USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Records of the 26th Mass. Regiment Association, 1874 > Part 12
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He eniisted in Lowell, Mass., in the arm- pry on Market Street, Sept. 3, 1861, in Co. H, 26th Mass. Infantry. He was mustered but Sept. 23rd, 1865, having served four ears and 20 days.
Inviteu sebe+
WORTHLEY-In this city, March 24. Daniel E.
at 27 Canada Worthley, aged and 23 days.
street, 76 years, 1 months
REGIMENTAL REUNION ON
The Comrades of the Famous Twenty-Sixth Meet Again.
COL. EDWARD F. JONES.
Colonel Jones of New York an Honored Guest -- Officers Elected.
GENERAL JONES.
Gen. E. F. Jones of Binghampton, N. Y.P (Jones-Le pays-the-freight) was then intro- duced by the chairman as "a man. to whom
the 26th regiment Is indebted for its fine discipline and noble work."
Cheer. after cheer" were given for the colonel.
Said Col. Jones: If I ever told the truth I tell It now when I say I am glad to be here. It a regret that I have never before met with you,. It is no fault of yours that I have not for your ever faithful secretary has never missed me with his notice. But up to this time I have been unable to come. I was told it would not be safe for me to defer my visit to you any more if I would see you, this side of the great beyond. We may never enjoy each other's company again (crle's of yes we will.)
"We existed on the bas iefield more as father and son than anything else. My aim was to head a regiment that would be a successful one and history shows I accom- plished what I sought (crles of you have.)
I hope you have forgotten the discipline of those days. After passing through a serious illness I was denied a leave of ab- sence and impelled by what was ever my gulde through life the right-I resigned my commission. I watched with Interest your progress and not a comrade ever fell in your ranks who was not mourned by me as a brother.
"The generations now have but little rev- erence for the veterans of the rebellion and those of us who are obliged to call for as- sistance are many times met with contempt and treated like common paupers. It is true we have a large pension roll but the politicians are responsible for that.
"There is one thing they can't rob us of, and that is the memory that we served faithfully our country in the hour of need. I see tefor me but a fragment of the old regiment I mustered in. Many are living who are not here today. We are glad our venerable chaplain Dr. Babbidge is here today (Applause.) A man of God should be a man of his word but he has not kept his word for he told me he would not be here today but we can pardon him with his 91 years of knapsack drill. (Applause). I had lots of things to say of him but I can't say them now that he is here.
'Most prominent in my recollection is General Butler (Applause) and no man de- serves more gratitude of his state than he. His services are equaled by no other man '(cries of Amen.)
Gen. Butler had his faults. If there is any who has no faults iet him be the first to step up and blacken Gen. Butler's name or in divine words, "Let them who are without sin cast the first stone."
"I hope when the unprejudiced history Of our country is written far up in honorable place will be found the name of Benjamin Franklin Butler (applause).
"I enjoin upon you to try again to have that justice done to him that his comrades demand.
"I have but vo wish you farewell and wish you health and happiness." |Ap- plause. )
In ciosing Col. Jones had something to say about the political career of Comrade Read, which created much amusement. Comrade Read denied the allegation that he was a politician. (Applause.)
Here a littie booklet entitled "The origin of the flag" by Col. Edward F. Jones was distributed and it was found- to be a very interesting document.
MARTIN L. BASSETT.
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Chaplain Babbidge was then Introduced and all stood and cheered him. He said: "During the period we have been togeth- er I Tiave received many tokens of kindness. The Idea of asking me to follow Coi. Jones surprised me. We know that at the pres- ent time the history of the old 6th and 26th regiments is being made up. I have read Nome of the unsensible work of some men who try to be historians. I believe that the salvation of this country rested with Cl. Jones and the old Sixth.
"In Washington it was acknowledged to me that the capitol of the country was saved by the regiment.
"I have tried to remedy the mistakes given out as to our regiment and have been partially successful. I had an opportunity |
of seeing much of Gen. Butler and I found him always disposed to do what he could for the suffering multitudes. I secone everything Col. Jones has said about him for I know he was always ready to re- spond to me and furnish whatever aid he could. I held him in the highest esteem and always will." (Applause).
