The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Third Massachusetts Regiment Volunteer Militia in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1863, by John Gray Gammons

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

Changes to the text are noted at the [end of the book.]

The Compiler, Rev. JOHN G. GAMMONS, Ph. D.

THE
THIRD MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT
VOLUNTEER MILITIA

In the War of the Rebellion,

1861-1863.

BY

Rev. JOHN G. GAMMONS, Ph. D.

PROVIDENCE:
Snow & Farnham Co., Printers.
1906.

DEDICATED

TO

COLONEL SILAS P. RICHMOND

WHOSE PRUDENCE,
DISCIPLINE, AND DEVOTION
TO THE
WELFARE OF THE MEN UNDER HIS COMMAND,
WON THEIR LASTING ESTEEM
AND AFFECTION.

By the Committee.

PREFACE.

To pick up the thread after it has been dropped; to supply the missing link after forty years; to step into the shoes of a dead comrade are things to be desired only by a conceited egotist, yet all these things were forced upon me by a unanimous vote of the Third Regimental Association at their annual meeting at Dighton Rock, in August, 1904.

The Rev. Charles Snow, the Association’s first choice (and no one was better fitted than he to write the history of the Third Regiment), having been its chaplain and therefore acquainted with all the facts in the history of the field and staff officers, as also with that of nearly all of the line officers, both before and after the war, was the man of all the officers in the regiment to compile the Regimental History and publish the same. Moreover, he was retired from active service and considered it a privilege rather than a duty to recall the past and again live over the days with the “boys in blue” with whom he had marched and suffered; but God had decreed otherwise, and so Chaplain Snow was called to the great camping ground above. He died at Taunton, Mass., Nov. 28, 1903, at the ripe age of seventy-four years.

Chaplain Snow had gathered much material and many facts relating to the outlines of the history of the regiment; he had written many letters and had chronicled their answers; yet at the time of his death only the history of Company A had been written. Several of the comrades appointed to write the history of their companies considered themselves incompetent for the task, and those who have written their company history had to be encouraged to finish their “course with joy.” Hundreds, if not thousands, of letters had to be written by the compiler and the writers of company histories, and in some instances it required all the elasticity of patience in waiting for an answer. But why wonder when we call to mind the many years since the close of the war, and the scattered condition of the young men who composed the rank and file of the Third Regiment. Some of them are treading the snows of Alaska and the ice flows of Point Barrows; some are bringing gold and silver from the mountains of Idaho, and oil from the valleys of Montana; some are in France, England, China, and many have answered the last roll call. Long, patient, and persistent has been the efforts of the writers of this history, to give to the comrades a book worthy to be placed in the libraries of every city and town in Massachusetts, and to be read by every surviving comrade and his descendants to the end of time.

No one claims that the history is complete; no doubt there are many interesting facts written in diaries lying dust-covered, which would add great interest could they be found; much valuable history was long ago committed to the fire in house-cleaning time as worthless. Yet notwithstanding all these things your Committee believe that they have given as full and complete a history as could be written at this late date, and with the conscious belief that they have done their duty to the best of their ability, they submit this volume to the comrades of the Third Regiment, their friends, and posterity.

“The cost of peace, Oh! who can tell its worth.

The prosperity of a united South and North,

The stain of slavery from the Old Flag gone,

The Nation living happy, united, strong.”

The compiler wishes to make mention of the great assistance rendered by Col. S. P. Richmond, Capt. William Mason, Lieutenant Lyle and Lieutenant Wilber, George A. Grant, Morton V. Bonney, and the writers of company histories, and corrected rosters up to date. We more than thank all for their work of patriotic effort with the one desire to serve the members of the Third Regiment, who served in the same from 1861 to 1863, and many of the same regiment who served in the various regiments and unattached companies until the close of the Rebellion. The aim of the compiler has been to make each chapter complete in its narrative and historical record, without referring to other chapters.

The Compiler,

Rev. Dr. John Gray Gammons.

CONTENTS.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

INTRODUCTORY.

At the annual reunion of the regimental association held in East Bridgewater, Aug. 6, 1903, the question of publishing the history of the Third Regiment was enthusiastically discussed and approved. Much valuable material had already been secured by one of the members and the prospect was bright and encouraging that an interesting and valuable narrative could be produced. A committee of ten, one from each company, was chosen to prepare histories and rosters of their respective companies, to aid in compiling the general history. It was unanimously voted that the work of compiling and publishing the history be committed to Chaplain Snow, under the supervision of the Committee. Several changes have since been found necessary to be made in the construction of the Committee, as some of the members first appointed were not able to do the work assigned them. No great delay, however, has been caused by these changes, and the preparation of the volume has been made with reasonable diligence and dispatch.

In compiling this work the writer has acted as annalist rather than author. This is usually the fact in the narration of history, but particularly so in the present case, since the work has been largely to arrange materials, and in many portions in nearly verbatim form, as they were furnished by others. The labor has proved an agreeable pastime and this is the only remuneration sought or desired. Should the volume receive a gratified welcome from the comrades who served with me in the old Third Regiment this fact will be regarded as bonus in addition.

The Third Regiment does not presume to claim, in any special sense, the honors of a very eventful career. Circumstances beyond its control made this impossible. Equipped with unserviceable arms, which were duly condemned but never exchanged for better ones, and being assigned mainly to garrison duty, the term of service of the Third Regiment was completed without the gravest hardships. I am sure, however, that the regiment had the esprit de corps requisite for the sternest military service and sacrifice. It only lacked the opportunity to prove itself. This proof has been given in a measure at least, by those who re-enlisted and did noble service in other regiments, particularly the Fifty-eighth.

I have been greatly assisted in the collection of materials, and in their verification, by many of my comrades, and their interest has been to me a decided stimulus. The names of the most prominent ones are given in connection with the articles which they have contributed.

Besides the valuable aid rendered by the Committee, especial commendation is due to Major A. S. Cushman of East Orange, N. J., whose contributions are of eminent value as matters of history.

Charles A. Snow,

Chaplain, 1862-’63.

————

Notes.—Cities and towns mentioned in this volume may be understood as being in Massachusetts. Otherwise the states are designated in which they are located.

The photos representing the field and staff officers, also the line officers, were taken at about the time of enlistment in 1862.

OUR FLAG.

“’Twas eighteen hundred sixty one, April the twelfth at six,

Old Sumter’s gates were firmly barred, and water filled the ditch;

And the sentinel with martial tread, the relief expected soon,

When upon the air so calm and still, there came a cannon boom.

“Beat the long roll,” the Major cried, “bid every man fall in,

Secession’s work so long delayed, the Rebels now begin;

But just as true as the Old Flag does from the flagstaff fly,

We’ll show the Rebs true Yankee grit, we’ll whip them or we’ll die.”

Boom! boom! the cannon loud did roar, the shot flew thick and fast,

And many a shell of a hundred pounds close to Old Glory passed.

Said Anderson, “My noble men, such things should never be,

Those stars of light, those bars of gold are emblems of the free.”

“That flag, the glory of our land, should we but pull it down,

Would make our mothers weep for shame, and our sweethearts on us frown.”

And every man he loud did shout, “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

No traitor’s hand shall touch that flag, or its glory ever mar!”

Our dear Old Flag, in darkest days, inspired the old war song,

“We’re coming Father Abraham, three hundred thousand strong.”

And when the mud of the Sacred Soil made weary soldiers lag,

Then new strength came to march again as we beheld the flag.

When on the field of Winchester, in the thickest of the fight,

The Stars and Stripes were seen aloft, it gave the soldiers might;

And when we all were driven back and thought we’d lost the day,

Then daring Sheridan came up, and unto us did say:

“Right about march, just follow me, I’m with you although late;

Fix bayonets, charge the Rebel lines, and all the ground retake.”

And every man, on foot, on horse, looked like a son of Mars,

As he shouted “Down the Rebel flag.” “Hurrah! the Stripes and Stars!”

At Gettysburg, our dear Old Flag was riddled by the shot

And men had fallen by the score, by roadside and in lot.

