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Ann S. Farnam Fund

^^sdjl

Thomas Kirwan.

MEMORIAL HISTORY

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT
MASSACHUSETTS
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
(Old and New Organizations)
IN THE CIVIL WAR FROM 1861— 1865

Issued by the Authority of the Supervisors, authorized to write and
publish the History.

Written and compiled in part by
THOMAS KIKWAN
Edited and Completed by
HENEY SPLAINE
Address HENEY .SPLAINE, 3 MidLind Street, Dorchester, Mass.

Copyrighted, 1911, by Colonel Henry Splaine

Published for the Committee on History
By THE SALEM PRESS CO.
,Salem, Mass.

THE FLAG

By Arthur Macy

Here comes the Flag!
Hailit!
Who dares to drag or
Trail it?
Give it hurrahs,
Three for the stars,
Three for the bars.
' ' Uncover your head to it !
The soldiers who tread to it
Shout at the sight of it,
The justice and right of it,
The unsullied white of it,
The blue and red of it,
And tyranny's dread of it.

Here comes the Flag!
Cheer it.
Valley and crag
Shall hear it.
Fathers shall bless it,
Children caress it.
All shall maintain it,
No one shall stain it.
' 'Cheers for the sailors that fought
on the wave for it;
Cheers for the soldiers that
always were brave for it,
Tears for the men that went
down to the grave for it.
Here comes the Flag !' '

CONTENTS

PAGE.
Chaptee 1  1
Massachusetts in the Civil War — The Prompt Response to Call for
Troops — The Seventeenth Among the Early Three Year's
Regiments to Answer the Call — The Companies Composing It
and Where Formed.
Chaptee II  ,  7
Roster of Field and Staff, Non-Commissioned Staff, Band and Com
pany Officers of the Seventeenth Regiment, and of all Enlisted
Men of the Original Regiment.
Chaptee III  66
Portraits with Biographies of Field and Staff^Company Officers —
Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers Infantry — First Organi
zation.
Chapter IV  103
Departure for Seat of War — Arrival in^Baltimore — Cool Reception —
Expedition to Eastern Shore of ^Virginia — He Stole His Own
Goose — Cherytown Oysters — Return^to Baltimore — Recollec
tions of the War by Ruel B. Pray.
Chapter V  118
Baltimore to Newbern — In Burnsides Ninth Corps — First Brigade
of Foster's Division — Colonel Amory Commanding the Bri
gade — ^At the Front — Picket, Scouting and Fighting — Jackson
Place, Red House and Deep Gully — Netural Zone — Malaria —
Conversion of Mrs. Cleave — Trenton — Turkey Fallon — Laugh
able Matter — Plymouth and Tarboro — Short of Rations —
Battles of Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro.
Chaptee VI  168
Relieved from Provost Guard and Back in Barracks at the South
Side of the Trent— The Johnnies Came to Collect a Year's
Rent — Battle of Blounts Mill— Charge of the Causeway —
Gum Swamp Expedition — Trenton and the Barber of Seville —
Plenty of Water Down There— Winton or Mt. Tabor Church—
The Captain's Shower Bath— Escorting the Colors— Captain
Mac and the Laughing Mule — Didn't Blame the Captain.

CONTENTS. PAGE
Chaptee VII  :  196
In the City on Provost Guard — Batchelder Creek by Colonel Splaine —
A Civic Hero in the Muddy Trenches — Siege of Washington,
N. C, with Signal Guns — Second Direct Attack on Newbern —
Colonel Amory and the Daughter of the Regiment — A Moon
light Drill — Capture and Fate of a Confederate Spy — Muster
Out of the Old Seventeenth Regiment and Birth of the New
Organization.
Chaptee VIII  225
Birth of the New Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers — Captain
Henry Splaine Assumes Command — Command Transferred to
Newport Barracks — Captain Splaine in Command of Post— Alter
cation with Captain Graham-General Palmer Fears .Attack Along
the WTiole Line — Some Recruits Arrive — Chase of Nickerson, the
Rebel Scout — Capture of Sergeant Perkins — Move of Captain
Graham — Capture of Captain George Bell of Confederate
-Army — Ordered Home on Veteran Furlough — Yellow Fever
Breaks Out — Death of Colonel Amory — View of Newbern
after Furlough — Trading Day at Outposts — Regiment to be
Filled Up — Unla\\-ful Keeping of Recruits in Second Heavy
-Artillery — .Arrival of Lieut.-Colonel Fellows, Commissioned as
Colonel — Captain Graham Again — General Grant and the
Sentry — Many Recruits from Second Heavy Artillery — Failure
of Colonel Fellows to Muster — Eight Full Companies Organized —
Leaving Newport Barracks for the Field.
Chaptee IX  263
Roster of Field, Staff, Non-Commissioned Staff, Company Officers
and Enlisted Men of the Reorganized Seventeenth Regiment,
Massachusetts Veteran Volunteer Infantry.
Chaptee X  295 '
Biographies— With Portrait of Field, Staff, Line Officers and a few
of the Enlisted Men of the Reorganized, or Veteran Seventeenth
Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Chaptee XI  313
Taking the Field — March 4, 1865 — Splaine's Brigade, Composition
of — General Carter Commanding Division; General Cox Com
manding the Corps and General Schofield Commanding the
Army — Skirmishing -n-ith the Enemy — Throwing up Works at
Wise's Forks — A Real Romance of the War — Charles S. Bolton,
A Hero — Battle of Wise's Forks, Part 1, 2, 3 and 4 — Captain
Fish's Pop Gun= — Strengthening our Works — A War Song — Cap
ture of Upham's Brigade, as Told by General Carter — Complete
History, With Joy Around the Camp Fires.
C Bud-^yoWi. XII. 'iSl_

EvEEETT, Mass., Octobee 25, 1910.
At a regular reunion of the association of the 17th Regiment
Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers of the war of the Rebellion,
holden at Lynn, Mass., August 23, 1910, and of which WilUam H.
Eaton was president; Henry Splaine, treasurer; and Lieut. Ezekiel
F. Mann, Secretary; the said association, after hearing the report
of the Committee on History, and seeing no probability of a speedy
completion of the said history, unanimously adopted the following
resolution, offered by Comrade John H. Tyler:
"That Col. Henry Splaine and Capt. Malcolm Sillars be ap
pointed supervisor and assistant supervisor, respectively, of the
History of the 17th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers;
that they have sole control of writing and publishing the same; that
they have power to make contracts, collect money and pay bills
in connection with writing of and pubhshing the same; and they
arehereby instructed to make all haste in finishing and publishing
the said history."
Ezekiel F. Mann,
Secretary of the 17th Mass. Regt. Infy. Asso.,
56 Oakes St., Everett, Mass.

DEATH OF THOMAS KIRWAN.

Thomas Kirwan died on Monday, February 6, 1911, at his
home, 560 Beach Street, Revere, Mass., aged eighty-three years.
He was the oldest newspaper man in Boston or its vicinity and held
a place of honor at the banquet of the Boston Veteran Journalists
in that city in November, 1910.
He was born in Tryon, P. E. L, April 17, 1829. He came to
Boston in 1848, and worked as a compositor on the "Boston Com
mercial Bulletin" and the "Advertiser." In 1862, he enlisted as
a private in Company K, Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry. In 1874, Mr. Kirwan went to "The Boston Herald" as a
compositor, and later became a reporter. He held different posi
tions on the editorial staff, and did much work in writing special
articles. He resigned from "The Herald" staff in 1903. Mr.
Kirwan was the author of several books on mining and was a pro
found student of geology. He wrote also a history of the cam
paign against Goldsboro.
Mr. Kirwan was married three times, and leaves a widow, who
was Mrs. Mary Post. He left three sons and two daughters.
The funeral was held Wednesday morning, February 8th, at
ten o'clock. At his own request, only G. A. R. services were held.
Comrade Kirwan was up to August 23d, 1910, the official
historian of the 17th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He gave
much time and labor to the work, but his long illness had compelled
him to relinquish the task which he had vainly hoped to finish.
The following letter from Colonel Splaine to the bereaved
widow is explanatory of the unfortunate situation:

3 Midland Street, Dorchester, Mass., February 12, 1911.
Mrs. Thomas Kirwan, 560 Beach Street, Revere, Mass.
Dear Madam:
Having learned of the death of your beloved husband, Thomas Kirwan,
Esq., I desire to express my profound regret at the loss of so estimable a
gentleman, and offer to you my heartfelt sympathy for your irreparable loss.
Having been acquainted with him for almost a lifetime — both in civil life and
as one who served with him in the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer
Regiment during the Civil War — I am able to bear testimony to his valor
and patriotism as a soldier, and to his ability as a journalist and historian.
His recent ill health, which compelled him to relinquish the work of completing
the history of his own regiment, as its official historian, is a severe blow to me,
personally, as I am forced to take up and attempt to finish the work which
he had so ably begun and partly finished, and which, no doubt, he would have
brought to a successful and acceptable close.
Praying that the Almighty God may comfort and console you in your
bereavement, I am Sincerely yours, Tom Kirwan's Comrade-in-Arms, Henry Splaine.

ERRATA

Page 3, last line should read "Soldiering in North Carolina' '
Page 4, Middle of page, should read. Captain Day.
Page 9, should read, Capt. Geo. W. Kenny, wounded, Dec. 17, 1862.
Page 14, should read, Sergt. John Dunn, re-enlisted Jany. 5, 1864.
Page 15, should read. Corporal Albert F. Austin, enlisted May 10, 1861.
Page 15, should read, Nathaniel B. Burpee.
Page 15, should read, Thomas Carter, discharged September 24, 1861.
Page 18, should read, Albert Remington, Sturbridge.
Page 28, should read, Robert Hill, age 19.
Page 28, should read, Alba McKay, discharged Nov. 25, 1862.
Page 35, should read, Enoch M. Kennick.
Page 40, should read, Henry Chase, re-enlisted Dec. 5, 1863.
Page 48, 8th line from top, should read, Capt. Daniel B. Tarr.
Page 62, should read, Lieut. B. N. Mann, wounded Dec. 17, 1862.
Page 62, should read, Charles C. Morse, 2d Lieut.
Page 264, should read, Henry A. W. Blackburn-Paito?!.
Page 267, should read, James H. Stewart, 1st Lieut.
Page 268, should read, Wm. E. Gilman, enlisted January 1, 1864.
Page 272, should read, Algernon S. Nichols.
Page 275, should read, Robert M. Field, enlisted Dec. 8, 1863.
Page 275, should read, Jeremiah Looby, discharged June 30, 1865.
Page 277, should read, Henry G. Hyde, 1st Lieut.
Page282^, should read, Charles W. Locke, enlisted Aug. 25, 1864.
Page 283, should read, Nathaniel Phillip.^, discharged June 30, 1865.
Page 284, should read, John Welch, discharged June 30, 1865.
Page 284, should read, Joseph G. Martin, 1st Sergt., mustered out July 11,
1865.
Page 284, should read, Samuel H. Jones.
Page 288, should read, Charles Hartman, musician, mustered out July 11, 1865.
Page 291, should read, John Wall, 2d, enlisted Sept. 5, 1864.

CHAPTER I.

Massachusetts in the Civil Wab — Its Peompt Response to
Call for Troops — The Seventeenth Among the Early
Three Years' Regiments to Answer the Call — The
Companies Composing it and Where Foemed.
Massachusetts in the Civil War, and what a glorious record of
patriotism and sacrifice it has! The Seventeenth Regiment of its
infantry contribution to the forces of the national government is
the one whose services in that war it is the purpose to treat of in
this memorial history.
In 1861 a condition of Civil War existed in the United States,
due to the secession of the Southern States from the Union. In
deed, war had been actually levied against the nation in the as
sault upon and capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor by an
organized military force of the seceded states. This act of war
aroused the people of the entire Northern States, and preparations
were at once made to form a military force adequate to deal with
the situation. Abraham Lincoln had been elected President to succeed James
Buchanan, and was inaugurated at Washington on March 4, 1861,
under peculiar and critical circumstances. The capital of the
nation was filled with conspirators, and conspiracies to seize the
capital were rife. It was a critical time for any ordinary man to
assume the reins of government. But he was no ordinary man, as
after events proved.
His first inaugural, which was highly approved of by the people
of the loyal states, indicated a moderate policy in dealing with the
revolted states. He declared that it was not the intention of the
government to interfere with the institution of slavery in the slave

2 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
states, but was firm in opposing the doctrines of secession, and as
sured the people of all the states protection under the Constitution.
To overcome resistance to enforcement of federal laws in the
rebeUious states, he at first called for a volunteer force of seventy-
five thousand men to serve three months. These troops were
promptly furnished by the governors of the loyal states, but it was
soon realized that such a force was altogether unequal to meet the
emergency, and that a more considerable army was needed to cope
with forces which had been gathered and organized by the Con
federate leaders. It was judged also that a longer term of service
would be required, as the subjugation of the states in revolt might
take years to accomplish.
Under the circumstances, the President, on May 3, 1861, issued
a proclamation calling for a force of volunteers to serve for three
years, unless sooner discharged. At that time a great number of
military companies were in process of formation in the cities and
towns of the Commonwealth. The capture of Sumter, and other
acts of aggression by the rebels, had intensified the feeling against
the secessionists, and large numbers of men were ready and even
anxious to enlist in the services of the government. At this junc
ture the following order was issued by command of Governor
Andrew:
"Hbadquaetees, Boston, May 22, 1861.
Geneeal Oeders, No. 12.
The President of the United States, by his proclamation of the
third day of May current, having called into the service of the
United States, to aid in the enforcement of the laws and the sup
pression of insurrection, a Force of Volunteers to serve for a period
of three years, unless sooner discharged, and to be enrolled and
organized in a manner to be made known through the Department
of War; and the plan of organization adopted for this force, in ac
cordance with the Proclamation of the President, having been
published in General Order No. 15, from the Adjutant General's
office in Washington, on the fourth day of May current, and His
Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-Chief having been

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAE. 3
this day notified that the quota of these volunteers to be furnished
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is fixed at Six Regiments
of Infantry, to be organized as prescribed in said General Orders
No. 15 from the War Department, so much of said orders as relates
to the Regiments of Infantry to be organized under them is directed
to be printed for general information.' '
The "Plan of Organization" was appended to the Adjutant-
General 's promulgating order. This six regiments called for were
promptly organized and furnished, and five more regiments were
ordered into camp in the state, under the provisions of an act of
the legislature, by General Order No. 16, issued June 1st. On the
17th of June ten more regiments were requested by the General
Government, and others were accepted from time to time, so that
Massachusetts had, on January 1, 1862, about 36,000 men serving
as three years ' troops.
Among the regiments thus brought into existence was the one
which is the subject of this history, namely :
The Seventeenth Regiment Massachusetts Voluntebe In-
FANTEY.
This regiment (or rather the companies composing it) was
recruited principally in Essex County, one company being recruited
in Middlesex and one in Suffolk. The regiment was composed
mostly of stalwart working-men, shoemakers, tanners, weavers
and other mechanics, representing all the principal nationalities
in the state at that time — English, Irish, Scotch (in fact, one of the
companies, H, was known as the British Volunteers), French,
German, natives of the British Provinces, but yet a large majority
of the men were native Americans.
The difficulties encountered by the people in getting into
military organization were many and trying, though perhaps the
state authorities were not altogether to blame for the delays com
plained of. In a httle work by the compiler of this history, entitled
" Soldiering in South Carolina by one bf the Seventeenth,' ' pub
lished in 1864, the matter is set forth as viewed in the early days
of the war. It says:

4 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
"Recruiting for this regiment commenced as early as the fall
of Fort Sumter, but owing to the embarassed condition of the
state, the hesitation of the General Government in regard to ac
cepting troops, and the want of authority on the part of the Gov
ernor to act, the regiment was obliged to wait from week to week
without any decisive answer as to the intention of the government
concerning its organization. The companies were formed on the
militia basis, were desirous of regimental organization and to be
mustered into the service, but every effort in that direction seemed
to be counteracted. While other regiments were splendidly pro
vided for by private munificence, and hurried off to the seat of
war, this regiment was unprovided by the state with an organi
zation, clothing, arms, equipments or rations. An opinion pre
vailed at one time that all idea of a regimental organization must be
given up, and the companies enter the United States service
through some other state organization. Captain Fuller of Danvers
and Captain Bay of Haverhill determined to bring the matter to a
focus. They visited the Governor, and after several ineffectual
efforts to obtain an audience, at length succeeded, and informed
His Excellency that they were going into the army and should
take their commands with them; that they wanted to go in a Massa
chusetts regiment, and unless accepted by the state would go into
the Mozart Regiment of New York, as one or two other companies
from Massachusetts had already done. Orders were given them
by the Governor to go into camp at Lynnfield. The other com
panies of which this regiment is composed, were ordered to the
same place, and all arrived there between the 10th and 12th of
July." Camp Schouler, at L3Tinfield, which was formed on July 10
1861, was the place where the various companies composing the
Seventeenth were assembled. It was in command of Col. Lyman
Dike, ofthe Seventh M.V. M., who was detailed to command
the new regiment, no colonel having been commissioned. Colonel
Dike was a most capable and efficient officer. He at once establish
ed a school of instruction and drill for the officers of the regiment,
and soon had it in a tolerable condition of military discipline.
At Lynnfield, the routine of camp life began. It was a life of

Col, Thomas I. C. Amort.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAE. 5
strenuous duty that was to continue for an indefinite tinie in an
uncertain future of hazardous occupation amid "moving accidents
by flood and field." But the future did not seem to be viewed
with apprehension by the men who had cast off the old life and
taken on the new for the preservation of the integrity of their
native or adopted country.
Day after day the new companies of the Seventeenth were
exercised in drill and manual of arms, at first in squads, then in
companies, and lastly in battalion movements. Dress parade,
inspection, etc., came at frequent intervals. The drill sergeants
soon had the " awkward squads' ' in good shape; the squads in com
panies were drilled by their officers, and the companies in battalion
formation were drilled in regimental movements by the colonel
commanding. Marches over the rough country roads were frequently made
to accustom the men to rapid movement in military formation, to
toughen and accustom them to the kind of service they would have
to undergo in active campaigning.
This camp life and duty, though strenuous, was not altogether
without its compensation. There were many of those sunny,
optimistic souls among the men, who made life more pleasant
by their vocal powers, their wit and humor, their practical jokes,
more comical than harmful, and there were laughable episodes in
which officers as well as men were often involved, all of which
contributed to make life in camp more tolerable. Then the men
thus brought together were making new acquaintances and friends,
acquiring new ideas from their disciplinary experience, getting
accustomed to a new mode of living, and gaining health by living
on plain, wholesome food and sleeping practically in the open air.
Men whose occupations had been pursued indoors, often in poorly
ventilated factories, found here a new life in the open air with its
exhilerating influence. Furthermore they were acquiring habits
which made their new life and occupations not only tolerable,
despite its hardships, but actually agreeable. It is true that the
rigid and exacting discipline which they were subjected to was
more or less irksome at first, but this wore off as disciphne became
habitual.

6 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
Altogether, this organization of men of various trades and
occupations soon came to know one another, to fraternize, to be
cheerful and even jolly, to acquire an esprit de corps so dear to all
comrades, and to take up the burden of military duty and patri
otism like true sons of the militant races from which they sprang.

CHAPTER II

Roster of Field and Staff, Non-Commissioned Staff, Band
AND Company Officers of the Seventeenth Regiment,
AND OF ALL EnLISTED MeN OF THE .ORIGINAL ReGIMBNT.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Art. — Artillery
Assig. — Assigned
Bat. — Battalion
Com . — Commissioned
Co. — Company
d. — Died
disabil. — ^Disability
Disch. — Discharged
drum. — Drummed
Expir. — Expiration
gr. — Grave
H. Art. — Heavy Artillery
hon . — Honorably
hospl. — Hospital
Inf. — Infantry

k.— Killed
Must. — Mustered
M. O. — Mustered out
no fur. rec. — No further record
organ . — Organization
pris. — Prisoner
pro . — Promoted
rec. — Recommended
re-enlist. — Re-enlisted
regt. — Regiment
regtl. — Regimen tal
ser. — Service
sub. — Substitute
transf. — Transferred
vols. — Volunteers

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas I. C. Amory, Col.; 33; Sept. 2, '61; Boston; transf. to reorgan. regt.
JohnF. Fellows, Col.; Oct. 9, '64; Chelsea; not mustered.
Henry Splaine, Col'; 27; June 16, '65; Haverhill ; not mustered as Col.
John F. Fellows, Lt. Col.; July 21, '61; Chelsea; pris. of war. Feb. 1, '64; M. O. Aug. 9, '64.
Henry Splaine, Lt. Col.; 27; Aug. 10, '64; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
William W. Smith, Lt. Col.; 27; June 16, '65; Danvers; M. O. as major.
Jones Frankle, Major; 32; July 22, '61; Haverhill; disch. for promotion to Col. 2d H. Art.,
Dec. 28, '63.
Luther Day, Major; 33; Dec. 29, '63; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry Splaine, Major; 27; Aug. 4, '64; Haverhill; promoted Lt. Col., Aug. 10, '64.
William W. Smith, Major; 27; Aug. 4, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
John E. Mullally, Major; 26; June 16, '65; South Danvers; M. O. as Capt.
Isaac F. Galloupe, Surgeon; 37; July 10, '61; Lynn; pris. of war; Feb. 1, '64; M. O. Aug.
3, '64; brevetted Lt. Col.
William H. W. Hinds, Asst. Surg.; 27; July 22, '61; Boston; promoted Surg. 12 Mass.;
Eeg. May26, '63.
Charles G. A. Eayrs, Asst. Surg.; Aug. 16, '62; Lowell; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George W. Clark, Asst. Surg.; 27; July 6, '63; Boston ; transf . to F. and S., New Organ.
Barnabas N. Mann, 1st Adjt. Lt. ; 37; July 10, '61; Chelsea; reheved as Adjt., and assigned
to Co. D.; wounded at Goldsboro, Dec. 17, '62; d. in Rebel prison Oct. 8, '64.
Henry A. Cheever, Adjt.; 23; Feb. 20, '62; Chelsea; wounded pris. of war Feb. 1, '64;
M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

8 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Levi P. Thompson, Regtl. Qm.; 37; July 10, '61; Cambridge; pro. Capt. Co. D, Jan. 9, '62.
Robert Harris, 1st Lt. and Regtl. Qm.; Jan. 9, '63; Haverhill; pro. Capt. Com. of Subs.,
U.S. Vols., Nov. 26, '62.
Horace Dexter, 1st Lieut, and Regtl. Qm.; 37; Jan. 1, '63; Cambridge; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
William D. Haley, Chaplain; 37; July 22, '61 ; Rochester, Mass.; resigned May 30, '62.
William P. Colby, Chaplain; Sept. 2, '62; Amesbury; resigned Nov. 2, '63.
Heury F. Poor, Sgt. Major; 22; July 10, '61; Stoneham; pro. 2d Lt. Jan. 24, '62; assigned
to Co. B.
Lauren tia Bailey, Sgt. Major; 32; Oct. 25, '61 ; Greveland; disch. for disabil. April 2, 1863.
Linus B. Comins, Jr., Sgt. Major; 19; April 1,'62; Eoxbury; pro. 2d Lt. May 28, '62; assigned
to Co. F.
John B. Hill, Sgt. Major; 43; April 2, '61; Haverhill; pro. 2d Lt. Aug. 13, '62; assigned to
Co. H.
John F. Mills, Sgt. Major; 25; Feb. 14, '62; Bradford; transf. to Co. H.; re-enlist. Dec. 31, '63.
William H. Osgood, Sergt. Major; 24; July 21, 1861, Newburyport; disch. for diaabiUty
April 3, 1862, at Baltimore, Md.
James H. Stuart, Sergt. Major; 27; July 1, '64; Boston; transf. to reorg. N. C. S.
Horace Dexter, Qm. Sgt. ; 35; July 22, '61 ; Cambridge; pro. 2d Lt. Feb. 9, '62; assig. to Co. F.
Story D. Poole, Qm. Sgt.; 32; July 22, '61; Eockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Alfred C. Taggart, Qm. Sgt.; Aug. '61; Haverhill; no further record in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry T. Merrill, Com. Sgt.; 23; July 10, '61; Haverhill; pro. 2d Lt. Aug. 26, '62, assigned to
Co. B.
Henry B. Webber, Com. Sgt.; 27; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to reorg. N. C. S.; re-eiilisted
Jan. 1, '64.
George O'Neill, Hosp'l Steward; 32; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; disch. tor disability Sept. 2, '62
at Newbern, N. C.
Edward P. Cotting, Hosp'l Steward; 25; Sept. 1, '63; Worcester; transf. to reorg. N. C. S.;
pris. of war Feb. 1, '64.
C. P. Morse, Hosp'l Steward; July 22, '61; Lynnfield; dLseh. Aug. 7, '62.
Leonard J. Sawyer, Jr., Prin. Mus.; 27; Feb. 26, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disabil. Sept. 30,
'62.
Arthur Hall, Leader; 41 ; Aug. '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Abner Barnard, Musician; 29; Nov. 4, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Daniel Boardm.in, Musician; 42; Aug. '61; Georgetown; M. O. Aug. '62; must, out bands.
Charles A. Boyd, Musician: Oct. 24, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bauds.
Samuel Bradbury, Musician; 31; July 2, '61; Fall Ei ver ;M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Henry B. Brown, Musician; 23; Oet. 23, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
William Chambers, Musician; 25; July 22, '61 ; No. Andover; disch. Dec. 7, '61, at Baltimore,
Md.
Horsefall Dewhirst, Musician; 27; Aug. '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
William A. Garrett, Musician; .Sept. 1, '61; Lowell; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
William A. Hall, Musician; 14; Aug., '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Benjamin Hills, Musician; 27; Aug. '61; Georgetown; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Nathaniel C. Keith, Musician; Oct. 24, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Joseph G. Knight, Musician; 30; Aug., '61; So. Boston; M. O. . Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Robert Lloyd, Musician; 28; Aug. '61; Manchester, N. H. ; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out
bands.
JohnM. Lovett, Musician; 36; Aug. '61; Lowell; M. O. Aug. 30, *62; must, out bands.
John E. Mills, Musician; 35; Feb. 26, '62; Haverhill; disch. Oct. 3, '62; must, out bands.
Henry H. Moody, Musician; 41; Aug., '61; Roxbury; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
WiUiam H. Moody, Musician; 15; Aug., '61; Eoxbury; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Jobn P. Morrison, Musician; 19; Aug. '61; Rowley; M. O. Aug. 30, '62: must, out bands.
Luther S. Munroe, Musician; 32; Aug., '61; So. Danver; disch. July, '62; must, out bands.
Charles Packer, Musician ; 23 ; July 22, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disability Sept. 17, '61 ;

CoL. John F. Fellows.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 9
NAME.' RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles O. Eadcliffe, Musician; 33; Aug. '61;No. Andover; M. O. Aug., '62; must, out bands.
John Eobbins, Musician; 34; ."^ug., '61; Lowell; disch. July 11, '62.
Alois S. Smith, Musician; 27; Aug. '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Temple Tebetts, Musician; 54; Aug. '61; Lowell; M. O. Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
Esau Wells, Musician; 21; Aug. '61; Biddeford, Me. ;M. O.Aug. 30, '62; must, out bands.
John Dennis, Musician; 29; Aug. '61; Lawrence; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Orlando F. Osgood, Musician; 41; Aug. '61; Haverhill; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office. Mass.
David F. Brown, Capt.; 34; Aug. 21, '61; Newburyport; resigned Jan. 30, '62.
Sidney C. Bancroft, Capt.; 35; Aug. 21, '61; So. Danvers; resigned Dec. 1.S, '61.
NehemiahP. Fuller, Capt. 31 ; Aug. 21, '61 ; Danvers; transf. July 30, '63 to2d H. Art.
George H. Morrell, Capt.; 29; Aug. 21, '61; SaUsbury; resigned Jan. 8, '62.
Michael C. McNamara, Capt.; 30; Aug. 21, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Luther Day, Capt. ; 32 ; Aug. 21, '61; HaverhiU; Major, Deo. 29, '63.
George W. Kenney, Capt.; 31; Aug. 21, '61; Danvers; wounded at Goldsboro Dec. 19, '62;
M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
JohnK. Lloyd, Capt.; 38; Aug. 21, '61; Boston; pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; M. O. Mar. 12, '65.
Thomas Weir, Capt.; 33; Aug. 21, '61; Lawrence; dismissed July 2, 'a2byG. C. M.
Joseph E. Simonds, Capt.; 43; Aug. 21, '61; Melrose; must, out Aug. 3, '64.
EnochF. Tompkins, Capt.; 30; Dec. 19, '61; Haverhill; M. O.Aug 3, '64; Recom.
Levi P. Thompson, Capt. ; Jan. 9, '62 ; Cambridge; d. Sept. 20, '62.
Henry Splaine, Capt.; 24; Jan. 31, '62; Haverhill; wounded at Winton July 26, '63; Major,
Aug. 4. '64.
William W. Smith, Captain; 24; July 3, '62; Danvers; Major, Aug. 4, '64.
Ivory N. Eichardson, Capt.; 24; Sept. 25, '62; Maiden; Aug. 3, 1864, expir. of service.
John E. Mullaly, Capt.; 24; Dec. 29, '63; So. Danvers; Major June 16, 1866.
Malcolm Sillers, Capt.; 26; Aug. 4, '64; So. Danvers; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Lt.
Charles O. Fellows, Capt.; 20; Aug. 4, '64; Chelsea; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
James Splaine, Capt.; 24; Aug. 10, '64; Haverhill; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
Joseph A. Moore, Capt.; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Gloucester; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
Henry B. Webber, Capt.; 29; Sept. 1, '64; Groveland; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
Lewis Cann, Capt.; 24; Nov. 21, '64; Danvers; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
Thomas E. Keenan, Capt.; 27; Feb. 3, '65; Lynnfield; wounded in battle of Wilderness;
July 11, '65, expir. of service.
Horace Dexter, Capt.; 39; June 16, '65; Cambridge; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Lt.
Barnabas N. Mann, 1st Lt.; 37; Aug. 21, '61; Chelsea; wounded at Goldsboro Dec. 17, '62;
d. October 8, '64, in rebel prison.
Levi P. Thompson, 1st Lt.; Aug. 21, '61; Cambridge; Capt., Jan. 9, '62.
Thomas W. Foster, 1st Lt.; 33; Aug. 21, '61; Newburyport; resigned Jan. 8, '62.
Eobert B. Bancroft, 1st Lt.; 25; Aug. 21, '61; So. Danvers; resigned Dec. 12, '61.
WilUam W. Smith, 1st Lt.; 23; Aug. 21, '61; Danvers; Capt. July 3, '62.
Jere A. Greeley, 1st Lt.; 27; Aug. 21, '61; SaUsbury; Aug. 25, '63, Capt. 2d H. Art.
Henry Splaine, 1st Lt.; 24; Aug. 21, '61; HaverhiU; Capt., Jan. 31, '62.
Enoch F. Tompkins, 1st Lt.; 30; Aug. 21, '61; HaverhiU; Capt., Dec. 19, '61.
George W. Tufts, 1st Lt.; 33; Aug. 21, '61; Eockport; d. Oct. 27, '61, Baltimore, Md.
John S. Hammond, 1st Lt.; 30; Aug. 21, '61; Boston; resigned May 15, '62.
Michael Bums, 1st Lt.; 21; Aug. 21, '61; Lawrence; resigned Jan 17, '62.
Ivory N. Eichardson, 1st Lt.; 23; Aug. 21, '61; Maiden; Capt. .Sept. 25, '62.
WilUam H. Turner, 1st Lt.; 24; Oct. 28, '61; HaverhiU; resigned April 25, '63.
John E. MuUaly, 1st Lt.; 22; Dec. 13, '61; So. Danvers; Capt., Dec. 29, '63.
Ruel B. Pray, Ist Lt.; 24; Dec. 19, '61; Danvers; resigned Aug. 9, '62.
Eobert Harris, 1st Lt.; Jan. 9, '62; HaverhiU; Dec. 31, '62; Com. Sub. U. S. Vol.
Edward T. Parkinson, 1st Lt.; 23; Jan. 9, '62; West Roxbury; July 7, '63, Asst. Adjt. Gen.
Vols.
James Maroney, 1st Lt.; 24; Jan. 31, '62; HaverhiU; resigned Aug. 12, '62.

