^JT^^~^S ;

.«? ••;¦

RECORD

OF THE SERVICE

OF THE

Forty-Fourth Massachusetts

Volunteer Militia

IN NORTH CAROLINA

August 1862 to May 1863

BOSTON
PRIVATELY PRINTED
1887

eantbergita $«ss :
John Wilson and Son, Cambridge.

While these pages were passing through the press, the
Colonel of the Forty-Fourth died at his home in Westport,
New York.
The surviving members of the Historical Committee wish
to testify here to the respect and affection felt for him by the
Regiment, and therefore dedicate this Record
Co ti)e Jfflemorp
of
OUR COMMANDER, COMRADE, AND FRIEND,
COLONEL FRANCIS L. LEE.

PREFACE.

The Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regimental Associa
tion has been fortunate in one circumstance. The reari-
ment was so largely made up of clerks and students who
are now business or professional men in Boston, with
common ties of residence and occupation as well as of
army service, that the yearly meetings of the Association
are more largely attended and more heartily enjoyed than
are the reunions of regiments whose members have be
come scattered and estranged since the war.
This cordial fellowship led, many years ago, to a wish
for some permanent record of the service in which it
had its origin. The first reunion of the Forty-fourth was
held March 14, 1876. As early as the annual meeting
held Feb. 5, 1879, the project of publishing a regimental
history was discussed, and referred, with full powers,
to an Historical Committee consisting of Charles C.
Soule, Edward C. Johnson, Col. Francis L. Lee, Frank
G. Webster, and James B. Gardner.
At the annual meeting held Jan. 20, 1886, William
Garrison Reed, Charles J. Mclntire, Paul S. Yendell,
John J. Wyeth, and Eben N. Hewins were added to this
Committee. The original Committee selected James B. Gardner to
collect material and edit the history. Diligent inquiry

VI PREFACE.
was made among members of the regiment for old letters,
diaries, or sketches. From material of this kind, from
newspaper files, from the records of the War Department,
from the four monographs already published concerning
the regiment,1 and from all other available sources, Cor
poral Gardner had compiled the rough notes for a regi
mental history, when he received a railroad appointment
in the West, and removed from Boston to Dennison,
Ohio. His new duties so thoroughly absorbed his time
that he could not find leisure for working up his notes,
and he therefore sent them just as they were to the
Historical Committee. The members of this Committee
were all exceptionally busy men, — far too busy to edit
the history themselves. They were compelled to seek
an editor outside of their own number ; and much time
was lost in trying to find among surviving members of
the regiment some one with the leisure, zeal, literary
ability, and patience needed for deciphering and putting
into proper shape Gardner's rough notes. Several com
rades were almost persuaded to undertake the task ; but
laziness, diffidence, or actual inability to spare the neces
sary time finally overcame all of them. In despair, the
Committee borrowed an idea from " The Memorial His
tory of Boston," divided the regimental record into
chapters, each embracing some phase or event of our
service, and endeavored to get different comrades to write
them. In this attempt they were successful, although
1 "Letters from the Forty-fourth Regiment M. V. M., by Corporal " (Zenas T.
Haines of Company D) ; "The Bay State Forty-fourth," by De Forest Safford ;
" Roll of the Association of Company F, etc.," by E. N. Hewins ; and "Leaves from
a Diary written while serving in Company E, etc.," by J. J. Wyeth.

PREFACE. Vll
progress was still slow, owing to the unconquerable
dilatoriness of some of the contributors.
Fortunately, Gardner returned to Boston at this junc
ture, and came to the rescue with renewed zeal and
energy. Indeed, the other members of the Committee
wish to say that notwithstanding the services rendered
by the writers of chapters and by other comrades (among
whom they would especially mention and thank Reed,
Hewins, and Wyeth), Gardner has done by far the
greater part of getting this book together, and deserves a
proportionate share of the credit.
It was determined at an early stage in the enterprise
that the history should be illustrated. To this end the
Committee have been fortunate in securing the services of
Paul S. Yendell, of Company G, whose sketches have the
merit of being reminiscences of incidents of actual service
with the Forty-fourth. The maps and plans have been
carefully prepared and drawn (without compensation) by
Comrade Gardner.
As the result of these prolonged efforts, — somewhat
disproportionate, perhaps, to the size and importance of
the book, — the Committee present to the Regimental
Association this Record of the campaign of the Forty-
fourth, believing that even the difficulties of preparation,
and the consequent enlistment of so many different con
tributors, have tended to vary the style and increase the
interest of the narrative.
Lest this book should come into the hands of any
others than our own comrades, it may be well to say
here that the members of the Forty-fourth, as only nine
months' soldiers, recognize that they should speak

VIII PREFACE.
modestly of their services. But while yielding admira
tion and precedence to the veterans whose patriotism
prompted and whose opportunities allowed a longer
enlistment, the short-time men may be permitted to look
back with some satisfaction to the part, however small,
which they played in the great War of the Rebellion.
The service of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts included
a representative variety of the experiences of the Ameri
can volunteer during a winter campaign, — camp life,
provost-duty, marches, skirmishes, a siege, battles serious
enough to test the courage of the regiment, exposure,
hardship, and losses by disease and in action. So far
as it went, this service was serious work, and not a
mere holiday parade. Older and more seasoned veter
ans will not begrudge us these modest reminiscences.
January , 1887.

ttSLIOTVPE PRINTiHQ CO BOSTON

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter Page
I. The New England Guards  i
James B. Gardner, Corporal, Co. D.
II. Organization, and Camp at Readville  21
fames B. Gardner, Corporal, Co. D.
III. Voyage to New Berne  41
Everett C. Bumpus, Co. H.
IV. New Berne and its Garrison  53
George F. Piper, Co. E.
V. Camp Life  69
fames B. Gardner, Corporal, Co. D.
VI. The Tarboro' March, and the Affair of Little Creek
and Rawle's Mill  109
Charles J. Mclntire, Co. G.
VII. The Goldsboro' Expedition  133
Charles Storrow, Captain, Co. F.
VIII. The Plymouth Expedition  147
Henry W~. Hartwell, Co. A.
IX. Washington  159
Paul S. Yendell, Co. G'.
X. PlCKET-t)UT'Y OF B AND F . .  197
Charles C. Soule, Second Lieutenant, Co. B.
XI. Provost Duty, Voyage Home, and Muster our . . . 205
James B. Gardner, Corporal, Co. D.

x TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Chapter Page
XII. North Carolina Revisited  223
William Garrison Reed, Co. D.
XIII. Medical  233
Dr. Theodore W. Fisher, Surgeon.
XIV. Personnel  255
Rev. Edward H. Hall, Chaplain.
XV. Subsequent Service  269
Eben N. Hewitts, Co. F.

APPENDIX  293
fames B. Gardner, Corporal, Co. D.
Riot  293
Association  295
Roster  301
Recapitulation: Ages  336
Recapitulation : Places of Enlistment  337
General Summary  338
Present Residence  33c.
Present Occupation  340
Fac-simile Signatures  341

INDEX  3S7

LIST OF PORTRAITS.

Group of Officers, Readville  To face page 21
Generals Foster, Wessells, and Stevenson . . " "61
Field and Staff of the Forty- fourth .... " "255

LIST OF MAPS AND PLANS.
Department of North Carolina  Following Preface.
New Berne  To face page 53
Barracks at New Berne  " " 69
Rawle's Mills  " "117
Kinston  " 133
Whitehall  " "140
Washington  " 159
Vicinity of New Berne  " 197

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
By P. S. Yendell.

CHAPTER I.
NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. Page
Initial — Fourth Battalion Crest  i
Seal — Fourth Battalion Coat of Arms  4
Cannon  5
Tail-piece — Fort Independence  . 20
CHAPTER II.
CAMP AT READVILLE, ETC.
Initial — Color-guard ...  . . 21
Going to Wash   26
Interior of Barrack after Dress Parade  32
Tail-piece — Blue Hill from Camp-ground  39
CHAPTER III.
VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE.
Initial — Wharf — Waiting to go on Board  40
Deck of " Merrimac "  ... ... 46
Ride to New Berne  , . 48
CHAPTER IV.
NEW BERNE, ETC.
Initial — Coat of Arms of North Carolina  53
Tail-piece — Attack on Fort Anderson . .  68

\ \

xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
CHAPTER V.
CAMP LIFE. Page
Initial — On Guard  69
Right Wing of Barracks  71
Drawing Rations  74
Hucksters at Guard Line  75
Police Squad  78
Cleaning up for Inspection  80
Distributing Letters  90
Mending Clothes  91
Opening Boxes .  95
Tail-piece — Indispensables  108
CHAPTER VI.
TARBORO'.
Regiment on the March (from a sketch by Lieut. -Col. Cabot) . 109
Initial — Reveille ...  109
Cotton-press  112
Gathering Rails  120
Foraging  123
Making Coffee and Drying Blankets  130
Tail-piece — Despatch Boat  131
CHAPTER VII.
GOLDSBORO'.
Initial — Field and Staff Bivouac  133
Camp Cooking  136
Midnight in Bivouac . .  141
"Clear Grit"  144
Tail-piece — Luggage and Conveyance  146
CHAPTER VIII.
PLYMOUTH.
Initial — "Northerner" at Wharf  147
Old Mill .  150
Ham-fat March ...  153

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. xv
CHAPTER IX.
WASHINGTON. Page
Initial — Bird's-eye View of Left Centre  i59
Cook-house, Company G .. ..  1^l
Blockhouse No. 2  jg.
Traverse and Splinter-proof — Left of Company G . . . . 177
Drawing Rations under Fire . .  !g.
Tail-piece ....  Ig6
CHAPTER X.
picket duty.
Initial — "Halt! Who goes There ! "  19 7
Scouting in Flat-boat . . .  i99
Batchelder's Creek Picket Post  201
CHAPTER XL
provost duty.
Initial — Sentry at Headquarters  205
Examining Passes ... ... .... .... 208
Sentry Fishing  ... 209
Tail-piece — Colored Washerwoman  222
CHAPTER XII.
NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED.
Initial — How We Travel Now  223
CHAPTER XIII.
MEDICAL.
Initial — Dispensary Door at Surgeon's Call  233
CHAPTER XIV.
PERSONNEL.
Initial  255

XVI LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
CHAPTER XV.
SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. Page
Initial  291
Tail-piece  299
APPENDIX.
ASSOCIATION.
Initial — Association Badge  295

CHAPTER I.

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS.

'N writing the biography of an individ
ual it is customary to refer to his an
cestry ; and in writing what might be
called an autobiography of the Forty-
fourth Regiment it therefore seems
appropriate to give a short account of
the New England Guards, a military
organization founded during the War
of 1812-1815, and from which that
regiment was lineally descended. The
New England Guards were regularly
organized at a meeting held at Con
cert Hall, Boston, Sept. 19, 1812, un
der authority of an order issued by
the Brigadier-General commanding
the Third Brigade, First Division,
M. V. M. Forty votes were cast, and Samuel Swett was elected
captain; George Sullivan, lieutenant; and Lemuel Blake, ensign.
The meeting then adjourned to the 24th, when James Dalton was
chosen first sergeant; Stephen G. Brown, second; William Ward,
third; and Isaac Mansfield, fourth. The corporals were chosen
five days later. At this meeting the draft of the constitution
was read and discussed, and on the following evening, Septem
ber 25, at a meeting held at Faneuil Hall, it was adopted.
The preamble read as follows : —
"To facilitate the performance of the duty which we owe to our country
of adding to our character as citizens some portion of the skill of the sol
dier ; to increase our usefulness as militiamen by adding to the zeal which
1

2 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
is excited by patriotism, the ardor which is inspired by emulation ; and to
give to each one of us, while exerting himself for his own and the State's
defence, that confidence in each other's zealous and skilful co-operation
which can result only from military discipline, we have voluntarily asso
ciated ourselves for the purpose of forming a company of light infantry ;
and to govern us in the pursuit of these objects we have adopted the fol
lowing articles for our constitution."
This was quite lengthy, and contained the provisions usually
found in documents of that description. The uniform as origi
nally ordered would look strange in these days: —
" A plain, dark blue coat, double-breasted, with gilt buttons ; white waist
coat ; white pantaloons ; blue cloth pantaloons ; half-boots with black tas
sels ; round hat with a black leather cockade, yellow eagle in the centre,
and a gold loop extending down to the band ; a black silk stock. ..."
The duties of the officers are described with exceeding minute
ness. A clause in the article specifying those of the orderly
sergeant reminds us how inadequate were the postal facilities in
those days : —
" He shall notify all the members of every meeting by signing a written
or printed notification, which he shall seasonably deliver to the other ser
geants and corporals in equal parts ; and it is hereby declared to be their
duty to deliver said notifications without delay to the members to whom
they are addressed."
Previous to the declaration of peace in 1815, one hundred and
twenty-six members had joined the Guards. Among them were
many who in after years were enrolled among the " solid men of
Boston ; " and their children and grandchildren were found in
most of the regiments sent to the front from Massachusetts, and
in a few which went from other States. Abbott Lawrence be
came Minister to England; Joseph B. Henshaw was for some
time Collector of the Port of Boston ;' William Greenough, Jr.,
was a well-known hardware merchant, and his son is now Presi
dent of the Trustees of the Public Library; Nathan Hale was
editor of one of the most influential newspapers in New England
and father of Rev. Edward Everett Hale; and the names of
Samuel Swett, George Sullivan, Lemuel Blake, Stephen G.
Brown, George Dana, Massa Willis, Robert P. Williams, Reuben
Richards, Jr., Charles Tidd, Moses Grant, Jr., Richard Ward,

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 3
Watson Gore, Deming Jarves, Lorenzo Draper, Jonathan G. Bar
nard, Thomas Dennie, Jr., Joseph Callendar, Jr., Cheever New-
hall, Joseph West, Jr., Benjamin F. White, Thomas R. Sewall,
Joseph Ballister, Jeffrey Richardson, Barney Tisdale, Samuel
Hunt,1 Isaac Child, Joseph Hay, and others will be readily re
called by all the older generation of Bostonians. Mr. Hay is
still living.2 Dan Simpson and Si Smith were the drummer and
fifer. Simpson attended the annual reunion of our regiment in
1884.3 The company drilled regularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fri
days, and Saturdays, from September 23 to November 19, when
it made its first public parade under command of Captain Swett,
and was presented with " an elegant standard " by General
Welles. If those to whom his speech was addressed did not
have the opportunity to practise its precepts, its spirit animated
the members of the Guards, as their record from 1 861 to 1865
conclusively proved. A few extracts may well be given : —
" In a free republic a permanent and standing military force has ever
been considered dangerous if not hostile to the liberties of the people.
The framers of our happy constitution of government have preferred an
appeal to the patriotism of the citizens ; on the discipline, therefore, of its
citizen soldiers the prosperity of the State essentially depends.
" We witness with pleasure this day your enlistment among the de
fenders of their country ; the trust is sacred ; the duties imposing. On
your patriotism we may confidently rely. Valor and discipline will
point to you the path to glory. Remember that the independence of
your country was purchased with the toils and blood of your fathers, and
in your hands the sacred deposit is placed for posterity. ... As honor
able citizens and undaunted soldiers cultivate harmony with each other,
preserve subordination, perfect yourselves in discipline, and the reward
you will receive for this valuable service will be the sublime satisfaction
which results from the discharge of duty with fidelity and the grateful
acknowledgments of your fellow-citizens."
The standard was accepted on behalf of the Guards by Ensign
Blake. In his response occurred the sentence which the Guards
afterwards adopted as their motto : —
1 Father of Captain Charles Hunt, of Company G.
2 Mr. Hay celebrated his ninety -sixth birthday anniversary, Jan. 15, 1886.
8 Dan Simpson died, after this chapter was written, at a good old age.

4 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
"... Although our country is engaged in a war contrary to the views
of the people of New England, yet, if in the course of its events we
should be called to the tented field by our venerable commander-in-chief
' to repel invasion,' ' to suppress insubordination,' or ' to execute the laws
of the Union,' we pledge our life's blood to preserve this standard from
dishonor. 'Our Nation's honor is the bond of union.'"
On this occasion it is noted
as a fact worth remembering

that the Guards " partook of
cake and wine with General
Welles," and that they went
" from the Common to the
home of Captain Swett, where
a superb collation was pro
vided by his liberality." All
through the orderly book such
notations as these are contin
ually found, showing that the
Guards had a keen apprecia
tion for the pleasures of the
table ; and on the principle of transmitted traits we may account
for the distaste with which many of its later members received
the hard-tack and , salt horse furnished them half a century
afterwards. At a meeting held at Concert Hall the following evening, the
company voted to present a piece of plate to General Welles
" expressive of their respect and gratitude for his honorable
patronage." They also voted the thanks of the New England
Guards to " the young lady who honored them with the elegant
draft of the Roll of Members." %
At the suggestion of General Welles, the officers of the Guards,
with the approval of the majority of the members, applied to the

1 On the margin of the orderly book is a memorandum dated October, 1842, to the
effect that the young lady was Miss Walter, afterwards wife of Mr. S. F. McCleary,
the first City Clerk of Boston. Many of our comrades knew her personally, and the
writer has heard her express the gratification she felt on this occasion. Miss Walter
was an accomplished penwoman, and the original design which she made for the
inscription on the plate presented to General Welles, as well as several other designs
which she furnished, are preserved in one of the orderly books.

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 5
Governor and Council for a couple of cannon for the use of
the corps. The matter was considered at the council meeting
in January, 1813, but the officers having learned unofficially
that the Governor did not feel authorized to act in the matter,
the petition was, by consent of all parties interested, withdrawn,
and General Boyd of the United States Army, commandant of
the station, requested to loan the Guards the desired cannon.
This request he kindly granted. On Jan. 19, 1813, " the weather
was rainy and the roads wet with melting snow ; but the Guards
resolving unanimously to march, they proceeded to the Navy
Yard at Charlestown, whence they brought the cannon into
Boston and lodged them at the artillery gun-house at four o'clock
P. M." These were returned to the Navy Yard Feb. 9, 1814,1 at
the request of General Cushing. On the same day it was voted
that " the commissioned
officers be appointed a
committee to apply to the
Legislature of the State
for a pair of brass cannon
for the use of the com
pany." There is no rec
ord of the time when
these were received ; but
on June 13, 1814, the "Guards started for Charlestown with the
six-pounders." These cannon were in possession of the corps
for several years. By some means they were lost, but were
found a few years since, and for a while formed " the battery "
at the residence of Colonel W. V. Hutchings, Roxbury. Re
cently they have been placed in the rooms of the Bostonian
Society, in the Old State House. Each piece bears the inscrip
tion, " Cast & Mounted by Order of the Board of War for the
N. E. G., 1814."2
February 18, 1813, the Guards volunteered escort duty to
the committee on the reception of Commodore Bainbridge of
the " Constitution," who had just won the victory over the
1 There is doubt if this date is correct.
2 The orderly books and all the records of the Guards which can be found have
been placed with the Bostonian Society in trust.

6 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
" Guerriere." Commander Rogers, Captain Hull, and others
participated. On Thursday morning, Sept. 2, 1813, the company paraded.
The day was intensely hot. The orderly notes, " Number of
members small, but these were resolute." After taking their
guns and baggage-wagons from the gun-house on Beacon Street,
they proceeded by West Boston Bridge, West Cambridge, and
the west side of Medford Pond to Gardner's Locks. On the way
" we made the hills and vales resound with our animated songs."
Most of us undoubtedly recall many instances when, if our
orderly sergeants had not been completely worn out with fatigue,
they, too, might have made similar entries. Few of us will ever
forget the inspiration we felt as we joined in the chorus of " John
Brown " or " Kingdom Coming,'' or listened to the Howard boys,
or Ewer, or Powers, or Perkins, in one of their special songs.
When the Guards reached their destination, " the Lake of the
Woods," they pitched their tents ; the encampment " was on
streets running from front to rear, as practised in Europe." On
Friday they marched to Medford, and after partaking of the
hospitality of the adjutant-general, Peter C. Brooks, established
their camp on the hill in rear of Mr. Tidd's house. On Saturday
they returned to Boston. The time had been well occupied in
drill, target practice, and similar duties, not forgetting the social,
which the Guards never neglected. The record in the orderly
book is quite long, and concludes as follows : " Thus having
the honor to be the first military corps that has marched out of
town with complete camp equipage, made a regular encampment,
and performed regular camp duty for three successive days since
the establishment of our Commonwealth."
Captain Swett having resigned (October, 1813), to accept posi
tion as Topographical Engineer of the Northern Army, on April 2,
1 8 14, George Sullivan was elected captain and Lemuel Blake
lieutenant. Sunday, April 3, 1814, the commanding officer learned from
Commodore Bainbridge that the frigate " Constitution " had been
chased into Marblehead harbor by a seventy-four and two frig
ates of the enemy. The news was received at 5. 30 A.M. The
Guards assembled, formed, and started at 7 A. M. On the way to

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 7
Marblehead they made a short halt at the residence of Commo
dore Bainbridge in Charlestown. Soon after resuming their
march they were recalled by orders from the Commodore direct
ing them to return to Boston to take charge of some heavy
ordnance which he intended to send to Marblehead. As the
horses were not ready, the corps was dismissed till 1 1 p. M., when
every member who had turned out in the morning reported for
duty.. Several others, whose notifications had not reached them
early enough to enable them to join in the first march to
Charlestown, were also present. News reached the armory about
midnight that the enemy had retreated, and the Guards were
dismissed. One of the older members,1 whose recollection of
this parade was very distinct, said that Abbott Lawrence, who
always manifested a very strong interest in the Guards, started in
the morning shod in light dancing-pumps ; that before reaching
Charlestown he was practically barefooted; but, far from being
discouraged, he hired a boy to go home for his boots, and met
him carrying them towards Marblehead as the column was*
returning. June 13, 1 8 14, the Guards went into camp at Charlestown to
guard the Chelsea bridge, which Commodore Bainbridge feared
might be attacked. They remained there from Monday till
Thursday, and in consideration of their services were invited to
the launch of the seventy-four gun-ship, then almost completed,
and to a collation at the residence of the Commodore after the
launch. During the week beginning Oct. 26, 18 14, a detachment of
the Guards under command of Ensign Pickman did garrison duty
at Fort Strong. Charles Tidd and J. Howe, Jr., were the ser
geants, and Abbott Lawrence and Richard Ward the corporals.
In the regulations issued for the government of the detachment
it is provided that the " commissary will furnish whatever spirit
may be needed for the use of the mess." It may be that from
this incident the word " commissary " came to be synonymous
with a rather well-known article which was sometimes confiscated
by our boys, but to which the colonel decidedly objected unless
liberally diluted with quinine or supplied under the guise of
1 Mr. Joseph West, who died Oct. 16, 1884, aged ninety-two years.

8 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
" orange pickle." It also indicates that social matters received
some attention, to find a note saying, " It is expected that gentle
men will entertain their guests at their individual expense."
Feb. 13, 1815, the morning on which was received the welcome
news of the declaration of peace, the Guards fired salutes from
the Common at noon and at sunset.
The Guards seem to have continued the custom of going into
yearly camp (the "summer campaign," as they called it)^ and
although no direct statement to that effect appears in the orderly
book, there are many entries which lead the reader to infer that
this practice was not common to the other military organizations
of the State. During the campaign of 1822 the orderly, in de
tailing the preparations made to receive guests, deems this fact
worthy of record : " After dinner the tents were cleared of all
rubbish. The members put on clean trousers."
The encampment of 1823 was honored by the presence of
John Quincy Adams, who reviewed the corps and highly com
plimented it.
June 14, 1824, appears this extraordinary resolution, especially
surprising considering the reluctance with which their successors
quitted the "soft side of a downy plank" when reveille sounded
on a cold and disagreeable morning: " Voted, unanimously, that
the company shall have a drill on Monday of each week at five
o'clock in the morning untill the campaign." The experiment
was evidently a failure, as the vote was rescinded on June 24.
July 7, a destructive fire occurred on Beacon and Charles
Streets. The Guards volunteered to protect the property, and
forty minutes after the order had been issued by Captain Lyman
two officers and forty members had reported at the armory for
duty. August 24, the company formed part of the escort on the occa
sion of Lafayette's visit to Boston, and were given the right of the
line. The following day they went into annual encampment,
where they were visited by General Lafayette, Governor Eustis,
and a colonel of the British army who had " lost a limb at Water
loo." The latter paid the Guards a very ambiguous compliment
when he remarked that he " never saw such discipline in any
camp as ours."

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 9
Feb. 11, 1825, they attended the funeral of Governor Eustis,
and on April 8 guarded the property saved from the Doane
Street fire, " a destructive conflagration which burned upwards of
fifty stores and houses, and in consequence of which upwards of
one hundred and fifty people were thrown out of employment."
June 17, they participated in the laying of the corner-stone of
Bunker Hill Monument, and ten days later were called upon by
the Governor to be ready to aid in suppressing a riot at the
North End; but fortunately their services were not required.
Dec. 5, 1829, the buttons were ordered to be stamped " N. E. G."
The non-commissioned officers had evidently tired of acting as
postmen, as at this meeting a vote was passed authorizing the em
ployment of a suitable person to deliver notices.
Aug. 11, 1834, the convent at Charlestown was burned, and the
Guards were on duty more or less from the 12th to the 16th.
June 29, 1835, the orderly notes a vote that we " go on the Com
mon to drill by the light of the pale moon ; " whether a variety of
artificial light or a new kind of tactics he does not condescend to
explain. On Sunday, July 11, 1837, they were ordered out, and under
command of Ensign Bigelow (afterwards Chief Justice of the
Commonwealth) performed valiant service during the Broad
Street riot. They were the first infantry company that reported
for duty.
The annual encampment of 1838 was held at Woburn in June.
On one day it is estimated that they entertained over three
thousand visitors; at one hotel more than seven hundred chaises
and carriages were taken care of. The Guards were always social
favorites, and that their successors were so regarded is proved by
the throngs of visitors which crowded the camps of the Second,
Twentieth, Twenty- fourth, and Forty-fourth, which were essen
tially N. E. G. regiments.
Aug. 31, 1839, they went to Barnstable and spent five days
there during the centennial celebration of that town. Being dis
appointed in the arrival of the steamer they had engaged (it
was detained by a heavy storm), they chartered a schooner, and
with nearly two hundred members reached Barnstable before
the hour appointed for the beginning of the exercises. It was

IO FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the first uniformed military company that had ever been seen
there. April 21, 1 841, they performed escort duty at the funeral of
President Harrison, and on June 17, 1843, joined in the proces
sion incident to the ceremonies at the dedication of Bunker Hill
Monument, the corner-stone of which they had assisted in laying
eighteen years before.
The records of the Guards up to 1845 have been preserved,
and from them most of the facts in the account thus far given
have been gathered. Subsequent to that year it is difficult to
obtain full particulars, as all official papers and documents were
burned in the great fire of November, 1872. In consequence of
this loss the most interesting portion of its history, from a few
years previous to the breaking out of the war until the departure
of the Forty-fourth, is largely a matter of tradition.
The interest of the members in the success of the Guards grew
rapidly during the year or two previous to the outbreak of the
Rebellion. The visit of the Ellsworth Zouaves of Chicago had
a stimulating effect by showing how much was yet needed to
bring the company up to the standard of excellence at which it
aimed. As an indication that at that time they had made con
siderable progress in drill and discipline, Ellsworth is reported to
have said that he anticipated having to compete with some well-
drilled militia companies, but he did not expect to find one
exhibiting so much proficiency as the Guards.
The annual festival in January, 1861, was largely attended, and
was a gathering of much interest. It was on this occasion that
Governor Andrew remarked that he had always been regarded as
a peace man, and that he was so much a friend of peace that he
was ready to fight for it.
Jan. 23, 1861, Captain Gordon presiding, Governor Andrew's
celebrated Order No. 41 was read. In accordance with its
1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Headquarters, Boston, Jan. 16, 1861.
General Order No. 4.
Events which have recently occurred, and are now in progress, require that Massa
chusetts should be at all times ready to furnish her quota upon any requisition of the
President of the United States, to aid in the maintenance of the laws and the peace
of the Union. His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, therefore orders, —
That the commanding officer of each company of volunteer militia examine with

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. II
provisions every member, excepting one who excused himself on
the ground of serious illness in his family, pledged himself to go
to the front immediately should the company be called upon. A
military critic, in commenting upon the Guards about this time,
remarks : " The efficiency and improvement of the company in
drill is owing very much to the skill and ability of Captain George
H. Gordon, a graduate of West Point, who has done efficient
service in the United States Army ; and also to the efforts of the
excellent orderly, Thomas G. Stevenson."
Just previous to the outbreak of the War the " Tigers " and
the " Guards '' formed respectively Companies A and B of the
Second Battalion of Infantry. March n, 1861, Company B was
set off as Company A of the Fourth Battalion ; a new company,
B, was formed, and Captain Gordon elected major.
The first call for troops was made April 15, 1861. As the
quota of Massachusetts was filled by the regiments which were
selected by Governor Andrew, the battalions were not required
for duty, and on April 18 Major Gordon offered his services to
the Governor to raise and command a regiment of volunteers for
the war. This was probably the first offer of the kind received
by the Commander-in-Chief. Major Gordon's letter of resignation
states so clearly the reasons for his action, and gives so plainly
his views of the proper functions of the organized militia, that it
has been copied in full : —
In offering to the Governor of the Commonwealth my resignation of
the office of Major of the Fourth Battalion of Infantry to assume com-
care the roll of his company, and cause the name of each member, together with his
rank and place of residence, to be properly recorded, and a copy of the same to be
forwarded to the office of the Adjutant-General. Previous to which, commanders of
companies shall make strict inquiry whether there are men in their commands who
from age, physical defect, business, or family causes, may be unable or indisposed
to respond at once to the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, made in response *o the
call of the President of the United States, that they may be forthwith discharged ; so
that their places may be filled by men ready for any public exigency which may arise,
whenever called upon.
After the above orders shall have been fulfilled, no discharge, either of officer or
private, shall be granted, unless for cause satisfactory to the Commander-in-Chief.
If any companies have not the number of men allowed by law, the commander of
the same shall make proper exertions to have the vacancies filled, and the men
properly drilled and uniformed, and their names and places of residence forwarded
to headquarters. . . . William Schouler, Adjutant-General.

12 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
mand of a regiment to be raised for service during the existence of our
present unhappy difficulties, I deem it due to the members composing
that battalion to state publicly my reasons therefor, as follows : —
Wherever any son of Massachusetts can render the most efficient ser
vice to the State, there, in my judgment, should his efforts be given. Al
though in the first outbreak of war reliance must necessarily be placed on
our militia, in whose ranks are found men of the best classes in our com
munity, yet for prolonged and continuous service a composition of forces
like that constituting the Army of the General Government is indisputably
the most efficient and serviceable, — a composition in which the character
and intelligence of our best citizens must be used to organize and drill the
bone and muscle of those upon whom we must rely for our armies.
Thus we may with a small body of well-instructed gentlemen impart
information, raise into an organization, and render efficient very many
large bodies of men, all of whom will in time become soldiers rather than
undisciplined mobs of raw militia. Where, as in the present sudden emer
gency, any, even the least, capacity exists to impart information and effi
ciency to a company of privates, we cannot afford to waste precious
material that may instruct others by calling it to render individual services
as privates rather than officers.
My aim as chief of the New England Guards has been to impart to
my command the necessary instruction to enable them to command, rather
than to build up a company to serve as privates during the fatigues of a
long campaign.
Massachusetts needs to-day military skill, science, and power to in
struct. No man has a right to refuse his skill to drill the body of the
militia of our State, even though he sacrifice that ambition, so near to a
soldier's heart, to be the first to bleed for his country.
Believing firmly that my duty lies in the direction I have chosen, I
have acted accordingly ; and knowing how hard it is for those of my com
mand with whom I have been so intimately associated, and for whom indi
vidually I entertain a respect that can never abate, and whose bravery and
patriotism each and every member will show in the right direction, to
be kept back from the foremost in this call of their country, I remain, ever
devoted to the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, George H. Gordon.1
This letter shows conclusively what had been his ambition.
How well he succeeded, let the fact that his command of but two
companies furnished to the army during the war upwards of two
1 General Gordon referred to this letter in his remarks at the tenth annual reunion,
Jan. 20, 1886.

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 1 3
hundred commissioned officers and a large number of non-com
missioned officers and privates fully attest. Captain Putnam said
at a meeting of the Guard Association held some time after the
close of the war, that out of one hundred and sixty-one members
who were on duty at Fort Independence in the spring of 1861,
before the close of the year one hundred and sixteen had been
commissioned and several had enlisted in the ranks. At the
same meeting Colonel Hutchins said that of the whole number
who were at the fort all but fifteen had gone into the army
within a very short time, after their return to the city.
That the wives and mothers of the members were as patriotic
as their husbands and sons it is needless to say, as women are
always foremost in any work calling for self-sacrifice. On the
same day that Major Gordon tendered his services, Mrs. J.
Thomas Stevenson, the mother of our former orderly, captain,
major, and brigadier-general, the beloved and lamented Thomas
G. Stevenson, acting as the representative of three hundred Bos
ton ladies who were willing to go to the front as nurses if they
should be needed, .called on the Governor and offered their
services. April 25, 1861, in accordance with the following orders, the
Guards went on duty at Fort Independence: —
Headquarters, Boston, April 24, 1861.
Special Order No. 75.
Captain Thomas G. Stevenson, commanding Fourth Battalion, First
Brigade, First Division, is hereby ordered, with the battalion under his
command, to report at  o'clock a.m., April 25, at the State House,
thence to proceed, after being supplied with the necessary arms and equip
ments, to Fort Independence, on Castle Island, in Boston Harbor, to
garrison and protect said fort until further orders.
These troops are charged with this duty in pursuance of their own pa
triotic wishes, and are to be supplied with rations by the State, but to
perform the service without compensation.
By command, William Schouler, Adjutant- General.
Headquarters, Fourth Battalion Infantry, M. V. M.
Boston, April 25, 1861.
You are hereby ordered to appear at the armory of the Fourth Battalion
of Infantry, Boylston Hall, to-day at 12 o'clock, for active service at Fort

14 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Independence, in dark pantaloons and cap. There will be provided by
the State, overcoat, knapsack, blanket, two pairs of stockings, two
woollen shirts. You will provide yourself with towels, brushes, etc., and
one extra pair of boots or shoes. Per order, Thomas G. Stevenson,
Captain Commanding.
Before leaving for Fort Independence the Guard was presented
with a beautiful silk flag by the young ladies of Mr. Caleb
Emery's school. Each member was also given a good service
able fatigue-jacket by Mr. Parker Whitney, of the Cadets.
The battalion went to Fort Independence under command of
Captain Thomas G. Stevenson. Company A, Lieutenant Osborn,
had fifty-seven guns, and Company B, Lieutenant Otis, sixty-
three guns. May 4, 1861, Captain Stevenson was elected Major.
On May 1 1 the roster was as follows : —
Major  ... Thomas G. Stevenson.
Adjutant  John F. Anderson.
Surgeon . .  Dr. Hall Curtis.
Quartermaster .  William V. Hutchings.
Company A, Captain  Francis A. Osborn.
First Lieut  John F. Prince, Jr.
Second Lieut . . . E. M. Dennie.
Third Lieut. . . Charles H. Hooper.
Fourth Lieut. . . Stephen Cabot.
Company B, Captain  R. H. Stevenson.
First Lieut. '. . . . William C. Otis.
Second Lieut. . . . Francis W. Palfrey.
Third Lieut. . . . John Q. Adams.
Fourth Lieut. . . . J. R. Gregerson.
The complete list of the commanders of the Guards is as
follows : —
Samuel Swett  elected Sept. 22, 181 2.
George Sullivan  " April 2, 1814.
George W. Lyman  " May 6, 181 7.
Franklin Dexter  " Aug. 22, 1820.
Charles G. Loring  " May 23, 1823.
William H. Gardiner  " May 3, 1825.
William F. Otis  " May 6, 1828.

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 1 5
Edward G. Loring  elected June 8, 1829.
Richard S. Fay  " March 31, 1831.
Thomas Dwight  " April 23, 1835.
Alanson Tucker  " May 3, 1836.
H. H. W. Sigourney  " April 4, 1838.
George Tyler Bigelow  " Jan. 15, 1839.
Charles Gordon  " Jan. 9, 1841.
J. Putnam Bradlee  " March 20, 1845.
Joseph L. Henshaw  " March 16, 1852.
George T. Lyman  " Jan. 28, 1857.
Harrison Ritchie  " Dec. 30, 1859.
George H. Gordon  " i860.
Thomas G. Stevenson  " May 4, 1861.
Francis L. Lee  " 1862.
The following extracts from reports of visitors to the fort,
selected from newspapers published at that time, will indicate the
opinion which was generally entertained of the organization : —
"Everything looks like business, and West Point Cadets are not put
through a more rigid drill by more competent officers."
"... The first impression which strikes the observer is that of disci
pline. The commander, Captain Stevenson, has risen rapidly from the
ranks, evincing peculiar capacity for military discipline and command ; and
we may add that he is well supported by an enthusiastic and excellent
body of officers and men."
"The Fourth Battalion of Infantry, at present stationed at Fort Inde
pendence, is composed for the most part of sons of wealthy merchants in
this city, and on this account they are inclined to be sensitive, fearing that
the peculiar service to which they have been appointed will be construed
as an indication of their desire to play the gentleman soldier and an un
willingness to be called into the field, which is far from the case. . . .
These young men at Fort Independence are by strict discipline perfecting
and inuring themselves in preparation for the real hardships of war and
active service into which they may soon be called. Let them rest assured
that their zeal and patriotism will not be questioned, though they tempora
rily occupy Fort Independence instead of Fort Monroe or Pickens."
" The Fourth Battalion of Infantry, Major Stevenson (without dispar
aging other corps which show as creditable proficiency in their drill),
stands at the head of the military organizations of this State for precision
of movement, skilful performance of complicated manoeuvres, and general
discipline. There have been and there are companies which the Fourth

1 6 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
would find hard to beat in rapid and correct execution of the manual ;
but there are none as yet that can compare with the Fourth in the other
qualities which constitute an incomparable military association."
The term of service at the fort was utilized to the best possi
ble advantage. All of our boys can bear witness to the rare skill
of General Stevenson as a commander, and have felt the personal
magnetism which affected all with whom he came in contact.
He was fairly idolized by his men, and it is doubtful if any one
less peculiarly fitted for the position could have maintained as
strict discipline.
May 26, in accordance with special order No. 249, dated May
21, they were relieved by the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, under
command of Major Leonard. On this occasion was performed
for the first time the "Fourth Battalion Quickstep," arranged by
P. S. Gilmore, which immediately became such a favorite, and
to the inspiriting strains of which we have all marched so many
times. On reaching the Common they were received by the
veteran, Colonel Swett, their first commander, and there gave a
dress-parade and battalion-drill, " to the delight of the spectators,
among whom was found many a military critic who found no
cause for disparagement."
Colonel Gordon's regiment, the Second, drew largely on the
battalion for its officers, as did also the Sixteenth, Twentieth, and
Twenty-fourth Massachusetts. There was scarcely a regiment
raised in the eastern part of this State in which the Guards were
not represented, either among the field, line, or staff; and many
were commissioned in the service of other States. Of six Bos
ton officers whose portraits appear in the third volume of the
" Memorial History of Boston," — General Stevenson, General
Bartlett, Colonel Revere, Colonel Shaw, Lieutenant-Colonel
Dwight, and Major Abbott, — four received their early military
training as privates in the New England Guards, as did the
author of the chapter (Francis W. Palfrey), who rose to the
rank of brigadier-general, and, subsequent to the war, was for
many years in command of the Cadets.
In August, 1861, the battalion volunteered its services; but on
the 21st or 22d of the month they received an answer from the
War Department refusing to accept them as a battalion. On the

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 1 7
29th of that month they voted to raise a regiment, and on the 31st
the official authority for so doing was granted Major Stevenson.
Most of the line, and all of the field and staff, were selected from
the Guards, and several members, who were afterwards commis
sioned, enlisted in the ranks. This regiment, the Twenty-fourth,
formed a part of the Burnside expedition, and did not leave the
State till the early part of December. Just previous to its de
parture, Past-Commanders Swett, Lyman, Loring, Gardiner, Fay,
Tucker, Bigelow, Charles Gordon, Bradlee, Henshaw, and Ritchie
presented to Colonel Stevenson a horse and suitable equipments.
In the latter part of i860, when the prospect of civil war
became imminent, there was a general desire on the part of citi
zens, young and old, to learn at least the rudiments of military
drill. Clubs for this purpose were organized all over the State.
One of the largest and most successful of these was commanded
by a Frenchman named Salignac, and at one time numbered
nearly, if not quite, one thousand members. A fencing-club, in
which several who were afterwards commissioned in our regiment
had for a long time been interested, was the nucleus. Soon after
the actual outbreak of hostilities the Government recalled the
arms and equipments which had been loaned to the drill-club,
and it consequently disbanded. Several who were unwilling to
relinquish their military lessons then organized the " Massachu
setts Rifle Club," and engaged as instructor a Mr. Pease, who was
a drill-sergeant in the Hythe School, England. Mr. Pease, re
moving to the West, was succeeded by a Prussian officer of artil
lery, named Steffen. Under his tuition the instruction given was
extended to embrace field fortification, grand tactics, and various
other subjects, the knowledge of which would prove valuable to
an officer in active service. They secured the privilege of using
the Fourth Battalion armory for drill and for the storage of their
arms and equipments. The regiments which had already left for
the seat of war had drawn so heavily on the Guards for their
officers, and so many of its members had gone to the front, that
the corps was completely demoralized, scarcely a corporal's
guard remaining at home. In the winter of 1861-1862 the
Massachusetts Rifle Club united with the Guards. Major Francis
L. Lee, who had been in command of the former organization,
2

1 8 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
was elected to the command of the battalion, and renewed inter
est was manifested immediately.
In May, 1862, at the time of Banks's retreat, the militia of
Massachusetts were called out with the expectation that they
would go to the front. (General Order No. 14, May 26, 1862.)
The order for them to assemble on Boston Common was issued
on the 26th, and on the 27th some four thousand had reported.
The Boston and Salem Cadets were mustered in immediately,
and were sent to Fort Warren to relieve the companies stationed
there in guarding the Rebel prisoners, as the latter were to be
sent to the seat of war. Before the rest of the militia could be
mustered it was found that under the law they might be held for
a period of eight months, and with the exception of the New
England Guards, every company that had reported refused to be
sworn in for longer than three months. Some of the companies
were unanimous in their refusal and others nearly so. Under
these circumstances, the Governor telegraphed to the War De
partment for authority to send them for three months. After
some delay he received for answer that, owing to certain con
centrations, the men would not be needed, and they were ac
cordingly dismissed. The Fourth Battalion was mustered out on
the 28th (General Order No. 16, May 27, 1862), making their
term of service just three days, having been mustered in on
the 26th.
The Boston " Herald" of the 27th says: "The strange appear
ance of one of our own corps (' Corporal ' Zenas T. Haines, of
Company D) in Zouave dress, with a change of clothes strapped
upon his back, at an unusually early hour in the editorial room,
indicated the promptness with which the corps responded to the
Governor's call."
The roster of the battalion at that time was : Major, Francis L.
Lee; Adjutant, Charles C. Soule; Quartermaster, Charles H.
Dalton. Company A: Captain, E. C. Cabot; First Lieutenant,
E. M. Dennie; Second Lieutenant, J. H. Lombard. Company
B: Captain, J. R. Gregerson; First Lieutenant, J. R. Kendall;
Second Lieutenant, F. W. Reynolds.
When it was expected that the battalion was going to the
front, a very large number of young men joined. On the 27th,

NEW ENGLAND GUARDS. 19
Special Order No. 104 authorized the formation of a third com
pany, and directed the election of officers. No record can be
found, however, that officers were chosen. The students of
Harvard College offered a company to be attached to the bat
talion, and the President and Faculty approved, provided it
should be found that their services were needed.
One of the newspapers, in referring to the matter editorially,
says : " But their action yesterday, in such marked contrast with
that of other corps in this city,- will be remembered to their
credit, and give this gallant battalion an addition to their pre
vious honorable prestige."
On the 28th Governor Andrew presented the Guards with a
flag, and in his speech said: "Your conduct is what might be
expected, and an earnest of what may be relied upon for the
Fourth Battalion ; and I pledge you that during the brief space
that I may occupy my present position-with regard to the militia,
there shall be no position of honor within my gift higher than
that assigned to the Fourth Battalion."
Aug. 4, 1862, the call came for 300,000 nine months' men.
August 5, the battalion voted unanimously to serve for that
length of time, but having had some experience of the difficulty
of getting a battalion accepted, on the 7th they voted to raise a
regiment, and before the meeting adjourned between two and
three hundred members had signed the rolls. The battalion was
swallowed up in the regiment.
About the time the Forty-fourth went into camp, the older
members voted to organize a " Home Guard," or " Veteran
Association." This society existed for some time. The de
parture of the Forty-fourth had taken away nearly all the active
members. After its return a large number of those who had
formerly belonged to the Guards went into service again as com
missioned officers; the others felt they were too few in numbers
to keep up the active company ; many thought that it was no
time to try to build up a military company for home duty when
every available man was needed in the field. For these and
other reasons no attempt was made to form an active company
until 1872 or 1873, when at a meeting of the "Veteran Associa
tion " the subject was referred to, and for two or three years a

20

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

strong effort was made to revive the charter, but without a
favorable result.
The New England Guards was organized in September, 1812.
It closed its existence, September, 1862, when the Forty-fourth
Regiment went into camp and the battalion was merged in the
regiment. For fifty years it had had an honorable record, and
on its roll of members are inscribed the names of some of the
most prominent, best-known, and most widely influential of the
citizens of Boston.
At the annual meeting in 1862 Captain Charles G. Loring
said : —
" Why have the New England Guards excelled so much in military dis
cipline, in moral character, and always enjoyed so much of the public
confidence? It was because in 181 2, when this venerable man (Colonel
Swett), who was then its commander, and who commanded it so nobly
and so gloriously, — it was because he and those associated with him in
getting up the New England Guards took care that it should be com
posed exclusively of gentlemen and men of good moral character. From
that time to this, the New England Guards has been, as I believe, a most
exemplary and moral company."
The statement has been made, and so far as can be ascertained
it is believed to be correct, that the New England Guards is the
only military organization in this country that ever lost its
charter in consequence of sending so many of its members into
active service that there was not a sufficient number left at home
to keep it alive.

>-.*.'

I Lt. Howe. 5 Lt. Newell. 9 Capt. Sulliv.in.
2 Lt. Stebhins. 6 Capt. Smith. 10 Adjt. Hinckley.
3 Lt. Brings. 7 Lt. Blake. 11 Capt. Lombard.
4 Lt. White. S C.ipt. Griswold. 12 Lt. Lombard.

13 Chaplain Hall. 17 Lt. Brown. 21 Maj. Dabnev. 25 Lt. Kendall. 29 Lt. Coffin.
1+ Capt. Kendall. lSFrankI.ee. 22 I.t.'Weld. ' 2n Qr. Mr. Bui.ll. 30 Lt. Cum ¦ •'
15 Lt. O.I. Cabot. 19 Oil. Lee. 23 Lt. Hartwell. 27 Lt. Field. 31 Lt. Forbes.
16 Capt. ,s. W. Richardson. 20 Capt. Revnolds. 24 Dr. Fisher. 2S Lt. Odiorne. 32 Lt. Ta\ lor.

GROUP OF OFFICERS, IN FRONT OF BARRACKS, READVILLE, SEPT, i862.

HELIOTYPE PRINTING C

CHAPTER II.

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE.

UGUST 4, 1862, President Lin
coln issued a call for 300,000
men to serve nine months.
The proportion to be fur
nished by Massachusetts, " by
some process of arithmetic
known only to the authorities
in Washington," was fixed at
19,090. The quota was to be
raised by " draft, in accord
ance with orders from the War
Department and the laws of
the several States." These or
ders were issued August 9,
and additional ones sent August 14. Governor Andrew was
desirous of avoiding the necessity of a draft, and on August 8
he wrote the President : —
"... I am confident of getting more volunteers and militia this
month by enlistments, and by wheeling militia into line, than conscription
could bring in the same time. Meanwhile, will be preparing machinery
for draft.
" Our people want nothing to spur them but assurance from Washing
ton that the enemy shall be conquered, and right vindicated at all hazards
by our arms."
In filling this requisition for troops he acted on the plan here
advised. August 5, at a regular meeting of the Fourth Battalion, it was
unanimously voted that the Governor be petitioned to authorize

22 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the corps to recruit to a full regiment for the nine months'
service. The request received prompt attention and resulted in
the following order: — Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Headquarters, Boston, Aug. 7, 1862.
Special Order No. 597.
The Fourth Battalion of Infantry, First Brigade, First Division, M. V. M.,
is authorized to recruit to the size of a regiment of ten companies of
ninety-eight enlisted men each, conforming in all respects both as to the
quality of the enlisted men and otherwise to the militia laws of the United
States, each man in the regiment being required to sign an agreement to
serve upon any requisition of the Government of the United States issued
during the present year as a militia man for the term of nine months con
secutively, if orders therefor shall be issued to his regiment or any portion
thereof by the Commander-in-Chief of the militia of Massachusetts.
Major-General Andrews, commanding First Division, will transmit this
order. By command of his Excellency,
John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
William Brown, A. A. G.
On the same day Special Order No. 596, worded like the
above, gave permission to the Second Battalion, " Tigers," to
recruit to a regiment, which afterwards became the Forty-third ;
and on August 11 the following order authorized the formation
of the Forty-fifth Regiment: Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Headquarters, Boston, Aug. 11, 1862.
Special Order No. 607.
Captain Charles R. Codman, of Boston, Adjutant of the Company of
Cadets, First Division, M. V. M., is hereby authorized to recruit for a
regiment of infantry in the M. V. M., under the auspices of said company
of Cadets.
By command of his Excellency,
John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-in- Chief.
William Schouler, Adjutant- General.
A meeting of the Fourth Battalion was held at the armory,
Boylston Hall, on the evening of August 7. It was called to
order by Captain Cabot. The reading of Special Order No. 597
was received with cheers, and a grand rush was made for the

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 23
enrolment lists, each wishing to get his name as near the head
as possible. Nearly every one present signed the roll for the
new regiment, and before the meeting adjourned almost three
hundred men had joined. Major Lee had been passing the sum
mer at his place at Westport, N. Y. As soon as he learned from
the newspapers that the call for nine months' troops had been
made, anticipating the action that the battalion would take, he
started for Boston, and reached the armory just as the men had
begun to sign the roll. Before adjournment he suggested that
each member make himself a " recruiting committee of one," and
added, that as all could not go as officers and as undoubtedly we
had a choice of associates, this plan would be much more likely
to secure those who would be agreeable than the usual one of a
regular recruiting headquarters and acceptance of all who might
choose to volunteer.
Authority was immediately granted to Messrs. J. H. Lombard,
H. D. Sullivan, Spencer W. Richardson, Charles Storrow, Charles
Hunt, J. R. Kendall, and F. W. Reynolds, all of whom had been
officers in the battalion, to raise companies. These gentlemen
selected their assistants, who were afterwards commissioned lieu
tenants. James M. Richardson, who had been a captain in the
Twenty-first, and William V. Smith, who had been a lieutenant in
the Eighteenth, also received authority. A company recruited
exclusively in Newton by John M. Griswold was afterwards
added. Each member of the battalion seemed inclined to follow the
advice of Major Lee, and worked as if the success of the regiment
depended on his individual exertions. Most of the companies
made the Boylston Hall armory their headquarters; but Com
pany E, Captain Spencer W. Richardson, located at the rooms of
the Mercantile Library Association. Captain Richardson was an
ex-president of that society, which took a strong interest in the
company he commanded. August 11, it passed a resolution
making all who should enlist in Company E members of the
Library Association.
At this time the interest in filling the quota of the city was
most intense. Besides our regiment, there were being recruited
in Boston and immediate vicinity the Forty-third, Forty-fifth,

24 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Forty-seventh, and several companies for the Forty-second. The
Fifth had three companies from Charlestown, one each from
Somerville, Medford, and Watertown; and the Sixth, one from
Cambridge. By general agreement many of the merchants
closed their places of business at 2 or 3 P. M., and the afternoon
was devoted to the work of encouraging enlistments.
On the 8th the battalion paraded, some wearing the " Chas
seur " uniform and some clad in citizen's dress. Other parades
were made while the regiment was being formed. On the 20th
we had about five hundred in the ranks. August 19, eight corh-
panies having reported the minimum number of enlisted men,
the following order was issued : —
Special Order No. 650.
The Fourth Battalion, First Brigade, First Division, M. V. M., will be
forthwith organized into a regiment of ten companies and designated as
the Forty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Rolls of companies enlisted by J. H. Lombard, J. R. Kendall, Charles
Hunt, H. D. Sullivan, Spencer W. Richardson, Charles Storrow, F. W.
Reynolds, and W. V. Smith having been legally returned to the Adjutant-
General, the companies will be immediately organized by the election of
officers and attached to said regiment. The usual ten days' notice for the
election of company and field officers will be waived.
Major-General Andrews is charged with the execution of this order.
By command of his Excellency,
John A. Andrew,
Governor and Commander-itt-Chief.
William Schouler, Adjutant- General.
August 29, the regiment went into camp at Readville, quite
near the station, on the ground between the Boston and Providence
and the New York and New England Railroads, south of the junc
tion, the field being just east of the embankment of the latter
road. The barracks — a separate building for each company —
were built very nearly at right angles with the embankment, and
the field in which we drilled and held our dress-parades was east
and north of the barracks.
During the ten days intervening between the issuing of Special
Order No. 650 and going into camp, quite a large number of men
had joined, so that when the regiment reported at Readville it
contained about the maximum number allowed by law. Still,

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 25
recruits appeared who wished to belong to the Forty-fourth, and
as it was very probable that the critical surgical examination our
surgeons proposed making would cause the rejection of many
who accompanied the regiment to camp, the late comers were
accepted with the understanding that they should be selected to
fill the anticipated vacancies. At one time there were nearly
twelve hundred names on the rolls of the regiment. At the date
that we were authorized to elect officers none of the towns in the
State had offered bounties to the nine months' troops ; and when
we reached Readville with full ranks, comparatively few had
taken action on the matter.1 The State paid no bounty to the
nine months' troops. Although some of our men collected the
town bounties, to which they were entitled under the provisions
of the several votes granting them, they had enlisted before the
votes were passed, and we think we can justly claim the credit of
having been the last regiment recruited before the bounty system
went into general operation.
Among our members was Zenas T. Haines, Corporal in Com
pany D, a journalist by profession, who was the regular corre
spondent of the Boston " Herald " while the regiment was in
service. His pictures of camp life are so vivid and complete
that they will be quoted frequently, as even after the lapse of
twenty years it would be difficult to improve his descriptions.
In his first letter, dated "Barracks at Readville, Aug. 30, 1862,"
he says : —
"... The Forty-fourth came one day too soon to barrack at Read
ville, but it was their own fault. The fine new barracks just erected there
were not completed, and will not be until to-night, although now habitable,
and comfortable as heart can desire. But all have had to work to pro
duce this comfortable state of affairs so early, and the ' school of the
soldier ' has been neglected to-day.
" Our first night in barracks was exceedingly jolly, as was to have been
expected. Poor devils who depend on good sleep and a good deal of it
for what vitality they can muster, might have probably sworn last night if
1 Bounties to nine months' men were voted as follows : Boston, September 8 ;
Cambridge, August 20; Dorchester, August 21; Framingham, September I; West
Roxbury, September 6 ; Walpole, August 19 ; Roxbury, August 27 ; Waltham, Au
gust 20; Maiden, August 27; Weston, August 19; Chelsea, September 15. Newton
did not formally vote bounty, but on November 4 approved the act of the Selectmen
in paying it. (Adjutant-General Schouler's " Massachusetts in the Rebellion.")

26

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

they had been obliged to barrack at Readville. Not that the boys were
riotous, or even obstreperous, but simply jolly. We supped on hard
bread, and coffee hotter than the crater of Vesuvius. Then, pipes and
cigars lighted, the early evening was devoted to music — songs of home.
After we had retired to our bunks, music of another character ' beguiled '
the hours of the night.
" Your correspondent slept not at all the first night in barrack, for ob
vious reasons. The inside musical performances opened with a barnyard
chorus by the entire company, followed by rapid, unintermitting succession
of dog, hog, pig, and rooster solos, duets and quartets, single and com
bined, which continued in great volume until the unexpected arrival of
the captain and his lieutenants, who are unfortunately without any ear
for music. After a short intermission the performance was resumed in
a greatly modified condition, commencing with admirable imitations of

chickens astray from the shelter of the maternal wing, and coming to a
pause with the low, small, satisfied twitterings of chickens in clover.
" Then followed sounds less artistic, but not less suggestive to the gen
eral appreciation, intermingled with snatches of conversation of a highly
festive character. The good wit of the occasion rendered endurable what
would otherwise have been an intolerable nuisance to any one wanting
sleep as badly as your humble servant ; but at last, as it must be confessed,
even this element failed to satisfy a scientific audience. Objurgations, not
loud but deep, came from a number of bunks where sleep had failed to
come, or tarried a moment to be cruelly banished.
"To-day we have been applying finishing touches to our quarters, and
exercising in company movements, by squads, etc. The turn-out at
reveille this morning at five o'clock was a new sensation, even to the
'Corporal.' The style of the morning's ablutions was a novelty too.

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 27
Instead of basins and soap at the barracks, we were ordered to ' fall in
with towels,' and then were positively marched to a pond to wash our
hands and faces. Oh the degradation of military rule ! Such is war."
This exuberance wore off quickly, as none of us felt inclined
to keep awake all night after several hours' severe drill during
the day, with the certainty that at five o'clock the next morning
the unwelcome reveille would rouse us from our luxurious
slumbers. Almost as soon as we reached camp one quality was developed
which seemed to be characteristic of the Forty-fourth, that of
making themselves as comfortable as circumstances would per
mit, and considering the ornamental as well as the useful. " Cor
poral " writes, September 6 : —
"... There is some emulation among the companies in the way of
neatness, convenience, and decorations about their several barracks. The
palm is due to Company D for an early display of flags upon the outside,
and also for certain novel decorations of the interior in the shape of one or
two delicate articles of apparel probably wafted by the wind from a wash
ing hung out to dry.
" Company F having had the temerity to erect a flagstaff taller than
Company D's, the latter company extended its mast a few feet over that
of its neighboring barrack. This ambition to excel exhibits itself in a
variety of ways. Some of the barracks are prettily lighted with lanterns,
and in one or two of them the bunks are lettered and ornamented in a
very artistic manner. Afterwards Captain Spencer Richardson's boys se
cured the tallest pole which could be found in the neighboring woods, and
at the present writing their flag floats the highest. The barracks occu
pied by the companies of Captain Lombard, Captain Hunt, and Captain
Kendall also have creditable displays of bunting, and contribute to give
the encampment a beautiful and animated appearance. . . .
" As our stay at Readville protracts, we are gathering about us many little
comforts and luxuries which we shall probably have to sacrifice in the
event of a sudden retirement before an enemy. But while we stay here
our purpose is to make ourselves extremely comfortable ; and in this
purpose a numerous constituency of friends are lending their assistance
in the way of hampers and baskets and bundles of fruit and other
delicacies." A very pleasant feeling existed between the officers and the
rank and file, which was manifested by the presentation to the
former of some little token of regard from the men in their com-

28 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
mands. Swords, sashes, and belts were given to Captain Sullivan
of Company D ; Captain Spencer W. Richardson of Company
E ; Horace S. Stebbins, Orderly Sergeant of Company F ; Frank
W. Hatch, Orderly Sergeant of Company G ; George L. Tripp,
Orderly Sergeant of Company D; Clarence Sumner, Orderly
Sergeant of Company I ; Charles A. Cunningham, Orderly Ser
geant of Company C ; Eben R. Buck, Orderly Sergeant of Com
pany B ; Albert W. Edmands, Orderly Sergeant of Company A ;
and Captain F. W. Reynolds of Company K. Lieutenants Blake
and Stebbins, of Company D, were presented with shoulder-
straps, and Captain James M. Richardson, of Company A, with a
very handsome meerschaum pipe. " Uncle " Dan Simpson was
not forgotten, the boys of Company C giving him a gayly deco
rated Turkish fez.
Nothing produces more pleasure in camp than music, and the
Forty-fourth Regiment was especially fortunate in having a large
number of singers in its ranks.1 Scarcely an evening passed
during our whole term of service without a gathering of the choir,
and the performers were always sure of a sympathetic and appre
ciative audience. Recognizing how pleasant it would be to have
the words and music of our accustomed songs in some conven
ient form for reference, Mr. Charles White, of Milton, father of
Lieutenant White of Company G and Orderly White of Com
pany E, kindly offered to defray the expenses of such a publica
tion and furnish a copy to each member of the regiment. The
compilation was made by Charley Ewer of Company D, and in
addition to many familiar and well-known airs the book con
tained some original songs and original music furnished by our
members. The " Forty-fourth Regimental Song-Book " was voted
to be a complete success.
When we went to Readville, Colonel Lee was placed in com
mand of camp, with military jurisdiction over a territorial radius
of one mile.2 Although neither of our field officers believed in
the principle of total abstinence, they realized the evil influence

1 Two of the original members of the Boylston Club, William K. Millar and
Augustus Jacobs, were privates in Company D.
2 Special order No 739 issued under authority of General Order 99 from the War
Department. The appointment dated from Aug. 26, 1862.

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 29
caused by undue indulgence in intoxicating drinks, and for this
reason, as well as to set an example to the men under their
command, they mutually resolved not to taste any wine or ardent
spirits while they were in the service of the United States, except
on advice of the surgeon, — a resolution to which they scrupu
lously adhered. Colonel Lee in particular felt very strongly
about this matter, and waged a relentless war against " traffickers
in the ardent" who attempted to establish booths near our camp.
Quite a number of enterprising speculators engaged in the busi
ness ; but the confiscation of their stock in trade, and frequently
of their building as well, caused their project to end in financial
wreck. "Corporal's" letter of September 13 was quite " gossipy," and
touched on several matters of interest to the boys : —
"... We have received an order from the Commander-in-Chief of
all the forces in Massachusetts l prohibiting us from bathing at all Chris
tian hours of the day, out of regard to the sensitive nerves of somebody.
As nobody but soldiers live near the ponds, it is to be supposed that the
order was promulgated as a measure of consideration of the naiads and
nymphs habitant hereabout. We heartily wish that everybody was like
Caesar's wife.
"The 'women of America,' including a few Boston friends, have sent us
in a grand lunch of Washington pies, coffee, and cold meats. Where
these dainties went to is a profound mystery to the non-commissioned
officers and privates, but it is doubtless 'all right.'
" At dress-parade the other day Miss Josie Gregg, of Boston, through
Colonel Lee, presented us an elegant flag, and the gift was acknowledged
by three cheers. . . .
" Flag competition continues, and now every barrack shows its bunting,
that of Company D again floating the highest. Thursday morning Com
pany F's flagstaff presented to the eyes of an astonished camp the same
small white bifurcated garment which had previously served to decorate
the interior of a neighboring barrack. The boys are bound not to ' 'have
their selves,' as Uncle Sim Wilbur used to say. We now hope, however,
for better things for our company, having sent the sergeants to a tent by
1 By General Order 44, dated September 3, Brigadier-General John H. Reed, Quar
termaster-General, was appointed commandant of all camps of rendezvous in the
State. By special order 790, dated September 9, Brigadier-General R. A. Peirce
was assigned to command of the Readville camp. The bathing order to which
" Corporal " alludes was probably issued in consequence of complaints made by the
officials of the Boston and Providence Railroad.

30 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
themselves, and conferred the responsibility of keeping good order upon
the corporals.
" Captain James Richardson's company give their barrack a beautiful,
almost Oriental appearance at evening by the introduction of numerous
Chinese lanterns. In every barrack the fine arts are still cultivated in the
lettering and ornamentation of the bunks. One is labelled ' Squirrel's
Nest ; ' another, ' Penguin's Nest ; ' another, ' Sleeping Beauties ; ' another,
' Damon and Pythias ; ' another, ' Siamese Twins.' Some graduates of
Tufts College, who occupy a bunk together, inform the world in good
classical phrase that it is sweet to die for your country. They may well
say that, if living in the barracks at Readville be dying for your country.
' Corporal ' cannot but look with amazement upon these classical young
patriots elevated upon their bunks and devouring home dainties over this
conspicuous motto, — ' Duke et decorum est pro Patria mori ! ' . . .
" The quarters of Company G, Captain Hunt, are tastefully ornamented
with evergreen, and are much admired by visitors ; but it is on all hands
conceded that the barrack of Company D, thanks to the oversight of our
admirable Corporal Waterman, is most noticeable for its complete order
and neatness. It is whispered that we are to have a piano, if we remain
here much longer, and then, with such singers among us as Charley
Ewer, from the Warren Street choir, we reckon upon very good times in
the musical line.
" Yesterday was a great day with the men of the Forty-fourth. We were
mustered into the service of the United States by companies. The event
was hailed with cheering and general rejoicing ; and then the uniforms
provided by Uncle Sam were opened for inspection. Many members of
the regiment had already provided themselves with garments of superior
quality, made to measure ; and those who had not taken this precaution
regretted it the more when they came to see the half-cotton, shoddy,
slouchy stuff sent to them through the State authorities. Colonel Lee,
who has a natural abhorrence of shams in all shapes, advised his men not
to draw such uniforms, and promised to assist them in procuring garments
made to measure. The men gladly acted upon the suggestion of the
Colonel, and will clothe themselves, not less as a matter of neatness and
taste than of economy.
" Last evening the barrack of Company F, Captain Storrow, was the
centre of much attraction. The parents of the artists Cobb were present,
and the delighted spectators of a country breakdown and other festive
demonstrations. Mrs. Cobb delivered a little impromptu poem, and Mr.
Cobb made a very stirring address, both of which were vociferously
applauded. The Cobb brothers sang and played exquisitely, and the occa
sion was one of touching interest. . . .
" We have been provided with muskets for guard duty only, and of
course have much work to perform in the manual of arms drill before we

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 3 1
shall be fit to take the field. In the facings we have made commendable
progress, and have been highly complimented by Colonel Lee in this
respect. " Since the Forty-fourth went into barracks they have been favored with
the services of the Boston Brass Band, under the lead of Mr. Flagg. It is
said the expense is to be defrayed by an assessment upon the regiment.
Considering that the mass of the regiment have had no voice in the selec
tion of a band, a number of persons are inclined to consider this a little
'rough.' What 'Corporal ' and many others wish to suggest in this con
nection is, that a few of our rich friends in Boston unite to defray the
expense of a good band, which shall accompany us to the seat of war. It
is thought they would be pleased to confer this substantial benefit upon
the regiment, and thus acknowledge the important assistance rendered by
the Fourth Battalion of Infantry in raising the quota of Boston. Failing
in this, a set of instruments would be gratefully acknowledged, and an ex
cellent band would then be recruited from the regiment."
In his letter of September 20, he says : —
"... We reasonably expect that aweek of furloughs will be succeeded
by work. Some of our little captains are threatening us hard. More drill
and less guard duty will not be unacceptable to the poor fellows whose
duty as sentinels for the past week has only been relieved by the relaxation
of police guard work or scavenger service. Bootless has been the plea, ' I
was on guard yesterday, and police guard the day before.' The orderly
knew it. There was no help for it. It costs hard work, but we have the
cleanest camp in- Christendom, if we may believe visitors. Captain
McLaughlin, our mustering-in officer, was profuse in his commendations
of the Forty-fourth. It was, he said, the most orderly and the cleanest
regiment he ever mustered in. The company rolls were the neatest
which had ever come under his inspection, and the number of ab
sentees (one sick and one unavoidably absent) the smallest in his experi
ence. We do not wish to be always elevating our horn, but we must
record history."
One compliment attributed to Captain McLaughlin, " Cor
poral" neglects to mention. He is reported to have said that
although he had been detailed as mustering officer since the out
break of the war, he never before had mustered in a whole regi
ment on the same day. A rather critical examination of the
" Record of the Massachusetts Volunteers," issued by authority
of the State, seems to prove this statement, except so far as it
might refer to a few of the three months' regiments, to be
correct.

32

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

" Since my last letter there have been added to the list of decorated
barracks those of Company B, Captain Griswold, and Company A, Captain
Richardson. Company D has introduced Chinese lanterns, small flags,
and the arms of the New England Guards, neatly painted by one of our
numerous artists, to wit, Fred. Sayer, the lingual prodigy and pet of his
corps. . . .
" A large proportion of the regiment is now uniformed in neatly fitting
suits, having no relationship to the contractor's shoddy which was attempted
to be foisted upon us. Our appearance at the dress-parades is creditable;
and every pleasant afternoon crowds of spectators honor us with their
presence. The number of pretty girls that adorn these occasions, coming

as they do laden with offerings of fruit and flowers for their favorites, is
by no means the least interesting feature of the afternoon displays. The
angels even besiege us in our barracks, and although we are delighted to
see them, they seem sometimes to forget that we have no retiring rooms,
and that we must perforce make our toilets in our bunks, or not make
them at all. ' Corporal ' wants it distinctly understood that he don't care
anything about this, personally. He speaks for the modest man of his
company. . . .
"Your correspondent could expatiate by the half column of the social
fascinations of this life in barracks ; of the genial friendships formed ; of

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 33
the glorious hearts discovered ; of the roaring wit brought out by this free-
and-easy companionship ; of the freedom from conventional restraints and
the care of every-day pursuits. Do not, dear reader, think us too jolly
and comfortable for soldiers, but rather thank Heaven for the sunny side
and recompense of military life, which, perhaps, after all, has very feebly
offset the shadows through which lies the pathway of him who takes up
arms in defence of liberty, imperilled as it is to-day."
The crowds of visitors which thronged our camp attested our
popularity. If our friends enjoyed coming to Readville, it is
equally certain that we enjoyed receiving them. Many a suscep
tible young soldier lost his heart during those delightful moon
light promenades, and an interesting chapter might be written on
this subject, could the number of matrimonial engagements which
resulted from these mild flirtations be correctly ascertained.
J. J. Wyeth, in his sketch of Company E, says, under date of
September 12 : —
"... As this was probably the young ladies' last visit before our start
for the South, we demanded and received our last good-by kisses ; but
when they saw the same boys falling in the second time, and some of them
strangers, they scattered like a drove of sheep over the fences and far
away to the station. I think that was the last effort the company made-
(as an organization) to kiss them all a good-by."
For some time previous to the formation of our regiment a
pleasant little coterie of young ladies and gentlemen had existed
in Cambridge, and there were but few evenings when they did
not meet at a party, the theatre, or some similar entertainment.
Most of the gentlemen enlisted in our regiment. The young
ladies were so incensed at those who did not, that they resolved
unanimously not to attend a party or a place of amusement dur
ing the absence of the Forty-fourth, and this resolution was most
faithfully kept. Will not all our young lady friends agree that
these Cambridge girls displayed as much self-sacrifice as if they
had " donned the blue " and " shouldered the musket," even if
the service were not quite so perilous?
In " Corporal's " letter of September 27 he again refers to the
unwelcome practice of early rising : —
"... The most unmusical of sounds is the reveille at five o'clock a. m.
Even the freshness and magnificence of those star-gemmed mornings
3

34 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
scarcely compensate us for this ghostly hour of turning out. But now we
are threatened with calls among the small hours for the purpose of prepar
ing us for surprises in the enemy's country. We would gladly excuse our
officers from this laborious work in our behalf. In fact, we shall not be
less grateful to them if they do not carry the plan into execution. Besides,
midnight movements like these might excite the suspicion of our ubi
quitous provost guard, and result in getting the whole regiment into limbo.
We could not even visit our neighbors of the other regiments, last Sunday,
without falling into the hands of those merciless Philistines, who go about
the country like roaring lions seeking whom they may devour."
He also speaks of our double-quick marches and of the new
sanitary discipline which our surgeon had introduced : —
" Companies E and D have been making double-quick marches to Ded-
ham Village by the three-mile route. An uninterrupted run of three miles
is something incredible to the uninitiated. ' Corporal ' and five others
confess, with proper self-abasement, that the last mile was rather too much
for them, especially as your correspondent was tortured by a pair of new
boots. We fell out. ... A little while before dinner a small, ' awkward
squad ' (the six men mentioned) might have been seen descending the
railroad embankment near Camp Meigs, and then proceeding by the right
and left flanks until it safely passed the lines. The main party had not
arrived, and we confidently reported them in the hands of the provost.
On the contrary, as we learned upon their arrival, they had been detained
by a number of beautiful Samaritans habitant along the road, who came
out laden with smiles and kind words. Several fellows came back to
camp with hearts and pedal extremities equally damaged.
" Our rifles have been distributed at last, and we have commenced
drilling with great industry. . . .
" On Thursday we had a grand cleaning out of barracks. Everything
was removed from them, and exposed to the air and sunshine. Most of
the regiment being absent on escort duty, the task devolved upon a few.
It was a work of vandalism. Cherished shelves, pictures, flags, and
flowers came down at one fell swoop. The personal effects of absentees
were tumbled down and bestowed in promiscuous piles into the bunks,
and then carried outside. They comprised a heterogeneous collection of
valuables, like pats of butter, soap, packs of cards and Testaments, tooth
brushes and cutlery, spare clothing and baskets, haversacks, havelocks,
night-caps and sm&king-caps, pipes, tobacco and matches, now and then
a bottle, and one umbrella. Having the example before them of the army
in Flanders, the absentees of the Forty-fourth swore when they came back
and witnessed the ' improvements ' which had been made while they were
away.

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 35
" We have occasional evening entertainments here in the shape of
ground-and-lofty tumbling (en costume) and sparring matches. Between
our hours of drill, camp duties, reception of visitors, music, letter-writing,
etc., there is no possibility of time dragging upon our hands. Now
visitors are restricted to the hours between half-past four and half-past
eight p. m. . . .
" Our Surgeon, Dr. Ware, of Boston, is drawing a tight rein over the
regiment. His experience upon the Peninsula has given him notions of
sanitary discipline which some think too severe for soldiers in barracks at
home. He has stripped our quarters of everything but prime necessaries,
and we are reduced to a very bald condition indeed. We shall probably
see the wisdom of this severity more clearly by and by. At present a
majority of the boys- don't see it at all. Thursday night we tried the
experiment of sleeping without straw in our bunks. It did n't work, and
now we propose to provide ourselves with canvas bags to keep the straw
in place, and thus avoid the continual nuisance of straw litter inside
and out.
" On Thursday detachments from six companies of our regiment acted
as escort at the funeral of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight. Consider
ing the short time of our practice in the manual of arms, the regiment was
awarded the credit of great proficiency, particularly in the firing of volleys.
Colonel Stevenson paid the regiment the highest compliment."
The marches we took proved of great benefit in toughening
us for active service, and the comparatively small percentage of
straggling shown by our regiment when actually in the field
demonstrated conclusively the wisdom of our colonel in adopting
this plan. The sanitary regulations introduced, although griev
ous to bear at the time, we afterwards acknowledged to be wise
and beneficial.
" Corporal's " letter of October 4 gives an account of two of
these marches : —
" The past week Colonel Lee has wisely varied our drill by taking the
regiment on marches through portions of the country surrounding Camp
Meigs. Our first of these marches, after escort duty at the funeral of the
late Lieutenant-Colonel Dwight, was through that portion of Milton of
which we have such delightful glimpses from camp. We were forced to
breathe dust freely, but through the clouds which rose wherever the regi
ment moved we caught refreshing views of stately homesteads, blushing
orchards, and autumn-tinted landscapes. . . . Since the march to Milton
we have surprised the good people of Mill Village and round about Ded-
ham Court- House by a sudden appearance in their midst. For the

36 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
gratification of our many friends who are anxiously watching the progress
of this regiment, I have to report that our marching extorted great praise
from Colonel Lee, who, by the way, is quite as prompt to give us a sound
blowing-up as he is to compliment. In point of fact, he does neither by
halves. His outspoken frankness and generosity are creating him hosts of
warm friends in the regiment. . . .
" We received marching orders last Thursday,1 and are going to New
Berne, N. C, as soon as a transport vessel can be got in readiness. At
New Berne it is expected we shall be brigaded under General (now
Colonel) Stevenson. This will be gratifying to the regiment. . . .
" Our indefatigable surgeon is organizing and training a corps of assist
ants who are to lend their aid to the wounded upon the field of battle.
The training consists of binding up imaginary wounds, pointing out the
position of arteries, showing how to handle fractured limbs, placing men
upon litters, and showing how to carry them with the least possible dis
turbance of the wounded parts."
In the same letter he mentions the fact that Mr. Steffen, for
merly instructor of the Massachusetts Rifle Club, was delivering
a series of military lessons to our commissioned officers.
In his letter of October 1 1 he makes mention of a march over
Brush Hill Turnpike : —
"... On Thursday we were treated to a magnificent march over
Brush Hill, — our first brush. . . . Our march, which included a distance
of fourteen miles, was, considering the state of the atmosphere, the
severest of our experience ; but it was cheered by the smiles and waving
handkerchiefs of beautiful women in windows, gateways, balconies, and
groves, and by their more substantial favors in the shape of apples, pears,
and cool water. The few men who fell out of the ranks from faintness and
exhaustion were of the reputed tougher sort, — men of outdoor life and
pursuits. Your professional men and clerks, clean-limbed and elastic, are
the men to endure hardships, all the talk to the contrary notwithstanding.
This, I believe, was the observation of the ' Little Corporal.'
" Among the late testimonials in the Forty-fourth deserving of mention
is the presentation of a knife, fork, and spoon, in a neat case, to each of
the recruits from Framingham by their friends in that town. . . .
" Your correspondent, and the other members of ' Company D, are
indebted to Corporal Gardner for the introduction of a company dog, —
Romeo, a promising fellow, whose laughing countenance and waving tail
and general intelligence have already won him a host of friends. Several
1 Special Order 1007, dated Oct. 2, 1862,

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 37
of the boys are industriously laboring to reconcile him to the society of a
cat which has come to our barrack.
" Mr. Burrage, of the firm of J. M. Beebe & Co., has presented to each
member of Company C, Captain Lombard, one of Short's patent box
knapsacks.. If they can be manufactured in season to supply us before
our departure South, the other members of the regiment will probably
supply themselves with this knapsack at their own expense, which will
amount to $2.50 per man. This knapsack is so adjusted to the shoulders
as to be carried with much greater ease than the Government article."
Unfortunately, an order promulgated from headquarters sent
" Romeo " out of camp and " Juliet," in despair, followed the ex
ample of her illustrious namesake ; at least it was so supposed,
as pussy died very suddenly the day following Romeo's depart
ure. One of the members of Company D was accused of mur
dering her, tried by court-martial, and convicted; but the
evidence against the alleged culprit was far from conclusive.
After the muskets were given out to the guard, the officers
took great pains to teach the men the duties of a sentry. Fre
quently they were so much interested that they induced the
sentinel to loan them his musket while they practically demon
strated how it should be handled. Many of our boys will recall
the consternation they felt when they realized that they had been
disarmed and their gun was in the hands of the enemy. Some
of them found it difficult to remember the formula for challenge
and answer, or for calling the corporal of the guard as prescribed
in the Army Regulations, and the cry of " Corporal of the Guard,
Post Nagle," was one familiar to us all.
In the last weekly letter from " Corporal " previous to the
departure of the regiment, dated October 18, he speaks of the
similarity in some respects between the life of a soldier and that
of a convict, and refers to several donations which had been
made to many of the companies : —
"The close resemblance between the life of a soldier in barrack and
that of a State Prison convict, regarded in certain outward aspects, affords
mingled amusement and disgust. We go for our rations in single file, and
with tin mugs and plates. The intercourse between officers and subor
dinates is scarcely less reserved, and the punishment for small offences
scarcely less severe with the soldier than with the prisoner. On inspec
tion days we stand up like well-burnished automata, and are as sensitive to

38 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
praise or censure regarding the condition of our quarters, guns, etc., as so
many children. At our meals and in our bunks we are stared at by visit
ors just as I remember to have stared at the happy family of ' Hon.
Gideon Haynes ' at Charlestown on various occasions. When impelled
by ' sanitary reasons,' our keen-eyed surgeons pass through the barracks to
see that nothing contraband nestles in the bunks, that the blankets and
overcoats are accurately folded, and that only a certain amount of cloth
ing and baggage per man is retained ; we stand about and gaze at them
just as your readers will remember they were gazed at by the inmates of
the House of Correction which they visited not long ago. . . .
" More princely donations have been made to some of the companies of
the Forty-fourth Regiment. To Company E, Captain Richardson, William
Cumston, Esq. (father of Lieutenant Cumston), of the firm of Hallett &
Cumston, has presented a check for five hundred dollars.
" To the same company donations amounting to three hundred dollars,
for the purchase of the improved knapsack, have been made by the follow
ing gentlemen : J. M. Beebe & Co. ; F. Skinner & Co. ; Alexander Beal;
C. W. Cartwright ; W. P. Sargent ; J. R. Tibbets ; Read, Gardner, & Co. ;
Wilkinson, Stetson, & Co. ; J. C. Converse & Co. ; E. & F. King & Co. ;
Horatio Harris ; Gorham Rogers.
" To Company H, Captain Smith, C. F. Hovey & Co. have presented a
full set of the patent knapsacks. Company K, Captain Reynolds, have
been favored in the same way by a number of friends of that company.
. . . Company F, Captain Storrow, have received the present of a set of
patent knapsacks. The generous donor is too modest to let his name be
known, but it is surmised that a young corporal of Company F knows all
about it.
" The wife of Colonel Lee has kindly remembered each soldier of the
regiment by the gift of a little testimonial card, upon one side of which is
printed the Old Hundredth Psalm, and upon the other the name of the
recipient written in a neat hand. . . .
" We have had a good share of dismal weather the past week, and have
not been allowed the consolation of smoking in the barracks; but the
boys have managed to keep the blue devils at bay with mock parades and
shows of great effectiveness. One day the camp was electrified by the
appearance of an exceedingly well got-up elephant, not unprovided with
a tail, and waving a trunk of twisted shoddy. Another day we were
visited by citizens of Brobdingang, ten feet high in their stockings."
The expenses of our regiment while recruiting and in camp
were about $6,200, of which nearly $3,000 was paid for music.
This amount came from the regimental fund, of which William
Gray, Jr., was treasurer, — a fund raised by contribution, the city

ORGANIZATION, AND CAMP AT READVILLE. 39
giving $3,000 1 and the rest being donated by individuals. Most
of the companies were presented with Short's knapsacks by
their friends, and those companies which were not so fortunate
were supplied at the expense of the regimental fund. The corre
spondence with the state officials and the War Department arising
from the endeavor to have this style of knapsack supplied by the
Government is rather unique and decidedly interesting. The let
ter from " Corporal" last referred to concludes by saying: —
" We now expect to remain at Readville till the close of the war, except
in case Readville is invaded by the enemy, when we shall make a masterly
retreat to Mill Village."
Alas for the claims of " Corporal" as a prophet! Three days
after this letter was printed we had orders to pack, and on the
fourth day, Thursday, October 23, we bade good-by to our bar
racks and the friends who had been so much interested in our
progress. 1 August 18 it was ordered, "That the committee . . be authorized to pay out of
said appropriation, to each of the four regiments such a sum as they may deem
expedient, for a regimental fund."

