RESPONDING TO THE PRESIDENT’S CALL
April, 1861, ended the suspense. Sumpter was fired upon April 12. Lincoln’s first call for troops was issued April 15, supplemented by a personal appeal from Senator Henry Wilson—“Send on 1,500 men at once.” The militia mobilized with marvelous rapidity on April 16, and started south under command of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler the following day, for three months’ service.
Those were days of tense feeling. A shipmaster who displayed a southern flag was in danger of losing both his life and his vessel; and ended by issuing profuse apologies. Business firms made lavish gifts toward the equipment of the regiments; indeed everyone seemed ready to give whatever he had. All one needed to do was to appear in uniform in order to be accounted a hero—much to the discomfort of many genuinely modest men.
And thruout these opening days the 1st Regiment was subjected to the very hardest test, in that nothing whatever happened to them. They could not take comfort in the knowledge that the 3d Regiment, one of the very earliest to go, would by and by become consolidated with them, and so share the honors which they were earning. All that the members of the 1st could do was to hope, and growl, and wonder why the Governor should select them for home-guard purposes while he allowed others to go to war.
Then something actually did happen, which only served to aggravate. Captain Sampson discovered a vacancy in the 6th Regiment, and with Col. Cowdin’s approval promptly secured the transfer of his 7th Company, the Washington Light Guard, one of the three strong artillery companies which had come down from the very beginning of regimental history; so that the 6th had a Co. K of which to be proud, and the 1st Regiment had nothing. Co. K of the 6th, as was to be expected, covered itself with glory during the street-fight in Baltimore on April 19. Capt. David K. Wardwell, whose company had suffered disbandment a few months before, profited by his consequent independence and organized a new company, with Col. Cowdin presiding at the election of officers; and then took the new organization off with the 5th Regiment as Co. F. “Wardwell’s Tigers” shared in the laurels won by their regiment at Annapolis and Washington, and three months later at Bull Run found themselves fighting in the same army with the old 1st Regiment. Meanwhile their success in getting into active service did not make it any easier for the 1st Regiment to endure the masterly inactivity of those April days.
Finally on April 27, the 1st Regiment was ordered to prepare itself—as if it had not been prepared “right up to the handle” for two weeks past. But, alas, instructions came from the War Department that no more three-months men were desired, and after fifteen days’ service by the regiment, the order was, on May 7, revoked. Forty-two years later the legislature passed a resolve according official recognition to the 1st Regiment as having volunteered with the other “minute men;” but this was no comfort whatever to the eager young soldiers of 1861, who were told to lay down their weapons and go home. Col. Cowdin and his men were in high favor at the Boston City Hall; but owing to their services at the Burns riot, and for other political reasons, they were frowned on by Gov. Andrew and the Senators.
On second thought Col. Cowdin decided that he and his men were going to get into active service in spite of all difficulties. It had just become known that the Government desired three-year regiments, and this opened a door of possibility. The 1st would go to war for three years. To be sure this was a plunge in the dark. Suppose the war should not last three years—would the troops be kept in service anyway? Moreover, there had never been any three-year volunteers in the United States, during any previous war; and it requires courage to set a precedent. But Col. Cowdin and his men made the necessary readjustments demanded by the prospect of prolonged absence from home, and volunteered as a three-year regiment. Owing to their promptness, they were able to win an honor greater even than came to the “minute-men;” for they became the very first long-term volunteer regiment to enter U. S. service anywhere in the country, the first not only of the Civil War but of any war. Their adventures, and the battles they fought, are “another story”; and will be told in a later chapter.
One of the three old original artillery companies having been lost to the 6th, another was destined to go with—no, the correct expression is, to “become”—the 13th Regiment. Late in 1860 the 8th Company, the “Boston Artillery,” became interested in organizing a “crack” battalion or regiment for Boston. They were already members of the best regiment in the Commonwealth, but they were not satisfied with that. Capt. Baldwin did not share in this new ambition and declined to have anything to do with it. In civil life he was a merchant and wholly practical in his tastes; as a soldier he was a plain, blunt man, “full of strange oaths,” “who loved his friends.” The new departure did not appeal to him. So Capt. Baldwin transferred to the 4th Company, the Pulaski Guards, and remained with his old regiment; while the Boston Artillery chose Gen. Samuel H. Leonard, recently of Worcester, as their captain. Under Capt. Leonard the Boston Artillery absorbed what survived of the disbanded Columbian Greys or City Guards of the old 1st, and proceeded to expand into the 4th Battalion of Rifles. It was on Dec. 15, 1860, that the new battalion was formed. Before the enthusiastic officers and men had time to do much toward developing their ideal of a “crack” regiment, they found themselves upon the threshold of the great war. On May 25, 1861, they volunteered to garrison Ft. Independence for one month; and almost before the month had expired, the 4th Battalion of Rifles had expanded once more and become the 13th Regiment, and on July 16 they were mustered in for three years’ service. Col. Cowdin’s men felt that they could well afford to lose their grand old 8th Company, when their loss resulted in the addition of an entire regiment to the Union army. The 13th served as part of the first corps in the army of Virginia, and later the army of the Potomac. Their regimental monument stands on the field of their hardest fight, that of the first day at Gettysburg, where they lost their gallant corps commander, Gen. John F. Reynolds. And on the second day of that battle, toward evening, they were sent to reinforce Sickles on the left, in whose corps was the 1st Massachusetts. Once more the Boston Artillery and the Roxbury Artillery were serving side by side.
