them safe to peaceful homes, To mothers, wives, and daughters !
From many a wild and rocky gorge, With mountain-spring outgushing - New Hampshire's earnest, rugged sons, To guard their soil, came rushing.
From the far bounds of rocky Maine, Where rush Penobscot's waters - Sprang forth the hardy lumber-men, Cheer'd by her blooming daughters.
From where the Hudson rolls in pride, By cro'nest, and the Highlands, - Bearing, at length, his silver tide, Along Manhattan's islands ; -
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On fair Ohio's waving grounds, In many a sunny valley, The trumpet for the battle sounds - The sons of freemen rally !
O'er prairies green the columns wind, In firm and shining order ; And Western traitors wake, to find A "Lyon" on their border !
O'er all the acres, free and broad, With food for millions teeming, Banners uplift and gay plumes nod, And bayonets are gleaming.
Our Eagle has his wings outspread, And floats on mighty pinion ; Our armies march with fearless tread, And shake the " Old Dominion " !
With Leaders true our columns press, To silence batteries, rebel ; The war-cry ringing as they charge - " Ellsworth - Winthrop - Greble."
He who on bloody Mexic plains, Made sure and dread advances, Now guides our military trains, And calculates the chances.
Brave Winfield Scott - enjoying fame, More worth than youthful Morphy's, Moves new the pieces in this game, Where Empires are the trophies !
Calmly he sits, and views the field, As on a chess-board gazing ; While his firm squares which will not yield, Entrenchments strong are raising.
" Old Abraham,"- the faithful one, - Alone has supervision ; And all the hero's moves are done With infinite precision.
The men he moves, as by a spring, Are, 'round his " Castle," closing, And soon will "check " the " Cotton-King " - The foe he 's now opposing !
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Ne'er fear the end, nor chide delay ; Hath Heaven no finger in it ? Treason, be sure, will lose the day, And Truth and Right will win it !
Be sure, a brighter day shall come, A calm and peaceful morrow ; No battle-shout, no roll of drum, No wailing cry of sorrow ; -
Peace, with her olive-wreath, shall bind Our States, again United, And plant with flowers the sunny fields War's cruel breath has blighted !
Flag of the free hearts' hope, floatron ! No single star dissever ! No stripe erased, no glory gone ; Thus let it float, forever !
The exercises were interspersed with patriotic and inspiring songs by the choir, and stirring music by the band.
LIEUT. R. S. BECKWITH.
The 14th day of June, 1862, was signalized and made historic by the return to town of members of the Richardson Light Guard, who were taken captive by the rebels in the first battle of Bull Run, in July, 1861 ; and by the impressive ceremonies of a public reception,
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performed in South Reading in honor of those returned heroes, and in joy at their safe arrival.
Two of the returning soldiers, Sergeant Geo. W. Aborn and James H. Greggs, had arrived in Boston some days before, and the third, Frank L. Tibbetts, had reached New York, and was expected to reach Boston in season to accompany his comrades to South Reading on the day appointed to receive them. For some cause, to the universal regret, Mr. Tibbetts was not present.
Yale's mammoth tent, was pitched upon the common. The tables therein for the festive repast were spread and loaded by the ladies of the town.
Edward Mansfield, Esq., was appointed president of the day; N. S. Dearborn, Esq., chief marshal ; and L. Eaton, Esq., orator.
At one o'clock, P. M., the people of the towns of South Reading, of Reading, and of the surrounding towns generally, begun to assem- ble in crowds upon the common, and soon after a procession was formed, under direction of the marshal, consisting of the Richardson Light Guard, under command of Capt. H. D. Degen, who had suc- ceeded to the captaincy, accompanied by the Boston Brigade Band ; military and civic guests ; reception committee in carriages ; president, orator, and poet, in carriages ; clergymen, town officers, public schools, citizens, etc.
The procession moved through some of the principal streets to the Junction railroad station, there to await the arrival of the three o'clock train from Boston, which was to bring the returning heroes.
