USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifth Massachusetts Battery : organized October 3, 1861, mustered out June 12, 1865, v.1 > Part 2
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Approved March 5, 1863.
A copy of this Resolve was sent to the Captain of the Battery with the following words added in red ink: "A 'special Requisition' for the above will be promptly answered."
It is noted by the historian of the Third Mass. Battery that on March 13, 1863, a new state color appeared in line. The Fifth Mass. Battery was then in camp near the Third in the vicinity of Falmouth, Va., but there is no record of a new color having been sent or received. In his Returns of Clothing, Camp and Garrison Equipage for Oct. 31, 1863. Captain Phillips made the following entry :
--------
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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
"Oct. 31, 1863, Received One Silk Guidon-new ---. " In November of the same year "On hand One Guidon."
According to the report of the Master of Ordnance of the State of Massachusetts for the year 1863, no worn colors from the Fifth Mass. Battery were in possession of the Department, January 1, 1864, nor received during that year ending December 31, 1863. neither is there any mention of the one issued to them during that year.
In the Acts and Resolves of the Massachusetts Legisla- ture for 1864, Chapter 68, may be found the following Re- solve to provide for the procuring of flags to replace those lost or worn out in the service, and for other purposes :
Resolved, That the unexpended balance of the appropriation of three thousand dollars authorized by Chapter 26 of the Resolves of 1863, together with an additional sum not exceeding one thousand dol- lars, shall be allowed and paid for the purpose of replacing the flags of Massachusetts regiments worn out in the service, and also for pro- viding the necessary colors and guidons for Massachusetts regiments and batteries in the service of the United States; the same to be ex- pended from time to time, during the current year by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Council.
Approved May 10, 1864.
Section 77, Chapter 238, Acts and Resolves, 1864.
Each regiment shall be furnished by the State with the national and state colors, their staffs. belts and sockets, and each battery of light artillery and company of cavalry with its proper guidon, staff, belt, and socket, afid the commander of such regiment, battery, or company, shall be responsible for their safe keeping.
From the Report of Brigadier-General and Acting Chief of Ordnance Richard A. Peirce to the Governor and Com- mander-in-Chief, dated January 2, 1865, for the year 1864:
"Schedule K: Worn colors received by the Chief of Ordnance dur- ing the year ending December 31, 1864.
5th Light Battery, I Guidon, silken.
Schedule L: Worn colors in charge of the Chief of Ordnance, De- cember 31, 1864.
sth Light Battery, I Guidon, silken."
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HISTORY OF THE
There is no mention of the one issued to them in 1864.
In a letter to a member of his family Captain Phillips wrote: "Before Petersburg, Nov. 16, 1864, I send you by Lieut. Tripp the Battery flag which I wish to preserve as a trophy. It is torn and spotted, but I wish to keep it just as it is."
In his Returns for the month of November, 1864, he has, -"Rec'd One Guidon in case-new-" and in December "On hand one Guidon."
THE INSCRIPTIONS ON THE FLAGS.
HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ARMY. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE WASHINGTON Feb. 22 1862.
General Orders No. 19
The following Order has been received from the War Department :
It is ordered that there shall be inscribed upon the colors or guidons of all regiments and batteries in the service of the United States the names of the battles in which they have borne a meritorious part. These names will also be placed on the Army Register at the head of the list of the officers of each regiment.
It is expected that troops so distinguished will regard their colors as representing the honor of their corps-to be lost only with their lives ; and that those not yet entitled to such a distinction will not rest satisfied until they have won it by their discipline and courage.
The General commanding the Army will. under the instructions of this Department, take the necessary steps to carry out the order.
By command of Major General Mcclellan.
Official :
L. THOMAS Adjutant General.
Nothing was done in relation to this order until the autumn of 1864, when there appeared the following circu- lar forwarded through the Commander of the Artillery Brigade :
HEAD QUARTERS 5TH ARMY CORPS, Circular September 21st 1864. No. 135
Division Commanders and the Commander of the Artillery Bri- gade, will please have made out a report from each regiment and bat- tery in their commands, of the battles which they claim should be in- scribed ou their flags and guidons for meritorious conduct as prescribed
9
1
FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
in General Order No. 19. of February 22. 1862, from Head Quarters of the Army.
By command of MAJOR GENERAL WARREN. (Signed) FRED T. LOCKE A. A. G.