On May 18, 1861, just one week before the 1st was mustered into Federal service, it lost another company. Capt. Joseph H. Barnes had organized a new 7th Company to fill the place made vacant by Capt. Sampson’s withdrawal. But the example of his predecessor proved contagious; so that presently the new company followed the old one. Capt. Barnes’ command joined the 4th Mass. Infantry at Fort Monroe, and so found active work immediately. When, however, the 4th presently came home, its new Co. K was left behind, and became incorporated in the 29th Regiment, with which it served three years. In 1862 the 29th was with the army of the Potomac, in 1863 in Mississippi and Tennessee, and again with the army of the Potomac in 1864. Capt. Gardner Walker’s North End True Blues eventually went with Col. Cowdin as the 7th Company.
Lieutenant Colonel Isaac S. Burrell was not able to accompany his regiment in the three-years’ service. Remaining in Boston with a few other members who were similarly situated, he maintained a skeleton organization of the old militia regiment. And because the new number, 1st, was borne by Col. Cowdin, Col. Burrell had to hunt another designation for his command. The fourteen officers and two hundred sixteen men, in seven companies, who were engaged in this home-guard duty were by no means satisfied with their position. Their hearts were in Maryland and Virginia with their former comrades.
In the spring of 1862 Banks was driven from the Shenandoah valley and the north began to fear for the safety of Washington. On May 26, in response to requests from the Secretary of War, Massachusetts and other northern states mobilized their militia, recruiting the regiments up as nearly as possible to full strength. This alarm subsided presently. But Pope’s defeat at second Bull Run, August 30, left the capital in genuine peril, and caused a hasty call for 300,000 more troops, to serve nine months. Grave disaster had overtaken the Union arms, and there was immediate need for reinforcements. Col. Burrell was in militia camp at Medford with his regiment when the call came; and at once volunteered. Indeed this was just the chance for which they had been waiting—active duty but for a period not so extended as three years.
Recruits were needed in order to bring the regiment up to war strength. By some singular perversity, as soon as recruiting began, a situation developed which threatened to destroy the regiment entirely. Col. Burrell and Lt. Col. Thomas L. D. Perkins were both graduates of the 1st Company, Perkins having succeeded Burrell as captain. A bitter jealousy had grown up in Perkins’ mind which made him incapable of rendering loyal support to his chief. Maj. George W. Beach shared Lt. Col. Perkins’ feeling and co-operated in his insubordination. Needless to say, Col. Burrell gave no real ground whatever for this feeling.
After the deadlock had continued for more than a month, during which the regiment made little progress in filling its ranks, Col. Burrell secured Gov. Andrew’s permission to take strenuous measures. Another command, the 54th of Worcester county, was similarly in need of men. The men already belonging to the 42d (as Burrell’s command became known, possibly with some reference to the proud record made by the 42d or Black Watch Highlanders in the British army) were consolidated into the 1st and 3d Companies; new 7th and 10th Companies were formed in Boston and Dorchester; 2d and 9th Companies were drawn from the 54th, while Boston, Medway and Weymouth provided units for the four vacancies. Capt. George Sherive commanded the 1st Company, Capt. George P. Davis the 2d (or Ware Company), Capt. Alfred N. Proctor (a photographer, and one of the indistinguishable “Proctor twins”) the 3d, Capt. Charles A. Pratt the 4th, Capt. David W. Bailey the 5th, Capt. Ira B. Cook the 6th (from Medway), Capt. Orville W. Leonard (who had been a private in the 6th Regiment during the ninety-days service) the 7th, Capt. Hiram S. Coburn the 8th (from Weymouth), Capt. John D. Coggswell the 9th (of Leicester), and Capt. Cyrus Savage the 10th or Dorchester Company. All the newer elements proved to be congenial, the Worcester county men being especially good soldiers, with the exception however of the 5th Company. This unit was gathered in too much of a hurry, contained a “tough” element, and was a constant cause of discord. No one could then foresee that the regimental number, 54th, released by the consolidation of companies in the 42d, would presently be immortalized by Col. Robert Gould Shaw’s heroic black men.