For three long days we fought the Rebs, repelling Pickett’s charge,

And the victory of the Old, Old Flag, did every heart enlarge.

When in our country’s darkest hour, our Grant was heard to say:

“Be true, my men, to the Old Flag, and you’ll shall see some day

That victory like the morning sun, will rise and on us shine,

For that Old Flag, so dear to me, I’ll fight upon this line.”

At Appomattox, in sixty five, we charged the Rebel lines,

And then in silence, there we stood waiting for further signs

Until we saw General Grant pass, in arm with General Lee,

For the Flag of Slavery had surrendered to the great Flag of the Free.

Then wave, Old Flag, wave evermore, our fathers fought for thee;

Thy very presence make us glad, as thy Stars and Stripes we see.

Thou art the sign of liberty, the glory of our land,

And long our institutions free, like bulwarks sure shall stand.

Sentinel of old, stand at thy post, and from the flagstaff fly;

For thee, and for thy honor bright, our comrades dared to die.

Receive the honors due to thee, and may we all be true

To the Stars and Stripes, our country’s flag: The Red, The White, The Blue.

By the Compiler.

CHAPTER I.

History of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 1861—Three Months’ Service.

“Pride of New England! Soul of our fathers!

Shrink we all craven-like, when the storm gathers?

What though the tempest be over us lowering,

Where’s the New Englander shamefully cowering?

Graves green and holy around us are lying,—

Free were the sleepers all, living and dying!

If we whispered the truth, whisper no longer;

Speak as the tempest does, sterner and stronger;

Still be the tones of truth louder and firmer,

Startling the haughty South with the deep murmur;

God and our charter’s right, freedom forever!

Truce with oppression, never, O, never!”

J. G. Whittier.

The Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, as its number seems to indicate, claims relationship with the earliest forces of the Commonwealth. The claim is well sustained by the fact that seven companies from Bristol and Plymouth counties helped to compose the original regiment, and became the nucleus of the Third Regiment which served in the Civil War. These seven companies were:

Company A, Halifax Light Infantry.

Organized in 1792, receiving its charter from John Hancock, then Governor of Massachusetts. The officers at that time were: Capt. Asa Thompson, First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr., Second Lieut. Charles P. Lyon.

Captain Thompson was a mighty man of valor, of gigantic proportions, being six feet and seven inches in height in normal condition, and eight feet with his captain’s cap on. On parade and muster this company attracted attention, not only by the Saul-like appearance of its captain, but also by the large bearskin caps worn by the officers and men. Tradition says that when Captain Thompson marched his army across South Boston bridge, throngs of men, women, and children collected to see “the giant” and his men, and not a few trembled with fear lest the bridge should not be able to support the captain and his great company.

When called into service in 1861 this company was officered by Capt. Joseph S. Harlow, of Middleboro; First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr., of Kingston; Second Lieut. Charles P. Lyon, of Halifax.

Company B, Standish Guards, of Plymouth.

At the opening of the War this company was officered by Capt. C. C. Doten, of Plymouth; First Lieut. Otis Rogers, of Plymouth; Second Lieut. William B. Alexander, of Boston. Officers and men, 69.

Company C, Cambridge Light Infantry.

Capt. James P. Richardson; First Lieut. Samuel E. Chamberlain; Second Lieut. Edward F. Richardson. Officers and men, 97.

Company G, Assonet Light Infantry, of Freetown.

Organized in 1850. Capt. John W. Marble; First Lieut. Humphrey A. Francis; Second Lieut. John M. Dean. Officers and men, 24.

Company H, Samoset Guards, Plympton.

On entering the three months’ service this company had as its officers: Capt. Lucian L. Perkins; First Lieut. Oscar E. Washburn, of Plympton; Second Lieut. Southworth, of Middleboro. Officers and men, 56.

Company K, Bay State Light Infantry.

Capt. William S. McFarlin, of South Carver; First Lieut. John Dunham, of North Carver; Second Lieut. John L. Porter, of New Bedford. Officers and men, 62.

Company L, City Guards.

Organized in 1853. Capt. Timothy Ingraham, of New Bedford; First Lieut. James Barton, of New Bedford; Second Lieut. Austin S. Cushman, of New Bedford. Officers and men, 78.

Third Regiment Infantry, Three Months’ Men.

[Furnished by Major Cushman.]

This regiment was under the command of Col. D. W. Wardrop, and was composed of troops residing in localities more widely separated from their commander’s headquarters and from Boston than any other regiment in the State, and therefore in any comparisons which may be made with other troops regarding the relative rapidity of their mobilization in responding to the President’s call for troops, this fact becomes important.

It was on the afternoon of Monday, April 15th, that Special Order, No. 14, was issued by Governor Andrew and dispatched by mail, and a special messenger sent to the respective colonels of the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Regiments. The colonel of the Third resided in New Bedford, a distance of fifty-six miles from Boston; that of the Fourth in Quincy, eleven miles; that of the Fifth in Medford, five miles; that of the Sixth in Pepperell, about thirty-seven miles, and that of the Eighth in Lynn, eleven miles. The order was received by Colonel Wardrop the same evening, and at once promulgated to Company L, and some members of his staff were dispatched to convey his orders to the other companies. Horace Scott, President of the Fairhaven Railroad, gratuitously tendered a special train as far as Tremont for the messengers going to Halifax, Carver, Plympton, and Plymouth. The last named place was fifty-eight miles from New Bedford, not accessible at that time of night by railroad, nor were the other places above named, yet Company A received its orders at two A. M., April 16th, and Company B received its orders at three A. M., April 16th, and both companies reported in Boston at noon of the same day. It has not been possible to ascertain when Company G at Freetown received its orders, but it is credited with having reported for duty “promptly.” The same may be said of Company H, of Plympton, and Company K, of Carver. The Freetown company had to travel forty-eight miles by rail, the Plympton and Carver companies thirty miles, and the Halifax company twenty-eight miles, after leaving their homes scattered miles apart and distant from the stations. It is surprising that with the limited railroad facilities of those days and without modern means of intercommunication by telegraph or telephone, in the midst of a cold spring northeaster, over roads almost impassible with mud and thawing snow, that the orders should have been so rapidly transmitted and so promptly obeyed.

Col. David W. Wardrop was proficient in military tactics. He had first served as lance corporal in the old Boston Fusileers, and afterwards belonged to the City Guards of New Bedford. Some credited him with having a West Point education. At all events, he was in his element when performing any military duty, and inspired his men with confidence in his military ability. He was prompt, courageous, and energetic, but his regiment was small and widely scattered over two counties. At the time of promulgating Special Orders, No. 14, it consisted of but six companies, yet he strove with the governor for the honor of being the first regiment to leave the State.

Captain Richardson’s company from Cambridge was attached to the regiment April 16th as Company C, and on May 9th at Fortress Monroe Captain Chipman’s company from Sandwich, Capt. Charles C. Doten’s company from Plymouth, Capt. W. D. Chamberlain’s company from Lynn, and Capt. J. K. Tyler’s company from Boston, all three years’ companies, were temporarily assigned to the Third Regiment, and designated as Companies D, E, I, and M, respectively.

The original companies, including Company C, embarked on the steamer S. R. Spaulding April 17th, from Central Wharf, in the early evening and dropped down the harbor to await supplies. She sailed under sealed orders the next forenoon, to find when nine miles out that her destination was Fortress Monroe, which was reached at eleven A. M., Saturday, April 20th, after a voyage of forty-seven and one-half hours.

That afternoon the regiment embarked on the gunboat Pawnee, and at five o’clock proceeded to Gosport Navy Yard under orders from Washington to destroy the dry dock construction houses and all vessels and munitions of war which could not be secured against seizure by the rebels. As they approached their destination in the darkness the vessels there were uncertain whether the unexpected troops were friends or foes of the Union, and so the Pawnee and all on board were for a while exposed to imminent peril of instant destruction by a broadside from the Pennsylvania and a raking fire from the Cumberland, whose crews and some of whose officers remained loyal to the Union, and stood with shotted guns and lanyards in hand breathlessly awaiting some sign by which the character of the mission of the approaching troops could be assured. Finally the repeated hail of the Pawnee’s boatswain convinced the loyal sailors that loyal troops had come to their support, and then the night air re-echoed with enthusiastic shouts and added volume to the inspiring strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” which was played by the splendid band on the quarter-deck of the Pennsylvania.

