USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M > Part 7
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It participated in the escort and reception of General Washington, in 1789, had the honor of sole escort, by order of Gov. Samuel Adams, at the laying of the corner-stone of the State House, in Hancock Pasture, in 1795. Parad- ed in honor of the ratification of the Federal Constitution, 1789 : participated in the war of 1812- 1814 ; participated in the reception of Gen. Lafayette, Gen. Jackson, Presi-
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dents Tyler, Polk, Filmore, Daniel Webster, and, in fact, the reception of every distinguished visitor whom Boston has chosen to honor with public ovation.
It has probably participated in, and made more excur- sions than any other company in the New England States, was the first volunteer company to visit Washington in 1595, marching a great part of the way, has made two ex- Kursions to Montreal, Canada, and numerous excursions to other places.
It sent four full companies to active service in the late war, and notwithstanding its own trials, and the changes of administration, the company has maintained its exist- ence to the present time, and has witnessed the rise and fall of nearly every other company that entered with it into competition for a patriotic existence, in the dark days of the revolution. It was the first company in Massachu- setts to volunteer for three years in the war of the Rebel- lion, and its first Lieutenant was the first commissioned officer that fell at the first battle of Bull Run.
Capt. Snow, the present Commander, has grown grey in the service, having been attached to the company since 1-41, having, for five separate times, been chosen to the command, and now takes as much interest as ever, and is a most excellent officer. Much more could be given in detail of this memorable corps, but its history is too well known to elaborate its valuable record. That the Fifth were fortunate in having this company added to its ranks, cannot be doubted, and it may well be said that few com- panies in this State could have better filled the vacancy caused by the transfer of the Charlestown Artillery, (old Co. D), the latter corps having also a valuable history.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
Co. D. (CHARLESTOWN ARTILLERY) CHARLESTOWN.
This famous old corps, which has one of the most im- portant of histories, was originally organized on May 22d, 1786, and was the first to celebrate the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17th, 1786. For a long period its ranks were filled with the best citizens of Charlestown, and up to 1830, it enjoyed the highest reputation. About this year it was disbanded, but was re-organized by Capt. J. M. Robertson, Nov. 13th, 1831, and attached to the 1st Regi- ment Artillery as Co. D, and from that day until the pres- ent, the corps has enjoyed its usual prosperity. It took active part in the dedication of Bunker Hill Monument, one of its guns being fired from the summit. Many of its popular commanders have held positions of trust in City and State Government. The following have been its con- manders since it was attached to the Fifth : R. W. Lake- man, 1857 ; C. W. Strout, 1859; W. R. Swan, 1860, (three- months' men) ; T. F. Howard, Aug., 1862, (nine-mouths' men) ; George H. Marden, Jr., July, 1864, (hundred-days' men) ; C. P. Whittle, 1867; A. E. Hewes, Aug., 1868; R. R. Farmer, May, 1869; F. B. Bogan, March, 1872.
The company during its terms of service, three-months (Co. C,) nine-months (Co. D,) and one hundred-days, bore an excellent name, and within the past few years has gained considerable attention under Captain F. B. Bogan, who has brought it to a high state of discipline.
None can gainsay the fact that the Fifth lost a valuable company when under the law of re-organization of the militia, Dec. 3d, 1878, Co. D was transferred as such to the Ninth Regiment.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
Co. G, (WOBURN MECHANICS' PHALANX), WOBURN.
This notoriously popular company was organized as In- fantry in 1835, and was commanded by Capt. S. B. White. lts uniform is familiar to most every one, having been extensively copied by the militia, and lithographed for va- rious purposes. The company has made many excursions, and was always very hospitable to visitors. Its officers.and men constituted the best element in the town, being most- ly business men, and from its ranks have gone forth many notable men. The company was a part of the old Fourth, and was attached to the Fifth, in 1855.
