USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M > Part 8
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Co. B. (RICHARDSON LIGHT GUARD) SO. READING.
This corps was formerly Co. E, of the 7th, and during its three-months, 1861, connection with the Fifth, was commanded by Capt. J. W. Locke.
It returned to its old position at time of expiration of service.
Co. D), (HAVERHILL LIGHT INFANTRY) HAVERHILL.
Co. D was organized in 1853, and was known as Co. G, 7th Regiment. It served with the 5th during the three months' campaign in 1861, and was under command of C. P. Messer. It was an excellent company, and was always popular with the other companies of the regiment.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT.
Co I. (HUDSON LIGHT GUARD) HUDSON.
This company was organized May 27th, 1862, under authoris of Gen. Order, No. 100, Adjt .- Gen.'s Office, Bos- ton, by Capt. W. E. C. Worcester, who was elected Major of the regiment, Aug. 28th, and afterwards became Lt .- Col. during the one hundred-days' service. It was mus- tered in under command of Capt. Chas. B. Newton, as Co. 1, 5th Regiment, and served with the regiment nine months, participating in all its doings, and was mustered out July 2d, 1863, at Wenham. It again entered the service with the 5th, and was mustered for one hundred days, July 28th, 1864, under Andrew A. Powers, and done duty in Mary- land, and was mustered out Nov. 16th, 1864. at Readville. It was re-organized in the spring of 1866, by Capt Powers, and became a part of the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Militia, then commanded by Col. Peirson. Capt. Powers retained command of the company until promoted Major, May 17th. 1868, which position he filled until forced by failing health to resign. A. S. Trowbridge succeeded Pow- ers in the command of the company, and was commission- ed Captain, June 11th, 1868; he resigned and was dis- charged in the fall of the same year. He was followed by Joseph W. Pedrick, who was commissioned Captain, Feb. 20th, 1869, and resigned in the winter. 1871-2. Henry S. Moore was the next commander, whose commission as Captain is dated May 15th, 1872, resigned and discharged March 8th, 1873. Moore was followed by John F. Dolan, who was commissioned May 18th, 1878, and resigned and discharged Jan. 22d, 1876 ; E. L. Powers, son of Major Powers, was commissioned Captain, April 14th. 1876, and remained in command until the disbandment of the com- pany.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITLA.
The 5th Regiment never contained a company more prompt in the discharge of its duty, or more earnest in the effort to place the regiment in the front rank of the mil- itia, than the Hudson Light Guard, and though it was forced, through nearly its entire existence, to rely on its own exertions - having no support to speak of -- it was not until both officers and men became fully aware of the influence at work both at home and in the regiment, to destroy its organization, that they at last lost heart, and ceased to struggle against their doom already decreed.
How it compared in point of numbers with other com- panies, whenever called upon, no matter how short the notice, let the records tell.
Co. E, MARLBOROUGH.
There was a company recruited in Marlborough, and commanded by Capt. David L. Brown, which served with the Fifth during its one hundred-days' service. The same was disbanded November, 1864.
Co. A, SOUTH BOSTON.
This corps was recruited for the one hundred-days' men in 1864, and during their term of service were commanded by Capt. George II. Homer. The corps was disbanded upon its return from war, its term of service having ex- pired in November, 1864.
Co. F, BOSTON.
This company was recruited especially for the Fifth, and served one hundred days in 1864, under command of Capt. Philip J. Cootey. It was disbanded November, 1864.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
Co. K, STONEHAM.
Company K was recruited for the one hundred-days' regiment, in July, 1864, and was attached to the Fifth dur- ing its term of service in that year. It was commanded by Capt. T. M. Sweetser, and was disbanded in Novem- ber, 1864.
Co. A. (CHARLESTOWN CADETS,) CHARLESTOWN.
This is one of the youngest companies in the Fifth, and its record compares favorably with any other in the State. It had its origin in a drill-club of boys, who were regularly uniformed and officered in 1858. On the 17th of May, 1861, the corps was enlarged, and some old flint-locks took the place of wooden guns they were using, and Charies Morris was made captain. The corps thrived from this time out. In July, 1861, George F. Chapin was elected captain, and during his term of command, with Captain Francis W. Pray as drill-master, the company won two prizes in a competition drill at Music Hall, Boston. J. E. Phipps succeeded Capt. Chapin, in April, 1863. During the war the company did escort and other duties at home, always acquitting themselves most admirably. The com- pany from time to time was reduced in numbers, many of its members enlisting for the war, but it was continually being added to, enough members being present at regular meeting to keep up the organization. The company sent over one hundred of its men to the front, and of its origi- nal members, Wesley Packard and James Doughty were killed while attached to the 36th Regiment. On the 5th of October, 1864, the Cadets were made the 26th Unat- tached Company, M. V. M., and George F. Chapin was
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
elected its first Militia Captain on the above date. The company was attached to the 5th Regiment, M. V. M., Col. George H. Peirson, at the time of the re-organization of the State Regiments, May 18th, 1865, and received as their Company letter " A."