Upon the arrival of the train it was found that Messrs. Aborn and Greggs, two of the rescued prisoners, were on board in charge of Capt. John W. Locke (recently the commander of the Guards, and subse- quently appointed Lieut .- Colonel of the 50th Mass. Reg't), who imme. diately conducted them to the committee appointed to receive them, who were in waiting at the station.
Dr. S. O. Richardson, the chairman of this committee, and the god- father, namesake, and long tried friend of the Guards, took them by the hand, and thus addressed them : -
"Gentlemen, - This is indeed a happy moment to me, and one I shall never forget. I take pleasure in informing you that Messrs. Beebe, Wheeler, and myself have been delegated, in behalf of the citizens of South Reading, to greet you on this happy occasion, and bid you a thrice joyful welcome. We hope to show you by the ovation this afternoon, that although you have been from us a long time, as prisoners of war, our love for you has not diminished. You have
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shown us that on the battle-field you were full of pluck and fight, and nobly risked your lives to restore the Stars and Stripes to our glorious Union. Permit me to say you have done honor to yourselves, to this town, and as members of the Richardson Light Guard have conferred great honor on him for whom the corps is named. After leaving here, we hope to introduce you from the "Rebels' Field " of the South, to a " Man's-field " of the North, where you will receive a welcome by the " Lily" of the field, surrounded by a host of friends, with warm hearts and open arms, ready to receive and show you that you are not forgot- ten even at home."
The returned soldiers were conducted to a carriage and joined the procession, which took up a line of motion in return to the common ; and passing through many of the principal streets, amid the ringing of bells, the booming of cannon, and the congratulations of the people, reached and entered the spacious pavilion.
After a sumptuous repast, prepared by the ladies of the town, and after a voluntary by the band, a hollow square was formed by the Richardson Light Guard in front of the speakers' stand, where the re- turned soldiers appeared and were introduced by the committee, through P. C. Wheeler, Esq,, to the president of the day, Edward Mansfield, Esq., who descended from the platform to receive them and escorted them to seats provided for them. Then followed the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the children, and a fervent invoca- tion by Rev. C. R. Bliss, of the Congregational church.
The president then said : -
Fellow-citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen, -It was one of the most un- welcome duties that I was ever called to perform, to extend the parting hand, and utter farewell words, as more than one year ago the Rich- ardson Light Guard left their friends and pleasant firesides, to protect the nation's capital, and to engage in scenes of strife and blood.
But life has its changes. Sorrow and joy follow each other some- times in quick succession. The company went forth and wrote their names on the scroll of fame. Most of them in a few months returned from the dreadful conflict with the smell of fire upon them, and some with scars and wounds, and were joyfully welcomed by their numerous friends. But a stricken few remained, and a terrible suspense hung over us. The festive hour that witnessed our rejoicings over the many, was also an hour of lamentation and mourning. It was like " Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted because they were not." But later events proclaimed the welcome truth, "the missing ones are yet alive." Waning hope revives, the lost are found, the
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scalding tears may yet be wiped away. What has since transpired and been experienced will often be related in the social circle and at. the fireside of home.
After long months of imprisonment by a cruel, a merciless and re- lentless foe, - in loathsome warehouses and gloomy Southern jails, - cut off from the comforts of home, from the sympathy of friends, and, I had almost said, from all communication with intelligent humanity,- these our friends are with us again to receive our congratulations, and to enjoy repose in the quiet of home.
And it is with a pleasure commensurate with a former sadness, that I now perform the part assigned me, and present them to one who has been appointed to receive them in behalf of the citizens, and who well knows how to speak fitting words of welcome on this joyous occasion
Friends, I refer to the Hon. Lilley Eaton, to whom I introduce and commit you ; not now as prisoners in a Southern clime to a barbarous people, but as free men, breathing the free air of New England, and under the protection of the Stars and Stripes of our glorious old republic.