For many years there existed a good-natured rivalry between this corps and the Charlestown City Guards, as to how many men could be turned out. and the general appearance of the companies ; the Phalanx, according to one of Adjt .- Gen. Stone's reports, came off A 1, and we quote him as follows : " This company (Phalanx) for the last nine years have averaged the largest number in the State militia."
The following officers have commanded the Phalanx since its organization :
Samuel B. White, 1835; Wm. Woodbury, 1838; Chas. Carter, 1841 ; Wm. Woodbury, 1841; J. B. Win, 1843; Walter Wyman, 1845; Albert Thompson, 1846; William Woodbury, 1847; Timothy Winn, 1849; W. T. Gram- mer, 1851 ; Timothy Win, 1853-55; A. F. Thompson, 1856; J. Franklin Bates, 1858; A. F. Thompson, April, 1859, (transferred to 2d Battalion Rifleman, Aug. 16, 1860) ; Timothy Winn, May, 1861, (Company transferred to 16th Regiment, afterward, July 6th, 1861, disbanded). William T. Grammer commanded the new company, G,
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being commissioned Aug. 27th, 1862, and was attached to the Fifth Regiment nine-months' troops. Capt. Grammer was promoted to Major, July 22d, 1862; C. S. Converse, July 26th, 1864, being commander during the one hun- dred-days' service of the Fifth. Capt. Converse was suc- ceeded by Capt. Cyrus Tay, Mar. 24th, 1865; Edwin F. Wyer, June, 1870; Luke R. Tidd, Sept., 1872; A. L. Richardson, November, 1873, (Major Feb. 26, 1879) ; John W. Ellard, November, 1868. This company is, and always has been considered, one of the most reliable in the regiment for all duties, and at the various inspections, has acquitted itself most creditably.
Co. C, (CONCORD ARTILLERY) CONCORD.
This company was incorporated on the petition of Charles Hammond and others, Feb. 24th, 1804, and had its first public parade on the 4th of July, following.
In 1812, the company was ordered to South Boston, where it remained in camp three months. It marched to Boston under command of Capt. Reuben Brown. Jr., with the Concord Light Infantry and Acton Blues. It entered the United States service twice during the war of the Rebellion. Orders were received before light on the 19th of April, 1861, to report on Boston Common, and at noon on that day it left Concord under command of Captain Geo. L. Prescott. It left Boston with the 5th Regiment, M. V. M., on the 21st, as Co. A, but was changed in Washington to Co. G.
In the battle of Bull Run, five of its members were taken prisoners. It served three months at this time, and in 1862, it was recruited by Capt. Richard Barrett, and attached to the 47th Regiment, M. V. M., Col. Marsh, as
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Co. G. It left Boston in December, 1862, with this regi- ment, with 101 members. It enlisted for nine months, but served nearly a year, most of the time in New Orleans and vicinity.
In 1866, the company was re-organized, and Richard Barrett was chosen Captain, H. H. Buttrick First Lieuten- ant, and Geo. F. Hall, Second Lieutenant. It was attached to the 6th Regiment, M. V. M., as Co. F, and remained in it until the Spring of 1869, when it was transferred to its old regiment, the 5th, as Co. L ; in 1873, (Feb. 18,) its letter was changed to " C." In the re-organization of the Mas -. sachusetts Militia in 1878, it was again transferred to the 6th Regiment as Company I, much to the regret of the officers of the Fifth.
Its Captains have successively been :
Thomas Heald, 1804; Jesse Churchill ; Henry Saunder- son ; Reuben Brown, Jr., 1812; Francis Wheeler; Cyrus Wheeler ; Elisha Wheeler ; Eli Brown ; William Whit- ing ; John Stacy; Joshua Buttrick; Abel B. Heywood, 1832; Bowman W. Dennis, 1833; Isaac Buttrick, 1835; Charles Bowers; Richard Barrett; James Jones, Jr. ; Richard Barrett; James B. Wood; John II. Calbert- son ; George Heywood; Richard Barrett, 1854; George 1. Prescott, 1861; Richard Barrett, 1862; Humphrey 11. Buttrick. 1864; Caleb II. Wheeler, 1868; James W. Carter, 1869; Richard Barrett, 1869; George T. Howe, 1872; Richard F. Barrett, 1876; Alfred B. C. Dakin, 1877 ; William H. Benjamin, 1879.
