USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Brookline > Historical sketches of Brookline, Mass. > Part 29
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thus given to a patriotic fervor of feeling, that was agon- izing unless expressed in some way, and the hearts of those were cheered who were preparing to go forth to victory or death. The substantial and excellent gar- ments that were made were far better than those supplied by the government, and a thousand little wants were foreseen and kept provided for from this source during the whole war.
The Brookline Company became Company A, of the 1st Mass. Regiment, and soon went into Camp Cameron at Cambridge. Another company, recruited principally by Wilder Dwight (afterwards Lieutenant-colonel) of Brookline, went into camp at West Roxbury, and be- came a part of the 2d Mass. Regiment.
The Military Committee appropriated five hundred dollars for use of the men in Company A; one hundred and twenty-five dollars each to Captain Wild, Lieu- tenants Chandler and Candler, for an outfit; and also furnished the officers with a camp chest. The ladies, who had already been busily at work for three or four weeks, furnished the company with well-made under- garments, the cost of materials for which had been sub- scribed by various citizens.
In the month of May, Jacob Miller, previously a ser- geant of artillery in the United States army, was engaged as drill-master and armorer, and squads of volunteers were drilled at the armory daily and every evening. Two field pieces were also obtained, and artillery drill was practiced by those who preferred that branch of the ser- vice. There was scarcely an hour in the day that the drum-beat was not heard in our streets, for the boys, burning with the enthusiasm of the times, must drill as did their elders ; and during the whole of 1861-2, the boys of the public schools were drilled at the hall, and
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in the streets. A fine company of boys was formed. which was designated the " Brookline Rifles," chiefly from the High School. This company was at first drilled by Sergeant Miller, but procured its uniforms and arms without expense to the town. It continued during the whole war, and was so finely drilled as to elicit high en- comiums from competent judges, on several occasions. It was invited to many other towns, and was reviewed before the Governor and Legislature. Fortunately, the war closed before the age of the young soldiers admitted of their entering the army. By an enrollment of the town, made by the assessors, in August, 1861, it ap- peared that there were in the town but six hundred and sixty-seven males between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, -aliens, and persons unfit for military duty included, - and it was apparent that should the war continue two or three years, Brookline would be obliged to procure soldiers, by bounty, from outside her territorial limits.
In February, 1862, our first dead soldier was brought home for burial, not fallen in battle, but accidentally shot by a comrade. This was Herbert S. Barlow. The funeral services were held in the Harvard Congregational Church (now the Methodist), and the crowded house, and many a tearful eye, bore witness of the public feeling. "He was the only son of his mother, and she a widow."
In August of the same year, occurred the second dis- astrous battle of Bull Run. For two or three days the public mind had been alternating between hope and fear, as contradictory telegrams were flashed over the wires. On Sunday morning came a dispatch from Washington, asking for contributions of hospital stores, and surgeons from Boston and vicinity. Our army stores and hospital supplies had fallen into the hands of the enemy, and our
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wounded were suffering for every needful appliance. Even surgeons had taken off their own shirts to strip into bandages, and help must have been forthcoming abundantly and promptly, or the results would have been fatal. Governor Andrew and the State of Massachusetts had already established a reputation for prompt, decisive, patriotic action, and the President knew where to look for aid. The dispatch was received in Boston in the night, and before sunrise on Sunday morning Mr. George B. Blake of this town was in his chaise, on his way to arouse the people. He first called on Hon. G. Twichell, then President of the Boston and Worcester Railroad, and a plan was organized for the informing of the officers of the various churches, in order that the regular services of the day might give place to the good Samaritan's work.
