USA > Massachusetts > Massachusetts in the war, 1861-1865 Pt. 1 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48
The new Legislature met and organized January 2, 1861, with William Claflin of Newton as president of the Senate and John A. Goodwin of Lowell speaker of the House of Representatives. A departure from the ordinary procedure in such cases was a retiring address from Governor Nathaniel P. Banks, who had for three years . successfully conducted the duties of the office. Impressed by the omens of the times, that high-minded patriot communicated to the incoming government his views and such suggestions as his ex- perience prompted. In that address he held out no hope of escape from a terrible civil contest ; but he had no fear for the final result. " There can be no peaceable secession of the states," he declared. " The strength of every government must be tested by revolt and revolution. I doubt not that the providence of God, that has pro- tected us hitherto, will preserve us now and hereafter."
President Claflin of the Senate, on taking the chair to which he had been elected, referred to the threatening situation, saying, " Whatever action we may take, let us be careful of the rights of others, but faithful to our trusts." Speaker Goodwin, in reference to the same subject, remarked :-
For the second time in our history, we see a state of our Union
.
3
PATRIOTIC WORDS AND DEEDS.
setting at naught the common compact, and raising the hand of remorse- less violence against a whole section of her sister states, and against the Union itself. But for the first time in our history are unrebuked trai- tors seen in the high places of the nation, where, with undaunted front, they awe into treasonable inaction the hand the people have solemnly deputed to hold the scales of justice, and wield the imperial sword. It is to be remembered that Massachusetts sacrificed much to establish the Union, and to defend and perpetuate it. She is ready to sacrifice more, provided it touch not her honor or the principles of free government,-principles interwoven with her whole history and never dearer to the hearts of her people of all classes and parties than they are to-day. Let us approach this portion of our duties with cool- ness and deliberation, and with a generous patriotism.
Adjutant General Schouler, at about the same time, responding to a toast to Major Anderson, then besieged in Fort Sumter, spoke for the military power of the state when he said: " We have no boasts to make ; history tells what the men of Massachusetts have done, and they will never disgrace that history." Everywhere there was the same feeling,-that war should be avoided if it were possi- ble, even by any sacrifice or compromise compatible with honor and equal rights ; but if the last resort failed, and the dreadful alter- native presented itself, the honor of the Old Bay State should be vindicated and its devotion to the Union and the national govern- ment be put forever beyond question. In few words the new gov- ernor, while treating the entire subject at length and with great ability, summed up the situation, saying, " The people will forever stand by the country." It will from this be understood with what purpose the men of Massachusetts acted; and while every possible preparation was being made for meeting what was considered the inevitable struggle, it is not a matter of surprise or an evidence of divided councils that before the close of the month a petition, bear- ing the names of 15,000 prominent people of the state, urging con- ciliatory measures to avert if possible the threatened strife, was sent to the Massachusetts delegation in Congress.
In the same direction was the appointment by the Legislature, early in February, of a commission to represent the state at the conference or convention called at the instance of Virginia to meet at Washington, when the Bay State was represented by this able list of her sons : Lieutenant Governor John Z. Goodrich of Stock- bridge, Charles Allen of Worcester, George S. Boutwell of Groton, Francis B. Crowninshield of Boston, Theophilus P. Chandler of
.
t
1℮
d is e 1- e
n- to
of
4
MASSACHUSETTS IN THE WAR.
Brookline, John M. Forbes of Milton and Richard B. Waters of Beverly. This convention was duly held and submitted to Congress its plan for compromise ; but nothing could then check the mad race of secession.
While these efforts in behalf of peace were being made, Gover- nor Andrew and his associates were not idle. These associates consisted of Lieutenant Governor John Z. Goodrich, who soon after resigned, being appointed collector of the port of Boston ; Secretary of State Oliver Warner of Northampton, Treasurer and Receiver General Henry K. Oliver of Salem. Attorney General Dwight Fos- ter of Worcester, Auditor Levi Reed of Abington, Executive Coun- cilors Jacob Sleeper of Boston, John I. Baker of Beverly, James M. Shute of Somerville, Hugh M. Green of Northfield, Joel Hayden of Williamsburg, James Ritchie of Roxbury, Oakes Ames of Easton and Eleazer C. Sherman of Plymouth. The state Legislature con- sisted of a Senate of 40 and a House of Representatives of 240 members.
