USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Records of the 26th Mass. Regiment Association, 1874 > Part 11
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adsembled around the festive board the President Called on Conrade Walter m Fulton for che divine, blessings after which the Pommade fell to. after one hours Struggle with cold meat and I Kinch, of this the president raffred for Order. and Speaking Commenced. This was one of the most Sociable reunion
Edwin fe Pushing Secretary
See news hacker wehate on next hoge,
President Fulton was toastmaster and welcomed all to the twenty-third re- union. Congratulations were certainly in order on such an occasion and all should feel well pleased. He hoped these gatherings would be kept up as long as there was a single member of the association left.
Secretary Cushing then read a few replies from members nnable to be pros- ent, all extending regrets because of their inability to be present and expres- sions of hope that the affair would be snecossful. Letters came from Wash- ington, D. C., Minneapolis, Minn., Warsaw, Indiana. Seattle, Washington, Biddeford, Me., New Orleans, La., Cal- ifornia, Austin, Texas and elsewhere.
Among the replies received was one of especial interest, coming from Alice C. Risley of West Plains, Mo., a native of Townsend, Mass., who went south with her father and mother before the war. After the war opened, Mrs. Risley's father, Mr. Farmer, escaped and joined the Union army and her mother and her- self, th the summer of 1862, came down the' Mississippi to New Orleans, in a boat, refugees, and fell in with northern troops, becoming especially attached to the 26th Mass. Mrs. Farmer and Miss Alice nursed among the Union troops, and after the war the daughter became Mrs. Risley. In answer to sec- retary Cushing's invitation to attend the reunion, she wrote the following inter- esting letter :
Mrs. Risley's Letter.
WEST PLAINS, Mo., Oct. 4, '96. Dear Comrade Cushing :
An invitation to attend the twenty- third reunion of the 26th Massachusetts, at Sonth Framingham, is before me. How much genuine pleasure it would give me to accept this invitation cannot be told. I cannot think of a greater pleasure than to meet with the boys of the old twenty-sixth.
Memory goes back to the summer of 1862, when you were quartered in Lafay- ette square, with the regimental hospital just across the street, Dr. Bradt in charge, Ed. Tarbell nurse. I well remember the first time mother and I went there, in- quiring whether there was "anybody here from Townsend?" And there was George Adams, Loren Hosley, Warren Clark and, in fact, dear old Co. B. I be- lieve in time we knew every one of that company. Next in our affections came Co. E. Before they left the custom house I think we knew some one inevery com- pany of the regiment.
The 26th Massachusetts has always been "Our first love," among the vari- ous regiments our hospital experience brought us. We loved them all. Only a girl thrown among them as I was, a refu- gee from home, with no girl friends, can realize how dear you boys were to me. There's Charlie Hall, with his handsome brown eyes and curly hair, and Charlie Brown, the first soldier we took out of the hospital and nursed back to life, only to give it up on the bloody field of Winchester, and handsome Frank W. Wood of Co. B., Cor. Titus, Stephen Knight, the Wilders and others of E, not leaving out yourself of H. O! how I would like to meet with you. I would miss dear old Maj.Clark, Trueman Bates, Frank Steven's, Searg't Spaulding and Loren Hosley: Int it wonkl be a life's' Great to meet those of you who will be there.
As I look out of the window, I wish I could see Warren Ciark and Billy Hunt (the long and short of it) \coming up JJu- lia or Bacchus streets. So many memo- ries crowd each other as I go over the old days, that my inability to attend yonr reunion is painful to me.
Mother and I enjoyed meeting Loren Hosley at Louisville, and we anticipated meeting again in St. Paul.
Of us three, I only am left. They have passed the picket line and camped in the great beyond.
My comrade, the memory of those old days of '62 to '65, fills me with so much pain and pleasure I cannot write of them as I would wish. My feelings are inex- pressible; perhaps you know how it is and can comprehend what I am unable to write. Tell all who remember me, that Alice sends them her love and wishes them all the good this world con- tains, and hopes to yet meet with them, at least once more. How much I wish it was this time, only I can tell. Thank- ing you for remembering me, I am always Your old friend,
ALICE C. RISLEY.
