History of Company L, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, afterwards Company E.
[By Major Cushman.]
Company L was generally known as the “New Bedford City Guards.” The first meeting for its organization was held July 22, 1852, and, on the 31st of August following, George A. Bourne was commissioned its captain. He had previously been commissioned captain of Company K, in the Third Light Infantry, Second Brigade, First Division, which existed in New Bedford and was known as the “City Guards.” Captain Bourne resigned Jan. 19, 1847, and the company was disbanded Aug. 8, 1849. Captain Bourne commanded the “New Bedford City Guards” till 1854, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Captain Timothy Ingraham, who was in command at the time of the receipt of Special Order, No. 14, dated April 15, 1861, which ordered the company to report immediately in Boston.
The New Bedford City Guards under Captain Ingraham soon became noted for proficiency in drill. His son was a cadet at West Point and the company not only adopted the complete uniform of the cadets, but excelled in the new tactics afterwards promulgated by the War Department as Hardee’s Tactics, which formed a part of the instruction at West Point. As a part of their fatigue dress the Guards wore a unique scarlet jacket, from which they were jocularly termed when in exercise drills, the lobster backs. Besides their complement of company officers they had an independent staff and a full band. They drilled as a battalion as well as a company. They acquired many of the improvements which characterized the noted Ellsworth Zouaves, and prided themselves upon excellence in skirmishing drills, the “silent manual” bayonet exercise, and guard duty.
When Governor Andrew issued his preparatory order of Jan. 16, 1861, almost the entire company volunteered to respond to any call for duty without the borders of the state, so that when Special Order, No. 14, was promulgated late that Monday evening, April 15th, they flocked to their armory as the news spread, to learn of the arrangements for their departure. There was little sleep that night in the homes of the Guards. What might be their ultimate destination none could decide. An ominous darkness shrouded the immediate future into which they were being ushered, trusting in Providence and confident in their acquired military knowledge. The few short hours before their departure were devoted to hasty arrangements to provide for their families and business while absent. Early the next morning they responded to the call and at eight o’clock left the armory. Meanwhile the citizens had organized a fitting public demonstration of patriotic feeling to bid them God-speed, so they were not permitted to leave until the city’s great heart found expression by a popular clergyman’s craving Divine protection for its gallant youth, and Ex-Governor John Henry Clifford had eloquently bade a final farewell with thrilling assurances of civic pride and neighborly love, pledging the united support of the entire community. Then to the inspiring music of its own band the company marched to Fairhaven ferry, accompanied by such an enthusiastic crowd as never before had been seen in the city. Owing to the extraordinary duties imposed upon the railroads which interfered somewhat with the regular schedules, the company did not reach Boston until noon. It was quartered temporarily near the Old Colony depot, and that night through the courtesy of the New England Guards, slept in their quarters over the Boylston Market. Lieutenant Porter then returned to New Bedford.
The next day (Wednesday, the 17th) Lieutenant Barton joined the company in Boston. In the afternoon Company L marched to the State House, received its colors, and was addressed by Governor John A. Andrew, and then amid the most enthusiastic demonstrations of the excited populace, proceeded to Long Wharf, where it embarked on the steamship S. R. Spaulding, which dropped down the harbor awaiting supplies. While at anchor down the bay on the 18th of April, a boat came alongside and a young man climbed over the side, who stated that he wanted to enlist. He was recognized instantly by Lieutenant Cushman as Edward L. Pierce, a former college mate, and was at once enrolled in Company L. At Fortress Monroe, as soon as “contrabands” came flocking around the fort for protection, he was assigned to the congenial duty of caring for their welfare, and proved a most useful acquisition. At the end of his duty at Fortress Monroe he was appointed to perform similar service at Port Royal, South Carolina, and during the war aided materially in developing the former slaves of the South into defenders of the Union and useful citizens.
On arrival at Fortress Monroe Company L efficiently performed every duty to which it was assigned, although its costly uniforms were quickly ruined by the mounting of heavy guns, and the handling of immense quantities of quartermaster’s supplies, besides the ordinary routine of military duty. From the company many were detailed for duty at post headquarters, scouting, and unusual guard duty. Captain Ingraham, who had been compelled by sickness to return on the tug-boat, April 18th, and Lieutenant Porter, accompanied by several recruits reached Fortress Monroe on May 5th, the former resumed command, but Lieutenant Porter (the fourth lieutenant), being supernumerary under the army regulations, was with the recruits mustered into Company K. July 22d the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States.
On the return of the company to New Bedford at the end of its tour of service, it received a popular ovation, and was heartily welcomed home. Many of its members served subsequently as officers in regiments which were formed during the war. The state finally reimbursed the Guards for their ruined uniforms.