HEAD QUARTERS ARTILLERY BRIG. 5TH A. C. Sept. 21st 1854.
Official.
Furnished for the information of Battery commanders. A list of fattles in which their commands have borne a part, .and which will entitle the commands to have the same inscribed on their quidons, will be forwarded by commanders with the least possible delay.
By command of COL. C. S. WAINWRIGHT FORD. MORRIS, Lieut. A. A. A. G.
The following November a document was received at Battery Head Quarters labelled "Decision of the Military Board in Relation to what constitutes a battle to distinguish from skirmishes in which some portions of the command may have been engaged.
Also calling for a list of Battles in which Battery E has actually been engaged during the present war."
This is endorsed by Captain Phillips. "Received and in- formation furnished Nov. 11. 1864."
THE DECISION ETC.
HEAD QUARTERS 5TH ARMY CORPS, Nov. 8. 1864
General Orders No. 55
By decision of the Military Board convened at these Head Quar- ter‹ Oct. 29, 1864, by S. O. (Special Order) No. 268. the following lis: comprises all the battles in which this Corps has been engaged. Many regiments have claimed as battles actions which the board de- cides are only part of the same battle. and to be included under one name.
All that are claimed on the original list that do not appear on the list furnished have been rejected.
-
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HISTORY OF THE
It is decided that an organization may claim any engagement in which the Corps to which it belonged took part, whether actually en- gaged or under orders and held in readiness on the field. Division Commanders and the Commander of the Artillery Brigade, will have new lists forwarded as soon as possible from all the regiments and batteries in their commands to include only such battles designated on the accompanying list, in order that the claims may be forwarded, and the list published at an early date.
By command of MAJ. GENERAL WARREN A. S. MARVIN JR. A. A. General.
Head Quarters Artillery Brig. 5th A. C. Nov. 9, 1864.
FORD MORRIS Lieut. and A. A. A. General.
Official :
The "list" is appended, and in the following spring the order for the inscriptions was issued :
HEAD QUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC March 7. 1865.
General Orders No. 10.
In accordance with the requirements of General Orders No. 19, of 1862, from the War Department, and in conformity with the reports of boards convened to examine into the services rendered by the troops concerned. and by the authority of the Lieutenant General command- ing Armies of the United States, it is ordered that there shall be in- scribed upon the colors or guidons of the following regiments and bat- teries, serving in this army, the names of the battles in which they have borne a meritorious part, and as hereinafter specified, viz :
BATTERY "E" MASSACHUSETTS ARTILLERY.
Yorktown. Rappahannock Station.
Hanover Court House.
Mine Run.
Mechanicsville.
Wilderness.
Gaines Mills.
Spottsylvania.
Malvern Hill. North Anna.
Second Bull Run.
Bethesda Church.
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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville.
Petersburg. Weldon Railroad.
Gettysburg.
Hatcher's Run.
By command of Major General Meade
GEO. D. RUGGLES, Assistant Adjutant General
Official :
RETURNED TO THE STATE.
Many flags had been returned before the war ended, for Governor Andrew thus referred to them in his inaugural address to the legislature in January, 1865 :
"In the vestibule of the capitol of the Commonwealth you passed to this hall of your deliberations beneath a hundred battle-flags, war worn, begrimed and bloody. They are sad but proud memorials of the transcendent crime of the Rebellion, the curse of slavery, the elastic energy of a free Commonwealth, the glory and the grief of War.
There has been no loyal army, the shout of whose vietory has not drowned the dying sigh of a son of Massachusetts. There has been no victory gained which her blood has not helped to win."
After the war was over the Government made the follow- ing provision for the preservation of the colors in the fol- lowing order:
WAR DEPARTMENT ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE WASHINGTON May 15, 1865.
General Orders No. 94.
Extraets: III. The Adjutant General of the Army will designate places of rendezvous in the respective States, to which the regiments, after muster out, will be forwarded for payment.
IV. Upon arrival at the rendezvous where the musters-out are to take place, a critical examination of the regimental and company rec- ords, books, &e .. will be made; and in case of omissions, the proper commanders will be made to supply them, and make all the entries as enjoined by the Army Regulations. At the same time the muster- out rolls will be commenced and prepared in accordance with existing regulations, under the direction of the Assistant Commissaries of Mus- ters of Divisions, superintended by the Corps Commissaries. Corps
:
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HISTORY OF THE
and Department commanders will see that the work is pushed with energy and executed promptly, using to this end Division and Brigade commanders to superintend it, and their respective staff officers, to aid the mustering officers in collecting the data for the muster-out rolls and discharge papers as well as the preparation of the same.