Capt. Chapin resigned his position Oct. 7th, 1866, and was succeeded by Lieut. Henry C. Cutter, who brought the company to the highest standard of military discipline. Capt. Cutter held his position until May, 1871, when he was succeeded by Lieut. Frank Todd, who was honorably dis- charged September, 1871, and was succeeded by Captain Francis W. Pray, Jan., 1872, "the father of the company." Capt. Pray did the corps great service by condescending to become its commander, and he did not give up the position until it could be left in good hands, which oc- curred Nov. 23d, 1874, upon the election of Capt. John E. Phipps. Capt. Phipps has held the position ever since, with a marked degree of ability, and while under his com- mand, the corps have received the highest mark at the State inspection, A. 1, and have taken the grand prize at the Massachusetts Militia riffe competition. The company has made a national reputation for their hospitality, hav- ing entertained the following organizations : A battalion of the 22d Regiment, N. G., New York, the 5th Maryland regiment, Washington Light Infantry, Washington, D. C., Governor's Foot Guard, of Hartford, Conn., and New Haven Grays of 2d Conn. N. G. The company has visited New York, New Haven and Lawrence, and own one of the most costly company uniforms in the State; they also occupy one of the best armories in this country. Every office in this regiment has been held by graduates from this corps.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
Co. B. ( SOMERVILLE LIGHT INFANTRY, ) SOMERVILLE.
Co. B was organized in 1853, and was first commanded by Capt. George O. Brastow. Francis Tufts succeeded in command in 1854, and the company was attached to the Fifth as Co. B, in 1855. The company served in the first three months men as Co. I, under Capt. George O. Bras- tow, who was commissioned August, 1859. W. E. Robin- son assumed command in May, 1862, and was succeeded by Capt. B. F. Parker, who was commissioned Septem- ber, 1862, and the old company letter, B, was resumed. The company served during the nine months' campaign, under his command, and, during the one hundred days' service was under Capt. J. N. Coffin, who was commis- sioned July, 1864. In April, 1865, Capt. G. W. Daniels took command, and he was succeeded by Capt. C. F. King, June 7th, 1871. Rudolph Kramer was elected cap- tain, August 4th, 1874, and continued as such until the company was disbanded on July 6th, 1876, " being the lowest in order of inspection." At the time of this dis- bandment there was considerable talk among military gen- tlemen as to the propriety of such an action by the State officials, and it was believed then and is to-day that there was no need of breaking up this company which possessed such a brilliant war record.
The Company was always composed of wide-awake men, and had among its commanders some of the most popular and honorable men in Somerville, and it was with surprise and regret that the company was legislated out of ex- istence.
Co. C, (CLAFLIN GUARDS,) NEWTON.
This corps was organized agreeable to a petition of Fred'k P. Barnes and 49 others, of Newton, October 4th,
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
1870, and were attached as Co. L, to the First Regiment, M. V. M. Its first commander was Capt. Isaac F. Kings- bury, now Assistant Adjutant-General, who was elected Oct. 10th, 1870. The company letter was changed to C. Feb. 20th, 1872, by General Orders, No. 3. Frank N. Brown took command Sept. 22d, 1873; Arthur C. Wal- worth. Jan. 25th, 1875; F. N. Brown, Nov. 24th, 1875, to Jan. 3d, 1877. In the re-organization of the Militia in 1.76; this corps was attached to the Ist Battalion Infan- try, and on Dec. 3d. 1878, was transferred as Co. C, Fifth Regiment. G. M. B. Cousens was placed in command, Feb. 5th, 1877, and served until Nov. 29th, 1878, when he was succeeded by Capt. John A. Kenriek, Jan. 25th, 1879.
The company has had its reverses, as well as good for- tunes, and its ranks have always contained the best ele- ments in Newton. The corps was named in honor of Governor Claflin, and its reputation is now A. 1. The Fifth were fortunate in having this company added to its ranks.
Co. F, MEDFORD.
