USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Records of the 26th Mass. Regiment Association, 1874 > Part 6
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PRESIDENT REED 2. here read a letter from Capt. W. H. May of the Confederate army, received not long ago.in which Capt. May narrated the virenmustances of the mortal wounding of Sergeant Brown by his men, and the sub- sequent capture of the flag, saying that they took no credit for sonring the fag from snch a gallant defender. Capt. May related in his letter the manner in which his men hastily built a little breastwork of fence rails around their gallant for. Sergeant Brown, to protect him as he lay from dying butlete, and how when Ois was gradually battered down, they removed him to another place of safety.
CORPORAL. BOOTH
of the color guard, next gave an interest- ing narrative of how he tried to save the flag and when abont to be captured himself, he threw it with all his strength towards his own lines; of how he was captured and placed in Libby prison with five hundred other unfortunates ; of how, because on one occasion they refused to inform on one of their number, they were all deprived for three days of anything to cal. Of. the twelve men in his color guard in the battle, one other besides himself, he believed, escaped alive, and the other man, McAllister, Jost a leg.
COL .. VERRINGTON,
who was next called for, responded in a few remarks, saying that he left the 26th in 1863 to take command of a colored regiment.
COMRADE BALCOM, 05.13
of Ashland, was happy in meeting his comrades, and hoped the report of this happy occasion would reach all who had not attended, and he promised his best efforts towards making next year's reunion a pleasurable occasion. I lutte been thinking of the many not with us. I think of Col. Far. I believe all the regiment loved hhn ; and the memory of Dr. Bradt is held in grateful rotel- branee by us all. It was stared that the New York Weekly Tribune of October 20, 1864, gave a five column article in reference to the action of the 26th regi- ment, and it was voted that the same be obtained. if possible, and read at the next rennlon.
MR. F. C. STEARNS,
one of Framingham's selectinen during the war, was introduced as one who looked to the interests of the widows and orphans then. Mr. Stearns ex- pressed thanks for the invitation ex- tended hint to speak, but thought this was a place where only soldiers could speak. He referred pleasantly to his trip to the Shenandoah Valley two years ngo with the veterans, and hoped they would all be spared to meet here another year.
COMRADE SAWTELLE, A
of the 26th, and now a resident of Vir- ginia, was next ealled for. fle said that he was never taken a prisoner by the Robs, but he was captured by a pair of black eyes, and returning south after the war he had settled down among his fold foes and built up a happy home. He expressed his great pleasure at being present and promised a soldier's wel- come to all his brothers who might call on him at his southern home.
('AI'TAIN BRADY, 8, 2
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Fall River's popular collector, was greeted with enthusiasm. He said it was useless for him to attempt a speech, but it was a great gratification to be present. Since 1879, when he joined the association, he had not missed a single reunion, and he expected to be present at. each future zone.
CAPTAIN ANNABEL
said that now that the big guns had been fired and the small shot was being brought out, he found himself all ready to say a word. He noticed that most of the company had left their top hair at home. Were they growing old? He alluded to the passage from Boston to Ship Island in transports, and particular-} ly remembered Lieut. Yerrington doubled up over the rail throwing food to the fishes. The Lieutenant was decidedly of the opinion that the man who wrote "Life on the Ocean Wave," was a gay deceiver. He quoted with pride the sas . ing of Gen. Phelps as he viewed the 26th, "There goes the best drilled and best disciplined regiment In the Gulf de- partment."
COMRADE HAYES
related a little foraging adventure in which a young pig figured prominently.