V. So soon as the rolls of a regiment are completed, the said com- mand, with its arms, colors, and necessary equipage, will be placed en route to its state, and to the rendezvous therein at or nearest which it was mustered in.
En route, and after arrival in the State the following will be ob- · served :
I. Immediately on arrival at the State rendezvous, the regiment will be reported to, and taken control of, by the Chief Mustering Officer for the State, or his assistant at the point.
7. The Chief Mustering Officer will, under regulations to be estab- lished by himself, take possession of and carefully preserve the regi- mental and company records, also the colors with the respective regi- ments, and hold them subject to orders from the Adjutant General of the Army.
8. As soon as practicable after arrival at the state rendezvous the Chief Mustering Officer, or his assistant, will see that the arms and other public property brought to the State by the troops are turned over to the proper officer of the Supply Department thereat.
VI. In preparing the muster-out rolls, Corps. Department. Divi- sion and Brigade commanders will hold regimental officers to a strict accountability, in order to insure accurate and complete records of the enlisted men, and the better to establish the just claims of the non- commissioned officers and privates who have been wounded, or of the representatives of those who have died from disease or wounds. or been killed in battle.
VII. Prior to the departure of regiments from the rendezvous where mustered out. all public property,-except arms. colors, and equipage required en route .- will be turned over to, and cared for by, the proper officers of the Supply Department concerned.
THE RETURN OF THE GUIDON BY CAPT. PHILLIPS.
HEADQUARTERS BATTERY E. MASS. ART'Y READVILLE, MASS., June 12, '65.
I certify on honor that I have this day turned over to
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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
Bv't Capt. ( Robert) Davis 2d U. S. Inf. and mustering of- ficer the following articles of C. C. and G. Equipage in obe- dience to G. O. No. 94 War Dept.
A. G. O. current series.
A GUIDON.
On the back of this paper is written :---
"No. 4. Transferred to Capt. Davis, I Guidon."
In Captain Phillips' Returns of Clothing, Camp and Gar- rison Equipage for the month of June, 1865, there is the entry :---
"Transferred to Capt. Davis One Guidon."
The records of the Record and Pension Office of the War Department. show by information forwarded from that of- fice December 8, 1900, that by telegram dated War Depart- ment, Adjutant General's Office, June 13, 1865, the chief mustering officer of the State of Massachusetts was author- ized to turn over all regimental colors in his charge under section 7, paragraph 5. Special Orders No. 94. War Depart- ment, Adjutant General's Office, 1865, to the Governor of the State of Massachusetts, at such time as the latter might name.
RECEIVED BY THE STATE.
On the 13th of December, 1865, the following General Order was issued :
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETT HEAD QUARTERS, BOSTON. December 13, 1865.
General Orders No. IS
By General Order No. 94, of the War Department, issued May 15, 1865. volunteer regiments and batteries, on their return to their re- spective states, when mustered out and discharged, were to deposit their colors with the chief United States mustering officers, to be by them transferred to the governors of the states.
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HISTORY OF THE
Since that time the following Massachusetts regiments and bat- teries, having faithfully served their country to the end of the Rebel- lion, returned home and been discharged, their colors have been re- ceived by Brevet-Colonel F. N. Clarke U. S. A .. Chief Mustering Officer. viz. . . . . 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, irth, 15th, 16th Batteries, Light Artillery . .
On Friday, 22d. instant .- Forefather's Day .- the colors will be escorted from Colonel Clarke's headquarters, No. 2 Bulfinch Street, to the State House, where they will be formally received by His Ex- cellency the Governor; and placed in the public archives of the Com- monwealth, to be sacredly preserved forever as grand emblems of the beroie services and patriotie devotion to Liberty and Union of one hundred and forty thousand of her dead and living sons.
The escort will be performed by the Ist Company of Cadets Licu- tenant Colonel Holmes commanding, who will report to Brevet Colonel Clarke, at his headquarters, at II o'clock a. m., when the line of march will be taken up.
