USA > Maine > Eastern Maine and the rebellion: being an account of the principal local events in eastern Maine during the war.. > Part 15
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CHAPTER XXIII.
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-Meet- ing At Camden-The News From Bull Run-The Ward Companies-The Draft.
Knox County was not behind the rest of the State, in her response to the call of the country. On the 13th of April, 1861, a monster war meeting was held in Rockland, by call of Mayor Wiggin. That night Atlantic Hall was completely filled with patriotic citizens. T. K. Osgood was called to the chair, and the following Vice-Presidents elected : John Gregory, C. L. Allen, Chas. Crocker, A. Stanley, Win. MeLoon, Elk. Spear, G. J. Burns, J. W. Hunt, Samuel Bryant, S. Whitney, A. C. Spaulding, E. S. Smith, Wm. Thompson and T. Williams.
The following gentlemen acted as secretaries : Edw. Sprague, 2. Pope Vose. N. C. Woodard and O. G. Hall.
Committee on Resolutions: J. K. Kimball, Alden Sprague, A. D. Nichols, C. A. Miller, Wm. A. Banks and M. Sumner.
Speeches filled with intense patriotism were made by Hon. N.
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A. Farwell, Gen. Davis Tillson, Dr. J. Rouse, Joseph Farwell, J. C. Cobb, Gen. Wm. S. Cochran, Josiah Getchell, John Ham and many others.
Among the resolutions adopted, was the following :
" Resolved, That it is the duty of every American citizen, in the present crisis of the American Union, to give a patriotic sup- port to the Government, and that the State of Maine, and the City of Rockland, will respond to the extent of their ability, both in men and money, to maintain the liberty of the country and the Union of all the States, as we believe the time is now come when the whole power of the General Government, and the patriotic people of the several States, should be at once exerted, to crush the rebels who are attempting to destroy it."
The Gazette of that week in an editorial said : "Rockland will not haul down the stars and stripes, until the honor of our flag has been fully vindicated, and will be found ready to furnish her quota of men and means to defend it."
The day before the meeting, a flag was raised over the City Council Rooms, and patriotic airs were played by the Rockland Band. On the 19th, flags were raised from the top of Crockett Block, from Rankin Block, from the residence of O. H. Perry, on Lime Rock street, and from many of the blocks in the business part of the city. At Spear Block a flag was thrown to the April breeze, and speeches were made by T. K. Osgood and others.
On the 23d, another grand meeting was held, and the city asked to vote ten thousand dollars for the aid of soldiers' families. Capt. C. F. Hodgdon, offered twenty dollars to the first man to enlist, and S. H. Chapman at once came forward, enlisted and drew the prize. Curiously enough, the very first man to fall in battle was this same S. H. Chapman. He was a brave man, and universally loved by his comrades and friends.
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During the meeting Elijah Walker came forward, and offered the services of twenty-five men of Dirigo Engine Company, (of which he was at that time captain). Resolutions were offered, denouncing the rebel sympathizers in the North, and amid great enthusiasm the meeting adjourned. On the next day, Elijah Walker opened a recruiting office at No. 7 Kimball Block, and by the vigorous use of fife and drum, obtained over eighty volunteers the first day.
All this time flag raisings were going on in the towns about, and in Camden a grand war meeting was held near the Orthodox church, over which Dr. J. H. Estabrooks presided, and which was addressed by Hon. A. P. Gould.
Among the noble-hearted women, who gave up home, and oftentimes much more, and enlisted as nurses, 'were Miss Ruth S. Mayhew, Miss O. A. Packard and Miss Jennie Grafton, all of Rockland. Miss Mayhew was a teacher in the public school at this time, and for several years after the war, was in charge of the Soldiers Orphans' Home at Bath. Miss Packard was a composi- tor in the Gazette office.
On the 26th of April, the enlistments had become so large, that it was decided to form three companies and elect officers. This was done with the following result :
FIRST COMPANY.
ELIJAH WALKER, Captain.
O. P. MITCHELL, First Lieutenant.
J. B. LITCHFIELD, Second Lieutenant. SECOND COMPANY.
O. J. CONANT, Captain.
WMr. FESSENDEN, First Lieutenant.
CHAS. A. ROLLINS, Second Lieutenant.
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On the 27th, the Third Company elected :
L. D. CARVER, Captain.
T. B. GLOVER, First Lieutenant.
C. L. STRICKLAND, Second Lieutenant.
On Sunday, the 28th, the companies marched out on Lime Rock street, where an open air sermon was delivered to them by. the Rev. Mr. Mariner.
On May 6th, another company was formed, and elected the fol- lowing officers :
GEO. J. BURNS, Captain.