¦¦:-.f . •

lfe#IS:';':L

CHAPTER III.

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE.

ADAM RUMOR, who at Read
ville had no better reputation
for veracity than the " intel
ligent contraband," had so
many times announced our
departure for this or that
dangerous point at the
South, that when the order
finally formulated into the
fact that we must go, we
could hardly realize it until
we found ourselves, early in
the morning of October 22, under the weight of knapsacks, idly
waiting in line to be escorted to the station. Standing there, now
hitching up one strap, then unbuckling another that had not got
accustomed to its place upon us, with our backs well piled with
many things soon to be thrown away, we looked across the fields,
where in awkward squads we had strayed to the larger camp, that
was alive with the bustle and noise of a recruiting headquarters ;
thence beyond the meadows to the beautiful Blue Hills, covered
by the many-tinted colors of autumn ; and the query must have
come to all, How many of this one thousand will be present at
the return to answer " Here " ? There was no voice to that
thought as up and down the lines came nothing but the cheerful
voices of the men, bantering one another, bidding their old
quarters, even to the familiar boards upon which they had lain,
good-by, with almost tearful fondness.
" Attention, company ! " " Shoulder arms ! " The men stood
steady in their ranks, we jauntily marched after the band, gave

42 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
hearty cheers to the escort and all blue-coats and friends at the
station, and went Bostonwards on the cars to meet friends there.
The history of old Readville camp should be written to present
the picture of the bright and eager-hearted youths who gathered
around its camps, and after the preparatory lessons there received
went marching away, thousands after thousands, the flower of
our generation, with no thought but of duty to a country which
was worthy of the sacrifices these young boys made.
It was more than an ordinary soldier departure day when we
marched through Boston. Three regiments, made up, for the
larger part, of men from the city and its immediate vicinity,
were going.
As we marched up Boylston Street the town seemed alive with
people to bid us God-speed. The escort, composed of gentle
men whose every action bespoke a desire to go with us in our
Southern pilgrimage ; the blessings and cheers that were show
ered upon us by the thousand of ladies whose friends were of us,
or of others who had gone before ; the hearty hand-shake of some
old gentleman who broke into the ranks with, " God bless you,
boys, my Tom is just dead at Antietam ! " still remain as vivid
pictures. Forgotten then were all distinctions of rank, whether
he who marched bore an eagle, or but the blue on his shoulders;
whether he had no one who knew him but the old lady in black,
who hung to his neck and had nothing to bestow but a blessing,
or whether some elegant home opened its doors to bid their
soldier-boy good-by. As the Boston " Journal," speaking of
this reception, says : " Notwithstanding the strenuous efforts
of the guard and police to keep the Common clear of almost
everything that did n't wear a uniform, many of the ladies could
not be resisted, and soon they were seen freely and happily min
gling with their friends in the Forty-fourth, determined to enjoy
their society until the last moment." The flurry of rain that
occurred on the Common, which drove some of the spectators
away; the march up past the State House, down State Street,
with the ringing cheers of the crowd of men who gathered as
by magic from every quarter, are scenes that will ever remain
as pictures the details of which we can through our memory
fill in.

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE. 43
When we took our departure, the time had come for steady,
concentrated work in the war. In April, 1861, we had heard the
mad scream of excited people rushing after the first soldiery that
went their way ; and when the first three-years regiments marched
past the old State House, you could see old men follow their
dipping banners with the tears of patriotism, and hear half-
exclaimed prayers of sobbing women. The lumbermen of Maine,
the stanch regiments of New Hampshire, had had their day; but
when the tide of war had reached October, 1862, Antietam had
been fought. The streets were filled with wounded men. The
war had permeated into every relation of life ; and the good-by
that we got was from a people who knew then what all this sacri
fice meant. The Boston "Traveller" of October 22, gives this
account : — THE FORTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
This splendid corps left their camp at Readville at a little after 10
o'clock this morning, reaching the Providence Railroad depot at about n.
The regiment was under arms as early as 8 o'clock, and on reaching the
depot were honored with a salute from the Cadet Regiment, which was
drawn up in line and gave nine rousing cheers, which were returned with
interest, making a most enthusiastic parting. The Forty-second cheered
them vociferously, also, when they were passing their camp.
There were other parting ceremonies last evening at camp, when at the
dress parade the regiment was formed in a hollow square and the chap
lain, Rev. Mr. Hall, offered prayer. The band played an appropriate air,
and Colonel Lee then called for cheers for the old Commonwealth, and
for the dear ones they were to leave behind them. The regiment re
sponded heartily, and then gave nine cheers for their commander. The
colonel replied to the compliment in a brief but feeling manner.
After arriving in Boston this noon the regiment formed on Boylston
Street, and marched upon the Common, where the New England Guard
Reserve Corps and past members were in line and presented arms. The
regiment was drawn up on the Charles Street mall, and grounded arms, and
about an hour was allowed for the hosts of friends present to say their
farewells. Thousands of people were on the Common, and lined the route of
march on Beacon, Park, Tremont, Court, State, and Commercial Streets.
State Street, down which the corps passed at one o'clock, was crowded
with spectators.
The line was formed as follows : —
Platoon of sixteen police under Sergeant Dunn.

44 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The full Gilmore Band.
Reserve corps and past members of the New England Guard, under
Major J. Putnam Bradlee and Captains J. L. Henshaw, Thomas Chick-
ering, J. M. Howe, and Sewall H. Fessenden.
The Guards escorted a number of past members and officers, including
Hon. J. T. Stevenson, S. H. Gookin, and other gentlemen.
They numbered a hundred bayonets and were in citizens' dress.
The regiment, ioio strong, with Flagg's brass band in the centre of its
right wing.
On their way to Boston in the cars there were frequent groups of people
on the road who cheered heartily, and at Roxbury an artillery salute was
fired. The regiment is in splendid condition ; on the Common, at the salute
by the Reserve New England Guards, while the Gilmore Band played
"Auld Lang Syne," the soldiers wheeled into column of platoons and
moved by with the steadiness of veterans, showing the interest they have
taken in securing a high degree of skill in manoeuvring.
The corps is armed with Enfield rifles captured from an English
steamer, and their belts, bayonet-sheaths, and cap-pouches were similarly
obtained. The hank of the belt is a snake of brass, — so emblematic of the vileness
of the Rebel cause. Probably the shippers little imagined they would be
used against the Rebels.
After we reached the wharf it was but a short time before we
found our places on either the steamer " Mississippi " or the
" Merrimac," and amidst the cheers of the thousands who had
followed to the water side we slowly steamed to anchorage for
the night.
The change that we had been doting on had come; we were
now to learn some of the tribulations of a soldier's life, and to
find that his experience on board a transport is not altogether
calculated to make him " wish that he had come." He found his
bunk in the hold ; and just as he was finding his, he found several
hundred others, just as intent, employed in that occupation. A
place that he thought too small for his sister's poodle was to be
used for three other strapping fellows besides himself. Meantime,
the fact that there was such a thing as bilge-water, and that sol
diers no cleaner than they ought to be had occupied this place
before, presented themselves vividly to his sense. He remarked
that the ventilation might be improved, that the decks were half

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE. 45
lighted, and as he picked his way towards deck was crowded to
and fro by the many who seemed to fill all places before him.
The water-tanks had always a band of thirsty customers, and to
get anything like coffee, or the better phrase, " bilge-water," or
anything to eat, he must stand in rank and wait until he is counted
off, while sergeants and other uncommissioned officers are work
ing here and there to find places or food for their men, or per
chance medicine for some one taken sick so early on the way.
The two great transports lay at anchor off Deer Island, and most
of the men found their decks by far the most pleasant place on
board. They could see the lights of home shining almost all
around them. There is a little cluster off towards the South
Shore, and a little band of the boys, all from that village, gather
together and speculate upon what Tom, or Mary, or father, or
So-and-so can be doing over there, — whether that light that
seems higher than the rest comes from a home just saddened by
a soldier's death.
The lights on Beacon Hill flash upon the night, and there were
some in private's toggery on board to whom the homes were fa
miliar. There was a constant bobbing of lights at and upon the
forts, while a gunboat went rushing by towards the Navy Yard.
Presently voices upon the forward deck let us know that " there
is music in the air," and every man had soon forgotten discom
fort in letting the world for a mile or two about know that beans
can always be procured " down by the Readville camp." The
music changed : sometimes it became pathetic, and there was
something plaintive in its sounds, while the lights of distant
homes, and the thoughts that would fill the mind, made it still
more potent ; then it would break into the patriotic, and our souls
be aroused from sadness and carried away to martial sights and
sounds, into which we hoped, if carried, to engage with honor.
Some got drowsy and went to join that mighty chorus of those
who could sleep, while others remained on deck mooning the
night away ; until presently, the anchors being weighed, the ves
sels started, soon leaving home a dim line of blue hills that
would insist in getting very misty in so short a time.
I recall, as I stood looking homewards early in the morning,
one of the oldest officers of the regiment coming close to where

46

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

I was, and as he gazed into the mist that kept his home out of
sight, I heard him repeat that always sweet Thackerarian, —
" And.when the day was breaking,
My little girls were waking,
And smiling and making
A prayer at home for me.''
The sun the next morn looked out upon a pleasant day at sea,
and soon the crowd came tumbling one on another for fresh air.
The sound of every animal that man can imitate blended with

the laugh and shout of the crowd. The hungry man was on the
alert, with his eager eye towards every quarter; he sniffed the
officers' breakfast being prepared, and mutiny, if not something
worse, was stamped on his face. Occasionally one particular
man anxiously asked for water for his daily libations. He got no
consolation, excepting to have the transport men state that,
though they had carried fifty thousand soldiers, this was the first
regiment that wanted water for washing purposes. Dirt, the
soldier's comforter, began to put on her grim mask. Some, over
come by seasickness, wandered about with a fiendlike look of

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE. 47
resignation on their faces, while there ran through the crowd a
curious fancy to examine the old hulks, with all the curiosity a
Yankee can exhibit.
As we rounded the Cape and got well set on the trip, we
began to make ourselves as comfortable as we could, and ac
cepted the situation without conditions.
I should like to have a picture of the crowd upon the decks of
one of the transports, — many lying about upon their backs,
smoking their pipes in quiet amusement, observing some frolic
some mate attempting a breakdown, or a hand-spring that would
land him in a crowd of grave-looking savants discussing some
knotty Greek problem, or the more practical game that Sarah
Battles so much and under such different circumstances en
joyed. Here a group of strategists were settling the problem of
where we were to go ; there a party watching distant smoke on
the horizon, and querying whether it may not be the terrible
"Alabama;" near by, a sad-voiced youth reading "Michelet"
to a band of hard-heads, who guy the poor youth until he is
obliged to withdraw from the contest; everywhere, men lying
upon their backs, enjoying the rapture of looking into the sky
while the vessel is seesawing along. Guns are everywhere, and
accoutrements are tumbling about, The diary fever becomes
contagious, and now and then some genius undertakes a sketch
of something picturesque, to find his efforts spoiled by some sad
wag. Transport life is the art of holding on to existence with a fierce
patience while praying all the time to reach port ; but it has its
peculiarities which cannot be found on any shipboard. It is a
good place for those who accept, a bad place for growlers.
Beaufort Harbor, with its little village of old-fashioned houses
encircling the shore, with the fort at the other end of the circle
and the dismal wharf called Morehead City, greeted us, on the
morning of October 26, when we pulled up to our place of
debarkation. Our eyes were everywhere. This, then, was the
part of the sunny South to which we were invited. It hardly
looked fit to conquer. Yet when we landed, the pleasure of
getting "out of the black hole" was so great that the country
round about put on a better tone. A hungry friend just then

48

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

gave me a piece of sweet-potato pie that he had bought of a fat
old Dinah, who had a really clean-looking basket, and after the
first mouthful, hungry as I was, this experience became my first
and last experiment with " sweet-potato pie."
Of course there was delay. The cars backed down past the
long building on the wharf with exasperating slowness, while we,
with .our concentrated Readville equipage still packed in our
knapsacks, stood by doing everything but swearing (that was
forbidden by the army regulations). The magnificent structures

in which we were expected to ride, consisting of open (platform)
freight-cars, with room for some to stand and some to sit, having
been finally made ready, we climbed upon them and stowed
ourselves away as best we could.
At 1.30 P.M., after interminable delays, we started for New
Berne, forty miles away. The Ninth New Jersey, with whom we
were destined to march many weary miles, were quartered at
Morehead City, and greeted us with hearty cheers. The railroad
carried us through a country guarded in fact by block-houses,
around which as we passed by were gathered veterans who gave
us a glance half-curious, half-satirical, as though they doubted
the entire efficiency of our overpowering newness; but the route

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE. 49
was made very interesting in catching glimpses of the country
through which Burnside had conducted his brilliant campaign
when he captured New Berne.
As the train approached the clearings that were in front of the
breastworks that ran down to the river's bank, surrounded by
the thick forests that prevail in that country, — other than the
mounds of earth built by the enemy, there was no sign that a
battle had ever been fought. The more vivid reminders of the
existence of war were the chimneys of burned houses, and the air
of desolation that was added to the character of the country,
dreary enough before the war. The rain in its most pronounced
Southern style poured upon our unprotected heads, but there
was very little glumness. Jokes were passed. The Mark Tap-
ley in us struggled upwards, and we secured a certain amount
of interest in the excitement that war scenes always bring to
mind. Corporal Gardner, whose letters upon this and other in
cidents connected with our history are exceedingly graphic and
interesting, gives the following incident that occurred upon this
train : —
" Yankee genius is apt to run to invention ; and at the outbreak of the
war one would have judged by the number of new patents that were con
stantly appearing, — patents for cartridge-boxes, muskets, haversacks, and
in fact everything that could by any possible means be enumerated in a
soldier's outfit, — that the whole nation had devoted itself to invention.
Among these numberless inventions was a patent canteen. It was a com
bined lunch-box, writing-desk, and fluid storehouse. One of the principal
advantages claimed for it was, that when a soldier was too weary to lift it to
drink, he had but to apply his lips to the end of a rubber tube which was
fastened along the strap from which the canteen was suspended and which
was close to his mouth ; a slight suction was then all the exertion required
I was the proud possessor of one of these articles. Previous to the de
parture of the regiment the canteen had been filled with some whiskey
which I resolved to keep for a case of emergency. This resolution, in the
innocence of my heart, I confided to many of the boys, and showed them
how the famous canteen could be easily emptied of its contents. The
morning the regiment landed at Morehead City was threatening, and be
fore the train had started it began to rain, — a genuine Southern rain.
The officers and cooks having appropriated the only covered car on the
train, the rest of us were obliged to stand on open platform cars that were
filled up like a hay-cart. Rubber blankets were no protection, and in a
4

50 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
few minutes we were completely drenched. The air was chilly, and the
boys huddled together to keep warm ; nearly all the boys in Company D
seemed to have a particular desire to keep me warm, and although the
individuals who surrounded me were constantly changing, the number
remained about the same. Time and time again, as a cold shiver passed
over me, I was tempted to take a sip from the patent canteen ; but I man
fully resisted the temptation. Finally I became too cold, the temptation
was too great. I succumbed and sucked. No whiskey rose in the tube,
I sucked again. No response. An expression of doubt and distrust
passed over my face. The boys could keep quiet no longer ; while I had
been thanking them almost for their kindness in protecting me from
the wind, they had been drinking my precious whiskey. I felt a sense
of righteous wrath. But of what avail? The whiskey had disappeared,
and probably there was no member of Company D, barring myself and a
few anti-alcoholites, but could have told the quality of the liquor."
But the long jaunt came to an end ; we rumbled over the
bridge into the city of New Berne, where, letting Corporal
Gardner tell the remainder of this story, " We reached after dark
and found quite a number of the Twenty-third Massachusetts at
the depot to receive us. The Twenty-third are guarding the
town. It was raining when we reached the city, and we met with
the delay usually incident to all military proceedings. At last
our company (Company D) and three others were safely housed
in the machine-shop connected with the railroad. This was
about 7 P. M. It took us but a short time to unsling knapsacks
and select our ' bunking places.' Then arose a great demand
for eatables. A box of very good codfish and a barrel of bread,
hard, were opened, and found a market very quickly. The only
water we could procure was by holding our cups under the rain
spout; but the supply did not equal the demand. We were all
gratified to hear that the Twenty-fourth were preparing some hot
coffee, and soon after that the coffee had arrived. Cold, wet, and
tired as we were, it tasted better than anything I have had since I
left home. As soon as we fairly emptied the mess kettle, we
turned over and under our blankets, and in a few minutes were
sound asleep."
To me, as I go over the details that then seemed so important
and now so misty and almost inconsequential, there comes up a
picture of the bright faces that weni with us in the life of the

VOYAGE TO NEW BERNE. SI
regiment. They have all gone their way these many a year, —
some are resting under " the low green tent
Whose curtain never outward swings,"
and the rest have so changed in the last twenty years that one
could almost dream the days we spent in the old Forty-fourth
were in another existence, and with other men than those we
meet now and call comrades.

REFERENCES.
I. GUARD HOUSE, NO. I.
2. COMMISSARY DEPARTMENT.
Q-'3.GAST0N HOUSE.

<v

+. REGIMENTAL HD. 8RS.
5. POST OFFICE.
6. NORTH CAROLINA SANK.
7. CRAVEN ST. JAIL.
8. STANLEY HOSPITAL.
9- DEPT. MEAD 8UARTERS.
10, GUARD HOUSE, NO. 2.
II. ENGINEER'S OFFICE.
12. FOSTER HOSPITAL.
13. MASONIC HALL.
14. FLAG STAFF.
15. R. R. STATION.
16. CITIZENS' CEMETERY.
17- SOLDIERS' CEMETERY.
18. ORPHAN ASYLUM.
19. NATIONAL CEMETERY.
£0.21. REGIMENTAL. HOSPITAL.

Jleto «S*rTXi>, j^C

ARRANGED FRON
PLAN COM PI LED BY
Solon M. Allis, 27*» Mass.
APRIL, 1664.
B V
J. B.GARDNE.R, 44-TH. MASS.
dec. Idas.

ffio

H£IlcrfPE PBINTIHS CO BOSTON

CHAPTER IV.

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON.

EW BERNE, the county seat
of Craven County, and the
largest town in eastern North
Carolina, is situated on the
southwest bank of the Neuse
River, — at this point over a
mile wide and navigable, — at
its confluence with the Trent,
thirty miles from Pamlico
Sound, and one hundred and
twenty miles southeast from
Raleigh. At the beginning of the
Civil War the population of
New Berne was about five
thousand. It was a port of
entry, exporting large quanti
ties of grain, lumber, tar, and turpentine, and having also a
considerable coastwise commerce. Railroads connected it with
Beaufort on the coast, and through Weldon with Goldsboro' and
its converging roads in the interior. It had a bank, a theatre,
two good hotels, a daily newspaper, and other features of a
thriving city. The paper was revived under Yankee auspices
after the capture, and as " The New Berne Progress," containing
as much news as the military authorities deemed it proper to
allow, was a welcome visitor in the camps.
The town was an attractive one, of the Southern type. Wide
streets, running generally at right angles, and shaded by large
trees, were bordered by detached dwelling-houses, mainly built

54 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
of wood, with broad verandas and luxuriant gardens. At the
time of our occupation the better part of the native whites had
left the city. Their houses, occupied by troops, had been
neglected and fallen out of repair. Negroes swarmed through
the town, and populated its outskirts.
Early in the war the attention of the Federal authorities was
directed to the facilities afforded by the inlets and sounds of the
North Carolina coast for collecting and forwarding supplies for
the Virginia armies ; for exporting the naval stores which could
be turned into money abroad ; for the entrance of blockade-
runners returning with arms, ammunition, and clothing; and
for sheltering small privateers, which could issue from the inlets,
dash upon coasting merchant-vessels, and return at discretion to
the friendly shelter of the sounds. The formation of the coast, —
a narrow strip of sand enclosing extensive land-locked bodies
of water, — while favorable to such commerce, was also favorable
for naval attacks from the ocean, and correspondingly weak for
defence. As early as August, 1861, a naval expedition accompanied by
a small land force under General Butler captured and occupied
the forts at Hatteras Inlet. In January, 1862, a large force under
General Burnside (the Burnside Expedition), embarking at Flamp-
ton Roads, was transported with difficulty over the shallow and
shifting bar at Hatteras, and in February attacked and carried the
Rebel works at Roanoke Island, the key to Albemarle Sound.
A month later, the naval forces and transports left Roanoke
Island, steamed up the Neuse, and landed the troops of the ex
pedition sixteen miles below New Berne. On the morning of
March 14 a line of earthworks running from the river across the
Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, and defended by ten
thousand Confederates, was attacked and gallantly carried by our
forces, in about equal numbers. Generals Foster, Reno, and Parke
commanded the three columns of attack, which pushed forward
after the retreating Rebels, and took possession of New Berne.
Through these successive victories the army and navy effected
a permanent lodgment in eastern North Carolina, which they
held until the close of the war. Our occupation effectually
stopped blockade running, exporting, and privateering, as far

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 55
south as Wilmington, N. C, and was a constant menace to the
flank and rear of the Confederate armies around Richmond.
In July, 1862, General Burnside was ordered, with a large
portion of his force, to Virginia, and General Foster assumed
command of the Department of North Carolina. On Sep
tember 24, he addressed a letter to General Halleck, General-in-
Chief of the United States Army, at Washington, making formal
application for more troops. He writes: —
" The advantages of this post for drilling and perfecting new regiments
are very great. The place is healthy, wood in great abundance, water
sufficient, and subsistence and quartermaster's supplies are easily brought
from New York, both to this place and to Beaufort, from which point the
railroad is in good order and running. I have some eight regiments of
infantry here, of old troops divided into two brigades, commanded by most
excellent officers (acting brigadier-generals), Colonels Amory and Steven
son, and with other excellent colonels could readily drill any number of
new regiments. My artillery force (Third New York Artillery) is good.
They number five light batteries with twenty-eight pieces, Rhode Island
battery with six pieces, Rocket battalion with eight pieces. My siege train,
ready for transportation, though at present on shipboard with supply of
ammunition, consists of four 30-pounder Parrott guns ; in addition to
which I can land for the investment of any sea-coast place ten 32-pounders
in ship carriages. My cavalry force is one good and efficient regiment, —
Third New York Cavalry. My knowledge of the country in this region,
derived from being stationed here as engineer officer in charge, and more
lately in command of this department, enables me to use the small force
at my disposal to advantage ; which advantages would of course be greatly
increased by having a much larger force at my disposal."
Again, Oct. 3, 1862, he addressed a letter to the War Depart
ment requesting reinforcements of infantry to be sent, " if it
is expected of me to go into active service during the cool
weather." " Further reflection on this subject has convinced me of the propriety
of my request, and especially as regards new regiments ; and I beg leave to
re-urge this matter, and to further say that even if it is not intended that I
should make any decided movement, this place presents very great facili
ties as a camp of instruction for a very large body of troops, and would be
more available for operations on the flank of the enemy, should that be
rendered necessary by their retreat from Richmond, or from any other
cause. Even if thirty or forty new regiments be sent, I will devote my
personal time to drilling and perfecting them in their duties. I am

56 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
advancing the defences of the town, and they are now strong enough to
require a siege to take, I think."
In answer to these suggestions a number of new troops (prin
cipally nine months' regiments) were sent to New Berne in
October. After the Tarboro' expedition General Foster asked
again for more troops, in these terms : —
" The enemy have much increased their force and their activity in this
State. They show a determination to withstand my advances in their rich
country of the eastern sections, and also, if possible, to diminish my hold
in that section. On the other hand, the weakening influences of the past
malarious season have so weakened the strength of my old regiments that
for hard active service I have scarcely available one half their nominal
strength. The Third, Fifth, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, and
Forty-sixth Massachusetts Regiments, arrived here, are good troops. I
would most respectfully suggest that if possible I should be allowed
at once ten thousand troops in addition to my present force. The
sooner I have this force, the sooner I will endeavor to prepare my plans
of cutting the Weldon and Wilmington Railroad, and the taking of
Wilmington and the works at the mouth of the Cape Fear River."
Additional troops were sent in response to this appeal, until
the Federal troops in the Department of North Carolina num
bered (in January, 1863) nearly thirty thousand men.
The relative strength of the opposing forces in the State dur
ing the period in which we are especially interested is shown in
the following tables, taken from the Appendix to Admiral Am-
men's " Navy in the Civil War : The Atlantic Coast : " —
Abstract from Returns of the United States military forces serving in
North Carolina. Present for duty. Aggregate present.
September, 1862  6,642 8,647
October, "  8,967 11,415
November, "  12,872 J S'5^9
December, "  18,468 21,917
January, 1863  25,023 28,194
February, "  15,806 18,548
March, "  14,672 ^ioS
April,  1 3,962 i5,920
May, "  16,643 I9>7i5
In August the forces had been reduced to 7,699 present for duty.

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. C,7
Abstract from Returns of the Confederate military forces serving in
North Carolina. (No returns accessible for September, October, and
November, 1862.) Present for duty. Aggregate present.
December, 1862  11,074 12,207
January, 1863  26,958 3M73
February, "  i5,9°4 i9,894
March, "  20,733
April, "  7,5°* 8>385
May, "  22^49 26,838
In August there were 7,391 present for duty.
A small portion of, our forces were distributed as garrisons
along the coast, and in towns like Plymouth and Washington,
at the head of navigation in the larger rivers. The larger portion
of the troops remained in and around New Berne, occupying per
manent camps in the outskirts of the town, on both sides of the
Trent River, within a strong line of forts Which had been con
structed after our occupation. The picket line lay six or eight
miles out, following on the west, or side toward the enemy, the
course of Batchelder's Creek. The sparsely inhabited country
around New Berne is flat, low, swampy, heavily wooded with
pines, and traversed by numerous creeks. The roads are wet,
sandy, heavy, and unfavorable to the movement of troops.
The Rebel force in North Carolina in November, 1862, was dis
tributed somewhat as follows : —
Between New Berne and Raleigh, with headquarters at Golds-
boro', eight thousand men, including two regiments of cavalry
and a small force of light artillery.
At and near Wilmington, three thousand men.
Between the Tar and Roanoke Rivers, a movable force of three
thousand men.
A regiment was also stationed at Weldon, where further forces
could be readily and speedily concentrated from Petersburg and
Richmond. The aggregate of these detachments would appear to be nearly
fifteen thousand men, — three thousand more than the returns
given above indicate for the following month of December.

58 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
When the Forty-fourth reached New Berne the Union forces
under Foster were known as the " Department of North Caro
lina." Nov. 21, 1862, General Orders No. 58, Department Head
quarters, formed the infantry regiments into temporary brigades,
our regiment being assigned to the Second (under command
of Col. Thomas G. Stevenson), consisting of the Twenty-fourth
Massachusetts, Lieut.-Col. Osborn ; Fifth Rhode Island, Major
Arnold ; Tenth Connecticut, Colonel Leggett ; and Forty-fourth
Massachusetts, Col. Francis L. Lee. The First Brigade, about
4,500 men, was commanded by Col. T. J. C. Amory ; the Second,
about 4,000 men, by Col. Thomas G. Stevenson; the Third,
about 4,000 men, by Col. Horace C. Lee ; and there were unas-
signed about 3,200 men, — a total of about 16,000 men, infantry,
cavalry, and artillery.
On the 24th of December the following general order was
issued from the War Department at Washington : —
War Department, Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, Dec. 24, 1862.
General Order No. 214.
By direction of the President, the troops in North Carolina will con
stitute the Eighteenth Army Corps, and Major-General J. G. Foster is
assigned to the command.
Four days later, General Order No. 84, Corps Headquarters,
was issued as follows : — Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
New Berne, N. C, Dec. 28, 1862.
General Order No. 84.
The assignment of infantry to brigades from this date will be as follows,
and commanding officers of regiments will report at once to their brigade
commanders : — Brig. -Gen. L. C. Hunt.
85 th Pennsylvania .... . Col. J. B. Howell.
103d Pennsylvania  Lieut.-Col. W. H. Maxwell.
85th New York  Lieut.-Col. A. J. Wellman.
92d New York 
1 01st Pennsylvania  Lieut.-Col. D. M. Armor.
96th New York  Capt. George W. Hindes.
Brig.-Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson.
24th Massachusetts  Lieut.-Col. F. A. Osborn.
44th "  Col. F. L. Lee.

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 59
5th Rhode Island  Maj. Tew.
10th Connecticut  Lieut.-Col. Leggett.
Brig.-Gen. C. A. Heckman.
9th New Jersey  Maj. Zabriskie.
23d Massachusetts  Maj. J. G. Chambers.
3d "  Col. S. P. Richmond.
51st "  Col. A. B. R. Sprague.
Col. T. J. C. Amory.
17th Massachusetts  Lieut.-Col. J. F. Fellows.
43d " .... Col. C. L. Holbrook.
45th "  Col. C. R. Codman.
8th "  Col. Coffin.
Col. Horace C. Lee.
27th Massachusetts ... . Lieut.-Col. Luke Lyman.
25th " . . Col. Pickett.
46th " . Col. George Bowler.
5th " .... Col. G. W. Pierson.
First Division of the Eighteenth Corps will consist of Brigadier-General
Hunt's and Stevenson's brigades, to be commanded by Brigadier-General
Wessells. Brigadier-Generals Hunt and Stevenson will report at once to
Brigadier-General Wessells.
By command of Major-General John G. Foster,
J. F. Anderson, Captain and A. A. A. G.
[Official] :
William Pratt, A. A. A. G.
On the 29th, General Orders from Division Headquarters was
read : — Headquarters First Division, Eighteenth Army Corps
New Berne, N. C, Dec. 29, 1862.
General Order No. 1 .
I. Pursuant to orders from Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps, 28th
inst., the undersigned assumes command of this division, composed of
Hunt's and Stevenson's brigades. The following are announced as staff
officers of this division : —
Capt. Andrew Stewart, A. A. G.
" R. C. Webster, A. Q. M.
" John Hall, C. S.

60 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Surg. D. G. Rush, Chief of Medical Staff.
ist Lieut. Daniel F. Beigh (101st Pennsylvania), A. D. C.
2d " M. C. Frost (g2d New York), A. D. C.
The brigades will be known as First and Second in the order above
enumerated. H. W. Wessells,
Brigadier- General Volunteers,
Commanding Division.
[Official] :
William Pratt, A. A. A. G.
The force at New Berne was considerably increased in January,
1863, by the arrival of troops ordered to this department from
the Department of Virginia, Major-General Dix, Brigadier-Gen
erals Ferry, Wessells, Spinola, and Naglee reporting with their
respective brigades. A reorganization of the Army Corps fol
lowed, and five divisions were created.
The monthly reports subsequent to this date (January 12) show
that the First Division was commanded by Brig.-Gen. I. N. Palmer,
the Second Division by Brig.-Gen. Henry M. Naglee, the Third
Division by Brig.-Gen. O. S. Ferry, the Fourth Division by Brig.-
Gen. Henry W. Wessells, the Fifth Division by Brig.-Gen. H.
Prince. The first North Carolina Union volunteers were com
manded by Capt. C. A. Lyon, the artillery brigade by Brig.-Gen.
J. H. Ledlie, and the Third New York Cavalry by Col. S. H. Mix.
The Fourth Division, General Wessells, comprised the two
brigades of Hunt and Stevenson as defined in General Order
No. 84 above.
Under this organization the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regi
ment was in the Second Brigade of the Fourth Division of the
Eighteenth Army Corps, with Major-General Foster as our corps
commander, Brig.-Gen. Henry W. Wessells our division com
mander, and Brig.-Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson our brigade
commander.1 1 There has been considerable discussion among our members as to which divi
sion we belonged to. The writer has examined carefully all the papers on file at the
State House, including the regimental order-book, and all the official documents in
Washington to which he could get access. He has failed to find any order assigning
the regiment to the Fourth Division, while there is one (General Order No. 14)
assigning it to the First; yet all the official papers subsequent to January 12 speak
of General Wessells as in command of the Fourth Division. So far as we can see,
there is at present no means of settling the question satisfactorily.

Brigadier General HENRY W. WESSELS,
Comd'g 4th Div., 18th Army Corps.

Major General JOHN G. FOSTER,
Comd'g 18th Army Corps. 1863.

Brigadier General THOMAS G. STEVENSON,
Comd'g 2d Brigade, 4th Div., 18th A. C.

HEUOTYPE rPJNTING CO BOSTON

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 6 1
Our corps commander, John G. Foster, Major-General of
Volunteers, was born in New Hampshire in 1824, was graduated
at West Point in 1846, and appointed a brevet second lieutenant
in the corps of engineers. He was brevetted as first lieutenant for
gallantry during the Mexican War at Contreras and Cherubusco,
Aug. 20, 1847, an(f as captain for gallantry at Molino del Rey,
Sept. 8, 1847, where he was one of the party which stormed the
Mexican works and was severely wounded. He was assistant
professor of engineering at West Point in 1854, became a cap
tain July I, i860, and was brevetted as major, Dec. 26, i860.
On April 28, 1858, he took charge of the fortifications in North
and South Carolina, which duty he was performing on the break
ing out of the Civil War in 1861. He was one of the garrison
of Fort Sumter under Major Anderson, and participated in the
defence of that fort. After its surrender he was employed upon
the fortifications of New York. He was appointed a brigadier-
general of volunteers, Oct. 23, 1861, and commanded a brigade
in the Burnside expedition, taking a leading part in the capture
of Roanoke Island and New Berne. After the capture of New
Berne he was made governor of that place. In August, 1862,
he was appointed major-general of volunteers. After General
Burnside left North Carolina to join the Army of the Potomac,
General Foster became the commander of the department, and
on the creation of the Eighteenth Army Corps he was appointed
to the command.
From July 15 to Nov. 15, 1863, he was in command of the
Department of Virginia and North Carolina. From Dec. 12,
1863, to Feb. 9, 1864, he commanded the Army and Department
of the Ohio. This command he was obliged to relinquish on
account of severe injuries which resulted from a fall from his
horse. After remaining two months on sick leave at Baltimore,
he assumed command of the Department of the South, retaining
it from May 26, 1864, to Feb. 11, 1865. From August, 1865, to
December, 1866, he commanded the Department of Florida.
He was mustered out of the volunteer service, September, 1866,
and died at Nashua, N. H., Sept. 2, 1874.
General Foster was made Lieutenant-Colonel in the Engineers
of the regular army March 7, 1867; and was brevetted March 13,

62 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
1865, Brigadier-General and Major-General, also of the regular
army. By a general order dated New Berne, Jan. 12, 1863, the follow
ing-named officers were announced as constituting the staff of the
major-general commanding: —
Brig.-Gen. Edward E. Potter, chief of staff.
Lieut.-Col. Southard Hoffman, assistant adjutant-general.
Capt. James H. Strong, aide-de-camp and assistant adjutant and in
spector general.
Maj. J. L. Stackpole, judge-advocate.
Maj. John F. Anderson, senior aide-de-camp.
Maj. Edward N. Strong, aide-de-camp.
Capt. George E. Gourand, aide-de-camp.
Capt. Louis Fitzgerald, aide-de-camp.
Capt. Daniel Messinger, provost marshal.
Lieut.-Col. Herman Briggs, chief quartermaster.
Capt. J. C. Slaght, assistant quartermaster.
Capt. Henry Porter, assistant quartermaster.
Capt. William Holden, assistant quartermaster.
Capt. J. J. Bowen, assistant quartermaster.
Lieut. Joseph A. Goldthwaite, acting commissary of subsistence.
Surg. F. G. Snelling, medical director.
Lieut. F. W. Farquhar, United States Engineer Corps, chief engineer.
Lieut. M. F. Prouty, acting ordnance officer.
Lieut. J. Myers, United States Ordnance Corps, ordnance officer.
Our division commander, Henry W. Wessells, was born in
Litchfield, Conn., Feb. 20, 1809. At the age of nineteen he
entered a military school at Middletown, Conn., and the following
year went to West Point, where he was graduated in 1833. He
was brevetted second lieutenant in the Second Infantry; was
engaged in the Creek War in Georgia in 1835, and the Seminole
War in Florida in 1837-43; was promoted to be first lieuten
ant in 1838, and captain in 1847; was brevetted major for
gallantry at Contreras and Cherubusco during the Mexican war,
in the former of which engagements he was wounded. After
the close of the war with Mexico he went with his regiment to
California, and thence in 1854 to Kansas and Nebraska. In June,
1 86 1, he was appointed major in the Sixth Infantry. During the
winter of 1861-62 he was granted leave of absence and organized

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 63
the Eighth Regiment of Kansas Volunteers. In the spring of
1862 he joined his own regiment before Yorktown in General
Sikes's command, and was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks.
He was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, April 25,
1862, serving in the Department of Virginia, Major-General Dix.
In December, 1862, he was transferred from the Department of
Virginia to the Department of North Carolina. In May, 1863, he
was assigned to the defence of Plymouth, N. C, which place he
was compelled to surrender, April 20, 1864, after a fight of four
days, and was taken prisoner and held until August, when ex
changed. He was mustered out of the volunteer service, January,
1866. In February, 1865, he was appointed a lieutenant-colonel in
the Eighteenth Regular Infantry. He was retired Jan. 1, 1871.
Our brigade commander, Thomas G. Stevenson, was born at
Boston in the year 1836. He became an active member of the
State Militia, rising from the ranks to become major of the Fourth
Battalion of Massachusetts Infantry, which body, under his care
and instruction, attained a high degree of excellence in discipline
and drill. In the fall of 1861 he was commissioned colonel of
the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteers. He participated
in the battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne. In an official
report, dated New Berne, Nov. 12, 1862, to the War Department,
after the Tarboro' expedition, General Foster writes : —
" I recommend Colonel Stevenson, for his efficient services on this march
and in the affair at Little Creek and Rawle's Mills, as well as previous
services at the battle of Roanoke Island and New Berne, be promoted to
the rank of brigadier-general."
In November, 1862, Colonel Stevenson was appointed brigadier-
general. In the Richmond campaign of 1864 he commanded a
division of the Ninth Corps, and lost his life at Spottsylvania
Court House, May 10, 1864.
With this description of New Berne, the forces which occupied
it, and the commanders under whom the Forty-fourth served,
this chapter might be considered as complete; but it may be
well to include here one or two incidents connected with our
stay in the town which do not come within the scope of any
other chapter.

64 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
In January the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts and Tenth Con
necticut of our brigade, under General Stevenson, were sent with
other regiments of the Eighteenth Army Corps, first to Beaufort,
N. C, and thence to South Carolina, where they joined the forces
operating against Charleston.
The concentration of troops in North Carolina, and their sub
sequent embarkation at Beaufort, puzzled and alarmed the Con
federate authorities, who anticipated a simultaneous attack upon
Weldon at the north and Wilmington at the south. General D.
H. Hill was assigned to the command of the troops in North Caro
lina, then (Feb. i, 1863) composed of Daniels's and Pettigrew's
infantry brigades, Robertson's cavalry brigade, and some artil
lery. In March, Garnett's brigade, from Petersburg, was ordered
to report to Hill.
When it was ascertained that Charleston, and not Wilmington,
was the objective point of the new expedition, General Hill
planned a strong movement against New Berne and the other
Federal positions along the coast. About this time General
Foster wrote to the War Department : 
" I have received information that the corps of Major-General D. H. Hill
is within the limits of this State and that he commands this department. I
referred, in my last letter, to some iron-clads being constructed on the Tar
and Roanoke Rivers. I understand that the iron-clad on the Roanoke
River is nearly completed, and to prevent its being destroyed by our gun
boats before it is ready for service, the enemy have assembled a large
force at Hamilton, said to be 7,000 infantry, 1,000 cavalry, and seven
batteries of between six and eight pieces each. The fortifications at Rain
bow Bluff, just below Hamilton, destroyed by me last November, are being
repaired and heavy guns being mounted from Weldon. A considerable
force is at Weldon, and the enemy are busily engaged in fortifying that
point. ... To prevent the enemy from putting their threat into execution
of taking the town of Plymouth, taking the gunboats or driving them out
of the river, I propose to reinforce that point, and at the same time I
have prepared a strong reconnaissance, under General Prince, to move
in the direction of Wilmington and so prevent too great an accumulation
of force on the Roanoke until such time as I shall be strong enough to
attack with advantage. The command is only waiting for a suitable con
dition of the roads to move, the recent rains having rendered them almost
impassable."

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 65
As before stated, General Hill's force was increased by the
arrival of Garnett's brigade on the 10th of March. The com
bined force numbered some 15,000 men. On the nth of March
General Hill moved his army towards New Berne. On the after
noon of Friday, March 13, the enemy's scouts were seen in various
directions. Belger's Battery, the Fifth and Twenty-fifth Massa
chusetts Regiments, were sent out on the Trent road, leading
towards Kinston. At dawn on the 14th a strong force under
the Confederate General Pettigrew placed sixteen guns in posi
tion near a small fort opposite the town on the north, across the
Neuse River. This fort was almost directly opposite the camp
of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment. Two or three
thousand infantry supported the artillery. They came into a
clearing about sixty yards from the fort and began a rapid
fire of shell and canister. After a few rounds they sent in to
Colonel Anderson, of the Ninety-second New York (four hun
dred and fifty of whom held the place), a flag of truce, demand
ing a surrender, saying that a combined attack was to be made
that day on New Berne, and that resistance was useless. To
gain time for the gunboats to get into position, Colonel Ander
son asked for half an hour to send and consult General Foster.
The flag of truce went back, and returned granting the half-hour,
and when the time had expired, returned again for the response.
Colonel Anderson replied, " My orders are to hold this place,
and I shall never surrender it." During this interval the Con
federates had put all their guns in position, straightened their
lines, and formed their infantry in three lines behind the guns.
General Pettigrew was mounted on a large white horse, and was
constantly riding up and down the lines, giving orders. When
the flag of truce went back the third time, and the result was
known, the Confederates opened a rapid and terrific fire. The
men in the fort, not wishing to show their strength, lay close
behind the sand wall and waited for a charge. The soldiers in
the fort prepared for the expected charge by biting off car
tridges and putting them up before them on the logs, so as to
be ready to fire fast. The camp in the fort was completely rid
dled with balls. A thirty-pound Parrott threw shells across
the river, striking near our camp. The Union gunboats came
5

66 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
around from the Trent River, and getting into position, began
a vigorous shelling of the woods beyond the fort, causing the
enemy to retire. A thirty-pound siege-gun of the enemy burst,
and killed a number of their own men. In the afternoon
they attempted to creep up and plant a battery in the woods,
but were prevented from so doing by the constant shelling of the
fleet. About noontime a train of platform cars with a locomotive in
the rear stopped before the camp of the Fifth Rhode Island. In
twenty minutes that regiment was on the train and moved rapidly
out to the camp of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, doing
picket duty some eight miles out from New Berne, on the Kinston
road. Reports came that a force of 8,000 or 10,000 men, with
thirty pieces of artillery and some cavalry, had reached a point on
the flank of the picket force nearer New Berne than they were.
Colonel Jones, of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment, com
manding the picket-post, was ordered, if pressed, to retire on New
Berne, fighting his way as he came in. At dusk the outer pickets
were driven in. At night tattoo was beaten at several points and
the cars were kept running, to give the enemy the impression that
a large force was near. The entire force in and around the town
were kept constantly under arms. Every preparation was made
for an attack.
After threatening the town at various points, the enemy during
the night disappeared from New Berne. It was supposed that
Washington, N. C, might be in danger, and to reinforce and
strengthen the garrison of that town, on the following day
(March 15) eight companies of the Forty-fourth Massachu
setts Regiment were ordered to Washington. Companies B and
F of the regiment were at this time doing picket duty at Batch-
elder's Creek, a few miles out of New Berne towards Kinston.
Between this date (March 15) and April 22 the main body of the
regiment was at Washington, N. C, the greater part of the time
surrounded and hemmed in by the Confederate troops under
General D. H. Hill, as narrated in another chapter.
General Foster was with the small force at Washington, N. C,
during the siege of that town. During his absence Brig.-
Gen. I. N. Palmer, commanding First Division of Eighteenth

NEW BERNE AND ITS GARRISON. 6]
Army Corps, was in command at New Berne. On April I, 1863,
he wrote from New Berne to the War Department, stating that
General Foster was at Washington, N. C, and that that place
was being attacked by the enemy in force; that there were only
parts of two regiments there as garrison ; and that three regi
ments and a battery of artillery had been sent him, but they were
unable to reach there, the enemy having two batteries on the
river below the town. Commander Davenport, United States
Navy, sent from New Berne all the available gunboats to engage
the batteries. The enemy were reported as being in large force
in North Carolina, and as acting on the offensive. On the same
date (April 1) an urgent request by letter was made by General
Palmer to Major-General Dix, commanding Department of Vir
ginia at Fortress Monroe, for assistance. He says : " There is a
fair prospect of success for the Rebels at Washington [N. C.J, and
if they succeed this place will be attacked. I only suggest to
you, General, as ' food for thought,' whether it would not be best
to reinforce this place with, say, 5,000 men temporarily. . . .
We are sadly in need of gunboats."
In response to this request General Dix made preparations to
send assistance, and had actually embarked a portion of his com
mand on transports for that purpose, when General Longstreet
made an attack on his front, which necessitated the withdrawal
of the troops from the transports, and their detention in that
department. An attempt was made to relieve Washington by a force sent
overland from New Berne, which was unsuccessful. On the
8th of April an expedition left New Berne for the purpose of
relieving Washington, under the command of General Spinola.
They Had gone but a short distance when they found themselves
confronted by a large force of the enemy, with batteries arranged
to command the- roads approaching in that direction. The
bridges had been cut away, and breastworks erected command
ing every approach. Finding the contest so unequal, and the
possibility of advancing so small, General Spinola ordered his
command to fall back, and returned to New Berne. At mid
night of the 14th of April the transport " Escort," with the Fifth
Rhode Island Regiment on board, ran the blockade on the Tar

68

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

River, and passed the batteries, reaching Washington. On the
following day General Foster left Washington on the " Escort,"
passed the batteries, and, reaching New Berne, collected his force
and marched to Washington, to the successful relief of that
town.

CHAPTER V.

CAMP LIFE.

ATTLE is merely an incident
in the life of a soldier. The
larger part of his service is
spent in preparing for it. His
experience might be compared
with that of the professional
athlete who devotes months to
training for a contest which a

-- few seconds will decide. In
foreign nations which maintain
large standing armies most of
this preliminary work is accom
plished in time of peace, but in
ours it had to be done while in
actual conflict. Undue haste
in forcing battle subjected us
to the disastrous defeat of Bull
Run, — a defeat which was not an actual misfortune, as it taught
the nation that the soldier's profession demanded capacity and
experience, and that armies could not be made effective until
they had attained a certain homogeneity which time and dis
cipline alone could give. For this reason, among others, much
of the time of most regiments, at least in the early part of the
war, was passed in camp.
On our main lines of operation there was more or less con
stant fighting; but at many places along the coast held by us
mainly as bases for future operations our forces were not large

70 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
enough to take the offensive on any extended scale, and there
fore a few days of active, hard, spirited work were followed by
longer periods of inaction. This was the case in our depart
ment; and although not the most important part of our service,
our life in camp was not the least interesting.
Our barracks not being completed at the time we reached
New Berne, some of the companies were quartered in tents for
a few days, and almost as soon as we had removed to the bar
racks were sent off on the Tarboro' expedition. Part of the
regiment returned to New Berne on the night of Thursday,
November 13 ; but the rest did not land till the following noon,
as their steamer had been delayed. We went immediately to
our barracks, and our camp life in the South fairly began. On
the 17th Colonel Lee issued Special Order No. 6: —
"As a slight demonstration of the affection and esteem we have all
learned by our recent experiences to feel for our present commanding
officer, it is ordered that the present regimental camp be hereafter known
and denoted as Camp Stevenson, and all letters and orders shall hereafter
be so dated."
The name " Camp Stevenson " was retained as long as we
remained on the old " Fair Ground."
The camp was very pleasantly located. It was situated on
the southerly side of the Neuse, very nearly on the river-bank,
a short distance westerly from the town. After passing the rail
road station we came to the quartermaster's stables and cavalry
corral on the right and the Government wood-yard on the left;
then the camp of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts on the right ;
crossed a small stream spanned by a light wooden bridge, and
our camp-ground was reached. Our line of sentries extended
from the river along the stream to the bridge, near which our
guard-house was placed, then at right angles to the stream and
parallel to the river for quite a distance, again turning at right
angles and thence running northerly to the river.
Beyond us were the camps of the Third and Forty-sixth
Massachusetts. Opposite to ours, but farther from the river,
and reached by the same bridge we have mentioned, was that
of the Tenth Connecticut, one of the best regiments in the
service. It might be appropriate to mention here that the

CAMP LIFE.

71

young lady, a resident of Stamford, who presented a standard
to this regiment just before it left for the seat of war, afterwards
became the wife of Charles H. Demeritt, of Company D, Forty-
fourth Massachusetts. The drill-ground, which' was used in
common by all the regiments of our brigade, was west of the
camp of the Tenth, and southwesterly from our own.
The barracks were situated nearly equidistant from the easterly
and westerly boundaries, but much nearer the road than they
were the river. They consisted of a long wooden building, one
half of which was parallel to the river and the other half at right
angles to it, each part being divided into five apartments about
fifty feet front by thirty-eight feet deep, an apartment being
assigned to each company. Those at right angles to the river

were occupied by the companies of the right wing, and those
parallel to the river by the companies of the left wing. The line
officer's quarters were in separate buildings erected at either
end of the barracks, a room being assigned to each company,
and the tents of the field and staff were pitched in front of the
wing occupied by the right flank and parallel to it. The cook
houses — one to each company and one to its officers — were
built on to the rear of the barracks and officers' quarters, and
the quartermaster and commissary building was in the re-entrant
angle formed by the two wings of the barracks. The guard-tent
was pitched close by the bridge, and the sutler's quarters — a
structure about the size of a company barrack — was built a
short distance easterly of the end of the building occupied by
the left wing.

72 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The right flank is the post of honor in regimental line ; next
in importance comes the left flank ; then the right centre, the
position of the color company, etc. Usually these positions are
determined by the seniority of the captains ; but where the com
missions bear the same date they are arbitrarily assigned by the
colonel. Beginning at the right, the company whose captain
held the oldest commission would naturally be number one ;
the captain who was sixth in rank would be second in line, etc. ;
the order being as follows : —
Position in line i — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 — 9 — 10
Position in rank 1 — 6 — 4 — 9 — 3 — 8 — 5 — 10 — 7 — 2
Soon after we went into camp at Readville the companies were
assigned positions in the following order: —
H— C— E— I— F— D— B— K— C— A
On November 21 this order was changed, Company A being
given the right flank, and the new order was —
A— D— E— G— C— K— H— I— B— F
This arrangement lasted for some time. December 28, Cap
tain Reynolds resigned on account of ill health, and for the same
reason Captain Jacob Lombard followed his example January 14.
There were not many changes in our roster, but such as there
were it may be well to particularize here. Dr. Ware died
April 10, and Assistant-Surgeon Fisher was promoted to Surgeon
on the same day. March 26, Daniel McPhee was commissioned
assistant-surgeon. May 29, our youthful and popular adjutant,
Wallace Hinckley, was transferred to the corresponding position
in the Second Heavy Artillery, and was succeeded by E. C. John
son, first lieutenant of Company H. In Company B, First Lieu
tenant F. H. Forbes resigned Oct. 13, 1862, before we left
Readville. Second Lieutenant J. A. Kenrick was promoted to
the first lieutenancy, and Charles C. Soule, at that time serving
as a private in Company F, appointed second lieutenant.1 On
the acceptance of the resignation of Captain Jacob Lombard,
George Lombard was commissioned captain of Company C, and
William Hedge, formerly sergeant in the same company, elected
first lieutenant. Second Lieutenant Briggs of that company was
1 Lieutenant Soule had been adjutant of the Fourth Battalion. See page 18.

CAMP LIFE. 73
away from the regiment on permanent detail. Alfred S. Hart-
well, first lieutenant of Company F, having resigned to accept a
commission in the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, Second Lieutenant
Theodore E. Taylor was promoted, and First Sergeant Horace S.
Stebbins appointed second lieutenant. Captain Reynolds's resig
nation was followed by the promotion of Lieutenant Weld to be
captain, Second Lieutenant Brown to be first lieutenant, and
Sergeant John Parkinson, Jr., to be second lieutenant. These
were the only changes among the commissioned officers. After
Lieutenant Johnson's promotion to the. adjutancy, Lieutenant
Howe acted as first, and Sergeant Mulliken as second lieutenant,
but no record can be found of their having been commissioned.
These changes made necessary a readjustment of the line and
on  * the companies took position as follows: —
A— G— H— K— E— I— D— C— B— F
This was their order at the time the regiment was mustered out
of service.
When an army is in motion and rarely bivouacs two successive
nights on the same ground, it is impossible to carry routine and red
tape to such an extent as when occupying a camp that is relatively
permanent. Camp duty does not vary much ; and the following
order, which was put in force soon after our return from Tar-
borough, describes essentially the routine of most regiments : —
Reveille  . 6 a. m.
Breakfast  7 a. m.
Morning report  7.15 a.m.
Surgeon's call ...  7.30 a. m.
Guard mounting  . . 8 a. m.
Squad drill under sergeants  8.30 to 10 a.m.
Drill for commissioned officers under lieutenant-colonel 10 to 11 a. m.
Rifle drill for sergeants under major  10 to n a. m.
Company drills, corporals acting sergeants . . . 11 to 12 a.m.
Block drill for sergeants under captains . . . . 11 to 12 a.m.
Dinner  . . 1 2 a. m.
First sergeant's call   1 p. m.
Company drill ....  1.30 to 2.30 p.m.
Battalion drill  3 to 4 p. m.
Company parade  4.30 p. m.
1 Have been unable to ascertain the date.

74

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Dress parade . .
Supper . .
Tattoo and roll-call
Taps . . . .

5 P-m.
6 p. m.
7-3° P- m-
8.30 p.m.

Few of our men were used to early rising, and having to turn
out before daylight was a new and not altogether welcome expe
rience to most of them. To be sure, we were obliged to retire
early, but that was merely aggravating the matter. After reveille
came a trip to the river, where the men could enjoy a good swim
or wade as preferred, and then they returned to the barracks,
where breakfast was served. However much some of us might
have been disposed to shirk drill and guard duty, it was very

seldom that one attempted to shirk his rations. The food fur
nished was ample in quantity and generally of excellent quality,
although our cooks would have scarcely found favor at Del-
monico's, Young's, or Parker's. The army ration consisted of
twelve ounces of pork or bacon, or one pound and four ounces
of salt or fresh beef; one pound and six ounces of bread or
flour, or one pound of hard bread, or one pound and four ounces
of corn meal to each man. To each one hundred rations, fifteen
pounds of beans or peas and ten pounds of rice or hominy; ten
pounds of green coffee, or eight pounds of roasted (or roasted

CAMP LIFE.

75

and ground) coffee, or one pound and eight ounces of tea; fifteen
pounds of sugar; four quarts of vinegar; one pound and four
ounces of adamantine or star candles ; four pounds of soap ;
three pounds and four ounces of salt; four ounces of pepper;
one quart of molasses ; and when practicable, thirty pounds of
potatoes. The bill of fare was not in all respects such as most of us had
been used to, but the food was wholesome, and our exercise in
the open air gave us appetites to which many had heretofore

been strangers. Hunger proved an excellent sauce; but in spite
of this appetizer there was some growling because we were not
furnished with butter for our bread or milk for coffee. All of
us tried to eke out the Government rations with private supplies;
and " goodies" from home were devoured with far greater relish
than when as children we assisted at the surreptitious disappear
ances of pie or cake or jam from our mothers' pantries.
Among the native delicacies to which we took very kindly
from the start were sweet-potato pies. The negroes were adepts
at this kind of cookery, and many of them made a comfortable
income by supplying the boys. There was a "white nigger"

76 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
who was an especial favorite, and no matter how large his stock,
it was always disposed of before he left camp. The darkies
must have thought that "the day of jubilee" had actually arrived,
as we are sure that the money they received from our regiment
exceeded in amount the wildest expectations of their dreams, —
that is, provided they were imaginative enough to indulge in
dreams. After breakfast the first sergeants made their morning reports,
and then came the surgeon's call. This was a general invitation
to " the lame, the halt, and the blind " to appear before the
doctor. We are glad to believe that as a rule few of our men
answered this call unless they were actually ill ; but the knowledge
that the surgeons had power to excuse men from duty was a
great temptation to some when they felt lazy, as all do at times.
It was amusing to watch those who reported ; to see the different
expressions of countenance and hear the different stories each
would tell. The stereotyped formula of the surgeon was : " Let
me see your tongue. Barnaby, give this man some C. C. drops."
" Barnaby, give this man half dozen compound cathartic pills."
" Barnaby, give this man a dose of castor-oil." " What do you
mean by coming here? There's nothing the matter with you.
Go to your quarters." Occasionally a case would require more
attention than could be given in barracks, when the man would
be sent to the regimental hospital ; and if the accounts of those
who went are reliable, nowhere could one have received better
care or kinder treatment than was given by our surgeons and
their assistants. Some who never reported at surgeon's call but
once or twice, thought the surgeons were unnecessarily severe;
but it was often difficult to discriminate. Among one thousand
men there must always be a percentage under medical treatment,
but we think the general health of our regiment compared favor
ably with that of any in the department.
Then came guard mounting. The detail was usually announced
at tattoo roll-call the previous evening. The ceremony was a
dress parade in miniature, with some additions and a few sub
tractions. Generally, quite an audience assembled to witness it.
After the ritual as laid down in the Army Regulations had been
fully complied with, the old guard was relieved and dismissed,

CAMP LIFE.

77

and the care of the camp placed in charge of the new guard for
the succeeding twenty-four hours.
Guard duty was in some respects very pleasant. The turn
was two hours on and four off, although the men were not
allowed to leave the vicinity of the guard-tent without permis
sion when off duty. Some of the posts were very desirable. In
stormy weather the colonel was always considerate, and sentries
that could be spared were relieved from their posts and allowed
to return to their quarters. At least once during the twenty-four
hours they were called out to receive the " grand rounds." When
ever a general officer, the commandant of the camp, or the officer
of the day, approached the guard-house it was expected that the
guard would be turned out ; but the colonel, and generally the
officer of the day, were satisfied with receiving this honor once
from each guard, and left word not to turn it out a second time.
Before reporting for duty each man was required to don his
dress suit, have his boots nicely polished, his brasses bright, his
gun clean, his gloves of spotless white, etc. If a soldier trans
gressed in any particular he received some very fatherly advice
given in a very paternal manner. Sentries were required to carry
their pieces as prescribed in the Army Regulations, to salute all
commissioned officers passing near their beats, to prevent un
authorized persons from entering the confines of the camp, and
to preserve order generally. If a sentry wished to be relieved
for any purpose he had to call for the corporal of the guard and
give the number of his post. Some of our men could not get
this idea, and none of us will ever forget the call of " Corporal of
the Guard, Post Nagle." The soldier who instituted this call was,
by the way, one of the best men in the regiment, and whatever
orders he received were always obeyed to the letter. After being
on duty the men were excused from the time they were relieved
in the morning until dress parade that afternoon.
Camp guard was pleasant enough, but few if any of the men
enjoyed being detailed for police guard. The duties of the latter
were that of cleaning up camp, for which many thought a force
of contrabands should have been regularly engaged ; and there
were few in the regiment who would not willingly have paid
any reasonable assessment to provide a substitute. There was

78

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

nothing especially fascinating in sweeping up the camp-grounds,
particularly when as large as ours, in emptying swill-pails, digging
sinks, etc. ; but the work had to be done, and some one had to
do it. There wras one satisfaction, however, — we could wear our
old clothes and did not wear our equipments ; and from guard
mounting in the morning to dress parade in the afternoon, except
when actually engaged in work — a period rarely exceeding three
hours — our time was our own.

As soon as guard mounting was finished, all the men excepting
those on guard or who had just come off, the detailed men, and
those on sick leave, were taken out for company drill. The
number was rarely more than half the effective strength of the
company. The length and severity of drill varied materially,
some of the officers keeping their men hard at work during
the whole of the time assigned, while others gave frequent
" rests," and brought their companies into camp long before its
expiration. After dinner came company drill again, and then battalion drill.
Occasionally the programme was diversified by a brigade drill
under General Stevenson. The labor of preparing for the dress

CAMP LIFE. 79
parade which followed was not inconsiderable, as we usually re
turned from drill hot, tired, and dusty, and it was essential that
on parade we should appear in apple-pie order. A regiment of
bootblacks would have found business excellent had they visited
us about that time in the day. Apropos of dress parade. On
leaving Readville we thought the regiment was well drilled, and
probably it was, compared with the militia generally ; but the first
time we saw the Tenth Connecticut go through the Manual, it
was a revelation to us ; and although before being mustered
out we had undoubtedly attained nearly or quite as great pro
ficiency, none will ever forget the feeling of despair which
came over us at the idea of ever being able to equal such pre
cision. Supper immediately followed dress parade. Later came
tattoo and roll-call and finally taps, at which sound all lights in
the quarters of enlisted men were extinguished and the day was
ended. Saturday afternoon we often had inspection of barracks, and
Sunday morning came the regular weekly inspection. Saturday
was " cleaning-up day." The officers were very particular about
the condition of camp and barracks. The least thing amiss was
quickly noticed. One plan adopted soon after our arrival at
New Berne to promote good order and cleanliness, which proved
very successful, was to detail a corporal in charge of each com
pany barrack for a week at a time. The officer of the day would
send in a detailed report to headquarters, and the company that
he reported "best" was excused from guard duty for the follow
ing day, the men who would otherwise have gone on guard were
furloughed, and the company he reported " worst" had to furnish
double its allotted number of men. The competition between the
companies was very keen and often it was difficult to decide.
On Sunday morning each company was mustered in its own
street; it formed in two ranks, and the inspecting officer made
a careful examination of the condition of the uniforms, muskets,
cartridge-boxes, knapsacks, etc. Woe unto the unlucky private
who displayed anything contraband among his possessions or
whose equipments were not up to the standard of brilliancy !
As the officer passed down the ranks he would step in front of
each soldier, examine his appearance carefully, take his musket,

8o

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

look scrutinizingly at the polished work, test the action of the
lock, and then drawing out the ramrod, which had been previously
placed in the barrel, rub the end of it across his immaculate
white glove. If it left a mark, be it never so slight, the soldier
was in a state of fear and trembling till his doom was announced.
One week a non-commissioned officer who had a constitutional
aversion to house-cleaning was detailed as " corporal of the bar
racks." The man was disposed to decline the honor, but in the
army, resignations from the rank and file are not in order; he

accordingly resolved if possible to win new laurels in this posi
tion, albeit in opposition to his natural instincts, and succeeded
so well that his company was relieved from guard duty at least
once if not twice during the week that he was in charge. En
couraged by success, he was tempted to still higher effort; and
on Saturday, after having attended to his duties relating to the
barracks, he turned his attention to his own equipment. The
labor spent in brightening and cleaning his musket, belt, car
tridge-box, and clothes, the expense of rags, tripoli, and soap
was simply enormous. Sunday morning dawned bright and
sunny. The company was ordered out for the regular weekly
inspection. The corporal took his place in the front rank,

CAMP LIFE. 8 1
confident that he would pass with flying colors. The inspecting
officer wiped the musket with a clean handkerchief or a pair of
white . gloves. He gazed at the corporal with a look of great
interest. The surgeon reached the spot. He looked at the
young man's clothes and then at him. The corporal was de
lighted. He felt sure that he was to be publicly complimented;
and his intuition was correct, for the surgeon, after a silent look
at the inspecting officer as if for corroboration, exclaimed, " Cor
poral  } you 're the dirtiest man in the regiment ! "
One of the boys, in writing home under date of November 16,
says: "At 3 P. M. yesterday (Saturday) had inspection by Gen
eral Foster, who complimented us highly. Said he never saw a
better-looking set of men, — men who conducted themselves bet
ter, or kept their persons, equipments, and muskets in better con
dition. One of the boys in Company E, — John Wyeth, — in the
skirmish a fortnight ago to-day had a bullet pass through the
stock of his musket, partially shattering it. General Foster in
quired the cause, and being told the circumstances, said : ' Keep
that musket, and send it home as a trophy by which to remem
ber your first fight. I will see that you are provided with an
other, and as good a one as Uncle Sam can make.' That fellow
grew half an inch while the general was talking to him."
Soon after reaching New Berne, one by one our comrades
would disappear from daily drill or roll-call, and on making in
quiries regarding the cause, we would learn that they had been
detailed. The administration of an army corps, or even of a
brigade, requires quite a force of clerks at headquarters and in
the various departments, few of whom are civilians ; and details
were made for duty not only in our own camp, but at brigade,
division, and corps headquarters. A part of the time the regi
ment was without its colonel, as he was commanding the brigade,
his place being supplied by Lieutenant-Colonel Cabot. One of
the first men we lost from this cause was Lieutenant J. H. Blake,
Jr., of Company D, who was on the staff of General Stevenson
during the time we were in North Carolina. His detail was
dated October 27. Lieutenants Briggs, of Company C, and
Field, of Company I, were most of the time on the signal corps,
1 Out of respect to his friends the name of the man is suppressed.
6

82

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

and other of our officers were away for longer or shorter periods ;
while yet others, being in charge of special work, did not do duty
with their companies. Among the various positions to which the
detailed men were assigned were those of clerks at the different
headquarters and departments, pioneers, ambulance men, musi
cians and members of the band, signal-corps, wagoners, nurses,
orderlies, cooks, harness-makers, etc. John F. Bacon, of Com
pany D., was first assistant to the chief carpenter, Mr. Wilson ;
Wheelock and Curtis, of F, were on duty as draughtsmen ; C. E.
Wheeler, of D, was sign-painter-in-chief of the department; and
it was currently reported that one of the men had been called
upon to run Mrs. General Foster's sewing-machine. In some
respects it was much more agreeable to be detailed than to re
main with the regiment; but, on the whole, we rather think those
who " stuck by the old flag," even if the " appropriation " was
small, had the best time. Among the papers which the colonel
has kindly loaned the committee is a list of the drummers, fifers,
and members of the band, which will undoubtedly be interesting
to our readers : —

Drummers

FlFERS.
Band.
E. C. Lee
Co
A
G
E. Wetherbee
Co. B
N. H. Dadmun .
Co
A
G. W Brooks .
tc
B
J-
E.
Leigbton .
" D
S. T. Shackford
It
A
I. Jones
u
C
C.
B
Curtis
" H
T. F. Gibbs .
¦-
A
G. W. Springer .
it
C
E
P
Upham .
" I
E. Graef . . .
"
B
W.W.Woodward
u
D
F.
A.
Hartshorn
" K
A. Hemenway .
(<
D
G. F. Pulsifer
lt
E
C. H. Park .
.(
E
J. H. Myers
"
E
E. A. Ramsay
'•
E
C. F. Morse .
u
F
N. H. Ingraham
U
F
J. M. Gibbs . .
((
F
W. F. Ingraham
"
F
E. S. Fisher .
u
G
C. Cobb . . .
"
F
E. Hayden . .
(t
H
D. Cobb . . .
u
F
F. O. Peterson .
a
H
F. W. Clapp .
u
H
D. F Redman .
a
I
C. E. Hook. .
a
H
C. A. Annable .
a
I
C. E. Hovey .
"
H
A. Fisher
tt
K
E. S. Hemenway
G. F. Hall . .
H. A. Spear
J. A. Lewis
J. Fowler
H. B. Hartshorn
aa a
II I
K
KK K
From those who failed to stand the fatigues of the Tarboro' ex
pedition a detachment was selected, styled the " Invalid Guard,"
CAMP LIFE. 83
which was sent to garrison a block-house at Brice's Creek, a picket
station some miles outside of New Berne. The duty was light,
but the men say they were very lonesome. A list of these will
be found on page 251. Several whose names appear here did not
join the " block-house squad," as they were detailed to various
positions in the town. As might be imagined, time hung heavily
on the hands of those doing garrison duty at this out-of-the-way
spot, and the men were always ready to welcome any incident
that would break the monotony. An anecdote is told, more
amusing to those who perpetrated the joke than to its victim.
One day several of the men crossed the creek. After enjoying
themselves for some time on the farther side, an alarm was given
that the " Johnnies " were coming. All but one of the party
rushed for the boat, and before their comrade could reach the
shore, they were on their own side of the creek. It was too deep
to ford, the man could not swim, the boys were calling to him
that if he remained on the other side he would surely be cap
tured, and his entreaties " to bring over the boat " were heart
rending. After tormenting him until they were tired, the boat
was sent for him and the joke explained; but it is doubtful if he
ever forgave the perpetrators.
November 27 was Thanksgiving Day, and was celebrated very
generally by the members of the Forty-fourth. On the 26th, at
dress parade, General Order No. 9 was read : —
" To-morrow being Thanksgiving Day in this department, there will be
no duties. Captains will issue twice the number of passes, and taps will
not be beat till 10 p. m."
All the men had been very much interested in the arrange
ments for this holiday. Companies A, C, E, F, and G had com
pany dinners, and Companies B and D divided up into squads.
Diarists in H, I, and K fail to give an account of their doings.
Each company celebrated on its own account. The most elabo
rate programme was laid out by Company A, a full account of
which is contained in the diary lent the committee by Sergeant
E. R. Rand, which, by the way, with that of Everett, of C, are
two of the fullest and most interesting placed at their disposal.
Most of the comrades of Company A followed the example of

84 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
our friend Silas Wegg in the " Mutual Friend," and on this occa
sion " dropped into poetry." Although somewhat of a machine
character, the effusions were replete with wit and personal allu
sions, and created a great deal of merriment. First Sergeant
Edmands presided. A. L. Butler, afterwards killed at Whitehall,
was orator of the day, and his speech is reported in full in the
"Bay State Forty-fourth," — a magazine to which reference will be
made later in this chapter. Sergeant Clark read a poem after
the style of " On Linden, when the sun was low," which began,
" In New Berne, when the sun was high." Henry Lyon read an
ode appropriate to the occasion, and then C. C. Murdoch gave
an account of the operations of the regiment up to that time, his
style being evidently modelled after that of the " New Gospel of
Peace." Hiram Hubbard, Jr., officiated as toast-master, and
responses were made by Sergeant Clark, Captain Richardson,
Lieutenant Coffin, Corporal Conant, and Sergeant Rogers. A
letter was read from Colonel Lee, and there was frequent singing
by the company. A song written by A. S. Bickmore was ren
dered by S. T. Shackford, and then Sergeant Rand read some
machine poetry full of local hits, and introducing the name of
every member of the company, with the exception of one which
was inadvertently omitted.
The bill of fare as given in bulk consisted of one barrel ham
sandwiches, ten gallons oysters, one hundred pounds fresh
beef, one and a half barrels apple-sauce, two barrels Baldwin
apples, two kegs ginger-snaps, twelve " big " plum-puddings,
and numerous smaller articles, with cigars ad libitum. Ser
geant Rand, in commenting on the dinner, notes : " Sat down
with tightly buttoned coats, but — " Language probably failed
him. One mess of eighteen men from Company B went down town
to dinner. They paid fifty cents per plate, and the menu con
sisted of fried trout, roast beef, beefsteak, roast goose, onions.
sweet and Irish potatoes, and apple and potato pies.
In Company F the after-dinner exercises were of rather a
formal character, and were decidedly the most finished, from a
literary standpoint. Private Francis C Hopkinson presided, and
his speech was really eloquent. Company F had many graduates

CAMP LIFE.

85

and undergraduates of Harvard College in its ranks, and the
University might well have been proud of its representation in
that company. During the exercises every available inch of
space was occupied by men from other companies, and those
who could not get into the barrack thronged the doors and win
dows. The Cobb brothers were as usual among the enter
tainers, and their music added not a little to the pleasure of
the anniversary.
In Company D there were a few set speeches, and some
extemporaneous ones in response to a series of toasts, but no
attempt at any elaborate performance. In Company G the lit
erary exercises followed immediately upon the dinner. Private
E. G. Scudder presided, and responses were very general from
members of the company. In the evening Companies E and D
united in giving an entertainment in Company E's quarters, of
which the following was the programme : —
PART I.

Song. — " Happy are we to-night, boys " .
Declamation. — " England's Interference "
Song. — " Oft in the stilly night " ...
Declamation. — " The Dying Alchemist " .
Readings. — Selections 
Song. — " Viva 1' America " ....
Declamation. — " Spartacus to the Gladiators "
Declamation. — " The Beauties of Law " . .
" Contraband's Visit " 
Song. — " Gideon's Band " 

F. S. Wheeler.
S. G. Rawson.
J. W. Cartwright.

J. H. Waterman.
H. T. Reed.
Myers and Bryant.

Intermission.

PART II.

Song.- — " Rock me to sleep, mother " 
Declamation. — " Garibaldi's Entree to Naples " . G. H. Van Voorhis
Song. — " There 's music in the air " 
Imitation of Celebrated Actors  H. T. Reed.
Declamation. — " Rienzi's Address to the Romans " . N. R. Twitchell.
Old Folks' Concert (Father Kemp) 
Ending with " Home, Sweet Home," by the audience.

86 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Companies C and H each had an entertainment in the evening,
but no reports have been found, and the members of these com
panies, together with those of B, I, and K, have failed to record
the proceedings so far as the historical committee have been
able to discover.
At the Thanksgiving festivities in Company E's barracks Lieu
tenant Cumston was called upon for some remarks. Towards the
end he said there was a Boston man in camp gathering statistics,
and among the things he wished to find out was how many of
the men smoked. The lieutenant thought it would be better to
reverse the question, and ask how many did not smoke, and
requested such " to stand up and be counted." Several arose,
and among them some of the most inveterate smokers in the
company, evidently desirous that the " statistics " should indicate
Company E to be very abstemious. As soon as the men were
on their feet, the lieutenant remarked that he had some cigars,
not quite enough to supply the whole company, but as there
were so many non-smokers he thought they would go round ;
those who did not smoke of course must not take any.
During the morning the men amused themselves with football,
base-ball, etc., and in the evening Company A gave a variety
entertainment in the quarters, beginning with a mock dress
parade under command of Sergeant Wilkins, and ending with
dancing, singing, readings, and acrobatic performances, the bar
racks being crowded by men from the other companies.
Not an incident happened to mar the festivities of the pro
gramme ; the presence of friends who had heretofore passed this
holiday with us being all that was needed to make our enjoyment
perfect. Colonel Lee complimented the regiment in General
Order No. n, read at dress parade the following day: —
" Colonel Lee desires to congratulate the companies of his command
on the success of their Thanksgiving festivities, and to express his extreme
satisfaction at the orderly manner in which the day closed, and the sol
dierly discipline shown in the perfect silence of the camp after taps."
It is no easy matter to enforce strict discipline in a regiment,
especially when the thousand men who compose it are young,
active, and overflowing with animal spirits. The writer enjoys a

CAMP LIFE. 87
very wide acquaintance among his comrades of the Forty-fourth,
and can conscientiously say that, so far as his knowledge extends,
he does not believe there was a single member of the regiment
who was maliciously inclined, or who disobeyed any order
through a spirit of insubordination. The feeling of the men
was well shown in the case of a member of Company D, a boy
of only sixteen, who had been sent to the guard-house for im
pertinence to First Sergeant Tripp. On his release, he imme
diately hunted up the orderly and said to him, " You did just
right to put me in the guard-house. I should n't have had a
d — d bit of respect for you if you hadn't. It's just what I de
served." As a rule, obedience in our camp was prompt and
discipline excellent, but there were times when punishments were
inflicted. One of the most difficult problems to be solved by an officer
is how to punish an infraction of the rules when committed by
but one or two men, and these undetected. The innocent then
have to suffer with the guilty. One night about midnight there
was a loud explosion in one of the barracks. Had it occurred
twenty years later, it would doubtless have been attributed to dy
namite. Every one jumped from his bunk. The officers rushed
in, and the captain, in a voice that expressed his feelings, de
manded the name of the person responsible for the disturbance.
There was an awful pause. Probably not more than two or three
men in the company knew the offender. " If I do not find out
the name of the man who caused this trouble within one minute,
I will have the whole company out for drill," thundered the cap
tain. The minute passed very rapidly. " Orderly, fall in Com
pany D for drill," was the command. The men fell in, the
sergeants searched the bunks carefully so there should be no
skulking, one poor fellow who had been sleeping through all the
disturbance was rudely awakened and ordered to join his com
rades, — for what he knew not, — and the company marched out
on the parade-ground. It was rather cold, and in going through
the different manoeuvres the men showed very much more enthu
siasm than was absolutely necessary. After about half an hour
the company was ordered back to the barracks, the captain being
satisfied that his experiment was rather enjoyed by the boys.

88 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
For a long while the standing conundrum was, "Who put the
powder in the stove ? " Company G and one or two of the other
companies had a similar experience, with a like result.
Company I held the championship for throwing hard-tack.
As soon as taps had sounded, " whiz " would go a piece of hard
tack from one end of the barrack, followed by a profane ejacula
tion from the man it chanced to hit at the other. At first the shots
were scattering, then began " firing by file, firing by platoon,"
and finally, " volley by company." The officers endeavored to
stop the performance, but their efforts were at first unsuccessful.
One night a watchful lieutenant entered the barrack with a dark-
lantern, prepared to turn its flash in the direction from which
came the first shot. One of the men, suspecting his design, crept
from his bunk, and throwing open the stove door, the light from
the fire unmasked the intruder. The lieutenant seized the man
and had him marched to the guard-house, where he passed the
night in spite of his earnest protestations that he was merely
going to replenish the fire. As "midnight drills" were apparently
enjoyed by the men, the officers adopted the novel plan of cut
ting off the hard- tack rations. This unheard-of severity created
a consternation. Men who would never touch a piece when able
to get anything else, immediately declared it was their main arti
cle of diet, and that they would inevitably starve if it were not
furnished. The sudden hunger for hard-tack was amazing.
Company I appealed to the others by means of notices posted
throughout the camp, and it was not long before the most gen
erous contributions began to arrive. The excitement lasted a
day or two ; but the captain finally talked to the men, they ac
knowledged they had been wrong, and the rations were restored.
Allusion to this incident is made in the opera.
Almost as soon as our camp was established, contrabands
began to throng in. They could be hired for a very small sum,
and in a few days there was scarcely a mess in the regiment that
had not engaged a servant. It was quite convenient to call on
some one to wash your tin plate or dipper, or polish your boots,
or dust your coat, instead of having to perform these menial
duties for yourself; but there were so many employed that they
soon became a nuisance, and on December 4, much to the

CAMP LIFE. 89
regret of most of us, an order was issued sending out of camp all
negroes not servants of commissioned officers, or provided with
a pass granted by one of our field officers. Some of the ser
geants and a few of the corporals succeeded in retaining the
contrabands they had engaged ; but as a rule the order was rigidly
enforced. Notwithstanding that the prescribed orders of camp routine
provided some occupation for almost every minute in the day,
we found many leisure hours. Rainy days there were when
drilling could not be thought of; the guard was excused on the
day following its term of duty ; there were always several off on
account of illness ; and in one way and another we had a good
deal of time at our* own disposal.
Nothing gave us more pleasure than to receive a large number
of letters when our assistant-postmaster Fish distributed the mail,
and those whose names were not called might have served an
artist as a study for " Disappointment." We have sometimes
thought it impossible for any regiment to have devoted more
attention to letter-writing than we did. At any hour of the day,
from reveille to taps, some of the boys would be found with
paper and pencil, jotting down for the information of their friends
incidents of their daily life. On the march or in the camp it
was the same, and at every halt out would come the unfinished
letter and a few lines be added before the order " Forward " was
given. We had some regular newspaper correspondents in our
ranks, and the list of " occasionals " would have embraced half
the membership. Many of the men used to boast that they had
sent from ten to twenty letters by a single mail, and had received
a number equally large. The general prevalence of this habit
was especially remarkable, and there were comparatively few
who did not send and receive at least one letter by every
mail. It is estimated that on the arrival of each steamer at least
fifteen hundred letters reached our camp. At home it was quite
fashionable for young ladies to have a large number of army cor
respondents, and columns of newspapers were filled with adver
tisements asking for the addresses of those who were willing to
write. Frequently the boys would receive letters from entire
strangers; not unfrequently they wrote first, and their replies

90

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

often resulted in establishing a most entertaining correspondence.
Sometimes the real name would be given, but more frequently
the correspondence would be conducted under a nom-de-plume.
A large number of letters have been submitted to the committee
for examination, and it is surprising how "chatty" and readable

most of these missives are. This constant and frequent commu
nication with home friends was undoubtedly very potential in
keeping up the morale of the regiment.
As our respected Uncle Samuel did not supply regimental
tailors, and as clothes would wear out, buttons disappear, and
holes be unexpectedly found in stockings, no small part of our
leisure was devoted to mending. Some of the boys proved them
selves very skilful in the use of the needle, while others made

CAMP LIFE.