Co. H, CHARLESTOWN CITY GUARDS.
This body of citizen soldiery was organized in 1850, and celebrated its first anniversary on the 17th of June, 1851. It was then commanded by the Hon. Geo. P. Sanger, who was followed by Capt. W. W. Pierce; C. B. Rogers; G. P.
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Kettell ; John T. Boyd ; J. B. Norton, 1861; Caleb Drew. 1862; Walter Everett ; D. Webster Davis, 1864; Wm. Spaulding, 1867; G. S. Ladd, 1867 ; Edward F. Everett. June, 1868; Samuel R. Marple, Jr., April, 1871; G. S. Ladd, June, 1873; J. M. Foster, Feb. 1875; F. D. Wood- bury, July, 1875; J. W. Derby, April, 1877; J. Henry Brown, June, 1878.
The corps has always enjoyed a high state of prosperity from its organization to the present time, and its fine mem- ber list contained at one time over 350 members. Five of the members of this corps were left behind at the battle of Bull Run, Samuel E. Chandler, Henry A. Angier, and C. A. Babcock, who were wounded at Manassas, and with George T. Childs, were taken prisoners. Sumner Fish was reported killed or taken prisoner, and was never heard from after. The company letter was, during the three- months' campaign. 1861. K, but was changed to HI, upon its return, and has held the same ever since.
This company was one of the best in the nine-months campaign, 1862, under Capt. Caleb Drew, and received many special favors during its term of service ; it also served in the one hundred-days' troops, 1864, under Capt. D. Webster Davis with marked distinction. Its war record is excellent, and its roll of honor is as large as any other company in the regiment.
The City Guards were notoriously hospitable, and re- ceived many organizations visiting Boston ; among the most notable being the Ellsworth Zouaves, Baltimore City Guards, Putnam Phalanx. Hartford, Woburn Mechanics' Phalanx, and others. The Guards attended the inaugura- tion of President Buchanan in March, 1857, and were received with great display by the military and United
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States Officers at the Capitol. and were presented with a gold medal by the President and other New Englanders. Caleb Cushing making the presentation speech.
I have obtained the following important sketch, a part of a memorable speech furnished by Mr. W. W. Davis, and was delivered by Jefferson Davis. then Secretary of War, at a banquet given in his honor by the Guards, after a grand target shoot in Oct., 1858. Jefferson Davis, in response to the toast of " The Army of the United States," said :
"IF EVER THE LIBERTIES OF THIS GLORIOUS UNION ARE IN DANGER, I KNOW OF NO BODY OF CITIZEN SOLDIERY THAT I SHALL TURN WITH GREATER RELIANCE FOR THEIR PROTECTION, THAN THE SOLDIERS OF THE GRAND OLD STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, AND, MORE ES- PECIALLY, THE NOBLE BAND WHO HAVE ENTERTAINED ME THIS DAY.'
One of the Guards' " big days " occurred when, with 92 men under Capt. JJohn T. Boyd, they formed a battalion with the 2d Battalion of Boston, commanded by Major II. Ritchie, and paraded as such to receive the Prince of Wales. There was considerable " bracing up " that day, and as the uniform of the 2d Battalion was much the same as the Guards, it was only by excellent marching and discipline that the Guards could be distinguished.
The Guards had, as rivals, in their earlier days, the Mechanics' Phalanx of Woburn, and the Lowell Phalanx, and it used often to be a difficult question which of these two corps were the most popular in the State. From the ranks of the Guards there have risen many prominent men, and there are few offices in the regiment that have not been filled by members of this popular company.
Great credit is due to the present Captain, J. Henty Brown, for the efficient manner in which he manages his
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
company, and its recent inspections have been very credit- able to both officers and men.