COLONEL. CHAPMAN
being called for, said he was happy to look into all their faces and as then looking so well. We have represent 2500 men, and I think the gathering shows one hundred as time looking men as can be found in Middlesex county. CAPTAIN HOU GHTON /
said he was not loaded but was pleased to be present. He referred to tapt. Brady, who, although shot In five piacea and his thigh bone broken, maintained nudaunted courage, and that pulled him through. He made the boys laugh by recalling an incident showing Captain Brady's grit. When shot all to pieces, as it seemed, and when others thought his end was near, he astonished them all by haillng the nurse and bluffy asking if it wasn't about time for supper; and now, though the captain looks the most venerable, his young heart bids fair to carry him beyond the rest of us in time. It is sad now to look ahead until we ++ the last survivor attending one of these reunions alone.
CAPTAIN BALL
saw quite a contrast between this day and the 18th of October, 1862, and the question came home, "Where are the boys of \other days?" He thoroughly enjoyed the day and hoped to meet with all another year.
SERGEANT STEBBINS
telt great joy in being present, and spoke in a vein of eulogy of the Veterans. "What if we are a little vain of our record? Sneh vanity incites us to good deeds. The good soldier makes a good citizen. While one by one the Veterans fall by the wayside, the few that are left have more influence than before."
Reference was made to Col. Jones, to whom the regiment owed as much as to any other inan for the discipline and morale, and it was unanimously voted to send C'ol. Jones, who is now Lieut. Gov. of the state of New York, greetings. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Capt. W. H. May, of Benton, Ala., for his kindness to color Sergeant Brown, and an invitation to attend the next reunion of the regiment. The saine vote and invitation was passed and ex- tended to Capt. Bradbury of the 1st Maine battery, to whose brave assistance in covering their retreat at the battle of Winchester, the regiment owed many lives. As the afternoon grew late, and as most of the veterans had a long way ·to go to reach home, the 13th reunion was brought to a close. Framingham has cause to be proud that the old 26th se- lected this spot for its rallying ground, and that in the person of Lieut. tien. A. Reed. she has been honored with the presidency of the association for the eu- suing year. Next year we will again extend cordial welcome to the Vets.
James F. Ufalan Secretary
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Report of the Fourteenth Annual Reunion of the 26" ' MNE , Resmient Auxiciation held as South Hranning ham Mare Och 1 8,887
The meeting for Business was held in Irving Hall Pal 163 G. a. R. which was placed at the Service of the association by the Pot and being the same as used for the business of the 13" Reunión,
The President of the association Livet Gange a, Reed called the meeting to order at 10 o clock,
The Report of the Secretary mas read and acceptent Report of the Grenserwing, H, Hall was alex read and accepted
The following Resolutions relating to our lite Causade James Di Tarbanke Go."B" was read by the committee appointed at the 13m Reunion,
Resolutions Fitchling June 14 1/89 ficheros Que of our number James D.Fairbanks teen transfered to the staff of the Grate Commander of the universe, this reminding us that we to must for fare for our promotion when the time may come Vi hienas
Conrade Fairbanks for his strict attention to his duties as a soldier, and his Kindness as a friend made him's loved and Infected for his canales, therefore be it
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Resolved That are deeply moun our love and our association: has lost a faithful member ever ready to assist in our or- ganization, and always ready to meet This city as a citizen, Resolved
That we extend our heartfelt sym- pathy to all his relatives in their afflict- in and further more be it Resolved
That the most sincere sympathy of this nexiciation is henby extended to his young daughters inson whom this affliction falls most heavily Resolved
har as a token of our respect to the departed Conrade a copy of the resolutions be sent to the children of our late Conrade and that they also the spread upon the Recide of the association
Signed R.O. Ahora hlow Lovin Haslos Committee
The Death
members of the Regiment were Reported U of the following
Service E. Hall and Hvain Berry Go " B" Cyrus Paige and R. N. Edwards and George Fleet Noted that instead of appointing leam- mitles on Resolutions relating to the death of lamades, That the Secretary
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devote un forge
of the Record book to there of the Regiment who have died dur. ing the year, including their name in full alite of birth and death, and all other mercisam details when possible,
The death of Conrade Surge H, Patch an fromany member of the association was reported and the following resolution were read by the secretary and adapted and ordered it be spread on the Records.
