USA > Massachusetts > History of the Fifth Regiment, M. V. M > Part 9
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way that their hearts were with us. The ladies and chil- dren took part in the grand ovation, bottles of cologne. soap. letter paper, handkerchiefs, towels and the like were showered upon us, and when we left that city, we felt that such people did not belong to this earth ; indeed, it was a difficult thing to break away from them. The tears that were shed. and the " God bless you " said on that occasion were from the hearts of the most patriotic and generous people I ever met. nor have I seen their like since. When I heard that the old Fifth were going to New Haven again. I said to myself as a tear started to my eye in remembrance of the days gone by, well, they are going to a people that will not allow them to rest until they have had one of the most glorious receptions they ever experienced."
As early as October 16th, 1878, Col. Trull of the Fifth, at a meeting held at headquarters, introduced the idea of an extended excursion, to occur some time in June, 1879, and it was seriously discussed and finally agreed to visit Baltimore and New Haven. A committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration, and consisted of the following officers: Col. Ezra J. Trull, Paymaster Chas. A. Fairbanks, Captains F. B. Bogan, J. E. Phipps, and J. Henry Brown. This committee reported at a subre- quent meeting of the officers, and it was deemed inexpedi- ent to go to Baltimore, owing to the great expense, and the time that would be consumed. The following circular was issued by Col. Trull, and explains itself.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, M. V. M. BOSTON, February 14, 1879.
CIRCULAR.
The next Regular Meeting of the Officers of the Regi- ment will occur on Wednesday Evening, February 19th,
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at 8 o'clock. The Commander of the Regiment expects every officer to be present, as business of importance will be transacted. Commanders of Companies will be ready to report at this meeting the action of their commands in re- gard to the New Haven trip in June next. The Commit- tee on New Haven trip will be ready to report, so far as is possible : also, the Committee on Revision of " Rules and Regulations." A meeting of the Field and Staff will be held during the evening.
By command of Cor. EzRA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and Alj'i.
At this meeting there was a very full attendance, and the committee reported favorable to the proposed visit. On the 19th of March, an adjourned meeting of the committee was held, and it was voted that the visit to New Haven in June be made on the 19th, 20th, and 21st, instead of the 16th, 17th, and 18th, as was previously voted. This change was made so as to allow the Charlestown Compa- nies to participate in the 17th of June celebrations.
The following general order was issued in regard to the proposed excursion, and shows the determination of Col. Trull to place his command in a thorough condition before the departure.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. M. BosTos, March 6, 1879. GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 1.
As the Regiment has fully decided to visit New Haven, Conn., in June next, every officer and man must see the necessity of constant and thorough drill, in order that they may do credit to themselves and the State they represent.
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
Every member must feel that on him individually rests the success of the excursion and the honor of the Regiment, and the Commander expects that all will earnestly labor to bring our organization up to a high standard of drill and discipline. An Inspection in full dress uniform (white gloves). heavy marching order, will take place as follows :
Company H, Thursday evening, March 20th, 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Company F, Thursday evening, March 27th, 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Company D, Monday evening, March 31st. 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Company B, Monday evening. April 7th, 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Company E, Friday even- ing, April 11th, 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Company A, Monday, evening. April 14th, 1879, at 8 o'clock; Company G, Wednesday evening, April 23d, 1879, at 8 o'clock ; Com- pany C, Monday evening, April 28th, 1879, at 8 o'clock.
After inspection the Companies will be drilled in all the Company movements, and loadings and firings. All Non- Commissioned Officers, who have not been examined, will come before the Board at this time. Commanders of Companies will fill all vacancies of Non-Commissioned Of- ficers, and forward their names to these Headquarters. The Commander of the Regiment expects every officer and man to be present, and no one will be excused except by written request addressed to these Headquarters, favor ably endorsed by Company Commanders.
By Command of COL. EZRA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and Adjutant.
The result of the above inspection was highly grati- fying to the Commander, and active preparations were immediately begun. In April the following order ap- peared.
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HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. M. BOSTON, April 8, 1879. GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 2.
The inspection of Company A is hereby postponed from Monday evening, April 14th, 1879, at 8 o'clock, to Monday evening, May 5th, 1879, at 8 o'clock.
