USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Milton > The history of Milton, Mass., 1640 to 1877 > Part 44
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THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
" Four hundred thousand men, the brave, the good, the true, In tangled wood, in mountain glen, On battled plain, in prison pen,
Lie dead for me and you; Four hundred thousand of the brave,
Have made our ransomed soil their grave
For me and you, ---
Good friend, for me and you."
[Inscription at Arlington Cemetery.]
The events of this war have scarcely ripened into history. The heroes of its well-fought battles we meet in daily converse, and on the graves of its fallen worthies we strew the flowers of every opening spring.
Most of those in middle life, and all the aged, remember the wave of enthusiastic loyalty that swept over the Northern States at the fall of Fort Sumter. Then followed the call for seventy- five thousand troops, and the quick response. Four days from that call the Sixth Massachusetts, in which were some of our Milton boys, was fighting its way to Washington, through the streets of Baltimore, and left its martyrs there. Fourteen days from that first call three hundred thousand men, terribly in earnest, had rallied round the flag of their country.
So fresh are those days in our minds that they seem but as
443
THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
yesterday. The memories of great and thrilling battles crowd upon us, when the fearful contest raged with varying fortune, and our hearts were stirred to their profoundest depths. We recall the sudden intelligence of the sickness of dear ones far away, of the wounded, and of the killed ; the startling telegram ; the hurried departure of father or brother to the distant suf- ferer, or to bear home the precious remains ; and then the funeral service in our churches, where all joined in common sorrow and sympathy, and the silent and tearful gatherings around these flag-marked graves.
In this war Milton, true to her former history, was prompt in action and decided in purpose. In no instance during this protracted struggle did the town fail to furnish her full quota of troops. The resources of the town, more ample than in early years, were liberally appropriated for the benefit of those who were fighting her battles, and for the comfort of their families ; while her wealthy citizens freely gave their sons to the great cause, and as freely volunteered their time, and, when occasion required, drew upon their own estates to relieve the overtaxed energies of the country.
All over our town earnest hearts and willing hands were eagerly engaged in providing for the safety and comfort of fathers, brothers, and sons, exposed and suffering, on the march, in camp, and in battle.1
1 REPORT OF THE MILTON BRANCH OF THE SANITARY COMMISSION.
Mrs. F. Cunningham and Mrs. F. M. Davis, Managers, appointed for the Sanitary Commission by the New England Woman's Auxiliary Association, present the following report for the years 1862 and 1863. The report states, that since the branch has existed, there has been contributed, to January 1, 1864, the sum of $4,014 68
Amount expended .
3,902 39
Balance on hand
$II2 29
The Managers observe : " This money has been expended for material and express- age. Other sums have been contributed by various persons to pay for the making up of garments by women needing help. Of sums thus expended we can give no account. In addition to the money, a bale of flannel and several pieces of other goods, also yarn, socks, and mittens, have been given."
It is proper to state that the sum of $204.79 was the proceeds of a fair, by a few chil- dren at the house of Mrs. L. Cunningham, Milton Hill. Also the sum of $107.30 from young persons at the Railway Village, the proceeds of dramatic exhibitions at the house of Mr. Hollis.
Other reports from different sections of the town are here condensed into one. The results of the whole are exhibited as follows : -
84 pairs Flannel Drawers, 1519 pairs Cotton
34 Flannel Double-Gowns, 42 Double Calico 4 Wadded 46 60 790 pairs Woollen Socks, 12 pairs Cotton 4 Goat's-Hair 66 50 pairs Woollen Mittens, 679 Handkerchiefs, 84 pairs Slippers, 725 Towels,
885 Flannel Shirts, 554 Cotton
33 Napkins,
309 Sheets,
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HISTORY OF MILTON.
No historic page in ancient or modern times can present names surpassing in all that constitutes distinguished general- ship, or dauntless heroism and true, undying love of country, the names of many of our leaders and myriads of our soldiers in this conflict.