10 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry A. Cheever, 1st Lt.; Feb. 20, '62; Chelsea; wounded prisoner war Feb. 1, '64; Aug.
3, '64, expir. of service.
Archibald Bogle, 1st Lt. ; 22 ; May 28, '62 ; Melrose; May 20, '63, Maj. 35th U. S. Col. Troops.
Thomas F. Newton, 1st Lt.; 33; July 3, '62; HaverhUl; Transf. 2d N. C. Union Vols.; July
11, '65, expir. of service.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 1st Lt.; 25; Aug. 13, '62; Boston; wounded at Goldsboro Dec. 17, '62;
resigned May 16, '63.
Charies O. FeUows, 1st Lt.; 22; Aug. 13, '62; Chelsea; Capt. Aug. 4, '64.
Henry Poor, 1st Lt.; 23; Sept. 25, '62; Stoughton; resigned Dec. 23, '62.
James Splaine, 1st Lt.; 22; Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; Capt. Aug. 10, '64.
Horace Dexter, 1st Lt.; 37; Jan. 1, '63; Cambridge; Aug. 3, '64; expir. of service, recom.
Thomas R. Keenan, 1st Lt.; 25; Apr. 26, '63; Lynnfield; wounded in battle of Wilderness
Mar. 19, '64, Capt. 56th Inft.
Linus B. Comins, Jr.; 1st Lt.; 20; May 17, '63; Rox'oury; prisoner of war Feb. 1, '64; Aug.
3, '64, expir. of ser\-ice.
John B. MiU, 1st Lt.; 46; May 21, '63; HaverhiU; prisoner of war Feb. 1, '64; Mar. 11, '65,
expir. of service.
PhiUp C. Mason, 1st Lt.; 28; July 8, '63; Newburyport; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Joseph W. Day, 1st Lt.; 31; Aug. 26, '63; Bradford; pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; Mar. 15,'65,
expir. of service.
Horace Dexter, 1st Lt; 38; Aug. 3, '64; Cambridge; Capt. June 15, '65.
Lewis Cann, 1st Lt.; 24; Aug. 4, '64; Danvers; Capt. Nov. 21, '64.
Joseph A. Moore, 1st Lt.; 21; Aug. 15, '64; Gloucester; Capt. Sept. 1, '64.
Henry B. Webber, 1st Lt.; 29; Aug. 15, '64; Groveland; Capt. Sept. 1, '64.
Malcolm Sillars, 1st Lt.; 26; Sept. 1, '64; So. Danvers; Capt. Aug. 4, '64.
Henry G. Hyde, 1st Lt.; 22; Sept. 1, '64; Danvers; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
James H. Stuart, 1st Lt. ; 29; Nov. 21, '64; Boston; July 11, '65, expir. of service.
James .Smith, 1st Lt.; 31 ; June 1, '65; Danvers; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 2d Lt.
Uriah Robertson, 1st Lt.; 30; June 1, '65; Danvers; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 2d Lt.
Edward P. Cotting, 1st Lt.; 27; June 1, '65; Worcester; prisoner of war Feb. 1, '64; July 11,
'65, expir. of ser\dce as 2d Lt.
Orrin B. Cooley, 1st Lt.; 39; June 1, '66; Longmeadow; July 11, '65; expir. of service as 2d
Lt.
Timothy Hawkes, 1st Lt. ; 28; June 1, '65; Danvers; prisoner of war, Plymouth, N. C. April
20, '64; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 2d Lt.
Robert Smith, 2d Lt.; 31; June 16, '65; Danvers; July 11, '66, expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
Thomas W. Goodwin, 2d Lt. 34; Aug. 21, '61 ; Newburyport; resigned Feb. 8, '62.
JohnEMuUaly, 2dLt.;22; Aug. 21, '61; So. Danvers; 1st Lt. Dec. 13, '61.
Ruel B. Pray, 2d Lt. 24; Aug. 21, '61; Danvers; 1st Lt. Dec. 19, '61.
Benjamin F. Chesley, 2d Lt.; 22; Aug. 21, '61; Haverhill; resigned Dec. 27, '61.
JamesMaroney, 2dLt.;23; Aug. 21, '61; HaverhiU; 1st Lt. Jan. 31, '62.
WilUam H. Turner, 2d Lt.; 24; Aug. 21, '61; HaverhiU; 1st Lt. Oct. 28, '61.
AlfredM.ChanneU, 2dLt.;29;Aug. 21, '61; Rockport; resigned Jan. 17, '62.
Robert W. McCourt, 2d Lt.; 29; Aug. 21, '61; Boston; resigned Nov. 2, '61.
ArchibaldBogle, 2dLt.;21; Aug. 21, '61; Melrose; 1st Lt. ; May 28, '62.
Henry W. OUver, 2d Lt. ; 31 ; Aug. 21, '61 ; Maiden; resigned Feb. 6, '62.
Thomas F. Newton, 2d Lt.; 32; Oct 28, '61; HaverhiU; 1st Lt. July 3, '62.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 2d Lt.; 24; Nov. 3, '61; Boston; wounded at Goldsboro,Dec.l7,'62;
1st Lt. Aug. 13, '62.
Charles O. Fellows, 2d Lt. ; 19; Dec. 13, '61; Chelsea; let Lt.; Aug. 13, '62.
Henry Poor, 2d Lt. ; 22 ; Dec. 19 '61 ; Stoneham; Ist Lt. Sept. 25, '62.
Edward T. Parkinson, 2d Lt. ; 23 ; Jan. 1 1 , '62 ; West Eoxbury 1st Lt. Jan. 9, '62.
James Splaine, 2d Lt.; 23; Jan. 31, '62; HaverhiU; 1st Lt. Dec. 24, '62.
Horace Dexter, 2d Lt. ; 36; Feb. 9, '62; Cambridge; Ist Lt. Jan 1, '63.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 1 1
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas E. Keenan, 2d Lt.; 24; Feb. 10, '62; Lynnfield; 1st Lt. Apr. 26, '63.
George T. EusseU, 2d Lt.; Feb. 19, '62; Boston; resigned Sept. 18, '62.
Charles C. Morse, 2d Lt.; 29; Feb. 20, '62; HaverhiU; resigned Mar. 23, '63
Linus B. Comins, Jr., 2d Lt.; 19; May 28, '62; Eoxbury; pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; 1st Lt.
May 17, '63.
Henry T. MerriU, 2d Lt.; 24; July 3, '62; HaverhiU; resigned May 11, '63.
AndrewCook, 2dLt.;30; Aug. 13, '62; Danvers; resigned April 26, '63.
John B. HiU, 2d Lt.; 44; Aug 13, '62; HaverhUl; 1st Lt. May 21, '63.
PhiUp C. Mason, 2d Lt.; 27; Sept. 25, '62; Newburyport; 1st Lt. July 8, '63.
Joseph W. Day, 2d Lt.; 30; Sept. 30, '62; Bradford; 1st Lt. Aug. 26, '63.
Daniel L. GetcheU, 2d Lt.; 30; Dec. 24, '62; Wells, Me.; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Sylvanus M. So vereen, 2d Lt. 23 ; Jan. 1, '63; Maiden; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Samuel G. Eoberts, 2d Lt.; 21; March 24, '63; So. Danvers; wounded twice; Aug. 3, '64.
expir. of serivce.
Lewis Cann, 2d Lt. ; 23 ; April 26, '63 ; Danvers ; 1st Lt. Aug. 4, '64.
Jameslnman, 2dLt.;25; Apr. 27, '63; Danvers; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; May 17, '63; Gloucester; 1st Lt. Aug. 15, '64.
Maleohn Sillars, 2d Lt.; 26; July 4, '64; Danvers; 1st Lt. Sept. 1, '64.
HenryG. Hyde, 2dLt.;22; July4, '64; Danvers; 1st Lt. Sept. 1, '64.
James Smith, 2d Lt.; 30; Aug. 2, '64; Danvers; 1st Lt., June 1, '65.
Orrin B. Cooley, 2d Lt.; 39; Feb. 7, '65; Longmeadow; 1st Lt., June 1, '65.
PatrickBreen, 2dLt.;Feb. 7, '65; never mustered.
Marcus A Hanna; Feb. 7, '66; Rockport; 2d Lt. 2d H. A. Jan. 21, '66.
Eben Simonds, 2d Lt.; 24; Feb. 7, '65; Maiden; July 11, '65 expir. of service.
Uriah Robertson, 2d Lt.; 30; Feb. 7, '56; Danvers; 1st Lt. June 1, '65.
Edward P. Cotting, 2d Lt.; 27; Feb. 7., '65; Worcester; pris. of war, Feb. 1, '64; 1st Lt. June
1, '65.
Timothy Hawkes, 2d Lt.; 28; Mar. 24, '64; Danvers; 1st Lt. June 1, '65.
Robert Smith, 2d Lt. ; 31 ; June 1, '65; Danvers.
Joseph A. Welch, 2d Lt.;26; June 1, '65; Haverhill; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
John Cowan, 2dLt.;22; June 1, '65; SaUsbury; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
Brotherton Martin, 2d Lt.; 26; June 1, '66; Newburyport; July 11, '66, expir. of service as
1st Sgt.
Thomas A. Murray, 2dLt.;22; June 1, '66; Lynn; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
John Dunn, 2d Lt. ; 33; June 1, '66; Newburyport; d. June 3, '65, as 1st Sergt.
Thomas S. Clymonts, 2d Lt.; 33; June 16, '65; New Bedford; July 11, '65, expir. of service as
Ist Sgt.
Joseph G. Martin, 2d Lt. ; 39 ; June 16, '65 ; Danvers ; July 11, '66 expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
JosephG.Kelley, 2dLt. ;37; Junel6, '65; Haverhill; July 11, '65, expir. of service as 1st Sgt.
George W. Hewes, 2d Lt.; 28; June 16, '66; HaverhiU; July 11, '66, expir. of serv. as Qm. Sgt.

COMPANIES OF THE SEVENTEENTH.

BEIEF SKETCHES OF THEIE FOEMATION AND EATES.
The call to arms in the spring of 1861, at the outset of the
Civil War, was nowhere more promptly responded to than in the
Old Bay State. There was a fine spontaniety in the inception of
movement in the various cities, towns and hamlets of the state
towards the formation of military companies. Not only were the
patriotic men of the state willing and ready to peril their lives for
the perpetuation of the Union, but the patriotic women — mothers,
wives and sisters — united to aid and cheer them on.
The following brief sketches of the movements leading to the
enlistment of men, and the formation of companies to compose the
Seventeenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry will
fully confirm and illustrate this. The rosters of the companies
are also given.

COMPANY "A" OF NEWBURYPORT.

"CityGeays."
(The following account of the formation of Company "A"
of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry has been
contributed by Comrade Joseph C. Richardson of Newburyport,
one of the original members of that company, who was one of the
first to respond to the request for information of that kind from
comrades, making him in that respect "A No. l"of the contrib-

COMPANY A. 13
utors to this history. It will be seen that he goes directly into
his subject and makes a good narrative of it.)
On April 23, 1861, a notice to the citizens of Newburyport and
vicinity was circulated, calling for volunteers to form another com
pany in Newburyport for the Union cause. In a few days over
seventy men were enlisted for three j'ears, and were drilled every
day and evening, except Sundays, in Essex Hall, corner of Essex
and State Streets, by Capt. John Remick, and by others who had
some military knowledge.
On May 22d, by order of Governor Andrew, an election of
officers by the men enlisted was held, under the supervision of Ma
jor Ladd of Boston. David F. Brown was elected captain; Thomas
W. Foster, 1st lieutenant; William Bell, 2d lieutenant; Thomas W.
Goodwin, 3d lieutenant; Alfred Horton, 4th lieutenant.
This company was called the "City Grays." The city of
Newburyport furnished it with a very fine uniform of gray cloth,
with dark trimmings, at a cost of about $1500. The company, in
its new uniform, made a splendid appearance.
On application of Captain Brown, the city of Newburyport
gave the " Gun House' ' to his company for barracks, and also gave
ten days' rations for the men who were to quarter there. The
men took up their quarters at this place on July 4th at noon.
On July 11th, in response to General Order No. 26, calling for
volunteers to serve for three years, or the war, the City Grays,
Captain Brown commanding, took the cars at the Boston & Maine
Railroad Station, to go to Camp Schouler in Lynnfield. They
were accompanied by the Newburyport Band and the Wallace
Guards of Amesbury, — Captain Morrill of Amesbury commanding
that company.
Large gatherings of people cheered them as they marched to
the station, and the young volunteers had a grand send-off to their
new quarters. The City Grays were assigned their position in
Camp, and the Wallace Guards of Amesbury, afterwards Co. D,
were given positions next to them.
After the assignment of positions it was mihtary duty con
tinuously — guard duty, company and battalion drills, dress
parade, inspection, fatigue duty, doctors' calls, "peas on a tren-

14 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
cher," reveille, taps, etc. It was the good old summer-time, and
the boys enjoyed it. When not on duty, some were playing
practical jokes on some raw recruit and amusing each other accord
ing to their several fancies.
Ten companies from several cities and towns having been as
sembled in Camp Schouler, and organized as the Seventeenth
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the work of assigning
them to their positions in the line was carried out. The New
buryport City Grays were now to be Company A of the regiment.
Two lieutenants, WilUam Bell and Alfred Horton resigned or were
discharged as commissioned officers of the company, each com
pany now having but two heutenants instead of four, in conformity
with the plan of organization promulgated by the War Department.
The company was mustered into the service of the United
States, July 22, 1861, at Camp Schouler, Lynnfield, Mass. The
men of the company were now furnished with a new uniform of
blue material, similar to that worn by the infantry of the Union
Army, and discarded the gray one given them by the city of New
buryport. Company A, with the other companies of the regi
ment, left Lynnfield August 23, and went into camp at Baltimore,
Maryland, remaining there several months.
The following is a roster of the company:
ORIGINAL COMPANY "A".
NAME, RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
David P. Brown, Capt. ; 34; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; resigned Jau. 30, '62.
Henry Splaine, Capt. 24; Jan. 31, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to new company "A"
Thomas W. Foster, 1st Lt.; 33; May 10, '61; Newburyport; resigned Jan. 8, '62.
Ruel B. Pray, 1st Lt.; 24; Jan. 10, '62; Danvers; resigned Aug. 9, '62.
Archibald Bogle, 1st Lt.; 21; May 28, '62; Melrose; pro. Maj., 35th U. S. C. Troops, May 20,
'62 ; tranf. from Co. C to Co. A, May 20, '62.
Charles O. FeUows, 1st Lt.; 22; Aug. 13, '62; Chelsea; transf. to Co. G, May 5, '63.
John B. HiU, 1st Lt.; 45; Jan. 30, '64; Haverhill; pris. of war, Feb. 1, '64; disch. Mar. 15, '65.
Thomas W.Goodwin, 2d Lt.; 34; May 10, '61; Newburyport; resigned Feb. 8, '62.
George T. RusseU, 2d Lt.; Feb. 19, '62; Boston; resigned Sept. 18, '62.
Philip C. Mason,2d Lt.; 27; Sept. 25,'62; Newburyport; pro.lst Lt. Feb. 18, '64; assig. to Co. H.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; May 17, '63; Gloucester; transf. Co. C, Jan. 28, '64.
Samuel G. Roberts, 2d Lt.; 21; April 15, '63; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Philip C. Mason, 1st Sgt.; 25; May 10, '61; Newburyport; pro. 2d Lt. Sept. 25, '62.
John Q. A. Johnson, 1st Sgt.; 24; May 10, '61; Amesbury; disch. for wounds, Sept. 10, '63.
John Dunn, 1st Sgt.; 29; May 10,'61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co.A; re-enUst.July 5,'64.

COMPANY A. 15
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENLISTMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Joseph C. Richardson, 1st Sgt.; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Wiley, Sgt.; 25; May 10, '61 ; Reading; d. Oct. 3, '63, at Newbern, N. C.
William H. Osgood, Sgt.; 24; May 10, '61; Newburyport; pro. Sgt.Major Jan. 17, '62.
Paul A. Perkins, Sgt.; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disability Sept. 18, '63.
Elisha Young, Jr., Sgt.; 33; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan-
2, '64.
William Rankin, Sgt.; 38; April 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for dsiabiUty, Sept. 25, '62.
Thomas W. Goodwin, Sgt.; 34; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; pro. 2d Lt. Aug. 20, '61.
Albert F. Austin, Corp.; May 10, '64; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. D; re-list. Jan. 5, '64.
George Bradbury, Corp.; 28; May 10, '61; Newburyport; pro. Capt. July 17, '63, 2d N. C.
Colored Vols.
George W. Cook, Corp.; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty; Nov. 23, '62,
Newbern, N. C.
James W. Davis, Corp.; 19; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph Doring, Corp. ; 41 ; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty, Jan. 29, '63.
Joseph W. Haines, Corp.; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty May 9, '62.
Samuel W. Reed, Corp.; 23; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disability, Dec. 5, '63.
wounded, April 9, '63.
Ebenezer Cressey, Corp.; 43; May 10, '61; Newburyport; d. Nov. 30, '62, Newbern, N. C.
WilUam Splaine, Corp.; 29; Sept. 2, '62; HaverhiU; tranf. to Co. E.
Jeremiah B. HiU, Corp.; 42; Oct. 15, '61; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65; re-enUst. Dec. 27, '63.
Eichard G. Mayo, Corp.; 30; May 10, '61; Chelsea; disch. for disabUty, Apr. 13, '62.
Eichard Withington, Corp.; 23; May 10, '61; Newbury; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Lewis F. Besee, Corp.; 38; May 10, '61; No. Chelsea; transf. to New Co. F.; re-ealist. Jan.
4, '64.
Andrew J. Tilton, Corp.; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; tranf. to New Co. A.; re-enlist.
Jan. 5, '64.
Alexander Poison, Musician; 25; May 10, '61 ; LoweU; disch. for disabiUty June 19, '64.
Albert Richardson, Jr., Musician; 14; May 10, '61; Stoneham; disch. for disability Sept.
3, '62.
Thomas Carter, Wagoner; 25; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; dischar. for disabiUty at Baltimore,
Md.,Sept. 24, '61.
AsaLakeman, Wagoner,; May 10, '61; Ipswich; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 9, '62.
Francis J. Adolphus, Private; 22; May 10, '61 ; Ame,sbury ; discharged for disabil. Oct. 6, '61 .
Thomas Ahem, Private; 26; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A; re-euUst.
Jan. 4, '64.
Joseph AUey, Jr., Private; 29; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry Bel, Private; 24; Oct. 10, '61; Brookline; tranf. to New C o. A; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Isaac T. Bickford, Private; 29; Dec. 26, '61; Georgetown; d. at Baltimore, Md., Jau. 29, '62.
Edward W. Blandin, Private; 44; May 10, '61; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 24, '61.
Wheaton L. BUss, Private; 24; Aug. 19, '62; Seekonk; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; transf. from Co. D
to Co. A, Oct. 22, '62;
John Blodgett, Private; 24; Jau. 5, '64; Sturbridge; transf. to New Co. B.
Patrick Bohan, Private; 26; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist. Jan. 15, '64.
Charles E. Bradbury, Private; 25; May 20, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 13, '63.
George W. Brown, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disiabiUty May 2, '63;
wounded Dec. 14, '62.
John Burke, Private; 35; May 10, '61; Newburyport; tranf. to New Co. A; re-enUs. Jan. 2, '64.
Nathaniel H. Burpee, Private; 26; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Calnan, Private; 35; May 10, '61; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty at Newbern, N. C,
Feb. 2, '63.
Thomas Carter, Private; July 22, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty, Sept. 24, '64.
Rufus W. Chandler, Private; 33; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 18,
'62, at Boston, Mass.

16 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles A. Cheever, Private; 3S; Jan. 18, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B, re-enlist. Jan.
15, '64.
Thomas B. Chipman, Private; 21; Aug. 1, '62; Bradford; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 11, '62.
George I. Clapp, Private; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Chelsea; re-enUsted transf. to New Co. A.
WiUiam D.Cloutman, Private; 30; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; disch. for disabil. Sept. 11, '63.
James Cogger, Private; 19; Oct. 26, '61; Boston; disch. for disabilty Nov. 15, '61.'
Thomas G. Cogger, Private; 21; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabilty Sept. 6, '62;
at Newbern, N. C.
David Cole, Private; 28; Jan. 5, '64; Chelsea; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlist. Jan. 5, '64.
James Connor, Private; 35; July 30, '61 ; Lynnfield; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 2, '63.
John Conner, Private; 23; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 1, '61, at
Baltimore, Md.
Albert J. Cook, Private; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted
Jan. 5, '64.
John Conboy, Private; 21; Jan. 5, '64; Lynn; re-enlisted Jan. 5, '64; transf. to New Co. A.;
pris. of war March 10, '66.
George L. CoughUn, Private; 39; May 10, '61; BurUngton, Vt.; disch. for disability Dec.
1, '61 at Baltimore.
John H. CouilUard, Private; 21 ; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty May 12, '62
at Baltimore, Md.
Alvin O. Cressey, Private; 28; May 10, '61; Ipswich; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John H. Currier, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Melrose; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 26, '62.
Thomas Curtin, Private; 26; Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted Jan.
6, '64.
Eben K. Danforth, Private; 22; May 10, '61; Georgetown; disch. for disabiUty July 24, '62.
WilUam M. Davis, Private; 39; Oct. 7, '61; Fall River; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
March 14, '64.
Aretus H. Dillingham, Private; 28; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.;
re-enlisted Jan. 1, '64.
Michael Dooley, Private; 39; Sept. 2, '62; Lynn; transf. to New Co.A.; re-enUs. Jan. 1,'64.
Albert Drown, Private; 32; May 10, '61; Newburyport; d. Feb. 13, '64m at Beaufort, N. C.
Daniel J. Dwyer, Private; 21; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Dennis Dwyer, Private; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Frederick Eaton, Private; 28; Jan. 1, '62; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted Jan.
2, '64.
WiUard Edmunds, Private; 38; May 10, '61; Saugus; transf. U. S. Navy Mar. 4, '64; re-en
listed Jan. 1, '64.
Thomas Fahey, Private; 46; Feb. 1, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Feb. 1, '64.
Martm Fallon, Private; 35; May 10, '61; Newbuiyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George W. Fisher, Private; 31; Sept. 2, '62; Charlestown; disch. for disabiUty June 22, '63.
George E. Flanders, Private; 24; April 27, '61; SaUsbury; deserted Aug. 7, '61.
John L. S. Flanders, Private 26; May 10, '61; Newburyport; deserted Mar. 20, '62.
Enos Floyd, Private; 40; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel J. Ford, Private; 19; Oct. 26, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. E.; re-enlisted Jan.
4, '64.
Eobert Fowle, Private; 17; May 10, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adj. Gen. Office, Mass.
James H. Foye, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. tor disabiUty July 10, '63.
Cassius M. C. French, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Boston; d. June 1, '62 at Baltimore, Md.
Henry F. FuUer, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Melrose; d. Oct. 6, '61, at Baltimore, Md.
WilUam Gannon, Private; 19; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Isaac H. Gould, Private; 36; Oct. 24, '61; Amesbury; d. June 29, '62, at Newbern, N. C.

Col. Henry Splaine as Captain 1862-3.

COMPANY A. 17
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John W. Gower, Private; 31; Nov. 1, '61; Baltimore, Md.; disch. for disability Apr. 10, '62,
at Baltimore, Md.
Nathaniel Gumey, Private; 21; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11,
'62.
Benjamin F. HaU, Private; 19; May 10, '61; Georgetown; deserted Aug. 24, '61.
Stephen S. HaU, Private; 29; June 3, '64; Upton; transf. to New Co. C.
WilUam HavUn, Private; 26; May 10, '61; Newburyport; deserted Aug. 23, '61.
George W. Hews, Private ; 44; Jan. 3, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted Jan.
5, '64.
Richard Higston, Private; 45; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Jan.
16, '64.
WiUiam N. Hopkinson, Private; 25; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty June
14, '62.
Alfred Horton, Private; 33; May 10, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen. office, Mass.
James Hubbard, Private; 21; Aug. 6, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disability Jan. 3, '63.
Thomas H. Jackman, Private; 20; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Eobert W. Jessup, Private; 36; Oct. 22, '61; Danveis; disch. Oct. 14, '64.
Samuel E. Kemp, Private; 30; May 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Edward W. KendeU, Private; 18; Aug. 8, '62; Melrose; M. O. Aug. 3, '64
Packard Kennedy, Private; 27; Dec. 26, '61; Georgetown; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted
Jan. 4, '64.
George W. Kezar, Private ; 19; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; wounded
Apr. 9, '63.
Samuel Kezar, Jr., Private; Aug. 16, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUst.
Jan. 6, '64.
Charles W. Keyes, Private; 19; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Leonard, Private; 35; Feb. 2, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enUsted Feb. 2, '64.
WUUam F. Lent, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Newburyport; wounded at Goldsboro Dec. 17,
'62; disch. for wounds May 14, '63, at Boston, Mass.
Andrew P. Lewis, Private; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A and F;
re-enUst. Jan. 4, '64.
Charles Lang, Private; 22; May 10, '61; Georgetown; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 23, '63.
Daniel Lynch, Private: 19; May 10, '61; Newburyport; tranf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan.
5, '64.
George W. Lynde, Private; 18; May 10, '61 ; Melrose; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George Mace, Private; 18; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; d. Dec. 22, '61 at Baltimore, Md.
JohnMahoney, Private; 42; November 12, '61; Haverhill; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
JohnS.Marcey, Private; 18; Aug. 8, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 11, '62.
James I. Marshall, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; re-enlisted Jan. 5, '64; M. O.
July 11, '65.
WiUiam W. MarshaU, Private; 22; Jan. 22, '62; Newburyport; tranf. to New Co. A.; re
listed Jan. 1, '64.
Dennis McCarty, Private; 25; May 10, '61; Boston; tranf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64;
d. in service.
Patrick McCarthy, Private; 19; Oct. 18, '61; Boston: transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Dec.
12, '63.
James McKnight, Private; 19; May 10,'61; Newburyport: disch. for wounds June 2, '63;
wounded Dec. 16, '62 ; loss of leg.
John or John W. McKnight, Private; 21 ; Feb. 17, '62; Newburyport; tranf. to New Co. D.
James McWilUams, Private; 34; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty April 2 , '63.
Lewis J. MorriU, Private; 34; Sept. 2, '62; Lynn; transf. to Co. E. Oct. 1, '62.
Dennis Murphy, Private; 26; Sept. 2, '61; Lynn; disch. March 5, '64 ; lost leg in service, '63;
Thoma3A.Murray,Private;18;Sept.2, '61;Lynn;tranf.toNewCo.A; wounded April 9, '63;
re-enlist. January 1, '64.

18 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
David Noble, Private; 29; No. 11, '61; Maiden; tranf. to Co. D, Dec. 12, '61.
Benjamin L. Nolan, Private; 19; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; re-enUst. Jan. 19, '64; transf. to New
Co.A.
Joseph H. Norris, Private; 23; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disability Dec. 15' 6l; at
Baltimore, Md.
Edgar A. Parker, Private; 25; Nov. 2, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. D.
Henry Parks, Private; 23; Jan. 18, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUst. Jan. 18, '64.
Francis Peabody, Private; 19; Aug. 11, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. A; d. in service.
WiUUam F. Pearson, Private; 18; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph Perkins, Private; 21; Aug. 11, '62; Newbury; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan. 4,
'64 ; pris. of war March 8, '65.
Alvin W. PhilUps, Private; 21; June 21, '61; Boston; deserted Feb. 0, '62.
Thomas G. Poor, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disability Oct. 14, '61 at
Baltimore, Md.
Sylvester Powell, Private; 25; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; re-enUsted Jan. 19, '64; transf. to New
Co.B.
Morrison Proctor, Private; 35; Oct. 21, '61; Groveland: disch. from Regt. Hospit. Nov. 14,
'61, for disabiUty.
John Purtell, Private: 42; Dec. 10, '63; Newburyport; re-enlist. Dec. 10, '63; transf. to New
Co.B.
Eichard Purtill, Private; IS; March 1, '62; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist.
Jan 4, '64.
Albert Remington, Private; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Starbridge; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64; transf. to New
Co.A.
Ezra Remington, Private; 18; May 29, '64; Starbridge; transf. to New Co. C.
Albert Richardson, Private; 44; May 10, '61 ; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty, Sept. 24, '62.
WilUam G. Eoberts, Private; 26; May 10, '61; Lawrence; deserted Aug. 24, '61.
Benjamin P. Rogers, Private: 18; May 10, '61; Newbury; transf. to New Co.A; re-enUst.
Jan. 1, '64.
Albert P. Sargent, Private; 30; July 22, '62; Roxbury; transf. to V. R. C. Mar. 12, '64.
Benjamin A. Sargent, Private; 24; Feb. 4, '62; HaverhiU: transf. to New Co. F; re-enUst.
Feb. 29, '64.
James L. Smith, Private; 21; May 10, '61; Worcester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel Smith, Private; 26; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; d. at Park Barracks, New York City.
May 27, '63.
Joseph G. Spates, Private; 22; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; deserted Aug. 24, '61.
George W. Stanwood, Private; 21; May 10, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas W. Stevens, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabil. June 23, '63.
Michael SulUvan, Private; 29; May 10, '61; Newburyport; re-enUst. Jan. 4, '64; transf. to
New Co. A and D.
Patrick J. SulUvan, Private; 38; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disability May 18, '63.
Andrew Templeton, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst.
Jan. 4, '64.
Alphonso W. Thomas, Private: 19; Oct. 8, '61 ; Boston; transf. to New Co. A.
PhilUp B. TirreU, Private: 22; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph W. Tracy, Private; 34; July 23, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '63.
Foster W. Tripp, Private; 19; May 10, '61; Portsmouth, N. H.; disch. for disabiUty Oct 6
'61.
Joseph Wadleigh, Private: 30; May 10, '61; Newburyport; deserted Aug. 24, '61.
Martin Watson, Private; 18; Aug. 20, '61; Newburyport; re-enUst. Jan. 2 '64- transf 'to
New Co. A.
Michael Welch, Private; 34; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disability May 4, '62.
John H. WilUs, Private; 26; May 10, '61; Newburyport: disch. for disabiUty Nov. 1, '61 at
Baltimore, Md.

COMPANY B. 19

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry Winkley, Private; 20; May 10, '61; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 26, '61
at Baltimore, Md.
Byron A. Woodbury, Private; 23; Aug. 12, '62; Glouchester; re-enlist. Jan. 1, '64; transf.
to New Co. A.
Claeb S. Woodwell, Private; 23; May 10, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist.
Dec. 14, '63.
Miles Woodman, Private; 42; Nov. 14, '61; Boston: transf. to New Co. A.
George W. Woodsum, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Hampstead, N. H.; d. Dec. 19, '61 at Balti
more, Md.
Arancis B. Wyman, Private; 23; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; transf. to New Co. A.
Osgood Young, Private; 21 ; Aug. 4, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 28, '63.
Peter Young, Private: 29; May 10, '61; Newburyport; deserted Feb. 28, '62.

COMPANY "B", SOUTH DANVERS.

Foster Guaeds.
(Major John E. Mullaly has furnished the following sketch
of the formation of Company "B" of South Danvers, called the
Foster Guards, after the late General Foster (not the General Foster
in command in North Carolina) .
"On April 19, 1861, when the news came that our soldiers had
been shot in Baltimore, I, with others, was talking about the news.
I think there were about twenty of us together — all young men.
I proposed that we get a drum and fife and march up the main
street of old South Danvers, and the spirit seemed to be there.
We got out the drummer, but not the fifer — instead we got a bugler.
We fell into line in the formation of twos, armed with canes and
sticks. We started from Harmony Grove Ridge and marched to
the Town Hall in South Danvers. While on the march we got
about one hundred recruits.
"After arriving at the Town Hall we rang the bell. It seemed
to me that it brought out all the men in town, old and young, as
the Town Hall was soon full. Some of the prominent men of the
town made speeches in relation to the war, which had then actually

20 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
begun. Finally, one of the speakers suggested that those men who
would be ready to go in forty-eight hours should give their names.
There was a list started, and I think about one hundred and twenty-
five men, old and young, signed their names — everybody, anybody,
all seemed willing to go. They finally decided, after 11 o'clock at
night, to adjourn until the following evening, when they would all
meet at the same place.
" I knew very little about military affairs at that time. There
were more names signed than would fill a company. I proposed
at the adjourned meeting that all the married men drop out, and
the single men form a company which they did. We then took a
vote, and voted to equip the members with uniforms. We had a
tailor come from Boston and measure each man, and our uniform
was gray with red trimmings. The adjutant general of the State
was notified about the company, and he ordered an election of
officers. A meeting for that purpose was held, and a man by the
name of John Denny was elected captain at first, but this was not
satisfactory to the men, and he did not serve. After two evenings '
struggle, however. Lieutenant Sydney C. Bancroft was elected
captain in his place. John E. Mullaly was elected second lieu
tenant. "The town would not give up the uniforms because there was
a prospect that the governor would not need the company. The
Ninth Massachusetts Regiment expected orders to go to the front,
and they were short of men. Some officers of that regiment came
to our town, and got about forty men from our company to go
with them. In a short time we received orders from the adjutant
general of the State to go into camp in our respective towns without
pay or equipment. Captain Bancroft received the order and
turned it over to me.
"I was captain of the company for about one year, and took
great pleasure in serving in so good a company. My record of it
is that not one man was placed in the guardhouse for misdemeanor
of any kind.
The following is a roster of the company :

COMPANY B. 21
ORIGINAL COMPANY "B".
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OP ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Sidney C. Bancroft, Capt.; 35; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; resigned Deo. 18, '61.
Enoch F. Tompkins, Capt.; 30; Dec. 19, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Robert B. Bancroft, 1st Lt.; 25; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; resigned Dec. 12, '61.
John E. MuUaly, 1st Lt.; 22; Deo. 13, '61; Salem; pro. Capt. assigned to Co. F.
Charles O. Fellows, 1st Lt.; 19; Aug. 13, '62; Chelsea; pro. Capt.; Aug. 19, '64; assigned to
New Co. F.
John E. MuUaly, 2d Lt.; 21; May 10, '61; Salem; pro. 1st Lt. Co. B. Dec. 13, '61.
Henry Poor, 2d Lt.; 23; Deo. 19, '61; Stoneham; pro. 1st Lt. Co. F.
Linus B. Comins, Jr., 2d Lt.; 20; May 28, '62; Roxbury; transf. to Co. D. Feb. 13, '63.
Henry T. MerriU, 2d Lt.; 24; July 3, '62; HaverhiU; resigned May 11, '63.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; May 17, '63; Gloucester; transf. to Co. E, Sept. 20, '63.
DanielGetchel, 2dLt.;30: Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. E, Nov. 1, '63.
Herbert E. Larrabee, 1st Sgt.; 24; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabil. Apr. 5, '63.
Stephen F. Jones, 1st Sgt.; 22; May 10, '61; Salem; wounded Dec. 17, '62, at Goldsboro;
disch. for disabiUty Feb. 7, '63.
Edward F. Famham, 1st Sgt.; 21; Aug. 22, '61 ; Charlestown; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin R. Arrington, Sgt.; 24; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam MuUaly, Sgt.; 19; May 10, '61; Salem; disch. Feb. 7, '63.
Samuel G. Eoberts, Sgt.; 19; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; pro. 2d Lt. Co. G. Mch. 24, '63;
wounded Dec. 17, '62.
Hugh McKenny, Sgt.; 21; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 20, '62.
Daniel Galucia, Sgt.; 19; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John H. Leonard, Sgt.; 29; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Eiley Davis, Sgt.; 20; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Augustus Buckman, Corp.; 22; Aug. 20, '61; Lynnfield; deserted Jan. 24, '62.
Eben H. Davis, Corp.; 20; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Edward Cassidy, Corp.; 22; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry A. Stone, Corp.; 18; Aug. 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles M. Woodbury, Corp.; 20; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. ; re-enUsted
Deo. 12, '63.
Israel P. Leavitt, Corp.; 28; May 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
Charles E. Barry, Corp.; 18; July 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. C. ; re-enUsted
Dec. 15, '63.
Calvin ChamberUn, Corp.; 18; Oct. 19, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 18, '64, at Boston, Mass.
Jacob Galucia, Corp.; 18; Nov. 4, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to Co. D.
Abraham Bond, Musician; 15; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 13, '63.
Samuel E. Tucker, Musician; 16; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUsted
Jan. 5, '64.
George Buxton, Wagoner; 24; July 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Action, Private; 30; Dec. 23, '63; Danvers; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Daniel C. Adams, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George W. Bancroft, Private; 20; Sept. 1, '61; Baltimore, Md.; disch. for disabiUty July
2, '62 at Newbern, N. C.
Abraham Barrett, Private; 34; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; wounded
Apr. 9, *63; re-enUsted Jan. 4, '64.
WiUiam H. Batchelder, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to Co. D.
James Battye, Private; 43; Aug. 12, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Beckett, Private; 19; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 14, '63.
Charles F. BlaisdeU, Private; 24; Feb. 28, '64; Woburn; re-enlisted; transf. to New Co. C.
William Boyle, Private; 23; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Herman Brackett, Private; 44; Aug. 9, '61; Lynn; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.