Resolutions
Hp.Gas. Lot JASS. RETT. ASSOCIATION South Framingham, Oct. Is, 1887. WHEREAS, - By the dispensation of Divine Providence. Past Department Commander Geo. H. Patch has been called from this life, to realms of peace above. WHEREAS, - As an honorary member of the association, we have been brought into the most pleasant and fraternal relations with him. RESOLVED,-That we shall miss him as a com- rade and companion. No more shall we listen to his patriotic utterances, inspiring us in our devo. tion to the old flag, which he honored so well and sacrificed so much to save.
RESOLVED, - That we humbly bow to the will of Him who rnleth over all, and doeth all things well. That we can say of our late comrade,he has answered the last roll, taps have been sounded, and to-day he sleeps a soldier's sleep, awaiting for the coming morn, when the reveille will beat, and he will awaken to join in that grand review and reunion above.
RESOLVED, - That we remember the widow in her deep affliction, and that a copy of these Res- olution- be forwarded to her as an expression of our sympathy in this, her sad hour of double be- Jeavement.
President Need having had a long and intimate acquaintance with conrade Patch said a very tender tribute to his many virtues, and stated that he had received la very touching letter relating to our late condade, from leaten beth a fulton, who was in the confederate any, but now residing at Winchester Va, and who also Sent to be read at our Reunion the following, When you meet at your Reunión, mely- tion my name as one of the many have men down south whose hearts are warm Is there who at one time even in an opposing anus, and drink this toact. (not to the soldiers of the month or south)
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But to the american soldiers, mighty in battle, gentle in peace, as he fought so he save, to whose honor and havey. our country ,now avec its fame, to a re- united nation"
(Signed lakh Joseph A Nulton Winchester Va. Voted That the abon be placed on the records of the association.
The next treinese in order being the election of officer, it was Vated that the secretary cars one Fallof with the names of the office. who served last year, to serve for the ing year , ye The offered re-elected were as follows
For President Lieut George a. Reed,
I" Vice President Cater Thomas H. Annable 11 F, M, Balcom Secretary James T. Mypham Increase Com, Senat O. M. Hall, Executive Committee 60 "4" Ger. E, Herrington Gilbert of P Nosan E.S. Hay
4
4
Des. Flood
U V " "6," fr~ lowder , 4 EDD, Hunking " il, 6,8, Draw m. m. Steffens
177
Voted That the 15" annual Reunion be held at Lawrence Thave Oct, 18" 1888,
Voted that PatrickHogan Cash. James W. Try and Cook I. P. Barnes who reside at ord near Lawrence constitute a committe to arrange with the Executive committe for our next Reunión,
The Kull being called the following Comrades were found to the present
Levit O. W. Dickenman
11 C.H. Richardson
11 f. F., Ulfam
Sergh J. F. Slater
Priv M. L. Bassett
" Chor Kent 11 Find, &, Semque from a. Johnson
Spo. "B" 19 Limit Charles le Messer Low , Sergh. M . Fr, Going Sergh C. C. Capelle Cork, Geo. A. adams O.W. Booth
11 S. M. Wheeler
Chat. Williams Musician Jon H, Balcon Priv . R. B. Brown 11 Gilbert look E. L. Davis 11
11 H. Gilson
11 S. M . Griffith
60. B" Continued
Priv. Lowing Straley 11
G. a. Litchfield 11
Benj Dr. Parker lothar. P. Sartell
Henry F. Whyte 4
Sergh, I'm Crockett Corp. Rufus Dr. Coordin 11 Rib, Jenkins Musicians, E. Stores Priv J. S. Hit & T, Petener
11
Velisous Ward
11
John R. Riley
E, a, Newton 11
Co. "D" 3
Priv. Michael Nugent 11 Lev. I. Gratis
11
Patrick Riley
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loo. "6 ; 2) Lient S. P. Blodgett 11 Ges. a. Reed Cam. Sergh. D. H. Hall Corps , J. F . Blood S. R. Burroughs 2. W. Loker 11
los, "F. Continued
Priv &. Dame 11 De. Ingenson
11
Chas Hunekive 11
Co. "G" 8
Laph James Brady In Leich a. Starkweather Sug igh Thomas althom
Priv, Patrick Hogan Mr. Mr. Wembley
11 Eber a. Rdy Jeph S. Shaw
Co. It, "6"
Cork, James Q. Wimm Priv. E. S, Cushing 11 In M. Fulton
1
Freeman Hutchins
H. W. Humphry
/1 &, a, Sullivan.