91

but poor work of their attempts. Stockings were darned, but
the verbal darning was far more in accordance with the feelings
of the workman than the yarn process. Most of us were pro
vided with " housewives " containing a supply of thread, needles,
yarn, buttons, etc. ; and it was really pathetic to watch a poor fel
low who had always depended on the kind offices of mother or
sister or wife to keep his raiment in repair, trying to mend a rent
or sew on a button, and the first sergeant calling on the company
to " fall in, lively." It
seemed too as if the
repairs were always
needed at the most
inconvenient times
and seasons ; as for
instance just as the
assembly for guard
mounting or dress
parade had sounded.
Next to letters, news
papers were more eagerly wel
comed than anything that could
be sent us. Our friends at home
kept us well supplied with locals,
but the only ones we could get of
recent date were the New York dailies. These papers were not
glanced at and then thrown aside ; they were read carefully,
advertisements and all, and then passed along to our less fortu
nate comrades who had failed to secure a copy. We are confi
dent we were as conversant with all published news as any of our
friends at the North. News from our own department received
especial attention, and some of the correspondents would not
have felt flattered could they have overheard the criticisms on
their published letters. The correspondent of the " New York
Herald " was a most entertaining, newsy writer, but correspond
ingly unreliable ; as for instance giving the credit of our success
at Kinston to the Ninth New Jersey, when all who participated
in that action knew it was the charge of the Tenth Connecticut
that decided the battle. If our boys could have interviewed that

92 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
correspondent immediately after they had read his account of
the expedition, the surgeons would have had another patient.
There was a local paper published at New Berne, which con
tained most of the general orders and some matters of local
interest, but had very little general news.
After the battle of New Berne the Twenty-seventh Massachu
setts discovered several weather-beaten cornets, bearing the
names of " Tolman & Russell, Boston," hanging from some trees,
which the " Johnnies " had left in their hasty flight, and they
naturally took possession of them. On learning when we re
turned from the Tarboro' expedition that these instruments
would be placed at our disposal if we wished them, the idea of
a regimental band suggested itself; a sufficient number of men
were at once detailed, and practice began immediately. As
early as December some of our members appealed to our friends,
through the Boston press, to send us a new and complete set.
The Goldsboro' expedition delayed progress somewhat; but
on January 4 the band made its first appearance at dress parade
and was most enthusiastically received. It improved rapidly, and
our demands for a complete set of instruments became more
urgent. Early in this month, after waiting for some one else to
take the initiative, Mr. George B. Foster, father of Corporal Fos
ter of Company K, advertised that he would receive subscriptions
for this purpose. Before noon of the day the notice appeared
he had received fifty-nine responses, when Mr. George S. Hall,
father of George F. Hall of Company I, called on him, requested
him to cancel the notice, as he intended to supply these instru
ments himself. They reached us February 14, and being a much
fuller set than those we had been using, an additional detail was
required. If Mr. Hall enjoyed half as much in giving them to
the regiment as the regiment did in receiving them, he was
many fold repaid for his generosity. After our return these
instruments were sent to the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, but
what became of them when that regiment was mustered out
has not been learned. One of our men (Macomber, of Com
pany F), in writing to a Boston paper, under date of Febru
ary 17, says: —

CAMP LIFE. 93
" Our band received their instruments by this steamer (' Augusta Dins-
more ') and Sunday evening appeared on dress parade with them. If the
people who so kindly and generously contributed towards presenting them
to our regiment could hear the thanks which are literally showered on their
heads by the boys, they would never regret their kindness, or the happi
ness they have caused in all our breasts. It is with a feeling of gratitude,
of contentment, and happiness, we witness the kindness and remembrance
from our friends at home."
The curiosity to see these instruments was most intense
among the men, and on the day following their receipt Lieu
tenant-Colonel Cabot, then in command of camp, issued the
following order : —
General Order No. 30.
Hereafter no person will enter the enclosure formed by the tents de
voted to the band.
Any person violating this order will subject himself to punishment.
By command of, Lieut.-Col. E. C. Cabot.
This order caused much indignation, as curiosity had been
raised to the highest pitch ; but the order was enforced, and we
did not see the new instruments till Sunday.
Nothing excited more general interest than the arrival of the
express. Indeed, it was currently reported that the coming of
the Forty-third, Forty-fourth, and Forty-fifth Regiments obliged
the express company to put on some additional steamers. We
had many friends at home, and the most common way in which
they expressed their interest was by sending a box of "goodies,"
which it would be superfluous to say was always kindly received.
It would be impossible to mention one half the things that were
sent us. " Corporal," in referring to this matter, gives the follow
ing list of articles received in one box, as a model to be followed
by those desirous of contributing: "A large sealed tin box of
mince-pies and cake, a large paper of ditto, a tin box of sugar,
a tin box of pepper, a jar of pickles, a box of eggs, together
with apples, pears, pins, stationery, and last but not least, letters."
The father of Hezekiah Brown of Company G sent down a large
box of troches, which the son distributed with the utmost liber
ality and impartiality. B. F. Brown & Co. contributed a gener-

94 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
ous supply of their liquid blacking. Regulations regarding the
admission of any kind of spirituous liquor were very stringent,
and many were the means adopted to evade them. The mother
of one of our boys, although strongly opposed to the use of any
intoxicant as a beverage, recognized the benefit of alcohol as a
medicine, and fearing that her son would be unable to procure
any except through direct application to the medical department,
resolved to try and supply him. She took a quantity of nice
oranges, removed the peel and quartered them, being careful not
to break the thin covering of the pulp, put them into a large jar,
and then filled it to the brim with choice whiskey. The jar was
tightly sealed, and reached the young man safely. The day after
its arrival chanced to be inspection of barracks. As the inspect
ing officer was going his rounds, the soldier inquired of him if he
had ever eaten any orange pickle. " Orange pickle ! " he replied ;
"I never heard of it." "Would you like to try some?" The
answer being in the affirmative, a sample was given him. The
officer tasted, looked at the soldier, tasted again ; a peculiar smile
passed over his face as he said, " I don't think pickling improves
the orange, but I'd like another sample of that pickle." Mason
of Company E was especially favored by having large quantities
of canned fruit and vegetables sent him, and the opening of
his boxes always attracted a curious and sympathizing crowd.
Thanksgiving and Christmas were- the two occasions when our
friends especially remembered us, and there were very few mem
bers of the regiment who did not receive some reminder from
home. About Thanksgiving Mr. Frederick Grant, of Boston,
chartered a schooner, the " Platten Sea," and started for New
Berne with a load of delicacies for the Forty-third, Forty-fourth,
and Forty-fifth Regiments. Unfortunately, the wind and weather
were adverse, and the schooner was very long in making the
passage. Most of the perishable articles were spoiled, and many
of us were disappointed at not receiving our " Thanksgiving," as
we had expected.
Another box catalogued by " Corporal" contained tea, coffee,
sugar, butter, pepper, salt, capsicum, cheese, gingerbread, confec
tioner's cake, Bologna sausage, condensed milk, smoked halibut,
pepper-box, camp-knife, matches, ink, mince-pies, candy, tomato

CAMP LIFE.

95

catchup, apples, horse-radish, emery-paper, sardines, cigars,
smoking-tobacco, candles, soap, newspapers, pictorials, letters,
pickles, and cholera mixture. (Perhaps the latter was another
name for orange pickle.)
Mr. C. P. Lewis, of the firm of William K. Lewis & Brother,
who had some friends in the regiment, was very generous, and
kept them well supplied with condensed milk, olives, sardines,
and a good assortment of canned meats and vegetables. One

mess, on January i, 1863, dined off salmon and green peas
furnished by this gentleman's liberality. The contents of one
more box will perhaps suffice to show the endless variety of
articles that were sent us: preserve, tobacco, two boxes cigars,
matches, a ream of letter-paper, doughnuts, gingerbread, quills,
sticking-plaster, envelopes, " Les Miserables" (sometimes called
" Lee's miserables," but which was certainly a misnomer if ap
plied to us) newspapers, apples, lemons, glue, butter, sugar, silk
handkerchiefs, gun-rags, chocolate, woollen blanket, maple sugar,
rubber boots, one or two packages for comrades of the recipient,
some hairpins, shell back combs, and jewelry, for "properties"

96 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
in our dramatic performances and opera ; and an old jacket, coat,
and hat, which were probably put in for " ballast."
In this connection it may not be inappropriate to allude to a
few of the names by which the Forty-fourth was sometimes
designated, especially as one of them was deemed of sufficient
importance by a candidate for the governorship of Massachusetts,
— himself an officer whose reputation is world-wide, — to merit
extended mention during the heated campaign of 1883. About
the time we went to Readville, one of the Boston newspapers
stated that we had in our ranks "the pets of many a household,"
and from this expression we were called the "pet" regiment.
Our men paid more attention to dress and personal appearance
than is usual among enlisted men, as they failed to comprehend
why the fact of being soldiers should cause them to become lax
in this respect ; and from this circumstance we were sometimes
referred to as the " kid glove," " patent leather," " white choker,"
or "gold watch" regiment. But the name by which we were
most generally known, and of which the highly distinguished
candidate above referred to meanly endeavored to rob us by at
tributing it to the Forty-fifth Massachusetts, was that of " seed
cakes." About Thanksgiving the Forty-fourth received a very
large number of boxes from home, — many more than the men of
some of our sister regiments thought its fair share. One day
quite a knot of soldiers had gathered in the town of New Berne,
when one of our men rather exultingly spoke of the large
number of packages we had been receiving. " There' s nothing
surprising in that," retorted one of his evidently envious com
panions; "your boys can't come down to salt horse and hard
tack like the rest of us, and if your folks did n't keep you
supplied with seed-cakes, you 'd starve to death ! "
This joke had just enough foundation in fact to create a hearty
laugh, and passed from mouth to mouth, both in the regiment
itself and outside, until " the seed-cake regiment " became the
principal sobriquet of the Forty-fourth, — a nickname of which
the boys are rather proud.
It was much easier to get boxes into the department than it
was to get them out. On the arrival of an express steamer
packages were rapidly separated, then loaded on the regimental

CAMP LIFE. 97
wagons, and sent to the various camps for distribution. The
guard, and some men specially detailed for that purpose, watched
each box as it came from the vessel, and detained only such as
they sus'pected might contain articles " contraband of war." To
send a box out of the department, unless some stratagem was
used, a provost-marshal's permit was required in every case ; and
this was about as difficult to get, if it contained anything worth
sending home, especially articles obtained while in the service,
as it was for a private to be allowed to sit down in the Gaston
House dining-room at any time subsequent to our first morn
ing in New Berne. One of our men found a volume of " Audu
bon's Birds " in a deserted shanty just outside of Williamstown.
He carried it on his back during the rest of the expedition, and
on reaching New Berne tried to get permission to send it North,
but did not succeed. It finally reached his home in Wisconsin,
in spite of the provost-marshal. Most of the men who had me
chanical tastes and ingenuity devoted part of their leisure to
manufacturing brier or clay pipes, or horn jewelry. Brier-root
was found in great plenty in the swamp just beyond our drill-
ground. When dug it was very soft, but in drying it was apt to
crack, — -a trouble that we found with the clay pipes as well.
Those who experimented with horn jewelry were more generally
successful, and many of our men now have studs, watch-charms,
scarf-rings, etc., they made while in North Carolina.
No place in the world will equal a camp for gossip. Rumors
seemed to spring spontaneously from the ground, and no matter
how improbable one might be it always found believers. One
minute the report would come that the regiment was ordered to
South Carolina or to the Potomac, followed immediately by the
statement, "based on official knowledge," that we were to remain
in camp till our muster out; the next hour came news that we
were going on picket, and instantly would be circulated a counter
report that we were to go on provost. All sorts of stories regard
ing the prominent officers were in the air, — as to what this one
was going to do and that one was not going to do ; where this
one was going and where the other was not going, etc. Did
space permit, it would be interesting to give some specimens.
One rumor which gained some currency may well be stated,
7

98 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
especially as it is one of the very few that can be traced from
its inception. The morning of the 14th of March, the day of
the attack on New Berne, all was excitement. The air was full
of authentic statements of what we were going to do, of where
we were going, of changes in command, of Rebel successes, of
contemplated manoeuvres, etc. Davis Howard had been on guard
that night and posted in front of the colonel's tent. As soon as
the guard was relieved he rushed into the barracks and called for
Corporal Haines. The latter was the regular correspondent of the
" Boston Herald," and known as such to most of the members
of the regiment. Whenever any startling news had been learned,
Haines was always the first to whom it was given. " Corporal"
was writing to his paper an account of the attack, when Dave
came up apparently out of breath. " Corporal, I 've just come
off duty at the colonel's tent, and have got a piece of news that
interests every man in the regiment. It 's the most important
thing that 's happened to us for a long time." So many wild
and improbable stories had been brought him, that the corporal
was incredulous ; but the evident sincerity of Howard's manner
was impressive. All the boys within hearing distance anxiously
awaited the disclosure. " I 've just come from headquarters,"
repeated Dave. " A little while ago one of Foster's orderlies
came into camp with his horse on a run and handed colonel a
letter. Lee wrote something in reply and the orderly went off
on a gallop. Just as I was relieved, another one came, and as
soon as the colonel read the paper delivered him he seemed very
much excited and sent for the lieutenant-colonel and major. I
made up my mind it was something very important, and that if
I could, I would know what it was about." All of us had seen
orderlies riding into the camp and then riding out again, and were
ready to believe that some important fnovements were about tak
ing place. We knew that Howard was a fellow of resources, and
that if he could not succeed in getting this information probably
others would fail. " I succeeded in overhearing what he told
Cabot and Dabney," added Dave, with much apparent earnest
ness, " and find that Pettigrew has sent over a flag of truce de
manding the surrender of New Berne. Foster refused to give
up the place. Pettigrew then sent back word that he would

CAMP LIFE. 99
shell the town immediately, and has ordered the removal of the
women and children and the Forty-fourth Massachusetts before
he begins, and has given Foster two hours to get us out. The
general has asked Lee where he wants the regiment to go to.
Colonel told Cabot that he thought it best to let the men vote
on the question, so I suppose you will all hear about it quite
soon. He says he wants to stay and let them shell." The laugh
that followed Dave's disclosure was tremendous, but he had to
run for his life. It is difficult to realize the surprise and amuse
ment of our men when they read in the first New York paper
that reached them after the raising of the siege of Washington,
a full account of the sending and receipt of this flag of truce
stated as an absolute fact, only the locality had been transferred
to Washington. In this connection it is reported that some years
after the war Colonel Lee was travelling in the West, when a gen
tleman whom he met, finding that he had been in command of a
regiment, asked him which one. On being told the Forty-fourth
Massachusetts, he inquired if that was not the one ordered out of
Washington with the women and children. " Yes," replied our
colonel. " Well, if I were in your place I should be ashamed
to acknowledge the fact," remarked his questioner. "Why so?"
said our colonel ; " the Rebels well knew that they could not get
into Washington as long as our regiment stayed there, and
thought that if they sent such a message Foster might order us
out. He was not kind enough to oblige them; the regiment did
not go out; the 'Johnnies' did not get in. I think Hill paid us
a high compliment and have always felt proud of it." Whether
this conversation ever occurred we do not know. We have been
unwilling to ask the colonel, lest he might deny it and so spoil
a good story.
Soon after our return from the Goldsboro' expedition it be
came fashionable among the boys to sit for their pictures. A
style called " melainotype " was most in vogue, and it was a
matter of pride to see who could send home one showing the
greatest appearance of dilapidation. A corporal of Company D
had one taken which was a great success in this respect. A
netted worsted smoking-cap replaced the regulation fatigue arti
cle ; one suspender was visible, the other concealed ; one leg of

IOO FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the pants was torn off just below the knee, the other showing an
enormous hole made by friction of canteen and haversack ; the
shoes were not mates. The original garments were worn by the
owner for the last time when he sat for the picture, as they were
immediately presented to one of the numerous contrabands who
thronged the camp. Among the corporal's home friends was an
elderly aunt, one of the kindest-hearted old ladies that ever lived,
who looked at everything from the most charitable view, but was
a warm friend of the "boys," and would quickly resent anything
that she thought savored of inattention or neglect towards them.
On receipt of this picture she was most indignant, and wrote
Governor Andrew in very strong terms, requesting him to per
sonally investigate and see that Massachusetts soldiers were pro
vided with suitable clothing. J. J. Wyeth, of Company E, sent
home one of a similar character. His fond mother gazed at it
sadly for some minutes and then remarked, "If John has become
as dissipated and reckless as this picture shows him to be I hope
he will never return." Little did we imagine such would be the
effect of a desire to let our friends realize our appearance " in
camp." It took a large amount of correspondence to explain
matters. Most of our time was spent in the open air. Generally the
weather was warm, and it was pleasant to sit in front of our
barracks after tattoo and listen to the singing, which was one of
our daily pleasures. Charley Ewer, till he was wounded at White
hall, was the acknowledged chorister. There were good vocalists
in all the companies, and rarely did a pleasant evening pass but
" Kingdom Coming," " Louisiana Lowlands," " Rest for the
Weary," or some other of the popular airs were heard in the
camp. The entertainments given on Thanksgiving were so successful
that they were followed by others, each more elaborate than
those preceding. One was given on New Year's evening, the
programme being as follows: —

CAMP LIFE.

IOI

S E C O 1ST 3D

ramatic artfj HJusital

BY THE
44TH REGIMENTAL DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION.
ON NEW YEAR'S EVENING, JAN. 1, 1863.

PROLOGUE— (Original.)

OVERTURE.RECITATION-SONG.RECITATION.RECITATION -

-(Selected.)

¦(Humorous.)

Harry T. Reed.Band.
F. D. Wheeler.
Quartette Club.
C. A. Chase.
E. L. Hill.

BAND.

After which the Grand Final Scene from
The Merchant of Venice.

SHYLOCK,DUKE,ANTONIO, BASSANIO,
GRATIANO, PORTIA, SOLANIO,

H. T. Reed.
W. Howard.
De F. Safford.
F. D. Wheeler.
J. H. Waterman. L. Millar.
F. A. Sayer.

BAND.

To be followed by

OPENING CHORUS. Company.
LOUISIANA LOWLANDS. H. Howard.
DOLLY DAY. F. A. Sayer.
SHELLS OF THE OCEAN. H. Howard.
SUSIANNA SIMPKINS. F. A. Sayer.
HAM FAT MAN. J. H. Myers.
The whole to conclude with
A Terrible Cat-ass-trophe on the North Atlantic R.R.
CHARACTERS BY THE COMPANY.
Director,  H. T, EEBD.
Assistant Manager,  De F. SAFFORD.
Secretary,  W. HOWARD.
Treasurer,  J. M. WATERMAN.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
F. D. Wheeler, I*. Millar, F. A. Sayer.

102 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The next affair, which was entirely impromptu, occurred in the
barracks of Company D, January 19. One of the boys was play
ing a dancing tune on the flute. The idea of a ball was suggested.
No time could be taken to prepare suitable costumes, but it is
doubtful if the grandest society ball was more enjoyed by the
participants than was this. It was all too brief; so a more elabo
rate one was arranged for the following evening in the same
barrack. The card of invitation was as follows : —
GRAND BALL.
Sir, — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at a
Grand Ball, to be held in the Grand Parlor of the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
(No. 4 New Berne), on Tuesday Evening, January 20, 1863.
MANAGERS.
C. H. Demeritt, Willard Howard, J. E. Leighton.
COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
Benj. F. Burchsted, C. D. Newell, W. G. Reed, H. D. Stanwood,
W. E. Savery, F. A. Sayer, F. M. Flanders, H. Howard,
J. B. Gardner, Joe Simonds, Charles Adams, G. W. Hight.
MUSIC.
Quintzelbottom's Grand Quadrille and Serenade Band.
(One Violin.)
Tickets $00.03 each, to be had of the Managers.
No Postage Stamps or Sutler's Checks taken in payment.
N. B. — Ladies will be allowed to smoke.
Persons wishing carriages will please apply to Lieutenant White, of the
Ambulance Corpse.
Persons wishing anything stronger than Water are referred to the " Sanitary."
The following was the order of dances : —
1. Sicilian Circle, March to Tarboro'.
2. Quadrille, New England Guards.
3. Polka Quadrille, Kinston Galop.
4. Quadrille, Yankee Doodle.
Intermission.
Waltz, Polka Redowa, Schottische.
5. Quadrille, Bloody 44th Quickstep.
6. Les Lanciers, Connecticut 10th March.
7. Quadrille, Lee's March.
8. Contra ( Virginia Reel), Rebel's Last Skedaddle.

CAMP LIFE. 103
Shelter-tents, artistically draped, made excellent skirts for the
ladies, albeit they were rather short and not over-clean. They
were expanded by hoops procured from some of the quarter
master's empty barrels. A blouse with the sleeves cut off at
the shoulder and the collar turned down as far as possible
made a very respectable waist, although not as low in the neck
as many fashionable belles would demand. Evidently the cos
tumes must have been effective, for a member of another com
pany, after glancing in at the door, returned to his own quarters,
polished his boots, brushed his hair, donned his dress-coat, and
claimed to have tried to find a paper collar before he ventured
into the ball-room. " I was n't going in among ladies looking as
rough as I did," he afterwards explained. The last call of the
" Lancers " was original : — " Promenade to the bar for quinine
rations." The barracks were crowded, and the officers enjoyed
the novelty no less than the men.
On January 24, Company E, determined not to be outdone,
gave a masked ball at its barracks, and extended an invitation
to members of other companies. It was wonderful, with the
limited means at our disposal, what a variety of costumes were
got up at such short notice. Among the characters represented
were an old gentleman and lady of '76, attended by their negro
servant. The lady wore a real crinoline and wished the specta
tors to know it. There were personifications of " His Satanic
Majesty," " Pilgrim Fathers," policemen, farmers, harlequins,
clowns, monks, ladies tall and ladies short, ladies stout and ladies
slender, ladies white, black, and Indian red. Nearly all the char
acters were admirably sustained. Several of the officers of the
Tenth Connecticut were present on invitation and evidently en
joyed the occasion.
The rivalry between Companies D and E not being settled,
they agreed to combine efforts, and the result surpassed all pre
vious attempts. The managerial card is here reproduced : —
GRAND MASQUERADE BALL.
Sir, — The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at a
Grand Bal Masque to be given under the auspices of the 44th Regimental
Dramatic Association, at the Barracks of Companies D and E, on
MONDAY EVENING, FEB. 23, 1863.

104 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The management desire to state that nothing will be left undone to render it
the party of the season.

FLOOR

MANAGERS.

Willard Howard, J.

B. Rice,

Harry T. Reed.

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.

Sergeant G. L. Tripp, Company D
H. A. Homer, " E
Corporal Z. T. Haines, " D
" J. B. Gardner, " D
" J. W. Cartwright, " E
M. E. Boyd, " D
C. E. Tucker, " E

PRIVA'lI If ((

F. A. Sayer, Company D
H. Howard, " D
J. H. Waterman, Jr. " D
A. H. Bradish, " E
C. H. Demeritt, " D
D. Howard, " D
E. L. Hill, " A

In order to defray the expenses, Tickets will be placed at 10 cents each, to be pro
cured of the Managers. No tickets sold at the door. Visitors are expected to appear
en costume. Music by the New Berne Quadrille Band, five pieces.
The Management desire to express their sincere thanks to the Officers of this
Regiment for the many favors granted by them in aid of this undertaking.
The hall will be appropriately decorated.
By permission of the officers the partition was removed be
tween the barracks of the two companies, making a large room
about thirty-eight by one hundred feet. The decorations were
elaborate; and thanks to Charley Wheeler's skilful brush, the
walls were adorned with appropriate mottoes. Corporals Rice
and Cartwright of Company E, and Willard Howard and Corporal
Gardner of Company D, acted as floor managers. Harry Reed
attended to other duties equally important. Generals Foster and
Wessells were present, as were also a number of field, line, and
staff officers. Our regimental band furnished military music, and
a string band played for the dancing. The barracks were liter
ally packed. We regret that space forbids giving a full descrip
tion. "Corporal" and one of our diarists wrote home full and
glowing accounts.
Just after one of these entertainments the colonel met Willard
Howard and congratulated him on its success, adding, " I am
proud of what the boys are doing and will help them in any way
that I can." This conversation was repeated to one or two of the
men, among whom was Corporal Haines. He immediately pro
posed to write the text of an opera if Howard and others would

CAMP LIFE. 105
attend to the music and staging. The idea was most favorably
received, committees were appointed, and the result was " II Re-
cruitio." No one would confess to a knowledge of Italian, so, as
we wished to call the opera " The Recruit," we translated it after
the rule given by some humorous author as nearly as we could.
This opera was founded upon the imaginary adventures of one of
our members, and described his enlistment at Boylston Hall; the
hardships and trials endured on his introduction to military life;
his perils by sea and by land ; recounted in glowing verse his
valorous deeds in pursuit of personal safety and forage; and
finally bade him adieu in Plymouth, a captive to the charms of a
pretty " Secesh " maiden, one " Nancy Skittletop." x Where so
many contributed to the success, it would be invidious to particu
larize ; but we think none will deny that a large share of the credit
belongs to Willard/Davis, and Henry Howard, — the "Howard
boys," as they were universally known, — and to our incomparable
scenic artist and " Nancy Skittletop," Fred. Sayer. Scenery from
the old New Berne theatre was placed at the disposal of the
committee, and shelter-tents, flags kindly loaned by different
regiments and the Navy, and red and blue shirts and drawers
furnished by the hospital department were utilized in the deco
ration. Companies B and F were on picket at Batchelder's Creek,
so their barracks were used for the performances. A stage was
erected at the lower end of F's barrack, toward the sutler's. The
orchestra, composed mainly of members of our regiment, with
Charley Hooke as leader, was reinforced by Captain Daniel of
the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York, and Mr. McCready,
a civilian. The opera was given on Wednesday evening, March 11, to an
audience composed principally of members of our own regiment.
On Thursday evening the performance was complimentary to
General Foster and staff, and one diarist notes that by actual
count there were twenty-seven ladies present. On Friday even
ing it was given for the third time, to satisfy the demands of
those who had failed to gain admission to either of the previous
1 It was intended to reproduce " II Recruitio " in the Appendix, but the Committee
have decided that, although very amusing a quarter of a century ago, it is not of
sufficient interest to warrant reprinting.

106 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
representations. At the close of the final performance the com
mittee and actors, with the approval of the colonel, who thought
they had earned some privileges, adjourned to the quarters of the
officers of Company B, where they enjoyed quite a nice supper,
the bill of fare being a decided change from the usual regi
mental diet. After our return to Boston, the opera, with but a
few changes in the cast, was given at Tremont Temple, and
received most favorable comment from dramatic critics.
Another scheme to employ part of our leisure was that of
debating clubs. These were formed in several companies, and
proved quite attractive to many of our men. Some of the topics
discussed were rather abstruse, but at the age we then were that
fact did not trouble us, and we settled them all to our entire satis
faction. Another literary enterprise attempted was that of the
establishment of a magazine. It was called " The Bay State
Forty-fourth," being printed and published in Boston, but edited
by DeForest Safford of Company F ; the articles, which related
wholly to regimental matters, were contributed by different mem
bers. Only one number was published, as various causes pre
vented the continuation of the enterprise.
February 25, General Foster reviewed the corps. The ground
on which the review took place was on the other side of the
Trent River. The march was short, — we left camp at 8.30 A. M.
and returned at 3 P. M., — but it was one of the most fatiguing days
in our experience. Colonel Lee was in command of the brigade,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Cabot had charge of the regiment. Un
doubtedly it was a fine sight to the spectators, but the men cer
tainly thought " the play was not worth the candle." Colonel
Lee told us afterwards that General Foster gave the Twenty-fifth
Massachusetts the credit of doing the finest marching of any
regiment that participated, but that the general's staff were
unanimously of the opinion that none deserved more praise than
the Forty-fourth.
Whenever we went off on an expedition there was always
a percentage who from illness or other causes were unable to
accompany us. These men were styled the " Home Guard."
While we were absent their duties were light, camp and police
guard being the only ones they were called upon to perform.

CAMP LIFE. 107
Once or twice they were alarmed by an attack on the pickets,
and were called out for defence of the. town, although they saw
no actual fighting. On one occasion Harry Hunt, who was act
ing as sutler in absence of his father, bravely shouldered his
musket and took a place in the ranks, thus showing his willing
ness to share in the fortunes of the regiment, whatever they
might be.
At last we all had the experience of an attack on the place.
March 14 was the anniversary of the capture of New Berne.
An elaborate programme had been arranged to commemorate
that victory. We were to raise a flag on a new staff just erected ;
Belger's battery was to fire a salute ; his officers and ours were
to provide a collation ; and we were anticipating a pleasant and
mildly exciting celebration. Just before daybreak we were awak
ened by the sound of a cannon. We thought it early for the
salute, but in a few seconds it was followed by another, this one
evidently shotted. Thoroughly aroused, we sprung from our
bunks, and going outside the barracks, could distinguish, in the
gray of the morning, that Fort Anderson, on the other side of
the Neuse River, was being attacked. Shot and shell were drop
ping into the water just opposite our camp, and occasionally one
would reach the vicinity of the officers' stables. No reveille was
needed that morning to induce the boys to turn out. There had
been an affair of the pickets the previous evening, of which we
were all aware, but none of us thought it was anything more
serious than was happening frequently. Probably our officers
knew more about it than we did. The men were ordered to put
on all equipments, including knapsacks, and the morning was
passed in waiting orders. The Ninety-second New York garri
soned Fort Anderson, and soon after the attack began were
reinforced by the Eighty-fifth New York. A rumor was circu
lated that our regiment would be the next sent across the river ;
but word came that they had all the men that they could use
to advantage, — a fact for which we hope we were duly thankful.
That night Companies A and K were sent out on picket, and the
next morning were relieved by Companies I and H. The attack
was not serious, although for a time the excitement among the
men was intense and the air was full of rumors.

io8

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

The next evening, Sunday, about 5 P. M., we received orders
to go to Washington, and within an hour or two were on our
way to the wharf. Our camp experience was ended, as imme
diately on our return we were assigned to provost duty and
remained in town until we left North Carolina for home.

\

CHAPTER VI.
THE TARBORO' MARCH, AND THE AFFAIR OF LITTLE CREEK
AND RAWLE'S MILL.

" Strike up the drums ; and let the tongue of war
Plead for our interest."

N Sunday evening, Oct. 26, 1862, after
an afternoon's ride on platform cars
through a drenching rain-storm, we
arrived at New Berne from the trans
ports. Only three days later the sev
eral companies were called out before
their quarters for the distribution of
cartridge-boxes and ammunition, when
we were informed that we must make
immediate preparation for a move in
to the interior ; for early the following
morning we were to leave camp in
light marching condition, surrendering our knapsacks and their
contents to be stored here until our return. The cooks were
instructed to prepare five days' rations, and most of the night
they toiled over their fires. Rumors and speculations regarding
the duty to which we were so suddenly summoned filled the
camp, and few eyes closed in restful slumber.
At four on Thursday morning we were turned out to draw
rations. At six, regimental line was formed and we marched to
the transports which were found waiting to convey a portion of
the force to " Little " Washington, on the Tar River.
The First Brigade, under command of Colonel T. J. C. Amory,
and the artillery, cavalry, baggage-wagons, and ambulances, had
started early to march across the country. The Second Brigade,

IIO FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
under Colonel Stevenson, and the Third, under Colonel H. C.
Lee, were to go by transports.
Six companies of the Forty-fourth, with the field and staff,
went aboard the steamer " George C. Collins," and Companies
A, B, G, and K, the remainder of the regiment, under command
of Captain James M. Richardson, were taken in tow on the
schooner " Highlander," which latter also carried two companies
of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts.
We soon got under way, and sailing down the Neuse, passing
the batteries silenced by Burnside at the capture of New Berne
and the vessels sunk in the river as obstructions to his advance,
entered Pamlico Sound about three in the afternoon, and after all
day and night aboard found ourselves at Washington the next
morning. Disembarking about noon, we marched through the principal
street, wide and shaded with fine elms, to an open cornfield on
the east side of the town, where we stacked arms and encamped
to await the arrival of the forces coming by land. The field and
staff took possession of an old saw-mill on the field of our en
campment. This town, the 'capital of Beaufort County, about
forty miles from the sound, we found neat and pretty. Its streets
ran at right angles, were broad and well shaded, and bounded by
many old-fashioned, pleasant houses with fine gardens of orna
mental shrubs and trees. In abundance were fig, aloe, Spanish
bayonet, mulberry, magnolia, and large rose trees, and English
ivy gave a cosey and charming effect to many of the dwellings.
One house was approached by a romantic arbored walk, over
three hundred feet in length, of red cedars, the branches of
which were so closely interlaced as scarcely to admit the rays
of the sun.
The place was garrisoned by a small number of Union soldiers,
supported by gunboats which were anchored in the river. Quite
a number of the buildings bore evidence of the recent Rebel raid,
being seriously marred by shot and shells, and at certain dis
tances the streets were now barricaded by chevaux-de-frise to
guard against a sudden dash of cavalry.
We were shown the place where the raiders entered the town
through the field of one Grice, who was one of the few whites

THE TARBORO' MARCH. Ill
remaining since the occupation by our forces. He called him
self a Unionist, but was much suspected of sympathy with the
enemy, and was accused by the garrison of covertly advising and
assisting the raiders upon their visit.1 - -
On the field of our camp were remains of the enemy's intrench-
ments six or seven hundred feet in length.
Wandering about on the second day of our arrival, the explo
sion of a torpedo, which had lain in the bed of the river where
it passes the town, reminded us that the occupation by Union
soldiers was not originally welcomed. This engine of destruction
had been planted before our forces took possession. Its prob
able location was pointed out by the blacks, and a number of
fruitless efforts from time to time had been made to explode it
by the sailors on the gunboats. On this day, however, the hulk
of an old vessel, drawn for that purpose over the spot, caught the
trigger and accomplished the object. The craft was blown into
the air and the water strewn with debris.
Colonel Amory and his force did not arrive until late on Satur
day, having been delayed by obstructions placed in the line of
their march and by skirmishes with a guerilla force. Meanwhile
we fully improved our opportunity to explore the town and make
friendships among the garrison. On Sunday, Nov. 2, we were
awakened by a conflagration in the camp which deserves descrip
tion. Soon after we were marched on to this field, to camp until
the arrival of the remainder of the force, our boys discovered in
a building near by, which had evidently been used as a sugar-
box manufactory, a large quantity of planed boards of convenient
length for the construction of shelters, and in an incredibly short
time most of these boards were transferred to the camp, and the
field was covered with little wooden huts. Just before sunrise
some of the guard, finding their fires low and the air frosty and
cold, knowing we were to march, with a spirit of mischief took
the boards of an adjoining hut and threw them upon the fire
for fuel. The inmates, who had been wrapped soundly in slum
ber, awakened by the sudden admission of the frosty air, startled
by the proximity of the flames, jumped to their feet, and, taking
1 He proved himself loyal just before the arrival of the Confederate troops to
attack Little Washington, in April, 1863.

112 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
in the situation, showed their appreciation of the joke by per
petrating the same upon their neighbors, who in turn did the
same, until soon over the entire field were roaring, soaring fires
of dry pine boards, which afforded a weird and novel sight.
After fully enjoying the scene, we began to boil our coffee and
make preparation to march from the town. Although deprived
of our knapsacks, and the change of clothing which they con
tained, upon departing from New Berne, yet we had been per
mitted to take along our woollen blankets ; but now that we were
about to tramp, we were told that we must surrender those like

wise, and leave them here to await our return, it being the inten
tion of General Foster to put us in the best possible condition to
cover long stretches. Remembering the frosty nights, reluctantly
we parted with them, and at five o'clock we took up our line of
march in the direction of Williamstown, about twenty-two miles
north, on the Roanoke River.
Our brigade (the Second), commanded by Colonel Stevenson,
took the advance, the New York cavalry preceding as scouts,
followed by the Tenth Connecticut as skirmishers ; then came
the marine artillery, with four guns ; the Fifth Rhode Island ; the
Forty-fourth Massachusetts and the Twenty-fourth; and Belger's
battery, in the order named. Following us were the First and
Third Brigades ; the whole force consisting of about five thou
sand men and twenty-one pieces of artillery, under the personal
command of General Foster.

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 1 13
We marched out through an open field and entered the woods
by a road leading from the north of the town, when. we were
halted and ordered to load our muskets. Continuing the march,
we made the woods ring with " Coronation " and other hymns
and songs, until about ten o'clock, when firing was heard ahead,
— first volleys of musketry, then some artillery, and a column of
smoke arose a quarter of a mile or more away to the left. We
were stopped, and soon a cavalryman rode down the line lead
ing a wounded horse to the rear, and we learned that the head
of the column had encountered and driven a company of the
enemy's cavalry pickets, capturing one prisoner.
The line was again set in motion, and we soon arrived at the
place of the skirmish. By the side of the road stood a horse
with its hoof mangled by a bullet, and close by it another with a
shattered leg. There were many evidences of the hasty departure
of the enemy. Fires still burning, haversacks hanging upon
branches of the trees in the grove where they were surprised,
and blankets, quilts, and other articles scattered along the road.
Their quarters were in a mill near a bridge, which latter, set on
fire to cover their retreat, caused the smoke we had seen. The
prisoner was a youth of about seventeen years, armed with a
double-barrelled shot-gun. He appeared pleased to have been
taken without being injured.
Our five days' rations, distributed on the morning of departure
from New Berne, lasted but three, and provisions being short,
permission was given to forage, and the deserted houses and
outbuildings scattered along our route were searched for food.
A number of horses and mules were found, confiscated, and
made to do service with the Yankee force. Chickens, geese, and
turkeys were run down and captured, and many hives of honey
emptied of their contents to tickle the palates of hungry soldiers.
Soon we reached fine plantations. About one o'clock we
passed a planter's house where the family were all seated upon
the piazza, reminding us of the peaceful Sunday at home. Here
we were filed off into a large field for rest and dinner, and we
cooked our poultry and boiled our coffee over fires of fence-rails.
After a short stay we were ordered to fall in once more and
resume the march.

114 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The sun had become quite hot, and the roads, of fine, loose
sand resembling the sands which border our sea beaches, were
hard to walk in and extremely dusty. There were many swampy
places where the water flowed across the road from a few inches
to two or more feet in depth, and sometimes three hundred yards
in width. Wading through these, our shoes took in the dry sand
beyond, which, held by the water, worked through the woollen
stockings and blistered and lacerated our feet. Some of the
deeper of these wet places had along one side rude foot-bridges
constructed of a single line of hewn logs raised upon upright
posts, which, though convenient for a lone traveller, were of no
avail whatever unto us. Being inviting, however, to the weary
and now footsore men, Colonel Lee was for some time kept busy
in -vigorously discouraging those who, contrary to his orders,
persisted in mounting the logs to cross the water.
When the sun was setting, we approached a bend in the road
turning to the left, within a few miles of Williamstown. Our
advance was here fired upon from the woods, and two of the
pieces drawn by the sailors were unlimbered and brought to bear
upon the spot where the enemy seemed to be. Our regiment
being now the second in the advance, the Tenth Connecticut,
which was leading, was filed off to the right into a field and
formed in line of battle, and our right flank companies, H and C,
under Captain Smith, were detached as skirmishers and started
at the double quick. Passing the Connecticut boys, they were
encouraged by such kind exclamations as " Bully for the Forty-
fourth ! " — " Go in, boys ! " — " Give 'em hell ! " — " Drive them
out ! " etc. Coming to where the sailors stood at their guns, they
found a creek called Little Creek, about fifty yards in width,
crossing the road. Here they received orders from an aide to
Colonel Stevenson to advance through the water and hold one
company in reserve upon the other side, deploying the other
forward until they met and felt the enemy's force.
Captain Smith, therefore, after ordering them to drop their
overcoats and rubber blankets, advanced them down the slope
into the water. Before they had got over, and while most of them
were submerged to their waists, out of the blackness of the woods
which surrounded them suddenly there came a flash, as a volley

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 115
of musketry opened within a few yards. There being no sus
picion that the enemy had remained so near our artillery, our boys
were thrown into momentary confusion, and the command, " Fall
back ! " being given by an officer upon the bank, a portion of
Company C, which was in the rear, obeyed ; the others, not hear
ing, pressed on with a cheer, gained the opposite side, and shel
tered themselves under the bank formed by the edge of the road.
Here they opened fire to the right and left up the road, valiantly
keeping their position against a brisk fire of musketry. It was
soon discovered that much of their ammunition had become wet
in crossing, and the firing on our side was consequently light.
Word was sent that they had been ordered back ; and, still sub
jected to the volleys of the enemy, slowly they made their way
across the creek again, firing as they retired. Here they shel
tered themselves in a shallow sand-pit on the right of the road,
and, as far as their wetted ammunition would permit, kept up
their fire until, finding that they were endangering the gunners
on the left in front, they were ordered farther back to guard the
overcoats of Companies E and I. Had the enemy directed his
fire lower, the casualties would have been very great. As it was,
private Charles E. Rollins was killed, and Lieutenant Briggs,
Sergeant Pond, Corporal Smith, and Privates Peakes and Small-
idge of Company C, and Privates Parker and Jacobs of Company
H were wounded.
While this affair was taking place, the column had advanced to
within a few rods of the ford, and was greeted with a shower of
bullets which went whistling by unpleasantly just over our heads.
Thereupon we were ordered to lie down; and, footsore and tired,
we gladly threw ourselves upon the ground. The remainder of
the brigade was filed off to the left, aides galloped back and
forth, the artillery at the rear was brought forward, and Belger's
battery and the Napoleon guns were soon pouring shot and shells
thick and fast into the woods. Volley after volley of musketry
came from both sides, and the wounded went by on stretchers
and were laid in a little grove near by, where the surgeons and
aides were busy with instruments, lint, and bandages.
Companies H and C having been ordered back, Companies E
and I, under Captain Spencer W. Richardson, were ordered to

Il6 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
relieve them. Company I was stationed on our side of the creek
as a reserve, and Company E, first loosening cartridge-boxes that
they might hold them above the water, pushed across and de
ployed at once in the woods to the right and left. Advancing
gradually up the declivity, exchanging shots with the enemy,
they dislodged and drove him before them.
A signal officer sent up a rocket to inform the general that the
enemy had fallen back, and Companies E and I were then with
drawn, having lost one killed, Private Charles Morse, and one se
verely wounded, Private Charles E. Roberts, both of Company E.
They brought back with them three prisoners, captured severally
by Parsons, Tucker, and H. T. Pierce, of Company E. Private
De Peyster of Company H, the colonel's orderly, while bravely
attempting to recover the body of an artillery man in front of
our lines, was so badly wounded that Surgeon Otis was obliged
to amputate his arm in a cabin upon the field.
The remainder of the regiment was now ordered to " fix bay
onets " and cross the stream ; so, holding up our cartridge-boxes,
silently and slowly we marched down and into the ford. It was
pitchy dark, and, heated and perspiring as we were by our long
and hurried tramp under a scorching sun, the water seemed an
Arctic current.
The firing had ceased for about half an hour; but while in the
stream, some of us to our middle, we were again opened upon,
this time with artillery, and crashing through the woods sur
rounding us came their shells, tearing down trees and branches,
and bursting all about and near by. We now got through as
quickly as possible, and were ordered again to lie down in the
road. They had quite accurate range, many of their cannon-
shot burying themselves in the bank of the road close above
our heads, their shells bursting uncomfortably near, and small
trees and heavy branches tumbling among us where we lay.
We did not reply to their fire, but after they ceased and re
treated we were ordered up and on. The enemy had retired to
Rawle's Mill, about a mile beyond, where they made another
stand. The Twenty-fourth was now thrown forward as skirmish
ers, and obstructions having been placed at every practicable
point, our progress was greatly delayed, and the advance made

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 1 17
very fatiguing. Word was quietly passed that we were expected
to take some works on the left. Line was to be formed upon the
field, our regiment to deploy on the right and left of the road,
with the Tenth Connecticut on our right flank and the Twenty-
fourth on the left, and we should first deliver one round and
then charge.
Cautiously and noiselessly we moved. After midnight we en
tered a side-cut road, having an extensive cornfield on its left,
and came to a halt just at a little bend. The stillness was pain
ful, for we felt ourselves to be near the enemy. Suddenly a
volley of musketry was poured into us at the head of the column,
seemingly from no greater distance than a couple of rods. There
was a rush upon our front, and tumbling into the narrow road
where we were cooped up came horses and men of the marine
battery in wildest confusion. Lieutenant Stebbins of Company
D was wounded, Colonel Lee was knocked down, and those for
ward were thrown back in great disorder ; but the word " Steady ! "
being given by the lieutenant-colonel, the men at once recovered
and stood firm. The colonel, regaining his feet, gave the order
to fall back, and we retired to a position farther back in the road,
while Belger's battery and a battery of the Third New York Artil
lery Regiment, drawn up in the field, commenced shelling the
enemy. The roar of the guns and screeching of shells gave to us
a grand experience, and the woods shook with the fearful din.
The enemy replied at first with his artillery, but soon ceased ;
and it being ascertained that he had fled, burning the bridge as
he crossed, at about two o'clock on Monday morning we were
permitted to lie down on our arms and sleep in the field, in line
behind the batteries.
Cold, wet, and exhausted as we were, with nothing over us but
our rubber blankets, in that frosty field under the open sky, after
twenty hours of almost constant marching and engagement, we
were thankful for the privilege, and in a short time were soundly
wrapped in slumber.
The general established his quarters at a small house adjoin
ing Rawle's Mill, a little in advance of our position, near to the
bridge which had been burned at our approach. The dead were
gathered, and solemnly and hurriedly buried by the light of

Il8 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
lanterns in the grove of pines on the left, before crossing the
creek. During the latter part of this day's experience many became
so tired that they slept while standing in the road during the
numerous little halts when we were cautiously advancing; and
when softly the order " Forward ! " was given, they would topple
like tenpins before they could recover themselves. Whenever
permitted to lie down, in spite of the roar of cannons, the rattle
of musketry, and bursting of shells, most would be asleep in an
instant, only to be awakened by that recurring " Forward ! "
which seemed to be the only sound that reached their compre
hension. There was something so curious about this that it ex
cited universal attention. On the Goldsboro' march, a soldier,
sleeping, tired, and weary, with his feet to the burning stump of
a tree for warmth, rolled over upon it and set his clothing afire.
Two or three of his comrades seized and vigorously shook him,
shouting themselves hoarse in trying to awake and warn him of
his danger; but he rolled like a dummy in their hands, and slept
on as placidly as if undisturbed, until one mischievously uttered
the command " Forward ! " when he was on his feet in an in
stant, rubbing his eyes, and gathering himself together ready to
march. About three hours later we were awakened, and stiff and sore
we got on to our feet. The water in our canteens was frozen, and
a thick white frost covered our rubber blankets and such parts
of our arms and equipments as had been exposed. We were
obliged to move about briskly for a while to take the stiffness
out of our joints and give circulation and warmth to the blood.
The pioneers had rebuilt the bridge during the night. With little
delay we fell into line, Companies A and G being placed at the
right, and moved on toward Williamstown, passing some of the
enemy's dead lying torn, ghastly, and unburied where they fell.
At about twelve o'clock we marched into the town and halted
for breakfast, stacking arms in the street before a fine mansion.
The inhabitants had deserted at the sound of our guns the night
before, taking with them much of their furniture and goods.
Like Washington, the streets were broad and finely shaded, bor
dered with residences having enclosures containing many pretty

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 1 19
trees and shrubs. We found that several gunboats had sailed
up the Roanoke and arrived here, waiting to co-operate with us.
Blacks in great numbers had joined us on our march and soon
began to ransack the deserted houses. Some of the soldiers
partook too freely of discovered apple-jack, and under its influ
ence joined in pillage and destruction of furniture and orna
ments, until forcibly prevented by the provost-guard. With
pleasure I relate that the Forty-fourth took no part in such
depredations. Our object in coming here was to attempt the defeat and cap
ture of a force of the enemy which had gathered upon the river
below, near Plymouth, threatening to attack and retake that town
garrisoned by United States troops. They had already con
structed a bridge over which to transport their artillery; but,
warned of our approach, a portion went up to Rawle's Mill to
hold us in check, while the remainder passed to the interior.
Their rear-guard passed through Williamstown very early this
morning in full retreat and much demoralized. We also expected
to intercept large convoys of provisions which the Rebels were
transporting from the section to the east and south of Plymouth.
This we failed to accomplish.
Refreshed a little by our rest, we left Williamstown between
three and four o'clock in the afternoon and advanced westerly
toward Hamilton, passing scenes similar to those of yesterday
and this morning. The country grew higher and more undu
lating. Substantial and extensive plantation buildings, with pic
turesque cotton-presses and ginning-houses, stood in the fields
and added to the beauty of the landscape. The soil, a rich
sandy loam without a stone, was easy for the plough, and furrows
three quarters of a mile in length, as straight as a line, were seen
on either side. Great fields of white, full-rowed corn, on stalks
ten to twelve feet in height, stood unharvested, and acres upon
acres of cotton were still unpicked.
The planters' dwellings, surrounded with broad verandas,
standing back from the road, almost hidden by clumps of acacias
and- other ornamental trees, presented a most hospitable appear
ance. Beyond extended the forest, with its leaves turned to a
liquid amber, relieved in places by the deep evergreen of the bay

120

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

and myrtle and by the richer colors of the large-leaved oak,
while here and there the stately and majestic cypress presented a
deep golden tint. Nearer the road persimmon-trees with heavily
laden branches invited us to partake, and the fruit being fully
ripe was plucked and greatly enjoyed.
This day was also hot; but being upon higher ground, and
no longer compelled to wade through creeks and swamps,
marching was more easy, and we did not suffer as on the day
previous, though many were forcing themselves along, blistered
and ulcered, some without shoes, having had to remove them to
relieve their swollen and lacerated feet.

Long after dark we were filed by brigades into one of the great
cornfields to bivouac. Every other man in the files, having
passed his musket to his comrade, took a couple of fence-rails
upon his shoulder for fuel. Soon the lines were distinctly
marked by fires, with dark figures moving over and around them.
Sweet potatoes, found in an adjoining field, were roasted and
enjoyed with our coffee, and cornstalks and husks were gathered
as fodder for the horses.
It was another cold night, and in spite of the fires, we suffered.
Rubber blankets are neither warm nor soft. Few could sleep,
and many wore away the night revolving before the scant fires in
futile attempt to keep all sides comfortable at once.

THE TARBORO MARCH. 121
The next morning we fell in at daylight and continued on until
eleven o'clock, when we were delayed about two hours while the
pioneers rebuilt another bridge which had been burned by the
enemy. The road had followed the river for sbme distance, and
we were halted near to Rainbow Bluff, where was constructed an
elaborate fortification to command the river, and many embraced
the opportunity afforded to examine it. At this point, where the
river makes a bend or bow, the bluff rises perhaps more than a
hundred feet; and here was placed the fort, so high that, the
river being narrow and winding, boats could not elevate their
pieces to bear upon it, making it a place of great natural defence
from that side, and enabling the enemy to prevent the farther
passage up the river of our gunboats. On the land side, how
ever, it was unprotected except by a light breastwork which had
recently been thrown up ; so the garrison wisely concluded not to
stay and contest the place with us. It had been mounted with
field pieces, which ungenerously they carried off with them.
From this eminence was viewed a charming prospect of the
river and surrounding country, — extensive fields, some golden
with yellow stalks, others white with cotton as if covered with
snow, dotted here and there with little nest-like groves containing
inviting mansions, the homes of the planters. The silvery stream
wound in and among these, and bounding all was the forest, rich
in its autumn-hued foliage. While examining this fort and the
fine prospect afforded, six gunboats steamed by in succession up
the stream, each of which in its turn was heartily greeted by
rounds of cheers.
On our march to this point the fifth division of our regiment,
Companies A and G, were sent out on another road with some
cavalry and two Napoleon guns to endeavor to entrap the gar
rison of the fort. They were led down a road leading to the left
and into the woods. Proceeding some distance, they halted at a
place very similar in appearance to that where we met the enemy
on Sunday evening. It was expected that they would pass
through here, so the infantry was drawn up in the woods above
the road at a point which commanded it, the guns were pointed,
and the cavalry placed among the trees out of view. Here they
waited patiently and in silence about two hours, and until the

122 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
videttes came in and reported that the enemy had taken another
route ; when, felling trees to prevent future approach on this road,
they were turned back to join the main force, which was over
taken waiting for the building of the bridge before spoken of,
having previously destroyed and made useless the fortification.
The bridge being soon completed, we marched to Hamilton
about three o'clock in the afternoon. Here, by the surgeon's
orders, thirty of our wounded, sick, and disabled were put on
board of a small steamer, with about two hundred others of
the various commands, and sent back to New Berne.
Being on short rations, foraging parties were detailed from
each regiment to enter the town and collect food, the inhabitants
having also retreated and gone to Tarboro', a place of some
importance on the railroad, upon the line of direct communication
with Richmond. The streets soon resounded with despairing
cries of fleeing pigs and poultry relentlessly pursued by des
perately hungry men. Without leave, some stole into the town
to forage upon their own account, and commenced wholesale
pillage which the officers vigorously attempted to restrain ; but
the streets soon became full of these, many of whom, made fren
zied by apple-jack, which was found in plenty, commenced to
deface and destroy household articles and carry off furniture and
goods. Our boys, here as at Williamstown, refrained from such
unsoldierly conduct, and, beyond searching for and securing
articles and animals for food, they respected the property of the
citizens. Sitting around our camp-fires in the evening, our attention was
called to a cloud of smoke arising above some of the houses,
which rapidly increased in volume, and it was seen that a con
siderable portion of the town was in flames, caused by the care
lessness or malice of some soldier or sailor. After eight o'clock,
by the light of the burning houses, we were marched through the
town and a few miles beyond, where we bivouacked.
Before leaving Hamilton, and at the suggestion of Colonels
Stevenson and Amory, who had already made similar represen
tations, our field officers waited upon the general and represented
to him that the men were fatigued, footsore, and broken by the
continuous marching, lack of rest and sufficient food, and would

THE TARBORO' MARCH.

123

be unable to proceed much farther. He expressed regret at
being obliged to press his force so hard, and said that he would
only have to move them a little farther, where there was im
portant work which would soon be accomplished, after which he
would at once turn homeward to New Berne.
At daylight Wednesday morning we broke camp and went on
in the direction of Tarboro'. We met large numbers of pigs, lean

and active as hounds, many of which were sacrificed to appease
our hunger. Had it not been for the pigs, fowls, and sweet pota
toes which we foraged, we could hardly have gone so far into the
enemy's country, for no meat was given out after our start. Our
five days' rations were consumed in three, and three pieces of
hard bread, with a little coffee and what we could pick up, had
been for some time our daily ration. At one period- of this
march, during forty-eight hours some of us received but a single
piece of hard-tack.
We were halted at noon and allowed to make coffee and cook
whatever we had foraged during the forenoon. There was here a
fork in the road, one branch leading directly to Tarboro' and
the other by a circuitous route to the same place. After lunch

124 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the same detachment sent forward yesterday — namely, Com
panies A and G of the Forty-fourth, under Captain James M.
Richardson, with a few of the cavalry, and two small brass how
itzers, all commanded by Major Garrard of the cavalry — were
sent forward on the direct road to make a demonstration, while
the main body followed the other road, which passed through
many swamps. The air was close and murky, and the marching
very hard upon the footsore and hungry men.
The two companies proceeded without adventure until about
the setting of the sun, when they passed a house on the left of
the road with the doors standing open, apparently just deserted.
On the opposite side of the road was a blacksmith's shop with
the fires in the forge still lighted. There was unnatural quiet,
only broken by the complaint of a grumbler who was declaring
his belief that there was not a Rebel within twenty-five miles, and
that it was a confounded shame thus to march the legs off the
men, when — flash, bang ! — from the brush on the side of the
road came a volley, emptying two or three saddles and wounding
two of the horses at the head of the little column, bringing it to
a sudden halt. Company A, with some of the cavalry and one
howitzer, was in the advance, and Company G, with the remain
ing cavalry and howitzer, followed. Immediately upon firing the
volley, and before our men could recover from their surprise, the
ambushers fled across the fields to the woods beyond. Looking
across to the left near to the wood, around some hay or fodder
stacks could be seen men cautiously moving with guns in their
hands. Order was given to face to the left, and the fences were
torn down for the cavalry to pass into the field. This order,
however, was countermanded, and facing again forward they were
marched a little farther on, both howitzers were planted in front
pointing up the road, and Company G was put into position to
support them, with Company A as reserve. The major rode a
few feet in advance of the guns, and with his glass tried to make
out the position of the enemy. He had hardly applied it to his
eye when a rifle-shot was fired, and the involuntary ducking of his
head told how near the bullet passed. A scout who had been
sent out cautiously to examine and ascertain what force was be
fore them, at this time came in from woods on the right, reporting

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 125
that strong works with many men and guns opposed farther
advance. In front, where the road entered the forest, it appeared
as if intrenchments crossed, and it was said that the glass dis
tinguished guns in position to sweep the road whereon our men
stood. This caused alarm to our diminutive force, and with little
hesitation the order was given, " About, face ! forward, march ! "
and after a few steps, " Double-quick, march ! " Thus for nearly
four miles they were compelled to run before the command was
given, " Halt ! " Notwithstanding the intimation given that if
any fell out they would be sabred by the cavalry bringing up
the rear, so that the enemy might not be able to get informa
tion of the littleness of the force, a few gave out completely in
this rapid retreat, and were put upon the gun-carriages so as not
to be left behind. One of the dead cavalrymen was also taken
along upon a gun. Arriving at the place where they had halted
for lunch at noon, exhausted, they stopped to rest and bury the
dead. The main force was gone. They were in the midst of the
enemy, and, lest their presence should be betrayed, it was ordered
to hold no conversation, not even in a whisper, and pickets were
stationed with directions to shoot without challenge any one who
approached. It had been dark for more than half an hour when
this spot was reached, and the men threw themselves down upon
the ground for rest. Now it began to sprinkle, and soon to rain
heavily. Scouts were sent forward, some of whom returned say
ing the road was clear, and the men were awakened and ordered
to advance. Stiff, tired, and footsore, they hobbled along in the
rain for about two miles, when another scout came in who re
ported he had found the camp some distance ahead, and that
General Foster had sent word for them to rest where they were
until morning. Thereupon they sought soft places in and near
the road, and despite the falling rain and chilly atmosphere soon
fell into sound slumber.
In about an hour one of the posted guard came in saying that
a considerable force of the enemy had just crossed the road be
tween them and the camp, about half a mile ahead. For a short
time things looked serious, and it seemed doubtful if they would
be permitted to join the main force; but about two hours later

126 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
a messenger from the camp found and gave them directions to
move there immediately.
The mud was now deep, and so sticky that walking was more
difficult. It was sunrise when they reached camp, jaded and
worn. After hot coffee and something to eat, it having been ascer
tained that Tarboro' was strongly reinforced with artillery and
cavalry from Richmond, the general, after a council of his offi
cers, determined it not to be prudent to make an attack, for the
reason that the infantry force was insufficient to protect the guns,
the loss of which he could not afford to risk ; and therefore he
faced us homeward.
All that day until dark we marched through mud, rain, and
snow, back to Hamilton, many falling out through exhaustion,
who were taken up by the ambulances and baggage-wagons,
the enemy's cavalry in considerable numbers hanging on our
skirts and rear, watching an opportunity to cut some of us off.
At Hamilton, wet to the skin, we took possession of the de
serted buildings, — the first shelter which we had had since leav
ing " Little " Washington. Getting what rest and sleep we could,
on the next morning, Friday, we awoke to find an inch of snow
upon the ground, and the flakes falling as thick and merrily as
on a Christmas Day in New England.
Fearing an attack under disadvantage, we were not permitted
longer delay; so we fell in and wearily marched to Williamstown,
reaching there about half-past four in the afternoon, where we
were once more quartered in the empty dwellings. On this day's
march large quantities of honey were secured from the many
hives abounding in the vicinity, and officers as well as privates
were seen tramping on, their dippers filled with the luscious
comb, regaling themselves by the aid of clean-licked fingers,
their besmeared faces giving silent but expressive voice to feel
ings of gratitude for the unexpected treat.
At Williamstown we remained until Sunday morning to give
us rest, being now under protection of the gunboats. Many
were here obliged to go into a temporary hospital established in
one of the houses, Colonel Stevenson being among the number.
Yesterday, forty more from our regiment, entirely used up, were

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 127
put upon gunboats at Hamilton. Other regiments suffered pro
portionately more than ours, the youth of our men proving more
elastic in recovery from the effects of hardship and privations.
Our long marches at Readville, too, which at the time seemed
so unnecessary, had done much to toughen and prepare us for
this kind of work.
It being considered unwise to leave the protection of the gun
boats, instead of marching us back to Washington we were to
continue down by the Roanoke River to Plymouth, about twenty-
two miles away. Therefore at daylight Sunday we resumed the
road. Notwithstanding our rest, we were still lame and unfit to
march, and must have resembled a host of beggars. Those in
the worst condition were placed at the head of the column where
marching is easier, and many officers kindly gave up their horses
for them to ride, while they varied their own experience by pro
ceeding on foot. Walking limbered our joints and took the stiff
ness from our limbs, and after the halt for dinner, the roads being
much improved, the near approach of the termination of our jour
ney revived our spirits, and one or two breaking forth in song,
the others joyously took up the refrain, and "We 're going home "
was rendered with deep and appreciative feeling.
At four in the afternoon we filed into a cornfield as usual to
encamp, and the invalids, Assistant-Surgeon Fisher being now
among that number, were comfortably established in a neigh
boring farm-house. The day had been fine, the air cool and
bracing, and the marching, on account of better roads, much
easier. The moon arose bright and charming, and with serious
feelings the officers and men assembled around the fire at head
quarters, where hymns were sung. Chaplain Hall offered prayer,
and afterward addressed us, impressively alluding to the com
rades we had lost and the hardships we had shared. At the
close we broke up and retired, much overcome by the novel
scene and our reflections.
The following morning we started early, and halted just outside
the town of Plymouth at noon. The weather was fine, and many
embraced the opportunity of taking a bath in the river. The
transports expected here to convey us to New Berne not hav
ing arrived, we were again introduced to a cornfield to use for

128 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
our mattress. Our former good spirits had now fully returned,
and we looked forward to a happy arrival at our comfortable
barracks. Some got- a chance to enter and view the town, which was
found to be, like Washington, picturesque. The trees overhung
the streets, and meeting formed a vista like the nave prolonged
of a Gothic cathedral, and the houses with chimneys built on the
outside, gathered in at the second story, many of them covered
with ivy, seemed homelike and cosey.
The next day, Tuesday, November 1 1, at noon, our regiment em
barked on the transports " Collins " and " Northerner," the former
having the schooner " Recruit " in tow, carrying a portion of an
other regiment. Soon by some mismanagement the schooner was
upon a shoal, over which the captain of the " Collins " attempted
to haul her, thereby quickly getting her into a bad position.
Colonel Lee ordered him to shift the hawser and pull her off stern
first, which the captain refused to do, whereupon the colonel at
once put him under arrest and sent him to his cabin. General
Foster, coming up in the " Pilot-boy," approved this action, and
gave charge of the " Collins " to the captain of the " Recruit,"
which was soon taken off the shoal and proceeded on its way
with the rest down the river. The behavior of the captain of the
" Collins " aroused suspicion in all minds, for he seemed in no
hurry to relieve the vessel from her condition, where in case of
an attack we would have been in a very embarrassing situation.
He, however, professed great indignation at his arrest and con
finement, and informed the colonel that he intended to " meet
him on the field of honor," and also in the courts of law.
Our run down the river was greatly enjoyed; for though the
banks were low, yet the growth of trees, shrubs, and brakes, —
the former draped with moss, — and the richly-colored reeds,
foliage, and grasses, rendered it pleasant to the view.
That night we cast anchor, but early on Wednesday morning
we again steamed away through Albemarle Sound, passing Roan
oke Island, into Pamlico Sound. The "Northerner" ran upon
a bar and was compelled to wait some hours before it could be
got off. Soon it was again fast, and all were taken aboard another
steamer until it was relieved. The day was fine, and the monoto-

THE TARBORO' MARCH. 1 29
nous sound from the engines, combined with our fatigue, caused
us to pass the time in charming rest and dozing. In the night the
" Northerner " once more was aground, and about ninety horses
aboard were taken upon another boat before she could be floated.
After another day upon the water, at half-past eight on Thurs
day night, those- upon this vessel, because of its drawing too
much water to get to the wharf, were taken upon the " M. S.
Allison," and at about nine were safely landed at New Berne,
when they hastened to the barracks, where, to their joy and sur
prise, a princely supper of baked beans, fried onions, sweet
potatoes, hot coffee, and hard-tack awaited them, prepared by the
boys who had been left in charge. Joyously and ravenously they
set to and devoured the repast, filled with gratitude for their
present relief from hardship.
The boys upon the "Collins" did not land until daylight on
the next day, November 14, when they too were treated to a
generous meal at their barracks, which was truly a " break fast "
for them.
They had just been experiencing lively times at New Berne, a
serious attack having been made at various points and the pickets
driven in. But the enemy had delayed too long, for many of
the troops connected Avith our expedition having returned were
immediately sent out to repel them, and the iron-clad car " Moni
tor " ran up on the railroad and shelled the woods, driving them
off with some loss. Our casualties were one man killed of the
Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, and six wounded.
Thus was accomplished our first expedition. Its object, to
destroy the iron-clad ram "Albemarle," then constructing at Tar
boro', to save Plymouth from capture by the enemy, and if
possible to entrap the force gathering for that purpose, was but
partially successful, as they were too wary and strong for us.
But we gained valuable experience, which was well calculated to
try our mettle as soldiers. Under our baptism of fire we had
stood firm and unflinching. Though by the blunder of an offi
cious staff officer overruling the previous order of the colonel
our two right flank companies, unsuspicious of danger, were
massed in the waters of the creek just before the sheltered
enemy, yet they hardly wavered under the murderous volley so
9

130 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
suddenly poured into them, but rushed forward with enthusiasm
without waiting for orders. Of our demeanor, at an inspection
had immediately after our return, General Foster took occasion
to say publicly that we " behaved like veterans." In marching,
too, the best did not surpass us, and in every manner we won
the praises of our commanding officers, as also the esteem and
respect of the older regiments. The good humor manifested by
our boys under adverse circumstances drew forth remark. Toil-

%^// \);_

ing weary miles over the worst of roads, with blistered feet and
clothing saturated by water from the skies above and swamps
beneath, with no prospect ahead more cheering than that of a
bivouac under the open sky, upon the damp and frosty earth,
often some genial comrade would enliven the spirits of his com
panions by a witty remark, or make them forget their discom
forts by breaking forth in melody to be contagiously taken
up in chorus by all. In that dismal swamp on our return march,
closed in by the gloom of the surrounding woods and the night, —
on such an occasion, the " Old Mountain Tree " was rendered
with such feeling that it left an impression which will never be
effaced. The friendship entered into upon this march between us and
the other regiments of our brigade, strengthened by subsequent

THE TARBORO' MARCH.

131

common hardships and dangers, will never be severed. Dear
to us always will be our comrades of the Fifth Rhode Island,
Tenth Connecticut, and Twenty-fourth Massachusetts; and " Lit
tle Creek," "Rawle's Mill," and the "Tarboro' March" will
ever be subjects of interest to the survivors of the Massachusetts
Forty-fourth.

I. RE&IMENT UNSLUNG KNAPSACKS.
a. SECOND POSITION OF REGIMENT.
3. SWAMP THROUGH WHICH Ion- CONN
AND RIGHT WING PASSED.
¦*. OLD CHURCH.
S. STREAM FORDED BY LEFTWIMG
6.UNION BATTERIES.
7 HOSPITAL.
8. BRIDGE.
9 REBEL EARTHWORKS.

Sketch of Iht
Jiinslorv
3alllei Ground:
Jec/6J86Z.
Jfrrtcngeci by
J.BGAR0VER COO.

HEUITTrE miNTIHG CD BOITQK

CHAPTER VII.
GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION.

ARLY on Thursday morning,
Dec. n, 1862, all was life
and bustle in camp, the final
touches were given to our
preparations made the day
before, and by 6 a. m. regi
mental line was formed. But
our start soon proved rather
the prelude to one of those
tedious waits that often accom
pany the moving of a large
force except when near the
enemy; and, for our field of operations, it was indeed a large
force that was now about to cut loose from its base, and, relying
largely upon the resources of the country, to penetrate into the
interior of the Old North State.
The brigade of which we formed a part was composed of the
Twenty-fourth and Forty-fourth Massachusetts, Fifth Rhode
Island, and Tenth Connecticut Regiments, and was commanded
by Colonel Stevenson. The rest of our force consisted of Colonel
H. C. Lee's brigade, the Fifth, Twenty-fifth, Third, Forty-sixth,
and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Regiments ; Colonel Amory's
brigade, the Seventeenth, Twenty-third, Forty-third, Forty-fifth
and Fifty-first Massachusetts Regiments ; Brigadier-General Wes-
sell's brigade, the Eighty-fifth, Ninety-second, Ninety-sixth New
York, Eighty-fifth, One Hundred and First, One Hundred and
Third Pennsylvania Regiments. Also the Ninth New Jersey In
fantry and Third New York Cavalry ; six batteries of the Third
New York Artillery, and Belger's Battery of the First Rhode

134 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Island Artillery, with sections of Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth
New York Independent Batteries, numbering in all about ten
thousand infantry, forty guns and six hundred and forty cavalry,
and all under the personal command of Major-General J. G.
Foster. Our previous expedition had inspired us with absolute confi
dence in the skill and resource of our commander, and we were
ready to be led wherever he chose, confident that with him suc
cess was certain.
We beguiled the tedium of our various halts with stories of our
last expedition and conjectures on what the Rebs might have in
store for us. Proverbially light-hearted as the soldier fortunately
is, we joked each other on this or that peculiarity of outfit which
our late experiences had taught us was useful; but indeed we
were carrying much more than before, for fifty rounds of cart
ridges, instead of forty, had been served out to each man, besides
his woollen blanket, overcoat, and well-filled knapsack.
At last, by 2 P. M., our part of the line was fairly started, and
we kept on without noticeable incident till about 7 P. M., when we
halted for the night. Being towards the rear of the column, the
camp-fires of the troops in advance of us were blazing in all direc
tions as we turned into the cornfield where we were to bivouac.
Place yourself in one of our public squares at night and see the
long lines of gaslights radiating in half a dozen directions ; then
imagine each light a camp-fire, each street a regimental or brigade
line rising and falling with the undulations of the ground, horses
neighing, men shouting, the great white-topped wagons of the
supply-train drawn up in line, the flames here shooting high and
there turned to glowing embers, and for a background the dark
night with the sentinel pacing to and fro, and you have a wild
and inspiring scene, such as greeted us ; but we soon fell into our
proper position, and ourselves became part of the scene, eager to
put an end to our cold and hunger. The middle of the day and
early afternoon had been very hot, so oppressive that many nearly
fainted ; but at dark it grew cold, and water froze in our canteens
during the night. Camp-fires, however, made us comfortable ;
and with our feet to the fire and plenty of fence-rails both for bed
and fuel, we slept soundly till early reveille.

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 135
On Friday the column started by sunrise, but it was not till
about half-past nine that our regiment moved out from the field.
Our march was a hard one. The roads were muddy, and as the
column will always open out at a mud-hole, so when it comes to
good travelling again, the lost ground must be regained ; thus we
had a succession of halts and double-quick, with mud and water
between. Our strong pioneer force did capital service this day
in clearing the road of the felled trees with which the Rebels had
sought to delay our progress. Much of our way also was through
deep sand ; and indeed we had specimens of the several compo
nent parts of the foundations of the State; namely, sand, clay,
and water.
We halted for dinner about one P. M., but before we could get
our fires ready to boil our coffee the order came, " Fall in, Forty-
fourth, lively ! " and we were hurried off two or three miles on
the double-quick. Early in the afternoon our adjutant told us we
were within five miles of Kinston, and should march but a short
distance farther that night, — tantalizing information indeed it
proved to be ; for it was not until ten o'clock that we bivouacked
for the night, and then we had neither seen nor heard anything
of Kinston.
All this was better understood a few days later, when we learned
that the enemy had felled trees, planted cannon, dug rifle-pits, and
in various ways had prepared to meet us and drive us back on
the main road ; while our ever-ready General Foster had learned
of their plans, and at daylight had sent out some cavalry who had
a skirmish with the enemy about four miles beyond our camp.
Coming to a cross-road known as Vine Swamp road, three com
panies of this cavalry pushed rapidly up the main road towards
Kinston and found the bridge over Beaver Creek partially
destroyed. Hastily repairing this, and leaving a regiment of
infantry — the Fifty-first Massachusetts — and a section of the
Twenty-third New York Battery, which had now come up, to
hold the bridge, the cavalry kept on, occasionally skirmishing
and keeping up the show of an advancing force, while the main
body turned off by the Vine Swamp road.
To continue this digression : the next day, Saturday, a detach
ment was sent up another road to engage the attention of the

136

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

enemy, and at Southwest Creek, about six miles from Kinston,
found them posted in force, but after a sharp fight drove them
from their position and took one gun. Some Rebels who had
fled into the woods came in and gave themselves up. The de
tachment slept on the wet ground in sight of the enemy's fires,
but were not allowed any for themselves.

But to resume the account of our own special movements. We
left camp on Saturday about 8.30 A. M. and marched till 1 p. M.,
when we turned into a cornfield and formed line of battle in rear
of a battery. In front of us was a thick wood in which the enemy
were supposed to be. Soon we heard heavy cannonading at the
front, with dense smoke. After waiting in suspense for about
two hours, momentarily expecting orders to move, we were told
to prepare to camp, and as fires were not to be allowed, a squad
was detailed to cut pine boughs for shelter. Fortunately for us,
however, the prohibition against fires was afterwards removed.
Provisions were nearly out, but the quartermaster issued fresh
rations when the wagons came up, so we passed a comfortable
night. Sunday morning we left camp soon after eight o'clock,
and after marching about five miles, occasionally hearing heavy

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 1 37
cannonading ahead, we turned into a cornfield in support of a
battery. After a short time we returned to the road, and march
ing past a thick piece of woods, turned into another cornfield on
our right and again formed in support of a battery. Meantime
the firing at the front grew louder and more distinct every mo
ment, and unslinging our knapsacks and leaving them in charge
of one man of each company, we prepared to move on towards
the front.
To make more clear the position and the action in which we
were now about to take a part, though not a leading one, it is
necessary to go back a little.
Directly in front of the position which we then occupied, the
upland sloped down through a piece of woods on the right of the
road to a narrow belt of swamp, which was thick with small trees,
vines, briers, and all the luxuriant and tangled growth of a South
ern jungle ; beyond the swamp the ground rose very slightly, just
enough to clear the water, and became a nearly flat plain, covered
on the right of the road with an open growth of heavy pine-trees,
each large enough to afford considerable protection to a sharp
shooter. Near the road, in this grove of pines, and perhaps three
hundred feet beyond the swamp, was a rudely built church, giv
ing an admirable shelter to the enemy. A short distance further
on was the river, running at right angles to the road, and crossed
by a bridge. On the hither side of the river, across the road from
the wood, the ground rose into an open cornfield which stretched
away to the river-bank, rising slightly without interruption except
for a trifling earthwork just at the bank of the stream, which all
along here was twenty or thirty feet below the level of the fields.
The action (to which was given the name of the battle of
Kinston) began by our force, with Wessell's brigade in front,
advancing down the road and being met and checked by the
enemy, who were posted on both sides of the road beyond the
swamp. A line was then deployed on the right of the road,
on our side of the swamp, and was slowly and persistently moved
forward to meet the enemy, who were in strong force ; and upon
our brave fellows, struggling knee to waist deep in the mud-holes
and tangled in the vines and briers of the swamp, their fire rained
with pitiless and most destructive violence. Following the Tenth

138

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Connecticut and Forty-fifth Massachusetts, the right wing of our
regiment pushed its way through the swamp and joined the left
wing, which meantime had led the way down the road and had
formed line in the cornfield on the left and beyond the water.
Almost at that moment there was a loud shout in front, and we
saw the gallant Tenth Connecticut, with other troops, in hot pur
suit of the enemy towards the bridge. So close was the pursuit,
that though the enemy succeeded in firing the bridge, — forwhich
they had made full preparation, — yet our men soon extinguished

it and crossed over, passing the charred body of the poor fellow
whose duty it had been to set the fire, but who, struck by our
bullets, had fallen into the flames he himself had kindled. Our
advance pressed on to the town, but the Forty-fourth had to
march back for its knapsacks ; and when we returned to the
bridge we had to wait some time before crossing, and many of
us talked with the Rebel prisoners whom we found waiting there
also. They seemed perfectly miserable, and several said that
they were quite ready to take the oath of allegiance.
The road on our side of the bridge was at right angles with the
river, but on the other side divided right and left, with a consid
erable earthwork with six guns opposite the end of the bridge,

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 1 39
and a long line of rifle-pits stretching down river to the right.
The enemy retreated in great confusion, most of them to the left
towards the town, but a considerable portion to the right down
the river-bank. We followed the left-hand road towards Kinston,
and all along it was strewn with their trappings, which they had
thrown away in their flight, — blankets (an old comforter or a
piece of carpet), haversacks, canteens, cartridge-boxes, etc.
We marched directly into the town. It was a remarkably
pretty place, well laid out, with broad streets at right angles,
neatly painted houses, well-kept yards, and a decided air of thrift
about it. In the street were huge piles of corn and cotton burn
ing; but the houses were unharmed, and their occupants had
mostly remained. The railroad station had been fired, but was ex
tinguished before much damage had been done ; and after march
ing about town some time, we formed in line near this station
to support a couple of batteries which were shelling the outskirts
of the town. Presently they started along the road leading
beyond the town, shelling occasionally as they advanced, and
we after them. After about a mile of this we all returned and
bivouacked near the station. A well-stocked grocery-store near
by was confiscated to our use ; and many a man will remember
the welcome corn-dodger, baked on a shingle and sweetened with
molasses, with which he regaled himself that night.
We afterwards learned that General Foster, after our occupa
tion of the town, had sent a staff officer with a flag of truce to
General Evans, commanding the Confederate forces, summoning
him to surrender. This, however, General Evans declined to do,
and moved back for the night to a strong position at Falling
Creek, about six miles from Kinston, towards Goldsboro'.
Next morning we recrossed the bridge, and, passing the scene
of the previous day's fight, took the road for Whitehall and Golds
boro'. We realized then, even more than we did the day before,
what an iron rain we had passed through; for the pine-trees
around the church were literally riddled, and in many cases cut
in two, by the shot which had poured upon them. Our march
that day, of about fifteen miles, mostly through sandy, fatiguing
roads enlivened by an occasional ford, was without special inci
dent; and towards dark we turned into a cornfield, and foraging

140 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
parties having replenished our scanty larder, we got our suppers
and slept in peace.
The following morning, Tuesday the 16th, we broke camp as
usual, but had gone a short distance only, when, about nine o'clock,
heavy firing began. Advancing slowly, we at length turned to
the left into a path which wound through a rather open wood, up
a slight ascent and on to a ridge overlooking a cornfield, beyond
which was a thin belt of woods bordering on the Neuse River.
The road which we had just left kept along the flat land and
crossed the river by a bridge, near which the Rebels were build
ing a gunboat. The few houses scattered along this road, and
mainly on the other side of the river, formed the village of White
hall. We marched through the open wood, receiving on our
flank a heavy fire of shot and shell from the batteries across the
river. One shot crashed through our ranks, instantly killing two
men of Company A. Reaching the crest of the ridge, we turned
sharp to the right, came down into the cornfield, crossed it, and
formed line along a rail fence at the edge of the woods bordering
the river. Here for nearly two hours we received the fire of the
batteries and the sharpshooters who were posted in the trees
across the river, but with little opportunity ourselves to make
any effective return. At last we were withdrawn, after some loss
in killed and wounded, and posted in rear of Belger's Rhode
Island Battery, which began shelling the other side pf the river.
When at last the Rebel batteries were silenced, and nothing was
heard from the enemy but the occasional fire of their sharp
shooters, then our batteries were withdrawn, a few of our men
were detailed as sharpshooters to keep the enemy employed, and
the force resumed its march.
Among the numerous incidents of the day was the following,
the truth of which many of our regiment can doubtless vouch for :
One of our men, while lying behind the rail fence, was struck by
a Rebel bullet; clasping his hand to his side, he felt his life-blood
gushing from the wound. His captain approached, and to him
the soldier whispered the words of farewell which he wished sent
to his friends after his spirit had departed. The captain, failing
to see any blood, asked where he was wounded. "A bullet right
through my side, captain ; I know there 's no hope." " I don't

Sketch of
Jlction, at
TTkifohaU. JTC
J>ec/6/$6z.

f-tlrrangeil &y
ir 3 e/mamea. co.jy..

I. NEWCOMB &SLOCUM KILLED.
J. REGT. UN5LUNG KNAPSACKS.
3. FIRST POSITION 4+Ti1
4. RAIL FENCE.
£ SECOND POSITION tf"
6. HOUSES.
7. BELGER'S BATTERY.
8 HOSPITAL.
9. UNION BATTERIES.
10, DO. INFANTRY.
II. IOt!" CONN.
TZ. BRIDGE DESTROYED.
13 REBEL SHARPSHOOTERS.
1+ DO, BATTERIES.
15 00. GUN BOAT.
16 UNFINISHED BUILDING.

' JTo OQIDSBORO'

o * ^ u « » <T * - .

STON, MASS

NIGHT BIVOUAC.

