CHAPTER VIII.
Company E, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
[By Frederick F. Maxfield.]
This company was made up of New Bedford men with three exceptions, Capt. John A. Hawes, of Fairhaven; Daniel H. Tripp, of Westport; and Albert M. Allen, of Westport. For the greater part the company was composed of young men and men in the prime of life. It is well for us to remember that New Bedford has an unique history, among the military companies of the State. First, the New Bedford Guards were organized in 1842. They were disbanded, and out of that organization came many who served as officers during the War of the Rebellion. At the present time there are two of the New Bedford Guards living; viz., James E. Blake, druggist, corner of Second and Middle Streets, New Bedford; William Balis, grain dealer, foot of Middle Street. In 1853 the City Guards were organized and drilled. This company, known in history as Company L and City Guards continued in commission, answered to the call of President Lincoln, and served three months in the Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. On its return to New Bedford all its commissioned officers resigned, and William E. Mason, sergeant of the company, was in command. When the call was made for three hundred thousand men, Sergeant Mason recruited the company to its maximum number, but, being a modest man, and knowing that John A. Hawes was an adept in military matters, he asked Mr. Hawes to be captain of the company, which being agreed to by all, Sergeant Mason was made first lieutenant, and James L. Sharp second lieutenant.
Capt. JOHN A. HAWES.
Captain Hawes was a man eminently fitted for the commander of the company. Born in a home of wealth, educated in the schools of his own town, and in Harvard Law College, and having practiced law, he was well prepared to deal with all the difficult questions of military and army life; yet notwithstanding his wealth, he never asked his company to go where he would not lead, nor to suffer hardships which he would not share with them. He went to war not for pay, but for the honor of the old flag, which he loved more than wealth, more than ease, more than honors. That his services were appreciated by his superior officers will be seen by the following:
“Headquarters Second Brigade, Fifth Division,
Eighteenth Army Corps,
Newbern, N. C., May 6, 1863.