All general, regimental and company officers, and past general, regimental and company officers of Massachusetts, and especially all officers and past offieers, and all non-commissioned officers and pri- vates of the several organizations named above, are invited to take part in the ceremony, and join in the processsion.
The officers will, as far as practicable detail a color-guard for the colors of their respective late commands. The original date of muster- in of each command will govern its place in the procession. Officers and enlisted men, as far as practicable, will appear in uniform.
For further orders and information apply to the Adjutant General of the Commonwealth.
By order of His Execllency JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor and Commander-in-Chief. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant General.
The returned regiments and batteries having by their rep- resentatives signified their intention of taking part in these ceremonies, the following order was issued :
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, HEAD QUARTERS, BOSTON, December 13, 1865.
[General Order, No. 19.]
It having been represented at these head-quarters that the Massa- chusetts regiments and companies which had filled their allotted terms of service in the field prior to May 15, 1865, the colors of which are deposited in the State House, desire to take part in the flag reception on the 22d. instant, referred to in General Order No. IS, current series,
15
FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
the Commander-in-Chief most cordially complies with their wishes. The colors of these organizations will be handed them on the morning of the 22d. upon proper requisition. They are to be returned at the dose of the services. Major General Darius N. Couch of Taunton. ranking officer of volunteers in Massachusetts, has been invited to take command of the troops. Should he decline Brevet Major General George H. Gordon of Boston, next in rank, will take command.
The commanding general will arrange details.
By order of His Excellency JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor and Commander-in-Chief. WILLIAM SCHOULER, Adjutant General.
Major Gen'l Couch accepted the command, appointed his staff, designated the Division and Brigade commanders, and made such arrangements for the order of the procession as he thought proper, announcing the same through the public press as directed by the Commander-in-Chief.
Included in the regiments and batteries were those who served three months, ninety days, one hundred days, six months, nine months, one year and three years regiments and batteries, and it was decided that the organizations should take their places in line according to their numbers and not according to date of muster-in, as stated in General Order No. 18. This was to prevent confusion in the forma- tion of the line. Meetings were at once held and color- bearers appointed by the organizations, and Brig. Gen. Ed- wand W. Hinks was appointed Chief of Staff with head- quarters at Room 10, State House.
Brigadier and Brevet Major-General Joseph Hayes was appointed to the command of the Divisionof Artillery, which consisted of two Brigades: First, sixteen light batteries, Captain and Brevet Colonel Augustus P. Martin, com- manding, and Second, four regiments and two battalions heavy artillery, Colonel Wm. S. King, commanding.
The procession formed in the following order :
ist. Cavalry; 2d. Artillery; 3d, Infantry.
The Cavalry formed on Park Street mall of the Common, right resting near Park Street gate, the Artillery on the
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HISTORY OF THE
Tremont Street mall, right resting near Park Street gate, and the Infantry on Beacon Street mall, right resting in front of the State House.
General officers and their staffs appeared mounted as far as practicable, and officers and men were in uniform and carried side arms when such were available.
The weather was clear and cold and the ground was white with snow.
The stars and stripes floated from staffs attached to churches, and decorated public and private buildings. The windows and roofs of houses were filled with spectators looking down on the crowd beneath, but the mind was busy with memories of events undreamed of in 1861, and at sight of the worn colors borne by the troops, although there were cheers hearty and prolonged, they were cheers with a differ- ence.
The headquarters of General Couch were pitched on the Park Street mali near the gate, and the colors were deliv- ered to the officers of the respective commands from his tent. Before the procession started the flags were formally passed over, with a few remarks from Brevet Colonel Fran- cis N. Clarke. Chief U. S. Mustering Officer to General Couch at these headquarters.
General Couch's speech of acceptance closed with the fol- lowing words:
"To those who have been spared to bear them on to final triumph, devolves the privilege of returning them to the Commonwealth, in the consciousness that the object for which they were unfurled has been fully accomplished. the principles they symbolize triumphantly vindi- cated, and the Union of the States restored upon a firm and enduring basis."
This ceremony over, the procession started at eleven o'clock a. m. The Boston Brigade Band accompanied the Independent Cadets who formed the escort, and Gilmore's Band preceded the Infantry Corps.
L. d .
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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
The route of march was from the Common to Tremont Street as far north as Hanover Street, then as far south as D.wer Street and back to the Common through Arlington and! Beacon Streets.