22 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OP ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Hiram Butterfleld, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Salem; re-enlisted; transf. to Co. D.
Michael Buckley, Private; 19; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James A. Byrne, Private; 37; Deo. 11, '63; Danvers; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
JohnF. Carlton, Private; 24; April 30, '61; Saugus^; M. O. .^ug. 3, '64.
Patrick Carr. Private; 33; Aug. 4, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63, at New
bern, N. C.
Jeremiah CarroU, Private; 20; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Dennis Cashman, Private; 18; Jan. 18, '64; Danvers; re-enlisted; transf. to New Co. C.
John Chambers, Private; 30; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. -^ug. 3, '64.
WilUam Chambers, Private; 24; Aug. 22, '61; Chelsea; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Dec. 4, '63.
James Clark, Private: 25; May 10, '61; So. Danveis; disch. for disabiUty May 10, '63, at
Newbern, N. C'.
David Coleman, Private; 44; Aug. 12, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Conway, Private; 30; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph Cooper, Private; 42; Feb. 17, '64; Boston; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. B.
Patrick Cronin, Private; 31; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph F. Dakin, Private; 27; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. B. re-enlisted
Jan. 1, '64.
Charles H. Davis, Private; 21; Feb. 2, '64; Andover; re-enlisted; transf. to New Co. C.
John Dempsey, Private; 23; May 10, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry M. Derx, Private; 17; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Dec.
26, '63.
John Desmond, Private; 35; May 10, '61; Salem; wounded Dec. 17, '62; disch. for wounds.
May 6, '63.
John Devine, Private; 25; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Peter Devine, Private; 18; Nov. 18, '63; So. Danvers; re-enlist.; transf. to New Co. C.
EdwardDuke, Private; 23; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
William H. Eaton, Private; 18; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; re-enUst. Jan. 13, '64; transf. to New Co.C.
George E. Famham, Private; 19; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabUity Nov. 21, '62.
Robert M. Field, Private; 32; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; wounded Dec. 17, '62; M. O. Aug.
3, '64.
Lawrence Fox, Private; 39; May 10, '61 ; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Fraher, Private: 25; Dec. 29, '63; Lynn; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Thomas GaUagher, Private; 23; May 9, '61; So. Reading; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Gallagher, Private; 33; July 10, '61; Salem; served in war with Mexico in 1st Reg.
Mass. Vols.; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '63, at Newbern, N. C.
Henry Galucia, Private: 21; Oct. 24, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 2, '62, at
Baltimore, Md.
Perley Galucia, Private: 19; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers: disch. for disabiUty July 11, '62.
Pulaski Galucia, Private; 25; Oct. 15, '61 ; So. Danvers; disch. Oct. 14, '64, expir. of service.
Patrick Gaynor, Private; 32; Deo. 30, '63; Fall River; re-enUst. transf. to new organ.
David Gleason, Private: 41; May 10, '61; So. Danvers: tranusf. to New Co. B; re-enlist. Feb.
15, '64.
Martin Goldthwait, Private; 21; Oct. 24, '61; So. Danvers; wounded July 26, '63; disch.
Oct. 22, '64, expir. of term.
Aaron Guilford, Private; 23; May 10, '61; So. Danvers: transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUst.
Dec. 17, '63.
David B. Hackett, Private; 29; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to Co. E.
Thomas Hancock, Private; 21; Feb. 16, '64; Chelsea; transf. to New Co. C; enhst. at New
bern, N. C.
Jobn Hart, Private: 18; July 10, '61 ; Salem; re-enUst. transf. to New Co. C.
Thomas Hartman, Private; 42; July 10, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 13, '62.
CorneUus Harrigan, Private; 18; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

COMPANY B. 23
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas Hessan, Private: 35; Dec. 28, '63; SaUsbury; re-enUst.; transf. to New Co. B.
Alfred Hopbirk, Private; 21; M.iy 10,'61; Wenham ; transf . to New Co.C; re-enUst.Deo.1,'63.
Stephen Howard, Private: 25; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
George C. Irish, Private; 26; Dec. 2, '63; Gloucester; re-enlist.; transf. to New Co. B.
Andrew Jackson, Private; 22; Jlay 10, '61; Lynn; disch. for disability July 11, '62.
Albert Jeffers, Private; 42; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; re-enlist.; transf. to New Co. C.
George W. Jeffers, Private; 18; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; re-enUst.; transf. to New Co. C.
WilUam H. Jeffers: Private; 20; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; re-enlist; transf. to New Co. C.
George C. Jeffery, Private; 25; .\ug. 20, '61; Lynnfield; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
Alexander Jones, Private; 26; May 10, '61 ; Salem; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 3, '63.
Andrew Kelly, Private; 28; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; wounded Dec. 17, '62; disch. for disa
bility Apr. 2, '63.
WiUiam N. Kenney, Private; 35; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; re-enlist.; transf. to New Co. C.
Henry L. Larrabee, Private: 21; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
MichaelP. Lucy, Private: 24; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Mahoney, Private; 23; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; deserted Nov. 29, '61.
Richard Marley, Private; 19; M.ay 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James McCarthy, Private; 47; May 10, '61 ; Danvers; disch. for disability Deo. 4, '61.
John McCormack, Private; 22 ; Nov. 20, '61 ; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. D.
MicbaelMcCormick, Private: 21; May 10, '61; So. Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas McDermott, Private; 30; Jan. 2, '64; Chelmsford; re-enUst.; transf. to New Co. B.
Eneas McDonald, Private; 22; July 10, '61;[Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles Mclntire, Private: 18; May 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 15, '61.
George McLellan, Private: 18; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam B. Moulton, Private: 18; Oct. 19, '61 ; Lynn; transf. to New Co. D.
Michael MuUaly, Private: 24; May 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty, Oct. 24, '61.
James Nolan, Private; 32; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John O'ConneU, Private; 19; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
EUjah Osborne, Private; 20; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64;
Patrick O'Shea, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
OUver Parker, Private; 20^ Oct. 15, '61 ; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.
AndrewPatten, Private; 38; July 10, '61; Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles H. Pendexter, Private; 26; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; re-enlist.; transf. to new Co. G.
Warren C. Philbrick, Private; 36; Feb. 25, '64; Lynn; re-enUst. ; transf . to New Co. C.
Valentine A. Pickering, Private; 34; Aug. 20, '61 ; Lynnfield: disch. for disability Sept. 10, '66.
George Pitman, Private; 34; Aug. 17, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUst. Feb.
16, '64.
George Pitman, Jr., Private; 18; Aug. 17, '61 ; Danvers; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlist. Feb.
25, '64.
Richard Eicker, Private; 32; .May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Edward Eing, Private; 34; Dec. 24, '63; Brighton: re-enlist.; transf. to New Co. C.
JohnEing, Private; 31; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Eoche, Private; 45; May 10, '61; So. Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin F. Ehodes, Private; 23; May 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
MiohaelScanlon, Private; 22; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Edward Sheehan, Private; 22; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Siner, Private; 43; July 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry B. Skinner, Private ; 19 ; Aug. 10, '61 ; So. Danvers ; re-enUst. ; transf. to New Co. C.
Daniel W. Stevens, Private; 26; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin Stone, Private; 45; July 10, '61; So. Danvers; disch. tor disability Aug. 21, '62.
Eugene SuUivan, Private; 27; Aug. 20, '61; Lynnfield; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry M. Tarbox, Private: 22; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Ihedford, Private: 37; March 9, '64; Lynn ; re-enUst. ; transf . to New Co. C.

24 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Patrick Thiers, Private; 27; May 10, '61 ; Salem; deserted Nov. 29, '61.
George W. Thomas, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles H. Townsend, Private, 18; Oct. 1, '61; So. Danvers ; disch. Sept. 1, '64, expir. of term .
John H. Tucker, Private; 42; Nov. 19, '61; Salem; transf. to new Co. C.
Joseph C. Twiss, Private; 46; July 10, '61; Salem; M. 0. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph C. Twiss, Private; 26; Oct. 29. '61; Salem ; disch. for disabiUty July 17, '65.
Jacob H. Very, Private; 21 ; July 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George H. Whithead, Private, 21 ; Aug. 20, '61 ; Lynn; transf. to E.
John Whithead, Private; 21 ; May 10, '61 ; So. Reading; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 10, '63.
JohnS. Winslow, Private; 28; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; re-enUst. ; transf. to New Co. C.
WiUard Winslow, Private: 24; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; re-enUst. ; transf . to New Co. C.
Hugh Young, Private; 23; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; re-enUst.; transf. to New Co. C.

COMPANY "C," KNOWN AS "DANVERS LIGHT
INFANTRY."

(Comrade George F. Putnam now of Lynn contributes the
following account of the formation of Company ."C" of the Seven
teenth Regiment.)
"As is well known, in April, 1861, excitement was high through
the Northern States on account of the disloyal movements inthe
South, and all who gave thought to the matter could see that a
conflict between the loyal States and those in secession was im
pending. "In the little village of Tapleyville, Danvers, was the General
Scott Fire Engine, with a company of from sixty to seventy young
men, full of American blood, who did not believe in allowing the
Southern States to secede from the Union; and when the call came
for volunteers, fully two-thirds of that company enrolled their
names at the Danvers Town Hall, where patriotic meetings were
held almost every night.
"I and many others enrolled our names on the 19th of April,
1861, although the State does not give us the credit of enrolling
until April 22d. We formed the company, others coming in later.

COMPANY C. 25
"When we held a meeting for the choice of ofi&cers, Nehemiah
P. Fuller was chosen captain, for the reason that we always
understood that he was in Walker's expedition against Nicaragua,
that he therefore knew something about military, was one of our
boys and was popular. The first heutenant chosen was W. W.
Smith. He was captain of the fire company, and a young man
liked by all. Ruel B . Pray was chosen second lieutenant.
"After the company was formed we went to drilling and
marching, to get ready for service in the field. The town, in order
to keep the company together, obtained grounds in West Glouces
ter, where we began camp life, with Adjutant Barnabas N. Mann of
Chelsea, as drill master, and continued until called upon to form
a portion of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry,
which was being assembled at Camp Schouler, at Lynnfield.
Company C was one of the first, if not the first, on the field. From
this time forward the history of Company C is that of the regiment,
sharing in all its marches, expeditions and battles in North Caro
lina. The Adjutant General's report for 1862 gives the following
account of Company C :
"The formation of this Corps was commenced in April, 1861,
and the number rapidly increased, so that the full quota was soon
obtained. At the same time the ladies were zealously engaged in
the good work of providing an outfit, which was completed in the
most generous style, the citizens aiding by large contributions,
amounting in all for both companies from the town, to $3,000.
"The outfit for each soldier embraced a cap, jacket, pants, two
pairs of drawers, two flannel shirts, two pairs of stockings, handker
chiefs, one pair of shoes and two havelocks.
"Captain Fuller was furnished with a sword, sash, dressing-
case, and an elegant copy of the Bible, the gifts of Miss Catherine
Putnam of Peterboro, N. H., a native of the town. He was also
furnished with a pistol, the gift of Augustus Mudge, Esq. The
other officers were also amply equipped. Each soldier received a
copy of the New Testament and Psalms, neatly bound together,
a gift from the Sabbath Schools. A fine national flag, richly
mounted, was presented to the Company in behalf of the town.

26 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
"For nearly two months previous to their being incorporated
as Company C in the Seventeenth Regiment, they occupied their
time in daily drills under pay from the town. While waiting to be
designated for service in the army they went into a private camp
in the town of Gloucester, and thus became accomplished to a rare
degree in the tactic of military science. They have held the post
of honor in the regiment on the left, and afterwards on the right.
"After the regiment arrived in Baltimore, it was thought best
by the Colonel that it should have buglers in the right and left
companies, and Privates George F. Putnam and George E. Moore,
of Company C, Danvers, were made bugler and fifer of the com
pany, which position they held until discharged. Afterwards the
regiment purchased fifes for these men.' '
In the words of Colonel Splaine — "To Company C belongs
the proud distinction of having furnished no less than twelve
commissioned officers from among the enlisted men of the com
pany, eleven having served in their own regiment, while one
served as captain in a North Carohna Union Volunteer Colored
Regiment. The following is a roster of the officers and enlisted men
of the Company.
ORIGINAL COMPANY "C".
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
NehemiahP. Fuller, Capt.; 31; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to Co. I, Aug. 14, '63.
WiUiam W. Smith, Capt.; 24; July 3, '62; Danvers: transf. from Co. I, Aug. 14, '63 transf.
to New Co. B.
WilUam W. Snith, 1st Lt.; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; pro. Capt., assi. to Co. I, July 3, '62.
ArchibaldBogle, lstLt.;23: May 28, '62; Melrose; transf. to Co. A. May 20, '62.
Thomas R. Keenan, 1st Lt.; 25; April 26, '63; Lynnfield; pro. Capt. 56th Regiment Mar.
19, '64.
Ri;el B. Pray, 2d Lt.; 24; July 11, '61; Danvers; pro. 1st Lt. Dec. 19, '61, assigned to Co. A.
Thon as E. Feenan, 2d Lt.; 24; Feb. 10, '62; Lynnfield ; pro. 1st Lt. Apr. 26, '63.
PhiUp C. Mason, 2d Lt.; 26; Sept. 25, '62; Newburyport; transf. to Co. A, Jan. 28, '64.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; May 7, '63; Gloucester; transf. to Co. E, July 15, '64.
Andrew Cook, 1st Sgt.; 29; July 22, '61; Danvers; pro. 2d Lt. Aug. 16, '62.
Malcolm SiUars, 1st Segt.; 23; July 11, '61; So. Danvers; pro. Qm. Sgt. N. C. S. Jan. 6,
'64: re-enlisted Jan. 4, '64.
James Smith, Sgt.; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to old Co. I, Dec. 1'62.
Lewis Cann, Sgt.: 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; pro. 2d Lieut. Apl. 26, '62.
Andrew CccV, Set.; 29; July 11, '61;'Danvers; pro. 2d Lt. Aug. 13, '62; transf to Co I
Aug. 30, '62.' ' ¦ '

COMPANY C. 27
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
James Inman, Sgt.; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers: pro. 2d Lt., Co. D, Apr. 23, '63.
Robert Smith, Sgt.; 27; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Jan. 5, '64.
Charles F. Brown, Corp.; 27; July 11, '61 ; Danvers; transf. to old Co. E, Aug. 6, '62.
George H. Putney, Corp.; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to old Co. E, Aug. 6, '62.
Isaac BodweU, Corp.; 38; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph G. Martin, Corp.; 35; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to Co. B.; re-enUsted Feb. 29, '64.
Maleohn Sillars, Corp.; 23; July 11, '61; So. Danvers; pro. Sgt.
Nathaniel A. Pope, Corp.; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Timothy Hawkes, Jr., Corp.; 24; July 11, '61; Danvers ;' transf . to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Jan. 5, '64; prisoner of war, Plymouth, N. C. Apr. 20, '64.
David H. Ogden, Corp.; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David Cook, Corp.; 35; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 3, '63.
James Cochran, Corp.; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Gould, Corp.; 25; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Fred A. Nourse, Corp.; 22; Jan. 14, '62; Marblehead; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Jan.
2, '64.
Hiram T. Foster, Musician; 18; July 27, '61; Cambridge; transf. to New Co. B. re-enUsted
Dec. 9, '63.
Henry Foster, Musician; 16; July 27, '61; Cambridge: transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Feb. 18, '64.
Uriah Eobertson, Wagoner; 26; July 11, '61; Danvers: transf. to Co. E, Aug. 6, '62.
Lucius P. Barnes, Private; 24; Aug. 21, '62; HolUston; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63, at
Newbern, N. C.
Samuel D. Benson, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers: disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11, '61.
Alden Bradford, Private: 21; Aug. 15, '62; Boston; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Henry Bradford, Private; 27; Aug. 26, '62; Charlestown:-disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '63.'
Charles A. Burchstead, Private; 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph N. Burchstead, Private; 29; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Sept. 5, 62.
Warren A. Burpee, Private; 30; Dec. 29, '63; Gloucester; re-enlisted; transf. to New Co. C.
James H. Burrows, Private: 25; July 11, '61; Danvers; d. Dec. 16, '61, at Drummondton, Va.
Thoma.s Caine, Private; 33; Feb. 25, '64; Amesbury; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Simeon Coffin, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers; d. Dec. 26, '61, at Baltimore, Md.
George W. Coleman, Private; 25; Nov. 10, '63; Boston; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Francis D. Crane, Private; 26; July 11, '61; Middleton; disch. for disability Sept. 27, '62.
WilUam E. Crawford, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Dec. 9, '63.
WilUamH. Croft, Private; 17; July 11, '61; Danvers; killed Apr. 27, '64, at Washington, N.C.
John L. Cunningham, Private; 31; Aug. 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Jan. 4, '64.
Theodore Curtis, Private: 30; Dec. 3, '63; Saugus; transf. to New Co. C.
WilUam D. Curtis, Private; 18;X)ec. 3, '63; Saugus: re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
John Daley, Private: 35; July 16, '62; Boston; disch. Nov. 25, '62; rejected recruit at New
bern, N. C.
James W. Dickie, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers: disch. for disabiUty Jan. 16, '63.
George H. Dole, Private; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Dec.
1, '63.
SamuelW.Durgin, Private; 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles M. Eagan, Private; 19; Nov. 30, '63; Maiden; d. in Andersonville, Ga., Mar. 26, '64;
No. of grave, 171.
George W. ElUott, Private; 22; July 22, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disability Apr. 24, '63,
at Newbern, N. C.
George Fish, Private; 43; Aug. 22, '62; HoUiston; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUs' Jan. 5, '64.
George W. FUnt, Private; 18; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C-
Justin FUnt, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Middleton; d. Oct. 30, '61, Baltimore, Md.

28 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Warren A. Flint, Private; 44; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Richard W. FuUer, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Dec. 7, '63.
George H. Goss, Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvets; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joshua Goss, Private; 43; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Dec. 4, '62.
John Graham, Private; 31; Feb. 10, '62; Chelsea; transf. to Co. D.
William Green, Private; 19; Feb. 14, '64; Mendon; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Samuel D. Gregory, Private: 16; Sept. 24, '62; BelUngham; transf. from Co. H, 42d M. V. M.
M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Eobert Grey, Private; 22; Oct. 24, '62; Boston: disch. Mar. 4, '63.
Eobert B. Haggerty, Private: July 11, '61; Lynnfield; deserted Aug. 20, '61.
James Hamay, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '62; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Harris, Private; 42; Oct. 13, '62; Boston: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Eufus Hart, Private; 26; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 18, '63.
Charles Hartman, Private: IS; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Jan. 4, '64.
Thomas Hartman, Jr., Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 24, '63.
Timothy Hawkes, Private; 44; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 12, '62, at
Newbern, N. C.
Harry K. Herman, Private; 19; Jan. 26, '64; Boston; transf. to New Co. E, from 1st Bat.
L. Art.
Robert HiU, Private: 10; July 11, '61; Eockport; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 2, '62.
James A. Holt, Private, 31; Dec. 9, '61; Danvers: disch. for disability Sept. 12, '62.
Daniel A. Hyde, Private, 38; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty May 10, '63.
Henry G. Hyde, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to old Co. G, July 1, '63.
Thomas Hynde, Private: 41; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Kearney, Private; 36; Oct. 13, '62; Waltham; transf. from Co. I, 46th M. V. M.;
M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Kelley, Private; 25; Feb. 10, '62; Roxbury; transf. to New Co. C.
Andrew Kelley, Private: 40; Aug. 16, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 18, '62.
John Kelley, Private; 35; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Jackson Kennedy, Private; 31; July 11, '61; Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
EzraD. KimbaU, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '62.
Michael Kirby, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '62.
Henry H. Lane, Private: 21; Aug. 7, '62; Haverhill; disch.; rejected recruit Nov. 25, '62.
David P. Lang, Private: 24; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Luther E. Lawton, Private; 31 ; Aug. 23, '62; Maiden; Aug. 3, '64, expir. of service.
Joseph Leavitt. Private: 42; Nov. 22, '61 ; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 24, '63.
James Lee, Private; 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Lovejoy, Private; 44; Aug. 22, '62; HolUston; rejected recruited; disch. Nov. 25, '62.
DarUng Lowe, Private: 42; Aug. 18, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 5, '62.
James E. Lowell, Private: 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; d. Feb. 11, '62, at Baltimore, Md.
George H. Mabee, Private; 24; ,Sec. 3, '63; Roxbury; re-euUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Dennis Mahoney, Private; 27; Nov. 22, '61; Boston: transf. to New Co. C.
Melville Maley. Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David Matheson, Private; 35; July 11, '61; Lynnfield: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John McCreary, Private; 36; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Alba McKay, Private: 22; Aug. 22, '62; HolUston; rejected recruit; disch. Nov. 25,' '63.
Alexander Moir, Private; 43; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Apr. 24, '63.
Jonas S. Monroe, Private; 30; July 11, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enUsted
Feb. 22, '64.
George E. Moore, Private: 24; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Moore, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enUsted Jan. 4, '64.
John K. Moore, Private; 31 ; July 11, '61 ; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty June 16, '62.

COMPANY C. 29
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Lewis D. Moore, Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. Mar. 12, '62.
John B. Moores, Private; 26; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. Co. G; re-enUsted Jan. 5, '64.
Estwick E. Morrill, Private; 27; Aug. 22, '61; SaUsbury; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 7, '61.
Archibald Morrison, Private; 25; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George H. Moulton, Private; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Andrew MuUen (also known as MiUen), Private; 24; May 1, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co.
B.; re-enUsted Jan. 1, '64.
John Mundie, Private; 27; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Owen Murphy, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam J. Murphy, Private; 27; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Martin Murray, Private; 20; July 11, '61 ; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas A. Musgrave, Private; July 11, '61; Lynnfield; d. July 1861, at Lynnfield, Mass.
Edward North, Private; 19; Jan. 21, '62; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 31, '63.
Fred A. Nourse, Private: 22; Jan. 14, '62; Marblehead; transf. to New Co. B.
AUen Nourse, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers; re-enlisted; transf. to Co. E.
James Nulty, Private; IS; Dec. 31, '63; Amesbury; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
WilUam H. Ogden, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-euUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Hugh E. Peabody, Private; 27; Sept. 19, '62; Lynn; transf. from Co. F, 8th M. V. M., 9
months' troops, M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David PettengiU, Private: 31; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Richard Poor, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 30, '61.
Richard Poore, Private; 19; Jan. 3, '62; Danvers: disch. for disability Feb. 25, '62; at Balti
more, Md.
James M. Powers, Private; 32; Dec. 22, '62; iledford; transf. to New Co. D, as pris. of war.
James Prince, Private; 29; Oct. 28, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Nob. 17, '61; at Balti
more, Md.
Charles Putnam, Private; 21; Apr. 29, '61; Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
GeorgeF. Putnam, Private: 23; July 10, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John E. Quinn, Private; 21; Dec. 31, '63; Boston; transf. to New Co. D, as pris. of war.
Milton Raddin, Private: 18; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
WilUam Reynolds, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 6, '63.
Michael Riley, Private: 30; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Oct. 2, '63.
John A. Roberts, Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 3, '62.
WilUam B. Sargent, Private; 37; Oct. 22, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Jan. 1, '64.
Frank Scampton, Private; 39; July 11, '61; Danvers: d. Aug. 29, '62; at Danvers, Mass.
George Scampton, Private; 32; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 6, '63.
Patrick Sexton, Private ;20; July 11, '61; Danvers: transf. to New Co.B. ;re-enUsted Jan. 1,'64.
John Shackley, Private; 33; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Feb. 1, '63.
Alvin C. Shaw, Private; July 11, '61; Lynnfield; deserted Aug. 20, '61.
Joseph E. Shaw, Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiamSillars, Private; 20; July 11, '61; Danvers; d. Jan. 4, '62, at Baltimore, Md.
Daniel Smith, Private; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers: d. Sept. 27, '62, at Newbern, N. C.
PhiUp SuUivan, Private; 20; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Eldridge A. Stiles, Private: 23; July 11, '61; Middleton, disch. for disabiUty Sept. 12, '62.
James H. Stuart, Private; 27; Oct. 14, '62; Boston; pro. Sgt. Maj. July 1, '64; re-enlisted
Jan. 1, '64.
Jeremiah Toomey, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
PatrickToomey, Private; 23; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Patrick Toomey, Private; 25; Dec. 23, '63; Woburn; re-enUsted; transf. to New Co. C.
Patrick Trainer, Private; 19; July 11, '61; Danvers; d. Dec. 24, '61, at Baltimore, Md.
Ezra W. Watson, Private; 24; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 4, '62.
Charles F. WeUs, Private; 18; Oct. 21, '61; Danvers: transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Feb.
18, '64.

30 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMBNT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Edward F. WeUs, Private; 32; Aug. 16, '61; Danvers: disch. for disabiUty Apr. 6, '63.
Edwin G. WeUs, Private; 18; Oct. 21, '61; Danvers; disch. expir. of service Oct. 20, '64.
John F. Wells, Private; 24; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Jan. 1,
'64.
Heniy R. Wiggin, Private; 43; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 16, '63.
Calvin W. Wiggin, Private; 49; Nov. 28, '63; Medford; transf. to Co. D, as absent pris. of war.
Joseph F. Wiggin, Private; 18; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 11, '63.
Calvin W. WiUis, Private; 49; Nov. 28, '63; Medford; transf. to Co. I; d. in rebel prison July
17, '64.
George C. Wilson, Private: 18; July 11, '61; Danvers ; transf . to Co. B. ; re-enlisted Jan. 4, '64.
Edmund Woodward, Private; 24; July 14, '63; Lawrence: transf. to New Co. C.
James F. Woodward, Private; 23; July 11, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 2, '63.
Frederick Wright, Private; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers; disch. for disability Dec. 9, '61, at
Baltimore, Md.

COMPANY "D," SALISBURY.

WALLACE GUARDS.
(The following account of Company "D" is taken from the
Massachusetts Register and Military Record of 1862.)
This company was organized on May 7, 1861. Having re
ceived arms from the State Arsenal, it commenced drill in good
earnest under the efficient instruction of Mr. E. P. Stanwood of
West Newbury. For four or five weeks the members performed
no other labors than that which pertained to the perfecting of the
company in the manual of arms, military evolutions and the march.
The uniform of the company consisted of a dark gray frock
coat, pants and cap. The ladies made up the uniforms from the
cloth purchased by the town and committee of citizens. Ready
as it now was for the field, a disappointment awaited it, for the
Governor had not assigned the company to either of the camp
regiments ordered by the legislature. Some of the members,
however, determined not to be diverted from their original pur
pose of going to war, scattered among other companies already

COMPANY D. 31
ordered into regiments. Twenty-five members, with the first,
third and fourth lieutenants, united with the National Guards of
Newburyport, which joined the Mozart Regiment, then stationed
at Yonkers, N. Y.; and others connected themselves with the
West Newbury Rifle Company and West Amesbury Mechanic
Infantry, until the members were reduced to about thirty. Yet
these thirty continued the organization, when on the 11th of July,
the company was ordered into camp at Lynnfield, as Company
D, Essex County Regiment 17th. Again it recruited to army
standard. The company derived its name, "Wallace Guards,' ' from Mr.
E. P. Wallace of Salisbury — a young mechanic of limited means,
but generous patriotism, who gave the company, at its organiza
tion, one hundred dollars. Mr. Wallace also sent the following
note to the Secretary of the Treasury, and "its tone of earnest,
hearty patriotism makes it worthy of being printed in letters of
gold." "I am a shoemaker of limited means, but I want to lend the
government this hundred dollars to assist a little in maintenance
of its authority — its existence.
"The reason I send it to you rather than invest it here is that
I want to give 'Uncle Sam' all the profit, and I don't want any
interest on it. All that I want is that you should send me a govern
ment note promising to pay me or bearer $100 on demand, any
time after the 29th of August, without interest. If times are hard
with the government then, I will make a goodly abatement from
this. If you are not empowered to invest the money in this way,
invest it in the next way that will be most profitable to the govern
ment. "Long life to Uncle Sam.
"May the blessings of God make your efforts to save our
beloved country successful.
"P. S. An early return will prevent apprehension that this
did not reach you. Physical disabihty alone prevents my assisting
as a volunteer.' '

32 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
As the government could not receive the money on the terms
of the letter, it issued to the author the first 7.3 per centum
treasury note.
The town of Salisbury expended $1100, and the citizens $700,
for the outfit and comfort of the company in the preparation for
field service. This expenditure does not include what the town
paid for monthly bounty and the maintenance of the families of
volunteers. Of the patriotic acts of Mr. E. P. Wallace, Comrade C. E.
Flanders of Co. D, writes, in addition to the information above
given :
"You vdW note he subscribed one hundred dollars for the
company, and he helped some of the married men of the company
while awaiting marching orders, of which no mention has ever been
made. Besides the hundred dollars he loaned the government,
later, when men were needed, he offered to give any man seventy-
five dollars who would go as a substitute for him. It was accepted
by Frank Cammett, who was killed at Brown's Ferry, Tenn.
Later, on hearing that an officer with only one leg was serving in
the army, he went to Boston to a recruiting office and tried to
enhst, and I heard he offered his services for nothing if they would
take him, but was told that the reason that this officer was retained
was that he had lost his leg while in the service, but they could only
enlist sound men. He then asked if the governor could not inter
cede for him, but was told that he had no power in the matter.
Is it any wonder that this company was proud to bear his name,
and that the returned veterans should give his name to their post,
the E. P. Wallace Post 122, G. A. R. of Salisbury? He is still
living, hale and hearty, at over three-score years and ten, and
is often seen upon the street in his three-wheel wagon, propelled by
his hands, and is loved and most sincerely respected by all classes,
rich and poor alike.' '
The following is a roster of the company :

COMPANY D. 33
ORIGINAL COMPANY "D."
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
GoergeH.MorreU, Capt.;29: Apr. 27, '61; Salisbury; resigned Jan. 28, '61.
Levi P. Thompson, Capt. ; 33 ; Jan. 9, '62; Cambridge; d. Sept. 20, '62.
Ivory N. Richardson, Capt.; 23; Sept. 25, '62; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Jere A. Greeley, 1st Lt. ;27; April 27, '61; SaUsbury ; resigned and hon. disch., July 20, ' 63.
Barnabas N. Mann, 1st Lt.; 36; Aug. 22, '61 ; Chelsea; transf. to Co. K, Nov. 7, '63.
Henry A. Cheever, 1st Lt. ; 23 ; Feb. 20, '62 ; Chelsea; appointed Reg. Adj. Nov. 25, '62.
Thomas F. Newton, 1st Lt.; 34; July 3, '63; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. H.
Benjamin F. Chesley, 2d Lt.; 22; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; resigned Dec. 27, '61.
Linus B. Comins, Jr., 2d Lt.; 19; Apr. 5, '62; Roxbury; transf. to Co. I, May 19, '63.
Heniy T. MerriU, 2d Lt.; 25; July 3, '62; HaverhiU; resigned May 11, '63.
Charles O. FeUows, 2d Lt. ; 19; Aug. 31, '62; Chelsea: transf. to Co. A, Aug. 30, '62.
James Inman, 2d Lt.; 25; Apr. 26, '63; Danvers; transf. to Co. H, June 19, '64.
George I. Flanders, 1st Sgt.; 28; Aug. 10, '61 ; Lynn; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 15, '61.
Leonard W. PhilUps, 1st Sgt. ; 23 ; Jan. 25, '62 ; Bradford ; transf. to new Co. D.
Thomas F. Newton, Sgt.; 32; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; pro. 2d Lt. Dec. 11, '62; transf. to Co.H.
WiUiam O. Coffin, Sgt.; 27; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; disch. for disability July 26, '62.
Simon F. Blake, Sgt. ; 33 ; Apr. 27, '61 ; SaUsbury ; disch. for disabiUty April 26, '62.
John G. Cowan, Sgt.; 18; July 22, '61; SaUsbury; transf. to New Co.; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Edward H. Emerson, Sgt.; 21; Feb. 14, '62; Boston; d. at Sandown, N. H., Nov. 17, '63.
Edwin A. Moulton, Sgt.; 21; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Jan.
4, '64.
Ariel S. Noyes, Sgt.; 32; Feb. 5, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlist. Feb. 16, '64.
Brotherton Martin, Sgt.; 21; Aug. 22, '61; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst.
Dec. 4, '63.
George Briggs, Corp.; 18; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
Wingate Morse, Corp.; 20; July 11, '61 ; Amesbury ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Theophilus Sanborn, Corp. ; 32; Apr. 27, '61; SaUsbury; transf. to Co. I, absent pris. of war;
re-enUst. Dec. 4, '63; transf. from Co. C to Co. D.
Cyrus E. Kendrick, Corp. ; 31 ; Apr. 27, '61 ; Amesbury; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
Augustus B. Flanders, Corp.; 20; Aug. 20, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George H. Lang, Corp.; 34; Apr. 27, '61 ; Amesbury; disch. for disability Apr. 2, '63.
Frank B. Poison, Corp.; 18; March. 4, '62; Lowell; transf. from Co. C to Co. D; transf.
to New Co. D; re-enUst. Jan. 4, '64.
Solomon Martin, Corp.; 18; Aug. 7, '61; Newburyport; transf. from Co. C to Co. D; transf.
to New Co. D. ; re-enlist. Jan 4, '64
Charles E. WeUs, Corp.; 19; Feb. 28, '62; HaverhiU; wounded Dec. 17, '62; transf. to New Co.
D.
Edgar A. Parker, Corp.; 25; Nov 2, '61; Haverhill; transf. from Co. A to Co. D; transf. to
New Co. D.
John B. Pecker, Corp.; 22; March 10, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty June 28, '64.
Hiram P. Tuxbury, Musician; 27; July 12, '61; Newton; deserted Aug. 6, '61;
Samuel O. Pierce, Musician; 16; Oct. 23, '61 ; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 17, '62.
Clarence O. Woodman, Musician; 16; Oct. 26, '61; Lynn; drowned May 26, '63 at Newbeme,
N.C.
John W. TwitcheU, Musician; 21; Feb. 3, '62; Chelsea: transf. from Co. C to Co. D; transf.
to Co. H as absent pris. of war; re-enlist. Jan. 1, '64.
Samuel Whittaker, Musician; 25; Feb. 12, '62; Boston; transf. from Co. C. to Co. D; transf.
to New Co. absent pris. of war; re-enUst. Jan 1, '64.
Charles M. Goldwaith, Wagoner; 22; July 12, '61; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty May 31, '62.