The reading of the epistle provuked much applase and it was unanimously voted to extend a vote of thanks to the writer, the secretary being .instructed to communicate the vote to Mrs. Risley.
Then followed several speeches, the first one called upon being D. Murray Travis, Past Division Chaplain of the Massachusetts Division, Sons of Veter- ans, who spoke briefly for that organi- zation.
The next speaker was Capt. James Brady of Fall River, of Co. G, an ex- collector of the port of Fall River, who was very badly wounded at the battle of Winchester, losing one of his legs. Capt. Brady found it a pleasure for him to be present and meet his old comrades. He then paid a tribute to the soldiers who went freely to wipe ont the disgrace up- on the flag, placed there by the rebellious sonth, by traitors' hands. Cost was not counted, and a victory was not only won from the rebels in our own land, but from the foreign powers who stood bc- hind them and hoped for the downfall of the Union. The soldiery hand over to their sons the national honor in better condition and with fairer name than when they received it. It is to be hoped they will receive it and hand it down as sacredly to their sons.
George Harrington, district represen- tative of the Boston Herald, spoke brief- ly, paying a fitting tribute to the honored veteran, Luke Smith.
At this juncture, the secretary read an account taken from the Worcester Telegram of Oet. 6, of the forwarding to Corp. Ed vin Nexton of the regimen:, now living in Woodville, of three letters sent hin while he was in the Depart- ment of the Gulf, serving under Capt. Enos W. Thayer. The latter. received the ktiers for Corp. Newton, but was killed before they were delivered. His effects were sent home and laid away and reeently, while Mrs. Dean, his daugh- ter, was examining them at her home in Mansfield, these letters were found and were later forwarded to Mr. Newton. They were from his mother and two boy friends of his. In the letter from his mother, a tender epistle, were $1.00 from her and five cents in script from his sis- ter. The whole story of the letters is very romantic.
Walter M. Fulton of Co. H, of Man- chester, N. H., was next introduced. He was glad to be present and extend con- gratulations. The veterans were grow- ing old, but they had the satisfaction of knowing that they had given their best services to their country in a time of need. The speaker indulged in some pleasing reminiscenees.
Senator Geo. A. Reed, of Co. E, of Saxonville, reminded his comrades that thirty-five years ago Sunday, the eigh- teenth, they went to the front for service. He found it a source of pleasure and pride to be present. His comrades had taken good care of themselves. The records of all were good on the field and 'in the camp, and have been kept up since the war. Mr. Reed referred to his sena- torial work and said he had tried to do his duty at the state house, and keep his record good there. He had fought hard for the old soldier and, as long as he had breath in his body, should, he said, fight for the interests of his comrades in arms. He extended a welcome of all to Fram- ingham, which had always been true to her soldier boys.
Jas. F. Upham of Boston, for nineteen years secretary of the regimental associ- ation, a hospital steward in the war, was introduced, and indulged in reminiscen- ces, of which his mind was full at this gathering. Touchingly, he told of pain and sickness and the sufferings of the boys in the regiment, some of whom were present at this reunion and others who never came out of the war, or came home and have since passed away. These scenes of years long passed were brought freshly to the mind by these renewals of friendship and comradeship.
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Treasurer Hall spoke of the last en- campment at St. Paul, and led in the singing of a new and modern version of John Brown's body.
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Capt. Frank H. Whitcomb of Acton, a visitor and guest, commander of J. C. Davis post 168, G. A. R. was glad to be present, and presented his compli- nents.
Comrade William Fulton here referred to his visit to the encampment at Louisville in 1895, and to an occurrence there, which illustrated the changes since 1861.
Il President Fulton Miên read Am NAginaY poem, entitled . "The Battle of Winelings ter." in which battle the Twenty-Sixth way engaged. \- Mr. Fulton read his graphic description of the terrible Teom; flict, many minds went back in memory, to that eventful September day in '64. Here is the story, as told in rhyme:
Battie of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864.