The, first movement of Governor Andrew was to put himself in communication with the executives of the other New England states, dispatching messengers to each on the evening of his inauguration. Colonel Wardrop of the Third Regiment of Militia was sent to Ver- mont, while Colonel Albert G. Clarke, afterward the governor's private military secretary, went to New Hampshire and Maine. Other representatives visited Connecticut and Rhode Island. All of these were cordially received. It was arranged that in all the states salntes should be fired and other demonstrations made on the 8th of January, in honor of General Jackson's victory at New Orleans, with a view to quickening the patriotic pulse ; and from Maine, where an important conference was held, the message was returned that wherever Massachusetts led that commonwealth would follow. By this thoughtful act of her chief officer, Massachusetts occupied her rightful position of leader of the New England states- a position in keeping with her material and numerical strength and her previous proud record in the van of many a noble cause.
Immediate attention was given by the executive to the perfection of the militia organizations of the state, so that if their services should be called for they could not only respond at once, but in a manner to reflect credit upon the Commonwealth. These organiza- tions were not formidable in numbers. While the state militia
5
TIIE MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS.
comprised three divisions, commanded respectively by, Major Gen- erals Sutton, Morse and Andrews, with two brigades to each divis- ion, the total numerical strength only reached 5,593 officers and men, divided into nine regiments and three battalions of infantry, three battalions and eight unattached companies of riflemen, and one battalion and five unattached companies of cavalry. Back of these organizations was the registered but unorganized militia of the state, between the ages of 18 and 45, making a total strength of 155,389. Under the laws of the state the officers furnished their own arms and uniforms and the men also uniformed them- selves while the state furnished their arms and equipments and paid the reut of armories for the several companies. In the way of armament the total resources of the state at that time consisted of 71 pieces of field artillery of all calibers and about 10,000 muskets, a quarter of which were of the Springfield rifled muzzle-loading pattern, the remainder being smooth-bores of various makes.
The active head of the military organization of the state was Adjutant General William Schouler, who had been appointed to the position by Governor Banks, and retained office through the ad- ministration of Governor Andrew, to whom he rendered inestima- ble service from his intimate knowledge of everything pertaining to his department, his quick comprehension of new phases of the situation as they arose, and his whole-souled devotion to his duties. To his valuable suggestions, embodied in his report for 1860, ren- dered just before the change of administration, and those afterward communicated at the request of the executive or incorporated in official documents, the governor was largely indebted for his quick and comprehensive grasp of the situation and its details.
·
A special order was issued by Governor Andrew through the adjutant general on the 7th of January, 1861, directing that the following day should be observed by the firing of 100 guns on Bos- ton Common and national salutes at various other cities and towns of the Commonwealth, " In commemoration of the brave defense of New Orleans, January 8, 1815, by the deceased patriot, General Jackson, and in honor of the gallant conduct and wise foresight of Major Anderson, now in command of Fort Sumter, in the state of South Carolina."
A second order, and one of greater importance, followed on the 16th, which, after citing the probability that the militia of the
.
6
MASSACHUSETTS IN THE WAR.
state might be called upon to assist the President of the United States in enforcing the laws, directed,-
That the commanding officer of each company of volunteer militia examine with care the roll of his company, and cause the name of each member. together with his rank and place of residence. to be property recorded, and a copy of the same to be forwarded to the office of the adjutant general. Previous to which, commanders of com- panies shall make strict inquiry whether there are men in their com- mands who from age, physical defect, business or family causes, may be unable or indisposed to respond at once to the orders of the com- minder-in-chief, made in response to the call of the President of the United States, that they be forthwith discharged ; so that their places may be filled by men ready for any public exigency which may arise, whenever called upon.
After the above orders shall have been fulfilled, no discharge, either of officer or private, shall be granted, unless for cause satisfac- tory to the commander-in-chief.