34 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Thomas A. Amold, Private; 27; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Horace Baldwin, Private; 42; Nov. 15, '61; Lynn; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Michael J. Barrett, Private; 34; Jan. 24, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 15, '62.
WUUam H. BatcheUer, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. from Co. B to Co. D; transf.
to Co. H. Sept. 2, '62.
JohuM. Bemis, Private; 38; Aug. 6, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabUty Jan. 30, '63.
Charles H Blake, Private; 18; Dec. 31, '61; SaUsbury; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan.
5, '64.
John K. Blodgett, Private; 31; Feb. 4, '62; Boston; disch. for disabUtiy Dec. 9, '62.
Elbridge Boardman, Private; 22 ; July 12, '61 ; HaverhiU; deserted Aug. 20, '61.
Job Booth, Private; 25; July 28, '62; SaUsbury ; d. at Washington, D. C, Sept. 16, '62.
Peter Boylan, Private; 22; Aug. 8, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Brown, Private; 18; July 12, '61; Salisbury; d. July 1, '62, at Newbeme, N. C.
Hiram Butterfield, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. from Co. B; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Daniel Cammett, Private; 27; April 27, '61 ; Amesbury ; d. Aug. 2, '64 at SaUsbury, Mass.
Joseph CampbeU, Private; 28; Dec. 5, '61 ; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. D.
WiUiam H. CampbeU, Private; 31 ; Jan. 31, '62; Chelsea; transf. to New Co. D.
Edward Capen, Private; 23; Jan. 24, '62; Cambridge; deserted Jan. '62.
John A. Clement, Private; 28; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Eeuben H. Coffin, Private; 29; Jan. 27, '62; Danvers; transf. to New Co. D.
JohnC.CogsweU, Private; 22; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas W. Colby, Private; 20; Aug. 11, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 8, '63.
Jesse S. Currier, Private; 47; July 22, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
JuUusC. Currier, Private; 24; Apr. 27, '61; Newton, N. H.; deserted Aug. 13, '61.
RandaU B. Curtis, Private; 23; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Hubbard M. Delano, Private; 31 ; Jan. 13, '62; Lynn; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 25, '63.
Edward Dorsey, Private; 22; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 6, '61.
James M. Durgin, Private; 26; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; disch. rej. recruit Oct. 27, '62.
PhiUipDwinnells, Private; 27; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam DwinneUs, Private; 24; July 12, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George W. Eaton, Private,; 18; Aug. 11, '62; Bradford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James T. Ewer, Private; 19; Aug. 11, '62; Boston; d. Sept. 16, '63 at Moorehead City, N. C.
Frank H. Failey, Private; 23; Aug. 19, '62; Boston; transf. Aug. 1, '63 to U. S. signal corps.
Frank Fays, Private; 18; Aug. 3, '61; Charlestown; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Michael Fenton, Private; 34; March 10, '62; Quincy; disch. for disabiUty May 9, '63.
James Timerty, Private; 23; Feb. 15, '62; Danvers; transf. to New Co.
Charles E. Flanders, Private; 18; July 12, '61; Salisbury; transf. to New Co. F; re-enlist.
Dec. 7, '63.
Francis C. Flanders, Private; 25; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 7, '61.
Henry G. Flanders, Private; 18; July 22, '61; Lynn; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist. Feb. 16,
'64.
Edward Foley, Private; 35; Feb. 10, '62; Eoxbury; disch. for disabiUty May 3, '62.
Frank Foote, Private; 28; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 22, '63.
Horace K. Ford, Private; 31; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Peter Foster, Private: 29; Jan. 27, '62; Chelsea; no further record in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Davis French, Private; 27; Apr. 27, '61; Salisbury; d. May 28, '62, at Newbern, N. C.
Benjamin Y. Gammon, Private; 33; Aug. 19, '62; Seekonk; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James H. Garrigan, Private; 24; Aug. 7, '62; Cambridge: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James GiUeland, Private; 35; January 2, '64; Lawrence; Capt. Feb. 1, '64; transf. to New
Co. H as prisoner of war.
WiUiam H. Gladdmg, Private; 18; Aug. 19, '62; Seekonk; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Goodwin, Private; 19; Aug. 4, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles P. Goss, Private; 20; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Loring Graves, Private; 36; Mar. 26, '62; Chicopee; transf. to New Co. D.

COMPANY D. 35
NAME. RANK, AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Michael Guynan, Private; 35; Feb. 10, '62; FaU Elver; transf. to New Co. D.
Andrew J. Haynes, Private; 24; Aug. 6, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty June 22, '63.
Alonzo Hobbs, Private; 38; Aug. 4, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty June 11, '63.
WiUiam Howard, Private; 18; Aug. 7, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James J. Hurley, Private; 22; Feb. 24, '62; LoweU; d. Oct. 4, '63, at Newbern, N. C.
WilUam Jenness, Private; 20 Feb. 12, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Deo. 4, '62.
George O. Jewett, Private; 24; Mar. 26, '62; Boston; transf. to V. E. C. Feb. 1, '64.
CVrus B. Jones, Private; 23 ; July 15, '61 ; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 30, '63.
Enoch H. Kenrick, Private; 42; Nov. 11, '61; Amesbury; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 4, '62.
Charles W. KimbaU, Private; 39; Aug. 7, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. E.
Jeremiah I. Lee, Private; 21; Mar. 10, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. D.
Charles H. Lord, Private; 31; July 23, '62; HaverhiU; disch. tor disabiUty Sept. 11, '63.
David B. Lowe, Private; 22; Feb. 10, '62; Gloucester; transf. to New Co. C.
George H. Lundburg, Private; 21; Apr. 27, '61; SaUsbury; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George F. Mann, Private; 21; Aug. 19, '62; HolUston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Marchant, Private; 27; July 12, '61; Amesbury; deserted Jan. 1, '62.
Alvin Marsh, Private; 18; July 12, '61; Amesbury, deserted Aug. 13, '61.
James J. McCormich, Private; 22; Jan. 28, '62; Lynn; transf. to New Co. C.
Dominick McDavitt, Private; 31; Feb. 15, '62; Danvers; transf. to New Co. D.
Samuel McLaughlin, Private; 26; Aug. 15, '62; Amesbury; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 17, '63.
John McMann, Private; 24; Feb. 3, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. D.
WilUam McWilUams, Private; 32; Apr. 27, '61; Amesbury; d. in Andersonville, Ga., Aug.
8, '64; grave. No. 5194.
Timothy Meaney, Private; 29; Mar. 12, '62; Abington; transf. to New Co.A.; re-enUsted
Mar. 30, '64.
WiUiam N. Merriam, Private; 38; Jan. 31, '62; Chelsea; d. at AndersonviUe, Ga., May 24,
'64; grave No. 1358.
James L. MerriU, Private; 22; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; transf. Aug. 1, '63; to U. S. Sig. Corps.
Estrick MorriU, Private; 27; Aug. 22, '61; Salisbury; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 7, '61.
Charles Murphy, Private; 29; Feb. 27, '62; Cambridge; transf. to Co. H, absent pris. of war.
James Murphy, Private; 22; Aug. 15, '62; Amesbury; disch. for disability Jan. 1, '64.
WiUiam Murphy, Private; 35; Feb. 11, '62; So. Boston; disch. for disabiUty May 6, '62.
David Noble, Private; 29; Nov. 11, '61; Maiden; d. in Andersonville, Ga., May 22, '64; No.
of Grave 1282.
Henry Norris, Private; 35; Dec. 29, '63; FaU Eiver; pris. of war Feb. 1,''64 to Apr. 28, '65;
transf. to Co. I, on paper; disch. June 30, '65.
Jospeh H. Osgood, Private; 33; July 22, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Juue 11, '63.
WiUiam H. Paisley, Private; 30; July 12, '61; SaUsbury; transf. to New Co. C, pris. of war;
captur. pris. Feb. 1, '64; re-enUsted Jan. 6. '64.
Joseph B. Pahner, Private: 32; Feb. 5, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 4, '63.
Frank B. Poison, Private; 18; Mar.4,'62; LoweU; transf. to New Co. D.; re-enUst.Jan. 4, '64.
Charles L. EamsdeU, Private; 26; Apr. 27, '61; SaUsbury; July 25, '62; disch. for disabiUty.
Charles T. Eich, Private; 19; Jan. 29, '62; SaUsbury; disch. (rejected recruit) Oct. 27, '62.
John P. Richardson, Private; 20; Aug. 8, '62; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A.
Henry H. Eobbins, Private; 35; Jan. 31, '62; Lynn; transf to New Co. D.
WiUiam P. EusseU, Private; 25; Aug. 7, '61 ; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty July 22, '62.
Charles A. Sargent, Private; 18; Dec. 9, '61; HaverhiU; disch. Feb. 7, '63 for disabiUty.
WiUiam Shaw, Private; 43; July 22, '61; SaUsbury; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 5, '63.
Thomas J. Shea, Private; 26; Feb. 21, '62; Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 14, '63.
Eabud Simonds, Private; 36; Feb. 10, '62; Chelsea; d. at AndersonvUle, Ga., July 10, '64;
grave No. 1458.
John A. Smeadburg, Private; 18; Aug. 14, '61; Gloucester; transf. to Co. I (on paper); has
been a prisoner of war; re-enUsted Dec. 4, '63. M. O. June 20, '65.
Lafayette Stiles, Private; 31; Feb. 10, '62; GUead, Maine; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 25, '62.

36 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Fred J. Stone, Private; 26; July 22, '61 ; SaUsbury; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 4, '63.
Richard M. Tandy, Private; 34; Feb. 6, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 21, '63.
Nathan J. Thoms, Private; 43; Feb. 15, '62; Saugus ; transf. to New Co. D.
EusseU S. Tibbetts, Private; 36; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George Upton, Private; 22; July 22, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 4, '61.
Samuel Usher, Private; 27; July 12, '61; Amesbury; re-enlisted Dec. 7, '63; d. in Anderson
viUe, Ga.; Sept. 22, '64; grave No. 9617.
WilUam Webb, Private; 27; July 12, '61 ; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 24, '62.
Job E. Wells, Private; 28; Aug. 11, '62; SaUsbury; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Francis Whittier, Private; 18; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUsted
Dec. 18, '63.
James Wicks, Private; 23; July 12, '61; Amesbury; transf. to Co. H.
Edward S. WiUey, Private; 24; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 10, '63.
Charles D. WiUiams, Private; 37; May 13, '64; Boston; transf. to New Co. D.
Artemus Wilson, Private; 34; Feb. 10, '62; Danvers; transf. to New Co. D.
Charies O. Witham, Private; 27; July 12, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11, '61.
Charles F. York, Private; 18; July 12, '61 ; Amesbury; disch. for disabilty Oct. 2, '61.
John S. York, Private; 36; Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 10, '63.

COMPANY "E" OF HAVERHILL.

(This company was recruited in Haverhill. The circum
stances under which it was formed are thus stated by one of the
leading spirits in its formation, who afterwards became regimental
commander, and whose service in the Seventeenth Regiment was
both meritorious and conspicuous.)
The attack on the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment in Balti
more, following somewhat closely upon the firing on the steamer,
" Star of the West' ' and Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston,
S. C, in April, 1861, roused all classes in Haverhill, as it did in
other sections of Massachusetts, to the belief that a war between
the rebellious and loyal States was inevitable, and Irish citizens
and Irish-American boys thought they were no less patriotic than
the other men and boys of the town. So they determined to
organize a military company, and offer the services of the same
to Governor Andrew to aid in putting down the rebellion.
A meeting of this class of young men was called for the second
night after the firing on the Sixth Regiment in Baltimore, in the

COMPANY E. 37
old Town Hall. The meeting was presided over by the Hon.
James H. Duncan, and was largely attended. Patriotic speeches
were made by Mr. Duncan and others, and enthusiasm ran high.
After the speakers had finished, a call for signers of recruiting
papers was made, but the young men being modest, it was diffi
cult to start work. Finally, Mr. Henry Splaine said that, as some
one must sign first, and as every one knew that he was not aspiring
to leadership, he saw no harm being the first to sign. Before the
close of the meeting that night a full company had signed the
roster. The company at once established headquarters on Water
Street, and subsequently went into quarters in the old hat shop
near the Boston & Maine depot. It drilled under several instruct
ors for about two weeks, when an election of officers was ordered
by Governor Andrews, Col. Lyman Dike of Stoneham, presiding.
Speeches were made by Colonel Dike and others, and great enthu
siasm prevailed. Prominent men of the town were present to
encourage the boys. There were several candidates for the various
positions to be filled, and the boys in the ranks earnestly supported
their favorites for all the offices to be filled.
Michael C. McNamara was elected captain, Henry Splaine,
first heutenant, James Moroney, second lieutenant; James Splaine,
third lieutenant and Joseph G. Kelley, fourth lieutenant.
(As only two lieutenants were allowed to each company by
order of the War Department, the third and fourth lieutenants
had to be dropped. Lieutenant Moroney in writing of this and
other matters connected with the organization of Company E,
says: "When the four elected ofiicers were notified to appear at
the State House for examination, it came to James Splaine's
turn to be examined. One of the officers on the board put the
question to him: 'Suppose, after you get out to the seat of war,
there were to be only two lieutenants allowed, what would you do?'
As quick as a flash he made reply: 'Sir, I would take a musket and
go into the ranks.' The officer was much pleased at his quick
response, and told him he thought that he would be all right, and
he was all right, for he afterwards made one of the best officers in
the regiment.")

38 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
Day after day the company drilled, sometimes on the street,
in the barracks, and at times in the fields about Haverhill and
Bradford. The officers of the company made application to the
governor for arms, for the purpose of learning the use of them,.
but His Excellency was constrained to say that arms could not
then be furnished, but advised the men to drill and drill, and if
nothing better could be done to drill with bean-poles.
Shortly after this, the company received orders to report at
Long Island, in Boston Harbor, to form part of the Fourteenth
Infantry Regiment, which was then being recruited and drilled.
on that island, and there it was given a company designation.
They reached the island about the middle of May, 1861.
About this time, the oflftcers of many regiments then recruit-.
ing were called before a board of examiners at the State House,,
which resulted in the dropping of all third and fourth lieutenants.,
Third lieutenant James Splaine became orderly sergeant, and
fourth lieutenant Joseph G. Kelley became a private. Later on
in the service, James Splaine became successively second lieutenant,.
first lieutenant and captain, while fourth lieutenant Joseph G.
Kelley became sergeant and afterwards second lieutenant.
The company did good work on Long Island, and, became
quite proficient in drill and discipline. It was a fine body of men,,
and officers and men got along harmoniously. Several weeks were,
spent on the island and it was drill, drill, nearly all the time.
But .one day there came an order to fill up the 13th, which had be
come the 9th regiment. Many attempts were made to coax men;
from Company E into the Ninth Regiment, and some not very
creditable agencies were employed to throw Lieutenant Splaine
out and take. Captain McNamara into the Ninth with his company,.
the latter to be alieutenant. The boys stood by their promise when
they left Haverhill to. go as a company or not at all. The entire
company returned to Haverhill upon the disbanding of the Four
teenth Regiment, and broke ranks in front of the old Town Hall.
About the middle of June, Captain McNamara received
orders to recruit the company again, and to go into quarters, a
place on Fleet Street being provided for sheltering the men.. It
was drill and drill again until early in July, when the company

COMPANY E. 39
was ordered to report at Ljomfield, July 10, and become Company
E of the Seventeenth Regiment, to which it was attached during
its three years of service in the Union Army. It was mustered
into service at Camp Schouler, Lynnfield, July 22, and proceeded
to the seat of war August 23, 1861, reaching Baltimore, Md.,
August 25, 1861.
The record of Company E is a respectable and a brave one,
many of the men and some of the officers filling high and honor
able positions during the war. Company E and Company A being
the only ones that furnished the surviving regimental commander.
The following is a roster of the company :
ORIGINAL COMPANY "E."
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Michael C. McNamara, Capt.; 30; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry Splaine, 1st Lt.; 23; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; transf. and pro. Capt. Jan. 31, '62;
transf. to Co. A.
Edward T. Parkinson, 1st Lt. ; 23 ; January 9, '62; West Roxbury; pro. Asst. Adjt. Gen. U. S.
Vols. July 7, '63.
Joseph W. Day, 1st Lt. ; 32; Jan. 3, '64; Bradford; captured at battle of Bachelors Creek,
N. C. Feb. 1, '64; disch. Mar 11, '65, expir. of service.
James Maroney, 2d Lt.; 23; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; pro. 1st Lt.; Feb. IS, '62; transf. to Co. I.
James Splaine, 2d Lt.; 22; Feb. 18, '62; HaverhiU; pro. 1st Lt., Dec. 24, '62; transf. to Co. F.
Daniel L. GetcheU, 2d Lt.; 24; Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug, 3, '64.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; Oct. 1, '63; Gloucester; transf. to Co. A, Nov. 1, '63.
James Splaine, 1st Sgt.; 22; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; pro. 2d Lt. Jan. 31, '62:
George H. Putney, 1st Sgt.; 28; July 11, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Smith, Sgt.; 22; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; deserted July 26, '61.
Alfred Putnam, Sgt.; 25; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 31, '63.
Daniel Eegan, Sgt.; 25; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; wounded Dec. 16, '62; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph G. KeUey, Sgt.; 33; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to Co. F; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Charles F. Brown, Sgt.; 27; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to Co. C Feb. 2, '63.
Thomas Keneally, Sgt.; 23; July 10, '61; Stoneham; captured pris. Feb. 1, '64; d. at Ander
sonville, Ga., June 9, '64; No. of gr., 1754.
Henry Mulvey, Sgt. ; 23 ; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
AUenNourse, Sgt.;21; July 11, '61; Danvers: d. Nov. 1, '62 at Newbern, N. C.
Uriah Eobertson, Sgt.; 26; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. to new Co. H; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64
Jeremiah Sheehan, Corp. ; 21 ; July 10, '61 ; Manchester, N. H. ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Peter Godfrey, Corp. ; 27; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. C.
JohnO'Hara, Corp.; 26; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabUity Jan. 30, '63.
Hugh McGlone, Corp.; 20; July 10, '61; Billerica; deserted Aug 1, '61.
Edward MuUigan, Corp.; 22; July 10, '61 ; Manchester, N. H.; M. O. Aug. 3, '64,
John Coffey, Corp. ; 23 ; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas McCarthy, Corp. ; 23 ; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; deserted Aug 2, '61.
John Clabby, Corp.; 32; July 10, '61; Boston; transf. to Co. D. ab. pris. of war; re-enUst.
Dec. 4, '63 ; d. in AndeiaonviUe, Ga., July 8, '64. Grave No. 3016.
EUphalet P. Crafts, Corp.; 33; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64; d. m Anderson
ville, Ga., Mar. 26 '62 ; No. of Grave, 174.

40 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
WilUam ElUott, Corp. ; 24 ; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 21, '63.
Dominick Kenney, Corp. 29; Jan. 31, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlist. Jan 4, '64.
Patrick Maloney, Corp ; 24 ; July 10, '61 ; Stoneham ; transf. to New Co. C ; re-enUst. Jan. 1 , '64.
Patrick Nalty, Corp. 19; July 10, '61; West Newbury; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Jan.
5, '64.
WiUiam Splaine, Corp.; 29; Sept. 2, '62; HaverhiU: wounded Dec. 16, '62; disch. for diaabiUty
Apr. 3, '63.
Matthew Sweeney, Corp. ; 29; July 10, '61 ; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam H. Hanson, Musician; 33; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Richard Neagle, Artif.; 38; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; d. Jan. 1, '62, at Baltimore, Md.
Edward Flaherty, Wagoner; 32; July 10, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 3, '63.
John E. Acres, Private: 27; Oct. 8, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 10, '61. (So saya
Muster-out EoU.)
Samuel Anderson, Private; 50; July 10, '61 ; Lynnfield; dropped Mar. 26, '62.
James Barry, Private; 21; Aug. 1, '62; SaUsbury; disch. for idsabiUty Nov. 13, '62 aa a
rej. recruit.
George Bragdon, Private: July 12, '61 ; Lynnfield; no further record in Adjt. Gen. office. Mass.
Michael Brannigan, Private: 18; July 10, '61; Wobum; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Dec.
12, '63.
Walter Broughton, Private; 20; July 10, '61 ; Lynnfield; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
John Bumes,(also known as Barron)Private; 24; Oct. 6, '61; HaverhiU; d. at Andersonville,
Ga., July 23, '64; grave No. 3841.
Thomas W. Burroughs, Private; 16; Oct. 31, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 30, '63;
enlisten as a musician.
Christopher Campbell, Private: 25; Dec. 6, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for diaabiUty, Jan. 16,
'63.
John Campbell, Private; 40; July 10, '61 ; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 8, '63.
John Carroll, Private: 21; July 10, '61; Manchester; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
Thomas Casey, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; deserted, Aug. 2, '61.
Thomas Casey, Private; 19; Jan. 13, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '62.
Henry Chase, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUst. Dec. 5,
'64.
Lawrence Clark, Private; 27; Oct. 27, '61; Baltimore, Md.; deserted Nov. 2, '61.
Patrick Cogan, Private; 31; July 10, '61; Woburn; disch. for disabilty Dec. 5, '61.
Henry Connelly, Private; 27; July 10, '61; Georgetown: deserted Aug. 22, '61.
Timothy Connelly, Private; 23; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. E.; re-enUsted Jan.
6, '64.
Thomas Croke, Private; 32; July 10, '61; Boston; deserted at Fort Macon, Jan. 31, '63.
WUUam Daley, Private; 30; Aug. 7, '62; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Patrick Dignan, Private; 29; Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George Doherty, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty; Sept; 6, '61.
JohnDoonin, Private; 29; July 10, '61; Georgetown; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan. 5, '64.
Timothy DriscoU, Private; 21; Aug. 1, '62; SaUsbury; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
George Eaton, Private; 37; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. H.
Owen Egan, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Manchester, N. H.; wounded Feb. 1, '64; M. O. Aug.
3, '64, at Boston, Mass.
Thomas EUis, Private; 19; July 10, '61 ; Haverhill; transf. to new Co. A; re-enUat. Jan. 5, '64.
Patrick Fallon, Private; 22; Jan 26, '62; Quincy; transf. to Co. C; re-enUat. Mar. 14, '64.
Edward Flaherty, Private: 32; July 10, '61 ; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 3, '63.
Murty Fleming, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. E; re-enUst. Jan. 1, '64.
John Foley, Private; 20; July 10, '61 ; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 2. '63.
Stephen Foley, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Manchester, N. H.; deserted Aug. 1, '61.
John Gannon, Private; 31; Dec. 6, '61; So. Danvers; disch. for disabUty Dec. 3, '62.
James H. Gartside, Private; 19; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; diach. for diaabiUty at Newbern,
N. C, Aug. 20, '62.

COMPANY E. 41
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Godfrey, Private; 32; July 10, '61; Haverhill: deserted Aug. 22, '61.
Joseph Godfrey, Private;.20; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUstad.
John Goggin, Private; 39; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David B. Hackett, Private; 29; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Hugh Hagan, Private; 30; July 30, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Hamey, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '62; Lynn; transf. to Co. C.
Thomaa Harrigan, Private; 24; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Hennessey, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Manchester, N. H.; disch. for disabiUty Sept.
24, '61.
HenryKane, Private; 22; Sept. 2, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles W. Kimball, Private; 39; Aug. 7, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Francis C. Lawson, Private; 21; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 10, '63.
Joseph W. Lawton, Private; 32; July 25, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-euUated
Jan. 4, '64.
Dennis Linskey, Private; 21; Aug. 1, '62; Salisbury; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 17, '62.
John Lynch, Private; 39; Jan. 26, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. A.; re-euUated Jau. 4, '64.
WiUiam Maher, Private; 33; July 10, '61; Boston; deserted Aug. 12, '61.
John Mahoney, Jr., Private; 23; July 10, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty at Newberne,
N. C. Apr. 2, '63.
Otis G Martin, Private; 34; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; disch. for disabiUty at Newbern, N. C.
Aug. 18, '62.
John Masterson, Private; 19; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; deserted Aug. 14, '61.
Thomas Masterson, Private; 28; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUated
Jan. 1, '64.
Patrick McEneany, Private; 25; July 10, '61; Georgetown; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 2, '61;
at Baltimore, Md.
Owen McGauley, Private; 25; July 10, '61; Georgetown; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enliated
Dec. 11, '63.
Thomas McGrath, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Jan. 5, '64.
Bernard McKanna, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 18, '62.
Patrick McKanna, Private; 28; July 10, '61; Boston; disch. for disability Dec. 6, '61.
John McMahan, Private; 43; Oct. 8, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 22, '62.
Anderton Melendy, Private; July 10, '61 ; Lynnfield; no further record Adjt. Gen. office, Mass.
George Melendy, Private: 19; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam F. Millett, Private; 30; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 17, '63.
WiUiam H. Moore, Private; 38; July 30, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 17, '62.
Luther Moritz, Private; 23; July 22, '62; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Jan. 4, '64.
Lewis J. MorriU, Private; 34; Sept. 2, '62; Lynn; transf. from Co. A. Oct. 1, '62; disch. for
diaabiUty Feb. 2, '63.
BemardMoyles, Private; 28; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Michael MuUigan, Private; 26; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 6, '61.
Patrick Murphy, Private; 30; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
Michael Norman, Private; 31; July 10, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty June 18, '62.
John O'Brien, Private; 32; July 10, '61; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlisted
Jan. 1, '64.
Thomaa O'Brien, Private; 19; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
John O'Hara, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 30, '63.
Eichard H. Peacock, Private; 27; July 10, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles H. Putnam, Private; 21; July 11, '61; Danvers: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Patrick Eiley, Private; 24; July 10, '61 ; Lynnfield; deserted July 22, '61.
Henry Elvers, Private; 25; July 10, '61; Haverhill; wounded Aprl 9, '63; transf. to New Co.
A.; re-enlsited Dec. 5, '63.

42 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Eonan, Private; 20; July 10, '61; Stoneham; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
ComeUus Eoorke, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John RosweU, Private; 28; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Shea, Private; 34; Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; d. of wounds at Newbeme, N, C. Feb. 6, '64 .
Richard Smith, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Stoneham; deserted Aug. 10, '61.
Peter Snee, Private; 44; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; deserted Aug. 24, '61.
Herbert Splaine, Private; 33; July 10, '61; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; transf. from Co.
C. to A. and from Co. A. to E. ; re-enlisted.
Peter G. Soley, Private; 23; July 22, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. E.; re-enUated
Jan. 2, '64.
John A. Southwick, Private; 43; Oct. 2, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 10, '61.
Moses N. Stanley, Private; 31; July 22, '62; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enliated
Jan. 1, '64.
Casper Stephen, Private: 36; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; deserted Aug. 10, '61.
Charles M. Stephens, Private: 27; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 31, '62.
AdamStofflet, Private: 21; July 20, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty June 22, '63.
Bartholomew SulUvan, Private; 23; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Michael SulUvan, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Manchester, N.H.; disch. for disab. Sept.6, '61.
James Sweeney, Private; 30; Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; d. May 11, '64 at Annapolis, Md.
John Taggart, Private; 39; July 10, '61; HaverhUl; d. at Andersonville, Ga. June 19, '64;
grave No. 2067.
WilUam Towie, Private: 23; July 10, '61 ; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty June 22, '63.
Patrick Trainer, Private; 30; Oct. 18, '61; Georgetown; re-enUsted Jan. 5, '64; kiUed in action
Feb. 1, '64.
James Usher, Private; 22; Jan. 26, '62; Quincy: disch. for disabiUty Apr. 3, '63.
David Wallace, Private; 19; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John WaUace, Jr., Private: 32; July 10, '61; Lynnfield: deserted Aug. 15, '61.
John WaUace, Sr., Private: 42; July 10, '61 ; HaverhiU; deserted Aug. 11, '61.
WilUam WaUace, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Boston; deserted Aug. 12, '61.
John Walsh, Private; 36; July 10, '61; Lynn; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 2, '63.
Michael Ward, Private: 20; July 10, '61; Stoneham: disch. for disabiUty Feb. 12, '63.
Nathaniel M. Ward, Private; 30; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhUl: disch. for disabiUty Sept. 10, '63,,
George H. Whitehead, Private; 21 ; Aug. 20, '61 ; Lynn; transf. from Co. B to Co. E ; wound.
Dec. 17, '62; d. ot wounds Feb. 6, '63, at Newbern, N. C.

ORIGINAL COMPANY "F.

