Company H (Hancock Light Guards), Quincy.-4th Reg. Organized 1855. The order to appear in Boston, on the 16th of April, 1861, to join their regiment, and to proceed at once to the seat of war, was cheerfully met, and a deep interest awakened, on the part of their friends and townsmen, in their behalf, which was manifested by acts of kindness and aid. Upon the return of the company in July, a public reception was given them, which was of a character to show that their services were fully appreciated. OFFICERS. Captain, FRANKLIN CURTIS, Quincy. 1st Lieut., EDWARD A. SPEAR, Quincy; 2d Lieut., *BENJAMIN F. MESERVEY, Quincy. Sergeants, Charles F. Pray, Quincy; *Matthew C. M. Chubbuck, Quincy; John Williams, Quincy; Robert Monk, Quincy. Corporals, *Wm. H. Lapham, Quincy; *Thomas Smith, Quincy; *Wm. S. Wilbur, Quincy; *Morton Packard, Quincy. Brainard James N., Weymouth Bent Luther S., Quincy Musician, Albert Keating, Quincy. PRIVATES. Gannett Chas. E., Weymouth Perkins Edward L., Quincy Pope Wm. O., Quincy Sheen Wm. G., Quincy Spear Christopher A., Quincy Souther Frank L., Quincy, mor- Turner Henry C., Quincy Company I (Lincoln Light Infantry), Hingham.-4th Reg. Named in honor of Major-General Benjamin Lincoln. To the kindness of the town clerk of Hingham, we are indebted for the following facts. On the 15th of April, at 8 o'clock, P.M., orders were received by the captain to report his company in Boston the next day, but, for some reason, the members were not notified until the afternoon of the 16th, in three hours from which time, the members were assembled and ready for duty. There being no means of conveyance to Boston at that hour, their departure was delayed until the next day, when they left the town. While at their armory, and just before starting, the Rev. Calvin Lincoln offered an impressive prayer. The company, numbering fortytwo men, under the command of Lieut. Luther Stephenson, Jr. (the captain having resigned), took up their line of march for the cars. The streets were lined with people, who cheered them to the noble work; the church bells pealed forth their loud sound; school children met them with a patriotic song, and presented each member with a wreath, and addresses were made by Col. Charles W. Seymour, Rev. E. P. Dyer, James S. Lewis, Esq., and a parting prayer was offered by the venerable Rev. Joseph Richardson. On the 18th day of May, thirty-seven men were recruited in Hingham in a few hours, and sent to Fortress Monroe to fill up the company to the State standard. The company, with the regiment, arrived at Long Island, in Boston Harbor, July 19, where they remained till the 22d, when they were discharged with the regiment, and started for home the next day, accompanied by a band of music and a detachment from the Second Battalion of Infantry, in their unique Zouave uniform. Upon their arrival at Hingham, they were met by the citizens, and a hearty reception given them. A procession was formed, under the direction of Capt. John C. White, as chief marshal, consisting of the military, firemen, calvacade, and citizens generally, which marched through the streets to the square. They were here addressed by Henry E. Hersey, Esq., and prayer offered by Rev. C. Lincoln. They then proceeded to the Town Hall, where an excellent collation had been provided. Every member returned home safely. Many instances of true patriotism were displayed on the part of the people. A man living in a small house (a young bachelor) by himself, hearing of the attack upon Sumter, left his work, house, and in fact all he possessed in the world, and offered himself as a volunteer. Another, a married man, a box-maker, standing at his work, hearing the drums beating, said, "I can't stand this any longer, wife; I'm off for the war; no more boxes to be made by me until this matter is settled; " threw down his apron, bade his family adieu, and started; he was a volunteer. Another, a member of the company, calling to see his friends, and bid them adieu, was offered, by an aunt, $150 would he but stay at home, but money was no temptation, although he needed it as much as any man who left this town. His answer was, No, aunt, I'm a member of the Lincoln Light Infantry; they have been called by the Governor to aid in defending our country; where they go, I go." OFFICERS. Captain, *LUTHER STEPHENSON, JR., Hingham. 1st Lieut., CHAS. SPRAGUE, Hingham; 2d Lieut., *NATHANIEL FRENCH, JR., Hingham. Sergeants, Joshua Morse, Hingham; Peter N. Sprague, East Weymouth; *Lyman B. Whiton, Hingham; Henry Stephenson, Hingham. Corporals, *Henry S. Ewer, Hingham; *George W. Bibby, Hingham; *George R. Reed, Hingham; Wm. S. Whiton, Hingham. Adams Geo. M., Hinghain Musician, *Samuel Bronsdon, Hingham. Carver Thomas A., Hingham Eversou Francis N., East Wey- Easton Fergus A., Hingham PRIVATES. *Grover George A., Hingham Jones Wm. H., jr., Hingham Marston Wm. H., Hingham Ourish Jacob, Hingham Stodder Alfred W., Marshfield THREE YEARS' MEN. The three following companies of three years' men, arriving at Fortress Monroe in May, and temporarily attached to the Fourth Regiment, were left at the seat of the war when the term of service of the three months men expired, and afterward incorporated in the Twenty-ninth Regiment as Companies A, C, and K; and the rolls of those companies are given with that regiment. COMPANY K, East Boston. Captain, JOSEPH H. BARNES, East Boston, promoted Lieut.