It is proposed to place on record, as a simple tribute of grati- tude, a brief memorial of our fellow-citizens who fell in the war, or who died in immediate connection therewith ; together with a notice of all Milton soldiers of the war who have since passed away, and who now repose in our cemetery, to be followed by a complete list of the names of all in the quota of Milton who, for any length of time, served their country in this time of her greatest peril.
19 Pillows of various sizes,
2 kegs and 3 Bottles Pickles, 25 cans Jellies,
94 Pillow Ticks,
259 Pillow Cases,
12 pots Preserves,
2 Bedquilts,
2 jars Raspberries,
6 Comforters,
3 cans Preserved Tomatoes,
3 Vests,
3 cans Preserved Beans,
6 Sleeping Caps,
31 bottles Currant Shrub and Vinegar,
655 Bandages,
6 bottles Blackberry Syrup,
5 bbls. of Bandages,
I bottle Tomato Condiment,
3 bbls. of Lint,
I box Lemon Syrup,
62 boxes Lint,
2 bbls. Dried Apples,
3 doz. Fans,
4 doz. Eggs.
Farina, Chocolate, Cherry Brandy, Ravelenta, Soup, Cologne, Jellies, and Shrubs in abundance.
Compresses, old Linen, Coats, Pants, Vests, Sheets, Pillow Cases, Towels, Handker- chiefs, &c., in large quantities.
Books, Newspapers, and Pamphlets.
Eight bbls. Fruit and Vegetables for Morris Island.
One bbl. and one large box containing Pillows, Pillow Cases, Bedquilts, Bed Linen, Shirts, Dressing-Gowns, Socks, Mittens, Bandages, Lint, Compresses, Books, Papers, and Stationery, sent to the Sanitary Rooms, Boston.
One box containing Shirts, Pillow Cases, 1,500 bunches Lint, 235 Bandages, and other useful articles, to Dr. Miller.
One box containing 65 Shirts, 250 Bandages, 1,200 bunches Lint, and a large quantity of Compresses, to F. Mann, at the Hospital.
Also, Socks, Towels, Bandages, and Lint, sent in a box to Dr. Cushing. In addition to the above, 25 pairs Woollen Socks have been knit for Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, of Boston; and 75 Shirts and 75 pairs of Drawers, for the Sanitary Commission. Other work has been taken from the Sanitary Rooms, the amount of which is not reported.
The Managers in their report express their gratitude to the several circles in the different sections of the town who have labored so checrfully and assiduously in the good cause. In their closing remarks they say :-
" It will be seen by the foregoing statement that the amount still in the treasury is small. We have, however, a considerable quantity of material on hand, and shall be able to meet present demands for work. It is evident that without new contributions our work must stop. The excellency of the charity is no longer questioned, or the mode of applying it. We ask for pecuniary aid. We ask also for help from all parts of the town in making up garments. Any aid, however small, will be joyfully accepted. And surely those who can do but little are not thereby excused in not doing anything. We hope that we may be able to continue to have work ready to be given out on Thursdays, from 9 till I o'clock, at the house of Mrs. F. Cunningham, Milton Hill. We constantly have reports sent from Boston, New York, etc., which we are anxious to circulate among those who are interested in the cause."
2 Havelocks,
56 bottles Raspberry Vinegar,
34 Slings,
2 bottles Elderberry Wine,
I Mosquito Net,
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THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
As by death's denuding hand all distinctions of rank are obliterated, so in our list the private soldier may stand before his commanding officer.
MEMORIAL OF SOLDIERS WHO DIED IN THE WAR.
The catalogue of our fallen heroes commences with the name of
George O. Baxter.
