USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts in the Civil War > Part 8
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Company G, the " Assonet Light Infantry," Freetown. John W. Marble, captain ; Humphrey A. Francis and John M. Dean, lieutenants, - all of Freetown.
Company H, "Samoset Guards," Plympton. Lucian L. Perkins, of Plympton, captain ; Oscar E. Washburn, of Plymp- ton, and Southworth Loring, of Middleborough, lieutenants.
Company K, "Bay State Light Infantry," Carver. William S. McFarlin, of South Carver, captain ; John Dunham, of North Carver, and Francis L. Porter, of New Bedford, lieutenants.
Company L, "New Bedford City Guards." Timothy Ingra- ham, captain ; and James Barton and Austin S. Cushman, lieutenants, - all of New Bedford.
This company left New-Bedford early on the morning of the 16th. Its departure was witnessed by thousands of citizens. Addresses were made by ex-Governor John H. Clifford and the Mayor of the city. The following is an extract from Gov- ernor Clifford's speech : -
" You, New-Bedford Guards, - guards of honor and safety to your fellow-citizens! We know, that, when brought to the test, you will be justified and approved. It was a severe trial to be summoned away in time of peace and prosperity ; but it may be the discipline of a beneficent Providence, to remind us of our blessings, and that as a people we might show to the world whether we are worthy of liberty. We remain : you go forth. The ties of affection, the tenderness of mother, wife, sister, and friends, cluster around this hour. All these
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EX-GOVERNOR CLIFFORD'S SPEECH.
ties you cheerfully yield to the call to patriot conflict and our coun- try's welfare. ... All bid you God-speed, even the families who are to be left alone; as the wife of one of you said this morning to the question if her husband was going, ' My husband going? Yes; and I would not keep him back for all that he could gain at home. I will welcome him on his return, if he should return ; and, if that should not be, I will for ever bless and honor his memory.' Go in peace, my friends. Disturb not your minds about the care of your families. Your fellow-citizens will see to it that those you leave behind shall want nothing while you are gone. We shall hear from you on the field of duty, and that not one has failed, wherever he may be. God keep you safe under his care, and bring you back with untarnished glory, to be received by your fellow-citizens with heartfelt joy and honor !"
At the conclusion of this speech, an impressive prayer was made by Rev. Mr. Girdwood. An escort of citizens, headed by ex-Governor Clifford, conducted the company to the cars, which started for Boston amid the cheers of the assembled thousands.
The Third Regiment was destined for Fortress Monroe ; and, the steam transport being ready, the regiment left its quarters about six o'clock on the afternoon of Wednesday the 17th, marched to the State House to receive its equipments, and from thence to Central Wharf, where it embarked. The regiment was cheered the whole length of its march, and a national salute was fired on the wharf. The steamer cast off about seven o'clock, and anchored in the stream, where it remained until noon the next day, when it sailed, bearing to Virginia its patriot freight. It arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 20th.
The field and staff officers of the Fourth Regiment were Abner B. Packard, of Quiney, colonel ; Hawkes Fearing, Jr., of Hingham, lieutenant-colonel ; Horace O. Whittemore, of Bos- ton, major ; Henry Walker, of Quincy, adjutant ; William H. Carruth, of Boston, quartermaster ; Henry M. Saville, of Quincy, surgeon ; William E. Faxon, of Quincy, "surgeon's mate ; " Alvin E. Hall, of Foxborough, sergeant-major ; and George W. Barnes, of Plymouth, quartermaster-sergeant.
Company A, "Union Light Guards," Canton. Officers : Ira Drake, of Stoughton, captain ; Henry U. Morse and Wal- ter Cameron, of Canton, lieutenants. At this time, Lieutenant
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
Cameron was in New Orleans ; and John McKay, Jr., of Can- ton, was chosen to fill the vacancy. Lieutenant Cameron, how- ever, soon after returned home, and joined his company at Fortress Monroe.
Company B, "Light Infantry," Easton. Officers : Milo M. Williams, captain ; Linton Waldron and William E. Bump, Jr., lieutenants, - all of Easton.