-Colonel of Twentyninth Regiment Dec. 13, 1861; 1st Lieut., JAMES H. OSGOOD, Jr., Boston; 2d Lieut., WILLIAM T. KEEN, Boston. COMPANY L, East Bridgewater. Captain, LEBBEUS LEACH, East Bridgewater: 1st Lieut., NATHAN WHITMAN, East Bridgewater; 2d Lieut., ELISHA S. HOLBROOK, East Bridgewater, died at Fortress Monroe, Aug. 20, 1861. WIGHTMAN RIFLES, Boston. Captain, THOMAS W. CLARKE, Boston; 1st Lieut., JOSHUA NORTON, 3d, Boston, promoted Quartermaster of 29th Reg.; 2d Lieut., JOHN E. WHITE, Boston, resigned July 31, 1861. Fifth Regiment. Infantry. (Three Months' Volunteers.) The early pages in the history of the rebellion of 1860 will show, amidst the darkest and most revolting instances of treason and national corruption, the most glowing examples of patriotism, and the sublimest heroism. For when the call of the government for 75,000 men was sounded over the land, the uprising of the people in response was so general and so sudden, that it stands as the most signal instance of the kind in all history. Among the few Massachusetts regiments who had the honor to be first in this movement, the Fifth is conspicuous. From the very soil whereon the Revolution saw its first and most glorious battles, and educated in and inspired with that love of freedom which was then so dearly bought, its members, of every vocation, cultivated and intelligent, and bred in the peaceful arts which have prospered New England uninterruptedly for upwards of half a century, rushed to arms in the support of their country's honor, and in the suppression of a wicked rebellion. The national call was for three months; but, as the record shows, when the three months expired (July 19), the regiment found itself on the soil of Virginia, before the enemy, and at a time when its services, enhanced tenfold by its discipline and acquaintance with the "situation," were invaluable to the country. In this critical hour there was no voice for returning home. Steadily they looked the enemy in the face, and it is to their honor that their most trying ordeal, their hard-fought battle, was a free offering upon the altar of their country. The men of Concord and Bunker Hill had struck a new blow to preserve the Union of their fathers, and it remains to place their deeds side by side with those which have come down from the days of the Revolution. At a meeting held on the 15th of April, it was voted to tender the services of the regiment to the Commander-in-chief, and on the 17th the regiment was ordered to hold itself in readiness for duty. On the 19th orders were issued to report for duty, and the following companies were attached to the Fifth Regiment :- Company H. of the First Regiment, and Companies B, E, G, and H, of the Seventh Regiment. The order to meet in Boston was promptly responded to, and the troops began to arrive at Faneuil Hall as early as half past two o'clock in the afternoon of the same day (19th). The enthusiasm on the arrival of each company, attended by citizens from their native towns, was intense, and during the entire day and night of Saturday, the 20th, hundreds of persons were collected about the headquarters at Faneuil Hall. The preparations incident to equipping a regiment, called together in a few hours, were very great, yet they were completed with the utmost order, and, at four o'clock on the morn ing of Sunday, the 21st, breakfast was served, and preparation made for immediate departure. Daylight was streaming through the windows of the hall as the troops took up the line of march. After regimental line had been formed on South Market Street, at five o'clock, the troops marched to the Worcester Railway Station. The early hour of this quiet Sabbath morning did not restrain the enthusiasm of the citizens along the route, who, from their windows and from the street, gave many hearty cheers and many God-speeds as the regiment passed by. At a point where the troops crossed Washington Street, a detachment from the Boston Cadets was drawn up at present-arms. A large crowd was in waiting at the railway station, and the last interchanges of affection and last farewells were here given to many who had been called from their homes at an hour's notice. Maj. Cook's Battery of Light Artillery had been ordered to join Colonel Lawrence's command, and were already on the train. It was nearly seven o'clock when the long train left the station. Of the material of this regiment, the Boston Daily Advertiser, of April 22, says: "The Fifth Regiment is composed mainly of companies belonging in the vicinity of Boston, and are well known for their bravery and nobleness of character. Commanded by Colonel Lawrence, an experienced officer and noble-hearted man, this regiment will shed glory on the old Commonwealth, whose honor she is so ready to sustain. There is that peculiarly connected with this regiment which has been deeply impressed on the minds not only of the citizens, who have watched their movements so anxiously, but upon the minds of far-sighted and skilful officers. It is the fact that they are going to war, and are prepared accordingly. Following the example of their unassuming commander, the companies are arrayed in serviceable uniforms, fatigue caps, and freed from all the paraphernalia which are but the pride, pomp, and circumstance of war. In view