He was born in Boston, Jan. 21, 1840, and removed to Milton in childhood. He enlisted in the 1st Regt., Mass. Vols., May 25, 1861. He was in the first battle of Bull Run and the battle of Williamsburg. He was killed on the second day of the battle of Fair Oaks, June 25, 1862, while engaged as a sharp-shooter, and was buried in camp, close by his old quar- ters, with two of his comrades who fell at the same time. The remains, it is supposed, have since been removed to Gettys- burg. The chaplain of the regiment, the late Rev. W. H. Cud- worth, thus wrote to his afflicted mother : " He died in the most brave and gallant manner, and has left a name of which you may justly feel proud."
George F. Bent.
He enlisted as a Milton soldier in Co. E, 7th Regt., Mass. Vols., June 16, 1861, and died at Brightwood, D.C., March 9, 1862.
Lieut. Josiah Bent, Jr.
He was born in Weymouth, and was the son of Rev. Josiah Bent, at that time pastor of the First Church, Weymouth. At the commencement of the war he enlisted in the 1st Regt., Wisconsin Cavalry, then recruiting at Kenosha, Wis. In the second year of his service he received the commission of- lieutenant. He served with his regiment two years. While stationed at Helena, Ark., he was attacked with malarial dysen- tery, and died at Kenosha, Nov. 9, 1863. His blameless char- acter and wonderful fitness for a cavalry officer would have placed him high in rank, had he lived. His remains were re- moved to Milton, where they now repose in the ancestral tomb.
Amos H. Bronsdon.
He was born in Milton, Sept. 24, 1824, and attended our Mil- ton schools. He enlisted in the 13th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 7, 1862. He was in the battle of Rappahanock Station, Second
446
HISTORY OF MILTON.
Bull Run, Chantilly, and Fredericksburg. Then he was taken sick and ordered home, but died at Pratt's Landing, Va., Jan. 19, 1863. His body was removed to Milton on the 12th of the following February, and now lies in our cemetery.
William A. Buckley.
He enlisted in Co. H, 56th Regt., Mass. Vols., Feb. 15, 1864, and died at Washington, D.C., May 3, 1864.
George W. Burditt.
He enlisted in Co. E, 1st Regt., Mass. Vols., May 25, 1861. May 5, 1862, he was killed at Williamsburg, Va.
N. Stanley Everett.
He was born in Milton, April 24, 1842, and received his edu- cation mainly in our schools. He enlisted in the 13th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 4, 1862. On the 12th of August the regi- ment removed to the seat of war, and on the 28th were in the battle of Thoroughfare Gap, where a ball passed through his coat and canteen. He was in the second Bull Run battle, and escaped unhurt. In the brief space of six weeks he marched with the regiment one hundred and fifty miles, and passed through two battles; but from constant marching and exposure to the night air his health failed, and he was ordered to the Cliffbourne Hospital, Washington, where he died of diphtheria, Sept. 21, 1862. While with the regiment he was kindly cared for by his comrade, Amos A. Bronsdon, and in the hospital he received the kindest sympathy from a Sister of Charity, whose likeness is now in the hands of his parents. His last words were, "I am willing to die for my country." His remains were buried in Washington, at the Soldiers' Rest, and afterwards were removed to Milton, Oct. 7, 1862.
Lieut. Josiah H. V. Field.
He was born at Tampa Bay, Fla., in 1843. He was the son of Capt. George P. Field and Elizabeth Eliot, the second daughter of Col. Josiah H. Vose. Captain Field received his appointment of cadetship from Gen. Peter B. Porter, and gradu- ated July 1, 1834. In 1845 Lieutenant Field removed with his parents to Milton, to the house built by his great-grandfather before the Revolutionary War.
When seven years of age he commenced to attend the Milton Academy, and continued at that school for nine years, when he
446
HISTORY OF MILTON.
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6. 9% Of Field
447
THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
received from the President of the United States his appoint- ment as a cadet at West Point. In 1863 he graduated, after a term of four years, and his standing secured him the rank of Lieutenant of Ordnance.
