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Title: The Third Massachusetts Regiment Volunteer Militia in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1863
Author: Gammons, John Gray
Language: English
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VOLUNTEER MILITIA IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION, 1861-1863***
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Changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
[Illustration: THE COMPILER, REV. JOHN G. GAMMONS, PH. D.]
THE THIRD MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT
VOLUNTEER MILITIA
IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION,
1861-1863.
by
REV. JOHN G. GAMMONS, PH. D.
Providence:
Snow & Farnham Co., Printers.
1906.
DEDICATED
TO
COLONEL SILAS P. RICHMOND
WHOSE PRUDENCE,
DISCIPLINE, AND DEVOTION
TO THE
WELFARE OF THE MEN UNDER HIS COMMAND,
WON THEIR LASTING ESTEEM
AND AFFECTION.
_By the Committee._
PREFACE.
To pick up the thread after it has been dropped; to supply the
missing link after forty years; to step into the shoes of a dead
comrade are things to be desired only by a conceited egotist, yet all
these things were forced upon me by a unanimous vote of the Third
Regimental Association at their annual meeting at Dighton Rock, in
August, 1904.
The Rev. Charles Snow, the Association’s first choice (and no one was
better fitted than he to write the history of the Third Regiment),
having been its chaplain and therefore acquainted with all the facts
in the history of the field and staff officers, as also with that of
nearly all of the line officers, both before and after the war, was
the man of all the officers in the regiment to compile the Regimental
History and publish the same. Moreover, he was retired from active
service and considered it a privilege rather than a duty to recall
the past and again live over the days with the “boys in blue” with
whom he had marched and suffered; but God had decreed otherwise,
and so Chaplain Snow was called to the great camping ground above.
He died at Taunton, Mass., Nov. 28, 1903, at the ripe age of
seventy-four years.
Chaplain Snow had gathered much material and many facts relating to
the outlines of the history of the regiment; he had written many
letters and had chronicled their answers; yet at the time of his
death only the history of Company A had been written. Several of the
comrades appointed to write the history of their companies considered
themselves incompetent for the task, and those who have written their
company history had to be encouraged to finish their “course with
joy.” Hundreds, if not thousands, of letters had to be written by the
compiler and the writers of company histories, and in some instances
it required all the elasticity of patience in waiting for an answer.
But why wonder when we call to mind the many years since the close of
the war, and the scattered condition of the young men who composed
the rank and file of the Third Regiment. Some of them are treading
the snows of Alaska and the ice flows of Point Barrows; some are
bringing gold and silver from the mountains of Idaho, and oil from
the valleys of Montana; some are in France, England, China, and many
have answered the last roll call. Long, patient, and persistent
has been the efforts of the writers of this history, to give to the
comrades a book worthy to be placed in the libraries of every city
and town in Massachusetts, and to be read by every surviving comrade
and his descendants to the end of time.
No one claims that the history is complete; no doubt there are many
interesting facts written in diaries lying dust-covered, which would
add great interest could they be found; much valuable history was
long ago committed to the fire in house-cleaning time as worthless.
Yet notwithstanding all these things your Committee believe that they
have given as full and complete a history as could be written at this
late date, and with the conscious belief that they have done their
duty to the best of their ability, they submit this volume to the
comrades of the Third Regiment, their friends, and posterity.
“The cost of peace, Oh! who can tell its worth.
The prosperity of a united South and North,
The stain of slavery from the Old Flag gone,
The Nation living happy, united, strong.”
The compiler wishes to make mention of the great assistance rendered
by Col. S. P. Richmond, Capt. William Mason, Lieutenant Lyle and
Lieutenant Wilber, George A. Grant, Morton V. Bonney, and the writers
of company histories, and corrected rosters up to date. We more than
thank all for their work of patriotic effort with the one desire to
serve the members of the Third Regiment, who served in the same from
1861 to 1863, and many of the same regiment who served in the various
regiments and unattached companies until the close of the Rebellion.
The aim of the compiler has been to make each chapter complete in its
narrative and historical record, without referring to other chapters.
The Compiler,
REV. DR. JOHN GRAY GAMMONS.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE.
History of the Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, 1861--Three Months’ Service 6
CHAPTER II.
History of the Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia--Nine Months’ Service in North
Carolina, 1862-3 18
CHAPTER III.
Historical Record of the Field and Non-Commissioned
Staff Officers 49
CHAPTER IV.
History of Company A 66
CHAPTER V.
History of Company B 115
CHAPTER VI.
History of Company C 133
CHAPTER VII.
History of Company D 150
CHAPTER VIII.
History of Company E 185
CHAPTER IX.
History of Company F 205
CHAPTER X.
History of Company G 221
CHAPTER XI.
History of Company H 230
CHAPTER XII.
History of Company I 251
CHAPTER XIII.
History of Company K 272
CHAPTER XIV.
History of Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Association 306
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Rev. Dr. John G. Gammons Frontispiece
Col. Silas P. Richmond Opposite page 49
Lieut.-Col. James Barton “ “ 53
Major John Morrissey “ “ 54
Adjutant Lucian L. Perkins “ “ 56
Surgeon Alfred A. Stocker “ “ 58
Chaplain Rev. Charles A. Snow “ “ 60
Capt. John W. Marble “ “ 66
Capt. Elihu Grant “ “ 133
Capt. Andrew R. Wright “ “ 150
Capt. John A. Hawes “ “ 185
Capt. George R. Hurlburt “ “ 205
Capt. William S. Cobb “ “ 221
Capt. Otis A. Baker “ “ 230
Capt. Barnabas Ewer, Jr. “ “ 251
Capt. Samuel Bates “ “ 272
Sergt. Patrick Cannavan “ “ 207
Sketch of the Goldsboro Expedition “ “ 26
INTRODUCTORY.
At the annual reunion of the regimental association held in East
Bridgewater, Aug. 6, 1903, the question of publishing the history
of the Third Regiment was enthusiastically discussed and approved.
Much valuable material had already been secured by one of the members
and the prospect was bright and encouraging that an interesting and
valuable narrative could be produced. A committee of ten, one from
each company, was chosen to prepare histories and rosters of their
respective companies, to aid in compiling the general history. It
was unanimously voted that the work of compiling and publishing the
history be committed to Chaplain Snow, under the supervision of the
Committee. Several changes have since been found necessary to be made
in the construction of the Committee, as some of the members first
appointed were not able to do the work assigned them. No great delay,
however, has been caused by these changes, and the preparation of the
volume has been made with reasonable diligence and dispatch.
In compiling this work the writer has acted as annalist rather than
author. This is usually the fact in the narration of history, but
particularly so in the present case, since the work has been largely
to arrange materials, and in many portions in nearly verbatim form,
as they were furnished by others. The labor has proved an agreeable
pastime and this is the only remuneration sought or desired. Should
the volume receive a gratified welcome from the comrades who served
with me in the old Third Regiment this fact will be regarded as bonus
in addition.
The Third Regiment does not presume to claim, in any special sense,
the honors of a very eventful career. Circumstances beyond its
control made this impossible. Equipped with unserviceable arms,
which were duly condemned but never exchanged for better ones, and
being assigned mainly to garrison duty, the term of service of the
Third Regiment was completed without the gravest hardships. I am
sure, however, that the regiment had the _esprit de corps_ requisite
for the sternest military service and sacrifice. It only lacked the
opportunity to prove itself. This proof has been given in a measure
at least, by those who re-enlisted and did noble service in other
regiments, particularly the Fifty-eighth.
I have been greatly assisted in the collection of materials, and in
their verification, by many of my comrades, and their interest has
been to me a decided stimulus. The names of the most prominent ones
are given in connection with the articles which they have contributed.
Besides the valuable aid rendered by the Committee, especial
commendation is due to Major A. S. Cushman of East Orange, N. J.,
whose contributions are of eminent value as matters of history.
CHARLES A. SNOW,
_Chaplain,_ 1862-’63.
NOTES.--Cities and towns mentioned in this volume may be understood
as being in Massachusetts. Otherwise the states are designated in
which they are located.
The photos representing the field and staff officers, also the line
officers, were taken at about the time of enlistment in 1862.
OUR FLAG.
“’Twas eighteen hundred sixty one, April the twelfth at six,
Old Sumter’s gates were firmly barred, and water filled the ditch;
And the sentinel with martial tread, the relief expected soon,
When upon the air so calm and still, there came a cannon boom.
“Beat the long roll,” the Major cried, “bid every man fall in,
Secession’s work so long delayed, the Rebels now begin;
But just as true as the Old Flag does from the flagstaff fly,
We’ll show the Rebs true Yankee grit, we’ll whip them or we’ll die.”
Boom! boom! the cannon loud did roar, the shot flew thick and fast,
And many a shell of a hundred pounds close to Old Glory passed.
Said Anderson, “My noble men, such things should never be,
Those stars of light, those bars of gold are emblems of the free.”
“That flag, the glory of our land, should we but pull it down,
Would make our mothers weep for shame, and our sweethearts
on us frown.”
And every man he loud did shout, “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
No traitor’s hand shall touch that flag, or its glory ever mar!”
Our dear Old Flag, in darkest days, inspired the old war song,
“We’re coming Father Abraham, three hundred thousand strong.”
And when the mud of the Sacred Soil made weary soldiers lag,
Then new strength came to march again as we beheld the flag.
When on the field of Winchester, in the thickest of the fight,
The Stars and Stripes were seen aloft, it gave the soldiers might;
And when we all were driven back and thought we’d lost the day,
Then daring Sheridan came up, and unto us did say:
“Right about march, just follow me, I’m with you although late;
Fix bayonets, charge the Rebel lines, and all the ground retake.”
And every man, on foot, on horse, looked like a son of Mars,
As he shouted “Down the Rebel flag.” “Hurrah! the Stripes and Stars!”
At Gettysburg, our dear Old Flag was riddled by the shot
And men had fallen by the score, by roadside and in lot.
For three long days we fought the Rebs, repelling Pickett’s charge,
And the victory of the Old, Old Flag, did every heart enlarge.
When in our country’s darkest hour, our Grant was heard to say:
“Be true, my men, to the Old Flag, and you’ll shall see some day
That victory like the morning sun, will rise and on us shine,
For that Old Flag, so dear to me, I’ll fight upon this line.”
At Appomattox, in sixty five, we charged the Rebel lines,
And then in silence, there we stood waiting for further signs
Until we saw General Grant pass, in arm with General Lee,
For the Flag of Slavery had surrendered to the great Flag of the Free.
Then wave, Old Flag, wave evermore, our fathers fought for thee;
Thy very presence make us glad, as thy Stars and Stripes we see.
Thou art the sign of liberty, the glory of our land,
And long our institutions free, like bulwarks sure shall stand.
Sentinel of old, stand at thy post, and from the flagstaff fly;
For thee, and for thy honor bright, our comrades dared to die.
Receive the honors due to thee, and may we all be true
To the Stars and Stripes, our country’s flag: The Red, The White,
The Blue.
BY THE COMPILER.
CHAPTER I.
HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA,
1861--THREE MONTHS’ SERVICE.
“PRIDE of New England! Soul of our fathers!
Shrink we all craven-like, when the storm gathers?
What though the tempest be over us lowering,
Where’s the New Englander shamefully cowering?
Graves green and holy around us are lying,--
Free were the sleepers all, living and dying!
If we whispered the truth, whisper no longer;
Speak as the tempest does, sterner and stronger;
Still be the tones of truth louder and firmer,
Startling the haughty South with the deep murmur;
God and our charter’s right, freedom forever!
Truce with oppression, never, O, never!”
J. G. WHITTIER.
The Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as its number
seems to indicate, claims relationship with the earliest forces of
the Commonwealth. The claim is well sustained by the fact that seven
companies from Bristol and Plymouth counties helped to compose the
original regiment, and became the nucleus of the Third Regiment
which served in the Civil War. These seven companies were:
COMPANY A, HALIFAX LIGHT INFANTRY.
Organized in 1792, receiving its charter from John Hancock, then
Governor of Massachusetts. The officers at that time were: Capt. Asa
Thompson, First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr., Second Lieut. Charles P.
Lyon.
Captain Thompson was a mighty man of valor, of gigantic proportions,
being six feet and seven inches in height in normal condition, and
eight feet with his captain’s cap on. On parade and muster this
company attracted attention, not only by the Saul-like appearance of
its captain, but also by the large bearskin caps worn by the officers
and men. Tradition says that when Captain Thompson marched his army
across South Boston bridge, throngs of men, women, and children
collected to see “the giant” and his men, and not a few trembled with
fear lest the bridge should not be able to support the captain and
his great company.
When called into service in 1861 this company was officered by Capt.
Joseph S. Harlow, of Middleboro; First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr.,
of Kingston; Second Lieut. Charles P. Lyon, of Halifax.
COMPANY B, STANDISH GUARDS, OF PLYMOUTH.
At the opening of the War this company was officered by Capt. C. C.
Doten, of Plymouth; First Lieut. Otis Rogers, of Plymouth; Second
Lieut. William B. Alexander, of Boston. Officers and men, 69.
COMPANY C, CAMBRIDGE LIGHT INFANTRY.
Capt. James P. Richardson; First Lieut. Samuel E. Chamberlain; Second
Lieut. Edward F. Richardson. Officers and men, 97.
COMPANY G, ASSONET LIGHT INFANTRY, OF FREETOWN.
Organized in 1850. Capt. John W. Marble; First Lieut. Humphrey A.
Francis; Second Lieut. John M. Dean. Officers and men, 24.
COMPANY H, SAMOSET GUARDS, PLYMPTON.
On entering the three months’ service this company had as its
officers: Capt. Lucian L. Perkins; First Lieut. Oscar E. Washburn, of
Plympton; Second Lieut. Southworth, of Middleboro. Officers and men,
56.
COMPANY K, BAY STATE LIGHT INFANTRY.
Capt. William S. McFarlin, of South Carver; First Lieut. John Dunham,
of North Carver; Second Lieut. John L. Porter, of New Bedford.
Officers and men, 62.
COMPANY L, CITY GUARDS.
Organized in 1853. Capt. Timothy Ingraham, of New Bedford; First
Lieut. James Barton, of New Bedford; Second Lieut. Austin S. Cushman,
of New Bedford. Officers and men, 78.
THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY, THREE MONTHS’ MEN.
[FURNISHED BY MAJOR CUSHMAN.]
This regiment was under the command of Col. D. W. Wardrop, and was
composed of troops residing in localities more widely separated
from their commander’s headquarters and from Boston than any other
regiment in the State, and therefore in any comparisons which may
be made with other troops regarding the relative rapidity of their
mobilization in responding to the President’s call for troops, this
fact becomes important.
It was on the afternoon of Monday, April 15th, that Special Order,
No. 14, was issued by Governor Andrew and dispatched by mail, and
a special messenger sent to the respective colonels of the Third,
Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Regiments. The colonel of the
Third resided in New Bedford, a distance of fifty-six miles from
Boston; that of the Fourth in Quincy, eleven miles; that of the
Fifth in Medford, five miles; that of the Sixth in Pepperell, about
thirty-seven miles, and that of the Eighth in Lynn, eleven miles.
The order was received by Colonel Wardrop the same evening, and at
once promulgated to Company L, and some members of his staff were
dispatched to convey his orders to the other companies. Horace Scott,
President of the Fairhaven Railroad, gratuitously tendered a special
train as far as Tremont for the messengers going to Halifax, Carver,
Plympton, and Plymouth. The last named place was fifty-eight miles
from New Bedford, not accessible at that time of night by railroad,
nor were the other places above named, yet Company A received its
orders at two A. M., April 16th, and Company B received its orders
at three A. M., April 16th, and both companies reported in Boston
at noon of the same day. It has not been possible to ascertain when
Company G at Freetown received its orders, but it is credited with
having reported for duty “promptly.” The same may be said of Company
H, of Plympton, and Company K, of Carver. The Freetown company
had to travel forty-eight miles by rail, the Plympton and Carver
companies thirty miles, and the Halifax company twenty-eight miles,
after leaving their homes scattered miles apart and distant from the
stations. It is surprising that with the limited railroad facilities
of those days and without modern means of intercommunication by
telegraph or telephone, in the midst of a cold spring northeaster,
over roads almost impassible with mud and thawing snow, that the
orders should have been so rapidly transmitted and so promptly obeyed.
Col. David W. Wardrop was proficient in military tactics. He had
first served as lance corporal in the old Boston Fusileers, and
afterwards belonged to the City Guards of New Bedford. Some credited
him with having a West Point education. At all events, he was in
his element when performing any military duty, and inspired his men
with confidence in his military ability. He was prompt, courageous,
and energetic, but his regiment was small and widely scattered over
two counties. At the time of promulgating Special Orders, No. 14, it
consisted of but six companies, yet he strove with the governor for
the honor of being the first regiment to leave the State.
Captain Richardson’s company from Cambridge was attached to the
regiment April 16th as Company C, and on May 9th at Fortress Monroe
Captain Chipman’s company from Sandwich, Capt. Charles C. Doten’s
company from Plymouth, Capt. W. D. Chamberlain’s company from Lynn,
and Capt. J. K. Tyler’s company from Boston, all three years’
companies, were temporarily assigned to the Third Regiment, and
designated as Companies D, E, I, and M, respectively.
The original companies, including Company C, embarked on the steamer
_S. R. Spaulding_ April 17th, from Central Wharf, in the early
evening and dropped down the harbor to await supplies. She sailed
under sealed orders the next forenoon, to find when nine miles out
that her destination was Fortress Monroe, which was reached at eleven
A. M., Saturday, April 20th, after a voyage of forty-seven and
one-half hours.
That afternoon the regiment embarked on the gunboat _Pawnee_, and
at five o’clock proceeded to Gosport Navy Yard under orders from
Washington to destroy the dry dock construction houses and all
vessels and munitions of war which could not be secured against
seizure by the rebels. As they approached their destination in the
darkness the vessels there were uncertain whether the unexpected
troops were friends or foes of the Union, and so the _Pawnee_ and
all on board were for a while exposed to imminent peril of instant
destruction by a broadside from the _Pennsylvania_ and a raking
fire from the _Cumberland_, whose crews and some of whose officers
remained loyal to the Union, and stood with shotted guns and lanyards
in hand breathlessly awaiting some sign by which the character of
the mission of the approaching troops could be assured. Finally the
repeated hail of the _Pawnee’s_ boatswain convinced the loyal sailors
that loyal troops had come to their support, and then the night air
re-echoed with enthusiastic shouts and added volume to the inspiring
strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” which was played by the
splendid band on the quarter-deck of the _Pennsylvania_.
Time has satisfied the public that the place could have been held
and the enormous loss avoided, which resulted from the attempt at
destruction. It speaks well for the Third that its colonel was of
that opinion at the time and volunteered to hold it with his small
force until re-enforced. Commodore Paulding, however, felt compelled
by his orders to decide otherwise, and soon buildings and ships were
aflame as the various details proceeded with their several tasks.
Even the detail taken from Company B to assist in mining the dry dock
were driven from their work before its entire accomplishment by the
extreme heat. Two companies, A and B, were on guard as a reserve, as
it was known that two rebel companies were at Norfolk. Other details
threw cutlasses, sabres, shot and shell into the river, and every
man worked energetically at his allotted task in the light of the
great conflagration until he was aboard the _Pawnee_ for return to
Fortress Monroe, where she arrived Sunday, April 21st, at six A. M.
Thus the Third had been the first northern volunteer troop to land
aggressively on Southern soil.
The duties at Fortress Monroe were very arduous and fatiguing, and
consisted in strengthening its defences and unloading, handling, and
storing the enormous amount of provisions and other supplies for
troops, which it was foreseen must be concentrated there and in that
vicinity. The regiment won the favor of the regulars, both officers
and men, by its excellent discipline, strict attention paid to the
details of guard duty and its precision in infantry drill. Colonel
Dimick, the commandant, complimented Colonel Wardrop on commanding
such a regiment, though the guard at sea battery had fired at the
boat in which Colonel Dimick was returning from the _Minnesota_ and
wounded the coxswain near whom Colonel Dimick was seated, for not
answering his hail the night before.
As soon as contrabands came into our lines in sufficient numbers
(and Company G has the honor of turning in the first three, who
applied for protection to Charles R. Haskins, of Myricksville,
while on picket), they were assigned to the heavier labors of the
quartermaster’s department. The regiment was thus enabled to pay more
attention to its ordinary military duties. May 13th two companies and
a fieldpiece held Hampton bridge, and May 24th Companies B and M made
a reconnoissance with General Butler and took two prisoners. June 8th
Companies B and C with loaded muskets suppressed insubordination in
the Naval Brigade. They were finally relieved by Company E June 17th.
July 1st the regiment was ordered to occupy Hampton during the
remainder of its term, and Companies A, B, and C, constituted
the main guard. Here during the remainder of its term it gained
experience in entrenching with the thermometer at 114 degrees, and
scouting with the thermometer one degree higher. On one occasion
(July 5th) Companies L, B, and E, with a howitzer battery, were
stationed on picket all night and an attack was expected. July 14th
a private of Company E was shot and beaten, but not killed, when
outside our lines. On July 16th the regiment marched to Fortress
Monroe and embarked on the steamer _Cambridge_ for Boston. On the
19th touched at Long Wharf and was ordered into camp at Long Island.
On the 22d the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United
States. The next day it landed at Boston, marched to the Common amid
great enthusiasm, and was dismissed. It had never failed to discharge
its duty.
CHAPTER II.
HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER
MILITIA--NINE MONTHS’ SERVICE IN NORTH CAROLINA, 1862-3.
This Regiment was, in fact, what its name represents, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia; not one drafted man was in its ranks. It was made
up almost entirely of men from Bristol and Plymouth counties; young
men who were raised in good homes and educated in the schools of
Massachusetts. Quite a number were attending either high schools,
seminaries, or colleges, or were graduates of the same. When the call
was made for three hundred thousand men they left home, not for what
they would get, but for what they would save; they went not for pay,
but from principle; they went not because they were spoiling for a
fight, but to save the country which they believed would be spoiled
should they stay at home. It should be remembered that at this time
there was no large bounties paid to recruits; indeed, few towns paid
but a small bounty, and many towns paid no bounty to induce men
to go to war; therefore, those who enlisted in 1862 enlisted from
patriotic principles.
It is fair to say that the Third Regiment was composed of as good men
as ever shouldered a musket or wore a sword. Many of the officers
had seen service in the three months’ regiments and in the State
militia, and therefore were the better prepared to do efficient
service in the nine months’ campaign. Both officers and men were
loyal soldiers, true patriots, ever ready to serve their country and
defend Old Glory. So far as known each officer and private always
responded to orders, and faithfully performed the duties confided to
him, whether pleasant and easy, or hazardous and hard. Each went when
and where ordered, and did his duties without grumbling or “showing
the white feather.” If at any time one was afraid he had the good
sense to keep it to himself. If any one felt that he was selected to
fill a position of unusual danger, he was wise enough to keep his own
counsel, do his duty to the best of his ability, and acquit himself
like a man.
This regiment was recruited in the months of August and September,
1862, and as soon as each company was filled it went into Camp Joe
Hooker. This camp, situated in the town of Lakeville, some three
miles south of the village of Middleboro, occupied a large field near
a beautiful pond, which was accessible to all who wished to enjoy the
luxury of a daily bath. The camp was ample for forty companies to
drill at one time. Here the companies were drilled in the setting-up
drill, company movements, and practical guard duty. On the 23d of
September the companies were mustered into the United States service
by a regular army officer, and soon after were furloughed for one
week, that they might visit their friends before going to the front.
All but two men returned within the time of their furlough, one of
whom deserted the service; the other was returned by the provost
guard after the regiment reached Newbern, N. C.
October 22d the regiment left Camp Joe Hooker and marched to the
Lakeville depot, where they took cars for Boston. Marching to Long
Wharf the right wing embarked on the steam transport _Merrimac_, and
the left on the steamer _Mississippi_, for Newbern. Each of these
steamers had on board one other full regiment, so that each steamer
was taking out fifteen hundred men. One has only to imagine the
crowded condition of the ships, when nearly the whole number were
on deck at the same time, yet during the voyage there were no rows,
no curse words, and no swaggering braggadocio. The sail down Boston
Bay and around Cape Cod was anything but agreeable; many of the boys
unwillingly paid their respects to Old Neptune. The remainder of the
voyage was over a sea as smooth as a mill pond.
Captain Baxter, of Hyannis, captain of the _Merrimac_, was the right
man for the place he occupied. A born commander, he easily controlled
not only his own officers and crew, but all on shipboard. There was
no want that he could not supply. Was there contention as to which
companies should first be served with cooked rations? He could
determine to the satisfaction of all. Was there a clamor for fresh
water? He would say, “Boys, I am condensing sixteen hundred gallons
of water for you every twenty-four hours, and here you are shouting
as if you were in an old-fashioned Methodist meeting,” and the boys
would answer, “Yes, captain, but the water is too hot to drink,” and
he would reply, “I have on board fourteen hundred barrels of pure
Cochituate water, which I brought for you, call one of your officers
and break out as much as you please.” Then taking his violin he would
play and sing some home song which would pacify every discordant
element and make everyone feel happy.
Early on the morning of October 22d the shores of North Carolina were
seen like a cloud rising from the ocean, and Captain Baxter remarked,
“There is the land I expected to make at six o’clock this morning.”
When within three miles of Beaufort harbor we encountered a strong
southeast gale and it was with difficulty that the pilot boarded
our ship. As it was his boat was smashed into pieces. When entering
the harbor we were shown Fort Macon, which General Burnside in his
early campaign had taken, and which Federal troops now occupied. At
Morehead City we embarked on flat open cars for Newbern, and were
shown the early battle grounds where General Burnside contested his
right to enter and hold Newbern.
Leaving the cars at the depot the Third Regiment marched to its
camping ground on the east bank of the Neuse River, and near the city
of Newbern. Here the regiment was given a hearty welcome by Captain
Hart, of the Twenty-third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
This officer had erected tents and put the camp in fine order for the
Third Regiment. Colonel Lee, also of the Twenty-seventh, extended
greetings. Later on the Third was for a short time attached to his
brigade, until transferred to the brigade of Col. J. Jourdan, where
it continued during its term of service.
Camp equipage and arms were received in a short time and the
regiment was drilled several hours daily. Nearly all the drilling
was the manual of arms, battalion and brigade movements. The arms
distributed to the Third were not up to the standard. They were
said to be Austrian rifle muskets captured from a blockade runner.
Great improvements were made on them by the regimental and company
armorers; yet the Confederate loss promised little gain to the Union
forces, except in the moral force of showing that the regiment had
arms and was prepared to use them at close quarters, at least when
occasion required. These arms were duly condemned by an inspecting
officer and efforts made to exchange them for serviceable ones, but
without success.
A variety of duties attested the intelligence and endurance of the
regiment as a whole, and of its companies on detached service.
October 30th Companies A and B were detached for picket duty at
Newport Barracks, where they remained for more than a month, during
which time they with a platoon of cavalry and a battery made an
expedition to Peltier’s Mills, and for the first time learned the
superiority of army shoes on the march in contrast to stylish boots.
Picket duty taught the boys how to find their own beef and pork, and
occasionally honey, which abounded in that part of North Carolina. In
garrison duty, reconnoissances, engineering work, exhausting marches
sometimes with the thermometer ranging over one hundred in the shade
and the dust inches deep, and on the field of battle, the skill and
bravery of the regiment was well displayed. One company sent to build
a bridge over Bachelor’s Creek were so efficient in construction
work that they finished their work and returned to camp in two
days, notwithstanding it was supposed to take one company a month
to accomplish the job. Many of the men of that company were bridge
builders before the war.
Thirty men sent to do picket duty at Creek No. 1 held that station
for three months, although they were constantly in fear of being
surprised, and nearly all the time slept with their muskets beside
them.
November 11th our pickets at Deep Gully were attacked and the Third
Regiment were under arms all night. November 30th Company I was
detailed for duty at Plymouth and Elizabeth City, N. C., where it did
garrison duty five months, and suffered special casualties during a
siege by the Confederates, losing in killed, wounded, and prisoners
nearly thirty men. (See history of Company I.) At different times
nearly every company in the regiment were detailed for picket or
special duty. (See Company history.) During the month of December,
1862, the Third Regiment rendered good service in connection with
the expedition made by General Foster into the interior of North
Carolina, the object being to cut the Confederate means of supplies
by the Wilmington and Goldsboro railroad.
The following is a verbatim report of General Foster to the War
Department. The accompanying sketch will help the reader to
understand the march of the expedition and the battles fought.
[Illustration:
D.
SKETCH
showing route pursued in the advance to
GOLDSBORO, N. C. in Dec. 1862.]
From the report of Maj.-Gen. J. G. Foster, to the Joint Congressional
Committee on the Conduct of the War. Copied from the report of that
Committee, printed by the Government, supplement, part 2, page 11, of
General Foster’s report:
“EXPEDITION TO GOLDSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA, IN DECEMBER, 1862.”
“General Burnside having moved the army of the Potomac towards
the Rappahannock with the intention of crossing, I was ordered
by Major-General Halleck, general-in-chief of the armies of the
United States, to advance with my whole available force and destroy
the railroad bridge at Goldsboro, and as much of the track as
possible; the movement to be made simultaneous with the crossing at
Fredericksburg. Accordingly, having been reinforced by one brigade
from Major-General Dix’s corps at Fortress Monroe, I advanced from
Newbern on the 12th of December, 1862, with four brigades and
forty pieces of artillery, in all about twelve thousand men. After
removing the obstructions placed in the roads of the retreating
rebels, I pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which
surprised the main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in. Under
cover of this feint the main body was moved rapidly by the left
so as to strike Southwest Creek at the most westerly of the
four bridges that cross it. As anticipated this bridge was found
weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in front a regiment
was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by a vigorous and
unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding the bridge, and
thus opened it to our advance. This was late at night. At daylight
on the following morning we advanced upon Kinston. The enemy was
encountered in a chosen position on the south side of the Neuse
River, where the road crossed a swamp closely filled with thick
undergrowth. The enemy occupied a ridge just beyond the swamp. For
over two hours our attack failed to dislodge the enemy. Finally,
after strong demonstrations on both flanks, a decisive effort was
made in the centre, in which one of my best regiments, the Tenth
Connecticut Volunteers, gallantly charged through the enemy’s line
and seized and held the bridge over the Neuse, in the rear. The
enemy then broke. A part retreated rapidly up the south bank of
the Neuse; the remainder were captured. We crossed the river at
once and occupied Kinston. General Evans rapidly retreated, with
the garrison of the defences of the town, up the north bank of the
river, closely pursued by our cavalry. We captured during the day
seven hundred prisoners, nine pieces of artillery, four heavy guns,
and a large quantity of ammunition, which being stored in houses
in the town, we could only partially destroy without destroying
the town. The information obtained at Kinston went to show that
General Burnside had been repulsed at Fredericksburg; that General
Lee had telegraphed Gen. G. W. Smith, at Goldsboro; that he could
send him thirty thousand men, if necessary, to resist our advance;
and that strong defences had been constructed at Mosely Hall and
other points where the road crosses difficult streams. Believing,
however, that by deceiving the enemy and rapid marching, the object
of the expedition could be attained, I determined to go on. As a
feint, the army was pushed out a few miles on the Goldsboro road
and encamped. At daylight it retraced its steps, crossed the river,
burnt the bridge behind it, and rapidly marched up the south bank.
At Whitehall a sharp affair took place. A rebel gunboat was being
built at that point and a considerable force was there to defend
it and prevent our crossing. Every attempt to cross infantry
to burn the boat failed. All the artillery was then opened and
soon completely riddled the vessel. It served also to give the
impression that an attempt to force a crossing was made. Leaving a
few men to keep up that impression, the main body marched rapidly
up the river and reached the railroad bridge as the smoke was
seen ascending from the Mount Olive station, which the cavalry
had destroyed. The enemy was not prepared for us; their force was
scattered; large numbers had been detached towards Whitehall and
Kinston. The brigade on the south side at the bridge was soon
whipped and driven from the field. The bridge was burned despite
the efforts of the force collecting on the north bank; and before
any considerable concentration could be made to disturb us, we
had destroyed several miles of the track. As the column moved off
on its return, having accomplished its purpose, a brigade made an
attack on our rear guard, which repulsed it with severe loss. After
that no attack was made and the column returned quietly to Newbern.
The force in the department of North Carolina was now increased and
constituted by the President, the Eighteenth Army Corps, under my
command.”
While General Foster’s report is a most excellent one, still it must
be remembered that it is a report made from the standpoint of the
whole expedition, and deals little with particulars only as seen in
battles. It remains for the writer of the Third Regiment to state the
part taken by that regiment in the expedition.
On Dec. 11, 1862, at six A. M., in a dense fog, the Third Regiment
formed line on the left of General Lee’s brigade, the third brigade
in the column. No secrets were withheld from the boys. Everyone
knew that a march was before them, that fighting was expected and
hardships were anticipated, yet every officer and man cheerfully
responded to the order, “March!”
The obstacles mentioned by General Foster in his report were great
trees felled across the road for several hundred yards, and it was
impossible to pass until such obstacles were removed. This was soon
accomplished by our “Black Pioneer Brigade.” Another obstacle was
that nearly every bridge which crossed creeks and rivers was guarded
by rebel pickets, who fired the bridges just before they retreated,
making it impossible for either infantry or artillery to pass until
the bridges were rebuilt, save in a few instances where the rivers
were fordable. Over some parts of the march great turpentine trees
were on fire, which falling across the road made marching that way
quite dangerous; yet through fire and water the expedition made
twelve miles the first day, notwithstanding our skirmishers were in
constant action with the rebel pickets. Never were men more glad than
the Third Regiment when ordered to bivouac for the night, and never
was mattress or feather bed more acceptable than “Mother Earth” to
the boys that night. Both fires and loud talking were forbidden. All
save the men on picket duty slept; slept like tired children.
Friday the Third was detailed to guard the baggage train, which it
faithfully did until twelve at night. All this day our advance were
face to face with the rebel pickets, which in some instances showed
stubborn resistance; in others but a semblance of resistance, but
always burned the bridges they were defending before retiring towards
Kinston. These men seemed to be possessed more with the spirit of
burning than with the spirit of patriotism.
Consulting the sketch map you will find that when the column had
passed Muscleshell Creek and Resolution Bayou the army had taken
the Trent road (the most direct road from Newbern to Kinston)
until near Bear Creek. It was from this point that General Foster
“pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which surprised the
main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in, into its fortified
position south of Kinston. Under cover of this feint the main body
was moved rapidly by the left so as to strike Southwest Creek at
the most westerly of the four bridges that cross it. As anticipated
this bridge was found weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in
front a regiment was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by
a vigorous and unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding
the bridge, and thus opened it to our advance.” It has been learned
on good authority that the regiment which made the above mentioned
charge was the Ninth New Jersey. This bit of information can be found
in the Adjutant-General’s report of Massachusetts in the report of
the Twenty-third Massachusetts Regiment and reads like this: “The
Ninth New Jersey crossed through the old mill, charged the enemy,
captured two pieces of artillery, and the rebels retreated.” General
Foster says, “this was late at night.” “At daylight the following
morning (Sunday) we advanced upon Kinston.” It should be remembered
that the column after passing Wine Creek abandoned the main road
leading to Kinston, took an unfrequented turpentine road through the
woods, and came upon the right flank of the Confederate army, which
was in line on the opposite side of the swamp, where their batteries
were posted to resist our advance on Kinston. The road through this
swamp was as straight as an arrow and covered with water nearly a
foot deep. The position of the Third Regiment on the opposite side of
the swamp was near the hospital and the sight of the dead and wounded
was anything but reassuring, as they were carried to the rear; yet
when the order was given “Forward!” not a man flinched, and the
Third Regiment went through the swamp on the double-quick. The first
brigade having turned the rebels’ right, and captured a battery and
several hundred prisoners there was little left for the Third to do
but to join in the shout of victory, view the prisoners, sympathize
with the wounded in the Old Baptist Church, view the dead in the
woods, and march into Kinston. As we marched over the beautiful
bridge which spans the Neuse River, we saw the wise generalship of
General Foster in coming upon Kinston through the swamp instead of
the main road, where the rebels had erected earthworks and mounted
guns, which would command the road for more than two miles.
Our place of bivouac in Kinston was on the park, which was enclosed
by a rail fence, five rails high. Captain Grant, of Company C, Third
Regiment, being officer of the day, gave strict orders that only the
topmost rails should be taken. This order was so strictly obeyed that
in the morning not a vestige of the fence remained; each man had
taken only the top rail.
Words fail to describe the things seen on that park the next morning,
feather and straw beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, and bed clothes
of nearly all kinds and description, china tea-sets, bottles of
perfumery, and almost everything in the housekeeping line. Tobacco
and cigars could be had without the asking. Feathers were seen all
over the ground, indicating that someone had been engaged in the
poultry business on an immense scale during the night.
The bugle sounded very early and the command recrossed the bridge and
resumed the march towards Goldsboro. An old colored woman standing
by the roadside raised her hands as we were passing and shouted, “You
honeys of Lincoln’s army need fear nothing from nobody between here
and Richmond! De good Lawd bless you all!”
At Whitehall we again encountered the Confederate forces, which
General Foster handsomely outwitted. He gave them the impression
that his whole force was engaged, while the fact was that only a few
regiments with nearly all his batteries were in action; the bulk
of the command were pushing on toward Goldsboro. Failing to find
any way for the infantry to cross the river and burn the gunboat in
the process of building, orders were given for all the batteries to
concentrate their fire on the gunboat, which was soon destroyed.
A few men were left to keep up the impression that it was General
Foster’s purpose to cross the river, the main army marching rapidly
on toward Goldsboro.
At Everettsville we again came upon the rebel pickets, who fled
without firing a gun. Shells from our battery hastened their retreat
toward the railroad bridge. This they crossed and joined the main
force, which so far as we could learn were in the woods near the
railroad. After shelling the woods for nearly three hours, the Third
Regiment was ordered to take position near the Wilmington railroad
and parallel with it. Here it remained until a railroad monitor was
destroyed by our batteries and the railroad bridge burned; then we
were ordered to stack arms and proceed to tear up the track and burn
the ties. This order was executed with such vigor that in less than
one hour three miles of ties were on fire. Had the rebels not lost
their heads they could have captured the Third Regiment, for it was
without arms. As it was, Captain Marble, of Company A, barely escaped
being captured by a rebel picket post in the woods, not a hundred
yards from the railroad.
After executing its orders the regiment was ordered to its arms and
marched back over the hill. While here it was reported that the enemy
was advancing with a flag of truce and a company of cavalry went to
receive it. Judge our surprise when it was fired upon by a rebel
brigade, ambushed on the opposite side of the railroad. Immediately
the brigade crossed the railroad and charged on Morrison’s and
Belger’s batteries. At this time the writer was standing near Captain
Belger and heard that officer say, “There they come, now we will
have some fun,” and, without waiting for orders from General Lee,
the commander of the only brigade then on the field (the so-called
rear guard), Captain Belger gave the order, “Action front, double
shotted canister! Load! Aim! Fire!” At this time the enemy were
within two hundred yards of his guns and the Third Regiment was
supporting this and Morrison’s Battery, with their two batteries
firing upon the advancing brigade. I need not say that they were long
in wiping it out. Two other brigades which charged on the left centre
of our brigade were soon driven back in disorder.
It is supposed that seeing Morrison’s and Belger’s batteries still
on the field, they thought it a fine thing to capture those two
popular batteries; it being quite dark they did not notice that these
batteries were supported by infantry. Moreover, they had opened a
mill gate, which created a torrent through which the batteries must
pass in going from the field, but they were too badly punished to
follow out their plans. When the Third came to the stream they found
it a roaring torrent; yet through the icy cold water they went, and
when the whole brigade with the batteries were over, we were only
too glad to be told that we would have to march ten miles before
bivouacking for the night. At nine o’clock we reached the main army
and laid down in our frozen clothes until the following morning,
when we began our march toward Newbern. We reached Newbern without
molestation on the twenty-first day of December, having been absent
eleven days, and having marched over one hundred and fifty miles.
In the engagements had the only casualties suffered by the Third as
reported, were six wounded. By special order of General Foster the
names of “Kinston,” “Whitehall,” and “Goldsboro” were inscribed upon
the regimental flag.
December 30th the Third Regiment was attached to General Heckman’s
brigade in anticipation of going further south, but when inspected by
Captain Abel, of General Heckman’s staff, the arms were found to be
of such poor quality that they were for the second time condemned,
and failing to get them replaced by good arms, General Heckman sent
the following communication to Colonel Richmond:
_To_ COLONEL S. P. RICHMOND, _Commanding Third Regiment, M. V. M.,
Headquarters First Brigade, Nagle’s Division, Newbern, N. C., Jan.
12, 1863._
COLONEL: In the report of my Assistant Adjutant-General who
inspected your regiment last muster, the arms you now have were
condemned. I have made every effort since to have the arms changed
to retain you in my brigade, but time would not permit and another
regiment has been assigned.
Accept my regrets that your regiment was not in condition to remain
(as regards equipments). The soldierly appearance and conduct of
your officers have made a favorable impression, and I part with you
with regret.
Very respectfully yours,
C. A. HECKMAN,
_Brigadier-General Commanding First Brigade,_
_Nagle’s Division, Eighteenth Army Corps._
General Foster says, “The Third Regiment always obeys orders and
performs all its duties promptly and without grumbling.” General
Prince says, “The Third Massachusetts Regiment and its commander can
be trusted with important duties with a certainty that they will
be performed promptly and well.” Colonel Jourdan says, “The Third
Regiment is always ready for duty.”