Comrades, another year has sped, Another milestone we have seen, Another winter v'er our head
Has rolled since last we did convenc,
What for these gatherings, asks the stranger, What for this comradeship so true; (1 ) Our only answer, death and danger Together faced for home and you.
Year after year we fondly meet, A band of comrades welded fast In lire of battle. Now we greet Each other and recall the past.
That awful past! When this dear land Was darkened by war's funeral pail ;
When this our go oriahent, Bo great and good, Seemed reeling, tottering to its fall !
"Tis five and thirty years ago, Since we took oath to guard and shield
Old Glory from our country's foc, Even on the bloody battlefield.
At Opequan, that scene of death, That furnace of consmining llame, When men went down with martyr's faith, For Freedom, Umon, Honor's name.
The sun arose, September s sun : His morning rays were glorious, bright, And all was peace ; no picket gun Gave signal of the coming fight.
But hark ! Now hear the cannon's boom, The war fiend now has opened wide
His jaws of death, with fearful doom, To many a hero true and tried.
Forward at double quick is the cry.
Forward all, sweltering hot for breath ; . Forward, that was a time to try The solthier's heart, the soldier's faith.
The welcome order, Halt, was given; Tear down that fence, brave Grover calls, While round us earth and air were riven With sere-ching shells and minnie balls.
Forward that skirmish line, and then Swift followed Birge's first brigade. D. Forward, now steady, steady men, He said, as cool as on parade.
Forward, through woods in line of battle, Steady and still each man stood well ;. Forward ! Wh. feared the conflicts battle? Forward, into the mouth of hell.
The combat opens now and, when Bang went our deadly muskets' fire,
Zip came the rebel bullets then, And quick the foe seemed to retire.
Forward we pressed them donble quick, Loading and firing as we ran :
But soon we saw the cunning trick, For what this strategy began.
On right and front blazed forth a storm Of grape and canister, and far And near the sulphurous air was warm With those death dealing dogs of war.
Upon our flank those murderous guns Kept up that withering, deadly fire ; We are flanked, is cried ; each soldier turns,- Fall back, is the order; we retire.
The Johnnies then, with frantic yell, Came rushing with triumphant glee ; Bnt, ah, we formed again and fell Upon them ; short, sad victory.
Forward again the first brigade, Cried gallant Farr, our leader now ;
Forward the second charge is made, Forward. oh where is Early now'?
The battle raged now far and wide, With desperate strife in wood and plain, And many a turf with blood is dyed, From those who ne'er will smile again.
Charge after charge, yet still the loe Maintains his ground with sacred zeal ; Come ! Forward, shouts the leader. Ho! Break down that wall of Yankee steel. ·
Again they turn, again retire ; Again onr fiercest charge withstood; Again they close their ranks and fire, Again the earth drinks human blood.
Thus waged the carnage loud and long, And smiled the sun in autumn glory. While, hark, yon wild bird's trembling song, Now hovering o'er this field so gory.
Now all is over, victory's woll, The foe has fled, dejected, sore ;
A hard fonght field, brave deeds were done, That pass to history's cherished lore.
But walk with me across this field, And through thoso woods on either side. See what a harvest war doth yield, Of brave men who for country died.
Here lie the victims, stark and bleeding, In mangled heaps, both old and young; Unconscions now of war's proceeding, Or that their deeds will e'er be sung.
Shade of the immortal Sheridan, who led That patriot host to victory on that day .; Thy name we hail with love for what thou did, To save our country from rebellion's sway.
Then wave Old Glory over freedom's fane, Thy beauteous folds protect the nation's weal : Let peace and love and happiness remain, To bless its people and God's grace reveal.
J. R. FULTON,
Co. H, 26th Mass.
Musician N. E. Story of Boston had a story to tell to the amusement of all, after which all joined in singing "Auld Lang Syne,", and the twenty-third an- nual reunion was a thing of the past.
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MEN WHO FOUGHT TOGETHER.