This organization was attached to the Fifth, at the time of the re-organization of the militia in 1866, and on May 10th. 1866. Capt. Godfrey Ryder, Jr., was commissioned as commander. The following are the names of the various Captains, and the dates of their commissions : W. IL. Dane, May 20th, 1867; C. O. Burbank, Jan. 2d; 1872, W. W. Manning, May 220, 1873. In 1874, the company was transferred to Waltham. During its term of service while attached to the Fifth, its officers and men enjoyed the respect of the other companies, and were very popular, turning out with full ranks on all occasions.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
Co. E, WINCHESTER.
This company was attached to the Fifth in 1855, and in 1851 was commanded by Capt. Fred. O. Prince ; it was, however, transferred to Medford in 1856.
Co. C, WATERTOWN.
This corps was organized as artillery in 1786, and was first commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Kent. It was at one time attached to the Fifth as Co. C, and served under Capt. Joseph Crafts during the nine months' campaign, as Company K.
Co. HI, (SALEM CITY GUARDS,) SALEM.
This company served in the Fifth Regiment during the first three months of the war, 1861, and was commanded by Capt. Henry Danforth. It was organized Nov. 14th, 1846, and was a part of the 7th Regiment, to which it re- turned upon the expiration of its term of service.
Co. A, (MECHANICS LIGHT INFANTRY,) SALEM.
Co. A was attached to the 5th in 1861, and was com- manded by Capt. George H. Peirson, promoted to Lieu- tenant-Colonel, Colonel, and Brigadier General. It was originally attached to the 7th Regiment as Co. B, and after its three months' service, returned to its old posi- tion in that regiment. The company was organized Feb. 26th, 1807, and made its first parade July 4th, same year, under Capt. Perley Putnam.
Co. F, (WARDWELL TIGERS.) BOSTON.
This company was raised for the three months' regi- ment, and was commanded by Capt. D. K. Wardwell. It was disbanded at the expiration of its term of service.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
Co. F, WALTHAM.
This is a comparatively new company, and was organ- ized and attached to the Fifth, in the early part of 1874. The Company Charter of old Co. F, of Medford, " The Lawrence Rifles," was transferred to Waltham, and a ma- jority of the members were recruited originally from Med- ford under Leonard C. Lane, and five others, of Waltham, and were sanctioned by Colonel Walter Everett. Leonard C. Lane was its first captain, being elected June 24th. 1874 ; he was succeeded by Capt. Laroy Browne, Jan. 21st, 1876 ; and he in turn, was followed by Capt. George F. Frost, Dec. 13th, 1877, and on the 10th of April, 1879, he was succeeded by Capt. C. H. D. Stockbridge. Capt. Lane now holds the position of Lieut .- Colonel, and Capt. Frost that of Major in the Fifth. The company always turns out with full ranks. and Col. Trull has expressed the opin- ion that this corps is in as good condition as any other in the Fifth Regiment, and that they are always on hand for duty.
Co. A, HAMILTON GUARDS (NINE MONTHS' MEN) CHARLESTOWN.
Co. A was recruited for the Fifth Regiment during the summer of 1862, and was attached to the Fifth during its nine months' service in North Carolina Its Captain was James F. Green, who was commissioned Sept. 25th, 1862. The company thrived until Sept. 1865, when it was dis- banded.
INTERESTING NOTES.
Private S. J. F. Thayer of Co. B, upon his return from the nine months' campaign, published an admirable litho- graph of Fort Peirson, the camp of the Fifth Regiment
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
while at New Berne, North Carolina, and dedicated the same to Col. George H. Peirson. The lithographs had a large sale, and are now of considerable value to those who possess them.
REGIMENTAL SEAL.
The regimental seal now used by the Fifth was adopted at a meeting of the officers held in the armory of Co. H. when the regiment was commanded by Lieut .- Col. Ezra J. Trull. Surgeon Edward J. Forster was the designer, and for simplicity and beauty it will compare favorably with any other in the State. It is composed of the following significant emblems : A garter enclosing a field of blue bearing on its centre a golden bugle with a silver arabic figure 5 in the turn. The field of blue and the bugle indi- cate arm- Infantry ; above the bugle the field bears a red quatre-feuille, below a silver six-pointed star; the former denoting 1st Division, 18th Army Corps, the latter the 2d Division, 8th Army Corps.
The garter bears the legend in Roman capitals : ---
"FIFTHI REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, M. V. M."
FALL ENCAMPMENTS OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT FROM 1866 To 1879, INCLUSIVE.
North Andover, 3 days, Sept. 18, 1866, Col. W. T. GRAMMER. Swampscott, .. 5 days, Sept. 3, 1867,
Newburyport, .. . 5 days, Aug. 25, 1868,
Col. GEO. A. MEACHAM.