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 141
see any blood," the captain replied ; " perhaps you are not hit as
hard as you think." " What ! no blood ! " cried he, his voice
gaining sudden strength and for the first time looking at his side.
The dying man suddenly came to life, and seizing his musket
resumed his place. A Rebel bullet had shot away the top of his
canteen ; the water was warm, and pouring over his hand, he im
agined it to be blood, and so dictated his last will and testament.
That night we encamped near a small settlement about eight
miles from Goldsboro'. During the night, which for our own
regiment was a quiet and uneventful one, active preparations were
being made on both sides for the struggle, which all expected to
come the next day, for the possession of the railroad bridge, —
the key of communication between the Confederate army in Vir
ginia and its Southern sources of supply. The destruction of this
bridge was, in fact, the main object of our whole expedition.
The Confederate General Gustavus W. Smith, then in command
of the Department of North Carolina and Southeast Virginia, had
for some days been telegraphing urgently to his Secretary of War
for reinforcements for Goldsboro' and vicinity, and had been
promised six regiments and two batteries from Richmond, three
regiments from Petersburg and its vicinity, and five thousand
infantry and three batteries from Beauregard, then at Charles
ton, S. C. The Petersburg reinforcement had arrived on the morn
ing of the 1 6th, the day of the action at Whitehall; but only one
regiment of infantry, with six hundred dismounted cavalry and
a battery, all under command of General Robertson, had taken
part in that engagement. General Evans in the mean time had
returned to Kinston, in the expectation of crossing the Neuse
bridge and harassing our rear. Finding, however, that we had
destroyed the bridge, Evans returned and was ordered to report
at Goldsboro', where he arrived early on the morning of the
17th. Meantime, we on our side were not idle. Five companies
of the Third New York Cavalry, with a couple of pieces of artil
lery of the Twenty-third New York, had been sent towards the
railroad south of Goldsboro' and struck it at Mount Olive sta
tion, about fourteen miles from Goldsboro', in the direction of
Wilmington. The little village was taken completely by surprise,
the track was torn up, station and water-tanks destroyed, and the

142 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
work of destruction completed by detachments sent up and down
the road for several miles. By midnight all these outlying parties
had returned to the main body.
The position and action of the opposing forces on the 17th was
as follows : On the south side of the river, near the railroad bridge
and in the line of our advance, lay Clingman's Brigade of infantry
and artillery. In his rear, towards the county bridge, which was
about half a mile higher up stream, Evans's Brigade was posted.
On the north side of the river, artillery was posted at both bridges,
and also at a bend in the stream between them, so as to bring
an enfilading fire to bear on the southern approach to the railroad
bridge. Having little or no cavalry, the enemy early in the day
had made a reconnoissance in force with infantry, and soon dis
covered our approach.
At early dawn our force had moved forward and taken up a
commanding position on high ground about a mile from the river,
from which position our artillery began to pour a destructive fire
upon the enemy on both sides of the stream. Meantime a portion
of our infantry, under cover of our artillery fire, advanced across
the open fields towards the high embankment of the railroad, and
for a while the struggle for the possession of this important posi
tion was severe, both sides fighting with great obstinacy. The en
emy was finally driven back, Evans retiring by the county bridge
and Clingman by the railroad bridge. As soon as the latter had
crossed, their battery at the other end of the bridge was pointed
directly down the track, and in face of this murderous direct fire,
and of the fire from the flanking battery up stream, volunteer
after volunteer advanced to set fire to the bridge. At last Lieuten
ant Graham of the Twenty-third New York Battery, acting as aide
to Colonel Heckman of the Ninth New Jersey, who commanded
the advance, succeeded in firing the structure and it was soon
enveloped in flames.
Our own part in this battle was simply that of spectators ; and
it was indeed a sight rarely to be seen except in pictures of battles.
Our brigade was posted on rising ground, overlooking the low
land bordering the river, through which ran the railroad embank
ment leading from the bridge. Below us, in full view, were the
bodies of troops moving hither and thither, while the incessant

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 1 43
boom of cannon, the rattle of musketry, the screaming of shells,
the smoke, now obscuring now revealing the action, — all com
bined to make a scene we shall never forget. When the volumes
of smoke rising from the bridge showed us that the final object of
our expedition was at last accomplished, we knew what was to
follow, and our own brigade commander, our loved Tom Steven
son, drawing his sword half way from its scabbard and thrusting
it back again, called out to us, " We '11 go home, boys, we '11 go
home ! " Such shouting as arose when the order came down the
line, " Fall in, sling knapsacks, by the right flank countermarch,
and you 're bound home," had never been heard before in that
lonely country ; and the cheers we gave General Foster, whom we
passed just as we filed into the road homeward bound, were wild
enough to awaken all the echoes of the Old North State.
Though the batteries were still keeping up an occasional shell
ing, yet we all supposed the battle was virtually over, and our
brigade had marched perhaps a mile and a half when we heard
the cannonading fiercely resumed, and along the line came the
order to countermarch ; and back we went on the double-quick
nearly to our former position.
It seems that the enemy, after the destruction of the railroad
bridge, determined if possible to save the county bridge and its
communications, and for that purpose despatched a strong force
under General Evans to cross the bridge and advance to feel our
position. It was their intention to attack us on both wings at
once and to turn our flank. Meantime, however, our force was
moving off, returning towards Kinston; and as the enemy came
in sight only one battery and a small force of infantry and cavalry
appeared opposed to them. Thereupon the Fifty-first and Fifty-
second North Carolina Regiments of the Confederates were or
dered to charge and take our battery. On they came, almost a
perfect line, in gallant style ; the cool and determined officer in
command of Morrison's Battery waited till they were within very
short distance, when he gave the order to fire ; the guns belched
forth their deadly missiles, and the advancing ranks were mown
down like grain. Re-forming, they again and again advanced,
only to be pitilessly slaughtered by the intrepid and relent
less battery. Meanwhile Belger's Battery had returned near to

144

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Morrison's position, and at once opened fire to the left, where the
woods were lined with Rebel infantry. The enemy then replied
with a well-directed fire from a concealed battery. Riggs's Bat
tery was then ordered to Belger's left, and after an hour of vigor
ous cannonading the fire of the enemy, both musketry and
artillery, was silenced, and the fight was over.
After remaining for some time in suspense in this our last
position, we were ordered to resume our homeward march.
Somewhat less light-hearted than we
had been some hours before when
first turning our steps homeward, we
now trudged on, till towards night
we reached our previous camping
ground and there bivouacked.
Next day we continued our march,
wearily for the most part, the road
sometimes a mere causeway through
a swamp, sometimes between neg
lected corn or cotton fields, some
times through forests of blazing
trees, whose flaming trunks of resi
nous pine were like colossal torch
es ; enlivening ourselves with songs,
while occasionally a band would
strike up and make our march easier,
as we insensibly fell into a steady swing in time to the music.
The cheering and inspiriting effect of music, which the history of
many a campaign often recites, was time and again realized by us
as we plodded along through sombre forest or dreary clearing,
the excitement of battle over, wearily longing for the end of our
tramp and for what then seemed to us the unspeakable comfort
of our old barracks. That night we halted not far from Kinston,
and next morning, proceeding nearly up to the town, took the
main road towards New Berne by which the Rebels had expected
us to come when we started out on our march, but which the
wariness and strategic skill of our General Foster had avoided, —
though he kept up a show of advance upon it, — thus rendering
useless the very considerable defences and obstacles which the

GOLDSBORO' EXPEDITION. 145
Rebels had prepared for us, and which we now saw in reverse as
we marched for home. That night we all understood that New
Berne was only about twenty miles distant, so making a start
about seven o'clock the next morning we pushed on; but the
way seemed longer and longer, and as the afternoon wore away
we were still an unknown distance from the town. The colonel
halted us and said that all who wished it might push on with him
for camp, but the others might stop where they were for the
night. Many of us kept on, and about eight o'clock that Satur
day night the lights in our old barracks came in sight, and soon
we were greeted by the few comrades who had been left be
hind, unable from sickness or other causes to go with us, and
were cheered by the enlivening music of our new regimental
band which Drum-major Babcock had been training during our
absence. The next morning the stragglers came in, and excepting only
those whom death or wounds had taken from us, we were all at
home again and our expedition was over. Its labors and achieve
ments are commemorated in the following General Order, which
was read on dress parade, Jan. 17, 1863, namely: —
Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
New Berne, Jan. 15, 1863.
General Orders, No. 18.
In consideration of, and as a reward for, their brave deeds at Kinston,
Whitehall, and Goldsboro', the Commanding General directs that the
regiments and batteries which accompanied the expedition to Goldsboro'
inscribe upon their banners these three victories,
Kinston, Dec. 14, 1862.
Whitehall, Dec. 16, 1862.
Goldsboro', Dec. 17, 1862.
The Commanding General hopes that all fields in future will be so fought
that the record of them may be kept by inscription on the banners of the
regiments engaged. By command of
Major-General J. G. Foster.
Southard Hoffman,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
The casualties of the Federal troops on this expedition were as
follows: Officers, killed 4, wounded 19; enlisted men, killed 88,
wounded 468, missing 12 : total 591.
10

146

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

The compiler of this chapter has drawn freely from numerous
and interesting letters of various members of the regiment, and
from the following publications : " Wearing of the Blue," " Sol
diering in North Carolina," " History of Ninth New Jersey,"
" Confederate War Papers by General G. W. Smith; " and from
advance sheets of Government War Records, both Union and
Confederate.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION.

Headquarters Department of North Carolina,
i8th Army Corps, New Berne, Jan. 31, 1863.
JOLONEL FRANCIS L. LEE, Commanding
Forty -fourth Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia :
Colonel, — You will embark your com
mand to-morrow morning at 7 o'clock
on the steamer " Northerner " and pro
ceed directly to Plymouth, N. C.
The " Massasoit " will be at the wharf
at the foot of Middle Street for the pur
pose of transferring your regiment to the
"Northerner." Upon your arrival at that place you will
assume command of the post, and immedi
ately after consultation with Captain Flusser, United
States Navy, and Major Bartholomew, Twenty-seventh
Massachusetts Volunteers, take the necessary steps to
drive in the enemy's pickets.
It is reported here that the enemy is in force (about 1,000) at James-
ville. Should you find this report corroborated by the information you
may receive at Plymouth, you will advance on that place and whip the
enemy; and if upon consultation with the above officers it should be
deemed advisable, you are authorized to advance as far as Williamston.
It is necessary that the advance should be made very shortly after your
arrival, so that the enemy may not receive information of your arrival at
the place ; and you are therefore advised to close the lines.
Captain Flusser, United States Navy, will furnish you with some boat
howitzers and crews, and he, as well as Major Bartholomew, are strongly
recommended to you from their long experience at the post.

148 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Much of course must be left to your own discretion, and the greatest
confidence is placed in your judgment and abilities. The general's desire
is to drive the enemy back and prevent their annoying our forces at
Plymouth. Yours very respectfully, Southard Hoffman,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
In obedience to this order the regiment was in line at 7.30
next morning, February 1 (Sunday), and soon moved to the
wharf in New Berne, whence we were transferred to the steamer
" Northerner," — of blessed memory, — which was waiting to re
ceive us. We soon started, and, following the well-known course
through Pamlico Sound, past Roanoke Island, anchoring for the
night, next day keeping on through Albemarle Sound into the
mouth of Roanoke River, and, as the shores drew nearer, between
swamps of low trees and shrubs, bordered with golden rice, pine
woods, cornfields, and solitary houses, at 4 P. M. on Monday,
the 2d, we made fast to the wharf at Plymouth. Since our pre
vious visit in November Plymouth had suffered the fortune of
war. Then it was a pleasant, peaceful town, upon which the
shadow of strife had not fallen. A month later it had been
raided and partially burned by the Rebel cavalry, and now the
scars were deep and black upon it.
But why were we here? Rumor told of Rebel forces who were
building earthworks, and possibly gunboats, at Rainbow Bluff
(the Rebels called it Rainbow Bend), some miles farther up the
river,1 and that we were to move upon them in the morning.
But we lay at the wharf that night. The evening was brilliant
with the light of a full moon, the atmosphere soft and pleasant.
The band on deck played, the darkies on shore danced around
1 That this rumor was not unfounded, witness a letter from Colonel J. F. Gilmer,
of the Confederate Engineer Bureau, to Colonel Walter Gwynn, commanding de
fences in eastern North Carolina, which says (under date of Nov. 3, 1S62 — three
months before our trip to Plymouth) : " I am glad to hear that so satisfactory a posi
tion for the defence of the Roanoke River has been found at Rainbow Bend. The
line of infantry to cover one and one-half miles to the pond, causing the enemy to
make a detour of fifteen miles, seems a good suggestion. It is not possible at present
to furnish all the armament required; still, platforms and positions should be pre
pared for formidable river batteries (a part of these platforms should be prepared for
siege carriages)."

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION. 1 49
blazing fires, the " boys " sang, smoked, and discussed the cam
paign. The climate seemed that of New England under the
harvest moon ; and so the evening closed.
Next morning (this too might have been New England) six
inches of snow lay upon the ground. Light, fluffy stuff to be
sure, but snow all the same, — snow that makes water ; snow that
makes mud; snow that makes the intended movement, the sur
prise of the garrison at Rainbow Bluff, impossible ; snow that
was not to be stained with the blood of Rebel or of Patriot, else
some would have died that day. Who? Whose life hung with
the snowflake in the air that winter night? Did yours, comrade,
or yours? Did mine? Who knows?
We only know that the snow came, the course of the expedi
tion was changed, and from that hour it became impossible to
regard it seriously from a military point of view.
It became simply a picturesque incident of our service in North
Carolina. For six cold, raw, disagreeable days we remained in Plymouth.
The " Northerner " was crowded. To give more room to all,'
Companies A, C, D, E, G, and K were removed to a large un
occupied warehouse upon the wharf. It was like an ice-house.
We tried to read, to write, to whittle. We smoked, some of us
danced — anything to keep alive, pass the time, and hold our
selves together. There was dress parade, of course, even if there
was no blacking ; and the gloves ! Well, they were at New Berne,
in the barracks, which some " sanitary engineer " was white
washing against our return.
But dress parade seemed to amuse the darkies and encourage
the " Union men," of whom there were several living though
pallid examples in the town ; but chiefly it served to get at the
effective force of the regiment at the moment. " All present or
accounted for," said a second sergeant, on one of these occasions.
" Except thirty privates, six ' non-coms,' one orderly, and
two commissioned officers," added the captain of Company  ,
between his teeth. For were there not warm houses, and chairs,
and tables ; hot sausages, hoe-cake, and apple-jack, all danger
ously near? Were there no attractions just outside the lines,
and no enemy nearer than Rainbow Bluff? All were not present,

ISO

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

but most could be accounted for; and if they did not turn in at
taps, they generally turned up at reveille.
But, if we had failed of the " object of the expedition," and
missed a possible tragedy, something was yet in store for us, and
rumor said there were several tons of it ; to wit, of savory hams,
sides and shoulders of bacon, killed " in the full of the moon," no
doubt, " for luck," some moons before, and now hidden in the

~-"^umvif-p^m0T1rx.

mysterious recesses of certain smoke-houses a night's march out
side the lines, and only awaiting favorable opportunity for trans
port to some hungry quartermaster of the forces of the Southern
Confederacy. This would never do. From Rainbow Bluff we
had been turned back by the driven snow; should soot and
smoke-houses baffle us too? We had been dissuaded by the
elements of light; should the powers of darkness also prevail
against us? Should the succulent ham be lost to the cause of
the Union? Forbid it, commissaries and commissioned officers !
So an expedition was organized for the rescue of the hams, and
Companies A, B, C, D, E, and G were selected for the hazardous
duty. The line was formed at 1.30 (Saturday, February 7), and
at 2 P. M., under the immediate command of the colonel, moved
out upon the Washington road, making a detour to pass obstruc
tions, — trees which had been felled across the road to check any

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION. 15 I
attempt that might be made to surprise the town. We were
soon in the wild country lying between Plymouth upon the north
and " Little " Washington upon the south, these towns being con
nected by a main road from which, a few miles out from Plym
outh, a less frequented thoroughfare branches at a right angle
toward the east. This is known as the Long Acre road. On pass
ing our picket line, orders had been given to take possession of
all carts, wagons, horses, mules, or other means of transport,
together with the owners thereof, — the latter being temporarily
held in custody to prevent information of our movements being
conveyed to the enemy. These men were mostly left at the
junction of the Washington and Long Acre roads, in charge of a
guard consisting of Company B and a part of Company C, under
command of Captain Griswold, which force picketed the roads
and kept open a line of retreat for the main force. Here was a
blacksmith's shop, in which the prisoners were allowed to huddle
for shelter from the (to them) severe and inclement weather,
while the forms of their more hardy guard of Northern men,
grouped about the fires by the roadside, under the keen winter
sky, filled in the ever-present element of the picturesque.
An officer of Company B describes the scene thus : —
" Early in the evening the scene was somewhat striking. The rude
blacksmith's hut, near which was our picket reserve, was glowing with
light from fires which the prisoners had been permitted to make inside.
Two sentries stood at the door, half in light, half in shade. Outside,
groups of our men were huddled about three or four charcoal fires, which
gleamed redly from the roadside. Captured carts and horses were tied to
the fence. Stacks of arms stood in the road. Occasional laughs from the
prisoners inside, the subdued conversation of our men, the clank of offi
cers' swords, the distant barking of dogs, the tinkling of a cow-bell, the
grunting and squealing of rooting hogs, the clattering of geese, the doleful
cry of the coon, mingled to render the sounds of the night more apparent,
and to puzzle our pickets, placed as they were in lonely and secluded
spots. During the night  's platoon, picketing the Washington road,
was alarmed and drawn up in line to repel what turned out to be a row
of stumps."
A cypress-swamp has peculiarities of its own. Insidiously they
creep upon you. You are marching along the dry, dead level of
the open country. Soon trees appear skirting the road on either

I52 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
hand, growing closer and closing in as you advance, until pres
ently you find that you have passed completely within their
shade, and the road sinks as you proceed within the gloom of the
thick masses of rank green foliage, with gnarled roots, half out
of ground, the trees on tiptoe, as it were, struggling to overtop
each other and free themselves from the muddy ooze from which
they spring.
Midway of the breadth of this belt of darkness runs a deep
and narrow stream, at right angles to the road, — which has now
sloped down until it is at the summer level of the stream, —
which it crosses at a single bound by means of a bridge, always
of wood, springing high above the current in order not to be
swept away in the wet season, when the waters are abroad and
fill the swamp from side to side and cover the road to unknown
depths ; stealing out from the darkness upon the one hand, to
gleam above the sunken track for an instant, and then to dis
appear in silence and gloom upon the other.
In the days before the war there had been maintained along
side each road through the swamp a walk, consisting of a line of
single planks, or of logs with the upper surface hewn flat, these
being supported upon posts set somewhat away from the wagon-
track, and just at the edge of the woods. Upon these the skilful
native passed, dry-shod, over the raging waters. On the night of
Feb. 7, 1863, a swamp of this character one-half mile (some said
one and one-half miles) in width, lay between us and our booty.
'Twas ever thus in North Carolina. Were we to halt for dinner,
were we to bivouac for the night, were we to do anything in par
ticular, the happy spot, the shining shore, was always the farther
shore of a swamp, — and the waters were abroad.
But who that passed through this swamp this night will ever
forget it? The path through the black woods; splash — a little
water ; splash again — more water ; over the shoes — cold ; over
the ankles — ice-cold, with the blood of the snow melted into it.
But we are in and must go through. No use dodging ; though
some get upon the remains of the foot-walk, they slip and plunge
into deeper water beyond ; or, saving this, are induced by the
mildly persuasive voice of the colonel to forego their advantage
and share the lot of their fellows in the road, whose legs — by

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION. 1 53
this time knee-deep in the water — are fast losing all feeling, and
are but little better than legs of wood as we mount the bridge
and enter the flood upon the farther side.
In due time we reached dry ground and, passing over a few
miles of high, rolling land covered with plantations, finally
reached our destination (namely, the smoke-houses, which were
situated about fourteen miles from Plymouth) at 9 P.M.
Here some time was spent in collecting such of the fatness
of the land as it was thought best to transfer to loyal posses
sion. This work — the regular part of it — was done by detach

ments to whom the duty was assigned ; while considerable vol
unteer foraging was accomplished by numbers of enterprising
privates and non-commissioned officers, resulting in the capture
of the usual fowls, pigs, and apple-jack, tin cans, coffee-pots, odds
and ends, — and one man reported a lot of hymn-books. The
official result, as stated by the colonel in his report, consisted of
twenty-two horses and mules, sixteen carts, and 3,385 pounds
of bacon, which latter circumstance gave to this night's work
the name of the " Ham Fat March." Of this, little more remains
to be said. Our guards were called in, and the return march
commenced at midnight.
It was the fortune of the writer to be with the rear company
upon the return trip. Since we had passed the swamp- upon our
outward way, and while our foraging was going on, the moon
had come up high over the woods, and the spectacle of that
home tramp through the water was one long to be remembered.

1 54 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Straight out before us, in the brilliant moonlight, went five hun
dred men, laughing, shouting, splashing and tossing the water, —
still as cold, and now, in the clear moonlight, as brilliant as jewels
of ice. In the midst of all this were mounted the field officers,
and, hurried along by their escort, came the teams which had
been impressed into the service for the night, and for any duty
that might be put upon them.
If comrades  and  thought to save a second wetting,
and took possession of a disengaged mule-cart for the return trip,
and if in the midst of the deepest water the pin came out and
they went under, to the great delight of their fellows, the Muse
of History shall record the fact, but will hide their names (which
she knows) in her heart, lest future descendants of these heroes
fall out among themselves and call her a beldame and an igno
ramus for not recording (what she does not know) who got the
first wetting.
At 5.30 the next morning, Sunday, February 8, we reached
Plymouth, wet, tired, and hungry, and at once sought such food
and shelter as were to be had. This was our last day in Plym
outh, the lack of fuel obliging the " Northerner " to leave the
river earlier than might otherwise have been the case. We went
on board that afternoon, passed down the river, and, after anchor
ing at Roanoke Island and securing a supply of coal, arrived at
New Berne on the evening of Tuesday, February 10.
Landing upon the south side of the Trent River, we crossed the
bridge, whence a march through the city soon brought us to our
barracks, which opened their gleaming and freshly whitewashed
arms to receive us.
Thus ended the Plymouth expedition of February, 1863. To
give historical finish to the narrative, Colonel Lee's official
report is given in full below.
REPORT OF COLONEL FRANCIS L. LEE.
Headquarters Forty-fourth Regiment Mass. Vol. Militia,
Camp Stevenson, New Berne, Feb. 14, 1863.
Captain, — I have the honor to report that in obedience to order of
Jan. 31, 1863, I embarked my command on steamer "Northerner" and
arrived at Plymouth, N. C, at 4 p. m. on February 2.

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION. 155
Upon landing I consulted with Major Bartholomew, Twenty-seventh
Massachusetts Regiment, commander of the post, in regard to closing the
lines ; but learning from him that information of our arrival and probable
force had undoubtedly been sent forward to the enemy even before our
arrival, I deemed it unwise to interfere with existing arrangements in
regard to passing the lines.
Learning that Commodore Flusser was absent, I proceeded in company
with Major Bartholomew to inspect the location of his pickets and his
preparations for defence, and found the pickets well placed, his precau
tions against surprise sufficient, and every advantage taken of the nat
ural defences of the town, the major having almost completed a ditch
connecting the two swamps lying south of the town. Inside of this
ditch, which is about six feet in depth and about fifteen feet wide, the
earth is thrown up sufficiently high to afford shelter fpr sharpshooters.
Major Bartholomew proposes to erect a small block-house where the
Long Acre road crosses this ditch, and also one upon the Jamesville
road at the crossing of the ditch. My carpenters built drawbridges for
each of these roads, and I would respectfully suggest that two field how
itzers would render the defence of these roads easy against any force
likely to be brought against them, and that they are most earnestly de
sired by Major Bartholomew. I would also recommend a further supply
of axes and shovels, as the want of these tools prevents Major Bartholo
mew from availing himself fully of the services of the contrabands in
his command.
Upon the Long Acre road the picket is stationed at the ditch, about
three-quarters of a mile from the custom-house, with an outer picket of
five men half a mile in advance at the junction of the road with the Lee's
Mill road. At this point there is a blockade of trees fallen across the
road. Upon the Columbia road the picket is established just west of the
bridge, crossing Coneby Creek, about two miles from the custom-house.
This bridge is taken up each night and affords an easy and sure defence,
as the creek is very deep.
Upon the Jamesville road the picket is at the ditch, about one mile
from the custom-house, and a cavalry vedette is stationed about half a
mile in advance.
Upon inquiring as to the probable force and location of the enemy, I
learned from Major Bartholomew that he, in company with Commodore
Flusser, had, on January 30, made a reconnoissance as far as Jamesville
on the gunboat " Commodore Perry," shelling the woods at various points
but finding no signs of the presence of the enemy. It was the opinion of
Major Bartholomew that the position and strength of the enemy was as
follows : Two companies of the Seventeenth North Carolina Regiment at
Rainbow Bluff, with two field pieces ; the remainder of that regiment, with

156 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
four field pieces, in the vicinity of the bluff, anywhere between Hamilton
and Williamston ; four companies of infantry some seven miles northwest
of Washington, and the remainder of their regiment at or near Greenville ;
three companies of cavalry scouting anywhere between the Tar and
Roanoke Rivers.
A cavalry scout to Ward's Bridge, some four miles from town, failed to
discover any signs of Rebel scouts, though they learned that parties of two
or three cavalrymen had been seen in that vicinity within a week.
Commodore Flusser arrived on the evening of the 2d of February, and
after consultation I arranged to go with my regiment on his three gunboats
to Williamston, starting the next morning at seven o'clock and landing at
Williamston or Jamesville as might be thought best, — the landing party to
be supported by three boat howitzers and their crews, under command of
Lieutenant Furness, of the " Valley City." On the following morning a
drifting snow-storm rendered any advance by land or water impossible ;
the impassable state of the roads also prevented an expedition to Windsor
to confiscate bacon packed for Rebel use.
On Friday, February 6, finding that no coal could be furnished to our
transport by the Navy, and that my pioneers were unable to supply the
requisite quantity of wood, I was obliged to send out some three miles to
buy and draw some dry wood belonging to Mr. Harrison, a loyal man
living on the Long Acre road. Before starting the wagons Major Bar
tholomew told me that he had good reason to believe that many of the
inhabitants upon that road had abused their protection papers by smug
gling out salt in larger quantities than they needed for home consump
tion ; that they had packed large stores of bacon intended for the use
of the Rebel troops ; that he thought an examination and confiscation of
a portion of their bacon, if found in such large quantities, would be de
sirable. I therefore took four of my companies and went some thirteen
miles out, taking on the way the horses, mules, and carts to transport
the pork if found. I examined the farms of the persons suspected, and
finding from two to three tons of bacon, took from four of them 3,385
pounds, leaving much, for want of transportation, which I think would
properly have been brought away. This bacon, with twenty-two horses
and mules and sixteen carts, I handed over to Major Bartholomew, leav
ing it to his judgment to return any of the horses and carts to persons
in whose loyalty he had confidence, and directing him to see that quar
termaster's receipts for the property taken should be given to the parties,
in order that if they could rebut the testimony with regard to their sym
pathy and aid for the Rebel cause they might receive payment from the
Government. On Sunday morning, being informed by the captain of our transport
that unless we started then he would be obliged to lay at Plymouth until
coal was found him, and my rations not being sufficient for over two days

THE PLYMOUTH EXPEDITION. 1 57
longer, I left Plymouth that afternoon, and after anchoring at Roanoke for
coal, arrived here on the evening of Tuesday, February 10.
Yours, with respect, Francis L. Lee,
Colonel Commanding Forty-fourth Regiment M. V. M.
Captain Andrew Stewart,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
P. S. — Enclosed please find instructions received from headquarters
relative to the movement above stated.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
New Berne, N. C, February 15, 1863.
Approved and respectfully forwarded.
H. W. Wessells,
Brigadier- General Volunteers. Commanding.

CHAPTER IX.
WASHINGTON.1

f . '^i-wV

J~€^^\ N Sunday, March 15,
f jy — «^ ^ tjie j^ f0Jlowjng j-Jjg
1 attack on Fort An
derson, things had
seemingly returned to
their usual state; the
ordinary routine of inspec
tion, etc., was followed, and
nothing uncommon happened
until late in the afternoon.
At half-past five o'clock,
~^=^~' while Company G were draw
ing their supper at the cook-house
window, Lieutenant Odiorne came
in, saying, " Boys, we 've got march
ing orders," adding that we were to
carry shelter-tents, and in fact could
" go heavy," as we should probably have no marching to do, —
" and be ready to move in half an hour."
The manner in which the news was received was in marked
contrast with the wild excitement caused by the orders for the
Tarboro' and Goldsboro' expeditions ; few remarks were made ;
the knapsacks had been packed since the day before ; the men
went on getting their supper, and ate it quietly, without any
hurry; and in half an hour the company was ready to fall in,
1 The author of this chapter wishes to state that it was put into his hands by the
Historical Committee at the last moment, — having been then given up by the one
first selected to write it; and that it has been impossible, in the short time allotted
to him, to look up any material except what was placed in his hands by the Com
mittee, and what he could draw from his own recollection and memoranda.

l6o FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
haversacks and canteens full, blankets rolled, and knapsacks ready
to sling. Our winter's experience had given us that quality of
the veteran by virtue of which, realizing the uncertainty of any
present condition, he troubles himself about no future, but ac
cepts in a philosophic spirit what the day may bring forth.
Our destination was understood to be " Little " Washington.
At seven o'clock the whole regiment, with the exception of Com
panies F and B, which were on picket, was on board the " Escort."
It was pretty close packing ; the men slept on the decks every
where ; the writer found his place in the starboard gangway on
the freight deck, and woke in the morning in about three inches
of water, which was brought in by the paddle-wheels, the boat
being very low in the water. I remember one squad of men
pitched a shelter-tent on the upper deck near the pilot-house;
however, as we knew the trip was to be a short one, this crowding
was regarded with great unconcern. A mail of newspapers was
distributed while we were on board, which were very welcome,
and served to pass the time, always tedious enough on these
passages. At about three o'clock of Monday, the 16th, the boat drew up to
the wharf in Washington ; the houses in the town still bore the
marks of the raid made upon it the autumn before by the enemy;
one house was pitted all over with a stand of heavy canister-shot ;
another had two eight-inch shot-holes through it. In the river just
below the bridge lay the gunboat " Louisiana," thereafter looked
upon by us as a tower of strength ; and many a time within the
next four weeks did we welcome the roar of her eight-inch pivot-
gun as an assurance of safety.
The whole town turned out to see us land ; the street swarmed
with darkeys, " without regard to age, sex, color, condition, or
previous condition of servitude ; " many of the women with ginger
bread and fruit for sale drove a roaring trade. Among the crowd
were many of the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, and some North
Carolina volunteers, but the native white civilian was scarce.
After waiting awhile here in the street we were marched to the
westerly end of the town, to a large cornfield in the rear of the
house of J. Grist, Esq., afterwards better known to us as a (sup
posed) bitter Rebel; but who, I have since been assured, was our

WASHINGTON.

161

stanch friend, having done us substantial services during our stay.
Ranks were broken, with orders to pitch our shelter-tents and
camp for the night. The tents were pitched that night with
muskets for tent-poles ; and no regular order of lay-out having
been given, the result was most picturesque, particularly after
dark, when the tents were lighted up. In some cases as many as
ten or twelve sections of shelter would be used to form a tent to
cover as many men. Myself and mates smoothed down the corn-
hills of our floor, in so doing scraping the dry sand from the
surface, — a piece of work which we bitterly rued before morning.
After pitching the tents we walked out to investigate our situation.
It was near where Fort Gouraud afterwards stood ; south of us
was the river, east of us the town, north and northwest the line
of earthworks, and west, at the point where the line touched the
river, Blockhouse No. I, afterwards familiar to Company D.
It was a clear, cold night, and with only a rubber blanket be
tween us and the raw surface of sand we had more rawly exposed,
myself and mates fillip's B

shivered through
it ; the writer
hopes never to
sleep so cold
again — he never
has, so far. Upon
rising in the
morn i n g we
found a thick
feathery coating
of hoar-frost on
the outside of our
tent and over
everything ; as soon as the sun had removed this, orders were
given to strike the tents and pitch them with proper tent-
poles, in regular streets, two streets to. a company, three men
to a tent. Most of them were properly pitched and ditched
about; but some, ambitious of more headroom, dug six or
eight inches below the surface to lay their floors, with disas
trous results in the rains which occurred later. This work was
ii

1 62 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
finished by noon, and cooking-shanties of quite picturesque
appearance were also built at the upper end of each company's
camp. This was Tuesday, the 17th; during the day the enemy's ad
vance made its appearance south of the river, though we at the
time did not know it. The "Louisiana" pitched a few shells into
the woods in the afternoon, but it caused little excitement in the
camp, as we did not then know that it was the enemy's advance
that was being shelled. In the afternoon details were made to
work on the intrenchments, principally in lengthening and height
ening traverses, besides laying out a few new ones.
Washington lies on the north side of the Tar River, at its junc
tion with the Pamlico (or Pamplico, as some maps give it) ; before
the war it was actively engaged in the lumber trade, and its river
front is lined with wharves and warehouses, one of which latter,
of brick, had been loopholed to be used as a place of refuge and
defence for the garrison in case of need.
The town extends for about a mile along the river-bank, and
back into the country for perhaps half that distance ; it is almost
surrounded in the rear by low swampy ground, from which rises
a row of hills encircling it from the river above to the river below ;
on the south side the river-bank is wooded, and the swamp
extends inland some distance ; the banks of the river below the
town are comparatively high, and clayey, and afforded excel
lent positions for the blockading batteries afterwards placed
there. On the north side three roads run out from the town : beginning
on the left, the Greenville road running nearly northwest, the
Jamesville road running northeast, and the Plymouth road nearly
eastward ; on the south side, only the New Berne road, which
crosses the bridge.
The defences of the town consisted, at the time of our occupa
tion, of a line of earthworks, of good profile but weak trace, ex
tending from the river-bank about a mile above the bridge to the
creek about as far below, following the line of low hills next the
town ; in the centre was Fort Washington, on a slight rising
ground, commanded however by the main line of hills before
referred to, about half a mile away. It was a small, square,

WASHINGTON.

163

bastioned work, mounting four thirty-two-pounders, one of them
rifled, two six-pound steel Wiard rifles, and two twelve-pound
Napoleon guns. Fort Hamilton, on the extreme right, was of
irregular trace, and mounted two twelve-pound Napoleons, one
thirty-pounder Parrott, and one thirty-two-pounder Rodman gun.
Blockhouses numbered from one to four in the order in which
they are here mentioned were placed — at the extreme left on
the river, at the Greenville road, between the Jamesville and
Plymouth, roads, and on the extreme right at Fort Hamilton.
They were strong log buildings, loopholed for musketry, banked

and ditched, and armed as follows : Nos. 1, 2, and 3, each one six-
pounder ; No. 4, one twelve-pounder. In an epaulement command
ing the Jamesville road was mounted a thirty-two-pounder.
Around Fort Washington was a line of rifle-pits and a good
abatis, and the intervals between the blockhouses Nos. 1 and 2
and the lines were also filled with abatis. Traverses had been
thrown up at various points along the main line, and were after
wards extended and added to as occasion demanded.
During the investment a small work was thrown up on the
Grist place near our first camp, named, as I have always under
stood, from Major Gouraud of the Third New York Cavalry,

1 64 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
though on the map it is called Fort Ceres ; it mounted one thirty-
pound Parrott and one twelve-pound rifled howitzer.
In the river lay the gunboats "Louisiana," "Eagle," and " Com
modore Hull," which contributed materially to the defence of the
place. Just above the bridge and near our camp lay the wreck
of the gunboat " Picket."
The garrison before our arrival consisted of eight companies of
the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, one company First North Car
olina Volunteer Infantry, Captain Lyon, one company Third New
York Cavalry, and Battery G, Third New York Artillery, — about
600 men in all. Our arrival and the arming of a force of negroes,
which was done by Colonel Lee, raised our numbers to 1160.
By Wednesday, the 18th, we had settled down to routine work,
guard-mounting, company and battalion drills, as usual. This
day there was a brigade dress-parade ; but the writer, being on
guard, was not present. The guard was quartered in a corn-barn
belonging to Mr. Grist.
In the evening a violent shower and gale demoralized many of
the tents; but, thanks to the Tapleyish spirit of the boys, the
demoralization spread no farther. This night the roads were
picketed by Company I.
Thursday, the 19th, it began to rain. At night Company D
was sent out on picket, and an attack was evidently expected.
At about half-past four the next morning, Friday the 20th, Com
pany E was ordered out and marched to the edge of the swamp
beyond Blockhouse No. 1. The rest of the regiment were also
turned out and stationed on the lines, where we remained until
daylight. The tents having become very damp, the regiment
was now sent into the town and quartered in various deserted
buildings, Company G being in the Farmers' Hotel.
Saturday, the 21st, the rain still continuing, we were routed out,
for a change, at 3.30 A. M., and remained under arms, as before,
until roll-call. While we lay behind the lines we saw the light of
a considerable fire on the farther side of the river. This day
came in two deserters from Roger A. Pryor's brigade, who stated
that the enemy had been in heavy force within twenty miles of
us, but that the rain had so cut up the roads that they were
impassable to their artillery ; which was not improbable, as they

WASHINGTON. 1 65
were difficult for our cavalry. They said also that the officer in
command at Charleston had called away all the troops that could
be spared.
Sunday, the 22d, it was still raining. Services were held in
several churches. This night Company G picketed the Jamesville
road ; the writer was in the reserve, and has a most vivid memory
of sitting and shivering in the drizzle, with a tour of sentry duty in
the road about dawn as a variation, until it was time to go in.
The next day, Monday the 23d, the steamer " North Shore "
arrived with ten days' rations and our sutler; which, looking like
a longer sojourn here, rather discouraged the majority of us who
had come away with only the clothes we stood in, leaving our
others with the " aunties " who had taken them to wash in New
Berne. In the afternoon we were ordered back to our tents on
the Grist estate.
Tuesday, the 24th, was a day of routine duty; drill, etc., being
the staple of the diaries. Our friend Grist went out of the place
this day, but little regretted by us.
From this time until the 30th our life was simply the usual
monotonous routine of camp duty; there was more or less heavy
rain, and those who had sunk their tent floors below the level of
" the surrounding country " were drowned out and thrown upon
the hospitality of those in drier shelters whose " chums" were on
guard or other detail.
On Monday, the 30th, General Foster and his staff arrived from
Plymouth, and the effect of his presence was at once manifest in
an increased activity. He at once inspected the works, and took
measures to improve their defensibility, details being set to work
everywhere ; orderlies rode to and fro, and reconnoitring parties
were pushed out on all the roads. It is with the one on the New
Berne road that this history chiefly has to do.
About eleven o'clock Companies A and G were assembled,
carrying only arms and canteens, and under the command of
Captain James M. Richardson of Company A marched down
toward the bridge ; on the way we were joined by about a dozen
cavalrymen under Lieutenant " Teddy " O'Brien, and a squad of
artillerymen drawing a Wiard three-inch rifle; the whole party
was under command of Captain Richardson.

1 66 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Passing out upon the bridge, the tread of the column caused it
to shake before our whole length had fairly got out upon it. I
remember Captain Richardson turning and calling out, " Break
step, boys, or we '11 shake the d  d thing down into the river ! "
which was accordingly done. Passing off the bridge we came
upon the road, bordered on both sides by the swamp, of unknown
depth ; about a mile out a halt was made, and a shell fired up the
road, with what effect, if any, I do not know. This was repeated
several times ; about a mile farther on we came to a low line of
earthworks at the crest of a slight rise, where some one picked
up a bright tin canteen of a different pattern from ours. Here we
assumed a formation not set- down in the tactics, marching by the
right flank undoubled, each rank on its side of the road, Company
G taking the advance ; the writer, being in the rear rank, was on
the right of the road ; at the head was a sort of squad of skirmish
ers consisting of Orderly Sergeant Hobart, Corporal Lawrence,
Adams (W. W.), Leonard, Holden, Eliot, and Jones of Company
G ; with them, and on the left of the road, were Captains Hunt and
Richardson and Lieutenant O'Brien. At the foot of the little
hill a brook crossed the road ; the planks had been taken up, leav
ing only the roughly squared string-pieces, on which we crossed.
I do not remember seeing anything of the cavalry or infantry
after crossing the brook, until we returned to the earthwork
above mentioned. We moved out beyond the brook perhaps a
hundred yards ; in front of us was a brush barricade across the
road, which gave no signs of being occupied, so far as the writer
knows, until, when we were within some fifty yards of it, a volley,
immediately followed by another, was fired from it in our very
faces ; a third volley followed before we could start to deploy,
which we did at once without waiting for the order ; that, how
ever, came promptly in Captain Hunt's voice, " Deploy ! deploy ! "
We formed an irregular skirmish-line, taking the benefit of such
trees as offered, and opened a fire, noisy if not effective. The
fire of the enemy, from smooth-bore muskets with both buck-
and-ball and the half-round "Mississippi" bullet, was principally
confined to the road. After a few minutes of this we heard the
call, " Fall back, men, fall back ! " which we did, keeping as long as
we could in the shelter of the swamp, but finding the water growing

WASHINGTON. 1 67
deeper as we approached the stream, were at last forced to take
to the road; the writer was one of the last to get in. When we
struck the road, about a hundred yards from the barricade from
which the enemy were firing, we at once found ourselves under a
heavy and close musketry-fire from apparently a hundred men or
more ; we knew nothing of what might have happened, but we ran
literally " for dear life." The dust pattered up in the road where
the bullets grazed, and it seemed as if the next shot must bring
one down, but the writer for one ran fast and straight. The man
preceding me slipped on the timber and soused up to his neck in
the brook; but before he had scrambled out I was across the log
and on my way up the slope. As we got farther away the fire be
came less serious, and presently we were beckoned by some one
at the top of the hill to take the sides of the road ; as we did so
a shell from the Wiard rifle passed us. We assembled at the
little line of earthworks, one or two stopping by the way to take
a last shot ; then we looked around to see who was missing.
Orderly Sergeant Hobart, Corporal Lawrence, Private Leonard,
killed or wounded, no one seemed to know definitely. Captain
Richardson sat on a horse belonging to one of the cavalrymen,
looking weak, and evidently " hard hit." As the companies fell
in, Captain Hunt went to him for orders. " Do the best you can,
Charley," I heard him say. We immediately started on our return,
a platoon of Company A under Lieutenant Coffin being detailed
to act as rear-guard. The march was quick, though not espe
cially hurried, that I can remember. Once we halted to transfer
Captain Richardson, who had become too weak from loss of blood
to sit his horse, to the gun-carriage. About half-way back the
now familiar shriek of an eight-inch shell made us all duck and
then grin at each other as we realized that it was going in the
direction from whence we were coming, and was in fact from the
" Louisiana," and fired to cover our retreat.
We arrived in camp without further misadventure. Our losses
turned out to be as follows : Captain Richardson, flesh wounds
in left arm and shoulder, and had lost much blood ; Sergeant
Hobart, seriously wounded, perhaps mortally; Private Leonard,
apparently seriously wounded ; Corporal Lawrence, unknown.
We had brought in Captain Richardson, but the others we had

1 68 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
been obliged to leave, General Foster, upon application for per
mission to send out a flag of truce with an ambulance, saying that
he doubted if a flag would be respected just then; but those who
escaped unmarked, at least in Company G, were few, — grazed
skins, cut clothes, and damaged arms and equipments being the
rule. It seems 'we were sent to find where the enemy's picket
reserves were ; we found them.
Lieutenant O'Brien was said to have left for the rear at the first
volley, his clothing wounded in divers places, with the remark
that " He 'd be d  d if he was going to be killed in any little
infantry skirmish ! " It appears to have been at this little party of
officers and men on the left of the road that the first volley was
principally directed, as all who were wounded seem to have been
hit by this volley.
At the same time the enemy appeared on the roads on the
north side of the river, driving in the pickets, and a general attack
being apprehended, measures were taken accordingly. The regi
ment was ordered out on the line of the works; Companies E, C,
and D, with a company of the First North Carolina, were formed
in line as a reserve in the rear of Fort Washington.
The weather, which had been bright and warm in the forenoon,
had by this time become overcast and cold, and towards night
it set in to rain, much to the discomfort of the men on the line.
About dark a rocket was sent up from Fort Washington, burst
ing over the Greenville road, as a signal to direct the fire of the
gunboats. We lay behind the line in the rain all night, the gunboats
shelling the woods in our front, their shells passing over our heads
at short intervals.
In the evening Captain Lyon of the First North Carolina, with
a force variously stated as one and two companies, was sent down
the river to Rodman's Point with orders to intrench and hold it
against the enemy. The gunboat " Commodore Hull " also
dropped down the stream to cover his position. At daybreak
they were attacked and driven to the river-bank with a loss of
eight wounded, in spite of strenuous resistance on their part,
seconded by the fire of the " Hull."
While they were trying to put off, one of their flatboats grounded

WASHINGTON. 1 69
hard and fast; the men were lying flat to escape the terrible
musketry-fire ; one of the negro boatmen remarking, " Some
body 's got to die to git us out of dis, and it may as well be
me," deliberately got out of the boat and pushed it off, falling
into it pierced by five bullets. Dr. Ware afterwards amputated
a leg and cut out part of the bone of one arm, " but the man
died," — an instance of pure heroism unsurpassed by any the
war affords.
The enemy who seized Rodman's Point brought with them a
battery of English Whitworth guns, which they afterwards placed
in the battery they threw up there ; and more than once or twice
during the siege the peculiar sound of their projectiles was heard
passing over Company G's position from the right and rear. Much
to our comfort we learned that two of them were burst by trying
to use home-made ammunition.
On this day, the 31st, it is said that Hill ordered an assault on
our works. The men were already drawn up and all dispositions
made for the attack ; but the apparent strength of the works when
reconnoitred, and the evident unwillingness of the men, caused
the attempt to be given up. Be this as it may, this morning
Hill summoned the town to surrender. The summons was ad
dressed to "The Colonel in Command," and offered twenty-four
hours to send out the women and children. General Foster
would not allow the flag to enter the place, but sent out officers
to meet it. When they reported at the Fort, officers of Battery G
heard him say, " Go back and tell them if they want Washing
ton, come and take it." When this reply was returned as com
ing from the General, the Confederate officer is said to have ex
claimed, " My God ! is General Foster here? "
This day the enemy began to throw up works to shelter
their batteries at the edge of the woods near the left of their line,
and upon being discovered were promptly shelled from Fort
Hamilton and Blockhouse No. 4.
To-day also Virgil Gilbert, a civilian from the " Louisiana," ran
the blockade in a lighter, with despatches for the gunboats below.
The blockade consisted of a row of piles in the river nearly opposite
Hill's Point, crossing the stream and leaving only an opening
close under the guns of the battery there. Batteries were also

170 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
planted at other points, notably Rodman's Point, the guns at
which place afterwards caused us much annoyance. In short,
we found we had to do with an active and enterprising enemy.
The batteries at Hill's Point were cut in the high clay bank so
as to be practically invulnerable to the guns of our fleet.
Wednesday, April I, the battery at Rodman's Point, mounting
two Whitworths and a Parrott rifle, and also a battery some dis
tance above, with one thirty-two-pounder, opened on the right
of the line and Fort Hamilton, where Company C was stationed;
one Whitworth shot went through the corner of Blockhouse
No. 4, tearing blankets, knapsacks, etc., and scattering the con
tents of a big box of cayenne-pepper, causing much sneezing;
the town also came in for a share of these favors.
The " Louisiana " could hardly be sprung so as to bring her
broadside to bear on the upper battery, but the enemy's fire was
returned briskly by all the gunboats. Between eight and nine
o'clock the " Commodore Hull " was obliged to change her posi
tion, and in doing so, grounded, the water in the river being very
low on account of several days' westerly winds. She became a
target for the enemy's Whitworths, being hit over a hundred
times, and two or three shells exploding on board. Several of
her guns were disabled, and three of her crew wounded ; but the
engines escaped without injury.
The working parties in Fort Hamilton spent a good part of
their time in dodging shells; and along the whole line details
were at work, heightening, extending, and thickening traverses.
At the one where the writer was posted, a return at a considerable
angle was thrown up to cover us from the Whitworth projectiles
from Rodman's Point. The transports, with Prince's brigade, ar
rived in sight this day. Foster sent down orders to Prince to land
his troops ; but Prince reported it to be impracticable, and it was
not done. The town was now completely invested, and all commu
nication with our forces outside had to be held by running the
blockade in sail-boats and lighters. Ammunition also was found
to be running short. The investing force consisted of — Daniel's
Brigade of Infantry, five regiments ; Garnett's Brigade of Infantry,
six regiments; Pettigrew's Brigade of Infantry, six regiments;
Robertson's Brigade of Cavalry, three regiments; artillery

WASHINGTON. 171
amounting to forty guns, and some independent battalions, which
made up the total to close upon 15,000.
No regular siege operations were carried on, but the enemy
seemed to rely upon starving us out, and annoyed us in the mean
time with his artillery. We often heard from his pickets that they
had " got us just where they wanted us," had " got us bagged,"
etc. About midnight the " Hull " got afloat, and took position
abreast of the town ; firing ceased on both sides at nightfall.
The New Berne road was picketed this night by a detachment
from Company C, who learned from the Rebel pickets that our
wounded were at a house some two miles up the road, with good
medical attendance, and in care of ladies, and doing well. Hobart
was shot through the left lung, not considered dangerously,
Leonard had lost his right eye, and Lawrence was slightly
wounded in the neck with a buckshot.
Thursday morning, the 2d, the gunboats below ran up and
engaged the Hill's Point battery, but without effect, and after
considerable expenditure of valuable ammunition dropped down
the river again, — being the first of a daily series of such perform
ances. Renshaw says of the boats within the lines : —
" The 2d instant one hundred and twenty-one shot and shell of various
calibre and description were fired at the gunboats and town by the enemy
without doing any material damage. After consulting with General B'oster
I ordered that no notice should be taken by returning their fire. The
enemy were briskly engaged during the latter part of the day erecting bat
teries opposite our intrenchments."
Virgil Gilbert ran the blockade up the river with despatches
to-day; reports Rebel pickets all along the river-banks. A brisk
fire was kept up on the right of our lines through the day by the
Rodman's Point battery.
Friday, the 3d, a new battery on Ellison's Hill, near the
enemy's left, opened on the forts, making things especially lively
for those in Fort Hamilton. Commodore Renshaw says : —
" On the 3d instant, together with the two batteries that had been playing
on us, a third one opened directly abreast of us, containing a rifled twelve-
pounder distant about six hundred yards ; they succeeded in firing five
shots, when it was silenced, our shells completely demolishing the work.
The other two batteries fired ninety-eight shot and shell during the day."

172 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The writer was on guard this day, and while on post saw a
mounted man ride out from the cut in Red Hill, through which
the Jamesville road passes, and, dismounting within some six or
seven hundred yards of our lines, take a leisurely survey of them ;
several thirty-two-pound shots were fired at him, but he paid
them no attention until he got ready to go, when he mounted,
and deliberately rode back into the cut. About ten o'clock the
gunboats below came up for the usual diversion at Hill's Point.
Commodore Renshaw sent a small despatch-boat down to the
fleet, under Master's Mate McKeever; he was fired at twenty-one
times from Rodman's Point, and narrowly escaped being hit;
was fired upon twice from Hill's Point. At 6 P.M., despatches
were again sent down to General Palmer, who was below,*but the
boat was not fired upon.
At night the " Ceres " gunboat, acting volunteer Lieutenant
McDearmid commanding, ran the blockade with a supply of am
munition, which, as already mentioned, was running short, as well
as our commissary stores, with the exception of coffee; meat had
by this time disappeared from our rations, and we were reduced
to two-thirds rations of bread (eight hard-tack per day). Two
men of the Twenty-seventh were badly injured in Fort Hamilton
by a premature explosion of the thirty-two-pounder, being blown
over the parapet.
Saturday, the 4th, the Rodman's Point battery being reported
abandoned, Companies H and K and two companies of the
Twenty-seventh were sent down on the "Ceres" to occupy it,
but with orders to return if the battery had not been removed.
When well towards her destination two guns opened fire, and she
turned to come back, but the river was so low that she grounded.
Boats were immediately sent to her assistance, and the troops
were brought back with the loss of three wounded. Commodore
Renshaw says : —
"Fortunately no damage was done excepting two men who were
wounded by the enemy's shrapnel. While the 'Ceres' was aground she
did good work with her guns. For want of ammunition, or being de
ceived by her appearance, the enemy ceased firing, and all the troops,
fortunately, were safely landed."
In the evening the " Eagle " towed the " Ceres " off.

WASHINGTON. I yi
About 2 P. M. a new battery was opened by the enemy on the
Widow Blunt place, in rear of Fort Hamilton, but was soon
silenced by our guns. They had two six-pound rifled guns, but
their shot mostly fell short ; they were seen from Fort Hamilton
to come up and fire their guns, then run back and hide. We
learned from the previous night's pickets that our wounded had
been removed to Greenville. A tobacco ration was this day
served in Company G, from the company fund, and thereafter
every two or three days.
Sunday, the 5th, was comparatively quiet on our part of the
line by Blockhouse 2, but Hall (" History Third New York Artil
lery") says under this date that the fire on the fort began to
grow heavy. Ammunition was short and our fire slow and accu
rate ; the supply was now brought up by sail and row boats at
night. The weather began to be warm, and we also began badly
to feel the need of our spare clothing left at New Berne, as most
of us had only what we wore when we left there, and wanted a
change badly. Heavy firing reported, as usual, down the river;
it was said that nine gunboats were seen below.
Monday, the 6th, was warm and pleasant. Company G was
formed in rear of its place on the line, and each platoon de
ployed as skirmishers, and the skirmish-line marched up to the
works; then each man was directed to mark his place on the
line, and construct a loophole to fire through, with a shelter for
his head, which was done. The loopholes were revetted with
sods, and in many instances were very neat and workmanlike
affairs, commanding a good sweep, and completely sheltering
the rifleman. Camp-fires were visible all about us. This day
General Foster visited Fort Hamilton and directed the abatis
strengthened on the land side; also had the parapet loop-
holed as above. Commodore Renshaw's report says : —
" An occasional shot from thirty-two-pounder in Rebel upper battery.
The enemy busy at Rodman's clearing the woods and building a raft.
About 4 p. m. an explosion at that point followed by the burning of a large
building. At 8 p. m. started a dummy down the river ; the wind being
light and the tide slack, it did not arrive off Rodman's until nearly
up. m., when they opened fire from their batteries upon it, also volleys
of musketry."

174 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Tuesday, the 7th, there was quite a lively little fight between
the Rodman's Point and Widow Blunt batteries on the enemy's
side, and Fort Hamilton and the " Eagle " on ours. Renshaw
says : — ¦
" Having been informed that the enemy were fitting a steamer and two
flats to come down the river, also that they were well protected by cotton-
bales, I conferred with General Foster, and determined to build a naval
battery in a position that commanded the channel above. At 10 p.m. a
thirty-pound Parrott gun from the ' Ceres ' and a twelve-pound rifled how
itzer from the ' Louisiana ' were in battery ready for action. The river
was well protected two miles above by our torpedoes. One hundred and
twelve shot and shell were fired from the enemy's batteries during the day
at the gunboats and town without material injury ; none were replied to
except one in the swamp, which was instantly silenced."
With regard to the above, another account says : —
" The Rebels planted a gun in the swamp this morning and opened on
the gunboats, which opened broadsides of one-second shells and canister,
the range being only about one hundred yards. The firing from the boats
was terrific, but for all this they managed to fire the gun once more, and
I have not the least doubt that nearly every man there was killed, as they
did not fire again."
Another account says of the boys in the lines : —
" Opened again towards night. Down we go into the dirt. Both bat
teries directed here, — Widow's and Rodman's, — also from 32 across the
river. Shells burst directly over us. Some one stands on parapet to
watch ; when he sees smoke at Rodman's cries out, and down we go
close to the bank in that direction. Soon he is up again and cries ' 32 ! '
Down we go again. Again he rises, cries out ' Widow's ! ' Down again.
Sometimes two batteries fire at the same time, but it 's always all of thirty
seconds after we see the smoke before the shot strikes."
Thursday, the 9th, we were turned out at half-past three in the
morning, but nothing unusual happened. Two schooners came
up in the fog about one A. M., with fifteen tons of ammunition,
and were fired into by our sentries. Nothing else of note hap
pened this day. Artillery firing was heard during the afternoon
which proceeded from Spinola's column, who had run against the
enemy at Blount's Bridge.
About noon of the 8th General Spinola, with a force of some
5,000 infantry, including the Third, Fifth, Eighth, Seventeenth,

WASHINGTON. 1 75
and Forty-third Massachusetts, and the Fifth Rhode Island, with
Riggs's, Ashbay's, Howells's, Belger's, and Ransom's batteries,
started from New Berne to come overland to our relief.
About noon the next day, the 9th, the head of the column
came upon the enemy in force, in a strong, natural position at
Blount's Creek. He was posted on a hill on the farther side of
the creek, his flanks covered by a swamp, and his position was
approachable only by a narrow mill-dam, completely enfiladed
by his guns. Belger's battery was at once ordered forward,
and opened, under a heavy fire of grape and canister from the
enemy. Belger himself was wounded ; and some eight or ten
more casualties having occurred in about two hours' firing,
Spinola gave up the idea of proceeding, and drew off his men,
having made no attempt either to force or to flank the enemy's
position. He retreated direct to New Berne, marching with con
siderable haste, and reached that place on the evening of the 10th,
with his men well used up with marching. So ended the only
attempt made to relieve us from New Berne. An officer of the
Seventeenth in a letter to a friend says : " It was considered a
most perilous one, — a forlorn hope. Most of the officers con
sidered we were marching to entire defeat, and to death or a
prison." There certainly seems to have been a plentiful lack of
energy and capacity shown in the conduct of the expedition, and
it seems very strange that the extended line of the enemy could
not have been broken through by a force of at least one third of
his own entire number, and with his forces divided by a river, the
only bridge by which direct crossing could be made being closed
to them. If the same dash and. push had been shown as was
done at Southwest Creek in the previous December, in a some
what similar situation, it appears to the writer that a way might
have been found to force or flank the position.
Spinola's loss of the confidence of the men was quaintly ex
pressed thereafter by a transposition of the letters of his name,
he being familiarly mentioned as " /'z-snola; " he was also known
as " General By-Jesus," and " General Dickey," in allusion to the
high white collars which he then did and does still, we hear,
make himself conspicuous by wearing.
It was the custom of each company on the land side to picket

176 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
its own front; this night, the 9th, among Company G's detail
were the writer's two tent-mates, Dolbeare and Atwood. We
occupied a tent about the right of the line held by the company,
and very near the second traverse on the right of Blockhouse
No. 2. The well, on the top of the plateau on the western slope
of which was our tent, was about a hundred yards to our right
and rear ; it was an old-fashioned affair, with curb and sweep and
a "dug-out" trough, and with the tree beside it, and Company
G's cook-house which stood " convanient," must have been a
conspicuous object from the enemy's batteries on Red Hill.
On the morning of Friday, the 10th, my two comrades had
come in from picket duty, and had turned in to make up their
sleep ; about nine o'clock I was engaged in hanging out my
blanket to air behind the tent ; a squad of men were at the well,
drawing water and washing, some of them stripped to the waist;
some firing was going on as usual, but attracted no attention, until
one shell seemed rather nearer than common, when I looked up
just in time to see it burst, seemingly almost overhead; the group
at the well stood not on the order of their going, but scattered
with more haste than dignity, some of them making comical ex
hibitions in their endeavors to combine rapid locomotion with the
completion of their interrupted toilet. I started to seize my gun
and equipments, and to warn my comrades in the tent ; as I
emerged with my traps in my hand, a second shell cracked as
near as the first, and I saw a splinter come spinning and bound
ing down the slope as I ran for my place at the next traverse ;
when I got into its shelter I found most of the boys of the second
platoon comfortably seated in the sand, with their backs to the
traverse, laughing at those who had to come in later under fire,
which was quite severe, coming apparently from eight guns in a
new battery, the first to reach our part of the line; as we were
on the left face of the salient between the fort and Blockhouse
No. 2, the fire enfiladed 'us and took us slightly in reverse; the
mark of a shell in the inside of the line was noticed by the writer
later in the day.
The fort and blockhouses promptly turned their attention to
the stranger, and in half an hour the firing was stopped so far as
we were concerned. When this seemed definitely ascertained, a

WASHINGTON.

177

detail of twenty of us were despatched to the town to see what
lumber we could raise to make a roof for a splinter-proof. We
went straight to the Grist place, where we found that his gin-
house had disappeared, with the exception of its floor ; this we
raised bodily from its foundations, and bore it back with us on
our shoulders, with many groans but much satisfaction, and it
became the principal factor in the construction of our " rat-hole,"
as we called it, of which the illustration will give as good an idea
as I can do in writing ; it was a fair sample of the shelters made

//&/% oiyinjtzfis or ca o, JyasW*7'0K 'Mg.

all along the line, though there were as many differences in detail
as there were varying circumstances.
The tent in the traverse ditch was occupied by Lieutenant-
Colonel Cabot, who commanded that part of the line, and Cap
tain Hunt ; and according to the former was known to the officers
as " Hotel Hunt."
The enemy opened on us again about noon from the new bat
tery, and again at dark ; but by that time our " rat-hole " was
nearly finished, in spite of these interruptions. On the forenoon
of this day Dr. Ware died. The news of his death cast a sadness
over the whole regiment, as he had won his way into the confi
dence and regard of the entire command. The fire on the fort
this day was very intense, amounting, Hall says, to two hundred
shots per hour. " The topmast of the flagstaff was shot away,
bringing the flag down by the run. David Myrick of Battery G,
Third New York Artillery, climbed the mast and nailed the flag

178 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
to its place. Shots struck the pole above and below him while
he was up there, and one of them jarred him down."
When Colonel Cabot was quartered at our traverse, he asked
for a man to act as orderly ; upon which Colonel Lee called Cor
poral Stephen A. Powers of Company G, and presented him in
these words : " Here, Colonel, here 's Corporal Powers ; he '11 sing
you a comic song, dance you a jig, or shoot you a Rebel, which
ever you want." Powers was thereupon duly accredited as Lieu
tenant-Colonel's orderly, and obeyed and respected accordingly.
He really was the life of the company, making fun of everything.
On one occasion as we sat in the splinter-proof listening to the
whir of the shell overhead he remarked, " Oh, thim 's only pigeon-
wings, boys ! " and shortly after broke into song with a parody of
one of the songs of " II Recruitio," itself a parody : —
" We 're the boys that 's awful hungry,
For there 's nothing we can eat ;
The bloody Rebs are trying to starve us,
And we cannot now retreat ; ''
and all hands joined in the chorus.
The position of sentry on this traverse was rather trying during
the " morning exercises," and in one or two cases was filled, when
a volunteer was called for, by Private Alden J. Adams, who was
as gay when under fire as when safe and snug in the " rat-hole."
And here it may be as well to explain how we did guard duty
at Washington. Each man of the platoon went on in rotation,
there being two posts on the line between the traverse and the
blockhouse, and the ceremony of a sentinel at Lieutenant-Colonel
Cabot's headquarters being dispensed with. The tour of duty was,
during the day, two hours ; at night, one. The sergeant of the
guard sat with the corporal by a fire behind the works, at the
meeting of the two beats ; at night, when a man's time was up,
the corporal would hail him as he came to that end of his beat,
"Your time's up, — who relieves you? " " Cogswell, sir." "Well,
go and wake him up." Having obeyed which order, the ex-
sentry would turn into his own blankets without further cere
mony. We thought this was getting guard duty " right down
fine ; " and it certainly was a contrast to the elaborate guard-
mountings of our New Berne quarters.

WASHINGTON. 1 79
Saturday, the nth, the batteries opened on us promptly when
the river-fog cleared, about 8 A. M. The firing was quite rapid;
most of the projectiles were twelve-pound Parrott fuse-shell, few
of which burst, but most of them " tumbled " handsomely, making
a great racket as they passed. There seemed to be also a few
six-pound smooth-bores. Some of the shot reached the extreme
left to-day, one falling in the river, very near two of Company
D's men who were washing there at the time.
Yesterday, when I returned to my tent to get my blankets, as
we were to sleep in the splinter-proof, I found a shot-hole
through the side toward the batteries ; in Company A one shot
plunged through the " guy " end of a tent, picked up a knapsack,
and out with it through the other side of the tent, tearing the
guy to ribbons, and dropping the knapsack a little farther on, in
a very demoralized condition ; in fact, as a knapsack, its useful
ness was over when the shot got through with it.
Some of Company D's men found on the Schenkl fuse-plugs of
some shells picked up in the lines the mark of Messrs. George D.
Fox & Co. of Boston ; perhaps they came to Mr. Hill, in care of
Maj.-Gen. John D. Pope, the summer before. The companies on
our right, nearer the fort, seem to have experienced more annoy
ance from the enemy's fire than we did ; and it seems very singu
lar that there were absolutely no casualties in the regiment after
March 30.
This night, about 1 1 P. M., Company E's sentry heard a noise
in their front, and gave an alarm which turned out the company ;
on investigation a man was found wandering about who proved
to be one of our own pickets; how he got there was not
explained. We were ordered back to our tents to sleep this
night. Sunday, the 12th, we were all busy pitching our tents near our
place in the line, so that we could all be on hand in case of
alarm. About 9.30 A. M. the enemy commenced the ordinary
morning diversion, which lasted about three quarters of an hour,
with the usual results. General Palmer arrived below this day.
To-day we were served a ration of flour in the shape of soft bis
cuit instead of hard-tack; but it was questionable whether the
change was for the better.

180 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Renshaw says : — ¦
"12th instant, finding that the enemy had repaired their fort in the
swamp abreast of us with sand-bags and cotton-bales, I directed the gun
boats to fire on it, at the same time ordering small pieces of port-fire to be
put in the shells, which had the desired effect of setting fire to the cotton.
The enemy, under the galling fire of the gunboats, attempted to extinguish
the flames, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. They then placed a red
flag with a dark cross directly in an embrasure and left it ; when we ceased
firing there was but little vestige of fort or flag left. One hundred and
four shots were fired during the day at the gunboats and town ; the latter
suffered slightly."
At night the enemy opened on the " Louisiana " and bridge,
but without effect; at the same time the "Widow Blunt" scolded
at the fort for a while, but also without results.
Monday, the 13th, we woke and found it raining. Fire was
opened from the fort on the Red Hill batteries about eight
o'clock, but drew no reply. After the enemy left we found that
they made a practice of bringing up their guns each morning and
putting them in battery under cover of the river fog ; when this
cleared away they would open fire, often with a volley, and when
things got too warm for them they would haul them off out of
range again.
Commodore Renshaw says of this day's operations : —
"Our batteries on shore fired a few shots, but no response from the
enemy. Rodman's and the battery containing the thirty-two-pounder above
fired one hundred and twenty shots at the gunboats and town ; the
' Eagle ' was struck twice, producing but little injury. At 5 P. m. a thirty-
pound rifled gun opened fire on the ' Louisiana,' one-half mile distant on
the New Berne road, doing no damage except cutting some of the light
rigging and blocks away, the shots mostly passing over and taking effect in
the town ; this gun was silenced in fifteen minutes by the ' Louisiana.'
During the night I directed the mastheads to be decorated with bushes to
correspond with the woods, the enemy having range of us from both
sides. Having understood that the Rebel infantry were in the habit of
keeping guard on the river below to prevent our small boats coming
through, I ordered acting volunteer Lieutenant MacDearmid to take any
small schooner he could find, mount a howitzer, and drive the Rebel
pickets from the water. About 10 p. m. he encountered the Rebel boats
filled with infantry ; after exchanging a few shots they were compelled to
retire, since which they have not ventured on the river to prevent our

WASHINGTON. l8l
small boats from passing up and down. At 11.25 p- M- tne steamer
' Escort ' gallantly ran the blockade with reinforcements for our army."
Towards midnight there was heavy artillery firing on the river,
increasing in intensity and nearness, followed by great cheering
and shouting in the town. We were turned out, but soon found
that instead of the Rebels having assailed our works, the " Escort,"
with our old comrades of the Fifth Rhode Island, Colonel Sisson
on board, had successfully run the blockade and arrived at the
town. The boat was loaded with baled hay, and the men protected
as much as possible ; and although they ran the gauntlet of a
heavy artillery and musketry fire, their losses were slight, being
only a few wounded.
The New York " -Herald " says : —
" It appears that on Saturday night, April 1 1, just after the return of
General Spinola to New Berne, and before any time had been given them
to recover from the fatigues of their previous labors, the officers of the
Fifth Rhode Island called on General Palmer, and stated that their men
had en masse requested permission to run past the batteries below Wash
ington, or to land and capture them bodily.
" The offer to do this former was gladly accepted, and the transport
' Escort ' having been selected, the brave boys of Little Rhody, with the
mud of their previous march not, yet dry upon their clothing, went on
board at midnight, hardly any one but themselves knowing of the circum
stance. So completely exhausted were the men with their four days' hard
marching and fighting, that when they found themselves on board the
steamer they sank down to rest and sleep upon the bare decks, as only
tired warriors can. . . .
" A run of seventeen hours brought them to the fleet of gunboats, five
miles below the battery at Hill's Point, where delay was necessary in order
to arrange a plan for running the Rebel blockade. This displeased the
Rhode Islanders, who wished to face the music at once ; but they were
obliged to wait the trial of their heroism till Monday night.
"About ten o'clock on Monday night the gunboats which had taken
position just below the Hill's Point battery opened a brisk fire upon the
Rebel works, but were unable to elicit any reply.
" During the cannonade the ' Escort,' loaded with supplies and troops,
steamed up past the gunboats, and before the Rebels could realize the
fact, was abreast of the battery, and had entered the pass of the blockade,
which had been buoyed out by Captain McDermott [MacDearmid] of

1 82 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the ' Ceres,' through which she passed in safety. The Hill's Point battery
did not molest her in passing, owing to the fact that the gunboats kept up
such an incessant and well-directed fire upon the fort as to make it impos
sible for the Rebels to get their guns into position.
" But after the steamer had passed the blockade her trip was a decid
edly exciting one. The Rebels had posted their sharpshooters on rafts in
the river, in the bushes on the shore, and they also had planted light field
batteries along the south bank of the river, near which the channel runs,
from which they kept up a continuous firing of volley after volley of mus
ketry, and roar upon roar of artillery, until the craft was lost in the distance.
For six miles she ran the fiery gauntlet, a part of the time being within
three hundred yards of a shore which swarmed with gray-backed riflemen
and butternut-colored artillerists, whose every word of command and shout
of defiance could be distinctly heard by those on board.
" When she arrived opposite the battery on Rodman's farm, the guns
which had so nearly demolished the ' Commodore Hull,' belched forth
their hostile welcome, and for twenty minutes the thunder from the Rebel
guns was continued. Guided only by the firing upon shore, the brave
pilot headed her on until the last discharges of cannon and musketry were
heard far astern, and he knew he was close upon Washington. Then he
espied the low black hull of one of our gunboats, and heard the watch-bell
upon the deck tolling out the hour of the night ; then he saw the dim
lights of the town, and heard the half-suppressed voices of our men on
shore, and he doubly realized that the immediate danger was over.
" You know that I have seen many feats of valor during the war, and
can judge somewhat of the boldness and nerve requisite for them, and can
also approximate unto something like a reasonable comparison of such
events ; and here allow me to say that this feat of the ' Escort ' and those
on board has had no parallel during the war. Gunboats and iron-clads,
to be sure, have run past batteries in wide rivers, as it was their place to
do, and the events have been telegraphed far and wide ; but I have yet
to learn of an unarmed transport loaded with a regiment of men and a
cargo of supplies and ammunition even attempting such a thing as here
narrated." At the same time three schooners laden with provisions and
ammunition ran the blockade, being manned by thirty volunteers
from the Forty-third Massachusetts, who were also lying below.
Tuesday, the 14th, the fog cleared early. We were all feeling
happy that now the " charm was broken," and we were both
physically and morally reinforced by the arrival of our old com
rades of the Fifth Rhode Island.
While Company G was drawing breakfast in the hollow between

WASHINGTON.

183

the traverses, the batteries opened on us; those who had al
ready received their eight hard-tack and their coffee suddenly
evaporated ; those who had not, hung on, cocking their eyes up
at each passing shot like a hen in a shower, but keeping in line
for their turn, and vamosing with remarkable suddenness as soon
as their dippers were full. The writer had to wait for some five
or six, and it is still fresh in his memory how he stumbled in the
drain which was dug from the traverse ditch, just as he was ready
to dive for shelter, losing half his coffee up his sleeve, to the huge
and undisguised amusement of his laughing comrades. The
firing was of short duration this morning.

" The enemy," Renshaw reports, " attempted to raise again
their flag on the swamp battery ; a few well-directed shell from
the ' Commodore Hull ' tore it to pieces."
At night the writer was on outside picket; it rained steadily all
night, and we were entirely unmolested and quiet, and came in
next morning at daybreak very tired and sleepy; had had just
about time to eat breakfast when, as my diary says, " the ball
opened at twenty minutes before seven," and continued the usual
forty-five or fifty minutes ; this day they pelted us with six-pound
round fuse-shell, which burst well and made things particularly
interesting for the sentry on the traverse.
Meanwhile the firing all round had been severe, — in fact, since
we came in from picket ; we afterwards heard that General Foster

1 84 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
had run the blockade down the river in the " Escort," and had
gone to New Berne to bring up a column overland to raise the
siege. He left us the following farewell order : —
Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
Washington, N. C, April 14, 1863.
The commanding general announces to the garrison of this town that
he is about to leave for a brief space of time the gallant soldiers and sailors
of this garrison. Brigadier-General Potter will remain in command, and
in him the commanding general has the most perfect confidence as a
brave and able soldier. The command of the naval forces remains un
changed ; therefore that arm of the service will be as effective and perfect
as heretofore. The commanding general leaves temporarily, and for the
purpose of putting himself at the head of a relieving force. Having raised
the siege, he expects soon to return ; but before leaving he must express
to the naval force here, and to the soldiers under his command, the
Twenty-seventh and Forty-fourth Massachusetts regiments, detachments
of the Third New York Cavalry and First North Carolina volunteers, his
thanks for and admiration of the untiring zeal, noble emulation, and excel
lent courage which have distinguished them during the sixteen days of the
enemy's attack on this post ; and he feels confident that the display of
those qualities under General Potter will hold the place till the siege be
raised. J. G. Foster,
Major- General Commanding Eighteenth Army Corps.
The "Escort" left Washington on the morning of the 15th at
5.30 A. M., having on board General Foster and his A. A. G.,
Lieut.-Col. Southard Hoffman, and others of his staff. When the
boat arrived within range of Rodman's Point the batteries opened
upon her, and as she approached the shore she came under
heavy musketry fire ; the boat, however, kept on, passing at last
the Hill's Point battery; she was struck by eighteen shot and
shell ; her upper works were literally riddled with bullets (the
writer afterwards saw her at New Berne). The pilot, Mr. Pethe-
rick, a loyal North Carolinian, was killed at his post as the boat
passed Rodman's Point.
Thursday morning, the 16th, the writer was detailed for guard at
the traverse upon turning out; this was the critical tour of the
day, as it included the daily artillery exercise; so I kept a very
sharp lookout on Red Hill as the fog cleared away, and grew

WASHINGTON. 185
more and more anxious; time wore on, and still "no reports."
After a while a small squad of men in butternut appeared on the
Jamesville road, coming in the direction of our lines ; after pass
ing out of sight behind Fort Washington they did not reappear ;
but in a short time a column of men in blue filed up the same
road to the cut in Red Hill, and then to the right along the
hillside. A platoon was deployed as skirmishers and began to
move cautiously upward toward the Rebel works. By this time
all of us were on the line, watching anxiously for the smoke and
flash of a volley from the works, but none came ; and on coming
within fifty yards the skirmish line made a rush, and in a moment
the yellow sand parapet was crowded with blue-coats, and we
could hear their cheering as they swung their caps in exultation.
It was Companies E and B, Twenty- seventh Massachusetts, who
had been immediately sent out upon receipt, from the party of
deserters who had just come in, of the news of the enemy's de
parture. These men reported that the enemy were in bad condi
tion. They had been put on shorter rations than ourselves;
namely, one quart cob meal and one quarter of a pound of bacon
per day; their artillery was all light (we knew of one thirty-two-
pounder, and the writer still has a piece of shrapnel from it).
They were falling back up the roads toward Greenville and
Kinston. Meanwhile on the New Berne road beyond the river Company
E's pickets had made the same discovery ; their historian says :
" While we were on picket last night we heard noises which were un
accountable, on which a few shells were thrown into the swamp. At four
o'clock this morning we heard the Rebel drums beat for roll-call, at five
o'clock the bugle call for advance ; so we suppose the Rebels have
started. They came near to the creek, but it was so dark we could not
make out much. We saw a man on a white horse at the picket-post, as a
lantern was in a position to throw a strong light on him. To-day Com
pany I's picket advanced to the old earthworks, where Hobart, Leonard,
and Lawrence were taken, and found everybody gone from that side of the
river." Renshaw says : —
" Discovering that the guns had been removed from Rodman's Point,
I ordered the ' Commodore Hull,' ' Ceres,' and ' Eagle ' to shell the
point well before landing our troops. Acting third Assistant-Engineer

1 86 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Thos. Mallahan of the ' Ceres,' while attempting to land in one of her boats,
was killed by a musket ball."
It seems a small party were still left in the works, and when
Mr. Mallahan, Master's Mate Hudson, and two men attempted to
land and raise the colors on the works, about fifty of the enemy
rose from behind rifle-pits and fired into the boat, with the result
above stated. A small schooner with four or five men of the
Forty-third, who had come up the night previous with ammuni
tion, was running close to the shore when the enemy opened fire,
wounding. Francis Tripp mortally and one other of the Forty-
third slightly. The gunboats came back, and at 2 P. M. the
"Eagle" went down again, running as close to Point as she could,
and sending shell into the batteries with great precision. Mr.
Lay with eight men of the First North Carolina, his gun's crew,
went ashore, followed by Master's Mate Tucker, with a howitzer
and five men, and planted the colors on the Rebel works. Half
an hour later, three hundred of the Fifth Rhode Island, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Tew, and one gun of Third New York Artil
lery under Lieutenant Mower, arrived, and proceeded out on a
reconnoissance ; they surrounded four Rebels, one of whom was
killed in trying to escape, but the other three were captured,
being Captain Parker of the Fiftieth North Carolina Volunteer
Artillery, Brigade Commander, Drum-Major Mott, and a private
of the same regiment. The captain reported Hill's force at
6,000, and 3,000 at the Cross-roads. He said that town would
be stormed again within three days.
Two of their guns — a twenty-pound Parrott and a Whit
worth — were found burst ; and also the following notice was
found posted up. YANKEES.
We leave you, not because we cannot take Washington, but because it
is not worth taking ; and besides, the climate is not agreeable. A man
should be amphibious to inhabit it. We leave you a few bursted guns,
some stray solid shot, and a man and a brother who was rescued from the
waves to which some foray among his equils consigned him.
But this tribute we pay you : you have acted with much gallantry during
the brief siege. We salute the pilot of the " Escort."
Co. K, 32d Regt. N. C. Vols.
Fort Hill, April, 1863.

WASHINGTON. 1 87
Renshaw says: "Enemy burst four guns at Rodman's, — two
Whitworth and two Parrott, rifled, latter marked ' Tredegar Works
Richmond.' "
In the afternoon the following order was received : —
Headquarters, April 16, 1863.
Special Order.
Colonel Lee, commanding Forty-fourth Massachusetts, will detail three
companies to proceed on board steamer " Eagle " at 6.30 o'clock to
Hill's Point. The men will take three days' rations, blankets, over
coats, etc.
The three companies will, with two companies of the Forty-third
Massachusetts, be under command of the major of that regiment.
By order of General Potter.
G. W. Atwill, A. A. A. G.
In accordance with this order Companies C, D, and I were
detailed under Major Dabney, to whom the command of the
entire force was afterwards transferred, and went on board the
" Eagle," where they slept.
Next morning, the 17th, they landed in small boats at Hill's
Point. " Corporal " says : —
" It was the strongest point of the Rebel blockade. Behind the earth
works, which were mostly erected at an early day in the Rebellion, are a
plenty of bomb-proofs. . . . Between the shore and the woods is a Rebel
rifle-pit. This forenoon we skirmished out a mile or so, encountering
an old Rebel camp, and the one the Rebels have recently occupied.
We picked up one ' butternut ' gentleman with a carpet-bag containing a
Rebel uniform, and the picture of a Rebel officer. ' Butternut ' said he
picked up the carpet-bag in the woods as he was going home from mill.
He said the 'Rebs ' were robbing the population of their provisions, and
had nearly cleaned him out."
The " Phcenix " came up this morning with ammunition.
Captain Richardson came out in a carriage to-day to see his
company, previously to leaving for New Berne. He was quite
advanced in convalescence, and expected to be again on duty
shortly. Nothing was heard from the enemy to-day.
Saturday, 18th; the cavalry picket on our left was fired upon
and wounded in the wrist this afternoon ; a party of Company E
with some of Company B, Twenty-seventh, started out from

1 88 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Blockhouse No. I, but after an hour's search found nothing.
About eight P. M. there was an alarm from this blockhouse and
we turned out. A couple of shell were fired from the howitzer
there, after which all was quiet, though we remained under arms
until eleven o'clock. This was our last alarm.
Lieutenant Commanding W. P. McCann, of the "Hunchback,"
says : —
" Owing to buoys being removed, pilots were afraid to attempt to run
batteries. Also we engaged Hill's Point battery three times without
silencing it, and on consultation with the commanding officers it was
deemed improper to attempt to run the gunboats through to Rodman's
until a demonstration was made by the army [referring to Spinola's
Expedition]." Sunday, the 19th, guns were heard six or eight miles away,
across the river. The advance of General Foster's column
arrived about noon, and he himself came up the river on the
" Escort" in the afternoon. The town now seemed full of troops ;
we had little to do for a day or two but to draw full rations, and
write letters home, and laugh at the wild accounts which now
reached us in the home papers of the affair we had just been
engaged in.
Before dinner on Tuesday, the 21st, we received orders to be
ready to go on board the boat for New Berne at an hour's notice.
Next morning we were up at four o'clock, and at half-past five
were on board the steamer " Thomas Collyer ; " cast off and got
under way at 6.17. We stopped at Hill's Point to take on board
the detached companies, and at about 9.45 were fairly on our
way to New Berne, which we reached about midnight of the 22d.
So ended the heaviest piece of service in which the regiment
was engaged ; for seventeen days we were constantly on the
alert, and during all but two days of the time there was no day
when those stationed toward the right of our line were not under
fire, often for the greater part of the day. The cannonading was
nearly continuous.
The reports of expenditure of ammunition in the gunboats will
give some idea of the service done by the navy. Commodore
Renshaw reports for the " Louisiana " 105 8-inch shells for
every " up to 20; 301 32-pound shells from 1" to 20 "; 50 solid

WASHINGTON. 1 89
shot and 25 12-pound shells. Captain MacDearmid 213 shells of
all kinds; Saltonstall, of the " Hull," 331 30-pound Parrott shells
and shrapnel; 138 24-pound howitzer ditto and canister.
The regiment was especially favored in the matter of casualties,
the four who were wounded in the skirmish of March 30 making
up the entire list.
General Foster while with us paid constant attention to the
state of the garrison and works ; there was seldom a day when he
did not pass along the line with General Potter, and often one or
two other staff officers : after returning to New Berne, he issued
the following order : — Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps
New Berne, April 24, 1863.
General Order No. 63.
The garrison of Washington, N. C, composed of the Twenty-seventh
Massachusetts Regiment, Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, Fifth
Rhode Island, First North Carolina Volunteers, Company I Third New
York Cavalry, Battery G Third New York Artillery, have well merited, by
their steadiness, courage, and endurance, the honor of inscribing, and they
are ordered to inscribe on their banners and guidons, " Washington, April,
1863." Per order Major-General J. G. Foster.
Southard Hoffman, A. A. G.
In the history of the Third New York Artillery, Hall says of
this defence : —
"The success of Foster's gallant little band of 2,200 \_sic] in keeping at
bay a whole Rebel corps for twenty days, and notwithstanding an aggres
sive siege of twelve days, has been justly regarded as unparalleled in the war.
The merit of the achievement is prominently and perhaps principally due
to Battery G, of the Third New York Artillery."
A comrade comments on this: "The gunboats deserve a large
share, as well as General Foster's personal presence, and our
band!' Captain Denny, in " Wearing the Blue," makes the following
remarks : —
" When it is considered that the defence of this line was made against
fourteen thousand Confederate troops under skilled commanders, we do
not hesitate to say that the defence against such odds rises to the pitch of
heroic grandeur equalled during the war only by Mulligan's glorious de
fence of Lexington, Missouri, in the autumn of 1861."

190 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
During the siege our comrades of companies F and B, on
picket at Batchelder's Creek, listened daily with anxious hearts
for the sound of the guns at Washington. As long as the firing
could be heard they felt that we still held out; when there was a
quiet day, or the wind was unfavorable for the guns being heard,
they said sadly to themselves, " The boys are gone up ; " but
next day the dull rumble of the distant cannon would again reach
their ears, and they thought, " No, the Forty-fourth is all right
yet." Great was their anxiety on the night when the Fifth Rhode
Island came through, supposing that the heavy firing denoted the
night assault that all expected. They probably suffered as much
from anxiety as ourselves, who were present and absorbed in
what had to be done from day to day.
The newspaper reports of the siege during its continuance,
though they seem to us now funny enough, were of the most dis
quieting nature for our friends at home, as will appear from a
quotation from one of the writer's letters from home under date
of April 14.
" I thought to have finished mother's letter yesterday ; but I was quite
engaged most of the day, and in truth did not feel much like writing under
the uncertain prospects in regard to your whereabouts, or if ever it would
reach you. The uncertainty still remains ; the conflicting accounts, even,
make it apparent that you are in a dangerous position. But as we can do
nothing but hope for the best, I shall continue as if this were sure of find
ing you a. free United States troop somewhere."
In looking over these old letters, a " pocket " of cuttings mostly
from the " Transcript," and relating to the siege, was " struck ; "
these the writer proposes to quote verbatim et literatim.
" New York 8th [April] . The ' Post ' learns that on the 4th inst. General
Foster was at Little Washington with a brigade, a regiment of North Caro
lina troops, and some other troops, and were virtually surrounded by
rebels, who have erected batteries on Tar River, between Newberne and
Little Washington, which the naval force of wooden gunboats are unable
to pass.
" It was understood that a battle had taken place between Foster and
the rebels, but nothing definite was known. Heavy firing was heard,
lasting from Wednesday night to Friday night, evidently from the rebel
batteries.