Co. C, (CAMBRIDGE CITY GUARD, ) CAMBRIDGE.
This company was at the height of its popularity in 1849, when it was commanded by Capt. J. Durrell Green, and was attached to the Fourth Regiment as Co. C. George A. Meacham was elected Captain in 1851, and he was succeeded by T. O. Barri, in 1854. In 1855, it was attached to the Fifth as Co. F, and was disbanded June 24th, 1857. It was re-organized in 1861, and served under command of Capt. J. P. Richardson during the three- months' campaign. Not being able to recruit in season for the nine-months' men, the company disbanded Sept. 30th, 1802. Capt. George A. Meacham, 12th Unattached Com- pany, assumed command when the company was restored to the Fifth, as Co. C, in 1866. Daniel F. S. Leland was commissioned as Captain, Oct. 22d, 1866, and in May 22d, 1867, Alfred Hodsdon succeeded him. Robert L. B. Fox assumed command May 4th, 1868, and, upon his discharge, Capt. M. A. Dalton was elected Dec. 13th, 1871. The Company letter was changed in 1873, to L, and George A. Keeler was elected Captain, April 8th, 1873. Captain Keeler took command under a re-organization of the com- pany, it having been disbanded Feb. 13th, 1873. By Gen- eral Orders, No. 4, May 12th, 1873, the Company letter was again changed to K : Captain W. L. B. Robinson took command, July 19th, 1875, and when the militia were re-organized in Dec. 3d, 1878, by General Orders, No. 7, the company letter was changed to B. The present Com- mander, Capt. W. A. Bancroft, was commissioned March 23d, 1879, and at this writing, the company is one of the most flourishing in the regiment.
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Co. K, CAMBRIDGE.
Under the re-organization of the militia in 1866, this company (34th unattached) was added to the Fifth under command of Capt. Charles F. Harrington, who was com- missioned May 18th, 1866. The company was disbanded the latter part of 1866.
Co. E, (LAWRENCE LIGHT GUARDS) MEDFORD.
This company was organized Feb. 12th, 1851; and des- ignated as Co. E, 4th Regiment. It was composed of citi- zens of Winchester and vicinity, and F. O. Prince, now (1879) Mayor of Boston, was the first commander. Their uniform consisted of scarlet coats, blue pants, and bell- crowned hats. Of the first few years, but little record can be found. Between 1851 and 1854, Capt. Prince re- signed, and was succeeded by Capt. Pratt.
Military enthusiasm being at a low ebb in Winchester, in 1854, about 35 members of an independent company in Medford went to Winchester, and joined Co. E ; then by a vote of the company, it was transferred from Winchester to Medford, and given the name of " Lawrence Light Guard," taking the name from Mr. Daniel Lawrence.
Capt. Pratt having resigned, and the company trans- ferred to Medford, Henry Usher, brother of the late United States Marshal, Roland G. Usher, was elected in Captain Pratt's place ; Capt. Usher was succeeded in 1855, by Asa Law, and in 1866, Capt. Law having resigned, Samuel C. Lawrence, now Brigadier-General, was elected to succeed him.
August 8th, 1859, Colonel Charles B. Rogers presiding, John Hutchins was elected Captain, vice Lawrence pro- moted Major. After election, Maj. Lawrence was presented
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
with the complete insignia of his office, and Capt. Hutch- ins with sword, sword-belt and epauletts by friends of the company. At this time, the company were obliged to uniform, arm and support themselves. Major Lawrence, late Captain, was placed in command of the regiment July 11th, 1860, pending election of Colonel.
A new uniform was adopted Oct. 1860, grey cloth with black bars and trimmings, and white wings. This uniform was worn by them in the three-months' service. In Sep- tember and December, the armory took fire, and at the last one, most of the company property was destroyed. On Wednesday, April 17th, orders were received for the company to hold themselves in readiness to report at short notice to Washington for the defense of the Capitol. The citizens therefore held a meeting to assist them in their outfit, and make provision for taking care of their families. About $6,000 was raised for their benefit.