JOHN C. COBB, First Lieutenant.
B. BRACKLEY, Second Lieutenant.
From this time, on the companies had a street drill every day, and many were the envious glances cast on the soldiers, by the ever-present small boy. The election of officers, for the Fourth Regiment occurred on May 15th, and on the 20th the out- of-town companies began to arrive. They were encamped on Tillson's Hill, and excited much enthusiasm as they marched through the streets, on their way to the camp. Mr. G. O. Kuhn, while firing a salute, on the arrival of the Damariscotta Company, was instantly killed by the bursting of the gun. He was given a military funeral, at which the Damariscotta Band furnished the music. The regiment remained quietly in camp, and on May 23d were marched to the Kimball Block, where uniforms were distributed. On June 1st, a grand parade of the regiment through the city was given, and many were the compliments bestowed upon the soldiers.
Previous to this time, a call was made on the ladies, to meet at Pillsbury Hall, to prepare clothing. Some idea of the amount of work done by them can be arrived at, when it is known that they
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made up to June 17th, one thousand and fifty shirts, two thousand towels, fifty-two bed sacks and four hundred havelocks, besides furnishing each man with a " catch-all," (or as a sailor would say. "diddy-bag "), to hold pins, needles, etc.
A very bitter feeling against the " Free-Press and Democrat," was manifest in the city. This paper shaped its tone and style from the "Bangor Democrat," and that class of reading did not suit the patriotic "Sons of Knox." No violence was offered the paper, and after a little persuasion the journal dropped its advo- cacy of "State's Rights," and has ever since been a strong Union organ.
On the 15th of June the Fourth Regiment was mustered into service, by Capt. Thomas Hight, U. S. A., and on the 17th, left for Portland, on its way to Washington, by the steamer Daniel Webster. All was excitement in the city that day, for were not the brothers, fathers and sweethearts of many going to war, per- haps never to return, or perchance to come home cripples for life ? Many were the sad scenes both at the camp and on the wharf that day.
The regiment was accompanied on their way, as far as Washing- ton, by the Rockland Band. As they marched down from the camp and through the streets, crowded with people, and gay with bunting, they presented a truly glorious appearance, and were received with cheers on every hand. They carried a large banner on which was inscribed " From the home of Knox." At the wharf a small flag was presented to the regiment by Gen. Titcomb, and received in an appropriate speech by Col. Berry Gen. Tit- comb accompanied the regiment as far as New York.
On reaching Portland, the regiment left the boat and took the cars for Boston.
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Just before leaving Rockland, the commissioned officers were presented with elegant swords, by Mr. T. K. Osgood, on behalf of the citizens, and they were received in a few well chosen words, by Elijah Walker, for the officers.
On the arrival of the regiment in Boston, they were met by the Cadets, headed by the Brigade Band, and escorted to the tempor- ary camp. They left for New York, by the Fall River Line, and on their arrival there went to the Park Barracks. At City Hall they were received by the "Sons and Daughters of Maine," and were presented with flags. While there they also received a beautiful banner from the hands of the " Daughters of Maine in Brooklyn." From here the regiment went to Washington by rail, and soon was in the thickest of the fight and carnage. The history of the Fourth, from this time forward will be found in another part of the book.
Just before the Fourth Regiment left Rockland, Capt. Chas. Mink, while visiting the drill-room of Capt. Jones' Co., tripped and fell, the length of the stairs, and was instantly killed.
When the news from Bull Run arrived in Rockland, it caused great consternation, as it was soon learned that many of the brave boys, who had so recently left there, had fallen, and that many more were wounded and missing. As we have before said, the first to fall was Mr. S. H. Chapman. A store was now opened for supplies to be forwarded to the soldiers, and many were the packages left there to be sent to friends, brothers, fathers, sons and sweethearts.
On August 24th, an immense meeting was held in Camden, and speeches were made by Wm. H. McCrillis and others. About this time John D. Rust, of Rockport, was raising the Eighth Regiment, and was assisted in Camden, by Hon. T. R. Sim- onton. On August 26th, a grand war meeting was held in
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Rockland and among the speakers were, D. A. Boody, Geo. A. Starr, and E. K. Smart, of Camden. Owing to the great loss in the Fourth Regiment, it was decided to recruit the regiment at Rockland, and an office was opened at the old recruit- ing office of Elijah Walker, and the number required promptly applied.