WASHINGTON. 191
" Gen. Foster's means of defence are deemed ample, having a fort and
entrenchments with sufficient ammunition and provisions.
" Large reinforcements are in transports below the batteries unable to
reach Foster for want of some naval force competent to take them.
" The reported surrender of Gen. Foster is discredited. It is understood
that he is confident of his ability to successfully withdraw his forces, even
if compelled to relinquish the town and Pamlico River."
"New York April 9. Passengers from Beaufort, N. C, state that on
the 5th the rebel pickets on the Trent road were extended to a point nine
miles from New Berne.
" Affairs at Little Washington looked threatening. Sunday evening the
rebel Gen. Hill was opposing Gen. Foster's little band, and on Monday
afternoon, rumor at New Berne said that Gen. Foster had surrendered.
This is not credited, as it was believed that reinforcements from Suffolk
Va., had reached Washington. Gen. Foster's position was strongly en.
trenched by rifle pits and ditches. Cannonading was heard at Newbern
all day Sunday and Monday.
" The steam gunboat Chocura and State of Georgia were coaling at
Morehead City to run the blockade of Pamlico River, where there was but
one gunboat."
" New York April 13th. The steamer Dudley Buck, from Newbern
9th, brings the report that it was expected Gen. Foster would have to sur
render from want of provisions."
" New York April 13th. A letter from Col. Sissell, [query, Sisson ?] an
officer under Gen. Foster, under date of the 9th inst., says the latter can
not hold out more than a day longer, being short of provisions and com
pletely surrounded."
" New York, April z$th. The gunboat Valley City, which passed the
rebel batteries below Washington, N. C, to Gen. Foster's assistance, was
struck by sixty-three shot. Her subsequent fate is not known."
From other collections we glean the following. From the
" New York Express : " —
" On the 20th ult., Gen. Foster with a portion of Spinola's and Prince's
brigades comprising the Penn. Regts. of Cols. McKibbin, Dyer, Bear, the
12th N. Y., 157th N. Y. and 1st N. C. started for Little Washington on
the junction of the Tar and Pamlico rivers, where they entrenched them
selves. In the mean rime the Rebels erected a very powerful battery on
Scoon Pt., some 5 miles below Washington, which commands the channel,
which at that point is very narrow and runs close in shore. . . .
" Gen. Magruder with 5000 rebels attacked Foster's position from the
land side and thus completely surrounded him."

192 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
From the " Journal," April 2 : —
" Gen. Foster ordered out Co. A, Capt. Richardson and Co. D, Capt.
Sullivan, on a reconnoissance. They went out of the earthworks and while
out their retreat was cut off. So Capt. R. ordered the men to cut their
way through, which they did with considerable loss — some 1 6 killed and
wounded. Among them was Capt. R. who was wounded and Orderly
Edmands who was killed."
A private letter from a member of the regiment dated April 7 : " Re
port to-day is that our Colonel Lee was killed in a charge on the rear of
the rebels' battery.
" Ed. — The report in relation to Col. Lee we do not feel at liberty to
withhold, although it is more than probable that it is entirely unfounded."
" One letter from New Berne gives a rumor that 8 companies of the
Mass. 44th at Little Washington had made a sally and captured quite a
number of rebels."
This will show the wild character of many of the reports which
found their way to our friends at home ; others were nearer the
facts, but scarcely more encouraging. Many incidents of the
siege were amusing enough. A comrade of Company D con
tributes the following: —
" During the siege of Little Washington, before the duties became so
arduous that we were glad to obtain sleep even if in five-minute instal
ments, a quartette from Company D was one morning engaged in a quiet
game of euchre just outside the company quarters. John Payne was sit
ting with his back to the shanty which had been erected as a shelter for
the company, to avoid further trespassing on the kindness of the comrades
of Company B, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, who had been assigned
quarters in the blockhouse. The boys had just gathered up their cards,
and Payne was laughing over some joke, when a solid shot passed over
Fort Washington, ploughed up the sand just in front of the quarters,
almost buried the boys in the shower, and then plunged into the river.
Payne's mouth was wide open, and he received more than his share of the
sand. As soon as he could articulate he exclaimed, ' I 'm not hungry,
Johnny ; I 've had my breakfast ! ' "
One day during the siege Johnson, Bedell, and Tackney of
Company E, thinking that we were deficient in artillery, cast
about to supply the want so far as they could. Rummaging about,
they found an old pair of wheels and some stove-pipe, and
having mounted the funnel on the wheels, ran it up toward the

WASHINGTON. 1 93
works. Some of the Johnnies had evidently been watching the
proceedings with a great deal of interest, for just as the boys had
got their " piece " in position, puff went a gun at the Widow
Blunt place, and a solid shot from the enemy struck uncomfort
ably close. The boys concluded that an attempt was being made
to dismount their new gun, and feeling that enough had been
done for honor, and that should the Rebels be successful no
great damage would be done to our armament, they retired to
the shelter of their bomb-proof.
One of our cavalry pickets, under cover of a flag of truce,
entered into conversation with a Rebel officer, a lieutenant, who
wished to know how large a force we had ; the man told him,
" Enough to take care of all the Rebels in North Carolina." " I
should think so," was the reply, " for you are a d  d sight
longer winded than any of us imagined."
Our regimental band was one morning stationed in the fort, in
a sheltered place, while the firing from Red Hill was going on,
and played for some time, chiefly national airs ; it was remarked
that " Dixie " seemed to draw rather an extra warm acknowledg
ment from "our friends the enemy." It has since been suggested
that the object of this demonstration was to give the impression
that a brigade was present.
It seems as if the enemy must have been deceived as to our
numbers, for Garnett said, when ordered to assault upon the
14th of April, that he would " lose half his men getting there,
and the other half getting back." A story to the same effect
reached the writer's ears not long after the siege. After the in
vestment was raised, it is said Lieutenant " Teddy " O'Brien of
the Third New York Cavalry was reconnoitring on the south side
of the river with a small platoon of his company ; upon turning a
bend in the road he saw, not two hundred yards away, a squad
ron of Rebel cavalry coming towards him. Running away seemed
risky, so he drew his sabre, and giving the order, " Battalion,
charge ! " rushed down upon them with his sabre in air, as if he
really had a regiment at his back ; they were entirely taken in
by his " cheek," and thinking it was the advance guard only of a
heavy column, surrendered at once without resistance, and with
their officers and colors fell captive to his bow and spear. When
13

194

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

the captain in command was brought into the town, upon looking
about him he asked with great eagerness, " Where have you
hidden all your men?"
Some comical incidents happened to the men under fire. The
writer was one morning detailed to wield the shovel among a
squad who were set to heighten the traverse. Being slight, and
not mighty in throwing sand higher than his head, he with an
other was put on the top of the traverse to pat down and level

¦f^ptTf^LZ-^Z-s^

what was thrown up to them ; it being about the ordinary hour
of our morning salutation from Red Hill, we kept a wary eye on
the embrasures there. After a while came the long-looked-for
puff of white smoke, and with a call of "Heads below!" the
writer dropped his shovel in the traverse ditch, himself sliding
down the slope of the work in its wake ; as his feet reached the
bottom, the shell screamed overhead, and all immediately sought
shelter in the splinter-proof. The fire, as usual upon opening,
was heavy and rapid ; and just as we were comfortably settled
down to await further developments, the captain, catching sight of
one man without his weapon, immediately called to the writer,
"Where's your gun and equipments?" " In my tent, sir." (I
had forgotten to bring them when I went to work.) "Go and

WASHINGTON. 195
get them." It might have been about thirty feet each way that
this particular private of Company G had to go, exposed to the
fire, and never did any one strive with more earnestness to make
himself as small as possible. That journey took about a week, and
if none of the shells hit, every joke from the rat-hole did, as those
laughing boys sitting there in safety " guyed " their comrade who
had to go out in the shower.
Corporal Powers and Private Brown of G one day got leave to
go to the river to wash ; they improved the opportunity to wash
some of their clothes, waiting, while they dried, in rather primi
tive array; somehow or other they managed to draw the fire of
one of the batteries on the opposite bank, and became the occa
sion of quite a little exchange of compliments, making themselves
scarce in about as dignified a manner as the bathers at the well
did when the Red Hill batteries opened on them.
This siege was, as has been said, our most important piece of
service. What we did from day to day seemed then to us ordi
nary enough, and the idea of giving up the place without a fight
entered into no head within the lines. Most of us, I think, were
therefore rather surprised to find ourselves in a manner made
heroes of on account of it. As I have heard it said by one of
the garrison, "What would they have had us do?"
The service done by the Fifth Rhode Island, however, served
to bind yet closer the ties of comradeship that held the two
remaining regiments of Stevenson's Brigade together, as will
appear from the following correspondence : —
Camp Thomas G. Stevenson, New Berne, 1863.
Colonel Henry T. Sisson, Commanding 5th R I.
Colonel, — At a meeting of the field, staff, and line officers, held at
Washington, N. C, on Tuesday evening April 21, Col. F. L. Lee presiding,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : —
Whereas, During the late siege of Washington, N. C, when the town
had been bombarded and all its communications cut off for fifteen clays,
after several ineffectual attempts had been made to relieve the garrison,
and the enterprise had been virtually pronounced impracticable, Colonel
Sisson volunteered the services of his regiment, and succeeded, against
every obstable and discouragement, in running the blockade with the
steamer "Escort," thus bringing to the besieged forces the much-needed
reinforcements, ammunitions, and supplies.

196

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Resolved, That in this achievement Colonel Sisson with his brave regi
ment has performed one of the most heroic acts of the war, and that this
act, by so disheartening the enemy that within two days he was led to
retire, was the immediate cause of the raising of the siege.
Resolved, That the members of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts feel that
thanks are peculiarly due from them to their comrades in arms who so
generously volunteered their services and met so great risks in carrying
succor to a brother regiment.
Resolved, That as an expression of their gratitude and admiration, if
it meet the wishes of the Fifth Rhode Island Regiment, a set of colors
be presented to them, bearing a device commemorative of this act of
gallantry. To which a reply was returned as follows : —
Camp Anthony, New Berne, April 28, 1863.
Colonel, — I take great pleasure in acknowledging to you and the offi
cers of your command my sense of the high honor which you have done
us in the very complimentary resolutions which I have just received.
Be assured, Colonel, they are the more acceptable as coming from a
body of men whose character and good opinion we respect so highly as
the regiment you have the honor to command. Your generous action
will tend not only to cement more closely our two brother regiments,
but also the sister States from which we came, already closely united
by a common history, and by struggles and dangers in defence of our
country. May we be more closely knit together in peace and union under the
flag which both Massachusetts and Rhode Island have done so much to
uphold. Accept, sir, the thanks of the Fifth Rhode Island for your kind
sentiments, and believe me,
With respect, very truly yours, H. T. Sisson,
Colonel Commanding Fifth Rhode Island Volunteers.

MM .xMr>/ijl,

CHAPTER X.

PICKET-DUTY OF B AND F.

ONDAY, March 2, 1863, Com
panies B and F, under the com
mand of Captain Storrow of
Company F, were taken three
miles up the railroad, upon open
cars, and relieved two companies
of the Fifty-first Massachu
setts on picket. On the 6th
the battalion marched three
miles farther out, and went
into camp in the pine woods near Batchelder's Creek, along
which the outer pickets of New Berne were posted.
Former occupants of the post had nearly finished eight log
huts in the thick woods. These were not utilized as quarters for
the battalion, but around them, as a centre, smaller huts were
constructed, roofed in by shelter-tents, littered with straw, warmed
by brick fireplaces, and rendered homelike by conveniences and
ornaments which the ingenuity and good taste of the rank and
file improvised. These occupied three sides, while the wall tents
of the officers filled the fourth side. The trees, stumps, and
" pine-trash " were removed from the enclosure, leaving a firm,
even camp-ground, — fortunately insoluble in rain-water, and
never muddy. In the centre of the camp was erected a double-
masted flag-pole, topped with a weather-vane, and bearing on its
cross-trees the legend, " Camp Lee, occupied March 6, 1863."
The two companies remained in this camp for two months,
enjoying the brightest and pleasantest part of a soldier's life.
There was a good deal of night work, but not enough to wear

198 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the men out. The open-air life in the pine woods was so invigo
rating that there was very little sickness in the detachment.
There was enough of excitement — a sufficient consciousness of
the proximity of the enemy — to give a zest to the routine of
duty. The detachment which occupied the post before and after
the Forty-fourth, met with serious losses, but during our occupa
tion not a man of our detachment was injured or captured. It
was a long military picnic. The season of the year was a de
lightful one. As the spring advanced, violets, anemones, honey
suckle, and the fragrant jessamine blossomed thickly along the
lanes and roads. Birds of gorgeous plumage — bright orange or
brilliant scarlet — chattered among the young leaves. The woods
were full of rabbits, 'possums, and 'coons (which the men were
successful in trapping), with traces now and then of a prowling
fox. The creek was full of fish, — herring, horn-pout, " Welsh
men," and robin or red-fin (bream), for which we angled with
hooks baited with worms or soaked hard-tack. A net was found
during one of our scouting expeditions, and was strung across
the creek near the lower picket-post, who took from its meshes
every morning a finny breakfast. With this plenitude of game
came a disagreeable accompaniment in the profusion of snakes, —
black snakes four or five feet long, moccasins as large as a
child's arm, and "copperheads even more venomous than their
namesakes in the North."
The chief duty to be performed was the picketing of the line
of Batchelder's Creek. There was one picket of two " non-
coms " and twelve men at the burned bridge on the right (Wash
ington) road, and another of three " non-coms " and twenty men
two miles to the south, at the left (or Neuse) road, where the
piles and stringers of the bridge were standing and planks were
ready to lay if an advance was desired. There were other posts
on the flanks and rear of our camp, and at night a patrol was
maintained around the camp and down a cart-path that led to
the wooded banks of the creek. These details were quite as
much as two companies could perform, and brought each man
on duty about every other clay.
Another (and favorite) duty was the scouting by land and
water. When the companies first occupied the picket-posts,

PICKET-DUTY OF B AND F.

199

there were no boats of any kind to be found. A vigorous search
was instituted along the banks of the creek, toward the river, and
several canoes and flat-boats were found concealed in the dense
cane-brakes. These were brought to the Washington road and
repaired, and every few days a scouting party was sent down the
creek and up the river on a reconnois
sance. The " Rebs " were rarely
seen; and the principal result
of these expeditions was the
collection of a

number of useful
articles of camp
equipage from
the deserted huts
and houses along the
creek.
The scouting by land was
constantly followed, usually in small parties. Fortunately, the
" Rebs " kept beyond Core Creek and the Neuse River most of
the time, and our scouting parties met no mischances. Their
most exciting adventure is thus narrated in a letter : —
" Colonel Jones having directed Captain Storrow to ascertain whether
the Rebels sent out boat patrols at night from Street's Ferry, an officer and
two men were despatched at 9 p. m. to scout on the Washington road.
Crossing Batchelder's Creek in a canoe, and leaving behind them our ad
vanced picket-posts, they advanced cautiously along the road about three
miles, when they came to the point where it enters the swamp along the
Neuse River. A strong wind during the day had blown the water to our
side of the river and filled the swamp so full that even the road was sub
merged. The wind had subsided, leaving the water so smooth and the
woods so quiet that the slightest sound could be heard a mile away. The
Rebel pickets were posted just at the other side of the ferry, and their
voices could be plainly heard as they chatted around their camp-fire. In
order to observe their motions it was necessary to get to the river bank.
The first step of the scouting party into the water which covered the road
attracted their attention, but with the remark, ' It 's only cattle in the
swamp,' they continued their conversation. Moving, therefore, with ex
treme caution, — noiselessly pushing one foot after the other without lifting
it from the water, the scouts waded over a quarter of a mile of submerged
road. At the bank of the river they halted, with the Rebel picket-fire in

200 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
full sight a short distance down stream, opposite the ferry-landing. No
dry spot was to be found, so the three shivering men lay down in shallow
water among the bushes and waited for denouements. The situation was
impressive. The smooth river gleamed dimly between the dark and
swampy opposite shore and the dense shadows of the cypresses under
which they lay. The stillness of midnight was only broken by the sounds
peculiar to the region, — which had grown familiar from many nights of
picket duty on Batchelder's Creek, — the tinkling 'chug' of the young
frogs, the trill of the tree-toads, the screech of the owl, the occasional
scream of a wildcat, or the frightful yell of the Carolina 'coon.
"Thus they lay quietly in three or four inches of water for four hours.
Suddenly, at three in the morning, they were roused by a stir on the other
side. A fog had gathered over the river, but a red gleam shining through
it showed that the picket-fire had been replenished, and the sound of
many voices told that the Rebel picket had been reinforced. The voices
approached the farther ferry-landing, there was a sound of launching a
boat, of embarkation, of dipping oars, and for an anxious moment it
appeared certain that the Rebels were crossing the river to land on our
side. To have retreated through water knee-deep would only have been
to attract a volley, so that there was nothing to do but to lie in ambush
and wait. Fortunately, the boat turned down the river and was soon out
of hearing. Noiselessly and thankfully the little party waded to dry land,
and returned to camp to report that the Rebels did send out a boat patrol.
The object of the expedition had been accomplished."
" Except these scouting parties, there was not much to vary the
monotony of camp life and picket-duty. The day of our arrival,
a lieutenant and thirty men were ordered in great haste to occupy
the camp of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, at the railroad bridge
over Batchelder's Creek, two miles beyond the Neuse road,
while that regiment marched out to surprise the Rebel pickets
at Core Creek. The Fifty-eighth had spent their eighteen
months of service almost entirely on picket. Their commander,
Colonel Jones, was a little old man, whose careless and unsol-
dierly appearance belied his character, for he was cool, brave,
prompt, alert, and fertile in resources. His men idolized him,
and followed him into danger with implicit confidence.' Shortly
after we were withdrawn to New Berne he was shot and instantly
killed during an attack on the picket-post on the Neuse road.
The only noteworthy thing at the camp of the Fifty-eighth was
the "Railroad Monitor," — an iron-plated gunboat on wheels,
mounted with two six-pound Wiard pivot-guns, and kept always

PICKET-DUTY OF B. AND F.

201

in readiness to run up or down the railroad wherever it might
be needed.
On Saturday, March 14th (the anniversary of the capture of
New Berne), we were startled at daybreak by heavy firing in the
direction of the town. While we were wondering what it meant,
an orderly dashed into camp with the news that New Berne had

been attacked from the other side of the river, and was threat
ened on our side, and that we were ordered to move our whole
force to the bridge on the Neuse road. Forming hastily, we
double-quicked across country by the plantation road which our
picket reliefs usually followed, and on arriving at the bridge were
ordered to tear up its planks, and to construct breastworks to
command the approaches. The day and night were spent in
felling trees and in digging trenches. A letter thus describes the
scene at night : —
" Under the serene starlight, and a faint glimmer from the old moon,
just rising, Batchelder's Creek lay tranquil in the deep shade of its fringe
of trees. The clay of the road-bed gleamed white along the bank. The

202 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
skeleton framework of the dismantled bridge ; the pier, barricaded with
logs, on which stood four motionless sentinels with guns in the hollow of
their arms ; the rifle-pits where half the men lay uneasily on the damp
earth, while the muffled sound of pick and spade, the occasional gleam of
a dark-lantern, and the subdued orders of the officers, showed that the
other half were busily at work ; the knowledge that the Rebels were in
force only three miles away ; the expectation of an immediate attack, —
these things made the night memorable."
But, after all, the enemy withdrew without further demonstra
tion, and on Sunday morning the battalion returned to camp,
only too glad of a chance to rest.
Before leaving the bridge, a letter was received from Colonel
Jones and read to the detachment, thanking them for the zeal
and energy displayed.
After this threat of attack the Rebels were more audacious, and
frequently stole down on our lines and tried to catch the pickets
napping. Wednesday, March 25, a sergeant of the Third New
York Cavalry, while on outpost duty a quarter of a mile from our
post at the bridge on the Neuse road, was surprised, captured,
and carried off. Captain Storrow, who happened to be at the
bridge, started at once with twenty men in pursuit, and a party
was ordered out from camp to a fork of the roads near the ferry,
in the hope of intercepting the " Rebs " there ; but they had too
good a start, and got away safely with their prisoner.
During the next two weeks we heard frequent heavy firing
from the direction of "Little" Washington, and felt anxious for
the safety of the other eight companies of our regiment.
Monday, April 27, General Palmer started with two brigades
on the " Gum Swamp expedition." Company F received orders,
just at dusk, to march with overcoats, rubber blankets, and such
scant rations as could be scraped together. Joining the Fifty-
eighth Pennsylvania at the Neuse bridge, they were given the
place of an absent company as eighth in the regimental line.
One brigade of Palmer's force, including the Forty-fifth Massa
chusetts, advanced by the railroad; while the other brigade,
consisting of the Fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, two
companies of the Forty-sixth Massachusetts, the Fifty-eighth
Pennsylvania, Company F of the Forty-fourth, and two pieces

PICKET-DUTY OF B AND F. 203
of artillery, started up the Neuse road at half-past seven. The
weather was disagreeably close and muggy, and a hard rain set
in, so that we were glad to halt and bivouac ten miles out, near
Core Creek, the enemy's picket line. At noon the next day
the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania
marched on, with nothing but arms and equipments, taking the
left fork, or Dover road, through the Dover (or Gum) Swamp.
After wading many miles through water ankle-deep, we came to
Sandy Ridge, where a. small earthwork, the remains of a burnt
camp, and the carcasses of dead horses marked the place where
Colonel Jones had surprised the " Rebs " two months before.
Striking the swamp again, we marched on with increasing dif
ficulty till firing was heard at the head of the column, and we
learned that a Rebel regiment, marching down our road to flank
the Forty-fifth Massachusetts, which was advancing on the rail
road, had been surprised to meet the Twenty-seventh Massachu
setts, and were retiring in disorder. We were double-quicked in
the direction of the firing, which was growing hotter. Several
companies of the Fifty-eighth were sent forward, and we were
eagerly awaiting our turn ; but a combined charge on the Dover
road and the railroad drove the " Rebs " from their rifle-pits and
ended the skirmish. This was about sundown, and was followed
by a retrograde movement. It had rained hard all day, and the
road was in a miserable condition. The logs with which it had
been " corduroyed " through the swamp were all afloat. The
swamp was one vast lake, and it is not exaggeration to say that
we marched through one puddle four miles long. Reeking above
the knees with perspiration and below them with swamp water,
our feet clogged with sand, and stumbling among the floating
logs, the men of our detachment, exhausted by continuous night
duty on picket, struggled and staggered along through the dark
ness and rain. Occasionally a man would fall out of the ranks,
but his gun would be taken by some friend, and he would be
supported and led on between hardier comrades. For the last
few miles most of us felt at each step as if no power on earth
could move us an inch farther. Our legs seemed powerless.
We were dazed and almost unconscious, as if we had been
drugged. Those who have stood similar trials know how des-

204 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
perately a man clings to his determination to hold out; how he
mechanically counts his steps, or the trees as he passes them ;
how he clenches his teeth and sings monotonously to himself;
how he fixes his eye on the cartridge-box plate of the man in
front, and tries to shut out every idea except that he must keep
that in sight. Finally we reached camp thoroughly and abso
lutely worn out.
The official reports of this expedition all refer to the weather
and the difficulties of marching. Colonel Jones says : " The road
runs principally through swamps, with an occasional oasis of dry
ground, and, being chiefly covered with water or very wet mud,
is heavy and difficult." General Palmer reports : " At midnight
it commenced to rain very heavily, and continued until noon of
Tuesday, the 28th instant. At the conclusion of the storm the
whole country seemed flooded ; the roads were in a horrible
condition." And in a despatch to New Berne, dated the morning
of April 28, General Palmer states that " The whole country
is under water. One shower succeeds another very quickly,
and we are waiting patiently for a lull in the storm." To this
despatch he adds a postscript which will touch the hearts of
all old soldiers who read it, and recall similar circumstances :
" Unofficial P. S. A ration of whiskey ought to be sent for the
men if provisions are sent."
This was the last notable event of picket service. On Satur
day, May 2, two companies of the Forty-sixth Massachusetts
straggled into our camp, in shirt-sleeves and straw hats, to relieve
us, and in the afternoon we bade adieu to " Camp Lee," and
returned to our barracks at New Berne. The flag which had
flown from the flag-staff was inscribed " Gum Swamp," and to
this day graces the annual reunions of Company F.

CHAPTER XL

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT.

N one of our popular operas the chorus
sings with much gusto, and in a man
ner that leads one to think it does
not believe in the sentiment, —
" The policeman's life is not a
happy one." Every member of
the Massachusetts Forty-fourth in
May and June, 1863, would have
unhesitatingly indorsed the opinion
expressed by the operatic author.
, In the spring of that year
'^f several of the Boston news
papers gravely announced
that the Forty-fourth Regi
ment Massachusetts Volun
teers was doing police duty
in New Berne. Those who have served in the army will readily
appreciate the feeling of indignation and disgust which this
statement created among the men of that regiment. This will
be easily "understood by others, when it is explained that
" police duty " in the army is synonymous with " scavenger
duty" in civil life; "policing a camp" not meaning the main
tenance of good order and strict discipline, as civilians would
naturally suppose, but including such disagreeable and miscella
neous duties as sweeping the grounds, emptying swill, carrying
water, etc. The error was, however, a very natural one, and
was founded on the following order : —
Headquarters Department North Carolina, April 23, 1863.
Special Order No. 117.
In accordance with the custom of the department, the regiment now
doing provost duty will be relieved.

206 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The commanding general, on changing the guard of the town, desires
to convey to Colonel Codman, and through him to his officers and men,
his high appreciation of the manner in which the duties of the guard have
been performed ; and he has noticed with great pleasure the drill, disci
pline, and general efficiency of the regiment.
The Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia will relieve the Forty-
fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia on Saturday, 25th inst., at 9 a. m.
By command, John G. Foster,
Major- General Commanding Department.
Southard Hoffman, A. A. G.
On returning from Washington we had all hoped we should
go directly to our old barracks; but finding these in possession
of the Ninth New Jersey, we were temporarily assigned to those
formerly used by the Tenth Connecticut, very near the ones
we had previously occupied, only a short distance farther from
the Neuse River. The few days that intervened before we as
sumed our new duties were spent by the men in recovering from
the fatigue of the siege of Washington, in letter-writing, mend
ing clothes, etc.
Early on Saturday morning the regiment, in full-dress uniform,
equipped in heavy marching order, was formed in line and pro
ceeded to the city, where it relieved the Forty-fifth. After the
usual exchange of salutes, the guard for the day, which had been
detailed before we left camp, relieved the sentries of the Forty-
fifth, and then the rest of the regiment proceeded by companies
to the quarters in the town to which they had been respectively
assigned. They were the same occupied by the different regi
ments which had done provost duty previous to our turn. Each
company had one or more houses allotted to its use, and among
them were some of the pleasantest residences in the city. The
Forty-fifth had left them in good condition, decorated them pret
tily, and many little tokens of welcome greeted our arrival. It
was a debatable question among our boys — one which we believe
was never satisfactorily settled — whether it was more enjoyable
to be quartered in a large room with from ten to fifteen compan
ions, or in a small one with from three to five.
The change from camp life was pleasant in the beginning, but
it soon became very monotonous. There was a freedom in the

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 207
former, where we were allowed to appear in undress uniform, — a
uniform which at times was decidedly undress, — and do about as
we pleased when off duty, compared with the constraint we felt
when it was found to be an unpardonable offence to appear on
the street except in full-dress suit, with boots nicely polished,
belts blackened, and brasses brightened. Provost duty, unlike the
usual camp duty of "two hours on and four hours off," was " four
hours on and eight hours off." It was an advantage to those who
were fortunate enough to be on between 8 and 12 P. M., as they
could enjoy uninterrupted sleep till 8 A. M. the following day;
but four hours seemed a long time to the poor sentry pacing his
beat, and many of the boys would gladly have changed to the
old hours.
The duties of a provost guard are — to preserve order in the
town ; see that no enlisted man passes unless provided with a
written permission suitably signed, indorsed, and dated ; pre
vent fast riding or driving through the streets ; act as guards at
the railway station and the wharves ; and to do anything and
everything required of them of a similar nature. Most of the
boys thought the principal duty of a sentry was to salute com
missioned officers ;' and it is conceded by all who have ever stood
four hours on a post that this work consumed no small part of
the time.
For a few days the novelty was pleasing. There was a great
deal of excitement compared with the routine of a strictly camp
life. Soldiers are in some respects veritable children, and they
hailed the promise of a furlough for a day in town with as much
pleasure as would a small schoolboy that of a day's holiday. It
was quite a common occurrence when some member of another
regiment visiting the town was stopped by a sentry for examina
tion, to have the latter, after reading the name on the pass, and
finding it to be familiar, glance up, and recognizing the bearer,
remark, "Why, Tom, when did you come to New Berne? Bill
and George and Charley are all in our company, and we are
quartered in Craven Street. Go down and see the boys. I shall
be off duty to-morrow, and will try and get over to your camp."
Such meetings were happening continually, and none but those
who have shared in them can realize the pleasure they bring.

208

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

It was not long before the novelty wore off, and then provost
duty became drudgery. As the town covered quite an area, it
was divided into three guard districts, and details were assigned
to the first, second, or third, as the case might be. No record
has been found showing the exact number of sentries required
in each district. Corporal Fitz of Company C had a plan of
New Berne on which the number of each post was marked, but

unfortunately it has been lost or destroyed since his return. As
nearly as can be remembered, there were about fifty posts in the
first, from twenty-five to thirty in the second, and the same number
in the third district, making about one hundred posts in all. There
being three reliefs, a detail of 300 men, exclusive of commis
sioned and non-commissioned officers, would be required daily,
or a total detail of about 325 men. The nominal strength of the
regiment was at that time about 900; but so many had been per
manently or temporarily detailed, and there always being a per
centage in hospital or excused by the surgeon, the effective

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 209

strength was probably less than 650, obliging the privates to go
on duty at least every other day, and sometimes two days in suc
cession. Commissioned and non-commissioned officers fared
somewhat better, but they even were called upon much oftener
than they wished.1 The demand being so severe, drilling was to
a great extent discontinued, and the men excused from every
thing but policing quarters and the daily dress parade.
May 2, Companies B and F, which had been on picket duty at
Batchelder's Creek while the regiment was at " Little " Washing
ton, rejoined us at New Berne. This made the work somewhat
easier for the others.
The instructions issued for provost duty laid a great deal of
stress on the importance and proper manner of saluting commis
sioned officers.
Sentries were
required to car
ry their muskets
at " shoulder "
or " support; "
but after dark,
when they be
gan to chal
lenge, were per
mitted to carry
at " right shoulder shift."
It is needless to say that these
instructions were implicitly followed
— whenever the sentry thought that
he might be observed by a commissioned officer, or by a non
commissioned officer on duty. They may have done so at other
times ; but for the credit of the regiment it might be well not to
investigate too closely.
So far as the commissioned officers were concerned, the change
was undoubtedly agreeable. In camp, drills and other duties
1 Since writing the above a diary has been found which gives the number of men
detailed for guard on April 25 as 200, and on April 26 as 102 privates, 10 corporals,
3 sergeants, and 3 lieutenants. If the number of privates given is correct, the effect
ive strength must have been much less than estimated above, as the privates wese
certainly on duty almost every other day. 14

2IO FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
demanded a great deal of their attention; while now, except
when acting as officer of the day or officer of the guard, they
had comparatively little to occupy their time. At any large
military post there is always a great deal of social gayetyrand
our officers undoubtedly enjoyed the opportunities offered to
their fullest extent.
The weather during May and June was very warm, and to
those who had never been South before, the flies were an intolera
ble nuisance. " Corporal," in writing to the Boston " Herald,"
devotes a full paragraph to these pests : —
" The fly-statistics of your Port Royal correspondent must not lead your
readers to suppose that the Department of the South enjoys a monopoly
of this interesting insect. I allude to common house-flies. Fleas and
mosquitoes do not greatly abound at New Berne, but house-flies swarm
like the locusts of Egypt. The wood-ticks of Hill's Point, which adhered
to the cuticle with a death-grasp, deserved a paragraph, but the house-flies
of New Berne are even a greater nuisance. The printers will not fail to
notice the peculiar manner in which they have punctuated this sheet of
manuscript. Their tracks are visible upon every object which they can
touch, — upon our plates, clippers, knives, forks, bread. They attack us
with desperation at meal-times, and if we have anything better than usual
they are sure to find it out, and rally upon the sweet point, so that while
we convey the food to our mouth with one hand, we are forced to fight
flies with the other. 'Tempus fugit,' commences a letter of your New
Berne correspondent ' Tiger.' 'Fly-time — very appropriate,' parentheti
cally remarked the free translator Frederick, as he read, and described
curves in the air."
May 24, Company F, Captain Storrow, was detailed to accom
pany a lot of Rebel prisoners to Fortress Monroe. This was an
agreeable duty to the men of that company, and a very pleasant
break in the monotony of their daily routine.
During our residence in the city quite a small-pox epidemic
broke out among the negroes, and among the pleasant duties
assigned to our regiment was that of searching for those afflicted
with that disease and superintending their removal to the small
pox hospital, which was situated just outside the city limits.
The negroes evinced great repugnance to being sent to it, and
frequently had to be removed by force. So far as is known, none
of the boys caught the disease.

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 211
There were two jails in town, one used mainly as a place of
safe-keeping for Rebel prisoners, the other for the detention of
those, soldiers or civilians, who needed such a place of confine
ment. We had to furnish 'guards for these, in addition to our
regular street patrol.
There was a marked difference in the discipline in various regi
ments, being so slack in some as to be scarcely worthy of that
name. The guard-house at Station One was a very large build
ing, to which was attached an ell containing a single room capa
ble of holding a great many men. It was in this room that were
confined soldiers who had been found in town without proper
permission, who had been indulging too freely in " commissary,"
and who were punished for the infraction of some of the minor
rules of the department. One day an officer wearing the uni
form of a colonel approached the non-commissioned officer on
duty at this guard-house and asked if he could tell where any
of his regiment were. "What regiment do you command?" in
quired the " non-com." " The  th New York," was the
answer. " Yes, sir," the " non-com." replied. " Where are
they?" interrogated the colonel. "A few of them are in the
guard-house." "May I see them?" "Certainly, sir," was the
answer; and leading the colonel towards the ell in the rear, al
lowed him the opportunity of looking through the door. The
room was crowded almost to the point of suffocation, and among
its inmates were very few that did not belong to the  th New
York, commanded by the anxious colonel. As soon as he was
recognized by those in confinement there was a general cry,
" Hullo, colonel, let us out ! We want to go back to camp."
The colonel considered a minute. " On the whole, boys, I think
you will do very well where you are for to-night. I have just
come from camp, and the major, one lieutenant, and five pri
vates are all there are within its limits. I want to go off to-night
myself; so I think I will go back and furlough these, and then I
shall have no one to look after until you are released at guard
mounting to-morrow morning. Good-by ; " and off he went.
The boys passed the night in the guard-house, but the little
sleep that any of them succeeded in getting was not very
sound.

212 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Shortly after our return to New Berne, Corporal Lawrence of
Company C created quite a sensation by marrying a resident
of that town. Those who were fortunate enough to receive
" cards " were objects of envy to their less favored comrades.
Mrs. Lawrence, since her husband's death, has resided in Boston
with Corporal Lawrence's father.
One advantage we had while on duty in town was the privilege
of buying fresh eggs, vegetables, etc., from boats which used to
come in from the country just outside of the lines. Under what
regulations the trade was allowed we never discovered, but some
one person in each boat was provided with a duly authorized
permit. No sales were allowed until the officer in charge had
made his appearance, and then to no one except commissioned
officers or their servants. After these had carefully selected
such portions of the cargoes as they wished, certain civilians
were allowed to make their purchases, and when they were sat
isfied, if anything was left, private soldiers were at liberty to buy.
It was a singular fact, however, that it almost invariably happened
some of the choicer articles had been accidentally mislaid or
covered up, and the fact was not discovered until the sentries on
the wharf began trading, when they would suddenly be found ;
but it was just as singular that the discovery was never made
while a commissioned officer was in sight. On the whole, the
boys fared very well.
During the time we were in town an attempt was made to re
produce " II Recruitio," with an additional act descriptive of our
adventures in Washington. The lines were all written and the
parts assigned ; but the arduous duty of provost prevented us
from giving much time to preparation, and the design was finally
relinquished. Our band seemed to be thoroughly appreciated by our general
and staff officers. Daily at guard mounting and dress parade it
made its appearance with the regiment, but at other times it was
fully occupied at some of the various headquarters in the town.
The players probably enjoyed it, although they were not always
allowed to retire at taps. William F. Ingraham, who was the first
leader, diod in January, and in May his brother, A. W. Ingraham,
a noted bugle-player, came out to go home with us. On May 19

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 213
an order was issued defining the duties of those sharing the man
agement of the band. Babcock was to direct rehearsals, arrange
programmes, conduct the band on all parades, etc., and select the
music. Ingraham was to perform the duties of leader, and fix
the hours and length of practice. Corporal Hovey was to act as
business manager. In the concluding paragraph of this order the
colonel complimented the band highly, and expressed the hope
that it would do credit to itself and the regiment when it reached
Boston. We are glad to say that this hope was realized. Late
in the winter and early in the spring of 1863 Mr. P. S. Gilmore
had given a series of concerts for the benefit of the Massachusetts
regiments in the Department of North Carolina. Among the
list of subscribers were some of the most influential and best-
known merchants of Boston. The different military associations,
such as the New England Guards Association, Tigers, Cadets,
and Lancers, took a warm interest in the success of the enterprise.
Hallett & Cumston contributed a grand piano, which yielded the
handsome sum of $1,691. The total receipts were $5,772.65;
and on May 18 an order was read at dress parade thanking Mr.
Gilmore, and acknowledging the receipt of $500, — our share of
the net proceeds.
As the term of our enlistment drew near its close, the boys
began to count the remaining days as anxiously as do boys of a
younger age the hours before vacation begins. Many were the
rumors rife in barracks ; and no matter how improbable one might
be, there were always some who believed it. At last the following
welcome order was read on dress parade : —
Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
New Berne, N. C, June 4, 1863.
Special Order No. 159.
2. It is hereby ordered that the Forty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts
Volunteer Militia be relieved by the Twenty-seventh Regiment Massachu
setts Volunteers, as provost guard of this town, on Saturday morning next,
June 6, at 6 o'clock.
By command of Major-General John G. Foster.
S. Hoffman, A. A. G.
Headquarters Second Brigade.
[Official.] E. C. Johnson, Adjutant.

214 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Although we did not regret that the term of service was so
near its close, there had been, after all, a great many pleasant cir
cumstances connected with our enlistment, and we had actually
enjoyed this brief service in the employment of Uncle Sam. We
had a great many friends in the other regiments, and a large part
of our leisure during the days that intervened between the
reading of this order and our departure was spent in bidding
good-by to these acquaintances.
The night before our departure General Foster gave a recep
tion to the officers of our regiment. As the writer of this chapter
was not fortunate enough to hold a commission, he cannot speak
from personal knowledge of the proceedings, but he is assured by
all who attended that they had a most delightful time. The rank
and file were also determined to enjoy themselves, and various
were the schemes adopted by the boys. Although as a general
rule but very little " commissary " was to be found in our camp,
that night was an exception, and there were not many, except
those who were consistent total-abstainers, who did not drink at
least one toast to the friends they were to leave behind and to a
safe passage home. Notwithstanding this, there was no unseemly
conduct, so far as known, on the part of any of the men. They
were simply enthusiastically jolly. One of the boys, feeling his
clothing too oppressive, and having no fear of being called upon
to receive visitors, appeared in his quarters in a state of nature,
but fully equipped with belt, cartridge-box, and knapsack, carry
ing a piece of old stove-pipe on his shoulder. While engaged
in this amusement his captain suddenly came on the scene, and
with a good deal of indignation in voice and manner, inquired
what he meant by appearing in such a condition. " I am a
heavy artillery-man in light marching order," was the ready
reply. The captain quietly remarked that he was unaware that
the man had been transferred from the infantry, and advised
him to return to his own room and resume the regulation
uniform. It is needless to add that the captain's advice was
promptly followed.
An excellent locality on Broad Street was assigned for our
dress parades, and the last one held by us in New Berne we
think would have done credit to any regiment in the service.

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 215
Each man tried to do his best. At this parade the following
order was read : — Headquarters Eighteenth Army Corps,
New Berne, N. C, June 5, 1863.
Special Order No. 160.
1 7. The commanding general, on bidding farewell to the Forty-fourth
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, conveys to them his high appre
ciation of and thanks for their services while in this department.
As a part of the garrison of Washington, and in the various duties
to which they have been assigned, they have always done their duty as
soldiers. The commanding general, in parting, expresses his hopes to officers and
men that he may have the pleasure of welcoming their return here, and
tenders them, one and all, his best and kindest wishes for their future.
By command of Major-General J. G. Foster.
S. Hoffman, A. A. G.
General Wessells, an old regular army officer, and a strict dis
ciplinarian, to whose division we had been assigned, also took
occasion to issue the following : —
Headquarters Fourth Division, Eighteenth Army Corps,
Plymouth, N. C, June 10, 1863.
General Order No. 7.
III. Having learned that the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia is about to leave the department, its term of service being ful
filled, the brigadier-general commanding the division cannot allow the
occasion to pass without expressing his sincere regret at thus losing one
of its brightest ornaments.
The gentlemanly deportment and soldierly bearing of all grades have
rendered his intercourse with the regiment, both socially and officially,
peculiarly agreeable ; and in changing the rough duties of camp for the
peaceful pursuits of civil life, the commanding general desires them a safe
return to the green hills of New England, with his best wishes for their
future happiness and prosperity.
By command of Brigadier-General H. W. Wessells.
Andrew Stewart, A. A. G
Headquarters Forty-fourth Regiment, June 18, 1863.
[Official.] E. C Johnson, Lieutenant and Adjutant Forty fourth M. V. M.
We landed at New Berne in a rain-storm and we left there in
a rain-storm, although the last was not as heavy as the first.

2l6 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Early on the morning of June 5 our regimental line was formed
for the last time in North Carolina; and, escorted by the Third
Massachusetts, Colonel Richmond, one of the regiments which
accompanied us to that State, we took our line of march for the
depot. There we embarked on platform cars and started for
Morehead City. Colonel Holbrook of the Forty-third had in
tended to have his regiment form part of our escort, but the
shower interfered with the programme. Soon after starting, the
rain ceased and we had a very pleasant trip to Morehead City.
By noon the regiment was on board of the steamers and ready to
proceed on its homeward way. The right wing, Companies A,
G, H, K, and E, were on the " Guide," accompanied by the
colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, the regimental band, the sur
geon, and the sick. Colonel Sisson and other officers of the
Fifth Rhode Island took passage on this steamer. The left wing
was on the " George Peabody," and included Companies F, B, D,
C, and I, under command of Captain Storrow. Quite a number
of men from other regiments, who had been granted veteran fur
loughs on account of re-enlistment, were on this steamer. The
passage was very pleasant, although on the first night out we
had a heavy wind and sea. There was the usual amount of sea
sickness ; but the sufferers invariably called it by some other name,
and were very indignant if accused of succumbing to "Father
Neptune's curse." As Mark Twain afterwards graphically de
scribed it, they had the " Oh, my ! " badly. During the 9th
of June we ran along the eastern shore of Cape Cod, and just
before sunset dropped anchor in Boston Harbor. In passing
Fort Warren the entire garrison turned out, the band at the Fort
played " Home, Sweet Home," and we continued to exchange
cheers while within hearing of each other. It was a beautiful
evening, and how glad we were to reach dear old Boston, all our
boys can bear witness. The dome of the State House loomed
up in the evening light, and the sound of the nine-o'clock bells
which reached us, mellowed by the distance, gave a home
feeling that none of our men had known for nine long months.
The " Guide " had not arrived, so we remained at anchor off Fort
Independence till morning.
Just before dark a tug came down from the city and hauled

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 217
alongside the " George Peabody." Perhaps our officers can say
what news its passengers brought; but the "being in command,"
.who wore the shoulder-straps of a brigadier-general, evidently
considered privates beneath his notice. As might have been
expected, the ubiquitous representative of the press was on
board and made " Corporal" the recipient of a bottle of choice
whiskey. Another corporal, as chief of his squad, had the cus
tody of several lemons ; and so the two corporals combined forces
and the result was a toothsome compound, in which several of
us drank the health of " dear old Boston," and then retired to
the softest spots we could find, " Corporal " stretching himself
on a huge chest, about amidships on the main deck, and the
others bunking within supporting distance.
As soon as it was known that we were homeward bound, it was
proposed by the Reserve of the New England Guard and others
of our friends to give the regiment a reception. A meeting was
called to make the necessary arrangements, and after some dis
cussion, the date of our arrival being uncertain, it adjourned sub
ject to the call of the committee.1 When the " George Peabody "
was reported in the harbor, all who were to participate were noti
fied as rapidly as possible. The " Guide " arrived during the
night and steamed directly up to Central Wharf, where the men
immediately disembarked. The " George Peabody " followed as
soon as possible. Before we had made fast, Captain Jake Lom
bard of Company C, who had resigned from ill health, and
Charley Ewer of Company D, who had been discharged in con
sequence of severe wounds received at Whitehall, came on board
of the vessel, and we were as glad to meet them as they were
to meet us. On the wharf were many of the friends we had left
behind nine months before, and pleasant the greetings and many
the questions asked and answered. Messrs. Whall and Dyer, who
had sons in Company E, and who probably had been informed
from some source that almost any change of diet from that of
" salt horse and hard-tack " would be agreeable, furnished a nice
collation, which it is needless to say the boys appreciated. Some
1 The committee of arrangements consisted of Messrs. J. M. Cumston, J. C. Bur-
rage, J. G. Lombard, W. H. Odiorne, and W. H. Baldwin. Colonel Francis Boyd
was chief marshal, Another authority gives General Tyler as chairman.

21 8 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
received brief furloughs ; and one squad, on invitation of the father
of Corporal Gardner of Company D, who felt as keen and warm
an interest in the regiment as if all the members had been his
children, partook of a sumptuous breakfast at Parker's.
Our escort reached the wharf shortly after 10 A. M. Major J.
Putnam Bradlee was in command. The New England Guard
Reserve turned out with 93 guns ; the Massachusetts Rifle Club,
Captain Moore, 114 guns; the Battalion of National Guards,
Major C. W. Stevens, 102 guns ; and the Roxbury Reserve Guard,
Captain Wyman, 80 guns. Gilmore's and the Brigade bands fur
nished music. Our regiment fell in and formed promptly, the usual
salutes were exchanged, and in charge of our escort we started for
Boston Common. The number of spectators on State Street was
immense ; we had intended to march up that street company front,
but the crowd was so dense that we had to form by column of
platoons, and even then, in spite of the efforts of the guides, it
was impossible to keep a perfect alignment. The right guide of
the second platoon of Company D we know had actually to
fight his way through, and probably most of the other guides
had a similar experience. Old Dan Simpson and Si Smith, the
veteran drummer and fifer of the Guards, marched at the head
of column, and our band received many encomiums from the
spectators. On reaching the Common, the regiment wheeled by company
into line, the right resting on the Beacon Street Mall, when Mayor
Lincoln, accompanied by Colonel Kurtz, Chief of Police,1 chair
man of the committee of arrangements, took position in front,
and in behalf of the city of Boston welcomed the regiment home.
In concluding his remarks he returned thanks to Colonel Sisson
and the Fifth Rhode Island for their gallant action in running the
blockade at Washington. Colonel Lee responded, the regiment
wheeled into column of companies, stacked arms, and broke ranks.
During the speaking the boys had been wistfully eying their " sis
ters and their cousins and their aunts," as well as many others of
the gentler sex who were not related by such ties of consanguin
ity ; although some of them frankly acknowledged afterward that
their thoughts had been directed to a row of ten tables — one
1 Another authority says " accompanied by General Tyler."

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 219
opposite each company — in the rear of the ladies. As soon as
the order to break ranks was given the greetings indulged in
on the wharf were repeated on a larger and more demonstrative
scale. We were the " heroes of the day," and probably there
was not a member of the regiment who did not enjoy the distinc
tion. It is said that the collation was choice and bountiful, — it
must have been, as it was provided by J. B. Smith, — but the
writer has thus far been unable to find even one man who could
speak from experience. Each acknowledges that he got a mouth
ful or so, but claims that he was so busy in shaking hands with
this one, answering earnest questions from that, replying to sin
cere congratulations of the other, that he found no time to inspect
the tables or sample carefully what they bore.
After an hour or so the regiment was called to attention and
then furloughed to the following Monday, June 15, at sunset; at
which time the members were ordered to report at the old camp
at Readville.
The day following our arrival home, Colonel Lee received a
letter from Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Browne, Jr., the military
secretary of Governor Andrew, written in obedience to a request
from the Governor (who at that time was in New York City),
that the Forty-fourth be given an official welcome. He quotes
from Governor Andrew's letter of instructions : " I beg that you
will cause a proper expression to be officially made to Colonel
Frank Lee and the Forty-fourth Massachusetts, announced by
telegraph this morning to be now in Boston Harbor, of my in
terest in this fine and most exemplary corps and its commander.
It will meet a splendid popular reception." In Colonel Browne's
letter he refers to the fact that General Foster requests our arms
and equipments to be returned at the earliest possible moment,
so they could be used in arming General Wilde's brigade of
colored troops which he was then recruiting in North Carolina.
Company B was the only distinctively local company in the
regiment, all its members, with but two or three exceptions,
having enlisted from Newton. Shortly after the muster out of
the regiment the citizens of that town gave Company B a recep
tion at Newton Corner. The stores were closed and the schools
dismissed. William O. Edmands was chief marshal and Hon. J.

220

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Wiley Edmands presided. Several appropriate speeches were
made, and the exercises concluded with a banquet in Elliot
Hall. On June 15, pursuant to orders, the regiment assembled at
Readville. Much to our disappointment we were not permitted
to occupy our old barracks, as they were in possession of the
Fifty-fifth, but were quartered on the other side of the road, far
ther east, where the Forty-third and Forty-fifth had been located
during our first residence in that town. On the 1 6th we went
into Boston and performed escort duty for the Third Regiment,
which had performed like duty for us on our departure from New
Berne. The morning after we reached camp, Special Order No. 71 was
received, as follows : — Headquarters, Camp Meigs,
Readville, June 15, 1863.
Special Order No. 71.
Copy of General Order No. 17 from these headquarters is herewith
transmitted to Colonel F. L. Lee, commanding Forty-fourth Massachu
setts, who will govern himself accordingly. R. A. Peirce, Brigadier- General.
The order to which this referred was the following : —
Headquarters, Camp Meigs,
Readville, June 10, 1863.
General Order No. 17.
On and after June 10 the following will be the daily duty throughout the
entire camp : —
Reveille. Roll-call
First sergeant's call. Report to adjutant .
Breakfast . .
Surgeon's call

1.
2.
3-
4- 5-6. 7-
8.9-
10.
n.12.
13-

Guard-mountingDrills . .
Dinner
First sergeant's call
Drills . . .
Dress parade
Supper . .
Retreat and roll
Tattoo . . .

14. Taps

Report

call

to

adjutant

5 a. m.
5.30 a. m.
6.30 a. m.
7.30 a. m.
8 a. m.
9 to 12a.n1,
12 m.
1 p. m.
1.30 to 4 p. m.
5 p. m.
6 p. m.
Sunset.8.30 p. m.
9 p. m.

PROVOST DUTY, VOYAGE HOME, AND MUSTER OUT. 221
Regimental adjutants will make their returns to these headquarters at
7.30 a. m. each day. There will be three stated roll-calls daily, attended
by at least one commissioned officer to each company ; namely, at reveille,
retreat, and tattoo. Lights will be extinguished at taps in the quarters of
enlisted men. Length of drills at the discretion of the different com
manders.1 One copy of this order will be placed in each barrack.
By command of
R. A. Peirce, Brigadier- General.
Lieutenant H. Holt, Post Adjutant.
The men, who had naturally been talking over the matter of
their muster out, generally understood that their term of service
having expired, the only duties that could be demanded of them,
as they were not in the presence of an enemy, — when, of course,
none would have thought for an instant of taking advantage of
any technicality, — were that of policing and guarding the camp.
We were proud of our proficiency in drill, we were most anxious
to be given an opportunity to show the results of our nine months'
experience and instruction, and we had all indulged in pleasant
dreams of the astonishment we would create by our steadiness in
the Manual and battalion movements when given an opportunity
for an hour or two each afternoon to exhibit on the plains of
Readville. But when we found that the above order was to be
enforced literally, that we were expected to attend " squad drill,"
and were to be treated in all respects like " raw recruits," we
were very indignant; but the discipline to which we had been
subjected for the previous nine months was not without its effect
and the opposition was passive rather than active. Our officers
were no more in sympathy with this order than the men, but
their position made them more circumspect in expressing it.
We may have done the commandant of the camp injustice, but
he was not popular with the regiment when we were here the
previous fall, — a fact which he himself fully recognized at the
time; and now that we were enduring the restlessness engen
dered by the nearness of our muster out, the anxiety to be again
1 No copy of the order as actually posted in the barracks has been found ; but
according to the recollection of all who have been consulted, this sentence, owing
probably to an omission in copying, was not contained in the order as it reached us,
and the first drills were specified as " squad." The order having caused some dis
cussion at the time and since, is here given in full.

222

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

free from the restraints of army rule, and the natural reaction
from the strict discipline under which we had been kept, we
were probably incapable of judging calmly or dispassionately.
Colonel Lee was absent from camp at the time the order was
posted. On his return he had the obnoxious features modified.
Thursday, June 18, we were mustered out of the service of the
United States.

CHAPTER XII.

NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED.

'N January, 1884, Colonel C.
G. Attwood, formerly of
the Twenty-fifth Massachu
setts, issued a circular in
viting all who had served
in North Carolina to join
a party on a trip to the old
North State. Like many
others, I had always in
tended to revisit the places
connected with the history
of the Forty-fourth, and at
this time the first opportunity was presented. Comrade Charles
J. Mclntire, of Company G, and I decided to join; but when we
called on Colonel Attwood we were informed that owing to vari
ous causes the proposed expedition had been abandoned. We
had talked about the trip so much that it was a great disappoint
ment, and as it would be very inconvenient for us to be away in
March, — the time named in Colonel Attwood's circular, — we
decided to wait until the fall and go, with or without others. In
August, after consulting with Colonel Attwood, eight hundred
circulars were issued in his name, reviving the project suggested
the January previous. A few favorable answers were received,
but an equal number of resignations followed, and the party was
finally composed of Mclntire and myself.
I left home Tuesday evening, Sept. 30, 1884, with feelings hard
to describe. It seemed almost as though I was again " going to
war." The old barracks, the river, camps, troops, drilling, and

224 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
various scenes of a wholly warlike nature were in my mind. I
could not picture New Berne without plenty of soldiers moving
about, the old forts bristling with cannon, war vessels in the
river. I could hardly realize that I was to travel about without
a " pass," unmolested, in covered railway cars, or ride over the
country roads instead of marching. However, I was on my
way to the never-to-be-forgotten places, and must expect great
changes. For many years I had had a strong desire to visit Gettysburg.
I started a little in advance of Comrade Mclntire, whom I was to
join at Baltimore. Having had quite an experience in photog
raphy (as an amateur), I decided to take my camera and a
supply of dry plates, so as to secure views of the most interest
ing points ; and in this sketch of the trip the number enclosed in
parentheses following the mention of any place indicates that I
succeeded in getting a picture of that locality, and is the number
of the negative.
Space will not permit giving an account of the Gettysburg
visit. It will be sufficient to say that I made some most pleasant
acquaintances, who were engaged in and thoroughly familiar
with the action of the battle, and I felt well repaid for the time
spent. On Friday morning, October 3, I boarded the south-bound
train at Baltimore, where I joined Mclntire. Passing through
Washington, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and Weldon, we reached
Goldsboro' at 7.30 P. M. Selecting the nearest hotel, we told the
landlord the object of our visit, expressing a desire to meet some
of our late opponents. He soon found some, with whom we
passed a very pleasant evening.
Having arranged to send our baggage to New Berne by train,
on Saturday morning we took a carriage and drove to the Golds
boro' battlefield. To our surprise it was nearly five miles from
the village. As we approached the field (568) by a different
road from the one we had followed twenty-two years before, it
was difficult to locate the various points. The railroad bridge
was unmistakable; but we at last concluded that the trees had
grown so that now we could not see the bridge from the memo
rable turnip-field in which we had rested Dec. 17, 1862. Time

NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED. 225
was precious; as one view of the field was sufficient, we were
soon in motion for Whitehall.
Our driver professed to know the route, but by noon he ac
knowledged he had not been over it for many years and had
lost his way. We were disappointed, as we had hoped to ride
over the same road that we marched over in 1862. Stopping at
a farm-house for directions, the woman replied in the familiar
North Carolina phraseology, " It 's a right smart distance fur
ther this way, but I 've heared my husband say this road is a heap
better than the other; " and so we kept on. About 2 P. M. we
turned into the main street (574) of Whitehall,1 at the point
where Newcomb and Slocum, of Company A, were killed, Dec.
16, 1862.
Driving immediately to the Seawell House and ordering lun
cheon, we proceeded to view the position occupied by the Forty-
fourth at the time of the action. Fortunately we found a Mr.
Whitfield, who owned most of the land about there and was a
resident of the place during the war. We found the little burial-
lot (570) on the river-bank near Company G's position. We
were shown the places where many of the killed had been buried,
and were told that since the war all the bodies had been re
moved, — he supposed to the Federal Cemetery at New Berne, —
with the exception of one whose name or regiment was unknown,
and a house having been built over the soldier's last resting-
place, the body could not be disinterred. Walking out on the
bridge (569) we took a view of the bank opposite our position
(572), and then of the spot where the Confederate gunboat was
built (571). The place had changed greatly. The south bank
is now thickly studded with young trees, so that it is difficult to
find a place from which the river can be seen. The half-dozen
buildings which formed the town of Whitehall, and in 1862 were
burned when we left, have been replaced by some twenty or
thirty, among them a church, hotel, and saw-mill. About half
a mile west of the main street is a hotel for summer guests near
some springs which have been found to possess medicinal prop
erties. There are seven of them, and the name "Whitehall" has
1 The map shows Whitehall Bridge. The village of Seven Springs, formerly
Whitehall, or, as maps say, " Jericho," is on the south bank of the river.
'5

226 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
been discarded, the place now being known as " Seven Springs."
The main street of the town extends to about where Newcomb
and Slocum were killed (573), which at the time of our first visit
was an open field. A gentleman pointed out a tree in his garden
under which they had been buried.
After luncheon we drove over the bridge on our way to La
Grange, where we were to take the train for New Berne. Four
miles an hour appears to be the maximum rate of driving in
North Carolina, and it was 5.30 P. M. when we stepped on the
platform of the railway station at that place.
At half-past six the train from Goldsboro' arrived, and glad
enough we were to get on board. We frankly stated to those we
met the object of our trip, and the greatest cordiality was shown
us. On this train we had the pleasure of meeting Captain Car-
roway. He had been in the Confederate cavalry, and while the
Forty-fourth was in the department, commanded the pickets on
the north side of the Neuse, with headquarters at or near Street's
Ferry. Mclntire remembered, when detailed on a flag-of-truce
boat to carry some refugees up the river, having seen him near
that place. Captain Carroway stated that for a long time he
belonged to the " unreconciled," but at last realized that it was no
use " kicking against the pricks." Now, he says, he can see that
the war had its good results ; that the people of both sections are
becoming better acquainted, are discovering good points in each
other that they knew not of before, and that their minds are being
gradually cleared of prejudices. For his part he "was right glad
to see us." He got off at Kinston, expressing a wish that he
might be able to be of service.
At 9 P. M. the train stopped and the brakeman shouted " New
Berne." We were as glad to reach our journey's end as we had
been twenty-two years before, and we alighted at the same spot,
opposite the railway round-house and machine-shop (606). We
were not at all anxious to try that caravansary again. Dim memo
ries of the reputation of the Gaston House rose in our minds, —
those old fairy tales of realms of bliss to which enlisted men were
not admitted ; of beds with sheets ; of tables with white cloths
and napkins. We decided to go there, regardless of the expos
tulations and praises by another stage-driver of a rival hotel.

NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED. 227
Unlike, too, our original method of proceeding, we rode from the
, station through Craven Street to our destination (579). It was
like, yet unlike. No sentries parading up and down, no officers
lounging on the piazza, none of that bustle we had known in
1862 and 1863. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and we could
not resist the inclination to stroll about the town. Up Craven
Street, by the house occupied by the colonel when the regiment
was on provost duty (601); down Pollock Street, by the quar
ters of Company D (602, 603), and the old guard-house of Dis
trict No. 1 (608). All were closed, no signs of life visible.
Passing up Broad Street, we stopped in front of Company E's
old quarters (604, 605). The front door was open and a young
lady seated in the hall reading. Our escort was evidently well
acquainted ; he called her out and introduced us. She was very
agreeable, and said that her recollections of the war were very
dim, as she was but a baby when it broke out. On being told
that we proposed photographing the places with which we were
familiar as soldiers, she kindly offered to stand on the piazza ;
but as we could not appoint an hour, she unfortunately was
absent when we returned for that purpose.
Sunday morning we started for a longer stroll, but the intense
heat soon drove us back to cover. In the afternoon Mr. Street,
to whom we had letters of introduction, took us to drive — out in
view of the old camp-grounds of Stevenson's brigade; to the
National Cemetery (577, 588), where we looked up the recorded
burials of the Forty-fourth men (578, 587) and visited their
graves. The National Cemetery is located on the westerly side of the
field on which we used to have our brigade and battalion drills,
on the left of the wagon-road which, passing Fort Rowan (or
Star Fort), runs in a northwesterly direction till it crosses the
swamp near where Fort Stevenson was located. The grounds are
about eight acres in extent, surrounded by a substantial brick
wall. On entering, the first object to attract attention is the
keeper's lodge, a one-story and French-roof cottage, built of
North Carolina marl. Opposite the house maple-trees have been
set out in such a way that when fully grown there will be an en
closure in the shape of a cross, roofed by the arching of the

228 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
limbs. It is known as Sylvan Hall. Trees in every variety that
will flourish in the locality are scattered through the enclosure
in profusion, together with flowering shrubs. Every grave is
marked with a marble headstone engraved with the name of the
soldier, if known ; in many cases relatives have erected handsome
monuments. By enriching the ground with soil from the swamp,
a beautiful turf has been secured, which is green when all grass out
side is dry and parched by the summer heat ; and the whole effect
is such that a visitor, on entering, can easily imagine that he is in
a Northern cemetery. The friends of those buried there can feel
assured that the last resting-place of their loved ones is as well
cared for and as beautiful as any but the most expensive of our
own " cities of the dead." The National Government has pro
vided that in these respects its dead heroes shall be perpetually
honored. One woman only is buried here. In 1864, learning that her
betrothed, Charles E. Colledge, private in the Twenty-fifth Mas
sachusetts, had been stricken with yellow fever, Carrie E. Cutter
went to New Berne to nurse him. He died, and she, heart-broken,
fell an easy prey to the same disease. Her last wish has been
gratified in allowing her remains to forever rest beside those of
him she loved so well.
Returning, we saw the mounds of earth representing Forts
Rowan (581) and Totten (582, 583). On Monday we went again
to these places and photographed them.
By advice of many who learned we were to visit " Little "
Washington, we engaged a carryall, driver, and pair of horses,
and left New Berne at 4.30 P. M. At the end of an hour we had
gone three miles, and it was after seven when we reached Street's
Ferry, only ten miles from New Berne. At 2.30 A. M., Tuesday,
October 7, we drove into Washington. After disturbing the
peaceful sleep of several citizens, we found a boarding-house
kept by Mr. Adams, where we secured accommodations.
In the morning we engaged the services of one Joe Chauncey
to drive us to Rawle's Mills. Some seven or eight miles out we
came to the first swamp (595), though not the last, of which we
ascertained the depth while accompanying General Foster in his
North Carolina expeditions. A two-months drought had had its

NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED. 229
effect, and we might have walked through without having the
water come over our shoes. Wishing to reach Rawle's Mills
before it was too late to photograph, we hurried on. We came
to a sharp bend on the left, a small house on the right, open
fields on both sides, and in front a ford between steep banks.
We thought we had reached the location of our first action.
After photographing it (596) we sought for the graves of our
men, but could find no trace of any. Returning to the house
and consulting an old lady who well remembered " Foster's raid,"
we learned that we were mistaken regarding this place being
Rawle's Mills. We drove on some two miles, when we reached
a saw-mill owned by a Mr. Lilly, with whom our driver was ac
quainted. Mr. Lilly said the place we were seeking was about
a quarter of a mile beyond the bend. He was not on the ground
at the time of the fight, but knew all about it, and told us where
some of our men had been buried, including one named Rollins.
Their graves were originally under some trees which have been
felled since the war, and the ground is now a cornfield. We
drove to Rawle's Mills (585). The deepest part of the stream
is now spanned by a substantial wagon-bridge. The course of
the road has been somewhat changed, that part in which we
were standing when ambushed being overgrown with bushes.
The old breastworks have been levelled, but the field in which
we bivouacked (584) is still cultivated. We then returned to
Washington. On Wednesday morning we began our inspection of Washing
ton. We met a Colonel Carrow who offered to guide us, and
found the accounts of his war experience very entertaining. We
first went to Fort Washington (584), and then to the Grice place
(590). The colonel's son had married one of the Misses Grice,
and on invitation we entered the house, where we passed a most
delightful half-hour with the family. Leaving the place, we
paused to take a parting shot (591) and then went to the bridge.
A Mr. Winfield, whom we fortunately encountered, gave us much
valuable information. It appears that what our boys took to be
a bend in the road near where Companies A and G were ambus
caded March 30, 1863, was a breastwork formed by felling a
cypress-tree six feet in diameter across the road. Part of the

230 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
trunk still lays there slowly rotting (594). Mr. Winfield claims to
have assisted in removing three men, one of whom was wounded
in the breast (Sergeant Hobart), one in the eye (John Leonard),
and another in the neck (T J. Lawrence), to his mother-in-law's
house, where they were nursed until able to stand removal to a
hospital in the interior.
About 4 P. M. we started on our return to New Berne. When
nearly across the bridge we stopped, and adjusting the camera
took views of the bridge (600), the town above (579), and the
town below (598) ; also the river, including Castle Island and
Rodman's Point (593). Another ten-hours ride, broken only by
a short halt at Vanceboro', and we were again at the Gaston
House, tired and sleepy.
Thursday was comfortably cool, and we spent the day in roam
ing about the town, taking views and recalling old memories.
On Friday morning we took the train for Kinston, reaching
there about II A.M. We inspected the station (614, 621) and
the fields beyond ; then drove to the scene of the battle. We
first went to the field in which the right wing formed on that
memorable Sunday morning. As one experience of passing
through the swamp was enough for a lifetime, we returned by
the road which our left wing had taken (616). The little church
on the farther side of the swamp was burned several years ago,
and the field is now so overgrown with trees that not a glimpse
of the bridge or the town beyond could be had. The old house
(6*19), used as a hospital, was there, its front still showing where
it had been struck with bullets. The owner was just beginning
to repair. On visiting the bridge (617) we looked over the side
to see where the man in gray uniform had lain the Sunday we
crossed it in December, 1862. The channel of the river is now
deep and the current strong. A view down the river (618) shows
the jetties recently built by the United States Government to im
prove navigation. After our battle the Confederates built strong
and elaborate works to protect the bridge against another attack.
We found them in the same dilapidated state as were similar field-
works erected during the war. The only places that looked at
all natural were the hospital and the bridge, the latter being a
duplicate of the one burned by our forces when we recrossed the

NORTH CAROLINA REVISITED. 23 1
river. Its days are numbered, as the material of an iron bridge
which is to take its place was being unloaded from the cars while
we were in Kinston. We left that evening, reaching Goldsboro'
about midnight. We can say with much more certainty than we
could have said on former occasions, " The object of the expedi
tion has been accomplished."
On our way home we visited Richmond, sailed down the James
River, passing Fort Darling, Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landing,
Bermuda Hundred, City Point, and other places of historical
interest, to Norfolk, whence we took steamer for Boston, reaching
home Friday night, after an absence of eighteen days. The
North Carolina part of the trip might be accomplished in ten
days by using the railroad only.
The visit was exceedingly interesting. Those who had been
in the Southern army were particularly cordial, and anxious to
do all they could to make our trip agreeable. All were hospita
ble, and hoped that more of the boys who wore the blue in North
Carolina would pay them a visit.
On our return from North Carolina I obtained all the informa
tion possible from those who were present at the burial of com
rades Morse and Rollins, near Rawle's Mills, Nov. 2, 1862. This
I sent to the superintendent of the National Cemetery at New
Berne, with a request that the remains of these men might be
removed to that place. Sometime afterwards I received the
letter of which a copy is given below, showing that the removal
had been accomplished: —
United States National Cemetery, Office of Superintendent,
New Berne, N. C, May 22, 1885.
Mr. Wm. G. Reed, Sec. 44th Mass. Vols. Assoc, 24 Ex. PL, Boston, Mass.
Sir, — In compliance with your request, you are informed that the
- bodies of the three United States soldiers at Rawle's Mills, North Carolina,
have been disinterred, brought to this cemetery, and reinterred. They
were in fair preservation, and each readily recognized from your descrip
tion. Their numbers are as follows : Charles Morse, Company E, Forty-
fourth Massachusetts, grave No. 3256; Charles E. Rollins, Company C,
Forty-fourth Massachusetts, grave No. 3257 ;  King, Marine Artillery,
grave No. 3258. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Ed. Taubenspeck, Superintendent.

232 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Aside from the pleasure derived from again seeing those
places so prominent in our memories of army life, there is a
peculiar gratification in having been the means of securing the
removal of the remains of those fallen comrades from neglected
graves to the beautiful resting-place provided by the United
States Government.

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OR the benefit of those readers who have
never visited the places in North Caro
lina mentioned in this History, the fol
lowing descriptive list has been prepared
of thirty-two of the principal views taken
by the author of the chapter entitled
" North Carolina re-visited."
No. 568. Field on which the Battle
of Goldsboro' was fought, Dec 17, 1862.
— Taken from about the position occupied
by Lee's Brigade and the New York Artil
lery, at the time that the Confederate troops charged upon them.
In the centre is the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad bridge over
the Neuse River, the railroad embankment extending to the left. The
bridge is of the same style as the one destroyed by the Union forces.
The background of trees line the banks of the river.
No. 622. An Old Plantation Cotton-press. — Before the war
every planter ginned and packed his own cotton, using one of these
wooden screw-presses. The power was a pair of mules at the lower
end of each of the arms, and with the help of about a dozen " niggers "
two bales a day could be packed. Yankee ingenuity has since devised
an iron press, that six men can handle, and do three to four times as
much work.
No. 569. Whitehall Bridge. — This occupies the place of the
one destroyed by the Confederates on the morning of Dec. 16, 1862,
and is viewed from about the centre of the position occupied by Co.
A that forenoon. A rail fence along the bank would have made it
look more familiar. The boards under the tree to the right form the
roof of the ice-house of the " Mutual Ice Co., of Seven Springs."
No. 570. The Little Graveyard, at Whitehall. — This is the
private burial-place of the family owning most of the property in the
vicinity. The rail fence behind which the Forty-fourth lay was on
this side, so that many never saw or heard of it until after the view
was brought home. The fence was badly broken by the enemy's
bullets, and has never been repaired.

No. 572. Whitehall, the River Bank opposite the Position
of the Fortv-fourth. — The enemy had some small breastworks on
the bank, which have been nearly washed away ; there was also a
building, supposed to be a saw-mill, on the bank. The disappearance
of that building, and thicker foliage, give it a different appearance
from what those in the regiment remember.
No. 571. Whitehall, the River Bank where the Confederates
were building the Gunboat. — The " Iron Clad " was in process of
construction on the bank between the bridge and the clump of bushes
to the right. At the time of the battle ineffectual attempts were made
to set fire to the craft, and the Artillery also, attempted to destroy it
with shells. After the Union forces retired, all damage was repaired
and the boat launched. As she drew fourteen feet, and there was
but eight feet of water on the bar at Kinston, she never fulfilled the
hopes of the builders.
No. 575. Old Camp-ground of the Forty-fourth, where the
right wing of the barracks stood. — The mound on the left is the re
mains of a fort, built after the regiment came home. In the centre
is a glimpse of the Neuse, and half-way between the two " survivors
of the 44th," on the further side of the river, is where Fort Anderson
was located.
No. 576. Where the Left Wing of the Barracks stood. — The
barn is, as nearly as could be judged, in the centre of the wing ; the
house, near the end of the officers' quarters. The same old road from
New Berne to Camp still exists, and is between the two buildings.
Nos. 577 and 588. In the National Cemetery. — The views show
what the place is, and need no further description than what is given
on page 227. By addressing "Superintendent National Cemetery,
New Berne, N. C," any information that he has, can be obtained in
regard to those buried there.
No. 581. Fort Rowan, perhaps better known as the " Star Fort,"
from its shape. Located so as to command the railroad to Golds
boro', and on the line of entrenchments extending from the Neuse to
the Trent River.
No. 582. Interior View of Fort Totten. — This fort was
several acres in extent, and was located so as to command the ap
proaches to New Berne by both the Trent and the Neuse Roads. A
prominent feature of the fort was a traverse twenty-five to thirty feet
high, formed by two rows of hewn logs, fifteen to twenty feet apart,
the space filled in with earth. The trees across the centre of the pic,
ture cover the mound of earth, all that is left.

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605 New lierne— House occupied by a portion of Co. E, on Broad Street.
er. from tha Bridge.

591 Little Washinqton — the Grice Place, from the Main Street.

No. 606. The Railroad Shops, New Berne. — Most of the men
found shelter in these shops the night of the arrival of the regiment
in New Berne. The passenger station, now on the left, was on the
right side of the track during the war.
No. 579. The Gaston House, New Berne. — Originally built for
a pork curing, packing, and store house, at the head of a wharf ;
the passage to the wharf being through an archway, where is now
the main entrance to the hotel. Apparently there has been no change
in twenty-two years. " Mac " thought he recognized a broken pane
of glass as being the same one that he noticed when on guard in front
,of the hotel in May, 1863.
No. 607. Broad Street, New Berne. — This was the parade
ground of the regiments doing provost guard duty in the city. One
house that was occupied by a portion of Co. E has been torn down,
and the only other change is that during the occupancy by the Union
troops no grass was allowed to grow in the street.
No. 608. The Guard-house of District One. — The entrance
to this house was, during the war, on the side facing to the right,
with outside steps to the sidewalk ; the L, or rear portion, was used
as a "lock-up."
Nos. 602 and 603. Houses on Pollock Street occupied by
Co. Din May, 1863. — 603 was the cook-house, and is typical of all
house-servants' quarters in the South. When occupied by soldiers it
was kept clean, and whitewash was freely used. Its filthy condition in
1884 caused the " Expedition" to wonder how Northern-bred white men
could ever have been comfortable there. The lot back of the house is
now enclosed by a high board fence, and there is a pigsty in one corner.
Army regulations are no longer observed on those premises.
Nos. 604 and 605. Houses occupied by Co. E in May, 1863.
No. 595. Through Long Swamp from Little Washington to
Rawle's Mills. — This was the first water that the regiment had to
wade through in 1862. Then it was deep, nearly up to the plank
walk for half a mile. When this picture was taken, one could have
passed through without wetting his feet. The man on the left is "Joe
Chauncy." Mclntire and a Mr. Adams are on the plank, watching
the movements of a moccasin snake.
No. 585. The Ford near Rawle's Mills, where the Forty-fourth
was "baptized." — At the time of the skirmish, Nov. 2, 1862, there
was no bridge, and the water at that place was quite three feet deep.
The woods beyond the bridge are on ground from six to ten feet above
the 'level of the road, and the enemy was concealed by the foliage.

The plank walks to the right of the pictures 595 and 585 show
the provision in that section of the country to enable pedestrians
to pass through swamps or over narrow or shallow streams without
wading. No. 594. Place on the Road where Cos. A and G were am
bushed, March 30, 1863. — The remains of the breastwork are dimly
seen on the right. The stake in the road is about a gunshot beyond,
towards Little Washington.
No. 589. The Southwest Angle of Fort Washington. — The
light spot at the left is a nearly levelled traverse. The line of breast
works still exist, though washed by rain down to about three feet high,
and covered with bushes.
No. 600. The Bridge and Town of " Little " Washington. —
Most of the buildings seen are new. The old saw-mills have disap
peared, and on the wharves are good, modern steamer-sheds. The
bridge is the same.
No. 593. View down the Pamlico River. — To the left is the
town ; in the centre is Castle Island ; on the right, in the distance,
is Rodman's Point. The "Cotton Battery" was just around the
point of land in the right foreground. The Union gunboats lay in
the channel to the left of Castle Island.
Nos. 590 and 591. The Grice Mansion and Grounds. — The
track front of the gate is that of the Washington and Jamesville Rail
road, built since the war. The place was neglected and abused while
the army was in the town. The impoverishment of the owner compelled
him to allow everything to go to ruin. " Porte Crayon " gave a
sketch of this place as it appeared before the war, in " Harper's
Magazine " for May, 1857.
No. 616. On the Road from Southwest Creek to Kinston. —
The right wing of the regiment passed through the swamp on the
right, in line of battle, while the left wing moved by the flank down
this road.
No. 619. Old House, near Kinston Bridge. — Used as a field
hospital at the battle of Kinston, Dec. 14, 1862. Under the trees to
the right were buried the amputations. The front of the house is full
of bullet holes.
No. 617. Kinston Bridge, over the Neuse River. — As much
like the old one as possible.
No. 614. Railroad Station at Kinston.; — The regiment en
camped on the portion of track shown, on the night of Dec. 14, 1862.

CHAPTER XIII.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE.

'HE medical and surgical care of a thou
sand men under the exceptional cir
cumstances of army life is no trifling
matter. If the history of a regiment
is not written in blood, the unusual
conditions of camp and field entail no
small amount of risk, suffering, and
death upon its members, and of labor
and responsibility on its medical staff.
These results are largely increased by
the youth and inexperience of the
men who compose a regiment. The
Forty-fourth was made up in large
part of boys accustomed to all the luxuries of city and suburban
life. The average age was about twenty-two years ; the average
height, five feet eight inches ; and the average weight, one hun
dred and thirty-seven pounds.
The preliminary encampment at Readville was, for a time, a
sort of picnic, at which daily drill was relieved by moonlight
promenades to the strains of the Boston Brass Band. The daily
routine was enlivened by the stirring notes of Dan Simpson's
drum and Si Smith's fife. The severity of commissary diet was
tempered by an abundant overflow from home tables. Nothing
was too good for the " flower of the youth of Boston," and these
" pets of many a household " for a time, like Dives, fared sump
tuously every day. Contractors' shoddy was rejected for custom-
made uniforms, fancy boots took the place of army shoes, and
Short's knapsacks were provided by the generosity of the busi
ness men of Boston.

234

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Meanwhile the surgeons were occupied with preparations for
the sterner duties of the campaign in prospect. The cheery
notes of the surgeon's call for the first time resounded through
the camp. As it soon became a favorite air for all sorts of im
provised words, descriptive of the disease most prevalent at the
time, it is reproduced here.

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The personnel of the surgical staff and hospital officers was as
follows ; namely : —

Surgeon . . .
Assistant-Surgeon Hospital Steward
Wardmaster .
Hospital Cook .
Nurse ....

Dr. Robert Ware.
Dr. Theodore W. Fisher.
William C. Brigham.
James B. Brewster, Co. D.
Seth J. Hobbs, Co. G.
Noah W. Brooks, Co. C.
Thomas J. Barnaby, Co. G.

This list was subsequently increased, according to the hospital
muster-roll of Feb. 28, 1863, as follows: —
Clerk  Henry W. Littlefield, Co. D.

Assistant-Cook
Nurse . . .

H. Clay Cross, Co. E.
Joseph F. Dean, Co. F.
Andrew H. Curry, Co. H.
Harrison Parker, 2d, Co. H.
Benjamin F. Bates, Go. I.
Charles H. Roberts, Co. E.
George H. Ray, Co. C.
Cummings D. Wbitcomb, Co. C.
William A. Smallidge, Co. C.
John H. Pearce, Co. E.

Dr. Ware was a graduate of Harvard, of the class of 1852,
and of the Medical College, class of 1856, and was a son of one
of its most distinguished professors, Dr. John Ware. He had
had some experience as a surgeon of the Sanitary Commission
on board a hospital steamship in the Peninsular Campaign,
and was in every way well qualified for his place. Dr. Fisher,
after a business and academic education, graduated at Harvard

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 235
Medical College in the class of 1861, and had had two years'
experience in hospital service at the Boston Lunatic Hospital
and as Resident Physician to the city institutions in Boston
Harbor. He applied for a surgeoncy in a three years' regiment,
but had not practised the requisite number of years.
It was soon found by the surgeons that, in consequence of the
great pressure for admission to this regiment, some physically
unfit men had been passed by the examining physicians of the
cities and towns. Deception as to age had been practised to
some extent, and boys under eighteen, puny and undeveloped,
had been passed, through their own urgency to enlist. This
necessitated a re-examination of every man by the regimental
surgeons. This duty was thoroughly performed at Readville,
every member of the regiment being stripped, inspected, and
tested in various ways. Confession of weakness or disability
could only be extorted after actual discovery. As an example
of this pressure, a squad of young men from Walpole refused to
enlist unless one of their number, named Hartshorne, whose foot
had been partially disabled, was passed. Richard V. De Peyster,
of Framingham, of good family and in good circumstances, being
rejected for near-sightedness, insisted on going in some capacity,
if only as company cook. He was passed and assigned for duty
in the stretcher corps, and at Rawle's Mill was wounded in the
thigh and lost an arm while carrying his stretcher. Necessarily
many slender youths were admitted ; but they were believed to
be sound, and proved better able to hold out on long marches
than some older and heavier men, even .of the veteran regiments.
The regiment was also re-vaccinated in all cases requiring it.
Hospital stores and extra medical supplies were secured from
governmental and private sources. Welcome addition to the
hospital fund was made by friends of the regiment. Our stock
of Government whiskey and sp. vin. Gall, was supplemented by
Hungarian wine, cherry cordial, arrack, tinto Madeira of 18 16,
and old port which had mellowed in the cellars of the Emperor
of Brazil ! Let this be no reflection on the regiment or its offi
cers, for it was professedly and actually a temperate regiment.
When it became necessary to issue whiskey and quinine rations
as a prophylactic against malaria, alcohol, water, and cayenne

236 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
pepper were substituted for whiskey by the surgeons, and no
soldier is known to have acquired a dangerous hankering for
this mixture.
The hospital was indebted for luxuries and delicacies for the
sick to the Warren Street Society and Fifth Universalist Society,
of Boston, the Channing Circle at Newton, and the Soldiers' Aid
Society of Waltham. Also to William H. Ireland, Esq., Dr. C. H.
Allen, and numerous young ladies of Boston, of whose names I
find the following on record : Misses Lizzie G. Cumston, Sadie K.
Galloupe, Mary L. Dexter, Nellie E. Lovett, Carrie B. Streeter,
Julia Streeter, and Louisa Prescott. May they find perennial
youth in these pages ! The barrack assigned for hospital pur
poses had a room for use at surgeon's call in front, and a ward
with ten beds in the rear. But little sickness prevailed at Read
ville, however, except a mysterious complaint during the first
week, attributed by the boys to senna put in the coffee by
medical order !
The nurses were daily instructed in the art of bandaging and
dressing wounds. A stretcher corps was organized, composed
of specially detailed men selected from each company, to which
was added the drum-and-fife corps, and to which afterwards the
band belonged, ex officio, according to army regulations. This
corps was furnished with stretchers devised by Assistant-Surgeon
Fisher, and put in charge of Chaplain Hall, who afterwards gal
lantly led it in every engagement. It was drilled in carrying
stretchers over rough ground, fences, and walls, breaking step to
prevent swinging. The men were also taught how to make and
apply tourniquets and compresses. After the regiment was mus
tered in, the soldiers were more nearly restricted to Government
rations. The Sunday inspections grew more rigorous, and the
extra dainties, such as cake, pickles, preserves, canned goods,
etc., were excluded from the bunks and barracks by order of
Surgeon Ware, who thereby got the not uncomplimentary
sobriquet of " Old Sanitary."
The regiment having been well prepared for service by con
stant drilling and occasional marches, sailed for New Berne, N. C,
October 22, on the " Merrimac," in company with the right wing
of the Third Massachusetts Regiment. The hold and bunks had

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 237
been previously cleaned and whitewashed by order of Surgeon
Ware ; but the men suffered much from overcrowding, bad
ventilation, sea-sickness, and inadequate provisions for cooking
for so many men. Had the weather been rough, serious conse
quences might have resulted to health. Some colds were con
tracted by the wet ride in open cars from Beaufort to New
Berne, and rheumatism made its first call on us.
The day after arrival was spent by the surgeons in securing
quarters for a hospital. A house on Craven Street was selected
and furnished with twenty-five or thirty beds. Here the sick and
wounded were afterwards made very comfortable, thanks to our
ample fund and stores. That nothing might be wanting, two
stray cows by some fortunate chance found their way into the
back yard, and, fed on Government hay, gave milk for the sick
until restored to their reputed owners by an order from Provost-
Marshal Messenger.
The Tarboro' expedition occurred immediately on the ar
rival of the regiment; and the men, not being fairly acclimated,
were put to a severe test in many ways. It lasted a fortnight,
and included a skirmish and a march of one hundred and
twenty-five miles in seven days. The blankets were all left
at " Little " Washington by general order, and the weather
proved unusually cold for the season. Our ideal sunny South
suffered rapid deterioration in the presence of ice and snow.
The latter fell to the depth of several inches, and the stiff cold
mud and constant fording of icy creeks shrunk the boys'
custom-made boots and produced ugly ulcers and blisters on
hundreds of feet. Strips of- old linen and junks of mutton
tallow, foraged on the way, were served out night and morning,
and wide army shoes commanded a premium. Many were
forced to cut their boots off and walk in their stockings. Ice
formed in the woods an inch and a half thick, and the water
froze in our canteens on one or two nights as they lay on the
ground beside us ; and yet the heat at noon was sufficient, with
the unaccustomed pressure of the accoutrements on the chest,
to produce many heat-strokes.
The surgeons were constantly busy attending the sick and ex
hausted men, and giving passes to lame ones for the ambulances.

