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 8
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Second Lieutenant, MOSES J. EMERY, Boston; 1st Lieut. 28th Mass. ; 3 resigned after Antietam.
1 The Sixtieth Massachusetts was a hundred-days' regiment, raised in the fall of 1864. It served in the West.
" The Sixty-second Massachusetts was the last infantry regiment raised. The war closed before it could engage in its country's service.
3 The Twenty-eighth Massachusetts was composed chiefly of Irishmen,
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Third Lieutenant, THOMAS WALWORK, Boston.
Fourth Lieutenant, JOHN F. DUNNING, Boston ; Capt. Co. D, 22d Mass. ; killed at Gaines' Mills, June 27, 1862.
Sergeant, LEVI F. McKENNEY, Boston ; - Maine.
JAMES C. ROGERS, Boston ; Capt. 48th Mass. ; 1 Heavy Artillery.
GEORGE W. GORDON, Boston ; Sergt. Co. A, 22d Mass .; killed at Gaines' Mills.
DAVID C. SISSON, Boston; Sergt. 11th Mass.2 Battery ; Clerk in Quar. Mas. Dept., Washington.
GEORGE A. GURNETT, Canada; joined May 4; 22d Mass. color-bearer.
Corporal, JAMES E. MARCH, Boston ; 1st Lieut. and Capt. 32d Mass. WASHINGTON J. CORTHELL, Boston ; Sergt. Co. D, 22d Mass.
¥ JOSEPH SANDERSON, Jr., Boston ; 2d Lieut. 42d Mass., 9 months and 100 days.
ABRAHAM HOLLAND, Boston ; in N. J. -. Musician, WM. H. H. FORSTER, Boston.
66 GILBERT W. HOMAN, Boston; Maryland Cavalry ; . killed.
and started from home January 11, 1862, and spent a few months in South Carolina, and thence proceeded to the Army of the Potomac. They were engaged at the second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and other minor affairs. It has a great list of casualties to prove its gal- lantry.
1 The Forty-eighth Massachusetts left New York for New Orleans, De- cember 27, 1862, and was a part of the force that reduced Port Hudson.
2 The Eleventh Massachusetts Battery was the only nine months' bat- tery raised. It was mustered Angust 25, 1862, and was employed in picket and scout duty in and near Washington.
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132 THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
PRIVATES.
Elisha C. Boden, Boston.
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George W. Butler, Boston ; re-entered service.
George Bell, Boston.
Charles H. Chester, Boston ; discharged, disability, at Relay House. William P. Chester, Boston. .
Edward W. Cady, Boston ; went as far as New York.
George Colgan, Boston; wounded in Baltimore, April 19 ; re- enlisted.
James B. Daly, Boston ; wounded April 1; discharged for dis- ability, in Philadelphia ; 42d Mass., 9 months.
William H. Daly, Boston ; 42d Mass. ; Capt. Corps d' Afrique.
. Le Preble Drake, Boston ; in Co. D, 22d Mass.
John Dupee, Boston ; promoted Com. Sergt. ; discharged for dis- ability.
Joseph F. Ennis, Boston ; Mass. Cavalry.
Harold M. English, Boston.
Lewis F. Francis, East Cambridge ; - Battery ; wounded.
Charles H. Frye, Boston.
Edward P. Fisk, Boston ; re-enlisted.
Henry Gardner, Boston ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19.
William D. Gurley, Cambridgeport ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19; 1st Mass. Cavalry.
John J. Gillespie, Boston ; Sergt. 28th Mass.
Charles M. Hamilton, Chelsea ; Lieut. Co. A, 22nd Mass .; dis- missed Feb 18, 1863.
Charles H. Hall, Boston.
Lysander J. Hume, Calais, Me. ; Capt. 19th Mass. Fire Zouaves.
Erastus D. Holt, Fredonia, N. Y. ; joined May 4 ; Capt. -- N. Y. Edward T. Knowlton, Boston.
James W. Keller, Boston ; Capt. - N. H.
James H. Le Favor, Boston ; 22d Mass.
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Orrick Look, Boston ; 1st Lieut. Co. A, 22d Mass. ; severely wounded July 4, 1863.
Orville W. Leonard, East Boston ; Capt. 42d Mass. ; 9 months.
Lemuel Q. Morton, Boston ; Corp. Co. D, 22d Mass. ; in - Heavy Artillery.
Joseph O. Matthews, Boston.