About this time talk was made regarding a Cavalry Regiment, from that vicinity, and soon after J. P. Cilley opened an office for cavalry enlistments. September 7th, the first company of Home Guards was formed with the following officers : William Farrow, Jr., Captain ; David Pratt, First Lieutenant ; N. C. Woodward, Second Lieutenant, with one hundred and nine names on the roll. After the first few meetings it got to be a thing of the past, and little interest was manifested in the organization for a long time. On the 5th of October, the gunboat "Kennebec," was launched at Thomaston, and on December 14th, she left for Bos- ton, where her armament was ready and waiting for her. About this time, a report of the resignation of Col Berry, came to Rock- land and excited much surprise, but was immediately denied by the gallant officer, on its reaching his ears.
During the latter part of the year, Gen. Tillson began to raise his battery of mounted artillery, and found many recruits in Rockland, Thomaston and that vicinity.
Many of the men of Rockland enlisted in the Navy, among them being Acting Masters, Geo. Cables and Joshua Rowe, who were on the sloop of war "St. Louis;" Acting Ensign Fred Furbush, (who died of yellow fever at New Orleans); Lieut. John F. Harden, who at one time was in command of the U. S. Steamer "Antona;" Act- ing Ensign Chas. W. Snow, and many were with the fleet when it passed New Orleans, while the city was represented in the fleets
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of both Porter and Dahlgren. In all, Rockland had some one hun- dred and two men in that branch of the service.
During all this time the neighboring towns had not been idle. Thomaston had raised one thousand three hundred dollars, for the care of soldiers' families, and had formed a company of flying artill- ery, on the departure of which every member was presented with a revolver. Camden also was doing good work both with money and men, and at the close of 1861 had sent far more than her share of men to the front.
In March. '62, the steamer "Rockland " was chartered by the Government, at a price of one hundred and fifty dollars per day. Things went quietly along that spring, and in the week of July 17th, the ward companies were formed and officered as follows : WARD ONE.
M. A. ACHORN, Captain.
R. H. HAVENER, First Lieutenant.
J. T. SHERER, Second Lieutenant.
LEONARD GREEN, Third Lieutenant.
JOEL THOMAS, Fourth Lieutenant. WARD TWO.
B. B. BEAN, Captain.
J. H. ELWELL, First Lieutenant.
A. E. HEWETT, Second Lieutenant.
J. G. FARNHAM, Third Lieutenant.
C. M. DAVIS, Fourth Lieutenant.
WARD THREE.
C. S. CROCKETT, Captain.
C. N. BEAN, First Lieutenant.
T. E. SIMONTON, Second Lieutenant.
E. GRAY, Third Lieutenant.
A. G. HUNT, Fourth Lieutenant.
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WARD FOUR.
Wy. ADAMS, Captain.
H. M. BROWN, First Lieutenant.
NATH'L JONES, Second Lieutenant.
E. E. WORTMAN, Third Lieutenant.
WALTER TOLMAN, Fourth Lieutenant. WARD FIVE.
· T. K. OSGOOD, Captain.
J. R. RICHARDSON, First Lieutenant. GEO. W. BERRY, Second Lieutenant.
A. W. PERRY, Third Lieutenant.
O. G. HALL, Fourth Lieutenant. 7. WARD SIX.
JOHN T. BERRY, Captain.
A. SAYWARD, First Lieutenant.
J. N. INGRAHAM, Second Lieutenant. HENRY FLINT, Third Lieutenant.
E. P. HALL, Fourth Lieutenant. WARD SEVEN.
JOHN BIRD, JR., Captain.
O. P. TOLMAN, First Lieutenant.
C. C. LOVEJOY, Second Lieutenant.
E. P. WITHAM, Third Lieutenant.
C. HANRAHAN, Fourth Lieutenant.
On August 2d, the city voted to raise the city bounty from fifty-five to one hundred and twenty-five dollars, in order to induce men to volunteer, and so escape having a draft. Dur- ing the month of August, notices were posted in various parts of the city, denouncing the war as " unholy," etc. . The press of the day, asked that a sharp lookout be kept for the authors. and that if found "they should be marked with the brand of infamy."
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The fear of a draft in the early part of '62, was unfounded, as the quota was at once filled, and in the draft of September 10th, the men drafted found no trouble in filling their places, if they so wished, with volunteers, as the nine months' men received a city bounty of two hundred dollars. Towards the close of the year, among the enlistments, we find the name of Gen. W. S. Cochran, who enlisted as a private, and about the same time, or rather a little later, Company E, of the Twenty- ninth Regiment, elected the following officers: A. Thompson, Rockland, Captain ; Isaac Murch, Vinalhaven, First Lieutenant; John F. Perry, South Thomaston, Second Lieutenant.
The ward companies, formed the same year at Thomaston, elected :
COMPANY A.
