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Go 974.1 St25e 1774507
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
. 4
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01083 7059
Eastern Maine
The Rebellion: AND
Being an Account of the Principal Local Evento in Eastern Maine during the War. AND
BRIEF HISTORIES OF EASTERN MAINE REGIMENTS.
Contains Accounts of Mobs, Riots, Destruction of Newspapers, War Meetings, Drafts, Confederate Raids, Peace Meetings, Celebrations, Soldiers' Letters, And Scenes and Incidents at the Front, Never Before in Print.
BY R. H. STANLEY AND GEO. O. HALL.
BANGOR, MAINE: R. H. STANLEY & COMPANY. ISS7 .
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841
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1774507
STANLEY, R H. :
Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an ac- count of the principal local events in castern Maine during the war. And brief histories of eastern Maine regiments. Contains accounts of mobs, riots, destruction of newspapers, war meet- ings, drafts, confederate raids, peace meetings, celebrations, soldiers' lotters, and scones and incidents at the front, novor before in print. By `R.H.Stanley and Geo. . 0. Hall. Bangor, Mo., Stan-
ley, 1887. 392p.
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014
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https://archive.org/details/easternmainerebe00stan 0
THE WAR VICE-PRESIDENT, HANNIBAL HAMLIN.
DEDICATION.
In compiling this volume, we have necessarily sought the columns of the Press, for the years 1861-66: the admirable reports of Adjutant General Hodsdon, for the same years; private journals and memoran- dums, as well as personal correspondence.
To Major Small, and the Sixteenth Regiment Association, we are under great obligations, for the use of the four cuts belonging to them. For the universal courtesies extended us when in search of informa- tion, and especially for the uniform kindness and interest manifested by those connected with that admirable institution, the Bangor Public Library, we wish to return our sincerest thanks.
TO THE PRESS OF EASTERN MAINE,
WHICH HAS SO OFTEN AND SO FREELY GRANTED US FAVORS,
WE DEDICATE THIS BOOK,
Trusting that one and all, may find within its pages, some new and instructive facts, regarding the darkest days of our Country's history.
THE AUTHORS.
INTRODUCTION.
T:T HAS been our endeavor in these pages, to depict the scenes and incidents occuring at home, during the Rebellion, rather than the giving of a minute description of the varied experiences of the thous- ands. who marched away from Eastern Maine, at their Country's call.
We lay no claim to high literary merit, simply placing before you, in condensed form, the facts: believing that as the memories of the older readers are quickened, and the younger generation learn of the experi- ences of fathers and mothers, in their efforts to preserve the Union, all will find something of deep interest.
R. H. STANLEY. GEO. O. HALL.
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ILLUSTRATIONS.
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Frontispiece, Facing page
HON. HANNIBAL HAMLIN.
18, HON. ISRAEL WASHBURN, JR. 42, BRIG. GEN. CHAS. D. JAMESON.
" 58, BREVET BRIG. GEN. CHAS. W. ROBERTS.
102, COL. THOS. H. MARSHALL.
$6 11S, BREVET BRIG. GEN. GEORGE VARNEY.
66 124, BRIG. GEN. HIRAM BURNHAM.
136, CAMP TILDEN.
16
146, COL. DANIEL CHAPLIN.
166, LIEUT. COL. AND BREVET COL. A. B. FARNHAMI.
¥ 176,
CAPT. ELIJAH LOW.
190, APPOMATTOX C. H., PLACE OF LEE'S SURRENDER.
218, MAJ. GEN. HIRAM G. BERRY.
244,
CAMP LEAVITT.
259, COL. CALVIN S. DOUTY.
284, BREVET BRIG. GEN. J. D. RUST.
334, CAPT. C. A. BOUTELLE.
66
356, BREVET BRIG. GEN. CHAS. HAMLIN.
360, BREVET MAJJ. GEN. CYRUS HAMLIN.