Capt. Braly of Fall River "the hero of Winchester' was next called and warmly greeted. He said: "I think a man who does his full and bounden duty and suc- ceeds is entitled to no more credit than the one who tries and fails. We are ail pass- ing forward now including our young drummer boy and he being the youngest will naturally be the last to pass over the river. Then he will hear the voices of those who have gone before him. He will recognize some of the voices-he will see Abraham Lincoln, Willis H. Seward, U. S. Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Thomas. They are all there before us and they will all welcome him with open arms. Ali the oid grand army will be there to see him when the final roll is called." (Applauso.)
Secretary E. F. Eastman then read let- ters of regret rem the following mem- bers who were unable to be present: Capt. Seth Bonney of Maryland who presented the corn stalk cane to the regiment who In turn give it to Comrade Luke Smith the 85 year old son of the revolution, last year; Comrade L. J. Keyser, Waltham; Mrs. Alice C. Ristey who was with the regiment at New Orleans; last year she sent a poem and it was much enjoyed. "To know you he- longsto the 26th Massachusetts is a pass- port luto my heart" the letter sald; Madison Beale, Waterville, Mass .; J. J Marshall, Bonny Eagle, Mo .; Jesse Cos- good, Kansas; Wm. A. Jackson, Clinton; George A. Adams, Providence; Dennis Sheehan, Maynard, Mass .; Thomas H. An- uaible, Attleboro; James Jackson, Marlow, N. H .; George H. Lawrence, East Pepper- ell; AND. Sloane,, Warson, Ind .; David Roche, Chelsea; Aaron B. Willard, Greeley, Col; M. W. Murphy, Whitall, N. Y .; J. H. Chase, Chicago; Henry Chambers, White | River Junction; C. W. Ricker, Austin, Tex- as
Thero was a great round of laughter when a letter was read from Chaplain Babbidge saying he'was too infirm to be present. Ho changed his mind after the ietter had been sent.
Next the quartette sang "Rest Com- rades Sweet Rest."
Col. James then departed and on motion of C. H. Richardson three cheers were given for him and all sald "God bless Coi. ! Jones."
The next speaker was Lieutenant Chas. H. Richardson. He said: "When I heard our president say our venerable chaplain was responsible for the spiritual welfare of our regiment, I was sorry for him and I saw him blush at the charge. There is noth- ing spiritual about this regiment. (Laugh- ter). I have always remembered Col. Jones since he led us on. If he did not succeed it was not his fault but the fault of the material he had. Thirty-six years ago we Were mustered in and we were all boys, in our 'teens-the secretary had hardly en- tered them. All the field officers hut Col. | Jones have passed away though not on the! field of hattie. Of the line officers probably
the majority have left us. They always did their duty and we shall aiways think of them at the hest. Turning from the dead our eyes strike Hall, Upham, Fulton, Bas- sett and Read. It is said that living trou- bies are worse than dead ones. (Laughter). There Is a chance for all of you for heaven but I don't say you'll get there. (Laugh- ter.) You will be sorry you did not behave yourself as well as we did. God bless the old soldier as his patroltism deserves. (Ap- piause).
The veterans of the Twenty-sixth Massa- chusetts Regiment who met in reunion yes- terday may well feel proud of the part their organization took in the war for the pres- ervation of the Union. The ranks are fast depleting, but the patriotism and love of country is not diminished.
%
HISTORY OF REGIMENT.
It Has a Pround Record of Active
Service.
Thirty-six years ago the regiment was mustered into service.
When the old 6th Massachusetts of Bal- timore fame returned from its three months service to save' the Capitoi at Washington, D. C. In 1861 the officers and members set out to raise a three years regiment. Three companies were recrited in Lowell; Co. A, Captain George M. Dickerman; Co. D., Cap- tain Warren; Co. H, Captain Andrew Blood. Two Co.'s F and I were raised in Lawrence,- Co. B in Groton, Co. E in Acton, Co. G in Fali River and Co.'s C and K from different sections making ten companies. Its first camp was at Camp Cameron in Cambridge, Mass., but for a very short time. Then Camp Chase (now the fair grounds at Low- eli) was put in shape and in the latter part of September, 1861, the recruits were or- dered to this Camp (Chase) where they remained untii, Nov. 21st 1361 then with full ranks and "Brooks" band of Loweil a band well known to residents of that time- they left for the seat of war. The officers of the regimnent were as follows: Colonel Edward F. Jones; Lieutenant-Colonei A. B. Farr; Major J. A. Sawtell; Sergeant J. G. Bradt; Chaplain Charles Babbidge; Adju- tant George E. Davis.