Thomas Meadows, East Boston.
William H. H. Mallory, Cambridgeport.
John G. Meserve, Boston ; - Mass., 9 months ; Lieut. Corps d' Afrique.
Henry C. Mann, Chelsea ; Sergt. 42d Mass.
James F. Moore, Boston ; Capt. 2d Maine.
Edward Nudd, Boston.
Robert Nodine, Boston ; Sergt. in Co. D, 22d Mass.
James G. Peaks, Boston.
William Parks, Boston ; in Co. A, 22d Mass.
Henry Roberts, Boston ; joined May 4.
Henry J. Symonds, Boston; Lieut. and Capt. 22d Mass .; re- signed Aug. 26, 1863.
Charles F. Sloan, Jr., Jamaica Plain.
George A. Spinney, Boston.
Charles C. Story, Boston ; joined May 4.
Edwin J. Sanborn, Boston.
Adams Shepard, Boston. Alexander Sproul, Boston. Horace H. Small, Boston.
Mendall C. Spencer, Boston ; joined May 4 ; re-enlisted.
James C. Spencer, Boston ; joined May 4.
Geo. W. Stevens, Boston ; died August, 1861.
Geo. Temple, Boston ; Corp. Co. D, Mass. 22d.
Geo. T. Whitney, Boston ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19; Sergt. Co. D, Mass. 22d.
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Isaac B. White, Boston ; 1st Lieut. 42d Mass. 9 months ; and Capt. 42d, 100 days. James Wood, Boston ; re-enlisted in -, Mass. Henry F. Young, Boston.
COMPANY L, STONEHAM.
Re-enlisted in company C, Fiftieth Mass., 9 months.1
The " STONEHAM LIGHT INFANTRY " was organized in 1851, and belonged to the Seventh Regiment, but the Governor detached it from the Seventh, and placed it in the Sixth, to fill its ranks to the required number. Though it received its orders latest of all the companies - not till 2 o'clock, A. M., April 17, - Capt. Dike was at the State House, with his command, at 11 o'clock. The bells were rung, the flags were unfurled, and all business was suspended, while the people, with one mind and purpose, went to work to furnish the men with needed articles. The company's departure created a profound sensation in that community.
The captains from the organization have been : Lyman Dike, Osborn Richardson, R. A. Locke, Chas. C. Dike, Samuel Tidd, Darius N. Stevens. The company is now disbanded. 1
1 The Massachusetts Fiftieth was formed out of the old Seventh, for a nine months' campaign, and left Boxford Nov. 19. It encountered great peril by sea, but arrived at last in New Orleans, in three parties, January 20 and 27, and February 9, 1863. It took active part in the seige of Port Hudson, and other engagements, and returned home up the Mississippi.
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
ROSTER.
Captain, JOHN H. DIKE, Stoneham ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19, severely. (Capt. Dike has ever since his wound been lame.)
First Lieutenant, LEANDER F. LYNDE, Stoneham ; Lieut. com- manding from April 19 to Aug. 2. (Kicked by a ruffian, April 19, and afterwards hurt by a fall in camp, which disabled him for two years.)
Second Lieutenant, DARIUS N. STEVENS, Stoneham ; Capt. Co. C, 50th Mass., 9 months.
Third Lieutenant, JAMES F. ROWE, Stoneham ; wounded in the head with a brick, April 19, at Baltimore ; Capt. Co. F, 33d Mass., 3 years ; on staffs of Hooker Howard, and Mower.
Fourth Lieutenant, WM. B. BLAISDELL, Stoneham ; private in 26th Mass. ; discharged sick.
Sergeant, SAMUEL C. TRULL, Stoneham ; 1st Lieut. Co. C, 50th Mass., 9 months.
66 JEFFERSON HAYES, Stoneham ; 1st Sergt. Co. C, 50th Mass .; also 1st Sergt. Co. K, 5th Mass., 100 days.
FRANCIS M. SWEETSER, Stoneham ; 1st Sergt. Co. C, 50th Mass., 9 months ; Capt. Co. K, 5th Mass., 100 days.
SIDNEY L. COLLEY, Stoneham; 1st Sergt. Co. D, 33d Mass., 3 years.
Corporal, JAMES WHITTAKER, Stoneham ; promoted to Sergt.
GEO. P. STEVENS, Stoneham ; 9th Company Unattached Heavy Artillery.