(The following sketch of the formation of Company F of the
Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment is compiled from extracts
copied from the files of the "Tri- Weekly Publisher" of Haverhill,
of 1861, obtained by Comrade C. E. Flanders for this memorial
history. It is not as complete as the compiler would desire, but
may be intelligible in connection with the history of the organiza
tion of Company E, which is full and accurate.)
In its issue of April 26, 1861, the "Publisher" has this item:
"Several companies of volunteers have been formed in this village,

COMPANY F. 43
and are rapidly perfecting arrangements for organization for active
service. Both officers and men seem full of ardor, and are im-,
patient to be prepared for marching o'rders. A call was issued
yesterday for a meeting, at Passaquoit Hall, of the company just
enlisted, by Dr. Towle, and forming the second company that had
passed medical inspection for the purpose of organization. Major
Ladd presided, and the following officers were elected: Captain,
Luther Day; Gist, heutenant, E. F. Tompkins; second heutenant,
William H. Turner.
"The company is composed of a fine, intelligent, sturdy, body
of men, averaging five feet seven and one-half inches in height,
and 150 pounds weight — two of them are six feet two inches tall,
nine are six feet, and over twenty-one are five feet ten inches and
upwards, and eight weigh 175 pounds each."
In the May 16, 1861, issue, it is recorded that "Lieutenant
Palmer of Company G, (Hale guards), now serving with the Fifth
Massachusetts Regiment at Washington, D. C, started for Wash
ington on Monday morning to join his company, and was escorted
from his residence to the cars by the volunteer company under
Captain Day."
In the issue of May 30, it is recorded : " Today the company,.
under Captain Day, appeared in their new uniforms furnished by
the town, and made by the Ladies' Relief Society, under, the
superintendence of Mr. Edmund Fletcher, with the exception of
the officers' uniforms, which were made by. Mr. Alonzo Way, from
patterns furnished by Mr. Fletcher. The uniform, which is a
rifle jacket for privates, and frock coat for officers, of cadet gray
cloth, trimmed with gilt buttons and a black cord, is really beauti
ful,, substantial and comfortable, and in point of workmanship;
highly creditable to the ladies. By their energy it was completed
with great dispatch — ^just two weeks, we believe, being the time
spent in the manufacture and making of the coats and pants.
"The company made a fine appearance on parade today.
One of the prominent points of interest with the company is the
attachment of Master Charles Oscar Wallace, a lad of five years
of age, who applied for membership at the time the papers were
opened for enlistment. , He has been selected as the child of the

44 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
company, and appears with them when on parade, with uniform,
and bears a spear as a weapon of warfare.
"Captain Day's company was escorted by Captain Howe's
command, both of which corps are awaiting orders. Battalion
drill took place today at Elmvale Park. There were seven com
panies present, — three from La\\Tence, one from Methuen, one
from Andover, one from North Andover, and Captain Day's
company from this town, numbering in all over 500 men, rank
and file. All but one company were uniformed, and the uniforms
vary both in style and color. The drill was under the command
of Colonel Decker from Lawrence, and was considered good."
A list of the officers and men of Captain Day's company is
given in the "Publisher" of a later date, but as the names are
included in the roster of the company, which follows, the list
need not here be given.
June 8's issue contains this item: "George Foote, Esq.,
cashier of the Spicket Falls Bank, and a native of this town, has
presented Lieut. E. F. Tompkins of Captain Day's company with
a sword and belt of the regulation pattern. The weapon was a
very fine one and valued at $25. The company expects to be
called into service, and have no thought of disbanding, as has
been reported."
June 27. — "The ten new regiments ordered places the two
companies of Captain Day and Captain McNamara in the Seven
teenth Massachusetts Regiment."
July 9.— "By a special order just issued, the companies com
prising this regiment, including those of Captain Day and Captain
McNamara, of this town, are ordered to report to the Adjutant
General at Lynnfield, Mass., tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock,
and go into camp."
The following is a roster of the company :
ORIGINAL COMPANY "F."

NAME. RANK. ACE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RE8IDEN<a! OR CREDIT.
Luther Day, Capt.; 32; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; pro. maj. Dec. 29, '63.
John E. MuUaly, Capt. ; 22 ; Dec. 29, '63 Salem; transf. to New Co. C.

COMPANY F. 45
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Enoch F. Tompkins, Ist^Lt.; 30; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; pro. Capt. and transf. to Co. B,
Dec. 19, '61.
Ivory N. Eichardson, Ist'Lt.; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; pro. Capt. and transf. to Co. D.
Oct. 5, '62.
Henry Poor, 1st Lt. ; 23 ; Sept. 25, '62 ; Stoneham ; resigned Dec. 23, '62.
James Splaine, 1st Lt.; 22; Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.
WilUam H. Tumer, 2d Lt.; 24; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; transf. and pro. 1st Lt., Co. G,
Dec. 10, '61.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 2d Lt.; 24; Nov, 3, '61 ; Boston; transf. to Co. K, Jan. 4, '62.
Henry W. OUver, 2d Lt.; 31 ; Aug. 21, '61 ; Maiden; resigned Feb. 9, '62.
Horace Dexter, 2d Lt.; 36; Feb. 9, '62; Cambridge; transf. to Co. I, May 4, '63.
Archibald Bogle, 2d Lt.; 21; Aug. 21, '61; Melrose: pro. and transf. to Co. H., June 11, '62.
Linus B. Comins, Jr., 2d Lt.; 20; May 28, '62; Eoxbury; transf. to Co. B, Oct. 18, '62.
Joaeph W. Day, 2d Lt. ; 30 ; Sept. 30, '62 ; Bradford ; transf. to Co. E, Jan. 1 , '64.
Daniel L. Getchel, 2d Lt.; 30; Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. E, Feb. 10, '64.
Samuel G. Eoberts, 2d Lt.; 21; Mar. 24, '63; So. Danveis; wounded Apr. 9, '63; transf.
toCto.A, May 16, '64.
Daniel L. GetcheU, 1st Sgt. ; 29 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU, pro. 2d Lt. Dec. 24, '62.
Joseph W. Day, 1st Sgt.; 29; Apr. 26, '61; Bradford: pro. 2d Lt. Sept. 30, '62.
George K. Place, 1st Sgt.; 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
GranviUe Hardy, Sgt.; 25; Apr. 26, '61; Groveland; killed in action at Goldsboro, N. C.
Dec. 17, '62.
Henry B. Webber, Sgt.; 26; Apr. 26 '61 ; HaverhiU; pro. Com. Sgt. N. C. S., Oct. 1, '62.
John B. HiU, Sgt.; 43; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; pro. Sgt. Maj. N. C. S. June 14, '62.
Charies E. Folsom, Sgt. ; 21 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry T. MerriU, Sgt.; 23; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; pro. Com. Sgt. Aug. 27, '61.
Gardener S. Morse, Sgt.; 24; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; wounded Apr. 9, '63; M. O. Aug, 3, '64.
Eichard E. Norton, Sgt. ; 20; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John E. Titcomb, Sgt. ; 21 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Roberts, Corp.; 25; Apr. 26, '61; Rochester; disch. for disabiUty at Baltimore,
Md, Dec. 28, '61.
WiUiam C. Haynes, Corp.; 28; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Dearbom F. Eichards, Corp. ; 23 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU ; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 12, '62.
Adoniram J. Gilman, Corp.; 22; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. E,; re-enUsted
Jan 4, '64.
Albert G. Gardner, Corp. ; 21 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Stephen L. Badger, Corp.; 34; Apr. 26, '61 ; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Brown, Corp. ; 20 ; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Johns. Dearbom, Corp.; 20; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; wounded Dec. 17, '62; M. 0. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Murray, Corp.; 24; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam S. Norton, Corp.; 27; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty, Oct. 6, '62.
John Silver, Corp. ; 28; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Simon S. Steele, Corp.; 19; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUat. Jan. 4, '64 .
Martin S. Wharton, Corp.; 31; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George W. Derby, Muaician; 41; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhUl; diach. for disibaUty Oct. 5, '62.
Stephen W. HaU, Muaician; 16; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
WiUiam H. ColUns, Wagoner; 20; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam W. Abbott, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Elbridge B. AUen, Private; 30; Apr. 26, '61 ; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty July 14, '62.
George E. AUen, Private; 33; Apr. 26, '61 ; Portland, Me.; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 18, '62.
WiUiam J. Armstrong, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David W. Barteaux, Private; 36; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; d. at Washington, D. C. Dec.26,
'62.

46 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Jacob W. Beckum, Private; 25; Aug. 11, '62; Bradford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Isaac C. BlaisdeU, Private; 26; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 17, '61.
John B. Blake, Private; 42; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Enoch M. Bradley, Private; 20; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Addison Brickett, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles S. Brown, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Jacob D. Brown, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; Boxford; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
Thomas Burke, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUst. Deo.
13, '63.
Jonas S. Butters, Private; 31 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 16, '63.
Charles H. Cammett, Private; 20; Apr. 26, '61; Groveland; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 24, '63.
John C. Chapman, Private; 31 ; Sept. 28, '61 ; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 30, '63.
Levi F. Colbath, Private; 27; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUat. Jan.
1, '64.
CyruaW. Crocker, Private; 32; Apr. 26, ' 61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel L. Currier, Private; 21 ; Apr. 26, '61 ; Newton, N. H. ; d. at Baltimore, Md. Mar 22, '62.
John E. DarUng, Private; 26; Aug. 16, '62; Cambridge; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Leonard M. DarUng, Private; 21; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Charles H. Davis, Private; 17; Sept. 28, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. H; re-enliat. Jan.
1,'64;
Charies N. Davis, Private; 42; Sept. 28, '61; HaverhiU; wounded Dec. 17, '62; diach. Sept.
29, '64.
Hazen S. Dearbom, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charies A. Doe, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Alonzo Dresser, Private; 35; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11, '63.
James J. Eaton, Private; 34; Jan. 30, '62; Bradford; disch. for disabiUty at Baltimore, Md.,
Feb. 14, '62.
Isaiah Emeraon, Private; 33; Feb. 18, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 18, '62.
Joel W. P. Evans, Private; 22; Jan. 31, '62; Chelsea; transf. to New Co. D.
Francis Fletcher, Private ; 22 ; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 12, '62.
Albert A. Frye, Private; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; d. at Baltimore, Md., Dec. 28, '61.
John J. Furber, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Albert Gale, Private: 20; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Feb. 9, '64.
David W. Gardner, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty at Baltimore,
Md., Sept. 25, '61.
Mark L. Gilman, Private; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabUty Sept. 2, '61.
Eufus L. GiUnan, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas E. Gilman, Private; 28; Apr. 26, '61; Groveland; disch. for disabiUty at Newbern,
N.C. July 21, '62.
WiUiam E. Gilman, Private: 31; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUated
Jan. 1, '64.
James W. Gilson, Private; 31; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. June 9, '64; order war dept.
Thaddeus P. Goodwin, Private; 26; Apr. 26, '61; Charlestown; disch. for disabiUty July
14, '62.
John S. Haniman, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John H Heckman, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; Bradford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel G. Hewitt, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; d. at Baltimore, Md., Apr. 22, '62.
Jospeh Hicks, Private: 36; Jan. 31, '62; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 9, '63.
Stephen W. Hodgkins, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Ensign L. Hunkins, Private; 20; Sept. 28, '61; HaverhiU; transf. Nov. 30, '63 to U. S. Sig.
Corps.
Harrison Johnson, Private; 28; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel W. Jones, Private; 20; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 4, '62.
Joseph P. Keif, Private: 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 18, '63.

COMPANY F. 47
NAME. RANK. AGE. , DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Nathaniel Keniston, Private; 18; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles A. KimbaU, Private; 27; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 2, '63.
John T. KimbaU, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam W. Marsh, Private; 25; Jan. 19, '64; Boston; d. at Newbern, N. C. May 29, '64.
Charles F. Meader, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
John L. Meader, Private; 29; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 10, '63.
EdwardD. Metcalf, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Metcalf, Private; 25; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam D. MitcheU, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; Groveland; transf. to New Co. E; re-enlisted
Feb. 29, '64.
WilUam MorriU, Private; 26; Sept. 3, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 15, '63.
Henry M. Morse, Private; 29; July 25, "'62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Jau. 30, '63.
John Norton, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; deserted Aug. 23, '61.
Samuel O. Osgood, Private; 26; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '63.
Harrison M. Pattee, Private; 25; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Peck, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
DariusPierce, Private; 25 Aug. 7, '62; HaverhiU; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
FrankC. Pierce, Private; 20; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhUl; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
LeviE. Pierce, Private; 23; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel W. Pierce, Private; 18; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Jau. 30, '63.
Vincent T. Pinkham, Private; 30; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
Charles F. Eemick, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
SUas H. Eogers, Private; 33.; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted Jan.
"l, '64.
Ezra Rumney, Private; 28; Apr. 26, *61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted Jan.
6, '64.
Bryant Sheyes, Private; 31; Jan. 31, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
George S. Sides, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas B. Simonds, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph E. Smith, Private; 37; Apr. 26; '61; Haverhill; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Elbridge H. Spinney, Private; 25; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disability July 1, '62.
Charles W. Stevens, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 24, '62.
Leonard S. Stevens, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 3, '63.
Charles H. Stewart, Private; 18; Apr. 26, '61 ; HaverhiU; discharged for disabiUty May 30, '63.
George E. Stewart, Private; 19; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11, '63.
James C. Stewart, Private; 44; Sept. 30, '61; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '64.
John Z. Taylor, Private: 26; Apr. 26, '61 ; LoweU; d. at Baltimore, Md., Nov. 9, '61.
Warren Tibbetts, Private; 18; Apr. 26, '61; Exeter, N. H.; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 18, '62.
Alfred L. Tilton, Private; 24; Aug. 6, '62; HaverhiU: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas P. Titcomb, Private; 40; Aug. 4, '62; HaverhiU; disch. as rejec. recruit, Nov. 16'62.
John Toofoot, Private; 24; Jan. 19, '64; Boston; d. June 24, '64, Newbem, N. C.
John Tucker, Private; 18; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WUliam TuUock, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Franklin L. Walker, Private; 18; Aug. 6, '62, HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 3, '63.
Joseph A. Welch, Private; 22; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlisted
Jan. 4, '64.
Charles S. Wheeler, Private; 23; Apr. 26, '61; Peterborough, N. H.; disch. for disability at
Baltimore, Md., Dec. 6, '61.
George A. White, Private; 32; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam Woodington, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 25, '62.
John W. Woodman, Private; 21; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

48 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
COMPANY "G," ROCKPORT.

"Kimball Guards."
Accounts of the origin and formation of Company "G" of
the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment differ somewhat in some
details. Without attempting to reconcile them (they are not,
however, of any importance), the compiler of this history gives both.
The first is as follows :
Immediately upon the call of the government for three years'
volunteers, the patriotic citizens of Rockport raised a company of
the best material, commanded by Capt. Daniel B. T. Farr, who
tendered their services to the State. Not being immediately
accepted, the town and spirited individuals liberally contributed
to the support of the soldiers and their families to an extent exceed
ing three thousand dollars till they were enrolled as Company
"G," and ordered into camp at Lynnfield, where they reported
fifty-two guns. Upon the morning of their departure from town
a meeting of the citizens was held to bid them farewell, at which,
after a prayer and speeches from prominent individuals, a superb
and richly mounted silk ensign, which cost upwards of $75, was
presented to the Company by Hon. Moses Kimball of Boston, in
compliment to whom the company had been named. On the day
before they left for the seat of war, a company from Salem,
raised by Capt. George W. Kenney, was merged with them, and
the command given to that gentleman.
The other account quoted is given by Comrade John H. Tyler
of Wenham, in a well-written article published in the "Salem
Gazette" of September 17, 1886, entitled "Company G, 17th
Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers — Salem City Rifles." He
says regarding the formation of the company:
"Company G, or as it was then known 'The Salem City
Rifles,' began to assemble at Winter Island, Salem Neck, in the
early spring of 1861, under the captaincy of Nathan W. Osborn,
now of the United States Army. George William Kenney of
Danvers was first lieutenant, and I think the second lieutenant was
a Lieutenant Wilson. Recruiting went forward slowly for some

COMPANY G. 49
time. The men, in the meantime, were drilled twice a day by
Lieutenant Kenney, or Sergeant Rowndy. About the middle of
August, we were ordered to proceed to the State camp at Lynnfield,
to join the 19th Regiment. Captain Osborn had, in the meantime,
been appointed to a staff position and ordered to Indianapolis.
The company proceeded to Lynnfield as per orders, but for some
unknown reason was not assigned to the 19th, but was consolidated
with part of a company from Rockport and Gloucester. In the
course of a few days. Lieutenant Kenney was commissioned by
Governor Andrews as captain of Company G, 17th Massachusetts
Volunteers. He at once assumed command.' '
The following is a roster of the company :
ORIGINAL COMPANY "G."
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
George W. Kenney, Capt.; 31; July 10, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; wounded Deo. 17,
'62.
George W. Tufta, 1st. Lt. ; 33 ; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; d. at Baltimore, Md., Oct. 27, '61.
WilUamH. Tumer, lstLt.;24; Dec. 10, '61; HaverhiU; resigned Apr. 25, '63.
Charles O. FeUows, 1st Lt. 19; Aug. 13, '62; Chelsea; pro. Capt. and transf. New Co. F.
Alfred M. ChanneU, 2d Lt. 29; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; Jan. 17, '62, resigned.
Charles C. Morse, 2d Lt.; 29; Feb. 20, '62; HaverhiU; resigned March 23, '63.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 2d Lt.; 26; Nov. 3, '61; Boston; pro. 1st Lt. Aug. 30, '62; assig. to Co. I.
Samuel G. Eoberts; 21; 2d Lt.; Mar. 24, '63; So. Danvers; transf. to Co. A.
James B. Daley, 1st Sgt. ; 21 ; July 10, '61 ; Eockport; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '62.
Lancelot K. Rowe, 1st Sgt. ; 42 ; July 10, '61; Gloucester; disch. for disabiUty, Jan. 15, '63.
Henry G. Hyde, 1st Sgt.; 22; July 11, '61; Danvers; pro. 2d Lt.; transf. to New Co. A;
re-enUst. Feb. 29, '64.
WaUam E. Norris, Sgt.; 32; July 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam M. Parrott, Sgt.; 29; July 10, '61; Gloucester; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 27, '62.
Hiram S. Feldgen, Sgt.; 26; July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 14,' 61 at Balti
more, Md.
Story D. Poole, Sgt.; 31 ; July 10, '61 ; Eockport; transf. to N. C. S. aa Qmr. Sgt. May 12, '62.
Frank G. KeUy, Sgt.; 22; July 10, '61; Lynn; wounded Dec. 17, '62; disch. for diaabiUty
June 23, '63.
Edgar B. Clements, Sgt.; 23; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George ElweU, Sgt.; 29; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Jan. 1, '64.
WilUam A. Stevens, Sgt.; 40; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; as WilUam A.
Steams.
J. Frank Stimpson, Sgt.; 26; Mar. 14, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabUity Apr. 2, '63.
Joshua Younger, Sgt.; 30; Aug. 29, '61; Gloucester; wounded Dec. 17, '62; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Ezra L. Woodbury, Corp.; 22; July 10, '61; Gloucester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Seward P. Sylvester, Corp. 18; July 10, '61 ; Danvers; M. O. Aug.[3, '64.
Joshua S. Prime, Corp. 39; July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for diaabiUty May 28, '63.
Henry A. Cook, Corp.; 19; July 10, '61; Gloucester; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUat. Dec.
30, '63.

50 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
WilUam H. Davis, Corp.; 24; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. F; re-enUsted Deo.
26, '63.
Patrick H. Donavan, Corp.; 18; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to New Co. A; re-eulist. Jau. 1,
'64.
Greenleaf Herman, Corp. 21; Jan. 24, '62; Baltimore. Md. wounded Dec. 17, '62; leg ampu
tated disch. for wounds at Augusta, Me., May 31, '63.
Joseph W. KimbaU, Corp. ; 21 ; July 10, '61 ; Gloucester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Calvin MarshaU, Corp.; 21 ; July 30, '62; Gloucester; M. O. Aug, 3, '64.
AUen Stone, Corp. ; 30 ; Aug. 15, '62 ; Charlestown ; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles E. Batchelder, Musician; 18; July 10, '61; Wenham; transf to New Co, A; re-enUat.
Jan. 1, '64.
Charlea W. Buxton, Wagoner; 29; July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 8, '62.
JohnN. Barton, Private; 36; Jaly 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for disability June 12, '63.
Albion M. Bray, Private; 22; Aug. 4, '62; SaUsbury; disch, for disability July 12, '63,
Edward D. Bray, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Rockport: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel B. Bray, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
JamesT. Brickett, Private; 21; July 24, '62; HaverhiU; M, O, Aug. 3, '64.
Lyman P. Bromley, Private; 22; Aug. 16, '62; HaverhiU; disch, for disabiUty Feb. 27, '63.
Melvin M. Brooks, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Marblehead; disch, fordisabiUty Apr. 21, '62.
James W. Brown, Private; 36; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 18, '63.
FrankUn N. Burchstead, Private: 35; July 10, '61; Beverly; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
Alfred D. Burditt, Private; IS; July 10, '61 ; Wenham; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Bumham, Private: 42; July 10, '61; Beverly; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 5, '61.
James Cannon, Private; 21; Aug. 12, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty June 26, '63.
Francis H. Center, Private: 18; July 10, '61 ; Wenham; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
AndrewT. Chipman, Private; 39; July 10, '61; Salem; M. 0. Aug. 3, '64.
Eobert Chisholm, Private; 23; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 28, '63.
WilUam H. Clough, Private; 35; July 10, '61 ; Salem; disch, for disabiUty May 28, '63.
Joseph H. Coley, Private: 18; July 10, '61; Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUst. Dec. 5,
'63.
Nicholas Congdon, Private: 25; July 10, '61; Danvers; diach, for disabiUty Deo. 18, '61.
Samuel Courtney , Private; 19; Jan. 31, '62; Gloucester; M, O. Aug. 3, '64.
JohnCrockett, Private; 30; Aug. 9, '62; Gloucester; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
Jesse L. Dame, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Beverly; transf. to New Co. A., re-enUst. Jan. 1, '64.
John Daggett, Private; 33; Aug. 29, '61; Gloucester; disch. for disability. Mar. 26, '63.
Thomas Davidson, Private; 17; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst.
Dec. 28, '63.
Daniel Downs, Private; 39; July 29, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 19, '63.
Felix Doyle, Private; 37; July 10, '61; Wenham; transf. to V. R. C. Oct, 14, '63; M. 0.
July 22, '64.
FrancLs C. Eaton. Private: 18; July 10, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 14, '63, at
Newbem, N. C.
FrankUn EUiott, Private; 35; July 10, '61 ; So. Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Enoch Emory, Private: 21; July 30, '62; Gloucester; disch. for disability May 30, '63 at
Newbem, N. C.
John Falvey, Private: 24; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 17, '63.
David H. Felt, Private: 28; .July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
George Felt, Private; 26; July 10, '61; Rockport: never left the State; deserted.
Charles Femald, Private: 23 ; July 10, '61 ; Rockport never left the State; deserted.
James Finn, Private; 29; July 10,'61: Rockport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUat. Jan. 6, '64.
Charles H. FUnt, Private; 21; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; d, Nov. 11, '62, at Newbern N. C.
Nathaniel H. Foss, Private; 20; July 10, '61 ; Hamilton; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Richard Foss, Private; 24; July 10, '61 ; Hamilton; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 9, '63.
Charies T. French, Private; 29; Jan. 24, '62; Baltimore, Md.; disch. for disabiUty Feb 16,
'63.

COMPANY G. 51
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Ephraim GetcheU, Private; 35; Aug. 5, '62; Danvers; d. Jan. 25, '63, in hospital at Newbern,
N.C.
Andrew Goldthwait, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Rockport; never left the State; deserted.
WilUam Gooding, Private; 24; July 10, '61; Eockport; discharged for diaabiUty May 28, '63.
WiUiam Gould, Private; 35; July 10, '61; Eockport; pria. Feb. 1, '64; d. in Andersonville,
Ga., May 6, '64; No. of Gr. 893.
Charles H. Gove; Private; 19; July 10, ' 61 ; Rockport; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Dec.
28, '63.
Joshua F. Hatch, Private: 22; July 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for diaabiUty Jan. 3, '63.
Henry Hiatt, Private; 31 ; Aug. 12, '62 ; Gloucester; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 26, '63 ; wound.
Dec. 17, '62.
Daniel A. Homan, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Wenham; diach. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '62 as
David A. Homan.
Benjamin Huddle, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Jan 1, '64.
John H. IngersoU, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Gloucester; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist.
Deo. 30, '63.
Edwin Janes, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted Jan. 4,
'64; prisoner Mar. 8, '65.
Benjamin Jenkins, Private; 18; July 31, '62; Bradford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Levi F. Larcom, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Beverly; d. Dec. 18, '61, at Baltimore, Md.
Dennis Leary, Private; 41; July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 27, '62.
Roland F. Lewis, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted Jan.
5, '64.
David P. Lowe, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Gloucester; never left state; deserted.
John A. Marston, Private; 38; Aug. 22, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WUUam Maraton, Private; 19; July 30, '62; Gloucester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
SilasMaxweU, Private; 42; July 10, '61; Salem; d. at Newbem, N. C, Sept. 1, '62.
Walter A. May, Private; 27; July 10, '61; Rockport; never left state; deserted.
WiUiam McConneU, Private; 35; July 10, '61; Beverly; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 7, '61.
James McCormick, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Manchester; re-enUsted Jan. 4, '64; transf. to
New Organ.
Thomas McCormick, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Manchester; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '63.
John MoGUnchy, Private; 28; July 10, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. C; re-enUst. Dec. 7,
'63.
Jonn J. McKenney, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
Jesae McLoud, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enlisted Jan.
4, '64.
Matthew Meehan, Private; 17; July 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Herman F. Morse, Private; 21; July 28, '62; Bradford; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Ciiarles T. Neal, Private; 22; Aug. 26, '62; BrookUne; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
RandaU P. Newman, Private; 18; Oct. 26, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Dec. 5, '63.
Horace Noble, Private; 22; July 17, '61; Eockport; disch. for disabiUty Deo. 14, '61; at
Baltimore, Md.
Hiram C. Norcross, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Manchester; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUated
Jan. 4, '64.
OUver A. Norton, Private; 29; July 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for diaabiUty Apr. 23, '63.
WilUam Ober, Private; 27; Aug. 5, '62; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles H. O'Hare, Private; 20; July 10, '61; Salem; no further record Adjt. Gen. office,
Mass.; never mustered.
George T. Parker, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
Olvin Parsons, Private; 21; Aug. 8, '62; Gloucester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomaa Phalan, Private; 28; July 10, '61; Salem; deserted Nov. 9, '61.
Abraham Phippin, Private; 30; July 10, '61; Salem; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Dec. 8, '63.

52 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
WilUam H. Pinkham, Private; 21; Aug. 19, '62; Boston; transf. Nov. 30, '63 to U. S. Sig.
Corps.
Cyms Poole, Private; 30; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George Prior, Private; 31; July 10, '61; Gloucester; d. Sept. 28, '62, at Newbem, N. C.
James Prior, Private; 21; Aug. 12, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Daniel Pulsifer, Private; 18; July 10, '61 ; Gloucester; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph Quinn, Private; 18; JulylO, '61 ; Salem; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enlisted Jan. 1, '64.
John Reeves, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to Co. A.; re-enUsted Dec. 30, '63.
WiUiam Robbins, Private; 23; July 10, '61; Rockport; disch. for disabiUty June 19, '62.
Henry C. Eobinson, Private; 35; July 10, '61; Rockport; honorably disch. for pro. as Act.
Ens. U. S. N. Oct. 29, '63.
Brynard P. Scanlan, Private; 21; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles Sharkey, Private; 33; July 10, '61; Salem; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Ezra W. Skinner, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Rockport; deserted never left state.
Elvin Smith, Private; 22; July 10, '61; Rockport; deserted; never left state.
Ezekiel H. Stacey, Private; 28; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James H. Stevens, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin F. Stone, Private; 42; July 10, '61; Salem; disch. for disabiUty May 28, '63.
Hugh Strain, Private; 20; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. E. ; re-enUsted Jan, 1,
'64.
Henry Thomas Taylor, Private: 20; July 10, '61; Rockport; transf. to New Co. A.; re-en
listed Deo. 4, '64; prisoner of war, Feb. 1, '64.
Charles Trafton, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Beverly; disch. fordisabiUty Apr. 2, '62.
Daniel W. Tumer, Private; 22; July 10, '61 ; Rockport; never left state; deserted.
Abram A. Tyler, Private; 28; May 13, '64; Adams; transf. to new Co. G.
John H. Tyler, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Wenham; transf. to New Co. F.; re-enUated Jan.
5, '64.
Jerome Wheeler, Private; 21; July 10, '61; Rockport; d. at Newbeme, N. C. Nov. 19, '62.
WilUam White, Private; 19; July 10, '61; Boaton; never left atate; deserted.
Orlando S. Wight, Private; 29; Aug. 19, '62; HaverhiU; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George M. WiUey, Private; 18; July 10, '61; Salem; diach. for diaabiUty Apr. 2, '62.
George A. Wilson, Private; 27; Oct. 6, '61; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Maurice B. M. Younger, Private; 17; July 10, '61; Rockport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64; wounded
Dec. 17, '62.

COMPANY "H.

"British Volunteers."
(The following sketch of the formation of Company "H" of
the Seventeenth is contributed by Capt. Joseph A. Moore, who
joined the company as a private at the time of its formation.)
Soon after President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, after
the attack on Fort Sumter by the rebels in April, 1861, some
twenty men, most of them young, formed a military drill club,

COMPANY H. 53
which met in a hall on Bowdoin Square, Boston. The meetings
at first took place once a week, then oftener, until after about a
month, as their numbers increased, they met nearly every evening
for drill. The drill-master was Robert W. McCourt, who had seen
service in the British army as sergeant. At first the club was
composed almost exclusively of men of English birth or parentage,
but as time passed, others were admitted.
This formed the nucleus of a company which was afterwards
recruited mostly from Fall River, and entered the United States
service as company H, Seventeenth Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry. The company went into camp at Lynnfield,
July 10, 1861, being the day of enlistment as borne on the com
pany's rohs. The commissioned officers were: John K. Lloyd,
captain; John S. Hammond, first lieutenant; Robert W. McCourt,
second lieutenant.
In the company were several men who had seen service in the
British army, among them Captain Lloyd and Lieutenant Mc
Court, who had served as non-commissioned officers. The ex
perience of those men was of much benefit to the new men when
first going into camp, as they were called upon to instruct the others
in the many little details of camp life, which added to the comfort
of the new soldiers; but new men were sometimes looked upon by
the older members as inferiors, which was anything but pleasing
to the recruit.
The experiences of camp life was something new for most of the
men, as the younger ones who were leaving home for the first time,
soon learned that camp was not home. One young man, but
little over seventeen, well remembers the first order he received
on reaching camp. Having had a day's leave of absence after
enlisting, before going to camp, on arriving at the company street,
and while on his way to the captain's tent to report, he was met
¦ by a sergeant, who, after surveying the new arrival, said :
"Here, you young gossoon, take a kettle and go down to the
quartermaster 's and get it full of spuds, and tell the quartermaster
it is for the British Volunteers.' '
While in Lynnfield, the company did the usual amount of
drilling and camp duty that falls to the lot of all new military

54 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
organizations. The calls were: Reveille, 5 a. m.; roll call, 6; peas
on trencher, 7; surgeons' call, 7:30; orderly's call (first sergeant),
7:30; troop guard, 9:45; assembly (company drill), 10:30; roast
beef, 12 m.; assembly (company drill), 1:30 p. m.; battahon drill,
2; dress parade, 6:30; peas on trencher, 7; tatoo, 10; taps, 10:30.
The company was sworn into the United States service, July
22, 1861, for three years, unless sooner discharged. Before being
sworn in, the company received from the State of Massachusetts
a gray uniform, -ndth state buttons, but on August 22d, it was given
the uniform of the regular army and arms and the pay due from
the State. About 3 p. M., August 23d, the regiment broke camp and took
the cars from Boston, where the colors were received just before
leaving, at 10 p. m., at the station of the Boston & Albany Railroad.
The destination of the regiment was then to be Washington.
The regiment arrived at New York about 3 p. m., and left that city
at 8 p. m. the following day, arriving at Philadelphia at 6 a. m. on
the 25th, and had breakfast at the Old Cooper's Shop. After
breakfast, at 9 a. m., cars were again taken, and Baltimore was
reached at 4 p. m., and the regiment marched about a mile outside
the city, and camped without tents. On the 26th, they shifted
camp and pitched tents at Stewart 's Grove, near the camp of Nim's
Battery. This was named Camp Andrew in honor of our Massa
chusetts governor.
The following is a roster of the company:
ORIGINAL COMPANY "H."

