USA > Massachusetts > Historical sketch of the old Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, during its three campaigns in 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864 : containing the history of the several companies previous to 1861, and the name and military record of each man connected with the regiment during the war > Part 4
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THE FEELING IN THE CAPITAL.
The feeling in Washington when our troops arrived is illustrated by the following brief note : -
COL. E. S. JONES,
NATIONAL HOTEL, April 21.
Dear Sir, - The ladies, whose names are on the enclosed card, tender their services to your command, to perform any service necessary which they can ; would be glad to do any sewing, mending, &c., or to nurse the sick. At any time they will
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respond to any call upon them to aid the brave Massachusetts soldiers who have come to Washington at the call of their country.
In behalf of the ladies, I am, Very respectfully, yours, Z. K. PANGBORN.
The ladies' names are - Mrs. Z. K. Pangborn, Mrs. Col. F. W. Lander, Miss Harriet Lander, and Mrs. Goodenow.
HOW THE FIRST FLAG WAS KEPT.
During the first few days in Washington, Col. Jones became anxious for the preservation of the flag placed in his care by Gov. Andrew; and he entrusted it to the custody of Chaplain Babbidge, with orders to keep it about his person. The chaplain folded it carefully, and buttoned it across his breast, beneath his coat, saying occasionally to himself, "I hope, if I'm hit, it will be in the breast, and that the old flag will stop the ball."
A RUSE.
Next day after reaching Washington, the regiment marched up Pennsylvania Avenue in column of platoons, open order and open files, thus having the appearance, to an inexperienced eye, of being a brigade rather than a regiment. The effect was to intimidate the secession- ists not a little by the idea that the government had a
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60 THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
large force at hand. The stores were closed, there were few people about, and the streets were more quiet than on any Sabbath since. There was no music, not even a drum ; but eye-witnesses describe the marching as mag- nificent, and the scene as one of the most imposing character.
IN THE CAPITOL.
During those early weeks of the war, they drilled, built ovens, tanks, stored immense quantities of flour in the vaults of the building to withstand a siege, and wrote letters on the desks of " honorable " gentlemen who had practised treason and fraud at the government expense, and enjoyed their new experiences immensely. Reën- forcements arriving, they were under less restraint ; and, as they moved about the streets of the capital, they were the objects of great regard to the loyal people and offi- cials, and no less of disgust to the disloyal men and women, of whom in those days Washington had quan- tities. It is not probable that the honored and glorious, and now martyred President, with all his other experi- ences, ever forgot the evening when the Sixth Massa- chusetts regiment arrived, and saved the capital.
THE RELAY HOUSE.
The coming of other troops, and the danger that threatened another place, caused the regiment to be
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
removed to the Relay House, May 5th; and on Elk Ridge Heights, ten miles from Baltimore, they bivouacked that night, and, without tents or other shelter, with a cold storm raging, built booths of boughs and leaves, and made a camp more unique than useful or ornamental. Here they remained till May 13th, when they were ordered to Baltimore, and left in fine spirits for the scenes of their late hurried transit, notwithstanding the declarations of many Baltimoreans that the Sixth Massa- chusetts should never enter their city again. They reached there in the evening ; and, in the darkness of a furious thunder shower, they raised the national flag on Federal Hill, and kept their position there as a check on any rebel plans in the city. While there, rebel arms were seized; and, on the 14th, their tents ar- rived.
May 16th, the regiment was ordered back to the Relay House, where they remained guarding the railway. Im- mediately after Maj. Watson, with fifty men, went on an interesting expedition to capture Ross Winans, a notorious rebel.
At this time, these words made their appearance, and " Baltimore " became the rallying cry of the regiment ; and this constituted the ·
REGIMENTAL SONG.
The night is dark, the camp is stilled ; Each soldier's heart with joy is thrilled ;
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62 THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
He dreams of home and scenes gone past, Not conscious but his dream can last. Chorus - Baltimore, Baltimore, He starts at the cry of Baltimore.
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A mystic grandeur fills his breast, While peaceful slumber brings him rest ; He little thinks of danger near, -- His dream unmixed with dread or fear. Chorus - Baltimore, &c.
At length the guard, with watchful eye,
Discovers danger lurking nigh :
Reminded of the days before,
He gives the cry of Baltimore. Chorus - Baltimore, &c.
Quick the soldier's ready ear Warns him of the foe that's near ; He springs out in the dreary night, From slumber to defend the right. Chorus - Baltimore, &c.
" Baltimore !" the alarming word Thrills the heart whene'er 'tis heard, - Suggests the loss of brothers gone, Justice calls the foe to atone. Chorus - Baltimore, &c.