On January 28th the regiment moved to Camp Jourdan, near Fort
Totten. This location was not a desirable one; neither was the ground
in a condition for the dwelling place of men. It was considered a
very unhealthy locality, but it was one of the most important points
in the defences of Newbern. The first thing done was the removal
of more than five hundred cords of the refuse from stables, dumped
there. Many ditches were made, the camp graded and trees planted
until the medical director pronounced it one of the cleanest,
prettiest, and most healthy camps near Newbern, and he also made a
report to that effect, complimenting the regimental commander and
medical staff highly.
March 6th the regiment was ordered to go with General Prince’s
division on an expedition into Jones and Onslow counties, where they
remained five days. The Third with other troops under command of
Colonel Richmond was twice detailed for important detached service,
and received the thanks of General Prince for the able manner in
which the duty was performed. Several hundred prisoners were taken
and brought to Newbern. While the men were quite affable, the
officers were very sullen and did not care to talk with “Yankee
mudsills.”
In the attack at Deep Gully, March 14th, and also on Fort
Anderson, on the opposite side of the Neuse, the Third were under
marching orders until the next day at one P. M., and then went on a
reconnoissance to Pollocksville, returning to camp on the evening of
the 16th in the rain, with the mud more than a foot deep. So muddy
were the roads that the regiment was eight hours marching ten miles.
On the 17th Companies A, B, K, and H were ordered to march to Deep
Gully for picket duty, where they remained eight days. They were
relieved by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York Regiment, and
marched back to Newbern.
From April 2d on until the time of leaving this department (except
when on expeditions), the Third Regiment furnished a detail of one
hundred and fifty men daily for intrenchment work.
April 5th orders were received to march to Foster’s Wharf with three
days’ rations. The regiment was there on time, expecting to go to
Washington, N. C., but at six P. M., orders were received from
General Foster to go back to camp.
April 7th at six P. M. orders were received to march immediately with
three days’ rations, and the regiment proceeded to Foster’s Wharf,
were transported across the Neuse River, and bivouacked for the
night. The next day we joined a column commanded by General Spinola,
and made a forced march to Blount’s Creek, rear of Washington, to
attempt to break the siege and relieve General Foster, who was there
at the time. At the point of attack it was found that the rebels
occupied a strong position on a hill, the only approach being a
narrow defile with heavy woods on either side. These conditions at
the outset forbade hope of success. An engagement was made, the Third
taking part in the movement, but they were met by so fierce a fire
from the rebel batteries on the hill that it was thought expedient
to retire. Captain Belger’s horse was shot under him, and he was
severely wounded, yet as he passed Colonel Richmond he said, “Give
it to them, Colonel, we’ll pay them off for this.” Later we were
informed that the rebels, believing that the Yankees would play
some Yankee trick on them, left their position from fear of a flank
movement. Of one thing we were assured, the siege of Washington was
raised, and General Foster returned to Newbern. This expedition was
regarded as the most adventurous and exhausting of any in which the
Third participated during its term of service. More than thirty miles
were covered by a hurried march and the battle fought on the same
day. So exhausted were the men that several had to be assisted to the
place of bivouac for the night.
April 13th Company D was sent on an expedition by steamer, forty
miles down the Neuse River, to explore the opposite shore. On
leaving, General Foster said, “I want you to go down the river on
a pleasure trip; it may be, however, that you will find other than
pleasure somewhere.” The company obeyed orders, but finding no
rebels, it returned the following night.
April 16th the Third Regiment received orders to march with a column
under General Prince to Core Creek, where it remained six days,
and was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. It was this
movement combined with another column on the opposite side of the
Neuse River, which caused the rebels to evacuate their positions
in front of Washington, North Carolina, thereby relieving the
Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from their uncomfortable
position.
May 11th four companies were detailed for picket duty at Deep Gully,
where they remained ten days.
May 23d orders were received at eight P. M. to march immediately to
a certain point near Batchelder’s Creek, and await orders. Arriving
at the point indicated they rested on arms. This hurried movement
was made in consequence of our pickets being driven in, and Colonel
Jones, commander of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, being killed
during the engagement. The enemy having retired during the night, the
regiment was ordered back to Newbern. This march was made through
the dust six inches deep, and with the thermometer one hundred and
ten degrees in the shade. We arrived in Newbern at twelve o’clock, a
tired, besmeared, dust covered lot of soldiers.
May 31st four companies marched to Deep Gully for picket duty, but
being relieved by a detachment from Lee’s brigade, they returned to
Newbern the same evening.
Newbern was twice threatened with assault, apparently for the purpose
of retaking the city. The first occurred on the evening of Nov. 11,
1862, while the main army was absent on a reconnoitring march to
Tarboro, in the northern part of the state, leaving the Third almost
alone in the defence of the city. The regiment was under arms all
night, and re-enforcements were brought up from Newport. The alarm
was caused by a fierce attack made upon the pickets at Deep Gully,
a few miles out on the Trent road, one man being killed and several
wounded. The regiments that had been absent for nearly two weeks were
now returning and the rebels withdrew the following day.
The second assault was made on March 14, 1863, operating from
different directions; one by the way of the Trent road, the other
approaching from across the Neuse River. The latter division was
vigorously handled by the garrison at Fort Anderson, on the north
bank of the river, and by gunboats, and finally repulsed. Many shells
were thrown into the city, some of which tore up the ground occupied
by the Third Regiment but a little time before as their camp. A flag
of truce was sent asking the surrender of the city, but General
Foster’s answer was, “If you want Newbern, come and take it.” These
assaults seemed to be more like “feelers” of the Union strength than
any serious menace to Newbern.
Various places were garrisoned and much picket duty done by the Third
Regiment, besides the services already mentioned, which proved the
fidelity of both officers and men, and the readiness of the regiment
to measure up at all times to the trusts committed to its keeping.
Being ordered to Boston, Mass., the regiment left Newbern June 11,
1863. As they marched from their camp to the place of taking train
and boat, they were escorted by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth
New York Volunteers, preceded by the band of the Forty-ninth
Massachusetts Regiment, General Foster and Colonel Jourdan honoring
the column by a standing review. The Forty-fifth and Forty-first
Massachusetts Regiments were in line on the other side of the Trent
River, and cheered us with music and voice on our homeward journey.
Seven companies went by rail to Morehead and embarked on the steamer
_S. R. Spaulding_. Three companies with the sick went on board the
steamer _Tillie_, at Newbern, and sailed by the way of Roanoake
Sound. The voyage for the most part was rough and most of the
officers were seasick until we rounded the shores of Cape Cod, when
the sea became smooth, and new life was imparted to all.
Landing in Boston we received a very enthusiastic reception by her
citizens and were escorted to the Common by the Forty-fourth
Massachusetts Rifle Club. The Governor being absent, Adjutant-General
Schouler reviewed the column from the State House steps, after which
the regiment marched to Beach Street barracks and partook of a
collation. At one P. M. the regiment took the cars for Camp Joe
Hooker, but being furloughed on the train and ordered to report in
camp on the 22d, each man turned his face toward the old home and the
dear ones he had left there when he went to serve his country.
June 22d the regiment reported at camp, where it remained until the
26th and was mustered out of the service by Capt. J. K. Lawrence,
being dismissed by a complimentary and affecting speech from Colonel
Richmond. The men dispersed quietly, maintaining their excellent
character and discipline to the last. Many of these men showed their
patriotism by re-enlisting, some going the third and fourth time.
During the campaign the regiment was transported by steamer and
railroad more than two thousand miles, and marched more than four
hundred miles over the swampy roads of North Carolina, most of
this being done during the inclement season. It bivouacked upon
the ground without shelter when the water froze in canteens, and
also marched when the thermometer ranged at one hundred and twelve
degrees in the shade. During the most of the time more than two
hundred men were furnished for extra duty, as mechanics, and quite
a number were detailed as overseers of contrabands and other duties
of a governmental nature. The regiment which left home with a roster
of one thousand and fifteen men returned with nine hundred and
twenty-seven.
“Oh Life! Oh Death! Oh World! Oh Time!
Oh Grave, where all things flow!
’Tis yours to make our lot sublime,
With your great weight of woe.
Through sharpest anguish hearts may wring,
Though bosoms torn may be;
Yet suffering is a holy thing,
Without it, what were we!”
CHAPTER III.
HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE FIELD AND NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF OFFICERS
OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
_FIELD AND STAFF._
COL. SILAS P. RICHMOND.
SILAS PEIRCE RICHMOND, son of Isaac and Lucinda (Peirce) Richmond,
was born in Freetown, June 19, 1831, on the Richmond homestead,
which has been owned in the family continuously since 1775. His
grandfather, Samuel Richmond, was a soldier in the War of the
Revolution, and his father, Isaac Richmond, was a soldier in the War
of 1812-15. Silas P. Richmond was educated in the public schools of
Freetown and at Peirce Academy, Middleboro.
[Illustration: COL. SILAS P. RICHMOND.]
He was engaged in farming and lumber business early in life. He was
the first man to enlist in Company G, Third Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia, in May, 1850. He was appointed corporal in April,
1851; commissioned fourth lieutenant of same company in August,
1851; third lieutenant in August, 1853; first lieutenant in May,
1854; captain in May, 1855; major and inspector, Second Brigade,
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, July 29, 1856. He was in Kansas
in 1858-9, and served with John Brown in repelling the “Border
Ruffians” and was badly wounded in the knee at the battle near
Lawrence, Kansas. He returned to Massachusetts and was appointed
captain and aide-de-camp, Second Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, Sept. 15, 1859, and in that capacity responded to the call
of the “Minute Men,” April 15, 1861, serving at Fortress Monroe and
Hampton, Virginia, and taking part in the battle of Big Bethel, June
10, 1861. At the end of the campaign he returned to Massachusetts
and was honorably discharged. On the 8th of May, 1862, he was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel, Third Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia, and as such responded to the call to re-enforce
the Army of the Potomac at the time of General Bank’s retreat in
the Shenandoah Valley. In July, 1862, he was ordered by Governor
Andrew to reorganize and recruit the Third Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia, to the maximum for service in the field. He
completed that work and the regiment was mustered into the United
States service, one thousand and forty strong, Sept. 15, 1862. He
was commissioned colonel of the Third Regiment Oct. 7, 1862, and, on
Oct. 22, 1862, he proceeded with the regiment by steamer to Newbern,
North Carolina. During that campaign he participated in the battles
of Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Deep Gully, Blount’s Creek, and
in repelling the bombardment of Newbern. During a part of that
time he commanded a brigade. At the end of this term of service he
returned to Massachusetts. On the 28th of September, 1863, he was
commissioned colonel of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteers, and proceeded to recruit that regiment. On Nov. 21, 1863,
he was appointed superintendent of recruiting in Bristol, Plymouth,
Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes counties, and as such continued the
recruiting of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, until it was ordered to join
the Army of the Potomac, April 28, 1864; but as the Fifty-eighth had
only eight companies at that time, he could not be mustered into the
United States service as colonel of it, and so resigned. On July 19,
1864, he was appointed assistant provost marshal of the Department of
the South, with the rank of colonel, and served as such at Beaufort,
North Carolina, Hilton Head, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston,
South Carolina. He was on the first steamer that reached Savannah
when it was taken, and on the first steamer that landed at Charleston
when that city was captured. He was honorably mustered out of service
in September, 1865.
He engaged in the lumber and grain business in Indiana and Michigan
in 1867-9, and lost a nice property by fire in Michigan in 1869.
He returned to Massachusetts in 1870. Colonel Richmond has been a
justice of peace for more than forty years, and is also a notary
public. He was for ten years chairman of the board of selectmen
of Freetown. As auditor in 1854 he prepared the first printed
report ever made of the finances of Freetown. He has also served as
assessor, town clerk, school committee, and overseer of the poor
of Freetown. He served eighteen years as moderator at annual town
meetings. He served two terms as United States census taker, and
two terms as state census taker. He was chairman of the trustees of
the First Christian Church in Assonet for several Years. He was a
representative in the legislature from the sixth Bristol district
in 1892, and served as chairman of the taxation committee. He was a
delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1892; a turnkey
in Massachusetts State Prison, 1871-9; deputy keeper in the Bristol
County House of Correction, 1879-82; general traveling agent for
the C. C. G. Co., 1882-89; president of Bristol County Agricultural
Society 1889-91; charter member of Post No. 1, Massachusetts G.
A. R., and member of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He is
a Mason and Knight Templar since 1865. On Jan. 1, 1896, he was
appointed deputy sheriff and court crier of the Supreme and Superior
Courts in Bristol County, and now holds that position. His address is
Richmond Road, Assonet, Mass.
LIEUT.-COL. JAMES BARTON.
[Illustration: LIEUT.-COL. JAMES BARTON.]
LIEUT.-COL. JAMES BARTON came from a military family. Among his
ancestors was Gen. William Barton, of Revolutionary fame, who
captured the English General Prescott and his aide-de-camp in the
town of Portsmouth, R. I., for which act Congress presented him
with a beautiful sword as an acknowledgment of his hazardous and
successful achievement. In his early years Colonel Barton resided
in Newport, R. I., and was a member of the Newport Artillery,
which was chartered in 1741. He accompanied this organization to
Providence at the time of the Dorr War. In 1853 he removed to New
Bedford and carried on the business of a marine blacksmith, and this
he continued after as well as before the war. The breaking out of
the war in 1861 found him holding the position of first lieutenant
in the New Bedford Guards (minute men), afterwards Company E, Third
Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. With this company he
served twice, first as first lieutenant of the company, and second as
lieutenant-colonel of the regiment of which the company made a part,
and served with the regiment through its campaign in North Carolina.
He was a good, conscientious officer, faithfully performing every
duty, and always in his place on battalion drill, on the march, and
in battle. He was one of the earliest members of William Logan Rodman
Post, No. 1, G. A. R., New Bedford, Mass. He died March 5, 1887.
MAJ. JOHN MORRISSEY.
[Illustration: MAJOR JOHN MORRISSEY.]
MAJOR MORRISSEY was forty-five years of age when he entered the
service of his country in the Third Regiment. He was a native of
Plymouth, where he resided at the time of his commission. His
position as sergeant-at-arms in the State House, Boston, shows that
he went to war for pure patriotic principles. He was well liked by
all the regiment, and never failed to do his duty on drill, on the
march, and in camp. After the war he was given his former position,
which office he filled acceptably until his death. He died in his own
town, beloved and highly respected by all who knew him. His force of
character was more in good acts than in many words.
ADJ’T. LUCIAN L. PERKINS.
[Illustration: ADJ’T. LUCIAN L. PERKINS.]
ADJUTANT PERKINS was born in Plympton, Mass., July 1, 1835. At the
age of eighteen he joined Company H, Third Regiment of Plympton
Rifles. He served in different positions in this company, and at the
time of President Lincoln’s call for seventy-five thousand troops he
was first lieutenant. He went to Fortress Monroe in command of his
company, and was there elected captain. He served through the three
months’ service and was discharged at the expiration of enlistment.
He served as adjutant of the Third Regiment nine months’ service,
and was discharged at the expiration of the same. He will ever be
remembered as the soldier, the gentleman, and the officer, who
faithfully performed every duty assigned to him. On dress parade and
battalion drill he knew his place and filled it to the satisfaction
of every officer and man.
After the close of the war, he, with his brother Charles A. S.
Perkins, went to Newbern, N. C., purchased several acres of land
there, and was engaged successfully in the cotton business at the
corner of Broad and Middle Streets.
He died in Newbern, N. C., in October, 1864, of yellow fever, and his
remains were afterwards brought to Plympton for burial.
QUARTERMASTER BETHUEL PENNIMAN.
BETHUEL PENNIMAN was commissioned Oct. 10, 1862, being forty-three
years old and a resident of New Bedford. He was a successful business
man, and because he was such was commissioned to look after and care
for the supplies of the regiment. He remained with the regiment and
was mustered June 26, 1863.
After the war he was active in mining, manufactures, and real estate
business. Of his own life he says, “There has been nothing eventful
in my life,” and yet at eighty-six, we find him hale and hearty and
ready to beat the boys in a good, profitable, straight bargain.
His welcome was always cordial, especially to any member of the Third
Regiment. He represented New Bedford in the legislature, and served
one term on the Board of Aldermen in 1862. He was also a member
of the New Bedford Protecting Society, and of the organization of
firemen, and was for five years attached to the old hand engine,
Veteran, No. 1. He was an attendant and member of the Unitarian
Church and belonged to the Wamsutta Club. He was a charter member of
Post No. 190 G. A. R., and a member of the Loyal Legion.
He visited Washington, D. C, and witnessed the inaugural ceremonies
of President Roosevelt. On returning to his home in New Bedford he
was taken sick and died April 15, 1905, being eighty-seven years old.
SURGEON ALFRED AUGUSTUS STOCKER.
[Illustration: SURGEON ALFRED A. STOCKER.]
ALFRED STOCKER was forty-three years of age when commissioned and
a resident of Cambridge. He graduated at Harvard University with
the degree of M. D. in the class of 1853. In 1861 he assisted in
raising the Twelfth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He
was nominated by Colonel Webster major-surgeon, but unavoidable
circumstances compelled him to decline. By request of Governor Andrew
in May, 1862, he went to the front in Virginia, and joined the “Army
of the Potomac.” Arriving at the White House on the Pamunkey River he
was placed in charge of a division of the great field hospital then
established there. On the breaking up of the hospital he was assigned
to the Thirty-first Pennsylvania as acting surgeon, July 20th to
October 1st, passing through the whole Peninsula campaign. He was at
South Mountain and Antietam. He was commissioned surgeon of the Third
Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Oct. 16, 1862, serving
in North Carolina until mustered out with the regiment, and during
the winter of 1863-4 he was at Readville on the staff of General
Pierce, serving as special inspector of recruits. Oct. 16, 1863,
he was commissioned major-surgeon of the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts
Volunteer Veterans in the Ninth Army Corps with General Burnside.
He was with General Grant from the Wilderness to Petersburg, Va. On
account of physical debility contracted in the service, he resigned
Aug. 1, 1864, and was honorably discharged. He has now retired from
professional practice on account of age and growing disability and
resides in Cambridge, Mass.
ASST. SURGEON WOODBRIDGE R. HOWES.
WOODBRIDGE R. HOWES was commissioned Oct. 21, 1862, being forty-five
years old and residing in Mattapoisett. He was in the service of the
United States from Nov. 13, 1862, and with the regiment until it was
mustered out. He practiced professionally in Hanover until his death,
and served on the school committee of Hanover. He was a member of
the Joseph Wilder Post, No. 83, G. A. R., and at one time commander;
member of North River Lodge, I. O. of O. F., holding various offices,
and censor for several years of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
He died in Hanover, Feb. 4, 1898, and was buried in the cemetery of
that town. He left one son, Clarence L. Howes, M. D., practicing in
Hanover, and one daughter, Mary W., wife of J. W. Beal, architect in
Hanover.
CHAPLAIN CHARLES ANDREW SNOW.
[Illustration: CHAPLAIN REV. CHARLES A. SNOW.]
CHAPLAIN SNOW was thirty-three years of age when commissioned, and
resided in Fall River. He was appointed chaplain Oct. 10, 1862;
commissioned October 16th, and sworn into the United States service
October 22d. He was on duty with the regiment until it was mustered
out. Since that time he had been in professional service as pastor
of churches in Fall River, Providence, R. I., South Abington (now
Whitman), New Bedford, and West Harwich. In 1898 he retired from
full ministerial service on account of ill-health. He is the author
of many miscellaneous papers, essays, sermons, important historical
sketches, etc. He was a life member of the Old Colony Historical
Society. He died in Taunton, Nov. 28, 1903.
_NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF._
SERGT.-MAJ. JOSEPH E. NYE.
JOSEPH E. NYE was commissioned at the age of twenty-four, while
residing in New Bedford. He was promoted from Company E, May 29,
1863, vice Robbins having been discharged to enable him to accept a
lieutenancy in the Heavy Artillery. Sergeant-Major Nye was a most
faithful officer, and performed his duty to the entire satisfaction
of his superior officers. He was always on time and always kept good
time when on dress parade and when marching in review.
After the war he was engaged in the livery business in Fall River,
and died there about twelve years ago.
QUARTERMASTER SERGT. THEODORE A. BARTON.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT BARTON was twenty-one years old when
commissioned and a resident of New Bedford. He was the youngest
son of Lieut.-Col. James and Mary Barton, and came from a renowned
military family. He was born in 1842 and received a private and
public school education. His parents moved from Newport to New
Bedford when young Barton was eleven years old. He was a member of
the High School in New Bedford, and graduated from the same near
the beginning of the war. He enlisted in the Third Regiment and was
appointed quartermaster-sergeant, in which office he served during
the nine months’ campaign in North Carolina, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He re-enlisted in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and
was appointed quartermaster with the rank of first lieutenant. He was
at one time the youngest regimental quartermaster (and one of the
best) in the Army of the Potomac. He served faithfully to the close
of the war and was mustered out with his regiment.
Soon after the war he took up his residence in Providence and engaged
in the hardware business with Freeman P. Little, forming the firm of
Little & Barton. The governor of Rhode Island selected him as one
of the staff officers with the rank of colonel, in which office he
served with honor, and was distinguished for his soldierly bearing.
Subsequently he removed to Ashton and became bookkeeper in one of
the Goddard’s mills. In 1868 he entered the employ of the Gorham
Company and was their confidential clerk and bookkeeper, remaining
in that position until failing health compelled him to take a long
rest. When the new State House was being constructed he was chosen
assistant to E. K. Glezen, secretary of the commission, and when
it was completed and a new commission formed he was elected its
secretary, in which office he remained until his death, Jan. 24,
1905. He was prominent in G. A. R. and Sons of Veterans circles and
was department commander of Rhode Island in 1886. In 1894 he was
elected senior vice-commander-in-chief of the national body of Sons
of Veterans, and was the first man to receive that honor from Rhode
Island. A widow and daughter survive him, residing in their beautiful
home in Providence.
COMMISSARY SERGT. ARTHUR HOOPER.
COMMISSARY SERGT. ARTHUR HOOPER was born in Bridgewater, May 18,
1843, and was nineteen years old when he enlisted in Company K,
Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, for nine months. He
was promoted to regimental commissary sergeant, Oct. 28, 1862, and
discharged with the regiment June 26, 1863. He re-enlisted Dec. 11,
1863, in Company A, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Third Veteran Regiment
for three years, and was detailed regimental commissary sergeant.
The regiment left Readville, Mass., April 28, 1864, and was assigned
to the First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, Gen. Ambrose
E. Burnside commanding. Sergeant Hooper was with the regiment in the
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold
Harbor, Petersburg, Welden Railroad, and Poplar Grove Church. He was
furloughed Dec. 11, 1864, and was ordered to report to the commissary
department of the United States General Hospital at Readville, Mass.
He was mustered out June 13, 1865.
He lived in Bridgewater until June, 1882, when he went to work as
salesman for Carter & Company, paper dealers in Boston. He was
elected to the legislature from the districts of Bridgewater and
East Bridgewater in 1880. He has been secretary of the Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Regimental Association since 1888. He joined the G.
A. R. in 1868, and for the past four years has been quartermaster
of E. W. Kinsley Post, Boston. He was the compiler of a history of
Bridgewater during the Rebellion, which was published in 1880, a work
that reflects honor on the author and is of great value to the town.
His place of business is No. 100 Federal Street, Boston, where he is
a clerk and director of the firm, respected, trusted, and honored.
HOSPITAL STEWARD EUGENE WHITTEMORE.
HOSPITAL STEWARD EUGENE WHITTEMORE was commissioned at the age of
twenty and resided in Boston. He served with the regiment and was
mustered out with the same. He is now letter carrier in South Boston.
SERGT.-MAJ. EDWARD L. ROBBINS.
SERGT.-MAJ. EDWARD L. ROBBINS was twenty-seven years of age when
commissioned, and a resident of Plymouth. He was discharged May 29,
1863, to enable him to accept a lieutenancy in the heavy artillery.
He was a good, faithful officer, and enjoyed the good-will of all the
officers and men in the regiment. He now resides in Wollaston, Mass.
(Lincoln Avenue).
CHAPTER IV.
COMPANY A, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY CORPORAL JOHN G. GAMMONS.]
The early history of this company is of such importance and interest
as to claim more than a passing notice.
Company A, known as Halifax Light Infantry, was organized in 1792
when George Washington was President of the United States and John
Hancock Governor of Massachusetts. It was one of the first companies
in the State to receive its charter from Governor Hancock, and
therefore takes rank as one of the oldest among the militia companies
in the State at that time.
It was well armed, equipped and drilled and was in active service
in the war with England in 1812-14, being on duty at Boston, Mass.,
where for faithful service rendered, it received the thanks of
Governor Hancock and the commendation of the citizens of Boston.
It was commanded by Capt. Asa Thompson of Halifax, a “mighty man
of valor” of gigantic proportions, being six feet seven inches in
normal condition, and eight feet tall with his captain’s hat on. On
parade and at musters this company attracted attention, not only by
the Saul-like appearance of its captain, but also by the large black
bearskin caps worn by its officers and men. Tradition says that when
Captain Thompson marched his company across South Boston bridge
throngs of men, women and children would collect to see “the giant”
and his men, and not a few would tremble with fear that the bridge
would not be able to support the captain and his great company.
When President Lincoln issued his first proclamation for troops,
Company A (as minute men) reported for duty April 16, 1861, being
commanded by Capt. Joseph Harlow of Halifax, whose height was six
feet two inches. This zealous and patriotic officer rode all night
through the towns in which the members of the company resided,
summoning them to meet on Boston Common the next day, by order of
Governor John A. Andrew. This midnight ride has been fittingly
compared to that of Paul Revere.
Company A was assigned to the Third Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteers, three months’ men, Col. David S. Wardrop commanding, and
was ordered to Virginia, where it did its full share in destroying
Gosport Navy Yard. It afterward served there under Major-General
Butler and was doing guard duty when the slaves coming into our lines
were declared “contraband of war” by that officer.
[Illustration: CAPT. JOHN W. MARBLE.]
Sept. 18, 1862, Company A, having united with Company G, of Assonet,
went into camp at Lakeville, Mass., known as Camp Joe Hooker. John
W. Marble, of Assonet, receiving eighty-seven votes, was declared
elected captain of the company; Charles P. Lyon of Halifax was
elected first lieutenant, and Nathaniel Morton of the same town was
elected second lieutenant; each of these officers receiving the same
number of votes as Captain Marble. Never was there a more democratic
election and never were men better pleased with their officers.
Captain Marble proved a kind-hearted man, caring for his men and
giving them his best in military drill, discipline, clothing and
rations. He also kept an eye on his men when on the march and in
battle. He was never known to fall out on the march, or to be taken
suddenly sick on the eve of a battle, or ride in an ambulance on the
long and weary forced marches. His men had confidence in him and
were always ready to obey his commands without asking questions;
and, although not a graduate of West Point, no battalion or brigade
movement ever puzzled him to know where to place his company, either
on drill or in the evolution of field movements.
Lieutenant Lyon was not only a good officer, he was a good man. No
day was so hot or stormy, and no night was so dark or cold, that
he did not fulfill his duty beyond the letter of the law, whether
that duty was in camp, on picket, or on the march. His interest in
the company is reciprocated by “The Old Boys” to this day, and will
continue as long as one of the company is left to tell of war events
and our reunions are characterized by fraternal greeting rather than
“paying off old scores.”
Lieutenant Morton had, and still continues to have, a large place
in the esteem of the company. He was always ready to serve when
and where his service was wanted and needed. He was the gentleman,
the officer, the friend of every man in the company. Always at his
post of duty, on the march, everywhere; and in everything he proved
himself worthy of the confidence of his superiors, equals, and
inferiors. In battle he had no fear of all the rebels “this side of
perdition.”
Like the commissioned officers, the non-commissioned officers were
men of worth and usefulness. No company could boast of a better
orderly sergeant than Company A. For proficiency in drill, promptness
at guard mount and discipline, Orderly Sergt. James H. Hathaway stood
number one. Danger to him was a thing unknown. Duty before pleasure,
and obedience to his superior officers was his slogan.
Sergt. William A. Lyon was always ready to go when and where ordered
and do as ordered. He was a well drilled man, a true soldier, beloved
and honored by the whole company.
Sergt. Stephen Hathaway was known as “The man of money,” yet he never
allowed money to become his stepping stone to preferment. He was as
ready as any one to do his duty with the company, regardless of toil,
deprivation or danger, when not on detached duty.
Sergt. Morton V. Bonney could outlift any man in camp. I once saw
him stand astride a full barrel of pork which others could not
lift, and, taking it by the chimbs, raise it clear from the ground,
saying, “There, I have lifted your darned old barrel of pork.” In
drill he was accurate, and on dress parade the perfect soldier; and,
like Israel’s second king, he “behaved so wisely” that every one
respected and loved him.
Ordnance Sergt. Frederick Thayer was not only a master of his trade,
but prompt in every detail of his work. Every weapon was always ready
when wanted for guard mount, dress parade or for the march, and not
one of Company A was ever sent to quarters because of a rusty or
dirty gun.
Corporals Uriel Haskins, Ephraim Haskins, Thomas Gurney, James E.
Arnold, Soranus Thompson, David B. Hill, and John G. Gammons, were
always ready and faithful in the discharge of every duty assigned to
them.
Asa Kilbreth could blow “The Flowers of Michigan” through a fife as
no other musician in the regiment, if in the world. His time was so
perfect that every one could keep step when marching in review. John
G. Bonney was as good with his drum as “Uncle” Kilbreth with his
fife, and when these two musicians sounded reveille every man was
ready for roll call. The whole company was made up of exceptionally
good and true men, “soldiers from the word go.”
Company A could truthfully boast of more musical talent than any
other company in the regiment. Singing could always be had for the
asking, without money and without price. Stringed instruments were
in evidence. A double quartette was always ready and willing to
entertain and enliven what otherwise would have been dull hours of
camp life. Miller Briggs was a knight of the bow, and he could make
the “old campaign fiddle” talk, sing, weep or shout, as occasion
required or his fancy dictated. Al. Ashley was always ready to make a
speech, play a game of euchre, go on guard or go into a fight. Pearly
Haven was born with a thirst that water had no power to quench.
Pearly was always weak when near anything strong.
Edward H. Rennis went to “his own place” when he went into the
cook-house. His boiled dinners and his baked beans remain as things
joyfully to be remembered. Few were the cooks who could deal out
better rations than Rennis.
Die Mason, while a good company clerk, would stand before a heated
stove and burn the whole front of his uniform, absolutely oblivious
of what was going on. In the battle of Goldsboro, he filled his
musket with cartridges from breech to muzzle and returned to Newbern
with it full. When apprised of the fact, he simply said, “I marched
two hundred miles to snap at the rebels.”
Corp. Thomas Gurney was a most painstaking and accurate diarist.
Benjamin H. Bearse could roast a fowl or a pig to perfection. John
Boyce was so squint-eyed that he could see “the rebels” on either
flank and in front of him. Henry Cook, notwithstanding he had lost
his voice, would not ask to be discharged, whispering, “If I cannot
speak with my voice, I can speak to the rebels with my musket.”
John Drayton could provide fun for the whole company. Herculese
Dean was the staid gentleman; Timothy French the man of affairs.
Bradford G. Hathaway was known as the “big man with curly hair.”
Daniel L. Hathaway would not shake hands with a rebel prisoner, who,
recognizing him as a fellow workman in the Live Oak Swamps, extended
his hand. Dan declared he never would shake hands with a d----d rebel.
Shubael G. Howland will be remembered as the man who carried six
rebel muskets seventy miles on his shoulder and sent them home to
make sure that the rebels would never get them again.
Aaron D. Hathaway could bring a mule team out of the mud when every
one else had given up in despair. He performed this feat by pushing
the mules’ heads under the mud and keeping them there until they were
glad to jump out to breathe.
Alamanzer Osborne had queer notions about sardines.
Isaiah Stetson could scent a battle afar off.
James H. Petty, while never perfect in the manual of arms on dress
parade, in battle could shoot as straight as any one. He was never
known to fall out on the march because of sore feet and was in his
glory when in a battle.
Jacob P. Hill was known as “the tall man;” William T. Marston as the
man who grew so corpulent that Uncle Sam had no uniform that would
fit him. Francis Briggs, when “in trim,” could outrun any deer and
yell louder than an Ute Indian. Horatio N. Hood never got stuck in
the mud with his team.
The first night in Camp Joe Hooker was a sweater to many, a conundrum
to a few, and a go-as-you-please to all. Every one kept good-natured
for the most pessimistic knew that all things that have a beginning
have an end; and so it came to pass that, before reveille, the
silence was broken only by the tremendous snoring of the tired
merrymakers.
The first day in camp was one of laborious duty. How many tons of
stones were buried by Company A no one will ever know, for it is
safe to say no one will ever resurrect them; but when the job was
completed Company A had as level and as smooth a street as any
company in camp. Some amusing things occurred on the guard line.
Some of the officers detailed for guard duty would give one set
of orders and some another set, and it was hard for the guards to
tell which was right and which was wrong. Some of the guards would
not be relieved at “arms aport” but would persist in standing at a
“charge.” One such was left to enjoy his “charge bayonet” until the
next relief: the two hours taught him a lesson which he never forgot.
Occasionally some of the guards would fix their muskets firmly in the
ground, and, putting coat and hat on the same, go off on a “lark,”
returning in time to come in with the relief; but such things were
not considered as a grave offense, since we were not mustered into
service.
In a few days an inspecting officer came and we were mustered into
the service of Uncle Sam. Soon we were uniformed and began the role
of soldiers. It took us less time to get used to our rations than to
get used to our beds, which at that time consisted of the soft side
of a hemlock board, quite different from those beds we had left at
our homes.
One afternoon just after recall the boys took umbrage at something
the sutler had said or done, and, magic-like, the two regiments in
camp gathered with the avowed purpose of demolishing his place of
business. I waited with bated breath to see what a few officers
would do with two thousand enraged men. Just at the critical moment
I saw the stalwart form of Colonel Richmond standing on a box, and
with a voice like that “of many waters” and of mighty thunders, he
proclaimed, “There will be a roll call in each company’s barracks
within five minutes and every one not present will be marked.”
Company A was in line in less than two minutes. The roll was called
and every member answered “Here.” That little incident has always
remained with me as an exhibition of the ready wit and good sense of
our beloved Col. S. P. Richmond.
Our stay in camp was of short duration for we were wanted for active
service and were ordered to prepare for the South Land. The morning
of our last day in camp brought many of the wives, mothers, fathers,
sisters, and sweethearts to say the last good-bye to the boys who
were to defend the Old Flag on southern battlefields. Alas! that some
of the boys who marched away that day, suppressing their tears in a
manly way, were never again to look on the dear faces which tearfully
said good-bye, silently praying God that they might return again to
the old home and to their loved ones.
At Lakeville station we took the train for Boston, where we received
an ovation through the city. The right wing of the regiment was
assigned to the _Mississippi_, the left wing went on board the
_Merrimac_. The bell rang, the whistle sounded, and we found
ourselves going down the river, our destination being Newbern, N. C.
With the exception of nearly running down two schooners and breaking
our foreyard arm into three pieces in contact with a vessel going
through the “Narrows,” our voyage was uneventful. Company A did her
full share of duty, notwithstanding that the rough water in Boston
Bay gave to many of the boys all the business they could manage on
their own private account.
Our ship, after rounding Cape Cod, anchored in Vineyard Haven.
Seeing our consort pass in the early dawn of the following morning,
we prepared to follow, and, just as the steam was applied, a large
schooner came across our bow. The engines were reversed and we barely
escaped a collision. Captain Baxter hailed with this sarcastic
remark, “I believe some captains would run all night for the sake of
running across a ship’s bow and being run down.” When we overtook
the _Merrimac_ we were hailed with, “How did you break your foreyard
arm?” and Captain Baxter replied, “Carrying sail, sir.”
Our run to North Carolina was over a sea as smooth as a mill-pond.
The voyage could have been made in safety in a canoe; but when within
five miles of the harbor, we encountered a southeast gale, which
drove thousands of porpoises into the harbor. Our pilot, either
through ignorance or carelessness, ran our ship upon the bar. I was
standing beside the Captain when the thing happened, and Captain
Baxter, quietly drawing his revolver and placing it close to the
pilot’s head, soberly remarked: “I have a good mind to put a little
light into your stupid rebel brain.” I need not tell you that that
pilot trembled like a whipped dog. With the rising tide and the
assistance of a tug, we were soon off the bar; and, as we headed for
the wharf, I heard Captain Baxter say, “I did not care half as much
for getting stuck on that bar, as I do for having the captain of the
_Merrimac_ get alongside the wharf before the _Mississippi_, for I
shall never hear the last of it.” At Morehead City we took train
for Newbern and camped on the banks of the Neuse River. Here for
the first time, we were drilled in the evolutions of the brigade,
preparatory to going on the march and into battle.
After a few days of camp life, Company A and Company B were detailed
for picket duty at Newport Barracks, one mile distant from Newport
City, which consisted of three houses, two barns and a five-by-ten
store. Newport City was the trading mart for that section, and many
times have I seen a barrel of pitch sold for thirty dollars and a
barrel of tar sold for twenty dollars.
Our camp consisted of two companies of infantry, a battery of four
guns and a platoon of cavalry. A detail from Company A went every day
to a post called Havelock, and the boys from there kept the company
well supplied with fresh beef and pork. One night one of Company A
being on picket, thought he saw some one stealthily approaching
the post. “Who goes there?” rang out on the still night. Receiving
no answer, he fired. Alas! his aim was only too sure, for, on
inspection, there in the throes of death lay a large black cow. I
believe that was the only rebel that Company A ever roasted and ate.
Some of Company A will never forget David B. Hill and the hive of
bees and honey he brought into camp one night. The following morning,
when his namesake came to inquire after his missing hive, Dave met
him on the parade ground, and, passing himself off as commandant of
the camp, solemnly declared that he had no men who would be guilty
of stealing; but said he: “If I find that one of my command has done
so mean an act, I will have the offender punished severely.” This
satisfied Mr. Hill, and he was never seen in camp after such positive
assurance of the honesty of the soldiers.
Our first march taught Company A the superiority of army shoes over
fashionable boots to march in, for the first ten miles found many of
the men, as well as the officers, with their boots slung over their
shoulders, their feet without stockings, and their heels raw to
the quick. The lesson was never forgotten. At Peltier’s Mills the
fortunate ones luxuriated on a supper of bread and bacon. The less
fortunate were allowed to pass the night in a hog field, where the
fleas were thicker than the stars in the “Milky Way.” “Pollocksville
Express” marked another episode in our marching history, and we
learned that being a soldier did not mean “flowery beds of ease.”
Some of these marches were attended with rain, not like the gentle
rains at the North, but downpours, mud ankle-deep, baggage wagons
with the wheel-hubs rolling on the surface, horses balking, teamers
saying everything but their prayers. But we were being hardened for
more active and laborious service.
Our first real march began Dec. 11, 1862, at six A. M. In a dense
fog our line was formed and soon the march began. There were twelve
thousand, all told, infantry, artillery, and cavalry. These, with one
hundred and sixty wagons occupied four miles, for we were moving in
single column. Just at sunset our skirmishers captured one captain
and two privates. This we believed to be a good omen, and some of the
boys were heard to say, “We shall capture every rebel we find.” At
eleven P. M. we stacked arms and laid down near them for the night;
and no one had to resort to opiates to sleep. The next morning a
sorer and more jaded set of men could not be found than Company A.
Every belt, every strap had chafed to the quick, and water was not to
be had to bathe the inflamed parts. But for all this, Company A did
not flinch nor cry, “I have seen all the marching I want to see; I
want to go home.”
The second day Company A, with the other companies of the Third, was
detailed as baggage guard, and vigilantly did we perform our duty
from early dawn to twelve at night, when we again halted and were
allowed to sleep “on our arms.” We were getting into that part of
the country where our enemy might pounce on us at any moment; and we
soon learned that it was wiser to build no fires, than to illuminate
the sky and thus show “the rebs” our position. As a little recompense
for our hard march the previous day, we were allowed to kill quite
a number of fat hogs; and in this, Company A was always ready and
willing to do her full share.
I recall a little ruse I played on a soldier of a New York regiment.
Finding a dead hog still warm, with its hams and shoulders gone, I
determined to secure a piece to roast; but, to my chagrin, I found
that I had left my knife in my haversack. Then came to me the old
conundrum: If you had a bottle of water, how would you get the water
without drawing the cork or breaking the bottle? and, knowing the
answer, I said, “Push in the cork.” Then taking the initiative, I
called to a soldier, saying, “I have a good fat hog here, and if you
will loan me your knife to cut out a roast, I will give you all you
want.” This he gladly did, so I got my pork and it made a fine roast.
Sunday, December 14th, at twelve o’clock, near Kinston, the Third
Regiment went into her first real fight in North Carolina. Being
the second regiment in the First Brigade, we had not long to wait
before being ordered to take position on the opposite side of a swamp
through which was a straight road with water a foot deep. The rebel
batteries on the opposite side made it dangerous for passers that
way; but through we went in good order. Then the rebels, learning
that the Third with Company A were after them, limbered their guns
and ran for their lives. Before going into battle, we saw the wounded
brought past us, and further on we saw many a brave fellow lying
dead at our feet; but each soldier was careful to step aside and
not tread on our dead comrades. Our forces captured five hundred
prisoners, nine guns which the rebels had spiked, and saved the
beautiful and costly bridge over the Neuse River which the rebels
had set on fire. The adjutant-general reports two hundred and ten
killed and wounded; but to know, one had to see the dead on the
field and in the wood, and the wounded in the old Baptist Church.