Twenty-Sixth Regiment Vets Hold Their 23d Reunion.
A Cane of Southern Corn Stalk Pre. sented to Venerable Luke Smith of Acton-Post-Prandial Speeches by . D. Murray Travis, Capt. Brady and State Senator Kleed.
[Special Dispatch to the Sunday Herald. ]
SOUTH FRAMINGHAM, Oct. 17, 1896. Aithough not the largest in point of attendance, the 23d annual reunion of the 26th Massachusetts Regiment As- sociation, held here today, was full of interest and spirit.
After electing officers for the year, the meeting decided to hold the next an- nuai reunion In Lowell, and a com- mittee of arrangements was chosen.
It was voted to present to the vener- able Luke Smith of Acton, the oldest member of the association, a cane made of a southern corn stalk, which has been sent from his farm in Mary- land by Lieut. Seth Bowen, a member of the association, who desired the walk- ing stick presented to the senior mem-
ber of the 26th. Mr. Smith is upward of 80 years of age, and was one of the Massachusetts men who marched through Baltimore in 1801. His father fought at Concord bridge in 1775.
At the annual banquet, served in the Smith block, the president offered con- gratulatory remarks, and also read an original poem of a reminiscent charac- ter, which was loudly applauded, The secretary-who was 13 years and three months old when he enlisted-then read letters of regret from association mem- bers located in Washington, D. C., Min- neapolis, Minn., Warsaw, Ind., Seattle, Wash., Biddeford, Me., New Orleans, Austin, Tex., and California. Among the letters was one from Alice C. Ris- ley of West Plains, Mo., who, in the summer of 1802, when a refugee girl from home, assisted her mother (Mrs. Palmer) in nursing the soldiers from the North as they lay wounded, sick and dying in & southern hospital, mem- bers of the 26th regiment being among them. Amid cheers of applause a vote of thanks was declared for this letter, and itg writer.
D. Murray Travis, past division chap- lain of the Massachusetts Sons of Vet- erans, spoke for that order; Capt. James Brady of Fall River uttered stirring words on the causes and results of the civil war; George E. Harrington, rep- resentative of The Boston Herald, re- sponded for the press; State Scnator George A. Reed emphasized very elo- quentiy his interest in and for the men who went forth to battie for a common country, and ex-Secretary James F. Up- ham of Boston, and Treasurer Delctte C. Hall of Acton spoke bricfly.
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That of the att armural reunion of Lawell mass Det 18th .. F: . 18.08 Business meeting held in the Post room
the 26th may Beet association
2 of Food & Whitney Port 195 & a.R. Meeting called to order by the President James R. Fulton at il. a.m. The records of the last meeting was read by the Secretary.
Treasurer rehosted a balance" ou
hand of $4. 9/4. Chaplain Charles Bastides being present he was called an , and invoked tto divin blessing. : /
The secretary reported the following death. Since the last filleting.
adoptant Les C. Davis Oct 1 st 1896 Same a Troy Co 7, Jan 17 1897 Char D. Well be D 1897 Patrick Brans Po B., 1896 Cant Cast R. O. Haughton lo B. april 22 1899 Harriso Vi Hord & D. any 5 1897 John A. Chamberlin to a. Left 1897
Walter Dr Crane John Foster John Pickles
Co . Feb Y
1895
Po 7, nich 8 1897 1897
Micheal Soner
Oct 1897 On mation of formade been Co B. it was Nated . that we all stand and devote One minute in silent prayer for the dead. The following Porade, responded to the Calling of the wall by the secretary. 10, 0
It Mas F. Emerson
Mas A. Richardson James F, Upham -L
Senat das 7. Alater
00 jour de Loo Packard, Privati Sanne b. austin.