When duty calls so loud and plain, With sorrow he recalls the slain ;
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And sacred as the brothers' dust, So sacred is the cause, and just. Chorus -- Baltimore, &c.
As long as the free their blood shall give, Our country shall so long survive ; And where the weak the strong implore, The rallying cry shall be " Baltimore !" Chorus - Baltimore, &c.
COLORS PRESENTED.
May 25th, the regiment was drawn up in line as a mark of respect to a passing train bearing the dead body of Col. Ellsworth. May 29th, several gentlemen of New Jersey presented a stand of colors to the regiment. The New Jersey committee expressed what was undoubtedly the feeling of the nation at that time toward the regiment.
BERGEN POINT, N. J., May 25, 1861.
SIR, - Please accept from the undersigned the accompanying regimental colors, to be by you presented to your gallant com- mand, the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts. In common with the whole country, our eyes have been upon you, and we have witnessed with admiration the alacrity with which you tore your- selves from the duties of civil life, and the endearments of home, and hurried to the aid of the government, and the defence of the flag. Our gift is but a slight acknowledgment of our apprecia- tion of your moral and soldierly deportment, your gallantry at Baltimore, and your timely rescue from danger of the capital of our common country.
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
We, without fear, commit these colors to the descendants of Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill, confident that the Sixth will never permit dishonor to tarnish the glories of the flag.
RUFUS STORY. JOHN H. WATSON. HENRY PARET.
To Lieut. Col. B. F. WATSON, commanding Sixth Regiment.
Col. Watson returned an appropriate reply.
BALTIMORE GUARDED.
While here, they were constantly apprehensive of an attack, the air being full of rumors ; but all alarms proved unfounded, and they remained without other incidents than such as are always rife in camp, till June 13th, when they were ordered to Baltimore to remain and pro- tect the polls during the election. With the New York Thirteenth and Cook's Battery, they took position on Mount Clare, and prevented the ruffians of Baltimore from interfering with the polls.
While the regiment was in the city, it expected, and was amply ready for, an attack. The Thirteenth New York lay on the hill as a reserve, if needed; and the guns of Fort McHenry were all ready for action, under the direction of Gen. Banks; and our boys went through the streets at double-quick, manœuvred at street- firing, charging bayonets, firing down cross-streets, and the like, the whole length of Pratt and East Baltimore
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Streets ; but this time the mob was silent. Learning that the Union candidate was defeated, they returned to the Relay House.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
June 17, they marched to the railway station, to honor the arrival of the Massachusetts First, then on its way to Washington.
June 20, the regiment had 176 married, and 427 single men : all but 149 followed mechanical pursuits. Of the 149, 30 were from Acton, and 27 from Groton, and were chiefly farmers. In the Stoneham company of 67 men, 51 were shoemakers, and 2 curriers.
A banner was presented by ladies of New York, June 21.
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June 26, the regiment was again sent to Baltimore, where it encamped on Mount Clare, and in a neighboring grove. On the 31st, at two o'clock in the morning, it marched through the city to the residence of Charles Howard, President of the Board of Police Commis- sioners, and conveyed him a prisoner to Fort Mc- Henry. The next day it returned to the Relay House. The Declaration of National Independence was com- memorated on the Fourth of July ; and a magnificent silk banner was presented by loyal citizens of Baltimore, bearing this inscription : " Loyal Citizens of Baltimore, to the Sixth Mass. U. S. V. Pratt Street, April 19, 1861."
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
July 16, the non-commissioned officers and privates presented the Daughter of the Regiment with a costly and beautiful uniform, - a dark velvet jacket, trimmed with gold lace ; a skirt of red, white, and blue silk ; and a light-colored hat, with red, white, and blue feathers, on one side of which was a gilt wreath, in which was a figure 6. The canteen was of silver, handsomely embossed. The presentation speech was made by Ser- geant Crowley, to which the Daughter appropriately responded.
July 22 arrived, and the three months for which the regiment had entered the service had expired ; but no orders had been received to move homewards. An alarm had been given early in the morning ; ammunition was served out ; and a despatch from Gen. Banks re- quired them to hold themselves in readiness for duty, as tidings had reached him that our forces were falling back from Manassas Junction. An earnest desire was expressed by some of the regiment to return home ; and Gen. Banks came out and addressed them, asking them to volunteer to remain a short time longer ; assuring them that their services would not be needed more than six days beyond the period of three months, for which they enlisted, and that they were needed then. The question was put to the regiment, and it voted to remain. Col. Jones informed such as wished to go home, under those circumstances, that they were at liberty to leave ; and twenty-one left.