Time has satisfied the public that the place could have been held and the enormous loss avoided, which resulted from the attempt at destruction. It speaks well for the Third that its colonel was of that opinion at the time and volunteered to hold it with his small force until re-enforced. Commodore Paulding, however, felt compelled by his orders to decide otherwise, and soon buildings and ships were aflame as the various details proceeded with their several tasks. Even the detail taken from Company B to assist in mining the dry dock were driven from their work before its entire accomplishment by the extreme heat. Two companies, A and B, were on guard as a reserve, as it was known that two rebel companies were at Norfolk. Other details threw cutlasses, sabres, shot and shell into the river, and every man worked energetically at his allotted task in the light of the great conflagration until he was aboard the Pawnee for return to Fortress Monroe, where she arrived Sunday, April 21st, at six A. M. Thus the Third had been the first northern volunteer troop to land aggressively on Southern soil.

The duties at Fortress Monroe were very arduous and fatiguing, and consisted in strengthening its defences and unloading, handling, and storing the enormous amount of provisions and other supplies for troops, which it was foreseen must be concentrated there and in that vicinity. The regiment won the favor of the regulars, both officers and men, by its excellent discipline, strict attention paid to the details of guard duty and its precision in infantry drill. Colonel Dimick, the commandant, complimented Colonel Wardrop on commanding such a regiment, though the guard at sea battery had fired at the boat in which Colonel Dimick was returning from the Minnesota and wounded the coxswain near whom Colonel Dimick was seated, for not answering his hail the night before.

As soon as contrabands came into our lines in sufficient numbers (and Company G has the honor of turning in the first three, who applied for protection to Charles R. Haskins, of Myricksville, while on picket), they were assigned to the heavier labors of the quartermaster’s department. The regiment was thus enabled to pay more attention to its ordinary military duties. May 13th two companies and a fieldpiece held Hampton bridge, and May 24th Companies B and M made a reconnoissance with General Butler and took two prisoners. June 8th Companies B and C with loaded muskets suppressed insubordination in the Naval Brigade. They were finally relieved by Company E June 17th.

July 1st the regiment was ordered to occupy Hampton during the remainder of its term, and Companies A, B, and C, constituted the main guard. Here during the remainder of its term it gained experience in entrenching with the thermometer at 114 degrees, and scouting with the thermometer one degree higher. On one occasion (July 5th) Companies L, B, and E, with a howitzer battery, were stationed on picket all night and an attack was expected. July 14th a private of Company E was shot and beaten, but not killed, when outside our lines. On July 16th the regiment marched to Fortress Monroe and embarked on the steamer Cambridge for Boston. On the 19th touched at Long Wharf and was ordered into camp at Long Island. On the 22d the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States. The next day it landed at Boston, marched to the Common amid great enthusiasm, and was dismissed. It had never failed to discharge its duty.

CHAPTER II.

History of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia—Nine Months’ Service in North Carolina, 1862-3.

This Regiment was, in fact, what its name represents, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia; not one drafted man was in its ranks. It was made up almost entirely of men from Bristol and Plymouth counties; young men who were raised in good homes and educated in the schools of Massachusetts. Quite a number were attending either high schools, seminaries, or colleges, or were graduates of the same. When the call was made for three hundred thousand men they left home, not for what they would get, but for what they would save; they went not for pay, but from principle; they went not because they were spoiling for a fight, but to save the country which they believed would be spoiled should they stay at home. It should be remembered that at this time there was no large bounties paid to recruits; indeed, few towns paid but a small bounty, and many towns paid no bounty to induce men to go to war; therefore, those who enlisted in 1862 enlisted from patriotic principles.

It is fair to say that the Third Regiment was composed of as good men as ever shouldered a musket or wore a sword. Many of the officers had seen service in the three months’ regiments and in the State militia, and therefore were the better prepared to do efficient service in the nine months’ campaign. Both officers and men were loyal soldiers, true patriots, ever ready to serve their country and defend Old Glory. So far as known each officer and private always responded to orders, and faithfully performed the duties confided to him, whether pleasant and easy, or hazardous and hard. Each went when and where ordered, and did his duties without grumbling or “showing the white feather.” If at any time one was afraid he had the good sense to keep it to himself. If any one felt that he was selected to fill a position of unusual danger, he was wise enough to keep his own counsel, do his duty to the best of his ability, and acquit himself like a man.

This regiment was recruited in the months of August and September, 1862, and as soon as each company was filled it went into Camp Joe Hooker. This camp, situated in the town of Lakeville, some three miles south of the village of Middleboro, occupied a large field near a beautiful pond, which was accessible to all who wished to enjoy the luxury of a daily bath. The camp was ample for forty companies to drill at one time. Here the companies were drilled in the setting-up drill, company movements, and practical guard duty. On the 23d of September the companies were mustered into the United States service by a regular army officer, and soon after were furloughed for one week, that they might visit their friends before going to the front. All but two men returned within the time of their furlough, one of whom deserted the service; the other was returned by the provost guard after the regiment reached Newbern, N. C.

October 22d the regiment left Camp Joe Hooker and marched to the Lakeville depot, where they took cars for Boston. Marching to Long Wharf the right wing embarked on the steam transport Merrimac, and the left on the steamer Mississippi, for Newbern. Each of these steamers had on board one other full regiment, so that each steamer was taking out fifteen hundred men. One has only to imagine the crowded condition of the ships, when nearly the whole number were on deck at the same time, yet during the voyage there were no rows, no curse words, and no swaggering braggadocio. The sail down Boston Bay and around Cape Cod was anything but agreeable; many of the boys unwillingly paid their respects to Old Neptune. The remainder of the voyage was over a sea as smooth as a mill pond.

Captain Baxter, of Hyannis, captain of the Merrimac, was the right man for the place he occupied. A born commander, he easily controlled not only his own officers and crew, but all on shipboard. There was no want that he could not supply. Was there contention as to which companies should first be served with cooked rations? He could determine to the satisfaction of all. Was there a clamor for fresh water? He would say, “Boys, I am condensing sixteen hundred gallons of water for you every twenty-four hours, and here you are shouting as if you were in an old-fashioned Methodist meeting,” and the boys would answer, “Yes, captain, but the water is too hot to drink,” and he would reply, “I have on board fourteen hundred barrels of pure Cochituate water, which I brought for you, call one of your officers and break out as much as you please.” Then taking his violin he would play and sing some home song which would pacify every discordant element and make everyone feel happy.

Early on the morning of October 22d the shores of North Carolina were seen like a cloud rising from the ocean, and Captain Baxter remarked, “There is the land I expected to make at six o’clock this morning.” When within three miles of Beaufort harbor we encountered a strong southeast gale and it was with difficulty that the pilot boarded our ship. As it was his boat was smashed into pieces. When entering the harbor we were shown Fort Macon, which General Burnside in his early campaign had taken, and which Federal troops now occupied. At Morehead City we embarked on flat open cars for Newbern, and were shown the early battle grounds where General Burnside contested his right to enter and hold Newbern.

Leaving the cars at the depot the Third Regiment marched to its camping ground on the east bank of the Neuse River, and near the city of Newbern. Here the regiment was given a hearty welcome by Captain Hart, of the Twenty-third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. This officer had erected tents and put the camp in fine order for the Third Regiment. Colonel Lee, also of the Twenty-seventh, extended greetings. Later on the Third was for a short time attached to his brigade, until transferred to the brigade of Col. J. Jourdan, where it continued during its term of service.