11
John Wayne
adison B. Wheeler 11
11 Gev. Sauger J. W. Fiske
11
Moren Wheeler
60, 7, 10
leaph Janus a. Tuy Liet Ges. E. Merrington Sergh Geo. Ut. Muzy Corpo. Thomas D. Parich T. P. Barus Priv, alonzo Bourran
11
la. il ' 8
Priv Madison Beal
L. V. 6 lough
11
11 M. a. Lochnop J. T. Rich 11
11 B. R. Thomas D, E, Worthley Patrick HI Rooney
Musician J. A. adams Priv C. a. Broke 11 6, In Dascomb.
/1 Robb Fletcher Leo Flood W. S. Hand lun 11
11 a. J. L amphen
James Mane
11 le, P, Pickand
11 L. Smith
1 Denie Sheehan
11
11 E, B, Jaft J. H. Wood Saml, Whitney
1
11 S. S. Wheeler
11 Event Wheeler
11
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Co . " K , " 15
leufen Stephen R.Fletcher
Priv. F. M. Balcom
Lint S. T. Robicon
11
Walter & Crane
"Deryh Menzo Butter
Fred boston /
Corp. M. E bole
Chas W. Dame 11
E, K, God and
11
John Kennedy
S. T. Hammond
11
M. H, Oliver
W. K. Ongraham
11
Patrick Menander
Total 113
Voted to adjoin From the Transogham Tribun Ocv. 21/87
The business meeting being coneluded the veterans marched over to the grounds in front of the Baptist church where they were photographed in a body. Returning to the hall, the line was formed for a short march through the village. The line was headed by the Elmwood Fife. Drum and
Bugle Corps, Conrade Geo. O. Bent lead- ing as marshal. In the line was Gen. J. G. Foster Post G. A. R. and the Sons of Veterans, followed by the association and invited guests. A few decorations were noticed upon the route. As the column passed the house of the late Comrade Patch, all heads were uneovered. While the men had been occupied with their business the ladies had taken possession of Mr. Cooney's'new large livery stable, which had been kindly offered them for the occasion, and had spread tables with places for about 200 hungry men with such a variety of tempting rations that we forbear enumeration. When the col- unn arrived at the improvised banquet hall, which was decorated with large flags, the dinner was ready and so were the ladies. When all had been seated Chaplain Hayward invoked the Divine blessing and then the clatter of knives and forks began. When the physical ap- petites had been appeased the speeches began. President Reed called the com- pany to order and called first upon Com- rade Geo. O. Bent, to whose labors the company was largely indebted for the pleasant entertainment.
COMRADE BENT
said: In behalf of Post 163 } welcome this association to-day. When you came here last year we hardly knew you were coming or just what to expect, but to-day we thought we would do a little some- thig in recognition of what you have done in the past. Every year your ranks are growing thinner, and we may never meet again but it is best on these oeca- sions to have as good a time as possible. I bid you welcome to our town.
SELECTMAN AND COMRADE CLOYES next responded. He said speech making was not in his power, and when he saw these men march in he thought no words of his could do them credit. He wel- comed them on behalf of the town.