378, CAPT. F. A. CUMMINGS.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. Page 17
The News From Fort Sumter-How It Was Received In Bangor-President Lin- coln's Proclamation-General Veazie Offers Fifty Thousand Dollars-A Grand Rally at Norombega Hall-Dangers Which Menaced Bangor Shipping-"Panicky" Times.
CHAPTER II. Page 21
Bangor's Proud Boast-She Raises The First Company of Volunteers That Enlist- ed in The United States-To Put Down The Rebellion-The First Recruiting Office-The Riot In Baltimore, and Washington In Danger-The First Company Elect Officers-The "Grattan Guards" and "Bangor Light Infantry"-Capt. Meinecke Opens an Office in the Gymnasium-Doings of The City Council-The Big Relief Fund and Who Gave It-Daniel Chaplin Raises a Company-Other Offices Opened.
CHAPTER III. Page 33
Enlistments Continued-The Ex-Tiger And Amory Associates-The Home Guards-"Bangor May Now Fearlessly Face A Frowning World"-The Cav- alry And The Sons Of Temperance-Maine On A War Footing-The First Regiment-The Governor's Proclamation-Division And Regimental Orders- Maj. Gen. Butler, of Maine-He Issues A Corpulent Proclamation-The Towns' Round About-Grand Meetings, Stirring Speeche-, And Odd But Earnest Resolutions.
ZTMOTMOS
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
Page 39
States Rights Men, Timid Men and Copperheads-The Stars And Stripes Every- where-Forming of The First Regiment-Captain Chaplin's Company Organize -Arrival of The Castine Company-A Grand Military Display-Forming of The Second Regiment. Complete List of Officers-A Sketch of Each Company.
CHAPTER V. Page 46
The Second Maine In Camp-How The Men Lived-Preparations For A South- ern "Tour"-Wheelwright & Clark Contract To Furnish Uniforms-The Women Give Substantial Aid-Extracts From The Daily Press-What Each Soldier Had-The Camp On Essex Street-Military Ardor In Business Circles -Red, White And Blue Letter Paper-Odd Advertisements-Linen Ilandker- chiefs And Bandages-The Regiment Ordered To The Front.
CHAPTER VI. Page 51
Off For The War-Presentation Of The Flag-Vice-President Hamlin's Address -Scenes At The Station-Reception At Augusta-The Trip To New York- A Grand Reception There-On Board The Transport-Measles Break Out- In Camp At Willett's Point-Trouble Regarding Enlistment Papers-On To Washington.
CHAPTER VII. Page 58
In Camp At Washington-A Letter From Col. Roberts-Preparing To Strike The Decisive Blow-A Visit From Secretary Seward -- Scenes And Incidents- Going To The Front.
CHAPTER VIII. Page 62
Continuation Of The Scenes In Bangor-The Sixth Regiment-The Independent Volunteers Organize-The Temperance Volunteers-The Jam Breakers Of Oldtown-Rebels Capture Bangor Ships-Troops Disbanded And Paid Off -Great Disappointment-Rifling Cannon At Bangor-Death Of The Bangor Union-Buying Horses For Governinent - Ass't Surgeon Hamlin At Home- Deaths In The Second Maine-Departure Of The Sixth Maine Battallion- Their Officers-Additional Recruits For The Second-The Sixth Maine To The Front-Regimental And Company Officers.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX. Page 71
The Battle of Bull Run-How The News Was Received at Home-Intense Anxiety And Excitement-A Few Telegraph Headings-Letters From The Second Maine.
CHAPTER X. Page 83
Destruction Of The Bangor Democrat-Infuriated Citizens, Maddened By Its Bitter Attacks Upon The Government-Throw Type, Cases And Press Into The Street And Burn Them-Editor Emery Has A Narrow Escape-What The Press Said-Interviews With Bangor Men Who Took Part In The Raid- The Trial At Belfast-Issue Of The Democrat Extra-Editor Emery Addresses The People.
CHAPTER XI. Page 9S
The Fourth Maine-A Gallant Regiment Hampered By Some Poor Material- One Company Reorganized-Deserters Numerous-Some Brilliant Engagements -The Regiment Nearly Annihilated-General Berry Of Rockland-Col. Mar- shall Of Belfast.