Camp equipage and arms were received in a short time and the regiment was drilled several hours daily. Nearly all the drilling was the manual of arms, battalion and brigade movements. The arms distributed to the Third were not up to the standard. They were said to be Austrian rifle muskets captured from a blockade runner. Great improvements were made on them by the regimental and company armorers; yet the Confederate loss promised little gain to the Union forces, except in the moral force of showing that the regiment had arms and was prepared to use them at close quarters, at least when occasion required. These arms were duly condemned by an inspecting officer and efforts made to exchange them for serviceable ones, but without success.

A variety of duties attested the intelligence and endurance of the regiment as a whole, and of its companies on detached service. October 30th Companies A and B were detached for picket duty at Newport Barracks, where they remained for more than a month, during which time they with a platoon of cavalry and a battery made an expedition to Peltier’s Mills, and for the first time learned the superiority of army shoes on the march in contrast to stylish boots.

Picket duty taught the boys how to find their own beef and pork, and occasionally honey, which abounded in that part of North Carolina. In garrison duty, reconnoissances, engineering work, exhausting marches sometimes with the thermometer ranging over one hundred in the shade and the dust inches deep, and on the field of battle, the skill and bravery of the regiment was well displayed. One company sent to build a bridge over Bachelor’s Creek were so efficient in construction work that they finished their work and returned to camp in two days, notwithstanding it was supposed to take one company a month to accomplish the job. Many of the men of that company were bridge builders before the war.

Thirty men sent to do picket duty at Creek No. 1 held that station for three months, although they were constantly in fear of being surprised, and nearly all the time slept with their muskets beside them.

November 11th our pickets at Deep Gully were attacked and the Third Regiment were under arms all night. November 30th Company I was detailed for duty at Plymouth and Elizabeth City, N. C., where it did garrison duty five months, and suffered special casualties during a siege by the Confederates, losing in killed, wounded, and prisoners nearly thirty men. (See [history of Company I].) At different times nearly every company in the regiment were detailed for picket or special duty. (See Company history.) During the month of December, 1862, the Third Regiment rendered good service in connection with the expedition made by General Foster into the interior of North Carolina, the object being to cut the Confederate means of supplies by the Wilmington and Goldsboro railroad.

The following is a verbatim report of General Foster to the War Department. The accompanying sketch will help the reader to understand the march of the expedition and the battles fought.

[ click here for larger image.]

D.
SKETCH
showing route pursued in the advance to
GOLDSBORO, N. C. in Dec. 1862.

From the report of Maj.-Gen. J. G. Foster, to the Joint Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War. Copied from the report of that Committee, printed by the Government, supplement, part 2, page 11, of General Foster’s report:

“Expedition to Goldsboro, North Carolina, in December, 1862.”

“General Burnside having moved the army of the Potomac towards the Rappahannock with the intention of crossing, I was ordered by Major-General Halleck, general-in-chief of the armies of the United States, to advance with my whole available force and destroy the railroad bridge at Goldsboro, and as much of the track as possible; the movement to be made simultaneous with the crossing at Fredericksburg. Accordingly, having been reinforced by one brigade from Major-General Dix’s corps at Fortress Monroe, I advanced from Newbern on the 12th of December, 1862, with four brigades and forty pieces of artillery, in all about twelve thousand men. After removing the obstructions placed in the roads of the retreating rebels, I pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which surprised the main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in. Under cover of this feint the main body was moved rapidly by the left so as to strike Southwest Creek at the most westerly of the four bridges that cross it. As anticipated this bridge was found weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in front a regiment was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by a vigorous and unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding the bridge, and thus opened it to our advance. This was late at night. At daylight on the following morning we advanced upon Kinston. The enemy was encountered in a chosen position on the south side of the Neuse River, where the road crossed a swamp closely filled with thick undergrowth. The enemy occupied a ridge just beyond the swamp. For over two hours our attack failed to dislodge the enemy. Finally, after strong demonstrations on both flanks, a decisive effort was made in the centre, in which one of my best regiments, the Tenth Connecticut Volunteers, gallantly charged through the enemy’s line and seized and held the bridge over the Neuse, in the rear. The enemy then broke. A part retreated rapidly up the south bank of the Neuse; the remainder were captured. We crossed the river at once and occupied Kinston. General Evans rapidly retreated, with the garrison of the defences of the town, up the north bank of the river, closely pursued by our cavalry. We captured during the day seven hundred prisoners, nine pieces of artillery, four heavy guns, and a large quantity of ammunition, which being stored in houses in the town, we could only partially destroy without destroying the town. The information obtained at Kinston went to show that General Burnside had been repulsed at Fredericksburg; that General Lee had telegraphed Gen. G. W. Smith, at Goldsboro; that he could send him thirty thousand men, if necessary, to resist our advance; and that strong defences had been constructed at Mosely Hall and other points where the road crosses difficult streams. Believing, however, that by deceiving the enemy and rapid marching, the object of the expedition could be attained, I determined to go on. As a feint, the army was pushed out a few miles on the Goldsboro road and encamped. At daylight it retraced its steps, crossed the river, burnt the bridge behind it, and rapidly marched up the south bank. At Whitehall a sharp affair took place. A rebel gunboat was being built at that point and a considerable force was there to defend it and prevent our crossing. Every attempt to cross infantry to burn the boat failed. All the artillery was then opened and soon completely riddled the vessel. It served also to give the impression that an attempt to force a crossing was made. Leaving a few men to keep up that impression, the main body marched rapidly up the river and reached the railroad bridge as the smoke was seen ascending from the Mount Olive station, which the cavalry had destroyed. The enemy was not prepared for us; their force was scattered; large numbers had been detached towards Whitehall and Kinston. The brigade on the south side at the bridge was soon whipped and driven from the field. The bridge was burned despite the efforts of the force collecting on the north bank; and before any considerable concentration could be made to disturb us, we had destroyed several miles of the track. As the column moved off on its return, having accomplished its purpose, a brigade made an attack on our rear guard, which repulsed it with severe loss. After that no attack was made and the column returned quietly to Newbern. The force in the department of North Carolina was now increased and constituted by the President, the Eighteenth Army Corps, under my command.”

While General Foster’s report is a most excellent one, still it must be remembered that it is a report made from the standpoint of the whole expedition, and deals little with particulars only as seen in battles. It remains for the writer of the Third Regiment to state the part taken by that regiment in the expedition.

On Dec. 11, 1862, at six A. M., in a dense fog, the Third Regiment formed line on the left of General Lee’s brigade, the third brigade in the column. No secrets were withheld from the boys. Everyone knew that a march was before them, that fighting was expected and hardships were anticipated, yet every officer and man cheerfully responded to the order, “March!”

The obstacles mentioned by General Foster in his report were great trees felled across the road for several hundred yards, and it was impossible to pass until such obstacles were removed. This was soon accomplished by our “Black Pioneer Brigade.” Another obstacle was that nearly every bridge which crossed creeks and rivers was guarded by rebel pickets, who fired the bridges just before they retreated, making it impossible for either infantry or artillery to pass until the bridges were rebuilt, save in a few instances where the rivers were fordable. Over some parts of the march great turpentine trees were on fire, which falling across the road made marching that way quite dangerous; yet through fire and water the expedition made twelve miles the first day, notwithstanding our skirmishers were in constant action with the rebel pickets. Never were men more glad than the Third Regiment when ordered to bivouac for the night, and never was mattress or feather bed more acceptable than “Mother Earth” to the boys that night. Both fires and loud talking were forbidden. All save the men on picket duty slept; slept like tired children.

Friday the Third was detailed to guard the baggage train, which it faithfully did until twelve at night. All this day our advance were face to face with the rebel pickets, which in some instances showed stubborn resistance; in others but a semblance of resistance, but always burned the bridges they were defending before retiring towards Kinston. These men seemed to be possessed more with the spirit of burning than with the spirit of patriotism.