President Reed said there was one man present, who, although not a comrade, was good enough to be one. He was a good man as his name indicated and his name was
SELECTMAN GOODELL ..
Mr. Goodell thought that what he might say on such an occasion as this would be of but little interest but he ad- mired the boys in blue. and said that the record these men had made placed them in a position to be envied. He hoped that a kind Providence wouldl deal bountifully with them and lengthen out their lives.
PRESIDENT REED
said the chairman of the selectmen was unavoidably absent from town. Last spring this town elected three G. A. R. men on her board of five selectinen, and as one of them, he extended hearty greet- ings to them all. Framingham always held out hearty welcomes to the veterans. If there is a comrade here who has not joined the G. A. R. I advise him to do so. You see what our home post and the Ladies' Relief Corps have done. 1 am too full to say all I should like to.
COMRADE CHAS. II. FYLLER
of Post 163 was the next speaker. He raised applause at the outset by saying : Your president says he is full; well. I am a little Fuller. I told you last year that if you hadn't stole a march on ns we could give you a proper reception and I promised you one this year. Wo extend you to-day a soldiers' welcome and there's no other welcome like that. We greet you and hope that future reunions will be attended in as full ranks as to-day. Mr. Fuller was interrupted in the middle of his remarks by President Reed who had noticed the arrival, on crutches of
COMMANDER PHINNEY
of Post 163. As Capt. Phinney entered three cheers were called for him and they were given with a vim and clinched with a "tiger." Capt. Phinney said he was glad to welcome the men of this associa- tion. Soldiers are different from other men. We greet each other differently and with a warm sympathy. Fraternity is one of our grand principles. Where- ever I have ever been among soldiers 1 have been treated in that same spirit. 1 see we have with us to-day the sons of the veterans. These are to take our places when we go. The ladies, too, we appreciate. No one knows how much we owe them. I am glad to see other invited guests here too. While I cannot speak as I would like. my heart overflows with fraternal feeling for you all.
CHAPLAIN E. S. WHEELER.
the popular pastor of the Baptist church, was the next speaker. Ile heartily wel- comed them all. When he saw the asso- ciation march up to his church door to have their picture taken he was on the point of rejoicing at so large an accession to his church. Ile remembered to-day with pleasure, how, as a school boy, he had been inspired to enter a New York regiment and go to the war. I wasn't born in Massachusetts. They didn't con- sult me about that. Probably if they had | should have chosen this state, but I was born just over the line. where wooden nutmegs are made. I spent a year in the service at Port Hudson, and most of the white soldiers there were Massachusetts men. When the world wants a good, safe, ontside picket line they need only to call on Massachusetts. We appreciate the ladies and their work.
May the best of blessings go with you and when you come here again come right up to the front of the Baptist church and you'll find the minister there with outstretched hands to receive you.
Mr. Wheeler then sang the solo to "Marching through Georgia," all joining in the chorus and Miss A. M. Ilutehins presiding at the organ. The secretary then read a letter from Capt. Cook of North Brookfield, a letter from J. W. McMillan of Washington, D. C., late Brigadier General of volunteers, and a telegram from Lieut .- Governor Jones of | New York, who was formerly colonel of the regiment. President Reed then called on one of the old comrades, who, at Win- chester, led his men aud knew no fear. He is no speech maker, perhaps, but he's an awful good fighter. Ilis name is Capt. Fletcher. Capt. Fletcher's name was greeted with applause, but he declined to speak. President Reed said there was another good man here, and he's always good to the ladies. Ile had been left on the battlefield at Winchester to die, shot almost to pieces. One leg was taken off and when the doctors were going to take off the other one he told them to hold on and give him a chance. The ladies of Winchester took good care of him, how- ever, and finally nursed him through and brought him back to life and he had never forgotten them. Ilis name is
CAPT. BRADY.