In accordance with law, the company officers proceeded to elect regimental officers, and bestowed the chief honor upon Col. Burrell. Perkins and Beach tried hard to prevent this, but in vain; the electors were seeking the best soldier, and cared nothing whatever for old jealousies. They proceeded to select Joseph Stedman as Lt. Col. and Frederick G. Stiles of Worcester as Major, thus retiring the disgruntled former incumbents of those offices. A magnificent stand of colors was presented to the command; and on Oct. 14, the 42d was finally mustered in.
Nothing out of the ordinary marked the railroad journey to New York. But progress thereafter, which was by boat, proved to be highly uncomfortable. The transports were small, and not too seaworthy. And worse yet for “landlubbers,” the sea was rough. It is said that the man establishing his claim to possessing the strongest stomach was the man whose digestive organ would throw the farthest. As however all things have an end, the sufferers finally arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi, and once more became habitants of terra firma.
From the streets of Boston and the hills of Worcester county to the canebrakes and swamps of Mississippi and Louisiana is a violent transition, which nothing less tough than the human system could endure. Yet the 42d Regiment survived its journey to the department of the Gulf and may almost be said to have flourished in its new environment. Of course the heat was often prostrating, while malaria took its toll of human life. The companies were separated, and were assigned to provost and engineering duty at different stations. Hard-tack and salt beef and pork are not luxurious fare, muddy coffee (which means usually coffee made with muddy water) is far from being a dainty beverage, digging is a most unromantic occupation, and even staying awake nights to watch while others sleep does not arouse the finer emotions as much in fact as when set forth by poets. Yet these are the staple elements of a soldier’s life; and these the 42d enjoyed in abundant profusion. Sensational details were lacking in this experience; but the service is not the less a thing of which to be proud.
Col. Burrell with three of his Boston companies, the 1st, 3d, and 10th, were detached to garrison the port of Galveston, Texas, and to co-operate with the Navy there. Of all the 42d Regiment, these companies alone chanced to find themselves “in the limelight.” The Galveston wharf was to be kept available for Naval use; and in turn the Navy was to shelter the garrison under the protection of its guns. Witnesses disagree as to just how well the latter work was performed. On Jan. 1, 1863, the Confederates attacked in overwhelming numbers at a moment when, for some reason, the warships had been withdrawn. Col. Burrell and his men defended themselves heroically and took heavy toll from the attackers. But with five thousand Confederates against three hundred Union soldiers, the result was inevitable. After the Confederates had brought thirty-one pieces of artillery into action, Col. Burrell and his men surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Highly respected because of their stubborn bravery, the men were soon exchanged; and upon returning to the Union lines were accorded an ovation. The officers were retained in captivity longer; and Col. Burrell finally secured release just in season to assume command of his old regiment during its next tour of duty, that of the one hundred days. Other companies of the 42d were in action at Port Hudson, Lafourche Crossing, and Brashear City.
Disaster attended the return journey of the 42d. Going by boat thru Long Island Sound, one of the transports, the “Commodore,” struck a rock off Point Judith, and threatened to founder. The troops had to be taken off in small boats at much discomfort and no little peril, and finished their journey in another craft. On August 20, 1863, the men were finally mustered out, their nine months having extended itself into almost a full year.
Now, returning, the 42d kept its place in the line of the militia. Meanwhile unattached companies began to exist, which in certain cases aimed to act as reserve or “depot” companies for units of the 1st-42d. This was notably true of the 2d, 3d, 5th, and 6th Companies. The 1st Regiment was treading its bloody path of glory and approaching the time when it would return to Massachusetts and home. It disbanded upon its muster-out of the U. S. service, May 28, 1864; and many of its members were glad to join these reserve companies and so keep up the cherished associations.
Again the need became urgent for more troops. Gen. Grant, the new Lieut. Gen. and Commander-in-chief, had assembled all available men for the reinforcement of his mobile army in April, 1864, withdrawing so many of the defenders of Washington as to leave the national capital exposed to attack. In July such a raid was actually made under the vigorous leadership of Gen. Jubal A. Early; and came uncomfortably near to succeeding. So a call was issued for short-term volunteers who should garrison fortified posts, and release the long-term men for active service. All the “hurrah” spirit had gone out of the war by 1864—indeed men were too weary to feel enthusiasm of any kind. There is therefore something all the finer in the grim way in which the 42d and the unattached companies responded to this call.