If any companies have not the number of men allowed by law, the commanders of the same shall make proper exertions to have the vacancies filled, and the men properly drilled and uniformed, and their names and places of residence forwarded to head-quarters.
Naturally, in the excited condition of the country, this order met with prompt attention and caused no little comment. While in rare instances denounced as unnecessary and sensational, it was generally commended, by the press and by public opinion, as a wise precaution, and this conviction was deepened as its good effects were manifest in the improved morale of the different commands and the hightened esprit du corps. The growth of the martial spirit was something remarkable, and numerous applications reached head-quarters for authority to form new companies, though none . were then authorized.
The action of the Legislature during these days of suspense left no uncertainty as to the position which would be taken by the Com- monwealth in case the trial of arms between the national govern- ment and the seceding states came. Its first enactment in relation to the matter passed and was approved on the 23d of January, being a series of resolves expressive of approval of the "determination evinced in the recent firm and patriotic special message of the Presi- dent of the United States," and proffering to him " through the governor of the Commonwealth, such aid in men and money as he may require to maintain the authority of the national government." To this resolve there was practically no opposition, though free dis-
.
7
THIE OPENING GUNS AT SUMTER.
cussion was invited. There was more variance of opinion in regard to the.proposition to authorize the governor to appoint commission- ers to meet and confer with the representatives of Virginia and other states ; but as the proposed convention was nominally in the interest of peace the authority was voted and the governor ap- pointed the commission as above named.
As the session was about closing, the Legislature, on the 3d of April, passed an act authorizing the adjutant general, who was also acting quartermaster general, to equip 2000 troops for active ser- vice, an appropriation of not exceeding $25,000 being made for the purpose. This legislation created considerable adverse comment among those not politically in sympathy with the administration, though within a few days its wisdom was abundantly justified, in a manner to silence all criticism from those, of whatever party, true to the cause of the national government and its integrity.
In the midst of this preparation and suspense, the bombardment of Fort Sumter, which opened on the day following the adjournment of the Massachusetts Legislature, came like an electric shock. It cleared the air of doubts and uncertainties. It assured the gover- nor and his associates that their precautionary preparations had been wise ; it dispelled the cherished hope that civil war might be averted, and it drew the line sharply between those who upheld the Federal government and its open or covert enemies. While a few of the latter were to be found, their numbers were comparatively insignificant ; and when the question became that of union or dis- union, the great majority of those not politically in accord with the state and national administrations joined hands with them in sup- port of the imperiled government. With the fall of Sumter, in- decision and hesitation vanished. Every house displayed the en :- blems of loyalty ; man and woman, child and old age wore rosettes of red, white and blue ; the stars and stripes were unfurled from every flag-staff. The naturally cool blood of the North, which had shrunk from the prospect of fratricidal strife, now burned to avenge the insult to the nation and its flag.
While this excitement was at its hight came the first call of Presi- dent Lincoln for troops-75,000 men to serve for three months, the longest term for which the militia could be called outside of their respective states. Of this force Massachusetts was called upon for two regiments, the governor receiving the requisition formally from
8
MASSACHUSETTS IN THE WAR.
the secretary of war on the 15th of April, a few hours after a tele- gram had been received from Senator Henry, Wilson announcing the call. Immediate messages were sent out calling upon the Third, Fourth, Sixth and Eighth Regiments to report at once at Boston, the lead-quarters of these organizations being respectively at New Bedford, Quincy, Pepperell and Lynn. Within a week after the receipt of the general orders in January, before referred to, Colonel Jones of the Sixth had reported his command ready for duty when- ever their services should be demanded, and the promptness with which the call was met showed that all had been alike thorough in preparation.