Some were so severely wounded that they begged their officers to end
their misery by a shot from a revolver. As Company A was marching
past the prisoners, one was heard to say, “Oh! here goes the Third
Massachusetts Regiment. They are all drafted men.” This was too much
for Corp. Uriel Haskins, and, turning like an enraged lion, he said
to the man, “Say that again and I will knock every tooth in your
lying jaw down your throat.” The fellow did not repeat his words,
for had he, Uriel would have been as good as his word. What a scene
the Common presented the following morning. The nice rail fence had
strangely disappeared. Beds, crockery, and even ladies’ silk dresses
were strewed over the ground; and I suspect that many a fowl that
went “crowing to bed” never saw the sun rise. The morning saw us
again on the march. We were as glad to be gone as the people were to
have us go; our blood was up and we were ready to go into another
battle.
Our second battle at Whitehall was an artillery duel, forty battery
guns being in action; and, although the Third did not take position
on the field, the shot and shell from the rebel batteries were quite
as thick as we cared to have them for comfort. Yet not a man of
Company A was seen to dodge or try to gain cover. During the battle
Colonel Richmond sat on his horse as calm and straight as if on
inspection. I saw General Foster walking along the line of fire with
the reins of his horse on his arm occasionally giving orders to the
officers commanding the batteries. I saw the dead and wounded horses
lying on the ground. I saw one batteryman load his gun with canister,
and, aiming it at a tree in which were thirty sharpshooters doing
deadly work, bring them down as apples fall to the ground; and they
didn’t come down because they wanted to. But few of our soldiers were
killed or wounded.
Again we proceeded on our march, and, after marching ten miles, we
halted at six P. M. and prepared for the night. We were allowed to
build fires, make coffee and enjoy a good warm supper. To reach and
cut communications between Wilmington and Goldsboro was our objective
point, so that the rebels could not send re-enforcements, while
General Dix attacked the rebels at Blackwater.
December 16th we resumed our march, reaching Everettsville about
twelve o’clock, where we encountered quite a strong picket force.
These men escaping to the woods our batteries shelled the same. The
Third Regiment was ordered to take position near the railroad and on
a line parallel with it. Here we remained until an iron-clad car with
a battery was demolished and the bridge across the river was fired.
At one time I counted nine shells fusing within two hundred feet of
Company A, yet no one sought shelter behind the many great stumps of
trees where we were lying (according to orders) on the ground. The
main army retiring, our brigade was ordered to remain on the field to
make sure that no rebels would harass our rear.
After the demolition of the iron-clad, the Third Regiment was ordered
to stack arms, overturn the railroad track and set the ties on fire.
This was so expeditiously done that in half an hour the ties were on
fire as far as one could see. A mill also did not escape the flames.
During this time General Magruder, coming from Wilmington on the cars
with ten thousand men and finding the railroad on fire, disembarked
his men and batteries, and marched them to the scene of action, on
a road parallel to the railroad and on the opposite side of it. We
did not know this then as well as we did one hour later. The Third
Regiment, having done as ordered, marched to the rear just over the
brow of the rising ground. Hardly had we gained this position when we
were told that the rebels were advancing with a flag of truce, and
a battalion of cavalry went to receive it. When near the railroad,
which was six feet high at this point, a brigade of rebel infantry
fired a volley without hitting either man or horse. The cavalry
returned the fire and then returned to cover.
At this time I was standing near Colonel Richmond and Captain Belger.
The rebel brigade lost no time in getting over the railroad, and with
charged bayonets they came up the slope on a double-quick. “Action
front!” shouted Captain Belger, “Double canister! Load!” Never did
soldiers present better alignment than that rebel brigade; but
when they saw that Belger’s battery was supported by infantry, they
made the fatal mistake of making a right half wheel. “Aim! fire!”
commanded Captain Belger, when the rebel bayonets were not more than
two hundred yards from his battery. As the battery sent forth its
deadly contents great gaps were made in the rebel ranks. Three times
the colors were shot down and three times they were raised; but the
fourth time they remained on the ground for want of any one to raise
them. Some fifty of the men who had taken refuge behind a stack of
fodder were served with grape and solid shot. It took but a moment to
send both stack and men flying towards the woods; fifty men becoming
entangled by a fence were treated to spherical case, which bursting
in their midst killed many of them.
During all this time the rebel batteries on the opposite side of
the railroad were raining shot and shell at us, the most of which
passed harmlessly over our heads, enough, however, falling short
to give us a sprinkling of “the sacred soil” of the South. We were
ordered to lie down, and this order was so effectively obeyed that
no daylight could penetrate between us and “Mother Earth.” Looking
to the left, I saw three other brigades approaching our left center.
These were about one hundred yards in the rear of each other. The
Twenty-seventh Regiment lay as quiet as death until the first brigade
showed breast high, when rising they poured such a withering volley
into the rebel ranks that those who could turned and ran, reaching
the second brigade; that turned and ran; and these two brigades
reaching the third brigade, that turned and ran. Neither Belger’s nor
a thirty-two-pounder brass battery of six guns allowed them to run
without helping them to run faster. Darkness drawing its mantle over
the scene we were ordered to march back to the main army. The rebels
left their dead and dying on the field.
The brook over which we had come dry shod was now a roaring torrent,
and we, for the first time, saw the trap the rebels had set for us
by opening the gate at the mill-pond. In their charge they no doubt
expected to drive us into the brook, and there slaughter us at their
own sweet will and pleasure; but we had punished them so severely
that they thought it best to let the Yankees alone. But through the
brook we had to go; and those who were sure-footed went, with the
water up to their arm-pits. These, both officers and men, did heroic
service in rescuing those who were carried down with the raging
current. With all our cartridges wet and our clothing frozen, we had
to stand and patiently wait for the whole brigade to cross the flood
before we were ordered to march, and were only too glad when told
that we would have to march several miles before we would bivouac for
the night. Being ordered to build no fires, we stretched ourselves
on the frozen ground, slept like tired, healthy children and arose
at daylight, our clothes steaming, and commenced the weary homeward
march.
No one but a soldier can tell how mean it makes one feel to be in
an enemy’s country without ammunition to defend oneself with should
an attack be made; but we neither saw nor heard any rebels on the
homeward march. On this march Company A was three days without food.
Toward evening of the third day, the writer, leaving the marching
column, marched straight for a sweet potato mound, and, taking all he
could carry, hastened to his company. This was no easy matter as the
column was marching nearly as fast as himself. But fortune favoring
the brave, he regained his place at dark. Nearly all the potatoes
were divided among the boys, and I can say that the best thing I ever
tasted in my life was a sweet potato, skin, dirt and all. After dark
I secured two hogs’ heads, and these with the sweet potatoes made an
excellent stew for several of the men, including the commissioned
officers of Company A.
Nothing special occurred on our return march. The footsore boys left
at Kinston were ready to resume the homeward march. The last night of
the march we slept on the ground where the water in the ditches made
ice one inch thick. As often as we awoke shivering with the cold, we
would up and run until bodily heat would allow us to sleep again.
We arrived in Newbern at 12.30, Dec. 21, 1862. Not long after our
return, Company A with another company of the Third Regiment, were
ordered on picket duty at Deep Gully, where the rebels had made an
attack. Here we stayed two weeks, when we were relieved by the other
companies sent from Newbern.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1863, our regiment was moved from our first
place of encampment to Fort Totten. Here we were protected by an
embankment twelve feet high and forty feet wide at the base. Our
marches from this place to various points, especially that to
Swansboro over almost impassible roads, will never be forgotten by
Company A. When, in the language of Colonel Richmond, “eight men
make a company,” Company A was always sure to exceed that number,
notwithstanding that the mud was so deep that we made but five miles
in ten hours.
Wednesday, April 8th, we crossed the Neuse River and commenced our
march to Blount’s Creek, where we encountered quite a body of the
enemy; but after an artillery demonstration for one hour, both armies
began a retreat at the same time, and neither knew why the other
retreated, unless it be that the rebels caught sight of General
Spinola (our commanding general) with his high red shirt collar, and,
mistaking him for Sitting Bull, imagined retreat the better part of
valor. I remember his saying to Colonel Richmond, “Colonel, your men
stand as straight in battle as old veterans of the regular army.” In
this battle Captain Belger had his horse shot from under him and he
himself was badly wounded; but as he was being led past the Third, he
said, “Give it to them, colonel, we will pay them for this.”
While the march to Blount’s Creek was a hard one, the going to Core
Creek was as easy as a train of cars could make it. Here we stayed
two days and took two hundred rebel prisoners. Two incidents still
remain fresh in my memory: one was, that when going out, some break
about the engine caused a stop and the engineer, finding it beyond
his power to mend it, asked if there was any man on the cars who knew
how to fix it up. Hardly were the words out of his mouth when a man
stepped forward saying, “I guess I can fix this machine. I helped
make it.” The other incident was that of a very young soldier, in
fact, the youngest soldier I ever saw in the army. Speaking to me
about the killed, he innocently said, “I think I killed one of them,
for the hole in his head was made by a very small bullet, and you see
I have a musket smaller than the others.”
Our last march was to Batchelder’s Creek, where the rebels attacked
our men, and Colonel Jones, commanding the post, was killed. May 23,
1863, at eight P. M., we commenced our march and when within a safe
distance, learning that the rebels were two brigades strong with a
battery of six guns, we halted for the night. The following morning
Company A was sent one mile in advance of the regiment, and the
writer with six men was sent one mile in advance of the company. But
at nine A. M., word being received that the rebels learning of our
coming had politely retired, we were ordered to join our regiment.
As I was sitting beside Captain Marble, Captain Hawes and Lieutenant
Mason being present, Corp. Uriel Haskins came up, and, saluting
Captain Marble, asked permission to go foraging, saying, “We have
nothing to eat.” “No,” said Captain Marble with a frown, “Not one
of you shall go. I brought a minister with me and when I want any
stealing done I will send him. It is no harm for a minister to steal.”
The return march to Newbern was exceedingly hot and the road was so
dusty that at times it seemed impossible to breathe. We reached our
camp at one P. M., a tired, dust-covered and sweat-stained set of
soldiers.
June 10, 1863, was our last day on southern soil. Several of the
non-commissioned officers being on the sick list, I was ordered to
act as orderly sergeant in detailing and marching the last detail
from Company A to guard mount in North Carolina. And so I have this
honor. The next morning found us on the train for Morehead City,
where seven companies embarked on the steamer _S. R. Spaulding_. The
other three companies went on board the steamer _Tilley_ at Newbern.
Our passage home was for the most part of the voyage rough, so much
so that a majority of both officers and men were seasick. One morning
the adjutant of the regiment came to me and asked, “Will you take
the guard to-day?” remarking at the same time, “I know you have done
double duty, but the fact is, about all the officers are so seasick
that they cannot take care of themselves, much less take charge of
the guard.” My reply was, “Yes, adjutant, I will do it.” As I left
Company A’s quarters, I heard several saying, “Is there anything that
Corporal Gammons cannot and will not do, when emergency so requires?”
and I remember answering, “It is a pretty poor soldier who would not
prefer to do double duty than to be seasick.”
How good the shores of Cape Cod looked to us; even the sand on the
tail-end of grand old Massachusetts looked far more glorious to us
than all the magnolia swamps of North Carolina; and the surf, as it
broke on the beach, seemed to say, “This is the land of the free, the
loyal, the brave North.”
Tuesday, June 16, 1863, we again marched the streets of Boston with
the glad consciousness of having done our duty as soldiers when our
services were needed. We had proved ourselves worthy of the country
of which we were citizens, and of the Old Flag we had defended; and
of our record we were not a little proud.
Our march through Boston was one continued ovation from the start
to finish. Often we heard the people saying, “This is the Old Third
Regiment;” and from doors, balconies, and windows came the glad
“Welcome home again to our brave Massachusetts soldiers.” Many times
our ranks were broken by the hand-shaking of fathers, the embraces of
mothers, and the kisses of sweethearts. And because the officers were
equally served with the rank and file, no one said anything about
perfect alignment or perfect marching. To be home again and see our
own, who had come fifty miles to welcome home the war-stained boys,
who had served nine months in Uncle Sam’s army, correcting their
mistaken and misled brothers, was more than anything else, more than
everything else.
On all the marches, both trying and dangerous, in battle, on picket
and guard duty, Company A acted the part of brave, true and
patriotic soldiers; worthy the name of “sons of noble sires” and of
the grand old State of Massachusetts; and with the other companies
of the Old Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, takes
its place on the roll of honor. I do not recall of one instance of
a member of Company A being punished for disobedience to orders,
overstaying a pass, “standing on a barrel,” “riding the wooden
horse,” or “carrying dirt on their heads in a mess pan.” Company A
escaped all such punishment for two reasons; first, because the men
willed to be soldiers; and second, the officers knew how to use men.
After the close of the war Company A continued its organization and
was well uniformed, well officered, and well drilled until July 6,
1876, when by order of Governor Rice, it was disbanded to reduce the
expenses of the volunteer militia of the State, the six companies
being reduced to two, those of Brockton and Plymouth remaining.
Company A, which was usually full, has been commanded since the close
of the war by Capt. Cephus Washburn, of Halifax; Capt. Charles P.
Lyon, of Halifax; Capt. Morton V. Bonney, of West Hanover; and Capt.
George H. Bonney, of Kingston. These men are still alive and are
honored and beloved by all their fellow-citizens.
A CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY A, LIVING AND DEAD, TO OCTOBER 1, 1903.
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment. As the whole company
were Massachusetts men, the towns only will be mentioned. Mustered
out June 26, 1863, will be considered the time, unless otherwise
indicated. A star (*) before the name stands for service in the
three months’ regiment.]
*JOHN W. MARBLE, Captain; Freetown; 36. For many years foreman
of Anthony and Swift’s Slaughter House, Assonet. Ex-member of
Legislature. A man of staunch qualities. Died June 18, 1900.
*CHARLES P. LYON, First Lieutenant; Halifax; 36. A great admirer of
and worker for the interests of Company A; has held nearly every
office in the company from corporal to captain. He rendered such
timely assistance to Captain Harlow in notifying the members of the
company to report on Boston Common, that, notwithstanding the order
was received at night, the following morning saw Halifax “Minute
Men” on the early train armed and equipped, according to the call
of the “War Governor” and President Lincoln, with every man present.
For years after the war he served as captain of the company. His
town honored him and itself in sending him to the Legislature, where
his voice and his vote was always on the right side. By trade a
bootmaker, his work stood first-class. Born and always residing in
Halifax, he has always enjoyed the confidence and good-will of his
fellow-citizens; and now in the sunshine of a grand and fully rounded
out life, he awaits orders to the higher and better life, honored and
loved by all his associates, including every member of Company A.
*NATHANIEL MORTON, Second Lieutenant; Halifax; 21. The gentleman,
the scholar, the officer, the soldier, “The modest man,” who proudly
wears the “Minute Men’s Medal,” presented to him by the commonwealth
for meritorious service. He participated in the burning of Gosport
Navy Yard and assisted Captain Lyon in recruiting the company in
1862. Has held all the higher offices in the towns of Halifax and
Pembroke for the last twenty-seven years; prominent in probate
business; honored and respected by his townsmen. He resides in
Bryantville, Mass., where, with his accomplished wife, he cordially
welcomes all his friends.
*JAMES H. HATHAWAY, First Sergeant; Freetown; 25. Mustered out
with regiment. For many years foreman in factory at Walpole, Mass.
Employee Consolidated Railroad. Resides at East Walpole, Mass.
*WILLIAM A. LYON, Sergeant; Halifax; 25. Respected and beloved by
the whole company. For several years an employee of the Old Colony
Railroad. Killed by the cars. A widow living.
STEPHEN HATHAWAY, Sergeant; Freetown; 24. Died in Illinois. Widow,
son, and daughter.
*MORTON V. BONNEY, Sergeant; Hanson; 21. A leading business man
in his town. Ex-member of Legislature, trusted and honored by
his fellow-citizens; an influential member of the Third Regiment
Association. Resides at West Hanover, Mass.
*FREDERICK THAYER, Ordnance Sergeant; Freetown; 22. A boss workman in
Mason’s Machine Shop, Taunton. In Soldiers Home, Togus, Maine.
*URIEL HASKINS, Corporal; Freetown; 19; tack-maker. Ex-member of
City Government; honored by all his associates. Resides in Taunton,
Mass.
EPHRAIM H. HASKINS, Corporal; Freetown; 18. He enlisted in
Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry; commissioned second lieutenant
in same. Killed at battle of Weldon Railroad, Sept. 30, 1864. Widow
and one daughter.
THOMAS GURNEY, Corporal; Hanson; 28. He enlisted in the Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Volunteers; mustered out at close of war. A successful
merchant; member of school board. Past Master of Atlantic Lodge, A.
F. & A. M. A man of sterling worth.
JAMES E. ARNOLD, Corporal; Berkley; 29. A good, faithful soldier, a
zealous patriot. Nothing of his history since the war known.
SORANUS THOMPSON, Corporal; Hanson; 25. Died and was buried with G.
A. R. honors at Brockton, Mass. Left a family.
*WILLIAM W. HOOD, Corporal; Hanson; 28. Discharged for disability,
April 22, 1863. Boot and shoemaker. An honest and respected citizen.
Member of Post No. 127. G. A. R. Has a family. Resides in Hanson,
Mass.
*DAVID B. HILL, Corporal; Freetown; 26. A genius, a good soldier, an
aspirant for shoulder straps. Was a member of Company G, Freetown
“Minute Men,” Third Regiment, three months’ men, and was corporal of
the guard in Virginia, when the first three slaves coming into our
lines were declared “contraband of war” by Gen. Benjamin Butler.
JOHN G. GAMMONS, Corporal; Westport; 26. Recruiting officer for
Fifty-eighth Regiment. Re-enlisted in Company F, Third Massachusetts
Heavy Artillery. (Sergeant.) Commissioned second lieutenant in
Fifty-eighth Regiment (never mustered). Commissioned second
lieutenant in Eighteenth Unattached Company Massachusetts Volunteers.
Mustered out at close of war. Taught military school one year.
Graduated from Taylor University, receiving degree of Ph. D. Pastor
of several Methodist Episcopal churches; president of several
corporations; writer of local histories; pastor of Arnold’s Mills
Methodist Episcopal Church. Resides at Arnold’s Mills, R. I.
*ASA KILBRETH, Musician; Pembroke; 62. A splendid musician; a great
friend of all the boys; never “fell out on the march.” Respected by
his townsmen. Died and buried at Pembroke, Mass. Left a widow and
son.
JOHN G. BONNEY, Drummer; Pembroke; 29. Punctual to duty. A favorite
of the company, and highly respected by his fellow-citizens. Died at
Pembroke, Mass. Left a widow and daughter.
HORATIO N. HOOD, Wagoner; Hanson; 30. Never got stuck in the mud; was
proud of his team, using his horses with humanitarian consideration.
Died at Greene, Maine, April 15, 1900. Buried in Maine. Left widow
and four sons.
_Privates._
ANTHONEY, NICHOLAS B., Westport; 40. First officer of ship. A man of
high moral character, a true soldier and a respected citizen. Died at
Westport, Mass., 1868. Two daughters living.
ASHLEY, ALBERT B., Freetown; 24. A natural orator, with great
magnetic powers. Shipped in United States Navy May, 1861. Served on
United States Frigate _Mississippi_, Gulf Squadron, Lieutenant Dewey
(now Rear Admiral), executive officer. Participated in capture of New
Orleans. Discharged from Navy, June, 1862. Enlisted in Company A,
Third Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Mustered out with regiment.
Re-enlisted. Orderly sergeant, Company B, Fourth Massachusetts
Cavalry from August, 1863, to March, 1865. Commissioned lieutenant
in Twenty-first United States Colored Troops, March, 1865. Mustered
out May, 1866. Went West, 1869. Manager of several coal mines and
coal companies for twenty-two years. Grand Lecturer, State of
Illinois, for sixteen years. Owner and manager of Ashley Heights
since 1892. A man of wealth and influence. Popular with the mystic
orders. Post Office (Summers). Ashley Heights, Lake Huron, Mich.
(Winters), La Grange, Ill.
BEAL, BERNARD C., Hanson; 29. A man of noble character. Chairman of
Selectmen. For many years quartermaster of Post No. 127, G. A. R.
Farmer and poultry raiser.
BEARSE, BENJAMIN H., Hanson; 40. A giant in stature, large-hearted,
a favorite of all the company, respected by all his fellow-citizens.
Died at South Hanson, Feb. 12, 1903. Widow and son.
BONNEY, ALLEN F., Hanover; 42. A man of noble character. Died at West
Hanover, July 5, 1885. Buried at Hanover. Widow and daughter.
BOURNE, THOMAS W., Hanson; 28. An esteemed citizen. Farmer and road
builder. Post Office, South Hanson, Mass.
BOYCE, JOHN, Berkley; 42. A man of strong moral character. A
pronounced Prohibitionist. Respected by his townsmen. Died at Berkley
April 9, 1893. Buried at Assonet, Mass. Several children living.
BRIGGS, FRANCIS G., Freetown; 25. A hustler. Lived in Assonet. Wife,
two sons and two daughters. A gentleman of leisure. Died in Assonet,
July 27, 1905, age, sixty-eight years.
BRIGGS, SETH M., Hanson; 25. An excellent violinist. Printer, Town
Auditor. A grand good fellow, highly esteemed by his many friends.
Member of T. L. Bonney Post, G. A. R. Resides at South Hanson, Mass.
BROADBENT, SAMUEL S., Westport; 18. A ready speaker. Member of G. A.
R. Janitor of school building in New Bedford, Mass. Resides in New
Bedford, Mass.
BROOKS, THOMAS J., Westport; 39. A faithful soldier. Nothing of his
history known since the close of the war.
BURGESS, THEOPHILUS J., Rochester; 23. History since muster out
unknown.
CHACE, FRANKLIN J., Freetown; 18; Remembered as a faithful soldier.
History since war unknown.
CHIPMAN, SUMNER J., Freetown; 21. Resides in Pelham, N. H. No family.
COOK, HENRY, Hanson; 34. A man of sound principles. Member of G. A.
R. Retired. Post office, Plymouth, Mass. Has a family.
DEAN, HERCULES, Berkley; 27. A gentleman and soldier. Strong
temperance man. Respected by his many friends. Died Oct. 21, 1890.
One daughter, postmistress, Assonet, Mass.
DRAYTON, JOHN, Hanson; 40. An agreeable comrade, a ready wit, full
of mirthfulness. An esteemed citizen, beloved by a large circle of
friends. Died at South Hanson May 11, 1898. Widow and children.
DREW, GEORGE, 3d, Halifax; 21. Re-enlisted. Killed in battle. A good
brave soldier.
DUFFEE, GEORGE, Freetown; 21. A good honest man, a faithful soldier.
Employed in Census Bureau, Washington. Resides in Washington, D. C.
FOSTER, CALVIN, Pembroke; 37. Reported living at Pembroke. Has a
family. Remembered as a faithful soldier, ready and willing to do
every duty assigned him.
FRENCH, TIMOTHY E., Berkley; 34. A man of strong moral character with
pronounced temperance principles. No storm was cold enough, no rain
wet enough, no march so exhausting that cold water was not the most
refreshing beverage for him. Died in Berkley, Mass., Dec. 7, 1899.
*FULLER, ELDRIDGE G., Hanson; 41. A “good soldier.” Died October,
1867.
FULLER, FREDERICK E., Halifax; 18. Died in Newbern, N. C., Dec. 1,
1862. This being the first death in Company A and Fred being so
young, it made a lasting impression on the company. We buried him
under a tree near our camp.
HAMBLEY, ANDREW T., Freetown; 21. Died March 10, 1892.
HATHAWAY, AARON D., Freetown; 19. A successful lumber dealer in the
west. Acquired wealth. Died in California in 1900.
HATHAWAY, ANDREW J., Freetown; 21. Died at Dighton, Mass., June 15,
1903. Widow, son, and daughter living.
HATHAWAY, BRADFORD G., Berkley; 39. For many years on the police
force in Providence, R. I. A farmer and poultry fancier. Died in
Berkley, March 30, 1887.
HATHAWAY, DANIEL L., Berkley; 30. As brave a soldier as ever fought
in battle. Died in Taunton, Mass. Left several children.
HATHAWAY, LYNDE, Freetown; 43. A faithful, bold and true soldier.
Died at Assonet, Mass., Jan. 22, 1887. Sons and daughters living.
*HASKELL, JAMES H., Freetown; 28. Died Sept. 10, 1880.
HASKELL, OTIS, Lakeville; 33. A soldier true to orders. Lives in
Taunton, Mass. Several children living.
*HASKINS, GEORGE H., Freetown; 38. A good soldier; an honest farmer.
Resides in Freetown, Mass.
HAVEN, PERLEY, Halifax; 25. Farmer. Resides at Thomastown. Post
office, Middleboro, Mass.
HAYWARD, LUTHER W., Halifax; 23. Died at Halifax, July 6, 1863.
Buried at Hanson, Mass. Unmarried.
HAYWARD, LYSANDER W., Halifax; 18. A brave soldier, a trusted
citizen. Farmer and coal dealer. Has a family. Post office, Halifax,
Mass.
HILL, JACOB P., Hanson; 39. One of the “Minute Men” of 1861, known
in Company A as the “tall man on the right.” A genial comrade and
companion. Member of A. C. Monroe Post, No. 212, G. A. R. Died
suddenly at his home in East Bridgewater, Aug. 9, 1903. Left a
family. Buried with military honors at East Bridgewater, Mass.
HOLMES, MARTIN L., Halifax; 18. Boot and shoemaker. An honored
citizen, industrious and frugal. Has a wife. Post office, Rockland,
Mass.
HORR, ANDREW J., Freetown; 26. Lives in East Freetown. Farmer.
Widower. One daughter.
HOWLAND, ALONZO; Hanover; 23. Boot and shoemaker. Respected by his
many friends. Member of Post 74, G. A. R. Post office, Rockland,
Mass. Wife and four children.
HOWLAND, SHUBAEL G., Freetown; 44. A man of strong will powers, of
great endurance; respected by his townsmen. Died in 1901. A widow
living.
KEEN, THATCHER, Hanson; 23. He never disappointed his friends nor
helped his enemies. A worthy citizen. Died at Abington, Mass., June
3, 1868. Buried at Rockland, Mass.
LAMBERT, FRANCIS M., Bridgewater; 24. Discharged for disability. May
27, 1863. Died in Brockton. Mass., Nov. 6, 1864.
LAMBERT, ZACCHEUS, Bridgewater; 40. Discharged for disability, May
27, 1863. Died at Brockton, Mass., Nov. 1, 1882.
*MARSTON, WILLIAM T., Halifax; 27. Discharged for disability, May 27,
1863. A good, faithful soldier. Reported living in Bridgewater, Mass.
MASON, DARIUS B., Pembroke; 26. Company clerk, mirthful and sunny,
ready to go anywhere and do anything ordered to do. A good citizen.
Died and buried in Whitman, Mass. Widow and son living.
MURTAUGH, THOMAS W., Freetown; 24. A faithful and true soldier.
Superintendent of the culinary department in Fall River Hospital.
Resides in Fall River, Mass. Son and daughter.
NILES, TRUMAN E., Hanover; 35. A good soldier and honored citizen.
Died in Middleboro, Mass., Oct. 31, 1902. Widow and children living.
OSBORNE, ALAMANZER, Bridgewater; 21. A faithful soldier, a respected
citizen, a successful trader. Resides in Brockton, Mass. Member of
Post No. 13, G. A. R. Has a family.
PACKARD, HORACE F., Halifax; 20. A soldier “who needeth not to be
ashamed.” Resides in Brockton, Mass.
PAINE, GEORGE A., Freetown; 28. A man of splendid habits, a true
soldier. Died about 1873. Widow, son, and daughter living.
PERRY, MARCUS T., Pembroke; 32. Died in South Hanson, Oct. 24, 1894.
Buried in Pembroke, Mass. Left widow and daughter.
PETERSON, ALGERON A., Hanson; 30. Migrated west. Present history
unknown.
PETTY, JAMES H., Westport; 52. A soldier who never feared to go into
a battle and never fell out on the march. Died in Westport, Mass.,
Aug. 2, 1893. Four sons and one daughter living.
PHILLIPS, SAMUEL W., Berkley; 41. Never was known to shirk duty. Died
in Taunton Insane Asylum, April 1, 1899.
PORTER, OLIVER C., Halifax; 35. A good all-round soldier. Died Feb.
18, 1873. Buried in Halifax, Mass.
RECORD, CHARLES, Berkley; 22. A faithful soldier. Veterinary
Surgeon. Excellent character. Resides in Fall River, Mass.
RENNIS, EDWIN H., Freetown. A most excellent company cook, a brave
man in battle, a good citizen. Died in Dartmouth, Mass., about 1885.
A widow living.
RICHMOND, JOSEPH S. W., Halifax; 18. Died --.
ROUNSEVILLE, EDWIN S., Freetown; 24. A faithful soldier; a thrifty
farmer. Resides in Freetown. Has a wife and daughter.
ROUNSEVILLE, SIMON D., Freetown; 24. Died in Freetown on returning
from the war, June 20, 1863. Buried with military honors.
SAMPSON, AUGUSTUS M., Hanson; 36. A brave soldier. A clean cut
temperance man and a highly respected citizen. A boot and shoemaker.
SOULE, CHARLES W., Halifax; 18. Died in Hospital, Newbern, Dec. 2,
1862. Buried near our camp. Body sent home and buried in family
cemetery.
SPOONER, ASA J., Freetown; 30. Was mustered in, went home sick and
never reported to the company for duty. Lives in East Freetown, Mass.
STETSON, CHARLES H., Hanson; 20. Discharged for disability, March 27,
1863. Superintendent of almshouse. Member of Post No. 127, G. A. R.
Post office, South Hanson, Mass.
STETSON, ISAIAH, Hanson; 44. Died in Hanson, September, 1889. Left a
family.
*STETSON, WILLIAM F., Hanson; 30. Discharged for disability, March
13, 1863. Dealer in stoves, etc. Son and four daughters. Post office,
West Hanson, Mass.
STOWELL, RICHARD P., New Bedford; 18. Lives in New Bedford, Mass.
STUDLEY, JUDSON, Hanover; 31. Farmer and poultry raiser. An honored
citizen. Has a family. Post office, West Hanover, Mass.
THAYER, CHARLES H., Kingston; 18. A good soldier. Believed to have
died fifteen years ago.
THOMPSON, JAMES H., Kingston; 25. A good soldier and a good citizen.
Died, leaving a family.
THOMPSON, MORTON, Halifax; 18. Teacher. Died in Halifax, Mass. Left a
family.
TORREY, LEANDER, Hanover; 24. Faithful to every duty, a true and
staunch patriot, respected wherever known. Died at Rockland, Mass.,
April 8, 1879. A widow, son, and daughter living at Brockton, Mass.
VINAL, JOSEPH, Hanover; 37. Farmer. A good, quiet citizen. Wife and
children. Post office, West Hanson, Mass.
WHITNEY, ABEL H., Hanover; 19. Died in West Hanover, July 19, 1863.
Buried in Hanover. Unmarried.
WHITNEY, CHARLES T., Halifax; 27. Discharged for disability, March
4, 1863. Boot and shoemaker. A respected citizen. Has a family. Post
office, Halifax, Mass.
WHITNEY, OREN T., Hanover; 28. Re-enlisted in Company E, First
Battalion, Heavy Artillery. Mustered out at close of war. Farmer and
wood dealer. Past Commander Post No. 83, G. A. R. Post office, West
Hanover, Mass.
WILCOX, GEORGE F., Freetown; 20. As good a soldier as ever marched
with a company. Died in Providence, R. I., February, 1897. Widow
living.
WILCOX, MARCENAH B., Freetown; 18. A good soldier and a successful
business man. Married. Lives in New York.
*WINSLOW, BENEDICT A., Freetown; 19. For many years ticket agent,
Old Colony Railroad. Lighthouse keeper. Cook in City Hospital, Fall
River, Mass.
WOOD, CYRUS, Halifax; 40. Died and was buried in Halifax. One son
living.
CHAPTER V.
COMPANY B, THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY SERGT. BENJAMIN S. ATWOOD.]
This company was formed by consolidation of three companies of the
Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Company K from Carver
furnished captain and forty-six enlisted men; Company B, of Plymouth,
furnished first lieutenant and thirty-one enlisted men, and Company
H, from Plympton, furnished second lieutenant and twenty-one enlisted
men, making a total of one hundred and one.
These three companies served under Col. David A. Wardrop the first
three months of the war at Fortress Monroe and Hampton, Va. The
Third Regiment was detailed immediately upon its arrival at Fortress
Monroe for service on United States gunboat _Pawnee_, which went up
to Gosport Navy Yard, there helped destroy the Navy Yard, sink the
ships and pulled the _Cumberland_ out, when they returned to Hampton
Roads. At that time the Third Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers
were the only troops in the enemy’s country, and were the first
troops to invade the same, being at that time the Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia, not having been sworn into the United States
service.
Company B formed of the three companies aforementioned, reported for
duty at Camp Joe Hooker and organized as follows:
Capt. Thomas W. Griffith, from Co. K.
First Lieut. Charles A. S. Perkins, from Co. B.
Second Lieut. William S. Briggs, from Co. H.
First Sergt. Asa Shaw, from Co. K.
Second Sergt. Charles W. Griffith, from Co. K.
Third Sergt. Job B. Oldham, from Co. B.
Fourth Sergt. Benjamin S. Atwood, from Co. H.
Fifth Sergt. James R. Robbins, from Co. B.
Corp. George A. Shaw, from Co. K.
Corp. John M. Cobb, from Co. K.
Corp. Hosea S. Bumpus, from Co. K.
Corp. Andrew T. DeMerritt, from Co. K.
Corp. Amasa M. Bartlett, from Co. B.
Corp. Charles M. Perry, from Co. B.
Corp. William S. White, from Co. H.
Corp. Gideon Shurtleff, from Co. H.
Musician John Murdock, from Co. K.
Wagoner Lorenzo N. Shaw, from Co. K.
The members of the company were recruited from seven different towns
as follows: Carver, 30; Plymouth, 29; Middleboro, 11; Plympton, 10;
Wareham, 12; Rochester, 3; Kingston, 5; East Bridgewater, 1.
The ages of the company were as follows: 22, less than 20 years old;
29, from 20 to 24 years inclusive; 16, from 25 to 29 years inclusive;
18, from 30 to 34 years inclusive; 8, from 35 to 39 years inclusive;
8, from 40 to 44 years inclusive. Average age, 26 years, 9 months.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY B.
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city or town, the
place of enlistment.]
THOMAS B. GRIFFITH, Captain. Born in Carver, May 17, 1823. When
three months old his parents moved to Middleboro. When seventeen
years old he went on a whaling voyage around Cape Horn. On his
return he clerked for the Ellis Foundry Company several years, and
was postmaster at South Carver at the same time. In 1853 he with
Jesse Murdock and Matthias Ellis, formed a partnership called the
Murdock Parlor Grate Company, in South Carver. He was interested in
that business while he was in the service. He was connected with the
Massachusetts militia for a number of years before the war. Also
after the war he served as major in the Third Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia. His business after the war was in connection with the
Murdock Parlor Grate Company. He was one of the pioneers in importing
bananas from Jamaica. He held a large amount of the stock of the
company at the time of his death. He was also interested in real
estate at Onset, and one of the original cottage owners at Onset. He
died in Roxbury, February, 1897, and was placed in the tomb at South
Carver.
CHARLES A. S. PERKINS, First Lieutenant. Born in Plympton, Mass.,
June, 1828. When a young man he went to Plymouth and learned the
printer’s trade. During President Buchanan’s administration he
served as postmaster in the town of Plymouth. He was for many
years publisher and editor of the _Plymouth Rock_, a publication
quite extensively circulated throughout Plymouth County. He was
commissioned first lieutenant of Company B, and served with the
regiment through its nine months’ service. After being mustered
out he together with his brother Lucian, adjutant of the regiment,
purchased a business enterprise at the corner of Broad and Middle
Streets, Newbern, N. C., where he died of yellow fever, October,
1864. Afterwards his remains were brought to Plymouth for burial.
WILLIAM S. BRIGGS, Second Lieutenant. Born in Middleboro and
was twenty-eight years old when he enlisted. At the time of the
consolidation of the three companies he was second lieutenant of
Company H. He was quite an extensive dealer in fast horses before
and at the time of his service. He continued the same after being
mustered out. He located at Providence, R. I. He bought a large
farm in Raynham, Mass., and died there Aug. 27, 1897, at the age of
seventy years.
ASA SHAW, First Sergeant; 29. Born in Carver. Died April 25, 1865.
CHARLES W. GRIFFITH, Second Sergeant; 27. Born in Carver. Died Dec.
31, 1893.
JOB B. OLDHAM, Third Sergeant; 29. Served with Company B in the three
months’ service. Died in Plymouth, Feb. 8, 1879. Buried in Vine Hill
Cemetery.
BENJAMIN S. ATWOOD, Fourth Sergeant; 29. Born in Carver, June 25,
1840. He lived in Plympton at the time of the first call and went
as private in Company H, Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, Plympton Rifles. He served full term and was discharged with
the regiment. Soon after his discharge he was commissioned first
lieutenant in Company H. On consolidation of Company H with B and K
he was appointed fourth sergeant; served his time as such and was
mustered out with the regiment. After the close of the war he settled
in Abington, and has been a manufacturer of wooden boxes in Whitman
(formerly South Abington) for many years, where he now resides.
JAMES H. ROBBINS, Fifth Sergeant; 31. Born in Plymouth. Died in
Plymouth, Jan 1, 1901. Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery.
GEORGE H. SHAW, Corporal; 28. “The Tall Corporal on the Right.”
Carver. Resides at 205 Centre St., Middleboro.
JOHN M. COBB, Corporal; 18. Born in Carver. Resides in Carver.
HOSEA C. BUMPUS, Corporal; 24. Born in Wareham. Died at Wareham.
Buried in Centre Cemetery.
AMASA M. BARTLETT, Corporal; 23. Born in Plymouth. Has lived in the
Old Colony since the war. Now lives in the vicinity of Boston.
ANDREW DEMERRITT, Corporal; 29. Born in Carver. Lives in Middleboro.
CHARLES M. PERRY, Corporal; 19. Born in Plymouth. A bright, smart
young man. Died soon after being mustered out.
GIDEON SHURTLEFF, Corporal; 38. Born in Middleboro. While in the
service Gid’s laugh was as good as an extra ration of whiskey. After
being mustered out he lived in Duxbury. Died in North Duxbury, Mass.,
in 1897; age, seventy-two years.
WILLIAM S. WHITE, Corporal; 44. Born in Plympton. Served many years
with the Massachusetts militia before his enlistment. Died in
Brockton, May 3, 1897, and was buried in Plympton.
JOHN MURDOCK, Musician; 38. Born in Carver. Died in Carver, Feb. 22,
1886.
LORENZO M. SHAW, Wagoner; 39. Born in Carver. Died in Carver in 1893.
_Privates._
ATWOOD, STEPHEN; 19. Born in Carver. Died in Middleboro, Sept. 15,
1899.
ATWOOD, EBENEZER E.; 25. Born in Carver. Resides in Kingston.
ATWOOD, JOSIAH W.; 19. Born in Carver. Resides in Carver.
BUMPUS, HIRAM W.; 33. Born in Wareham, June 24, 1829. He lived in
Wareham a few years after being mustered out, and then went to
Pennsylvania for about twenty years. He returned to Wareham, where he
now lives.
BRYANT, CHARLES E.; 34. Born in Plympton, Oct. 27, 1827. Resides in
Kingston. Farmer.
BRIGGS, JAMES W.; 35. Born in Middleboro. Moved to Plympton a few
years after being mustered out. Died in Plympton, Jan. 2, 1901, age,
seventy-four years.
BARNES, BENJAMIN F.; 18. Born in Plymouth. Nurse in a hospital while
in service. Lives at 450 Cottage St., New Bedford.
BATES, NATHANIEL B.; 24. Born in Carver. Died in Carver, Sept. 27,
1882.
BATES, JAMES H.; 18. Born in Carver. Died in Carver, July 15, 1865.
BRYANT, ZENEAS FRANK; 29. Born in Plympton. Acted as company clerk
during the service. Died at Chelmsford about ten years ago.
BRADFORD, EBENEZER N.; 25. Born in Plymouth. Killed on railroad at
Cape Horn, Canada, Jan. 28, 1870. Buried at Burial Hill, Plymouth.
BARTLETT, JOHN N.; 29. Lived in Wareham, where he died in 1894.
Buried at Centre Cemetery.
BRADFORD, WILLIAM H.; 21. Born in Plympton. Died in Middleboro, June
5, 1892; age, fifty-two years.
BURGESS, EBENEZER; 18. Born in Wareham. Resides in Wareham.
CHANDLER, JOHN B.; 32. Born in Carver. Killed in railroad accident at
Brockton, May 12, 1896. Buried in Middleboro.