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
JohnK. Lloyd Capt.; 38; July 2, '61; Boston: prisoner of war Feb. 1, '64; disch. Mar. 12, '65.
John S. Hammond, 1st Lt.; 34; July 2, '61; Boston; resigned May 15, '62.
Archibald Bogle, 1st Lt.; 23; May 28, '62; Melrose; transf. to Co. C.
John B. HiU, 1st Lt.; 45; Jan. 3, '64; Haverhill; transf. to Co. A.; pris. of war Feb. 1, '64.
PhiUp C. Mason, 1st Lt.; 28; July 3, '63; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas F. Newton, 1st Lt.; 34; July 3, '63; HaverhiU: transf. to New Organ.
Robert W. McCourt, 2d Lt.; 29; July 2, '61; Boston; resigned Nov. 2, '61.
John B. HiU, 2d Lt.; 44; Aug. 13, '62; HaverhiU; pro. 1st Lt. May 21, '63; pris. of war Feb.
1, '64.
James Inman, 2d Lt.; 25; June 29, '63; Danvers; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Honestus H. Kimball, 1st Sgt.; 28; July 2, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

COMPANY H. 55
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Edward Stalder, 1st Sgt.; 32; July 2, '61; Roxbury; d. Andersonville, Ga., July 16, '64;
grave No. 3397; prisoner of war.
Leonard W. Philips, 1st Sgt.; 23; Jan. 25, '62; Bradford: d. Andersonville, Ga.; Oct. 6,
'64; grave No. 10383; prisoner of war.
Francis McGinnis, Sgt.; 29; July 2, '61; Waltham; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Keyes, Sgt. ; 25; July 2, '61 Boston; disch. for disabUity Jan. 14, '63.
Ezekiel F. Mann, Sgt.; 24; July 2, '61; Boston; pro. 2d Lt. Nov. 3, '61; transf. to Co. F.
Richard Webb, Sgt.; 22; July 2, '61; FaU River; discharged for disabiUty Sept. 28, '61.
Charles H. Gordon, Sgt.; 21; July 2, '61; FaU River; re-enUsted Dec. 28, '63; pris. of war
Feb. 1, '64; d. AndersonviUe, Ga., Mar. 26, '64; grave No. 179.
Joseph A. Jloore, Sgt.; 18; July 2, '61; Gloucester; pro. 2d Lt. May 17, '63; transf. to Co. B.
John Melvin, Sgt.; 23; July 2, '61; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 28, '63.
John R. Nelson, Sgt.; 19; July 2, '61; Providence, R. I.; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Dec. 24, '63.
Edward Owen, Sgt.; 20; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph A. Moore, Corp.; 18; July 2, '61; Gloucester.
James Delaney, Corp.; 30; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam Henrie, Corp.; 28; July 2, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. D.; re-enlisted Dec. 6, '63.
Charles S. Bolton, Corp.; 23; July 2, '61 ; Boston; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUst. Feb. 29, '64.
Thomas Clymonts, Corp.; 19; July 2, '61; New Bedford; transf. to New Co. H.; re-enUsted
Dec. 4, '63.
Thomas Cochrane, Corp.; 19; July 2, '61; Fall River; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted
Jan. 1, '64.
Michael Joyce, Corp.; 22; July 2, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Kay, Corp.; 26; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Feb. 9,
'64;kiUedMar. 8, '65.
David Patten, Corp.; 38; Aug. 16, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles AV. Peters, Corp.; 21; July 16, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen. ofiice, Mass.
RobertTumer, Corp.;30; July2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Whittaker, Corp.; 35; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Johnson, Musician; 17; July 2, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Alexander D. Avignon, Musician; 17; Oct. 21, '61 ; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 14, '63.
George W. Eaton, Wagoner; 36; July 2, '61; Boston; accid. killed May 17, '64, by explos.
of sheU.
JohnBamett, Private; 24; July 2, '61; FaU River; ab. pris. of war since Feb. 1, '64.
Leonard Barrows, Private: 28; July 25, '61; Bristol, E. I.; rejected Aug. 1, '61.
WilUam H. Batchelder, Private; 24; July 10, '61 ; Salem; transf. from Co. D. to Co. H. Sept.
2, '62; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 27, '63.
RobertBowers, Private; 31; July 2, '61; BrookUne; drowned at Newbem, N. C. May 10, '62.
James Boyle, Private; 20; July 2, '61; Boston; dsich. for disability May 31, '63 at Newbern,
N. C.
JamesBroadbent, Private: 27; July 2, '61; FaU River; d. Apr. 10, '64; at Andersonville, Ga.;
grave No. 465 ; prisoner of war.
Joaeph Brownley, Private; 22 ; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas BrusseU, Private: 29; July 2, '61; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty Sept. '61.
Patrick Burke, Private; 26: July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted Feb.
29, '64.
Joseph L. Burton, Private: 20; Aug. 4, '62; Boston; pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; d. as pris.
Columbia, S. C. Sept. 18, '64; prisoner of war.
James Butterworth, Private; 30; July 10, '61; FaU River; deserted Aug. 13, '61.
MichaelCasey, Private: 21; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; d. in Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 2, '64;
grave No. 4569; prisoner of war.
WUUamCharlesworth, Private: 28; July 2, '61; Boston; deserted Aug. 10, '61.

56 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT. .
Charles A. Clarke, Private; 18; July 2, '61; Maiden; transf. to 35th U. S. C. T. July '63;
M. O. as 1st Lt. 36th U. S. C. Jan. 1, '66.
Dennis Connor, Private; 22; July 2, '61; FaU River; d. June 11, '64, AndersonviUe, Ga;
grave No. 1484; prisoner of war.
Joseph Coogan, Private; 35; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. 0. Aug. 3, '64.
ComeUus Desmond, Private; 22; July 10, '61; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '63.
Samuel A. DolUber; Private; 18; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; transf. to New Co. D.; re-en
listed Jan. 1, '64.
WilUam Driver, Private; 39; July 10, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Dunn, Private; 34; July 2, '61; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 27, '62.
WiUiam Eastham, Private: 30; July 2, '61; FaU River; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
George Eaton, Private; 37; July 10, '61; HaverhiU; transf. from Co. E.; killed May 18, '64.
WilUam Emerson, Private; 32; July 2, '61; FaU River; drowned May 10, '62, at Newbem,
N.C. (Trent River).
James Evans, Private; 32; July 2, '61; FaU River; d. July 2, '64, Anderaonville, Ga.; grave
No. 2785; prisoner of war.
WilUam Finlay, Private; 29; July 2, '61; FaU River; deserted Mar. 24, '62.
James Fleming, Private; 18; Aug. 8, '62; Boston; d. Mar. 16, '64; Richmond, Va. aa pris.
of war; re-enlisted Jan. 1, '64.
Thomas Fleming, Private: 18; Aug. 11, '62; Cambridge: deserted June 6, '63.
James Fulee, Private; 24; July 2, '61; FaU River; drum, out of service Mar. 10, '62, at Balti
more, Md.
WilUam Garrett, Private: 37; Sept. 1, '61; Baltimore, Md.; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Gleason, Private; 19; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Deo.
28, '63.
Joseph Greenhalge, Private; 30; Aug. 1, '62; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Griffin, Private; 30; July 2, '62; FaU River; tranaf. to 7th Reg. Mass. Jan. 22, '61,
as a deserter from 7th Rgt.
Jamea Hallsworth, Private; 23; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '61.
Warren Handy, Private: 23; Aug. 26, '62; BrookUne; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Abraham Hayward, Private; 22; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; M. 0. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Higham, Private; 39; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel Howith, Private; 40; July 2, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Jackson, Private; 26; July 2, '61; Saugus; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 27, '63 .
John Jameson, Private; 23; July 2, '61; FaU River; deserted Oct. 23, '61.
John Kay, Private; 33; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam J. KeUher, Private; 19; July 2, '61; Milford; transf. to New Co. E.; re-enUst, Dec .
24, '63.
Patrick Kerrigan, Private: 19; July 2, '61; Boston; diach. for disability Jan. 27, '62.
James H. Kiely, Private; 18; Aug. 14, '62; Marblehead; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUst.
Jan. 1, '64.
LawrenceKinney, Private; 32; July 2, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John C. Kunsman, Private; 27; July 2, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. B; re-ealist. D3C .
3, '63.
John Levsey, Private; 38; July 2, '61 ; Providence, R. I. ; deserted Aug. 12, '61.
Thomas Long, Private; 21; July 2, '61; Blackstone; transf. to new Co. B; re-ealist. Deo. 25,
'63.
WilUam Madden, Private; 28; July 2, '61; FaU River; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
Henry Malone, Private; 43; July 2, '61; FaU River; disoh. for disabiUty Miy 23, '63 at
Newbem, N. C.
John Malone, 1st, Private; 30; July 2, '61; FaU Eiver; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
JohnMalone,2d, Private; 28; July 2, '61; FaU Eiver; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
David Maaaey, Private; 23; July 2, '61 ; FaU Eiver; deserted Oct 25, '61.
Patrick MaxweU, Private; 26; July 2, '61; FaU River;wounded Dec. 17, '62; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
JohnMcAlevy, Private; 18; Aug. 8, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

COMPANY H. 57
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OP ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
James McClusky, Private; 25; Aug. 4, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas McClusky, Private; 27; Aug. 4, '61; FaU River; d. Jau. 7, '63 at Newbern, N. 0.
Thomas McHagh, Private; 30; July 2, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Angus McNab, Private; 26; July 2, '61; Cambridge; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John F. Mills, Private; 23; Feb. 14, '62; Bradford; transf. to New Go. D; re-eaUstad Deo.
31, '63.
Henry Morris, Private; 35; Dec. 19, '63; FaU River; pris of war, Feb. 1, '61; no further
record in A. G. O's office.
Michael Neylaud, Private; 27; July 10, '61; New Jersey; deserted Ma.r. 22, '62.
John O'Keefe, Private; 18; July 2, '61; Boston; killed in action Apr. 21, '61, at Wishingbou,
N.C.
Joseph OUver, Private; 24; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin Palmer, Private; 20; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Palmer, Private; 21; July 22, '62; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Matthew Palmer, Private; 24; July 22, '62; FaU Eiver; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
JosepbPerkins, Private; 21; July 22, '61; FaU River; disch. for disability Aug. 29, '63.
Henry N. Perry, Private; 31; Aug. 16, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam PoUett, Private: 19; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. tD New Co. H; re-aalisfc. Dao.
28, '63.
WUliam RatcUffe, Private; 24 ; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam Ridgeway, Private: 22; July 29, '61; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James RUey, Private; 26; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. to New Co. B; re-enlist. Deo. 22, '63.
Thomas A. Rogers, Private; 21; Aug. 12, '62; Marblehead; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUst.
Jan. 1, '64.
Thomas Rowcroft, Private; 30; July 2, '61; FaU River; drown. May 10, '62, at Newbem,
N.C.
Jacob Schanks, Private; 20; July 2, '61; Ipswich; transf. to New Co. B, re-ealist. D30. 5, '63.
Horace C. Smith, Private; 27; Aug. 26, '62; Brookline; M. O. Aug. 3, '61,
Samuel Smith, Private; 40; July 2, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '61.
WilUam Stone, Private; 27; Aug. 15, '62; Marblehead; disch. for disabiUty Auj. 13, '63.
Joshua StoweU, Private; 35; July 2, '61; FaU River; M, O. Aug. 3, '61,
Charles A. Trasher, Private: IS; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. to New Co. B; re-eaUst.
Deo. 22, '63.
Patrick Troy, Private; 32; July 2, '61; Boston; transf. to New Go. D; re-ealist. Dsc. 17, '63 ;
pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; d. Andersonville, Ga. Jan. 1, '65.
HenryTweathe, Private; 33; July 2, '61; PaU River; disch, for disabiUty May 18, '62.
Henry Walch, Private; 19; July 2, '61; FaU River; transf. as ab. pris. of war to Co. D; re
enlist. Dec. 19, '63; pris. of war, Feb. 1, '64.
WiUiam Walch, Private; 28; July 2, '61; FaU Eiver; deserted Oct. 7, '61.
Frank Walsh, Private; 19; July 22, '61; FaU River; re-enUst. Deo. 17, '63; d. May 13, '64,
^AndersonvUle, Ga. Gr. No. 1066; pris. of war.
WilUam Walton, Private; 34; July 2, '61; Providence, R. I. ; deserted Aug. 22, '61.
WiUiam WardeU, Private; 32; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 12, '63.
Aaron Warhurst, Private; 28; July 2, '61; Newbury; transf. to New Co. B.; re-ealist. Dec.
22, '63.
Leonard H. West; Private; 32; Aug. 18, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Wicks, Private; 23; July 12, '61; Amesbury; disoh, for disabiUty Jan, 10, '63,; transf.
from Co. D.
Joseph Wilkinson, Private; 35; Aug. 4, '62; FaU River; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Wilson, Private; 26; July 2, '61; Boston; pris. ot war, Feb. 1, '64; no furthar record
Adjt. Gen. office, Mass.
Richard Wright, Private: 22; Sept. 2, '61; Baltimore, Md.; disch. for disabUity July 17, '63.
George Woodcock, Private; 20; July 2, '61 ; FaU River; disch. for disabiUty June 6, '62.
Jamea Woods, Private: 24; July 2, '61; Boston; deserted Aug. 22, '61.

58 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS EEGIMENT.
COMPANY "I," LAWRENCE.

"Saunders Guards."
Of the circumstances attending the organization of this com
pany, but little is known or can be ascertained by the compiler
of this history. It was a Lawrence company, and named after
Hon. Daniel Saunders, ex-mayor of that city. Lieutenant James
Moroney, who was promoted first lieutenant and transferred
from Company E, in which he was serving as second lieutenant,
thus writes of Company I, under date of February 9, 1909 :
"In regard to Company I, I have been looking around to see
if I could come across some one of the company, but there are
none of them in Haverhill. The greater part of them came from
Lawrence. The poor fellows, I think, have nearly all passed away.
The company was recruited in Lawrence. The officers were:
Thomas Weir, captain; Michael Burns, first lieutenant; and Archi
bald Bogle, second lieutenant. The company mustered less men
than any other in the regiment, and never was recruited to its
full strength, which made guard duty pretty severe on the boys.' '
The following is a roster of the company :
ORIGINAL COMPANY "I."

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas Weir, Capt.; 33; May 9, '61 ; Lawrence; dismissed July 3, '62.
WilUam W. Smith, Capt.; 24; July 3, '62; Danvers; transf. to Co. C. Aug. 14, '63.
Nehemiah P. FuUer, Capt.; 31; July 11, '61; Danvers; transf. July 30, '63 to 2d Hy. Art.
Michael Bums, 1st Lt.; 21; May 9, '61; Lawrence; resigned Jan. 17, '62.
James Moroney, 1st Lt.; 24; Jan. 3, '62; HaverhiU; resigned Aug. 1, '62.
Linus B. Comins, Jr., 1st Lt.; 20; May 17, '63; Roxbury; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 1st Lt.; 25; Aug. 13, '62; Boston; resigned May 16, '63.
Archibald Bogle, 2d Lt.; 22; May 9, '61; Melrose; transf. to Co. F. Apr. '62.
HoraceDexter, 2dLt.;36:Feb. 9, '62; Cambridge: transf. to Co. K. '62.
Andrew Cook, 2d Lt.; 30; Aug. 13, '62; Danvers; resigned Apr. 26, '63.
Lewis Cann, 2d Lt. 23; Apr. 26, '63; Danvers; transf. to New Organ.
Charles W. Judge, 1st Sgt.; 24; July 22, '61; HaverhiU; wounded May 22, '62; diach. for
diaabiUty Jau. 3, '63.
James Smith, 1st Sgt.; 24; July 11, '61;Danvers; transf . to New Co. G. as 2d Lt. ; re-enUsted
Mar. 26, '64.
Thomas Earle, Sgt.; 20; Jan. 14, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty at Newbem, N. C. Aug.
25, '62.

COMPANY I. 59
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OP ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Michael KiUoran, Sgt.; 24; May 9, '61; Lawrence; d. Apr. 2, '64, AndersonviUe, Ga.; grave
No. 296; prisoner of war.
John O'DonneU, Sgt.; 23; May 2, '61 ; Lawrence: disch. for disabiUty May 31, '62.
Laurentia Bailey, Segt.; 31; Oct. 25, '61; Groveland: transf. to N. C. S. as Sgt.-Maj.
Michael Carney, Sgt.; 26; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry Holland, Sgt.; 23; Jan. 10, '62; Waltham; transf. to New Co. D.
George O'NeU, Sgt.; 32; Dec. 31, '61; Boston; disch. for disability Sept. 2, '62.
WiUiam Powers, Sgt.; 23; May 10, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Richard Spring, Corp.; 23; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. fordisabiUty Jan. 16, '63.
Edward Sands, Corp.; 24; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 4, '62.
John Pendy, Corp.; 27; May 10, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Lunney, Corp.; 19; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty July 16, '63.
Joseph M. Fish, Corp.; 21; Dec. 28, '61; Glenn Falls, N. Y.; pro. and comd. in 12th N. Y.
Vols., '62 : wounded May, '62.
Henry Byram, Corp.; 21; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry F. Marden, Corp.; 26; Jan. 13, '62; Haverhill; d. in AndersonvUle, Ga.; grave No.
1733: wounded Dec. 17, '62; June 8, '64, prisoner of war.
Michael Cavanaugh, Corp.; 22; May 1, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
James Carroll, Corp.; 23; May 9, '61; Lawrence: JI. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Theophilus Sanborn, Corp.; 32; Apr. 27, '61; SaUsbury; transf. from Co. D.; d. in Anderson
viUe, Ga., Apr. 5, '64; grave No. 392; prisoner of war.
Edward G. Boyle, Musician; 16; May 9, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. D.; re-enlisted
Feb. 14, '64.
John Groom, Musician; 18; Jan. 4, '62; Lowell; transf. to New Co. D.
James H. Brown, Wagoner; 30; May 9, '61; Lynn; disch. for disability Feb. 11, '62, at
Baltimore, Md.
Holden Adams, Private; 25; Jan. 7, '62; Methuen; disch. for disability Feb. 10, '62.
James Anderson; Private; 26; Jan. 23, '62; Medford; transf. to New Co. D.
Thomas C. Boyle, Private: 33; July 4, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. D.
Frank Brady, Private; 18; May 9, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Dec.
10, '63.
James Brady, Private: 19; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George H. Brown, Private; 26; Jau. 21, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty May 29, '63, at
Newbem, N. C.
James H. Brown, Private; 24; July 22, '61; Lawrence: disch. for disability Sept. 19, '61.
James W. Brown, Private: 23; Jan. 10, '61; Boston; kiUed in act. May 23, '62, at Newbern,
N.C.
John H. Brown, Private; 39; Jan. 13, '62; Lynn; disch. for disabiUty Jan. 1, '63.
Simeon V. Bumpus, Private; 36; Dee. 23, '61; Maldea; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 18, '62,
at Newbem, N. C.
JohnBurke, Private; 22; Jan. 6, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
Patrick Bums, Private; 29; May 9, '61; Methuen; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam Byme, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Feb.
13, '64.
Richard Carey, Private; 18; Jan. 21, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 13, '62.
Joseph Cavanaugh, Private; 27; May 9, '61; Lawrence; disch. Sept. 10, '61.
John A. Chase, Private; 18;Aug.7, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 16, '62;rejeoted
recruit.
John Clark, Private; 27; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John S. Coleman, Private; 22; Jan. 7, '62; Boston; disch. fordisabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
MichaelH. ColUns, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Lawrence: deserted July, '61.
WiUiamT. CoUyer, Private; 33; Jan. 20, '62; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
Christopher Conroy, Private; 35; May 9, '61; Lawrence; never left state.
John Cunningham, Private; 21 ; May 9, '61 ; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

60 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Curry, Private; 27; May 9, '61; Lawrence; d. July 14, '62, at Newbem, N. C.
Maurice Dailey, Private; 20; May 9, '61; Lawrence: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Davitt, Private; 18; Jan. 18, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 14, '62.
David DiUey, Private; 19; Jan. 23, '62; Lawrence; disoh. Mar. 1, '62, at Baltimore, Md.,
for disabiUty.
Florence Donovan, Private; 20; May 9, '61 ; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Donovan, Private; 19; May 9, '61; Lawrence, M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Dominick Dowd, Private; 19; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John Doyle, Private; 27; May 9, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty Deo. 29, '62.
WilUam Ellison, Private: 22; Jan. 4, '62; Saugus; transf. to New Co. C.
Christopher Fagan, Private; 18; July 22, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disability Sept. 17, '61.
Daniel Farrington, Private; 35; July 24, '62; West Newbury; d. of wounds June 18,'62,at
Newbem, N. C.
Thomas Gallagher, Private; 23; July 22, '61; South Reading; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Patrick GilUran, Private: 23; May 9, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Daniel Goulding, Private; 28; May 9, '61; Lawrence; disch. fr disabiUty Dec. 6, '61, at
Baltimore, Md.
Martin Haskin, Private; 22; Jan. 27, '62; Medford; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
John Harkins, Private; 43; Dec. 26, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted Jan.
5, '64.
Patrick Harkins, Private; 19; Jan. 20, '62; Medford; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Edward Harmon, Private; 19; Oct. 1, '62; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Patrick HiU, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted Feb. 13,
'64.
Thomas HoUand, Private; 19; May 9, '61; Lawrence; d. June 15, '64, at AndersonviUe, Ga.;
grave No. 1986.
Joseph G. Ivors, Private ; 22; Dec. 14, '61; Newburyport; disch. for diaabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
Nehemiah C. Ivera, Private; 25; Jan. 14, '62; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty May 29, '63.
John Ivory, Private; 20; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
FrankUn Jones (aUas) Amea, Private; 18; Jan. 20, '62; Charlestown; deserted Jan. 26, '62.
Nathaniel Jones, Private; 23; Deo. 11, '61; Lynn; disoh. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62, at Balti
more, Md.
Daniel Keon, Private; 21; May 9, '61; LoweU; deserted Feb. 7, '62.
Patrick Kiloran, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63, at
Newbem, N. C.
John Lahan, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disoh. for disabiUty Nov. 23, '61, at Balti
more, Md.
Joseph LavaUey, Private; 33; May 10, '61; Lawrence; d. June 24, '64, at Newbem, N. C.
John O. Leary, Private; 18; May 10,'61; Lawrence: killed in action May 22, '62, at Newbem,
N.C.
John Lee, Private; 20; Jan. 21, '62; Boston; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Mar. 12, '64.
Joseph LUly, Private; 19; Jan. 23, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 1, '62.
George O. Marden, Private; 22; Aug. 17, '62; HaverhUl; d. at Andersonville, Ga., Apr. 12,
'64; grave No. 503; prisoner of war; re-enlisted Jan. 1, '64.
James J. MarshaU, Private; 18; Jan. 28, '62; Newburyport; transf. to New Co. A. ; re-enUsted
Jan. 1, '64.
Daniel Mason, Private; 26; Jan. 10, '62; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. D.
WiUiam MaxweU, Private; 29; Jan. 4, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62, at
Baltimore, Md.
John MoAUeer, Private; 19; May 9, '61; Lawrence: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Daniel McCarty, Private; 33; Jan. 22, '62; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 4, '64.
PhiUp McMahan, Private; 29; May 9, '61; Melrose: transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Jan.
5, '64.
Thomas McMahan, Private; 20; May 9, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

COMPANY I. 61
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Bernard McMahon, Private; 26; Jan. 20, '62; Boston; disoh. for disabiUty June 19, '62.
John McManus, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Lowell; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 6, '61, at Balti
more, Md.
Patrick McNamara, Private; 35; Dec. 16, '61; Lawrence; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga. Apr. 13,
'64 ; grave No. 622 ; prisoner of war.
JohnMoShea, Private; 26; May 9, '61; Salem; never left state; deserted July '61.
WilUam Metcalf, Private: 39; May 9, '61; Lawrence; deserted July '61; never left state.
John Morgan, Private; 27; Deo. 30, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62, at Balti
more, Md.
John H. Morse, Private; 23; Jan. 2, '62; HaverhiU; disch. for diaabiUty Feb. 7, '63.
Henry Norria, Private; 36; Dec. 29, '63; FaU River; prisoner from Feb. 1, '64 to Apr. 28, '65.
tranaf. from Co. D. to Co. I as ab. pris. disch. June 30, '65.
WilUam Norris, Private; 35; May 9, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted Dec;
26, '63.
Patrick O'Brien, Private: 33; Jan. 1, '62; Boston; disch. for disability Apr. 24, '63.
WUUam B. O'Connor, Private; 32; May 2, '61; Lawrence; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel Pierson, Private; 28; Jan. 10, '62; Newburyport; disch. for disability Feb. 10, '62.
Frank Powers, Private; 20; Aug. 23, '62; So. Danvers; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enUsted
Feb. 11, '64.
Patrick Roach, Private; 19; Jan. 23, '62; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty Mar. 3, '63.
Peter Rogers, Private; 30; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 5, '61.
Joseph Roland, Private ; 35 ; Jan. 6, '62 ; Boston ; transf. to New Co. B. ; re-enUsted Jan. 6, '64.
Johu Sharkey, Private; 18; May 10, '61; Lawrence; deserted July, '61.
Charlea H. Simonds, Private; 31; Jan. 10, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62, at
Baltimore, Md.
Charles Stewart, Private; 32; May 10, '61; Lawrence; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 1, '63.
George H. Stott, Private; 44; Deo. 26, '61; Lawrence; disoh. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62, at
Baltimore, Md.
Henry Tighe, Private; 36; Jan. 7, '62; Boston; disoh. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
John Ward, Private; 22; May 9, '61; Boston; disch. for disabiUty July 10, '63.
Alfred Weeks, Private; 18; May 9, '61; So. Reading; deserted July '61; never left state.
WilUs G. Whitmore, Private; 24; Jan. 18, '62; Newburyport; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 10, '62.
WiUiam Wilson, Private; 23; May 9, '61; Lawrence; transf. to New Co. B.; re-enlisted Mar.
12, '64.
Calvin W. WiUis, Private; 49; Nov. 28, '63; Medford; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga., July 17, '64;
grave No. 3464; transf. from Co. D to Co. I as ab. pris. of war.

COMPANY "K," MALDEN.

"Malden Light Infantry."
At the breaking out of the Civil War, the town of Maiden had
a military company known as the Maiden Light Infantry, which
formed the nucleus of Company K of the Seventeenth Regiment,
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. At a patriotic meeting of

62 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
the citizens of Maiden, held April 20, 1861, a volunteer list was
presented, and so large a number enrolled their names that the
town felt warranted in organizing a company immediately,
and the sum of $2,700 was soon subscribed by the citizens for
uniforms and other articles necessary for the comfort of the
volunteers. The ladies also contributed in aid of the company,
and a fine silk flag was presented them.
As organized for the war, the company was composed largely
of men hailing from Maiden, though a considerable number
were from Saugus, Medford, and a few from Melrose and Lynn.
Captain Joseph R. Simonds of Melrose, of the old company, was
elected captain of the new one; Ivory N. Richardson, first lieutenant
and Henry W. Oliver of Maiden, second lieutenant.
The company was organized on May 6, and was sustained
by the town until they went into camp at Lynnfield, July 10, 1861.
The following is a roster of the company :
ORIGINAL COMPANY "K."

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Joseph R. Simonds, Capt. 43; Apr. 30, '61; Melrose; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Ivory N. Richardson, 1st Lt.; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to Co. F, '62.
Enoch F. Tompkins, 1st Lt.; 30; Apr. 26, '61; HaverhiU; pro. Capt. and transf. to Co. B,
Dec. 19, '61.
Bamabas N. Mann, 1st Lt.; 36; Aug 22, '61; Chelsea; wounded at Goldsboro, Deo. 17, '63;
d. Oct. 8, '64 in reb. pris.
Jere A. Greeley 1st Lt.; 27; Apr. 27, '61; SaUsbury; transf. to Co. D; Nov. 7, '63.
Henry W. OUver, 2d Lt. ; 31 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; transf. to Co. F, Jan. 1, '62.
Charles G. Morse, 2d Lt.; 29; Feb. 20' 62; HaverhiU; transf. to Co. G, Aug. 31, '62.
Ezekiel F. Mann, 2d Lt.; 24; Nov. 3, '61; Boston; wounded at Goldsboro, Dec. 17, '62;
transf. to Co. G, June 20, '62.
Horace Dexter, 2d Lt.; 36; Feb. 9, '62; Cambridge; pro. 1st Lt. Regtl. Qm. Jan. 1, '63.
.Sylvanus M. Sovereen, 2d Lt.; 23; Jan 1, '63; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Henry A. Wentworth, 1st Sgt.; 27; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. June 2, '62 order war dept.,
for com. in another Reg.
Eben Symonds, 1st Sgt.; 20; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; pro. 2d Lt.; transf. to New Co. F; re-
enUst Dec. 19, '63.
Sylvanus M. Sovereen, 1st Sgt.;21 ; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; pro. 2d, Lt. Jan. 1, '63.
Thomas James, 1st Sgt. 22 ; Apr. 3, '61; Medford; disch. fordisabiUty May 28, '63.
James F. George, Sgt; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Melrose; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George A. Eaton, Sgt.; 20; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty May 31, '62 at Balti
more, Md.
George T. Cady, Sgt.; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Levi Cox, Sgt.; 37; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden ; transf . to New Co. C; re-enUstDec. 14, '63.

COMPANY K. 63
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OP ENROLLMENT. . RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry Foskett, Sgt.; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga., Mar. 19, '64; Gr. No.
70, pris. of war.
WilUam Noble, Sgt. ; 42 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 12, '62.
David H. Cheever, Sgt. ; 23 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James M. Ash, Corp.; 25; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; disch. for disability .May 25, '63.
William Rankin, Corp. ; 38; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; transf. to Co. A.
David A. Barrett, Corp. ; 22 ; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64,
WiUiam Bohanan, Corp,; 31; Apr. 30, '61; Haverhill; disch. for disability June 10, '62.
James R. GUchrist, Corp.; 40; Aug. 7, '62; Maiden; d. in Andersonville, Ga., Mar. 27, '64;
Gr. No. 159; pris. of war.
Charles H. Keene, Corp.; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Medford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George S. McAllister, Corp.; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; re-enlist. Dec. 4, '63; d. in Anderson
ville, Ga., Aug. 23, '64; Gr. No. 5060; pris. of war.
PhiUp J. Mealey, Corp. ; 20; Apr. 30, '61 ; Medford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
<3ilman Page, Jr., Corp,; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. Dec. 7, '63; pro. 2d Lt., 1st U. S. C.
Cav.
Taylor J. VaUer, Corp.; 20; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Feb. 13, '64.
Abel R. Wilson, Corp.; 19; July 22, '61; HaverhiU; transf. to New Co. B; re-enlist. Jan. 5, '64.
WilUamT. Ash, Corp.;22;Oct. 12, '61; Suagua; M. O. Oct. 11, '64 at Boston, Mass.
James M. Patterson, Corp.; 39; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. B; re-enlist. Dec.
11, '63.
GeorgeH. Penny, Corp.; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
¦George H. Lewis, Musician; 18; Apr. 30, '61; Medford: transf. to New Co A; re-enUst. Jan. 4,
'64.
John J. Patterson, Musician; 15; Jan. 22, '62; Baltimore, Md.; disoh. expir. of term, July
11, '66.
David F. Redman, Muscian; 21; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 14, '61.
Franklin S. Ryorson, Wagoner; 33; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64,
Charles Ames, Private; 35; July 21, '62; Charlestown; transf. to New Co. A; re-enUst. Feb.
13, '64.
LouisArtault, Private; 20:Apr. 30, '61; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John A. Bames, Private: 22; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Oscar Biebar, Private: 27; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; ab. pris. of war since Feb. 1, '64; no fur.
rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Joseph P. Bittner, Private; 23; Apr. 30, '61 : Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles W. A. Brown, Private: 21 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Benjamin F. Caimon, Private; 21 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John F. Carleton, Private; 24; April 30, '61 ; Saugus; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
ReubenR.Coates, Private: 24; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; disch. Oct. 9, '62 for disabiUty.
JohnH. Copp, Private; 24; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 11, '62.
James M. Crawford, Private; 31; Aug. 7, '62; Maiden; wound. Dec. 17, '62; disoh. for wounds
May 21, '63, at Boston, Mass.
Albert W. Crockett, Private; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Melrose; re-enUst. Jan 5, '64; d. Anderson
ville, Ga. Aug. 1, '64; Gr. No. 4483, pris. of war.
WiUiam H. Cruse, Private; 25; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUst. Deo.
7, '63.
James L. Dale, Private; 21; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist. Jau. 4, '64.
Thomas Dane, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Medford; transf. to New Co. A.; re-enUst. Feb. 13,
'64.
John DriscoU, Private; 34; Aug. 11, '62; Maiden- M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John DriscoU, Private; 21 ; Oct. 20, '61 ; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen'ls office, Mass.
RobertElUs, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Medford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Finn, Private; 22 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Edward Fitzgerald, Private; 21 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; expir. of serv. Sept. 2, '64 .