Residents of Loweil of 1861 will weii re- member the regiments frequent parades in Lowell during its encampment at Camp Chase. YA hetter organized regiment never left the state. One thousand strong, a good band, new United States uniforms and with the latest make of Springfield muskets It went from Lowell to Boston where it was reviewed by Governor Andrew and General Butier on Boston common. The "boys in blue" then marched down State Street to Long wharf and went on board of the Steamer Constitution. On the march down State Street they received great ap- piause. From Boston the steamer went to Portiand, Me .; to take aboard the 12th Maine Regiment, Colonel Shipley hut it was thought that as many were on board as could be comfortably accommodated as there were besides the 26th Massachusetts, the 9th Connecticut and the 6th Massachu- setts Battery .. So the 12th Maine remained, and the 26th Massachusetts went on to Fortress Monroe where General Pheips came on hoard and took command. The Fregiment "then proceeded to Strip Island, Miss., where it arrived Dec. 3rd and re- matned there untii Aprli, 1862.
In the mean time other troops had ar- rived; also Generai Butler and Admiral Farragut and his fleet when the start for the Mississippi river to make the attack on Forts Jackson and St. Phillip was made. After the surrender of the forts the regi- ment took possession with Colonei Jones in command. The regiment remained in the forts some few months and was then ordered to New Orleans. Then a change came in the officers of the regiment. Colonel Jones resigned and Lieutenant-Colonel Farr was frts some few months and was then ordered ant-colonel and Capt. Clark of Co. B major. Major Clark received severe wounds at the Battlo of . Opequan Creek near Win- chester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864, from which he died in a few days. E. S. Clark Post No. 115 G. A. R. of Groton, Mass. is named for him.
From New Orleans the regiment went up through the state of Louisiana on the ieft bank of the Mississippi river in what is known as the "Tache" county. In Feb. 1864 the regiment re-eniisted for a further term of 3 years or during the war, and in Aprii of the same year came home on a 30-days furlough which was promised them for re-enileting. They came direct to Lowell and the city gave them a grand re- ception and a banquet in Huntington Hall. " On the expiration of the 30-days fur- lough they returned to New Orleans. In July 1864 they were ordered to the army of the | Potomac. They were at Bermuda Hundred, City Point, Malden Hill attached to the 19th army corps. When the Rebel General Early came so near entering Wash- ington , in 1864 the regiment was sent to Washington to drive him hack. After re- maining in Washington camping at Ten- letaun the 2nd division, 19th army coprs,
to which they belnged was ordered to join
General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Val- ley. On Sept. 19th, 1964 the regiment was in the hottest of the conflict at Opequan Creek, near Winchester, Va., loosing many men In killed and wounded. In Sept. 21st to 23rd, it was' in the engagement at Fisher Fill. Oct. 19, 'In the engagement at Ceder Creek where Sheridan made his famous ride (to Winch ster 20 miles away.)
This was their last engagement. The time of those that did not re-enlist ex- Viroi on this day but they fought with the rest. Manvs were killed, wounded and taken prisoners. The ranks were never Bo nich dyploted as then. The 10 compa- D'es Vi . consolidated into fra and made a ballaf.n. Capt. Wm. H. Chapman Co. E Kası promoted to ileutenant-colonel and Itook command
The regiment was in the grand review at Washington. They were sent to Savannah, GR., much to their disgust. The order for mustering out troops at the close of the war was the oldest first. As the time of the 26th was taken from its last enlistment It was not counted as oid, as were somo that had not been out as long. So they (the zuth) had to relieve troops to go home that had not been out as long as they had. They were finaily ordered mustered out August 26th, 1865, reached home and were dig- charged on Sept. 23rd, 1865 making a con- tinuous service of four years. During that time 2700 names were on the roils .. There are now 264 names of living members on the books of the association. They are scat- tered about In 22 states. The known ser- vivors are as follows:
THE VENERABLE CHAPLAIN.