ANDREW J. KIMPTON, Stoneham ; Co. C, Unattached Heavy Artillery.
66 CHAS. L. GILL, Stoneham; wounded at Baltimore April 19 ; discharged, disability, May 3.
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Musician, VICTOR LORENDO, Stoneham ; left at Baltimore, April 19. 1
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66 EUGENE DEVIT, Stoneham ; Navy, 3 years.
PRIVATES.
Walter B. Berry, Stoneham; Co. D, 33d Mass., 3 years.
Wm. G. Butterfield, Stoneham ; wounded April 19, discharged, disability, May 30; Co. K, 5th Mass., 100 days.
Chas. H. Barry, Stoneham ; 33d Mass.
Daniel Brown, Stoneham ; third finger of left hand shot off, April 19, at Baltimore; Co. C, Unattached Heavy Artillery. John W. Craig, Stoneham ; in - Mass.
Chas. H. Carr, Stoneham ; 1st Sergt. 22d Mass., killed when leading his company to a charge, at Gaines' Mills, the officers
all having been killed; commission reached him the day after his death.
Otis M. Clement, Stoneham ; 1st Batt. Heavy Artillery.
Richard McCormack, Stoneham ; 11th U. S. Infantry.
Henry Dike, Stoneham; wounded in leg by ball, April 19, 1861,
at Baltimore ; Andrews' Sharpshooters; wounded in arm at Antietam.
Joel N. Ducett, Stoneham.
Horace W. Danforth, Stoneham; wounded, and beaten after- wards ; left in hospital, Apr. 19; U. S. Navy, 1 year.
James Eastman, Stoneham ; U. S. Navy, 3 years.
John B. Eastman, Stoneham.
Stephen Flanders, Stoneham; wounded severely, April 19, at Baltimore, in head with brick.
John B. Fortier, Stoneham; wounded severely, April 19, at Bal- timore, in head with stone.
Orrin A. Green, Stoneham ; 2d Co. Mass. Sharpshooters.
John A. Gerry, Stoneham ; U. S. Navy ; 3d Mass. Battery.
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THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Henry W. Green, Stoneham; 2d Co Mass. Sharpshooters ; Mass. 59th.
Aaron S. Hadley, Stoneham ; Co. K, 5th Mass., 100 days.
Watson H. Hayes, Stoneham.
Levi W. Hayes, Stoneham ; Corp. Ist Mass. Cavalry.
Andrew E. Hill, Stoneham.
Battelle E. Hosmer, Stoneham ; artificer U. S. Engineers.
Warren Holden, Stoneham ; sent home sick, May 7.
Wm. H. Jones, Stoneham.
Samuel S. Johnson, Stoneham ; 1st Mass. Batt.
John W. Kimpton, Stoneham; wounded in legs and arms, by paving stones, April 19, at Baltimore ; U. S. Navy.
James Keenan, Stoneham ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19, leg shattered by a ball. In hospital at Baltimore till July 31st ; Co. K, 5th Mass.
Chas. Lamore, Stoneham.
Joseph LaClair, Stoneham; Co. D, 33d Mass .; killed May 15, 1864.
1 Dearborn S. Moody, Stoneham ; 4th New Hampshire, and then 1st Lieut in - U. S. Col. Infantry.
James S. Moody, Stoneham ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19 ; Hospital Steward from June 1 to Aug .; Co. C, 50th Mass.
Hiram P. Marston, Stoneham; Capt. Co. B, 33d Mass.
James A. Meader, Stoneham ; Sergt. Co. D, 33d Mass.
Wm. H. Madden, Stoneham ; 1st Sergt. 2d Co. Mass. Sharpshoot- ers.
Sidney F. Mellen, Stoneham; 8th Mass. Battery ; killed at Antietam.
Maurice Mead, Stoneham; 11th U. S. Infantry, taken prisoner, and escaped from Andersonville.
Samuel H. Pinkham; Stoneham.
Fernando P. Pinkham, Stoneham ; - U. S. Cavalry, dead.
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138. THE THREE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Alphonso Pinkham, Stoneham ; dead.
Julian Putnam, Stoneham ; wounded at Baltimore, April 19. L
Ephraim A. Perry, Stoneham; wounded at Baltimore, April 19.
Augustus M. Parker, Stoneham ; 4th New Hampshire.
Joseph W. Pennetl, Stoneham ; 5th Mass., Co. K, 100 days.