The Commander of the Regiment desires to impress upon every member of the Regiment the necessity of con- stant and thorough drill, in order that the Regiment may make a good appearance on its excursion to New Haven. Every officer and man must do his best to fill up the ranks with good men, and leave nothing undone that will tend to advance the interests of the Regiment in drill discipline and members.
There are now but a few weeks before the excursion takes place. and the Commander expects that all will work hard to make the Regiment second to none.
By Command of COL. EZRA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and Adjutant.
The Committee visited New Haven, Tuesday, April 15th, and were accompanied by several of the officers of the regiment. They were magnificently entertained by the officers of the Second, and were given assurance of a soldier's welcome for the entire regiment. The New Haven Grays gave a ball on the occasion of their visit, and in many other ways favorably noticed the committee ; one or two subsequent visits to perfect arrangements were made, and at one of them the City Authorities expressed a desire that the visit be postponed until the Fourth of July, when they proposed to have a large military display, it
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being the occasion of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the evacuation of the city by the British.
Of course this was acceeded to, and such active meas- ures as were necessary were immediately begun. The fol- lowing orders were issued by the Commander, and show the earnest manner in which he entered into the proposed excursion, being determined to place the regiment on the most solid footing.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INPANTRY, M. V. M. BosTON, June 9, 1879. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 7.
1. The Regiment having adopted the AMERICAN BAND of Boston, as Regimental Band, it will hereafter be known as " The Fifth Regiment Band of Boston."
2. Musician Wm. W. Keith, Jr., Co. C, is hereby ap- pointed Drum-Sergeant, and will have charge of all Com- pany Musicians, under the supervision of the Drum Major. All the Drummers (with their drums) will report to Ser- geant Keith at the armory of Co. D, Fifth Regiment, No. 34S Washington Street, Boston, on Wednesday Evenings, June 18th, and 25th, 1879, at 8 o'clock, for instruction and drill.
By Command of Col. EZRA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and Adj't.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. M. BOSTON, June 14, 1879. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 8.
Commanders of Companies with their Commissioned Officers, Five Sergeants, Four Corporals and Eight Pri- vates (a private will take the place of any absent Non- Commissioned Officer) in undress uniform, will report to
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the Adjutant at Institute of Techno In il Shed. on Wednesday Evening, June 18th. 1572. dock. for Battalion Drill.
Field Officers, Adjutant, and Ser fagor will re- port at same time and place to the Cen
Captain Phipps, Company A, and Copasta Enerd. Com- pany G, will have the markers with ilez.
Color Bearers will be with their Companies and carry rifles.
By Order of CoL. EZBA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Liegt. and Adft.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY. M. V. M.
GENERAL ORDERS, N .. S.
Commanders of Companies with that Commissioned Officers, five Sergeants, four Corporate and elfht Privates. (a private will take the place of asy o. : Non-Commis- sioned Officer,) in undress uniform. : . report to the Ad- jntant at Institute of Technology D.C: Sh. .. Wedues- day Evening, June 25th, 1879, At 8:15 o'clock. sharp, for Battalion Drill.
Field Officers and Adjutant will regnet to the Colonel at the same time and place.
Captain Phipps, Company A, sad Captain Ellard. Company G, will have the regularly detailed markers with them. Drummers, in undress miten. .. their drums will report to Drum-Sergeant Keith et Andory Company D, No. 348 Washington Street. at & o'ofk. for instruction and drill. Company Commanders will see that their drum- mers attend.
As this is the last opportunity we shall have for drill
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before going to New Haven, the Commander expects each Company to have the full number detailed, and that all will endeavor to improve themselves in their several duties. By Order of COL. EZRA J. TRULL.
FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and. Adj't.
The Commanders of each Company were untiring in their efforts to make each man perfectly acquainted with his duties, and no new recruits were taken, who could not be placed in the front ranks.
The men seemed imbued with the same feeling that possessed their popular Colonel, and to make a fine ap- pearance in the City of Elms, was uppermost in the minds of each.
The following valuable order was issued, and contains the very essence of compactness in information and knowl- edge of the requirements of excursionists.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. M. BOSTON, June 26, 1879. GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 10.