Charles Babbidge the venerable chaplain is 91 years old and lives in Pepperell. He and Comrade Luke Smith of Aoton, ao years of age, were given all the attention possible. Comrade Smith is a great hero wherever he goes. His father fought at Concord Bridge and one of the treasured re- membrances Comrade Smith has is a pair of cuff buttons his father wore at that fight.
Chaplain Baboidge was a great friend of Generai Butler and marched through Bal- timore with him. In his hurry he took hls Masonic sword instead of his army sword hut he was not hurt. Eventually he con- cluded it was on account of the Masonic sword.
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269
270
United States Hotel Borton Mars Oct 18th 1898 250 26th
annual Jeunion of the Mass Hegt association.
Called to Order by the President Martin I. Kassett at 11.30, a. m.
Secretares records last meeting read and allowed.
Treasurer reported a balance on hand of 12.14
Secretary related the follow death Since last meeting David Roach Co Co. Nov 12+ 1898 John Acomedy . K " 29th 1898
alfred desde . I
Dec 19 1897
Freeman Hutchins H May 27 1898
Charles Kabridge
Eck 1898
Carol US. Elli 1897
Christopher Lahfelle
James Moulton
(0 2) Dec 26th 10 32 juba 6th 1898 1898 1898
Same G. austin Co a June
The following named Contracte respecter to that will Call Go. a. - 5 Let Chas A. Richardson Lt James F. W/ham Martin L. Bassett Corp Los Packhard alphonso Oraks Co B - 13 Let Chas C. Messer Com Sent Mum F. Going det C. Le Lahelle Carl Berg Ford Cork A. M. Erken 1
Alevre & achorn E. L. Davis i a. Litchfield Che 4. Kartell
musician John A. Malcolm a. B. Brown William Aunt Berg W. Parker
Chaplain
271
Y
Musican =1 & story 10 E . a. Newton
Airam 1
Carnes L. Howard 6.J. Peterson Lo 2. - 1 W. Jorden E- XX 15
Lt. d. 4. Didget
Co Com Sent D. to. Hall albert S. Weeks Robert Fletcher . Large flood Seg W. Sawyer dame whitney Mason Wheeler Co 7. - 5 Vilson
Sent Chas W. Parkhurst musican & Ir adams Dames . Fiske Theorie Handly Dennis Sheehan addison 13. Wheeler
Serat
Thomas Da Parrish R.L.
alonso Bouman Lehn Turner
4. 4 Doston 4 - - Laht Lames grades / A- / It Edward S. Han John brooks
Serot John F. alexander VE. F. Pushing E. a. Sullivan Co I- 5 Palin W. Incenywod I. V. Plauch Thomas M. Cook C. E. Drew D. G. Warthen Lo K- 5 Leur
Musican
He E Cole Frank young " Chas W. Dame
Cash Will A Marcham
Menander Patrick Total Present 59
Election of Officer Noted that a Committee from lack to be affronted V
Oto
One The
272
Chair to retire and bring in a list of Candidates for Office for the ensuing The Himinating Committee Presented the following os President Let times . Elfham to a 1 st Nice Calvin W. Accenwood Co to E.T. Petersen E.7. Pushing 4 " Secretary Treuren A.A. Hull dvd, this committee recommend that S. Framingham Mass be the place of meeting. Hoved That we Proceed to ballot. Parried. Conrade John A. Nulcola moved that the Secretary Lest One ballet bearing the name. Presented by the Commitin Carriel. this Secretary having performed that duty the President declared the the above Rumed Connadler blocked us received by the Committee. President elect Uhham Shake feelinaly thanking the Conrade for the hover bestored when him .