Consulting the sketch map you will find that when the column had passed Muscleshell Creek and Resolution Bayou the army had taken the Trent road (the most direct road from Newbern to Kinston) until near Bear Creek. It was from this point that General Foster “pushed a cavalry force directly toward Kinston, which surprised the main picket guard of the enemy and drove it in, into its fortified position south of Kinston. Under cover of this feint the main body was moved rapidly by the left so as to strike Southwest Creek at the most westerly of the four bridges that cross it. As anticipated this bridge was found weakly guarded. While occupying this guard in front a regiment was thrown across the creek on a milldam, which by a vigorous and unexpected charge captured the artillery guarding the bridge, and thus opened it to our advance.” It has been learned on good authority that the regiment which made the above mentioned charge was the Ninth New Jersey. This bit of information can be found in the Adjutant-General’s report of Massachusetts in the report of the Twenty-third Massachusetts Regiment and reads like this: “The Ninth New Jersey crossed through the old mill, charged the enemy, captured two pieces of artillery, and the rebels retreated.” General Foster says, “this was late at night.” “At daylight the following morning (Sunday) we advanced upon Kinston.” It should be remembered that the column after passing Wine Creek abandoned the main road leading to Kinston, took an unfrequented turpentine road through the woods, and came upon the right flank of the Confederate army, which was in line on the opposite side of the swamp, where their batteries were posted to resist our advance on Kinston. The road through this swamp was as straight as an arrow and covered with water nearly a foot deep. The position of the Third Regiment on the opposite side of the swamp was near the hospital and the sight of the dead and wounded was anything but reassuring, as they were carried to the rear; yet when the order was given “Forward!” not a man flinched, and the Third Regiment went through the swamp on the double-quick. The first brigade having turned the rebels’ right, and captured a battery and several hundred prisoners there was little left for the Third to do but to join in the shout of victory, view the prisoners, sympathize with the wounded in the Old Baptist Church, view the dead in the woods, and march into Kinston. As we marched over the beautiful bridge which spans the Neuse River, we saw the wise generalship of General Foster in coming upon Kinston through the swamp instead of the main road, where the rebels had erected earthworks and mounted guns, which would command the road for more than two miles.

Our place of bivouac in Kinston was on the park, which was enclosed by a rail fence, five rails high. Captain Grant, of Company C, Third Regiment, being officer of the day, gave strict orders that only the topmost rails should be taken. This order was so strictly obeyed that in the morning not a vestige of the fence remained; each man had taken only the top rail.

Words fail to describe the things seen on that park the next morning, feather and straw beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, and bed clothes of nearly all kinds and description, china tea-sets, bottles of perfumery, and almost everything in the housekeeping line. Tobacco and cigars could be had without the asking. Feathers were seen all over the ground, indicating that someone had been engaged in the poultry business on an immense scale during the night.

The bugle sounded very early and the command recrossed the bridge and resumed the march towards Goldsboro. An old colored woman standing by the roadside raised her hands as we were passing and shouted, “You honeys of Lincoln’s army need fear nothing from nobody between here and Richmond! De good Lawd bless you all!”

At Whitehall we again encountered the Confederate forces, which General Foster handsomely outwitted. He gave them the impression that his whole force was engaged, while the fact was that only a few regiments with nearly all his batteries were in action; the bulk of the command were pushing on toward Goldsboro. Failing to find any way for the infantry to cross the river and burn the gunboat in the process of building, orders were given for all the batteries to concentrate their fire on the gunboat, which was soon destroyed. A few men were left to keep up the impression that it was General Foster’s purpose to cross the river, the main army marching rapidly on toward Goldsboro.

At Everettsville we again came upon the rebel pickets, who fled without firing a gun. Shells from our battery hastened their retreat toward the railroad bridge. This they crossed and joined the main force, which so far as we could learn were in the woods near the railroad. After shelling the woods for nearly three hours, the Third Regiment was ordered to take position near the Wilmington railroad and parallel with it. Here it remained until a railroad monitor was destroyed by our batteries and the railroad bridge burned; then we were ordered to stack arms and proceed to tear up the track and burn the ties. This order was executed with such vigor that in less than one hour three miles of ties were on fire. Had the rebels not lost their heads they could have captured the Third Regiment, for it was without arms. As it was, Captain Marble, of Company A, barely escaped being captured by a rebel picket post in the woods, not a hundred yards from the railroad.

After executing its orders the regiment was ordered to its arms and marched back over the hill. While here it was reported that the enemy was advancing with a flag of truce and a company of cavalry went to receive it. Judge our surprise when it was fired upon by a rebel brigade, ambushed on the opposite side of the railroad. Immediately the brigade crossed the railroad and charged on Morrison’s and Belger’s batteries. At this time the writer was standing near Captain Belger and heard that officer say, “There they come, now we will have some fun,” and, without waiting for orders from General Lee, the commander of the only brigade then on the field (the so-called rear guard), Captain Belger gave the order, “Action front, double shotted canister! Load! Aim! Fire!” At this time the enemy were within two hundred yards of his guns and the Third Regiment was supporting this and Morrison’s Battery, with their two batteries firing upon the advancing brigade. I need not say that they were long in wiping it out. Two other brigades which charged on the left centre of our brigade were soon driven back in disorder.

It is supposed that seeing Morrison’s and Belger’s batteries still on the field, they thought it a fine thing to capture those two popular batteries; it being quite dark they did not notice that these batteries were supported by infantry. Moreover, they had opened a mill gate, which created a torrent through which the batteries must pass in going from the field, but they were too badly punished to follow out their plans. When the Third came to the stream they found it a roaring torrent; yet through the icy cold water they went, and when the whole brigade with the batteries were over, we were only too glad to be told that we would have to march ten miles before bivouacking for the night. At nine o’clock we reached the main army and laid down in our frozen clothes until the following morning, when we began our march toward Newbern. We reached Newbern without molestation on the twenty-first day of December, having been absent eleven days, and having marched over one hundred and fifty miles.

In the engagements had the only casualties suffered by the Third as reported, were six wounded. By special order of General Foster the names of “Kinston,” “Whitehall,” and “Goldsboro” were inscribed upon the regimental flag.

December 30th the Third Regiment was attached to General Heckman’s brigade in anticipation of going further south, but when inspected by Captain Abel, of General Heckman’s staff, the arms were found to be of such poor quality that they were for the second time condemned, and failing to get them replaced by good arms, General Heckman sent the following communication to Colonel Richmond:

To Colonel S. P. Richmond, Commanding Third Regiment, M. V. M., Headquarters First Brigade, Nagle’s Division, Newbern, N. C., Jan. 12, 1863.

Colonel: In the report of my Assistant Adjutant-General who inspected your regiment last muster, the arms you now have were condemned. I have made every effort since to have the arms changed to retain you in my brigade, but time would not permit and another regiment has been assigned.

Accept my regrets that your regiment was not in condition to remain (as regards equipments). The soldierly appearance and conduct of your officers have made a favorable impression, and I part with you with regret.

Very respectfully yours,
C. A. HECKMAN,
Brigadier-General Commanding First Brigade,
Nagle’s Division, Eighteenth Army Corps.

General Foster says, “The Third Regiment always obeys orders and performs all its duties promptly and without grumbling.” General Prince says, “The Third Massachusetts Regiment and its commander can be trusted with important duties with a certainty that they will be performed promptly and well.” Colonel Jourdan says, “The Third Regiment is always ready for duty.”

On January 28th the regiment moved to Camp Jourdan, near Fort Totten. This location was not a desirable one; neither was the ground in a condition for the dwelling place of men. It was considered a very unhealthy locality, but it was one of the most important points in the defences of Newbern. The first thing done was the removal of more than five hundred cords of the refuse from stables, dumped there. Many ditches were made, the camp graded and trees planted until the medical director pronounced it one of the cleanest, prettiest, and most healthy camps near Newbern, and he also made a report to that effect, complimenting the regimental commander and medical staff highly.

March 6th the regiment was ordered to go with General Prince’s division on an expedition into Jones and Onslow counties, where they remained five days. The Third with other troops under command of Colonel Richmond was twice detailed for important detached service, and received the thanks of General Prince for the able manner in which the duty was performed. Several hundred prisoners were taken and brought to Newbern. While the men were quite affable, the officers were very sullen and did not care to talk with “Yankee mudsills.”