Andrew Robbins, Stoneham; wounded in head with pistol-ball, Apr. 19, and returned home.
James D. Sanborn, Stoneham; captain in - New Hampshire.
Henry A. Stevens, Stoneham.
Henry F. Stoddard, Stoneham; dead.
Benj. F. Tay, Jr., Stoneham ; Co. C, 50th Mass.
John B. Wheeler, Stoneham ; 3d Mass. Battery ; Frontier Cavalry. Archelaus Welch, Stoneham ; Lieut. 33d ; wounded and discharged. Wm. H. Young, Stoneham ; wounded, brick, Apr. 19, and unfit for duty ; detailed as Hos. Stew. June 10 ; 3d U. S. Cavalry.
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Che Hline allonths Campaign.
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
REGIMENTAL ORGANIZATION.
HEN, in the year 1862, the call of the Govern- ment was made for men to serve nine months, the quota of Massachusetts was seventeen regiments and one battery ; and the Sixth, for the second time, gave the first response. It reported in Washington, ready for duty, before any other regiment arrived. It preserved the same or- ganization, with such changes of officers and companies as such times would inevitably produce. Seven com- panies were the same, namely, A (Lowell), B (Groton), C and D (Lowell), E (Acton), H (Lowell), and I (Lawrence). Company F (Lawrence) was partially recruited for the present campaign, and then was con- solidated with company I. The place of the old company F was filled by a new company from Cam- bridge ; and the old company G was supplied by
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
company G from Lowell ; and company K, a new com- pany from Chelmsford and the neighboring towns, completed the ten. With these exceptions, the regi- mental organization, with the old books and papers, was identical with that of the three months, and was, in fact, the old State organization preserved and continued, with about seventy-five officers and men, among whom during the campaign, were twenty-seven commissioned officers, who had served during the three months ; so that the Sixth of the " Nine Months'" campaign was the " Old Sixth " of the "Three Months," and of Baltimore, and of the Nineteenth of April. The history of the original seven companies having been given in the account of the three months' campaign, it remains to trace the remain- ing three. Company F was recruited expressly for the nine months' campaign, and was mustered in last of all the companies. Companies G and K were also recruited for the campaign, and have no previous history ; and these three new companies sustained themselves throughout in a manner fully worthy the place they occupied in the regiment. Of the privates, 324 were born in Massa- chusetts ; while 112 were born in Maine, 107 in New Hampshire, 32 in Vermont; and 168 were born in foreign countries, England, Ireland, France, Canada, etc. 319 followed the different mechanical trades, giving some to every one ever heard of ; 132 were farmers, 50 were clerks, and 141 worked at various departments of manu- facturing, mostly in cotton or woollen factories. There
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
were 10 sailors, several theological and other students, 1 clergyman, 1 physician, and printers, teamsters, teachers, apothecaries, and one or more following almost every branch of business known in New England, with the exception of the legal profession. There was not a lawyer in the regiment, - a remarkable fact.
THE DEPARTURE AND PROGRESS.
At length, at half-past ten o'clock, on the morning of September 9th, the regiment left Camp Wilson, Lowell, for the seat of war, and without incident, except the greetings from crowds of people at every railroad depot on the route, reached Boston at noon. The United States official, Q. M. McKim, ordered the regiment di- rectly across the city, to the Providence Railway Station, and thus deprived it of a handsome collation that had been provided for it by the state authorities, and of the Governor's farewell and God-speed.
Taking the will of Boston and Massachusetts, and es- pecially of Governor Andrew, never deficient in good offices for the soldier, for the deed, the regiment left the Providence Station at about four o'clock, and proceeded, through continuous groups of applauding people, assem- bled all along the road, to Groton, Conn., where the regi- ment embarked on board the Steamer Plymouth Rock.
In the early morning, the regiment debarked, and moved up to Union Park, under a misapprehension ; for the " Sons of Massachusetts" were in waiting at the
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144 THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Shore-Line Depot, where it was expected to arrive ; but after a while the hospitable committee found it, and a bountiful breakfast was furnished the men at the Park Barracks, while the officers were entertained at the Astor House. Col. Howe, Massachusetts State Agent, pre- sided ; the divine blessing was invoked by Chaplain Hanson ; and addresses were made by Hon. Parke Goodwin, Gen. Wetmore, Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, Hon. E. A. Alger, Maj. C. A. Stott, and others. The occasion passed off unexceptionably.