Mr. Blake rode till noon, not even delaying for break- fast, and thoroughly posted the people of Brookline, Brighton, and Roxbury, while Mayor Wightman and the police of Boston were active in their department. Mr. Twichell, in the mean time, was telegraphing to all the principal cities on the way, for engines to be in readiness, and carriages to convey the surgeons and others across New York city, and freight cars were provided by his orders to receive the goods, in Boston and in Brookline. The Sunday-schools had assembled at the various places of worship, when the news communicated by Messrs. Blake and Twichell to several other gentlemen was received at the various churches. Before the second bells began to ring, several webs of cotton cloth were on their way from the dry-goods stores to the churches. The congregations assembled in the pews, the news of the morning was announced, solemn prayer was offered. and the people were dismissed to the great duty of the
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hour. It was the writer's privilege to share in the labors of the Baptist Society on that memorable Sunday. The congregation partly assembled in the chapel, and a part went to their homes for materials. Without any attempt at organization, or any appointed head, everything moved as by clock-work, from the very outset. There was no rush, nor hurry, nor confusion ; but there was something for every man, woman, and child to do, for the older Sunday-school children remained, and many were the errands on which they were sent to the various houses of those who were doing work which required their pres- ence, and the quiet and solemn dignity with which the merriest hearted boys entered into the work of the day, showed them worthy of their country. In less than an hour, new cloth which had been cut off the web, in various lengthis, carried home, shrunk, dried and pressed, was brought back into the chapel to be stripped into bandages. These were tightly rolled, fastened, and the number of yards marked on the outside of each roll.
In the mean time, various delegations which had been sent out for boxes, came in with shoe-boxes, dry-goods boxes, empty barrels and firkins, from all quarters ; others returned laden with shirts, stockings, dressing-gowns, bed linen, slippers, and blankets, and from every quarter every delicacy which sick men could use, and even costly luxuries, unfit for sickness, were poured in. Choice old wines and fine new linen were freely given. Nothing was withheld that could be of use, from the set of a dozen new fine shirts, just completed by one housekeeper for her husband's home needs, to the stock of jellies and pre- serves laid up for the next winter's use. All were alike freely given, and the only regret seemed to be that there was not more to give, and those who could not contribute goods, freely gave money. Busy little fingers were
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scraping lint, and aged hands lent their tremulous ser- · vice in many a useful way. Similar scenes were being enacted in the other churches, and few thought of going home to dine or rest. There was steady, calm, systematic work, and the amount accomplished seems incredible as we look back upon it. By four o'clock the goods were on the way to the depot, where two freight cars, which had been provided by Mr. Twichell, stood waiting. In these cars were closely packed twenty tons of goods from this town. In Boston eight other cars received the con- tributions of the city and surrounding towns, and the train consisted of ten cars, containing a hundred tons of supplies. Everything was assorted, carefully packed, and every box or package marked. Mr. Twichell volunteered to go on with the goods to Washington, and see them safely delivered, and he was accompanied by Dr. T. E. Francis and others, who went to make themselves useful as physicians, surgeons, or nurses. Twenty-one surgeons gave their services on this occasion, and the Mayor of Boston with a body of police accompanied them. Through some inadvertence the dispatch ordering the carriages in New York had not been received, and on the arrival of the train it appeared as if an inevitable delay must occur, which would prevent the party from reaching the Washington train in time. To Mr. Twichell belongs the credit of securing by his unflagging energy and enterprise the transfer of the forty persons who accompanied him, from the depot of the New Haven Railroad in New York, to the Jersey Ferry, in less than half an hour ; and by the cooperation of Mr. Barker, the agent of the connected line of cars and boats beyond New York, the train was detained long enough to admit of the arrival of the party. The physicians, nurses, and those in charge of supplies were thus enabled to reach
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Washington a few hours in advance of the goods, and perfected their arrangements there with the President, the Surgeon-general, and the Sanitary Commission, so that the goods which left Brookline at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, and Boston soon after, were being distributed and applied to the wounded and suffering before seven the next Tuesday morning.
To Colonel Adams of the " Adams Express " is due the honor of having generously and promptly forwarded the hundred tons of goods the whole distance free of charge, and this included the unloading of the entire ten carloads in New York, the transportation on wagons through the city, and the re-loading again in cars at the Jersey Ferry.