Boxford, .5 days, Aug. 25, 1869,
Concord, .5 days, Sept. 6, 1870,
Swampscott, ... 5 days, Auz. 25. 1871, Col. WALTER EVERETT. Swampscott. 5 days, Aug. 10, 1872,
On the 3d day of August, 1873, the annual encampment was held on the State grounds at South Framingham, and
3
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
every year since, the Regiment has, with its Brigade, either in August or September, been present at the re- gular fall muster.
COLONELS OF THE FIFTH.
At the time of this writing, all of the Colonels of the Fifth, from 1855. are living, and enjoying excellent health, and apparently fair prosperity.
General Benjamin F. Butler was, at the time of the re- organization of the Militia, 1855, Colonel of the Old Fifth, and, for many years afterwards, commanded the Brigade of which the New Fifth was a part. Many inter- esting incident have been told to the writer concerning the able General, but the present volume has not space enough to enumerate them.
KILLED AND WOUNDED.
THREE MONTHS' MEN.
NINE MONTHS' MEN.
Killed in action, .
Killed in action,
Died of wounds, 2 Died of wounds, 12
10 S 1
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SEVERAL CRACK ORGANIZATIONS.
It does not seem out of place here, to mention two of the Old Fourth's Crack Companies. The uniforms worn by the Old Militia Companies were often magnificent. The general inclination in color was dark blue with buff trimmings. The coat was usually of the dress pattern. the hat or cap was a gorgeous affair, and if worn by the young men of to-day would, doubtless, " topple" them over. The companies usually numbered about 100 members, and as they were mostly business men, they could afford costly uniforms. At May inspections and receptions, their ap- pearance was always grand and imposing, and used to have an inspiring effect on those who witnessed their evolutions.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
The following is a full description of one of the finest uni- forms, and was worn by the WARREN PHALANX, when commanded by Capt. Nehemiah Wyman, and at the time, 1823, was attached to the Fifth Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3d Division.
THE UNIFORM.
CAP - of fur body with leather frontpiece, trimmed with brass scales, yellow metal chains, gilt eagle in front, with an 18 in. black plume.
COAT -of blue cloth, standing collar, single breasted, three rows of eleven each, of yellow metal buttons in front, three buttons on each cuff, twelve buttons on the folds, one button on each side of the collar, trimmed with black silk cord, the edges of the collar with gold lace, with a diamond of lace on the folds.
UNDER-DRESS -- White drilling pantaloons, with half boots.
MUSIC.
Two bugles, two fifes, two drums, and one trumbone.
This company, in 1844, owned one of the most elaborate uniforms ever worn, being literally covered with gold, and was styled the " Napoleon."
CHARLESTOWN LIGHT INFANTRY.
This company once belonged to the " Old Fourth," and in its time was a crack organization, and wore a most gor- geons uniform. Its letter was B and in 1841, was com- mandled by Stephen Whittemore, Jr. Among the popular commanders might be named A. Aaron Hadley, James K. Frothingham, J. Deblois. A. P. Pritchard, Edward Carnes, Chas. Pool, Oliver Cutter, and Timothy T. Sawyer. The latter was made captain in August, 1842, and served as such until the company was disbanded Sept. 1846.
Very Renty You's Syra & Sauce Vball Bondy 5ch Reghin?
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
COLUMBIAN GUARDS.
This corps was a popular one, and was first commanded by Capt. Joseph F. Boyd, who was a remarkably fine sol- dier. Its letter was D in the old Fourth, and was dis- banded Nov. 1846. In October 1850, the Light Infantry and old members of this corps consolidated and formed what is now known as the City Guards.
There were four companies at one time in Charlestown belonging to the Fourth Regiment, and when in line of battle, they would take up more space than a regiment does now, which shows, perhaps, that the larger the com- pany the deeper the interest taken in its affairs and the higher the standard of pride and discipline.
COL. EZRA J. TRULL. Seventh Colonel of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M.