238 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
These could not accommodate a tenth part of the stragglers, who
were obliged to fall behind and make their slow and painful way
into camp in the night. And yet ours was the liveliest regiment
in the line, and held out, except for the sore feet, as well as the
veteran regiments. The boys enlivened the march with singing,
which not only cheered their comrades but the whole line. There
was also a deficiency of rations, and many an extra mile was
covered in the search for provisions along the route. The first
day a mule-team was confiscated ("'convey,' the wise it call")
for the use of the hospital department, and loaded with supplies.
This was driven immediately in the rear of the regiment, so
that we did not depend on the distant ambulances. At Rawle's
Mill, on Sunday evening, Nov. 2, 1862, the regiment was under
fire for the first time. This engagement will be described else
where, and by referring to the list of killed and wounded its
results will be seen. The first wounded were attended in a grove
of pines just before coming to the creek (Chopper's) on the left
of the road. De Peyster and others were taken into a Secesh
cabin on the right. Here his arm was amputated by Surgeon
Otis, senior at that time and place. One soldier was led out of
the fight by two comrades in a frenzied condition, having been
made temporarily delirious by the suddenness of the attack. The
dead having been buried by Chaplain Hall, who had bravely led
the stretcher corps into the creek, the wounded were placed in
ambulances and sent forward in charge of the assistant-sureeon,
who attended a mortally wounded Rebel in a little house on the
way. At the end of the third day's march thirty disabled men were
put on board a gunboat at Hamilton, which had accompanied us
on the Tar River. On the fifth day forty more were so disposed
of. On our return, these, with the wounded from the skirmish
at Rawle's Mill, were sent back to New Berne on board the " North
erner" in charge of Assistant-Surgeon Fisher, getting aground
five times on the way. The delay, with the heat, insufficient
supplies, and a fearful stench from the horses on the forward
deck and the suppurating wounds, caused great discomfort to
the sick and wounded.
On our return to New Berne the regimental hospital service

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 239
was thoroughly organized by Surgeon Ware, strict orders for the
daily routine being issued November 20. Assistant-Surgeon
Fisher had charge of the sick in quarters, of whom there were
many suffering from diarrhoea, bronchitis, and rheumatism, con
tracted on the Tarboro' march. By reference to the Sick Re
port Summary it will be seen that the aggregate number for
November was 337, against 206 for October. The barracks,
which were of such contracted dimensions as to give but one
hundred and fifty cubic feet of air space to each man, were ven
tilated by openings at the ridge and sides, at the expense of the
hospital fund. November 21 a detail of twenty-four men was
made, selected by the surgeons from a list of twice that number,
of an invalid guard, which was sent to garrison a block-house up
the Trent River. These were mostly cases of rheumatism, her
nia, and varicose veins, brought on by lying on the wet ground
and by continued marching.
The Goldsboro' expedition set out December 11, and returned
December 20. In nine days the regiment marched one hundred
and fifty miles, bivouacking at night and participating in three
engagements with the enemy. The weather was clear, with hot
days and frosty nights. A less number fell out of the ranks
and there were fewer sunstrokes than on the previous expedition.
The men had their blankets this time, and were provided with
the low, wide army shoes, thus escaping to a great extent the
suffering from sore feet. There were similar creeks to cross,
however, and the constant halting and unexpected starting of
the column made marching difficult and wearisome.
At Kinston, December 14, as the regiment formed in line of
battle, the surgeons were directed by Medical-Director Snelling
to station themselves in the edge of some woods and attend to
the wounded indiscriminately as they were brought to the rear.
This order was complied with for half an hour, when the work of
dressing wounds and extracting balls was continued in a little
house in the edge of the swamp where the regiment had gone in.
In a short time another move was made to a large house full of
wounded near the Kinston bridge, where work was in progress
till after dark. Fortunately the regiment escaped without wounds,
although under fire for some time in the swamp.

240 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
At Whitehall the regiment went into line of battle on a hill
behind Belger's battery. Two men had just been killed by a
shell, when Edwin S. Fisher of Boston, a drummer-boy of Com
pany G, was wounded in the knee, a large flap of integument
being torn off and left hanging by the explosion of a shell. He
was attended at once by Assistant-Surgeon Fisher, and during
the painful and tedious process of stitching the flap into place
showed great coolness by calling for a pencil with which to enter
the occurrence in his diary. Meanwhile the regiment had moved
forward to the extreme front, and Surgeon Ware had collected a
number of wounded behind a little cabin on the right flank.
When rejoined by the assistant-surgeon the regiment was under
a hot fire from rebel sharp-shooters concealed in the tree-tops,
and the rear of the line was anything but a pleasant place.
Belger's battery, a few yards from hospital headquarters, was
losing rapidly in horses and men. Stout Captain Belger, with
arms akimbo, ordered the guns loaded with grape and canister,
and then shouted, " Fire into the trees ! Now, boys, stand by
my battery ! " A hospital attendant, Joseph F. Dean, of Cam
bridge, Company F, was hit about this time. It was feared the
fire of the battery would draw an artillery fire on their frail
shelter, so the dead and wounded were put on stretchers and
carried to a grove in the rear, where the angry spit of bullets
was less frequent. An attempt here to tie the subclavian artery
was a failure, the patient dying of hemorrhage from a deep
wound in the axilla. George E. Noyes, of West Roxbury,
Company K, declined surgical aid, saying he was past help and
others needed it more. He died the next day from a wound
in the abdomen.
As the firing slackened the dead were buried under direction
of Chaplain Hall, and the wounded removed to a general ren
dezvous on the hill. Here more surgical work was done, and
Medical-Director Snelling ordered the assistant-surgeon to put
the wounded in ambulances without distinction of regiment, al
though a detail of ambulances had been assigned to each regi
ment. This order was disregarded, and all the wounded of the
Forty-fourth able to be moved were sent on their way to Golds
boro'. As they passed along the road parallel to the river the

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 241
ambulances were fired on by lingering Rebels across the river.
Assistant-Surgeon Fisher, who was searching for wounded in the
field near the bridge, was also fired at two hours or more after
the fight was over. " He means you, Doc. ! " said a soldier
guarding a pile of knapsacks behind a chimney. Such incidents,
as well as the flag-of-truce trick at Goldsboro', were somewhat
characteristic of Rebel ideas of honor.
Insensibility to pain was noticed in many cases as a conse
quence of the excitement of battle, as in the cases of Fisher and
Noyes already mentioned. At Kinston also a bullet was being
extracted with some difficulty from among the bones of the foot,
when the soldier, being asked if it hurt, cried out: "Dig away,
Doctor, and damn the pain ! We 've licked 'em ! " The con
trasting condition was seen at Whitehall, when a soldier who had
accidentally or purposely shot off his right forefinger was bellow
ing like a calf under the process of dressing it, while from a room
full of seriously wounded men around him not a groan was heard.
At Goldsboro' the regiment went into line of battle in reserve
just out of sight of the field of battle, which was in a fine, open
country between the railroad and river. The surgeons rode for
ward, and learning that the objective point of the expedition was
in our hands, assisted for several hours at the hospital head
quarters in a large house overlooking the field. In the afternoon
they rode down to the front, where Belger's and Morrison's bat
teries, with a regiment in support, were slowly shelling the woods
near the railroad bridge. A squad of cavalry occupied the right
flank. Just at this moment a white flag was seen waving in the
edge of the woods, and the cavalry galloped up to it to bring in
the prisoners supposed to be in waiting, when they received a
volley which sent them back in haste. The shelling was renewed
for half an hour with more vigor, when from beyond the railroad
embankment was heard a Rebel yell, shrill, like the screams of a
multitude of women and children, and in a moment three regi
ments mounted the bank and charged directly on the batteries.
The. left one was seen to falter under the artillery fire and seek
safety behind the railroad, while the other two regiments came
bravely on, the grape and canister cutting great gaps in the
ranks till they were compelled to withdraw with great loss. The
16

242 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
supports coming up also showed the Rebels the hopelessness
of their attempt. After this charge Surgeon Ware remained
awhile to assist at the general hospital, and Assistant-Surgeon
Fisher rejoined the regiment, which went into line of battle
across a road in the woods. Here perfect silence was enjoined,
and one poor fellow with a spasmodic cough was dosed with
opium and hurried to the rear between two comrades, with his
handkerchief stuffed into his mouth. Nothing came of all our
precautions, and the army took up its line of march through a
burning forest towards New Berne.
On our return the same crop of lung and intestinal diseases ap
peared as had followed our Tarboro' expedition, but they were
less amenable to treatment. Bronchitis and diarrhoea were re
placed by pneumonia and dysentery. The total number under
treatment for December was 331, and the daily average of sick
and wounded in hospital and quarters was 85. Our losses on
the Goldsboro' expedition may be learned from the tables ap
pended. December 25, the first case of a new and alarming dis
ease occurred in our regiment, proving fatal in a few days. The
epidemic, which followed and extended to other regiments, was
entirely outside the experience of any of the surgeons in the
department. The fever was at first regarded as a virulent type
of malarial disease. The autopsy in the case of Henry G. Kim
ball, of Andover, Company G, who died Jan. I, 1863, made by
the assistant-surgeon, showed the presence of inflammation in
the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The disease was
afterwards recognized as cerebro-spinal meningitis, which is iden
tical with the disease once known as spotted fever, occurring as
an epidemic in Massachusetts between the years 1807 and 1816.
The next death was that of John C. Pollitz, Boston, Company F,
on January 7. Having been previously well, he came in from
guard in the morning, was sent to the hospital, and died the same
afternoon. This sudden fatality naturally produced much con
sternation in the regiment. Quinine rations were issued as a
prophylactic measure, and Surgeon Ware was untiring in his
efforts to determine the cause of the epidemic.
In a letter to Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Muzzey, Medical
Inspector United States Army, he describes the barracks as

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 243
" placed so near the edge of a swamp that the space allotted for
the sinks and pools of refuse is much too small for a permanent
camp, and too near the barracks. The barracks are built of green
pine, and the sills are laid directly on the ground. The buildings
are placed end to end, those of each wing forming one side of a
square, the retreating angle of which is directed towards the
swamp." The dimensions of the barracks which he gives allow
but one hundred and fifty cubic feet per man, or one seventh of
the air space which the British Army regulations require for per
manent barracks. Surgeon Ware further states that up to Feb
ruary 20, nineteen cases of the fever had occurred, with twelve
deaths. No new cases appeared after January 19, when the first
heavy rains fell. The epidemic was preceded by a long dry
and warm spell of weather. The first symptoms in most cases
were of intense cerebral congestion, followed by convulsions,
rigidity of the muscles, and coma. There were usually head
ache, stupor, small, quick pulse, duskiness of the face, and
sometimes collapse in the first stage, followed by a noisy de
lirium, deafness, squinting, rigidity, and lastly a petechial or pur
puric eruption, typhoid symptoms, coma, and death. Dr. Ware
thought the disease was probably both of typhous and malarial
origin. February 1, in consequence of the epidemic, and the possible
connection of the swamp and barracks with it, the regiment was
sent to Plymouth. Assistant-Surgeon Fisher was detailed for
service in the Foster General Hospital the last of January, much
against his desire and the remonstrances of Colonel Lee and Sur
geon Ware. A promise was exacted that if the regiment took the
field or moved he should go with it; and the Plymouth expe
dition having been ordered about this time, he was reluctantly
allowed to go. The regiment remained in Plymouth ten days,
quartered on board the " Northerner " at first, and afterwards in
some empty warehouses without fire. The weather was very cold
and the ground covered with snow. One mysterious night march
of twenty-five miles was made with the usual mud, and ice-cold
creeks to ford. Measles first appeared here, and the assistant
surgeon was one of the first victims. Lying on the floor of a
Southern house, with a Northern snow-storm raging at every

244 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
crevice, very sick with a disease one is ashamed not to have had
in early life, is no joke, however it may appear to one's brother
officers ! After our return, February 10, to New Berne the regi
ment suffered from measles and diphtheria. The cases were severe
and in a few instances fatal. The assistant-surgeon was sent as a
patient to the Stanley General Hospital, putting the whole burden
of the regimental work upon Surgeon Ware. On February 20
there were 44 sick in quarters and 66 in hospital, general and
regimental, of which 30 were cases of measles. The daily aver
age in January was 72, in February, 6j. On his recovery the
assistant-surgeon went on duty at the Foster General Hospital.
He had under his charge one half of the patients, medical and sur
gical, officers and men, in the large building formerly used as a
theatre and masonic hall, amounting to about 75 on an average.
In the first story the stage and auditorium of the theatre made
one large ward, the drop-scene being nailed up over the stage to
form its ceiling. In the masonic hall overhead the sick and dying
were cheered by the masonic emblems painted in the panels of
the ceiling, a coffin being conspicuous in one corner ! The regi
mental hospital was removed for convenience from Craven Street
to a hospital barrack at the camp the last of February.
March 14, during the attack on our outposts across the Neuse
River, shot and shell fell near the hospital and officers' quarters
about breakfast-time. Shells for breakfast were a novelty.
The sick and the horses having been removed, the cannon
ading was watched with less anxiety. March 15, the regiment or
rather eight companies of it were sent by transport to " Little "
Washington under medical charge of Surgeon Ware, leaving two
companies, F and B, which were on picket duty at Batchelder's
Creek, and the invalid guard at Brice's Creek in charge of the
assistant-surgeon, who also continued his duties at the Foster Gen
eral Hospital. No amount of influence or persuasion which was
brought to bear on the chief medical authorities sufficed to re
voke his detail or annul the above arrangement. As it afterwards
proved, a disproportionate amount of work devolved on Surgeon
Ware, which may have been influential in causing his sickness
and untimely death. But this result was not and could not have
been foreseen. As Surgeon Fisher took an affectionate leave of

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 245
his senior on board the " Escort," neither for a moment imagined
it was a final farewell.
The details of the long siege and the consequent sufferings of
the men are narrated elsewhere. The casualties were few, but the
constant night alarms, heavy work by day on short rations, and
the exposures and anxieties of the siege entailed much unusual
labor on Surgeon Ware, who was the senior medical officer of
the garrison. The surgeon's-call book having been lost, the
proportion of sickness in this part of the regiment cannot be
determined. No fatal disease prevailed, but cases of diarrhoea,
dysentery, bronchitis, and tonsilitis were frequent. Surgeon
Ware's duties also extended to the other regiments and to the
large number of negroes engaged on the defences. The following
newspaper item relates to one of Surgeon Ware's patients : —
" I must tell you of one hero who saved a company of soldiers from
certain death. A flat full of soldiers, with a few negroes, attempted to
land at Rodman's Point, but were repulsed by a terrible fire of Rebel bul
lets, all tumbling into the boat and lying flat to escape being shot. Mean
while the boat stuck fast on the shore, when this noble African said :
' Somebody 's got to die to git us out of dis, and it may as well be me ! '
He then deliberately got out and pushed the boat off, and fell into it,
pierced by five bullets. Dr. Ware afterwards amputated a leg aud resected
a part of one bone in the arm ; but the man of course died."
Surgeon Ware was attacked with double pneumonia of a
typhoidal type about April 5, and died April 10, four days before
the raising of the siege. He had been seized with a dangerous
attack of syncope during our former visit to "Little" Washington
in November, of which he made light, but which probably in
dicated cardiac debility not favorable to a long life. He was
afterwards apparently as vigorous as ever, and his death was a
surprise and shock to all. His unsparing activity and zeal in
the performance of his official duties made his death seem more
untimely. He had become endeared to the men of the regi
ment, who had learned his real worth and his kindness of heart,
and his death was the saddest event of the sad and gloomy
weeks of the siege. His brother officers of the field and stafi
had early learned to love him as a brother. He was, in fact,
the connection, friend, or familiar acquaintance of several of

246 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
them before the war, and his death came like a family loss to
them. This is not the place for an adequate memorial sketch
of so diligent a student, so talented a surgeon and sanitarian, so
noble a character, or even of so good a soldier. His alma mater
will preserve his memory in marble as pure as his fame; his
classmates will recount his virtues ; his friends and comrades will
long mourn his loss ; and his name will stand in his country's
roll of honor, high among those whose self-sacrifice, though
" sweet and fitting," was sad and disheartening to the last
degree. During the siege the distant boom of guns daily aroused new
apprehensions for the safety of their comrades in the men left at
New Berne. The lack of reliable intelligence became positively
painful, until about April 11, when rumors reached them of the
death of Surgeon Ware. Assistant-Surgeon Fisher at once de
manded permission to join the regiment, but was detained a day
or two, until the rumor was confirmed. He then left on the
" Escort," expecting to run the blockade, but fortunately found
Hill's Point in possession of our men. The last gun of the siege
was fired the night of his arrival. The boys plainly showed the
effects of the siege in their worn and anxious looks, but soon
recuperated under the cheering influences of sleep, good rations,
and the prospect of an early return to New Berne.
From April 22 to the close of its term of service the regiment
was acting as provost-guard of New Berne. A large mansion-
house on Broad Street was taken for a regimental hospital. Sur-,
geon Fisher, whose commission dated from the day of Surgeon
Ware's death, took charge of it. Daniel McPhee had been com
missioned Assistant-Surgeon late in March, and joined the regi
ment on its return. Typhoid fever became prevalent, and was
increasing in frequency and severity when the regiment sailed
for Boston. Seven cases were too sick to be moved, and were
sent to the Foster General Hospital, where four of them died.
Many others, though very weak, were put on board the " Guide,"
in care of Surgeon Fisher. Assistant-Surgeon McPhee accom
panied the left wing on board the " George Peabody."
To summarize the results from a medical point of view of our
nine months' service, the following table will suffice : —

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 247
Killed and died of wounds . ... ... 11
Wounded   32
Died of disease ...  26
Discharged for disability  65
Invalid guard  25
Total sick for eight months .... . 2,128
Pensions granted ...  . . 46
Claims pending  . . 35
The regiment was an average one physically, but above the
average in activity, intelligence, and esprit de corps. Its short
term was made up of active service well calculated to test its
mettle and endurance, and in no case did it fail to exhibit all
those manly qualities characteristic of Massachusetts soldiers.
Killed and died of Wounds.
Charles E. Rollins, Brookline . Comp
Charles Morse, Boston ... "
Matthew R. Meagher, Boston . "
D. Tyler Newcomb, Medford . "
J. Watson Slocum, Holliston . "
Sergeant A. Stacy Courtis, Cambridge "
Corporal Edwin H. Curtis, Boston "
Antonio F. Polio, Boston . . "
George E. Noyes, West Roxbury "
Albert L. Butler, Cambridge . "
Sergeant David K. Hobart, Boston, "
Taken Prisoner.
Sergeant David K. Hobart, Boston, Company G, Washington, N. C, Mar.
3°, '63-
Corporal Theodore J. Lawrence, Boston, Company G, Washington, N. C,
Mar. 30, '63.
Private John Leonard, Roxbury, Company G, Washington, N. C, Mar.
3°. '63- Deserted.

C, Rawle's Mi

1,

Nov. 2,

'62.

E, "

{{

A, Whitehall,

Dec. 16,

'62.

A,

a
A,
"
C, "
a
c,
tt
c,
a
K, "
it
A,
Dec. 19,
'62.
G, Wash'n, N.
C
, Apr. 24,
'63-
William Gibson, Chelsea .
. Company A, Readville,
Oct. 8, '62.
Patrick Dalton, Newton
B,
" 21, "
Morris P. Lenihan, Boston
" H, Boston,
" 22, "
Wounded.
James W.Briggs, 2d Lieut.,Boston,Company C, Rawle's Mill, Nov. 2, '62.
Sergeant Albert C. Pond, Boston " C, "
248

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

William A. Smallidge, Cambridge, Company C, Rawle's Mill, Nov. 2, '62.
Sergeant Frederick W. Smith, Jr. "
John C. Peakes  "
Asa H. Stebbins, 2d Lieut., Boston "
Charles H. Roberts, Melrose . "
Richard V. De Peyster, Framingham "
Harrison Parker, 2d, Winchester
E. Augustus Jacobs, South Scituate "
Alexander H. Everett, Cambridge "
Albert S. May, Needham . .
John F. Berry, Boston ... "
Sgt. James F. Clark, W. Cambridge "
Amos K. Tappan, Boston . . "
John W. Greenwood, Needham "
William Bamford, North Andover "
Warren P. Everett, Newton
Charles C. Ewer, Boston .
Frederick Jackson, Boston
Joseph F. Dean, Cambridge
Francis E. Lincoln, Boston
Edwin S. Fisher, Boston
Sgt. William W. Howe, Framingham
Edward C. Crosby, Framingham
George H. Colby, Boston, Company D, Signal Corps service on gunboat
on Neuse River, near Kinston, Dec. 14, '62.
Captain James M. Richardson, Hubbardston, Company A, Washington,
N. C, Mar. 30, '63.
Corporal Theodore J. Lawrence, Boston, Company G, Washington, N. C,
Mar. 30, '63.
Corp. John King, Boston, Company G, Washington, N. C, Mar. 30, '63.
John Leonard, Roxbury, " G, " " " "
Corp. John D. Priest, Boston, " G, " " " "
Frederic Odiorne, 2d Lieut., Company G, clothing riddled with balls at
same place. Died.
Henry G. Kimball, Andover, Company G, Jan. 1, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
John C. Pollitz, Boston, Company F, Jan. 7, '63, cerebro-spinal meningitis.
Alfred B. Moulton, Framingham, Company C, Jan. 9, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
Josiah Moody, South Hadley, Company F, Jan. 14, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
Corporal Adfur J. Upham, Boston, Company G, Jan. 18, '63, cerebro
spinal meningitis.

c,

ti

it

a

a

c,

it

ti

tt

a

D,

a

it

it

a

E,

"

ti

tt

a

H,

a

a

it

a

H,

a

n

tt

a

H,

ti

a

tt

t>,

A,

Whitehall

y

Dec.

16, '62

A,

it

ti

a

A,

"

a

u

A,

it

a

tt

A,

a

a
tt
A,
a
tt
a
A,
a
a
it
B,
D,
a
tt
n
tta
D,
a
a
a
F,
a
tt
a
titi
G,
tt
ti
H
H,
tt
a
it
H,
a
tt
il
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 249
George F. Boynton, Dorchester, Company G, Jan. 19, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
Walter S. Bradbury, Cambridge, Company C, Jan. 22, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
William F. Ingraham, South Hadley, Company F, Jan. 24, '63, cerebro
spinal meningitis.
Sergeant Albert F. Potter, Newton, Company B, Jan. 29, '63, cerebro
spinal meningitis.
George B. Young, Andover, Company G, Feb. 3, '63, cerebro-spinal men
ingitis.
Francis C. Hopkinson, Cambridge, Company F, Feb. 13, '63, cerebro
spinal meningitis.
Charles A. Bradt, Lowell, Company C, Feb. 19, '63, cerebro-spinal men
ingitis.
Ezra N. Fuller, Needham, Company A, Feb. 21, '63, measles.
Sergt. Charles E. Harwood, Boston, Company I, Feb. 26, '63, diphtheria.
James S. Gilmore, Walpole, Company K, Feb. 26, '63, diphtheria.
Otis S. Merrill, North Andover, Company C, Mar. 2, '63, cerebro-spinal
meningitis.
Reuben J. Gilman, Billerica, Company I, Mar. 7, '63, cerebro-spinal men
ingitis.
Surgeon Robert Ware, Boston, Apr. 10, '63, pneumonia.
Edmund L. Cutter, Weston, Company I, Apr. 25, '63, pneumonia.
Henry F. Melville, Brighton, Company A, May 15, '63, inflammation of
bowels.
James A. Mickel, Charlestown, Company K, May 28, '63, pneumonia.
Timothy S. Boynton, Framingham, Company C, June 8, '63, typhoid
fever.
Frank B. Hanson, Boston, Company A, June n, '63, typhoid fever.
Matthew Howard, North Andover, Company A, June 17, '63, typhoid
fever.
Eben R. Buck, Newton, Company B, June 17, '63, typhoid pneumonia.
William A. Barnes, Boston, Company H, June 18, '63, typhoid fever.
Discharged for Disability.
Capt. Jacob H. Lombard, Boston, Company C, Resigned, Jan. 14, '63
Capt. Frank W. Reynolds, Boston

Corp. John T. Sargent, Jr., Boston
John F. Berry, Boston . . .
John W. Greenwood, Needham
Hiram Hubbard, Jr., Boston .
Albert S. May, Needham . .
Henry E. Warner, Boston .
Henry C. Whittier, Boston . .

K, " Dec. 28, '62
A, Discharged, Mar. 9, '63
A, " Feb. 14, '63
A, " Apr. 1, '63
A, " Apr. 16, '63
A, " Feb. 28, '63
A, " Oct. 7, '62
A, " Jan. 14, '63

250

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

Corp. George W. Lamson, Newton, Company B,
John Brennan, Needham . .
Stephen M. Dresser, Newton .
Edward P. Kingsbury, Newton
Rodney M. Lucas, Newton
William T. Mullen, Newton .
Bowman G. Salsbury, Newton .
John A. Washburn, Newton .
Frank O. Bradt, Lowell . . .
Charles H. Hiscock, Cambridge
Thomas Holmes, Lynn . . .
Edward F. Mahoney, Boston .
Charles L. Plummer, Boston .
George M. Rollins, Brookline .
David J. Thomas, Boston . .
William Ware, Milton . . .
J. Albert Blanchard, West Cambridge
Charles C. Ewer, Boston
William B. Leatherbee, Boston
Theodore L. Barnes, Waltham
George E. Buttrick, West Roxbury
William Dean, Waltham . .
Peter F. Jones, Roxbury . .
Edward Richardson, Cambridge
Charles H. Roberts, Melrose .
William F. Sawyer, Maiden
Joshua B. Warren, Boston
George W. Wheelwright, Jr., Roxbury
Henry A. Clark, South Hadley
Horace E. Learned, Boston
John W. Pitman, Jr., Maiden
George S. Sanford, Sherborn
Edwin S. Fisher, Cambridge
J. Augustus Hall, Dorchester
Francis E. Lincoln, Boston
Thomas F. Phipps, Dorchester
Joseph M. Bannister, Framingham
Allen F. Boone, Winchester .
Austin M. Copp, Maiden . .
Charles H. Fuller, Framingham
E. Augustus Jacobs, South Scituate
Alonzo E. LeMoyne, Boston .
Charles C. Rice, Winchester .
Benjamin F. Bates, Brewster . .

B, Discr

targed, Jan. 14, '63.

B,

Jan. 30, '63.

B,

Jan. 30, '63.

B,

' Sept. 25, '62.

B,

Jan. 30, '63.

B,

Mar. 9, '63.

B,

Oct. 3, '62.

B,

May 28, '63.

c,

' Mar. 14, '63.

c,

' Oct. 4, '62.

c,

' Sept. 30, '62.

c,

Jan. 31, '63.

C, " Oct. 7, '62.

c,

Apr. 15, '63.

c,

Apr. 15, '63.

c,

' Mar. 14, '63.

D,

' Mar. 9, '63.

D,

May 6, '63.

D,

Oct. 3, '62.

E,

Apr. 3, '63.

E,

' Mar. 9, '63.

E, " Nov. 3, '62.

E,

Mar. 9, '63.

E, " Mar. 24, '63.

E,

Jan. 14, '63.

E,

Oct. 3, '62.

E,

Oct. 1, '62.

E,

Oct. 3, '62.

F,

Oct. 4, '62.

F,

Oct. 4, '62.

F,

Oct. 4, '62.

F,

Jan. 23, '63.

G,

May 18, '63.

G,

Oct. 6, '62.

G,

Mar. 31, '63.

G,

Oct. 6, '62.

H,

Mar. 9, '63.

H,

June 5, '63.

H,

Oct. 2, '62.

H,

Mar. 9, '63.

H,

Mar. 13, '63.

H,

Jan. 17, '63.

H,

Apr. 14, '63.

I,

Apr. 1, '63.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE.

2SI

Edward H. Judkins, Boston .
Herbert B. Richardson, Weston
Forrest L. Whittredge, Boston .
Charles E. Wyett, Boston . .
William Bowers, Boston . .
Guy Boyce, Sherborn . . .
Ithamar W. Copeland, Dedham
Charles M. Garland, Boston .
George W. Nickerson, Walpole
Thomas Seavey, West Roxbury
James W. Spinney, Sherborn .
Joseph T. Stedman, Roxbury .

Company I, Discharged, Sept
I, I,
I, K, K K, K,K,K,
K,K,

Sept.

30,

'62.

May

18,

'63-

May

1,

¦63-

May

18,

'63-

Feb.

7,

'63.

Jan.

14;

'63-

Jan.

14.

'63-

Jan.

31.

'63-

Jan.

14,

'63-

Jan.

3i,

'63-

Jan.

14,

'63-

Feb.

17,

'63-

Invalid Guard.
Corporal Charles A. Yendell, Jr., Boston  Company A. A.
A. B.
C. C.
D.D. D. E. F.
G.G. G.G.
H.H. H. H.H. I.
I.
K.
K. K.

Matthew Howard, North Andover . .
Henry C. Whittier, Boston ....
Antonio J. Fayes, Newton ....
Richard T. Robinson, Cambridge . .
Isaac R. Stearns, Chelsea 
Horace P. Tuttle, Cambridge . . .
James A. Blanchard, West Cambridge
Levi Kenerson, Hingham ....
George L. Dyer, Boston 
William E. Copeland, Roxbury . . .
Peter R. Guthrie, Boston 
Charles L. LeCain, Dorchester . . .
T. Robinson Harris, Cambridge . .
Lyman J. Sawyer, Boston . . . .
Heman H. Belcher, Framingham . .
Rufus C. Bruce, Framingham . . .
Matthias J. Moore, Boston . . . .
Alonzo E. LeMoyne, Boston . . .
Henry W. Webster, Cambridge . . .
Theodore Pinkham, Chelsea . . .
Lawrence Rhoades, Boston . . . .
Guy Boyce, Sherborn 
James W. Spinney, Sherborn . . .
George W. Nickerson, Walpole . . .

252

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF SICK REPORTS, FORTY-FOURTH
REGIMENT, M. V. M.

Month.

1862.
OctoberNovember
December . .
1863.
January February . .
March . . .
April . . .
May. . . .
Total . .

Monthly average

Whole Number under
Treatment.

Daily Average Number

Sick.

172
272283

309
215240 161
265

1,917

240

34
6548

28
21 8 7
o

26

Total.

In hos
pital.

205
337
33'

337
236248 16S
265

2,128

266

In quar
ters.

5
13
21

20
21 l915
16

130

7
27
64

52
46432728
294

37

Total.

12
4085

72
6762
4244

424

53

Pension Claims of all Classes admitted.
Matthew R. Meagher,1 Boston  ... Company A.
John F. Berry, Boston  « a.
Albert S. May, Needham  « a.
John W. Greenwood, Needham  ... " A.
Henry C. Whittier, Boston ...  « a.
James M. Richardson,1 Hubbardston  " A.
Amos K. Tappan, Boston . .  « a.
Francis B. Hanson,1 Boston  « a.
John Brennan, Needham.  « g_
John A. Washburn, Newton  " - B.
George N. Hill,1 Newton  « g_
Eben R. Buck,1 Newton  . » g
John R. Holmes,1 Newton  « j>
James S. Withington,1 Newton . .... ... " B.
Samuel B. Hadley,1 Boston  « q
George H. Ray,1 Boston .  » rj
Walter S. Bradbury,1 Cambridge  " C.
Antonio F. Polio,1 Boston  " q
1 Deceased.

MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NARRATIVE. 253
Otis S. Merrill,1 North Andover  Company C.
George H. Hobart, Newton  " D.
Theodore L. Barnes,1 Waltham  " E.
James W. Lovejoy, Cambridge . _  " E.
Charles H. Roberts, Melrose  " E.
Albert K. Page,1 Boston  " E.
John H. Hanson, Boston  " F.
Edwin S. Fisher, Boston  " G.
John Leonard, Roxbury  " G.
Theodore J. Lawrence, Boston  • . . " G.
Henry G. Kimball,1 Andover  " G.
George B. Young,1 Andover  " G.
Elisha A. Jacobs, South Scituate  " H.
Richard V. De Peyster,1 Framingham  " H.
Edward C. Crosby, Framingham  " H.
Edward S. Hemmenway, Framingham .... . . " H.
Alonzo E. LeMoyne,1 Boston  " H.
Frank W. Clapp,1 Holliston  " H.
Benjamin F. Bates, Brewster  I.
Edwin P. Upham, Weston  " I.
Michael Shaughnessy, Cambridge  " I.
George W. Nickerson, Walpole  . K.
James W. Spinney,1 Walpole  " K.
Ithamar W. Copeland, Dedham  " K.
Thomas Seavey, West Roxbury  .... K.
William L. Mitchel,1 Sherborn  " K.
George E. Noyes,1 West Roxbury  K.
Joseph F. Stedman, Roxbury  " K.
Pension Claims of all Classes pending.
George W. Lovejoy, Andover  Company A.
Henry Ingraham, Framingham . . .  A.
John G. Whitmarsh, Needham .  A.
Frederick T. Brown, Boston  " A.
D. Tyler Newcomb,1 Medford  " A.
William T. Mullen,1 Newton  " B.
Samuel H. White, Quincy  " B.
Rodney M. Lucas, Newton  B.
John G. Erhart, Newton  " B.
Seth T. Snipe, Newton  " B.
William M. Rogers, Newton  " B.
William W. Robinson, Newton  B.
Charles A. Belcher,1 Newton  " B.
1 Deceased.

254 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
William H. Belcher,1 Newton  Company B.
Jacob H. Lombard,1 Boston  " C.
Zenas T. Haines, Strong, Maine  " D.
Edward W. Crane, Boston  D.
Charles C. Ewer,' Boston  D.
Franklin D. Magoun, Cambridge  E.
Francis C. Hopkinson,1 Cambridge  F.
Samuel Moore,1 Wayland  " G.
Thomas McCarty, West Roxbury  " G.
Hezekiah N. Brown,1 Wayland  " G.
Rufus C. Bruce, Framingham  H-
Christopher Riley, Framingham  H.
Nathaniel J. Foster, Kingston  I.
Lawrence Rhoades, Boston  I.
Samuel H. Corlis, Weston  I.
William A. Jessop, Wayland  " K.
William W. Wild, Leominster  " K.
Walter Bailey, Needham  " K.
Albert Fisher, Walpole  " K.
William P. Sanderson, West Roxbury  K.
James S. Gilmore, Walpole  K.
James A. Mickel,1 Charlestown  K.
1 Deceased.

e°WARD °

' *0SERT^

" fOwAf-0

ft FRANCIS u'

]N^

FIELD kP STAFF
OFFICERS

Regiment M.V.

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CHAPTER XIV.

PERSONNEL.

| HE Forty-fourth Regiment pre
sented the usual entertaining
variety in its ranks as to age,
position, and occupation. The
average age, on recruiting,
was twenty-two years seven
months ; Company E being
the youngest, with an aver
age of twenty-one years five
months; Company B, the
most venerable, with an aver
age of twenty-four years seven
months. Looking at occupa
tions, in Company C, seventy-nine out of one hundred were
mercantile clerks ; in Companies D, G, and E, the clerks were
In a great majority ; in Company B, there was an equal number
of clerks and of laborers (twenty each) ; in Company F, there
were twenty-two Harvard College students. In the entire regi
ment there were four hundred and fifty clerks, one hundred and
eight farmers, seventy-five college students. Forty-five occupa
tions in all were represented in the regiment, including carpen
ters, merchants, hotel-keepers, blacksmiths, musicians, barbers,
lawyers, astronomers, and cooks. There was the same number
of civil engineers and of butchers (seven) ; the same number of
editors and of bakers (two) ; the same number of musicians and
of upholsterers (three) ; nearly the same number of artists (eigh
teen) and of shoemakers (sixteen) ; precisely the same number
of clergymen and of coachmen (three).
The individuality of character was even more marked than the
variety of callings, and could be fully appreciated only by those

256 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
whose good fortune it was to spend month after month in such
bright, amusing, and stimulating companionship. The quality
of these common soldiers and their officers (for there was little
difference, in this respect, between officers and men) can best
be judged from the character of those whom we lost; and it is to
these, in our reminiscences of the past, that our thoughts first
turn. In the statistical tables which follow will be found the
exact record of our losses ; let me give here such brief allusions
to the individuals themselves as I have been able to gather. If
of the living we cannot say all that we could wish, of the dead
we are privileged to speak unreservedly.
Of those who died during the campaign no loss was more
keenly felt by both officers and men than that of Surgeon Robert
Ware. Of all the memories that come back to us from those
troubled months, none is more beautiful than that of this pure-
souled, refined, high-minded officer, going his rounds of labor
with tireless devotion and winning the respect and admira
tion of all for his noble conception of a soldier's duty. Dr.
Ware had graduated at Harvard College in 1853, and from
the Harvard Medical School in 1856, and was in rapidly rising
practice in Boston at the outbreak of the war. His first ser
vice was in connection with the Sanitary Commission, which he
joined as inspector in 1861, acting in that capacity during the
disastrous and soul-trying scenes of the Peninsular Campaign.
No officer in the army was more keenly alive than he to
official shortcomings and abuses, or more outspoken, at proper
times and places, in denouncing them ; yet none showed readier
resources or quicker wit in improvising means for meeting the
terrible exigencies of that campaign, or in making the hospital
provision for half a dozen patients serve the needs of a hundred.
His unsleeping attention to the wounded, as they came pouring
in from the field to the transports, and his cheerful, indefatigable
toil in the hospital, by the ambulance, and at the boat, profoundly
impressed his co-laborers in the Sanitary Commission, and called
out the most touching testimonials of gratitude and appreciation.1
1 See the sketch entitled "The United States Sanitary Commission," prepared for
the Boston Fair, December, 1863, page 89; also the little book called "Hospital
Transports."

PERSONNEL. 257
As a regimental surgeon, Dr. Ware possessed qualities rarely
united in one man; having tender sympathies and the finest
delicacy of feeling, yet exacting of the men the strictest observ
ance of sanitary regulations, and pitilessly exposing all their
shams. Though resenting his severity at first, the soldiers found
at once that it was only the impostors who had anything to
dread, and soon learned to trust his skill, to appreciate his fidel
ity, and to recognize the dignity and unselfish purity of his char
acter. His last illness was brought on, during the siege of " Little "
Washington, by the unusual labors required of him among the
negroes, as well as in his own regiment, to which, as usual, he
gave himself unsparingly. He died, April 10, 1863, in his thir
tieth year.
Major Charles W. Dabney, who came of the family so long
and so honorably known in connection with the American con
sulship at Fayal, graduated at Harvard College in 1844, and was
'engaged in active business in Boston when the call for nine months'
troops was made. No one was more active or eager than he in
organizing the regiment, and no officer served more efficiently
than he through all our campaigns. He retired to civil life at
the close of our service, carrying with him the deep affection of
his army comrades, to add to the esteem and confidence he had
already won and was still to win from his business associates and
friends. Indeed, he was a man from whom entire trust and affec
tion could not be withheld. The rare combination of the finer
and manlier qualities in his nature was irresistibly engaging. Im
pressing every one at first by the exquisite and almost feminine
gentleness of his bearing, he soon disclosed himself as one to
look to in emergencies where only courage and endurance tell.
He seemed as noteworthy for toughness of moral fibre as for
delicacy. The stories told of his coolness and pluck in critical
hours were innumerable. His was the great privilege through
life of surrounding himself with appreciative friends. The sad
news of his death in England, seven years after he left the army,
called out charming tributes, full of genuine feeling, from every
hand. From a very striking notice in the " Boston Advertiser"
of Jan. 17, 1871, written by one who knew him well, I take these
brief extracts : — 17

258 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
" While all the parts of his character fitted well together, his scale was
large, and he was full of strength and hearty vigor, ... the most trustworthy
of men, in whose hands you would place all that you possess, from fortune
to reputation. The most sympathetic in joy or sorrow, the most faithful
in the performance of duties ; a very rare man, and yet so natural as to be
a compliment to his race. . . . His life was, for the most part, a fortunate
and happy one. He amassed a large fortune of respect and affection,
which he invested securely in the memories of many friends."
Major Dabney's physical constitution was very vigorous, and
he resisted the influences of climate and exposure to which so
many of his comrades succumbed ; but he was never quite well
after the war, and the great excitement and exhaustion caused
by the burning of his house and his efforts to save it, in 1867,
made him soon afterwards an easy victim to the disease which
attacked him. He died of pneumonia, in Malvern, England,
Dec. 22, 1870, in his forty-eighth year. Funeral services were
held in the Church of the Disciples, Boston, Jan. 17, 1871.
Adjutant Wallace Hinckley, the youngest and gayest of our
military household at headquarters, whom we remember for the
buoyancy and evident enjoyment with which he threw himself
into the soldier's work, received his education and training in
the Highland Military Academy of Worcester, Mass. After serv
ing the Forty-fourth Regiment with admirable efficiency dur
ing its earlier experiences, and endearing himself to his com
panions by his amiable and happy traits, he left us to become
adjutant of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, in which
capacity he made for himself an honorable record through
out the war. He died of malarial fever, in Beaufort, N. C,
Sept. 4, 1865.1
Quartermaster Francis Bush, Jr., was a most faithful and dili
gent officer in a very harassing branch of military service, and
secured the hearty good-will of his comrades by his frank and
obliging ways. He returned to civil life after the disbanding of
our regiment, and became eventually the sole member of the old
and well-known firm of Bent & Bush, in Boston. A few years
after resuming his business cares his health began to fail him,
and in the summer of 1874 his friends were startled by his sudden
1 For fuller notice of Adjutant Hinckley, see chap. xv.

PERSONNEL. 259
death. The notices of his death bore testimony to the regard
in which he was held by the community both as a merchant and
as a friend. " Both in social and in business circles," says one of
these tributes, " he was respected and loved as only the noblest
men and most honorable merchants can hope to be; and the
memory which he leaves behind is of that precious kind which
requires no effort to keep green." He died of heart-disease, at
the Isles of Shoals, Aug. 16, 1874.
Of those who were killed in battle or died of their wounds,
during our service, I have been able to gather only the follow
ing facts : —
Charles Morse of Company E, who was killed in our first
skirmish at Rawle's Mill, enlisted from Framingham at the age
of nineteen, and had been a driver in the employ of the Adams
Express Company. He was killed instantly, Sunday evening,
Nov. 2, 1872, and was buried, with Charles E. Rollins of
Company C, in a grave close by the little building used that
evening as a hospital.1
Sergeant Ambrose Stacy Courtis of Company C, a graduate of
the Cambridge High School, was in a counting-room in Boston at
the time of his enlistment. His period of service, short though
it was, seems to have been long enough to inspire his com
rades with admiration of his cheerfulness under hardships, his
consideration for others, and his gentlemanly traits of charac
ter. His appointment as sergeant gave the greatest satisfaction
to the company, and his death was a sad event among compan
ions who had learned in a few weeks' campaign to love and trust
him. He was killed instantly in the battle of Whitehall, Dec. 16,
1862, in his twenty-first year.
Albert L. Butler of Company A was clerk of the Cambridge
Police Court at the time of enlistment, and went into the war,
like so many others, to insure the freedom of the slave. His
motives seem to have been of the highest and purest, and his
conduct as a soldier won the hearty approval of his officers.
1 A letter from the superintendent of the soldiers' cemetery at New Berne, dated
May 25, 1885, reports that the bodies of Rollins and Morse were disinterred last
year, and found in such state of preservation that it was easy to identify them.
They are now buried in the cemetery and their graves numbered.

260 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
" Your son was brave," wrote Captain Richardson to the be
reaved mother, " an^l did his duty nobly fighting for his coun
try." His comrades, too, bore witness to his calmness under fire
and the fortitude with which he endured his sufferings. He was
wounded at Whitehall, and died in the ambulance which was
carrying him from the field. He died in his thirty-first year.1
David Kimball Hobart of Company G was born in Boston in
1835, and graduated from the Boston High School at sixteen, to
enter on a business career. At the age of twenty-two he estab
lished himself as a merchant in McGregor, Iowa, where he be
came mayor of the city, but had returned to Boston just before
the war. Preferring the position of private with his companions
in the Forty-fourth to a commission elsewhere, he had become
orderly sergeant of his company at the time of his last engage
ment. He was wounded in a skirmish at " Little " Washington,
March 30, 1863, and with two other wounded men fell into the
hands of the enemy, and was taken first to the Confederate hos
pital at Greenville, then to that at Wilson, N. C. Whatever may
have been the experiences of the Union prisoners elsewhere,
nothing could have exceeded the kindness or skilful medical
attention received by Hobart at both these hospitals. He had
the gentlest of nursing, the best of care from the surgeons, fre
quent visits from ministers, and daily gifts of flowers from the
women of the neighborhood. He had been shot through the
lungs; but the native vigor of his constitution, aided by such
devoted ministrations, prolonged his life for many days. He
died April 14, 1863, in his twenty-eighth year, and was honorably
buried in the hospital cemetery at Wilson.2
The Surgeon's Report, in another chapter, gives the sad list of
the brave, uncomplaining men who were not permitted to fall in
battle, but died in the regimental or general hospital at New
Berne. No words that we can write to-day can do justice to the
patient and heroic suffering witnessed by those who visited our
soldiers in those trying hours. A soldier's death in the hospital
1 An interesting incident connected with the death of George E. Noyes of Com
pany K, who was also wounded at Whitehall, will be found in the chapter contributed
by the surgeon.
2 See " Conditions of Peace : " a discourse delivered in the West Church (Boston),
in memory of David K. Hobart, June 14, 1863, by C. A. Bartol.

PERSONNEL. 26 1
is always sadder than death upon the field ; and although in our
case the trials of sickness were reduced to a minimum by the
excellence of the medical arrangements and the skill and devo
tion of the surgeons, many touching memories come back to us
as we recall this portion of our experiences. I can only allude
to the two or three cases about which I have been able to get
special information.
Ezra N. Fuller, of Needham, Company A, left Tufts College to
enter the Forty-fourth. Regiment, served faithfully through all
our marches and engagements, and died at the age of nineteen,
in Stanley Hospital, Feb. 21, 1863, — the year in which he would
otherwise have graduated from college. His remains were sent
home to Needham, where the burial took place March 12, 1863.
His classmates, together with the president and faculty of the
college, were present at the funeral. Of this same company,
Matthew Howard will be remembered as a tall Irishman of six
feet four inches, and of great strength. He was left behind in
Stanley Hospital, with seven or eight others, and died at about
twenty-two years of age, within a week after his comrades were
mustered out of service.
Few deaths in the regiment caused more sorrow than that of
Francis C. Flopkinson of Company F. Hopkinson graduated
from Harvard College in 1859, after a brilliant course of study
both in college and at the Boston Latin School, took prominent
part as a young orator in the political campaign which resulted
in Lincoln's election, and had just finished his course in the Har
vard Law School when the call for nine months' troops was
made. Entering the Forty-fourth Regiment with many of his
college companions, he brought the same qualities which had
signalized him among his fellows in school and college into the
new experiences of camp life. Among many tributes to his
memory from his army comrades, these words show the marked
esteem in which he was held, under circumstances where only
manly qualities can win esteem : " We shall remember him as a
leader among us, always recognized as such for his acknowledged
talents, even though he was only a private. We shall delight to
remember him as a true, fearless, resolute, patient soldier, setting
an example of fidelity, bravery, and unyielding pluck. None will

262 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
forget his generosity, and the many ways he devised to keep up
the morale as well as amuse the company." He died of typhoid
fever, in Stanley Hospital, Feb. 13, 1863, in his twenty-fifth year.1
Turning to those who died in the service after having re-
enlisted in other regiments, we think first of all, naturally, of
the brave officers of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth, as the first
raising of negro regiments concerned our regiment so closely.
While in camp at New Berne an official communication from
Governor Andrew, dated Feb. 18, 1863, was received by Colonel
Lee, saying, " We are raising a black regiment, the Fifty-fourth,
under Colonel Robert G. Shaw, and want the very best officers.
If you can recommend the following officers, I shall be obliged
by your finding some means to send them up promptly, on
leave or otherwise." A lieutenant and two sergeants of the
Forty-fourth are mentioned for this service, and the letter adds :
"We consider it a great compliment to offer a commission in
this regiment, and "do not wish you to make the offer unless it
is likely to be accepted. We mean to make it a model regi
ment." Colonel Lee responded promptly to this appeal, sending
the officers asked for, and recommending several others for the
same service. In a postscript to his letter to Governor Andrew,
under date of Feb. 27, 1863, he says: "I believe the regiment
is a mine of military wealth to the State; and if my belief is
correct, the object which its officers have always had in view
and labored to accomplish is attained, and they may well thank
you for the privilege they have enjoyed in being instrumental
in such a result."
The first instalment of officers was soon followed by others, at
the special request of Colonel Shaw. In one of several letters
written on this subject, Colonel Shaw says (April 8, 1863): "If
you send me such officers in future as those who have already
come from your regiment, there is no doubt of my having a well-
drilled and well-disciplined regiment. They are all excellent offi
cers, and  is one of the most efficient of men."
The result of this then novel and doubtful experiment more
than realized, as is well known, Governor Andrew's enthusiastic
expectation ; and it is a great pleasure to remember the important
1 See Harvard Memorial Biographies, vol. ii. p. 21.

PERSONNEL. 263
contributions made by the Forty-fourth to the equipment of these
first colored regiments recruited under State authority. In the
Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts, as the tabular state
ments will show, were eventually one colonel, one lieutenant-
colonel, twelve captains, and seven lieutenants from the Forty-
fourth.1 One of these was brevetted brigadier-general for gallant
service at the battle of Honey Hill, S. C, where he was severely
wounded and supposed at the time to have been killed. A cor
respondent of a Southern paper (" Savannah Republican," Dec. 3,
1864), in an account of this disastrous engagement, says: "We
made a visit to the field the day following, and found the swamp
and road literally strewn with the dead. Some eight or ten
bodies were floating in the water where the road crosses, and in
a ditch on the roadside just beyond we saw six negroes piled one
on top of the other. A colonel 2 of one of the negro regiments,
with his horse, was killed while fearlessly leading his men across
the creek in a charge."
In the assault upon Fort Wagner of July 18, 1863, the Fifty-
fourth Massachusetts led the column, and lost, besides its heroic
colonel, two of the young men, Russel and Simpkins, who had
so recently been sent them from the ranks of the Forty-fourth.
Cabot J. Russel entered Harvard College with the class which
graduated in 1865, and was accompanying a scientific party in a
trip over the Western prairies, when the seven days' battle before
Richmond inspired him with a desire to enter the army, where
some of his friends had already fallen. He enlisted as a private
in the Forty-fourth Regiment, and had become sergeant of Com
pany F, when the request for officers came from Governor
Andrew. Sergeant Russel was one of the first three recom
mended by Colonel Lee for this service, and received his com
mission as first lieutenant of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts,
March 23, 1863. May 11 he became captain. In both regiments
he showed himself an admirable soldier, and drew his comrades
and officers to him by his frank and engaging personal qualities.
In the Fifty-fourth he rendered excellent service in drilling the
1 The ranks here given are those finally reached.
2 This colonel was Captain William D. Crane, aid to Colonel Hartwell, and
formerly a private in Company D of the Forty-fourth.

264 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
new recruits, and his company became noted for its thorough
discipline. He gave himself with the utmost fidelity to his work,
being anxious only that his black soldiers should do themselves
credit and justify by their behavior the experiment which the
Government was making. He was with them just long enough
to see them tried in one severe engagement where, out of seventy
men, forty-five were lost, and where he was fully satisfied by their
soldierly conduct. He wrote to his father in the last letter re
ceived from him, " My men did nobly." Their young com
mander also did nobly, according to the testimony of his brother
officers, one of whom wrote afterwards that " Captain Russel
took part in the sharp skirmish on James Island, July 16, where
his company bore the brunt of the battle, and he showed dis
tinguished ability and courage." Two days after this, in the fatal
assault on Fort Wagner, when again his company held the most
dangerous post, he displayed the same coolness and gallantry,
and fell at the head of the assaulting column and was left upon
the field. It was learned afterwards that the officers and sol
diers of the negro regiments were buried together by the Con
federates in a common trench.1 " No stone need mark the place
where his bones moulder," says his biographer, "for future
generations will reverently point to the holy ground where the
colonel and two captains of the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts were
buried with their soldiers." 2
The other captain was W. H. Simpkins, an intimate friend of
Russel's in both regiments, who was killed while in the act of
ministering to his comrade in his dying moments. Simpkins,
Russel, and Sergeant G. W. James formed a little group of kin
dred spirits in Company F of the Forty-fourth Regiment, who had
talked over together the question of employing colored troops
long before the experiment was first tried, and all of whom were
ready to engage in the work as soon as officers were called for.
They all won for themselves an enviable record during their
brief service ; two of them were killed together at Fort Wagner,
while James, the adjutant of the regiment, was severely wounded
in the same battle, and has since died.
1 See Harvard Memorial Biographies, vol. ii. p. 211.
2 See Ibid., p. 491.

PERSONNEL. 265
In regard to those killed in other regiments than the Fifty-
fourth, the following facts have been obtained : —
A. W. Bussell, Company K, re-enlisted in the Massachusetts
Fifty-eighth, and was killed at Petersburg, Va. W. D. Crane,
Company D, a member of the class of 1863, Harvard College,
re-enlisted June 7, 1863, in the newly recruited colored regiment
(Massachusetts Fifty-fifth), was commissioned first lieutenant and
immediately afterwards captain, served with conspicuous gal
lantry in the South Carolina campaign, and was killed at Honey
Hill, S. C, while acting as aid and chief of staff to Colonel A. S.
Hartwell. He died Nov. 30, 1864, when just entering his twenty-
fifth year.1 Edward L. Stevens, Company E, member also of the
class of 1863, Harvard College, was commissioned second lieu
tenant of the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth, Jan. 31, 1864, and first
lieutenant, Dec. 16, 1864, and was killed in the front of battle at
Boykin's Mills, S. C, April 18, 1865, in his twenty-third year.
He is supposed to have been the last Union officer killed in the
war.2 Corporal Samuel Storrow, Company H, member of the
class of 1864, Harvard College, was commissioned first lieutenant
in the Massachusetts Second, Sept. 22, 1864, and died March 16,
1865, in his twenty-second year, of wounds received near Fayette -
ville, N. C, while acting as aid to Brigadier-General Cogswell. In
a letter to Lieutenant Storrow's father, General Cogswell says:
" My brigade had been engaged with the enemy nearly all day, and at
about four o'clock P. M. Mr. Storrow was wounded while carrying an order
to the left of the brigade, and died in about fifteen or twenty minutes
afterwards. He was not insensible when first wounded, and he had the
coolness and self-possession to send word to me that he was wounded,
that he had carried out my instructions, and also sent me the information
that I had wished for. . . . Allow me to claim in part this loss as my
own, for neither in my old regiment nor in my present command can
I replace him." 3
Stephen H. Parker, Company I, became sergeant of the Massa
chusetts Fifty-ninth, and died of wounds received in battle in
1864. Benjamin P. Chandler, Company I, died of disease in
Florida. James M. Foss, Company I, also became sergeant of
1 See Harvard Memorial Biographies, vol. ii. p. 393.
2 See Ibid., p. 410. 8 See Ibid., p. 473.

266 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
the Massachusetts Fifty-ninth, and died of disease. Charles
Wood, Company G, became sergeant-major of the Massachusetts
Fifty-sixth, and died of disease. Clifton H. Vose, Company D,
became sergeant of the Massachusetts Fifty-eighth, and died in
prison in South Carolina, Oct. 28, 1864. Lowell E. Hartshorn,
Company K, re-enlisted in the Massachusetts Fifty-eighth, and
died in Andersonville Prison Dec. 17, 1864. Walter L. Ray
mond, Company G, re-enlisted in the First Massachusetts Cav
alry, and died in prison in Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 25, 1864.
Albert W. Townsend, Company G, re-enlisted in a New York
regiment, and died in prison in Florence, S. C
The full list of officers and men, so far as known, who re-
enlisted in other regiments, will be found in the " Roster."
It is hard to part from these pleasant companions. To go
over this list of the departed, and recall the still fuller list of their
comrades who have survived them, is to live over again the
delightful nine months' intercourse which for so many of us con
stitutes one of the happiest memories of our lives. No pastor
could ask for a more interesting, intelligent, or wide-awake parish
than the ranks of the Forty-fourth Regiment afforded for quite
too brief a pastorate. The vicissitudes of campaigning were apt
to make short work, it is true, of the usual ministerial functions ;
but only to substitute other and more personal relations of quite
as engrossing a kind. I am not alone in counting that close com
panionship with such a buoyant, eager, high-minded, and high
hearted body of youths one of the kindest strokes of good
fortune that could have befallen me. Even nine months of army
life, in barracks, on provost-guard, and in the field, test the real
quality of officers and soldiers ; and it was gratifying to all
connected with the Forty-fourth to see how well they bore the
trial both of action and of idleness. I cannot aver that there
was no complaining in camp or on the march, or no criticism
of military plans or military management. With such acute ob
servers in the ranks, no official blundering or incompetence was
likely to pass unnoticed; and the tedium of inaction or weari
ness of the tramp was not unlikely to be relieved by frank
and pungent comments which showed an alarming amount of
thinking. This is not the ideal composition of an army, perhaps ;

PERSONNEL. 267
and the question often arose among us as to the relative efficiency
of regiments endowed with brains throughout and those which
carried only muscle and sinew in their ranks. Yet in our case the
grumbling was of a very innocent kind, and even colonels and
major-generals were known to smile at the good-natured satire and
badinage which anticipated Gilbert and Sullivan, and found an
excellent safety-valve in comic opera. The spirit of insubordina
tion never found entrance into the Forty-fourth. Their sol
dierly recognition of authority and submission to the strictest
discipline were as marked as the light-heartedness which would
have served them in far sterner tasks than any to which they
were called. General Foster is quoted as saying of this regi
ment, while on its first expedition, that " they were the gayest
of all the troops, and greeted him with cheers whenever he came
in sight." x Brigadier-General Wessells, one of the toughest of
regular army officers, whose order on taking leave of the Forty-
fourth will be found in another chapter, offered unequivocal tes
timony to the discipline and good conduct of this portion of his
command. A later communication from this same officer, dated
May 29, 1876, in answer to an invitation to a company reunion,
says : " I well remember that glorious regiment when I had the
honor to call it a part of my command, and its fine appearance
in line ; and it is pleasant to trace the footsteps of those who did
such good service to the regiment and to their native State."
In the quiet hours in barracks at New Berne, on picket, or on
¦provost duty in the city, the companies maintained a good be
havior, and heartily seconded, for the most part, the strict pre
cepts and example of the regimental headquarters in the matter
of temperance. The chaplain can testify that in these peaceful
interludes the ample regimental library was generously patron
ized, and that at all times the mail-bags, going and coming,
were portentously full. The list of details from the regiment for
detached service at department or brigade headquarters, cover
ing the most varied occupations, from the taking of a census
of the black population of New Berne, or the drafting of topo
graphical plans, to nursing at the general hospital, shows some
thing of the varied talent of which the regiment was composed.
1 Headley's " Massachusetts in the Rebellion," p. 416.

268 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
The great number of officers, as already shown, which it supplied
to other regiments, with their honorable record of service, testi
fies to its soldierly quality and admirable discipline.
The wisdom of calling out troops for nine months' service,
subjecting them to army discipline, and bringing them to a fine
state of efficiency only to scatter them to their homes again, or
of placing side by side with veteran troops, enlisted for the war,
these creations of a summer day, may well be questioned, and
was nowhere more seriously debated, I am sure, than among the
nine months' troops themselves. But whatever our opinion on
this point, it must be remembered that to enlist for nine months,
at that juncture, seemed to be enlisting for the war ; and that the
call was issued on the distinct understanding that such large and
immediate additions to the army would certainly hasten the
desired end. When the Forty-fourth was organized, no bounties
had been offered or were thought of; and its recruits went into
the ranks with just as serious a purpose, and with quite as full
expectation of active and constant service, as any before or after
them. They had no knowledge where they should be sent, and
no thought or choice about it, but assumed, as a matter of
course, that they would be placed where the need was greatest
and the peril most imminent. Any disappointment or chagrin
that they felt was rather in consequence of the unimportance of
the service required of them than because of its hardships or dan
gers. The folly of the measure itself, if folly it was, is not to be
visited upon those who responded in perfect good faith, and with
absolute loyalty, to the nation's eager appeal for aid. Certainly
during that year of the war no difference was known, in the duties
imposed, the discipline exacted, or the work required, between
the regiments of the longest and those of the shortest terms.
It is pleasant, after so many years have passed, to bear this tes
timony to one at least of these nine months' regiments. Without
instituting any comparison with other organizations, or claiming
the slightest superiority for my own, I wish only to offer this
tribute to the fidelity, the loyalty, the high spirit, and pure aims,
of the soldiers of the Massachusetts Forty-fourth.

CHAPTER XV.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE.

?T is generally considered that the en
listment of troops for short terms
was a mistaken policy. They were
hardly perfected in drill and disci
pline, and inured to the hardships of
army life, before they were dis
charged, and their places in the
field were filled by raw troops, who
had to go through the same ex
perience to fit them for efficient
service. But although the short-
term regiments did not re
main in the field as organiza
tions, very many of their men
returned to the army in other
regiments, and through these veterans the nine months' troops
contributed most permanently to the efficiency and strength of
our armies.
The following roll shows how many Forty-fourth men re-
enlisted, and presents the honorable record of their subsequent
service. In this record their first regiment can take a pardonable
pride, as the number of commissioned officers in the list, and the
evidence of fidelity and bravery shown in the casualties in action,
speak well for the school in which these veterans received their
soldierly education.
Although instances of re-enlistment may have escaped the
notice of the compiler, it is believed that this list comprises

270 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
nearly all who went back into the service in any capacity. To
summarize: —
Total number re-enlisted [with rank as follows"] . . 173
Colonel and Brevet Brigadier-General  1
Lieutenant-Colonel  1
Majors  2
Captains  24
First Lieutenants  25
Second Lieutenants  15
Assistant Surgeons  3
Non-commissioned Officers  48
Privates  46
Ensign U. S. Navy  1
Assistant Paymasters U. S. Navy  2
Assistant Engineer U. S. Navy  2
Master-at-Arms U. S. Navy  1
Mate U. S. Navy  1
Captain's Clerk U. S. Navy  1
Casualties.
Killed in action or died of wounds  9
Wounded  16
Died prisoners of war  3
Died from disease ....  1
Discharged for disability  2
STAFF.
Hinckley, Wallace. First Lieutenant and Adjutant. Was discharged
May 29, 1863, and commissioned First Lieutenant and Adjutant
2d Mass. Heavy Artillery, and served with his regiment until June 8,
1865, at Fort Macon, N. C. After he was mustered out he remained
on the island for some time settling his accounts, and in the early
part of August was seized with typhoid fever, and died Sept. 4, 1865.
His death was very sudden, as he had been pronounced convalescent
by the physicians and was supposed to be on the road to recovery.
His body is buried in the old cemetery at Hingham, Mass.
The following, written by one of his school friends, is so appre
ciative that it is inserted here.
" Six months at a military school made him a proficient in the manual
of drill; and when the loyal drums beat to arms in 1861, he offered his
services in instructing the raw levies which the city of Lowell had then

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 27 1
got together. The renown subsequently won by the company which
he drilled will always cast a reflex lustre on the memory of its gallant
young tutor. Returning to his studies, it was not long before he was
called Upon to draw his sword in good earnest. The great heart of
Massachusetts was thrilled by a prayer from the Government for help ;
and foremost among the choicest youth of the Commonwealth who,
' Stepping like Homer at the trumpet's call,'
crowded under the banners of the famous Forty-fourth, was young
Hinckley. Scarcely eighteen, he was at once appointed Adjutant. Ar
dently loving the profession of arms, he was now in his element. His
exact and thorough knowledge of his duties, his intense devotion to his
work, and moreover his handsome person contributed to make him the
most brilliant officer of that brilliant regiment. . . .
" His life was short, but in twenty years he accomplished as much as
most men in fifty. We may regret that the brilliant promise of his youth
was prevented by death from the fulfilment of a glorious manhood ; but
the lofty words of one of the prophets of the Elizabethan age, rolling to
our ears from the past like the thunder-peal of an organ, proclaims that
' 't is immortality to die aspiring.' "
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Gifford, Frederic S. Quartermaster Sergeant. Previous service, Q. M.
Sergt. 3d Mass. Vol. Militia, from April 23 to July 22, 1861. Second
Lieutenant 6th Unattached Company Mass. Heavy Artillery. First
Lieutenant 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery, July 11, 1864. Resigned April
20, 1865. Company A.
Barker, Eben Francis. Corporal. First Lieutenant 75th U. S. C. T.,
December, 1863; Captain, January, 1865; discharged November,
1865, on expiration of service.
Bellows, Henry Hudson. Private. Private Co. D, Frontier Cavalry,
Jan. 2, 1865 ; discharged June 30, 1865, on expiration of service.
Conant, John H. Private. First Sergeant 29th Unattached Company
Heavy Artillery, Sept. 19, 1864. Second Lieutenant 54th Mass. Vols.,
May 1, 1865 ; First Lieutenant, July n, 1865 ; mustered out as Act
ing Adjutant, Aug. 20, 1865, on expiration of service. Died at Cam
bridge, June 16, 1868.
Cragin, George Nathan. Private. Corporal Co. A, 5th Mass. Infantry,
July 25, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Fuller, Albert. Private. Sergeant Company D, 2d Mass. Heavy Artil
lery, Aug. 22, 1863. Discharged — no date given. The record' of
Volunteers shows he was promoted Quartermaster Sergeant ; but his
name does not appear among the non-commissioned staff.

272 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Richardson, James Mirick. Captain. First entered the service as Cap
tain 21st Mass. Infantry, Aug. 21, 1861; resigned July 25, 1862;
was wounded during siege of " Little " Washington while on a scouting
party, March 30, by two bullets through left arm. Second Lieutenant
1 2th Unattached Company Mass. Heavy Artillery (afterwards 3d
Mass. Heavy Artillery), July 16, 1863; Captain, Nov. 16, 1863;
Major, Nov. 16, 1864 ; mustered out Sept. 18, 1865. Brevetted
Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. Vols, from March 13, 1865. Died at
Boston, Oct. 7, 1878.
Whipple, Alonzo Lyman. Private. Private Co. H, 3d Heavy Artillery,
Dec. 4, 1863 ; discharged September, 1865, on expiration of service.
Company B.
Brooks, George William. Private. Private Co. K, 42d Mass. In
fantry, July 18, 1864; discharged Nov. 11, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Clapp, David C. Private. Sergeant ist Unattached Company Infantry,
April 29, 1864; discharged Aug. 1, 1864, on expiration of service.
Second Lieutenant 8th U. S. C. T., March 10, 1865 ; discharged
Dec. 9, 1865, on expiration of service.
Demond, Alpheus. Private. Corporal Co. F, 60th Infantry M. V. M.,
July 20, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Gillespie, William. Sergeant. Was commissioned Second Lieutenant
2d Maine Cavalry while in the 44th, but served out his original
enlistment. Remained in the Maine Cavalry " until Confederacy
busted."
Harding, Nathan Francis. Private. Private nth Mass. Battery, Jan. 2,
1864; discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
Mansfield, Theodore Francis. Private. Private Co. F, 5th Infantry
M. V. M., July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration
of service.
Read, Henry Franklin. Private. Private Co. I, 2d Mass. Cavalry,
Aug. 20, 1864; discharged May 8, 1865, on expiration of service.
Soule, Charles Carroll. Second Lieutenant. First mustered into
U. S. service as First Lieutenant and Adjutant of 4th Battalion of
Infantry M. V. M., May 25, 1862, but the battalion not being needed,
was mustered out June 1, 1862. ' Captain 55th Mass. Infantry, June
19, 1863 ; slightly wounded in the arm at the battle of Honey Hill,
S. C, Nov. 30, 1864. Brevetted Major, to date from March 13,
1865, but declined the brevet; mustered out with regiment, Aug.
29, 1865.
Teague, Frank W. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 78th U. S. C. T.,
Dec. 19, 1863. Discharged Jan. 6, 1866, on expiration of service.
Died at St. Louis, Aug. 17, 1866.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 273
Company C.
Bryant, Albert. Private. Corporal ist Unattached Company In
fantry, April 29, 1864; discharged Aug. 1, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Cootey, Philip I. Corporal. Captain Co. F, 5th Mass. Infantry, July
16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Cunningham, Charles A. First Sergeant. Second Lieutenant 2d Heavy
Artillery, June 4, 1863; First Lieutenant, April 18, 1864; mustered
out Sept. 19, 1865, on expiration of service. Died at South Boston,
April 5, 1874.
Drew, Arthur. Private. Private Co. A, 42d Infantry M. V. M., July
14, 1864; discharged Nov. n, 1864, on expiration of service.
Hedge, William. First Lieutenant. Declined commission in 20th
Mass. Regiment.
Horton, Andrew T. Private. Corporal Co. C, 6 ist Mass. Vols., Sept.
5, 1864 ; discharged June 4, 1865, on expiration of service.
Jones, Irving. Private. Private in Signal Corps, U. S. A., March 29,
1864; discharged Aug. 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
Jones, Sylvester Allen. Private. Corporal Co. K, 59th Mass.
Vols., Aug. 21, 1864 j discharged Jane 13, 1865, on expiration of
service.
Monroe, Theodore James. Private. First Sergeant Co. E, 56th
Mass. Infantry, Jan. 12, 1864; discharged June 25, 1865, on expira
tion of service. Subsequently enlisted as Hospital Steward, 9th
Corps, U. S. A. ; afterwards appointed Hospital Steward, U. S. A. ;
resigned February, 1866.
Morse, George Julius. Private. Corporal Co. F, 5th Mass. Vols.,
July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Proctor, George. Private. Corporal ist Unattached Company In
fantry, April 29, 1864 ; discharged Aug. 1, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Richmond, William Thomas. Private. Enlisted in Signal Corps,
U. S. A., and served until close of war.
Trescott, Edward Whiting. Pi-ivate. Sergeant Co. F, 5th Infantry
M. V. M., July 12, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration
of service.
Walker, Eugene Clifford. Private. Private in 2d Battery, Feb. 12,
1864; discharged Aug. n, 1865, on expiration of service.
Whittemore, Curtis H. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 5th Mass. Cav
alry, July 7, 1864; First Lieutenant, Dec. 16, 1864; discharged
Oct. 31, 1865, on expiration of service.
Willard, Edward Augustus. Private. Private nth Mass. Battery,
Dec. 2, 1864 ; discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
18

274 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Company D.
Bates, Daniel Dwight. Private. Landsman, U. S. Navy; discharged
as Assistant Master-at-Arms, U. S. Navy, June, 1865, on expira
tion of service.
Beal, Charles W. Private. First Sergeant, Co. A, 42d Mass. In
fantry, July 14, 1864 ; discharged Nov. 1 r, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Beal, George W. Private. Sergeant Co. B, 60th Mass. Infantry, July
11, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Brewster, James Bartlett. Private. Early in 1864 was attached to
the Relief-rooms of the Sanitary Commission in Boston, as Surgical
dresser. Assistant Surgeon 2d Division, 9th Army Corps, Army of
the Potomac, June 1, 1864 ; stationed at White House and on the
James during the summer campaign.
Carter, George Henry. Sergeant. Second Lieutenant 55th Mass.
Vols, Nov. 15, 1864; First Lieutenant, June 25, 1865. Brevetted
Captain U. S. Vols., to date from March 13, 1865 ; discharged
Aug. 29, 1865, on expiration of service.
Crane, Edward W. Private. Declined commission in 55th Mass.
Vols., dated June 9, 1864. Died at Marshfield, Mass., May 21, 1886.
Crane, William Dwight. Private. First Lieutenant 55th Mass. Vols.,
June 7, 1863 ; Captain Co. I, June 19. Killed at the battle of
Honey Hill, S. C, Nov. 30, 1864.
The following was written by a brother officer, one of Crane's
former playfellows, and like himself a graduate of Harvard Col
lege : —
" He was first commissioned as a Lieutenant, but gained his cap
taincy before muster-in, by hard work and soldierly aptitude. We
were barracked together in July, 1S63, and from that time until his
death were rarely separated.
" It was a pleasure to be with and watch him — square, sturdy, fresh,
and handsome soldier that he was — through the desert heats of Folly
Island, the toilsome fatigue of the trenches before Wagner, the malarious
picket details on marsh and sand-hill, the fervid drills upon the sea-
beach, the sickness and weariness of the autumn of 1863, the mingled
rest and activity of the succeeding winter, and the toilsome Florida
marches of February, 1864."
At the battle of Honey Hill, Nov. 30, 1864, Crane was acting aide
and chief-of-staff to Col. Hartwell, commanding the brigade of which
the 55 th formed a part.
" At the charge on the enemy's batteries along a narrow road, ex
posed to canister at close range from seven guns, and in the focus of an
infantry fire from over a thousand rifles, he was slain. I have heard
that he was instantly killed by a shot through the head, and attracted

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 275
the attention of the Rebels, who held the field after the battle, by his
fine, handsome face and touching attitude. He was honorably buried,
— so we learn from participants in the battle, — both out of respect for
his bravery, and because of his being a newly made Freemason. In
probity, singular purity of life and conversation, in upright manliness
and military talent, I know of no young man who could surpass the
brave soldier who thus met death and an unmarked grave, not in
victory, but in defeat. It was a sad loss to us who remained. The
men of his company almost idolized him." — Harvard Memorial.
Goff, William Cullen. First Lieutenant Co. F, 5th Infantry M. V. M.,
July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Hemenway, Augustus A. Private. Band-master 4th Mass. Cavalry,
March 1, 1864 ; discharged Nov. 14, 1865, on expiration of service.
Drowned Aug. 30, 1872, at wreck of steamer "Metis" off Watch
Hill, Conn.
Hobart, George Henry. Private. Sergeant Co. A, 42 d Mass. Vols.,
July 4, 1864 ; discharged Nov. ir, 1864, on expiration of service.
Howard, Willard. Private. Discharged for promotion at New Berne,
April 26, 1863. Second Lieutenant 54th Mass. Vols., May 13,
1863; First Lieutenant, May 31, 1863. Slightly wounded at assault
on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863. Acting Adjutant, November, 1863 ;
Adjutant, March 1, 1864; Captain, Dec. 3, 1864; discharged Aug. 2,
1865, on expiration of service.
Jacobs, Augustus. Private. First Sergeant Co. F, 5th Mass. Vols.,
July 12, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Littlefield, Henry Warren. Private. Second Lieuteuant 54th Mass.
Vols., May 11, 1863; First Lieutenant, Oct. 7, 1863; resigned
Feb. 9, 1865, on account of wounds received at battle of Olustee,
Fla., Feb. 20, 1864.
Nourse, Harrison. Private. Corporal Co. D, 6th Mass. Infantry,
July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Simonds, Joseph Warren. Private. Private in Co. E, 8th Mass. In
fantry, July 19, 1864 ; discharged Nov. 10, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Sturtevant, Charles Whitmore. Private. Commissary-Sergeant Co. L,
ist Mass. Cavalry, Jan. 6, 1864 ; discharged June 26, 1865, on expira
tion of service.
Tripp, George Leighton. First Sergeant. First Lieutenant Co. H, 6th
Mass. Vols., July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration
of service. Died at Alfred, Me., March 13, 1867, of disease con
tracted during service.
Tuttle, Horace P. Private. Discharged April 26, 1863, for disability.
Assistant Paymaster in United States Navy, July 2, 1864, and served
several years.

