Per Order,
Captain Nims.
Ormand F. Nims
While in New Orleans still another presentation took place. This time a handsome pistol and equipments were presented to Captain Nims by members of the battery who were not included in the first presentation. A few words may be quoted from a paper giving an account of this event: "It is quite refreshing to observe the almost fatherly care and affection for his men exhibited by Captain Nims and the respect,—we had almost said adoration—combined with the most perfect discipline on the part of his men for their beloved commander."
On the 10th of May the battery was transported to Carrollton, where an outfit of light guns and horses was furnished them to be used in defense of New Orleans. All troops quartered in New Orleans were ordered to Carrollton because of the smallpox which was raging in the city. Private Marsh of the 2d Battery died of this disease at the United States Hospital on May 13. On the 18th of June, Lieutenant Snow and the other members of the battery taken at Sabine Cross Roads arrived at New Orleans, having been lately paroled. Two, however, had died of their wounds, Privates Maxwell and Howarth.
During the stay a handsome guidon was presented to the members of the battery by Massachusetts friends then residing in New Orleans. This guidon was presented by Captain Nims to Governor Draper on June 9, 1910, and may be seen at the State House in the Hall of Flags. It is of a golden bronze color, and on it are the crossed cannon of the battery, the words Second Massachusetts over the state shield and the names of twelve battles in which the battery took part: Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Irish Bend, Vermillion Bayou, Port Hudson, Clinton, Carrion Crow Bayou, Grand Coteau, Vermillionville, Indian Bend, Wilson's Farm, Sabine Cross Roads.
As the time of enlistment of the original members was about to expire and as new recruits were coming in, the battery was divided into two divisions known as the Old and the New Companies. The veterans were relieved from nearly all military service while the recruits with new guns and equipments spent much of their time in drill.
While the men were waiting for transportation North, Captain Nims was ordered to Boston on recruiting service, and on July 27 he started North leaving Lieutenant Greenleaf in command of the original battery.
On July 31 they went aboard the United States Mail Steamer Matanza and started down the river, the whole company singing "Home Sweet Home." All along the homeward route the men were greeted with public demonstrations of esteem and appreciation. They arrived in Boston August 9, the company consisting of 78 men and two officers, Second Lieut. J. W. Greenleaf being the only officer present, save Captain Nims. They were met at the station by Captain Nims and Captain Cummings of the Boston Light Artillery, with a detachment of the company, and were taken to the United States Hotel, where a handsome breakfast was served. They were then escorted through the principal streets, arriving at the Armory about one o'clock. Here a grand dinner was had, after which Mayor Lincoln welcomed the veterans home in a few brief and cordial words. Captain Nims responded in an appropriate manner and the men were then furloughed until the 16th.