64 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Daniel Flye, Private; 21; July 22, '61; Saugus; transf. to New Co. C; re-enlist. Feb 13, '64.
Joseph W. Flye, Private; 25; July 22, '61; Saugus; disoh. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '63 at New
bem, N. C.
Thomas Gateley, Private; 18; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam S. Gibbs, Private; 19; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Graham, Private; 31 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
George H. Grover, Private; 20; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. Sept. 2, '62 for disabiUty.
John C. Grover, Private; 18; July 22, '61; Melrose; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist. Dec.
28, '63.
Brinsley P. Guilford, Private; 40; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus; M .0. Aug. 3, '64.
Noah G. Harriman, Private; 28; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 23, '61 afc
Baltimore, Md.
Joseph W. Haynes, Private; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist.
Jan. 6, '64.
Jesse Hitchings, Private; 38 ;!Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Hopwood, Private; 35;jAug. 12, '62; Lowell; deserted Apr. 22, '63.
OUver Jenness, Private; 24; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 31, '61 at Balti
more, Md.
George H. Johnson, Private; 23; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disoh. for disabiUty Jan 8, '62.
George L. Johnson, Private; 23; Apr. 30, '61 : Maiden; disch. fordisabiUty Apr. 18, '63.
George M. Keen, Private: 19; Feb. 13, '62; Medford; transf. to New Cos. A and E; re-enlist.
Jan. 4, '64.
Thomas J. Kelley, Private; 32; Nov. 20, '63; Maiden; transf. to New Co. C.
Samuel S. Kendrick, Private; 41; Aug. 7, '62; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Raymond Kennedy, Private; 21; Aug. 15, '62; Boston; M. O.Aug. 3, '64.
Samuel Kenny, Private; 30; Apr. 30, '61; Medford; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles A. Kidder, Private; 19; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas Kirwan, Private: 32; Aug. 11, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty May 30, '63.
Samuel Langley, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WilUam J. Laskey, Private: 39; Aug. 27, '62; Boston; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Augustus B. Lewis, Private; 22; Aug. 8, '62; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
Maurice Mader, Private; 32; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Dec. 14, '61 at
Baltimore, Md.
Cyras L. Marston, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; d. Nov. 2, '62 at Newbern, N. C.
David T. Marston, Private; 30; Aug. 29, '62; Taunton; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam C. McAUister, Private; 27; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disoh. for disabiUty June 23, '64.
MiohaelMcDonneU, Private; 20; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; deserted Aug. 23, '61.
WilUam McElroy, Private; 32; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Nov. 23, '62.
Michael MoKeon, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Thomas McNally, Private; 18; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disoh. for disabiUty Oct. 6, '63.
Joseph E. Mills, Private; 18; July 22, '61; Boston; transf. to New Co. B; re-enUst. Dec. 4,
'63.
WiUiam Mirrick, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles J. Moore, Private; 22 ;_Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 31, '62.
Edward Moran, Private; 21; Apr. 30, '61; Malen; disch. for disabiUty Deo. 9, '63.
Andrew Morton, Private; 18; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Sept. 12, '62.
George W. Moulton, Private; 38; Apr. 30, '61 ; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James Nelson, Private; 42 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Maurice O'RUey, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; transf. to New Co. B; re-enlist. Deo. 26,
'63.
Gilbert Page, Private; 21 ; July 22, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Tony Peabody, Jr., Private; 25; Apr. 30,'61 ; Melrose; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Alonzo Penny, Private; 25; Apr. 30, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Joseph H. Putnam, Private; 24; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

COMPANY K. 65
N.\ME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT. .
Edwin W. Reed, Private; 24; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus; disch. for disabiUty Aug. 15, '63.
Charles Renand, Private; 34; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disability June 23, '63.
Francis Revoire,Private;40; Apr.30,'61: Maiden: disch. fordisabiUty Feb. 1, '63.
James Roots, Jr., Private; 40; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus; disch. for disability Sept 11, '62.
John Rosenbach, Private; 27; July 22, '61; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Daniel M. RusseU, Private: 32; April 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Otis T. Simonds, Private: 29; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 1, '63.
John Smith, Private: 31; Oct. 23, '61; Boston; re-enUst. December 29, '63; d. at Ander
sonville, Ga., May 8, '64. Gr. No. 976; pris. of war.
John S. Smith, Private: 44; Oct. 26, '62; Taunton; transf. to New Co. A; re-enlist Feb. 11,
'64. ^
Thomas Smith, Private; 21 ; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 2, '63.
Thom.as H. Speed, Private; 34; Aug. 7, '62; Maiden; d. Mar. 25, '64 in Richmond, Va.,
pris. of war.
WilUam Stack, Private: 27; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
WiUiam L. Stocker, Private: 30; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Homer R. Stratton, Private; 20; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Apr. 17, '63.
Joseph Stratton, Jr., Private; 26; July 22, '61; Chelsea; disch. for disabiUty June 23, '63.
Charles W. Sweetser, Private; 22; Apr. 30, '61 ; Saugus: M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Lewis W. Thompson, Private; 36; Apr. 30, '61; Lynn; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
James M. Tufts, Private; 41; Aug. 7, '62; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Daniel Waitt, Private; 26; Apr. 30, '61; Medford; disch. for disabiUty Oct. 26, '61 at Balti
more, Md.
Harrison Waitt, Private; 21; Apr. 30, '61; Maiden; disch. for disabiUty Feb. 16, '62 at
Baltimore, Md.
Michael Welch, Private; 30; Apr. 30, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
Charles A. Wells, Private; 26; July 22, '61; Charlestown; Nov. 23, '61, at Baltimore; disch.
for disabiUty.
James W. Wilson, Private; 28; July 22, '61 ; Maiden; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.
John H. Wilson, Private; 21; Apr. 30, '61; Saugus; M. O. Aug. 3, '64.

CHAPTER III.

Portraits with Biographies of Field and Staff — Company
Officers — 17th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry —
First Organization.

COLONEL THOMAS ISAAC COFFIN AMORY.
Thomas I. C. Amory was born in Boston, Mass., November
27, 1828. He was the son of Jonathan Amory, who succeeded his
father in business in the house of Jonathan Amory & Son, and who
was United States Dispatch Agent during the Civil War. His
wife, the mother of Thomas I. C. Amory, was a Miss Austin, whose
father, an English physician, owned a sugar plantation in Demarara,
British Guiana, where Miss Austin was born in 1809. Thomas I.
C. Amory 's grandfather, Jonathan Amory, died in Boston about
the time he (Colonel Amory) was born, and had been a successful
merchant. He married a daughter of James Sullivan, who had
been attorney-general, was the sixth governor of Massachusetts,
and whose brother was General John Sullivan of the Revolutionary
Army, and governor of New Hampshire.
T. I. C. Amory 's younger days were passed mostly at board
ing-schools, and he spent some time at a boarding-school in New
port, R. I. His father's family were living at Roxbury, Mass., in
1846, when he received his appointment as a cadet to West Point,
from which he was graduated in 1851. Upon graduation he was
brevetted second heutenant and assigned to the 7th United States
Infantry, in which regiment he served until 1860, when he was
•ordered to Boston on recruiting service, and was there on duty at
the breaking out of the Civil War,
(66)

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 67
He was commissioned second lieutenant in the regular army,
August 21, 1851; first lieutenant, October 16, 1855; captain. May
7, 1861; and major of the 8th United States Infantry, September
19, 1864. His service with the 7th United States Infantry was
mostly in the West and Southwest. He was for a time at Jefferson
Barracks, Mo., and afterwards at Fort Smith, Ark. At the latter
place he married, in 1853, Miss Nolan, who died a few days before
her husband, in October, 1864, at Beaufort, N. C. Their oldest
son died at Newberne, N. C, in 1863. Their oldest daughter
died in 1878, while at school at Pelham Priory, New Rochelle,
N. Y. The other children — two sons and a daughter — are still
hving — one of the sons in Wilmington, Del., the other son and
daughter in New Y'ork City.
At the breaking out of the Civil War, Thomas I. C. Amory,
then a lieutenant, was for a time the only regular army officer in
Massachusetts, and was very useful to Governor Andrew in offering
opmion and advice as to equipment and organization of the first
regiments that went to the front from this state. He was also
Acting Commissary of Musters of the first regiments going from
Massachusetts into the United States Service, until Governor
Andrew insisted upon his going to Baltimore to take command
of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, of which
regiment he was commissioned colonel September 12, 1861. The
regiment had been in Baltimore nearly two months, under command
of Lieut-Col. Fellows, when Colonel Amory joined it, but he soon
became a great favorite with the men for his uniform courtesy
and kindness to all, and for the interest which he manifested in the
efficiency and welfare of the regiment. He was a good disciplina
rian, without being uimecessarily strict or exacting, and was always
ready to listen to complaints or grievances of the men, and to do
all in his power to make army life pleasant to them.
After the regiment was sent to Newberne, N. C, early in 1862,
Colonel Amory, much to the regret of the officers and men, was
detached as acting brigadier-general and the Seventeenth knew
him only as commander of the brigade of which it formed a part.
But they knew that he still retained a lively interest and affection
for his old command. He was in active command of his brigade

68 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
in North Carolina, and participated in all the expeditions and
battles in that department until the latter part of 1864.
When the Seventeenth Regiment was reorganized, after the
expiration of its term of service in July, 1864, he became colonel
of the new regiment, though he still retained command of the
brigade to which it was attached, at Morehead City, Captain
Henry Splaine being placed in coinmand of the regiment, of which
he afterwards became colonel.
In the fall of 1864, yellow fever broke out in the depart
ment of North Carolina, and was very destructive among the ne
groes that congregated there. A negro servant in Colonel Amory 's
family, it was said, brought the fever into it, which resulted in the
death of Mrs. Amory and her mother, and a few days later the
colonel succumbed to the same disease. His death occurred at
Beaufort, N. C, on October 7, 1864.
One of the members of Company G, of the Seventeenth
(Thomas H. Taylor), writing in an article published in the "Salem
Gazette,' ' September 17, 1886, of the experiences of his company
in the regiment, some twenty-five years after the close of the war,
said of him:
"Colonel T. I. C. Amory fell a victim to this terrible disease.
He was one of the few .commanding officers who remained at his
post of duty, and in doing so, fell a victim. A perfect soldier and
a gentlemen. His loss was sincerely mourned by all the depart
ment.' '
To show how sincere and lasting was the affection that Col.
Amory inspired in the men of the Seventeenth, at the annual re
union of the surviving members of that regiment, on August 28,
1899, his youngest daughter, Mrs. Laura Amory Dugan, who was
bom in Newberne, N. C, in May, 1864, during the third Confed
erate attack on that city, was elected a member of the Regimental
Association, and adopted as the "Daughter of the Regiment."
Col. T. I. C. Amory was brevetted Brigadier-General before
his death. He will always be kindly remembered by his comrades
as long as any one of them survives.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 69
LIEUT.-COLONEL JOHN FOSTER FELLOWS.
John Foster Fellows was the son of Oliver and Sarah Fellows.
He was born at Ipswich, Mass., on January 8, 1815. When but
six weeks old, his parents moved to Salem, where he lived until
1842. He was educated in the public schools of that city. At the
age of twenty-eight years he moved to Boston, and became con
nected with the "Boston Atlas" (the organ of the Whig Party in
Massachusetts) as chief book-keeper. He was also connected with
the "Boston Courier" for several years. He was, at the time of
his death, one of the oldest mihtia officers in the state. In 1845,
he became a resident of Chelsea.
He joined the Salem Infantry in 1835, and was made corporal
of the company October 1st of that year. He became sergeant
October 25, 1837, and lieutenant in the same company in 1842.
After his removal to Chelsea, he organized, on September 20, 1852,
the Chelesa Light Infantry, Company F, Seventh Regiment, 4th
Brigade, 2d Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. He was
commissioned captain of the Chelsea company October 7, 1852.
In 1855 or 1856, while Captain Fellows was in command of the
company, the community was disturbed by the ranting of a re
ligious fanatic, who was styled the Angel Gabriel, because he carried
a trumpet, on which he would blow a blast from time to time, in
order to attract attention and draw a crowd to hear him. This
fellow did not confine himself to preaching on the Custom House
steps and other places in Boston, but took in the suburbs as well.
On one particular Sunday, Gabriel was advertised to hold forth
in Chelsea, and a crowd of fanatics and others followed him, the
latter principally to "see the fun." In Chelsea they were joined
by other crowds, and the Roman Catholic Church on. Mount
Bellingham was attacked and threatened with destruction. See
ing the danger from the mob. Captain Fellows assembled his com
pany, marched them to the scene of the riot, saved the church,
dispersed the mob, and then made application to the proper au
thorities for leave to call out his company.
This episode well illustrates the character of the man who
afterwards played so prominent a part in the Civil War, as the

70 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
officer in command of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer In
fantry. He resigned the command of the Chelsea Light Infantry,
November 20, 1857. He was commissioned captain and quarter
master of the Fourth Brigade, 2nd Division, M. V. M., Aug.20,1858.
At the beginning of the Civil War, Captain Fellows was
stationed at Fort Warren, Boston Harbor, as quartermaster on the
staff of General Joseph Andrews, commanding the fort. He was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Seventeenth Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry, August 21, 1861. On August 22d, Governor
Andrew went into the adjutant-general's office, and expressed a
desire that the Seventeenth Regiment should start for the front
the foUowing day. Colonel Fellows was at Fort Warren, and the
boat had made its last trip for the day, when the news of the
departure of the regiment was received. Adjutant John G.
Chambers volunteered to have Colonel Fellows in Boston that
night. This he accomplished with a sailboat.
Colonel Fellows took command of the Seventeenth Regiment
on August 23, 1861, at Lynnfield, and the regiment left Massa
chusetts for the front that night. Colonel Fellows commanded
the regiment until Colonel Amory assumed command in Baltimore,
Md. When the regiment left Baltimore, March 27, 1862, in two
steamers, Colonel Fellows commanded five companies on one of
the steamers. The regiment arrived in Newberne, N. C, April 1, 1862, and
the following day Colonel Amory was assigned to the command
of the First Brigade of Foster's Division, Burnsides Corps. From
that time up to the time the regiment served its term of enlistment
except after his capture at Batchelder 's Creek, February 1, 1864,
Colonel Fellows was in active command the greater part of the
time. The story of the capture of a section of the Seventeenth
Regiment, with all its officers, is told elsewhere. Colonel Fellows was
confined in Libby Prison, in Richmond, in Macon, Ga., Colum
bia, S. C, Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S. C, in which latter
place, he, with other Union officers, was lodged in a section of the
city which was exposed to the bombardment from guns of Fort
Wagner, on Morris Island. But the prisoners were fortunate in
the fact that the building in which they were lodged was not hit,

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 71
though many of those in the vicinity received serious injury. At
the end of the siege he was exchanged and returned home much
exhausted by the strain upon his nervous system. He was dis
charged August 3, 1864, and commissioned colonel October 9,
1864, but was not mustered.
Colonel Fellows was a good officer and a brave man. He was
at the head of his regiment in every encounter up to the time of his
capture. He was popular with the officers and men, and his cap
ture was greatly deplored by them. There were few more faithful,
loyal and efficient officers in the department of North Carolina
than Colonel Fellows.
Before the war. Colonel Fellows filled a number of important
offices in his home city. He was elected and served as a member
of the Chelsea Common Council for 1857, and a member of the
Board of Aldermen for 1858. He was a charter member of Pales
tine Commandery Knights Templars, Royal Arch Chapter of
Skekinah, and Past Master of Robert Lash Lodge F. and A. M., and
also a member of Theodore Winthrop Post 35, G. A. R.
He was appointed deputy collector of internal revenues of the
4th district by Collector Sargent, in 1868, and held that position
until the 4th district office was abolished. He was also treasurer
of the Chelsea Savings Bank for twelve years, which position he
resigned on account of ill health a few months before his death,
which occurred at his residence in Chelsea, after a lingering illness,
of paralysis of the brain, on July 6, 1888.
Two sons and two daughters survived him, one of the former
of whom is Capt. Charles 0. Fellows, who served with distinction
in both the old and new organizations of the Seventeenth Regi
ment. Colonel Fellows was a gentleman in every sense of the
word, and his bearing towards one and all was with the courtesy
belonging to the old school. He was beloved by all who knew or
came in contact with him. At his funeral the body was escorted
by the veterans of the Seventeenth Regiment Association, under
Colonel Henry Splaine; by commands of Theodore Winthrop Post
35, G. A. R.; and by delegations of the Masonic fraternities to
which he belonged. Thus fittingly closed the useful hfe of a brave
and loyal man both in war and in peace.

72 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
MAJOR JONES FRANKLE.
One of the best known and most active officers of the depart
ment of North Carolina during the Civil War was Major Jones
Frankle of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Not only was he on active duty with his regiment during his con
nection with it, but he assumed and discharged other military func
tions with zeal. He became colonel of the Second Massachusetts
Heavy Artillery, which he personally recruited, and was promoted
to brevet brigadier-general at the close of the war. Major Frankle
was a strict disciplinarian, and was strictly honorable in all rela
tions with men in and out of the military service.
Jones Frankle was born in Silesia, a province of southeastern
Prussia, April 17, 1829. He was educated in the public school of
his native town until, at the age of fourteen, he was entered at the
gymnasium of Breslau, the capital of the province of Silesia. At
the age of nineteen he entered the University of Breslau. At this
time also, he was enrolled as a one-year volunteer in the regular
army of Prussia, to serve for promotion. According to the usage
obtaining at the time, the volunteer for a year's service had to
maintain himself during the probationary period, at the end of
which time, if he passed examination, he was received as an officer
in the regular service.
At the close of the year, young Frankle passed the examination
and qualified for lieutenant in the la-ndwehr, or reserve force, of the
regular army. In the meantime the dispute with Denmark, in
regard to boundary, and other matters, known as the Scleswig-
Holstein affair, had led to hostihties between Prussia and Den
mark, and the regiment to which Lieutenant Frankle was attached
was ordered to the scene of strife. This was in 1848. In this war
and subsequently he served two years, when he returned to the
University to resume his studies.
In 1854, he came to the United States, landing in New York.
He did not remain long in that city, but came to Boston. From
the latter city, he drifted north to Essex County, finding occupa
tion in the cities and towns of the Merrimac Valley — Newburyport,

Laura Carolina Amort.

Frederick T. Greenhalge.

Capt. Edward T. Parkinson.

Lieut. Philip C. Mason, Co. "A.'

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 73
Amesbury, West Newbury and Haverhill — as a teacher in high
schools and private classes of the French and German languages.
Mr. Frankle's first essay to obtain military service was when
he joined the Ben Perley Poore Battalion at West Newbury as
lieutenant. This battalion was afterwards incorporated a com
pany of the Nineteenth Massachusetts Regiment, with Captain
Stanwood in command. Mr. Frankle's duty with this battalion
was that of drill-master. He, however, remained with it only two
weeks, when he received from Governor Andrew a commission as
captain, and was assigned to the Fourteenth Massachusetts In
fantry (afterwards the First Heavy Artillery), which was then in
process of formation. But the men of the company which he was
to command, and which was only partially filled, were, in the final
re-arrangement of companies, distributed among other companies
of the regiment, and the captain was mthout a command.
To make amends for the disappointment, however, Captain
Frankle received the appointment of major, and was assigned to
the Seventeenth Regiment, then in process of formation at Camp
Schouler in LjTinfield. Colonel Fellows joined the regiment the
same day of its departure for the seat of war, August 23d. At
Baltimore, Colonel Amory took command of the regiment.
In the early part of 1863, Major-General Foster noting how
inadequately the city of Newberne was defended from attack by
land (and there had been several attacks made by the Confederates
up to that time) wrote to Governor Andrew, suggesting that a
regiment of heavy artillery be raised and equipped by the state of
Massachusetts, aijd recommending that Major Frankle be com
missioned to raise and command such a regiment. In response to
this request. Governor Andrew issued an order for the recruitment
of such a regiment in the state, appointing Major Frankle as colonel
of the same. The major returned to Boston, in May, 1863, and
began the work of enhsting the new regiment. He met with such
success that in September of that year he had the regiment recruited
to its full complement of 1800 men, and returned with it to New
berne where he manned the forts about the city.

74 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
While Colonel Frankle was in command of the defences of
Newberne, the yellow fever broke out, and raged with violence in
that city and its vicinity. Colonel Amory of the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts being one of its victims. At this time. General Palmer,
who was in command of the district of North Carolina, went to
Washington, and General Harland, who commanded the district
of Ne'\\ljerne, assumed his duties. This change left that post
vacant, and Colonel Frankle, who was the only available officer of
sufficient rank, assumed command of the Newberne district.
Stories and anecdotes without number have been told of Major
Frankle. He was known as the " Little Major.' '
Since the above sketch was written, General Frankle, who had
suffered from prostatitis, and had undergone surgical treatment
for it, succumbed to the disease, and died on April 15, 1909 — two
days before completing his eightieth year.

MAJOR LUTHER DAY.
Major Luther Day was born in Bradford, Mass., February 23,
1829. He was of old Colonial stock, being descended from one of
three brothers who came from England and settled at Ipswich
in 1635. His grandfather, Moses Day, settled at Ward Hill,
Bradford, in 1770, whose son, Joseph Day, married Fideha Hale,
June 20, 1824. Joseph and his wife were the parents of Bailey,
Judson, Luther, Fidelia, Pearl, George W. and Joseph Warren
Day. Joseph Warren Day was a heutenant in the Seventeenth
Massachusetts with the major. Major Day married twice, his
first wife being Martha Jane Shattuck, whom he married October
17, 1850. Their children were Helen Eva (Currier) Day and
Martha Jane. His second wife was Emeline Eaton Clement of
Newburyport, whom he married July 13, 1867. There were born
from this marriage Luther Clement, Anne M., Albert B., and
Marion L. Luther C, when a young fellow, joined the 46th
United States Volunteers, for service in the Phihppines, where
he served two years.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 75
Major Day was one of the first captains to organize a company
of volunteers in the early spring of 1861. On the 19th of April,
1861, he went to Boston to see the Hale Guards off to Washington,
and while in Boston took out enlistment papers at the State House.
Upon his return home, he, with others, recruited a full company
in one day. The captaincy was offered to Dr. A. K. Towle, who
declined, and Mr. Day was unanimously elected captain, and was
commissioned as such April 26, 1861. Captain Day made several
efforts to have his company put into camp and receive recognition
as a military body. He failed to do this so often that, discouraged,
he went to Governor Andrew, and told him that he and his com
pany were about to join a New York regiment.
The governor, seeing that Captain Day meant all that he
said, ordered the company into camp. This relieved the town and
people of Haverhill from the expense of supporting the company
and aiding some of the families of the members.
The captain was mustered into United States service July 22,
1861, and was promoted major December 29, 1863. He was
mustered out at expiration of service August 3, 1864.
Major Day was a handsome man, of commanding appearance,
extremely neat and painstaking and strictly a business officer. He
was known among the officers and men of the command as a strict
and unbending disciplinarian, yet never forgetting to look after
the interests of the command.
Major Day died in Haverhill May 30, 1896.

ADJUTANT BARNABAS N. MANN.
Barnabas N. Mann was born in Chelsea, Mass., in 1824, of a
very respectable family. Quite early in life he manifested a strong.
inclination for a mihtary career, and as early as September 30^

76 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
1852, he became a member of the Chelsea Light Infantry, which
company had been organized and commanded by the late Col.
John F. Fellows of Chelsea. Mr. Mann enlisted as a private, but
later became first sergeant of the company, and at the beginning
of the Civil War, was adjutant of the 7th Regiment, M. V. M.
When the Seventeenth Regiment was organized at Lynnfield,
in 1861, Barney Mann (as he was familiarly called) was commis
sioned a first lieutenant, and appointed adjutant. In this con
nection it may be truly said that he was one of the most faithful,
painstaking and efficient officers the regiment ever had.
During the stay of the command in Baltimore, Lieut. Mann
was married to ]Miss Love, an estimable lady of that city.
He was taken prisoner on the morning of February 1, 1864, at
Batchelder 's Creek, N. C, and died October 8, of the same year
in a rebel prison.
Barnabas N. Mann was a firm friend to Colonel Fellows and
a trusted official. Who among the survivors of the regiment that
does not remember his soldierly presence and masterly activity?
"I believe," writes John H. Tyler, "that he did more to promote
discipline and good order in the early days of the regimental history
than any other officer that we had.' '
Notable among his many brave acts was the burning of the
Goldsboro railroad bridge, on December 17, 1862. Gen. J. G.
Foster, commanding the Union forces on that occasion, had de
tailed Capt. George W. Graham to burn that bridge, and although
the latter wore the uniform of a Confederate officer that day, he
failed in his attempt to fire the bridge. In running back from the
bridge, after his failure, he exclaimed, "No use! No use! It can't
be done!" Thereupon General Foster ordered Colonel Fellows,
commanding the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, to make a
detail to burn the bridge. When Colonel Fellows called for volun
teers, many stepped forward. From these he chose Lieut. Barnabas
N. Mann and Privates Edmands and Besse of Company A. Lieu
tenant Mann and his aids, amid a hail of bullets, approached the
bridge, set fire to it, and it was quickly destroyed. Lieutenant
Mann was severely wounded in this heroic enterprise, from the
effects of which he never fully recovered.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THB CIVIL WAR. 77
Barney Mann has answered the last roll call. He went to his
death in the Southland with the conviction that he had done his
duty to his country and its flag; and while his death was far from
kindred, and among the enemies of his country, it was a noble one —
one of self-sacrifice — the death of a true man and a hero.

ADJUTANT HENRY A. CHEEVER.
There are but few officers or men of the Seventeenth Regiment
more deserving of credit and prominent mention than the late
Adjutant Cheever.
Henry A. Cheever was the son of Deacon Joseph Cheever, and
was born in Salem, Mass., in 1839. His family removed to Chelsea,
Mass., when Henry was a young lad, and it was in Chelsea that he
was educated and obtained his early training for the military ser
vice which he so faithfully performed. He was graduated from the
High School but a short time before the Civil War broke out. In
his youth he was prominent in the affairs of the town. He was one
of the organizers of the Chelsea Library Association, and was also
active in the fire department in those days, and was captain of the
Chelsea Wide-awakes in the Lincoln and Hamlin campaign in 1860.
He was also a member of Company F, 7th Regiment, M. V. M.,
which company was commanded at the time by the late lamented
Colonel John F. Fellows.
Mr. Cheever was commissioned a first lieutenant in the early
part of the Civil War, was assigned to the Seventeenth Regiment,
and was appointed adjutant to succeed the late Barnabas N. Mann.
That he proved himself to be a thoroughly efficient officer is well
known to the survivors of his regiment.
Adjutant Cheever was severely wounded at Batchelder's
Creek, N. C, on the morning of February Ist, 1864, was taken pris
oner, and his life saved only by the efforts and skill of the late Sur-

78 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
geon Galloupe. Indeed, his death was currently reported at con
siderable length in the Boston papers at the time. He recover
ed, however, and returned to his home in Chelsea, and after a
season of recuperation, returned to his regiment. But his wound
was a source of constant annoyance to him to the day of his death.
Henry A. Cheever was naturally a genial man, sometimes
erratic in temperament, but that was alwaj'^s overlooked by those
who knew and loved him for his sterling good qualities. He made
and kept strong friendships for more than half a century, and when
the last words were spoken over what was once Henry Cheever,
men who knew him best realized that a good man had gone beyond
recall, and those friends sincerely mourn his loss.
Adjutant Cheever was married to Miss DeBacon of Chelsea.
The fruit of that union was one daughter, whom Henry idohzed.
She was taken away in early childhood, however, and from that
moment the spirit of the father was broken, and without doubt he
brooded over the loss of his daughter until the day of his death.
He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York soon after
the war, and was for some time an employee of the Treasury De
partment at Washington, D. C. During the latter portion of his
life he was engaged in the prosecution of pension claims. He
opened an office in Boston, which was known to thousands of old
soldiers throughout the state as "The Adjutant's Tent," where
veterans of the war were always welcome.
He was formerly a member of the Theodore Winthrop Post
35, G. A. R., of Chelsea, but later became a member of John A. An
drew Post 15, G. A. R., of Boston. He was also a member of
Hooker Command, U. V. U. He died in Boston in 1903, and his
body was escorted to the grave at Woodlawn Cemetery, Chelsea,
by a delegation of Hancock Command, U. V. U. of Chelsea.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 79
DR. I. F. GALLOUPE.
Isaac Francis Galloupe, physician and surgeon, eminent in
both branches of the curative art, was born in Beverly, Mass.
June 27, 1823. He was the son of Isaac and Annie (Allen) Gal
loupe, a descendant of an old Colonial family of Essex County.
He was educated in the public schools and the academy of his na
tive town, and by private tutelage. He afterwards studied medi
cine at the Tremont Street Medical School in Boston, where he
obtained his diploma of M. D. in March, 1849.
He began as a physician at Lynn, Mass., in 1849, where he
soon built up an extensive practice. On November 27, 1854, he
married Lydia Davis Ellis, by whom he had two sons — Francis
Elhs, who is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Tech
nology, with the degree of S. B., 1876, in mechanical engineering,
and Charles William, a graduate of Harvard College, A. B., 1879,
and M. D. of Harvard Medical School. The latter is a practising
physician of Boston.
Dr. Galloupe was well known to every comrade who served
in the Civil War in the department of North Carolina, where he
served as regimental, brigade and division surgeon, and post
surgeon at Newbern, N. C. He was also medical director of the
18th Army Corps, and was in charge of the United States Army
General Hospital at Newbern, with the rank of Major and Brevet
Lieut.-Colonel. After the war he served as examining surgeon of
the United States Pension Bureau of Bo.ston for twenty-five years.
In his residential city of Lynn, he served as a member of the school
board and as city physician. In politics he was a staunch Rspub-
lican; in religion, a Congregationalist. He was a member of the
Massachusetts Medical Society, Essex South District Medical
Society, Lynn Medical Society, a Mason, a member of the Society
of Colonial Wars, Loyal Legion, Grand Army of the Republic, Sons
of the American Revolution, Massachusetts Association of Prison
ers of War, and the Lynn Historical Society. These few facts
sum up too briefly the events and occupations of an exceedingly
busy and useful life, — a life filled with fine achievements and noble
sacrifices.

80 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS HEGIMENT.
On December 11, 1862 he accompanied the expedition under
General Foster frcm Newbern to Goldsboro as Brigade Suigeon of
the First Brigade, operating surgfon and surgeon in charge of
transportation of the wounded. At the battle of Kinston, on the
14th, he established a field h'ospital, at which he was busily engaged
from nine o'clock in the morning until ten at night in performing
operations, without leaving his post for any purpose, or partaking
of food, until the last wounded man was properly cared for. Among
those operated on was a successful case of amputation of the
shoulder joint and upper third of the thigh on one person.
On the 16th of December, at the Battle of Whitehall, he es
tablished a field hospital in a hollow, which proved to be so near
the firing line that pieces of shell fell among the wounded, one of
which struck his foot, not, however, causing injury, and he was
obhged to move the hospital further to the rear.
On December 17, at Goldsboro, he took a farmhouse for a
hospital, close to the battlefield, and remained there until the army
had retired, after accomplishing its object, and the missiles of the
enemy made it necessary for him to remove the wounded. He
superintended the removal of these, several hundred in number,
to Newbern, a distance of about eighty miles, through woods and
over rough roads, a considerable part of which was corduroy. On
the return of the expedition. Acting Brigadier General Amory, in
his report to the Commanding General, said: "Where all did
their duty well it seems unnecessary to mention names, but I feel
compelled, in this place, to testify to the fidelity with which Doctor
Galloupe, the senior surgeon of the brigade, discharged his duties.
His efficiency at all times, and his care of the wounded, merit the
highest praise."
On February 1, 1864, an attack was made on a strong outpost
at Batchelder 's Creek, twelve miles from Newbern, at one o 'clock
in the morning. The firing being heavy, and continuing for an
unusual length of time. Doctor Galloupe repaired to the place with
a hospital corps and several ambulances. His stretcher men began
to pick up the wounded, the first one brought in being Lieut.
Cheever, adjutant of the Seventeenth Regiment . While Doctor

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 81
Galloupe was in the act of removing a musket ball from a wound in
his chest, he was surrounded by rebel cavalry and taken prisoner.
He soon realized that the Confederate force was a large one
under General Pickett, and that its object was the capture of
Newbern. The Union force, while retreating, kept up a constant
artillery fire, and after arriving within the line of defence, opened
with heavy guns, and mortars, and continued the firing all that
day and the next, killing and wounding many of the Confederates.
To all of this firing he was exposed, and although fragments of
shell were clattering all around him, none hit him. At about
5 p. M., February 2d, he was started with about 300 other prisoners
towards Kinston. The road was sandy, the feet sinking three
inches with each step. He had on heavy cavalry boots, and was
compelled to walk under these circumstances to Kinston, a dis
tance of twenty-five miles within twenty-five hours. When he
arrived there his strength was exhausted, and his feet and legs so
swollen and inflamed by the rough march, that it was two months
before he recovered from the effects of the exposure. No food was
furnished him for three days. At this extremity, his condition
becoming known to Surgeon W. A. Holt, C. S. Army, that gentle
man at once came to his relief. His gratitude to Surgeon Holt
need hardly be said was hearty and lasting.
Doctor Galloupe was exchanged on the first of March, 1864,
and after a month 's rest at his home in Lynn, returned to Newbern,
N. C, where he renewed his former duties. On June 10, he was
again appointed Post Surgeon of Newbem, and filled that office
until the last of July, 1864, when his three years' term of service
having expired, and his health being much impaired, he returned
with his regiment, and was mustered out of service August 10, 1864.