276 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Vose, Clifton Henry. Private. First Sergeant Co. F, 58th Mass.
Infantry, April 20, 1864. Died at Rickersville Hospital, S. C, Oct.
28, 1864, while prisoner of war ; was buried at Charleston, S. C.
Company E.
Adams, William Robert. Corporal. Sergeant Co. H, 6th Mass. Vols.,
July 16, 1864 ; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Bradish, Albert Henry. Private. Second Lieutenant 55 th Mass. Vols.,
Feb. 11, 1864 ; Acting Post Ordnance officer at Palatka, Fla., during
the stay of the regiment at that point; resigned June 27, 1864, for
disability.
Brewster, Warren Joshua. Private. Discharged Sept. 30, 1862, for
disability. Afterwards re-entered the service (particulars of which
cannot now be learned) and served for a time on staff of General
Cooke, in the West.
Cartwright, James Weld. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 56th Mass.
Vols., July 30, 1863; First Lieutenant, Nov. 21, 1863; Captain,
May 17, 1864; mustered out July 12, 1865, on expiration of ser
vice. Wounded May 12, 1864, at Spottsylvania, and again, April,
1865, at Petersburg, Va., slightly in left hand and right shoulder.
Cross, Henry Clay, Private. Private in ist Tennessee Home Guards,
1864, and served until end of war.
Derby, Oliver Carpenter. Private. Sergeant Co. H, 3d Mass. Heavy
Artillery, Nov. 20, 1863; discharged Sept. 18, 1865, on expira
tion of service.
Hight, Henry Ormand. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 82d U. S. C. T,
Nov. 12, 1863 ; discharged Captain, Sept. 16, 1866, on expiration of
service. Brevetted Major for gallantry at siege of Fort Blakely,
April, 1865.
Homer, Henry Augustus. Sergeant. Declined commission in 51st
Mass. Vols. Captain 19th Mass. Vols., April 22, 1865 ; discharged
June 30, 1865, on expiration of service. Died at Cambridge, Mass.,
Dec. 11, 1875.
Joy, Charles Frederick. Private. Sergeant Co. F, 2d Heavy Artil
lery, Oct. 8, 1863. Transferred as Second Lieutenant 54th Mass.
Vols., Sept. 30, 1864; First Lieutenant, March 30, 1865; Captain,
July 17, 1865 ; discharged Aug. 20, 1865, on expiration of service.
Kent, Fred. Augustus. Private. Captain's clerk in U. S. Navy, and
served four years.
King, Benjamin Flint. Private. First Lieutenant Co. B, 18th
U. S. C. T., Dec. 7, 1863. Appointed Judge Advocate, on staff
of Gen. George L. Andrews. Resigned Aug. 10, 1864, on account
of ill health. Died at Boston, Jan. 24, 1868, of heart disease.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 277
Livermore, William Belden. Private. Corporal Co. H, 6th Mass.
Vols., July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration
of service. Died at Charlestown, Mass., Sept. 23, 1870.
Myers, John Henry, Jr. Private. Sergeant in Co. H, 4th Mass.
Cavalry, Feb. 8, 1864; discharged Nov. 14, 1865, on expiration of
service. The squadron to which he was attached carried the first
national colors into Richmond. Died Jan. 21, 1873.
Newell, James Shuttleworth. First Lieutenant. First Lieutenant 5 th
Mass. Cavalry, Dec. 29, 1863; Captain, Feb. 15, 1865; discharged
Oct. 31, 1865, on expiration of service.
Park, Charles Stuart. Private. Declined Second Lieutenant's Com
mission 56th Mass. Vols. Acting Assistant Paymaster, U. S. Navy,
from November, 1864, to August, 1865.
Patten, Thomas Henry. Private. First Sergeant Co. I, 2d Mass.
Heavy Artillery, Dec. n, 1863; Second Lieutenant, Jan. 17, 1865;
discharged Sept. 3, 1865, on expiration of sendee. Feb. 22, 1865,
was appointed Second Lieutenant 54th Mass. Vols., but declined
commission.
Plimpton, Merrill Francis. Private. First Sergeant Co. C, 56th
Mass. Vols., March 1, 1864 ; commissioned Second Lieutenant,
July 1, 1865, but not mustered; discharged July 12, 1865, by Spe
cial Order No. 162, War Department, Washington, D. C. Wounded
by a buck-shot at Petersburg, June 17, 1864, and again by a frag
ment of a shell in the thigh, and in the hand by a bullet, at the
mine explosion, July 12, 1864.
Robbins, James Arthur. Private. Private Co. E, 57th Mass. Vols.,
Feb. 18, 1864; promoted Quartermaster Sergeant; discharged July
30, 1865, on expiration of service.
Stevens, Edward Lewis. Private. Second Lieutenant 54th Mass. Vols.,
Jan. 31, 1864; First Lieutenant, Dec. 16, 1864. Killed April 18,
1865, at Boykin's Mills, S. C. He is believed to have been the last
Union officer killed during the war. The remains of Lieutenant
Stevens, and of Corporal Johnson of his regiment, were disinterred July
29, 1885, and re-interred in the National Cemetery at Florence, S. C.
Tucker, Charles Edward. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 54th Mass.
Vols., May 13, 1863; First Lieutenant, May 28, 1863; Captain,
Feb. 3, 1864. Wounded by a bullet in temple and ear at the assault
on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863; mustered out Aug. 20, 1865, on
expiration of service.
Walcott, George Phinney. Private. Sergeant Co. F, 5th Mass. Vols.,
July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Wallace, Edwin Ashley. Private. Sergeant Co. C, 56th Mass. Vols.,
Dec. 28, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, Oct. 22, 1864 ; taken prisoner at
North Anna River, and was in prison at Andersonville six months ;

278 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
exchanged at Millen, Ga., and rejoined his regiment at Petersburg ;
discharged July 22, 1865, on expiration of service.
Wheelwright, George William, Jr. Sergeant. Discharged Sept. 30,
1862; was appointed by the city of Roxbury as Assistant Sanitary
Agent, in which capacity was with the Roxbury men in the Army of
the Potomac several months, until obliged to give up on account of
sickness. In January, 1863, sailed for New Berne in the " Frye ; "
rejoined the Forty-fourth as volunteer and acted as Colonel's orderly
on the Plymouth expedition. On the day of the Grand Review, Feb
ruary 26, was taken to the Stanley Hospital sick, and left New Berne
for the North, March 16, 1863.
White, Edward Peters. First Sergeant. Second Lieutenant 2d Mass.
Heavy Artillery, June 4, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, Aug. 14, 1863. Served
for some time on staff of General Palmer; resigned Jan. 7, 1865.
Whitney, William Lambert, Jr. Private. Second Lieutenant 54th
Mass. Vols., Dec. 4, 1864; First Lieutenant, June, 1865; Acting
Adjutant, April, May, and June, 1865 ; discharged Aug. 20, 1865, on
expiration of service.
Worthley, James Cushing. Private. Sergeant Co. H, 3d Mass. Heavy
Artillery, Nov. 20, 1863; Second Lieutenant, July 25, 1865; dis
charged Sept. 18, 1865, on expiration of service.
Company F.
Atkins, Francis Higginson. Private. Medical Cadet U. S. A. 1863-64;
Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. Navy, Admiral Farragut's Squadron,
1864; practising physician until 1873; Acting Assistant Surgeon,
U. S. Army, from June, 1873, to 1884.
Bartlett, Edward Jarvis. Private. Second Lieutenant 5th Mass. Cav
alry, July 1, 1864; inustered out Oct. 31, 1865, on expiration of
service.
Cogswell, Edward Russell. Sergeant. Declined commission in 18th
Mass. Vols.
Cook, Charles Edward. Private. Sergeant Co. F, 5th Mass. Vols.
July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of service.
Dodge, Frederic L. Private. Second Lieutenant 18th N. H. Vols.,
March 22, 1865 ; mustered out July 29, 1865, on expiration of
service. Second Lieutenant 23d Regt. U. S. Infantry, March 7,
1867 ; First Lieutenant, Jan. 22, 1873. Still in service.
Goodwin, Frank. Private. First Lieutenant 55th Mass. Vols., June 7,
1863 ; Captain, July 20, 1863. Wounded at battle of James Island,
S. C. Brevetted Major, for " gallant and meritorious conduct ; "
mustered out with regiment, Aug. 29, 1865.
Hartwell, Alfred Stedman. First Lieutenant. First entered the ser-

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 279
vice Corporal 3d Mo. Vols., May, 1861 ; Captain 54th Mass. Vols.,
March 16, 1863. Transferred, Lieut.-Col. 55th Mass., May 30, 1863 ;
Colonel, Nov. 3, 1863. At battle of Honey Hill, S. C, Nov. 30,
1864, while leading a charge, his horse was killed and fell on him.
While thus helpless and wounded in the hand, he would have been
left to fall into the hands of the enemy but for the bravery of Lieu
tenant Ellsworth, who turned back under a terrific fire, and while one
of the men, who was killed the next minute, partly lifted the horse
and thus released him, the lieutenant dragged the colonel across
the ditch into the woods, and then to the rear. In thus going from
the field Hartwell was hit three times by spent balls, but Ellsworth
escaped unharmed. Brevetted Brig.-Gen. U. S. Vols, for "gallant
services at the battle of Honey Hill, S. C. ; " discharged April 30,
1866, on expiration of service.
Hoyt, Henry Morris. Private. Sergeant Co. E, 6th Mass. Vols., July
1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
James, Garth Wilkinson. Sergeant. Sergeant James was discharged
for promotion, March 31, 1863. He was commissioned First Lieu
tenant and Adjutant of the 54th Mass. Vols., March 23, and mus
tered in April 24. The following sketch of his career is from the
pen of a brother officer in the 54th : —
" Adjutant James was with the regiment at Readville and Beaufort, S. C ;
St. Simons and Darien, Ga. ; St. Helena Island and James Island, S. C. ;
always on duty, cheerful, active, and a universal favorite for his endear
ing qualities of heart and mind. Of the part he took in the assault on
Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863, I have his own account; and in it he says
that 'when we received the first discharge of the enemy's cannon ' his
action was as follows : ' Gathering together a knot of men after the sus
pense of a few seconds, I waved my sword for a further charge towards
the living line of fire above us. We had gone then some thirty yards,
but determinedly onwards, the ranks obliquely following the swords of
those they trusted,' etc. James states that 'at the chevaux-de-frise in
front of the ditch ... I received another wound, — a canister-ball in my
foot ; ' having just after receiving the enemy's first fire been wounded in
the side by a shell. Having dragged himself away some distance, some
ambulance men of the 54th found him and took him to the rear. He
was sent North, to his home in Cambridge. Finding himself after a
number of months still unfit for duty, he finally resigned Jan. 30,
1864. . . . His longing for active service caused him to apply for a
commission. Stronger, but still a sufferer, and limping as he did
throughout the rest of his life from the wound in his foot, on Dec 3,
1864, he was re-commissioned as First Lieutenant in the 54th, then
near Devaux's Neck, S. C. But he was unable to do duty as a line
officer, and was appointed Acting A. D. C. on the staff of Colonel E. N.
Hallowell of the 54th, then commanding the Second Brigade of General

280 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
J. P. Hatch's ' Coast Division.' ' Lieutenant James was commissioned
Captain of Company C, March 30, 1865, and mustered as such, May 12,
1865. He was'with General Gilmore's .staff at Georgetown, S. C, about
April 2. He was mustered out with the 54th, Aug. 20, 1865. He was a
sufferer all his life from his wounds, and died at Milwaukee, Wis., March,
1883, aged thirty-eight. Thus passed away one of the sweetest, most lova
ble of men ; a brave soldier, and the truest, most constant of friends. To
those who knew him in the old days it is needless to say how free he was
from the caprices and humors of most men. His smile was always bright,
his words cheery and genial, his manner polished and winsome."
Jones, Edward Lloyd. Corporal. First Lieutenant 54th Mass. Vols.,
May 13, 1863; Captain, May 14, 1863; took an active part in the
assault on Fort Wagner, S. C, July 18, 1863, where he was severely
wounded, from the effects of which he never recovered ; mustered
out Dec. 16, 1864. Died at Templeton, Mass., Jan. 3, 1886.
Kent, Barker B., Jr. Private. First Sergeant ist Unattached Com
pany, M. V. M., April 29, 1864 ; discharged, Aug. 1, 1864, on
expiration of service. Captain Co. G, 60th Regt. M. V. M., July
28, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Died at Boston, Feb. 2, 1873.
Lathrop, William Henry. Private. Medical Cadet at Satterlee Hos-'
pital, Philadelphia, August, 1863, where he remained until October,
1864, when he was appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Army,
and was assigned to duty at the Depot Field Hospital of the 2d
Corps at City Point and Alexandria, Va ; served there until May 20,
1865. Assistant Surgeon in the 55th Mass. Vols., June 14, 1865.
When the regiment returned home, Aug. 29, 1865, he was mustered
out at Charleston, S. C, to take a commission as Acting Assistant
Surgeon, U. S. Army, which he retained until Nov. 1, 1866.
Mitchell, Frank A. Private. Second Lieutenant 56th Mass. Vols.,
Sept. 5, 1863; First Lieutenant, May 17, 1864; wounded at the
battle of the Wilderness ; discharged for disability, March 13, 1865.
Was subsequently commissioned Captain and Brigade Quartermaster.
Morse, Charles Fairbanks. Musician. Musician 3d Heavy Artillery.
Died Nov. 21, 1878.
Perkins, William Edward. Sergeant. Second Lieutenant 2d Mass.
Vols., Jan. 26, 1863 ; First Lieutenant, July 7, 1863 ; Captain,
March 7, 1865 ; mustered out July 14, 1865. Died at Boston,
Jan. 18, 1879. The following extract is from an appreciative obitu
ary notice in the Boston " Advertiser : " —
" Most suddenly and unexpectedly has he been taken from our midst.
Few men of his age have been better known. He was graduated at
Harvard in the class of i860. William at first entered the service as a
Sergeant in Co. F, Forty-fourth Regiment, but when his term of service

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 28 1
was half over, he obtained a commissiop as Second Lieutenant in the
famous 2d Mass. Infantry. On the 3d of May, 1863, he was wounded at
the battle of Chancellorsville. He rejoined his regiment on the evening
of the last day of fighting at Gettysburg. With the 2d Mass. Infantry
he went to the West in the fall of 1863 ; and in 1864 he shared in the
Atlanta campaign, and in the famous march to the sea. He was with
the regiment in the march through the Carolinas, was at the battles of
Averysborough and Bentonville, at the former of which his captain, the
gallant Ingersoll Grafton, was killed, and he was present at the surrender
of Gen. Johnston. After the war he took up again his legal studies,
which the war had interrupted, and he shortly after commenced practice
in Boston. He was always ready, however, to give up his time, and his
practice even, at the call of political duty. He served for some years
in the common council and the legislature, and in both capacities he
made himself known and felt as a hard-working, clear-headed, sensible
man. . . . He was a thoroughly manly man. His character was one of
great simplicity and sweetness. He was unselfish, perfectly ingenuous,
giving his friendship unreservedly, and always the same. There was
nothing suspicious or exacting about his friendship. He was a fast
friend, and he attached his friends very closely to him, and his name will
long be affectionately remembered."
Pope, George. Sergeant. Captain 54th Mass. Vols., May 11, 1863;
severely wounded at the assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863.
Major, Dec. 3, 1864; Lieut.-Col., July 11, 1865; mustered out
with regiment, Aug. 2, 1865.
Russel, Cabot Jackson. Sergeant. Captain 54th Mass. Vols., May 11,
1863. Killed at the assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863. The
New York " Evening Post " says : —
"One of the notable features of our war is the development of char
acter, energy, and heroism in our young men. Beardless lads have
exhibited proofs of mature capacity, and endurance worthy of veterans.
One of the leaders of the 'Charge of the Dark Brigade' at Fort
Wagner was Captain Cabot Jackson Russel, of the Fifty-fourth Massa
chusetts Regiment (Colonel Shaw's colored regiment). This youth,
scarcely nineteen, after serving with the Massachusetts Forty-fourth in
North Carolina, was offered a captaincy in Colonel Shaw's regiment,
and at that notable charge he led his men gallantly to the parapet of
the Rebel intrenchments, and fell wounded, in the hottest of the fight.
. . . Captain Russel's manly bearing and excellent qualities endeared
him strongly to his friends. He gave evidence of precocious abilities
as an officer, and his early career was full of promises of honorable
distinction."
Simpkins, William Harris. Corporal. Captain 54th Mass. Vols., May 11,
1863. Killed at the assault on Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863. The
following is from the Shaw " Memorial " : —

282 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
" These two young men [Simpkins and Russel], one not yet twenty-
four and the other only nineteen, served together in Company F,
Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, for the nine months' term, re
turning a short time before the regiment in order to take commissions
in the Fifty-fourth.
" Let us give due honor to the men who sought commissions in the first
negro regiment from such motives as theirs. Captain Simpkins wrote
from New Berne when his name was selected for a commission : ' I have
now to tell you of a pretty important step that I have just taken. I
have given my name to be forwarded to Massachusetts for a commission
in the Fifty-fourth (negro) Regiment, Colonel Shaw. . . . This is no
hasty conclusion, no blind leap of an enthusiast, but the result of much
hard thinking. It will not be at first, and probably not for a long time, an
agreeable position, for many reasons too evident to state ; and the man
who goes into it resigns all chances in the new white regiments that must
be raised. ... If I am one of the men selected, why should I refuse?
I came out here, not from any fancied fondness for a military life, but
to help along the good cause.' This was the letter of a youth to whom
a military life was distasteful, but who, following his idea of duty, had
fitted himself for it by careful study so well that, as captain in the Fifty-
fourth, he commanded the respect as well as affection of his brother
officers, who say he would have adorned the high position which only
death prevented his attaining. . . . The writer of this knew Captain
Simpkins. His sweet and manly nature, his clear and strong intellect,
made his friendship dearly prized by all who knew him well ; but only
those nearest to him recognized under his natural modesty of character
the possible hero whose life became complete and glorious on the
bastion of Fort Wagner."
The story of the return of Captain Simpkins's pistol to his family
several years after the war is too interesting to be omitted.
In September, 1875, the following letter appeared in the Boston
" Globe." Office of R. A. W. James, Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
Dyersburg, Tenn., Sept. 25, 1875.
To the Editors of the Globe.
Gentlemen, — I have in my possession a six-inch Smith & Wesson
repeating pistol, upon the handle of which is engraved " Captain W. H.
Simpkins, Fifty-fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, from J. L."
I took it from the body of a dead Federal officer on the 27th of June,
1864, at the salient on the Kenesaw Mountain line, Georgia.
As this is the era of reconciliation between the Gray and the Blue,
and as the gallant officer may have relatives or friends who would ap
preciate a memento of him, I am anxious to restore it to them if they
will place themselves in communication with me.
Believing that a mention of this, if published in your paper and
copied throughout your State, might lead to inquiries by the friends of
the deceased officer, I anxiously ask its insertion. My address is
R. A. W. James, Dyersburg, Tenn.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 283
This letter soon came to the notice of Captain Simpkins's father,
the late John Simpkins, Esq., of Jamaica Plain, who opened a cor
respondence with Major James, which resulted in the return of the
pistol, accompanied by the following generous letter : —
Office of R. A. W. James, Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
Dyersburg, Tenn., Oct. 27, 1875.
John Simpkins, Esq., Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir, — -Your favor of 3d inst. came to hand in due course of
mail, and I would have replied to it sooner, but for an extraordinary press
of business. I forwarded the pistol by mail, according to your instruc
tions, about a week ago, and hope that you have received it. I wish I
could place you in possession of such information as would enable you to
trace it back to your son, but I am afraid I shall never be able to do
so. On the 27th June, 1864, the Confederate line occupying the salient
to the left of Kenesaw Mountain was attacked by a Federal division
whose number and commander I have forgotten, but you can ascer
tain by reference to almost any history of the late war. Am sorry
I have none at hand to which I could refer and inform you. The attack
was a terrible one, and the fighting, at one time, almost hand to hand.
The attacking division, after a desperate charge, which was unsuccess
ful, retired. Expecting a countercharge, a number of our troops ad
vanced a short distance in front of the Confederate works, where I took
the pistol from the body of an officer whose rank I either did not
notice or have forgotten. He must have been a gallant fellow, — prob
ably a friend and comrade of your son, — for his body was not more
than twelve or fifteen feet from the Confederate works and surrounded
by heaps of dead comrades.
Receiving no orders to charge, and the firing in a few moments becom
ing again heavy, those of us who had advanced beyond the works retired
into them again, and the firing continued almost unremittingly until on
the 29th — I believe it was — a truce was had and the dead between
the lines were buried. The body of the officer I mention was lying
partially on a beautiful stand of colors, which bore the name of some
regiment, I presume, — I know there was some inscription on it. The
colors were picked up and subsequently presented to General Hardee,
to whose corps I belonged. General Hardee gave the colors back to the
captor and told him to give them to his sweetheart. I knew the man ;
his name was Woltz, and he resided in Midway, East Tennessee, but
I have not heard of him since the close of the war, except that he has
left Midway. General Hardee is dead, as you perhaps know, and I know
of no means of ascertaining to what regiment the colors belonged,
unless indeed some of my comrades in arms, who are now widely scat
tered, should remember, which I think improbable.
The vicissitudes of the campaign of North Georgia were such that
minor circumstances in engagements were soon forgotten except by
those particularly affected by them. If I could ascertain to what regi
ment the colors belonged, — and Woltz could tell that, — it might pos-

284 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.'
sibly furnish a clew which would lead to the name of the officer, for
I think he and the colors belonged to the same regiment.
Any information I may hereafter be able to obtain touching the
matters of which you inquire I will communicate to you. I shall
preserve your kind letter as a memento but little less dear to me than
the pistol to you. I only Care to remember the late war in so far as it
teaches its participants to respect each other's feelings, honor each
other's bravery and magnanimity, and love each other's common mother
country. Hoping to hear from you again, and that you have received
the pistol, 1 have the honor to be
Yours fraternally,
R. A. W. James,
Formerly Major nth Regl. Tenn. Infantry, C. S. A.
Note. — It will be seen that the pistol has had an eventful history : First
belonging to a Federal officer at his death, it fell into the hands of the Con
federates. It then passed into the possession of a Federal soldier, when and
where we can probably never know, and then it once more passed into the
possession of a Confederate officer in the manner related. The weapon is in
fine condition, and has evidently been carefully preserved.
Soule, Charles Carroll. Private. Served as private in Co. F from
October 6 to October 22, when he was transferred to Company B
as Second Lieutenant. (For subsequent service, see Company B.)
Tewksbury, George H. Private. Corporal Co. H, 6th Mass. Vols.,
July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Tweed, William Henry. Private. Corporal Co. A, 42d Mass. Vols.,
July 14, 1864; discharged Nov. 11, 1864, on expiration of service.
Weld, George Minot. Sergeant. Declined commission in 18th Mass.
Vols.
Weston, George. Private. Second Lieutenant 18th Mass. Infantry
March 4, 1863. Died at Boston, Jan. 5, 1864, of wounds received
at Rappahannock Station, Va., Nov. 7, 1863.
Weston left the company before its term of service expired, leaving
behind him the memory of a man always prompt and brave in every
duty, and of a singularly bright and cheery disposition. One of his
comrades and former classmates writes lovingly of him : —
" Weston had been a good private soldier, and he made an admirable
officer, — cheerful and bright when in health, uncomplaining and patient
in sickness, and in the march and on the battlefield the soul of fortitude
and courage. . . . But the strength of his character was, after all, in the
exquisite kindliness and geniality of his nature. This it was which
made him so universally a favorite. His sunny humor was a sort of
intellectual outgrowth of those trails of his moral nature, and seemed to
answer perfectly to that definition of a great writer which makes humor
to consist of 'love and wit.' Among his friends Weston's name was
almost a synonym for sunshine."- — Harvard Memorial.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 285
Woodward, George Moore. Private. First Lieutenant 55th Mass.
Vols., June 7, 1863; Captain, July 27, 1864; severely wounded in
the leg at the battle of Honey Hill, S. C, Nov. 30, 1864; mus
tered out with regiment, Aug. 29, 1865.
Company G.
Adams, John. Private. Private Co. K, 57th Mass. Infantry, April 6,
1864 ; discharged July 30, 1865, on expiration of service.
Adams, Warren Whitney. Private. First Lieutenant Co. B, 60th Mass.
Vols., July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Allen, Walter Balfour. Private. Private Co. B, nth Mass. Vols.,
Aug. 31, 1864; discharged June 4, 1865, on expiration of service.
Bunker, Nathaniel Wyeth. Private. Private Co. I, 56th Mass. Vols.
March 10, 1864; Second Lieutenant July 1, 1865, but not mus
tered ; discharged July 12, 1865, on expiration of service.
Chase, Loring Augustus. Corporal. Sergeant Co. F, 5th Mass. Vols.,
July 16, 1864 ; discharged Nov. 16, 1864, on expiration of ser
vice.
Delano, William C. Private. Private nth Mass. Battery, June 2,
1864; Discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
Gardner, James Francis. Sergeant. First Lieutenant in Washington,
D. C, Rifles, from June 1, 1864, to July, 1865.
Hersey, Andrew J. Private. Sergeant Co. H, 3d R. I. Cavalry, April
15, 1864; discharged Nov. 29, 1865, on expiration of service.
Hersey, Jacob H. Private. Sergeant Co. H, 3d R. I. Cavalry, April
15, 1864; discharged Nov. 29, 1865, on expiration of service.
Hobbs, Seth J. Private. Third Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy. He
was last seen in the Mediterranean, on board of a United States
man-of-war.
Hodges, Almon Danforth, Jr. Private. Second Lieutenant Co. B,
42d Mass. Infantry, July 20, 1864; discharged Nov. n, 1864, on
expiration of service.
Holt, Ballard, 2d. Private. Private Co. B, nth Mass. Infantry,
Aug. 26, 1864; discharged June 4, 1865, on expiration of service.
Lane, Thomas J. Private. Quartermaster Sergeant 4th Mass. Cavalry,
Feb. 18, 1864; Second Lieutenant May n, 1865; First Lieutenant
Aug. 9, 1865 ; discharged Nov. 14, 1865, on expiration of service.
Le Cain, Charles Lamont. Private. Corporal Co. H, 6th Mass.
Vols., July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Lipp, Leodegar M. Private. Second Lieutenant 56th Mass. Infantry,
July 30, 1863 ; First Lieutenant Nov. 21, 1863 ; Captain, Sept. 21,
1864; discharged July 12, 1865, on expiration of service.

286 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Merrill, Thomas Tobie. Private. Private 4th Unattached Company
Infantry, May 3, 1864; discharged Aug. 6, 1864, on expiration of
service. Private Co. D, 1st Frontier Cavalry, Jan. 2, 1865 ; dis
charged June 30, 1865, on expiration of service.
Perkins, Ezra. Private. Second Lieutenant Co. G, 60th Infantry
M. V. M., July 19, 1864; discharged Nov. 20, 1864, on expiration
of service.
Powers, Stephen Ambrose. Corporal. Sergeant Co. I, 2d Mass. Heavy
Artillery, Dec. 25, 1863 ; discharged Sept. 3, 1865. After the war
was in U. S. Marine Corps for several years.
Priest, John Dodd. Corporal. Second Lieutenant 56th Mass. Vols.,
July 30, 1863; First Lieutenant, May 17, 1864. Died at George
town, June 22, 1864, from a wound received while on the skirmish-
line at " Salem Church," May 31, 1864.
The following extract from the letter of a brother officer, written
hurriedly from the field, shows the regard in which he was held by
the members of his regiment : —
" It on this occasion becomes a duty, though a sorry one, to commu
nicate to you the fact that my dear friend and fellow-officer, your de
voted son, was last evening, in an action with the enemy, wounded by a
bullet in the groin.
" I did not see him, as I did not come to the rear until late at night.
He was sent to the rear in an ambulance, and will probably have a fur
lough to go home. Poor words of mine cannot properly express the
feeling of regret with which the fellow officers and soldiers of this
command part with Lieutenant Priest. He is a son to be proud of, a
man to be admired, a soldier whose conscientious bravery is an example
for officers and men to follow.
" He is on the eve of promotion, which is merited in a high degree.
You have my heartfelt sympathy in his illness, but I hope to see him
with us again in his new rank which he has so gloriously earned."
Raymond, Walter Landor. Private. Private Co. L, 1st Mass. Cavalry,
Jan. 6, 1864. Died Dec. 25, 1864, of pneumonia, at Salisbury,
N. C, while prisoner of war.
Sawyer, Lyman J. Private. Private Co. C, 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery,
Oct. 6, 1863 ; deserted Jan. 27, 1864.
Townsend, Albert W. Private. Enlisted in a New York regiment.
Died at Florence, S. C, January, 1865, while prisoner of war.
White, James Cushing. First Lieutenant. Captain 2d Mass. Heavy
Artillery, Aug. 14, 1863; discharged Sept. 3, 1865, on expiration
of service.
Wood, Charles. Private. Sergeant-Major 56th Mass. Infantry, Dec.
28, 1863. Died Feb. 5, 1864, at Readville, Mass.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 287
Company H.
Bolles, George B. Private. Corporal Co. F, 5 th Mass. Infantry, July
20, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Bumpus, Everett C. Private. First enlisted as private in Co. C, 4th
Regt. M. V. M., April 22, 1861 (company commanded by his
father) ; discharged July 22, 186 1, on expiration of service. Second
Lieutenant 10th Co. Heavy Artillery, Sept. 1, 1863. Afterwards
attached to 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery. First Lieutenant Oct. 28,
1864; discharged Sept. 18, 1865, on expiration of service.
Dawes, Richard Cranch. Private. Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy, Dec.
14, 1863; resigned Jan. 11, 1867.
Hersey, John W. Private. Sergeant Co. D, 60th Infantry M. V. M.,
July 16, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Higgins, Benjamin. Private. Private Co. M., 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery,
Aug. 26, 1864; discharged June 17, 1865, on expiration of service.
Higgins, George Allen. Private. Private nth Mass. Battery, Jan. 2,
1864; discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
Howe, Albert Richards. Second Lieutenant. Second Lieutenant 5th
Mass. Cavalry, Dec. 17, 1863; ist Lieutenant, Jan. 7, 1864; Cap
tain, Jan. 18, 1864; Major, Feb. 16, 1865; mustered out Oct.
31, 1865, on expiration of service. Died of heart disease, at
Chicago, June 1, 1884.
Moore, Matthias J. Private. First Sergeant 14th Mass. Battery, Feb.
27, 1864. Wounded at Crossing of North Anna River. Second
Lieutenant, Jan. 25, 1865 ; discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration
of service. Died at Northfield, N. H, Nov. 15, 1885, aged 52
years.
Moulton, Granville W. Private. Private Co. A, 2d Mass. Cavalry,
Feb. 26, 1864; discharged July 25, 1865, on expiration of service.
Nash, Osborn Preble. Private. Private in Signal Corps, U. S. Army,
March 30, 1864. Served at New Orleans, Natchez, Vicksburg, and
on the Mississippi River; discharged Aug. 3, 1865, on expiration of
service.
Packard, Elisha. Private. Corporal Co. B, 60th Mass. Vols., July 16,
1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Peabody, Lyman Evereit. Private. Private Co. M, 3d Mass. Heavy
Artillery, Aug. 27, 1864; discharged June 17, 1865, on expiration of
service.
Rennard, George Washington. Private. Private Co. G, 58th Mass.
Vols., March 26, 1864; discharged July 13, '865, on expiration of
service.
Sawyer, Willard G. Private. Private Co. C, 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery,
Oct. 6, 1863; deserted Jan. 27, 1864.

288 FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.
Smith, William V. Captain. First entered the service as Second Lieu
tenant 1 8th Mass. Vols., Aug. 20, 1861. Resigned June n, 1862.
Captain 7th U. S. C. T., Oct. 22, 1863. Discharged with brevet
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, Oct. 22, 1866.
Storrow, Samuel. Private. First Lieutenant 2d Mass. Infantry, Sept.
22, 1864; died of wound received at Averysboro', N. C, March 16,
1865. (See Harvard Memorial Biography.)
Weeks, George M. Private. Private Company G, 56th Mass. Infantry,
Jan. 19, 1865 ; discharged June 30, 1865, on expiration of service.
Company I.
Burbank, Alonzo F. Private. Corporal Co. E, 6th Mass. Infantry,
July 18, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Chandler, Benjamin Parker. Private. Acting Civil Engineer in U. S.
Navy, attached to the Pensacola Navy Yard. Died there Sept. 12,
1874, of yellow fever.
Copithorne, William. Private. Private Co. A, 40th New Jersey In
fantry, March 10, 1864; discharged July 25, 1865, on expiration of
service.
Currier, Hugh Legare. Private. Private nth Mass. Infantry, Sept.
7, 1864; discharged June 4, 1865, on expiration of service. Died
at Everett, Mass., Dec. 29, 1879.
Fletcher, Warren Gilman. Private. Private nth Mass. Battery,
Jan. 2, 1864 ; discharged June 16, 1865, on expiration of service.
Foss, James Madison. Private. Sergeant Co. I, 59th Mass. Infantry,
Aug. 2, 1864. Died Nov. 4, 1864, at McDougal Hospital, New
York.
Jones, Henry Brown. Sergeant. First Lieutenant nth Unattached
Company Heavy Artillery (afterwards 3d Mass. Heavy Artillery),
Oct. 2 1,. 1863. Resigned for disability, Dec. 22, 1864.
Macomber, Henry Seymour. Corporal. Sergeant Co. H, 6th Infantry
M. V. M., July 16, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration
of service.
Newell, Julius T. Private. Second Lieutenant 4th Heavy Artillery,
Aug. 16, 1864; First Lieutenant, Feb. 18, 1865. On duty at Rich
mond and Manchester, Va., and for a while served on staff of Gen.
Carey; discharged June 17, 1865, on expiration of service.
Parker, Stephen Henry. Private. Sergeant Co. D, 59th Mass. In
fantry, Feb. 9, 1864. Died July 30, 1864, of wounds received at
Petersburg, Va.
Poole, Francis H. P?-ivate. Enlisted as seaman in U. S. Navy, Sept.
21, 1863. Promoted mate, and was on duty on U. S. S. S. "Wa
bash," at Charlestown Navy Yard, for several years. Died at Welles-
ley, Mass., Dec. 4, 1886.

SUBSEQUENT SERVICE. 289
Pratt-, George Henry. Private. Sergeant Co. E, 56th Mass. Infantry,
Jan. 12, 1864; discharged July 12, 1865, on expiration of service.
Purbeck, Marcellus Augustus. Private. Private in Signal Corps,
U. S. Army, March 29, 1864; discharged Aug. 26, 1865, on expira
tion of service.
Rhoades, Lawrence. Private. Was discharged from the regiment at
New Berne, to remain with Capt. J. A. Goidthwait, District Com
missary, June 4, 1863. Was appointed Commissary of Subsistence,
U. S. Vols., with rank of Captain, July 2, 1864 ; mustered out Aug.
22, 1865. Brevet Major, U. S. V., March 26, 1865, "for faithful
and meritorious services during the campaign against the city of
Mobile and its defences." Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. V.,
March 26, 1865 ; and brevet Colonel, U. S. V, March 28, 1865,
" for faithful and meritorious services during the war."
Taylor, William A. Private. Sergeant Co. K, 4th Mass. Cavalry,
March 1, 1864; discharged Nov. 14, 1865, on expiration of service.
Died at Boston, Dec. 4, 1878.
Tilden, Joseph. Sergeant. Second Lieutenant 54th Mass. Infantry, April
1, 1863; First Lieutenant, May 13, 1863. Transferred to 55th
Mass. as Captain, May 27, 1863 ; discharged for disability, July 14,
1863 ; served as A. A. G. on staff of General Pierce during the draft
riots in Boston. Died at Honolulu, H. I., July 9, 1885, in conse
quence of injuries received at fire.
Tyler, Herbert. Private. Sergeant Co. A, 42d Mass. Vols., July 14,
1864; discharged Nov. 11, 1864, on expiration of service.
Company K.
Bailey, Walter. Private. First enlisted in regular army, Jan. 3, 1861.
Sent with the reinforcements to Fort Sumter, and was on duty during
the bombardment under Major Anderson. Upon surrender of the
fort was sent to New York, and assigned to Co. H, 2d U. S. Infantry,
and took part in the battle of Bull Run. Discharged by civil author
ity, being under age. In the fall of 1863, re-enlisted in Co. C, 1st
Vermont Cavalry. Wounded in front of Winchester, Nov. 12, 1864,
while on picket, and discharged soon afterwards.
Uussell, Alfred W. Private. Private Co. G, 58th Mass. Infantry,
March 26, 1864.' Killed at Petersburg, Va., July 12, 1864, while
acting as color-sergeant.
Dorr, John. Sergeant. First Lieutenant Co. G, 60th Mass. Infantry,
July 19, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Fisher, Albert. ' Private. Private Co. L, 2d Mass. Heavy Artillery,
Dec. 22, 1863; discharged Sept. 3, 1865, on expiration of service.
Fisher, Nathan Warren. Private. Private Co. K, 42d Infantry
'9

290

FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY.

M. V. M.,July 18, 1864; discharged Nov. n, 1864, on expiration of
service.
Gilmore, Luman W. Private. Private 16th Mass. Battery, May n,
1864; discharged June 27, 1865,011 expiration of service. Received
spinal injury at Fairfax Court House.
Gould, William A. Private. Corporal Co. F, 5th Infantry M. V. M.,
July 20, 1864; discharged Nov. 30, 1864, on expiration of service.
Gray, Charles L. Private. Private in Co. K, 42d Infantry M. V. M.,
July 18, 1864; discharged Nov. 11, 1864, on expiration of service.
Hartshorn, Lowell Ebenezer. Private. Private Co. A. 56th Mass.
Infantry, Dec. 26, 1863. Died while prisoner of war at Anderson-
ville, Ga., Dec. 17, 1864.
Jessup, William A. Private. Private Co. K, 42d Mass. Infantry, July
18, 1864; discharged Nov. n, 1864, on expiration of service.
Jones, Dennis Hartwell. Private. Enlisted in 44th Regt. at the
age of sixteen. First Lieutenant 55th Mass. Infantry, June 19, 1863.
Killed accidentally, March 23, 1864.
Keen, Jarius P. Private. Private Co. E, 56th Mass. Infantry, Jan. 12,
1864; discharged July 20, 1865, on expiration of service.
Loring, Frank Minot. Private. Private in Co. B, 6th Infantry M. V. M.,
July 17, 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Moulton, Edward C. Private. Corporal Co. F, 59th Mass. Infantry,
Feb. 20, 1864. Killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864.
Rhoades, Charles J. Private. Corporal Co. K, 6th Mass. Infantry,
July 14. 1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Trout, Thomas K. Private. Private Co. A, 6th Mass. Infantry, July 15,
1864; discharged Oct. 27, 1864, on expiration of service.
Wentworth, George Augustus. Private. Private in Co. G, 2d Mass.
Cavalry, March 31, 1864; discharged June 28, 1865, on expiration
of service. Wounded in the head by a sabre-cut, at battle of Aldie,
July 6, 1864.

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX.

w\

RIOT.
OT long after the muster out of the Forty-
fourth Regiment the draft riots occurred,
and it was called together by the follow
ing order: —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Headquarters,
Boston, July 14, 1863.
Special Order No. 393.
Colonel Lee, Forty-fourth Massachusetts Vol
unteer Militia, will cause his regiment to assemble at their armory,
Boylston Hall, forthwith, and await further orders.
By order of the Commander-in-Chief. Wm. Schouler, Adjutant- General.
So many men had gone away on business or pleasure that our
ranks were far from full, but all who were within call responded
promptly. The regiment remained on duty till the 16th, when
they were dismissed by the following order : —
Headquarters, Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, July 21, 1863.
Special Order No. 6.
Colonel F. L. Lee, commanding Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia, and Colonel Charles R. Codman, commanding Forty-fifth Massa
chusetts Volunteer Militia, are hereby ordered to dismiss their respective
commands until further orders. In issuing this order the general com
manding is desired by his Excellency the Governor to express to them,
their officers and men, his thanks for their prompt response to the call of
duty and the admirable manner in which they have performed it.
Every duty has been performed to the entire satisfaction of the com
manding general. By command of R. A. Peirce, Brigadier- General.
C. J. Higginson, A. A. G.

294 APPENDIX.
The last order entered in the regimental order-book relates to
the draft riots, and refers to sending out pickets and reconnoitring
parties. There is a postscript in Colonel Lee's own handwriting,
— the first time it appears in the book, — which is very charac
teristic to those who knew him well : —
" Enjoin upon the officers to save the detachments on duty as much
fatigue as possible."

ASSOCIATION.

Jp EARLY every year since the return of the
$pflKffe|| IF Forty-fourth some of the companies have
ll been in the habit of holding reunions, —
among them C, D, E, and F. Companies
C, E, and F are regularly organized, but
Company D never formed an association,
although it elected officers at each meeting.
At the reunion of the latter company, De
cember, 1875, the subject of forming a
regimental association was broached and
discussed, and by vote of those present
the secretary was authorized to call a
meeting at Parker's, Jan. 13, 1876, of all
former members of the regiment, to consider
the subject. About sixty responded ; and after several questions
had been asked and suggestions made, the constitution as re
ported by a self-constituted committee was adopted, and the vote
passed to form an association. The officers elected were :
Colonel F. L. Lee, president; Adjutant E. C. Johnson, treasurer;
Corporal James B. Gardner, secretary. The constitution pro
vides that any former member of the regiment who has been
honorably discharged may become a member of the Association
by the payment of one dollar. This constitutes a life member
ship, as there are no assessments.
The first annual meeting was appointed for December 14, the
fourteenth anniversary of the battle of Kinston. As many of
our men wished to come together earlier, a special meeting was
arranged for March 14, the anniversary of the battle of New
Berne. At this special meeting there were one hundred and
thirteen members present. Annual meetings have been held

296 APPENDIX.
regularly since 1876, and latterly the third Wednesday of Jan
uary has been the date selected.
On Sept. 17, 1877, the regiment paraded, — probably for the
last time as a regiment, —on the occasion of the dedication of
the Soldiers' Monument. Lieutenant Colonel Cabot was in com
mand, and one hundred and sixty-four members answered at
roll-call. At the annual meeting in 1880 a committee was appointed to
act with similar committees from the other regiments of our
brigade to arrange for a brigade reunion. The Twenty-fourth
Massachusetts and Tenth Connecticut did not appoint commit
tees ; but the Fifth Rhode Island and ours made the necessary
arrangements, and delegates were present from the regiments
first named. The reunion was held at Rocky Point on July 30,
about four hundred being present.
On Aug. 29, 1882, the regiment celebrated the twentieth anni
versary of its going into camp, by a gathering at the Point
of Pines, quite a delegation from the Fifth Rhode Island being
present as invited guests.
Soon after the election of Wm. Garrison Reed to the secre
taryship he suggested the idea of securing for the Association
portraits of our field and staff, and of our brigade, division, and
corps commanders. His suggestion met a favorable response,
the necessary expenses were promptly subscribed, and at the
annual meeting in 1883 the pictures were exhibited to the mem
bers of the regiment. They are in crayon, and were drawn by
Mr. Charles Stanford. Generals Foster, Wessells, and Stevenson,
Adjutant Hinckley, and Colonel Sisson are framed singly, and
hang in one of the private dining-rooms at Young's. The large
picture of the field and staff is stored, except when brought out
at the regimental reunions. The portrait of General Thomas G.
Stevenson was presented by his brother, General Robert H.
Stevenson, and that of Adjutant Hinckley by his father, Isaac
Hinckley, Esq., of Philadelphia.
At the annual reunion in January, 1885, Comrades Reed and
Mclntire gave an account of their recent trip to North Carolina,
and by aid of a stereopticon exhibited views of many places which
were familiar to us when we were wearing the blue.

ASSOCIATION.

297

The officers of the Association have been as follows :
PRESIDENTS.

Colonel F. L. Lee 
Lieutenant-Colonel E. C. Cabot
Captain S. W. Richardson
First Lieutenant Wm. Hedge
Second Lieutenant C. C. Soule
First Sergeant A. C. Pond . .

18761877 187818791880 1881

Sergeant G. B. Macomber
Private C. J. Mclntire .
Adjutant E. C. Johnson .
Captain C. Storrow . .
Private E. C. Bumpus .

1884
1885

VICE-PRESIDENTS.
E. C. Cabot, Charles Hunt, George B. Lombard . .
S. W. Richardson, W. V. Smith, W. Hedge . . .
H. D. Sullivan, J. W. Cartwright, W. Hedge . . .
W. A. Simmons, A. D. Stebbins, A. B. Wetherell .
C. J. Mclntire, A. C. Pond, C. Storrow ....
F. G. Webster, George Pope, F. S. Gifford
C. W. Chamberlain, R. C. Waterman, H. W. Hartwell
E. C. Johnson, George L. Keyes, W. C. Cotton . . .
H. D. Sullivan, Theodore M. Fisher, C. Storrow . .
John Parkinson, W. H. Alline, William Gillespie . .
A. S. Hartwell, L. W. Rogers, George B. Lombard

876877 878879

S838S4

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Company A.

H. W. Hartwell . .
F. D. Montgomery .
L. W. Rogers 
E. R. Rand  t
A. W. Edmands ....
J. A. Wallace  1
C. H. Bailey  1
F. F. Gibbs  1
J. E. Gott  1
S. A. F. Whipple . . . . 1
G. F. Wellington  1

877 87S879
880 881 2
8838848S5

Company B.
S. A. Walker . . .
G. L. Keyes . .

.... 1876
.... 1877
A. B. Wetherell  1878
C C. Soule  1879
J. S. Barrows  1880
W. Gillespie  1881
G. W. Brooks  1882

E. D. Farnum
C. C. Patten
H. N. Hyde
C. W. Knight

1883

Company C.
A. C. Pond 
G. R. Rogers 
W. Ware 
A. Cutting  1879,
W. H. Alline 
E. C. Burrage 
C. E. Barker 
H. S. Bean . 
J. W. Small 
W. C. Cotton 

1876 1877
1878 18841880 1881
1882 1883
1885
1886

Company D.
H. D. Sullivan  1876
W. K. Millar .... 1877, 1881
George Sawin  1878

298

APPENDIX.

I. W. Moody  1879
E. A. Messinger  1880
W. H. Neal  1882
S. S. Bartlett  1883
Henry Howard . ¦  1884
J. B. Gardner  1885
E. B. Hosmer  1886

Company E.
C. E. Tucker 
J. J. Wyeth 
G. Russell 
G. P. Walcott 
J. B. Rice, Jr  iE
Leslie Millar 
J. P. Flagg, Jr 
G. W. Wheelwright . . .
W. R. Adams 
W. S. Wilder 

Company F.

A. W. Denny .
G. B. Macomber
E. N. Hewins .
D. Cobb . . .
J. F. Dean . .
G. F. Jones . .
R. E. Ashenden
J. M. Gibbs . .
H. B. Coburn
J. W. Hayward Company G.
George Ellis
T. J. Lawrence
F. G. Webster
C. J. Mclntire
Samuel May
P. S. Yendell
E. S. Fisher
F. P. Adams
W. C. Clapp
H. Newhall .
Jonathan Dorr Company H.
F. M. Mears ....
R. Maguire 

1876
18771878
1879 18811882
1883
1884 1885
1886

1876187718811879
188018821883 1884
1885
1886

18761877 18781879
18801881 1882
1883188418851886

1876 1877

E. H. Adams 
C. A. Hovey 
E. C. Bumpus . ....
J. W. Hersey .... 1881.
H. Merriam 
G. A. Murray 
E. Packard 
O. P. Nash 
Company I.
C. Sumner 
R. Loudon 
B. F. Field, Jr 
B. F. Adams 
J. T. Shackford 
J. McCrillis, Jr 
T. Pinkham 
W. A. Gaylord 
J. L. Eldridge . ....
H.B.Jones 
H. N. Bridges . ...

878
879
880883
882884
885

876 877
878879 8S0
881
882

885

Company K.

H. A. Thomas .
C Chenery . .
John Dorr . .
W. H. Lord .
R. H. Weld . .
J. Parkinson
Manning Emery
F. W. Reynolds
I. N. Meserve .

1876, 1881
¦ ¦ 1877

18791880
1882 18831884 1886

At Large.
T. W. Fisher  1876
J. W. Cartwright  1877
A. Jacobs  1878
W. C. Ireland  1879
F. S. Gifford ...... 1880
C. Hunt  1881
J. R. Kendall  1882
G. R. Rogers  1883
J. Owens  1884
Fred. Odiorne  1885
W. B. Allen  1886

ASSOCIATION. 299
At the time of going to press three hundred and thirty-nine
have joined the Association.
At the annual meeting, Jan. 20, 1886, the treasurer showed
a balance on hand in the general fund of $508.65 ; and the trus
tees of the Permanent Fund, its nucleus being the old regimental
fund which had been in the hands of the colonel since the war,
at time of the transfer amounting to $875.86, reported on hand
$1,972.68. It is to be hoped that the Association will continue so long as
a single member can answer " Here " at roll-call.

ROSTER.

To the members of the Forty-fourth the ROSTER will undoubt
edly be one of the most interesting features of the Record. The
plan of arranging the names in alphabetical order, without refer
ence to company or rank, was one of the first matters agreed
upon after it was determined to compile a regimental history
(1879), and is, we think, original with this Committee.
A great deal of time has been devoted to ascertaining the
present addresses and occupations of the members. Every one
whose address is here given has replied to communications sent
him ; or, as letters sent in " request " envelopes to the given
address have not been returned, we presume it to be correct.
As residences and occupations are being constantly changed,
it is of course practically impossible to have the Roster abso
lutely perfect, but it is believed that it will be found essentially
reliable. Where the date of muster is not given, it was Sept. 12, 1862;
and where date of discharge is not stated, it was June 18, 1863.
Readers noting errors, omissions, or changes will confer a
favor if they will notify J. B. GARDNER, 23 Crawford Street,
Roxbury, Mass., so that the official Roster of the Regimen
tal Association may be kept at all times as nearly correct as-
possible.

ROSTER FOR THE FORTY-FOURTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.

O
to

Name.

Rank.

Co.

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence.

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Abbott, Charles F. .

Corporal

B

19

Newton

Died 

Achorn, Albion G.

Private

K

36

Walpole .

Adams, Alden J. .
"
G
10
Dorchester
Manatee, Fla.
Stock and Oranges
Adams, Benjamin F.
'
I
-4
Boston
Boston . . .
Grocer
Adams, Charles • . .
'
D
19
Medford . .
Sumpterville, Fla.
Supposed re-enlisted. In
overcoat marked Lt.-Col.
1866 his
Adams.
Adams, Edward H. .
t<
H
25
Winchester
Died at Dorchester, April
11, 1879.
Adams, Francis P.
'
G
20
Boston
Boston . .
Grocer . . .
Adams, George H.
"
C
*9
Brookline
Boston
Theatrical agent
Adams, George H.
E
24
Cambridge
East Derry, N. H.
Farmer .
Adams, John
G
35
Winchester .
Oakham . . .
Farmer
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Adams, Warren W.
"
G
18
Quincy
Quincy
Bookkeeper .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Adams, William G.
"
K
20
Franklin
Franklin . .
Chemical Mfr. .
Adams, William R.
Corporal
E
23
Cambridge .
Cambridge .
Merchant
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Allen, Oscar .
Private
I)
26
Boston .
Allen, Walter B. . .
ti
G
33
Andover .
Andover . . .
Supt. Almshouse
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Allen, William A. .
Sergeant
E
23
Cambridge .
Chicago, 111.
Wool ...
Alley, Charles M.
Private
C
27
Lynn
Clinton
Bookkeeper . .
Alline, William H. .
"
C
l9
Boston
Boston
Clerk ....
Almon, David .
Sergeant
B
29
Newton
Died at Newton.
Ames, Daniel E.
Private
C
21
Boston
Somerville . . .
Clerk .
Anderson, Leonard B.
"
I
2-7
Melrose
Amiable, Charles A.
I
18
Boston
Boston . . .
Salesman
Ashenden, Richard E.
'
F
25
Boston . .
Boston
Bookkeeper .
Ashley, John E. . .
F
34
Charlestown
Died at Somerville, June 1
3, 1885.
Atkins, Francis H.
'
F
19
Cambridge .
Las Vegas, N. M.
Physician . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Atwood, James M.
"
A
25
Wellfleet
New York
Printer . .
Atwood, William S. . .
i
G
20
Chelsea
Maiden . .
Clerk . . .
Babbitt, Willard M. . .
i
K
iS
Walpole .
Newark, N. J.
Salesman .
Babcock, Ephraim A.
Babcock, George L.
Prin. Mus.
K
2525
Music-teacher . .
Acting Band-master.
Boston . .
Oakland, Cal. .
Babcock, Lowell . .
Private
' K
25
Sherborn
Medfield
Painter
> wo
Bacon, John F. .

Private

D

29

Boston .

Died at Somerville, May 24, 1884.

Bacon, Samuel A. .

"

D

J9

Harvard . .

Hartford, Conn. .

Bookkeeper .

Badger, Willard, Jr.

...

F

29

Chelsea .

Died at Brooklyn, N. Y., Feb. 17,
1873-
Bailey, Calvin C.
"
G
'28
Dorchester
Dorchester .
Provisions
Bailey, Charles H. . .
tt
A
20
Boston
Boston .
Dining-saloon
Bailey, Walter . .
t
K
22
Needham
Sharon
Painter . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Bailey, William H. .
"
H
2r
Roxbury .
Providence, R. I. .
Bookbinder
Baker, Stephen T.
Wagoner
K
21
.
Baker, Theodore E. .
Private
B
22
Newton .
Boston .
Clerk
Balch, Frank W.
"
F
21
Boston . .
Chicago, 111. .
Coal . .
Baldwin, Francis . .
•'
E
18
Waltham
New York . .
Salesman
Bamberg, Frederick B.
B
23 18
Newton . .
Boston .
Wood-carver
Bamford, William . . .
'
A
N. Andover
Drowned at No. Andover, June 5,
1871.
Bancroft, George F.
Corporal
D
20
Groton . .
Omaha, Neb.
R. R. contractor
Banister, Joseph M.
Private
H
29
Framingham
Discharged March 9, 1863. Disa
bility. Died 
Barden, Fred S.
Corporal
C
20
Marion .
Died at Marion, March 25, 1865.
Barker, Charles E. . .
Sergeant
C
23
Boston . .
Boston .
Wholesale drugs .
Barker, Eben F. . .
Corporal
A
29
Charlestown
Philadelphia, Pa.
Sec'y Penn. Steel Co.
Must. Oct. 8, 1862. Re-enlisted.
Chapter XV.
Barker, George G. .
Private
D
l9
Bedford .
Wilmington, Del.
Dredging . .
Barnaby, Thomas J. . .
"
G
23
Dorchester
Elizabeth, N. J.
Barnard, Francis H. .
k
F
r9
Boston .
Fort Wayne, Ind.
R. R. agent . .
Barnes, George W. . .
it
H
18
Boston
Boston . .
Salesman
Barnes, Theodore L. .
"
E
26
Waltham
Dis. April 3, 1863. Disability.
Died at Waltham, April 5, 1864.
Barnes, William A.
H
23
Boston
Died at New Berne, N. C, June 18,
1863.
Barrows, James S.
''
B
21
Newton . .
Boston
Bookkeeper .
Bartlett, Edward J. .
tt
F
20
Concord .
Boston .
Wharfinger
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Bartlett, Schuyler S. .
t
D
21
Plymouth
Boston . .
Clerk
,
Bass, John A. . . .
A
18
Boston .
Died 
Bassford, Edward P. . .
"
B
27
Newton
St. Paul, Minn.
Architect
Batchelder, Samuel G. A.
'
B
25
Newton .
Died at Salem, June, 188-.
Bates, Benjamin F. . .
"
I
22
Brewster
Boston .
Clerk 
Dis. April 1, 1863. Disability.
Bates, Daniel D. . . .
tt
D
29
NorthfieldVt.
Boston
Clerk . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
OHH
O
Name.

Rank.

Co.

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence.

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Baylev, James H. . . .

Private

K

21

Boston

Braintree

Boot manufacturer

Beal, 'Charles W. . . .

tt

D

18

Boston . .

Boston . . .

Cashier B. & A. R. R.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Beal, George W. . . .

'

D

20

Quincy

Boston . .

Clerk ...

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Bean, Harris S 

Corporal

C

23

Boston

Boston

Fruit . .

Beck, John H. . . .

Private

B

18

Newton .

Died at Newton, March 16, 1875.
Bedell, Charles II.
"
E
19
Boston
Boston .
Clerk . '.
Belcher, Charles A.
B
18
Newton . .
Died at Newton, July 10, 1869.
Belcher, Heman H. .
H
42
Framingham
Died at Framingham, Sept. 1, 1872.
Belcher, William H. .
"
B
29
Newton
Died at Newton, Jan. 24, 186S.
Bellows. Henry H.
A
19
Holliston
Holliston .
Builder . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Bent, Charles R. . . .
tt
H
18
Boston . .
Cambridge
Printer
Berry, John F. . .
"
A
25
Boston
Boston
Driver
Dis. Feb. 14, 1863. Disability.
Berry, Robert . . .
I
19
Boston . .
Died 
Bickmore, Albert S. . .
n
A
23'
Cambridge .
New York .
Supt. Central Park
Museum
Billings, George A. . .
"
H
l9
Framingham
Watertown .
Accountant . . .
Billings, Joseph E. . .
"
B
18
Newton .
Newton
Bird, James H, Jr. . .
"
G
28
Roxbury . .
Boston
Appraiser, C. H. .
Cl'k Q. M. Dept., Boston, till 1865.
Bird, Thomas H. . . .
"
I
22
Dorchester
Dorchester
Variety store
Bird, William H. . . .
Sgt.-Major
32
Roxbury . .
Boston . .
Bookkeeper .
Blake, James H., Jr. . .
ist Lieut.
D
20
Boston . .
Boston .
Trus. Thayer estate
Blanchard, Alvin . . .
Private
D
18
Hingham
Died at Hingham, March S, 1874.
Corporal Co. M, First Mass. Cav.,
Blanchard, Edward R.
"
K
19
Waltham
Boston
Importer
Oct. 9, 1861. Dis. Dec. 27, 1861,
Blanchard, J. Albert .
<
D
19
W. Cambridge
Boston
Clerk . .
by "civil authority."
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.
Blanchard, Theron
Corporal
K
25
Weymouth .
Lynn
Shoe-stitcher .
Blanchard, William L.
Private
E
18
Waltham
Boston
Wholesale woollens
Bloom, Julius R. .
n
A
23
Boston .
Boston
Mfg. jeweller . .
Bolles, George B.
"
H
"9
Framingham
Fall River
Clerk Str. " Bristol "
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Bolles, James T.
"
C
25
Cambridge .
New York .
Publisher
Boone, Allen F.
"
H
23
Winchester .
Winchester
Merchant . .
Dis. June 5, 1863. Disability.
Bowditch, Asa W. . . .
'
K
27
Walpole .
Sharon
Coachman .
Bowers, Arthur W.
'
H
20
Framingham
Died at Hudson, Oct. 18, 1870.
Dis. Feb. 7, 1863. Disability.
Bowers, William
K
21
Boston
Boston
Printer
O
4-
> MC
Bowman, Frank F.
Boyce, Guy . . .
Boyd, Moses E.
Boynton, George F.
Boynton, Martin L.
Boynton, Timothy S.
Bradbury, Walter S.
Bradish, Albert H.
Bradlee, John E. .
Bradt, Charles A. .
Bradt, Frank O. .
Brady, James W. .
Bray, Thomas C. .
Breed, Henry L. .
Brennan, John . .
Brewster, James B.
Bridges, Harlin N.
Briggs, James W. .
Brigham, William C.
Brooks, Charles B.
Brooks, George W.
Brooks, Noah W. .
Brown, Fred T. . .
Brown, Frederick T.
Brown, Henry L. .
Brown, Hezekiah N.
Brown, Nathan L. C.
Brown, William H.
Brown, William W.
Brown, Winslow E.
Bruce, Rufus C.

Corporal Private

Corporal tt
Private tt
2d Lieut.
Hos. Stew.
Private

ist Lieut.
Private
Corporal Private

E

19

K

22

D

21

G

20

H

22

C

21

C

22

E

18

C

31

C

r.8

C.

18

B

18

H

24

I

25

B

35

D

20

I

25

C

23

22

B

24

B

17

C

19

K

24

A

27

I

22

G

22

G

19

F

21

A

24

K

30

H

28

Boston Sherborn Boston .
Dorchester ,

Maiden . .
Framingham

Cambridge
Boston .
Boston .
Lowell .

Lowell . .

Newton . .
Boston .
Boston . .
Needham .
Plymouth
Boston . .
Boston . .
New Bedford
Newton . .
Newton . .
Dorchester .
W. Roxbury
Maiden . .
Weston . .
Wayland
Boston . .
Boston . .
Saugus . .
Walpole . .
Framingham

Dedham .

Boston

Pepperell

Chicago, 111.
Boston . .

Prescott, Ariz,
Taunton . .
Needham .
Plymouth .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Medford . .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Chicago, 111.
New York .

Weston . .
Sadawga, Vt.

New York .
Saugus . .
Adams, Neb.
Framingham

Poultry farm
Clerk . . .
Butcher . .

Bookkeeper . .
Paints and Oils

Merchant .

Machinist . .
Physician . .
R. R. clerk . .
Pres. Brunswick
Berth Co. .
Druggist . . .
Clerk ....
Paper box mfr.
Secretary . .
Broker . . .

Farmer .
Carriage-maker

Salesman .
Sole-cutter

Watchman

Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.
Died 
Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 19,
1863.
Died at New Berne, N. C, June 8,
1863.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 22,
1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Feb. 19,
1863.
Dis. March 14, 1863. Disability.
Died at Lowell, Feb. 24, 1864.

Mustered Oct. 13, 1862.
Dis. Jan. 30, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Pro. from 2d Lieut., Feb. 26, 1863.
Died at Boston, Aug. 6, 1863.

Oen

O
Or

Name.

Bruerton, James
Bryant, Albert .
Bryant, John
Buck, Eben R. .

Bumpus, Everett C.
Bunker, Nathaniel W
Burbank, Alonzo F.
Burchsted, Benjamin F. .
Burchsted, John H.
Burrage, Edward C.
Bush, Francis, Jr. .
Bussell, Alfred W. .
Butler, Albert L.
Butler, Henry . . .
Butrick, George E.
Butterfield, Edward E.
Cabot, Edward C. . .
Capen, Joseph H. . .
Carey, Isaac H.
Carleton, Judson . .
Carpenter, Alfred F. .
Carter, George H. . .
Cartwright, James W.
Chamberlain, Charles W
Chandler, Benjamin P.
Chase, Loring A. . .
Cheeney, Jonathan H.
Chenery, Cornelius
Chenery, Franklin W.
Cheny, Samuel
Chickering, Charles C.

Rank.

Private

Sergeantist Lieut.
&Q.M.
Private

Lt.-Col. Private

CorporalSergeant CorporalSergeantPrivate
CorporalPrivate

Sergeant

Co.

CCE
B H
GI D
DC

K
A D
E EF
I B
CDEGI G
EK
G H
D

Age at
Enlist ment.

1919
2229 iSiS 19
25 2321

33 18

29 iSiS
44 22 iS 19
20 22
20 19 19
23 iS
iS19
2223

Enlisted from.

BostonBoston BostonNewton Braintree
Belmont .
CharlestownBoston .
BostonBoston .
Boston .
Boston ,

Cambridge
Groton .
W. Roxbury
Boston .
BrooklineBoston Weston
Newton BostonBoston .
Boston .
Boston .
DorchesterCanton .
Boston .
W. Roxbury
Belmont Boston .
Boston .

Last known Residence.

Boston .
Charlestown

Special Agt. Ins. Co
Broker . .

Boston . .
CambridgeFaulknerGeorgetown, Fla.
Georgetown, Fla.
Boston . . . ,

Waverly .
Boston .
Boston .
Boston .

Brooklyn, N. Y. .
San Francisco, Cal.
New York

BostonBoston

Winter Park, Fla.
Boston ....

Centre Brook, Conn
New York .

Last known Occupation.

Lawyer Carpenter .
Orange-planterOrange-planterCrockery . .

Teacher .
Hack-driverCarpenter Architect

Real estate
Clerk .
Merchant

InsuranceWool

Real estate

Teacher of singing

Ivory goods mfr.
Agent .

Remarks.

O ON

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died.
Died at New Berne, N. C, June 17,
1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Died at Isle of Shoals, Aug. 16, 1874.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Killed
July 12, 1864.
Died from wounds, Dec. 19, 1862.
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.
Mustered Oct. n, 1862.
Died 

> >-dMO I— I
X

Re-enlisted.Re-enlisted.

Chapter XV.
Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Ch.XV. Died at Pen-
sacola Navy Yard, Sept. 12, 1874.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Greenbush, June 13, 1881.
Died 187-.

Child, Frank D. .
Clapp, David C.
Clapp, Frank W. .
Clapp, Henry A. .
Clapp, William C.
Clark, Henry A. .
Clark, James F.
Clarke, Amasa . .
Clarke, Edward H.
Cleale, Artemas
Clough, Samuel A.
Cobb, Cyrus . . .
Cobb, Darius . .
Coburn, Horace B.
Coffin, James C.
Coffin, Jared . .
Cogswell, Edward R.

Cogswell, Thomas
Colburn, Irving
Colby, George H.
Cole, Richard S.
Coleman, Patrick
Conant, John H.

Conelle, Frank P.
Cook, Charles E. .
Cook, John F. .
Cooley, William A.
Coolidge, George M
Coolidge, George T.
Cooper, J. Arthur
Cootey, Philip I. .
Copeland, Ithamar W
Copeland, William E.
Copithorne, William
Copp, Austin M. .
Corey, Theodore F.

Sergeant
Private

SergeantPrivate

Corporal ist Lieut.
Sergeant
Private

CorporalPrivate

D

20

B

21

HF

19
21

G F

1918

A G

36 18

B

18

KE
F

2924
28

F

28

F

22

B

18

A

26

F

21

G

18

F

J7

D
A

29 22

B
A

3620

H F

19
22

F H

23 20

KC

2420

ICK

19
24 18

FI

24 18

H

20

B

25

Boston Boston Holliston
Dorchester DorchesterSo. Hadley
W. Cambridge
Andover .
Newton .
SherbornBoston .
BostonBoston .
BostonNewton .
Boston .
Cambridge

Andover DoverBoston .
Boston .
Newton .
Brighton

Boston .
Chelsea .
Chelsea .
Cambridge SherbornBoston .
Weston .
BostonDedham .
Roxbury .
CambridgeMaiden .
Brighton

BostonBoston

Boston
Boston

Lawrence Boston .
San Francisco, Cal.
SherbornBoston . .
Boston . . .
Boston . . .
Boston ....
San Francisco, Cal.
New York .
Cambridge .
Lawrence
Dover

MarshfieldAuburndale

Boston .
Chelsea .
Maiden . .
SherbornBoston . .
Boston . . .
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Troy, N. Y. .
Omaha, Neb. .
Boston .
Boston .
Northboro'

Supt. Loco. Works
Printer . .

Clerk of Court
Clerk , . .

Clerk . . .
Wool . . .
Clerk . .
Shoe-cutter .
Mill Treasurer
Sculptor . .
Artist .
MerchantAgt. Plough Co
Forwarder . .
PhysicianExpressman . .
Bootmaker

Grocer Laborer

Foreman .
Constable Undertaker

Bookkeeper
Clerk . .
Builder & R.E. owner
W. U. Tel. Co.
Clergyman . .
Bookbinder . .
Coal ....
Market-gardener

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died 

Dis. Oct. 4, 1862. Disability.

May 22, 1863, declined commission
in Eighteenth Massachusetts. jaOw
Died at Boston, Sept. 13, 1886. h
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Cambridge, June 16, 1868.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Oct. 2, 1862. Disability. 00
 O

Age .a

Name.
Rank.
Co.
Enlist ment.
Enlisted from.
Last known Residence.
Last known Occupation.
Remarks.
Corlis, Samuel H. . .
Private
I
26
Cormier, Charles H. .
«<
G
21
Died at Boston, March 5, 1881.
Cotton, Henry W. . . .
"
H
26
Framingham
Framingham .
Police officer . .
Cotton, William C. . .
ti
C
24
Boston . .
Boston . .
Treas. Amer. Tube
Works . .
Coughlin, John ....
a
I
21
Weston
Sibley, Iowa .
Courtis, A. Stacy . . .
Sergeant
C
22
Cambridge .
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec.
16, 1863.
C overly, Edward . . .
Private
I
20
Died at Maiden, Sept. 12, 1876.
Cragin, George N. . .
"
A
19
Boston .
Boston .
Boats and Oars
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Crane, Edward W. . .
<(
D
18
Boston . .
\
Died at Marshfield, May 21, 1886.
June 9, 1S64. Declined commis
sion in Fifty-fifth Massachusetts.
Crane, Zenas A. . .
B
iS
Died at Newton Lower Falls, Oct.
12, 1874.
^
Crane, William D.
it
D
21
Re-enlisted. Ch. XV. Killed at
Honey Hill, S. C, Nov. 30, 1864.
Creelman, Eliakim T.
a
A
25
No. Andover
Osage, Iowa . .
Farmer ....
Crocker, Joseph C. .
tt
I
18
Melrose
Green Cove Springs,
Fla 
Merchant . . .
Cl'k in Q. M. Dep. 18th army corps,
Crosby, Edward C.
a
II
25
Framingham
Framingham . .
Bleacher and Dyer
Crosby, Henry M. . . .
"
H
23
Framingham
New Haven, Conn.
Straw-worker .
Cross, Henry C.
"
E
19
Saugus
Saugus . .
Farmer .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Cumston, James S. . .
2d Lieut.
E
20
Boston
Boston ....
Piano-forte mfr.
Cunningham, Charles A.
ist Serg.
C
19
Dis. May 31, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at So. Boston, April 5, 1874.
Currier, Charles E.
Private
D
21
Cambridge .
Philadelphia . .
Milk ....
Currier, George C.
[<
D
23
Cambridge .
New York . .
Sash and Blinds .
Currier, George G.
Currier, Henry H. . . .
Currier, Hugh L. . . .
(<
E
18
Died at Boston, July 19, 1879.
Died at Everett, Jan. 9, 1885.
a
I
'9
18
a
I
at Everett, Dec. 29, 1879.
Curry, Andrew PI. . .
a
H
32
Framingham
Millville ....
Teamster . . .
Curtis, Charles B. . . .
a
H
19
Quincy . .
New York . . .
Importer .
CM O00
>?dtd
•zdV,
Curtis, Edwin H.
Curtis, Joseph H.
Cushing, Theodore
Cuthbert, James
Cutter, Charles E.
Cutter, Edmund L
Cutter, Frank E.
Cutting, Andrew
Dabney, Charles W.

Dadmun, Newell H.
Dalton, Patrick
Danforth, George W.
Danforth, Joseph M. .
Daniels, Lewis . .
Davis, George A. .
Davis, Wakeman
Dawes, Richard C.
Day, Henry W.
Dean, James E.
Dean, Joseph F.
Dean, William .
Delano, William C. .
Demeritt, Charles H.
Demond, Alpheus . .
Denny, Addison W. .
De Peyster, Richard V.

Derby, Joseph P. . .
Derby, Oliver C. . .
Derby, William H. .
Devens, Frederick W.

CorporalPrivate

CorporalMajorPrivate

CorporalPrivate

SergeantPrivate

Corporal Private

F I
A II
CC

AB CGK G
FHHFF
EGDB
F H

B
EAF

19
21 iS
20 iS
31 2220
39 242721
37 2S
3°3324
3° 21 '9
18iS19iS
2736

23
3223 18

Boston

Waltham .
CambridgeNo. Andover
Weston .
Weston . .

Boston . .
Boston . .
W. Roxbury
Needham- .
Newton . .
W. Cambridge
Dorchester

Sherborn .
BrightonCharlestown
MelroseWeston . .
Boston . .
CambridgeWaltham .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Ware . .
Roxbury
Framingham

Newton .
Boston .
Chelsea .
Roxbury .

Boston .

Fitchburg . . .
Washington, D. C.

Cleveland, Ohio.
Boston . . .

Boston

Sherborn

Rockport . . .
San Francisco, Cal.
Weston . . .
New York .
Palatka, Fla.

E. Canaan, Conn.
Northfield, Vt.

Forestville, Conn.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Revere .
Boston .

Landscape-engineer

Mechanic Real estate

Tar-refinerMerchant

Paper-box mfr.

Saw-mill .

Furniture
Clerk

Commission .
Banker

VarnisherHotel-keeper .
Market-gardener Salesman . . .

Died from wounds, Whitehall,
N. C, Dec. 16, 1862.

Died at New Berne, N. C, April
25, 1863.

Died at Malvern, Eng., Dec. 22,
1870.
Deserted Oct. 21, 1862.
Died at Cummington, Mass., May
10, 1878.
Died at St. Louis, May 6, 1864 (in
juries from fall).
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Dis. Nov. 3, 1862. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Lost arm at Rawle's Mills, Nov. 2,
1862. Died at New York, March
27, 1874.
Must. Oct. n, 1862. Re-enlisted.
Chapter XV.

owHM73

00 o

Dixon, Marshall
Dodge, Albert L. .
Dodge, Frederick L.
Dolbeare, S. Mason
Dorr, John .
Dorr, Jonathan . .
Downes, Henry F.
Drake, Benjamin A.
Dresser, Samuel H.
Dresser, Stephen M.
Drew, Arthur . .
Duncan, Jefferson E.
Duff, Robert H. .
Dyer, D. Everett .
Dyer, George L. .
Edmands, Albert W.
Edmands, Thomas S.
Eldridge, John L. .
Elliot, Arthur N. .
Elliot, James H. .
Ellis, Charles C. .
Ellis, George H. .
Ellison, Frederick G.
Ells, Nelson I. . .
Emerson, Warren F.
Emery, Franklin C. P
Emery, Manning .
Erhart, John G.
Everett, Alexander H
Everett, George E.
Everett, George H.
Everett, Warren P. .
Ewer, Charles C.

Rank.

Private

Sergeant
PrivateCorporalPrivate

CorporalPrivate

ist Serg.
Sergeant
Private

Sergeant
Private

Co.

Age at
Enlist

ment.

G

22

F

21

F

22

G

18

K

18

G

20

H

18

I

22

B

21

BC

2320

B

20

K

18

G

18

E
A

19
22

B

18

I
G

19 18

GG G
G

19
19
24 20

D

21

E I

23
20

K

18

BA

2422

A

18

C

20

BD

2923

Enlisted from.

CambridgeBostonBoston .
Boston
SherbornRoxbury
Maiden .
Weston
Newton .
NewtonBoston .
Newton .
Walpole .
W. Roxbury
Boston .
Cambridge
Newton .
Provincetown
Boston .
Boston .
DorchesterDorchesterBelmont .
Boston .
Waltham
DorchesterCambridgeNewton .
Cambridge
Canton .
Boston .
Newton
Boston .

Last known Residence.

CambridgeNew York .
Detroit, Mich.

BostonBoston

Worcester

So. Braintree
Boston .
Walpole .
Boston .
Boston .
CharlestownBostonBoston .
New York
New York
Newport, N
Boston .
Belmont .
Brooklyn, N
WalthamNeponset
Boston

Grand Island,
Boston .
Bangor .

, Neb.

Last known Occupation.

GrocerBrokerLieut. U. S.

BookkeeperLawyer .

Clerk .
Druggist

Salesman .
MarketmanBank officer
Mill treasurer
Lawyer .
Lawyer .
Provisions

Clerk . .
Dry goods
PainterNote broker

BookkeeperPedler . .

Remarks.

Oj o

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, Oct. 12, 1871.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Dis. Jan. 30, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

>>-dW dPi

Died-

Dis. May 6, 1863. Wounds. Died
at Washington, D. C, Feb. 13,
1879.

Fairfield, Wendall M
Fales, Francis H. .
Farmer, Frank H. .
Farnum, Edgar H.
Farrell, Michael J.
Fayes, Antonio J. .
Felt, Jonathan . .
Field, Benjamin F., Jr,
Fielding, George W.
Fields, Charles S. .
Fillebrown, George E.
Fish, Abner C. . .
Fisher, Albert . .
Fisher, Edwin S.
Fisher, Nathan W.
Fisher, Theodore W.
Fiske, Marcus M. .
Fitz, Frank . . .
FitzGerald, Ezekiel, Jr.
Flagg, John P., Jr. .
Flanders, Frank M. .
Flanders, John C. .
Flanders, Newell C. .
Flanders, William H.
Fleming, James J. .
Fletcher, Warren G.
Fletcher, William G., Jr
Floyd, George C. .
Fogg, Frank W.
Forbes, Frank H. . .
Forbush, Horace F. .
Ford, J. Henry .
Foss, George A.
Foss, James M. .

Private

2d Lieut.
Private

MusicianPrivate Surgeon
PrivateCorporal Private

ist Lieut.
Private

H

18

K

21

I

18

B

36

H

18

B

3°

B

3°

I

21

A

25

B

19

E

19

D

27

K

16

G

17

K

19

25

I

22

C

21

D

22

E

18

D

28

D

19

A

19

D

22

I

20

I

18

E

24

I

iS

C

18

B

36

F

20

K

J9

I

19

I

22

Middleton Walpole .
Billerica .
Newton .
BostonNewton .
Newton
Boston .

No. Andover
Newton . .
Waltham .
Janes ville, Wis
Walpole . .
Boston . .
Walpole . .
Medway . .
Waltham .
Brookline .
Portsmouth,
N. H. . .
CambridgeCambridge .
Lynn . .
No. Andover
Boston . .
Cambridge .
Boston . .
Cambridge .
Weston . .
Boston .
Newton Boston . .
W. Roxbury
Boston .
Boston

BostonBoston

Pe*erboro', N.
Boston .

SomervilleNewton .
ArlingtonRacine, Wis
Hyde Park
Boston .
Walpole .
BostonWestonBostonBoston .
North boro'
Boston .
Boston .
SomervilleBoston
Cambridge Watertown
New York
SomervilleNo. Cambrid;
Boston .
New York

Cambridge

H

ge

Provisions
Carpenter

CarpenterSec'y Ins. Co.
MachinistCarpenterMilk farm
LawyerPeriodicalsClerk . .
Farmer .
PhysicianFarmer .
Wharfinger

Mercantile agency
Mill treasurer .
RestaurantLumber . . .
Custom tailor .
SalesmanWalworth Mfg. Co
Grocer . .
Silver-ware .
Weighmaster
SalesmanReporterAccountant .
Printer . .

Died-

Died at Newton, Oct. 28, 1878.
Served a few days during siege
of Paris, France.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. May 18, 1863. Wounds.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Pro. from Asst.-Surg., Apr. 10, 1863.

55Oen i-3H

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Resigned Oct. 13, 1862.
Mustered Oct. 11, 1862.
Died at Lancaster, April 16, 1885.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at McDougal Hospital, New
York, Nov. 4, 1864.

Foster, George H. .
Foster, Nathaniel J.
Foster, William G.
Fowler, Josiah ,
Fox, Charles W. .
Francis, Charles
French, George W.
Fuller, Albert . .
Fuller, Benjamin G.
Fuller, Charles B. .
Fuller, Charles H.
Fuller, Ezra N. . .
Fuller, Henry C. .
Gardner, James B.
Gardner, James F.
Gardner, Joseph W.
Gardner, Seth . .
Garland, Charles M.
Gay, Edwin F. . .
Gaylord, Wi'liston A
Gibbs, Francis F. .
Gibbs, George A. .
Gibbs, John M. . .
Gibbs, Theodore L.
Gibbs, Thomas O. S.
Gibbs, William E. .
Gibson, William .
Gifford, Frederick S.
Gillespie, William .
Gilley, Samuel M. .
Gilman, Reuben J.
Gilmore, James S. .

Rank.

CorporalPrivate

Corporal Private

CorporalSergeantPrivate

Musician Private
MusicianPrivate

Q. M. Sgt.
SergeantPrivate

Age at

Co.

Enlist

ment.

K

18

I

21

I

23

K

24

F

19

F

20

F

22

A

19

F

19

I

23

H

20

A

l9

K

33

D

20

G

l9

K

iS

B

25

K

18

F

18

I

19

A

20

K

18

F

18

H

20

C

22

D

26

A

21

B
T,
D
23
I
18
K
'9
Enlisted from.
Roxbury . .
KingstonKingston Walpole .
Cambridge .
Lowell BostonNeedham .
BostonBoston Framingham
Needham .
Walpole . .
Roxbury .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Newton . .
Boston . .
DoverBoston Waltham .
W. Roxbury
Waltham
Boston . .
Cohasset W. Cambridge
Chelsea . .
New Bedford
Newton . .
Boston . .
Billerica . .
Walpole . .
Last known Residence.
San Francisco, Cal.
Kausas City, Mo.
St. John, N. B.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Lowell .
Boston . . .
Needham . .
Seattle, W. T.
Framingham
Boston .
Tullulah, La.
Swampscott
Boston . .
Waltham
Boston . .
CharlestownPortland, Me.
New Bedford
Boston . .
Last known Occupation.
Insurance
Contractor
ManufacturerPhysician
Civil engineer
SalesmanClerk . . .
Yd. Mas. O. C. R. R
Manager Mfg. Co
Planter .
Carpenter
Fire Department
Expressman
Clerk .
Driver
Clergyman
Merchant Salesman
Remarks.
Cm
Died ¦
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.
Died at New Berne, Feb. 21, 1863.
Died at Walpole, May 30, 1876.
Subs. Dept., Dept. of the South,
Aug. 1864 to Aug. 1865.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, Oct. 15, 1882.
Dis. Jan. 31, 1863. Disability.
Died at Dover, Jan. 31, 1870.
>¦-dTJM'AdI— I
Deserted Oct. 8, 1862.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Marblehead, Nov. 14, 1863.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Mar. 7,
1863.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Feb. 26,
1863.
ROSTER.

313

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OOOOddOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW WW WWW
Harris, Aaron W. . . ,
Harris, Arlon . .
Harris, T. Robinson . .
Hart, Abner B 
Hartshorne, Frederic A.
Hartshorne, Horace B. .
Hartshorne, Lowell E. .

Hartwell, Albert H.
Hartwell, Alfred S.
Hartwell, Henry W.
Harwood, Charles E
Haskell, Allen .
Hastings, Frank J.
Hastings, George
Hatch, Frank W. .
Hawkes, John Q. A.
Hawley, James F. .
Hawley, William H.
Hayden, Edwin
Hayden, William W.
Hayes, William T.
Hayward, James W.
Hazelton, Frank J.
Hazelton, Sidney .
Hedge, William

Hemenway, Augustus A.
Hemenway, Edward S. .
Henchman, Charles T.
Henry, James R. .
Hersey, Andrew J. . .

Rank.

Co.

Private

Corporal ist Lieut.
CorporalSergeant
Corporal
Private

Musician
Private

Corporal ist Lieut.
Private

Age at
Enlist-

BIS
GGK
KK

A F
A I
HEG
GB
CCH
K E F
BBC D H I I
G

IS
^32023
23
34

222629'9
2520212S
37 19 18
iS18
2228 18
20 23

20
3° 24 18

Enlisted from.

Ipswich
Newton .
CambridgeMelrose .
Walpole .
Walpole .
Walpole .
WalthamNatickWalthamBoston .

Boston . .
Cambridge .
Boston .
Boston . .
Newton .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Boston . .
W. Roxbury
Boston . .
Roxbury
Newton .
Newton .
PlymouthFraminghamFraminghamBoston .
BrewsterQuincy .

Last known Residence.

Newton . . .
NewtonMorrisiana, N. Y.

Walpole .
Foxboro'

Watertown .
Boston .
Boston .

Boston . . .
So. Acton
Boston .
Chicago, 111.
Newton .
Boston .
Boston . .
San Francisco, Cal.

Somerville . . .
Boston . . .
St. Nicholas, Fla.
Boston . .
Boston

FraminghamIndianapolis, Ind.
Grand Rapids, Mich
Boston . . .

Last known Occupation.

Express .
ClergymanIce . . .
Builder

Paper manufacturer
Lawyer . . .
Architect

Weigher .
Grain and Feed
Restaurant . .
PainterBanker . . .
SalesmanSalesman . . ,

Bookkeeper
Tea-broker .
Planter . .
SalesmanLawyer

Policeman . . ,
Lumber Inspector
Stable. . . .
Clerk ....

Mustered Oct. 13, 1862.
Died 

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Andersonville, Ga., Dec. 17,
1864.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Feb. 26,
1863.

Remarks,

>TJTJwDr— t
X

Pro. from Sergeant, Jan. 15, 1863.
Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Ch. XV. Drowned at
wreck of " Metis," Aug. 30, 1872,

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Hersey, Jacob H.
Hersey, John W.
Hewins, Eben N.
Hews, Marshall L.
Heywood, William
Higgins, Benjamin
Higgins, George A
Higgins, Josiah W
Hight, George W.
Hight, Henry O.
Hill, Edward L.
Hill, George N.
Hill, Horace Iv.
Hinckley, Wallace
Hiscock, Charles H.
Hobart, David K. .

Hobart, George H.
Hobbs, George E. . .
Hobbs, Seth J. . . .
Hodges, Almon D., Jr.
Hoey, William I. . .
Holbrook, Augustus P.
Holbrook, Charles H.
Holbrook, Samuel L. .

Holden, Nathaniel .
Holland, Charles H.
Holmes, John R. .
Holmes, Samuel A.
Holmes, S. Welles
Holmes, Thomas .
Holt, Ballard, 2d. .
Holt, Thomas P.
Homer, Henry A. .

Private

CorporalPrivate

Adjutant Private ist Serg.

Private

CorporalPrivate tt
SergeantPrivate

ist Sergt.

G IIF I
FH H
F D
EAB
C

C
G

D I
G G D
DG F
GG
B EH
CG F
E

iS
iS
28
33 22 17
21
27 20
21
28 '9
35 iS22
27

20
21 29 19
24 21
2023 24
222827
29 2125
32 18

Quincy .
QuincyBoston .
Weston . .
Boston .
Middleton .
BrooklineBoston .
Boston . .
Cambridge .
Boston . .
Newton . .
W. Cambridge
Lowell . .

Cambridge .
Boston . .

Newton .
Roxbury .
Boston .
Roxbury
CambridgeCambridgeWellfleetDorchester

Dorchester .
BostonNewtonBostonNewton
Lynn .
Andover CambridgeCambridge

Boston ....
Quincy ....
Boston ....
Weston ....
Des Moines, Iowa
Lawrence . . .
Galesburg, 111.
Stark, Fla. . . .
Mott Haven, N. Y.
Boston . .
Webster . .

Neponset Waltham

Boston

DorchesterBoston Boston
Newton .

AndoverBoston

MerchantPainter . .
Bookkeeper .
Farmer .
Stationer .

Clerk .
Planter

Salesman
Lawyer

Engineer

Civil Engi:

Real estate
ClerkMilk '. '.
Merchant

Librarian. . .
Foreman blacksmith

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Washington, D. C, 1885.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Beaufort, N. C., Sept. 4, 1865.
Dis. Oct. 4, 1862. Disability.
Wounded at Washington, N. C.
Died at Wilson, N. C., April 14,
1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died 
Drowned in Florida 
Died 
Died at Heidelberg, Germany, Nov.
18, 1872.

Died at Boston, Oct. 18, 1863.

Dis. Sept. 30, 1862. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Cambridge, Dec. 11, 1875.

fdOCOHK

Hooke, Charles E. .
Hooper, William D. .
Hopkins, Benjamin .
Hopkinson, Francis C.
Horton, Andrew T. .
Hosmer, Charles A. .
Hosmer, Edward B. .
Hovey, Charles A.
Hovey, James L. .
Howard, Davis .
Howard, Henry
Howard, Matthew
Howard, Willard .
Howe, Albert R. .
Howe, Edward R.
Howe, William W.
Hoyt, Henry M. .
Hubbard, Hiram, Jr.
Hull, Edward D. .
Humphreys, James J.
Hunnewell, George A
Hunt, Charles . .
Hunt, James L.
Hunting, Francis H.
Hunting, Israel, Jr.
Hutchinson, George S
Hutchinson, James E
Hyde, Horatio N., Jr

Privateist Lieut.
Private

2d Lieut.
Private
Sergeant Private

CaptainPrivate

Co.

Age at
Enlist

ment.