CHAPTER XII. Page 103 "All Quiet On The Potomac"-A Few Battles In The West-Formation Of Other Maine Regiments-A Big War Meeting-A National Fast In September -Sharp Shooters Wanted-What Was Required Of Them-Chas. Hamlin, Esq., Opens A Recruiting Office-Penobscot County And Bangor Bear Off State Honors-Gen. Jameson Commands A Brigade-Col. Roberts In Com- mand Of Several Forts-The Banks Suspend Specie Payment-The Close Of The Year-The Soldiers In Winter Quarters-Some Of The Stories They Told.
CHAPTER XIII. Page 111
The State Guards-A Company In Each Ward-One Or More In Each Town- The Officers-The Orders To Drill-The First American Boycott-A Great Rally-An Immense Crowd In Bangor-Gen. Howard Arrives-Serious Acci- dent At Norombega Hal !- The Platform Gives Way-Many Ladies Injured- The City Council Increases The Bounty-"Excursion" To Richmond.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV. Page 118
History Of The Second Maine Regiment, From The Spring Of '62-They Leave Hall's Hill-Ordered To Yorktown-Siege Of Yorktown-They Receive The Thanks Of Gens. McClellan And Porter-Chickahominy-Battle Of Hanover Court House-Gaine's Mill-Malvern Hill-The Camp At Harrison's Landing -On To Fredricksburg-They Give Battle To The Enemy At Manassas-Picket Duty At Stone Bridge-The Battle Of Fredricksburg-Close Of The Year.
CHAPTER XV. Page 124
History Of The Sixth Maine-Chain Bridge-On The March-Lewinsville- Fort Griffin-Col. Burnham-The New Officers-Much Fighting-A Singular Combat-The Axe Brigade-Sleeping On Their Arms-Much Fighting And Great Losses-Daring Deeds By Co. "D"-Col. Burnham Ordered To Maine -Lieut. Harris In Command-Rappahannock Station-Col. Harris Seriously Wounded And Maj. Fuller Takes Command-Defending Washington-Arrival At Portland-Mustered Out.
CHAPTER XVI. Page 137
The Eighteenth Maine-Organized At Bangor And Ordered To Washington- ·
Changed To The First Maine Heavy Artillery-Twelve Months Of Idleness- They Join The Army Of The Potomac-The First Fight-The First Great Slaughter-They Are Mowed Down By Ranks-Placing The Blame-Death Of Col. Chaplin-His Last Words-His Military Career-Forty Days Under Fire-A Gallant Charge-The Winter Before Petersburg-At Amelia Springs -They Capture Artillery, Colors And Men-Back To Bangor.
CHAPTER XVII. Page 154 Northern Politics-The Three Parties In Maine-Union Republicans, War Dem- ocrats And Breckenridge Democrats-The Last Also Called Copperheads- What They Did In 1861-A Thrilling Appeal For Volunteers-Politics In 1862-Eastern Maine "Locals."-Thousands Of Deserters North-MeClellan's Address To The Press-Gloom And Despair Everywhere-Close Of The Year.
CHAPTER XVIII. Page 161
In 1863 -- Return Of The Second Maine-The Military Escort-The Speakers At Vorombega -- Vice-President Hamlin's Second Address To Them-Local Events.
MOTERO
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX. Page 169
The Draft-How It Was Avoided In '62-Patriotic Appeals And Odd Adver- tisements-Elijah Low Is Appointed Provost Marshal-What He Did-He Has A Row With The Maine Central-And Is Ordered To Take Possession And Run It At Government Expense-The Travel To Canada Becomes Large -- A Patten Rebel Defies Uncle Sam-And Comes To Grief-Capt. Low Exposes A Defaulter-The Draft In Houlton-Bells Tolling For Lincoln And Clanging For Victory Over Lee-The Hunt In Maine For The Assassin Booth.