Mr. Eaton then delivered the following address : -
Mr. President, - I desire to thank you, sir, and through you the com- mittee of arrangements, for this kind invitation ; above all, I desire to thank heaven that I am permitted, on this rare and stirring occasion, amid this brilliant, crowded, and earnest assembly, with the symbols of loyalty, of union, of liberty, and of beauty, spread gayly around me, hearing and witnessing these exultant demonstrations, with the animating notes of victory coming in on the wings of every wind, -that I am permitted, under such glorious circumstances, to rise and declare my hearty con- currence and sympathy, and the sincere and united sympathy of all this concourse, with all these expressions of congratulation, of warm welcome, of joy and rejoicing,fand of thanksgiving and gratitude to the great disposer of events, in view of the return at last of those heroic young men who, more than a year since, at the earliest call of their country, when in sudden and fearful peril, buckled on their armor, and hastened to the post of danger, to defend the sacred ark of their country's capital, to protect the government of the union, and to fight anew the battles of liberty ; and who now, after exposure to bloody perils, having suffered severe hardships, privations, and im- prisonment, and made to bear insults and reproach at the hands of malicious enemies, for ten long and weary months, have at length, thanks
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be to the God of battles for the great and glorious victories that have' secured their release, been returned to us in life, health, and gladness.
Mr. President, and ladies and gentlemen, - Amid the memories of the exciting and startling events of the last year, as they come throng- ing upon the mind, as suggested by the present occasion, and the emo- tions of joy and pleasure awakened by recent victories, and in view of the presence here in our midst of these heroes, rescued from captivity and death, and of these other gallant youth, not less heroic and true and worthy, who have spilled their blood for their country and for us in the same great cause, and who, with the utmost propriety, are included in the list of those whom we this day delight to honor, - we say, amid these recollections of the past, the felicities of the present, and the hopes of the future, we know not what to say or how to speak ; we are overcome and confused by the magnitude of our privilege.
We read that the ancient saints, "when the Lord turned again their captivity, were like those that dreamed ; that their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongues with singing, and they were led to exclaim : 'The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad.'"
Thus do we find ourselves : the past seems like a dream, the present full of joy, congratulation, thanksgiving, and hope.
But there are certain events and scenes recalled and revived by the facts of the present occasion, that seem to stand out in bolder relief than others. The first are those which occurred on the 19th of April of last year. The 19th of April ! most memorable day in the calendar of liberty !
Who of us who heard it, will ever forget the rousing clangor of the old town bell, when at midday of that notable 19th, it pealed forth its startling tones of alarm and summons? "To arms ! to arms! The Greek ! The Greek !" We all understood its fearful import. Espe- cially did our heroic band of volunteers understand it; for at once, without delay, at "double quick," they came from all quarters, and were seen rushing forward and rallying at their rendezvous, and pre- paring for their departure ; and ere the sun went down in the west, we find them, all armed and furnished, and in full ranks, at the railroad station waiting for the train. Who of us who were present will ever forget that farewell at the station ! It will be recollected that at that time the political heavens were dark and threatening ; the federal city, with all its invaluable archives and treasures and prestiges, was in fearful peril ; its connection with the North was cut off ; we had just heard of the bloody massacre in the city of Baltimore, where our loyal troops
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who were hastening to the protection of the city of Washington, had been shot down by the "plug uglies" of secession while peaceably pass- ing along the streets of the Monumental City ; all was solicitude and apprehension. But we forget not the courage, zeal, and cheerfulness of that intrepid band, of whom our returned captives and their wounded companions were not least, with which, with tearful eyes to be sure, but with determined hearts, they bid farewell to their friends and fel- low-citizens who were crowding around them, and that, amid the cheers and prayers and tears of all, then went fearlessly and boldly forth to fight, and if need required, to die in defence of the Union.