COBB, CHARLES S.; 22. Born in Charlestown. Resides in Kingston.
CHASE, CHARLES H.; 34. Born in North Carver, April, 1828. Died in
Boston, Oct. 4, 1897.
CHAPMAN, JOHN F.; 22. After being mustered out of the nine months’
service, he enlisted for one hundred days and was stationed at
Marblehead. He was taken sick with consumption and was sent to the
hospital at Rainsford, Boston, where he died November, 1866.
COBB, SIDNEY O.; 18. Born in North Carver, Nov. 13, 1844. He enlisted
in September, 1862, as a private, served nine months and was mustered
out with his regiment June 26, 1863. After being mustered out he
lived in Carver and Plympton, and finally settled in South Abington,
now Whitman. He served as constable and police officer for many
years, and more than twenty years as deputy sheriff of Plymouth
County. He died Jan. 19, 1899, and was buried in Colebrook Cemetery,
Whitman.
CHANDLER, WILLIAM B.; 18. Born in Carver. Resides in Middleboro.
COBB, ALLEN; 44. Born in Middleboro. Died in Middleboro, Aug. 10,
1890.
COBB, JOSEPH F.; 26. Born in Carver. Died in Middleboro, Dec. 30,
1878.
CORNELL, WILLIAM H.; 18. Born in Carver. Discharged for disability,
May 9, 1863.
DOTEN, GEORGE H.; 30. Born in Plymouth. Died in Plymouth, Dec. 25,
1896. Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery.
DONNELLEY, JAMES; 31. Born in Kingston. Died in Kingston, Oct. 16,
1877. Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
DARLING, GEORGE; 34. Lived in Middleboro. Died Mar. 3, 1879.
DEMPSEY, ROBERT M.; 23. Lived in Middleboro, where he was employed by
the Murdock Parlor Grate Company. Died Dec. 22, 1893.
DUNHAM, HENRY A.; 30. Born in Carver. Resides in Middleboro.
DUNHAM, ELLIS D.; 21. Born in Carver. Died in Middleboro, Oct. 26,
1904.
ELLIS, BARZILLAI F.; 44. Lived in East Bridgewater. Died July 8, 1887.
GAMMONS, EDWARD A.; 20. Born in Wareham, Jan. 15, 1842. After being
mustered out of the service he went into the employ of the Wareham
Bank and Wareham Savings Bank. In 1885 he was appointed cashier of
the Wareham Bank, now the National Bank of Wareham. He was also
appointed treasurer of the Wareham Savings Bank, which office he
held until July, 1904, when he resigned. He is still cashier of the
Wareham National Bank. Ned is evidently as young as when he was out
at Newbern, although he is a good deal larger, and hasn’t as much
hair on his head. He sticks to business so close that he can’t get to
the reunion. He is very much interested in anything that is for the
benefit of the old soldiers.
GAMMONS, JOHN W.; 22. Born Feb. 12, 1840, at Wareham, Mass. After
being mustered out of the service he worked at his trade as a nailer
in different factories. He then went to sea, and took in several
passages around Cape Horn. He was captain of several vessels. The
last fifteen years of his life was spent in the coasting trade,
making passages to the various ports on the Atlantic coast. Died and
was buried at Centre Cemetery, Wareham.
GRIFFIN, HARVEY B.; 22. Born in North Plymouth. Resides in North
Cambridge.
HALL, SYLVESTER S.; 34. Born in Litchfield, Me. He died April
26, 1877, at Wareham. He first enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth
Massachusetts Infantry. He was discharged for disability, and
re-enlisted in Company B, Third Massachusetts Infantry.
HARLOW, MARTIN L.; 18. Plymouth. He served the term of his regiment
and was mustered out in Lakeville, Mass., June 26, 1863. He lived
in the different towns around the Old Colony, and finally settled
in Whitman. He was appointed postmaster by Grover Cleveland, and
afterwards by President McKinley. He died Aug. 12, 1899, and was
buried in Carver.
HOLMES, NATHANIEL; 27. Born in Plymouth. Died in Plymouth, Jan. 21,
1887. Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.
HARLOW, IVORY W.; 23. Born in Plymouth, where he now resides and
works at his trade as a carpenter.
HOLMES, GEORGE H.; 21. Middleboro. Born in Greenwich, R. I. Died in
the Massachusetts Soldiers Home at Chelsea, April 6, 1904. Buried at
Wareham.
HOLMES, SAMUEL N.; 19. Plymouth. Discharged for disability, May 4,
1863. Unknown.
HOLMES, ISAAC S.; 43. Plymouth. Discharged for disability, May 27,
1863. Unknown.
IRVING, WILLIAM; 31. Born in Carver. Went West soon after being
mustered out, where he died a number of years ago.
JENKINS, BENJAMIN S.; 18. Born in Plymouth, where he died Nov. 14,
1877.
JOHNSON, CHARLES W.; 27. Resides in Plymouth. Mass.
JACKSON, GEORGE F.; 21. Born in Plymouth. Died in Plymouth, Sept. 11,
1884. Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery.
JEFFERSON, SALEM; 44. Rochester. Born in Douglas, Mass., Sept. 16,
1805. Died Aug 4, 1893, in Rochester, Mass. Buried in East Rochester,
Mass.
LUCAS, ADONIRAM B.; 24. Middleboro. Born in Carver. He served full
time with the regiment and was mustered out of same. He has always
lived in Plymouth County and still resides in Whitman.
LEACH, THOMAS M.; 24. Born in Plympton. Died at Crescent Grove, Minn.
LOBDELL, ISAAC F.; 27. Born in Plympton, where he died Nov. 9, 1876.
MANGE, WINTHROP H.; 24. Born in Kingston, where he now resides.
Occupation, a slitter.
MANTER, JOHN D.; 36. Born in Wareham. Died in Newbern, N. C., Feb. 6,
1863. Buried in Centre Cemetery, Wareham.
MURDOCK, JOHN; 36. Carver.
NEAL, JAMES; 37. Born in Plymouth, where he died Jan. 15, 1885.
Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery.
NICKERSON, JOSEPH S.; 18. Wareham.
OLDHAM, JOHN R.; 18. Born in Wareham. After being mustered out he
enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts. Killed at Petersburg, Va.
PERKINS, HENRY F.; 27. Born in Kingston. Died in Plympton, March 22,
1877. Buried in Soldiers Home Lot, Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
PLACE, CHARLES C.; 33. Plymouth.
PLACE, ISAAC H.; 37. Born in Plymouth. Died at Plymouth, May, 1888.
Buried at Vine Hill Cemetery.
PIERCE, MOSES W.; 19. Born in Rochester. Lives in East Rochester,
Mass.
PENNIMAN, PRINCE E.; 33. Cook for the officers while in service.
Lived in Middleboro. Died at Onset, Mass., Aug. 17, 1904.
PAULDING, JAMES S.; 42. Born in Plymouth. Died Oct. 19, 1880. Buried
in Burial Hill, Plymouth.
RAYMOND, THOMAS W.; 21. Born in Rochester. Has lived recently in
Brockton and Plympton.
RAMSDELL, CORNELIUS, Plympton. Resides in Whitman.
ROBBINS, HERBERT; 18. Born in Plymouth, where he now resides.
RAYMOND, SAMUEL B.; 34. Born in Plymouth. Died in Plymouth and was
buried in Burial Hill.
SHERMAN, LEANDER L. Born in Plymouth, where he now resides.
SPOONER, WILLIAM F.; 19. Born in Plymouth. Died in Plymouth, Jan. 27,
1872.
SMITH, THOMAS; 23. Born in Ireland. Died in Plymouth, Mar. 30, 1894.
Buried in Vine Hill Cemetery.
SHERMAN, JAMES E.; 22. Born in Plympton. He resided in Plymouth after
being mustered out, where he kept a store. He died May 31, 1897, and
was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery.
SEARS, JAMES F.; 21. Died in Lynn.
SHAW, ALONZO D.; 21. Born in Carver. Died at Newbern, N. C., April
18, 1863.
SHAW, EDWARD W.; 24. Born in Carver. Died in Carver, Jan. 29, 1902.
SHAW, EZRA; 21. Born in Middleboro. Died in Carver, Aug. 15, 1893.
SHAW, JESSE M.; 18. Born in Carver. Resides in Fall River.
SHAW, NATHANIEL JR.; 25. Born in Carver. After being mustered out he
kept a grocery store in Plymouth. He died April 13, 1903.
STRINGER, ANDREW; 19. Born in Carver, where he now resides.
SAMPSON, JOHN; 42. Born in Wareham. Died in 1880 and was buried in
Centre Cemetery.
SHURTLIFF, BENJAMIN, JR.; 22. Born in Middleboro. Unknown.
TILLSON, GEORGE W.; 18. Born in Carver. Died in Middleboro, May 13,
1895.
WASHBURN, PHILIP M.; 23. Born in Kingston. Resides in Somerville. By
occupation, a carpenter.
WASHBURN, JOSEPH G.; 21. Born in Carver. Resides in Maine.
WARD, ANSEL B.; 19. Born in Carver. After being discharged from
Company B he re-enlisted in Company M, of the Fourth Massachusetts
Cavalry, Feb. 16, 1864, and was taken prisoner Nov. 1, 1864, and
confined in Libby Prison. He was paroled Mar. 3, 1865. He died in
Carver, November, 1878.
WILLIS, MARCUS M.; 34. Born in Middleboro. Unknown.
WRIGHTINGTON, HENRY; 23. Lived in Brockton. Died Dec. 8, 1892.
WRIGHT, EDWARD S.; 40. Born in Plympton, where he always lived.
He served many years with the Massachusetts militia. He died in
Plympton, May 19, 1901.
CHAPTER VI.
COMPANY C, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY JAMES B. SMITH, MEMBER OF THE COMPANY.]
The raising of Company C was unique, and in a sense highly
sensational and dramatic. The President’s call for three hundred
thousand men made it necessary for Fall River to furnish two hundred
recruits; this in a manufacturing city of fifteen thousand with the
cotton business booming was not an easy task. The question was asked,
“How are we to persuade men to leave their lucrative employment
and become soldiers?” But the “Fathers of the City,” rising to the
occasion, called a mass meeting in City Hall, Aug. 13, 1862, where
inspiring and patriotic speeches were made by several of the leading
men of the city, among whom was Elihu Grant.
After the speech-making a call was made for volunteers. A great
silence pervaded the meeting, and no one moved until a young man
ascended the platform, and throwing his hat vehemently upon the
floor shouted, “I will volunteer to go to war.” This so electrified
the people that before the close of the meeting more than enough
for one company had put their names on the roll of volunteers. The
young man who said “I will volunteer to go to war” (according to the
best authority at hand) was William Deplitch, the first man wounded
in battle. So high ran the fever of enlistment that another company
was started and raised in a few days. These two companies are known
in local and military history as Companies C and D, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia, Nine Months’ Men. They were attached to the Third
Regiment, and served with the same in North Carolina during its
campaign.
At the election of officers for Company C (as was anticipated) Elihu
Grant was elected captain, and, being a West Point graduate, he was
eminently fitted for that position. Benjamin A. Shaw was elected
first lieutenant, and Charles D. Copeland second lieutenant. The
choice of officers was well made, and the company were pleased with
their selection. Be it remembered that at this time the Governor of
Massachusetts, John A. Andrews, instead of appointing the officers
left it to the company to elect their own officers. Captain Grant
was a kind-hearted, considerate man, with high ideas of military
discipline; those men who obeyed the letter and spirit of the law
were treated accordingly, and those who disobeyed were punished
according to military law and usages. Captain Grant could not look
with any degree of leniency on disobedience to orders. He was the
pronounced enemy of liquor drinking in any form or by any one; so the
transgressors on these lines received condign punishment. No doubt
that the captain’s zeal like David of old, sometimes “eat him up;”
but he was a true friend to every man in his company and sought their
well being. No man of Company C could say that he did not have his
full share of rations in food and clothing.
Lieutenants Shaw and Copeland were God’s noblemen. They were true and
kind to the men, and were greatly beloved by both officers and men in
the regiment. They were always in their places with the company on
the march and in battle. They took a great interest in the company,
visiting the sick in tent and hospital.
The non-commissioned officers were a good set of fellows from the
orderly sergeant to the eighth corporal. Indeed, the whole company
was made up of good men who were ever ready to obey orders, to go
anywhere and to do anything reasonable; but, like all other men, they
liked a little fun when not on duty. I never knew one of them to
shirk duty, or fall out just before going into battle.
At a meeting for drill in Fall River on the 17th of September,
1862, an order was read for Company C to report for duty at Camp
Joe Hooker, and the following day the company went into camp at
Lakeville, Mass., as a part of the Third Regiment. The company was
assigned to a barrack on the extreme right of the regiment, and, like
all the other companies coming into camp, they did their part to make
the first night in camp memorable by songs and speech-making until
early the next morning, when tired nature asserted her right and
there was silence until reveille.
September 23d, Company C with the other companies of the regiment,
were mustered into the service of the United States for nine months.
On Saturday, the 27th, the whole company was given a furlough until
the following Monday, when it returned to camp. The men were then
uniformed and at once commenced the various duties of camp life
to prepare themselves for the more serious duties of soldiers on
Southern soil.
Company C, like all the other companies, was from time to time on
special detached service; with these exceptions the history of the
company is the history of the regiment.
At the expiration of the service Company C, with Company D, returned
to Fall River, where they received an ovation, and all were glad that
they had served their country in her time of need and were at home
again with their friends. As the corrected history will indicate,
quite a number re-enlisted for the second, and some for the third
time.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY C.
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city and
town, the place from which the recruits came, or are credited as
belonging.]
NOTE.--It should be remembered that several of the men from
Westport were citizens of Fall River credited to the quota of
Westport, the town of Westport paying them a bounty.
[Illustration: CAPT. ELIHU GRANT.]
ELIHU GRANT, Captain; 42; Fall River. The preacher; the soldier; the
man of affairs. A Westerner by birth, an Easterner by practice. He
was first known in Fall River as a popular preacher, where he ably
served several churches. Later he became one of the firm of Flint,
Grant & Nichols. Tin, Crockery and Furniture Dealers. He graduated
from West Point and also from one of the Western colleges. He was
a bookkeeper, agent for soldiers and sailors, probation officer
for the Second District Court, a member of the School Board, and a
member of the G. A. R. He was a Free Mason and belonged to several
other mystic orders. He married Amanda Gifford, of Westport, for his
first wife, and Mary Read, of the same town, for his second wife.
His death occurred at New Bedford, March 13, 1897, at the ripe age
of seventy-five years, and was caused by his being thrown from his
carriage at Westport Harbor, Mass. One daughter and three sons,
fifteen grand and eight great grandchildren survive him.
BENJAMIN A. SHAW, First Lieutenant; 30; Fall River. He served his
full term of enlistment and was mustered out with the regiment. He
was commissioned in the Second Heavy Artillery, went with the company
to Portsmouth, Va., and died there July 26, 1864. His grandfather was
in the Revolutionary War, and his father was a soldier in the War of
1812.
CHARLES D. COPELAND, Second Lieutenant; 33; Fall River. A patriotic
soldier; a model officer. His son is a doctor of medicine and resides
in Bridgewater, Mass. He has one son and two daughters living.
ALPHONSO BORDEN, First Sergeant; 30; Fall River. He was discharged
for disability March 27, 1863. He died in Fall River, being run over
by a fire engine. A widow survives him, living on Rock Street, Fall
River.
CHARLES G. REMINGTON, Sergeant; 25; Fall River. He was mustered out
with the regiment, came home, and after a while went West. Nothing
can be learned of his present residence. He is supposed to be living
in the West.
ISAAC L. HART, Sergeant; 41; Fall River. He was for years a prominent
manufacturer. He was superintendent of Seaconnet Mills for many
years. He died Dec. 20, 1886. Two sons survive him.
J. E. CUNNEENE, Sergeant; 30; Fall River. A prominent manufacturer;
superintendent of cotton mills in Fall River; a good soldier; a good
citizen, and a good friend.
LESTER LAMSON, Sergeant; 22; Fall River. He resides in Paris,
France, where he acts as an artist in portrait painting and practices
medicine as occasion may require.
E. F. MANCHESTER, Sergeant; 20; Westport. A soldier, a patriot, a
true man in everything and everywhere. He was engaged in business in
Fall River several years. He moved to Portsmouth, R. I., where he
died after a lingering sickness. A widow and several children survive
him.
THOMAS WISEMAN, Corporal; 25; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Fifth
Unattached Company, Heavy Artillery. He resides in Fall River and is
janitor of the post office and custom house in that city.
NATHANIEL FORD, Corporal; 23; Fall River. A contractor and builder.
Resides in Fall River.
ROBERT C. NEGUS, Corporal; 32; Fall River. Both before the War and
after he followed a seafaring life in a whaling ship. He died in Fall
River several years ago.
ROBERT FIELDEN, Corporal; 26; Fall River. For several years he was
engaged in the mill business. He retired from active business and
lives in Swansea.
FREDERICK A. NORTON, Corporal; 18; Fall River. He resides in Fall
River and is clerk in the city office, street department.
SAMUEL F. DURFEE, Corporal; 28; Fall River. He resides in Fall River.
He carries on the teaming business and is janitor of the G. A. R.
Hall.
JAMES MCGUIRE, Corporal; 31; Fall River. Died several years ago.
GEORGE G. GRUSH, Corporal; 20; Fall River. In the employ of the Bell
Telephone Company (long distance). A very busy man when on duty; a
genial companion when off duty. He resides in Fall River.
CHARLES S. WEAVER, Wagoner; 20; Fall River. He went West; since then
nothing has been heard of him.
_Privates._
ALTHAN, GEORGE; 18; Fall River. Dead.
ANDREWS, THOMAS; 44; Westport. Dead.
AUSTIN, FRANCIS S.; 30; Fall River. He resides in Fall River, where
for many years he was boss machinist. He retired from business in
good circumstances. He has two sons and three daughters living.
BORDEN, STEPHEN B.; 23; Fall River. Dead.
BUTLER, JAMES; 32; Fall River. Died at Soldiers Home, Togus, Maine,
July 10, 1904.
BAKER, ABRAM H.; 18; Westport. He went to California and is supposed
to be living.
BUCKLIN, GEORGE W.; 37; Fall River. Dead.
BRAYTON, STEPHEN F.; 21; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
BOWERS, JOSEPH; 21; Fall River. A machinist for M. C. D. Borden.
BOHAN, JAMES; 22; Fall River. Resides in Providence, R. I.
BORDEN, JOHN A.; 21; Fall River. Nothing known of him since the war.
BRADBURY, WILLIAM; 18; Fall River. Resides in Providence, R. I. He is
an efficient member of the police force of that city. Is a comrade of
Slocum Post, No. 10, G. A. R., and past grand of Westminster Lodge,
No. 27, I. O. O. F. A fluent speaker and earnest worker in the Order.
BROW, FRANK E.; 16; Fall River. He went to Los Angeles, Cal., where
he is supposed to be living.
CLARK, HENRY; 36; Fall River. Died a long time ago.
CLARKSON, EDWIN; 18; Fall River. Resides in Central Falls, R. I.
COGGESHALL, EDWARD D.; 25; Fall River. A blacksmith, Jamestown, N. Y.
CASWELL, THOMAS N.; 32; Fall River. Dead.
COOK, CHARLES H.; 25; Fall River. He resides in Fall River and is
janitor of the Veteran Firemen’s Building.
CHASE, GEORGE N.; 23; Fall River. Dead.
CRAPO, FRANCIS H.; 22; Fall River. Died in Chicago years ago.
CALDWELL, WILLIAM; 30; Fall River. A farmer, living just out of Fall
River.
CAMERON, JOHN A.; 18; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
CASH, WILLIAM; 35; Fall River. Resides in Fall River. He was company
bugler.
CROWLEY, PATRICK; 40; Westport. Resides in Fall River.
CRIGHTON, THOMAS J.; 18. He re-enlisted Aug. 17, 1864, and was
discharged July 27, 1865. He was on detached service as aid to
surgeon-general. He resides in Fall River and is foreman of a brass
foundry there.
DAVOL, JOHN; 40; Fall River. Fife major of regiment. Died in Taunton,
April 20, 1904.
DAVOL, JOHN N.; 18; Fall River. Drum major of regiment. John N. was
the son of John Davol. There is a story current that one day there
was a little difference between father and son, the son saying that
being drum major, he outranked him (the father), whereupon the father
retorted that he was his father and would give him (the son) a sound
licking, which he did, after which harmony reigned between father and
son.
For many years after the war John Davol was in the clothing business
in Fall River and John N., his son, was in company with him. The last
named died in the Soldiers Home, Togus, Maine, Oct. 24, 1904.
DELMAGE, JAMES L.; 29; Fall River. He lives on a farm in Swansea,
where he is spending his remaining days in the quiet of a well-earned
rest.
DIXON, JAMES; 30; Fall River. Dead.
DOLMAN, JOSEPH; 43; Fall River. Dead.
DARLING, JOHN A.; 29; Fall River. He was for years a sailor on a
coasting vessel, then a carpenter, and later a grocer. He was a
member of the G. A. R. He died in January, 1896, leaving a widow,
one daughter and three sons.
DAVIS, JOHN R.; 19; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
DEPLITCH, WILLIAM; 35; Fall River. He was discharged May 27, 1863, on
account of wounds received in the Battle of Goldsboro, N. C., Dec.
17, 1862. For years he held a good position in Washington in one of
the Government Buildings, receiving a good salary. He died in Fall
River, Nov. 14, 1882.
EATON, JOSIAH J.; 24; Westport. He died in 1902 or 3, leaving a widow
and one daughter.
FISKE, BENJAMIN S.; 21; Fall River. Nothing known of him since he was
mustered out.
FITZGIBBONS, THOMAS; 43; Fall River. Dead.
GRAHAM, WILLIAM; 26; Fall River. Dead.
GILBERT, THOMAS; 26; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Twenty-first
Unattached Company. He died Oct. 7, 1904.
GRANT, GEORGE A.; 20; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Company D,
Sixtieth Massachusetts. He resides in Brockton, a prominent man of
the city, chairman of the board of assessors for several years, a
man of affairs with an honorable record.
GREEN, DENNIS; 18; Westport. Dead.
HORSMAN, JOHN; 22; Fall River. Dead.
HORSMAN, FRANCIS; 44; Fall River. He was for many years a gardener
and a mill hand. He resides in Fall River and is hale and hearty at
the age of eighty-seven.
HILL, JOSEPH; 38; Fall River. Died in Bristol, R. I.
IRVING, ELI; 22; Fall River. A painter. Resides in Fall River.
JENNINGS, THOMAS J.; 21; Fall River. Dead.
JENNINGS, CORNELIUS D.; 35; Fall River. Supposed to be dead.
KENNEY, THOMAS; 27; Fall River. For many years a mill hand; now
retired.
LAWRENCE, JAMES; 27; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Twenty-first
Unattached Company Heavy Artillery. He resides in Fall River and is a
collector for the Singer Sewing Machine Company.
LAWTON, DAVID; 26; Fall River. Agent for the Providence Steamboat
Company for many years. Dead.
LEWIS, WILLIAM H.; 34; Fall River. Dead.
LORD, GEORGE; 27; Fall River. Dead.
LOCK, JOHN B.; 18; Fall River. Supposed to be living out West.
MONROE, ALBERT F.; 18; Fall River. A popular artist of Fall River.
Residence, 181 Elm St.
MCKINNON, THOMAS; 28; Fall River. Dead.
MURPHY, DENNIS B.; 36; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
MALONE, HENRY; 21; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
MALLISON, JOHN; 30; Fall River. Unknown.
MARTIN, GEORGE; 40; Fall River. Dead.
MARTIN, PETER; 26; Westport. Resides in Fall River.
MARS, REUBEN; 19; Fall River. Fell from a team in New York and was
killed.
NARY, JAMES; 28; Fall River. Dead.
NEWMAN, WILLIAM; 28; Fall River. Dead.
PECKHAM, WILLIAM W.; 22; Fall River. Re-enlisted and was killed in
the Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia.
PECKHAM, PELEG H.; 29; Fall River. Boss painter in Fall River.
PHELAN, JOHN; 25; Fall River. Dead.
PELL, JABISH; 25; Fall River. Died in New Bedford, 1903.
PACKARD, WILLIAM H.; 26; Fall River. He carried on the blacksmithing
business in Fall River for many years. Dead.
PLATT, EDWARD; 35; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
READ, JOHN P.; 19; Fall River. Died of typhoid fever in 1863.
REGAN, TIMOTHY; 18; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
REGAN, MORTY; 23; Fall River. Dead.
SMITHSON, JOHN; 18; Fall River. Resides in Fall River.
SMITH, LAFAYETTE; 27; Fall River. Dead.
SHARPLES, LAWRENCE; 20; Fall River. Dead.
SIDLEY, JOHN P.; 25; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Resides in Fall River.
SMITH, JAMES B.; 23; Fall River. A stirring business man; writer of
history of Company C. Resides in Providence, R. I.
TERRY, EDWARD P.; 21; Fall River. Resides in Somerset, Mass.
THACKRAY, WILLIAM; 38; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Fifth Unattached
Company, Heavy Artillery. Retired from all business and resides in
Fall River.
TRACY, WILLIAM; 38; Fall River. Resides in Fall River. He believes he
can outrun any boy of his age. He is now 82 years old.
TAYLOR, JOHN; 36; Fall River. Discharged for disability, March 2,
1863. Died in Fall River.
WALKER, JAMES; 18; Fall River. Driver for Fire Engine, No. 7. Resides
in Fall River.
WALLACE, RICHARD D.; 28; Fall River. Dead.
WAITE, ISHMAEL; 36; Fall River. Painter. Resides in Fall River.
CHAPTER VII.
COMPANY D, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[The following historical sketch of Company D, Third Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (a nine months’ campaign during the
War of the Rebellion), was prepared by Capt. ANDREW R. WRIGHT, and
read by him at the reunion of the Third Regiment, held at Lincoln
Park, Mass.]
In the month of August, 1862, a call was made by the President
of the United States for three hundred thousand troops to aid in
suppressing the rebellion then still existing, and to serve for a
term of nine months, or during the war. In compliance with that
call the Commonwealth of Massachusetts proceeded to mobilize the
militia of the State, by reorganizing the old regiments not then
in the field, and by forming a number of new regiments for service
under that call. Among the old regiments included in that call was
the Third, which was located in the Old Colony district. Company D
of this regiment was recruited up to the maximum, one hundred and
one men, as required at that time by the laws of the United States
governing the service in time of war. The company was composed of
men enlisted from Fall River and Westport. When nearly the full
number had been recruited, an election of officers was held in the
City Hall in Fall River, at which election Col. Silas P. Richmond
presided. The election resulted in the choice of Andrew R. Wright as
captain, Thomas McFarland as first lieutenant, and George Reynolds as
second lieutenant. In a few days afterwards the ranks having reached
the required number, the company was ordered to proceed to the camp
of instruction at Lakeville, which had been prepared by the State for
such instruction to the raw troops as might be given to them previous
to being called into active service at the front, and also to issue
necessary clothing and equipments. The camp was known as “Camp Joe
Hooker.” While there the company was drilled in the setting-up drill
and company movements, also practical instruction in guard duty.
[Illustration: CAPT. ANDREW R. WRIGHT.]
On the 23d of September, 1862, the company was mustered into the
United States service by a regular army officer; the company was
paraded in two ranks, the ranks were opened and the front rank faced
the rear; the mustering officer, having the muster roll, passed
between the ranks from left to right critically examining each man as
he came before him. Not one was rejected. After the identification
and inspection the men collectively were required to remove their
caps, hold up their right hands and take the oath to support the laws
and constitution of the United States. The parade was then dismissed,
and the company was then truly a portion of Uncle Sam’s army for the
defence of the Union. The non-commissioned officers were appointed as
follows:
Sergeants: Samuel B. Hinckley, First; Francis McGraw, Almanzor S.
Elsbree, James Holt, Thomas A. Austin.
Corporals: Ashael M. Borden, Cornelius Kelley, Jr., Philip Chase,
Charles E. Slade, William H. Wright, William H. Monroe, Sierra L.
Braley, Charles F. Tripp.
After the muster the company was furloughed for one week that they
might make a last visit to friends before leaving for the front.
At the expiration of the furlough all returned to camp except two;
one of whom deserted the service, the other was returned to the
company by the provost guard after they reached Newbern. After all
preparations had been made the company had orders to break camp
and proceed to Newbern, N. C., via Boston, and thence by steamer
to point of destination. On the morning of departure from Camp Joe
Hooker, the regimental line was formed for the first time, Company
D being upon the extreme left of the line. The company with the
rest of the regiment marched from the camp to the railroad station
at Lakeville on the line of the Old Colony road and embarked upon
cars and were transported to Boston, marched through the city and
went on board the steamer _Mississippi_ that was to convey the whole
of the Fifth and half of the Third Regiments to North Carolina.
To say that the steamer was full conveys but a faint idea of the
crowded condition of the vessel, and many of the men realized for
the first time the discomforts and privations of campaigning; and
this was but the beginning of hardships they endured during their
nine months’ campaign in the swamps and pine barrens of the old
“North State.” After an uneventful voyage by steamer, the company
arrived at Morehead City and disembarked, then were transported on
flat, uncovered freight cars to Newbern; arriving there they were
marched to the first camp occupied by the regiment in Dixie. In
honor of the colonel it was named Camp Richmond. It was located on
the banks of the Neuse River and on the left of the Forty-fourth
Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, who had preceded the
Third a few days. During all this time neither the regiment nor
the company had been supplied with arms, and were not so supplied
until some days after the arrival, when early one evening the long
roll was sounded and report came in from the front, some six miles
away, that our pickets had been driven in and the enemy was then
marching upon Newbern. Then the arms and ammunition were issued to
the regiment and as soon as possible the company was paraded in the
company street, anxiously awaiting the call to form regimental line;
but the alarm proved false and the company was dismissed to quarters,
and the camp quieted down for the night. Subsequently, upon critical
examination of the arms that had been issued, they proved to be a
lot of Austrian rifles, and were nearly worthless. The men were very
much discouraged, as the springs in the locks of some of the rifles
were so weak that it was impossible to explode a percussion cap with
the hammers; but by the skill of Sergeant Austin and the use of tools
procured from the ordnance officers of the department the guns of the
company were got into quite serviceable condition, but were far from
satisfactory at any time during the company’s term of service.
From this time forward until early in the month of December, 1862,
the company was engaged in the regular camp and garrison duty,
among which were company, battalion, and brigade drills. To vary
the monotony of camp life somewhat, the company with Company C
were detailed for picket duty on the railroad between Newbern and
Beaufort, occupying a deserted rebel cavalry camp. The company
remained there two weeks and then returned to Newbern.
On the evening of December 10, 1862, after dress parade, the colonel
commanding gave orders to prepare three days’ cooked rations, and,
upon the following day, to issue the same to the men, and also to see
that they were provided with serviceable shoes and two pairs of new
socks for each man, that forty rounds of ammunition be supplied each
cartridge box, that the trunks of all officers and the knapsacks of
enlisted men be packed with all necessary articles and made ready
for the wagoners who would take them on the following afternoon.
All these unusual orders could mean but one thing, and that was an
expedition into the enemy’s country; and, acting upon these orders,
Company D made requisitions upon the quartermaster and commissary for
the requisite amount of supplies to comply with the order. The camp
was stripped of everything not absolutely necessary for use by the
men. Before daylight on the morning of the 11th, the regimental line
was formed and troops marched out into the Neuse road that ran from
Newbern out into the enemy’s country. Very little apparent progress
was made that day, much time being consumed straightening out the
column, and it was late when the company went into bivouac, passing
under a magnificent arch of fire formed by the blazing trunks of
turpentine trees that lined either side of the road and almost as far
as the eye could reach on the right and left of the column. The next
day the regiment was detailed to guard the baggage train and slow
progress was made.
On the 14th occurred the battle of Kinston, and the company being in
line of battle for the first time, it was attached to the brigade
commanded by Colonel Lee of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts
Regiment, and was on the extreme left of the line, it being in close
proximity to a field hospital. The sight of the wounded and dying
being brought from the front and through the lines to the hospital
was not a cheerful prospect, nor one calculated to enliven the
spirits of the men while expecting at any moment to receive the order
to advance into the circle of fire, but no man flinched and all were
ready for whatever duty might be required of them. The brigade being
in the rear line of battle was not actively engaged with the enemy.
The enemy was defeated and the Union column entered Kinston early in
the evening of that day and went into bivouac in a large field or
common in front of the town. There they remained until the following
morning. After going into bivouac strict orders were promulgated from
general headquarters forbidding foraging in the town, but sometime
in the middle of the night the company was mysteriously supplied
with a most bountiful supply of all needful provisions and many of
the luxuries of life in the shape of canned jellies, fruits, and
preserves, and for once at least the company reveled in a grand
banquet.
The next morning the company with the rest of the troops evacuated
the town and took up the line of march toward Whitehall, which was
reached the following day in the afternoon. Here a fierce artillery
fight took place, the right brigade of the column and most, if not
all of the artillery, being engaged with the enemy.
The brigade to which the Third Massachusetts Regiment and Company D
was attached, passed around the base of a hill in the rear of the
line of battle (but well within range of the enemy’s sharpshooters,
as the singing of their rifle bullets passing just above the heads
of the company so eloquently testified) to the right of the position
held by the enemy, and which they evacuated that night. The company
bivouacked the same night upon a sandy plain on the edge of a forest,
with hungry stomachs and empty haversacks; but they were very
fortunate in finding the commissary wagons that night and securing
a fifty-pound box of hardtack and a few pounds of mixed coffee and
sugar, which proved a very welcome supper.
On the next day, the 17th of December, the company met the enemy;
the brigade to which the regiment was attached being upon the right
of the column, found itself in the immediate vicinity of the enemy
early in the forenoon, the skirmishers driving in their pickets and
developing their position near a bridge on the Wilmington and Welden
Railroad that crosses the Neuse River near the town of Goldsboro.
After a sharp engagement the enemy retired; the Union Infantry
Regiments were marched to a position near the railroad, stacked
arms, and commenced to destroy the road, which was effectively
accomplished for a number of miles. At the same time the bridge was
fired and destroyed, thus for the time crippling the road, which
was supposed to be one of the leading lines of communication of the
Confederate army of Northern Virginia with the southern portion of
the Confederacy.
When preparing to leave the field an alarm was made that the enemy
had rallied, reformed their lines, and were about to make an attack.
The alarm proved to be correct, our lines were hastily reformed to
resist such attack. It was at this time that the company first met
the enemy face to face, as they came down the railroad embankment
like a swarm of immense gray ants. They formed line of battle in the
open fields as on parade, and started with a yell to make a charge
upon the Union lines some three hundred yards in their front. These
lines were composed of troops of which Company D of the Third
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia formed a part.
Sections of the New York Artillery and Belger’s Rhode Island battery
of Parrott guns were rapidly placed in position in the immediate
front of the infantry lines formed to resist the charge of the enemy,
and hurled such terrible charges of grape and canister into the faces
of the enemy that no human courage could withstand, and, before more
than half the distance that separated the contending lines had been
traversed, the enemy’s lines were broken, and those of the enemy who
were able to do so sought shelter in the thick woods on their left,
followed by showers of bullets from the rifles of the infantry. While
this scene was terribly exciting, so far as known not a man left the
ranks of Company D, with the exception of one man slightly wounded by
a fragment of an exploded shell.
This action ended the active hostilities of this expedition of
the Eighteenth Army Corps into the enemy’s country. It failed of
its co-operative purpose, as the Army of the Potomac had been
disastrously defeated at Fredericksburg a short time previous, thus
enabling the commander of the Confederate forces to reinforce at any
point. The expedition returned to Newbern without incident, and
shortly after were ordered to inscribe upon their colors the words
“Kinston,” “Whitehall,” and “Goldsboro,” to commemorate the battles
that were fought at the locations indicated.
An inspiring sight gladdened the hearts of the company when
approaching Newbern on the return from the expedition, in the
appearance of the Stars and Stripes floating in the air from the
flagstaff on Fort Totten; it seemed to welcome the column home from
the dangers and hardships it had endured in its defence.
The company went into its old quarters at Camp Richmond, and the
regular routine of camp duty commenced. The trunks and knapsacks were
again returned by the wagoners, and the company were housekeeping
comfortably once more. Nothing of great interest occurred until
early in the year of 1863, the company in the meantime participating
with the regiment in two or three marches into the enemy’s country,
but with no apparent results. In the late winter or early spring
of 1863 the enemy made a reconnoissance in force along the whole
line of the department, and seemed determined to make an assault
upon Newbern from the left flank of the Neuse River and directly
opposite of the town, but they were held at bay by a comparatively
small force, when, with the assistance of the gunboats, they were
compelled to retire. A strong demonstration was made upon the lines
immediately in front of Newbern, strong reinforcements, among whom
were the Third Regiment with Company D attached, were hurried to the
front, remaining under arms all night, and momentarily expecting an
attack, but no assault came and the enemy withdrew. They seemed more
determined upon the extreme right of the lines of the department,
as they erected batteries upon the river bluff opposite the town of
Little Washington, thus cutting off communication with the troops
occupying that position, and the rest of the department, also
holding the general commanding the department at the time the enemy
closed the river. To relieve this condition of affairs, a column was
formed of all the available troops then in Newbern, among whom was
the regiment to which Company D was attached, and an attempt was
made to reach the rear of the enemy’s position in front of Little
Washington by way of a road crossing Blount’s Creek in the rear of
the position held by the enemy; but the attempt failed, although
the artillery attached to the column and the right of the brigade to
which the company was attached, were actively engaged with the enemy
perhaps for a half hour. Yet, for some unexplained reason, the order
was given to retreat on Newbern, which the column reached without
molestation by the enemy, and the troops in a dispirited frame of
mind, as they could not understand the grand strategy exhibited upon
this expedition.
About this time a number of regiments returned to the department
from South Carolina, where they had been sent some months before
to re-enforce General Hunter in his operations against the rebel
position in and about Fort Sumter and the approaches to Charleston.
About the time that these troops returned to the department
General Foster bravely succeeded in running the blockade at Little
Washington, and suddenly appeared at Newbern. Affairs quickly assumed
a different aspect. He immediately organized two expeditions, one
to reach the rear of the rebel position that was besieging Little
Washington, the other to make a demonstration on Kinston. Company D
was attached to the latter column, and with the rest of the troops
was transported by train to Batchelder’s Creek, the extreme front
line of the department. The company remained here a few days, and
with the rest of the regiment and other troops, made threatening
demonstrations upon the enemy’s position in front of Kinston. No
decisive action was had, but the demonstrations there and at Little
Washington had the effect of raising the siege of that place, and the
enemy retreated from his threatening positions before the whole line,
and quiet reigned again.
In the early spring an order was received by the commanding officer
of Company D from regimental headquarters to report to General
Wessels, then in temporary command of the department, for instruction
in some special duty. The officer so ordered immediately reported,
and, in the interview with the general, the officer was told that
information had been received that the enemy were preparing to erect
fortifications at a locality some twelve or fourteen miles below
Newbern, on the northerly bank of the Neuse river, and known as
Wilkinson’s Point, for the purpose of blockading the river, thus
closing this very important line of water communication by which the
department received a very large part of its supplies of all kinds.
He then gave the following order, “You will take with yourself
your first lieutenant, two or three non-commissioned officers and
fifty privates; see that they are provided with three days’ cooked
rations in their haversacks and forty rounds of ammunition in their
cartridge boxes. You will leave camp at five o’clock in the morning,
march to the government wharf in the rear of general headquarters
and go on board a steamer which you will find awaiting you there.
A topographical engineer will be taken on board from the surveying
steamer lying in the stream; you will then proceed down the river,
being convoyed by one of the gunboats, the commanding officer of
which has been given his instructions. Arriving near the point, your
steamer will come to anchor, and you will observe closely whether
signs of the enemy can be seen from the steamer; if there are
indications that the enemy are in force then the gunboat will shell
the place vigorously to drive them back from the point, when you will
land your command under cover of the fire of the gunboat, and make a
thorough inspection of the work that has been done by the enemy, and
effectually destroy any fortifications that may have been begun. The
engineer will land with you and make such plans and drawings as he
may think proper. If upon your arrival at the point no signs of the
enemy are apparent, you will land half of your command and endeavor
to ascertain whether any unusual number of people, either soldiers
or civilians, have visited or made surveys of the point; thoroughly
examine the location one or two miles back from the point and upon
either side of it, and make report to these headquarters through your
regimental commander.”
The officer, after receiving these instructions, was dismissed by the
general with the significant remark that “this duty may be a pleasant
excursion, or it may prove to be a very serious matter. Let us hope
that it will turn out to be the former.”
The captain immediately returned to the regimental camp and the
detachment was fully prepared that night. It was off bright and early
the next morning; the point was reached in due time, but no signs of
the enemy were seen. A detail of twenty-five men and sergeants, under
the command of Lieutenant McFarland, was landed from the steamer and
spent several hours seeking for knowledge of the enemy, but none
was obtained and the detail was re-embarked and the steamer and
detachment returned to Newbern the same day, the detail reaching
camp about dusk, much pleased with this pleasant tour of duty.
Sometime in the month of May Company D with E and F companies was
detailed for a tour of two weeks’ picket duty at Deep Gully, at the
extreme front of this department. Nothing of moment occurred during
the time occupied in this duty. At the expiration of two weeks the
detail returned to camp at Newbern.