Martin L. Barrett a. alcom Roscaviam Proun Chas Pent Li Dane Heating Mas E. Taylor 12
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S Seret R. A. Foster Thomas D. Parrish Private allonge Bouman a R. Gilson Les Ingerson John Turner 6 Call Jamen Brady Lit a. Stark weather Private andrew harvey Park. 7. Argan 4 : H. E. T. Peterson . It Ed b. Hay Set John 7 alexander 1 dames R Fultors och John F. Claya Private Edin F. Pushing Horace Butter 2 Walter M. Fulton E . a. Sullivan 6 lu I Com It Chas M. Swain Private L. N. Clough Peter M. I arity Edward Sullivan Q. E. Worthey C. J. Weymouth 6
Porh WW K Ingraham Chas W. Dame 2 10 and UM Lunchie
Bol Edward 7. Jones Chaplain Charles Batticare Total 72
6 10 It Chas W. Dit C Bench Marron F going Serat G.b. Lahhelle Cash H& M. Green S. W. Wheeler Summer John D. Coulcom Private a. B. Brown E.L. Davis William Hurt James J. OBrien Henry M. Wood Henry 7. White 12
at Sev a. Reed D. H. Hall Senat Seret Chas W. Parkhurst Pork Same R. Burroughs Ser B. Ceram a. 2 Fletcher Duminer
2 Ev. Aclams nivate Root Fletcher
dames W. Fiske C. A . Brooks James Muncal Chas Y. Tickiend Les W. Sawyer Luke Smith Same 7. Teele Jame Whitney John
wayne addison B. Wheeler 18
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Election of Officer On a motion being made and Carried it was Noted. That a Committee of one com from each to be alhaunted by the Chair, to retire and bring in a list of Candidates for officer for the ensuing year. the Chair alimited ity following . To A . I. F. wtham . Po B. Meron 7. Going To C. E. T. Peterson. Po D. o. F. Playa, Co E. Same F. Deele. lo 7. R. A. Foster. Co 4. Caff Brady, Co to. Walter M. Fulton. Po I Chas M. Suain . Co A. VOM Moraham . This Committee retired and Son returned and presented the following Panidate, For President- Martin L. Barrett to a Tatk 7. Argan le 4 priVice
Mas M. Swain LI
Secretary Selvin F. Pushing DA. Hall Treasurer it was Noted. That th Secy Part one ballot bearing the above names for the offer for to bussing year, the Secy having performed that duty. The President them elected.
Formade Hogyan read a letter of inger if any formade remembered. Conrade John Turkey of to 6 . Who was injured in the Woods Neur Winchester Na While Chopping wood, the matter was referred to members of a E. It was here announced that Pol Seward 25/1 Jones was in town . On motion of Com Reed of 10 8 . it was Noted that a Committe If one from back to be appointed to meet lol your and escort him to the Hall the Chair affrontent the following Commute 7. whham to a. Myron Going & B. E . T. Petersin fo b. I. F, Played. Py D. Same Telle & E R. H. Foster to 7. Cant Pracy To 4. Walter M. Fulton to Ar. Chas M. Seriain to I UM Next Recenton.
Mgraham Co K ...
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Comrade Reed and Com Hogan faroud lanton as the next hlave of meeting, after Some discussion for and against Boston it was Noted That we meet in Boston Oct 18th 1898. Conmade Uphan moved That a Committee of three be affinitad to make arrangements for next recesión. carried. the hair athointer the following Myron Going PoB. Chan C. Messh Co BB. E. T. Peterom to Co. Commade upham moved a Note of Thanks to Post 185 for the use of this Post to all. Carried. There being no further business the meeting adejarel at 12-45 . M. to meet at the at & P.m. for dinner. at this time the Committee afpointed to escort lol fines to the trall drived. With the lol and his Nuncate Secretary a miss Sheridan. Pol gomes Was received with rausing cheers and escorted to the platform, here he was Seated with our good Chaplain Charles S office, 91 years Old. and the Neverable Son of a new of concord bridge and Bunker him Luke Smith of to 0. the Contacte all Shook hands with the Col . the lol is not much like the man that took us to the front in 61. his legesight nearly gone. he Could not see the Boys, but He was glad to take their hands. he remmenbered Many as Soon as they told him who they were. an effecting Scene was the meeting between the Lol and Maklain , Neither Could hundey See the other, first they grasped lack other hands, and then, lach Threw Their arms around the other neck and hugged like school girls it was a Scene never to be borgation. Com Read
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announced that the name of the tols Secretary was Sheridan, when which the boys gave three rousing Cheers for the name ..