H

25

I

21

B
F

32 24

C

18

HD

24 20

H

22

C

21

D

21

D A

24 22

D

24

H

22

FH

19
26

F
A

25 18

F

21

K

J9

F

25

GH

23 18

B

2S

AA

3922

K

25

B

22

Enlisted from.

Framingham

Boston .
Newton .
Cambridge

Boston . .
Framingham
Harvard
FraminghamBoston . .
N.BridgewaterBoston .
N. Andover

Boston .
Brookline

Gloversville, N. Y.
Boston . . .

Cambridge Framingham
Boston Boston
Roxbury .
Boston .
Boston .

Boston .
Hingham
Newton .
Needham
Boston .
Walpole.
Newton .

Last known Residence.

Newton

BostonBostonBoston

Baltimore, Md.

Cambridge . .
Providence, R. I.
Chelsea . .

Cedar Bayou, La,
New York .

Boston .
New York
Newton .
NeedhamBoston .
WalpoleNewton .

Last known Occupation.

Machinist

Bookkeeper . . .
Commission Grain

Clerk U. S. Treas.
Fo'man,Marble W'ks
Des'ner.MarbleW'ks

Wholesale woollens

Actor ....
Boots and shoes
Sailmaker

PlanterPacker

Ship broker .
Cashier
Express Laborer
Janitor

Supt. Water-works

Remarks.

5\

Mustered Oct. 8, 1862. Died at
 Oregon  187-.
Died at Somerville, July 6, 1883.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Feb. 13,
1863.
Re-enlisted. Chap. XV. Died 

Died at Manchester, N. H., Tune 10,
1886.

Died at New Berne, N. C, June 17,
1863.
Dis. Apr. 26, 1863, for promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Chicago, June 1, 1884.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Apr. 16, 1863. Disability.

Died at Santa Barbara, Cal., Feb.
7, 1876. •

>TJTjmdx

Ingraham, Henry . .
Ingraham, Nathaniel H.
Ingraham, William F. .
Ireland, William C. . .
Ives, George A. . . ,
Jackson, Frederick . .
Jacobs, Augustus . .
Jacobs, E. Augustus . ,
James, Garth W. . . .

Jenkins, James . .
Jessop, William A.
Jewett, Frank M. .
Johnson, Albert S.
Johnson, Alfred P.
Johnson, Edward C.
Johnson, George H.
Johnson, Henry W.
Jones, Dennis H. .

Jones, Edward L.

Jones, George F.
Jones, Henry B.
Jones, Irving . .
Jones, Nahum, Jr.

Jones, Peter F. . .
Jones, Sylvester A.
Jones, William

Private

Sergeant

Private

AdjutantPrivate

Sergeant

PrivateSergeant Private

AF

2721

F

19

D

20

H

22

D

21

D

21

H

r9

F

18

BK I

29
29 18

AF

2426

22

I
E

19
23

K

18

F

23

F

19

I

21

CG

19
22

E

18

C

18

D

24

Framingham
So. Hadley .
So. Hadley .
Boston . .
Salem . .
Boston
So. Scituate
So. Scituate
Concord . .

Newton .
Wayland
Boston .
Needham
CambridgeBoston .
Maiden
BostonBoston

Boston

Boston
BostonBoston .
Dorchester RoxburyBoston . .
Hingham

SaxonvilleWorcester

BostonBoston

Boston ....
Washington, D. C.

Salesman .
Journalist

Boston . .
E. Cochituate .
Boston . . .
Plattville, Wis.
Boston . . .

New York

BostonBoston Boston

BostonCinnabar, Cal.
Hingham . .

Shoemaker .
Organ-builder

Safes . ,
Importer .

Foreman painter
Farmer . .

Junk ....
Clergyman . .
Wholesale dry-goods

Re-enlisted.Died 

Theatrical agent .

Wooden-ware .
Paper-hangings
Bookkeeper . .

Commission .
Farmer . .
Farmer .

Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 24,
1863.

Died at St. Paul, Minn., Oct. n,
1886.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. March 13, 1863. Disability.
Dis. March 31, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. ic.
1883. *

Chapter XV.

Pro. from ist Lieut. Co. H., May
27, 1863.
Died at Maiden, Dec. — , 1867.
Dis. May 30, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Killed
at Morris Island, S. C, March zt,
.1864. J
Dis. April 16, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Templeton, Jan. 3, 1886.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Drowned in Mississippi River, May,
. 1877.
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

OH
H

CaJ

Name.

Rank.

Co.

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence.

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Jones, William F.

Corporal

G

20

Dorchester .

Boston

Commission .

Jordan, William E.

Private

B

36

Newton

Died at Newton, Feb. 22, 1875.

"
E
18
Brighton
Boston .
Pope Bicycle Co. .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Judkins, Edward H.
I
27
Boston
Dis. Sept. 30, 1862. Disability.
Kallock, Levi
K
20
W. Roxbury
Keen, Jarius P. .
"
K
21
W. Roxbury
Boston
Teamster .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Keen, William E
K
23
W. Roxbury
Boston
Stableman . . .
Kemp, George G.
K
18
Wayland
Kendall, Aniory H.
E
18
Waltham
Waltham
Electrical
Kendall, Charles G. .
2d Lieut.
A
33
Boston .
Beaufort, S. C.
Planter . . .
Kendall, Joseph R. . .
Captain
I
23
Boston
New York
Agt. N. E. Glass Co.
Kenerson, Levi ....
Private
D
24
Hingham
Boston
Manufacturer . .
Priv. Co. I, 4th Mass., April 22 to
July 22, 1861.
Kenrick, John A. . . .
ist Lieut.
B
23
Newton .
Newton
City Treasurer . .
Pro. from 2d Lieut., Oct. 18, 1862.
Kent, Barker B., Jr.
Private
F
18
Boston
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Boston, Feb. 2, 1873.
Kent, Fred. A. .
a
E
21
Boston
Fall River
Periodicals .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Kent, John H. B. . . .
(C
<;
27
Boston
Boston .
Fore. Paving Dept.
Kettell, George B. . .
'
C
20
Roxbury
Rutherford, N. J.
Keyes, George L. . .
Sergeant
B
22
Newton .
Boston .
Agent 6. C. R. R.
Killian, James A. . . .
Corporal
A
23
Truro
Woburn . . .
Farmer
Kilroy, Michael . .
Private
I
r9
Cambridge .
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Kimball, Daniel W. .
"
H
Winchester
Boston
Real estate . .
Kimball, Henry G. . .
(t
G
43
Andover . .
Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 1,
1863.
Kimball, Henry M. . .
1
I
21
Boston
Boston . . .
Clerk
King, B. Flint .
E
3i
Boston
Must. Oct. 11, 1863. Re-enlisted.
Chapter XV. Died at Boston,
Jan. 24, 1868.
<<
G
28
Boston .
Boston . .
Baggage Master B.
& A. R. R.
King, Leonard S. . . .
<
G
21
Belmont . .
Belmont ....
Farmer . . .
Kingsbury, Edward P.
"
B
20
Newton .
Dis. Sept. 25,1862. Disa. Died 
Kirdehan, Patrick A. .
"
K
18
Walpole .
Knapp, Arthur M. .
n
F
21
Chelsea
Watertown . . .
Clergyman .
00
>
TJTJHd
X
Knapp, Timothy T.
Knight, Daniel T., 2d
Knight, Charles W.
Knox, Stedman H.
Lamson, George W.
Lane, Cornelius C.
Lane, Thomas J. .
Lathrop, William H.
Lawrence, Charles C.

Lawrence, Theodore J.
Learned, Frank S. . .
Learned, Horace E. .
Leatherbee, William B.
Le Cain, Charles L. .
Lee, Eugene C. . . .
Lee, Francis L. .

Leighton, Albert W. .
Leighton, Charles H,
Leighton, James E. .
Le Moyne, Alonzo E,
Lenihan, Morris P.
Leonard, John . . .
Lewis, James A. . .
Lewis, John B., Jr.
Lincoln, Francis E.
Lipp, Leodegar M.
Litchfield, John H., Jr.
Litchfield, Samuel S. .

Private

Corporal Wagoner
Private

CorporalPrivate ntttt
Colonel Private

FDBA BD
G FC

GE F
D G
A

I
D H
H
GKE G
GDG

19
20 iS
293220 2224

25
21 !91925 18
39 1921
23
2424 18
22
21 3522 iS
iS

Chelsea .
Boston .
Newton .
Dorchester Newton .
WalthamBoston .
CambridgeBoston .

Boston

Boston . .
Watertown .
Boston . .
Boston . .

DorchesterBoston .
Newton .

Boston .
No. Andover
Cambridge .
Boston . .

Boston .
Roxbury .
Walpole . .
Reading . ,
Boston . .
Boston Hingham
Dorchester

Boston .
Amherst .
Newton .
Boston .
BostonLowell .

New York
New York

Boston . .
New York .

Leighton Corners,
N. H. .
Haverhill . . .
Lowell ....

Boston ....
New Haven, Conn
Boston
Boston . . .
Vienna, Austria
Boston . . .
New York . .

Wool-broker Salesman . .
Carpenter .
EngineerSupt. Pub. Printing
Physician

Insurance Adjuster

Clerk .
Agent

Farmer .
ShoemakerPhysician

Auctioneer . .
Mfr. carriage-springs
Merchant . .
Clerk ....
(In hospital) .
Flour and grain
Dry-goods . .

Died at Boston, April 17, 18

Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Oct. 10,
1864. Was commissioned Cap
tain in 1862 by Gov. of Illinois,
but company disbanded before
muster.
Prisoner at Washington, N. C,
April, 1863.
Dis. Oct. 4, 1862. Disability.
Dis. Oct. 3, 1862. Disability.
Afterwards in Co. K, 45th Mass.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Westport, N. Y., Sept. 2,
1886.

Dis. Jan. 17, 1863. Disability.
Died 
Deserted Oct. 22, 1862.
Prisoner at Washington, N. C,
April, 1862.

Dis. March 31, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

W
Ow HM

vO

Name.

Littlefield, Henry W.
Livermore, William B.
Loheed. Thomas . .
Lombard, George B. .
Lombard, Jacob H. .
Lord, William H. .
Loring, Abner B., Jr. .
Loring, Frank M. .
Loudon, John L.
Loudon, Robert . .
Lovejoy, George W. .
Lovejoy, James A.
Lovejoy, James W. .
Lucas, Rodney M.
Lyon, Edward . . .
Lyon, Henry. . . .
Macomber, Grenville B.
Macomber, Henry S. .
Magoun, Franklin D.
Maguire, Richard . .
Mahoney, Edward F.
Mann, George H.
Mann, Henry M. . .
Mann, Isaac G. . . .
Mann, Josiah H. . .
Mann, William C. . .
Mansfield, Almond H.
Mansfield, Theodore F.
Marland, Charles H. .

Private

Captain

SergeantPrivate
Corporal tt
Private

Sergeant
Corporal
Private

CorporalPrivate

Co.

DE
EC

KEK I I
A I
E
B
AA F I
EHCK
DEAHBBG

Age at
Enlist ment.

2S
24
25 22 19iS
20
2127
20 2238 iS
2119
20 19
22 20
22 29 19
22 iS
20 iS19

Enlisted from.

Milton .
Waltham
BostonBoston .

Boston

W. Roxbury
Boston . .
Maiden . .
Dorchester .
DorchesterAndover . .
Billerica . .
Cambridge .
Newton .
Needham .
Needham .

Boston . .
New Bedford
Cambridge .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Dover . .
Boston . .
Boston .
Cambridge .
Maiden . .
NewtonNewton . .
Andover

Last known Residence.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Boston
Boston

Dedham

Boston ....
San Francisco, Cal.

Lawrence .
Camden, N. J.
Newton . .
New York . .

Boston ....
Boston ....
Danvers ....
New Haven, Conn.
Boston . .
Dedham ....
Boston . . .
Milwaukee, Wis.

Newton . .
Newton . .
Ballardvale .

Last known Occupation.

Dry-goods commis'n

Salesman . . .
Merchant . . .

Merchant Apothecary .
Commission

Fancy-box mfr.
ConstableMerchant . .

Boots and Shoes
Merchant . .

Dry-goods .
Hack-driver

Trussmaker . .
Boots and Shoes

Coachman . .
Florist ....
R. R. Agt. and P. M

Remarks.

Cm O

Dis. Apr. 26, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Charlestown, Sept. 23, 1870.
Promoted from ist Lieut. Tan it;,
1863.
Resigned Jan. 14, 1863. Died at
Boston, July 29, 1875.
Died at Boston, March 25, 1872.
Re-enlisted. Chap. XV.

Died at Billerica, Jan. 6, 1869.
Priv. Co. G, 8th Mass., June 19 to
Aug. 1, 1861.
Dis. Jan. 30, 1863. Disability.
Died at Sagua la Grande. Cuba,
Apr. 18, 1868.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Jan. 31, 1863. Disability.

Died at Maiden, Dec. 18, 1875.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

>TJTJddI— I
X

Martin, John
Mason, Thomas D
May, Albert S.
Mav, Samuel
Mc'Carty, Thomas
McClearn, Abner W.
McCrillis, John . .
Mclntire, Charles J.
McPhee, Daniel .
McSherry, Barnard
Meagher, Matthew R
Mears, Fred. M.
Mellen, Moses, Jr. .
Mellville, Henry F.
Merriam, George E.
Merriam, Herbert .
Merriam, Joseph A.
Merrill, Anthony F.
Merrill, Otis S. . .
Merrill, Thomas T.
Mero, John B. . .
Meserve, Isaac H .
Messinger, Elmer A.
Mickel, James A. .
Miles, Charles R.
Millar, Leslie . .
Millar, William K.
Milliken, Woodman
Mitchell, Enoch F.
Mitchell, Frank A.
Mitchell, William L. .
Montgomery, Frank D

Private
Corporal Private SergeantPrivate

Asst.-Surg. Private

Corporal Private

SergeantPrivate

Corporal t.
PrivateCorporal Private

K E
AGGK I
G BA H
CA HII H
E

G BK
D K I
EDB B
FKA

2025 19
20

IS
2025 3°23

l91829
21 22 19
23 19
42 18
22iS2622 iS
25
23 2124iS

W. Roxbury
Boston .
Needham .
Dorchester .
W. Roxbury
Boston . .

Boston. .
Cambridge .
Boston . .
Newton . .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Boston .
BrightonFraminghamBoston . .
FraminghamBoston . .
No. Andover
BostonNewton . .
W. Roxbury
BostonCharlestown
Belmont .
Waltham .
WalthamNewton . .
Newton .
Easton .
SherbornBoston . .

New York . .
Minneapolis, Minn.
Boston . .

BostonBoston

Hartford, Conn

Framingham .
Weston . .
Framingham .
Milwaukee, Wis.

Rockland Westboro'
BostonBoston

Boston . .
Boston Newton . .
Kennebunk, Me.
Tullulah, La.
Boston

Merchant .
CarpenterHardware

Express .
Lawyer .

Crockery ,

Straw-worker .
Farmer
Farmer . . .
A. G. P. Agt, C.
& St. P. Ry.

Boots and Shoes
Shoemaker .
MerchantBoys' clothing

M.

Optician .
OpticianTeamsterPainterPlanter Salesman .

Dis. Feb. 28, 1863. Disability.

Died at St. Louis, Mo , March 12,
1872.

Must. March 26, 1863. Died 
Died  (before 1873).
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec.
16, 1862.
Died at Newton, Sept. 15, 1885.
Died at New Berne, N. C, May 15,
1863.

Died at New Berne, N. C, March
2, 1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Died at New Berne, N. C, May
28, 1863.
Died at Boston,  186-.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died 

W-o
in H Mto

Co to

Name.

Rank.

Co.

Ai;e at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence.

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Moody, Charles S.

Private

F

„

So. Hadley .

San Francisco, Cal.

Moody, Henry L.

"

11

iS

Maiden

Maiden . . .

Librarian . .

Moody, I. Wellington

"

D

19

Boston

Boston ....

Salesman . . .

Moody, Josiah .
(c
F
20
So. Hadley
Died at New Berne, N. C, Tan. 14,
Moonev, William H.
(
A
18
Cambridge .
Boston . .
Cutter ....
1863.
Moore,' Charles J. .
tt
I
20
No. Andover
San Francisco, Cal.
Leather mfr.
Moore, Edgar V.
"
E
l9
Boston
New York . .
Salesman
Moore, John F. . . .
Sergeant
E
>9
Waltham .
Waltham . .
Clerk ....
Moore, Matthias J. . .
Private
H
29
Boston . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Northfield, N. H., Nov. 15, i8S-;.
Died 
Moore, Samuel . . .
"
G
18
Wayland
Morey, George V. . .
Sergeant
I
23
Maiden
Philadelphia, Pa. .
Broker . . .
Morrison, George W.
Private
K
24
W. Roxbury
Boston . .
Carpenter . .
Morse, Alfred L. . .
"
E
25
Milton
Milton
R. E. owner . .
Morse, Charles ....
E
19
Boston . .
Killed at Rawle's Mills, N. C, Nov.
2, 1862.
Morse, Charles F. . .
Musician
F
18
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Hopkinton, Nov. 25, 1S78.
Morse, Elisha ....
Private
K
32
Walpole . .
Ashland . .
Morse, George F. .
,(
H
27
Framingham
Burlington, Vt. .
Straw-goods
Morse, George J.
'
C
19
Boston .
Hyde Park . .
Salesman
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Morse, Irving .
Sergeant
I
3°
Boston . .
Died at Martinique, W. I., Jan. 8,
1871.
Morton, Elbridge G.
Private
H
21
Roxbury. .
Moseley, William
"
A
38
Needham .
Needham . . .
Elastic stockings .
Mott, Benjamin L., Jr. .
tt
G
21
Boston . .
Boston ....
Salesman
Moulton, Alfred B. . .
a
C
21
Framingham
Must. Oct. 7, 1862. Died at New
Berne, N. C, Jan. 9, 1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Killed
at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Moulton, Edward C. . .
tt
K
19
Moulton, Granville W.
«
H
19
Framingham
Moulton, William H. .
"
H
21
Framingham
Boston . .
Carpenter . . .
Mullen, William T. .
t(
B
30
Newton
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.
Died at Brighton, April, 1871.
to
>TJ
TJ dd
Mulliken, John L. .
Munn, William .
Munroe, Theodore J. .
Murdock, Charles C. .
Murray, Alexander
Murray, George A.
Murray, James H. . .
Myers, John H. . .
Nagel, Richard . .
Nash, Elbridge . .
Nash, Osborn P. .
Nason, Walter E.
Neal, William H. . .
Newcomb, D. Tyler .
Newcomb, Franklin H
Newell, Charles
Newell, Clarence D
Newell, Howard J.
Newell, James S.
Newell, Julius T. .
Newhall, Francis A
Newhall, George II
Newhall, Horatio .
Nickerson, George W
Norris, Joseph M. .
Norton, Charles A.
Nourse, Harrison .
Noyes, Edward V.
Noyes, George E. .
Noyes, James L. .
Noyes, Joseph C. .
Nudd, John A. . .
Odiorne, Frederic .
Odiorne, George L.

2d Lieut.
Private

Musician SergeantPrivate

ist Lieut.
Private

SergeantPrivate

2d Lieut.
Corporal

H

20

I

19

C

18

A

21

H

25

H

23

C

r9

E

18

B

29

K

20

H

18

G

16

D

, 22

A

19

G

20

B

19

D

20

C

21

E

21

I

21

D

28

H

28

G

24

K

29

C

20

K

24

D

20

C

3°

K

22

A

3°

A

20

K

31

G

26

H

24

Boston .
Boston .
Boston .
Wareham

MiddletonMaiden .
CambridgeChelsea .

Clifton, Eng.

Newton .
WeymouthBoston
Cambridge Boston .
Medford .

QuincyNeedhamFraminghamBoston .
BostonBostonSouthboro'Maiden .
Dorchester Walpole .
Boston .
Sherborn
Bedford .
Brookline W. Roxbury
W. Cambridg
Boston WalpoleBoston .
Framingham

Boston .
Wareham
Middleton MaidenBoston .

Newton . .
S. Weymouth
Charlestown New York
Boston . .

E.Long Branch ,N.
Newton . .
New York .

BrooklineSan Francisco
Maiden . .
Boston . .
Walpole .
Chicago, 111.
Lynn .
Chicago, 111.

Arlington .
New York
Somerville
Boston . .
Framingham

Cal

Clerk . .
FurnitureShoemaker .
Dry-goods .
Bookkeeper .

Farmer .
Apothecary Wharfinger
Clerk . .
Wholesale woollens

Builder
Oil producer
Merchant

Clerk . . .
CapitalistSalesman . .
Boot and Shoe mfr,

Cashier, R. R. .
Leather-cutter .
Bookkeeper .

Farmer . .
Shipping . . .
Farmer . .
Paper manufacturer
Constable . . .

Pro. from ist Sergt., May 27, 1863.
Died 
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Priv. Co. K, 3d Mass., May 6 to
July 22, 1861.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Chelsea, Jan. 21, 1873.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec. 16,
1862.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Webster, July 1, 1876.

Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Must. Oct. 7, 1862.
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec.
16, 1862.

to
Ot/i Hd
W

Name.

O'Neil, William B .
Osborn, Charles H. .
Osborn, Herbert . .
O'Shaughnessy, Thomas
Owens, Joseph . . .
Packard, Elisha . .
Page, Albert K. . . .
Page, Thaddeus . .
Page, William C. . .
Palmer, James M. . .
Park, Charles S. . .
Park, Edward . . .
Parker, Harrison, 2d .
Parker, Henry A. . .
Parker, Joseph S. .
Parker, Stephen H. .
Parkinson, John, Jr.
Parsons, Michael A. .

Parsons, William . .
Patten, Christopher C.
Patten, Jason M. .
Patten, Thomas H.
Payne, John . . .
Peabody, Lyman E.
Peakes, John D.
Pear, Thomas . .
Pearce, John H.
Pearce, William W,
Penderghast, James
Perkins, Asa B. .

Rank.

SergeantPrivate

Corporal Private

2d Lieut.
SergeantPrivate

Co.

KCF I
FHED
C I
E I
H
GH I
K

D
B C
EDH
C DEDBK

Age at
Enlist ment.

22 22 19
20 19IS
23
22 21
21
3° 1919
2024 18

25

IS
22 2320
32 2224 242326
22 19

Enlisted from.

Boston .
Boston .
Somerville
Dorchester Boston .
Quincy .
Boston .
Boston .
Boston .
Weston .
Groton .
Chelsea .
Winchester
CambridgeHolliston
Billerica .

VV. Roxbury
Charlestown

Cambridge .
Newton . .
W. Cambridge
Watertown .
Boston . .
Middleton .
Cambridge Cambridge Boston . .
Maiden . .
Newton .
Somerville .

Last known Residence.

Boston . .
Chicago, 111.
Boston . .
Quincy . .

New York . .
New York . .
Milo, Me. . .
Savannah, Ga.
Boston . . .
Boston . . .
Cambridge . .
Kansas City, Mo

BostonBoston

New York
Newton .

Boston .
MiddletonHalifax, N.
Boston .
Walpole .
Maplewood
Chicago, 111

Last known Occupation.

Leather .
Salesman Salesman
Lead-works

Clerk 
Ag't Howe Scales
Carpenter . .
U. S. Int. Rev.
Fireman,Lowell R.R
Mahogany . . .
Clergyman . . .
Cond'r Pullman Co.

Banker . . .
R. Est. & Insurance

Broker
Bank teller

Teleg. constructor
Shoemaker .
Wholesale grocer
Jeweller . . . .
Fanner ....
Rubber Factory .
Painter . . .

Remarks.

to

Died at Boston, May 27, 1864.
Died at Boston, Jan. 19, 1866.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, July 3, 1863.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chap. XV. Died at
Petersburg, Va , July 30, 1864.
Promoted from Sergeant, Feb. 26,
1863.
Priv. Co. L, 5th U. S. Cav., Feb. 22,
1873. ist Sergt. Feb. 22, 1878,
to  1883. Rec'd two medals
from Government.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

>TJTJ Pid

Perkins, Ezra . .
Perkins, Henry J. .
Perkins, William E.

Perry, Samuel S. . .
Peterson, Frederick O
Pettingill, Edward M.
Pettis, William H. .
Phillips, James L. . .
Phipps, Thomas F.
Pierce, Augustus F.
Pierce, Henry T. .
Pierce, J. Homer .
Pierce, William H.
Pierson, Alexander
Pinkham, Theodore
Piper, George F. .
Pitman, John W., Jr.
Plimpton, Merrill F.
Plummer, Charles L.
Pollitz, John C. . .
Polio, Antonio F. .
Polio, Joseph B.
Pond, Albert C. . .
Pond, Benjamin F. .
Poole, Francis H. .
Pope, George .
Pope, George B.
Pope, Richard . .
Potter, Albert F. .
Potter, Alexander R.

Private

Sergeant

PrivateMusician Private

ist Serg.
Private

Corporal
PrivateSergeant
Private

G

18

F

23

F

24

H

20

H

19

E

21

K

18

I

18

G

18

C

22

E

18

G

21

A

20

K

22

I

19

E

19

F

17

E

25

C

22

F

18

20

C

19

C

21

E

24

I

25

F

18

E

20

C

19

B

20

I

24

Dorchester .
Boston .
Boston . .

SouthbridgeBoston .
Boston
Medway .
Maiden .
DorchesterDorchester Watertown
DorchesterChelsea .
Sherborn
Chelsea .
Cambridge Maiden .
Boston .
Boston .
Boston .

Boston

Boston .
Boston .
Belmont .
Weston .
BrooklineWalthamBoston .
Newton .
Maiden .

Boston .

SouthbridgeBoston .
Boston .

Bridgeport, Conn

Boston .
New York
Boston .
Everett

BostonBoston

Fitchburg

Boston . .
Boston . . .
Littleton Centre

Boston .
Waltham

Boston

Bookkeeper .

Merchant
CaulkerClerk .

Tanner

Salesman Physician
Merchant

Paper .
Lawyer

Insurance

MachinistStove manufacturer
Farmer . . .

Lumber . .
Grocer . .

Shipping clerk

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Boston, June 30, 1874.
Dis. Feb. 13, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV Died
at Boston, Jan. 18, 1879.

Died 
Dis. Oct 6, 1862. Disability.

Dis. Oct. 4, 1862. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Oct. 7, 1862. Disability.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 7,
1863.
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec.
16, 1863.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Wellesley, Dec. 4, 1886.
Dis. April 16, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, Nov. 30, 1880.
Died at New Berne, N. C, Jan. 29,

Wo
inH d
to

Name.

Rank.

Co.

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence.

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Private

F

34

Chelsea .

Boston . .

Custom House .

Powers, Stephen A.

Corporal

G

22

Boston . .

Pensacola, Fla.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Pratt, Edward J. .

Private

H

20

Framingham

Framingham .

Hatter .

Pratt, George H. .
"
I
J.8
Boston .
Philadelphia, Pa. .
Carpenter
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Pratt, Lorenzo . .
tt
K
23
Sherborn
Worcester . . .
Carpenter
Pratt, Wellington H. .
'
H
19
Framingham
Hudson, Mich.
Pratt, Willard J. . . .
t<
H
18
Died at Weymouth, Jan. 13, 1865.
Preston, George O.
t
C
21
Boston . .
Boston ....
Bank teller
Price, Fitz James, Jr. .
"
E
28
Cambridge
Shirt-cutter .
Priest, John D. .
Corporal
G
20
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Georgetown, June 22, 1864.
Prince, George C. . .
Private
I
20
N. Andover
Lowell ....
Bookseller . .
Proctor, George
"
C
r9
Boston
Boston .
Building-mover
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Purbeck, Marcellus A.
(c
I
¦9
Boston
Boston .
Expressman . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Pulsifer, George L.
"
E
16
Boston
Boston ....
Salesman . . .
Ramsay, Edwin A.
"
E
20
Cambridge
Springfield
Hats and Caps .
Rand, Edwin R. . .
Sergeant
A
29
Boston
Boston . . .
Carpenter . .
Rand, George E. . .
Private
I
iS
Weston . .
Rand, George W. . . .
"
I
41
Weston . .
Randall, William . . .
<(
C
40
Cohasset
Rawson, Samuel G. . .
"
E
19
Boston . .
Died at Boston, March 5, 1865.
Ray, George H.
t
C
20
Boston . .

Died at Millersburg, Pa., Jan. 1,
1879.
Raymond, Edward G.
G
19
Andover. .
Hersey, Mich. . .
Mine-owner . .
Raymond, Walter L.
G
18
Andover . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
in prison at Salisbury, N. C,
Dec. 25, 1864.
Rea, J. Pierrepont . .
1
C
11
Boston
Boston . - .
Clerk . .
Read, Charles E. . .
"
D
18
Boston .
Boston .
Produce .
Read, Henry F 
B
19
Newton
No. Adams . . .
Loco, engineer
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Redman, David F. . .
I
22
Maiden . .
Maplewood
Stair-builder
Drummer Co. K, 17th Mass., July
22 to Dec. 14, 1861.
Reed, Harrison T. . .
'
E
21
Chelsea . .
Boston . . .
Showman
Reed, John A. . . .
c
D
20
Hingham .
Boston ....
Carpenter . . .
Reed, William Garrison .
K
D
20
Boston
Boston ....
Insurance
Co to
On
>TJTJdd
r— I
X
Rennard, George W.
Reynolds, Frank W.
Rhoades, Charles J.
Rhoades, Lawrence . .
Rice, Charles C. .
Rice, Franklin C. . . .
Rice, James B., Jr.
Richardson, Edward
Richardson, Frederick W.
Richardson, Gedney K. .
Richardson, Herbert B
Richardson, James M.
Richardson, Spencer W.
Richardson, Walter II.
Richmond, William T. .
Ridge, Edwin B. .
Riley, Christopher
Robbins, James A.
Roberts, Charles H.
Roberts, William C.
Robinson, James H.
Robinson, Richard T.
Robinson, William W.
Rodgers, Lucius H. C.
Rogers, George R.
Rogers, Lysander W.
Rogers, William M.
Rollins, Charles E. . .
Rollins, George M.
Russel, Cabot J.

Russell, George
Russell, Henry W.

Private
Captain Private

Corporal Private

SergeantPrivateCaptain

PrivateCorporal Private

SergeantPrivate

Sergeant

Private

H

36

K

26

K

18

I

24

H

20

F

20

E

24

E

18

C

21

H

19

I

23

A

3&

E

28

B

iS

C

18

K

27

H

16

E

21

E

20

I

27

C

19

C

22

B

25

G

22

C

22

A

24

B

l9

C

18

C

20

F

18

E

19

H

26

Middleton Boston . .
Walpole . .
Boston . .
Winchester. W. Roxbury
Cambridge .
Cambridce .

Middleton . .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Providence, R I.
Chicago, 111
Milwaukee, Wis.
Boston .

Gardner .
Boston . .
Weston . .
Hubbardstown

BostonNewtonBoston .
WalpoleFraminghamWatertown .
Melrose .
Weston .
Cambridge .
Cambridge .
NewtonBostonBoston
No. Andover
Newton . .
Brookline .

Brookline
Boston

BostonMiddleton

Brooklyn, N. Y.
Boston . . .
Shirley Village

Boston .
Berlin . . .
Philadelphia, Pa.
Fall River . ...
Framingham . .
Chicago, 111. . .
New York
Detroit City, Minn.
Cambridge . .
Firesteel, Dak.

Chelsea Boston .
BostonHartford, Conn.

Boston

Boston ....
N. Conway, N. H.

Farmer .
Merchant
Letter-carrier Clerk .
Merchant Laundry ....
Hats, Caps, & Furs

Clerk . .
Merchant

Banker ....
Farmer & Tinsmith
Iron . .
Bleacher ....
Laborer .
R. R. Agent . .
Clerk . . .

GrocerClerk .

Looking-glass mfr.
President Ins. Co.
ElectrotyperSalesman

Salesman

Merchant Farmer and Ice

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Resigned Dec. 28, 1862.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. June 4, 1863 Disability. Re-
enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. April 14, 1863. Disability.

Dis. March 24, [863. Disability.
Died in Ireland, March 4, 1879.

Dis. May 18, 1863. Disability.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Boston, Oct. 7, 1878.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.

to
o
in HWto

Killed at Rawle's Mills, N. C, Nov.
2, 1862.
Dis. Apr. 15, 1863. Disability.
Dis. Mar. 31, 1863. Promotion. Re-
enlisted. Chap. XV. Killed at
Ft. Wagner, S. C, July 18, 1863.

Co to

Name.

Russell, Hubbard, Jr.
Russell, J. Willard .
Ryder, Samuel N. . .
Sackrider. George M.
Safford, De Forest
Safford, Augustus W.
Salsbury, Bowman G.
Sampson, Waldo B. .
Sanderson, William P.
Sanford, George S.
Sanford, Joseph W.
Sargent, John T., Jr. .
Savery, William E.
Sawin, George W.
Sawyer, Frank P.
Sawyer, Lyman J.
Sawyer, Willard G.
Sawyer, William F. .
Sayer, Frederick A. .
Schayer, Edward A. .
Scudder, Elisha G.
Seavy, Thomas
Sedwick, Joseph H. .
Shackford, John T.
Shackford, Silas T.
Shaughnessy, Michael
Sheafe, Mark W.
Sherman, John M. . .
Simmons, Samuel A. .
Simmons, William A.
Simpkins, William H.

Rank.

PrivateCorporalPrivate

CorporalPrivate

CorporalPrivate Corporal Private

Corporal

A FCF H
BEK FH
A D
D C
G II
EDA
G K B I
A I
H
EG FF

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

2S 26 19

17
22
3620 21202524
24 18 iS
20 19
2332 24
22 1918iSiS iS
2223

MaidenW. Cambridge
BostonBrooklineBelmont . .
Boston .
NewtonBoston .
W. Roxbury
Medway . .
Framingham
Boston . .
Carver . .
Boston . .
Lowell . .
Boston .
Boston . .
Maiden Boston Roxbury . .

Boston W. Roxbury
Newton Maiden . .
BostonCambridge .
Roxbury .
Waltham
Roxbury .
Chelsea . .
W. Roxbury

Last known Residence.

Maiden . .
Arlington .
Boston .
Fairfax, Vt.
Hudson . . .
Boston . .
Boston Syracuse, N. Y.
Chicago, 111.
New York .
Boston .
Tyngsboro' .

Gas-fitter

SalesmanClergyman

Boston . . .
St. Louis, Mo.
Oxford, Me. .
Indianapolis, Ind.
Boston .

Cambridge .
Elk Point, Dak.
Waltham . .
St. Louis, Mo. .
New York .

Last known Occupation.

Theatrical agent .
Machinist . . .
Shoe manufacturer
Trapper . .
Hollow-wareFurnishing Goods
Farmer ....

Salesman ....
Wholesale Grocer
Hotel-keeper
Missionary A. S. S.U
Bookkeeper . . .
Brush-makerFlour-mill & Lumber
Dentist . .
Clerk 
Lawyer ....

Remarks.

u
CO

Priv. Co. E, 5th Mass., May 1 to
July 31, 1861.

Dis. Oct. 3, 1863. Disability.

Dis. Jan. 23, 1863. Disability.
Died at Framingham, June 7, 1867.
Dis. March 9, 1863. Disability.

Mustered Oct. 10, 1862.
Re-enlisted. Ch. XV. Died 
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. Oct. 3, 1862. Disability.
Died at New York, -May 19, 1877.
Dis. from ist Mass. in 1861. Under
age.
Dis. Jan. 31, 1863. Disability.

Died at Aiken, S. C, 187-

Dis. April 16, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Ch. XV. Killed at
Fort Wagner, S. C.July 18, 1863.

>TJTJddI— I
X

Simpson, Alphonzo
Simonds, Joseph W.
Sleeper, Herbert .
Slocum, J. Watson .
Small, John W. . .
Smallidge, William
Smallwood, Joseph B.
Smith, Charles F.
Smith, Daniel C. . .
Smith, Daniel D. . .
Smith, Edward P. . .
Smith, Frederick W , Jr.
Smith, Granville . .
Smith, John R.
Smith, Paul V. . .
Smith, William V. .
Snipe, Seth T. .
Soule, Charles C. . .

Spear, Charles C. J. .
Spear, Horace H. .
Spencer, Charles H. .
Spinney, James W. .
Spring, William S., Jr.
Springer, George W. .
Stanfield, Henry R. .
Stanwood, Henry D. .

Staples, George M.
Stearns, Isaac R. .
Stebbins, Asa H. .
Stebbins, Horace S.

Private

SergeantPrivate

Captain Private
2d Lieut.

Private

Corporal
Private 2d Lieut.

FD F

19
23 21

A

20

CC

19 19

B I

33
22

I

26

A

20

E

21

C

22

E

24

C

20

K

26

H

o-5

B

23

B

20

FK

23
20

DK

24 3°

AC

1718

F

iS

D

18

H

20

C

20

D F

2321

Chelsea . .
Melrose . .
Roxbury Holliston .
Boston .
Cambridge .
NewtonBostonBoston Wellfleet .
Waltham
BostonBoston
Exeter, N. H.
Walpole .
Boston
Newton .
Brookline .

Boston Walpole .
Cambridge .
Sherborn

Dorchester .
W. Cambridge
Boston .
Boston . ,

Concord .
Chelsea Boston .
Boston .

ChelseaMelrose

BostonBoston

Waltham
Boston

New York
BostonBoston .
Bath, Me.
Boston

Boston Walpole .
Boston .

Boots and Shoes
Carver . .

Boston .
New York
Brooklyn, N. Y.
San Francisco, Cal.

Tombstone, Ariz.

Hotel-clerk . .
Clerk ....

Farmer . . .
Clerk Fire Comm.

Salesman ....
Salesman .
TJ. S. Sub-Treasury
Grocer . .
Law publisher . .

Lieutenant police .
Machinist . . .
Boots and Shoes ,

Contracting agt.
Cotton-broker .

Clerk .

Mining

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, April 18, 1874.
Killed at Whitehall, N. C, Dec. 16,
1862.
Died at Cambridge, 1863.

Lost at sea about January, 1873.
Died in Virginia, Oct. 27, 1873.
Buried at Thompson, Ga.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Must. Oct. 6, 1862. Pro. from Pri
vate, Co. F., Oct. 27, 1862. Re-
enlisted. Chapter XV.

Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.
Died at Boston, Jan. 19, 1886.
Mustered Oct. 8, 1862.
Served previously in Subsistence
Dept., 3d Brigade, Fitz John
Porter's Division.
Died at Boston, Aug. 10, 1883.
Pro. from ist Sergt., May 1, 1863.
Died at Boston, July 7, 1867.

too
wH dW

CO to
NO

Stedman, Joseph F. .
Steele, Charles L. . .
Stephenson, Ezra T. C.
Stephenson, William L.
Stevens, Anthony. .
Stevens, Edward L. .
Stevens, Horace P.
Stone, John H. . .
Storrow, Charles . .
Storrow,, Samuel . .

Stover, Albert R. .
Sturges, Frederick W.
Sturtevant, Charles W.
Sullivan, Henry D.
Sumner, Clarence .
Surplus, Charles .
Sutton, Charles C .
Sweeny, William J. .
Sylvester, Avery . .
Sylvester, James W. .
Sylvester, Reuben . .
Tackney, John . . .
Tappan, Amos K.
Taylor, J. Henry
Taylor, John P. . .
Taylor, Theodore E. .
Taylor, William A.
Teague, Frank W.
Teel, William F.

Private

Captain Corporal

PrivateCaptain ist Serg.
Corporal Private

ist Lieut.
PrivateCorporal Private

Co.

Age at
Enlist

ment.

K

28

A

21

D

20

DF

2321

E

20

D

20

GF

19
21

H

19

FF -

n

1)

18

D

21

I

29

B
E

3° is

B

20

K

iS

B

29

K

20

EAD

24 19
22

A

20

F

29

I

21

B

24

A

21

Enlisted from.

RoxburyBoston Hingham
HinghamLawrenceBrightonSo. Scituate
Belmont . .
Boston .
Boston .

Boston
Cambridge .
Roxbury . .
Boston . .
Dorchester .
NewtonBostonNewton
Ashland . .
NewtonSherbornBoston . .
Boston .
Boston .
Tewksbury .
Newton . .

Boston . .
Newton . .
W. Cambridge

Last :

vn Residence.

Auburndale Hingham

Springfield

CharlestownBelmont .
Boston

Boston . .
Concordia, Kan. .
San Francisco, Cal.
Salem . .
Grafton

Bellevue, Fla. .
Medford . . .

Arlington

Last known Occupation.

Brakeman
Clerk .
Watchmaker

Provisions .
Farmer .
Cotton-buyer

Theatrical agent
Lawyer . .
Com. merchant
Mill treasurer
Farmer .

Planter

Butcher

Remarks.

00Co o

Dis. Feb. 17, 1863. Disability.

Died at Hingham, Oct 27, 1875.
Re-enlisted. Ch.XV. Killed at Boy-
ken's Mills, S. C, Apr. iS, 1865.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Killed
at Averysboro', N. C, March 16,
1865.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died 
Died at Boston, March 28, 1869.
Killed on R R.

Died at Boston, Jan. 17, 1886.

Pro. from 2d Lieut., May 1, 1863.
Died at New York, Nov. 17, 1871.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Boston, Dec. 4, 1878.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
St. Louis, Aug. 17, 1866.

>
TJ TJ
dzd

Temple, Horace W. .
Tewksbury, George H.
Thayer, Albert F. . .
Thayer, Joseph H., Jr.
Thomas, David J. . .
Thomas, Henry A.
Thomas, John C. C.
Thompson, Frank D.
Thompson, William PL
Tilden, Joseph . . .

Tilton, Daniel P. . .
Tirrell, Loring C. . .
Tisdale, Francis A. .
Tobey, Theodore F. .
Torrey, Joseph C. .
Tourtellot, Edward P.
Tower, Herman C.
Towle, John E. . . .
Townsend, Albert W.

Treat, William P. .
Trescott, Edward W.
Tripp, George L. .
Trott, George F. .
Trott, Samuel P. .
Trout, Thomas K. .
Trowbridge, William
Tucker, Charles E.
Tucker, Eli . . .
Tufts, Francis W. .
Tufts, Nathaniel W. W
Tukey, John E. .
Tuite, Thomas J.

Private it
Sergeant Private

Sergeant

PrivateCorp jral
Private
SergeantPrivate

1st Serg.
Private

Corporal Private

c

19

F

23

E

22

I

19

C

18

K

17

A

21

A

18

H

26

I

23

B

3°

K

20

K

20

A

22

I

20

D

29

E

19

B

20

G

l9

D

21

C

19

D

21

A

18

E

20

K

19

B

26

E

25

D

25

B

39

B

27

A

24

H

19

Boston . .
Boston .
Newton . .
Braintree Boston . .
Walpole . .
Beverly . .
Dorchester .
Framingham Boston .

Newton . .
Weymouth Walpole . .
Wareham .
Boston .
Charlestown Waltham
Newton . .
Boston . .

CantonRoxbury .
Boston .

Boston . .
Boston . .
Boston . .
Newton . .
Boston . ¦
Maiden . .
Chelsea . .
Newton . .
W. Cambridge
Boston . .

Boston .
Maple Hill,
Fall River
Ware . .
Boston .

Kan.

Toledo, Ohio

CharlestownHudson . .

Medford .
New York

Junction City, Kan.
Boston . . .
Boston ....
Newton ....
Salida, Cal.
Rockton, Kan.
Boston ....

Boston

Salesman .
Farmer .
ApothecaryBroker

Clerk, F. R.
Machinist

Merchant.
Jewelry .

Bookseller . . .
Express . . .
Prov. R. R. . . .
Sup. Mason & Hamlin
Mining ....
Farmer ....
Janitor ....

Died at Titusville, Pa., 
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Dis. April 15, 1863. Disability.
Died at  , June 6, 1867.

Dis. April 1, 1863. Promotion. Re-
enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Honolulu, H. I., July 9, 1885.
Died 
Died 
Died at Cohasset, Aug. 26, 1877.
Died at Danvers, Feb. 19, 1881.
Died at Kn. City, Mo. July 21, 1882.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died in
prison at Florence, S. C, Jan.
1865.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died at
Alfred, Me., March 13, 1867.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Plumber

dOin Hdto

Dis. Apr. 26,
Re-enlisted.

1863. Promotion.
Chapter XV.

Died at Crafton, Cal., June 27, 1875.

CO

Name.

Tuttle, Horace P.

Tuttle, Otis . .
Tweed, William H.
Twitchell, Nathan I
Tyler, Charles
Tyler, Herbert .
Tyler, Philo S. .
Upham, Adfur J.
Upham, Edwin P.
Upton, Lucius E.
Van Voorhis, Gulian H.
Vinson, S. Willard
Vose, Clifton H.

Wade, John K.
Waitt, Reuben A. . .
Walcott, George P. .
Waldron, Franklin W.
Walker, E. Clifford
Walker, Samuel A. .
Wall, Charles J. . .
Wallace, Edwin A. .
Wallace, James A.
Ward, Charles F. . .
Ward, William F. . .
Ware, Robert . . .

Ware, William . .
Warner, Henry E.

Private

SergeantCorporalPrivate

CorporalPrivateCorporal Private
SurgeonPrivate

Co.

D
KFE
E 1
CG I
A
ECD

DII E I
C B AEA
DE

CA

Age at
Enlist ment.

-3
2622
21 '9 18
20 18iS1919
23 21

IS
25 19
2325 25
23 18
31 18
21 29

18

Enlisted from.

Cambridge .
Boston .
Boston . .
Boston .
Cambridge .
AndoverBoston .
Boston .
Weston .
Cambridge Maiden . .
Dorchester .
So. Scituate

Boston .
Maiden .
Boston Boston .
BrooklineNewton .

Roxbury Winchester
MaidenBoston . .
Cambridge .
Boston . .

MiltonBoston

Last known Residence.

Washington, D. C.

Boston . .
Salida, Cal.

Astronomer

Salesman
Mining

BostonBoston

Washington, D.C.
Boston ....
Boston . .

Wool-grader
Clerk .
Smithsonian Inst.
Clerk . .'
Hats and Caps

LowellBoston

Boston
Newton . .
Boston ....
Sheboygan F'llsWis
Everett . . .
Boston . . .
Cambridge .

Boston

Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Co CO to

Dis. Apr. 26,
Re-enlisted.

PhysicianCleric . .'

Real Estate
Supt. Terra Cotta
Lumber Co.
Sewing-machinesShowmanBookkeeper Mirrors . . .
Clerk ....

1863. Promotion.
Chapter XV.

Publisher

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Cambridge, Feb. 21, 1871.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at New Berne, Jan. 18, 1863.

Re-enlisted. Chap. XV. Died in
prison, Oct. 28, 1864. Buried at
Charleston, S. C.
Died at Charlestown, July 25, 1873.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Died at Boston, June 30, 1863.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Died at Washington, N. C, Apr.
10, 1863. Previous service with
Sanitary Commission.
Dis. March 14, 1863. Disability.
Dis. Oct. 7, 1862. Disability. Af
terwards served in Signal Corps.
Died at Tewksbury, 187-.

>TJ TJd
2 d

Warren, Joshua B- . .

Private

E

l9

Boston . .

Dis. Oct. 1, 1862. Disability.

Warren, William H.

"

C

J9

Brookline .

Boston . .

Hardware . . .

Washburn, Albert .

it

IB

19
3°

Died - —
Wrashburn, John A. . .
Newton
Vineland, N. J. .
Music-teacher . .
Dis. May 28, 1863. Disability.
Waterman, James H., Jr.
a
D
:9
Roxbury .
Died at Cincinnati, O., Oct., 1878.
Waterman, Rodolph C. .
Corporal
D
22
So. Scituate
Hanover
Tack manufacturer
Watson, Edgar ....
Private
K
r9
Watson, George C. . .
t.
G
21
Boston .
Boston .
Printer ....
Webber, Edwin F. . .
1
F
'9
Boston . .
Boston . .
Organ-tuner .
Webster, Frank G.
(<
G
21
Cambridge .
Boston ....
Banker
Webster, George W. . .
"
H
23
Webster, George W.
Corporal
I
21
Boston . .
Dorchester
Engineer .
Webster, Henry W.
Private
H
22
Cambridge
Weeks, George M. . .
"
H
18
Boston .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Welch, Thomas . . .
'
B
18
Newton . .
New York .
Engineer . .
Weld, George M. . . .
ist Sergt.
F
21
W. Roxbury
New York . . .
Coal
Declined commission in 18th Mass.,
May 23, 1863.
Weld, Richard H. . . .
Captain
K
27
W. Roxbury
Boston ....
Commission .
Pro. from ist Lieut., Feb. 26, 1863.
Wellington, George F. S.
Private
A
19
Waltham .
East Somerville .
Crackers . .
Wellington, John M. . .
c<
A
21
Waltham
Waltham
Watch-factory .
Wellington, William S. .
"
A
27
Waltham
Waltham . .
Watch-factory . .
Wentworth, George A. .
a
K
23
W. Roxbury
Boston ....
Artist 1 . . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Wentworth, James F.
Corporal
K
25
W. Roxbury
Grafton Cen., N. H.
Farmer . . .
Wentworth, John H. . .
Wentworth, Philip H., Jr.
Private
K
18
W. Roxbury
Roxbury .
n
C
19
San Antonio, Tex.
Sheep-raising . .
Weston, George . .
tt
F
22
Dis. March 15, 1863. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
from wounds, Jan. 5, 1864.
Wetherbee, Gustavus E.
a
B
20
Newton . .
Boston
Asst.-Supt. Gas Co.
Wetherell, Alonzo B.
ist Sergt.
B
26
Newton . . .
Boston
Steel 
Wetherell, Horace B.
Private
B
28
Newton . .

Killed in accident on B. & A. R. R.,
Oct. 12, 1870.
Wetherell, John W.
'•
D
J9
Boston . .
Whall, Clifton H. . . .
tt
E
T9
Boston . .
Boston . .
Manufacturer
Wheaton, James W.
tt
A
42
Roxbury . .
Boston . . .
Restaurant . . .
Wheeler, Charles E.
D
23
Cambridge .
Boston ....
Sign-painter
Dis. April 5, 1863. To remain at
Department Headquarters.
Wheeler, Frank D.
t
D
22
Cambridge .
Boston ....
Salesman. . .
too
in Hdto
CO
COCo
Name.

Rank.

Co.

Age at
Enlist ment.

Enlisted from.

Last known Residence. Last known Occupation.

Remarks.

Wheelock, Merrill G. .

Private

F

40

Died at Chelsea, Nov. 17, 1866.

Wheelwright, Geo. W., Jr.

a

E

19

Roxbury . .

Boston .

. . Paper manufacturer

Dis. Oct. 3, 1863. Disability. Sub
sequently Assistant Agent Sani
tary Commission.

Whipple, Alonzo L. .

n

A

26

Hamilton .

Hamilton

. . Hotel ...

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Whipple, Samuel A. F. .

u

A

24

Hamilton .

Hamilton

. . Hotel ...

Whitcomb, Cummings D.
ti
C
22
Boston . .
Detroit, Mich. . Agent M. C. R. R.
White, Edward P. . . .
ist Sergt.
E
19
Milton . .
New York
Metal-broker . .
Dis. May 30, 1862. Promotion.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
White, James C. . .
ist Lieut.
G
3°
Milton . .
Chicago, 111
Metal-broker . .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
White, Samuel H. . .
Private
B
20
Quincy
Louisville, Ky. Clerk L & E. R. R.
White, Thomas
"
F
21
So. Hadley .
So. Hadley
Stage proprietor .
Whitmarsh, John G. . .
tt
A
18
Needham .
Spencer .
Shoe Foreman . .
Whitney, Charles E.
Whitney, Frederick . .
tt
B
20
Died a.t Boston ~^— -
Corporal
H
19
Boston . .
Calcutta, India . Merchant
Whitney, Henry F.
a
G
¦ 23
Cambridge .
Galveston, Texas Insurance
Whitney, William L., Jr.
Whittemore, Albert F.
Private
E
18
Cambridge .
Newton .
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
K
23
W. Roxbury
Boston
Farmer .
t .
Whittemore, Curtis H.
Corporal
C
21
Hopkinton . ^Little Rock,
Ark. Pork-packer
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Whittier, Henry C. .
Private
A
18
Boston .
Providence,
R. I. . Jeweller
Dis. Jan. 14, 1863. Disability.
Whittredge, Forrest L. .
(t
I
20
Boston . .
Boston .
. . Shoe-dealer
Dis. May 1, 1863. Disability.
Wild, William W. . .
1st Sergt.
Private
K
27
Leominster .
Washington
, D. C. Clerk . .
Wilder, Victor A. .
Wilder, William S.
E
iS
Roxbury . .
Boston
New York
. . Clerk . .
a
E
19
Boston
Clerk . . .
Wiley, Daniel W. .
"
A
21
Well fleet
Steamer Captain .
Wilkins, Edward W. .
tt
H
22
Middleton .
Middleton
Farmer ....
Wilkins, Joseph G. •
Sergeant
A
28
Watertown .
Boston .
. . Salesman . . .
Wilkinson, Charles N.
Private
I
26
Chelsea . .
Boston .
Bar-tender . .
Willard, Edward A. .
K
C
IS
Cambridge .
Cambridge
Clerk Superior Court
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.
Williams, Francis H. .
'
G
23
Died 
Williams, Stephen C.
tt
H
19
Boston . .
Salem
Bottler ....
Wilmot, Harvey
"
C
21
Framingham
Boston .
Clothing ....
Wilson, Charles H.
tt
B
36
Newton .
Watertown
. . Carpenter . . .
Winning, William . .
"
H
18
Lexington .
Died at Lexington, Feb. 4, 1869.
Withington, James S.
tt
B
26
Newton
Died at 
CO
> TJTJw•A dx
Wood, Charles . .
Wood, Cyrus P. . .
Woodberry, Charles D.
Woodward, George M.
Woodward, Orlando .
Woodward, William W.
Worthlev, James C. . .
Wright, Edward P.
Wright, James E. . .
Wyer, James J., Jr.
Wyeth, John J. . . .
Wyett, Charles E. .
Yendell, Charles A., Jr.
Yendell, Paul S.
York, William F.
Young, Ellery C. . .
Young, Frank C.
Young, Frank G.
Young, George B. .
Young, George W.
Young, Thomas H. .

Private

Com. Sergt.
Private

SergeantPrivate

CorporalPrivate

ist Sergt.
Private

F KD
E F
FFE I
A
G BK
G I
G
GG

26 Boston .

202224 22 19
32 22
23 ¦9
2027 22 iS
2520 iS
2021
2021

Holliston
Boston .
HollistonNewton .
Boston
Boston .
BrightonBoston Harvard .
Cambridge Boston .

Boston .
DorchesterNewton .
Boston .
Andover .
Boston .
Andover .

Andover .
Boston .

Worcester

Boston ....
Leavenworth, Kan.
Denver, Col.
Montpelier, Vt. .
Red Lake Falls, Min,
Boston . . .

Boston

Leipsic, Saxony .
San Francisco, Cal.
Boston ....

San Francisco, Cal.
Boston . .

Lawyer

Letter-carrier . .
Commissary Sergt.
Bank cashier . .
Clergyman . .
Banker ....
Clerk . .

Draughtsman

Dentist .

U. S. Mint
Teamster .

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV. Died
at Readville, Feb. 5, 1864.
Died at  , Nov. — , 1879.
Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Re-enlisted. Chapter XV.

Dis. May 18, 1863. Disability.
Died 
Died at Boston, Aug. 26, 1874.

Died at New Berne, N. C, Feb. 3,
1863.

toowHWto

CO OJ
en

336

APPENDIX.

AGE AT ENLISTMENT.1

Age.

Field and
Staff.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

1

K

Total.

16 to 17

I

2

I

2

2

2

3
13
18
I
16
"5
!3
'3
22
*3
23
19
22
24
181
19
12
7
24
10
25
17
H
14
18
9
150
20
12
11
"5
21
II
6
15
12
12
12
127
21
I
IO
4
¦5
14
II
17
9
6
'3
6
106
22
3
10
7
14
9
7
M
7
13
9
10
103
23
6
8
7
11
6
8
7
5
8
5
71
24
7
4
6
7
7
5
4
7
4
6
57
25
3
4
8
3
3
5
3
4
7
3
5
48
26 to 30
>
16
24
3
1 1
6
14
10
12
10
13
120
31 to 35
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
1
2
5
3°
36 to 40
2
4
9
1
1
1
2
3
23
41 to 44
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
7
Total
lS
101
103
104
102
104
103
100
101
102
101
1036
1 Many of the men gave their ages more than they actually were, fearing that they would be rejected were
the right ages known, (The compiler knows personally of several, reported at eighteen, who were barely
sixteen.)
RECAPITULATION: PLACES OF ENLISTMENT.

337

CITIES AND TOWNS TO WHICH MEMBERS WERE CREDITED
AT ENLISTMENT.

Cilies & Towns.

Field and
Staff.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

f

K

Total.

Boston . .

6

26

¦>

56

45

45

44

37

27

38

16

342

Newton

i

93

I

1

1

I

I
99
Cambridge
7
10
12
20
10
7
3
5
I
75
Dorchester
4
4
2
20
7
37
Framingham
1
2
2
3°
35
Roxbury .
i
3
3
3
3
6
S
3
1
2
3°
Walpole .
3°
3°
W. Roxbury
i
1
3
2
22
29
Waltham .
6
2
15
2
1
26
Maiden
3
2
2
1
8
S
I
25
Chelsea
3
1
1
2
9
1
3
20
Weston
1
18
I
20
Needham .
11
2
I
M
W. Camb. .
7
5
2
M
Andover .
1
11
1
13
Brookline .
i
1
8
1
2
13
No. Andover
7
* 1
4
12
Sherborn .
12
12
Other towns
in Mass.1
S
22
4
13
29
15
24
17
26
16
H
as
Other towns
outside State2
•
4
5
Total . .
15
IOI
103
104
102
104
103
100
IOI
102
IOI
1036
1 This includes sixty-three cities and towns. One town is credited with nine members ; three, with eight ;
three, with seven; three, with six; four, with five; five, with four; eight, with three; thirteen, with two;
and twenty-three towns with one member each.
2 This represents the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
GENERAL RECAPITULATION OF MUSTER ROLLS.

C/J

Field and
Staff.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

1

K

Total.

Whole number of names on rolls . .
Discharged before leaving Readville : .
Deserted1Died in service
Died since muster out . . .
Number concerning whom we could obtain
no reliable information2 . . .

l5
I
6

IOI
I I
8
n 8 29

i°3
i
24 8 37

104
39
"5 8 35

102
I
IS 2 21

104
3 1
17 22

I03
3 4
21 28

100
2 5
iS 3 28

IOI
II
18IO 3°

102
1
3
25 9 38

IOI
3
H
21 38

IO36
16 3
37
187 70

Total to be deducted . .

7

3'3

Number to be accounted for in accompany
ing tables .... . .

s

72

66

69

Si

82

75

72

7i

64

63

723

>O

¦ Of these we have not attempted to obtain the record. There were a few who were unable to pass the surgical examination, but who were closely identified with the reeiment
whose record is given. J s4 lcul
2 Of this number probably a very large proportion is dead.

RECAPITULATION: residences.

339

RECAPITULATION
OF LAST KNOWN RESIDENCES OF THOSE MEMBERS FROM WHOM WE HAVE
HEARD OR OF WHOM WE HAVE OBTAINED RELIABLE INFORMATION.

Field

States.
and
A
B
<:
D
F,
F
r;
H
I
K
Total.
Start.
20
20
38
41
34
10
4
33
13
27
22
282
Mass. (except Boston) . .
3
37
3°
9
12
24
lS
17
34
17
3°
228
Total in Mass.
7
57
5°
47
53
58
45
5°
47
44
52
5I0
Arizona . .
1
1
2
Arkansas . ...
1
I
California (except San Fran
cisco) ... . .
i
1
2
San Francisco
3
1
1
1
3
3
I
n
Colorado . .
2
1
3
Connecticut . . .
2
1
2
3
1
I
10
Dakota .... . .
1
1
0
Delaware . .
1
1
Florida . ...
I
4
I
2
3
1
12
j
Illinois (except Chicago)
1
1
Chicago ...
I
1
3
3
1
2
1
1
¦3
Indiana
I
1
1
3
I
1
Kansas .... . .
i
1
2
1
5
Kentucky . .
I
1
Louisiana . . .
2
1
3
2
1
I
6
Maryland . .
1
1
Michigan . . .
1
1
1
1
1
5
Minnesota . ....
i
I
1
1
1
5
Missouri . . ...
2
1
1
4
I
1
1
.3
New Hampshire . . .
I
1
1
1
1
I
6
New Jersey ....
I
1
1
2
I
6
1
1
New York (except New York
City and Brooklyn) . .
I
1
1
1
1
I
6
N. Y. City and Brooklyn
6
I
8
9
10
7
5
2
3
2
53
Ohio .
1
1
2
Pennsylvania .
I
I
1
1
2
6
Rhode Island . . .
I
2
1
4
South Carolina
I
1
Texas . . ¦
1
1
2
1
1
1
6
Washington, D. C.
1
1
2
I
5
6
1
3
2
Wyoming . .
1
1
New Brunswick . .
Nova Scotia
I
1
England . . .
1
Europe . . .
1
I
1
Total . .
8
72
66
69
81
82
75
72
71
64
63
723
340

APPENDIX.

RECAPITULATION
OF LAST KNOWN OCCUPATIONS OF THOSE MEMBERS FROM WHOM WE HAVE
HEARD, OR OF WHOM WE HAVE OBTAINED RELIABLE INFORMATION
(ARRANGED IN NUMERICAL ORDER).

Field

and
A
a
(J
D
E
F
G
H
1
K
Total
Staff
Skilled Mechanics . . .
II
16
,
7
3
4
I
9
9
1.3
76
2
4
8
10
11
2
9
4
6
I
57
Mechanical or Manufacturing
(Principals or Managers)
i.3
3
2
9
5
1
6
8
3
5
55
Farmers, Planters, Stock, etc.
8
6
4
5
0
4
5
5
4
6
33
n
3
5
6
9
5
2
5
6
2
52
Merchants, wholesale . .
I
i
i
10
4
6
5
7
7
4
3
40
7
2
2
4
2
6
6
7
10
46
Merchants, retail ....
2
3
2
7
4
5
3
2
6
8
2
44
3
4
7
4
5
7
2
3
2
2
39
Mercantile, miscellaneous .
2
2
3
4
5
1
3
2
1
1
24
Professional, miscellaneous
2
I
3
4
1
4
3
2
3
23
Brokers and Com. Merchants
5
3
5
3
1
2
4
2 3
Bookkeepers, etc. . . .
I
I
I
6
1
2
s
1
2
1
1
22
R. R. Officers and Employees
2
3
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
21
Government Officials (Na
tional, State, and City) .
I
3
1
1
4
2
3
1
3
iq
Foremen & Superintendents
2
6
2
2
4
1
17
Coachmen, Laborers, etc.
2
3
I
1
I
3
3
14
Lawyers 
I
I
1
1
4
3
1
1
13
Bankers and Bank Officers
I
I
->
1
3
1
1
1
11
Out of business ....
2
2
3
2
n
I
I
1
5
2
10
I
3
1
4
9
2
1
3
1
1
8
Theatrical . .
I
4
2
7
Real Estate
I
1
2
1
2
7
Express ... ...
I
2
1
1
2
7
8
72
2
66
I
69
1
81
2
82
75
72
71
64
63
6
Total . . .
723
SIGNATURES OF MEMBERS OF THE
44th Regiment Massachusetts Vols.
Reproduced from Photographic Copy of Pay Rolls kindly furnished
the Committee by
ADJT. GEN. DRUM, U. S. A.

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INDEX

INDEX.

Abbott, Henry L , 16.
Adams, John, 285.
Adams, John Quincy, 8.
Adams, Warren W., 285.
Adams, William R., 276.
Allen, Dr. C. H., 236.
Allen, Walter B., 236.
Anderson, Colonel, 65.
Andrew, Gov. John A , 10, 19.
Association, Regimental, 295.
Atkins, Francis H., 278.
Attwood, Cornelius G., 223.

Babcock, George L., 213.
Bacon, John F., 82.
Bailey, Walter, 289.
Ballister, Joseph, 3.
Band, Regimental, 31, 92, 213; list of
members, 82.
Barker, Eben F., 271.
Barnard, Jonathan G., 3.
Barracks at New Berne, 71 ; cleaning up,
79-
Bartlett, Edward J., 278.
Bartlett, Gen. William F., 16.
Batchelder's Creek, 198.
Bates, Daniel D., 274.
Bay State Forty-fourth, 106.
Beal, Alexander, 38.
Beal, Charles W., 274.
Beal, George W., 274.
Bedell, Charles H., 192.
Beebe, J. M., & Co., 37, 38.
Belger's Battery, 140, 143, 175.
Belger, Capt. James, 236.
Bellows, Henry H., 271.
Bickmore, Albert S., 84.
Bigelow, George Tyler, 9.
Blake, James H., Jr., 28, 81.
Blake, Lemuel, 1, 2, 3, 6.
Blockhouse Squad, 83.
Blount's Creek, 175.
Bolles, George B., 287.

Boston Brass Band, 31.
Bounties, 25.
Boxes from home, 93.
Bradish, Albert H., 276.
Brewster, James B., 276.
Brice's Creek, 83.
Brigades, 18th Army Corps, 58.
Briggs, James W., 72, 81, 115.
Broad Street riot, 9.
Brooks, George W., 272.
Brown, B. F. & Co., 93.
Brown, Frederick T., 73.
Brown, Hezekiah, 93.
Brown, Stephen, I, 2.
Browne, Lieut.-Col. Albert G, Jr., 219.
Bryant, Albert, 273.
Buck, Edward R., 28.
Bumpus, Everett C, 287.
Bunker Hill Monument, 9, 10.
Bunker, Nathaniel W., 285.
Burbank, Alonzo F., 288.
Burnside Expedition, 54.
Burrage, Mr.  , 37.
Bush, Francis, Jr., 258.
Bussell, Alfred W., 265, 289.
Butler, Albert L., 84, 259.

Callendar, Joseph, Jr., 3.
Camp Life, 69.
Camp, at Readville, 24; Stevenson
(Thomas G.), 70; Lee, 204.
Carter, George H., 274.
Cartwright, Charles W., 38.
Cartwright, James W., 276.
Cemetery, National, at New Berne, 227.
Chandler, Benjamin P., 265, 288.
Channing Circle of Newton, 236.
Chase, Loring A., 285.

Child, Isaac, 3.
Clapp, David C.
Clark, James F.,
Cleaning up, 79.
Cobb, Sylvanus, 30.

272.

36o

INDEX.

Cobb, Mrs. Sylvanus, 30.
Cobb " Twins," 30, 85.
Coffin, Jared, 84.
Cogswell, Edward R., 278.
Company B, reception at Newton, 219.
Companies F and B, Picket Duty, 197.
Conant, John H., 84, 271.
Concerts, 85.
Confederate Forces in North Carolina,
57 ; at Washington, N. C, 170.
" Constitution," frigate, 5, 6.
Contrabands, 88.
Convent at Charlestown, burning of, 9.
Converse, J. C, & Co., 38.
Cook, Charles E., 278.
Cootey, Philip I., 273.
Copithorne, William, 288.
Correspondence, 89.
Courtis, A. Stacy, 259.
Cragin, George N., 271.
Crane, Edward W., 274.
Crane, William D., 263, 265, 274.
Cross, Henry C, 276.
Cumston, James S., 86.
Cumston, Miss Lizzie G., 236.
Cumston, William, 38.
Cunningham, Charles A., 28, 273.
Currier, Hugh L., 288.
Curtis, Joseph H., 82.

Dabney, Maj. Charles W., 257.
Daily routine of duty, 73.
Dalton, James, 1, 6.
Dana, George, 2.
Daniel, Captain, 105.
Dawes, Richard C, 287.
Dean, Joseph F., 240.
Delano, William C, 285.
Demeritt, Charles H., 71.
Demond, Alpheus, 272.
Dennie, Thomas, Jr., 3.
De Peyster, Richard V., 116, 235, 238.
Derby, Oliver C, 276.
Desertions, list of, 247.
Detailed men, 81.
Dexter, Miss Mary L., 236.
Died of disease, 248 ; of wounds, 247.
Discharged from disability, 249.
Discipline, 86.
Dodge, Albert L., 278.
Dorr, John, 289.
Dover Swamp, 223.
Draft Riot, 293.
Dramatic performances, 85.
Draper, Lorenzo, 3.
Drew, Arthur, 273.
Drummers, list of, 82.

Dwight, Lieut.-Col. Wilder, 16, 35.
Dyer, Mr., 217.

Edmands, Albert W., 28, 84.
Eighteenth Army Corps, 58.
Ellsworth Zouaves, 10.
Emery, Caleb, his school, 14.
Entertainments, 85, 100.
" Escort," steamer, 67, 181.
Eustis, Governor, 8, 9.
Everett, George H., 83.
Ewer, Charles C, 28, 100.

Farewell orders, 215.
Field, Benjamin F., Jr., Si.
Fifers, list of, 82.
Fifth Rhode Island, 67, 195.
Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, 66, 200.
Fifty-fourth Massachusetts, 262.
Fire in Boston, 8, 9.
Fish, Abner C, 89.
Fisher, Albert, 289.
Fisher, Edwin S., 240.
Fisher, Nathan W., 289.
Fisher, Dr. Theodore W., 72, 127, 234.
Fletcher, Warren G., 2S8.
Foraging, 122, 123.
Forbes, Francis H., 72.
Forces in North Carolina, Confederate,
57 ; Union, 56.
Fort Anderson, attack on, 65, 107.
Fort Independence, 13.
Forty-fifth Massachusetts, 22, 206.
Forty-third Massachusetts, 22.
Foss, James M., 265, 288.
Foster, George B., 92.
Foster, George H., 92.
Foster, John G., 55, 61.
Fourth Battalion, 11, 15; Roster of, 14,
18 ; Quickstep, 16.
Fuller, Albert, 271.
Fuller, Ezra N., 261.
Fund, regimental, 38.

Gallotjpe, Miss Sadie K.,
Gardner, Francis, 218.
Gardner, James B., 49.
Gardner, James F., 285.
Garnett, General, 193.
Gifford, Frederick S., 271.
Gilbert, Virgil, 169, 171.
Gillespie, William, 272.
Gilmore, Luman W., 290.
Gilmore, P. S., 16, 213.
Goff, William C, 275.

236.

INDEX.

361

Goldsboro', 133; revisited, 224.
Goodwin, Frank, 278.
Gordon, George H., 11.
Gore, Watson, 2.
Gould, William A., 290.
Graham, Lieutenant, 142.
Grant, Frederick, 94.
Grant, Moses, Jr., 2.
Gray, Charles L., 290.
Gray, William, Jr., 38.
Gregg, Miss Josie, 29.
Greenough, William, Jr., 2.
Grice or Grist place, 160, 229.
Guard, Camp, 77; mounting, 76; police,
77-
" Guerriere," frigate, 6.
Gum Swamp, 203.

Haines, Zenas T., 18, 25, 98, 104.
Hale, Nathan, 2.
Hall, Rev. Edward H., 238.
Hall, George F., 92.
Hall, George S., 92.
Hallett & Cumston, 38, 213.
" Ham Fat" Expedition, 147.
Hamilton, 119, 122, 126.
Hard-tack throwing, 88.
Harding, Nathan F , 272.
Harris, Horatio, 38.
Harrison, William Henry, 10.
Hartshorn, Lowell E., 266, 290.
Hartwell, Alfred S., 73, 278.
Harvard College, 19.
Hatch, Frank W., 28.
Hay, Joseph, 3.
Hedge, William, 72, 273.
Hemenway, Augustus A., 275.
Henshaw, Joseph B., 2.
Hersey, Andrew J., 285
Hersey, Jacob H., 285.
Hersey, John W., 287.
Higgins, Benjamin, 287.
Higgins, George A., 287.
Hight, Henry O., 276.
Hill, Gen. D. H., 64.
Hill's Point, 187.
Hinckley, Wallace, 72, 258, 270.
Hobart, David Kimball, 167, 260.
Hobart, George H., 275.
Hobbs, Seth J., 285.
Hodges, Almon D., Jr., 285.
Holt, Ballard, 2d, 285.
" Home Guard," 106.
Homer, Henry A., 276.
Hooke, Charles, 105.
Hopkinson, Francis C, 84, 261.
Hprton, Andrew T., 273.

Hovey, Charles A., 213.
Hovey, Charles F., & Co., 38.
Howard, Davis, 98, 105.
Howard, Henry, 105.
Howard, Matthew, 261.
Howard, Willard, 27, 65, 104, 105.
Howe, Albert R., 73, 287.
Howe, J., Jr., 7.
Hoyt, Henry M., 279.
Hubbard, Hiram, Jr., 84.
Hunt, Harry, 107.
Hunt, Samuel, 3.
Hutchins, Col. William V., 5.

Il Recruitio, 105.
Ingraham, A. W., 212, 213.
Ingraham, William F., 212.
Inspections, 79.
" Invalid Guard," 82, 251.
Ireland, William H., 236.

Jacobs, Augustus, 276.
Jacobs, Augustus P., 1 1 5.
James, Garth W., 264, 279.
Jarvis, Deming, 3.
Jessup, William A., 290.
Johnson, Edward C, 72,
Johnson, Henry W., 172.
Jones, Colonel, 200.
Jones, Dennis H., 290.
Jones, Edward L., 280.
Jones, Henry B., 288.
Jones, Irving, 273.
Jones, Sylvester A., 273.
Joy, Charles F., 276.

Keen, Jarius P., 290.
Kenrick, John, 72.
Kent, Barker B., Jr., 280.
Kent, Frederick A., 276.
Killed, list of, 247.
Kimball, Henry G, 242.
King,  , 231.
King, B. Flint, 276.
King, E. & F., & Co., 38.
Kinston, 135, 230.

Lafayette, General, 8.
Lane, Thomas J., 285.
Lathrop, William H., 280.
Lawrence, Abbott, 2, 7.
Lawrence, Charles C, 212
Lawrence, Theodore J., 167.
Le Cain, Charles L., 285.

362

INDEX.

Lee, Francis L., 17, .86, 99, 117.
Lee, Mrs. Francis L., 38.
Leonard, John, 167.
Letter-writing, 89.
Lewis, Charles P., 95.
Lewis, Wm. K, & Bro., 95.
Lipp, Leodegar M., 285.
Little Creek, 109.
Littlefield, Henry W., 275.
Livermore, William B., 277.
Lombard, George, 72.
Lombard, Jacob, 72.
Loring, Frank M., 290.
Lovett, Miss Nellie E., 236.
Lyon, Henry, 84.
MacDearmid, Lieutenant, 172, 180, 181.
Macomber, Grenville B., 92.
Macomber, Henry S., 288.
Mansfield, Isaac, 1.
Mansfield, Theodore F., 272.
Mason, Thomas D., 94.
Massachusetts Rifle Club, 17.
McCleary, Mrs. S. F., 4.
McCready,  , 105.
Mclntire, Charles J., 223.
McLaughlin, Capt. N. B., 31.
McPhee, Dr. Daniel, 246.
Medical and Surgical, 233.
Mending clothes, 90.
Mercantile Library Association, 23.
Merrill, Thomas T., 286.
Midnight drills, 87.
Mitchell, Francis A., 280.
Monroe, Theodore J , 273.
Moore, Matthias J., 287.
Morehead City, 47.
Morse, Charles, 116, 231, 259.
Morse, Charles F., 280.
Morse, George J., 273.
Moulton, Edward C, 290.
Moulton, Granville W., 287.
Mount Olive Station, 141.
Mulliken, John, 73.
Murdock, Charles C, 84.
Musicians, list of, 82.
Muster in, 30.
Muster out, 222.
Myers, John 1-L, Jr., 277.
Myrick, David, 177.
Nagle, " Corporal of the Guard," 37.
" Nancy Skittletop," 105.
Nash, Osborn P., 287.
New Berne and its Garrison, 53.
New Berne, voyage to, 41; attack on, 65,
107.

Newell, James S., 277.
Newell, Julius T, 288.
New England Guards, I ; motto of, 4 ;
cannon, 5; encampments, 6, 8, 9 ; re
cruits furnished by, 13; commanders
of, 14.
Newhall, Cheever, 3.
Newspapers, 91.
Nicknames, 96.
Ninety-second New York, 65, 107.
North Carolina Revisited, 223.
Nourse, Harrison, 275.
Noyes, George E., 240.

O'Brien, Lieut "Teddy," 168, 193.
Opera, 105.
Orange pickle, 94.
Organization, 21.

Packard, Elisha, 287.
Palfrey, Francis W., 16.
Park, Charles S., 277.
Parker, Harrison, 2d, 1 1 5.
Parker, Stephen H , 265, 288.
Parkinson, John, Jr., 73.
Parsons, Michael A., 116.
Patten, Thomas H., 277.
Payne, John, 192.
Peabody, Lyman E., 287.
Peakes, John D., 115.
Pease,  , 17.
Peirce, Gen. R. A., 220.
Pensions, 252.
Perkins, Ezra, 2S6.
Perkins, William E., 280.
Personnel, 255.
Petherick or Pedrick, Captain, 184.
Pettigrew, General, 65.
Picket Duty of B. & F., 197.
Pickman, Ensign, 7.
Pierce, Henry T,, 116.
Plimpton, Merrill F., 277.
Plymouth, first visit to, 127; report of
expedition, 154.
Police Guard, 77.
Pollitz, John C, 242.
Pond, Albert C, 115.
Poole, Francis H., 288.
Pope, George, 281.
Portraits, 99.
Position of companies, 72.
Powers, Stephen A., 178, 286.
Pratt, George H, 289.
Prescott, Miss Louisa, 236.
Priest, John D., 286.
Prisoners, list of, 247,

INDEX.

363

Proctor, George, 273.
Promotions, 72.
Provost, 205.
Purbeck, Marcellus, 281
Putnam, Capt. John C.

13-

Rail-fences, 120.
" Railroad Monitor," 200.
Rainbow Bluff, 121.
Rand, Edwin R., 83.
Rations, 74.
Rawle's Mills, 109.
Raymond, Walter L., 266, 286.
Read, Gardner, & Co., 38.
Read, Henry F., 272.
Readville, camp at, 21 ; departure from,
41.
Receptibn in Boston, 217.
Reconnoissance Companies A. and G ,
165.
Regimental Fund, 38.
Rennard, George W., 287.
Resignations, 72.
Revere, Maj. Paul J., 16.
Review at New Berne, 106.
Reynolds, Frank W., 28, 72.
Rhoades, Charles J., 290.
Rhoades, Lawrence, 289.
Richards, Reuben, Jr., 2.
Richardson, James M., 84, 124, 167, 271.
Richardson, Jeffrey, 5.
Richardson, Spencer W., 28.
Richmond, William T., 273.
Robbins, James A., 287.
Roberts, Charles E., 116.
Rodman's Point, 168, 245.
Rogers, Gorham, 38.
Rogers, Lysander W., 84.
Rollins, Charles E., 115, 231, 259.
Roster, 301.
Rumors, 97.
Russel, Cabot J., 263, 281.

Safford, Deforest, 106.
Salignac Drill Corps, 17.
Sargent, W. P., 38.
Sawyer, Lyman J., 286.
Sawyer, Willard G, 287.
Sayer, Frederick, 32, 105.
Scouting, 198.
Scudder, Elisha G, 85.
" Seed-Cakes," 96.
Sewell, Thomas R., 3.
Shackford, Silas T., 84.
Shaw, Col. Robert G, 16.
Sick Reports, 252.

Simonds, Joseph W., 271.
Simpkins, William H., 264, 281.
Simpson, Daniel, 3, 28.
Sisson, Col. Henry T., 181. *
Skinner, F., & Co., 38.
Smallidge, William A., 115.
Smith, Frederick W., Jr., 115.
Smith, Gen. G. W., 141.
Smith, " Si," 3.
Smith, William V., 288.
Soldier's Aid Society, 236.
Song-Book, Regimental, 28.
Soule, Charles C, 72, 272, 284.
Southwest Creek, 136.
Spinola, General, 174.
Staff of General Foster, 59 ; General Wes
sells, 62 ; surgical, 234.
Statistics, 255, 270.
Stealing whiskey, 49.
Stebbins, Asa D., 28, 117.
Stebbins, Horace S., 28, 73.
Steffen,  , 17, 36.
Stevens, Edward L., 265, 277.
Stevenson, Mrs. J. Thomas, 13.
Stevenson, Thomas G., 14, 16, 17, 63, 70.
Storrow, Samuel, 265, 288.
Stove-Pipe Battery, 192.
Streeter, Miss Carrie B., 236.
Streeter, Miss Julia, 236.
Sturtevant, Charles W., 271.
Subsequent Service, 269.
Sullivan, George, 1, 2.
Sullivan, Henry D., 28.
Sumner, Clarence, 28.
Surgeon's Call, 76, 234.
Surgical and Medical, 233.
Swett, Samuel, 1, 2, 6, 16.

Tackney, John, 192.
Tarboro', 109.
Taylor, Theodore E, 73.
Taylor, William A., 289.
Teague, Frank W., 272.
Tenth Connecticut, 70, 138.
Tewksbury, George H., 284.
Thanksgiving, 83.
Tibbetts, J. R., 38.
Tidd, Charles R., 2, 7.
Tilden, Joseph, 289.
Tisdale, Barney, 3.
Townsend, Albert W., 266, 286.
Trescott, Edward R., 273.
Tripp, George L., 28, 275.
Trout, Thomas K, 290.
Tucker, Charles E., 116, 277.
Tuttle, Horace P., 275.
Tweed, William H., 284.

364

INDEX.

Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, 17.
Tyler, Herbert, 289.
Universalist Society, Fifth, 236.
Vine Swamp road, 135.
Vose, Clifton H., 266, 275.
Voyage to New Berne, 41.
Voyage Home, 216.
Walcott, George P., 277.
Walker, E. Clifford, 273.
Wallace, Edwin A., 277.
Ward, Richard, 2, 7.
Ward, William, I.
Ware, Dr. Robert, 72, 177, 234, 236, 245.
Warren, Joshua B., 276.
Warren Street Society, 236.
Washington, description of, no, 162;
force and garrison, 163.
Waterman, Rodolph C, 30.
Weeks, George M., 288.
Weld, George M., 284.
Weld, Richard H., 72.
Welles, General, 3.
Wentworth, George A., 290.
Wessells, Gen. Henry W., 62.

West, Joseph, Jr., 3.
Weston, George, 284.
Whall,  , 217.
Wheeler, Charles E., 82, 104.
Wheelock, Merrill G., 82.
Wheelwright, George W., Jr., 278.
Whipple, Alonzo L., 272.
White, Benjamin F., 3.
White, Charles, 28.
White, Edward P., 278.
White, James C, 286.
Whitehall, 140, 145, 225.
Whitney, Parker, 14.
Whitney, William L., 278.
Whittemore, Curtis H., 273.
Widow Blount, 192.
Wilkins, Joseph F., 86.
Wilkinson, Stetson, & Co., 38.
Willard, Edward A., 273.
Williams, Robert P., 2.
Williamstown, 119, 126.
Willis, Massa, 2.
" Women and Children '' order, 98.
Wood, Charles, 266, 286.
Woodward, George M., 285.
Worthley, James, 278.
Wounded, list of, 247.
Wyeth, John J., 81, 100.

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