We are also reminded of the eventful battle of Bull Run. And although we are ready to admit that some of the circumstances con- nected with the progress and result of that fight were sad, regretful, and disastrous ; yet it is our consolation to believe and know there were at least two great facts, brought out and wrought out by that battle, in which we can rejoice and glory, namely : -
Ist. That the Massachusetts troops generally, and the 5th Massa- chusetts Regiment (to which our own friends belonged) particularly and eminently, did their whole duty bravely and arduously on that fearful occasion ; that the Richardson Light Guards were in the thickest of that engagement ; that they faced the cannon's mouth and flying missiles of the foe valiantly and fearlessly ; that they spilled their blood on that field, as more than one of their number can witness ; and that they did not retreat until they were ordered to do so ; and that, even then, they fell back reluctantly, believing at that time, as many of them supposed, that they were just about to conquer the enemy.
Another glorious result, which, as we believe, that battle secured, was the salvation of the city of Washington ; for although it is true that the enemy were not dislodged from their strongholds, yet it is also true that they were so damaged, crippled, and disabled that they were pre- vented ever afterward from making any offensive operations against us from that quarter, and the capital, until then in imminent danger, was thereby and thereafter rendered secure. And this was done in a great measure by Massachusetts soldiers, our own company included, both before and at that contest.
We had the privilege of visiting the army of the Potomac, a few days before the battle of Bull Run; and as we were returning from the encampments, passing through Alexandria, we stopped, with several others with whom we were riding in the same carriage, to visit a noted slave-pen in Alexandria, of which some of you have heard. We found the gateway guarded by a Union sentinel, - a Pennsylvanian, of Ger-
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man descent, - who demanded our pass. We told him we were Mas- sachusetts men, who had called to take a look at the slave-pen, but that we had got a pass ; and while we were producing it, he replied : " Mas- sachusetts men! God bless the Massachusetts boys ; for it was they who, by their promptness and heroism, saved yonder capital from pil- lage and destruction ; they are our truest and best soldiers. Just show me," said he, weeping, "that you hail from Massachusetts, and I want no other pass ; you can go where you please."
We mention this little incident to show the estimation in which our own soldiers are held at the seat of war. We greet these young men, therefore, as heroes true and honorable, and as so many saviors of their country's capital.
But we must just refer briefly to the state of feeling that was excited in our midst when the news of the Bull Run battle came home to our people.
At first we heard that the Fifth Massachusetts Regiment was in the front of the fight, was badly cut up, and that many of its men were killed and wounded, - how many and whom we heard not.
Then came the report that two of the Richardson Light Guard were certainly killed, two more badly wounded, and many were missing, but still no names.
Next came the story that Sergt. Aborn was killed by a cannon ball, Eustis and Greggs wounded, and Greggs and Tibbetts missing, and probably dead.
Oh who can depict the eager anxiety, the agonizing suspense, the deep sorrow, that pervaded all our minds at this eventful time !
Those were days of sadness and nights of sleeplessness with all of us.
" Many a voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weep- ing ;" many a Rachel weeping for her children or dear friends, and refusing to be comforted, because they were not.
Not many days after the battle the Richardson Light Guard, their time of service having expired, returned to their homes ; three of their number, Aborn, Greggs, and Tibbetts, still missing, and their fate un- known ; none could then tell whether they were sainted heroes, gone up to their reward, or were languishing in the dungeons of the enemy. And although that returned company was received with joy and glad- ness, was honored with a public reception and festival, and was wel- comed by a greater assembly than had ever before convened upon our common, who manifested the liveliest enthusiasm, as they looked upon the embrowned countenances and labor-marked frames of these gallant
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men ; still a cloud of sadness and sorrow overshadowed all the proceed- ings on account of the missing ones.
Soon, however, the voice of heavenly mercy was heard, saying : "Re- frain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears, for thy work shall be rewarded, and there is hope that thy children shall come again from the land of the enemy, to their own border"; and we then heard, that the absent ones still lived, although in imprisonment and affliction.