At about three o'clock in the afternoon, the regiment moved for the Jersey Ferry ; and a more enthusiastic ovation never greeted a body of soldiers than met the Sixth. The whole route was packed with men cheering, and women waving handkerchiefs and flags ; while the doors, windows, and balconies were thronged with the smiling and cheering populace. A cannon greeted it from the roof of the New England Rooms, as it passed down Broadway ; and it left the city with a most cordial valediction.
The journey to Philadelphia was marked by nothing eventful. We arrived at about ten o'clock, P. M., and the reception here will never be forgotten by officers or men. It made the blood leap with electric force to see that the men of other States knew our history so well ; and we resolved more than ever that the page written in the blood of Needham, Whitney, Taylor, and Ladd, should be followed by pages as illustrious.
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
A delegation met us at Camden, N. J., headed by Mayor Henry ; and on our way into the city, Mr. Thomas Webster addressed Col. Follansbee. In the course of his remarks he said : -
* The Sixth Massachusetts has but to be named to be honored. The recollection of its steadiness and bravery in the streets of Baltimore, on the 19th of April, 1861, when suddenly, savagely, and cowardly assailed by traitors and ruffians, from their windows, their house-tops, and in their streets, is familiar to the nation, and has passed into history. First to shed its blood in defence of law, order, and right, may it be its privilege to combat on that final field which cannot be far off, where treason shall be crushed, traitors exterminated, and Union re-established.
Men of Massachusetts, it is the glory of your patriot sires that they inaugurated the revolution ; it is yours, that you have had the proud distinction of being the first to shed your blood in de- fence of our precious inheritance, against the assaults of rebellion and anarchy, and the first to wreak vengeance on the audacious wretches who rally under the unholy standard of revolt and seces- sion.
Lexington, - the 19th of April, 1775, - is. illustrious in our annals, and glorious to Massachusetts ; but not more glorious to the old Bay State, than Baltimore, and the 19th of April, 1861. Justice Gardner, Captains Isaac Davis, and Jonathan Wilson, Sergeant Elisha Mills, and Deacon Josiah Haynes, - patriot yeomen of Massachusetts, the first martyrs in the cause of American liberty, - sleep in honored graves, and their memory is revered by generation after generation.
Sumner H. Needham, of Lawrence, Addison O. Whitney, of Lowell, and Luther C. Ladd, of Lowell, of your own gallant corps -, the first to die for the cause of self-government and
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
order, - are names not less hallowed by every loyal American citizen.
His eloquent speech was frequently applauded ; and at its close Col. Follansbee responded in behalf of the reg- iment. His words were few, but soldier-like, and to the point. He accepted, in behalf of his command, the hospitalities of the city, and paid a high and deserved compliment to Philadelphia, but could not promise to remain in the city longer than to refresh his men, as it was his duty to proceed to the front, in obedience to orders. The officers were sumptuously entertained at the Con- tinental, and the men at the Cooper Saloon, where not only substantials but luxuries were profusely spread be- fore them. Immense crowds attended them at every step, and the whole city seemed poured into the streets to do them honor.
The following address was printed, and laid on each man's plate : -
Union Saloon's1 Welcome ! Hail to the Massachusetts Sixth ! Wednesday evening, September 10, 1862.
Hail to you, noble old Sixth of the Old Bay State ! The Key- stone State clasps hands with you. We have fought with you. Our blood has mingled with yours. Our sons have fallen with you. Our honors are united forever.
Hail to you ! Welcome !
1 The Philadelphia Volunteer Refreshment Saloons, after having hospi- tably entertained more than a million soldiers, were closed in August, 1865.
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THE NINE MONTHS' CAMPAIGN.
Again you are going forward to do battle for our common country. It is the highest honor any man can seek in this life. You have won it: you may proudly wear it.
Hail to you ! Thrice welcome !
We follow you fast. You will find many of our state's children already in the field; and they will pour down after you in such overwhelming numbers that your combined powers will instantly sweep away all traces of infamous rebellion. This fresh and mighty northern wind will blow into annihilation the insidious pestilence that is seeking to rot the heart of our land, and vigorous health will once more course in the veins of our old UNION made new.
Hail to you ! Our welcomes as you come, our blessings as you go !
We will not say be strong : you have proved your strength. We will not say be patient : you have endured insults as well as blows. But we do say, that the 19th of April, 1861, can never fade from our minds till life itself fades. We have faith in you,- an unswerving faith.