It was whoved that South Framingham be our next place of meeting as reccom- Winded by the Committee. Conrade Les C Head 10 0. heartily endorsed the martin and promised the boys a good time 1 that theace was there Choice. it was Unanimously Noted that we meet in South Framingham
Mass Oct 18h 1829 the following Communications read by the Secretary. from Col G.F. tones Binghampton new york Sending Vrconets that it would be informble to be with :co. and State of the heart, Welcome he received list buying That it would ever The one of the bright pillanat menous
273
of his life, remete from Rence C. Us good florence tuusas. Vent Aire regards to all, best wishes from Fruit &. Skraque Banger He, ranch and best wishes from C.A. Emerson Sharing field Hiss. regret frem Cast Shas & chinable, celho Low fatin I Cloud COM Mila Far and It a. S. Badger Heur Orleans La. letter of thanks for
Invitation to be Present and accerti the Same. Son Heung a. Human toit- Martes of Houston. Hon Het M. Olin Seany of State, Caht Sache adams. at arms. 1124 A. Bartlett Lett Commander of Mass .DR. evil" Kimball eleditor State & Mass Per AL. Teen the President athanted the following formader a Committee on Annual reunion the President elect and Cornrades. Her a Reed. 8.7. Cushing and Ira. A. Balcom. a necess was declared untie two P.M. hornhtly at 2 P.m. the Pommades lined ich for dinner. President Basset With Send Kimball, followed by Postinaria Thomas. Sexy of State Alin Senot at arms adams Dept donde of Y. A. R. Bartlett Rev. R. L. Greene Call Veteran of the Rate Civil war) and the members the by the Association, after diving blessing 19.00-19. 2. wehe. all fell to and Dryaged thewell for about me how Satisfyy
Then Came Denaro and the President walked to Order, President I bassett Said that he left higher however to be the President of
of Veteran
of 61 to 65 and in Closing
To the usa On
274
Postmaster Sumas. Who was received Kit treat auflaure and Spoke Iny interestively, " the next Sheaker It is Liau of Fate Monnaie UM MM Clin Who Www ao humber, and interesting as ever. he was followed by Helt Couch of Wars 4. a. 19. HIL 8. Bartlett. he Has Neved With allaune. Orod hir remarks were of Wach interest to The bons as he served in the Gulf Defit the next theaker was States auditor Connade bene Kimball Ulv also Serien in the Gulf Delt the bend read Satistin the losses in a The 26th mass while in Cz themen dich Valley. Concradle Their R. L. Greene Was Called ich Connade Ercena was a drummer boy in the lift Wie in the late Civil Uran. Much Heat was in the Same Brigade with 26th Wass, Connades Elin and ottimo in their remarks thought that Hey lived have a little fuhr with the Minister. but they found their
Watch in Der Greene. the en face a vivid discreation of the Battle of bear Creek at the time that Rent florian arrived. he being an lyquatre he held the Neterano Clive attention during his description of The Scene. he also broke of Fisher till and Other places and battles familia. to the book of the 26th. let The Place of his mindits he was heartily off. wind. We had so much Visiting toles that there much time for Ou3 boy. welch to the respect of all. Formade Les it Head of Co E. Spoke breifly and in Closing introduced 12hr
275
Richardson Who had it brother in 10 ce he said that he was send to meet those Who had Served with it, brother and Closed with a dou blen home boys. Comrade Messer inloved that the Hour iceturn to Oct 18th 1899 at Soulte Friingham Mass. Parried.
The Tonade now fell to handshaking and hidding One another dood rise and god bless you, and to innother Holly re-undin of the Boys of The 26th Hiers who stood Shoulder to theelder for four long years Closed. 250 Notices Were Sent Out 98 Replys. 51 Said that they would attend if homble 48 Said That they were unable to attend In recent business, Sickness, and dila and Some stated that they had not the means
152 made no reale Edwin F. Cerchio Secretary
276
Grand army Hall So Framingham Mass Oct, 18th 11899 26.07 annual reunion · of the 26th Muss Regiment association
at 10 am. the Hall presented a lively affearance. Commandes of the Red 26th artling, and as lack one entered the tall a Shout went wh hands were grasped. as none but Weteran of the Civil war Can appreciate. There were no and men present. They Were all boys again . it Was 1861 not 1899. they were not Thinking of the firesent, but the fast.