CHAPTER XX. Page 183 . In 1361-Another Call For Troops-And Another Draft Ordered-The " Soldiers Rost "-The Big Sanitary Fair-The Elections-The Close Of The Year-Gold And Merchandise-Its Rise And Fall-How Fortunes Were Made-How Some Lost Them-The Boom In Groceries, Cotton And Woolen Goods-Boots, Shoes And Clothing At War Prices-Something About Hardware-Fools And Their Folly-A. T. Stewart & Co. Are Caught-Sliding Down And Sliding Out-Mak- ing Change With Veazie And Hersey Scrip.
CHAPTER XXI. Page 190 In 1865-The Draft Continues-Glorious News From The Army Of The Potomac- Victory All Along The Line-Twelve Thousand Prisoners In Three Days-Sur- render Of Lee And His Army-Great Rejoicing At Home-What The People Did-A Great Day For Maine-Interesting Accounts From An Old Journal- A Procession Forms In Bangor And Many Calls Made-What Was Said And Done.
CHAPTER XXII. Page 202 The Nation In Mourning-Another Great Crime Of The Slave Power-President Lincoln Assassinated-A Nation In Tears-Terrible News-The President's Case Hopeless-Almost Miraculous Escape Of Grant.
CHAPTER XXIII. Page 207 The First War Meeting In Rockland-Flag Raisings-Rockland Votes To Raise Ten Thousand Dollars For Aid Of Soldier's Families-Elijah Walker Opens A Recruiting Office-Arrival Of The Companies For The Fourth Regiment- The Work Of The Ladies-The Departure Of The Fourth Regiment-Mert. ing At Camden-The News From Bull Run-The Ward Companies-The Draft.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIV. Page 217
Presentation Of Silver Service To Gen. Berry By His Officers-Rockland Ships Seized By The " Alabama"-Funeral Of Gen. Berry-Vice-President Hamlin's Opinion Of The Man-The Harbor Batteries-Return Of The Fourth Regiment -Rockland Raises Thirty Thousand Dollars To Fill The Quota-Capture Of The " Rouen "-The Coast Guards-The Fall Of Richmond-Death Of Lin. coln-Close Of The War-Return Of The Soldiers.
CHAPTER XXV. Page 229 Belfast And Surrounding Towns During The Rebellion-The Early War Meet- ¢ ings-The First Enlistments-Stealing The Flag From The Custom House- Searsport Responds-Militia Attend Church -News From Bull Run-Building The Gunboat-Something From "Old Troy"-The Draft In 1863-Names Of Those Drawing Tickets-The Searsport Unfortunates.
CHAPTER XXVI. Page 236 Building Belfast Batteries-Excitement In Mercantile Circles-Dixie Prices-A Landlady Buys Largely-An Editor Arrested-The Killing Of a Waldo Sheriff In Wesley-A " Hard Gang" Resist The Belfast Officers-Deserters Stealing Horses -They Are Pursued-They Shoot Chief Of Police Charles McKenney- Additional Men Join In The Pursuit-One Of Them Shot Through The Heart -They Are Finally Captured-And Are Beaten To Death-News Of Lee's Sur- render-Belfast Celebrates And Burns A Building-Men Blown From A Cannon's Mouth-The People Nearly Hang An Innocent Man-Copperheads Go Fishing- The Death Of Lincoln-Belfast Of To-Day.
CHAPTER XXVII. Page 246
The First Cavalry-They Were Never " Rattled"-The Organization-The Offi- cers From Eastern Maine-" Dashing" spurling-Why Col. Goddard Resign- ed-How The Band Got Even-Leaving For The Front-Scenes Of Inactivi- ty-Douty Gains Command-Raiding And Skirmishing-They Save The Army Of Banks-The Gallant Fight At Brandy Station-Another At Aldie-The Fall Of Douty -The History Of The Regiment To The Close Of The War-Com- ing Home.