Mr. Twichell returned after a few days' absence, and such was the intense interest to know from an eye-wit- ness something of the condition of our wounded, and the true state of things at the Capitol, that a public meeting was called in the Baptist Church, which was then the largest public building in town, and the audience which filled the church to overflowing was addressed by Mr. Twichell, who gave most interesting information, in a clear and satisfactory manner. President Lincoln wrote with his own hand a letter of cordial thanks to the people, which was read by Mr. Twichell ; but the good President, fearing he had not expressed himself with sufficient warmth, after giving the letter, added more and stronger expressions of grateful appreciation which he enjoined upon Mr. Twichell to repeat. Mrs. Lincoln, to her credit be it said, took her own carriage and accom- panied Mr. Twichell and a gentleman from Boston to all the hospitals in Washington, that they might ascertain just what supplies were needed in each department.
The contributions did not stop with this occasion, but
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a steady and munificent stream of benevolence was con- stantly flowing towards our armies from this town, as well as from the whole vicinity, and the Sanitary Com- mission never called upon Brookline in vain.
Miss Helen M. Griggs, daughter of the late David R. Griggs, of Harrison Place, early in the war, left the com- forts of a beautiful home, and gave her services as a nurse in Armory Square Hospital, Washington, as long · as the war lasted, except a short respite which her failing health demanded. When the war closed, she took up her residence in Richmond, as a teacher of the freedmen, until obliged to relinquish her labors on account of im- paired health.
In July, 1862, President Lincoln called for 300,000 men to form new regiments, and recruit the old ones.
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On the 12th July, a meeting was called by the Select- men to consider the course to be adopted by this town in procuring enlistments. At this meeting, and at a legal town-meeting, held July 19th, it was voted " to appro- priate the sum of twelve thousand dollars for the purpose of paying bounties to volunteers, and for the relief of families of volunteers."
On the 4th of August, the President issued a proc- lamation, stating that a draft for 300,000 men would be made on and after August 15, and that the deficiency on the call for volunteers which might then exist, must be drafted.
In answer to a call of many citizens, a town-meeting was held on the 9th of August, and the result was a vote " That the Military Committee be instructed to fill up the quota of the town as soon as possible, and to offer two hundred dollars bounty for each recruit." The armory was kept open day and night, and many men enlisted, some even before the town-meeting adjourned.
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Many citizens rendered cheerful service in assisting the Military Committee, without compensation. The Presi- dent's call was for nine months' men only, but the town enlisted none but three years' men at this time. The expenditures of the town during the year ending Feb- ruary 1, 1863, for military matters, was $49,653.24. In all, three hundred and twenty-nine men were enlisted during that year, and the Selectmen passed a vote of thanks to all volunteers, which was duly printed. The Board of Selectmen for 1861 and 1862, consisted of Messrs. James Bartlett, Marshall Stearns, Thomas Parsons, Ed- ward R. Seccomb, and N. G. Chapin. The Military Com- mittee comprised the first three above named, and Messrs. William K. Melcher, N. Lyford, William Aspinwall, James A. Dupee, James Murray Howe, M. B. Williams, M. Stearns, T. B. Hall, and E. A. Wild. Several Brook- line men, after drilling in artillery practice, under Ser- geant Miller, joined the 10th Mass. Battery, and did heroic service in the field during the rest of the war. This battery went into service in September, 1862.
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On the 27th of September, 1862, the Military Commit- tee received a letter from Colonel Thomas Aspinwall (ex- . consul to London), inclosing the sum of three hundred and eighty dollars, twenty-nine cents, being two thirds of the proceeds of a lot of land belonging to Colonel Aspinwall, " sold by auction for benefit of our soldiers engaged in the suppression of the present rebellion."
The following year, 1864, the same board of Selectmen served, with the exception of William J. Griggs, who served in place of E. R. Seccomb. On the 17th of October another call came for another three hundred thousand men, and Brookline's quota was seventy-two men. The recruiting office was again opened in Guild's building, and seventy- five men enlisted. It was hoped that this was to be the
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last call, but the office had been closed but a few days when the summons came for more, and Brookline's quota was forty-eight ; making in all, one hundred and twenty men. The work of the Sanitary Commission was drawing upon all the resources the ladies could command, and many soldiers' families were largely assisted by funds ap- propriated to this use by the Military Committee.