But to-day we have the unspeakable joy of knowing that such has been the success which has recently attended the armies of freedom so great is the number of conquered rebels, that the balance of trade in prisoners of war is greatly in our favor ; that indeed these impris- oned traitors are becoming a drug upon our hands, and Yankee prison- ers are commanding a premium ; that instead of one rebel being equal in value to five Union men, as our enemies boastingly proclaimed at the onset, it now appears that the converse of that proposition is true, for our Government can now offer five of these revolting sinners for one true man.
We rejoice, therefore, that in consequence of this signal success, we ยท are able to-day to greet the return of these young men to their long- lost homes.
We proffer them our heartiest welcome; we crown them with the laurels which they have so bravely, so nobly, so dearly won.
To them, to these other young heroes by their side, who have fought and bled for their country, to all our brave Guardsmen, whether pres- ent here to-day, or again absent at the post of danger and duty, and to all our patriotic and brave sons, who are fighting for the Stars and Stripes, we award the tribute of our gratitude and respect; we admit their title to a high niche among the benefactors and heroes of their country, and to a bright place upon the roll of fame.
In view, then, of the patriotism and prowess of all our young men who have so cheerfully enlisted for the defence of the Government ; in view of the sufferings, wounds, and imprisonment of these our honored guests ; in view of the present bright and hopeful prospects of our cause ; and especially in view of our present joy and thanksgiving to the Father of mercies, for this return, it is meet and just that we should break forth into singing, with music and dancing, that we should kill the fatted calf and make merry with our friends, - "for these our sons were dead and are alive again, were lost, and now are found."
" These brave men's perils now are o'er, Their glad return we sing,
And loud and clear, with cheer on cheer, Our joyous welcomes ring.
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" Hurra ! Hurra ! - it shakes the wave, It thunders on the shore,
' One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One nation evermore.'"
After "Home Again " was played by the band, Sergeant Aborn being called upon, gave a graphic history of his capture, of his impris- onment at Richmond, New Orleans, and Salisbury, and related many interesting incidents, which occurred during his ten months' incarce- ration.
Then followed singing by the children ; and by the assembled mul- titude, to the tune of " America," the following hymn, written for the occasion by Hon. P. H. Sweetser : -
RECEPTION HYMN.
Land that our fathers trod, The favored land of God, Light of the age ! Foul treason doth defame, And with its tongue of shame Becloud thy glorious name, Thy history's page !
Let selfish lips be dumb, . Let patriot spirits come, The true and brave, And ask the mighty God, - Who, by his chastening rod, D splays his power abroad, - Our land to save !
May heaven our efforts bless, And crown them with success, Hence, evermore. O let our watchwords be Unio and Liberty, And Death or Victory, Till time is o'er !
Joy for the patriot dead, Who rest in glory's bed - Their peaceful home ! How bright their virtues shine With lustre all divine ; What sacred memories twine Around their tomb !
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How well the heroes sleep ! Ye, who in sadness weep, Trust in his might Who notes the sparrow's fall, Whose love encircles all, Whose power the dead shall call To life and light !
Through God's preserving care, His bounties still we share, And hither come To greet our sons who gave Bold fight our land to save ! Welcome, ye tried and brave, Thrice welcome home !
Then followed a poem, composed and delivered by John Sullivan Eaton, Esq., full of glowing patriotism and sweetly flowing rhythm.
MATT
CAPT. T. McKAY.
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A short and stirring speech from Capt. Brastow, of Somerville, music by the band, and singing by the children, concluded the public exercises of the day.
In the autumn of 1862, the Richardson Light Guard again came forward and offered to enlist for the nine months' service, were accepted and went into camp at Boxford. Samuel F. Littlefield succeeded to the command, in place of H. D. Degen, who had been chosen cap- tain in place of Capt. Locke, but who was subsequently appointed quartermaster of the 50th Mass. Reg't, of which regiment Capt. Locke had been chosen lieutenant-colonel. This company at this time con- sisted mainly of residents of South Reading, but included members from Lynnfield, Melrose, and some other neighboring towns.
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