The term of service was now drawing near its close. Quite naturally
the members of the company were impatient to return to the dear
friends at home. In due time the order came to break camp and proceed
to Boston. All camp and garrison equipage was collected and turned
over to an officer detailed from general headquarters to receive
it. All articles belonging to the company not otherwise needed was
distributed to the comrades of other regiments in the department.
Early in June the regiment paraded in heavy marching order and
marched out of the camp, where, upon the whole, so many pleasant
days had been passed, and lasting friendships had been formed. The
regiment marched through the town and gayly gave a marching salute to
the brigade commander as it passed his headquarters. The colonel,
staff, colors and right wing of the regiment marched to the railroad
station in Newbern and was transported to Morehead City, thence took
the steamer _S. R. Spaulding_ to Boston. The left wing, to which
Company D was attached, proceeded to the wharf in rear of general
headquarters and went on board the steamer _Tillie_ and sailed down
the river to Hatteras Inlet, remaining inside the bar until the
following morning, then proceeded to sea and reached Boston in due
time. Escorted by the Forty-fourth Regiment, the Third marched to the
Old Colony railway station, saluting the Governor of the Commonwealth
when passing the State House. Company D with the rest of the regiment
was furloughed for one week with orders to report at Camp Joe Hooker,
Lakeville, at that time, there to be mustered out of the United
States service. Companies C and D were transported to Fall River,
where a very cordial reception awaited them by the city government.
Upon the expiration of the furlough the company returned to Camp
Joe Hooker, and, on June 26, 1863, was mustered out of service and
returned to their several homes; and it is to be believed none
regretted the duty which he had been able to perform for the country
in its time of need.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY D.
[WRITTEN BY COMRADE VERNON WADE.]
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city and town, the
place of enlistment.]
ANDREW R. WRIGHT, Captain; 30; Fall River. Attended Fall River
schools. Learned the trade of a machinist. In 1853 went to
California, where he remained four years. On his return to Fall River
worked at his trade. A man of staunch character. Organized Company
D, which was attached to Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, and was with his company during the North Carolina campaign;
participated in all the battles of the regiment and was mustered out
of the same. Returned to Fall River. Worked four years at his trade
in Providence, again returned to Fall River, and was associated with
A. G. Thurston in mechanical business. Was City Marshal of Fall
River nine years. Was elected high sheriff of Bristol County, which
office he held eighteen years. Keeper also of Taunton jail. Died in
Fall River, July 3, 1899, leaving a widow and two children. Was a
member of Mount Hope Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Richard Borden Post, G.
A. R., the Unitarian Society, and Fall River Board of Trade. Highly
respected by all, as a citizen, soldier, and business gentleman, he
lived beloved, and died lamented by his company and his large circle
of friends.
THOMAS MCFARLAND, First Lieutenant; 36; Fall River. Born in
Scotland, 1826. Came to Fall River and worked in one of the cotton
mills. Enlisted in Company D, and was elected first lieutenant in
same, served with his company through the nine months’ campaign.
Re-enlisted and was promoted captain of Company G, Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Infantry. Killed at battle of Cold Harbor, June 3,
1864, leaving a widow and two children.
GEORGE REYNOLDS, JR., Second Lieutenant; 24; Fall River. He was a
faithful officer and a true friend to every man in the Company. He
is engaged in the wholesale fish business in Fall River and lives in
Tiverton, R. I. He is a great admirer of horses and but few can tell
all the points of a good blooded horse better than George.
SAMUEL B. HINCKLY, First Sergeant; 30; Fall River. He re-enlisted and
was promoted captain of Company G, Fifty-eighth Regiment, where he
proved himself a brave, discreet officer, who won the confidence of
all his men in battle by his cool courage, devotion to his country,
and his unlimited patriotism for country and the Old Flag. Soon after
the war he went to Riverside, California, where he now has an orange
grove of ten acres. Samuel always has on hand a treat for all who
visit him, and an extra box of the best fruit for any member of the
old Third.
ALMANZA S. ELSBREE, Sergeant; 28; Fall River. For many years after
the war he had charge of a stationary engine. He died Dec. 26, 1893,
respected by a large circle of friends, leaving a widow and two
children.
FRANK MCGRAW, Sergeant; 30; Fall River. He was born in Ireland and
came to America a strong, vigorous youth. He enlisted in Company D,
Sept. 23, 1862; served in the nine months’ campaign, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He re-enlisted in 1864 and was detailed in the
signal corps with Sherman, marching with him to the sea. After the
war for many years he was in business in Fall River, where he was
highly respected. He was appointed inspector of the Fall River police
force. He died in Fall River, May 26, 1892, leaving three children.
By request Rev. J. G. Gammons conducted the funeral service. Gen. O.
O. Howard was present and made complimentary remarks on the soldierly
character of Comrade McGraw. A large concourse of people were present
including Richard Borden Post, G. A. R., of which he was an honored
and an active member. He was buried with military honors in the
beautiful Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River.
JAMES HOLT, Sergeant; 24; Fall River. He was taken sick with typhoid
fever in Newbern and carried to the hospital, from which he was
discharged and returned to the company. He died April 30, 1869. A
widow and two sons survive him.
THOMAS AUSTIN; age, 26; Fall River. Unknown.
ASHIEL M. BORDEN, Corporal; 24; Fall River. He was a good, true
soldier, served his time of enlistment, and was discharged with the
regiment. He died Aug. 9, 1871, leaving a widow and four children.
The widow was burned to death several years ago; two children are now
living.
CORNELIUS KELLEY, JR., Corporal; 31; Fall River. Died several years
ago.
PHILIP CHASE, Corporal; 28; Fall River. He was a member of the
Seventh Massachusetts Regiment Militia, June 15, 1861. He enlisted
in the Third Regiment Sept. 23, 1862. He enlisted in the Thirteenth
Regiment, Company K, Sept. 1, 1864. He was mustered out Nov. 23.
1865. He is now a hotel clerk.
CHARLES E. SLADE, Corporal; 26; Fall River. He was taken sick and
sent to the Stanley Hospital, Newbern, soon after he arrived there.
When sufficiently recovered he was detailed as nurse. He returned
home with the regiment and mustered out with the same. After the war
he went into business. He was elected superintendent of Grant Mill
in Fall River, a position which he filled to the satisfaction of
the corporation. He died Feb. 8, 1895. He left a son who resides in
Providence, R. I., and a daughter who is the wife of George W. Bliss,
a grocer in Fall River.
WILLIAM H. WRIGHT, Corporal; 26; Westport. He re-enlisted in Company
G, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteers. He wore a medal which had
been presented to him by Queen Victoria. He was a prisoner of war and
was confined in Salisbury Prison, North Carolina, Jan. 23, 1865.
WILLIAM H. MONROE, Corporal; 22; Fall River. He was also lieutenant
in the Sixtieth Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. On returning home
he engaged in the painting, decorating, and paper hanging business.
He resides in San Pedro, California, and has one son living in
Trinidad, Colorado.
SIERRA L. BRALEY, Corporal; 19; Fall River. He re-enlisted Dec. 11,
1863, as sergeant, Battery L, Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to
second lieutenant, April 16, 1865. He was lieutenant United States
Colored Troops, June 3, 1865. He was first lieutenant of Company D,
State Militia in 1866, and captain in 1868. He was quartermaster of
the Third Battery, Sept. 1, 1876. He was captain of Company M, Dec.
17, 1878, and resigned Jan. 1, 1879. He was bookkeeper for George E.
Hoar until his death, which occurred Feb. 27, 1901, in Fall River. A
widow and one daughter survive him, living in Fall River.
CHARLES P. TRIPP, Corporal; 21; Westport. He is by trade a carpenter.
He served during the nine months’ campaign. He was badly injured
while tearing up the railroad track at the battle of Goldsboro. He
came home and was mustered out with the regiment. He was a contractor
and builder for many years in Fall River. He served five terms as
councilman in the City Government. He was a member of several mystic
orders, G. A. R., and Red Men. He died April 29, 1895.
EDWIN J. DYER, Musician; 18; Fall River. He re-enlisted twice and was
for a time in the commissary department. After muster out he went
into the machinery business. He was a clothier, a mercantile agent,
and is now president of a life insurance company. He is a member of
Post No. 2, G. A. R., Boston. He resides in Dorchester, Mass.
CHARLES C. BORDEN, Musician; 17; Fall River. Unknown.
VALENTINE PERRY, Wagoner; 39; Fall River. Died Jan. 19, 1901.
_Privates._
ASH, THOMAS; 20; Fall River. Unknown.
BAKER, JEREMIAH D.; 40; Fall River. At the time of enlistment he
was a nailer. He re-enlisted in Company G, Corporal, Fifty-eighth
Regiment, March 26th and was mustered out July 14, 1865. He went into
the quarry business. He died leaving a widow, now eighty-five years
old, and three children.
BRIGHTMAN, WILLIAM B.; 21; Fall River. A fisherman in Alaskan waters.
BRIGHTMAN, JAMES; 20; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Company I, Second
Regiment Heavy Artillery as Corporal, Sept. 3, 1865.
BROWN, SAMUEL; 22; Westport. He re-enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-eighth Massachusetts. He died of wounds May 12, 1864.
BORDEN, ISAAC S.; 23; Westport. He re-enlisted in Fifty-eighth
Regiment, March 12, 1864. He was wounded in battle and discharged
July 14, 1865. He is a grocer.
BRADBURY, ROBERT; 37; Westport. Discharged May 12, 1863. Dead.
COOGAN, JAMES; 40; Fall River. Dead.
CLARKSON, THOMAS; 27; Fall River. Wounded in the battle of Goldsboro.
Died Jan. 6, 1897.
CANNADY, WILLIAM J.; 18; Fall River; Moulder. Resides in Fall River.
CURREN, JAMES; 19; Westport. Dead.
CASEY, MICHAEL; 23; Westport. Re-enlisted in Company F, Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Regiment. Mustered out July 16, 1865.
CORDINGLY, THOMAS R.; 36; Westport. Dead.
CUTLER, ISRAEL; 26; Westport. Unknown.
DAVIS, JOHN P.; 44; Fall River. Known as company’s poet. Dead.
DACY, TIMOTHY; 40; Fall River. Dead.
DEMARANVILLE, STEPHEN E.; 21; Westport. Supposed to be living in New
Bedford.
DONOVAN, EDWARD M.; 25; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-eighth Regiment. He was wounded and taken prisoner Sept. 31,
1864. He died in Petersburg.
DAVAL, HENRY S.; 23; Westport. Dead.
DWYER, WILLIAM; 27; Westport. He re-enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers. He was wounded June 18, 1864.
Dead.
DOLAN, ANDREW; 36; Westport. Dead.
DILLON, JOHN; 22; Westport. Deserted Sept. 25, 1862.
DYER, STEPHEN K.; 18; Westport. Died in Newbern, June 6, 1863.
EARL, ANDREW R.; 23; Westport. Known as the “large man” (265 pounds),
had his suits made to order--“the baby of Company D.” A brave and
fearless soldier, who was faithful to every duty and was never
scared. Resides at Soldiers Home, Santa Monica, Cal. Fell down an
elevator well and broke his legs while at work in San Francisco.
FOLGER, DAVID J.; 23; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Company M, Second
Massachusetts Cavalry. He was a prisoner in Libby and Andersonville
nine months with twenty of his comrades who were taken at the same
time, and was the only one to survive the hardships of prison life.
He was a carriage manufacturer and continued in that business until
his death, June 4, 1901. A widow and one daughter living in Amesbury,
Mass., survive him.
FRANCIS, WILLIAM; 19; Fall River. Died in Fall River.
FRAWLEY, PATRICK; 32; Fall River. Unknown.
FREELOVE, RICHMOND D.; 24; Fall River. Died in Fall River.
FAY, EDWARD; 23; Westport. Farmer, grocer, business man; lives with
his son in Bolton, Mass.
FLAHERTY, JOHN; 33; Fall River. Died in Fall River, Dec. 15, 1893.
GRUSH, FREDERICK A.; 22; Fall River. He re-enlisted as First Sergeant
in Company G, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. He was taken
prisoner at the battle of Crater July 30th, and died at Annapolis,
Md., October, 1864.
HACKLEY, JOHN; 40; Westport. Died in 1863.
HAYSTON, THOMAS; 31; Fall River. Dead.
HANSON, GEORGE; 18; Fall River. Re-enlisted July 21, 1864, in
Sixtieth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Oil
merchant.
HARRINGTON, TIMOTHY; 23; Westport. Dead.
HARRINGTON, DANIEL; 19; Westport. Lives in Fall River.
HARRINGTON, JOHN; 18; Westport. Dead.
HOOLHEN, MICHAEL; 21; Westport. Unknown.
JORDEN, JAMES; 18; Fall River. Discharged June 10, 1863. Transferred;
did not return with the regiment.
KIDD, THOMAS; 40; Fall River. Resides in Fall River. Clerk.
KAYLOR, WILLIAM; 24; Westport. Known as “Lawyer Kaylor;” very active
in learning and expounding army regulations, services to be rendered
and rations due each man. Died Feb. 8, 1898.
LEADWITH, JAMES; 20; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Company H,
Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment. He was discharged at the end of
the war. He is a painter and lives in Fall River.
LEVALLY, BENJAMIN W.; 18; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Captain
Hurlburt’s company of cavalry. He died in Fall River, Aug. 17, 1900.
LEARY, JAMES; 18; Fall River. He re-enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. He was wounded May 12th and
taken prisoner Sept. 30, 1864. He was killed on railroad crossing at
Fall River, Mass.
MANCHESTER, GILBERT; 19; Westport. Unknown.
MURPHY, JEREMIAH E.; 21; Fall River. Unknown.
MILLER, GEORGE; 34; Westport. Supposed to be dead.
MARSHALL, JOHN; 24; Westport. Unknown.
MURPHY, TIMOTHY; 32; Fall River. Dead.
MORTON, CHARLES H.; 21; Fall River. Commissioned second lieutenant,
October, 1863; assigned to duty as adjutant of recruiting, and was
on duty at Readville, Mass. Mustered first lieutenant of Company
G, Fifty-eighth Regiment and was with the regiment through the
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and in the
march across the James; in engagements June 16th, 17th, 18th, in
front of Petersburg and the Battles of the Mine, July 30th; taken
prisoner September 30th at Poplar Grove fight. In prison at Libby
and Danielsonville, Va., and Salisbury, N. C. Exchanged Feb. 22,
1865. Went to oil fields, Pennsylvania. Proprietor of a store in
New Bedford; in the real estate business in Boston; deputy state
constabulary from 1866 to 1870. On account of poor health retired
from all business until 1873, when he was appointed postmaster of
Fair Haven, which position he held fourteen years. Director of
National Bank of Fair Haven, and its president from 1881 until July
1, 1904. Treasurer of Fair Haven Institution for Savings since 1886.
Chairman of School Board.
MOWRY, WILLIAM I.; 18; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry,
Aug. 20, 1863. Discharged at Richmond, Va., Nov. 14, 1865. Boss
carpenter at Tecumseh Mills. Lives in Fall River.
MILLERICK, JOHN; 25; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Company F,
Fifty-eighth Regiment, and was in all the battles of the regiment;
wounded in battle; captured and had his arm amputated in a Rebel
prison; paroled Aug. 10, 1864, and mustered out July 13, 1865. Night
watchman for several years. Died Mar. 31, 1878, leaving a widow and
seven children.
MELLOR, CHARLES H.; 18; Fall River. Unknown.
MCKENNY, FELIX. JR.; 21; Fall River. He was wounded at Blount’s Creek
by the falling of the limb of a tree, which was cut off by a Rebel
shell. A barber in Fall River.
MCDERMOTT, THOMAS; 28; Fall River. Re-enlisted March 12, 1864. Died
of wounds July 5, 1864.
MCPHEE, THOMAS; 40; Fall River. Dead.
MCDONALD, DANIEL; 28; Fall River. Unknown.
MCNAUGHTON, CHARLES; 38; Westport. Died Feb. 11, 1894.
MCGUINNESS, EDWARD; 37; Fall River. Died Jan. 3, 1900. A widow and
several children survive him.
MCGOWAN, JOHN; 30; Westport. Unknown.
OGDEN, HENRY; 25; Fall River. Died in 1893.
PAGE, HATHAWAY B.; 20; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Sixtieth Infantry.
Dead.
POOL, JOHN; 44; Fall River. Dead.
PETERS, JOHN; 29; Fall River. Re-enlisted March 12, 1864, in Company
F, Fifty-eighth Regiment. Died in Salisbury prison, North Carolina,
Jan. 15, 1865.
PLATT, CHARLES; 19; Fall River. Unknown.
PETTY, HIRAM S.; 30; Westport. Re-enlisted in Second Heavy Artillery,
Company I. Mustered out Sept. 3, 1865, at the expiration of his term
of service. Dead.
PICKLES, JAMES; 26; Westport. Unknown.
RYAN, JEREMIAH; 44; Westport. Believed to be dead.
ROBOTHAM, JAMES; 18; Westport. Dead.
SHEHAN, DANIEL; 25; Fall River. Dead.
SHERMAN, WILLIAM H.; 25; Fall River. Lives at the Soldiers Home,
Togus, Maine, and has charge of the steam in connection with the Home.
SHAY, MICHAEL W.; 19; Fall River. Dead.
SARGENT, JOHN; 23; Fall River. Dead.
SANFORD, SYLVESTER; 22; Fall River. Re-enlisted in Company G,
Fifty-eighth Regiment. Works at carpentering and stone work in South
Westport, Mass., where he resides.
SOULE, ROBERT F.; 18; Westport. Lives in Bakerville, Dartmouth.
Farmer.
SHAW, CHARLES; 42; Westport. Dead.
SMITH, ROBERT; 35; Westport. Supposed to be dead.
TRIPP, ALLEN H.; 25; Westport. Died in Providence, R. I.
WISE, WHITLOCK; 27; Westport. Unknown.
WADE, VERNON; 28; Fall River. Re-enlisted, sergeant in Sixtieth
Massachusetts Regiment. A faithful soldier, a true patriot, a
successful business man, trusted and respected by all. Resides in
Fall River, where he carries on a grocery business.
WOODCOCK, JONAS; 36; Fall River. Dead.
CHAPTER VIII.
COMPANY E, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[BY FREDERICK F. MAXFIELD.]
This company was made up of New Bedford men with three exceptions,
Capt. John A. Hawes, of Fairhaven; Daniel H. Tripp, of Westport; and
Albert M. Allen, of Westport. For the greater part the company was
composed of young men and men in the prime of life. It is well for
us to remember that New Bedford has an unique history, among the
military companies of the State. First, the New Bedford Guards were
organized in 1842. They were disbanded, and out of that organization
came many who served as officers during the War of the Rebellion.
At the present time there are two of the New Bedford Guards living;
viz., James E. Blake, druggist, corner of Second and Middle Streets,
New Bedford; William Balis, grain dealer, foot of Middle Street. In
1853 the City Guards were organized and drilled. This company, known
in history as Company L and City Guards continued in commission,
answered to the call of President Lincoln, and served three months
in the Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. On its return
to New Bedford all its commissioned officers resigned, and William
E. Mason, sergeant of the company, was in command. When the call was
made for three hundred thousand men, Sergeant Mason recruited the
company to its maximum number, but, being a modest man, and knowing
that John A. Hawes was an adept in military matters, he asked Mr.
Hawes to be captain of the company, which being agreed to by all,
Sergeant Mason was made first lieutenant, and James L. Sharp second
lieutenant.
[Illustration: CAPT. JOHN A. HAWES.]
Captain Hawes was a man eminently fitted for the commander of the
company. Born in a home of wealth, educated in the schools of his own
town, and in Harvard Law College, and having practiced law, he was
well prepared to deal with all the difficult questions of military
and army life; yet notwithstanding his wealth, he never asked his
company to go where he would not lead, nor to suffer hardships which
he would not share with them. He went to war not for pay, but for the
honor of the old flag, which he loved more than wealth, more than
ease, more than honors. That his services were appreciated by his
superior officers will be seen by the following:
“HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, FIFTH DIVISION,
EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
NEWBERN, N. C., May 6, 1863.
CAPTAIN JOHN A. HAWES:
It is with much pleasure and I may say pride, inasmuch as your
splendid company is part of my brigade, that I congratulate you on
the remarkable good condition of your company, both in reference to
drill, discipline, and soldierly bearing. To command such a fine
company must certainly be an honor of which you may well feel proud.
I have the honor to be, Captain,
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
J. JOURDAN, COLONEL,
_Commanding Brigade_.”
Captain Hawes looked after the rights and well being of his men, in
camp and on the march. He never allowed one of his company to do
a dare-devil act just for the notoriety of the thing, neither did
he allow any one to shirk his duty. Each man must do his duty, and
each man must be given his rights in rations, in recreations, and in
social enjoyments. On the march he took always the left side of his
company, and, if for any good reason, one of his boys became unable
to continue the march from sickness, he always found a place for him
in an ambulance, instead of leaving him by the roadside to care for
himself. He has been heard to say, “Mrs. ---- intrusted her boy to
me, and I must so care for him, that should we live to go home, when
I meet her I can look her in the face with the consciousness that I
did my duty.” Such was Captain Hawes as an officer of the army.
On returning home he took up his citizen life quietly, and enjoyed
the comfort of his luxurious home. For several years he was president
of the Bristol County Agricultural Society at Myricks, where his good
judgment and kindly acts will long be remembered. A little incident
explains his character. One morning a representative from the church
in Myricks went to him and suggested that a rope be put across one
of the driveways on the Agricultural Society grounds, as some of
the people of Myricks were nearly run over by the careless driving
on the previous day. Turning to one of his officials, he said, “Mr.
---- says a rope should be put across the road to prevent people from
being run over.” “If he wants a rope across the road, let him put it
there,” said the official. Turning to the official he said, “This
is my friend, you see that a rope is put across the road,” and the
proud official had to obey orders. For years he was commodore of the
New Bedford Yacht Fleet, where by his gentlemanly courtesies to his
superiors, inferiors, and equals, he endeared himself to all. After
a well-rounded out life, with his loved ones around him, he quietly
passed from works to reward, lamented by a large circle of friends,
who to this day regard him as a model man, a good officer, and a true
friend to all with whom he had to do.
The same that is said of Captain Hawes can be said of First
Lieutenant Mason, who will be remembered by every man in the company
and regiment, also, as a man of high moral character, and a true
officer. Modest, yet firm in discipline; gentle, yet insisting that
every man must do his duty; bold, when duty called; careful, when
care became the better part of valor, he would not allow himself,
nor the men under his command, to imperil life just for the name of
being called bold; but when duty called no braver man could be found
and no one who could be trusted better with an important duty. True
to himself, he was true to his men. On the march Lieutenant Mason was
always at the head of the company. He never ordered his men to go
where he would not lead. He served his company and his country as a
man who believed that shoulder straps are honorable only when honored
by the wearer. His slogan was that every man has rights, which must
be respected by all regardless of rank or position, and he should be
protected in those rights.
After serving his nine months in the Third Regiment and being
mustered out, he recruited Company G, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry, being second lieutenant Sept. 18, 1863, and
captain in the same company Jan. 22, 1864. Here the same good traits
as an officer continued. At the battle of Cold Harbor he was severely
wounded, and again at the battle of Crater the same year, and for
his bravery in these and other battles he was invested major. He
was mustered out in 1865, returned home, and was made inspector
in the Custom House, Boston, where he remained until failing
health compelled him to resign. In his home in New Bedford, in the
calm and serene beauty of a life of seventy-eight years well and
conscientiously spent, he died May 27, 1905, beloved and honored.
Second Lieut. James L. Sharp was a good officer, who readily
responded to every duty. Before the war he carried on the business
of a tinsmith in New Bedford and was very successful; after the war
he went to New York and continued in the same business. He is known
as the patentee of the celebrated Gas Burner Stove. He died several
years ago.
HISTORY OF COMPANY L, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER
MILITIA, AFTERWARDS COMPANY E.
[BY MAJOR CUSHMAN.]
Company L was generally known as the “New Bedford City Guards.” The
first meeting for its organization was held July 22, 1852, and, on
the 31st of August following, George A. Bourne was commissioned its
captain. He had previously been commissioned captain of Company K,
in the Third Light Infantry, Second Brigade, First Division, which
existed in New Bedford and was known as the “City Guards.” Captain
Bourne resigned Jan. 19, 1847, and the company was disbanded Aug.
8, 1849. Captain Bourne commanded the “New Bedford City Guards”
till 1854, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Captain Timothy
Ingraham, who was in command at the time of the receipt of Special
Order, No. 14, dated April 15, 1861, which ordered the company to
report immediately in Boston.
The New Bedford City Guards under Captain Ingraham soon became noted
for proficiency in drill. His son was a cadet at West Point and
the company not only adopted the complete uniform of the cadets,
but excelled in the new tactics afterwards promulgated by the
War Department as _Hardee’s Tactics_, which formed a part of the
instruction at West Point. As a part of their fatigue dress the
Guards wore a unique scarlet jacket, from which they were jocularly
termed when in exercise drills, the lobster backs. Besides their
complement of company officers they had an independent staff and
a full band. They drilled as a battalion as well as a company.
They acquired many of the improvements which characterized the
noted Ellsworth Zouaves, and prided themselves upon excellence in
skirmishing drills, the “silent manual” bayonet exercise, and guard
duty.
When Governor Andrew issued his preparatory order of Jan. 16, 1861,
almost the entire company volunteered to respond to any call for
duty without the borders of the state, so that when Special Order,
No. 14, was promulgated late that Monday evening, April 15th,
they flocked to their armory as the news spread, to learn of the
arrangements for their departure. There was little sleep that night
in the homes of the Guards. What might be their ultimate destination
none could decide. An ominous darkness shrouded the immediate future
into which they were being ushered, trusting in Providence and
confident in their acquired military knowledge. The few short hours
before their departure were devoted to hasty arrangements to provide
for their families and business while absent. Early the next morning
they responded to the call and at eight o’clock left the armory.
Meanwhile the citizens had organized a fitting public demonstration
of patriotic feeling to bid them God-speed, so they were not
permitted to leave until the city’s great heart found expression by a
popular clergyman’s craving Divine protection for its gallant youth,
and Ex-Governor John Henry Clifford had eloquently bade a final
farewell with thrilling assurances of civic pride and neighborly
love, pledging the united support of the entire community. Then to
the inspiring music of its own band the company marched to Fairhaven
ferry, accompanied by such an enthusiastic crowd as never before had
been seen in the city. Owing to the extraordinary duties imposed upon
the railroads which interfered somewhat with the regular schedules,
the company did not reach Boston until noon. It was quartered
temporarily near the Old Colony depot, and that night through the
courtesy of the New England Guards, slept in their quarters over the
Boylston Market. Lieutenant Porter then returned to New Bedford.
The next day (Wednesday, the 17th) Lieutenant Barton joined the
company in Boston. In the afternoon Company L marched to the State
House, received its colors, and was addressed by Governor John A.
Andrew, and then amid the most enthusiastic demonstrations of the
excited populace, proceeded to Long Wharf, where it embarked on the
steamship _S. R. Spaulding_, which dropped down the harbor awaiting
supplies. While at anchor down the bay on the 18th of April, a boat
came alongside and a young man climbed over the side, who stated
that he wanted to enlist. He was recognized instantly by Lieutenant
Cushman as Edward L. Pierce, a former college mate, and was at once
enrolled in Company L. At Fortress Monroe, as soon as “contrabands”
came flocking around the fort for protection, he was assigned to
the congenial duty of caring for their welfare, and proved a most
useful acquisition. At the end of his duty at Fortress Monroe he was
appointed to perform similar service at Port Royal, South Carolina,
and during the war aided materially in developing the former slaves
of the South into defenders of the Union and useful citizens.
On arrival at Fortress Monroe Company L efficiently performed every
duty to which it was assigned, although its costly uniforms were
quickly ruined by the mounting of heavy guns, and the handling of
immense quantities of quartermaster’s supplies, besides the ordinary
routine of military duty. From the company many were detailed
for duty at post headquarters, scouting, and unusual guard duty.
Captain Ingraham, who had been compelled by sickness to return on
the tug-boat, April 18th, and Lieutenant Porter, accompanied by
several recruits reached Fortress Monroe on May 5th, the former
resumed command, but Lieutenant Porter (the fourth lieutenant), being
supernumerary under the army regulations, was with the recruits
mustered into Company K. July 22d the regiment was mustered out of
the service of the United States.
On the return of the company to New Bedford at the end of its
tour of service, it received a popular ovation, and was heartily
welcomed home. Many of its members served subsequently as officers
in regiments which were formed during the war. The state finally
reimbursed the Guards for their ruined uniforms.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY E TO MARCH 31, 1905.
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city and town,
the place of enlistment.]
JOHN A. HAWES, Captain; 29; Fairhaven. Dead.
WILLIAM E. MASON, First Lieutenant; 35; New Bedford. Resides at 118
Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Died May 24, 1905.
JAMES L. SHARP, Second Lieutenant; 33; New Bedford. Dead.
DAVID A. BUTLER, First Sergeant; 25; New Bedford. Carpenter for many
years. Chief of New Bedford police force. Elected colonel First
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 1888; resigned. Died in New
Bedford, Feb. 6, 1906. Widow and adopted child living.
CHARLES H. TOBEY, Sergeant; 23; New Bedford. Captain in Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Superintendent of Star Mills, Middleboro, for many years.
Shipper in Leonard’s Shoe Factory. Resides in Middleboro.
JAMES C. HITCH, Sergeant; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
ISAAC H. JENNINGS, Sergeant; 27; New Bedford. Commissioned captain
after nine months’ service. Dead.
JOSEPH E. NYE, Sergeant; 24; New Bedford. Promoted to sergeant-major.
May 29, 1863. Dead.
JOHN H. M. BABCOCK, Corporal; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
FRANCIS HERLEY, Corporal; 33; New Bedford. Dead.
GEORGE R. PADDOCK, Corporal; 27; New Bedford. Dead.
ALEXANDER M. BROWNELL, Corporal; 20; New Bedford. Detective in
Richmond, Va.
FRANK H. KEMPTON, Corporal; 19; New Bedford. Captain in Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Clerk in Providence. Resides in Providence, R. I.
HENRY H. POTTER, Corporal; 21; New Bedford. Captain of New Bedford
City Guards. Dead.
FRANKLIN K. S. NYE, Corporal; 23; New Bedford. Residence, Soldiers
Home, Hampton, Va.
SYLVESTER C. SPOONER, Corporal; 23; New Bedford. In the clothing
business, Millbury, Mass.
STEPHEN P. SAWYER, Musician; 34; New Bedford. In the fine ware
business in New Bedford.
CHARLES G. ALLEN, Musician; 14; New Bedford. Motorman on electric
cars in New Bedford.
HENRY C. BAKER, Wagoner; 25; New Bedford. Baker. Resides in Fall
River.
_Privates._
ALLEN, THOMAS L.; 23; New Bedford. Steward. Astor House, New York.
ALLEN, ALBERT M.; 20; Westport. Dead.
ANGELL, WILLIAM H.; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
BLY, WILLIAM L.; 21; New Bedford. Retired merchant. Returned to New
Bedford at the close of the war. Resides in Medford.
BRIGGS, CHARLES H.; 19; New Bedford. Clerk in a furniture store.
BRAYTON, CHARLES F.; 20; New Bedford. Invalid, lives in New Bedford.
BROWN, JACOB; 36; New Bedford. Dead.
BARKER, WILLIAM T.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
BULLARD, AMASA; 45; New Bedford. Dead.
BRIGGS, LEONARD; 33; New Bedford. Dead.
COGGSHALL, GEORGE; 19; New Bedford. Clerk. Lives in New York.
CRAPO, PHILIP M.; 19; New Bedford. Sailor. Died in Iowa.
CHRISTIAN, STEPHEN E.; 19; New Bedford. Killed in battle June 18,
1864, while in action in the Fifty-eighth Regiment.
CHADWICK, ISAAC; 47; New Bedford. Retired whaling master. Dead.
COVELL, BENJAMIN B., JR.; 24; New Bedford. Dead.
CUSHMAN, FREDERICK E.; 19; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Attorney-at-law. Resides in Austin, Texas.
CHAPMAN, EDWARD T.; 19; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth
Regiment and lost his arm June 2, 1864, while on skirmish duty. Dead.
CRANE, CHARLES F.; 18; New Bedford. Died in Newbern, North Carolina,
Jan. 29, 1863. Was complimented by General Foster during inspection
for soldierly bearing and neatness.
DEXTER, LUKE; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
DAVIS, GEORGE H.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.
DEDRICK, CHARLES M.; 29; New Bedford. Lives in New Bedford.
DEXTER, THOMAS D.; 22; New Bedford. Carriage painter in Mattapoisett.
FORBES, CHARLES H.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.
FOLGER, REUBEN C.; 21; New Bedford; Mason. Lives in New Bedford.
GRINNELL, ENOCH N.; 22; Policeman in Lowell, Mass.
GIFFORD, THOMAS J.; 22; New Bedford; Plumber. Lives in New Bedford.
Re-enlisted in ninety days’ service.
HOWE, WILLIAM W.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.
HITCH, ALFRED G.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.
HAFFORDS, JOSEPH T.; 21; New Bedford. Dead.
HATHAWAY, SAVORY C.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
HATHAWAY, JAMES S.; 30; New Bedford. Carriage manufacturer in New
Bedford.
HARGRAVES, JOHN; 36; New Bedford. Dead.
HANOVER, WALTER; 28; New Bedford. Dead.
HILLER, ALFRED; 19; New Bedford. Lawyer. Lives in Nebraska.
HUSSEY, THOMAS; 19; New Bedford. Workman in a shoe factory in New
Bedford, Mass.
HOWARD, ABNER L.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
HATCH, WILLIAM W.; 23; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Dead.
HANDY, GEORGE F.; 19; New Bedford. Resides in Rutland, Mass.
HALL, GILBERT N.; 22; New Bedford. Retired merchant. Lives in New
Bedford.
HOWLAND, NICHOLAS E.; 19; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Company C,
Fifty-eighth Regiment; wounded and discharged. Expressman in New
Bedford.
HOWLAND, CHARLES H.; 25; New Bedford. Lives near Boston.
HUDSON, JACK; 22; New Bedford. Blacksmith in Chicago.
JENKINS, GEORGE W.; 21; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as sergeant in the
Fifty-eighth Regiment and wounded in battle June 16, 1864. Lives in
Malden, Mass.
JACKSON, WILLIAM M.; 32; New Bedford. Deserted Oct. 20, 1862,
immediately after bounty was received.
KELLEY, JOSEPH H. A.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
LEACH, WILLIAM H. H.; 23; New Bedford. Drummer. Lives in New Bedford.
LAWRENCE, WILLIAM; 43; New Bedford. Dead.
LOVEJOY, AMOS F.; 43; New Bedford. Discharged for disability April
24, 1863. Carpenter. Lives in New Bedford (Wamsutta Mills).
MANN, WILLIAM M.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
MANN, JOHN E.; 19; New Bedford. Works in a shoe factory, Brockton,
Mass.
MUNROE, JOSEPH V. G.; 31; New Bedford. Dead.
MENDALL, CHARLES W.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.
MAXFIELD, FREDERICK F.; 22; Clerk. Lives in New Bedford.
MANCHESTER, JOHN B.; 28; New Bedford. Keeper of the police station,
New Bedford.
MOSHER, JOHN M.; 23; New Bedford. Lives in Natick, Mass.
NEGUS, CHARLES H.; 28; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Company E,
Fifty-eighth Regiment. Dead.
PAISER, JACOB; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
POTTER, SIMEON W.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
PURRINGTON, PHILIP B.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
PIERCE, JOHN W.; 20; New Bedford. Discharged for disability, March
12, 1863.
RIGBY, SAMUEL; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
ROBBINS, THOMAS C.; 21; New Bedford. Letter carrier, New Bedford.
RICE, ADONIRAM J.; 28; New Bedford. Blacksmith in New Bedford.
REYNOLDS, WILLIAM F.; New Bedford. Workman. Lives in Bourne, Mass.
RICHARDS, WILLIAM D.; 23; New Bedford. Keeps a livery stable in New
Bedford.
SOULE, RUFUS A.; 24; New Bedford. Member of the legislature. Speaker
of the Senate. Senior partner of the firm of Hathaway, Soule &
Harrington, shoe manufacturers in New Bedford and Middleboro. A man
of staunch character and influence in New Bedford, where he resides.
SPOONER, SAMUEL H.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
SIMMONS, CHARLES H.; 22; New Bedford. Bookkeeper in Express Office,
New Bedford.
SADDLER, WILLIAM G.; 28; New Bedford. Invalid, lives in New Bedford.
SWIFT, LEANDER; 24; New Bedford. Dead.
TABOR, LYMAN G.; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
TOPHAMS, PHILIP M.; 24; New Bedford. Unknown.
TRIPP, THOMAS G. C.; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
TRIPP, DANIEL H.; 30; Westport. Blacksmith. Dead.
TRIPP, EDWIN C.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.
TUCKERMAN, ROBERT, JR.; 31; New Bedford. Discharged for disability,
Oct. 28, 1862. Dead.
WILKINSON, WILLIAM; 32; New Bedford. Lives in Alabama.
WILCOX, HENRY P.; 22; New Bedford. Lives in Indianapolis, Ind.
WASHBURN, WILLIAM H.; 19; New Bedford. Died in New Bedford, Feb. 14,
1906.
WOOD, THOMAS F.; 19; New Bedford. Member of the firm of Wood,
Brightman & Co., New Bedford.
WATSON, SAMUEL J.; 19; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as second lieutenant
in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and taken prisoner in the Battle of the
Crater, July 30, 1864. Died on parole in New Bedford.
CHAPTER IX.
COMPANY F, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY F. P. VINCENT, EDGARTOWN.]
This company, which was recruited in New Bedford, was composed of
men from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Edgartown, Westport, and Acushnet.
Several of the men from New Bedford were sailors, and after returning
from their nine months’ service either enlisted in the navy or went
to sea. Several such never returned again to America; they were what
are known as “roving characters.” We would say, however, that many of
this company re-enlisted and served until the end of the war.
[Illustration: CAPT. GEORGE R. HURLBURT.]
Captain Hurlburt and his lieutenants recruited the company, and
were elected as its commissioned officers. No one ever had cause
to regret the choice made. They were bold, true officers, and the
non-commissioned officers also were as true and faithful as any
company could wish. Captain Hurlburt, whether seen on horse or on
foot, was an officer of which no company need be ashamed. He was of
good build, and quick to learn the evolutions of the company, whether
on company, battalion, or brigade drill. His men believed in him, and
I think would have followed him anywhere he might lead. In evidence
of his standing as a military officer, I have only to refer to an
order from his brigade commander, just before leaving for home.
HEADQUARTERS JOURDAN’S BRIGADE,
EIGHTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
NEWBERN, N. C., June 10, 1863.
CAPTAIN: Inasmuch as the term of enlistment of the Third Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia is about to expire, I cannot permit
you to go to your home and its endearment without some slight
recognition of your valuable services as a commanding officer, and
it is with pleasure that I call the attention of your friends at
home and abroad to your splendid company, for there is the proof of
your ability as an officer.
With kind regards for your future happiness, believe me to be,
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. JOURDAN,
_Colonel Commanding Brigade_.
Before the war Captain Hurlburt pursued the business of a ship
carpenter in New Bedford, was for some time deputy sheriff of Bristol
County, in which latter position he remained four years. After
being mustered out he raised a company of cavalry and was captain of
the same. After the war he was manager of a hotel in Hartford for
seventeen years. Failing health caused him to seek the quiet of a
home at the Vineyard, where he died in 1900, at the age of eighty-two
years.
First Lieut. William H. Allen was in the harness making business for
years, and later was known in New Bedford as the popular “piano tuner
and repairer.” He died in New Bedford in 1892, and was buried with
military honors.
Second Lieut. Jonathan W. Davis was detailed for signal corps service
during his nine months’ campaign. He returned with his company and
for many years was bookkeeper at the Parker House, New Bedford. He
died in New Bedford, in 1898, and was buried in the family cemetery.
[Illustration: SERGT. PATRICK CANNAVAN.]
But few, if any company in the Third Regiment, could boast of so
proficient an orderly sergeant as Sergeant Cannavan, of Company
F. From 1855 to 1860 he was in her Majesty Queen Victoria’s army;
he saw much hard fighting in the Crimean War and was honored with
two medals for his bravery at that time. After his return from his
nine months’ service for Uncle Sam, like a true soldier he engaged
in such business as he could command. He recruited for the army
and drilled both men and officers. At one time it looked as though
he would receive a commission in the heavy artillery with Captain
James L. Wilber, with whom he had spent several weeks of recruiting,
but Captain Wilber was ordered to consolidate his company with a
portion of a company near Boston. Sergeant Cannavan was offered
the sergeancy in the company but declined. Being determined to
see more active service, he went with his former captain, George
R. Hurlburt in Company B, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. This time
he enlisted as a private, all the sergeants’ places being filled.
Soon he was made sergeant and sent with a company to Hilton Head,
Florida, where he was ordered to drill officers, both commissioned
and non-commissioned. On the morning following Sergeant Cannavan’s
promotion, First Sergeant Ashley went to the hospital, and, as he
never returned to the company, Sergeant Cannavan performed the duties
of that officer.