He was at once ordered to Frankfort arsenal, Philadelphia, where he remained for nine months, with various and arduous duties. He was then ordered to the armory at Springfield, and after a few days received orders to report at Washington, where he was appointed to the very responsible position of senior Ordnance Officer for Western Virginia, and attended General Hunter in his raid through Virginia.
In this most exhaustive campaign his duties were severe and overpowering ; his life and energy were an overmatch for his physical frame, and the powers of nature were forced to suc- cumb to the mighty strain. In the last letter received from him he says : "I am played out and exhausted, but my courage is good; I would not have missed this raid." An officer in the engineer corps, writing to his mother, says: -
Your son, with a great and noble band, and like his father before him, has given up his life to his country. In two actions in which he took part he behaved as the son of a soldier. His calmness, his courage, his energy, made him conspicuous at Lynchburg. He rallied our troops, about to break, and held them until the enemy's charge was repulsed.
After this he showed symptoms of exhaustion, and was put in the ambulance during the hasty retreat. At Cumberland he was alarmingly ill, and, apparently without disease, sunk rapidly, and died July 14, 1864.
His remains were brought from Cumberland and lie in Milton Cemetery by the side of his mother's brother, who died from disease contracted in the Florida war, and was brought here for interment. In the same inclosure lies his grandfather, Col. Josiah H. Vose, who died in New Orleans as he was about to leave with his regiment for Mexico.
On the stone which marks the resting-place of Lieutenant Field are inscribed Longfellow's beautiful and appropriate lines : --
" Hc, the young and strong, who cherished Noble longings for the strife, By the wayside fell and perished, Weary with the march of life."
Allen C. Griswold.
He enlisted in Co. I, 56th Regt., Mass. Vols., Feb. 4, 1864, and died of wounds received in battle at Spottsylvania Court House, May 23, 1864.
448
HISTORY OF MILTON.
Joseph W. Griswold.
Joseph W. Griswold, a brother of Allen C., enlisted in Co. I, 56th Regt., Mass. Vols., Feb. 14, 1864, and was killed at Spott- sylvania, Va., May 18, 1864.
George W. Hall, Jr.
He was born in Milton, Jan. 1, 1844, and attended the East School in our town. He enlisted in the 38th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 21, 1862. He was in the battles of Bisland, Port Hudson, Cane River, Opequan Creek, and Winchester. At the battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864, he was severely wounded, and was ordered to Frederick Hospital, where he died from the effects of his wounds, May 1, 1865. His remains were removed to Milton, and lie entombed in our cemetery.
Isaiah Hunt.
He was born in Milton, and passed his childhood and youth here. He enlisted in the 35th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 19, 1862. He was severely wounded in the battle of South Mountain, the first in which his regiment was engaged; he was taken to Convalescent Camp at Arlington Heights, and from thence to Washington, where he died at the Soldiers' Retreat, Dec. 17, 1862. He was buried at Washington, and afterwards was brought home by our citizen, Mr. Samuel Cook, and now lies among our honored dead.
Elijah M. Hunt.
He was born in Milton, and was the brother of Isaiah Hunt. He enlisted in Co. I, 42d Regt., Mass. Vols., Sept. 16, 1862. The regiment left camp November 21, and on the 25th of December a landing was effected on the wharf at Galveston, Texas, and the stars and stripes which floated over the regimental quarters at Readville were thrown to the breeze with cheers. On the 1st of January following General Burrill was attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy, and, failing to receive promised support from the gunboats, he, with his whole force, comprising three companies of the regiment, in one of which was young Hunt, were marched off as prisoners of war. They were paroled about the 1st of March. Hunt remained with the regiment until the expiration of service. He died in Salem, N.H., April 6, 1868, and was buried in Milton.
449
THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
Samuel Hunt, Jr.