The spring of 1865 witnessed the downfall of Richmond, and the Rebellion was over.
In Brookline, as everywhere else, there was an out- burst of jubilant feeling. The church bells rang a merry peal, and every house was gay with flags. A meeting for joyful congratulation was held in the Town Hall, which was crowded to its utmost capacity, with all classes and conditions of people. It was a memorable occasion, and the enthusiastic speeches, the cordial handshaking, the tears, smiles, laughter, and general joyousness, were but a fitting expression of the public feeling. It was beyond words. A few days later, and the national joy was turned into mourning, for a pall had fallen upon every house and heart. The tragical death of the beloved President Lin- coln was nowhere more sincerely mourned than in our own community, as all will bear witness who remember that dark episode in our national history.
To many a household, too, here as elsewhere, the tri- umphant ending of the war was overshadowed with pri- vate sorrows, for their brave beloved ones who came not back to join in the gladness of victory, and mingle their tears with the general mourning for the martyr President. They had fallen in camp and field, on sea, and in south- ern prisons ; -
" On fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead."
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The Selectmen, in closing their war report for the last year of the war, made use of the following language : -
" We cannot close this article without referring with deep re- gret to the many brave men from this town, who have fallen in this fearful struggle for our nation's existence ; gladly would we speak of them as they deserve, if it were in our power; but it is not. Their names should be inscribed high on the roll of fame, and held in grateful remembrance by all future generations. We can only say to their bereaved friends, that they have our heartfelt sympathy in this their sorrow ; and we, in behalf of the town and their fellow-citizens, gratefully tender our thanks to those who have returned to us, who have survived the fearful ordeal through which they have passed, in discharge of their duty to our common country; and to all who are now at the front engaged in defense of law and good government.
[Signed.]
JAMES BARTLETT, MARSHALL STEARNS, THOMAS PARSONS, WILLIAM J. GRIGGS, EDWARD S. PHILBRICK."
From the breaking out of the Rebellion to its close the town of Brookline furnished the United States govern- ment with eight hundred and eighty officers and men, in all departments of the service .* Many of these were non- residents, but a large number were not only residents but Brookline boys, brought up in our homes and schools, and who volunteered before bounties were offered, because they were able and willing to do their duty by their coun- try, and not only willing, but would have scorned not to do it. Many young men, natives of Brookline, were resi- dents in other towns and cities. Some of them returned to
* Report of Selectmen. Adjutant-general Schouler's report says, "Brook- line furnished seven hundred and twenty men for the war, which was a surplus of one hundred and thirty-five over and above all demands. Thirty-four were commissioned officers."
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enlist in the roll of their native town, while many enlisted in the places where they were living, and their names honored many a regiment, from Boston to Chicago, and San Francisco. 1
We had seen our regiments and batteries go, taking their bright banners from the hands of our great "war- governor," with full ranks, new uniforms, and shining equipments. We saw them return, a broken remnant, "stained with the soil of dusty marches, bearing the tat- tered remnants of the flags they had borne through many battles, but they came to a cordial and glorious welcome, whether they came singly or in the ranks. Company A, of the Massachusetts 1st Regiment, which was largely composed of Brookline volunteers, was so depleted by sickness, death, and transfer, that at the close of the war there was but little of the original element left. Its captain had risen to the rank of brigadier-general, one of its lieutenants was wounded, the other lay among the unknown dead in front of Richmond, and several privates, or non-commissioned officers were raised to the rank of officers in other regiments. The 10th Massachusetts Bat- tery had many Brookline men in it, and on their return the town gave the Battery a generous reception.