In the attack at Deep Gully, March 14th, and also on Fort Anderson, on the opposite side of the Neuse, the Third were under marching orders until the next day at one P. M., and then went on a reconnoissance to Pollocksville, returning to camp on the evening of the 16th in the rain, with the mud more than a foot deep. So muddy were the roads that the regiment was eight hours marching ten miles.

On the 17th Companies A, B, K, and H were ordered to march to Deep Gully for picket duty, where they remained eight days. They were relieved by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York Regiment, and marched back to Newbern.

From April 2d on until the time of leaving this department (except when on expeditions), the Third Regiment furnished a detail of one hundred and fifty men daily for intrenchment work.

April 5th orders were received to march to Foster’s Wharf with three days’ rations. The regiment was there on time, expecting to go to Washington, N. C., but at six P. M., orders were received from General Foster to go back to camp.

April 7th at six P. M. orders were received to march immediately with three days’ rations, and the regiment proceeded to Foster’s Wharf, were transported across the Neuse River, and bivouacked for the night. The next day we joined a column commanded by General Spinola, and made a forced march to Blount’s Creek, rear of Washington, to attempt to break the siege and relieve General Foster, who was there at the time. At the point of attack it was found that the rebels occupied a strong position on a hill, the only approach being a narrow defile with heavy woods on either side. These conditions at the outset forbade hope of success. An engagement was made, the Third taking part in the movement, but they were met by so fierce a fire from the rebel batteries on the hill that it was thought expedient to retire. Captain Belger’s horse was shot under him, and he was severely wounded, yet as he passed Colonel Richmond he said, “Give it to them, Colonel, we’ll pay them off for this.” Later we were informed that the rebels, believing that the Yankees would play some Yankee trick on them, left their position from fear of a flank movement. Of one thing we were assured, the siege of Washington was raised, and General Foster returned to Newbern. This expedition was regarded as the most adventurous and exhausting of any in which the Third participated during its term of service. More than thirty miles were covered by a hurried march and the battle fought on the same day. So exhausted were the men that several had to be assisted to the place of bivouac for the night.

April 13th Company D was sent on an expedition by steamer, forty miles down the Neuse River, to explore the opposite shore. On leaving, General Foster said, “I want you to go down the river on a pleasure trip; it may be, however, that you will find other than pleasure somewhere.” The company obeyed orders, but finding no rebels, it returned the following night.

April 16th the Third Regiment received orders to march with a column under General Prince to Core Creek, where it remained six days, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the enemy. It was this movement combined with another column on the opposite side of the Neuse River, which caused the rebels to evacuate their positions in front of Washington, North Carolina, thereby relieving the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from their uncomfortable position.

May 11th four companies were detailed for picket duty at Deep Gully, where they remained ten days.

May 23d orders were received at eight P. M. to march immediately to a certain point near Batchelder’s Creek, and await orders. Arriving at the point indicated they rested on arms. This hurried movement was made in consequence of our pickets being driven in, and Colonel Jones, commander of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania, being killed during the engagement. The enemy having retired during the night, the regiment was ordered back to Newbern. This march was made through the dust six inches deep, and with the thermometer one hundred and ten degrees in the shade. We arrived in Newbern at twelve o’clock, a tired, besmeared, dust covered lot of soldiers.

May 31st four companies marched to Deep Gully for picket duty, but being relieved by a detachment from Lee’s brigade, they returned to Newbern the same evening.

Newbern was twice threatened with assault, apparently for the purpose of retaking the city. The first occurred on the evening of Nov. 11, 1862, while the main army was absent on a reconnoitring march to Tarboro, in the northern part of the state, leaving the Third almost alone in the defence of the city. The regiment was under arms all night, and re-enforcements were brought up from Newport. The alarm was caused by a fierce attack made upon the pickets at Deep Gully, a few miles out on the Trent road, one man being killed and several wounded. The regiments that had been absent for nearly two weeks were now returning and the rebels withdrew the following day.

The second assault was made on March 14, 1863, operating from different directions; one by the way of the Trent road, the other approaching from across the Neuse River. The latter division was vigorously handled by the garrison at Fort Anderson, on the north bank of the river, and by gunboats, and finally repulsed. Many shells were thrown into the city, some of which tore up the ground occupied by the Third Regiment but a little time before as their camp. A flag of truce was sent asking the surrender of the city, but General Foster’s answer was, “If you want Newbern, come and take it.” These assaults seemed to be more like “feelers” of the Union strength than any serious menace to Newbern.

Various places were garrisoned and much picket duty done by the Third Regiment, besides the services already mentioned, which proved the fidelity of both officers and men, and the readiness of the regiment to measure up at all times to the trusts committed to its keeping.

Being ordered to Boston, Mass., the regiment left Newbern June 11, 1863. As they marched from their camp to the place of taking train and boat, they were escorted by the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York Volunteers, preceded by the band of the Forty-ninth Massachusetts Regiment, General Foster and Colonel Jourdan honoring the column by a standing review. The Forty-fifth and Forty-first Massachusetts Regiments were in line on the other side of the Trent River, and cheered us with music and voice on our homeward journey. Seven companies went by rail to Morehead and embarked on the steamer S. R. Spaulding. Three companies with the sick went on board the steamer Tillie, at Newbern, and sailed by the way of Roanoake Sound. The voyage for the most part was rough and most of the officers were seasick until we rounded the shores of Cape Cod, when the sea became smooth, and new life was imparted to all.

Landing in Boston we received a very enthusiastic reception by her citizens and were escorted to the Common by the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Rifle Club. The Governor being absent, Adjutant-General Schouler reviewed the column from the State House steps, after which the regiment marched to Beach Street barracks and partook of a collation. At one P. M. the regiment took the cars for Camp Joe Hooker, but being furloughed on the train and ordered to report in camp on the 22d, each man turned his face toward the old home and the dear ones he had left there when he went to serve his country.

June 22d the regiment reported at camp, where it remained until the 26th and was mustered out of the service by Capt. J. K. Lawrence, being dismissed by a complimentary and affecting speech from Colonel Richmond. The men dispersed quietly, maintaining their excellent character and discipline to the last. Many of these men showed their patriotism by re-enlisting, some going the third and fourth time.

During the campaign the regiment was transported by steamer and railroad more than two thousand miles, and marched more than four hundred miles over the swampy roads of North Carolina, most of this being done during the inclement season. It bivouacked upon the ground without shelter when the water froze in canteens, and also marched when the thermometer ranged at one hundred and twelve degrees in the shade. During the most of the time more than two hundred men were furnished for extra duty, as mechanics, and quite a number were detailed as overseers of contrabands and other duties of a governmental nature. The regiment which left home with a roster of one thousand and fifteen men returned with nine hundred and twenty-seven.

“Oh Life! Oh Death! Oh World! Oh Time!

Oh Grave, where all things flow!

’Tis yours to make our lot sublime,

With your great weight of woe.

Through sharpest anguish hearts may wring,

Though bosoms torn may be;

Yet suffering is a holy thing,

Without it, what were we!”

CHAPTER III.

Historical Record of the Field and Non-Commissioned Staff Officers of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

FIELD AND STAFF.

Col. Silas P. Richmond.

Silas Peirce Richmond, son of Isaac and Lucinda (Peirce) Richmond, was born in Freetown, June 19, 1831, on the Richmond homestead, which has been owned in the family continuously since 1775. His grandfather, Samuel Richmond, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and his father, Isaac Richmond, was a soldier in the War of 1812-15. Silas P. Richmond was educated in the public schools of Freetown and at Peirce Academy, Middleboro.

Col. SILAS P. RICHMOND.