Company C, "Light Infantry," Braintree. Officers : Cephas C. Bumpus, captain ; James T. Stevens and Isaac P. Fuller, lieutenants, - all of Braintree.
Company D, "Light Infantry," Randolph. Officers : Horace Niles, captain ; Otis S. Wilbur and H. Frank Wales, lieu- tenants, - all of Randolph.
Company E, "Light Infantry," South Abington. Officers : Charles F. Allen, captain ; Lewis Soule and John W. Mitchell, lieutenants, - all of South Abington.
Company F, " Warren Light Guards," Foxborough. Offi- cers : David L. Shepard, captain ; Moses A. Richardson and Carlos A. Hart, lientenants, - all of Foxborough.
Company G, "Light Infantry," Taunton. Officers : Timothy Gordon, captain ; Zaccheus Sherman and Frederick A. Har- rington, lieutenants, - all of Taunton.
Company II, "Hancock Light Guards," Quincy. Officers : Franklin Curtis, captain ; Edward A. Spear and Benjamin F. Meservey, lieutenants, - all of Quincy.
Company I, " Lincoln Light Guards," Hingham. Officers : Luther Stephenson, Jr., captain ; Charles Sprague and Nathaniel French, Jr., lieutenants, - all of Hingham. This company was named in honor of Major-General Benjamin Lincoln, of revolutionary renown.
This regiment was ready to march on the 16th ; but transpor- tation could not be arranged until the next day. Its destination was Fortress Monroe. It:left Faneuil Hall at three o'clock on the afternoon of the 17th, and marched to the State House, where it was addressed by Governor Andrew, who said, -
"It gives me unspeakable pleasure to witness this array from the good Old Colony. You have come from the shores of the sounding sea, where lie the ashes of Pilgrims ; and you are bound on a high
THE FOURTH REGIMENT. - SPEECH OF GOV. ANDREW. 69
and noble pilgrimage for liberty, for the Union and Constitution of your country. Soldiers of the Old Bay State, sons of sires who never disgraced their flag in civil life or on the tented field, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this noble response to the call of your State and your country. You cannot wait for words. I bid you God- speed and an affectionate farewell."
Colonel Packard made a brief and fitting response ; and the regiment filed down Park Street, and marched to the depot of the Old Colony Railroad, where a train was ready to receive it. In a few minutes, the regiment was on the way to Fall River, where it was put on board the steamer " State of Maine," and arrived at New York the next afternoon. Its departure was delayed until four o'clock on the morning of the 19th, in adjusting ballast and taking in coal, when it started for For- tress Monroe, and arrived there at break of day on the morning of the 20th. In its march through Boston and along the route to Fall River, the regiment was received with cheers of approval from the men, and by the waving of handkerchiefs by the women, who turned out to greet it.
The Sixth Regiment mustered on the 16th at Lowell, at nine o'clock in the morning. Before leaving the city for Boston, it was addressed by the Mayor and others, and cheered by the populace. Four of the companies belonged in Lowell. The inhabitants in mass came from their dwellings, mills, and work- shops, to witness the regiment depart. It arrived in Boston at one o'clock, where it met with a cordial reception. The crowd followed it to Faneuil Hall, and from thence to Boylston Hall, where its headquarters were established.
The field and staff officers of the Sixth were Edward F. Jones, of Pepperell, colonel ; Benjamin F. Watson, of Law- renee, lieutenant-colonel ; Josiah A. Sawtell, of Lowell, ma- jor ; Alpha B. Farr, of Lowell, adjutant ; James Monroe, of Cambridge, quartermaster; ,Charles Babbidge, of Pepperell, chaplain ; Norman Smith, of Groton, surgeon; Jansen T. Paine, of Charlestown, "surgeon's mate ; " Rufus L. Plaisted, of Lowell, paymaster ; Samuel D. Shattuck, of Groton, ser- geant-major ; Church Howe, of Worcester, quartermaster- sergeant ; John Dupee, of Boston, commissary-sergeant ; Fred-
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
erick Stafford, of Lowell, drum-major ; William H. Gray, of Acton, hospital steward. The Sixth had a full staff and regi- mental band.