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
The Baltimore " Clipper," referring to their decision, said : -
They are as willing now to obey the call of their country as when, three months ago, they left happy homes and firesides to protect the capital from invasion by Southern traitors.
VOTE OF THANKS FROM CONGRESS.
The popular branch of Congress passed a vote of thanks, which was handsomely engrossed on parchment, and forwarded, and is now in the possession of Col. Jones.
Thirty-seventh Congress of the United States, at the First Session, in the House of Representatives, July 22, 1861.
Resolved, That the thanks of this House are due, and are hereby tendered, to the Sixth Regiment of the Massachusetts Vol- unteers, for the alacrity with which they responded to the call of the President, and the patriotism and bravery which they dis- played on the 19th of April last, in fighting their way through the city of Baltimore, on their march to the defence of the Fed- eral Capital.
Attest,
GALUSHA A. GROW, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
EM. ETHERIDGE, Clerk.
THE GENERAL'S CONGRATULATION.
Maj. Gen. Dix published a congratulatory order on relieving the regiment from duty, dated July 29, 1861.
The following is one of many proofs that might be
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
presented to show how prudently the delicate duties entrusted to it were discharged by the regiment : -
BALTIMORE AND OHIO R. R. Co., July 29, 1861.
COL. E. F. JONES,
( Commanding Camp at Relay House, Washington Junction.)
Dear Sir, - We understand that you are soon to depart from your post, on your return to Massachusetts, the term of your regi- ment having expired some time since. Before you leave our midst, we cannot omit to express to you our appreciation of the extreme courtesy and manliness which have been shown by you during our almost constant intercourse, beginning in our station, at Baltimore, during the fearful morning of the 19th of April last. While at all times rigidly performing your duty to the government, you have acted so as to command universal respect. W. P. SMITH, Master of Trans.
HOME !
July 29, orders came to break camp for home; and that military manœuvre, never performed with unwilling- ness, was executed at six o'clock in the morning ; and, three hours later, Baltimore was again, and for the last time in the campaign, visited. The regiment re- ceived quite a cordial reception this time, very different from its first, and remained in the city till five in the afternoon, when it left for Philadelphia, and started for New York at ten next day, and for Boston at six in the evening. Everywhere the people flocked to see the men who received the first blows of the enemy,
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
and who had been able to be at the post of danger so opportunely. The most gratifying attentions were lavished on them by all.
They reached Worcester, the home of company G, at ten in the morning of August 1st; and there were greeted with a welcome worthy of the heart of Mas -. sachusetts, and more gratifying than the plaudits of strangers. They staid till three in the afternoon, and ·
then departed for Boston, where they were received more heartily than elsewhere they had been, and es- corted to the Common, and addressed by Mayor Wight- man ; to whom Col. Jones replied. They then partook of a collation, and marched to Faneuil Hall, where they were quartered for the night; all but company K, which was quartered in its armory. Next morning (Aug. 2), after breakfast on the Common, they were mustered out of the United States service, by Col. Amory, and proceeded to the Lowell Depot.
The regiment was dismissed by the following order from the executive : -
The Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Col. Jones, has returned home. It was the first which went forward to the defence of the national capital. It passed through Balti- more, despite the cowardly assault made upon it, and was the first to reach Washington.
Its gallant conduct has reflected new lustre upon the Common- wealth, and has given new historic interest to the 19th of April. It has returned, after more than three months of active and respon-
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sible service. It will be received by our people with warm hearts and generous hands. 1.
- The regiment is now dismissed till further orders.
Gov. Andrew was unable to be present at the recep- tion of the regiment; but the following note expressed his regrets : -
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, - Boston, August 1, 1861.
To COL. JONES,
Commanding Sixth Regiment Mass. Vol. Militia.
COLONEL, - His Excellency, Governor Andrew, regrets ex- ceedingly that the condition of his health prohibits him from meeting you and your gallant regiment personally, to-day, and expressing to you and them his congratulations upon their return, after a period of such efficient service. He directs me, in his absence, to express in his behalf, how highly he appreciates their conduct, from the hour they left the Commonwealth to this moment of their return.
He looks to such of them as may again proceed to the field, for a longer term of service, for the surest means of promoting the efficiency of our volunteer regiments, and of maintaining the mili- tary reputation of Massachusetts, which they have helped already so much to illustrate.
By order of the Governor and Commander-in-chief.
I am, very truly, Your obedient servant,
. A. G. BROWNE, Military Secretary.