Sergeant Cannavan distinguished himself during an engagement at
Gainesville, Florida, on the 17th of August, 1864. In the absence
of his superior officer he led his company in a desperate sabre
charge, thus saving his comrades in the rear from capture by the
rebel cavalry, who outnumbered his cavalry two to one. For this act
of bravery he was commissioned Second Lieutenant in Company A, Fourth
Cavalry. In this engagement he was unhorsed, his carbine shot away
by a rebel bullet which destroyed the hook holding the carbine to
the belt, and he received a slight wound. Seven days later Sergeant
Cannavan with a few of his men reached the main command, and when
they rode into camp the company thought these men must have come
from the dead. Two months after this battle he was promoted to
First Lieutenant Fourth Cavalry, Company B. After the surrender of
Lee Lieutenant Cannavan was detailed to flag all trains going from
Richmond to see if there were any deserters on board. He also had the
supervision of families going from Richmond to their old plantations,
sometimes going as many as forty miles into the interior.
Returning home in the latter part of November, 1865, he engaged in
the grocery business. In 1875 Mr. Cannavan was appointed assistant
city marshal, which office he occupied for two years. In 1878 he was
for the second time appointed on the police force, in which capacity
he has served the City of New Bedford continuously since that time,
viz., thirty years. During all these years he has never met the man
whom he could not handle alone, and in some instances he has had
some pretty hard cases with crazy drunks, but in no instance has he
cracked a skull or broken flesh with his policeman’s club. He is
honored and respected by all the citizens of New Bedford. Even the
rough classes yield when Cannavan is known to be after them. Now in
the sixty-eighth year of his age he is hale and happy. He has never
indulged in the ardent and never used tobacco. He spends his spare
time with his family reading instructive books. He is held in high
esteem by all the children of his patrol, for he always carries
strings for tops, and marbles in his pockets for the little ones.
The city honored him in 1905 by making him chief marshal on Memorial
Day. Taking all in all we believe we make no mistake in writing
so extended a history of this remarkable man, of whom in our long
acquaintance we have heard only good things. In the near future
he expects to receive a medal of honor from this government for
meritorious service rendered during the War of the Rebellion. His
address is 427 North Chauncy Street, New Bedford, Mass.
These officers are but samples of the whole company. They were good
fighters because they were well drilled; they were good soldiers
because they were well disciplined; they are (those still living)
good citizens, because they were good patriots; they have succeeded
and made their mark in the world because the spirit of success
is in them. Good officers make good soldiers, good soldiers make
good citizens, and good citizens make a good country. Is it asked,
“Where are the men who made the rank and file of Company F?” the
answer comes, “Many have joined the great majority, who as young men
responded to their country’s call in the hour of need.” They did
their work well; peace to their ashes. A great and mighty Nation is
reaping the fruits of their toil, and the haughty South has been
brought back, not the raging maniac she was in ’61, but, cured of the
past, she sits at the feet of Uncle Sam, “clothed and in her right
mind.”
“God of the nations, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.”
Lest we forget what war has cost,
When we our greatness loudly boast.
Lest we forget our noble sons,
Who died to hold our nation one.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY F, NEW BEDFORD.
[BY F. P. VINCENT AND SERGT. PATRICK CANNAVAN.]
[The first figures indicate the age at enlistment: the city and
town, the place of enlistment.]
GEORGE H. HURLBURT, Captain; 38; New Bedford. Died in 1900.
WILLIAM H. ALLEN, First Lieutenant; 25; New Bedford. Died in 1892.
JONATHAN W. DAVIS, Second Lieutenant; 25; New Bedford. Died in 1898.
PATRICK CANNAVAN, First Sergeant; 25; New Bedford. Lives in New
Bedford.
JAMES H. WILLIAMS, Sergeant; 26; Dartmouth. Photographer, Nantucket
Beach.
FREDERICK A. PLUMMER, Sergeant; 29; New Bedford. Dead.
JOSEPH C. BROTHERSON, Sergeant; 21; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in
Company B, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. Promoted captain of Company
D, April, 1865. Died with the United States Civil Engineers out West
in 1900.
CHARLES H. WALKER, Sergeant; 40; New Bedford. Dead.
CHARLES A. GOULD, Corporal; 27; New Bedford. In the New York Custom
House, New York.
JAMES SMITH, Corporal; 31; Edgartown. Mason by trade. Contractor in
Boston.
ZACHEUS H. WRIGHT, Corporal; 32; Acushnet. Carpenter. Dead.
ANDREW DEXTER, Corporal; 28; New Bedford. Lives in Ohio.
JOHN H. RICKETSON, Corporal; 26; Dartmouth. Re-enlisted in Company B,
Fourth Cavalry. Died in Dartmouth.
FREDERICK HOFFMAN, Corporal; 26; New Bedford. Went to California and
died in San Francisco.
CHARLES W. CLEVELAND, Corporal; 32; Edgartown. Went to sea; mate of
whaling vessel. Died in New Bedford.
HENRY KOHN, Corporal; 19; New Bedford. Lives in New York City.
FRANCIS P. VINCENT, Chief Bugler; 30; Edgartown. Postmaster, Cottage
City, Mass. One of the leading men of the town.
JAMES WESTERN, Wagoner; 27; New Bedford. Died in 1867.
_Privates._
BOOTH, NATHANIEL A.; 18; New Bedford. Died in New Bedford in 1870.
BURNS, JAMES A.; 35; New Bedford. Dead.
BESSIE, GEORGE A.; 19; Dartmouth. Sailor. Unknown.
BRIGHTMAN, JOHN H.; 40; Westport. Fisherman. Died in Westport, Mass.
BURKE, WILLIAM; 30; New Bedford. Weaver. Lives in Fall River.
BRANNAN, PATRICK; 18; New Bedford. Dead.
BUSWELL, JAMES E.; 28; Edgartown. Dead.
BARRETT, JOHN; 29; New Bedford. Supposed to be living in New
Hampshire. Farmer.
BEATLE, EDWARD E.; 22; Edgartown. Unknown.
CLARK, PATRICK; 31; New Bedford. Went to Fall River. Unknown.
CARD, BENJAMIN F.; 19; New Bedford. Died in New Bedford, February,
1905. Painter and storekeeper until he died.
CHASE, ALVAH H.; 23; Dartmouth. Farmer. Lives in Middleboro.
CLARK, HENRY E.; 27; Dartmouth. Dead. Leaves a widow living in
Hicksville.
CUSHING, WILLIAM B.; 18; Acushnet. Dead.
CORNELL, SOLOMON; 32; Dartmouth. Lives in South Dartmouth.
CAMERON, JOHN; 21; Berkley. Unknown.
DURFEE, GEORGE L.; 18; New Bedford. Carpenter. Lives in New Bedford.
DONOVAN, JAMES; 20; New Bedford. Inspector of cars. Killed on
railroad.
DEKAY, RICHARD; 21; Dartmouth. Deserted Oct. 3, 1862.
DAVIS, GEORGE W.; 19; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Third Massachusetts
Heavy Artillery, Company F. Carpenter. Lives in North Dartmouth.
FISHER, JOHN P.; 20; Edgartown. Dead.
FOSTER, DANIEL O.; 26; Warren, R. I. Re-enlisted as sergeant in
Fourth Cavalry. Dead.
GIFFORD, JAMES B.; 21; Westport.
GIFFORD, ABRAM; 18; Westport. Re-enlisted in ninety days’ regiment.
Carpenter and surveyor. Lives in New Bedford.
GIFFORD, LEVI K.; 22; Dartmouth. Dead.
GORDON, JOHN; 22; New Bedford. Discharged March 21, 1863, for
disability. Dead.
GAMMONS, CHARLES W.; 18; Dartmouth. Discharged March 24, 1863, for
disability. Dead.
GRAVES, PERRY; 33; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Capt. Allen’s Company
Heavy Artillery stationed at New Bedford and Washington, D. C. Dead.
HAMMOND, HENRY; 38; New Bedford. Dead.
HOLMES, SAMUEL B.; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
HATHAWAY, GEORGE W.; 28; New Bedford. Died in New Bedford, Nov. 14,
1905.
HOFFMAN, WILLIAM; 29; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry.
Died in Boston, 1901.
HOLMES, JOSEPH B.; 18; New Bedford. Re-enlisted and was commissioned
second lieutenant in a colored regiment. Sash and blind manufacturer.
Lives in Providence, R. I.
HOWLAND, ABRAM H.; 19; New Bedford. Lives in New Bedford.
HAMER, WILLIAM; 35; New Bedford. Dead.
JENKINS, GEORGE; 25; New Bedford. Went to California. Unknown.
JANNEY, WILLIAM A.; 36; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as sergeant in
Fourth Cavalry. Died in New Bedford.
KENNER, HENRY G.; 27; Dartmouth. Supposed to be living in Maryland.
LUSCOMB, ABRAM R.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
LAKEY, THOMAS; 20; New Bedford. Drummer. Dead.
LAWTON, JOSEPH M.; 33; Dartmouth; Painter. Lives in New Bedford.
LEWIS, HENRY S.; 23; Dartmouth. For many years overseer in a cotton
mill in New Bedford. Died in 1900.
MITCHELL, JOHN S.; 39; New Bedford. Died at sea.
MASON, HUMPHREY S.; 27; New Bedford. Dead.
MACOMBER, LYMAN A.; 18; Dartmouth. Lives in Providence, R. I.
MACOMBER, ALDEN T.; 30; Dartmouth. Died April 21, 1863.
MOSHER, FREDERICK P.; 28; New Bedford. Dead.
MUSPRATT, JOHN; 20; New Bedford. Lives in New Bedford on Sixth Street.
OLIVER, HORATIO G., JR.; 23; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as sergeant in
Fourth Cavalry, was wounded and captured. Died in prison.
OLIVER, CHARLES H.; 31; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry as
sergeant. Died in Salisbury Prison.
ORNE, GEORGE; 42; New Bedford. Died in Boston Hospital, Jan. 3, 1863.
PLUMMER, HORACE M.; 22; New Bedford. In post office, New Bedford.
PECKHAM, SAMUEL G.; 29; Dartmouth. Died in New Bedford.
PECK, WILLIAM B.; Dartmouth. Died at Smith Mills, Mass.
PIERCE, ALEXANDER O.; 26; Acushnet. Painter. Died Dec. 20, 1905.
PECKHAM, JOHN B.; 21; Dartmouth. Dead.
POTTER, THOMAS, JR.; 40; Acushnet. Dead.
QUICK, JAMES S.; 20; New Bedford. Went to Michigan. Supposed to be
living.
RODMAN, SAMUEL J.; 20; New Bedford. Carpenter. Lives in New Bedford.
RYAN, EDWARD; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
RYDER, DAVID; 44; Dartmouth. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry, captured
and died in a rebel prison.
RIPLEY, JOSEPH A.; 21; Edgartown. Contractor in Providence, R. I.
Member of Prescott Post, No. 1, G. A. R.
STOWELL, COLUMBUS; 44; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry,
taken prisoner and died in rebel prison.
SOULE, EDWIN P.; 24; New Bedford. Special police in New Bedford.
SMITH, JOHN W.; 18; New Bedford. After the war went to Illinois.
Resides in Chicago.
STILES, JAMES; 26; New Bedford. Lives in Nantucket.
SANFORD, LEONARD M.; 22; New Bedford. Lives in Westport, Mass.
SHEA, MATTHEW; 26; New Bedford. Soldier of Crimean War. Supposed to
be living in Attleboro.
SHAW, CHARLES H.; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
STEPHENS, WILLIAM H.; 22; Dartmouth. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry.
Died in New Bedford.
SPOONER, JOSEPH S.; 36; Acushnet. Supposed to be dead.
TRIPP, PHILIP M.; 23; New Bedford. In the jobbing business. Died June
29, 1906.
TEACHMAN, SIDNEY M.; 18; New Bedford. Dead.
WEBB, WILLIAM H.; 24; New Bedford. Unknown.
WILSON, JAMES; 31; New Bedford. Resided many years in New Bedford on
Ash Street. Died March 5, 1906.
WELCH, WILLIAM H.; 25; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Heavy Artillery.
Died in hospital, Boston.
WADY, WILLIAM I.; 19; Dartmouth. Went to sea. Unknown.
WORDELL, ANDREW L.; 19; Dartmouth. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry.
Died in prison in South Carolina.
WORTH, JETHRO; 25; Edgartown. Went into Navy; officer. Dead.
WILBUR, JOSEPH H.; 19; Edgartown. Painter. Vineyard Haven.
WOOD, GEORGE H.; 19; Dartmouth. Went to sea; returned, and is
now living on a farm in Westport with his twin brother. Both are
bachelors and possess quite a handsome property.
CHAPTER X.
COMPANY G, THIRD REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
This company was recruited by its captain, William S. Cobb; first
lieutenant, Henry W. Briggs; and second lieutenant, James L. Wilber.
In the days of 1862 in passing City Hall, New Bedford, one might
notice four tents on the north side of the hall. In these four tents
companies were being recruited, viz., Companies E, F, and G, and
another company which was being recruited by Major Cushman. In six
weeks the recruiting was accomplished, and Companies E, F, and G,
went into Camp Joe Hooker, Lakeville, Mass., and were made a part
of the Third Regiment. To say that there was no rivalry in this
recruiting would be far from the truth, but as each man had his
choice of the four companies the officer who could show the greatest
advantages succeeded soonest in getting his company filled.
[Illustration: CAPT. WILLIAM S. COBB.]
William Cobb who went as captain of Company G was for several years
in the outfitting business in New Bedford and was well known by
a large circle of admiring friends, and, being at one time city
marshal, he enjoyed the right of way in recruiting his company. He
never lost his hold on his men, nor his popularity as commanding
officer. His men never failed of getting their rations of every sort.
He was a kind, considerate officer, and loved his men as though they
were his own sons. After the war he was for many years high sheriff
of Bristol County, in which place he performed his duties acceptably,
without fear or trembling, neither was he a slave to any political
party. His shibboleth was duty before pleasure.
First Lieut. Henry W. Briggs was a faithful officer during his term
of service, and after the war was a contractor and builder in New
Bedford for a number of years. He was a good, honest man, and those
who intrusted their interests to him had no cause to regret or to
find fault with the work.
Second Lieut. James L. Wilber was not only a faithful officer, but
after serving nine months in the Third he recruited part of a company
for the Heavy Artillery, was commissioned captain of the same,
and went to North Carolina, where he did good service. After the
close of the war Captain Wilber was elected on the police force, in
which position he served as deputy of the day force. He was an able
officer, and was respected by all the citizens of New Bedford where
he resided. After thirty-two years a police officer he died July 23,
1905, and was buried with G. A. R. honors.
The make up of Company G were mechanics, and, on returning home,
their services were in such demand that but few of them comparatively
re-enlisted for the second time. They were nearly all New Bedford and
Dartmouth men, and as the world goes they were a fine set of fellows.
Like all others of the companies of the Third Regiment, more than
fifty per cent. of this company have answered the last roll call,
while their relatives are reaping the benefits of their sacrifice
and toil in the Southland. Some of those still living have gone to
distant parts never to return. So far as known they have all been
good citizens, while many of them have made their mark in the world
of finance, and are well to do business men.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY G, NEW BEDFORD.
[The first figures indicate the age at enlistment: the city and
town, the place of enlistment.]
[CORRECTED BY CAPT. JAMES L. WILBER, SAMUEL S. BROADBENT, AND
LIEUT. PATRICK CANNAVAN.]
WILLIAM S. COBB, Captain; 43; New Bedford. Dead.
HENRY W. BRIGGS, First Lieutenant; 33; New Bedford. Dead.
JAMES L. WILBER, Second Lieutenant; 28; New Bedford. Died in New
Bedford, July 23, 1905.
CHARLES WEST, First Sergeant; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
WILLIAM F. CHACE, Sergeant; 28; New Bedford. Dead.
JOHN W. LOOK, Sergeant; 30; New Bedford. Carpenter. Lives in Marion.
ABEL SOULE, Jr., Sergeant; 34; New Bedford. Ship Carpenter. Lives in
New Bedford.
ROLAND W. SNOW, Sergeant; 29; New Bedford. Dead.
SIMEON WEBB, Corporal; 36; New Bedford. Dead.
THOMAS F. HAMMOND, Corporal; 21; New Bedford. Dead.
WILLIAM G. DUNHAM; Corporal; 28; New Bedford. Letter Carrier, New
Bedford.
ANDREW PORTER, Corporal; 29; New Bedford. Dead.
WILLIAM ELDRIDGE, Corporal; New Bedford. Dead.
JOHN L. FLYNN, Corporal; 32; New Bedford. Dead.
GEORGE W. PERRY, Corporal; 33; New Bedford. Carpenter. Resides in New
Bedford.
IRA P. TRIPP, Corporal; 34; New Bedford. Salesman in store corner of
Union and Sixth Streets, New Bedford.
_Privates._
ALLEN, JOSEPH H.; 21; New Bedford. Supposed to be living in Brockton.
ALLEN, GEORGE F.; 22; New Bedford. Unknown.
ALGER, CHARLES, JR.; 18; New Bedford. Re-enlisted. Unknown.
ATCHISON, MARTIN; 18; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Fourth Cavalry.
Lives in Colorado.
ALBRO, ALFRED; 21; Dartmouth. Unknown.
AKIN, CHARLES R.; 37; New Bedford. Served in Fourth Cavalry. Dead.
ATWOOD, LUTHER; 38; New Bedford. Deserted Oct. 22, 1862. Dead.
BACON, DAVID B.; 31; New Bedford. Dead.
BEARSE, ZACHARIAH S.; 21; New Bedford. Unknown.
BESSE, DANIEL; 34; New Bedford. Dead.
BOWMAN, JOSEPH B.; 42; New Bedford. Dead.
BOLING, JOHN M.; 27; New Bedford. Unknown.
BLISS, CHARLES; 36; New Bedford. Dead.
BOLLES, JAMES C.; 20; New Bedford. Lives in California.
BURDICK, BENJAMIN F.; 27; New Bedford. Lives at Nantucket.
BRADLEY, DAVID; 28; New Bedford. Dead.
CARROLL, JAMES N.; 18; New Bedford. Unknown.
COLLINS, JAMES; 21; New Bedford. Unknown.
CHASE, COLLINS; 30; New Bedford. Wheelwright. Lives in New Brunswick.
COBB, WILLIAM S., JR.; 21; New Bedford. Dead.
CONNOLLY, JAMES; 30; New Bedford. Unknown.
CHASE, WILLIAM H.; 40; New Bedford. Unknown.
CROY, WILLIAM D.; 22; Dartmouth. Discharged May 30, 1863, to
re-enlist. Unknown.
CLARK, JAMES; 26; New Bedford. Discharged May 30, 1863, to re-enlist.
Unknown.
DAVIS, JAMES A.; 26; New Bedford. Dead.
DUNHAM, THOMAS S.; 18; New Bedford. Dead.
DURPEE, BENJAMIN; 18; New Bedford. Went to California. Unknown.
DEXTER, EZRA F.; 43; New Bedford. Lives near Boston.
EDWARDS, JOHN; 29; New Bedford. Dead.
FLAHAVEN, JOHN; 28; New Bedford. Unknown.
FRENCH, JOHN F.; 27; New Bedford. Unknown.
FLEET, JAMES; 33; New Bedford. Dead.
FREEMAN, JOSIAH; 23; New Bedford. Lives at Nantucket.
GIFFORD, WILLIAM F.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.
GIFFORD, SAMUEL T.; 30; New Bedford. Dead.
GIFFORD, CHARLES C.; 18; New Bedford. Sergeant of the police. Lives
in New Bedford.
GARLICK, REUBEN A.; 19; Dartmouth. Unknown.
HAZARD, JOHN F.; 27; New Bedford. Dead.
HASKINS, WILLIAM A.; 18; New Bedford. Unknown.
HATHAWAY, FREDERICK A.; 18; New Bedford. Sailmaker. Lives in New
Bedford.
HARRINGTON, DANIEL; 23; New Bedford. Deserted Oct. 21, 1862.
JENNY, SANFORD, JR.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.
JOSEPH, WILLIAM R.; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
KING, ISAAC; 44; New Bedford. Dead.
KEENE, EBENEZER S.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.
KING, ALFRED C.; 21; New Bedford. Unknown.
LINEHAN, JOHN; 37; New Bedford. Dead.
LEWIS, BENJAMIN F.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
LOOK, GILBERT A.; 31; New Bedford. Dead.
LONG, GEORGE R.; 34; New Bedford. Dead.
LYNG, WILLIAM; 18; New Bedford. Laborer. Lives in New Brunswick.
MACK, ANDREW N.; 18; New Bedford. Dead.
MOSHER, FOLDER B.; 36; New Bedford. Dead.
MOSHER, CALEB P.; 34; New Bedford. Dead.
MATTHEWS, BARAK E.; 41; New Bedford. Dead.
MCCANN, EDWARD; 35; New Bedford. Dead.
MAXFIELD, CHARLES H.; 18; New Bedford. In clothing store. Lives in
Providence, R. I.
MOLTRAM, JOHN; 29; New Bedford. Resides in Providence, R. I.
MINOR, BARNEY; 35; New Bedford. Deserted and discharged for
disability.
NORTON, FRANCIS; 35; Edgartown. Dead.
PAINE, HENRY K.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.
PACKARD, GEORGE F.; 31; New Bedford. Unknown.
PARKER, GEORGE W.; 22; New Bedford. Unknown.
PERRY, LYMAN C.; 42; New Bedford. Dead.
PIERCE, CHARLES C.; 21; New Bedford. Unknown.
PIERCE, CHARLES H.; 18; New Bedford. Dead.
PARSONS, LEWIS G.; 22; New Bedford. Discharged March 3, 1863, for
disability.
PRATT, HENRY B.; 21; New Bedford. Discharged March 19, 1863, for
disability.
RICHARDS, SILAS N.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.
SALISBURY, ROBERT; 31; New Bedford. Unknown.
SMITH, SAMUEL D.; 43; New Bedford. Supposed to be dead.
SMITH, JOHN S.; 44; New Bedford. Dead.
SISSON, GEORGE F.; 41; New Bedford. Unknown.
SLOCUM, WILLIAM; 19; New Bedford. Dead.
SPOONER, SAMUEL K.; 44; New Bedford. Dead.
TABER, CORNELIUS G.; 32; New Bedford. Dead.
TABER, THEODORE A.; 21; New Bedford. Unknown.
TABER, DANIEL G.; 41; New Bedford. Unknown.
TAYLOR, WILLIAM W.; 24; New Bedford. Dead.
TIGHE, JAMES D.; 19; New Bedford. Unknown.
TRIPP, SYLVANUS A.; 41; New Bedford. Supposed to be dead.
TRIPP, GEORGE H. W.; 26; New Bedford. Discharged April 30, 1863, for
disability. Dead.
TILLINGHAST, WILLIAM A.; 19; New Bedford. Fire Engine Driver. Dead.
WILKIE, DAVID; 20; New Bedford. Unknown.
WHITEHEAD, THOMAS; 41; New Bedford. Dead.
WILBUR, HENRY C.; 21; Edgartown. Unknown.
CHAPTER XI.
COMPANY H, THIRD MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY WILLIAM H. LUTHER, MEMBER OF COMPANY H.]
[This is not claimed to be a perfect history, but it is believed
to be as perfect a record as can be secured at this late date.
When not otherwise indicated, the person is supposed to have been
mustered out with his regiment.]
The immediate cause for the raising of Company H was the call of
President Lincoln for three hundred thousand men to put down the
Rebellion, and the incentive was a bounty of two hundred dollars
offered to every man who enlisted. The formation of a company
from the towns of Rehoboth, Somerset, Dighton, and Swansea, was a
happy thought, as the quota called for from these four towns would
make a full company. Meetings were held in each of these places
and recruiting offices were opened. Nathaniel B. Horton was the
recruiting officer for Rehoboth, Noah Chase for Dighton, William
P. Hood for Somerset, and Allen Mason for Swansea. These four
officers with their towns seemed to vie with each other in raising
the required number, and so great was the enthusiasm that within a
very short time the company was full. Then came the question of a
captain and two lieutenants. Somerset having the largest number, was
supposed to have the first choice to the captaincy, and the other
three towns were to select the lieutenants and non-commissioned
officers according to their best judgment. A Mr. Davis, of Somerset,
was mentioned for captain, and it was graciously accorded to him,
while the first lieutenancy was accorded to Otis A. Baker, of
Rehoboth; but on the day of organization Mr. Davis declined his
position and the way was left clear for the election of Otis A.
Baker. No records can now be found giving the date of election of
officers. The best that can be learned is that it was held on a
very hot Saturday afternoon in the old Hornbine Church in Southeast
Rehoboth, about the last of August or the first of September, 1862.
Otis A. Baker was unanimously elected captain; Robert Crossman,
2d, of Dighton, first lieutenant; and Joseph Gibbs, of Somerset,
second lieutenant. Swansea was accorded her full share of the
non-commissioned officers.
[Illustration: CAPT. OTIS A. BAKER.]
The choice of Captain Baker was a happy one. His father, Ira S.
Baker, was one of the foremost men of Rehoboth, having held the
first offices of the town for years. He was also a member of the
House of Representatives in Boston. After graduating from the public
schools of Rehoboth Captain Baker learned the trade of a mason, in
which business he was very successful; notwithstanding, when the
war broke out he left his remunerative business in Providence, R.
I., and enlisted in Company A, First Rhode Island Detached Militia,
for three months. He served his full term, being engaged with his
regiment at the battle of Bull Run, where he received a wound in his
arm. Having been discharged and having recovered from his wound,
he re-enlisted as first sergeant in Company A, Fourth Rhode Island
Infantry, September, 1861, and was promoted to second lieutenant,
Nov. 20, 1861. He was with his regiment in the well remembered
Burnside Expedition, taking part in the capture of Roanoke Island and
the battle of Newbern, and remaining with his regiment until Aug. 11,
1862, when he resigned his commission. The cause of his resignation,
together with over half of the commissioned officers of the regiment,
was the action of Governor Sprague in taking an officer from another
regiment and giving him a place over them as one of the field
officers.
Soon after his arrival home I met Lieutenant Baker in Providence
and invited him to go with Company H as first lieutenant, it being
understood then that the captaincy was settled; his answer was that
he intended to see the war through and was ready for anything that
might offer. Lieutenant Baker at that time was twenty-four years
old; he was indeed a giant, standing six feet four in his stockings,
straight as an arrow, well versed in military tactics; and, although
the youngest of the captains in the Third Regiment, his ability
as officer was never questioned, nor had the company any reason
to regret its choice of him as their captain. Resolute by nature,
kind in heart, he was a man who did things; always doing his duty
regardless of consequences to himself. He exacted from every man
of his company a strict and impartial obedience to himself and to
all officers with whom they were to render duty. At the battle of
Kinston, N. C., as we were formed into line of battle, expecting
momentarily to be ordered to the front to take a more active part,
Captain Baker made this little speech, “In a few moments we shall be
where we shall see more active and more dangerous work, but no matter
what we may meet let not a man of you run until I run, but when you
see me run then let every man run like the devil.” Suffice it to
say, no man was seen running.
Lieutenant Crossman was highly esteemed by the whole company. His
quiet, unassuming manner caused every one to love him and to confide
in him; he was a true man and a true soldier. He demonstrated his
patriotism by re-enlisting in the Fifty-eighth Regiment, in which he
was elected captain, and was with his company at the battle of Cold
Harbor, where he was wounded terribly in the shoulder; an injury
from which he never recovered. There can be little doubt that this
shortened his life many years. He died at Taunton, July 25, 1876.
Lieutenant Gibbs was a whole-hearted, first-class man, against whom
there was never heard a word of censure, nor was there one spot on
his splendid character. Being detached early for signal service, he
was with us but a short time, almost all of his term of nine months
being spent in Charleston Harbor, S. C., where he rendered very
satisfactory service to his commanding officer.
But a few days elapsed after our organization before we were ordered
to go into camp at Lakeville, Mass. We were to meet at Somerset
village, from which place we were to be conveyed across the river
in rowboats to take the cars for camp. Arriving there late in the
afternoon, we found the most of the regiment in barracks, and were
assigned our place among the other companies for the night. Such a
night. The boys were full of sport and determined to have a good
time, which they did to their heart’s content. It is safe to say no
one slept that night within a radius of a quarter of a mile. There
was every kind of a noise imaginable, and some that were never heard
before nor since. Speeches were made, songs sung, hens cackling,
roosters crowing, turkeys gobbling, ducks quacking, pigs squealing
and bulls bellowing; but all this was due to leaving home, and still
having home with us. What could be expected of a hundred men just
leaving home, and as yet having no military restraint put on them?
The following night some of us were put on guard, with a four-foot
cord stick as our weapon of defense; what great things we declared
we would do should the Rebs come down on us suddenly; but we were
getting ready for the hard and dangerous work before us, upon which
we were soon to enter.
In a few days the mustering officer came and we were inspected and
mustered into the service of Uncle Sam. Some of our men were beyond
the forty-five year limit, but all passed except one, Samuel H. Vial,
who had in the company a son George, and who upon being asked his age
gave it honestly as forty-nine. Of course he was rejected. The oldest
man in the company was Peleg Swift of Somerset, a giant in size and
strength, but gray-haired. Upon being asked his age, he replied,
“Forty-four.” “Is that all?” asked the mustering officer. “That is
what my good mother called me,” replied Peleg. He was accepted,
although fourteen years beyond the law limit. No better soldier ever
carried a musket, and no one ever knew of his dropping out on the
tiresome marches. He was killed at Petersburg by a rebel shell.
The material composing Company H were worthy, steady farmers’ boys,
with the addition of several iron workers from Somerset and Dighton.
Many of the men were old neighbors at home, several of them being
from the same families. For instance, there were four pairs of
brothers, and when one heard from home all the others were interested
to hear the news. No more rugged or better men than Company H ever
enlisted. Accustomed from early life to hard work, plain, and good
fare, and the best of health, they were already fitted for the
hardships of the march and the privations of soldier life. They were
an honest set of men, and anything left in their tents was sure to be
found where it was left.
Of the military experiences of Company H I will say nothing, as the
history of the company is the history of the regiment. It was never
on detached or detailed duty, and wherever the regiment went there
went Company H. There are no tragic events to record. The company has
the unique distinction of bringing home every man that went out with
it. It is the only company of which I have any knowledge that served
so long a period in the war and never lost a man, either by sickness
or by bullet. I believe this is due largely to the early life and
temperate habits of the men of this company; but we cannot close our
eyes to the fact that since the close of the war more than fifty-two
per cent. have answered the last call.
In conclusion, let me extend my thanks to those comrades who so ably
assisted me in gathering facts, especially to Captain Baker, Comrade
Walker, of Dighton, and Samuel L. Buffington of Swansea. Those men,
together with the record of the company in 1862, and notes and facts
preserved in diaries, has made it possible at this late date to write
such a correct history of the company. We are growing old, our ranks
are fast thinning, our roll calls are growing shorter and shorter,
it behooves us to quit ourselves like men. Like all other men I have
done many things for which I am sorry, and some things for which I am
ashamed, but there is one incident in my life of which I am neither
sorry nor ashamed, and that is the fact that I enlisted and served in
Company H, Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY H, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS
VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city and town,
the place of enlistment.]
OTIS A. BAKER, Captain; 24; Rehoboth. Enlisted as a private in
Company A, First Rhode Island Detached Militia, April 16, 1861.
Wounded at battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Discharged. Re-enlisted
in September, 1861, first sergeant of Company A, Fourth Rhode Island
Infantry. Promoted second lieutenant, Nov. 20, 1861. Resigned, Aug.
11, 1862. Re-enlisted Sept. 18, 1862. Chosen captain of Company
H, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Mustered out
June 26, 1863. Re-enlisted Aug. 1, 1864; captain of the Eighteenth
Unattached Company. Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Discharged Nov.
14, 1864. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864; captain of Eighteenth Unattached
Company for one year, or until the close of the war. Mustered out May
12, 1865. Resides in Rehoboth, Mass.
ROBERT CROSSMAN, 2d, First Lieutenant; 34; Dighton. Mustered out
with regiment, June 26, 1863. Re-enlisted and was chosen captain in
the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. Wounded at battle of Cold
Harbor. Discharged for disability, Oct. 11, 1864. For many years one
of the State Constabulary. Died in Taunton, July 25, 1876.
JOSEPH GIBBS, Second Lieutenant; 35; Somerset. Detached Nov. 21,
1862, for signal corps service. On duty at Port Royal and at
Charleston Harbor, during the bombardment of Charleston. Died Apr. 7,
1863.
ARNOLD D. BROWN, First Sergeant; 24; Rehoboth. Enlisted May 26, 1862,
as a private in Co. B, Tenth Rhode Island Infantry. Discharged Sept.
1, 1862. Re-enlisted in Company H, Third Massachusetts Volunteers.
Discharged June 26, 1863. Re-enlisted sergeant-major Third Rhode
Island Cavalry, Aug. 7, 1863. Promoted second lieutenant Feb. 6,
1864. Discharged 1865. Died Oct. 26, 1874.
GEORGE F. M. FORRESTER, Sergeant; 38; Somerset. Farmer; for many
years a resident of Somerset. Dead.
EDWIN HASKINS, Sergeant; 24; Dighton. Moulder. Resides in North
Dighton.
JONATHAN W. THURBER, Sergeant; 23; Swansea. Re-enlisted. Sergeant of
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Aug.
1, 1864. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Died in Seekonk, January, 1904.
SAMUEL W. GIBBS, Sergeant; 23; Somerset. Farmer. Resides in Somerset.
HENRY H. LOTHROP, Corporal; 24; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted in navy. Lost
at sea from a United States Transport in 1865.
SYLVANUS D. JONES, Corporal; 34; Dighton. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864;
corporal in Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia. Discharged May 12, 1865. Dead.
JAMES MCNEIL, Corporal; 34; Swansea. Detailed corporal of Pioneer
Corps. Dead.
ISAIAH B. CASE, Corporal; 20; Seekonk. Lives in Philadelphia, Penn.
Proprietor of a restaurant.
JOSIAH L. HORTON, Corporal; 21; Dighton. Died Dec. 28, 1890.
CHARLES B. PECKHAM, Corporal; 36; Somerset. Dead.
DANIEL BRIGGS, Corporal; 21; Dighton. Dead.
HORACE L. HORTON, Corporal; 19; Swansea. Farmer. Resides in Rehoboth.
JAMES M. EVANS, Musician; 25; Dighton. For many years a grain dealer
in Taunton; also connected with the Nickel Plate Works. Dead.
ALLEN B. LUTHER, Musician; 20; Rehoboth. Died Oct. 13, 1864.
MARK P. CHASE, Wagoner; 19; Somerset. Unknown.
JASON W. FULLER, Wagoner; 37; Rehoboth. Discharged for disability,
Nov. 27, 1863. Died May 30, 1896.
_Privates._
BLISS, JOSHUA S.; 21; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted as first sergeant in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,
Aug. 1, 1864. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth
Unattached Company, Dec. 10, 1864. Discharged May 12, 1865. A lumber
dealer in Buffington, N. Y.
BUFFINGTON, SAMUEL L.; 18; Swansea. Mustered out with regiment.
Supposed to be living in Swansea.
BUFFINGTON, GEORGE O.; 18; Swansea. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth
Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Aug. 10, 1864.
Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Farmer. Resides in Swansea.
BABBITT, NATHANIEL M.; 39; Dighton. Farmer. Resides in Dighton.
BRIGGS, OLIVER H.; 28; Dighton. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864. Discharged May
12, 1865. Sutler. Resides in Washington, D. C.
BELDEN, WILLIAM H.; 22; Dighton. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, and made
a corporal. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Resides in Fall River.
BULLOCK, GILBERT D.; 34; Rehoboth. Farmer. Died in Hebronville,
Mass., Dec. 25, 1904.
CHACE, GEORGE F.; 18; Somerset. Dead.
CHACE, GEORGE A.; 18; Somerset. Treasurer of Chace Corporation.
CHACE, BENJAMIN F.; 28; Somerset. Dead.
CHACE, WILLIAM P.; 32; Swansea. Resided in Somerset for years. Dead.
CHACE, EDWIN; 19; Dighton. Resided in Dighton for years. Dead.
CHACE, BAYLIES R.; 20; Somerset. On detached duty at Plymouth, N. C.
Originally a member of the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts. Discharged for
disability. Inspector in Providence.
CHACE, HERBERT A.; 20; Dighton. Discharged for disability Mar. 27,
1863. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, in Eighteenth Unattached Company,
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Died June, 30, 1879.
CARMICHAEL, JOHN B.; 19; Somerset. Residence, unknown.
CURTIS, GEORGE E.; 23; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864, in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Discharged May 12, 1865. Resides in East Providence.
CARROLL, MICHAEL; 26; Somerset. Dead.
DAVIS, NATHAN S.; 33; Somerset. Dead.
FARRELL, DOMINICK; 45; Rehoboth. Resided in Somerset. Dead.
FRANCIS, DARIUS P.; 22; Rehoboth. Died in Attleboro, Apr. 12, 1891.
FRANCIS, DAVID W.; 21; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864.
Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Farmer. Resides in Rehoboth.
GOFF, HENRY N.; 39; Dighton. Detailed in Pioneer Corps. Re-enlisted
Aug. 10, 1864, in Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Died in Dighton, Mar. 8,
1889.
GOFF, ANDREW J.; 22; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864. Discharged
Nov. 14, 1864. Died Nov. 25, 1899.
GREEN, GEORGE; 36; Rehoboth. Died in East Providence, Jan. 7, 1900.
HOOD, DAVID B.; 18; Somerset. Unknown.
HARRINGTON, DANIEL; 33; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted in Company C, Third
Rhode Island Cavalry, Oct. 13, 1863. Discharged Nov. 29, 1865. Died
in Warren, R. I., Apr. 12, 1891.
HATHAWAY, GEORGE W.; 39; Somerset. Detailed in Pioneer Corps. Unknown.
HATTEN, JOHN R.; 25; Somerset. Dead.
HOLTEN, MICHAEL; 29; Somerset. Dead.
HORTON, ALFRED A.; 20; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, in
Eighteenth Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Discharged Nov.
14, 1864. Farmer. Resides in Dighton.
HICKS, JOHN F.; 24; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864, in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Resides in East Providence.
HARDY, SAMUEL; 39; Dighton. Died Aug. 31, 1881.
HALL, WILLIAM H.; 22; Somerset. Residence unknown.
HILL, THOMAS; 44; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864, in Eighteenth
Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Discharged May
10, 1865. Died Nov. 10, 1897.
HANDLEY, EDWARD; 19; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached
Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Aug. 10, 1864. Discharged
Nov. 14, 1864. Farmer. Resides in East Providence.
HANDLEY, ANDREW A.; 18; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted in Third Rhode Island
Cavalry, Sept. 15, 1863. Discharged Nov. 29, 1865. Died Apr. 21, 1892.
KINGSLEY, AMOS N.; 18; Swansea. Re-enlisted. Unknown.
KENT, ALVA B.; 19; Rehoboth. Died in Providence, August, 1871.
LUTHER, WILLIAM H.; 22; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted as corporal of
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,
Aug. 10, 1864. Discharged Nov. 10, 1864. Re-enlisted as sergeant
of Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia,
Dec. 10, 1864. Discharged May 12, 1865. Town Clerk of Rehoboth for
eighteen years. Bookkeeper in Pawtucket. Resides at 132 Grove Ave.,
East Providence.
LUTHER, HALE S.; 32; Rehoboth. Detached in Signal Corps, Nov. 14
1862, with Lieutenant Gibbs. One of the selectmen of Rehoboth.
Elected to General Court, 1875. Died Apr. 22, 1895.
LINCOLN, ALVIN C.; 20; Dighton. In Alaska when last heard from.
LAHNE, PETER F.; 23; Somerset. Lived and died in Somerset.
LAMPSON, JOHN R.; 20; Somerset. Resides in Maine.
MARBLE, GEORGE W.; 24; Somerset. Dead.
MARBLE, ALEXANDER H.; 21; Somerset. Oysterman. Resides in Somerset.
MOSHER, EDWARD F.; 28; Somerset. Believed to be dead.
MARTIN, ALBERT F.; 20; Swansea. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864. Discharged
May 10, 1865. Dead.
MOULTON, JAMES F.; 22; Rehoboth. Died May 4, 1883.
MAKER, WILLIAM H.; 25; Swansea. On detached service at Plymouth, N.
C. Discharged for disability Nov. 13, 1863. Resides in Warren, R. I.
PIERCE, ABRAHAM; 31; Rehoboth. Died Dec. 1, 1890.
PIERCE, EZRA V. B.; 21; Swansea. Farmer. Resides in Rehoboth.
PIERCE, WILLIAM C.; 39; Somerset. Discharged for disability, Mar. 2,
1863. Dead.
PADELFORD, SILAS M.; 28; Somerset. Resides in Dighton.
PURINGTON, SAMUEL C.; 21; Somerset. Re-enlisted as sergeant in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Discharged Nov. 14, 1864. Residence unknown.
READ, JAMES O.; 18; Dighton. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached
Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Aug. 6, 1864. Discharged
June 10, 1865. Superintendent of City Asylum, Pawtucket, R. I.
REYNOLDS, WILLIAM; 30; Swansea. Re-enlisted Aug. 10, 1864. Discharged
Nov. 14, 1864. Died 1893.
ROACH, JAMES; 29; Rehoboth. Died in Coventry, R. I., 1868.