Remarkable as it may seem, eight of the companies which served during the nine months’ tour had retained their organization sufficiently to respond a second time. As one of those missing in 1864 was the “tough” 5th Company (N. B., of Boston, not Chelsea) the task of recruiting the needed units was not altogether an unwelcome one. Samuel A. Waterman commanded the 1st Company, Benjamin R. Wales the 2d, Alanson H. Ward (later a captain in the 61st Inf.) the 3d, Augustus Ford (who had been 1st Sergeant and 1st Lt. during the previous year) the 4th, George M. Stewart the new 5th Company, Benjamin C. Tinkham (sergeant during the nine-months’ service) the 6th, Isaac B. White (1st Lt. the year previous) the 7th, Warren French the new 8th, Samuel S. Eddy (a 2d Lt. in the 51st during its nine months in North Carolina) the 9th, and James T. Stevens (1st Lt. in the 4th Reg. during its three months in 1861) the 10th. The same field officers were in command. The happiest rivalry existed between the Boston companies and those from Worcester county, in their attempt each to bring the largest numbers and finest personnel forward in response to the new call. The old regimental colors were again borne at the head of the revived regiment. Entering Federal service on July 20, the regiment was assigned to the defences of Washington, and stationed at Alexandria, Virginia. Here they formed part of the “outer picket” of the capital, and in addition furnished train-guards to protect railroad transportation from Washington to the Shenandoah Valley, the men detailed to service on the freight-cars being the only members of the 42d coming under Confederate fire during the present tour of duty. Col. Burrell came back from his southern prison just in season to rejoin his command at Alexandria. While the regiment had enlisted for one hundred days, its service continued thirteen days over time, and the men were mustered out Nov. 11.
There seemed to be unlimited reserves of vitality in the 1st and 3d Companies—indeed one is reminded of the way bees swarm from a hive as one notes how these wonderful organizations made contribution after contribution to the army and yet remained as vigorous as ever. All honor to the old Roxbury Artillery and the Fusiliers. The Roxbury Artillery had a full company in the three-year regiment, in the 42d on its first tour, and again on its second service. The Fusiliers did even more. Besides these three “bits,” they sent the 7th Unattached Company, on May 4, 1864, for ninety days’ duty on Gallop’s Island, Boston, under command of Capt. Albert E. Proctor, who in civil life was well known as a popular Boston clothier, and was the other indistinguishable “twin.” Again on Aug. 18 of that year they made up Co. K of the 4th Mass. Heavy Artillery for ten months’ service in Washington, D. C., under the same Capt. Proctor. Meanwhile they maintained their “depot” company in a state of efficiency. Certainly they justified the sentiment of their ancient motto, Aut vincere aut mori, with all emphasis on the “victory” and never a thought of “death.”
New companies which were presently to be added to the 1st Regiment also did duty at this time. The “1st Unattached Company,” which garrisoned Fort Independence, Boston, for ninety days from April 29, 1864, afterward became the 4th Company in the regiment. And the “4th Unattached Company” which garrisoned the fort later to be known as “Rodman,” in New Bedford harbor for ninety days from May 3, later became the 5th Company in the regiment. Likewise the “9th Unattached Company,” which was to become the 6th Company in the regiment two years later, on May 10, 1864, began a ninety days’ tour of garrison duty on Gallop’s Island, Boston Harbor.
How the units of the regiment kept coming back to the artillery branch thruout the war! The regiment had originally been artillery; and the virus seemed to be in the regimental blood. The old cannon were not returned to the state until 1861. The three-year command served as artillery for three weeks of 1861 in Washington, and for two weeks of 1863 in New York. Co. K of the “4th Heavies” actually reintroduced the “artillery” title into the regiment. The four unattached companies in 1864 all served as artillery. Col. Cowdin’s old command was certainly destined to handle heavier ordnance than the infantry knew anything about. No wonder they welcomed the restoration of artillery instruction in 1882.
Well may the 1st-42d Regiment feel interest in Edward Simmons’ splendid mural painting in the State House, the “Return of the Colors.” For on the day of that ceremony, Dec. 22, 1865, color-bearers of both regiments were present; and both are given place in the picture. The war was over. These symbols of patriotism for which brave men had sacrificed life were returning to the custody of the Commonwealth who gave them. Was ever Forefathers’ day more sacred than that? The “land of the Pilgrim’s pride” had now become the “land where” and for which “our fathers died.”