April 19th, 1861, the company left Medford, carrying 103 guns, followed by a large concourse of citizens, and proceeded to Boston Common and reported for duty. On Sunday, 21st inst., formed regimental line, and left Boston : for New York at 6, P. M. Arrived in New York next morning, and after a bountiful collation, went on board Steamship "De Soto." Left New York on Monday morning for Annapolis, Md., touching at Fortress Monroe. After a very rough passage, arrived at Annapolis, April 24th; camped over night, and next morning marched to Annapolis Junction, 20 miles away. Left Annapolis June- tion on Saturday, for Washington, arrived there at night, and were quartered in the Treasury Building.
The company served with the 5th Regiment all through the three-months' enlistment, and participated in the bat- tle of Bull Run, July 21st.
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Company E was the color company at that time. The old company flag, which was presented to the company by the ladies of Medford, was carried at Bull Run, and now, pierced with bullets and stained with the blood of Serg't Win. Lawrence, Co. E, who was color-bearer, and who was killed, pierced through the heart by a minie ball, hangs in a handsome case in the present armory. The sword worn by Serg't Samuel M. Stevens, killed at Spotsylvania, is also in the same case.
On Sunday, July 28th, 1861, the regiment left Washing- ton, and arrived in Boston on Tuesday, July 30th, and, be- ing dismissed on the Common, were escorted home by the citizens. en massa, preceded by the Fire Department and Band. During the regiment's stay in Washington, they were very hospitably entertained by the citizens, and Co. E received many favors from Messrs. Wm. Blanchard and Samuel Lewis and families, to whom they became very nınch attached.
When the company reported for duty, April 19th, the grey uniforms had not been paid for, but it was understood at the citizen's meeting, held April 17th, that the amount due would be paid for from the subscriptions. Therefore the company was very much surprised, upon coming home, to find the bill still due. They applied to the Town to pay it, and in Nov., 1861, an injunction was served against the Town Treasurer against paying the money, $1.100, to the company by thirteen prominent citizens of Medford. The affair was finally settled in the courts, and the Town paid the amount of the bill to the company.
March 28th, 1862, the company moved into a new arm- ory in Usher's Building, then called Medford Exchange, and on April 19th, the anniversary of their departure for
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HISTORY OF THE FEITH REGIMENT
Washington, dedicated it, on which occasion they were honored with the presence of Messrs. Blanchard and Lewis and families from Washington. Capt. Hutchins was pro- moted Major, July 9th, 1862. July 23d, Col. George II. Peirson presiding, Lieut. Perry Coleman was elected Captain, vice Hutchins.
A communication was received from the Selectmen of Medford, July 29th, 1862, asking the company to volun- teer their services as part of the quota called for by President Lincoln, and Aug. 1st, the company voted to do so, reserving the privilege of electing their own commis- sioned officers. Major Hutchins was appointed recruiting officer for Medford.
Capt. Coleman resigned his position in favor of Major Hutchins, who resigned his commission in the 5th, to take command of the company which was mustered into the United States service, Aug. 15th, 1862, for three years. The company was now assigned to the 39th Regiment Mas- sachusetts Volunteers, and designated as Co. C. Co. E was the only militia company in Massachusetts who, as a com- pany, volunteered for three years, and from this fact, together with their previous three-months' service. a spec- ial Act of Legislature, through the influence of Brig .- Geu. Samuel C. Lawrence, was passed, allowing the company to assume their old letter and position in the 5th, upon their return from war.
The company served in the 39th Regiment all through the war, and participated in the following engagements : Mine Run, Spotsylvania, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, North Anna, Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Dabney's Mills, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, and were " in at the death " April 9th, Lee's surrender. After
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a : bsence of 34 months, orders were received Sunday, June 4th. 1865, for regiment to break camp on Munson's Ilill, near Ball's Cross Roads, Va., and march to Washing- ton where transportation was ready to take them to Mas- sachusetts, there to be paid off and mustered out of the service.