CHAPTER XXVIII. l'age 250
CALVIN S. DOUTY.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIX. Page 267
War Matters In Dexter-A Strong Union Sentiment-And A Large "Secesh " Element-Local Matters-The Great Peace Conventions-Fifteen Thousand People Gather-"Seven Barrels Of Doughnuts"-A Monster Procession-Sen- timents Hostile To The Union-The Dexter Band "Play It" On The Demo- crats-Interviews With Men Who Participated-Scenes At Barton's Grove- Treasonable Talk-The Dinner Cooked On The .Vice-President's Stove.
CHAPTER XXX Page 278 The History Of The Twenty-Second Regiment-To Fortress Monroe-Newport News-New Orleans-Up The Mississippi-Baton Rouge-Disease And Death -Donaldson-Irish Bend-Quelling Negro Insurrections-A Gallant Charge- Port Hudson-Jerrard In Command-He Is Placed Under Arrest-Banks Again Displays His Dislike Of Maine Officers-Capture Of Port Hudson-Return Of The Regiment-The Twenty-Sixth-An Extensive Tour-A Little Fighting- Some Guard Duty -- Returning Home --- The Third Battery --- The Twenty-Eighth -. Account Of The Formation -- Sleeping In Beecher's Church-To The Front- Regimental History.
CHAPTER XXXI. Page 284
The Eighth Regiment-Its Organization-The Capture Of Hilton Head-Colonel Strickland Resigns-Capture Of Fort Pulaski-The First Emancipation Procla- mation-Capture Of Jacksonville, Fla .- The Furlough-Presentation To Colonel Rust-Again At The Front-Drury's Bluff-Cold Harbor-In Front Of Peters- burg-Bermuda Hundred-Forts Gregg and Baldwin-Appomattox C. H .- Killed And Wounded-Return Of The Regiment.
CHAPTER XXXII. Page 292
The Eleventh Regiment-Its Organization And Officers-To The Front-Siege Of Yorktown-The Battle Of Seven Pines-In The Rifle Pits-Honorable And Dan- gerous Duty-The Best Axe-Men Of The Army-The Mathews County Invasion Destruction Of The Salt Works-Twenty-One Days Afloat-Presentation To Colonel Plaisted-At Morris Island -- The Florida Trip-On To Richmond -- Death Of Lieutenant Colonel Spofford -- To New York -- Clover Hill-Patrol Duty --- Return Of The Eleventh.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIII. Page 299
Ellsworth And Hancock County-The First Meeting-Ringing Resolutions-Money For Soldiers Aid-The First Flag Raising -- Jesse Dutton Opens Recuiting Office- The Hancock Giants --- Rebels Cut Down The Liberty Pole At Blue Hill -- The Rifle Company -- The Noble Work Of The Ladies- Ellsworth Men In The Navy -Return Of Wounded Soldiers-Death Of Lieutenant Rice -- The Ward Com- panies-The Ellsworth Band -- Recruiting Continues-The Dirigo Club -- Lee's Surrender-Close Of The War.
CHAPTER XXXIV. Page 306
The Second Cavalry-Its Formation-The First Detachment At New Orleans --- Its Battles-Arrival Of The Main Regiment-To Florida -Raids And Skir- mishes-Return To Augusta-The Thirty-First Regiment -- Its Organization-Its Battles-Tolopotomoy Creek --- Cold Harbor --- Bethesda Church --- Weldon Railroad -In Front of Petersburg-Arrival Home.
THE LOSS OF THE "EMMA JANE," -
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CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
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MAJOR GEN. HIRAM G. BERRY,
PAGE 311
MAJOR WHITING S. CLARK, -
66 320
CAPTAIN BENJ. F. HUNTER, .
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321
BRIG. GEN. THOMAS W. HYDE,
322
LIEUT. WJr. R. NEWENHAM, -
322
BREVET BRIG. GEN. LLEWELLYN G. ESTES,
323
LIEUT. COL. GEORGE FULLER,
66 321
BREVET BRIG. GEN. JOHN D. RUST,
325
CAPTAIN JOHN H. BALLINGER,
330
SURGEON JOHN BENSON ;.