He was engaged in farming and lumber business early in life. He was the first man to enlist in Company G, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, in May, 1850. He was appointed corporal in April, 1851; commissioned fourth lieutenant of same company in August, 1851; third lieutenant in August, 1853; first lieutenant in May, 1854; captain in May, 1855; major and inspector, Second Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, July 29, 1856. He was in Kansas in 1858-9, and served with John Brown in repelling the “Border Ruffians” and was badly wounded in the knee at the battle near Lawrence, Kansas. He returned to Massachusetts and was appointed captain and aide-de-camp, Second Brigade, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Sept. 15, 1859, and in that capacity responded to the call of the “Minute Men,” April 15, 1861, serving at Fortress Monroe and Hampton, Virginia, and taking part in the battle of Big Bethel, June 10, 1861. At the end of the campaign he returned to Massachusetts and was honorably discharged. On the 8th of May, 1862, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and as such responded to the call to re-enforce the Army of the Potomac at the time of General Bank’s retreat in the Shenandoah Valley. In July, 1862, he was ordered by Governor Andrew to reorganize and recruit the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, to the maximum for service in the field. He completed that work and the regiment was mustered into the United States service, one thousand and forty strong, Sept. 15, 1862. He was commissioned colonel of the Third Regiment Oct. 7, 1862, and, on Oct. 22, 1862, he proceeded with the regiment by steamer to Newbern, North Carolina. During that campaign he participated in the battles of Kinston, Whitehall, Goldsboro, Deep Gully, Blount’s Creek, and in repelling the bombardment of Newbern. During a part of that time he commanded a brigade. At the end of this term of service he returned to Massachusetts. On the 28th of September, 1863, he was commissioned colonel of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, and proceeded to recruit that regiment. On Nov. 21, 1863, he was appointed superintendent of recruiting in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and Dukes counties, and as such continued the recruiting of the Fifty-eighth Regiment, until it was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, April 28, 1864; but as the Fifty-eighth had only eight companies at that time, he could not be mustered into the United States service as colonel of it, and so resigned. On July 19, 1864, he was appointed assistant provost marshal of the Department of the South, with the rank of colonel, and served as such at Beaufort, North Carolina, Hilton Head, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. He was on the first steamer that reached Savannah when it was taken, and on the first steamer that landed at Charleston when that city was captured. He was honorably mustered out of service in September, 1865.

He engaged in the lumber and grain business in Indiana and Michigan in 1867-9, and lost a nice property by fire in Michigan in 1869. He returned to Massachusetts in 1870. Colonel Richmond has been a justice of peace for more than forty years, and is also a notary public. He was for ten years chairman of the board of selectmen of Freetown. As auditor in 1854 he prepared the first printed report ever made of the finances of Freetown. He has also served as assessor, town clerk, school committee, and overseer of the poor of Freetown. He served eighteen years as moderator at annual town meetings. He served two terms as United States census taker, and two terms as state census taker. He was chairman of the trustees of the First Christian Church in Assonet for several Years. He was a representative in the legislature from the sixth Bristol district in 1892, and served as chairman of the taxation committee. He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1892; a turnkey in Massachusetts State Prison, 1871-9; deputy keeper in the Bristol County House of Correction, 1879-82; general traveling agent for the C. C. G. Co., 1882-89; president of Bristol County Agricultural Society 1889-91; charter member of Post No. 1, Massachusetts G. A. R., and member of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He is a Mason and Knight Templar since 1865. On Jan. 1, 1896, he was appointed deputy sheriff and court crier of the Supreme and Superior Courts in Bristol County, and now holds that position. His address is Richmond Road, Assonet, Mass.

Lieut.-Col. James Barton.

Lieut.-Col. JAMES BARTON.

Lieut.-Col. James Barton came from a military family. Among his ancestors was Gen. William Barton, of Revolutionary fame, who captured the English General Prescott and his aide-de-camp in the town of Portsmouth, R. I., for which act Congress presented him with a beautiful sword as an acknowledgment of his hazardous and successful achievement. In his early years Colonel Barton resided in Newport, R. I., and was a member of the Newport Artillery, which was chartered in 1741. He accompanied this organization to Providence at the time of the Dorr War. In 1853 he removed to New Bedford and carried on the business of a marine blacksmith, and this he continued after as well as before the war. The breaking out of the war in 1861 found him holding the position of first lieutenant in the New Bedford Guards (minute men), afterwards Company E, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. With this company he served twice, first as first lieutenant of the company, and second as lieutenant-colonel of the regiment of which the company made a part, and served with the regiment through its campaign in North Carolina. He was a good, conscientious officer, faithfully performing every duty, and always in his place on battalion drill, on the march, and in battle. He was one of the earliest members of William Logan Rodman Post, No. 1, G. A. R., New Bedford, Mass. He died March 5, 1887.

Maj. John Morrissey.

Major JOHN MORRISSEY.

Major Morrissey was forty-five years of age when he entered the service of his country in the Third Regiment. He was a native of Plymouth, where he resided at the time of his commission. His position as sergeant-at-arms in the State House, Boston, shows that he went to war for pure patriotic principles. He was well liked by all the regiment, and never failed to do his duty on drill, on the march, and in camp. After the war he was given his former position, which office he filled acceptably until his death. He died in his own town, beloved and highly respected by all who knew him. His force of character was more in good acts than in many words.

Adj’t. Lucian L. Perkins.

Adj’t. LUCIAN L. PERKINS.

Adjutant Perkins was born in Plympton, Mass., July 1, 1835. At the age of eighteen he joined Company H, Third Regiment of Plympton Rifles. He served in different positions in this company, and at the time of President Lincoln’s call for seventy-five thousand troops he was first lieutenant. He went to Fortress Monroe in command of his company, and was there elected captain. He served through the three months’ service and was discharged at the expiration of enlistment.

He served as adjutant of the Third Regiment nine months’ service, and was discharged at the expiration of the same. He will ever be remembered as the soldier, the gentleman, and the officer, who faithfully performed every duty assigned to him. On dress parade and battalion drill he knew his place and filled it to the satisfaction of every officer and man.

After the close of the war, he, with his brother Charles A. S. Perkins, went to Newbern, N. C., purchased several acres of land there, and was engaged successfully in the cotton business at the corner of Broad and Middle Streets.

He died in Newbern, N. C., in October, 1864, of yellow fever, and his remains were afterwards brought to Plympton for burial.

Quartermaster Bethuel Penniman.

Bethuel Penniman was commissioned Oct. 10, 1862, being forty-three years old and a resident of New Bedford. He was a successful business man, and because he was such was commissioned to look after and care for the supplies of the regiment. He remained with the regiment and was mustered June 26, 1863.

After the war he was active in mining, manufactures, and real estate business. Of his own life he says, “There has been nothing eventful in my life,” and yet at eighty-six, we find him hale and hearty and ready to beat the boys in a good, profitable, straight bargain.

His welcome was always cordial, especially to any member of the Third Regiment. He represented New Bedford in the legislature, and served one term on the Board of Aldermen in 1862. He was also a member of the New Bedford Protecting Society, and of the organization of firemen, and was for five years attached to the old hand engine, Veteran, No. 1. He was an attendant and member of the Unitarian Church and belonged to the Wamsutta Club. He was a charter member of Post No. 190 G. A. R., and a member of the Loyal Legion.

He visited Washington, D. C, and witnessed the inaugural ceremonies of President Roosevelt. On returning to his home in New Bedford he was taken sick and died April 15, 1905, being eighty-seven years old.

Surgeon Alfred Augustus Stocker.

Surgeon ALFRED A. STOCKER.

Alfred Stocker was forty-three years of age when commissioned and a resident of Cambridge. He graduated at Harvard University with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1853. In 1861 he assisted in raising the Twelfth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He was nominated by Colonel Webster major-surgeon, but unavoidable circumstances compelled him to decline. By request of Governor Andrew in May, 1862, he went to the front in Virginia, and joined the “Army of the Potomac.” Arriving at the White House on the Pamunkey River he was placed in charge of a division of the great field hospital then established there. On the breaking up of the hospital he was assigned to the Thirty-first Pennsylvania as acting surgeon, July 20th to October 1st, passing through the whole Peninsula campaign. He was at South Mountain and Antietam. He was commissioned surgeon of the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Oct. 16, 1862, serving in North Carolina until mustered out with the regiment, and during the winter of 1863-4 he was at Readville on the staff of General Pierce, serving as special inspector of recruits. Oct. 16, 1863, he was commissioned major-surgeon of the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Veterans in the Ninth Army Corps with General Burnside. He was with General Grant from the Wilderness to Petersburg, Va. On account of physical debility contracted in the service, he resigned Aug. 1, 1864, and was honorably discharged. He has now retired from professional practice on account of age and growing disability and resides in Cambridge, Mass.