He was born in Milton, July 4, 1836, and received his educa- tion in our schools. He enlisted from Stoughton, in Co. F, 40th Regt., Mass. Vols., Sept. 3, 1862. He was with his regi- ment in Florida at the battle of Olustee, and also at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va. In the Florida campaign he contracted disease, and was discharged April 24, 1864. He arrived home, and continued in feeble health until the time of his death, which occurred in May following. I learn that the few weeks of his life after he reached home were weeks of great comfort and interest to his kindred and friends. Just before his death he roused from a lethargy, commenced singing these words, " I'm going home to die no more," and even before the hymn was finished passed to the home above.
Lieut. Albert Jackson.
He was born in Boston, but passed his childhood and youth in Milton. He enlisted as sergeant in Co. B, 38th Regt., Mass. Vols., July 21, 1862, and was promoted to second lieutenant March 8, 1863. In the battle of Port Hudson, June 14, 1863, he received wounds from which he recovered. He was with his regiment in the battles of Bisland, Cane River, Opequan, Win- chester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. He resigned March 7, 1864, and returned to Boston, where he died, in 1865, from dis- ease contracted in the army, and was brought to Milton for in- terment.
George Long.
He enlisted in Nims' Battery, July 31, 1861, and was dis- charged Aug. 16, 1864. He was on duty for more than two years, was engaged in the bombardment of Vicksburg and in the battle of Baton Rouge. He was with the battery in many long and tedious marches and skirmishes, and re- mained until the expiration of service. During the last six months of his military life he was prostrated by sickness, and confined in the hospital at New Orleans. Dec. 4, 1866, he married Miss Emma L. Wadsworth, of Milton, and for the benefit of his health removed to Newbern, N.C., where he remained for nearly four years; having become greatly en- feebled, and, hoping for a renewal of strength, he returned to Milton, and died here on the day after his arrival, Feb. 2, 1870.
450
HISTORY OF MILTON.
Martin Lyons.
He enlisted as a Milton soldier in Co. F, 19th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 28, 1861. He was killed, Sept. 17, 1862, at An- tietam.
Albert T. B. Martin.
He enlisted in Co. I, 38th Regt., Mass. Vols., Aug. 21, 1862. He was engaged in the battle of Bisland. In the fearful assault of the Thirty-eighth at Port Hudson, on that sad Sunday, June 14, 1863, he received a serious wound. Some of his comrades believe that he was taken to the rear, and removed to New Or- leans, where he died of his wounds. This, however, is not con- firmed ; and the general belief is that he died on the field of battle, and was buried by the Confederates.
Capt. Joseph W. Morton.
Early in the war he enlisted as a private. After serving for a time at Ship Island, in the Gulf of Mexico, he received a commission as second lieutenant. At the battle of Baton Rouge, Aug. 5, 1862, owing to sickness and absence of supe- riors, he was commanding officer of the cavalry engaged on that occasion, receiving the thanks and praises of men of high rank for the courage and skill with which he performed his duties. He was then promoted to first lieutenant. By reason of sickness he resigned his commission and returned home; but on returning health, at the request of Governor Andrew, he raised a company of men, and was commissioned captain of Co. D, 4th Mass. Cavalry. The regiment was sent to Hilton Head, and thence to Florida, where he distinguished himself in many raids and skirmishes. In critical circumstances General Birney would say : "I will send Morton's cavalry, for he will go where I order, and his men will follow where he leads." He was taken prisoner at the battle of Gaines' Mills, and was marched to Macon, thence to Augusta, thence to Andersonville, thence to Charleston, and last to Columbia, where he was con- fined until Feb. 17, 1865.
One day a negro who was near Captain Morton contrived to whisper the electrifying news : "Sherman's army is comin', and you'll soon be free."-" And so will you," was the captain's prompt reply. Just before the battle of Baton Rouge he wrote to his father :
Give my love to all. Do not be worried about me. If God sees fit to spare my life to you and mother, he will; if not, be satisfied that I have
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THE GREAT CIVIL WAR.
done my duty ; that I died in a good cause, - the service of my country. Do not give way, father, if I should fall, but say with the old Roman patriot, Cato : -
" Thanks to the gods, my boy has done his duty ; Portius, when I am dead, be sure you place his urn near mine."