Early on the morning of the 16th the Marblehead companies of the Eighth Regiment reached Boston, being the first in the city and marching in a severe rain-storm from the depot through streets lined with enthusiastic spectators to the quarters provided for them. They were not much in advance of their comrades, however, for before the close of the day the four regiments were in Boston with ranks well filled, anxious for the orders to set forth. During the bustle of preparation-the two regiments being ordered to Washing- ton to be mustered into the national service-an additional dispatch was received from the secretary of war doubling the quota of Mas- sachusetts, making it to consist of four full regiments, under com- mand of a brigadier general. Though not the senior brigadier, General Benjamin F. Butler of Lowell, commanding the Third Brigade, Second Division, secured the appointment, and, dropping the case upon which he was engaged in a Boston court, made his arrangements for departure with his command
Something of a reorganization of the regiments was necessary to make them conform to the United States standard. While the state system required but eight companies to the regiment, ten were demanded by the regulations of the general government. To obtain the requisite number of companies, some were detached from other regiments, not ordered into service ; while the Third and Fourth Regiments went forward incomplete in this respect, additional com- panies joining them later. In the militia, also, each company was allowed four lieutenants, though but two were recognized in the United States service, and there were other variations in the rosters of officers recognized by the two systems. Nor was the treatment of the matter by the general government uniform. In
9
THIE MILITIA REGIMENTS SENT.
the case of the regiments sent to Washington, the officers accom- panying the several commands were mustered without protest ; while at Fortress Monroe the national regulations were strictly in- sisted upon.
On the receipt of the intelligence that four regiments would be accepted from Massachusetts, Governor Andrew ordered Colonel Lawrence of Medford to report at once with his Fifth Regiment at Boston, prepared to take the field. These orders were not received till the 19th, but the regiment was in Boston ready for departure the following day, though transportation was not provided till the 21st. Meantime the other regiments had gone forward, -- the Third and Fourth going by water to Fortress Monroe, which they reached in safety and where their presence doubtless saved that stronghold from assault if not from capture by the Confederate force gathering in that vicinity. The Sixth and Eighth Regiments, being ordered to Washington direct, had set forward by rail, the former being about a day in advance of the latter, which was accompanied by General Butler and his staff. The orders had been issued for the Fifth to prepare to follow, and at last there seemed opportunity for a brief cessation of the arduous labors and excitement of the few days just passed.
Yet during this momentary respite, intelligence even more start- ling than that of the firing upon Sumter was telegraphed from Baltimore throughout the loyal states. The attack upon Major Anderson had been anticipated ; that upon Colonel Jones's com- mand in the streets of Baltimore had not been. The people stood aghast with a deeper realization than before of the seriousness of the situation ; but to the tireless toilers at the State House there came only the call to renewed exertions and a graver responsibility. General Butler, pausing at Philadelphia with the Eighth Regiment, devised a plan of action and sent back urgently for the Fifth Regi- ment and Cook's Light Battery. The former had already been summoned; the latter had not. The weary adjutant general was roused from his bed at a neighboring hotel and at once set out to summon the sleeping artillerists. So expeditionsly was this done that early the following forenoon the command with full ranks and equipped for duty was waiting the order for departure. On the morning of the 20th, Major Devens at Worcester was directed to go forward as soon as possible with his battalion of Riflemen-three
-
10
MASSACHUSETTS IN THIE WAR.
companies. At 5 o'clock that afternoon the command was in line, ready for the final orders, and that evening took cars for Annapolis. The Fifth Regiment, accompanied by the battery, set out the fol- lowing day.
Thus, within six days from receiving the first call, the Common- wealth had assembled, equipped and sent forth, ready for active duty in any sphere to which they might be called, five regiments of infantry, nearly complete, one battery of field artillery with horses, equipment and ten tons of ammunition, and a battalion of rifle- men. The promptness of the response, the efficiency of the troops and the importance of the positions which they filled, were all matters of which the Old Bay State might justly be proud.
-
CHAPTER II.
EXTRA SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE-VIGOROUS LEGISLATIVE MEASURES- PUBLIC SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT-ENTHUSIASTIC ENLISTMENTS-CON- DITION OF BOSTON HARBOR - ORGANIZATION OF RELIEF AND SANITARY SOCIETIES.