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Leaving Boston at noon, the regiment arrived in Low- ell at half-past one, where it was saluted by nineteen guns ; and led by the Brigade Band, which had been with it some two weeks, and a drum-corps of nineteen, it was 'escorted by the fire department and other bodies, amid the sound of cannon, bells, and enthusiastic cheers, to the South Common, where a cordial welcome was given by Mayor Sargent, to which Col. Jones appropriately responded. The regiment then passed through some of the principal streets, to Huntington Hall, and partook of a bountiful collation, and separated after the heartiest greetings. The entire population welcomed the gallant fellows, whose appearance was unlike that of our soldiers to-day. With suits of Garibaldi gray, they looked more like rebel zouaves, than like the good. Union soldiers they were. A thousand times the hardships they had experienced would have been slight to win such plaudits from a virtuous and grateful people.
In the afternoon, the different companies separated for their homes, - those in Lowell disbanded for the time being, to their families and friends ; and the others to meet a hearty public welcome in their own localities.
Company B received a grand demonstration on the part of all the people of the patriotic and famous old town of Groton, worthy the renown of the place, and the charac- ter of the ancient company.
Company E was welcomed to Acton in a similar manner. The town voted the funds for a fine celebration. : and a
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military, civic, and popular procession was got up ; and four military companies- three of which were organized for the occasion - added to the interest of the day, - one of the most joyous in the annals of Acton.
The Lawrence companies were welcomed, by the public- spirited city they represented, in a manner worthy of all concerned. Everybody was out. Firemen, military, city officers, a cavalcade, floral cars, and other accom- paniments, made the day the most imposing ever seen in Lawrence. The wife and sisters of the lamented Need- ham, dressed in black, rode in the procession ; and when passing his late residence, arms were reversed, and a dirge was played by the band. The procession then pro- ceeded to the Common, which was magnificently deco- rated ; and here congratulatory and patriotic speeches were made by Mayor Barker and Lieut .- Col. Watson ; after which, a collation closed the enjoyments of the day. Lawrence, ever liberal and enthusiastic, was never more so than when she welcomed home these gallant sons, who had done her and themselves so much honor.
Company G received a double welcome from the heart of the Commonwealth when the regiment passed through ; and again, August 3d, with a fine public reception and banquet.
Company L did not find Stoneham behind the other towns in her cordial welcome of the returning soldiers. The population came to the station, which is connected with the village by horse-cars, on foot and in carriages, with
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music and banners ; and escorted them to their homes with every demonstration of joy. There they gave them such proofs of their appreciation of their services, as made the occasion one of unalloyed pleasure. It can scarcely again be possible that returning soldiers, whether for a short or long period of service, can receive a welcome so enthusi- astic and feeling as was received everywhere by the Heroes of Baltimore.
CONCLUSION.
With the exception of the remarkable events of the 19th of April, the experience of the Sixth does not seem to have been very notable ; but when the novelty of their position ; the readiness with which they rushed to arms ; the cool, calm courage they exhibited when surrounded by an infuriated mob; their obedience to orders, and their readiness to meet every emergency ; the position of dan- ger and importance they occupied at Washington, - the first regiment to arrive for the defence of the capital ; their efficiency at the Relay House and Baltimore, both at the beginning of the campaign, and their willingness to remain after their time had expired, when the disaster at Bull Run made their presence of the greatest importance ; - when all this is considered, crowded into the brief period of three months, it will be confessed by poster- ity, that theirs is a historic name and fame that should never be forgotten.
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That their patriotism was not the ebullition of a mo- ment, but a fixed principle, that they are worthy sons of noble sires, can be seen in the subsequent military history of most of them. After this brief campaign, the larger part of them reentered the service, and fought their coun- try's battles, not only in many of our own state's corps, - about four hundred of them having entered sixty-five different Massachusetts regiments and batteries, - but they distributed themselves through bodies of troops from every New England state ; and were found in Regulars, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and District of Columbia corps, and in the navy. The battle- fields and hospitals of nearly every Southern State have borne witness to their fidelity ; and the histories of those -a hundred different military organizations, and a thou- sand battles-must be consulted, to complete the sum of their noble efforts to serve their country.
At the close of the campaign, the organization was preserved, in spite of the scattering of a large number of its officers and men into other organizations. Its further history will be seen in the sketch of the Nine Months' Campaign.
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS OF THE SIXTH FROM 1840-61.