of the stern reality of their mission, we can see only the brave hearts and noble souls of this gallant regiment." As the cars passed rapidly through the centre of the old Bay State on this, the Sabbath day, its progress was viewed with favor by all, and no tithing-man attempted to arrest them. On the contrary, a member of the regiment writes : "We arrived in Springfield at one P. M., on the 21st, in the best of spirits. Our journey was a complete ovation. You would not have thought it could have been the Sabbath, to see the people in the different places we passed assembled at the depots, to hear the roaring of cannon, the ringing of bells, the bands of music, the cheering, &c. Old men grasped us in their arms, as we halted for a brief time at the railroad stations, while their streaming eyes and fervent God bless you,' told of the intensity of their feelings. At Springfield, the people completely overwhelmed the regiment with acts of kindness. They spread for them a substantial and bountiful repast; and when the troops left for Hartford, scenes occurred which will never be erased from the memory of those witnessing them. One little personal incident I cannot help mentioning: A charming young lady asked for my address, tied the tri-color in my button, and told me to wear it even unto death, if need be, which you know I will do." At Worcester, as well as at Springfield, the people welcomed the troops with unbounded enthusiasm. At Meriden, Connecticut, where they arrived at three o'clock, the people had dispensed with the church services for the afternoon, and had busied themselves in preparing food for the troops — a marked evidence of their interest in, and their appreciation of, the prompt response of the regiment to the country's call. At New Haven, Bridgeport, and other places along the route, the ovations were of the most enthusiastic kind. The regiment arrived in New York at eight o'clock that evening, and was well entertained at the different hotels. Here Adjutant Thomas O. Barri, then a resident of New York, but formerly of Cambridge, a sumed his duties. Late in the evening the troops embarked: four companies under Major Keyes, and Major Devens' Battalion of Rifles, on the steamer Ariel, and six companies under Col. Lawrence, with Major Cook's Battery, on the De Soto, and at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 22d started for Fortress Monroe, where they arrived at noon on the 23d, and thence proceeded that night to Annapolis. On the passage up the Chesapeake, the men slept on their arms, an attack from the shore being apprehended. Arrived at Annapolis early on the following morning, and disembarked late in the afternoon of the 24th, amidst a severe rain-storm. There were in port on their arrival several large steamers filled with troops, and a number of United States vessels, making a truly warlike appearance. On the next day, the 25th, orders having been received to proceed to Washington, the regiment marched to the Annapolis Railway Station to take cars for Washington. The train could only accommodate four companies, and the remaining six companies, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Greene, followed on foot. From a letter written at this time we make the following extract: "We expected every moment to be pitched down some embankment; but we ran very slowly, and, it being moonlight, could see the road very well. We had to stop and repair the track several times; but finally arrived at the junction in safety. We got out, being then twenty-two miles from Washington, and started on the march over the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. We marched from ten to twelve miles, and sat down to take breakfast. While eating breakfast, a messenger came to our colonel, and told him that about one hundred mounted riflemen were going to attack us about five miles from where we were. We could see men on horseback in the woods reconnoitering, but should not have thought anything about it if we had not got this information. We marched six miles, and halted to rest. The sun was very hot, and our burdens heavy. The men threw themselves down, and no sooner were on their backs than they were asleep. Some would actually go to sleep while eating their lunch." During the entire march it was evident that the inhabitants regarded the troops with disfavor. Mounted horsemen were often seen; at one time, about fifty together; but, being deceived as to the number of troops on the way, they deemed it best to offer no violence. By the arrival of the train, which had made but slow progress in consequence of damage to the road, the troops were conveyed to Washington, which was but a short distance, where they arrived about noon on the 26th of April. The remaining six companies arrived the next morning at eight o'clock, and joined the regiment, having had to march from Annapolis, about twenty miles, to the junction, and then proceed by cars to Washington. This march was necessitated by the destruction of a portion of the railroad track by the rebels, immediately after the first part of the regiment had passed over it, and upon the return of the locomotive for the remainder of the troops, it was thrown from the track and rendered unserviceable. On their arrival in Washington, the regiment was immediately quartered in the Treasury Building. The following is a diary of events, connected with this regiment, from that period: April 29. The baggage arrived. The President visited the regiment during the day. May 1st. Marched to Jackson Square and were mustered into the United States service, and then passed in review before the President. While in the Treasury Building the companies were re-lettered. 