T HE gravity of the situation was now fully apparent. Even the most sanguine could no longer hope for a speedy solu- tion of the difficulties which distracted the country. A multitude of questions of vital importance pressed upon the state executive, which his constitutional powers were inadequate to meet. The Legislature had but just dissolved, after having made such provision as the circumstances had justified. Yet in a few days the presence of actual war, with its demands upon the resources of the Commonwealth, imperatively demanded that further measures, and those of grave importance, should be immediately taken. There was no alternative to the calling of a special session, and this the governor did by proclamation dated the 4th of May.
On the 14th of May the two houses convened and the gover- nor's message was read. It was a document of remarkable power, treating the issues of the hour in a patriotic and statesmanlike manner. After detailing the action taken by the Massachusetts troops and officials in other stations, the enlistment of additional companies and the necessary expense incurred, for which the Legis- lature would be called to make provision, already amounting to over $265,000, he urged such measures as his judgment prompted, with strong expressions of the spirit which he felt should inspire the duties of the occasion. This message so well illustrated the temper of the man through all the trying seenes of his long official term, that extracts from it may well be given. In opening he said :--
The occasion demands action, and it shall not be delayed by speech; nor do either the people or their representatives need or require to be
.
-
12
MASSACHUSETTS IN THE WAR.
stimulated by appeals or convinced by arguments. A grand era has dawned, inaugurated by the present great and critical exigency of the nation, through which it will providentially and triumphantly pass, and soon, emerging from apparent gloom, will breathe a freer inspira- tion in the assured consciousness of vitality and power. Confident of our ultimate future ; confident in the principles and ideas of demo- cratic republican government, in the capacity, conviction and manly purpose of the American people, wherever liberty exists, and repub- lican government is administered under the purifying and instructing power of free opinion and free debate,-I perceive nothing now about us which ought to discourage the good or to alarm the brave.
This is no war of sections, no war of North and South. It is waged to avenge no former wrongs, nor to perpetuate ancient griefs or memo- ries of conflict. It is the struggle of the people to vindicate their own rights, to retain and invigorate the institutions of their fathers. No creative art has ever woven into song a story more tender in its pathos, or more stirring to the martial blood, than the scenes just enacted, passing before our eyes in the villages and towns of our dear old Commonwealth. The yeomanry who in 1725, on Lexington Common and on the banks of the Concord river, first made that day immortal in our annals, have found their lineal representa- tives in the historic regiment which, on the 19th of April, 1861, in the streets of Baltimore, baptized our flag anew in heroic blood. Let us never, under any conceivable circumstances of provocation or indignation, forget that the right of free discussion of all public ques- tions is guaranteed to every individal on Massachusetts soil, by the set- tled convictions of her people, by the habits of her successive genera- tions, and by express provisions of her constitution.
Thus was voiced in eloquent language, confidence in the people, trust in the final result of the great contest, a patriotic purpose to labor for the saving of the Union, pride in the spectacle presented by his Commonwealth, and a jealous care that even in the ' excite- ment of civil war the right of free speech and personal conviction should not suffer. The message was at once referred to a special committee of the Legislature, and steps were taken for the prompt enactment of such legislation as the situation demanded. One of the first and most important measures passed in the special session was entitled " An Act to Provide for the Maintenance of the Union and Constitution." This by its first section ratified and confirmed the action already taken by the governor and his council, the contracts, agreements and expenditures made. It then con- ferred upon him the authority, " with the advice of the council," " to take such measures as may be deemed best to provide for the arming, equipping and disciplining, and for the transportation and subsistence of so much of the military force of the Commonwealth
13
LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENTS.
as may be in his judgment needed for defending, sustaining and maintaining in its full integrity the authority of the government of the United States and the constitution and laws thereof ; " to ap- point and commission officers and agents and fix their pay and rank ; to settle all questions arising between the United States and the Commonwealth ; to pay any troops of the state called into ser- vice and arrange with the general government for the reimburse- ment of the outlay. The same act also provided for the establish- ment of a fund from which these payments were to be made, called the Union Fund, not to exceed three million dollars and to be raised by the issue of scrip bearing interest at six per cent and payable in from ten to thirty years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.