This Regiment having decided by unanimous vote to make an excursion to New Haven, Conn., on July 4th, 1879, the following orders are issued for the information and guidance of the members, and will be obeyed :
I. Commanders of Companies with their Commands, in full dress uniform, heavy marching order, overcoats on top knapsacks, will report to the Adjutant on the Parade Ground of Boston Common, at 10 o'clock on the night of July 3d, 1879. Neither collars nor white gloves will be worn. Commander of Company H, will escort the col- ors to the ground. Field, Staff and Band will report at same time and place to the Commander of the Regiment.
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II. Each man will carry in his knapsack, neatly packed, Blouse, Fatigue Cap, White Pants, Collars, White Gloves, and Toilet Articles. Commanders are again notified to see that Arms, Equipments, Knapsacks and Clothing, (es- pecially blouses) are in the best of order.
IU. Commanders of Companies will hand to the Adju- tant, on reporting, the number of Officers and men in their Commands, made on morning report blanks. They will hand to the Paymaster Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2.50). for each officer and man in their Commands, and for each of their guests. No person will be allowed on the train without a ticket received through the Paymaster. Each Company will be allowed two servants.
IV. There will be one or more sleeping cars attached to the train, and Company Commanders will notify the Commander of the Regiment of the number of guests and men who will want berths, on or before July 1st. Each berth will accommodate two persons. The cost will be extra, 81.25 each way, or 82.00 the round trip. Tickets are good only on the excursion train. All baggage, plainly marked, will be sent to the Boston and Providence Rail- road Station, by ten o'clock on the evening of July 3d.
V. Company Commanders will see that during the trip the men remain in the cars, and are not allowed on the platform, or to pass from one car to another. The greatest care will be taken of arms and equipments, and officers are referred to Section 3, Article 22, and Sections 1 and 2. Article 18, Regulations, M. V. M.
VI. The following details are made. and they will re- port to the Adjutant on the Common, who will take their names and Company letter. One Corporal from Compa- nies B, C, D, E, F and II, for Color Guard; two privates
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each from Companies A and G for Markers. Color Ser- geants Cutler and Ballard will report with the colors to Captain Brown. Company H, at his Armory on Thursday Evening, July 3d, 1879, at 8: 45 o'clock.
VII. The following named Captains will act as Officers of the Day for the time mentioned, and will report to the Commander of the Regiment for instructions: Captain Brown, Company H, from Boston to New Haven ; Cap- tain Phipps, Company A, from 6 o'clock, July 4th, 1879, to 2 o'clock, July 4th, 1879; Captain Bancroft, Company B, from 2 o'clock, July 4th, 1879, to 8 o'clock, July 4th, 1879 : Captain Whitney, Company E, from 8 o'clock, July 4th, 1879, to 6 o'clock, A. M., July 5th, 1879; Captain Snow, Company D, from 6 o'clock, A. M., July 5th, till arrived in Boston. Officers and men will implicitly obey all orders received from the above-mentioned officers.
VIII. The Regiment will be quartered as follows : Headquarters, Tontine Hotel ; Field, Staff. Non-Com- missioned Staff and Invited Guests of the Regiment, Ton- tine Hotel ; Band, Yale Dining Rooms ; Company A, Trem- ont House, Company B, Union House, Company C, Austin House, Company D, Yale Dining Rooms, Company E, Sleep in Germania Hall, Meals at Florence House, Com- pany F, Sleep in City Hotel. Meals at Florence House, Company G, Sleep in Germania Hall. Meals at Florence House, Company H, Nesbitt's Hotel. Commanders of Companies will see that arms, equipments and clothing are in a safe place, under lock and key, when not in use, and will themselves settle with the Hotel proprietors for board and lodgings. The Commander of the Regiment hopes that each Company will have with them two good drummers.
IX. Every member of the Regiments must remember
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that we represent the State of Massachusetts, and that on your drill, discipline, obedience to orders, promptness, and individual behavior rests the reputation of the State and Regiment. Officers and men will salute at all times, and the Commander expects that all will remember they are gentlemen and soldiers.
By Order of COL. EZRA J. TRULL. FRANK L. STEVENSON, First Lieut. and Adj't.
These last words of Colonel Trull had their desired ef- feet, as subsequent mention will prove.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH REGIMENT INFANTRY, M. V. M. BosTox, June 30, 1879. CIRCULAR.