GOD BLESS YOU, AS WE SAY FAREWELL.
After the repast was finished, Mr. James Milliken addressed the regiment, and Dr. Burnham responded. Rev. Abel C. Thomas, of Philadelphia, once chaplain of the regiment before the war, replied to a sentiment in reference to the chaplain, who had accompanied the regiment as far as New York, and had returned home to complete his arrangements ; and he assured all, from his knowledge of the chaplain, he would not only lead their devotions, but would, if the occasion called, fight as well as pray. After an exchange of cheers, the men retired
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to repose. The Philadelphia " North American " devoted two columns to the reception of the regiment, in the course of which it said : -
" The Sixth Massachusetts Infantry will live in history. Like the Sixty Ninth of New York, and the Second Regiment of the Reserves of Pennsylvania, they have made their ineffaceable mark in the record of this struggle. Their adventures in the earlier stages of the war are known to every school child among us. * Regiments like this are produced but rarely. From the colonel downward, there is, in the appearance of every man, a superiority that commands respect."
At eleven o'clock, the regiment left Philadelphia, arriv- ing in Baltimore at 7, P. M. Here a great reception had been prepared, but the lateness of the hour of arrival permitted only a part of it to transpire. An immense crowd of people escorted them through the principal streets, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and was exhibited in cheers long and loud, - cheers for Massa- chusetts, the Old Sixth, and the Union; the soldiers vainly trying to match the shouting of the people. The flag which the regiment carried, presented by the ladies of Baltimore, July 4th, 1861, was hailed with every mani- festation of delight; and the fair donors rewarded the regiment for its tender care of the memorial by waving handkerchiefs and cheering smiles. The regiment ar- rived in Baltimore on the forty-eighth anniversary of the repulse of the British troops at Fort McHenry, which served to make the event one of greater enthusiasm.
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After supper at the Relief Rooms, the regiment started at midnight for Washington. Owing to a collision on the track in advance of them, the train was delayed several hours near the familiar locality of the Relay House, and many of the officers and men visited the scenes of their three months' encampment. A heavy rain did not throw cold water enough to cool the ardor of the men ; and they reached Washington cheerful and happy, a little after noon. If they had not enjoyed such hospitalities already, the reception in Washington would have been pronounced as surprising, as it was generous and gratifying.
They were quartered for the night at the "Soldier's Rest ;" and Gen. Casey, to whom Col. Follansbee had reported, ordered the regiment to Fortress Monroe. It started early in the morning, a portion of the men, under Col. Follansbee, in the steamer John A. Warner, and the rest, under Lieut .- col. Beal, in the Swan. The weather was pleasant ; the men had plenty of room ; and the his- torical objects along the banks of the Potomac afforded great satisfaction to the soldiers, many of whom looked upon them for the first time.
ARRIVAL IN SUFFOLK.
Arrived at Fortress Monroe, Gen. Dix ordered the reg- iment to Suffolk ; and the Warner transferred her load to the Connecticut, and that steamer and the Swan con- veyed the regiment to Norfolk, and after a night's sleep in the steamers, at the wharf in Norfolk, it proceeded to
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Suffolk, on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad. The ride, for a portion of the way, is through the strange vegetation of the Dismal Swamp ; and the dead trees, with their drapery of Spanish moss ( Tillandsia Usneoi- des), and the glossy evergreens constituting the under- growth, the rhododendron, andromeda, and other shrubs, gave a charming novelty to the journey. Suffolk was reached in the afternoon of Monday, the 15th inst., and the tents were pitched in an orchard, and life in camp was fairly inaugurated. At this time, Suffolk was an outpost of Norfolk, and was occupied by a force of about five thousand men, under command of Gen. O. F. Terry. It was then a pretty village, somewhat slipshod, as is the manner of Southern villages, with a population consisting mainly of women, children, and superannuated old men; loyal, in the southern acceptation of the term, that is, willing to hold their property, should the government be sustained. Interspersed, of course, were all shades of negroes, having the F. F. V. blood unmistakably coursing in their veins. In its palmy days, Suffolk had a popula- tion of about twenty-five hundred, dependent on its ne- groes, who produced lumber from the swamp, and sup- ported their owners with the profits. At this time, the negroes were doing nothing: their owners had fled ; and the women and few men remaining, too proud to work, but not too noble to beg, lived largely on the charity of Government.1
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