331
ASST. SURGEON WILLIAM R. BENSON,
332
CAPTAIN BILLINGS BRASTOW,
332
BREV. BRIG. GEN. CHARLES W. ROBERTS, CAPTAIN C. A. BOUTELLE,
334
BRIG. GEN. HIRAMI BURNHAM,
338
CAPTAIN SAMUEL W. DAGGETT,
345
CAPTAIN WILLIAM R. CURRIER, CAPTAIN HENRY CROSBY,
347
DR. A. C. HAMLIN,
349
LIEUT. GEORGE W. GRANT,
350
BREVET BRIG. GEN. CHARLES D. GILMORE,
350
LIEUT. ISRAEL H. WASHBURN,
351
BREV. BRIG. GEN. GEORGE VARNEY,
"
352
CAPT. FRANCIS W. SABINE, 1
" 352
LIEUT. COL. DANIEL F. SARGENT,
354
COL. AUGUSTUS B. FARNHAM,
355
BREVET BRIG. GEN. CHARLES HAMLIN,
¥ 356
BREVET MAJ. GEN. CYRUS HAMLIN,
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360
BRIG. GEN. CHARLES D. JAMESON,
361
LIEUT. COL. WINSLOW P. SPOFFORD,
364
MAJOR JOEL A. HAYCOCK, -
365
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BREVET BRIG. GEN. HARRIS M. PLAISTED,
367
COL. JASPER HUTCHINGS,
376
LIEUT. W. H. H. RICE, -
377
CAPT. F. A. CUMMINGS, -
378
JAMES W. CLARK,
379
ADJUT. GEN. JOHN L. HODSDON,
382
BREVET BRIG. GEN. JOS. SEWELL SMITH,
383
HON. HANNIBAL HAMILIN,
385
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EASTERN MAINE AND THE REBELLION.
CHAPTER I.
The News From Fort Sumpter-How It Was Received In Bangor-President Lin- coln's Proclamation-General Veazie Offers Fifty Thousand Dollars-A Grand Rally at Norombega Hall-Dangers Which Menaced Bangor Shipping-"Panicky" Times.
On the twelfth of April, 1861, at four o'clock in the morning, the batteries on Sullivan's Island, Morris Island, as well as those along the shores of Charleston Harbor, opened fire on Fort Sump- ter. At a late hour that day the news reached Bangor, causing consternation and indignation. Although the daily papers had kept our citizens informed of the doings of our government as well as the Southern States, and although war had been declared inevitable, yet our people could hardly realize that the blow had fallen, and that the soil of the South that for years had yielded bountiful harvests, was soon to be made red with the life blood of thousands ere peace again spread her white wings over our land.
At once there came to the minds of the patriotic sons of the North the one thought that the Rebellion must be subdued, and the citizens of Maine, and especially those of Bangor, waited with feverish impatience the action of the authorities at Washington. They had not long to wait. On the 15th of April, President Lin- coln called forth the militia of the United States to the number of 75,000 men, and his words in the proclamation show he had little conception of the magnitude of the war which had been inaugura- ted. He said:
"I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the United States; and in every event
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EASTERN MAINE AND THE REBELLION.
the utmost care will be observed consistently with the object afore- said, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in every part of the country."
As soon as this proclamation was issued a feeling of relief was experienced, and every one felt that the right step had been taken, and all looked for a speedy suppression of the rebel element. From all the loyal States came offers of men and money, and the people of Bangor, as well as those in the surrounding towns being pos- sessed of a patriotic spirit, were anxious to enlist at once. Rous- ing meetings were held, where resolutions upholding the Govern- ment were passed, while one wealthy citizen -- Gen. Samuel Veazie -offered to advance fifty thousand dollars "for the defence of the Union and the Constitution."
