The story of the Thirty Eighth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers

by George Whitefield Powers

As soon as the various town quotas were filled, they were sent into camp, and organized into companies and regiments.

The recruits for the Thirty Eighth were under the command of Major D. K. Wardwell, who was commissioned lieutenant-colonel before leaving the State, and who enjoyed a high reputation for courage and practical military knowledge. Col. Ingraham, holding a commission at the time as lieutenant-colonel of the Eighteenth Massachusetts, had been commissioned for the Thirty Ninth; but was afterwards transferred to the Thirty Eighth. Upon the promotion of Major Wardwell, Capt. William L. Rodman, of Co. H, was commissioned to fill the vacancy. During the stay of the regiment at Lynnfield, many of the men were absent on furloughs, and new recruits were being constantly added, so that little progress was made in drill.

While the seven companies were thus occupied at Lynnfield, Cos. A, B, and F were being introduced to military life at Camp Day, in North Cambridge. The camp at that time was crowded with recruits for the various regiments and batteries in the field; and as the accommodations were limited, the men of the Thirty Eighth were furloughed nearly every night, reporting at sunrise in the morning.

Monday, Aug. 18, by invitation of the citizens of Cambridge, the volunteers visited that city. During the afternoon, many of the places of business were closed, flags were hoisted, and a procession, composed of delegates from the military and fire departments, the Cambridge and Irving Literary Associations, the printing-offices, and police, accompanied by the city government and a numerous concourse of citizens, escorted the volunteers through the principal streets of East Cambridge and Cambridgeport to the City Hall, where an address was delivered by the mayor; and from thence to Williams Hall, where a fine collation was served.

It had been expected that Cos. A, B, and F would join the regiment at Lynnfield, before leaving the State, and orders were daily looked for to that effect. But another course was pursued by the military authorities. The companies at Lynnfield were mustered into the United States service on the 21st, at that place. On the 22d, Capt. McLaughlin mustered in the Cambridge companies at Camp Day.

When the army clothing was drawn, many amusing scenes took place. No. 1 men drew No. 4 clothing, and vice versa. If a small man complained of an undue proportion of cloth in his coat, he was pleasantly assured by the issuing officer that it would shrink. Did a stout boy feel a pinching in the arms,—it would soon stretch According to the style then prevalent, the new volunteers had cut their hair very short, showing the phrenological developments distinctly; and when encased in army blue, their own mothers barely recognized them. Previously to their departure from Camp Day, the mothers, sisters, and friends of the volunteers visited the camp, armed with needles, thread, and scissors; and the dropped stitches were taken up, shaky buttons made firm, pockets inserted, and blankets bound. Each man was then furnished with a housewife, and all future repairing turned over to his clumsy fingers, probably with many misgivings.

The seven companies were furnished with arms and equipments at Lynnfield; and, during the forenoon of the 26th of August, the regimental line was formed, Lieut.-Col. Wardwell in command. The day was a hot one; and, as the men had not yet acquired the art of packing knapsacks and wearing equipments to the best advantage, many of them were prostrated by the heat. They were transported in the cars to Boston, and marched across the city to the Worcester depot, where a special train was in readiness to take them. Cos. A, B, and F, not making their appearance at the appointed time, this portion of the regiment embarked at once, and proceeded on their way.

In the meantime, Camp Day was all alive. The dinner was on the fire, when the orders to march were received. Hastily packing knapsacks, the three companies were soon in line. The citizens of Cambridge had provided horse-cars to convey them to Boston; but, in the first flush of military spirit, they voted to march. The knapsacks, filled to overflowing with innumerable articles then considered essential to a soldier’s well-being, bore heavily on the backs of the new recruits; and without arms and equipments, and not fully uniformed, the column had not a very military aspect as it marched down Main Street. Dusty and tired, the halt in Cambridgeport was a welcome one; and justice was done to the collation provided by the city.

Bidding the last good-bys, and followed by the good wishes of relatives and friends, the three companies continued their march. Upon arriving in Boston, it was found that Lieut.-Col. Wardwell had already started; but, after a short delay, another train was made up, and the regiment overtaken at New London. Quarters were provided on the cabin floors of the steamer, and the blankets spread for the first time. The fatigue and excitement of the day brought a good night’s rest, and every one awoke in the morning refreshed; the decks being soon covered with men, enjoying the scenery of the river, as the steamer approached New York; while, from the cottages along the banks, loyal women waved a patriotic God-speed to the volunteers.

Passing by New York, the regiment landed at Jersey City; and there being a scarcity of transportation, a portion of the regiment did not get away until afternoon. The companies from Camp Day had received no rations before leaving; and the crowd of hucksters, with which the place swarmed, reaped a rich harvest. Mr. J. C. Wellington, of Cambridge, came on with the regiment, and one company was indebted to him for a bountiful supply of hot coffee,—the first of a series of kindnesses conferred upon that company and the regiment, when in garrison and field, which made his presence always a welcome one.