Asst. Surgeon Woodbridge R. Howes.

Woodbridge R. Howes was commissioned Oct. 21, 1862, being forty-five years old and residing in Mattapoisett. He was in the service of the United States from Nov. 13, 1862, and with the regiment until it was mustered out. He practiced professionally in Hanover until his death, and served on the school committee of Hanover. He was a member of the Joseph Wilder Post, No. 83, G. A. R., and at one time commander; member of North River Lodge, I. O. of O. F., holding various offices, and censor for several years of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He died in Hanover, Feb. 4, 1898, and was buried in the cemetery of that town. He left one son, Clarence L. Howes, M. D., practicing in Hanover, and one daughter, Mary W., wife of J. W. Beal, architect in Hanover.

Chaplain Charles Andrew Snow.

Chaplain Rev. CHARLES A. SNOW.

Chaplain Snow was thirty-three years of age when commissioned, and resided in Fall River. He was appointed chaplain Oct. 10, 1862; commissioned October 16th, and sworn into the United States service October 22d. He was on duty with the regiment until it was mustered out. Since that time he had been in professional service as pastor of churches in Fall River, Providence, R. I., South Abington (now Whitman), New Bedford, and West Harwich. In 1898 he retired from full ministerial service on account of ill-health. He is the author of many miscellaneous papers, essays, sermons, important historical sketches, etc. He was a life member of the Old Colony Historical Society. He died in Taunton, Nov. 28, 1903.

NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.

Sergt.-Maj. Joseph E. Nye.

Joseph E. Nye was commissioned at the age of twenty-four, while residing in New Bedford. He was promoted from Company E, May 29, 1863, vice Robbins having been discharged to enable him to accept a lieutenancy in the Heavy Artillery. Sergeant-Major Nye was a most faithful officer, and performed his duty to the entire satisfaction of his superior officers. He was always on time and always kept good time when on dress parade and when marching in review.

After the war he was engaged in the livery business in Fall River, and died there about twelve years ago.

Quartermaster Sergt. Theodore A. Barton.

Quartermaster Sergeant Barton was twenty-one years old when commissioned and a resident of New Bedford. He was the youngest son of Lieut.-Col. James and Mary Barton, and came from a renowned military family. He was born in 1842 and received a private and public school education. His parents moved from Newport to New Bedford when young Barton was eleven years old. He was a member of the High School in New Bedford, and graduated from the same near the beginning of the war. He enlisted in the Third Regiment and was appointed quartermaster-sergeant, in which office he served during the nine months’ campaign in North Carolina, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-enlisted in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and was appointed quartermaster with the rank of first lieutenant. He was at one time the youngest regimental quartermaster (and one of the best) in the Army of the Potomac. He served faithfully to the close of the war and was mustered out with his regiment.

Soon after the war he took up his residence in Providence and engaged in the hardware business with Freeman P. Little, forming the firm of Little & Barton. The governor of Rhode Island selected him as one of the staff officers with the rank of colonel, in which office he served with honor, and was distinguished for his soldierly bearing. Subsequently he removed to Ashton and became bookkeeper in one of the Goddard’s mills. In 1868 he entered the employ of the Gorham Company and was their confidential clerk and bookkeeper, remaining in that position until failing health compelled him to take a long rest. When the new State House was being constructed he was chosen assistant to E. K. Glezen, secretary of the commission, and when it was completed and a new commission formed he was elected its secretary, in which office he remained until his death, Jan. 24, 1905. He was prominent in G. A. R. and Sons of Veterans circles and was department commander of Rhode Island in 1886. In 1894 he was elected senior vice-commander-in-chief of the national body of Sons of Veterans, and was the first man to receive that honor from Rhode Island. A widow and daughter survive him, residing in their beautiful home in Providence.

Commissary Sergt. Arthur Hooper.

Commissary Sergt. Arthur Hooper was born in Bridgewater, May 18, 1843, and was nineteen years old when he enlisted in Company K, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, for nine months. He was promoted to regimental commissary sergeant, Oct. 28, 1862, and discharged with the regiment June 26, 1863. He re-enlisted Dec. 11, 1863, in Company A, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Third Veteran Regiment for three years, and was detailed regimental commissary sergeant. The regiment left Readville, Mass., April 28, 1864, and was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside commanding. Sergeant Hooper was with the regiment in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Welden Railroad, and Poplar Grove Church. He was furloughed Dec. 11, 1864, and was ordered to report to the commissary department of the United States General Hospital at Readville, Mass. He was mustered out June 13, 1865.

He lived in Bridgewater until June, 1882, when he went to work as salesman for Carter & Company, paper dealers in Boston. He was elected to the legislature from the districts of Bridgewater and East Bridgewater in 1880. He has been secretary of the Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Regimental Association since 1888. He joined the G. A. R. in 1868, and for the past four years has been quartermaster of E. W. Kinsley Post, Boston. He was the compiler of a history of Bridgewater during the Rebellion, which was published in 1880, a work that reflects honor on the author and is of great value to the town. His place of business is No. 100 Federal Street, Boston, where he is a clerk and director of the firm, respected, trusted, and honored.

Hospital Steward Eugene Whittemore.

Hospital Steward Eugene Whittemore was commissioned at the age of twenty and resided in Boston. He served with the regiment and was mustered out with the same. He is now letter carrier in South Boston.

Sergt.-Maj. Edward L. Robbins.

Sergt.-Maj. Edward L. Robbins was twenty-seven years of age when commissioned, and a resident of Plymouth. He was discharged May 29, 1863, to enable him to accept a lieutenancy in the heavy artillery. He was a good, faithful officer, and enjoyed the good-will of all the officers and men in the regiment. He now resides in Wollaston, Mass. (Lincoln Avenue).

CHAPTER IV.

Company A, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

[Written by Corporal John G. Gammons.]

The early history of this company is of such importance and interest as to claim more than a passing notice.

Company A, known as Halifax Light Infantry, was organized in 1792 when George Washington was President of the United States and John Hancock Governor of Massachusetts. It was one of the first companies in the State to receive its charter from Governor Hancock, and therefore takes rank as one of the oldest among the militia companies in the State at that time.

It was well armed, equipped and drilled and was in active service in the war with England in 1812-14, being on duty at Boston, Mass., where for faithful service rendered, it received the thanks of Governor Hancock and the commendation of the citizens of Boston.

It was commanded by Capt. Asa Thompson of Halifax, a “mighty man of valor” of gigantic proportions, being six feet seven inches in normal condition, and eight feet tall with his captain’s hat on. On parade and at musters this company attracted attention, not only by the Saul-like appearance of its captain, but also by the large black bearskin caps worn by its officers and men. Tradition says that when Captain Thompson marched his company across South Boston bridge throngs of men, women and children would collect to see “the giant” and his men, and not a few would tremble with fear that the bridge would not be able to support the captain and his great company.

When President Lincoln issued his first proclamation for troops, Company A (as minute men) reported for duty April 16, 1861, being commanded by Capt. Joseph Harlow of Halifax, whose height was six feet two inches. This zealous and patriotic officer rode all night through the towns in which the members of the company resided, summoning them to meet on Boston Common the next day, by order of Governor John A. Andrew. This midnight ride has been fittingly compared to that of Paul Revere.

Company A was assigned to the Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, three months’ men, Col. David S. Wardrop commanding, and was ordered to Virginia, where it did its full share in destroying Gosport Navy Yard. It afterward served there under Major-General Butler and was doing guard duty when the slaves coming into our lines were declared “contraband of war” by that officer.