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We copy the following account of the reception, from the " Boston Evening Transcript," June 15, 1865 :-
" The 10th Mass. Battery, Capt. J. W. Adams, was received at Brookline yesterday. The battery came up from Gallop's Island at noon, and took the half-past one train for Brookline. On arriving at Chapel Station the veterans left the cars and a procession was formed in the following order : Brookline Drum Corps, Brookline Rifles, a company of lads, Capt. A. L. Lin- coln ; 10th Mass. Battery, Capt. J. W. Adams, with 113 men ; Brookline Brass Band ; Engine Co. No. 1, H. M. Hall, fore- man ; " Good Intent" Hose Co., G. H. Stone, foreman ; Pierce
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Division Sons of Temperance, C. H. Stearns, W. P .; returned soldiers ; town authorities and citizens generally.
"The colors of the Battery, inscribed with the names of the battles in which it had been engaged, were carried in the front rank. Moses B. Williams, Esq., was Chief Marshal, and under his lead the procession marched through the streets of the beau- tiful town. At various points along the route the veterans were showered with beautiful bouquets. The procession pro- ceeded to the rear of the Town Hall, where a bountiful colla- tion was spread in Yale's mammoth tent. Plates were laid for upwards of four hundred, and the collation, furnished by Mr. Aaron Whitney, was excellent in quality, and abundant in quantity.
"After the company had been seated, prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Lamson, and the edibles were then discussed for half an hour. The company were then called to order, and James Murray Howe, Esq., welcomed the guests in eloquent and fitting terms, to which Captain Adams appropriately responded. Other speeches were made by John W. Candler, Rev. Dr. Hedge, Ginery Twichell, Esq., and Messrs. Atkinson and Dana, of Brookline, and artificer W. Y. Gross of the Battery."
The whole affair was a success, and the veterans were enthusiastic in their expressions of pleasure.
The 2d Mass. Regiment had been largely recruited by Brookline men, and upwards of thirty thousand dol- lars were raised by private subscription, towards organ- izing this regiment ; but no public demonstration was made on the return of its shattered remnant. The whole amount of money appropriated and expended by the town on account of the war, exclusive of State aid paid to soldiers' families, was one hundred and thirty-four thousand two hundred and twenty-four dollars and ninety- nine cents ($134,224.99). The amount raised and ex- pended during the war for aid to soldiers' families, and
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repaid to the town by the State, was twenty-one thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars and seven cents ($21,435.07).
The services rendered by the ladies of the town were acknowledged to be great and valuable .* The amount of money raised by them and spent for the comfort of the soldiers, was not less than twenty thousand dollars. The town was represented in the military hospitals of Wash- ington, by both ladies and gentlemen, who gave their services as either temporary or permanent nurses, and little rills of beautiful unrecorded charities and sweet sympathies never ceased to flow into the camps and hos- pitals as long as they were needed. Even little children voluntarily contributed their mites, and gave their play hours to the public service.
In closing the record of the war, we would gladly ap- pend a roll of honor, which should contain the name of every soldier who was credited to our town, whether a resident or not. They were all residents of our common country, and dear to some home circle, or at least to some human heart, and many names of our own townsmen are lost to us because thiby were non-residents at the time and enlisted elsewhere. But the attempt would be vain to collect and arrange euch a list for this work, and it would be impossible to do anything like justice in speak- ing of the hardships the; hore, and the glorious result of their toils and sacrifices. Many of them have returned to us broken down in health, or maimed and disabled for life ; many others still in vigorous manhood are holding positions of active usefulness. We honor them all, from the highest officer to the humblest private, who shoul- dered knapsack and gun : the noblest man was none too noble for the cause for which he fought and won, and
* See Adjutant-erneral Schouler's Report.
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the least worthy soldier who enlisted, was for once in his life engaged in a glorious cause.
Of those who served in the Navy, we have been unable to obtain a record.
Of those who fell in the infantry and artillery service, we have obtained as full and correct a list as we could gather from Adjutant-general Schouler's reports, and other sources.
Among all our Brookline soldiers we have found but one deserter.
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BROOKLINE SOLDIERS
WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING OR IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE REBELLION.
ATKINSON, DANIEL W., 10th Mass. Battery, killed at Hatch- er's Run, Va., Oct. 27, 1864.
ARCHER, GEORGE E., Co. H, 33d Mass. Reg't, accidentally killed July 6, 1863, at Camden, N. J.
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