at 11 a.m. The formades Were Called to Order by President whhom The first business was the reading of the records the last Villeting By the Secretary. The refut having been approved. The Treasure made has report Which was approved, and both reput orden to be placed on file
The Secretary reputed the following deaths Since last meeting
Leo Ingerson. Lof nav gt 1898 Albion & Lampher to E. Nav 16th 1898 Tient Jahre & Marshal lo Ht 1898
Ca. Starkweather Wh. +H Mar 26 1849 John Juni 107 afraid 6+ 1844 Jacob nelson lu H Pan 6+ 1899 Pork John F. Cand Co 2 Jan 16th 1899
te. Left 12 1899 a. Brooks Co & John S Puffer a & Der 23 1894 Vient Cha, 7. Emerson Co Cl april 30 1899 Dennis Sheehan Co E. 1898
277
1897
Calling of the Roll the followits formades answered
Lient Chas H. Richardson Lient farmert. Upham Corp, for Packard Corps of. 3. Wilson Daniel Alaterny alphonso Cakes Co B
Lient Char C. Messer Cash Berg Ford Summer John H. Balcom Henry &. achoin
Q. B. Braun R. M. Gminy
S. W. Griffith
William Adent
40 6 5 Siret William Pocket James L. Howard 8.9. Peterson 14 a. Parku le A not represented Lo & 15 Lient J. P. Blodgett Lient Ser O. Reed Com Seuft D. H. Hall. forh Saml A fumughs
Kolt Fletcher fumes W. Fisk
Ger Hardly
Gomory D. Lrothich
Limes Moral Cyprus & Packard Sume 7. Teile Jame Whitney
duy B. Tatt
addison B. Wheeler
of 2 Senat Thos D. Parrish G. C. Boston
Co 4 5 Caff & amb Brady Park Humpty Sullivan Patrick 7. Hogan Borden W. Manchester Robt Peters
Jeryt C. C. bohhelle Corp H. M. ween
278
1899
Ce ++ 6 Lient Edward S. Han Sergt John F. alexander Shift Firme, R. Fulton Edin F. Cushing Walter M. Fulton G.a. Aullian
T 2 I. V. Plough. F. L. Wood
Pork W. E. Pole Free Costin Election of Officers
Total 54 a Committee of one from lack to was appointed by the President to retire and bring in a list of Panidates for officer for the ensuing year. The Committee refuted as follows For President Lient Char G. Messen GB " /" Vice LL
E.J. Peterson a 6 41-4 Humble Sullivan Co y Edwin F. Cushing CuHt Secretary Treasurer Dellette & Aale Cv E and recommended that South Action be the next hlave of meeting. The Committe what was accepted and recommendation addedted.
Voted, that the Secretary last one ballot bearing, the above named Pomidet for offices for the ensuing year , and that South action, be the next place of liceeting. The President ofpointed the following named Comrade d'Committe to make arrangements Lor net recenter D. M. Hall Co E. S. R. Bunuugh, CoE Rift Fletcher Co E. L. V. Clough CI G. P. Packard Co E. Noted That thinks he tendered to
279
1879
9. 9. Faster Post 163 9. a. R2. In the use of Hall. at 12:30 the meeting was ayouneed to meet at 1 0. Cook for Dinner. at one O Clock handthy the Commade lined up for dinner which was Served in the Cost banquet to all' When entering the Hall the Comrades had a pleasant reception by the ladies of Adeil Cork 174 who had prepared
bountions report of good home made food, and a him representing ceed Eloy. in each nahkin after divine blessing by Mrs E. E. Haypland Chaplain of Releif Corp 174 the order was quen to fall to. Which the limonade, die to that best of their ability. They ate and forked and had a good time. Comrade Reed of to E. treated the boys to Ciaan. and when the room was well filled With Smoke President Unham pohled to Order and Called on Caht Marshal of the Old and Present 6th mass. The was followed by Commander Forbush of Cost 163 G. a. R. Commander Gleason Post 142 G. a.R. Die Inspection Travis the Sons of Veteran, edition Davis of tto Framisthan Gazette, Conrade Leo
a. Reed. Mrs . E. Howard. Carl 174. John Richards m
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