In the Artillery Division, which made a fine display, the Fifth Mass. Battery, Brevet Major C. A. Phillips, marched with 40 men.
The moment the head of the procession reached the State House, its arrival was announced by a gun front Light Bat- tery A on the Common.
The color-bearers took their places on each side of the step's leading up to the front of the capitol, and the remain- der of the commands stood about in the yard on either side.
The colors were raised when the Governor and his staff came forward, and prayer was offered by the Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop D. D. Chaplain of the Cadets. Gen. Couch then addressed the Governor. His speech ended with the words,-
"May it please your Excellency, the colors of the Massachusetts \'lanteers are returned to the State."
In his address of acceptance Governor Andrew promised that they should be "preserved and cherished amid all the vicissitudes of the future, as mementoes of brave men and noble actions," and his pledge has been kept inviolate by successive Governors and legislatures, the result of whose Enbined efforts is a Memorial Hall designed especially to 1 :. 'd them, in simple grandeur second to none in the world, which forms a part of the rotunda of the capitol. In their s ckets cut in the shelves of these niches the staves are firmly Axed, and from them forever droop the colors never more to be "loosed to the breeze."
THE BATTERY FLAGS IN 1902.
From the Report of Brigadier General and Acting Chief
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HISTORY OF THE
of Ordnance Richard A. Peirce to the Governor and Com- mander-in-Chief, dated January 1, 1866, for the year 1865 :
"Schedule of Worn Colors in charge of the Acting Chief of Ord- nance Dec. 31, 1865. . .
5th Light Battery Mass. Volunteers 2 Guidons, silken, National."
These are doubtless the flags belonging to the Battery now preserved at the State House as described August II, 1900, by Mr. Charles O. Eaton, who made the flags for the troops in the first place, and has had exclusive charge of them since they were brought back from the War, viz.,
No. I, a National Flag, stars and stripes, about five feet long, a large flag for a battery. It has no lettering, and is ragged and torn. It is made of silk, and has a staff with spear-head and battle-axe combined.
No. 2, is a National Guidon in good condition, that is, not torn. It lias a staff with spear-head. It is swallow tail form, with gold stars on a blue ground, and the stripes red and white alternate, beginning and ending with red. The names of the battles are inscribed with red letters on white stripes and gold colored letters on red stripes, beginning with Yorktown in the upper red stripe. The list of battles is the same as that given in General Order No. 10 p. 10 except that "Second Bull Run" is written "Bull Run 2d."
CORPS AND BRIGADE FLAGS AND BADGES.
"He interposed only a pin between himself and the only thing he dreaded-oblivion. The pin held his name to his blouse, so that on the morrow the newspapers might tell who had died for his country."
-- GEN. W. W. AVERELL on the American Volunteer.
The Corps, Division, and Brigade flags accompany the commanding general on the march, and are pitched in front of Head Quarters in camp.
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FIFTH MASS. BATTERY.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA SEMINARY, VA. March 24, 1862.
General Orders
No. 102.
Extract.
X. Brigades in Divisions, and Divisions in Army Corps, will be numbered from right to left, but in reports of operations they will be designated by the names of their commanders.
XI. Flags will be used to designate the various Headquarters as follows :--
General Head Quarters: National Flag.
Ist Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square red flag be- neath ; 2d Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square, blue flag beneath; 3d. Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square blue and red flag vertical beneath; 4th. Army Corps, National Flag, with a small, square, blue and red flag horizontal beneath.
Ist. Division of an Army Corps, red flag 6 ft. long and 5 ft. wide.
The Artillery will have the colors of the Division to which it be- longs, and be distinguished by a right angled triangular flag, six feet long and three feet wide at the staff.
The Hospitals will be designated by a yellow flag.
These flags will be attached to a portable staff 14 feet long, in two joints, and will be habitually displayed in front of the tent, or from some prominent part of the house or grounds occupied as the Head Quarters which they designate, and on the march shall be carried near the person of the officer commanding the Corps, Division, Brigade or Regiment it is intended to designate.
By command of MAJ GEN'L MCCLELLAN. S. WILLIAMS, A. A. G.
This order, that in reports of operations the organizations should be designated by the names of their commanders, has done much to make incomprehensible the records of the War, and to rob those who merited them of the honors to which they were entitled, for in many instances only the last name of a commander is given, where there were several of the same name in the Division.
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