As soon as possible after the proclamation the Secretary of War made a requisition on Governor Washburn for a regiment for im- mediate service. Governor Washburn replied: . "Maine will re- spond promptly," and thereupon issued his proclamation; "to convene the Legislature of this State" April 22d; "then and there to consider and determine on such measures as the condition of the country and the obligations of the State may seem to demand." The same night there was a grand rally at Norombega Hall, which was attended by an immense number of our citizens. This meet- ing was called to order by Gen. S. P. Strickland, and by his motion Hon. Samuel H. Blake was called upon to preside, after which the following vice presidents were chosen: Samuel Veazie, George W. Pickering, James Dunning, Isaiah Stetson, Solomon Parsons, Hastings Strickland, Thomas N. Egery, Charles W. Roberts, F. Meinecke, S. H. Dale, I. S. Bartlett, A. C. Smith, James O'Dono- hue, Jonathan Young, J. S. Wheelwright, Aaron A. Wing, Joseph Porter. David Bugbee, Geo. A. Cummings, Michael Boyce, H. II.
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HON. ISRAEL WASHBURN, JR., THE FIRST WAR GOVERNOR.
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EASTERN MAINE AND THE REBELLION.
Fogg, Israel B. Norcross, Patrick Golden, Sidney Thaxter, W. H. Smith, Robert Carlisle, Luther H. Eaton, M. Gilligan, John S. Ricker, A. L. Simpson, F. Muzzy, Benj. H. Mace. The secretaries were F. A. Wilson, T. H. Garnsey and Frank Garland. At this gathering speeches, all breathing intense loyalty, were made and the following resolutions adopted:
'" Resolved,-That it is the duty of every American citizen in the present alarming and dangerous crisis of the American Union, to give an earnest, patriotic and hearty support to the General Government. and that Maine ought and will respond to the utmost of her ability, both in men and money, to maintain the liberty of the country and the union of the States; and we believe the time has come when the whole power of the Government, and of the loyal people of all the States, be unhesitatingly and vigorously excited to crush the rebellious and revolutionary madmen who seek to overthrow the Goverment." This meeting closed a day of intense excitment in Bangor.
There was a faction here who, if they did not speak out for the Confederacy would say nothing against it, and the patriotic citi- zens began to display flags at their places of business and residences. Collector Wingate, of the Custom House, had received that morn- ing an American flag, which he hoisted at the top of the building. It was the only flag ever displayed there save one, which was hoisted on the occasion of a Fourth of July celebration. Immediately a crowd gathered on the southerly side accompanied by the Bangor Cornet Band, and after the music, speeches were made by Wm. H. McCrillis, Charles W. Crosby and Joseph Bartlett. "The Times," a democratic paper, as well as "The Bangor Union," then issued from Wheelwright and Clark's block, also displayed the national flag. That day, too, the monied men were busy, and the directors of the Market Bank voted to offer Governor Washburn a loan of
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EASTERN MAINE AND THE REBELLION.
twenty-five thousand dollars to the State, "if wanted for present emergencies."
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. During these exciting days the business men were very busy. Many of them saw-or thought they saw-chances to reap harvests by putting in large stocks, and they purchased liberally. Some were owners of vessels of great value, and just what to do with them became a serious question. Quite a number were in south- ern ports or on their way there, while still others were loading for New Orleans, Mobile, Charleston and other important cotton points. In many cases owners made haste to order them home, or their captains were instructed to secure freights for foreign ports, little dreaming that before the war was over their crafts would be . sought for by Confederate vessels, even to the uttermost part of the world. Their anxiety was heightened by a proclamation issued by Jefferson Davis, April 17th, "inviting all those who may desire, by armed service in private armed vessels on the high seas, to aid this government, to make applications for commissions or letters of marque and reprisal to be issued under the seal of these Con- federate States."
As regards business, the hopes of the merchants were not rea- lized. Contrary to expectation everything dropped in price, and for a long time there was a decided feeling of uneasiness. A panic was feared and, once started, no one could tell where it would end. Some had their all invested in business, but they were stout of heart and confided in each other, and in this way averted what at one time seemed to menace the entire business interests of the city. In 1862 there was a marked advance in values, and those who held on reared bountifully. In '63 there were still greater advances, and many of the fortunes now being enjoyed by the later generation were made at that time.
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