RYAN, WILLIAM; 37; Somerset. Discharged for disability, May 27, 1863.
SHOVE, CHARLES H.; 25; Swansea. Believed to be living; residence
unknown.
SLADE, ALFRED L.; 21; Swansea. Dead.
SWIFT, DANIEL E.; 18; Somerset. Dead.
SWIFT, PELEG; 44; Somerset. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached
Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864.
Re-enlisted and was killed before Petersburg.
SMITH, STEPHEN N.; 26; Dighton. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached
Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Discharged Nov. 14, 1864.
Died Oct. 7, 1894.
SMITH, LEPRILET C; 28; Dighton. Died Nov. 25, 1893.
SULLIVAN, JEREMIAH; 18; Somerset. Unknown.
SIMMONS, OLIVER; 35; Somerset. Re-enlisted Dec. 10, 1864, in
Eighteenth Unattached Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Discharged May 12, 1865. Died.
SHERMAN, IRA M.; 35; Somerset. Dead.
THURBER, JEREMIAH; 22; Rehoboth. Farmer. Resides in Swansea.
TRIPP, JOHN E.; 19; Swansea. Re-enlisted Aug. 5, 1864, in Company G,
Second Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Discharged Sept. 3,
1865. Dead.
TRIPP, GEORGE A.; 32; Rehoboth. Dead.
TALBOT, CHARLES H.; 20; Dighton. Farmer. Resides in Somerset.
VIAL, GEORGE H.; 24; Rehoboth. Died in Barrington, R. I., 1890.
WALKER, NATHAN O.; 23; Dighton. Farmer. Resides in Dighton.
WALKER, GEORGE A.; 32; Dighton. Died in Dighton, July, 1863.
WINK, ADAM; 24; Dighton. Detailed in Pioneer Corps. Re-enlisted Dec.
10, 1864. Discharged May 12, 1865. Residence unknown.
WELCH, JOHN W.; 37; Somerset. Residence unknown.
WESTCOTT, HENRY N.; 29; Dighton. Detailed as corporal of carpenters,
Oct. 30, 1862. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached Company,
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and promoted to second lieutenant.
Died Sept. 13, 1888.
WILLIAMS, HENRY A.; 30; Dighton. Re-enlisted in Eighteenth Unattached
Company, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Aug. 10, 1864. Discharged
as sergeant Nov. 14, 1864. Selectman in Dighton for many years. Died
July 3, 1895.
WILLIAMS, CALEB; 41; Rehoboth. Re-enlisted Jan. 21, 1864, in Company
B, Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. Died May, 1903.
WILLIAMS, EDMUND; 25; Rochester. Believed to be dead.
WELDEN, SILAS H.; 23; Swansea. On detached service at Plymouth, N.
C. Discharged for disability Nov. 2, 1863. Re-enlisted in Company D,
Sixtieth Massachusetts. Farmer. Resides in Dighton.
CHAPTER XII.
COMPANY I, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY LIEUT. JABEZ M. LYLE.]
The signal service rendered by Company I, and the casualties suffered
by it, make it quite proper to give a somewhat detailed history of
its formation and of the general character of the men composing it.
The following account is taken from an interesting paper written by
Lieutenant J. M. Lyle, and is given in almost his own words:
“In the summer of 1862, President Lincoln, notwithstanding the
prophesies of the wise men by whom he was surrounded,--that the
rebellion would be crushed in a very short time,--found that the
Civil War had lasted more than a year, and that it was necessary
to use more extreme measures if the war was to be closed in favor
of the North, so he called for three hundred thousand men; but
still having in mind the idea that the war must soon be brought to
a close, he offered to take a large part of this vast number as
volunteers for nine months.
“The Third Regiment of Militia which had already served one term at
the front and been honorably discharged again volunteered, and Col.
Silas P. Richmond was authorized to recruit the regiment to the
full standard to serve nine months.
[Illustration: CAPT. BARNABAS EWER, JR.]
“Capt. Barnabas Ewer, Jr., obtained authority to recruit a company
from Fairhaven and adjoining towns, to be known as Company I,
Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. I think it was in
the month of August when Captain Ewer opened an office in Centre
Street, under the old Town Hall, and invited volunteers to come
forward and sign their names on the company roll. After a time
of more or less discouragement a company of one hundred and one
officers and men was raised, of which number forty-two were from
Fairhaven, twenty from Mattapoisett, fourteen from Rochester,
twelve from Lakeville, five from Marion, two from Falmouth,
two from New Bedford, and one each from Acushnet, Wareham, and
Litchfield, Me.
“The company officers were at first, Barnabas Ewer, Jr.,
captain; Solomon K. Eaton, first lieutenant; and Jabez M. Lyle,
second lieutenant. Feb. 23, 1863, Lieutenant Eaton resigned on
account of ill-health, and, on April 8, 1863, Lieutenant Lyle
was commissioned first lieutenant, and Joshua H. Wilkey was
commissioned second lieutenant.
“This company was composed of men from many different walks in
life, farmers, mechanics, business men, clerks, students in
college, and teachers. Their ages as given ranged from eighteen to
forty-five years. Too many troublesome questions along this line
were not asked. With one exception they were American born; this
one exception, poor fellow, was the first one killed. No one was
discharged before the expiration of the term of service, and no
one was punished for misbehavior. Since their muster out, the men,
so far as I have been able to learn, have proved themselves of no
mean order, filling their different stations with honor from humble
citizens of toil to judge upon the bench of the Supreme Court.
“Sept. 22, 1862, the company reported at Camp Joe Hooker, in
Lakeville, where it remained until October 22d, when the regiment
broke camp and proceeded to Boston with orders to report to
Major-General Foster, at Newbern, North Carolina.
“November 30th we were detached from the regiment, and, with about
thirty men from the different companies who were found unable to do
full duty, we started at night on board steamer _Northern Light_,
for Plymouth, N. C. We reached there December 1st, relieving a
large body of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, who returned to
Newbern. Here our numbers were increased by a small company of
infantry and thirty cavalry recruited from the natives in that
vicinity, and known by us under the title of “Buffaloes.” Lying
in the waters, of the Roanoke, there were rarely less than three
or four, sometimes many more gunboats. Commander Flusser, of a
first-class reputation as a fighting man, was in command of the
naval force. We found our duty to be patrol, guard, and picket.
The arrangement between the land and naval forces was that the
land force was to give immediate alarm to the naval force of the
approach of the enemy, and then at once retire to the Custom House
on the bank of the river, when the gunboats would shell the woods,
and, if need be, the town; and in this manner keep the rebels from
entering the place.
“On the 10th of December at 5.30 A. M., a most beautiful moonlight
morning, an alarm was sounded by the picket, and soon we heard
the patrol calling, ‘The rebels are coming.’ Lieutenant Eaton
was off duty sick; so Captain Ewer ordered me to go to company
headquarters and get the men in line, while he visited the other
companies and notified the gunboat. I was quickly at the quarters
of the company and found the men already in line in charge of
Sergeant Wilkey. We waited in this position, hearing nothing more
of the rebels. Presently Captain Ewer came to the company and
asked if anything new had occurred; I told him everything was as
quiet as death. At this point it is well to state that the evening
before all the gunboats save one, which had just arrived and was
a very large one with a full complement of men and a very heavy
armament, had gone down the river to coal. In a few minutes Captain
Ewer ordered me to take an escort and visit a picket about half a
mile from where we were, and on a road parallel to the one where
the alarm had been given, and see if anything could be heard of
the cause of the alarm. Calling for volunteers, Corporal Mendell,
Albert Wilcox, and Elisha Dexter came forward. We visited the
picket named, and could learn only that a sound of moving wagons
had been heard some time previous, but as nothing further had been
heard the noise must have been made by wagons going up the country
outside of our lines. As we started to return to the company, we
heard the rebels coming down the road at the foot of which Company
I was posted. This force of the enemy was composed of the Sixteenth
Regiment of North Carolina Infantry with two pieces of artillery,
and one hundred and five cavalrymen under Colonel Lamb. The cavalry
charged on Company I, yelling like demons. As they were about to
strike the company, Sergeant Wilkey ordered the men to make a half
wheel to the right and fire. This was done and they retired to the
Custom House. Before the company had time to start, the cavalry had
run across the line, taken fourteen prisoners, and wounded a number
of others. On reaching the Custom House the balance of the garrison
were found already there. Up to this time the gunboat had done
nothing. The enemy located one piece of artillery on the bank of
the river and opened fire on her. The first shot went through her
smokestack and the second into her steam chest; when the cry came
that her boiler had burst, upon which her captain ordered her cable
slipped, and she was soon drifting down the river, meanwhile firing
into the town as she slowly drifted away. On reaching the Custom
House our men at once occupied the windows, and when the cavalry
attempted to pass a little later, they found it too hot for them
and retired. The rebel infantry on entering the village, picketed
each cross street to prevent anyone escaping, and also set fire to
the houses. A piece of artillery located on a rise of ground where
it had the range of the Custom House, sent nine shots into the
upper corner, one which fatally wounded young Francis Stoddard. At
this time the rebels suddenly retreated. In this action the company
lost two men killed, Sullivan and Stoddard, several wounded,
fourteen taken prisoners; a number of citizens were drowned or
killed.
“After this we had a quiet time, engaged in picket and guard duty,
but somewhat apprehensive of a visit from a ram, christened by the
boys “Roanoke Sheep,” that we knew was only a few miles up the
river waiting for a chance to visit us. This ram did come down
later, clearing all before it until Lieutenant Cushing succeeded in
blowing it up.
“We had a large number of contrabands, horses and mules to look
after, and as Captain Ewer did not feel authorized to feed them
with government rations we did considerable foraging outside the
lines. Three foraging expeditions fell to my lot to conduct. One
of these occasions is worth relating. We started early in the
morning with a number of wagons and volunteers from Company I to
go several miles outside of our lines to a barn where there was
a large lot of corn that we wanted. After we had proceeded some
distance beyond the picket line we saw a man coming on the run
waving his hands and acting very much excited. We halted until he
reached us and gave us the information that the rebels were at the
barn where we were going, and were loading up the corn to carry up
the country, and that the best thing for us to do was to go back
to camp. After carefully considering the matter, we concluded to
go on and see what we could discover. On reaching the vicinity of
the barn we dismounted and so arranged the men as to surround the
premises, and if possible capture all hands. Our attempt proved a
grand success. We took some thirteen wagons of all descriptions,
with all hands connected with them. After finishing the loading of
the captured wagons and our own, we started on our return. While
still outside our picket line, we saw a body of horsemen coming
on the gallop toward us. We halted, and formed our wagons and men
in the best shape we could to care for ourselves. They proved,
however, to be a body of our own cavalry who were coming to look
for us. The contraband whom we had met earlier in the day had
worked his way into the town and told his story to Captain Ewer,
and he had become anxious about us. We soon formed line again and
took up our camp campwards. After entering within the lines we met
the infantry coming out to see where we were: these so increased
our numbers that when we reached Plymouth we had a large column
of cavalry, infantry, rebels, with our train of wagons, and as we
passed headquarters received a royal welcome from the men from the
gunboats and citizens who were gathered on the street.
“One other expedition we will mention, caused by our guide, a man
named Giles, having been shot while he and Corporal Mendell were
entering the gate leading to the guide’s house. Giles was a native
and his home was outside our lines. Corporal Mendell reported the
incident to Captain Ewer, and it was not known for a certainty
whether or not the guide was dead. I was ordered to take a boat
and crew from Company I, in which were a number of sailors, and
visit the home of the guide to render him any needed aid and bring
him to town if possible. We started early in the morning, were all
day until ten o’clock at night. On reaching the house we found the
guide dead, and that there was nothing we could do.
“In these ways we spent our time until one day in March we saw
a steamer coming up the river carrying a general’s flag at the
fore. When the boat was made fast Company I was ordered to get
ready to go somewhere, we did not know where. It seems, however,
that General Palmer wanted to visit some of the outposts. One of
these was Edenton, and the men were allowed here to go ashore. On
returning to the steamer, some of the citizens reported to the
general that some silver was missing. The company was ordered to
fall in line on the wharf; knapsacks were unslung and carefully
inspected, but no silver was found. On swinging off, the steamer
headed for Elizabeth City. Here the company disembarked and spent
about two months in garrison duties, similar to those performed at
Plymouth. The major of the Eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia
had command of the post. Foraging became a part of our duty. One
expedition in this line is worthy of mention, showing how the
innocent may suffer imposition. We started one day under command of
an officer of some North Carolina troops. The expedition was made
up of a detail from the Eighth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, and Company I. We were absent two days and a night, and
the object was to procure rations as our commissary was getting
short. We were successful in finding corn, bacon, and some very
nice hams. These last were found by Company I. As we were about
to go ashore on our return, we noticed that the men of the Eighth
Regiment had on their overcoats, but in our innocence thought it
not strange, presuming they thought that the better way of carrying
them. The next day when we applied to the commissary for a share of
the hams, he informed us that none were turned in. It seems that
the men with overcoats had carried them away under their capes.
“We formed a part of an expedition sent one day to break up a camp
of guerillas, located some distance up the Dismal Swamp canal. We
used a little noisy steamer which gave a decided notice of our
coming, and, as might be expected, the guerillas took the hint and
left. All we could do was to burn the camp, which we did, and then
returned in safety.
“After about five months of garrison duty in Plymouth and Elizabeth
City, Company I was ordered to report at Newbern, when its
services became again a part of the regimental history.”
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY I, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY CORPORAL JAMES F. TRIPP AND COMRADE HENRY P. CROWELL.]
[The first figures indicate age at enlistment: the city or town,
the place of enlistment.]
BARNABAS EWER, JR., Captain; 50; Fairhaven. For years before the
war he was in the outfitting business. He raised Company I, and was
its captain during its nine months’ campaign in North Carolina. He
assisted in raising the Fifty-eighth Regiment and was commissioned
major of the same. He went with the regiment to the front and was
killed in action at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864.
SOLOMON R. EATON, First Lieutenant; 55; Mattapoisett. For many years
he was engaged in the architectural business, where he gained success
and renown. He resigned his office as first lieutenant February 23d,
on account of failing health, and died at Mattapoisett, Oct. 9, 1872.
JABEZ M. LYLE, Second Lieutenant; 30; Fairhaven. He was promoted to
first lieutenant, Apr. 3, 1863, and afterwards to captain in the
Twenty-third Unattached Company, One Hundred Days’ Men. After muster
out he taught school in Fairhaven. He was for quite awhile in the oil
business; then engaged in the real estate and insurance business,
which he still continues in New York City successfully. His address
is 1550 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Of Company I he says, “The
men of this company were quite the equal of any company in the Old
Third. Many of them were college graduates, and others were pursuing
their studies in college, which for the time they ceased to take up
again after they were mustered out of service. Since the war many
of these men became doctors, lawyers, one a judge in the courts of
Massachusetts, one the honored principal of the Friends Academy in
New Bedford; many have made their mark in business; and not one has
ever disgraced himself by misbehavior. A large number re-enlisted and
went to the front. All the officers save Lieutenant Eaton went the
second time, and some the third time into the service.”
As captain, Lieutenant Lyle recruited Company I to its fullest
strength. During his service he was acting adjutant for one month
in camp at Lakeville, acting quartermaster, commissary, ordnance
officer at Plymouth, N. C., and lastly he commanded two companies
at Readville, Mass., at the time of the second election of President
Lincoln.
JOSHUA M. WILKEY, Second Lieutenant; 26; Fairhaven. He was promoted
from first sergeant to second lieutenant, Apr. 3, 1863. He was
promoted first lieutenant in the Twenty-third Unattached Company;
also promoted captain in a company raised for one year. He died in
Fairhaven, Nov. 12, 1901.
JIRAH KINNEY, JR.; First Sergeant; 26; Mattapoisett. He was in the
First Rhode Island Detached Militia and took part in the battle of
Bull Run. After the war he returned to Mattapoisett, where he lived
until he moved to Buffalo, N. Y., his present residence.
LAWRENCE R. RANKIN, Sergeant; 23; Rochester. Believed to have been
killed in the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864.
THOMAS H. BOWEN, Sergeant; 21; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Apr. 30,
1879.
NELSON I. SWEET, Sergeant; 21; Fairhaven. After muster out he worked
for the Standard Oil Company until pensioned and retired by the same.
He resides in Brooklyn, N. Y.
ELISHA COPELAND, Sergeant; 26; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Apr. 3,
1886.
GEORGE, F. ROGERS, Sergeant; 21; Fairhaven. Died in Newbern, N. C.,
June 2, 1863.
SYLVANUS D. WATERMAN, Corporal; 21; Litchfield, Me. Died in Kentucky
several years ago.
HORACE P. TRIPP, Corporal; 24; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Apr. 29,
1864.
JESSIE A. WARNER, Corporal; 44; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, June
13, 1892.
NATHAN H. MENDALL, Corporal; 30; Marion. Believed to be living in
Rochester, Mass.
BENJAMIN H. STROWBRIDGE, Corporal; 40; Lakeville. Unknown.
JAMES N. COX, Corporal; 18; Fairhaven. Re-enlisted in Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Volunteer Militia as sergeant. Wounded in the Battle of
the Wilderness. Resides in Calmut, Mich.
BENJAMIN F. ROBINSON, Corporal; 20; Mattapoisett. Employed at State
Farm, Bridgewater.
JAMES F. TRIPP, Corporal; 28; Fairhaven. Prominent in town affairs.
Real estate agent. One of the officials at Dry Dock, Fairhaven.
Resides on Walnut Street, Fairhaven.
BENJAMIN BURT, Musician; 18; Fairhaven. Resides in New Brunswick, N.
J.
_Privates._
ALLEN, WILLIAM F.; 21; Fairhaven. Engaged in the life insurance
business in New York. Resides in Omaha Menger, N. Y.
ALLEN, CHARLES A.; 19; Marion. Resides in Marion.
BAKER, BENJAMIN T.; 18; Fairhaven. Resides in Whitinsville, Mass.
BARROWS, ALPHEUS; 21; Mattapoisett. Resides in Mattapoisett.
Re-enlisted in Second Heavy Artillery.
BENTON, CHARLES H.; 18; Lakeville. Unknown.
BOWEN, MARTIN; 18; Fairhaven. Died in Franklin, Pa., Aug. 25, 1899.
BRALEY, CHARLES G.; 22; Fairhaven. Living in Fairhaven.
BRIGGS, GEORGE P.; 20; Fairhaven. Resides in Cottage City.
BUTTS, JOSEPH A.; 20; Mattapoisett. Resides in New Bedford.
BENTON, WILLIAM H.; 41; Lakeville. Supposed to be dead.
BRALEY, GEORGE B.; 23; Fairhaven. Died in Marion, Mass.
BLANKENSHIP, JAMES W.; 19; Marion. Nothing known of his history since
muster out.
BISHOP, ISRAEL S.; 43; Rochester. According to best information he
died several years ago.
BOURNE, SYLVANUS, JR.; 22; Falmouth. Believed to be living in
Falmouth.
BOURNE, THOMAS B.; 19; Rochester. So far as known he still lives in
Rochester.
BISHOP, MICAH S.; 27; Rochester. Unknown.
CROWELL, THOMAS C.; 27; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, March 26, 1879.
CROWELL, HENRY P.; 21; Fairhaven. An honored and respected citizen of
Fairhaven, where he still resides.
CARSON, REUBEN; 22; Fairhaven. Died in Hyde Park, in 1904. Buried in
New Bedford.
COLE, CHARLES G.; 38; Lakeville. Unknown.
CRAPO, HENRY E.; 23; Rochester. Unknown.
COLE, THEODORE W.; 24; Rochester. Resides in New Bedford.
COLE, ALBERT L.; 44; Lakeville. Believed to be dead.
COLE, NELSON F.; 43; Lakeville. Unknown.
CARVER, GILBERT; 24; Lakeville. Unknown.
CRAPO, FRANCIS N.; 21; Rochester. Unknown.
CASWELL, WILLIAM F.; Fairhaven. Resides in New Bedford.
CROSBY, EDWARD F.; 18; Mattapoisett. Unknown.
DAMON, EDWARD F.; 21; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, March 23, 1866.
DAVIS, ALDEN; 32; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Sept. 13, 1901.
DEAN, WILLIAM; 36; Lakeville. Unknown.
DEXTER, ALBERT M.; 25; Mattapoisett. Died July 25, 1899.
DEXTER, ELISHA L.; 28; Mattapoisett. Unknown.
DEXTER, JAMES W.; 44; Mattapoisett. Died in 1890.
DODGE, GILBERT A.; 26; Marion. Resides in Orleans, Mass.
DILLINGHAM, EDWARD H.; 37; Fairhaven. Re-enlisted in Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers. Died in Petersburg, Va., March 8,
1865, and was buried in Virginia.
DUNHAM, GEORGE; 18; Fairhaven. Unknown.
ELLIS, DANIEL S.; 21; Mattapoisett. Died in Mattapoisett, Mar. 21,
1893.
ELLIS, WILLIAM T.; 20; Rochester. Died soon after muster out.
ELLIS, JOHN; 42; Acushnet. Unknown.
FREEBORN, JOHN P.; 22; Fairhaven. Resides in Newport.
GILLETT, ALBERT D.; 21; Fairhaven. Lives in Soldiers Home, Chelsea.
GILLETT, CHARLES W.; 24; Fairhaven. Resides in New Bedford.
GIFFORD, CHARLES H.; 23; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Jan. 20, 1904.
GIFFORD, WILLIAM C.; 18; Mattapoisett. Re-enlisted in Third Heavy
Artillery. Resides in Fairhaven.
HITCH, FREDERICK H.; 22; Fairhaven. Resides in New York.
HOLMES, HEMAN G.; 25; Mattapoisett. Master’s Mate at close of the
war. Member of school committee in Mattapoisett, where he still
resides.
HILLER, EBEN R.; 31; Mattapoisett. Died in Mattapoisett, May 1, 1890.
HAMMOND, JOHN W.; 24; Mattapoisett. One of the judges of the Supreme
Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Resides in Cambridge, Mass.
HAMMOND, ROWLAND; 20; Mattapoisett. Died in Campello, July 8, 1900.
INGRAHAM, WILLIAM H.; 35; Wareham. Died in Wareham.
INGRAHAM, ANDREW; 20; New Bedford. Resides in Cambridge, Mass.
JENKINS, WILLIAM; 22; Falmouth. Unknown.
LUCE, LEANDER; 24; New Bedford. Unknown.
LOBIE, FRANKLIN A.; 44; Mattapoisett. Died in Newbern, N. C., Jan.
19, 1863.
MARVELL, SAMUEL M.; 18; Fairhaven. Re-enlisted in Fifty-eighth
Regiment. Promoted sergeant. Taken prisoner and died in Salisbury
Prison, N. C., Dec. 29, 1864.
NYE, JOHN L.; 27; Rochester. Unknown.
POTTER, WILLIAM H.; 30; Marion. Resides in Marion.
PIERCE, LUCIUS; 30; Rochester. Unknown.
PAULL, ROGER; 23; Lakeville. Unknown.
PARIS, CALEB; 27; Lakeville. Died in Myricksville, Feb. 19, 1900.
PURRINGTON, WILLIAM B.; 19; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Apr. 1,
1865.
PURRINGTON, JOHN A.; 44; Mattapoisett. Died in New Bedford, Dec. 14,
1899.
RYDER, MADISON N.; 18; Rochester. Unknown.
RANDALL, FAYETTE E.; 18; Mattapoisett. Resides in Mattapoisett.
RANDALL, GEORGE W.; 26; Mattapoisett. Resides in New Bedford.
SAMPSON, ZABDIEL S.; 20; Fairhaven. Died in New York, 1900.
SMITH, ROLAND; 24; Fairhaven. Resides in Rock Station, Middleboro,
Mass.
SEARS, STEPHEN C.; 23; Rochester. Resides in Somerville, Mass.
SULLIVAN, MICHAEL; 26; Lakeville. Killed in action at Plymouth, N.
C., Dec. 10, 1862.
STODDARD, FRANCIS M.; 18; Fairhaven. Died in Plymouth, N. C.,
December 16th, from wounds received in action Dec. 10, 1862.
TINKHAM, CHARLES H.; 20; Mattapoisett. Died in Newbern, Nov. 30, 1862.
TABER, LORING P.; 18; Fairhaven. Died of wounds in Washington, D. C.,
June 23, 1864.
TOBY, JOHN A.; 23; Falmouth. Town Clerk of Falmouth.
TRIPP, HANDEL J.; 43; Rochester. Died in Foxboro, 1904.
WILBER, ISAIAH T.; 27; Rochester. Died in Mansfield, Mass., Feb. 9,
1901.
WESTGATE, STEPHEN; 18; Fairhaven. Resides in New Bedford.
WRIGHTINTON, THOMAS W.; 25; Fairhaven. Resides in Fairhaven.
WESTGATE, ANDREW; 33; Fairhaven. Died in Fairhaven, Feb. 16, 1904.
WILCOX, ALBERT M.; 30; Fairhaven. Resides in Fairhaven.
WOOD, LEMUEL C., JR.; 33; Fairhaven. Died in New Bedford in 1897.
WINSLOW, LEANDER; 27; Lakeville. Died in 1904.
CHAPTER XIII.
COMPANY K, THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA.
[WRITTEN BY CORPORAL HENRY MANLEY, MEMBER OF THE COMPANY.]
Company K was a new company recruited for the purpose of filling
the quota of the towns of East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater,
and Bridgewater. It was not connected with the Third Regiment of
Massachusetts Militia either before or after its term of service.
In the call for 300,000 three years’ men early in the summer of 1862,
the combined quota of the above-named towns was 102, and taking it
for granted that about the same number would be required under the
call of August 4th, for 300,000 men for nine months, concerted action
was taken in town meetings in each of those towns.
A very enthusiastic war meeting was held on the evening of
Aug. 18, 1862, in the town hall in East Bridgewater, at which
Joseph Chamberlain was president and Sergt. Morton D. Mitchell
was secretary. It was voted that it is expedient that East
Bridgewater, together with Bridgewater and West Bridgewater, should
endeavor to raise by voluntary enlistment a company to enter into the
United States service for nine months.
_Voted_, That Messrs. James Mitchell, Benjamin W. Harris and George
Bryant be a committee to wait upon the governor and request him to
appoint some person or persons, to engage in the enlistment of such
volunteers.
_Voted_, That Messrs. Richard M. Smith and William Allen be a
committee to consult with the citizens of Bridgewater and West
Bridgewater in relation to a meeting of the three towns for the
purpose of forming a military company.
It is probable that similar meetings were held in each of the other
towns, but no record of them has been found.
In West Bridgewater a town meeting was held on Aug. 22, 1862. It
was voted that a bounty of $150 be paid to volunteers for nine
months’ service, and it was recommended that the volunteers unite
with Bridgewater and East Bridgewater to form a company. It was
also recommended that the whole town attend a meeting to be held at
Agricultural Hall in Bridgewater on the following Wednesday (August
26th) for the purpose of forwarding the formation of a military
company. A committee had been chosen at a previous meeting to take
charge of recruiting, consisting of the Selectmen (James Howard,
Albert Copeland and George T. Ryder), together with one man from each
school district, as follows: William O. Alger, J. Q. Hartwell, Nahum
Snell, Samuel N. Howard, Charles E. Howard, Galen K. Richards, Thomas
Ames, Leavitt T. Howard.
In East Bridgewater at a town meeting held on Aug. 23, 1862, it
was voted to pay a bounty of $100 to volunteers for nine months’
service, and a committee of three was chosen to procure enlistments.
The committee consisted of Samuel Bates, John B. Fisher, and George
Bryant. The meeting also recommended to such of its inhabitants
as may enlist for nine months’ service that they unite with the
volunteers from the towns of Bridgewater and West Bridgewater in
forming a company.
[Illustration: CAPT. SAMUEL BATES.]
A town meeting was held in Bridgewater on Aug. 26, 1862, to raise
volunteers under the call for men to serve nine months. It was voted
that a committee of seven be chosen by the town to take in charge the
business of raising the number of volunteers necessary, also to pay
a bounty of $150 to each volunteer who shall enlist to the credit
of the town for nine months’ service. The committee chosen at this
meeting were F. B. King, Edward W. Bassett, Nathan Fobes, Almansor
Osborne, Lewis Holmes, and Holden W. Keith.
Shortly after this time a number of men from North Bridgewater and
Easton who had arranged to join the Fourth Regiment, learning that
this company was nearly full, and that the regiment was nearly ready
to leave for the seat of war, joined the company, completely filling
its ranks.
The mass meeting alluded to in the town meeting in West Bridgewater
was held in Agricultural Hall, Bridgewater, on the evening of
August 26th. The presiding officer was B. W. Harris, Esq., of East
Bridgewater. The vice-presidents were Hon. Artemas Hale, Col.
Samuel Leonard, Hon. J. H. Mitchell, Samuel G. Alden, James Howard,
and Capt. Joseph Kingman. The meeting is represented as of an
enthusiastic character, but no account of the addresses has been
discovered.
The company thus recruited was assigned to the Third Massachusetts
Infantry and named “Company K.”
It went into Camp in Lakeville, Mass., on Sept. 16, 1862, and was
the second company of the regiment to arrive at the camp. It was
given a patriotic and affectionate send-off by the people of the
Bridgewaters, and was escorted to the train and from the train at
Haskins Station to Camp Joe Hooker by the Bridgewater Cornet Band.
The barracks at Camp Joe Hooker were new. The main buildings, twenty
in number, were each about 70 × 25 feet on the floor and nine feet
high in the walls. They were built of matched boards, planed on
the inside, with good tight floors, and shingled roofs. The bunks
were built double “like two sinks, one above the other,” and each
accommodated four men, two in the upper and two in the lower berth.
Each barrack held one hundred men, or a company. They were well
ventilated and comfortable. The barracks, cook-houses, officers’
quarters, stables, etc., fifty buildings in all, were built in one
week.
The company consisted of one hundred and one men, exactly the legal
maximum for an infantry company. The towns furnishing the men were
as follows: Bridgewater, thirty-four; East Bridgewater, twenty-four;
West Bridgewater, twenty-five; North Bridgewater, eleven; Easton,
four; Middleboro, one; Boston, one; Gloucester, one; total, one
hundred and one. It will be seen from the above that the members of
the company were from contiguous territory with only two exceptions;
First Sergt. Winter was imported from Gloucester as a trained and
drilled man and was almost the only man in the company with military
experience even in the militia, and he had never been in the United
States service. With him came his friend “Natty” Ackerman who hailed
from Boston. The remainder of the company was recruited amongst
friends and neighbors. Nearly all were of American parentage, and
most of them were men of standing in the community both before and
since the war. They were “men of their hands,” too, and there are few
things that could not be built, or machines that could not be run by
members of the company.
The occupations of the recruits were given as follows: Boot and shoe
workers in some form, forty-six; farmers, seventeen; moulders, seven;
machinists, four; laborers, four; carpenters, three; salesmen, three;
students, three; bookbinders, two; druggist, one; “railroader,”
one; civil engineer, one; surveyor, one; butcher, one; nailer, one;
wheelwright, one; painters, two; box maker, one; stone cutter, one;
teacher, one.
The officers were as ignorant of military usages as the men, and, as
may be supposed, the discipline at first was not of the most rigid
character. But the members of the company as a rule were disposed
to do the right thing, and perhaps enjoyed themselves better and
did just as good service as they would have done under more severe
officers. The men of the company owe a debt of gratitude to their
officers who were all kind-hearted men and devoted to the welfare of
the company, and whose mildly used authority was much better adapted
to a company of intelligent men of pronounced Yankee blood than would
have been that of military martinets.
Fifty-two members of the company were married and forty-nine were
single.
The average age was between twenty-eight and twenty-nine years.
Twenty were twenty years old and under, twenty-four were between
twenty and twenty-five, nineteen were between twenty-five and thirty,
twenty-two were between thirty and forty, and sixteen were more than
forty.
Company K was the color company throughout its service, and its
position was therefore on the right centre when the regiment was in
line of battle.
The record of the company in the service is not a bloody one. No one
was killed, wounded, taken prisoner, or missing, and no one deserted.
Two men died from disease in the service and six men were discharged
for disability before the regiment was mustered out. The story of
the regiment as a whole will be given elsewhere, and that part of
the company’s history which also means the regimental history, has
been omitted in this account. Company K followed the fortunes of the
regiment closely. The only time that it was on detached duty, except
for picket, or service of that nature, was early in its service after
it arrived in Newbern and before the arms had been distributed,
when it was ordered to some mythical point to build a bridge. After
groping around outside the picket line, entirely unarmed, for two
days, the company returned, having found the bridge nearly completed.
The members of the company had an exceptional opportunity to see
the details of warfare. At the Battle of Kinston the company with
the regiment was in reserve, and, while under fire, was unharmed.
After the action they had an opportunity, from the view point of the
victors, to examine a well-fought field with many killed, wounded and
prisoners, and also to explore the captured town of Kinston.
At Whitehall the company was again under fire, and, as was reported,
the inferior character of its arms saved it from a more intimate
acquaintance with the enemy.
At Goldsboro the company had an opportunity of seeing a charge
repelled under sensational circumstances and with severe loss to the
enemy, a sight which many soldiers of longer service have never seen.
The circumstances of this charge have been traditional in the company
and the results have been much exaggerated, the enemy’s loss being
set all the way from five hundred to fifteen hundred. The unadorned
facts are that after the burning of the bridge and during the
withdrawal of the Union forces, by a blunder of the enemy a charge
was made by two regiments of General Clingman’s brigade against a
much superior force, and it was the fortune of Company K as a part
of the regiment, to act as guard to Belger’s Rhode Island battery,
which with another light battery had a fair chance to destroy the
attacking force as it charged up a long slope. The Third Regiment
lay on the ground in front of the battery (which was firing over the
regiment), and Company K had an unobstructed view of the premises,
and nothing to do but look on. The writer in a letter written at
the time estimated that the nearest rebel came within fifty rods
of the regiment. The attacking force consisted of the Fifty-second
North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Marshall, and the Fifty-first North
Carolina, Colonel Allen. These regiments, with two others which did
not participate in the charge, made the brigade commanded by Gen.
Thomas E. Clingman. His report, printed in the “Official Records of
the Union and Confederate Armies,” First Series, Vol. XVIII, page
117, gives the losses as follows:
Killed Wounded Missing
Marshall’s Regiment 11 58 10
Allen’s “ 6 43 8
---- ---- ----
Total, 17 101 18 making
a total loss of 136. The writer has not succeeded in learning the
total strength of the two regiments at the time of the charge.
The company’s most potent enemies during its service were the severe
marches to which it was subjected and the malarious climate. The
effects of both of these are still felt by many of the survivors.
On the return of the regiment a public reception was given to Company
K on Saturday, June 20th, at the Agricultural Hall by citizens of
Bridgewater, East and West Bridgewater. The company met at the
town hall, Bridgewater, and was escorted to the Fair grounds by the
Bridgewater Cornet Band under the marshalship of Dr. Asa Millett,
where twelve or fifteen hundred people had assembled to receive it.
For the gratification of their friends the soldiers spent about half
an hour in drilling. At about half past two o’clock, after stacking
arms the company was drawn up in front of the judges’ stand on the
track to listen to the speech of welcome. The president of the day,
James Howard, Esq., of West Bridgewater, after stating the object
of the meeting, introduced Hon. B. W. Harris, of East Bridgewater,
who, in an appropriate speech in behalf of the citizens, welcomed the
soldiers on their return home. A procession was then formed which
marched to the hall to partake of a collation which had been prepared
by the ladies of the several towns. After the repast the company
adjourned to the upper hall to listen to the speeches. This hall as
well as the lower was tastefully decorated with flags and pendants.
The soldiers occupied seats directly in front of the speakers and
were here presented each with a bouquet of flowers by the school
children, the presentation speech having been made by one of the
young ladies. Speeches were made by Hon. John A. Shaw, Hon. Benjamin
W. Harris, and others. Later in the afternoon, Major Morrissey
entered the hall, and, taking his seat on the platform, was received
with great applause, Company K giving him three hearty cheers. He was
then introduced and addressed the soldiers. The entertainment was
closed by singing “America” by the whole audience under the direction
of Mr. Wilde.
After the arrival home of the company and before it was mustered out
came the death of one of its members, Mr. James Henry Packard, of
North Bridgewater (now Brockton). He was buried in the Marshall’s
Corner Cemetery with military honors from his comrades.
Twenty members of the company entered the military service after
being mustered out of Company K. Ten of this number joined Company
D, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry, three of them forming the
commissioned officers of the company. Of these ten, one was killed
in action, five were wounded, seven were taken prisoners, of whom
two died in rebel prisons. All but one of the ten is included in
one or more of the above categories, and whether the tenth man was
taken prisoner or wounded the writer has not been able to learn. The
remaining ten enlisted in various organizations, but none of them
lost their lives in the service.
In June, 1906, thirty-six members of Company K were known to be
living. One has not been heard from by his relatives for about
twenty years, and the remaining sixty-four are known to be dead. The
commissioned officers are all dead. Of the non-commissioned officers,
two corporals survive. Fourteen of the surviving men of the company
are past labor by reason of age or infirmities, or both. Twenty are
“still in the ring” pursuing their usual avocations; one has retired,
and one is in the Soldiers Home, in Togus, Maine.
The company was mustered into the United States service on Sept. 23,
1862, and was mustered out on June 26, 1863. The members of Company K
were mustered on the above dates unless otherwise noted.
CORRECTED ROSTER OF COMPANY K.
SAMUEL BATES, Captain; born in East Bridgewater, June 3, 1828.
Boot-cutter; married; commissioned Sept. 3, 1862; died in Whitman,
Mass., Sept. 26, 1879. After the war, Capt. Bates passed several
years in the employ of the interior department in Washington, ending
in September, 1879.
NATHAN FOBES, First Lieutenant; salesman; twenty-two; single.
Enlisted from Bridgewater. Commissioned Sept. 3, 1862; died in East
Orange, N. J., Oct. 14, 1899. Lieutenant Fobes was a traveling
salesman for Boston and New York merchants.
CHARLES E. CHURCHILL, Second Lieutenant; thirty-eight; married;
shoe-cutter. Enlisted from West Bridgewater. Commissioned Sept. 3,
1862. Lieutenant Churchill served as aid on the staff of Brig.-Gen.
J. Jourdan from Feb. 26, 1863, until the return of the regiment.
Lieutenant Churchill entered the service the second time and served
as captain of Company D, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry. He
was wounded and taken prisoner Sept. 3, 1864, and discharged for
disability, Feb. 10, 1865. Lieutenant Churchill lived in West
Bridgewater, and died there on Feb. 4, 1901.
GEORGE F. WINTER, First Sergeant; twenty-nine; bookbinder; married.
Enlisted from Gloucester; died in Gloucester of heart disease Jan. 9,
1886. He was a bookbinder by occupation.
JOHN B. FISHER, Sergeant; twenty-one; law student; single. Enlisted
from East Bridgewater; died June 13, 1882, in East Bridgewater. He
also served in the Thirty-sixth United States Colored Troops, known
as the Second North Carolina Regiment.
LINUS E. HAYWARD, Sergeant; forty; married; farmer. Enlisted from
West Bridgewater. Enlisted a second time in the Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts as first lieutenant and was promoted captain. Was
wounded and taken prisoner. Was exchanged and returned home with the
regiment. Died in West Bridgewater, July 16, 1904.
SAMUEL E. HAWES, Sergeant; salesman; twenty-five; single. Enlisted
from Bridgewater. Died in Brockton, Feb. 9, 1886.
JOSEPHUS L. FREEMAN, Sergeant; thirty-five; shoe-cutter; married.
Enlisted from West Bridgewater. Lived in Brockton and followed the
occupation of a mechanic in the shoe manufacturing shops of that
city. Died in Brockton, March 18, 1892.
NAHUM WASHBURN, JR., Corporal; twenty-three; single; druggist. Was
proprietor of a drug store in Bridgewater, and died there Oct. 14,
1893.
ALFRED H. PERKINS, Corporal; moulder; thirty-one; married. Enlisted
from Bridgewater. Promoted regimental wagoner Dec. 9, 1862. Died in
Bridgewater, March 8, 1902.
THOMAS P. RIPLEY, Corporal; twenty-one; single; farmer. Enlisted from
West Bridgewater. Carried on the business of manufacturing boots and
shoes in Cocheset, West Bridgewater. Died Aug. 23, 1891, in West
Bridgewater.
ELIJAH HINKLEY, Corporal; “railroader;” forty-four; married. Enlisted
from East Bridgewater; was a shoemaker, and later a gate tender for
the Old Colony Railroad Company and its successors, until his death,
on Dec. 16, 1893, in East Bridgewater.
GEORGE M. KEITH, Corporal; thirty-one; married; shoemaker. Enlisted
from East Bridgewater; was foreman in shoeshops for seventeen years;
superintendent of Bridgewater Water Company for ten years, ending in
1900, and since then president of the East Bridgewater Savings Bank.
Mr. Keith is still living in the house in which he was born in East
Bridgewater.
MARCELLUS G. HOWARD, Corporal; student; twenty-five; single. Enlisted
from Bridgewater. Corporal Howard was detailed as a member of the
color guard and as such carried the State colors. He carried on the
market business in Bridgewater; died of consumption in Palatka, Fla.,
Dec. 24, 1881.
SETH B. EDSON, Corporal; surveyor; twenty-seven; single. Enlisted
from East Bridgewater. Mr. Edson lived in East Bridgewater, where he
carried on the nursery and farming business. Died Feb. 21, 1905, in
East Bridgewater.