I had intended to trace the field and staff officers of the regiments to which the several companies have belonged,
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from the beginning of our regimental organizations ; but the regimental changes have been so numerous in the past, and the old records at the office of the Adjutant General are so obscure, that it is very difficult, if not im- possible to do so; and I have only attempted to trace it while designated as the Fifth and Sixth. It dates from the earliest years of our militia system. It has several times had its number changed ; though, in 1778, it com- prised the same territory as now, and was known then as the Sixth Regiment. Between 1840 and 1855, it was called the Fifth ; and since then it has resumed its orig- inal number.
The field and staff, since 1840, have been composed as follows: -
Colonel, JEFFERSON BANCROFT, 1840
Lowell.
Lieut .- Colonel, TIMOTHY G. TWEED,
Major, SAMUEL P. SHATTUCK,
Pepperell.
Adjutant, STEPHEN PARKER,
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Dracut.
Quartermaster, SALMON D. CHACE,
Lowell.
Surgeon, JOHN W. GRAVES, 66
Chaplain, ABEL C. THOMAS,
66
Colonel, TIMOTHY G. TWEED,
1842
Lieut .- Colonel, SAMUEL P. SHATTUCK, "
Pepperell.
Major, GEORGE SHATTUCK,
Groton.
Adjutant, GILBERT FERRIN,
Lowell.
Quartermaster, J. L. HUNTRESS,
66
Surgeon, OTIS PERHAM, 66
Chaplain, A. A. MINER,
Colonel, S. P. SHATTUCK,
1845
Pepperell.
Lieut .- Colonel, GEORGE SHATTUCK,
Groton.
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Major, ABIJAH WATSON, 1845
Lowell.
Quartermaster, CHRISTOPHER BELLOWS, "
Pepperell.
Chaplain, L. H. SHELDON, 66
Townsend.
Surgeon, CHARLES E. PARKER,
Pepperell.
Colonel, S. P. SHATTUCK, 66
Lieut .- Colonel, GEORGE SHATTUCK,
Groton.
Major, ABIJAH WATSON,
Lowell.
Adjutant, GILBERT FERRIN, 66
66
Quartermaster, CHRISTOPHER BELLOWS,
Pepperell.
Chaplain, LUTHER H. SHELDON,
66
Townsend.
Surgeon, CHARLES E. PARKER,
66
Pepperell.
Lieut .- Colonel, ABIJAH WATSON, 1847
Lowell.
Major, CHARLES E. STANLEY,
.
Colonel, ABIJAH WATSON, 1848
.
Lieut .- Colonel, CHARLES E. STANLEY, 66
Major, BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Quartermaster, HOLLAND STREETER, 66
66
Chaplain, URIAH CLARK,
66
Surgeon, LUTHER B. MORSE,
66
66
Chaplain, THEODORE EDSON,
66
Lieut .- Colonel, B. F. BUTLER,
1850
66
Major, GEORGE F. BANCROFT,
66
. Pepperell. 66
Major, EDMUND A. PARKER,
Adjutant, GEORGE F. SAWTELLE,
Lowell.
Colonel, B. F. BUTLER,
1852
Lieut .- Colonel, ALDEN LAWRENCE,
66
. Pepperell.
Surgeon, WALTER BURNHAM,
1853
Lowell.
Major, JOHN AVERY, JR.,
66
66
Lieut .- Colonel, JOSIAH G. CLARKE,
1854
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In 1855, the number was changed to the Sixth Regi- ment, M. V. M.
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Colonel, GEORGE F. SAWTELLE,
1855
Lowell.
Lieut .- Colonel, L. D. SARGENT,
Lawrence.
Major, EDWARD F. JONES,
Pepperell.
Adjutant, ALPHA B. FARR,
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Lowell.
Quartermaster, BENJ. F. WATSON,
66
Lawrence.
Surgeon, JOEL SPALDING,
Lowell.
Colonel, EDWARD F. JONES,
1857 .
Pepperell.
Lieut .- Colonel, WALTER SHATTUCK,
66
. Groton.
Major, B. F. WATSON,
Lawrence.
Chaplain, CHARLES BABBIDGE,
Pepperell.
Surgeon, NORMAN SMITH,
Groton.
Quartermaster, JAMES L. WILLIAMS,
Lowell.
Quartermaster, JAMES MUNROE,
1859 .
. Cambridge.
Lieut .- Colonel, B. F. WATSON, at Relay House, 1861.
. POETRY OF THE PERIOD.
Among the poetry which burst from the hearts of the people, the following pieces are presented here as worthy of preservation : -
APRIL 19, 1775-1861.
Once more, our dear old Massachusetts !
How the thought comes over us, and well it may ! - Of the drops wherewith the ancient green was reddened, It is six and eighty years this very day.
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