The Regiment will leave Boston about 10: 30 o'clock on the evening of July 3d, 1879, arriving in New Haven about 6 o'clock, A. M., July 4th, where it will be met at the depot by a delegation of Officers of the 2d Regiment Connecticut National Guard, and will immediately march to the Headquarters of the 5th, where it will be dismissed to go to quarters for breakfast, and prepare for the parade. About 8: 30 o'clock, the Regiment (in full dress uniform. white pants, collars and gloves, without knapsacks), will assemble and be formally received by the 2d Regiment Connecticut National Guard, Colonel Charles P. Graham, commanding, and escorted by them to their place in line. After participating in the procession, they will pass in review before the Governor of Connecticut, General Smith, City Authorities and Invited Guests ; they will then form in line of masses, and go through Brigade Dress Parade, General Smith commanding, after which they will be dismissed for dinner, and from that time until 7:30
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
the next morning, officers and men will associate with their brother soldiers of Connecticut. At 7: 30 o'clock on the morning of July 5th. the companies will be ready to " fall in," heavy marching order (every man), and we shall go through a Regimental Dress Parade on the Green, marching from thence to the depot to take the cars for home at 9 o'clock, A. M., where we shall arrive about 3 : 30 o'clock, P. M. We shall make a short parade, giving General Sutton and the Mayor a marching salute, and have a Dress Parade on the Common.
I expect that every officer and man will be posted in his duties, obey all orders promptly and cheerfully, and be on hand every time when we fall in. I don't want any stragglers or any men left behind, when we leave New Haven. Each man must feel that on him, individually, and on his behavior rests the success of the excursion and the good name of the Regiment. You cannot be too care- ful. Commanders of Companies will instruct their men about saluting, and cantion them to salute every Officer they meet, and every time they meet him. After the pa- rade is over, July 4th, officers and men will appear on the street in undress uniform, white pants, no citizens cloth- ing of any description to be worn.
Now soldiers, I leave it to you to see that everything is carried out in good shape, and nothing occurs to mar the credit of the Regiment, or the pleasure of the occasion. Yours truly, EZRA J. TRULL. Colonel Commanding 5th Regiment Infantry, MT. V. M.
The following circular was issued by Colonel Graham, of the Second Connecticut Regiment, which gives the pro- gramme of their Command, in its entertainment of the Fifth, and will not appear out of place here.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
HEADQARTERS SECOND REGIMENT, CONNECTICUT NATIONAL GUARD.
MIDDLETOWN, June 24, 1879.
CIRCULAR, NO. I.
The Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Colonel Ezra J. Trull, Commanding, will visit New Haven on July 4th, 1879, remaining until the next day. The Regiment is expected to arrive at 6 o'clock on the morn- ing of the Fourth, and will participate in the grand cele- bration to take place on that day.
The courtesies extended to the Second while they were in Boston last year, by Colonel Trull and his Command, will be gratefully remembered by every Officer and mem- ber of this Regiment. The Board of Officers of this Com- mand desire to make the visit of the Fifth, one that shall ever be remembered by them with gratification, and to give them a reception that will make their short stay pleasant and their excursion a success. They have there- fore arranged the following programme :
The field and staff and commissioned officers of New Haven companies will meet the Fifth and its distinguished guests at the depot upon their arrival, and escort them to their headquarters.
At 10:30 o'clock, the Second will formally receive the Fifth on Elm street, and escort them to their position in line for the parade. Immediately after the parade, both regiments will form on the public square for review and brigade dress parade, Brigadier-General Stephen R. Smith in command, after which both regiments will be dismissed for the day.
In the evening the band of the Fifth will give a grand concert on the public square, during which the officers and guests of both regiments will partake of a banquet, given by the Second, in honor of the visitors. Members of
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MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
the various companies of the visiting regiment will par- take of collation at the armories of the city companies at the same time.
On Saturday morning, July 5th, the Fifth will have a dress parade on the public square, after which they will march to the depot, and embark for home.
CHARLES P. GRAHAM, Colonel Commanding Second Regiment, C. N. G.
Owing to the transfer of the Charlestown Artillery Company D, Captain F. B. Bogan, to the 9th Regiment, Captain HT. A. Snow of the Fusileers, was placed on the Committee of Arrangements.
According to custom and law, a regiment leaving the State under arms, are required to gain permission of the Commander of the State to do so; they are also obliged to have authority to pass through the states on their route.