Company A, " National Greys," Lowell. Officers : Josiah A. Sawtell, captain ; Andrew J. Johnson and Andrew C. Wright, lieutenants, - all of Lowell.
Company B, " Groton Artillery," Groton. Officers : Eusebius S. Clark, captain ; George F. Shattuck and Samuel G. Blood, lieutenants, - all of Groton.
Company C, " Mechanics' Phalanx," Lowell. Officers : Al- bert S. Follansbee, captain ; Samuel D. Shipley and John C. Jepson, lieutenants, - all of Lowell.
Company D, "City Guards," Lowell. Officers : James W. Hart, captain ; Charles E. Jones and Samuel C. Pinney, Llewellyn L. Craig, lieutenants, - all of Lowell.
Company E, "Davis Guards," Acton. Officers : Daniel Tuttle, captain ; William H. Chapman and George W. Rand, Silas B. Blodgett, Aaron S. Fletcher, lieutenants, - all of Acton.
This company was named in honor of their brave towns- man, Captain Isaac Davis, who commanded an Acton company to defend the North Bridge, across Concord River, on the 19th of April, 1775, where he fell a martyr to liberty and American independence. *
Company F, " Warren Light Guard," Lawrence. Officers : Benjamin F. Chadbourne, captain ; Melvin Beal, Thomas J. Cate, and Jesse C. Silver, lieutenants, - all of Lawrence.
Company G, " Worcester Light Infantry," Worcester. Offi- cers : Harrison W. Pratt, captain ; George W. Prouty, Thomas S. Washburn, J. Waldo Denny, and Dexter F. Parker, lieu- tenants, - all of Worcester.
This company was originally organized in 1803, by Hon. Levi Lincoln, and served in the war of 1812, under command of his brother, Captain John W. Lincoln.
Company H, "Watson Light Gnard," Lowell. Officers : John F. Noyes, captain ; George E. Davis, Andrew F. Jewett, and Benjamin Warren, lientenants, - all of Lowell.
Company I, "Light Infantry," Lawrence. Officers : John
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THE SIXTH REGIMENT'S DEPARTURE.
Pickering, captain ; Daniel S. Yeaton, A. Lawrence Hamilton, Eben H. Ellenwood, and Eugene J. Mason, lieutenants, - all of Lawrence.
Company K, " Washington Light Guard," Boston. Officers : Walter S. Sampson, captain ; Ansell D. Wass, Moses J. Emery, Thomas Walwork, and John F. Dunning, lieutenants.
This company was detached from the First Regiment to com- plete the Sixth. The company was drilling in its armory, on Eliot Street, Boston, on the evening of the 16th. About ten o'clock, the Adjutant-General brought to Captain Sampson, at the armory, an order from the Governor, attaching the com- pany to the Sixth Regiment, to proceed the next morning to Washington. The order was received with nine cheers. Every man was ready and eager to go.
Company L, "Light Infantry," Stoneham. Officers : John HI. Dike, captain ; Leander F. Lynde, Darius N. Stevens, and John F. Rowe, - all of Stoneham, - and William B. Blais- dell, of Lynn, lieutenants.
This company was detached from the Seventh Regiment. The Adjutant-General, in his Report for 1861, says, -
" It was nine o'clock, in the evening of the 16th, before your Excel- lency decided to attach the commands of Captains Sampson and Dike to the Sixth Regiment. A messenger was despatched to Stoneham with orders for Captain Dike, who reported to me, at eight o'clock the next morning, that he found Captain Dike at his house in Stoneham, at two o'clock in the morning, and placed your Excellency's orders in his hands ; that he read them, and said, 'Tell the Adjutant-General that I shall be at the State House, with my full command, by eleven o'clock to-day.' True to his word, he reported at the time; and that afternoon, attached to the Sixth, the company left for Washington. Two days afterwards, on the 19th of April, during that gallant march through Baltimore which is now a matter of history, Captain Dike was shot down while leading his company through the mob. He received a wound in the leg, which will render him a cripple for life."