A. A. AUSTIN, Captain.
R. H. COUNCE, First Lieutenant.
E. K O'BRIEN, Second Lieutenant.
G. G. NANSON, Third Lieutenant.
W. E. CRAWFORD, Fourth Lieutenant. COMPANY B.
E. B. HINCKLEY, Captain. BENJ. AYER, First Lieutenant.
W. K. BICKFORD, Second Lieutenant.
T. S. ANDREWS, Third Lieutenant.
ALVIN A. REED, Fourth Lieutenant. In Camden the officers were : COMPANY A. G. C. ESTABROOK, Captain.
A. E. CLARK, First Lieutenant. H. E. ALDEN, Second Lieutenant.
R. PHIL.BROOK, Third Leiutenant.
W. E. Nokwoon, Fourth Lieutenant.
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COMPANY B.
W. H. WASHBURN, Captain.
GEO. SIDELINGER, First Lieutenant.
G. W. STUDLEY, Second Lieutenant.
C. A. PAYSON, Third Lieutenant.
J. F. SUMNER, Fourth Lieutenant. COMPANY C.
E. VINAL, Captain.
C. H. CUTLER, First Lieutenant.
R. S. HOWARD, Second Lieutenant.
R. S. THORNDIKE, Third Lieutenant.
G. A. MILLER, Fourth Lieutenant.
During the year there had been grand meetings in Thomaston, Rockport, and in fact all the towns in that vicinity, and every one was seized with the war fever.
CHAPTER XXIV.
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.
Early in 1863, there arrived in Rockland the elegant silver service, presented to Gen. Berry by his officers. This was one of the finest specimens of the silversmith's art ever gotten out in this country. About this time, T. K. Osgood was appointed pay-
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master in the army. He had charge of the High school, and was alderman from ward five, and resigned these positions and went to the front.
Many of the ships owned in Rockland and adjoining towns, were seized by the " Alabama," and other confederate cruisers, among them being ship " Bertha Thayer," owned by Wm. McLoon, which was released on a bond of forty thousand dollars; the " Louisa Hatch," the "C. A. Farwell," valued at forty thous- and ; "Ocean Eagle," valued at twelve thousand, besides the cargo of lime; the "Joseph," valued with cargo at forty-four thousand, and many more. Early in '63 the ladies held a grand "Soldiers Levee," to raise money to aid the Sanitary Commission, and by that means raised a very neat sum.
On the 3d of May, Maj. Gen. Hiram G. Berry was shot and killed, at the battle of Chancellorsville, Va.
Upon the arrival of the remains in Washington, from the bloody field of Chancellorsville, the wish was expressed by President Lin- coln and General Halleck, that funeral ceremonies should be per- formed in that city; but his friends determined that his obsequies should be held in Rockland.
On Monday, the day following his death, the citizens of Rock- land received intelligence of the lamentable event. In the evening the City Council met, and chose a committee of arrangements to make preparations for the reception of the body, and take the necessary measures for giving the honored dead such a burial as his rank, distinguished services, and heroic end, merited On the ensuing Saturday, the body,-accompanied by a detachment of the Maine Seventh Regiment, as a Guard of Honor, and a delegation of Rockland citizens appointed to receive it in Portland and escort it to Rockland-arrived in the latter place by steamer. Minute guns were fired on the shore, from the time the steamer rounded
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Owl's Head, until she touched the wharf, in Rockland harbor. All the bells in the city were tolled, the stores, offices, and public buildings were closed, and the Supreme Court, which was in session, adjourned. The buildings on the principal streets were generally draped in mourning, and all the flags on the shipping, and throughout the city, were set at half-mast. On the wharf was a procession of citizens, composed of the Mayor, City Council, Committee of Arrangements, and Masons, while the adjacent ground was covered by a large. and silent concourse of people, as though the inmates of every house had come forth to honor the sad occa- sion. The coffin was removed from the steamer to the wharf by bearers selected from the ex-members of the Rockland City Guards, -the first military organization commanded by General Berry. Joseph Farwell, Esq., Chairman of the Committee, which had escorted the remains from Portland, then stepped forward, and in brief and appropriate remarks committed them to the City author- ities, who, through Hon. S. C. Fessenden, fittingly responded in acceptance of the charge. This ceremony over, the coffin was . placed in the hearse, and followed by mourning friends, and pre- ceded by the Masons, City Council, Committee of Arrangements, and the Guard of Honor, with arms reversed, the solomn cortege took its way through the crowded streets to the late residence of the General. There the remains were left, where they lay in state until the following Thursday. During the time which elapsed before burial, they were visited by thousands ; those who saw them will never forget the manly figure, in full Major General's dress, the wreath around the right shoulder and body which President Lincoln presented in Washington, and the Kearney badge-symbol of valor-upon the breast.