/Oclock The Connades lined ich for the dining hall, in the Post Banquet Hall. Kindly lined us by the Past. Where was Spread a fine Polation by the D.L. Page lo of Lawell, Our guests were Rev & M. Dit, Cheif of fire Delt of Lawell E. S. Hosmer .. after the divine blessing by the Rev &.M. Dix. the Conrada fell to and for one hour ate as only Veterans know how. at 2 PM. the President rapped to Order and read and Original form. Conhoved for the Occasion. Which was received with much offlame. ten to quartette Composed of Mis Woodworth. in Sure. Mr. a.M. Slater and Comrade for F. Slater of to a. all of Lowell. Sang texting to night. Mrs Woodworth Singing the Solo. then Pat Rones was Called on. this brought all the boys to their feet. and gave three rousing Cheers for the Col. the Pol Spoke feelingly . Saying that he thought that this was his last Chance. to the with us . his legesight was just going. in fact most done, he Could hardly See any before him . The Col Shake of his great esteem for Gene B.F. Butter! tack at the Close of his remarks he had passed around to the Comrades Some books on the Origan of the Flag Complied by himself , and again three Cheers were given for the Col. The next Speaker was om De Venerable Chaplain Charles Voabbiege . We also broke of the great esteem he had for hend Kletter
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after pleasant works and a god bless lefor boys , he was again given Three Cheers, and two tigen. Talt Brady was next called ih as the "Hero of Winchester" We spoke of the heros that Had gone before. letter were then read from absent Comrades ley the secretary the following Sending greetings Post Seth Bonney, Call 2. & Keyser Madison Peral. John & Marshal. Sense C. Osgood, Demi Sheehan. Laft T.t. annable. a.r. Aloan, Le Bannon B. Willard, John A. Chase, Ihr w. Ricker, also an interesting letter from Mrs alice . Aisley West Claim M.G. the quastette then Sang best Connades, at This time lot dones was obliged to take his departure. On motion of Conrade Richardson of 10 a. three Cheers Were given for the tol! and many Said God Bless you Col . The next Speaker was Lut C.Fr. Richardson of to 'a, he Spoke of his Sure thing of going to Heaven and hassing by all other Chicken theires. The Rev Der Dit was next Called on. he Spoke like a veteran, and received much auflance. Ponnade upham was Called next and responded. by relating a few incidente of the way. the quartetto Sang marching down the Streammarch Valley . Which was received with great afplace. Cheif of Lawell Live Deft Former. Was next Called Up. after the Singing of america by the quantette and formades. the exercise Came to a Phone at 3-30, the 24th amural reunion housed into history of the association as one of the most interesting on record. Edwin F. Cushing Secretary
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EX-PRESIDENT JAMES R. FULTON.
SECRETARY EDWARD F. CUSHING ..
OLDEST LIVING MEMBER.
The Veteran Luke Smith Holds That Honor.
Luke Smith of the 6th and 26th of Acton is the oldest member of the regiment. He was a member of Company E of the 26th regiment, and made a grand record in the numerous engagements in which he took part.
Before he joined the 26th, he had just returned from the field of brilliant achieve- ments with the old and famous "sixth." Besides being the oldest living member he has the honor of being the son of one of the heroes who fought at Concord Bridge in 1775,
THE YOUNGEST TO ENLIST.
Secretary Cushing Shouldered a Rifle at the Age of 13.
Edward F. Cushing, the secretary of the regiment, enlisted when he was only 13 years of age. He served through four years of the strife, carrying a musket alongside many who were old enough to be his father or even grandfather.
When asked how it was that he was al- lowed to carry a musket at such a tender age, he replied that he was so tall and un- gainly that the recruiting officers took him to be at least 18 years of age.
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