While in camp near Washington, the regiment partici- pated in the grand review of the Army of the Potomac. Left camp at 5, A. M., June 4th, and arrived at Readville, Mass., Tuesday, June 6th, being received with hearty ova- tions all the way. Company was furloughed June 9th, and went home, where they were welcomed in a manner befitting men who, for three long years, had risked their lives in defense of their Country and Flag. June 12th, again reported at Readville, and were paid off and mus- tered out of United States service, and discharged as Co. C. 39th Regiment. Actual time in service of United States, 38 months.
By the special Act of Legislature before referred to, the company resumed their old letter " E," and its position in 5th Regiment. Meetings were held in Town Hall, Capt. Hutchins still in command. In October, 1866, it was pro- posed to join with the Lawrence Rifles, Co. F, but it was deemed inexpedient to do so.
January, 1866, meetings were held in rooms of Army and Navy Union; Capt. Hutchins having resigned, Isaac F. R. Hosea was elected Captain on February 9th, 1866. The use of Co. F's drill room was granted them by the Town, and on July 20th, 1866, moved into new Armory, Usher's Building, being the same which are now occupied. Capt. Hosea resigned Feb., 1874, and in May following, Co's E and F were consolidated under new Militia Law, and the new company was still Co. E, thereby retaining
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their Charter, which is claimed as the oldest militia company charter in the United States, and which has never been transferred. Co. F was transferred to Waltham in com- mand of Lient. J. H. Whitney, pending election. May 5th, Colonel Everett presiding, Warren W. Manning was elected Captain of consolidated company.
Captain Manning having resigned on Jan. 24th, 1876, Lieut. J. II. Whitney was unanimously elected Captain. Col. Trull presiding. The company have passed through 24 musters, and paraded and done service at the follow- ing: Annual Regimental Inspections; reception of Gen. Sheridan, Oet. 7th, 1867; reception of President Grant, June 16th, 1869 ; reception of 9th Regiment N. Y. N. G., June 17th, 1871 ; performed three days guard duty at Bos- ton fire, Nov., 1872; at Concord and Lexington celebra- tion, April 19th, and Bunker Hill celebration, June 17th, 1875. Also at the funerals of Manville Richards, 1861 : Samuel Joyce, 1865; Geo. H. Champlin and Gec. H. Lewis, killed in Va., and brought home ; Samuel Davis, 1867 ; Musician Benj. F. Keyon, 1872; and Albert W. Turner in May, 1875.
The present company has its armory in Small's Block. Medford, and is officered by Capt. Jophanus HI. Whitney, Charles R. Dawson, 1st Lieut. Is out of debt, and in a fairly prosperous condition. At the present time it is color company of the regiment. In July, 1879, Mr. Daniel Law- rence, from whom the company was named, died. A large portrait of Mr. Lawrence adorns the walls of the Armory, which was presented to the company Nov. 26th, 1866.
To Daniel Lawrence and his son, Brig .- Gen. S. C. Law- rence, who was twice Captain of Co. E, the success of the company is in a great measure due. From the first or-
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ganization. they have been identified with the interests of the company, and, in many ways, have proved themselves the best supporters of the company.
Co. C, (SOUTH DANVERS.)
Co. C was raised in South Danvers for the nine-months' service, and was ably commanded by Capt. Robert S. Dan- iels. It retained the same letter during its one hundred- days' service, and was then commanded by Capt. George F. Barnes. In February, 1865, the company was known as Co. K, Fifth, Capt. J. W. Stevens, who was succeeded July 12th, 1867, by Capt. B. F. Southwick. The com- pany after this was registered from Peabody, and on June 1st, 1868, was commanded by Capt. Benj. Becket, Jr., who was followed by W. H. Hildreth, July 7th, 1869. The company failed to organize under the provision of Chapter 313, Acts 1873. and was disbanded, much to the regret of the officers and men composing the Fifth.
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