Capt. Brady responded by saying that when he left home in the morning he did not expect to be treated in this way. We'ye received treatment to-day beyond our expectations. Speaking for myself and comrades I feel we are deeply grate- ful for it. While there's coporal's guard of us left we will stand by the ohl flag.
REPRESENTATIVE CONANT OF ACTON was next introduced as one who.although not a soldier, was the soldier's friend. Hle put through the last legislature the Acton soldiers' bounty bill, and he made many a poor soldier happy. I welcome him to-day and am proud to introduce Luther Conant. Mr. Conant said he hardly knew what to say after so compli- mentary an introduction. I am here by reason of faith rather than works: faith that Massachusetts would not do injustice to the men who stood between her and the rebel army. In looking up the matter of reenlistments in the field. I have found that the 26th Mass. furnished the most, and that Capt. Brady's company furnished the most of any company. These men reinlisted in the face of the
11
Frank young
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enemy, and it's a tribute to their bravery and patriotism. I hope you'll continue these reunions. I believe it is due to one of your munber that the last pig in the Shenandoah valley came in and -uren- dered himself. [Applause.] Mr. Conant ralled on Comrade Luke Smith to stand up that he might be seen. A man 74 years old and whose father fought in the Revolution. Mr. Conant said that when in this village last it was at the funeral of George II. Patch, a private buried with all the honors of a Major General. In all his work at the State house he always got a word of encouragement from Mr. Patch. Ile was a man who always stood by sohliers everywhere. It was my honor to introduce him at Acton. the last time he ever spoke in public.
1 .. F. FILL.ER. Es ...
of Framingham. was introduced as a na- tive of Aeton and responded pleasantly. Ile honored no men higher than the brave men who fought their country's battles. lle liked to meet them and be with them.
COMRADE RICHARDSON
of Lowell was next introduced and his wit provoked yells of laughter. Ile said he had been enjoying these speeches, but some of the remarks had struck Him qneerly. When'reference had been made to robbing hen roosts he noticed the only man who blushed was the Baptist minis- ter. Mr. Wheeler quickly responded that it was a hopeful sign when a man could blish. Continuing, Mr. Richardson said that Capt. Fletcher should receive no credit for being a brave man. He was so fat he couldn't run and what else could he do then but stay and fight. Capt. Brady had been called a ladies' man, but such a man as he didn't deserve so com- plimentary a term applied to him. At this Capt. Brady protested, to the amuse- ment of his comrades, declaring he would not sit still and be abused so. But Com- rade Richardson replied: I love you Capt. Brady : I love you dearly, but I've got the advantage of you now and I'm going to speak right out. A man, shot
almost to pieces at Winchester, but nursed | to life by a lady there, who would return home and dally over it and put off paying the debt for 25 years before returning to marry the girl. don't deserve much con- sideration. I feel proud to-day because I was one with you in those dark days when the country was saved. When we look back to the day we enlisted and re- view the days which followed. no one has a right to be more proud than we. South Framingham may well be proud of the entertainment provided to-day. This is the very best we have ever had. Mr. President. I move the thanks of the 26th regimental association be extended to Post 163, to the Ladies Relief Corps and the Sons of Veterans of this place. The motion was carried by a rising vote, and j three cheers and a tiger were given for [ the corps and the camp.
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LIEUT. STARK WEATHER
was introduced in a complimentary way and happily responded. He said such a reception as this-taking us right home. a- it were-is a revelation. The toil and labor of the ladies deserve our thanks.
A telegram was sent to Gen. McMillan and another received from II. P. Hood of Indianapolis. Secretary U'pham read an extraet from a tile of the New York Tril- une describing the fight at Winchester. The song "Tramp, Tramp. Tramp," was then sung. Mr. Wheeler carrying the solo.
CAPT. L. R. LANDY
the State's representative at the South Framingham muster field and arsenal was the next speaker. He paid a tribute to Gen. Grover, under whom he served and had been sorry to learn a short time ago that he had crossed the dark river. He welcomed the association to the town.
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