The orders were promulgated at Stoncham immediately. The bells of the several meeting-houses were rung. The com- pany and the inhabitants assembled. Immediate preparations to leave were made. The citizens made up a purse of five hun-
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
dred dollars, and gave it to Captain Dike, for the service of himself and company.
At eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the 17th, the Sixth Regi- ment marched from Boylston Hall to the State House, where it received the new rifled muskets in exchange for smooth-bores. When in line in front of the State House, the Governor made a short and eloquent speech to the regiment, and presented it with a new set of colors. Colonel Jones received the colors, and pledged himself and the regiment that they should never be disgraced. At seven o'clock that evening, the Sixth marched to the depot of the Boston and Worcester Railroad, and embarked by the land route for New York. At the depot, and along the entire line of road, they received one continued ovation. At several places, the bells were rung, and salutes of artillery fired. At Worcester, an immense throng cheered them ; at Springfield, the military and the fire department turned out to do them honor. The regiment reached New York at sunrise on the 18th, having been in the cars all night. The march down Broadway to the Astor House, where the officers and men breakfasted by invitation of the proprietor, General Charles Stetson, and from the Astor House down Cortland Street, to the Jersey-City Ferry, is described as one of the most grand and effective scenes ever witnessed. The wildest enthusiasm inspired all classes. Strong men wept like tenderly nurtured women, and silently implored the blessings of Heaven upon the regiment, and the State which had placed it at the extreme right of the Union column. A gentleman who witnessed the scene wrote, "I was always proud of my native State ; but never until now did I fully realize how grand she is." Another writer thus describes the scene : -
"Having breakfasted, they employed their time until eleven in conversation, smoking, and preparing for the march. All appeared determined to stand by the olfl flag under all hazards, and to punish those who would dare to insult it. Many of the men are exceedingly intelligent, and not a few came from families eminent in the history of the old Bay State. They spoke of the ability of Massachusetts to send thirty thousand men, and even more volunteers, to the support of the Government, if needed. At eleven o'clock, the various companies,
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THE SIXTH IN NEW YORK.
having assembled at the Astor House, formed in Broadway. By this time, thousands of our citizens had gathered to bid the brave fellows God-speed. No language can describe the excitement of the vast concourse. Cheer followed cheer, until the welkin rung as with a sound of thunder. There were cheers for the star-spangled banner ; for the dear old flag ; for the red, white, and blue ; for the Government ; for the North ; for Lincoln ; for Major Anderson ; for every thing the loyal heart could suggest. Old men, young men, and lads waved the American flag over their heads, pinned it to their hats and coats; cartmen displayed it on their horses; Barnum flings it from every window of the Museum. The guests of the Astor House shouted till they were hoarse; so did the visitors at the Museum; and when at last, at half-past eleven, the police taking the lead, the regiment took up their march for the Jersey-City Ferry, the enthusiasm was perfectly overwhelming. At every step, the roar of the multitude was increased; at every window, the flags were waved.
"Turning from Broadway into Cortland Street, the scene was such as has seldom, if ever, been seen in New York. The stores could hardly be seen for the flags, of which there must have been, on an average, one for every window in the stores. Every building was thronged with persons eager to see the regiment ; while the sidewalks, awning-posts, and stoops were literally covered with a mass of excited humanity. There was one uninterrupted and unprecedented cheer from Broadway to the ferry. Those who have witnessed all the great demonstrations of the city for a half-century back, remember none so spontaneous and enthusiastic. As the regiment filed off to go upon the ferry-boat, which was gayly decorated with flags, as was the ferry- house, there were loud cries of 'God bless you !' . God bless you !' and unbounded cheers for the Old Bay State."