Col. Ezra J. Trull was born in Boston, and when but a boy became inspired with the display of the military and the strains of martial music. As early as 1858, when sixteen years of age, he joined the Boston City Guards, and was connected with that body until 1860. In 1861 he joined the Ith Battalion of Rifles, and went to the war in the 13th Regiment, 16th. July, 1861, and was commissioned as Captain in the 39th Mass. Volunteers (9th Aug. 1862) and served in that position through the rest of the war with marked ability for so young an officer, and was dis- charged June 2d, 1865. In August, 1865, not feeling easy away from the military, he joined the Charlestown Cadets, 5th Regiment, M. V. M., and won the position of a corpo- ral in a competition drill, 224 November, 1865. On the 28th of May, 1868, he took his discharge from the Cadets,
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
and on July 1st, 1872, was appointed Adjutant of the Fifth. This position he filled with such noticeable efficiency, that at an election of major he was chosen to fill the vacancy, and was commissioned Lieut .- Col., July 19th, 1874. On the 6th of March, 1875, he was chosen Colonel of the Fifth, and has held that position ever since, except for a short period during the re-organization of the militia from the 28th April, 1876, to 24th July, 1876. Col. Trull has been of late years a partner in a successful concern, and is much respected by his business associates, as well as by the officers and men of the Fifth Regiment.
He has held positions of trust in the City Government, and is highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. His record is excellent as a soldier, not only as a private and officer in the late war, but as Colonel of the Fifth. To him the regiment is greatly indebted for many valuable im- provements in the management of its affairs. It is not out of place here to say that Colonel Trull ranks high among the best officers of the State, and is considered as good a regimental commander and tactician as there is now in the State militia.
EXCURSION OF THE FIFTH M. V. M., TO NEW HAVEN.
Who of the Fifth, that participated in the excursion of the regiment to New Haven, Connecticut, on July 4th, 1879, will ever forget the pleasures of that visit ? who will not look back upon this occasion as one of the brightest in their military career?
The Fifth Regiment have a fair record for hospitality, and among the organizations they have entertained, are the following : Ninth Regiment, N. G. S., New York, Colonel James Fisk, Jr., June 17th, 1871, Fifth Maryland (escort), June 17th, 1875.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
It may be well here to relate an interesting incident connected with the reception of this regiment. In 1864, when the Fifth were doing garrison duty at Fort Marshall in the vicinity of Baltimore, Md., a detachment was or- dered under Major William T. Grammer to occupy Fort MeHenry. While performing this duty, Major Grammer received orders from General Morris to erect a gallows in the Fort yard, and on Monday, at sunrise, to execute three spys, but at midnight, Sunday, a reprieve came from the President, and the prisoners were sent to Albany. It hap- pened strangely that one of the three prisoners was a Lieutenant in one of the companies of the Fifth Maryland during its visit to Boston, and he eagerly sought out "Major Grammer," to whom he was introduced, and it may be well imagined that an interesting interview followed; in fact, during the stay of the Marylanders, these two military gentlemen were seen constantly together, and a better illustration of " shaking hands across the bloody chasm" could not have been found.
The Fifth also received the Second Connecticut on the occasion of their visit to Charlestown, June 17th, 1878, and this was an event long to be remembered by the military and citizens of that District. Although the rain fell in torrents most of the day, the programme laid out for the visitors was fully carried out, and were satisfactory to the participants, and the courtesies extended to them by the officers and men of the Fifth were deeply appreciated by the Second. The appearance of the Connecticut troops in Charlestown created considerable enthusiasm ; their marching was of the best, and their discipline was per- fect. insomuch that the military erities of the press ac- corded them a high standard of excellence. .
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
The officers of the Second, in full appreciation of the kindness shown them on this occasion, cordially invited the Fifth to visit Connecticut the next year, and so earnest were they in their expressions, that a favorable answer was given them before they left the State.
How soon are the good deeds of a patriotic people for- gotten, and it is only by referring to the history of that early period of the war when our Fifth were received at New Haven on their way to Washington, that we find a slight mention of the hospitable manner in which they were entertained. One of the Fifth's volunteers who was present on that grand occasion, recently told the writer the follow- ing particulars, which would doubtless never have been recorded, but for his timely utterances. He said, " You say the Fifth were received in grand style on your recent excursion : well, I can assure you that your reception did not amount to a penny whistle beside the one we received when stopping here for an hour's refreshment on our way to the war. Long before we reached the city, on the house- tops and beside the railroad we could see the people in throngs waving their handkerchiefs, cheering and making the wildest demonstrations as we passed, and when we arrived in New Haven, I saw a sight there I shall not for- get to my dying day. Everywhere about the depot and streets there was not an inch of ground but what was cov- ered by the swaying multitude, with cager faces all up- turned like coins to pay us a tribute. Bells were rung, the cannons belched, and the diu was raging wild. After we landed. we were feasted and honored like kings. Ham- pers of champagne, brandy, and such things were loaded on to the train, haversacks were crowded with goodies and solid food, the thoughtful people thus testified in a small
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
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