It is thought best to publish the following grants, that there may be a complete record of the details of the ex- cursion.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, BOSTON, June 16, 1879.
SPECIAL ORDER, No. 75. EXTRACT.
III. Permission is hereby granted the 5th Regiment Infantry, M. V. M., Colonel E. J. Trull, Commander, to leave the State on a visit to New Haven, Conn., on the 3d July next, to return on the following 5th July.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief.
A. HUN BERRY, Adjutant-General.
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HISTORY OF THE FIFTH REGIMENT
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, PROVIDENCE, June 21, 1:79.
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 24.
Permission is hereby granted to the 5th Regiment, Mas- sachusetts Volunteer Militia to enter this State, armed and equipped as a military body, and remain therein July Ed to 5th, 1879.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief.
C. H. BARNEY, Adjutant- General.
Colonel EZRA J. TRULL, Commander Fifth M. V. M.
Official : A. HUN BERRY, AAdjutant-General.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF CONNECTICUT. ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, HARTFORD, July 18, 1879. SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 47.
Permission is hereby accorded the 5th Regiment Massa- chusetts' Volunteer Militia, to enter this State. armed and equipped as a military body, on a visit to New Haven. July 8d, to 5th proximo.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief. EDWARD HARLAND, Adjutant-General.
THE START.
Agreeable to orders, the regiment assembled on Boston Common, at 10:30 p. M .. on the night of July 3d, 1879. It was a delightful evening; the air was cool, and the officers and men were in the best of spirits.
Soon after, the regiment and its invited guests marched to the Providence Railroad depot, and embarked on a special train of thirteen cars, at eleven o'clock, fer New Haven.
A large and enthusiastic crowd of citizens and friends of the regiment were present to see them off, and as the
MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA. 139
train left the depot, cheer after cheer rent the air, and the journey began. The various companies were quartered in a comfortable manner, and many pleasant features added to the excitement and enjoyment of the trip. All along the line, the boys were greeted with rockets and cheers, and when the first stop was made at Mansfield, the citi- zons were at the depot, and with fish-horns and explosives, give vent to their patriotism, and put the soldiers into a corresponding humor. All night long the boys were wide- awake. and he who dared to sleep was the victim of some trick from the busy minds of his more wakeful comrades. A few there were who stowed away ": forty winks," and Capt. Brown, the officer of the night, reported "every- thing on the stir, but no one troublesome."
And so the night wore on, and at day-break, the boys were putting themselves in trim, preparatory to the arrival.
ARRIVAL IN NEW HAVEN.
On the arrival of the train at New Haven, which was at about 6 o'clock, A. r., the air was rent with cheers, and the - Nutmegers " were alive, and great throngs were in and abont the depot, awaiting the Massachusetts' soldiers.
Among those at the depot who were in waiting to re- ceive the troops, were the " Mystic Men." In other words, half a hundred Grays, sporting white plug hats of all shapes and ages, and commanded by General Beers and Colonel Catlin, marched from the armory to the depot, and were on hand to welcome the visitors, but, more especially, the Charlestown Cadets.
The field. staff. and commanding officers of the Second C. N. G. were present, and, under their escort, the reg- iment were soon on the march with the Fifth Regimental Band at the head, playing their prettiest music.
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Crowds were assembled all along the line of march, and the gay colors and decorations with banners printed " Wel- come 5th. M. V. M."; the applause and cheers which greeted the 5th, gave evidence that a royal reception was awaiting them. On they marched, and at every turn new sights and sounds of welcome greeted them, which made the boys " brace up." and though they had had land little sleep, the excitement gave them " vim " and cour- age. After a comfortable march through some of the prin- cipal streets, the escort halted in front of the Tontine House, Regimental Headquarters, and the entire command was then dismissed to go to their assigned quarters.
The boys betook themselves to their rooms, and after performing ablutions, were ready for their " grub." The Fifth, being in heavy marching order upon their arrival, and marching in columns of fours, did not show themselves off to particular advantage; but before the hour for forn :- ing line. they were clad in white pants and gloves. and every man saw to it that his uniform and boots were in a . perfect condition. At 10: 30 o'clock, the regiment assem- bled in front of the Tontine House, and were there form- ally received by the Second Regiment.
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