24th. For several weeks the mornings have been devoted to squad and company drills and target practice, and the afternoons to regimental drills conducted by Col. Lawrence and Lieut. Col. Greene, which soon brought the regiment to such a state of discipline as to win the highest encomiums on all sides. 25th. During the funeral services of Col. Ellsworth in Washington, it was rumored that an attack was expected in the direction of Alexandria, and at ten o'clock in the forenoon, the regiment was ordered by Gen. Mansfield to march at once in "fighting rig across Long Bridge to repel the enemy who were reported to be approaching. The enthusiasm of the men was intense; all the men, including several who were excused from duty for the day by the surgeon's certificate, eagerly grasped their muskets, and in less than fifteen minutes the regiment, under command of Maj. Keyes, (Lieut. Col. Greene being absent in Boston on leave), was on the way at double-quick to meet the rebels. Gen. Mansfield highly complimented the regiment for its despatch, declaring that he had "never witnessed a similar order more speedily and promptly executed." Col. Lawrence, who, under orders, was attending the funeral ceremonies, as pall-bearer, joined his regiment without delay. After an hour's detention on the Virginia side, the colonel received orders to return, with directions to pack up and march for Alexandria, that night. At half-past ten o'clock that evening the regiment filed out of the Treasury Building and proceeded toward Alexandria. While on Long Bridge, a most pleasing episode occurred. When it was discovered that the regiment had only a State color, not having yet received their national ensign, several Massachusetts gentlemen in Washington procured a handsome flag, and following the regiment overtook it midway on Long Bridge. The regiment halted, and Col. Lawrence, having advanced toward the carriage, was surprised by the presentation of the beautiful ensign. After a happy acknowledgment of the gift, the regiment again moved forward, and encamped that night near the city. 26th. The regiment moved back about half a mile to grounds occupied in Revolutionary times by Gen Washington, and where some of the earthworks are yet to be seen. A detachment from the several companies, left at Washington, to take charge of the remaining baggage, provisions, &c., arrived. 28th. The camp was named "Camp Andrew." in honor of His Excellency the Governor of Massachusetts. At this time, this regiment, together with the New York Fire Zouaves and the Michigan First, were engaged in building Fort Ellsworth, on Shuter's Hill. Three hundred men were detailed each day from the Fifth, for three hours' work on the fort. The utmost exertions were made for the speedy completion of the fortifications, and the share of the hard labor on the fort borne by this regiment will be a worthy memorial of their patriotic endeavors. The remainder of the regiment were employed on guard and in camp duty. 29th. Orders were received to be ready to march at a moment's warning. June 3d. Camp was struck, and a new camp pitched one-quarter of a mile from Fort Ellsworth, named "Camp Massachusetts." Arrived there at six, P. M. 6th. For a few days, the heavy rains caused great inconv nience to the troops. Guards were detailed for different points in and about Alexandria, and frequent alarms occurred. A police force was detailed for patrol duty at Alexandria, under command of Lieut Shepard, who was appointed Provost Marshal. After the removal to Camp Massachusetts, Col. Lawrence and Lieut. Col. Greene received from Elias Howe, Jr., Esq., of New York, formerly of Cambridge, two stallions fully equipped, which were placed at their service during the campaign. This generous gift, from a citizen of New York to Massachusetts officers, speaks nobly for the patriotic liberality of Mr. Howe. 14th. President Lincoln and Secretaries Chase and Cameron visited Camp Massachusetts. The former expressed his surprise and admiration at the rapidity with which the regimental line was formed. A letter under date of June 15, says: We have had two quite exciting days. Yesterday President Lincoln and Secretaries Cameron and Chase honored Camp Massachusetts with their presence, and the President reviewed the regiment. He expressed himself highly gratified with the splendid appearance and drill of the Fifth, and said Massachusetts might well be proud of it and its efficient commander. And, by the way, in speaking of Col. Lawrence as a drill officer, one of our best colonels in the Regular Army, after witnessing his drill yesterday, declared it the most perfect and effective drill he had seen in the Volunteer Militia, with particular reference to the double-quick movements and charge of column in mass. "To-day, the Alexandria Brigade, with the Massachusetts Fifth on the right, paraded through the city, greatly to the dismay of the secessionists at the grand display. Some of the more timid retired to their homes, and tremblingly averred that they never saw so many soldiers before. The Fifth was praised at every point, and even citizens, at heart secessionists, smile upon the Fifth; for, by their gentlemanly conduct and soldierly bearing, they have won respect, and are called by them the 'Steady Fifth.' "The Fifth are fully equipped, every man having forty rounds of cartridges, and daily expect orders to advance further into Virginia. The colonel and his entire command are in fine health and excellent spirits, and the people of Massachusetts may rest assured that the Fifth will give a noble account of itself in the approaching conflict." 