And, mother, you may say, with that brave Swiss woman : -
" For thy green vales, O Switzerland! he died; I will forget my sorrow in my pride."
At the close of the war he returned home, but with health broken by the exposures and sufferings of prison life. In the autumn he passed into a rapid decline, and died at his father's house, Dec. 17, 1864. His remains were deposited in the an- cestral tomb within our cemetery.
Nathaniel T. Myers.
He was born in Milton, and received his education in our schools. He enlisted in the 1st Mass. Cavalry, Oct. 12, 1861, and went with the regiment to Hilton Head, S.C. He was in the battles of James Island and Pocataligo. Detachments of the regiment were also in the expeditions against Jacksonville. He died at Hilton Head, very sud- denly, Feb. 15, 1863. His commanding officer, in con- veying the intelligence of his decease to his parents, thus writes : -
On the morning of the 5th your son came from picket duty, and was apparently in usual good health. The attack seized him at 4.30 P.M. A courier was immediately sent to head-quarters for medical aid, and in a very short time, considering the distance, a surgeon arrived, but your son was already dead ; nor would any benefit have been derived had the sur- gcon been at hand at the time of the attack. The body was to-day buried with military honors near the department head-quarters, the Rev. Mr. Hudson, Chaplain of New York Engineers, performing divine service at the grave.
I beg leave, in closing, to bear testimony to the uniform good behavior and sterling worth of your son. He was faithful in the performance of duty, and from his social qualities was much regarded by his comrades. His career, although short, was honorable, and his loss will be deeply felt by the company.
By the kindness of his company his remains were tenderly transmitted to Milton, at their expense, and repose in the family tomb.
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HISTORY OF MILTON.
Joseph A. Parsons.
He enlisted in Co. I, 26th Reg. Mass. Vols., Sept. 21, 1861, and died Feb. 2, 1863, at New Orleans.
Lieut. Stephen G. Perkins.
He was born in Boston, Sept. 18, 1835, but removed to Mil- ton before the war. He graduated at Harvard with the Class of 1856, spent a year in the Law School at Cambridge, but after- wards entered the Scientific School, where he obtained a degree in mathematics in 1861. He enlisted in the 2d Regt., Mass. Vols., July 8, 1861, and received the commission of second lieutenant. On July 11, 1862, he was promoted to first lieu- tenant.
The disastrous battle of Cedar Mountain occurred Aug. 9, 1862. Of the twenty-two officers who went into this battle only eight came out unhurt.
It is stated by our citizen, Col. H. S. Russell, then a captain in the 2d, that when the regiment had been in position about twenty minutes Lieutenant Perkins received a wound in his right hand, but refused to go to the rear, saying that a handker- chief was all he wanted, and this was given lıim. Ten minutes afterwards Colonel Russell noticed hin again; and in a few minutes more, when the regiment was withdrawn, he was not in his place. The body was found a little to the rear, pierced with three bullets. It was sent to Washington, and afterwards, with the most touching funeral ceremonies, was deposited in Oak Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, Aug. 25, 1862, where it now reposes.
Capt. J. Sewall Reed.
Captain Reed was born in Milton, was educated in our schools, and passed his youth here. He went to California in 1849, where he remained until the opening of the war. In 1862 he raised a company of one hundred and one men in California, called " The California 100," of which he was made captain. He came to Boston with his command, and offered their services to the State of Massachusetts.
He was commissioned captain of Co. A, 2d Mass. Cavalry, and continued in the service till his death.
Captain Reed was killed at Drainsville, Va., Feb. 22, 1864. He was a brave and gallant officer. The heroic spirit that prompted him and his one hundred associates voluntarily to come from their distant home to join their native State in
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