On crossing the river, the troops were met by a dense crowd of Jersey men and women. Flags were waved by hundreds of fair hands, and miniature flags were distributed by them to the regiment before the train moved. There was delay in getting off'; and the crowd continued to increase, and the enthusiasm to grow more intense. The passage across New Jersey was marked with similar scenes. At Newark, they were received with a salute of artillery, and also at Trenton, which was ordered by the Governor of the State. The reception at Philadelphia was a fitting climax to what had taken place elsewhere. A member of the regiment wrote, " So enthusiastic were our friends,
74
MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
that they rushed into our ranks, threw their arms about the necks of our soldiers, and, emptying their own pockets for our benefit, seemed fairly beside themselves with joy. I doubt if old Massachusetts ever, before or since, received such encomiums, or her sons such a generous welcome, as that night in the City of Brotherly Love." The regiment reached Philadelphia at seven o'clock in the evening, partook of a bountiful supper at the Continental Hotel, and were quartered for the night in the Girard House, where I shall leave them for the present.
The Eighth Regiment, which had arrived in Boston on the 16th, did not leave the city until the 18th. The field and staff officers were Timothy Monroe, of Lynn, colonel ; Edward W. Hinks, of Lynn, lieutenant-colonel ; Andrew Elwell, of Gloucester, major. Colonel Monroe resigned on the 12th of May : and, on the 16th of May, Edward W. Hinks was elected colonel ; Andrew Elwell, lieutenant -colonel ; and Ben. Perley Poore, of Newbury, major; George Creasey, of Newburyport, was appointed adjutant ; E. Alfred Ingalls, of Lynn, quartermaster ; Rowland G. Usher, of Lynn, pay- master : Bowman B. Breed, of Lynn, surgeon ; Warren Tapley, of Lynn, assistant-surgeon ; Gilbert Haven, Jr., of Malden, chaplain ; John Goodwin, Jr., of Marblehead, sergeant-major ; Horace E. Monroe, of Lynn, sergeant-major ; and Samuel Roads, of Marblehead, drum-major.
Company A, "Cushing Guards," Newburyport. Officers : Albert W. Bartlett, of Newburyport, captain ; George Barker, Gamaliel Hodges, Nathan W. Collins, all of Newburyport, and Edward L. Noyes, of Lawrence, lieutenants.
Company B, "Lafayette Guard," Marblehead. Officers : Richard Phillips, of Marblehead, captain ; Abiel S. Roads, Jr., William S. Roads, and William Cash, all of Marble- head, lieutenants.
Company C, " Sutton Light Infantry," Marblehead. Officers : Knott V. Martin, of Marblehead, captain ; Samuel C. Graves, Lorenzo F. Linnel, John H. Haskell, all of Marblehead, lieutenants.
Company D, "Light Infantry," Lynn. Officers : George T. Newhall, of Lynn, captain ; Thomas H. Berry, E. Z. Saunder- son, C. M. Merritt, all of Lynn, lieutenants.
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EIGHTHI REGIMENT. - GOVERNOR ANDREW'S SPEECHI.
Company E, "Light Infantry," Beverly. Officers : Francis E. Porter, of Beverly, captain ; John W. Raymond, Eleazer Giles, Albert Wallis, and Moses S. Herrick, all of Beverly, lieutenants.
Company F, "City Guards," Lynn. Officers : James Hud- son, Jr., of Lynn, captain ; Edward A. Chandler, Henry Stone, Mathias N. Snow, all of Lynn, lieutenants.
Company G, " American Guard," Gloneester. Officers : Addison Center, of Gloucester, captain ; David W. Lowe, Edward A. Story, Harry Clark, all of Gloucester, lieu- tenants.
Company H, " Glover Light Guard," Marblehead. Officers : Francis Boardman, of Marblehead, captain ; Thomas Russell, Nicholas Bowden, and Joseph S. Caswell, all of Marblehead, lieutenants.
Company I, " Light Infantry," Salem. Officers : Arthur F. Devereux, of Salem, captain ; George F. Austin, Ethan A. P. Brewster, and George D. Putnam, all of Salem, lieu- tenants.