17th. Routed at two o'clock in the morning and kept under arms several hours, then dismissed; the report that a large force was approaching proving false. The two Charlestown companies celebrated, in a grove near the camp, the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, by a parade and dinner, at which speeches were made; the field, staff, and company officers of the regiment being invited guests. 25th. Lieut. Col. Greene, Major Keyes. and Adjutant Barri having received appointments, the former as lieut. colonel, and the last two as captains, in the Regular Army, deep regret was felt at the prospect of at once losing these officers, who had contributed their full share in promoting the credit and efficiency of the regiment, and the captains of the Fifth joined in the following request: To Hon. Henry Wilson: "CAMP MASSACHUSETTS, June 25, 1861. Dear Sir:-The undersigned, captains of this regiment, entertaining a high opinion of the military knowledge and efficiency of Lieut. Colonel Greene, Major Keyes, and Adjutant Barri, and learning that they are about to leave us to assume positions in the United States Army, respectfully beg leave to express to you our deep regret that we are to be deprived of their valuable services before our term of enlistment expires; and we desire your influence to effect such arrangements that they may remain with us during the remainder of our term of service. There are many in this regiment, both officers and men, who are desirous of re-enlisting when the opportunity occurs, and are anxious to do so under these officers, consequently they are anxious to retain them till their present term expires, that they may have the opportunity of enlisting under their old favorites." At dress parade, the retiring cfficers took formal leave of the regiment, expressing their regret at their departure, and trusting that to whatever field their colonel might lead them, they would well sustain their honor and their credit. July 4th. The day was appropriately observed by the regiment. At twelve o'clock, M., the regiment formed under arms on the parade, while the national salute was firing, and afterward formed a hollow square, Col. Lawrence and staff in the centre. After a few preliminary remarks by the colonel, the hymn "America" was sung by the entire assembly. Chaplain De Costa then read the Declaration of Independence, and offered appropriate prayers for the President and Congress, and for the general welfare and perpetuity of the Union. Then followed the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner," which led the way for a speech from Colonel Lawrence, touching on various interests connected with the day and the regiment. His remarks elicited hearty applause, and at the close, three cheers were given for the "Stars and Stripes." In the evening there was a display of fireworks, got up in rather an original style. 5th. In consequence of an injury sustained by Lieut. Colonel Greene, before leaving Washington, the regiment had been since that time without the services of that officer, and both he and Major Keyes, having some time since received appointments in the regular army, thereby creating vacancies, an election was held, and George H. Pierson, Captain of Company A, senior captain, -was elected lieutenant colonel, and John T. Boyd, Captain of Company K, was elected major; Lieut. John G. Chambers was appointed adjutant. Gov. Andrew visited the camp; and, after examining into the condition of the troops, their quarters, the quality of their rations, &c., with which he expressed himself highly pleased, and a hasty introduction to the line officers, the regiment was formed in mass on the parade, where the colonel introduced to the regiment Governor Andrew, who entertained the men with a few encouraging remarks, assuring them that although far away from her maternal eye, Massachusetts still had the interest and welfare of her sons at heart, and stood with open hand, and a heart overflowing with gratitude, to welcome their return home at the close of the duties required of them by the present distracted state of our beloved country. During his remarks the Governor asserted that all the three months' regiments would be ordered home at the expiration of their term of enlistment, and no more active service required of them, unless they saw fit to volunteer in new regiments; adding, that he regarded the material of the Fifth Regiment such as would make skilful officers in the contemplated three years' regiments. The Governor was enthusiastically cheered, and at the close of his remarks, immediately returned to Washington. During the past week, Fort Ellsworth had been finished, and the daily drills of the regiment were resumed in earnest. |