HENRY MANLEY, Corporal; teacher; twenty-one; single. Enlisted from
North Bridgewater. He is a civil engineer, assistant engineer
engineering department city of Boston. Member American Society of
Civil Engineers. Lives in West Roxbury (Boston), Mass.
DAVID P. REYNOLDS, Private, promoted Corporal, Dec. 9, 1862;
shoemaker; twenty; single. Enlisted from East Bridgewater. Died Sept.
6, 1867, of consumption, in East Bridgewater.
ALFRED GURNEY, Company Wagoner; farmer; forty-four. Enlisted from
East Bridgewater. Was a farmer in East Bridgewater, and died there
Feb. 28, 1901.
_Privates_.
ALDEN, CALEB, 42; single; farmer. Enlisted from Bridgewater. Died in
Soldiers Home, in Togus, Me., on Jan. 3, 1899. Buried in Bridgewater.
ALDEN, ISAAC R., painter; 18; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater. Was
the company drummer; enlisted a second time and served as drummer
in Company F, Fifty-sixth Massachusetts Infantry; has carried on the
business of grocer in Bridgewater since the war.
ALDEN, LUCIUS F., 18; single; shoemaker. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Carried on the business of shoe manufacturing in
Brockton, as a member of the firm of Churchill & Alden for many
years. Died in Brockton, Dec. 28, 1903.
ALDEN, WILLIAM S., JR., farmer; 18; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Went to California many years ago. His relatives have
not heard from him for about twenty years.
ANDREWS, MANASSAH LLOYD, machinist; 18; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Lives in East Bridgewater (Elmwood), in good health, and
busily employed at his trade.
ACKERMAN, NATHANIEL, bookbinder; 38; married. Enlisted from Boston.
Discharged for disability, March 1, 1863. Died --.
BARNEY, HIAL, farmer; single; 26. Enlisted from Bridgewater. He
carried on the meat business in Wareham, Mass., for twenty-five
years. Was selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor in Wareham
for six years. Retired from business in 1891. Lives in Manchester, N.
H. Address, 708 Pine St.
BARTLETT, EZEKIEL R., shoe stitcher; 22; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater; absent sick when company was mustered out. Honorably
discharged June 26, 1863. Enlisted and served in Company C, Sixtieth
Regiment, 100 days’ service; followed business of workman in shoe
factory. Lives in East Bridgewater.
BEALS, CHARLES T., shoemaker; 18; single. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Has been a carriage painter for thirty-six years; has
lived in Massachusetts, Ohio, and California. Is now living at No.
17 West Second St., Mansfield, Ohio, in poor health, his lower limbs
being paralyzed.
BEATON, JAMES W., shoemaker; 22; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Lives in Boston (Dorchester); has been a teamster and
stage driver. Is in the employ of the New York and New Haven Railroad
Company as gate-tender.
BIRD, HENRY W., shoemaker; single; 19. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater, lives in East Bridgewater.
BLACKMAN, ANDREW G., carpenter; 29; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Has worked in a shoeshop for twenty-five years. Lives
in East Bridgewater.
BRAINARD, JOHN M., shoemaker; 39; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. He was drowned in the stream near his residence in East
Bridgewater, on Oct. 23, 1878.
BRIGGS, GEORGE D., shoemaker; 19; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Also served as corporal in Eighteenth Unattached Company,
Massachusetts Infantry; one year’s service. Has been foreman in shoe
factory and is now janitor of The Union Trust Building, Brockton,
Mass.
BRIGGS, WALTER C., salesman; 18; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Served in Twentieth Unattached Company for one year, and
in Eleventh United States Infantry. Died --.
CALDWELL, GEORGE, shoe cutter; 43; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Died in the service from disease in the Foster Hospital,
Newbern, N. C., on June 7, 1863.
CALDWELL, CHARLES H., shoemaker; 20; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Lives in West Bridgewater, near Westdale Station.
CALDWELL, MELVIN, shoe cutter; 18; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Died in West Bridgewater, May 25, 1864.
CONANT, SETH W., farmer; 40; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Enlisted and was mustered into United States service as private in
Company D, Fifty-eighth Regiment, March 12, 1864, and was killed in
action in front of Petersburg, July 30, 1864.
In _Bridgewater in the Rebellion_, a book written and published by
Arthur Hooper, a member of Company K, it is related that after the
Battle of Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864, Conant was detailed with
others to bury the dead. The first one found was his son Lucius, a
private in the same company.
COPELAND, EZRA S., farmer; 27; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. He was a member of the Pioneer Corps. Died March 2, 1874.
COPELAND, JOHN, butcher; 43; married. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Lived on his farm in West Bridgewater and died there on June 3, 1904.
COUGHLIN, BARTHOLOMEW, laborer; 29; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Died in Bridgewater Mar. 12, 1871.
COUGHLIN, GEORGE T., farmer; 18; single. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Lives in Brockton; has carried on a real estate business
and is a special police officer.
CRAFTS, FRANCIS T., machinist; 21; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Has been a teacher and farmer; is a clerk in the office
of the Secretary of State, State House, Boston. Resides in Quincy,
Mass.
CUSHMAN, NEWELL F., carpenter; 38; married. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Enlisted and served in Company D, Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Infantry. Is an inmate of the Soldiers Home, Togus,
Maine.
DAVENPORT, AUGUSTUS H., bootmaker; 21; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Lives in Brockton, Mass.
DAVENPORT, NATHANIEL M., shoemaker; 26; married. Enlisted from
North Bridgewater; also served as corporal in Company C, Sixtieth
Massachusetts Regiment, 100 days’ service. Proprietor of Hillside
Farm (hotel), Jefferson, N. H. Post office address, Standing, N. H.
DELANO, HENRY H., shoemaker; 22; single. Enlisted from Easton. Was at
home in Easton sick when the regiment was mustered out. Is a box and
trunkmaker. Lives at 226 B Washington St., Malden, Mass.
DYSON, WILLIAM A., shoemaker; 28; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Lived in East Bridgewater and was well known in all
nearby localities as a tin peddler. Died in East Bridgewater May 31,
1899.
ELLIS, WATERMAN J., shoemaker; 36; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Died in Pembroke, Mass., Apr. 3, 1891.
FRENCH, ALBERT W., moulder; 40; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. He was popularly known as “Old Hockomock” from the name
of the extensive meadows near his home in West Bridgewater. He was a
heavy and strong man and was a member of the Pioneer Corps. Died --.
FRENCH, GEORGE H., moulder; 18; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Died in West Bridgewater, Sept. 13, 1879.
FRYES, JAMES, laborer; 42; married. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Absent sick when the company was mustered out. Died --.
HANCOCK, ELIJAH, farmer; 42; married. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Was superintendent of the Town Farm in West Bridgewater for
twenty-five years, and also superintendent of the Town Farm of
Sandwich, Mass., for fifteen years. Died in Brockton, Mass., April 7,
1906.
HARDIN, LUTHER, shoemaker; 37; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Lived in East Bridgewater and died there Mar. 7, 1899.
HAYWARD, BEZA, 44; nailer; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater. He was
a farmer and died in West Bridgewater, Nov. 7, 1895.
HAYWARD, EDWIN, machinist; 22; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Died at Soldiers Home, Togus, Me., Nov. 21, 1900, and his remains
were sent to Bridgewater for interment.
HINSMAN, WILLIAM VAN BUREN, shoemaker; 43; married. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Was the company officers’ cook. Has lived mostly in
Boston since the war, serving as house agent and janitor. Present
address, 15 Pierce Street, Norfolk Downs, Quincy, Mass.
HOLMES, JOHN, shoemaker; 38; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater. He
was living in Bridgewater, in his own house, in July, 1905, but made
his home with a daughter in Whitman, Mass. He was the company cook,
and performed his duties as such to the entire satisfaction of the
company, and his cook house was always a model for the company cooks
of the regiment. Died in Bridgewater March 17, 1906, age eighty-one
years and five months.
HOOPER, ARTHUR, painter; 19; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Promoted Regimental Commissary Sergeant, Oct. 27, 1862. Enlisted and
served as Commissary Sergeant in Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Regiment
from Jan. 14, 1864, to June 14, 1865. Lives in Dorchester (Boston),
Mass. Clerk and director of John Carter & Co. (incorporated), dealers
in paper, 100 Federal St., Boston.
HOWARD, CYRUS S., shoemaker; 27; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Has lived in Easton; at present living in Middleboro,
Mass.
JONES, SAMUEL, farmer; 38; single. Enlisted from Middleboro. Died in
Newbern (in Foster Hospital), of measles, May 26, 1863. Buried at
Hillside Cemetery, Bridgewater.
KANE, JOHN, farmer; 21; single. Enlisted from West Bridgewater. Lives
in East Bridgewater.
KEITH, EDGAR D., shoemaker; 36; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Died Jan. 9, 1896, in Bridgewater.
KEITH, GEORGE T., civil engineer; 19; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Is a civil engineer living in Olean, N. Y. Member
American Society Civil Engineers. Is resident engineer Barge Canal,
Gates, Monroe County, N. Y.
KING, FRANCIS D., wheelwright; 39; married. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Kept a public stable in Bridgewater and was a deputy
sheriff. Died in Bridgewater, July 10, 1896.
KINGMAN, HOSEA, 19; student; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Was detailed on the Signal Corps and served thereon from Nov. 26,
1862, to June 25, 1863. Mr. Kingman was an eminent lawyer and was
easily the leader of the Plymouth County bar. He was a member of the
Metropolitan Sewerage Commission at the time of his death. Died in
Bridgewater, March 29, 1900.
A memorial tablet on the walls of the building of the Old Bridgewater
Historical Society in West Bridgewater, reads as follows: “Hosea
Kingman, Born in Bridgewater, April 11, 1843, enlisted in State
Volunteers, 1862; mustered out of service 1863; graduated at
Dartmouth College, 1864. Admitted to the bar 1866, appointed judge
1878. Died in Bridgewater, 1900. He inherited patriotism from his
ancestors and served his country in the field before his majority.
A faithful and devoted friend, a good citizen, affable, free in
manner and absorbed in his profession. He was a discreet and wise
counsellor, a powerful advocate with keen judgment. Towns, counties,
and states, sought his services.”
LACKEY, GEORGE A., painter; 23; married. Enlisted from Easton.
He also served as private in Company H, Seventh Massachusetts
Regiment, and as sergeant in Company D., Fifty-eighth Regiment. In
the Battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 4, 1864, Sergeant Lackey
was severely wounded, losing his left leg. He was discharged for
disability March 11, 1865. Has lived in Easton since the war, was
representative in the Massachusetts Legislature in 1883, and has been
a member of the Board of Registration of Voters in Easton since 1884.
Is proprietor of a general store and janitor of school. Address,
South Easton, Mass.
LINCOLN, ISAAC H., shoemaker; 21; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. He was absent sick at East Bridgewater when the company
was mustered out. He also served in the band of the Twentieth
Massachusetts Regiment, and in the Fourth Heavy Artillery. Shoemaker
and carpenter; lives in East Bridgewater.
MARSHALL, ALBERT L., farmer; 19; single. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater; also served as private in Fourteenth Massachusetts
Battery from Feb. 27, 1864, to June 16, 1865. He is a patient in the
State Insane Asylum, Taunton, Mass.
MITCHELL, HENRY M., carpenter; 27; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Died in Oakland, California, June 13, 1904.
MORSE, LUTHER M., bootmaker; 26; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Died in Lynn, Mass., Oct. 13, 1894.
MURPHY, WILLIAM T., farmer; 19; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Also served in Company D, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry; was
taken prisoner in battle in front of Petersburg, July 30, 1864. Died
a prisoner of war at Danville, Va., Nov. 27, 1864.
NORTON, JOSEPH C., farmer; 43; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater. He
was the company fifer, also served as fifer in Company C, Fifty-sixth
Massachusetts Infantry, where his name is recorded as “Naughton.”
Died in Bridgewater, Aug. 3, 1887.
O’NEIL, JOHN, moulder; 27; single. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
OSBORNE, ISAAC P., bootmaker; 37; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. He was detailed in command of a gang of forty negroes
and built a blockhouse and numerous corduroy roads near Newbern.
Isaac, as he was always called, was a great dancer, and, with the
weight of eighty years, is still light enough on his feet to be the
envy of many a young man. Lives in Brockton, and has been a member of
the Common Council in that city.
PACKARD, BRADFORD, farmer; 44; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Lived and died on his farm in West Bridgewater. Died
Aug. 26, 1884.
PACKARD, JAMES H., bootmaker; 27; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Discharged for disability, March 12, 1863, and died in
North Bridgewater, June 23, 1863. His death occurred during the few
days’ interval between the arrival of the regiment in Massachusetts
and before it was mustered out. He was buried with military honors in
the Marshall’s Corner Cemetery.
PACKARD, NATHAN F., farmer; 24; single. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Lived in North Bridgewater, and died there of
consumption, Oct. 1, 1873.
PHELAN, GEORGE, bootmaker; 27; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater; died in Raynham, Mass., June 16, 1903.
QUIGLEY, PATRICK, laborer; 36; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. He also served in Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment. Died
in East Bridgewater, June 30, 1894.
REED, JOHN N., boxmaker; 20; single. Enlisted from East Bridgewater.
Lives in Brockton and is employed in the insurance business.
REYNOLDS, JOSIAH E., shoemaker; 19; single. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Died in East Bridgewater of consumption, Oct. 4, 1879.
Also served in Company O, Sixtieth Regiment, 100 days.
REYNOLDS, ELISHA, laborer; 44; married. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Discharged for disability March 27, 1863. Died --.
RIPLEY, EDWARD H., moulder; 23; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Died in Soldiers Home in Togus, Me., June 5, 1905.
SAMPSON, EZRA F., shoemaker; 34; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Discharged for disability, May 9, 1863. Lives at East
Bridgewater; was a member of the “Pioneer Corps.”
SHARPE, EDWARD O., shoemaker; 34; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Died June 3, 1889, in East Bridgewater.
SHAW, ASA T., shoemaker; 29; married. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Also enlisted in Company B, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts, and died a
prisoner of war at Salisbury, N. C., Dec. 22, 1864.
SHAW, GEORGE T., shoemaker; 26; married. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Lives at Cocheset, in West Bridgewater. Is proprietor of
a grocery store.
SHIPMAN, JOHN, moulder; 34; single. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Shipman was the company armorer. The quality of the rifles furnished
were such as to make his office no sinecure, and a large amount of
work was necessary to put the arms in condition to be used at all. He
was, however, equal to the occasion, as he was a trained man, and, if
necessary, could make any part of a rifle. He enlisted in Company D,
Fifty-eighth Regiment, was wounded in both legs in the Battle of the
Wilderness, and was taken prisoner on May 12, 1864. He was a prisoner
in Andersonville and other prisons for six months and nineteen days,
and when exchanged weighed only eighty pounds. He was a large man and
his usual weight was 200 pounds. He died in West Bridgewater, Dec. 3,
1905.
SNELL, ISSACHER K., shoemaker; 22; married. Enlisted from Easton.
Discharged March 12, 1863, for disability. Lived in Brockton and
Boston, and died in Boston, Oct. 11, 1902; buried in Cocheset, West
Bridgewater.
STURTEVANT, DEXTER M., farmer; 39; married. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Absent sick when the company was mustered out. Honorably
discharged June 23, 1863. Lives in Bridgewater; has always been
a farmer there and has kept the grocery store at “Sturtevant’s
Corners,” Bridgewater. When the writer called on him in the last days
of June, 1905, he found him engaged in mowing with a scythe.
STURTEVANT, ZENAS W., shoemaker; 39; married. Enlisted from East
Bridgewater. Absent sick at East Bridgewater when the company was
mustered out. Lived in East Bridgewater, and died there Aug. 21, 1899.
TOWNSEND, JOHN P.; machinist; 26; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Was commissioned second lieutenant in Company D, Fifty-eighth
Massachusetts Infantry, Mar. 2, 1864; promoted first lieutenant, Aug.
8, 1864, and captain, May 3, 1865. Was taken prisoner in battle near
Poplar Spring Church, Sept. 30, 1864; was confined in Petersburg,
Libby Prison, Salisbury, N. C., and Danville, Va. Released Feb. 22,
1865; came home on furlough, returned to the regiment Apr. 9, 1865,
and was mustered out of the service July 18, 1865. Mr. Townsend is
foreman of a large machine shop and foundry in Bridgewater.
WASHBURN, JOHN M., shoemaker; 19; single. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Has been in business mostly in the west; now with the American Clock
Company, Chicago. Lives in Chicago; address, 2885 North 46th Street,
Jefferson Station.
WASHBURN, NATHAN H., stonecutter; 26; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Lives in Brockton, “Campello.” Has been employed in
various capacities in shoe factories since the war.
WASHBURN, SELDEN M., cutter; 26; single. Enlisted from West
Bridgewater. Has been employed in shoe factory. Died in Bridgewater,
Feb. 8, 1900.
WINSLOW, JOHN A., moulder; 27; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
Enlisted in Company D, Fifty-eighth Regiment. Arthur Hooper in
_Bridgewater in the Rebellion_ gives the following account of his
service: “Wounded in the head in the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3,
1864; returned to his regiment and served faithfully until he was
taken prisoner Sept. 30, 1864, in battle near Poplar Spring Church.
Was taken to Richmond, Va., and from there to Salisbury, N. C., where
he was confined about four months; returned to Richmond and was
released Feb. 22, 1865, and went to Annapolis, Md. Winslow was a man
six feet, four inches tall, and weighed 165 pounds at the time of
his capture, but was reduced to seventy-five pounds while in rebel
prisons. He remained at Annapolis about a month when he was able
to come home on a furlough where he remained until Apr. 9, 1865;
returning to his regiment he remained until the regiment was ordered
home and mustered out of service July 14, 1865, as corporal. He lived
in Bridgewater and died there on Apr. 11, 1887.”
WENTWORTH, HORACE, shoemaker; 45; married. Enlisted from Bridgewater.
He was John Holmes’s efficient assistant in the cook house. His two
sons, Horace E. and Lucian, were soldiers in the same company. Died
in Bridgewater, Mar. 3, 1896.
WENTWORTH, HORACE E., shoemaker; 19; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Died Sept. 11, 1876, in East Bridgewater.
WENTWORTH, LUCIAN T., shoemaker; 18; single. Enlisted from
Bridgewater. Died at Caspar, Wyoming, Feb. 8, 1904.
WILBUR, SHEPARD B., shoemaker; 22; single. Enlisted from North
Bridgewater. Died in Brockton, July 3, 1899.
WHITMAN, JOSEPH M., shoemaker; 22. Enlisted from West Bridgewater.
Lives in East Bridgewater. His was the last name shouted at roll
call, and as he was the shortest man in the company his post was on
the extreme left, the last in the ranks.
CHAPTER XIV.
HISTORY OF THE THIRD REGIMENT, MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA
ASSOCIATION.
The surviving members of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia met at Dighton Rock, Simmons Grove, August, 1890. Invitations
had been sent to all the comrades and a goodly number were present,
the object of the meeting being the formation of an association to
perpetuate past events, and to hold together the members of the
Association until they should answer the last roll call.
Col. S. P. Richmond was chosen temporary chairman and George F.
Coughlin, clerk. N. P. Norton, B. S. Atwood, E. Grant, William Mason,
Patrick Cannavan, B. F. Lewis, Otis A. Baker, J. M. Lyle and L. F.
Alden were chosen a committee to nominate officers for a permanent
organization. They reported as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Capt. Andrew R. Wright, Maj. Thomas B.
Griffith, Maj. William E. Mason; Secretary--Chaplain Charles A. Snow;
Treasurer--Sergt. James C. Hitch.
The report was adopted and the officers nominated were declared
elected by the temporary chairman, Col. S. P. Richmond.
The following were chosen an Executive Committee: C. P. Lyon, C. D.
Copeland, R. A. Soule, J. L. Wilber, J. W. Hammond, B. S. Atwood, F.
M. McGraw, P. Cannavan, J. Gibbs, C. E. Churchill.
The Fruit Growers Association of Bristol County served a bountiful
clam dinner, which was highly appreciated by the comrades. At the
afternoon session it was voted that the Executive Committee secure
some design for an Association badge. After voting that the time
and place of the next meeting be left with the Executive Committee,
the meeting adjourned and the comrades expressed their joy at being
granted once more the privilege of meeting each other.
C. A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The second meeting of the Association was held at Fort Phœnix,
Fairhaven, July 30, 1891.
The address of the President, Col. S. P. Richmond, was most hearty,
cheering and encouraging. He exhorted the boys to continue the
Association meetings so long as two were able to meet together.
The Executive Committee asked for more time to complete arrangements
for Association badge. Comrades George A. Grant, of Brockton; Chase,
of Fall River; and B. F. Atwood, of Whitman, were appointed a
special committee to secure badge.
It was voted to secure a record book. It was voted that the Executive
Committee consider the feasibility of an excursion to and over the
old battlefields in North Carolina, and report at the next meeting.
It was voted that the present board of officers continue for another
year and that the several companies elect a secretary to aid the
secretary of the Association, and that the last named officer be
allowed a salary of $25. The treasurer’s report showed a balance
on hand of $22.45. It was voted that the expenses incurred by the
secretary for printing, etc., be paid from the funds of the treasury.
After dinner the members present with their families to the number
of over four hundred listened to an excellent address by Professor
Andrew Ingraham, of Company I.
The meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the Executive Committee.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The third meeting of the Association was held at Onset, July 28, 1892.
The business session opened at 11.30 A. M., Col. S. P. Richmond in
the chair. His address of welcome was received with applause. The
records of the last meeting were read and approved. A letter from
Treasurer Hitch regretting his inability to be present, and declining
re-election was received. His report showed $35.70 in the treasury.
The report was accepted and placed on file. The committee on badge
reported that they had secured a badge. This was adopted by the
Association, and members gave orders for badges to the committee. The
Executive Committee reported the changes during the year by reason of
resignations and deaths.
After enjoying a splendid shore dinner, two hundred and twenty-five
persons being present, the Association was called to order at 2.30
P. M. It was voted that the expenses for printing be paid from the
treasury funds. Lieutenants Gibbs and Lyon, who were appointed by the
president to collect funds, reported having received $15.36. It was
voted that the present board of officers be elected to serve another
year. The resignation of Sergeant Hitch was unanimously rejected.
Sergeant Hitch positively declining, the Executive Committee were
authorized to fill all vacancies which may occur during the year from
any cause. It was voted that the next Association meeting be held
in Brockton. The committee on badges were ordered to contract for
two hundred badges. The President and comrades Ingraham, Taber, and
Alden, were elected a committee to prepare memorials of those members
who have died during the year.
The meeting adjourned at 3.15 P. M.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Chaplain and Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regimental Association met at Brockton, July 27, 1893.
They were received royally by Fletcher Webster Post, G. A. R., who
entertained them in their Post Hall, presenting each with a neat
white badge bearing the inscription, “Brockton, Third Massachusetts
Regimental Association, 1893.”
After the exchange of greetings, quite a number meeting their
comrades for the first time since the mustering out of the regiment
thirty years ago, the members of the Association took the electrics
to Highland Park, where the business of the day was transacted.
At 11 A. M. the meeting was called to order by the president, who
in his address emphasized the necessity and the duty of the living
to stand firm and exhibit the spirit of fraternity, loyalty, and
charity, ever keeping in mind those noble principles of patriotism
which prompted them to enlist in the service of our country.
The report of the last meeting was read and adopted. The treasurer
reported cash on hand at the beginning of the present year, $37.40;
paid out $6.25; balance on hand, $31.15. The report was adopted.
Comrade Atwood reported that two hundred badges had been procured,
and fifty were still on hand for members who wished to purchase. His
report was accepted. It was voted that the names of deceased members
be placed on the Roll of Honor, and that notice of the same be sent
to the family of each. It was voted that the present officers be
continued another year. They are as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Capt. A. R. Wright, Maj. T. B. Griffith,
Maj. W. E. Mason; Treasurer--J. C. Hitch; Secretary and Chaplain--C.
A. Snow. Capt. A. R. Wright was added to the Executive Committee.
Executive Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S. Atwood, S. F. Brayton, R.
A. Soule, P. Cannavan, J. L. Wilber, J. Gibbs, A. Ingraham, C. E.
Churchill, G. A. Grant, T. B. Griffith, A. R. Wright, C. C. Doten and
A. S. Cushman.
Comrades Gibbs and Lyon were appointed to solicit funds from the
members, and they succeeded to the amount of $45. It was voted that
the next meeting be held in Plymouth on the last Thursday in July,
1894.
Business being ended the Association adjourned at 12.15 P. M., and
the comrades sat down to tables in the grove, where a splendid dinner
had been prepared by the Fletcher Webster Women’s Relief Corps, No.
7. The comrades will long remember the cordial greetings of the G. A.
R. Post and the W. R. C. of Brockton.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
PLYMOUTH, July 26, 1894.
The place and time for the Association Meeting was all that comrades
could desire. The hot wave was softened by a refreshing breeze from
the bay; every one seemed happy. Members of the Association and
their friends to the number of two hundred were present. The hall
of Collingwood Post, G. A. R., was tendered as headquarters for the
Association.
The business session was called at 11 A. M. Brief but cheerful
remarks were made by the president, and his youngest son Mark
Harrison was unanimously voted an honorary member of the
Association. The records of the last meeting were read and approved.
The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and $12.64 in the
treasury. The committee to solicit funds reported $23.43, with all
expenses paid. The present board of officers were re-elected for
the ensuing year. It was voted that our next meeting be held in
Bridgewater on the last Thursday in July, 1894. The usual vote of
thanks was given to Collingwood Post, G. A. R., for the use of their
hall. The meeting adjourned at 12 P. M.
After enjoying an excellent dinner the comrades visited Pilgrim Hall,
by invitation from C. C. Doten, and other places of historic interest
in Old Plymouth received their share of attention.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
BRIDGEWATER, July 25, 1895.
The annual reunion of the Third Regiment Association was held in
Bridgewater with Post 205, G. A. R., in its hall. In the absence of
the president and vice-presidents, Lieut. Charles P. Lyon was chosen
president _pro tem_. Vernon Wade, E. T. Chapman and B. S. Atwood
were appointed to arrange for the reunion in 1896. Sergt. B. S.
Atwood was chosen secretary _pro tem_, and Maj. Thomas B. Griffith
was chosen treasurer _pro tem_. Sergt. M. Bonney was elected on the
committee for reunion of 1896. Resolutions of sympathy to the family
of our late treasurer, Sergt. J. C. Hitch, were ordered sent to New
Bedford. The usual G. A. R. collation was served to the comrades
by the entertaining Post. Mr. King, son of Comrade King, of the
Association, invited the comrades to ride through the town in barges
provided by him. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. King, also to Mr.
Vaughn for collation and to Post 205 for use of its hall. Mr. Vaughn
was voted an honorary member of the Association.
Owing to the heavy rain in the morning the attendance was small.
No action was taken to re-elect officers as the By-laws of the
Association required the old officers to retain their positions until
others were elected to fill their places.
B. S. ATWOOD, _Secretary pro tem_.
* * * * *
LINCOLN PARK, July 29, 1896.
The Association met to-day in this attractive resort. The order
of the day was called at 11.30 A. M., Col. S. P. Richmond in the
chair. In his address of welcome he admonished every comrade to
maintain the existence of the Association by attending its meetings.
Prayer was offered by Chaplain Snow. The records of the two previous
meetings were read and approved. It was voted that a Roster of the
Association be printed and a copy be sent to each company secretary
for distribution. It was voted that we meet next year at Dighton Rock
Park. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and a balance
of $14.06 on hand. Comrades Gibbs and Lyon reported that they had
solicited $19.45, making the amount now in the treasury $33.51.
The election of officers as follows: President--Silas P. Richmond;
Vice-Presidents--Capt. A. R. Wright, Maj. T. B. Griffith, Maj.
William E. Mason; Treasurer--Lieutenant Joseph Gibbs; Secretary and
Chaplain--C. A. Snow; Executive Committee--Charles P. Lyon, B. S.
Atwood, S. F. Brayton, Rufus Soule, Patrick Cannavan, J. L. Wilber,
Joseph Gibbs, Andrew Ingraham, George M. Keith, Geo. A. Grant, A. R.
Wright, C. C. Doten, A. S. Cushman and T. B. Griffith.
A good dinner was served. The History of Company A was read by Lieut.
C. P. Lyon; Company D, by Capt. A. R. Wright; Company E, by Maj. W.
E. Mason. The meeting adjourned.
CHARLES A. SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
DIGHTON ROCK, July 29, 1897.
The Association met at Dighton Rock Park this day. Owing to the rain
only thirty were present. The order of the day was called at 12.15.
Prayer, by Chaplain Snow. The welcome words of the president were
timely and to the point. It was voted that the funds in the treasury
did not warrant the publication of Association Roster. Treasurer
Gibbs reported having received $33.50; paid out, $10.73; balance
on hand, $22.77. Dighton Rock Park was suggested to the Executive
Committee as the place of our next meeting. A splendid shore dinner
was enjoyed by the members of the Association and others.
At the two P. M. meeting the old board of officers were re-elected.
The afternoon was bright, and the comrades expressed their
appreciation of the place, and the satisfaction of meeting again.
CHARLES SNOW, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its annual meeting at Dighton
Rock Park, July 28, 1898. The order of business was called at 10.30
A. M., President Richmond in the chair. Capt. A. R. Wright was chosen
assistant secretary. Prayer, by Chaplain Snow. Words of welcome by
the president. The treasurer reported $8.88 on hand; all bills paid
to date. The old board of officers were re-elected with the exception
of Maj. T. B. Griffith, who died during the year. Capt. O. A. Baker
was chosen to fill the vacancy. George A. Grant was chosen secretary
_pro tem_ and George M. Keith was added to the Executive Committee.
Captain Baker and Lieutenant Lyon were chosen a committee to solicit
funds. They reported $21.51 contributed. At 12 P. M. the President
declared a recess until 1.30 P. M. Full justice was done to the ample
dinner by the comrades and their friends.
At the appointed hour the Association reassembled. The place of the
next meeting was left with the Executive Committee. A vote of thanks
was tendered to the officers for their services. It was voted that
an expression be made of the respect and esteem of the character and
efficient service of the late David W. Wardrop, colonel of the Third
Massachusetts three months’ men. Remarks were made by Major Cushman
and Colonel Richmond. The meeting adjourned at 2.30.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary pro tem_.
* * * * *
The Association met in Brockton, July 27, 1899. They were given
a royal welcome. Business session at 10.45. The President, in
his address, referring to the soldiers of the Spanish war, while
complimenting them for their patriotism and courage, said, “But they
are hardly to be compared with the rank and file of the soldiers of
’61 to ’65.”
The records of the last meeting were read and adopted. The treasurer
reported $10.57 on hand. A list of the members who have died during
the past year was read. Secretary Snow, declining further service
on account of increasing infirmities, George A. Grant was chosen
secretary.
The election of officers was as follows: President--Col. S. P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. William E. Mason, Capt. O. A. Baker,
Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain--C. A. Snow; Treasurer--Lieutenant
Joseph Gibbs; Secretary--George A. Grant.
Executive Committee--Same as last year with the exception of the
election of George A. Lackey, to fill the vacancy caused by the death
of Capt. A. R. Wright.
Communications from Quartermaster Penniman and Honorable Philip M.
Crapo expressing their regrets at being unable to be present were
received. The meeting adjourned.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its meeting this year in Fall
River, July 26, 1900. They were the guests of Richard Borden Post, G.
A. R. Fall River is the home of Companies C and D. The morning rain
made it hard for many to attend.
Order was called at 11 A. M. The president’s speech was full of
tenderness. Invocation by Chaplain Snow. The treasurer reported
$28.03 on hand. The comrades stood at attention with uncovered heads
while the secretary read the names of those who have passed away
during the year.
The old board of officers was elected to serve another year, with
the exception of G. A. Grant, who was elected treasurer to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of Lieut. Joseph Gibbs. It was voted
that our next reunion be held in Middleboro on the last Thursday in
July, 1901. Mrs. Jennie Gibbs was voted an honorary member of this
Association. The treasurer reported $29 in the treasury.
The meeting adjourned to partake of an excellent dinner prepared by
the Women’s Relief Corps of Richard Borden Post.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
According to vote at our previous meeting, the Association met at
Middleboro, July 25, 1901. The weather was stormy. The meeting was
opened by the president at 11 A. M. Prayer by the chaplain. Remarks
by the president. The records of the last meeting were read and
approved. The treasurer reported $16.68 on hand after paying the
expenses of last year.
The election of officers was as follows: President--Col. Silas P.
Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. W. E. Mason, Capt. O. A. Baker,
Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain Emeritus--C. A. Snow; Chaplain--John
Gray Gammons; Secretary and Treasurer--G. A. Grant; Executive
Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S. Atwood, James B. Smith, Vernon Wade,
Fred T. Maxfield, P. Cannavan, Leander Wilber, Edwin Haskins, Ezra F.
Sampson, Uriel Haskins.
A collection was taken amounting to $16.08. A vote of thanks was
tendered to the Y. M. C. A. for the use of their hall for the day.
Maj. C. S. Allen of Whitman, and Thomas Waring of Fall River, were
voted honorary members of the Association. It was voted that we hold
our next reunion at Whitman. The meeting adjourned for dinner.
After dinner an electric car ride to our first Camp Joe Hooker
had been planned, where the comrades reviewed the experiences of
thirty-nine years ago.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The reunion of the Third Regiment Association was held in Whitman,
July 31, 1902. This being the home of our genial comrade, B. S.
Atwood, nothing was wanting to make the day all that could be desired
by the boys.
Order was called at 10.30 A. M., Col. Silas P. Richmond in the chair.
His earnest greeting was received with the old-time applause. A
hearty welcome was given to all the comrades by Sergt. B. S. Atwood.
Prayer by the chaplain. The records of the last meeting were read and
approved. The treasurer’s report showed $17.77 on hand. Comrade Ezra
F. Sampson extended a cordial invitation to the Association to meet
at East Bridgewater in 1902. This was accepted. The board of officers
for the last year were re-elected. James S. Tripp and J. P. Hill were
added to the Executive Committee. A collection of $9.09 was taken.
The Women’s Relief Corps of Whitman furnished an excellent dinner.
The remainder of the day was given to speech-making by several
comrades. The reunion in Whitman passes into history as a very
pleasant one, long to be remembered.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Association met in East Bridgewater, Aug. 5, 1903. The day was
rainy and the call to order by the President at 10.10 A. M. found but
fifty-six members present. The records of the last meeting were read
and approved. The treasurer’s report showed $10.11 on hand, with all
bills paid. The publication of the regimental history received the
sanction of all members present. It was voted that a member from each
company be elected to write its company history.
The following were elected: Company A, John G. Gammons; Company B,
B. S. Atwood; Company C, James B. Smith; Company D, Vernon Wade;
Company E, Fred T. Maxfield; Company F, Benjamin Card; Company G, Ira
B. Tripp; Company H, William H. Luther; Company I, Jabez M. Lyle;
Company K, Henry Manley.
Chaplain Snow was elected to prepare the history of the field and
staff, also the history of the regiment, and publish the same in book
form.
The comrades stood at attention while the secretary read the names of
those who had died during the past year. Greetings were ordered sent
to Capt. Otis Baker (the only living captain), now in the distant
West.
The following is the list of officers for the year: President--Col.
Silas P. Richmond; Vice-Presidents--Maj. W. E. Mason, Capt. O.
A. Baker, Capt. Linus Hayward; Chaplain--John Gray Gammons;
Musician--Seth Miller Briggs; Executive Committee--C. P. Lyon, B. S.
Atwood, James B. Smith, Vernon Wade, F. T. Maxfield, P. Cannavan,
Leander Wilber, Edwin Haskins, Ezra F. Sampson.
It was voted that we hold our reunion next year at Dighton Rock Park,
July 21, 1904.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary_.
* * * * *
The Association held its fifteenth annual reunion at Dighton Rock
Park, July 21, 1904. The day was fine and the transportation by
electrics easy. The order of the day was called by the president at
11.05 A. M. The greeting of the president indicated that he was not
growing old, infirm, or forgetful of his boys who marched at his
command through the mud of North Carolina forty-three years ago. The
records of the last meeting were read and approved. It was voted that
the thanks of the Association be tendered to the family of our late
Chaplain Snow for the work done by him on Regimental History. It was
voted that all the historical manuscript be forwarded to Chaplain J.
G. Gammons to enable him to complete the work with such assistance
as he may desire in compiling the history. A collection of $20.42
was taken. After the reading of the list of those who died last
year, the president spoke with much feeling on the death of Chaplain
Snow, referring to his many good qualities as an officer and a man.
The old board of officers were re-elected to serve another year
with the exception of Stephen P. Sawyer who was chosen in place of
Linus Hayward, deceased. The Executive Committee is the same as last
year. Sergt. B. S. Atwood suggested that an entertainment after the
business session and dinner would be of interest to the comrades, and
it was left with him to provide what he thought best in such line for
our reunion in 1905. It was voted that we hold our next reunion at
Dighton Rock Park. The treasurer’s report showed $13.26 on hand with
all bills paid.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary and Treasurer_.
* * * * *
The Third Regiment Association held its reunion at Dighton Rock Park,
July 20, 1905. The meeting was called at 11.20 A. M. The greetings
of the president were as fraternal and cordial as ever; years seem
to make no impression on either his health, voice, or memory. His
recital of the war days so thrill the boys that they all seem young
again, and should war demand their services, they would follow their
old leader anywhere he asked them to go. The records of the last
meeting were read and approved. The treasurer reported $44.36 in the
treasury. The names of those who died during the year were read by
the secretary. Chaplain Gammons reported that the Regimental History
was nearly completed. A letter from Surgeon A. A. Stocker, now in his
eighty-sixth year, was read regretting his inability to be at the
reunion, and sending his kind regards to Colonel Richmond and all the
other members of the Association. With the exception of William E.
Mason the old board of officers were re-elected. Sergt. B. S. Atwood
was chosen vice-president. It was voted to hold our reunion next year
at Fort Phœnix, Fairhaven.
The dinner was fine, and the entertainment which followed it was very
pleasing. Masters Ralph and Benjamin Atwood and Miss Blanche Atwood,
grandchildren of Sergeant Atwood; also Miss Clara A. Goodwin, did
themselves great credit in the rendering of their parts, which were
pleasing to all who heard them.
GEORGE A. GRANT, _Secretary and Treasurer_.
* * * * *
Since the organization of the Association one hundred and ninety have
answered the last roll call. Their names and the dates of deaths will
be found in the History of the Field and Staff, and the corrected
history of the several companies.
During the meetings of the Association no liquors have been used
at dinner, neither sold nor used by the comrades, nor has any one
been seen under the influence of liquor. All the meetings have been
characterized by unanimity and cordial greetings.
THE COMPILER.
* * * * * *
Transcriber’s note:
Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
the text and consultation of external sources.
Some portrait illustrations have been moved closer to the relevant
biographical information for that person.
Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.
Frontispiece caption: ‘The Complier’ replaced by ‘The Compiler’.
Pg iii: ‘Third Rgiment)’ replaced by ‘Third Regiment)’.
Pg 16: ‘made a reconnoisance’ replaced by ‘made a reconnoissance’.
Pg 21: ‘swaggering braggadocia’ replaced by ‘swaggering braggadocio’.
Pg 25: ‘were atacked and’ replaced by ‘were atacked and’.
Pg 41: ‘on a reconnoisance’ replaced by ‘on a reconnoissance’.
Pg 42: ‘Foster returnd’ replaced by ‘Foster returned’.
Pg 50: ‘and aid-de-camp,’ replaced by ‘and aide-de-camp,’.
Pg 53: ‘and his aid-de-camp’ replaced by ‘and his aide-de-camp’.
Pg 54, illustration caption: ‘MORRESSEY’ replaced by ‘MORRISSEY’.
Pg 73: ‘accurate diarian’ replaced by ‘accurate diarist’.
Pg 84: ‘had he, Urial’ replaced by ‘had he, Uriel’.
Pg 86: ‘rebels would harrass’ replaced by ‘rebels would harass’.
Pg 95: ‘Corporal Gamons’ replaced by ‘Corporal Gammons’.
Pg 96: ‘brave Massachusets’ replaced by ‘brave Massachusetts’.
Pg 99: ‘he has alwas’ replaced by ‘he has always’.
Pg 100: ‘an employe of’ replaced by ‘an employee of’.
Pg 104: ‘Ashley Hights,’ replaced by ‘Ashley Heights,’.
Pg 160: ‘in the immdiate’ replaced by ‘in the immediate’.
Pg 208: ‘but Captain Wilbur’ replaced by ‘but Captain Wilber’.
Pg 235: ‘pigs squeeling and’ replaced by ‘pigs squealing and’.
Pg 265: ‘Promnent in town’ replaced by ‘Prominent in town’.
Pg 291: ‘39; shoemaker;’ replaced by ‘shoemaker; 39;’.
Pg 295: ‘Died in Brigewater’ replaced by ‘Died in Bridgewater’.
Pg 302: ‘of the Willerness’ replaced by ‘of the Wilderness’.
Pg 313: ‘adjourned at 12 M.’ replaced by ‘adjourned at 12 P. M.’.
Pg 317: ‘At 12 M. the’ replaced by ‘At 12 P. M. the’.
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