On Thursday morning, the day of the burial, the air was shaken by the thunder of cannon, served by a squad of the Wiscasset
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Company of Artillery of Coast Guards, detailed by Governor Coburn for ordnance duty through the day. Although the weather was inclement, and the heavens covered with gloom, as though sympathizing with the mournful scene beneath, the streets were filled at an early hour, and the buildings began to put on their drapery of woe. On the evening before, Governor Coburn and Staff arrived, who had spared no pains to discharge faithfully the duties of the State, in the preliminaries, and at last came in person to attend the final ceremonies. The attentions of Adjutant Gen- eral Hodsdon were unremitting from the first to the closing act. Hon. Lot M. Morrill and Ex-Governor. Washburn came to pay their tribute to the brave deceased. In the course of the forenoon, arrived from Bangor, Company A, State Guards, Capt. Morse, with whom came Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, Vice President of the United States. Major General J. H. Butler and Staff also arrived at the same time. The attendance of Masons was very large-many Lodges from abroad having sent in delegations. At one o'clock P. M. an irregular procession was formed on Main street, by Major General Wm. H. Titcomb and Aids, and marched to the residence, where the religous services were to be held. These were perform- ed upon a stand erected in front of the house, but the thousands that crowded almost every spot near-streets-fields-chambers -and even roofs of houses-were, only in small part, enabled to see and hear the speakers. The services were opened with the read- ing of portions of the Sacred Scriptures by Rev. II. A Hart, of Rockland.
Rev. Nathaniel Butler, of Auburn, then offered a fervent prayer to the Throne of Grace, after which he pronounced the elo- quent "discourse." a just tribute to General Berry, and a fair summary of his glorious career. Rev. Joseph Hallock, of Rock- land, uttered a benediction, the Rockland Band played a dirge,
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and immediately the procession began to form. It was formed as it appears in the following order of exercises for the day.
Fifteen Minute Guns at Sunrise. Half-hour Guns until 12 M. 15 Minute Guns. Ceased firing until the Procession moved, when Minute Guns were fired until the Procession arrived at the Grave. Half-hour Guns until sunset, then 15 Minute Guns. Flags set at half-mast at sunrise. Bells tolled from 7 to S A. M. Buildings Draped in Mourning at 10 A. M.
ORDER OF PROCESSION. Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Titcomb, Marshal of the Day.
Assistant Marshals,-Col. John S. Case, Col. S. H. Allen, Maj. Charles A. Miller, Maj. E. W. Stetson, Maj. G. W. Kimball, Jr., Bangor Cornet Band and Drum Corps. Masons. Military Escort. Rockland Band. Maj. Gen. Butler and Staff. Adj. Gen Hodsdon, Col. Harding and Lieutenant Col. Osgood of the Governor's
Staff. Guard of Honor. Bearers. Hearse, drawn by Four Horses. led by Grooms. The General's War Horses, led by Grooms. Family and Relatives in Carriages. General's Military Staff. Governor, Ex-Governor, and Members of Congress.
Justices of Supreme Court. Members of Legislature.
Officiating Clergymen.
Disabled Soldiers. Invited Guests. Mayor and City Council of the City of Rockland. Committee of Arrangements. Citizens and Strangers.
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The long cortege was an interesting spectacle. The Masons in their rich regalia, the State Guards in their showy uniform, the Major Generals and Aids in complete military array and handsomely mounted, the bands, the decorated car drawn by four white horses led by grooms, the riderless horse of the deceased General, equipped just as he was at the battle of Chan- cellorsville, and the extended procession of mourners and citizens, made an imposing demonstration. Arriving at the cemetery, the coffin was lowered into the grave, and the impressive rites of Masonry were then performed. Governor Coburn and Ex-Gov- ernor Washburn stood with uncovered heads, near the brink of the grave, through these ceremonies. This finished, the military advanced, and with three volleys from the State Guards over the inanimate body, Major Gen'l Berry's mortal remains were left to their repose.
Vice-President Hamlin's action in marching in the ranks, that day, gave rise to some talk, by people who pretended not to know the feeling that actuated him in so doing, but far from any dis- respect, was it, but quite the contrary. Those who know Mr. Hamlin, know that his natural modesty made him, at all times, wish to keep himself not in the foreground but back with the masses, and he then wished to do honor to Gen. Berry, in his ca- pacity as a citizen. In an interview, but a few weeks ago, Mr. Hamlin said of Gen. Berry: ,
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