This company belonged to the Seventh Regiment, but was ordered, on the evening of the 17th of April, to join the Eighth, and, at ten o'clock the next morning, reported at Fanenil Hall with full ranks Before leaving Salem, it was addressed by the Mayor and other prominent citizens. A great erowd met it at the depot, and cheered it when it left. This company wore a Zouave uniform, and, in skirmish drill, was probably the most efficient in the State.
Company K, " Allen Guard," Pittsfield. Officers : Henry S. Briggs, of Pittsfield, captain ; Henry H. Richardson and Robert Bache, both of Pittsfield, lieutenants. This company was detached to complete the organization of the Eighth. It was ordered to join the regiment at Springfield, when on the way to Washington. The captain was a son of Ex-Gor- ernor Briggs. Before the company left Pittsfield, each soldier was presented by the citizens with ten dollars.
On the 18th of April, the regiment marched to the State House, and was presented with a set of regimental colors by Governor Andrew, who also addressed it as follows : -
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MASSACHUSETTS IN THE REBELLION.
" MR. COMMANDER AND SOLDIERS, - Yesterday you were citi- zens : to-day you are heroes. Summoned by the sudden call of your country, true to the fortunes of your flag, to the inspirations of your own hearts, and to the mighty example of your fathers, you have hur- ried from the thronged towns of Essex, and all along the shore from Boston to Cape Ann, famed through all Massachusetts for noble men, brave soldiers, and heroic women. You have come to be cradled anew, one night in Faneuil Hall, there breathing once more the inspiration of historic American liberty, and standing beneath the folds of the American banner. [Applause.] From the bottom of my heart of hearts, as the official representative of Massachusetts, I pay to you, soldiers, citizens, and heroes, the homage of my most profound grati- tude ; and the heart of all Massachusetts beats with full sympathy to every word I utter. There is but one pulsation beating through all this beautiful domain of liberty, from the shores of Cape Cod to the hills of Berkshire ; and the mountain waves and mountain peaks answer to each other. Soldiers, go forth, bearing that flag; and, as our fathers fought, so, if need be, strike you the blow.
' Where breathes the foe but falls before us, With freedom's soil beneath our feet, And freedom's banner waving o'er us ?'
We stay behind, to guard the hearthstones you have left ; and, what- ever may be the future, we will protect the wives and children you may leave, and, as you will be faithful to the country, so we will be faithful to them. I speak to you as citizens and soldiers, not of Mas- sachusetts, but of the American Confederate Union. While we live, that Union shall last. [Applause. ] And until these countless thou- sands, and all their posterity, have tasted death, the Union of the American people, the heritage of Washington, shall be eternal. [Ap- plause.]
" Soldiers ! go forth, bearing with you the blessing of your coun- try, bearing the confidence of your fellow-citizens; and under the blessing of God, with stout hearts and stalwart frames, go forth to vic- tory. On your shields be returned, or bring them with you. Yours it is to be among the advanced guard of Massachusetts soldiers. As such, I bid you God-speed, antl fare-you-well."
At the close of the Governor's speech, Colonel Monroe received the colors, and said, " We shall do our duty." Three cheers were given for the regiments, and three for General But- ler, who, being present, advanced, and said, -
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RECEPTION AT WORCESTER. - GENERAL BUTLER.
" SOLDIERS, - We stand upon that spot to which the good pleasure of the Commander-in-chief, and our own dearest wishes, have assigned us. To lead the advance guard of freedom and constitutional liberty, and of perpetuity of the Union, is the honor we claim, and which, under God, we will maintain. [Applause.]
"Sons of Puritans, who believe in the providence of Almighty God! as he was with our fathers, so may he be with us in this strife for the right, for the good of all, for the great missionary country of liberty ! [Applause.] And, if we prove recreant to our trust, may the God of battles prove our enemy in the hour of our utmost need !
"Soldiers ! we march to-night; and let me say for you all to the good people of the Commonwealth, that we will not turn back, till we show those who have laid their hand upon the fabric of the Union, there is but one thought in the North, - the union of these States, now and for ever, one and inseparable."
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