By this explanation, it will appear to the general reader how the first three years’ volunteers of Massachusetts chanced to be designated the Twenty-ninth Regiment.
There are many curious and interesting facts connected with the raising and formation of these companies, which cannot be better given than by devoting a brief chapter to each. The history of the organization of these commands forms an important part of the history of Massachusetts in the earliest days of the war; and while the tracing of that history may expose to criticism the unmilitary ideas of our people, at the same time it cannot fail to exhibit, in strong colors, their deep love for the Union, and their willingness to make the greatest of sacrifices for its salvation.
CHAPTER II.
Captain Thomas W. Clarke’s Company, “Wightman Rifles.” [“M” in the Fourth Regiment, “Rifles” of the Massachusetts Battalion, and “A” of the Twenty-ninth Regiment.]
On the nineteenth day of April, 1861, a day memorable in the history of the war, Thomas William Clarke, a member of the Suffolk County bar, threw from an office-window on Washington Street, Boston, near the corner of State Street, a recruiting flag, and opened a roll for a company of militia.
So strong was the war spirit of the people then, that in the course of that and the succeeding day, Captain Clarke secured a full complement of men.
On the 21st of April, there was an election of officers, presided over by Brig. Gen. W. W. Bullock of the First Brigade of Militia.
Thomas William Clarke was chosen Captain; John Critcherson, Jr., of San Francisco, Cal., First Lieutenant; and Joshua Norton, 3d, of Bridgewater, Second Lieutenant.
Subsequently, and before the muster of the company into the service of the United States, Lieutenant Critcherson was discharged, Norton promoted to First Lieutenant, and John E. White was chosen Second Lieutenant.