CHAPLAIN WILLIAM D'ARCY HALEY.
Chaplain Haley was born in London, England, and came to the
United States with his father when a mere boy. His mother,
Harriet D'Arcy Haley, died in England. His people were of

82 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Kent in Hampshire County, and were recognized for many genera
tions for their literary attainments. His education was completed
in the United States, having taken courses in Harvard, and at Mead-
ville Theological Seminary. His first wife was Archidamia Maria
Gammons of Rochester, Mass. The only child by this union was
Grace Alton, now the accomplished and beautiful Mrs. Grace G.
Barnum of New Haven, Conn. Chaplain Haley and his wife
visited England, where he declined the pastorate of a London
Church. Upon their return to the United States, they resided in Wash
ington where our chaplain became pastor of the First Unitarian
Church, — "All Souls, — which has been since the place of worship
of the Presidents. During their stay in Washington, Chaplain
Haley and his -n-iie made many dear and influential friends.
At the breaking out of the Civil War, in the spring of 1861,
the Reverend William Haley, believing the best place for a patri
otic minister was with the army, secured an appointment as
chaplain in the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers,
then organizing at Ljomfield, Mass.
He served with his regiment for about ten months, when his
faihng health demanded a change. He resigned, and paid a visit
to England. While in London, he was requested by those who
knew his talents best, to deliver a sermon in St. Paul's. This
sermon was a remarkable one. It was published in the leading
papers of the United Kingdom. The commentators of that time
said it was equal to the best the great Mr. Spurgeon ever preached.
Shortly after this he returned to the United States, where he gave
up the pulpit for the sword, and became a captain of cavalry in a
New York Regiment.
As a cavalry officer, he rendered good service to his adopted
country. After the close of the war, he and his family went to
California, where his wife died. Some tune after he married Miss
Elizabeth Holmes of New York. From this union there were born,
a son, Herbert Hohnes Haley, and a daughter, lone D'Arcy Haley.
For years before his death he was editor of the "San Jose Mercury,' '
was connected with the G. A. R., and was a 33d degree Mason.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 83
Upon his death, in 1890, the whole city of San Francisco paid
tribute to his intellectual worth. He was a most briUiant and a
kind-hearted man. During his service with the Seventeenth
Regiment, he was noted for his generosity, his kindness to all —
sick or well — and was ever ready to give help to the suS'ering,
either spiritually or temporally. He campaigned with his regi
ment, and showed the true courage of the solcher, yet never for
getting the dignity of his high office.

QUARTERMASTER ROBERT HARRIS.
Quartermaster Robert Harris of the Seventeenth Massachu
setts Infantry Volunteers was born in Portsmouth, N. H., 1830.
He was of a highly respectable family, members of it having held
high positions of trust and were also of high social standing.
Robert entered the United States Navy as captain's clerk at the
age of fifteen, serving under Capt. Robert Wyman, commander
of the United States Frigate "Columbus." His cruise on this
ship was a most eventful one. The presence of the "Columbus"
in Japanese waters was, perhaps, the first step towards an under
standing between the United States and the empire of Japan.
In 1845, the captain of the " Columbus' ' was ordered to China
on duty there, and also to investigate the chances of opening com
munication and trade with Japan. Fortunately, the " Columbus' '
had picked up a Japanese vessel, which had been blown off the
coast and was in distress. The Americans cared for the vessel and
crew and landed them safely on the Japanese coast. Acts of
kindness from the Japanese were made in return for the gallantry
of the Americans, who were permitted to send ashore and get
plenty of fresh water. This incident of Americans saving the dis
tressed Japanese crew was without doubt the means of bringing
about an understanding between the United States and the Japan
ese empire, heretofore hermetically sealed against all Occidentals.
The facts above related happened ten years before Commo
dore Perry landed in Japan and secured the signing of a treaty be-

84 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
tween the two nations. At the termination of Master Harris'
cruise of three years, and having grown tired of life on the "ocean
wave," he entered the office of the well-known engineer, J. W.
Brooks, afterwards for a long time president of the Michigan
Central Railroad Company.
While a very young man, Mr. Harris had some service as engi
neer on New England railroads. In 1857, he became engineer for
the Beloit & Madison Railroad in Wisconsin, after which he rose
to be manager, vice-president and president of some of the most
important railroads in the country.
In 1861, he joined the Volunteer Army, and on January 9,
1862, became quartermaster of the Seventeenth Massachusetts
^'olunteers. In this position his worth as an army officer became
so apparent that he was made a commissary of subsistence in the
army, with the rank of captain. After a period of most active and
patriotic service in the war, he resigned in 1863 to accept an im
portant position on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy R. R.
His services were so valuable to the corporation that soon he
became manager-superintendent of the vast system. After thir
teen years ¦with this road, he became an important factor in other
railroad systems, rendering such important services as to make his
name famihar among railroad men all over the country. Quarter
master Harris was a man of great ability. He was successful in
everything he undertook, was of strict integrity and was an honest
and fearless man. Many railroad systems which had been on the
brink of dissolution, were made safe, solvent and successful under
the wise care or good advice of Robert Harris.
In 1857, Mr. Harris married Mary WiUis Duncan of Haverhill,
Mass., thereby allying himself with the most prominent family
of that town, and as prominent as any family in the state of Massa
chusetts, the head of which was the Hon. James H. Duncan, who
had been a member of Congress, was an able lawyer, a briUiant
pubUc speaker and a most patriotic gentleman. He and the
queenly Mrs. Duncan, (nee Mary Willis), daughter of Benjamin
WiUis of Charlestown, Mass., and their children — James Henry,
Rebecca, Mary WUlis, Susan Reynolds, Samuel White, Rosanna,
EUzabeth, George WiUis, Caroline and Margaret — made as many

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 85
sacrifices for the cause of the Union in their efforts, at the cost of
time and money, preparing volunteers for the front and looking
after the welfare of the families of the soldiers during the war, as
any family in the state of Massachusetts.
Captain Harris died in the spring of 1894, at Rochester, N. Y.
His funeral was held at his old home in Portsmouth, N. H. His
wife survived him until 1910, when, surrounded by those she most
loved, she quietly passed away.
One of the Duncan boys, Samuel W., became a captain in the
Union Army. He rendered brave and valuable service to his
country during the Civil War. He married Sarah Margaret Fuller
Greene, daughter of Judge Albert Gorton Greene of Providence,
R. I. Judge Greene was the author of " Old Grimes.'-'
Capt. Samuel Duncan died at the age of 59, leaving two sons,
Albert Greene Duncan and Samuel W. Duncan, and one daughter,
who is the wife of the Rev. John M. McGann of Columbus, Ohio.
Elizabeth married the Rev. Theodore T. Munger of New Haven,
Conn. George married Elizabeth Damon of Concord, Mass.
He died in Rome, Italy, February, 1884, leaving two boys who are
now li\Tng. Margaret is Mrs. Stephen H. Phillips of Salem, Mass.
She has two sons, Stephen and James D. Phillips.

CAPTAIN SIDNEY C. BANCROFT.
Sidney C. Bancroft was born in Salem, Mass. (in that section
which is now part of Peabody), April 22, 1826. He was married
October 26, 1853, to Mary G. Goodale, by whom he had two daugh
ters, one of whom is now (November 30, 1909) living. He died
July 28, 1891.
Early in Ufe he worked as a mason with his brother Alpheus.
Later he studied law with Otis P. Lord, afterward Judge Lord of
the Supreme Judicial Court, and being possessed of a comprehen
sive mind was an apt and successful student.
He was admitted to the bar April 26, 1852, and- took up tbe
practice which Judge Lord had relinquished- when promoted to

86 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
the bench, and which was successfully maintained by Mr. Ban
croft for some years. It is said that his practice netted the young
lawyer as much as $5000 a year, a very large sum for those days,
and one which Mr. Bancroft perhaps never afterwards equalled,
for his business capacity and habits were not equal to his other
mental equipment. He had what is said to be one of the marks
of genius — a disinclination to regular application and systematic
effort, attributes fatal to business success. He seemed to prefer
to do nothing unless in the mood for work, and then only for the
kind suited to his taste. But these desultory exhibitions of his
abilities were always of great excellence and often brilliant. He
dishked forms and cared only for the substance. To illustrate
this peculiarity, the gentleman who has furnished a sketch of
Captain Bancroft relates that a judge of the Supreme Court once
told a friend of his that the Court had received a brief from Mr.
Bancroft, which by its force and perspicuity, compelled the ad
miration of the judges, but it was written on cheap colored paper
with a lead pencil.
In all other respects, however, his character, hke his ability,
was far above the average. He was a gentleman of pure and
scholarly tastes. He was a close reasoner, an attractive speaker
and an able parliamentarian — a man of genius in fact, and his
friends believe that under favorable conditions his might have been
one of the noted names in the history of his country.
Captain Bancroft's ideas of war were of a nature that makes
it a matter of surprise that he ever assumed the sword of conflict.
He held that force had always proven an unsatisfactory means of
settling national differences as of private ones, and that an inter
national tribunal would eventually take the place of the present
costly armaments of nations. AU wars of aggression or conquest,
notwithstanding the glamor of victory thrown around them, he
believed to be wholesale murder.
The wonder is that a man with such sentiments — ^f or he beUeved
that war was justifiable with nations as with individuals only in
self-defence — would become a soldier, and his resignation before
the regiment entered into the real campaign work of the war was

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 87
perhaps most natural. While the regiment was stiU in Baltimore
he resigned his command of Company B on December 18, 1861.

CAPTAIN NEHEMIAH PUTNAM FULLER.
Captain Nehemiah Putnam Fuller was born in Middleton,
Mass., May 17th, 1830. He was the son of Nehemiah P. and Mary
A. (Perkins) Fuller. He received his early education in the public
schools of Middleton, but had to seek employment when quite
young, as the family needed his assistance. He worked at the shoe
business in Danvers, Mass., some time, but being of a roving and
romantic disposition he soon travelled abroad, making his way and
earning his living in many strange lands. It was assumed to be
true that he participated in the General Walker — Nicarauga —
campaign, where he learned something of the art of war.
After this, he returned to Danvers, Mass., where he earned
considerable prominence as a good mechanic, a public spirited
citizen and an active member of the Danvers Fire Department,
at one time, being chief of that important organization. When
the bugle-blast of war sounded. Fuller threw up the flreman's
trumpet and drew the sword of the soldier. He was head and front
in organizing Company " C 'of Danvers. The Company soon became
the left flank Company of the 17th Massachusetts Volunteers then
being organized at Lynnfield, Mass. The Company and regiment
were mustered into the service July 22, 1861, and proceeded to the
seat of war August 23, 1861. He was a strict disciplinarian, a persis
tent and never-tiring driU -master, and soon had Company "C" the
equal of any Company in the service. Captain Fuller served with this
Company and regiment in their many campaigns during 1861-2 and
3, but in July, 1863, he severed his connections with his Company and
regiment, and became Captain of Company " B" 2d Massachusetts
Heavy Artillery and became one of its majors on October 2d, 1864.
He was mustered out of service after the close of the war, September
.3d, 1866. While in service he married Maria L. Fuller, daughter of
Joseph J.and Mary A. (Glass) Fuller. There were born from this union,

88 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Idabelle Glass, July 22, 1866, at Danvers, Mass.; Edward Putnam,
1869, at St. Louis, Mo.; Charles Henry, 1871, at Danvers, Mass.
and Lucy Putnam, 1875, at Jefferson City, Mo.
Captain Fuller died at Danvers, Mass., February 3d, 1881,
among his sorrowing family and neighbors.

CAPTAIN GEORGE WILLIAM KENNEY.
George WiUiam Kenney was born in Danvers, Mass., April
12, 1830. He was the son of William J. C. Kenney and EUzabeth
Whittier Kenney. He attended the public schools of his native
town until he was fifteen years of age, and then went to Pembroke
Academy. From there he went to Thetford Academy, Vt., where
he finished his education. In 1858, he married Gertrude Stiekney.
There were born to Captain Kenney and his wife two children,
WUlis Herbert and Gertrude Stiekney. The latter died in child
hood. Captain Kenney was commissioned captain of Company G,
1861. He went to the front with his company and regiment, and
shared in all their trials, privations and triumphs during their
many campaigns. He was severely wounded at the Battle of
Goldsboro, December 17, 1862, while bravely leading his com
pany in the fight. He was confined to the hospital for three
months, where he suffered considerable pain, and then was sent
North on a short leave of absence. After a brief time in the
North, he returned to his regiment, finished out his term of three
years, and was mustered out at Lynnfield August 3, 1864. Not
satisfied with his three years ' service, he accepted the appointment
of captain of the 29th unattached company of Heavy Artillery,
and was stationed at Fort Smith, Arlington Heights, Virginia.
He was mustered out of service June 16, 1865, it being the end of
the war. During Captain Kenney 's service in the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts, he was found to be an affable gentleman, kind hearted to
both officers and men, and was the idol of his company. He was

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 89
always on deck and never missed a fight or a march. He was a
handsome man, tall, with soldierly bearing, dignified, but always
condescending and kindly. He was well known throughout the
department — even among officers of the highest rank — for his
suavity and engaging manners.
After the war, Captain Kenney became a salesman, for many
large shoe houses, but owing to advancing age, retired from this
active life and accepted the postmastership of Danvers, under
President McKinley, which office he held up to the time of his
death, which occurred March 9, 1891. His wife survived him ten
years, dymg in 1901. It is worthy of mention here that Mrs.
Keimey and her son; Willis H., were as near to Captain Kenney at
times during the war as it was safe to have them. Willis, then five
years old, was a great favorite among the soldiers, notably, at
Fort Smith, Virginia, where the men displayed their liking for the
boy by purchasing for him a colonel 's uniform, shoulder straps and
sword, and they used to parade between regular drills, and be
drUled by "Colonel" WiUis H. Kenney. He was so much a
favorite that he spent more time at headquarters as guest of the
regular army colonel in command of the post than he did with his
mother. He is alive today and shows with pride his eagled shoulder-
straps and colonel 's sword that he wore when only five years old.
The little colonel, upon reaching man's estate, married Alice E.
Tufts and two sons came to bless their union — Herbert Tufts and
Philip Burr.
WilUs H. Kenney is to-day a respected and prominent citizen
of Danvers, Mass. Well may he be proud of his brave father, and
well may Danvers be proud of her noble son, who offered his life
that his country might live — a Union greater and stronger than
ever.

CAPTAIN JOHN K. LLOYD.
Captain John K. Lloyd was born in Manchester, England, in
the year 1819. He was soldierly from his boyhood, and as a
youth became attached to one of the EngUsh militia regiments.

90 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
His progress in the art of soldiering was so rapid that he was soon
chosen, among other picked men, to become a member of the
"Cold Stream Guards," the crack regiment of the British Empire.
In this command he soon proved his worth as a soldier, receiving
frequent promotions among the non-commissioned officers.
After long service in the famous Cold Stream Guards, Ser
geant Lloyd emigrated to the United States. He settled in Boston,
Mass., where he was doing a successful business at the breaking
out of the Civil War. The spirit of the soldier was in him and was
bound to assert itself. Lloyd could no longer do business while
his adopted country needed his services, and he at once set about
organizing a company of British Volunteers, known afterwards
as Company H of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry. The men of the company were a sturdy lot of Britains, and
were a credit to their old country as well as to their new one.
Captain Lloyd was a tall, handsome man, soldierly in appearance
and conduct, and was a good drill-master and a strict disciplin
arian. He commanded the respect of the officers and men of his
regiment. At the battle of Batchelder's Creek, February 1, 1864, the
captain with other officers of the regiment, was taken prisoner
and held by the enemy at Richmond until just before the fall of
that city. He reached Boston about the middle of March, 1865,
a mere shadow of his former self. Captain Lloyd suffered untold
misery and privation during his captivity, and was so impoverished
physically that he could not rally from his weakness; but he had
the satisfaction of- seeing his wife and son before his death. He
died at home with them at 20 Pinckney Street, Boston, Mass.,
March 30, 1865.
Captain Lloyd married Miss Rebecca EUis of Shropshire,
England. She resides at this writing (1910) at 64 Revere Street,
Boston, Mass. Their son, born in Boston, became a practicing
physician in New York City, where he died in 1896.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 91
CAPTAIN THOMAS ORMSBY WEIR.
Thomas Ormsby Weir was born at Lake View, Parish of
Guiva, County of SUgo, Ireland in November, 1827. He was the
son of Captain William Weir and Mary Weir, whose maiden name
was 0 'NeUl. Captain Weir 's father was of the old Norman
stock, while his mother was of the Irish-Celtic. Captain Weir
married, in HaverhUl, Mass., in 1848, Catherine Brown, daughter
of John and Margaret Brown, who were emigrants from Weir's
own parish and county in Ireland.
Captain Weir died in Charlestown, Mass., in May, 1901.
He was survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Mary Frances
Swiney and Mrs. Sarah Kelly.
At the breaking out of the Civil War, Thomas 0. Weir, then a
resident of La-RTence, Mass., animated by a spirit of patriotism,
organized Company I, which shortly afterwards became part of
the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at Lynnfield,
Mass. He was commissioned and mustered as captain of the
company. He served with his company and regiment until July
2, 1862, when he was discharged from the service. He was a brave
and aggressive commander, and led his company on many ex
peditions and through several hot skirmishes. The incident which
led to his discharge from the service is fully related in its place in
this history. All the officers and men of the regiment deplored the
loss of Captain Weir when he was discharged from the service.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH R. SIMONDS.
Joseph R. Simonds was born in Charlestown, Mass., in the
year 1821. He received his early education in his native town, and
at the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to a bookbinder, and
learned the trade. He followed this business, and in time became
a master in the trade. When the Civil War broke out he was in
partnership with a brother in Spring Lane, Boston.
When quite a young man, he joined the mUitia of his native
state, and was in the militia when the war opened. On AprU 30,

92 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
1861, he joined the Maiden Light Infantry Company of Maiden,
of which he was afterwards elected captain. This company, with
Captain Simonds in command, joined the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts Volunteer Infantry as Company K of that' regiment, at
Lyimfield, Mass., July 10, 1861, and was mustered into service
¦with the regiment July 22, 1861.
Company K was one of the finest companies that ever left the
state of Massachusetts for the Civil War or any other war, and
Captain Simonds was most fortunate in having command of such
a company. He was an ideal captain of an ideal company. Har
mony, and mutual respect obtained at all times between the captain
and his men.
Captain Simonds was a brave, patriotic and intelligent officer,
and deserved and received the respect of the officers and men of
his regiment. He never failed in his duty, and his services deserve
the gratitude of his state and the nation.
He was mustered out of service at Lynnfield, Mass., August
3, 1864 by reason of expiration of service. He lived in Melrose,
where he died some years later. He had no children; his wife,
who survived him, has since died.

CAPTAIN ENOCH F. TOMPKINS.
Enoch Foote Tompkins was born in Llaverhill, Mass., Novem
ber 4, 1830. His father was Christopher Tompkins, who was a
classmate of John G. Whittier at the Haverhill Academy, and the
captain's grandfather was Rev. Isaac Tompkins, who held the
degree of A. M. from Brown University, and who became pastor
of a Congregational church in the East Side of Haverhill, Mass.,
more than one hundred years ago. This grandfather married
Mary Alden, daughter of John Alden, of Fair Haven, Mass., who
was a lineal descendent of John Alden, who came over in the May
flower — "Speak for yourself, John."
Captain Tompkins mother was Abbie Foote, daughter of
Enoch and Sarah (George )Foote. The Footes were weU-estabUsh-

MASSACHUSETTS IN THB CIVIL WAR. 93
ed and prominent people in Newburyport, while the Georges were
highly respectable people and belonged in Haverhill and vicinity.
In June, 1856, Captain Tompkins married Catherine Hayden
Shurtleff, during whose infancy her mother died, the baby then
becoming the protege of the Thurston family, hence she was often
known as Catherine H. Thurston. Both the Thurston and Shurt
leff families were highly respectable people. From the marriage
of Captain Tompkins and Miss Shurtleff there are two surviving
children, Miss Abbie Hayden Tompkins and Charles Chase
'Tompkins, who now reside in Haverhill. Captain Tompkins,
when a boy, received a part of his education in the public schools
of Haverhill, and after finishing an academic course, settled down
to business in that town. He had not enjoyed many years at his
quiet and pleasant business before it became apparent that war
between the North and the South was inevitable. The excitement
caused by the secession from the Union of state after state in the
South, spread to every city, town and hamlet of the country. The
people of the North became profoundly agitated, and fully de
termined to meet force 'with force for the preservation of the Union.
The crisis came, the people of the South appealing to arms to en
force their demand for separation. The cry at the North was
"To Arms" and save the country from disintegration.
With the blood of Revolutionary sires coursing in his veins,
what less could young Tompkins do than rush to arms, and sus
tain the record of his heroic and honorable ancestors? It was in
the blood, and he and other young men organized Company F,
of Haverhill — Luther Day becoming captain, Enoch F. Tompkins,
first heutenant, and William H. Turner, second heutenant.
Company F was composed of a hundred smart, intelligent
Haverhill boys, and some of them were sons of the best famUies
of the town. DriU was the order of the day. It was a splendid
company. It was patronized by the townspeople, who suppUed
the every want of the boys. When the company reported to
Colonel Dike at Lynnfield, as part of the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts Infantry, on July 10, 1861, it was given position as right
flank company, thereby making it and its officers the seniors of

94 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
the regiment. This was proof of its perfect organization and
complete readiness for active service.
The regiment proceeded to the front on the 23d of August,
1861, making its headquarters at Baltimore, Md., for a few months.
Captain Tompkins was commissioned first lieutenant in the
Seventeenth Massachusetts, May 10, 1861. His promotion to
captain was recognized by all as a fitting reward for his faithful
and intelligent service while first lieutenant. He served with his
regiment during the three years' service of the command, and was
mustered out at Lymifield, August 3, 1864. He remained at home
a few months when, fearing that he had not rendered all the ser
vice he was capable of to his country, he was re-commissioned in
the same regiment as captain, and served with the command until
the final muster out at the close of the war, July 14, 1865.
Captain Tompkins was on every march and in every fight that
his company and regiment participated in. He was brave and
cool under all circumstances — a strict disciplinarian, but never
cruel. He was educated, attractive and witty. In his bouts at
witicism he unhorsed many a friendly opponent with his laconic
shafts of wit; but having conquered, with a peal of good-natured
laughter, he would restore his antagonist to good-fellowship again.
Referring to his well-kno'wn bravery, the writer of this sketch
remembers distinctly one circumstance which showed the mettle
of the man. On July 26, 1863, the regiment having landed near
Winton, (otherwise Mt. Tabor), and was marching in column
along the road, when the enemy, secreted behind breastworks,
opened fire on the regiment. Colonel Fellows changed formation
from column to line and advanced upon the enemy. This for
mation brought Captain Tompkins in command of Company B,
on the road, facing the line of works. He led his men over the
works as cooly and smilingly as though they were marching to a
good dinner.
The children of Captain Tompkins may well feel proud of the
record of their gallant sire, and the city of Haverhill of her heroic
son, and no disparagement to others is intended when it is said
that the city of HaverhUl would not suffer if she proclaimed
Captain Tompkins the peer of Major Jack Howe.
Captain Tompkins died February 6, 1901.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 95
LIEUTENANT THOMAS W. FOSTER.
Thomas W. Foster was born April 1, 1828, at Rowley, Mass.
His father was Thomas Foster and his mother, Mary (Wells)
Foster, his grandfather being Daniel Foster of Rowley. They
were all of the old English stock. Lieutenant Foster was among
the first to shoulder arms in Newburj^jort, where he resided, when
the Ci-vil War broke out in the spring of 1861. He helped to
organize Company A of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry, kno\\Ta at its enrollment as the "City Grays." He was
commissioned and mustered as first lieutenant, and went to the
front with his company and regiment.
Failing health forced him to resign January 8, 1862. During
his short term of service he showed high qualities as an officer, and
it may be said -with truth that in the resignation of Lieutenant
Foster the government lost a good and patriotic officer.
The officers and men of his command were sorry to lose the
fellowship of so estimable a gentleman. He married Lydia Mar
garet Perkins, and from this union were born Thomas W. Foster,
Jr., Charles L. Foster, Mrs. Margaret Fogg, wife of Hon. Clarence
J. Fogg, Mrs. Sarah Hidden, Mrs. Jessie Morse and Mrs. Grace
Constantine.

LIEUTENANT RUEL BENTON PRAY.
Ruel Benton Pray of Danvers was the first of the volunteers
of that patriotic town to enlist for the war of the Rebellion. He
was elected second lieutenant of company C of Danvers, of the
Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, but was after
wards promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to Company A
of that regiment. He was generally known as Captain Pray,
ha-ving attained the position of captain in the merchant service.
Mr. Pray was born in Salem, April 18, 1836. He was the son
of Ruel and Mehitable (Kender) Pray. He received a common
school education, and in 1850, made a voyage around the world
'with Capt. Le'wis F. MiUer of Salem. He foUowed the sea in the

96 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
merchant service for ten years, serving as sailor, mate and captain.
He made one whahng voyage and one cruise in the U. S. S. "Cum
berland," which was stationed off the west coast of Africa. Re
turning to his home in Danvers just before the breaking out of
the Civil War, he attended the original war meeting there, and was
the first man to enlist . This was on April 16, 1861.
When the Danvers company was incorporated in the Seven
teenth Massachusetts Regiment as Company C, Mr. Pray was
commissioned as second lieutenant. After serving with the regi
ment for one year, he resigned on account of disability, August
9, 1862. Recovering his health after a time in the more bracing
chmate of his native state, Mr. Pray went into the United States
na'\'y. He was mustered into the service March 4, 1864, as acting
master's mate. He was promoted to acting ensign April 30, 1864,
reported at New York, and during August and September of
that year was in the Norfolk Marine Hospital to the close of the
war. During his enlistment he served on the U. S. S. "Savanah,"
"Algonquin," "Young America," "Wilderness," "Chicopee,"
"Queen," and "Sassacus."
On October 28, 1860, he married Caroline E., daughter of
William and Sally Galloupe of Danvers, two children being born
to them — one daughter, Mrs. James F. Eustis of Everett; and one
son, William G., of Marblehead, both of whom, with his wife
survive him. He died in Danvers, after a long and painful iUness.
Of him the "Townsman' ' has said : " He was a noble, whole-
souled man, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
His social, genial manner made hun many friends, not only in this
town, but elsewhere where he was known. He was engaged in
the cigar business in Danvers at one time, and made his home
there, coming to this town (Topsfield) several years ago.* * * *
He was interested in the public schools, and addressed them at
several patriotic gatherings, representing the Grand Army in an
official capacity at the raising of the new flag over the Centre
school-house a year ago (1895). He was a member of Topsfield
Grange, No. 184, P. of H., and G. A. R. Post 90 of Danvers."
Thus closed the adventurous, patriotic and useful life of Ruel
Benton Pray, sailor, soldier and journalist.

Major John E, Mullaly.

Capt. Chas. O. Fellows.

Capt. Joseph A. Moore.

Capt. Malcolm Sillars,

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 97
LIEUTENANT JAMES MORONEY.
James Moroney was born in Miltown-Malley, County Clare,
Ireland, February 9, 1835. He was the son of Andrew and Bessie
(Burns) Moroney. He came to the United States when a youth,
and after a short residence in Massachusetts he settled in Haver
hill. Wlien the Civil War broke out, Mr. Moroney, being full
of Irish valor and American patriotism, joined Company E, of
HaverhiU, Captain McNamara, in AprU, 1861, and, helped to
organize the company. He drilled regularly with the command,
and helped to make it an excellent company.
In May, 1861, the company was ordered to Long Island,
Boston Harbor, and was attached to what was then known as the
14th Regiment, Colonel Rice commanding. After a month of
active drilling, and preparation for departure for the seat of war,
the regiment was disbanded and many of its members were drafted
into the 13th Regiment afterwards the Irish 9th. Lieutenant
Moroney 's company returned in a body to Haverhill and disbanded.
About the middle of June, under orders from Governor
Andrew, the company went into barracks in Haverhill, and resumed
its preparations for active service. Finally, the company became
part of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry at Lynnfield,
July 10, 1861.
Lieutenant Moroney was commissioned and mustered as
second lieutenant, and went -with his company and regiment to the
seat of war. He participated in the Eastern shore of Virginia
campaign, where he saw considerable service. He was promoted
to first heutenant January 31, 1862. He next served in Burnside 's
army corps, -with his regiment, in North Carolina.
Lieutenant Moroney was attached to Company I, Captain
Weir, and during the spring of 1862, saw a great deal of hard work
and plenty of actual fighting. After returning North, Lieutenant
Moroney married Miss Kate J. Culhane, daughter of John and
Mary (Hanrahan) Culhane. The latter were old County Limerick
stock, whose ancestors, men and women, helped General Sarsfield
to defend their city against the troops of King WUliam.

98 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
From the union of Lieutenant Moroney and his wife there was
born one son, James Moroney, who married Miss Ida M. Kelly of
Detroit, Michigan.

LIEUTENANT PHILIP COOMBS MASON.
Philip Coombs INIason was born in the old seaport town of
Newburyport, jMass., March 5, 1834. He was the youngest son
of William, S. and Abigail (Jaclanan) Mason, there being two older
sons and a daughter in the family. His father and grandfather
(William Mason) fought in the war of 1812, and his grandfather
was captured and confined in Dartmoor prison, in England, as a
prisoner of war. All of his ancestry were of the typical New Eng
land .stock. The coat-of-arms in the possession of the family bears
the emblems of the Scottish and English. It is known that the
Masons were among the first settlers of Newburyport. Both
grandfather.s of Philip were seafaring men, and William S. Mason,
his father, was for many years captain of the trading ship "Nikolai' '
of Newburyport, and did an extensive business with Russia and
other foreign countries. Lieutenant Mason received his education
in the Newburyport schools. After leaving high school, he learned
the photograph business of Mr. John McArthur.
When the Civil War broke out he was one of the first volun
teers to go from Newburyport in Company A of the Seventeenth
Regiment. By faithful and meritorious service he rose from first
sergeant in the old company to second and first lieutenant which
latter promotion came to him on July 8, 1863. He participated in
all the engagements of the old regiment and was mustered out -with
it in 1864.
After ser'ving his time in the war. Lieutenant Mason took up
the photograph business in Newbern, N. C, where he remained
until a serious illness compelled him to return North.
In 1867, he married Sarah L., daughter of Benjamin French of
SaUsbury, Mass. She, too, came of old New England parentage,
whose ancestors came to this country in 1640. Both paternal and
maternal grandfathers distinguished themselves in the Revolution
ary War.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 99
During President Grant's administration. Lieutenant Mason
was appointed United States Ganger of Internal Revenue under
Mr. Charles C. Dame, collector of Newburyport. He remained
in the service twelve years, when, through change of administra
tion, he lost his position. After a lapse of twelve years, however,
he was reinstated in his old position, where he remained until No
vember, 1903, when illness compelled him to give it up in order to
regain his health.
Lieutenant Mason was a member of Post 49, G. A. R., of New
buryport, and one of its past commanders, but he has resided in
Somerville for nearly twenty-five years.
(A brother officer of the Seventeenth contributes the following
more full account of Lieutenant Mason's war service.)
"At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Lieutenant
Mason joined the company known as the 'City Grays,'
and after ha'ving helped to organize and drill the conipany for sev
eral weeks, he was appointed first sergeant of it. As first sergeant
he went to the seat of war in Company A of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the company being commanded
by Captain David F. Bro'wn of Newburyport and Captain Henry
Splaine of Haverhill.
"He was promoted second lieutenant September 25, 1862, and
first lieutenant July 8, 1863. At the expiration of his term of
enlistment, he was mustered out of ser-vice August 3, 1864, at Lynn
field, Mass. During his three years of service he never lost a day
on account of sickness. He was an ideal first sergeant, was an in
trepid and gallant lieutenant, a good drUl-master, a judicious man
ager, and never neglected to look after the interests of Company
A and the others with whom it was his privilege to serve. He was
on every march, and in every fight that his regiment took part in
during his term of service.
"Many first sergeants, it may be said were not as fortunate as
Mason for with him, when everything else failed, an appeal to the
Hibernian tent was invariably successful. No matter whether
they were tired or hungry, these men were always ready to help
Sergeant Mason out of a difficulty. AU he had to say was, ' Boys,
I must have two men for special duty. I know it isn't your turn.

100 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
but, then, what am I going to do?' At that announcement all
would spring to their feet and say; 'Sure, Mr. Mason, we will do
anj'thing in the world for you.' These conditions and doings,
as may be judged, brought about a feeling of mutual regard and
respect between Mason and his Hibernian friends. A treaty of
reciprocity was established between them, and Mason kept his end
of the treaty as sacredly as the others did theirs. He did many
acts of kindness for them, saved some of them from getting into
trouble, and when it did happen that one of them did get into
trouble, Mason would be the first one at headquarters to make a
special plea in his behalf. It often appeared to the writer that
Mason, Uke the Geraldines of old, was more Irish than the Hiber
nians themseh-es, and that the Hibernians were more Yankee than
Phil Mason himself.
"Many of the officers and sergeants joked Mason about the
happy and handy relations existing between him and his Irish
friends; but at that earlj'- stage of their lives they evidently had not
studied environment and its effect upon human conduct.
"The friendship thus formed between Phil and his comrades,
it may be added, was continued into the private life of both succeed
ing their war service, and both parties never tired of telling of in
stances illustrative of their mutual service and good will. So
much did these influences attend Phil Mason for years after his
army service that one day be became father of a beautiful boy, and,
behold, the child was born on St. Patrick's day. Served him right.
So much for environment association." Of Lieutenant Mason's
three children, two of them are alive at this writing, and are most
useful and respected members of the community: Miss Abbie
Daniels Mason and Mr. Arthur French Mason.

FIRST LIEUTENANT EZEKIEL F. MANN.
First Lieutenant Ezekiel F. Mann enUsted at Boston, Mass.,
July, 1861, becoming one of the British Volunteers, afterwards
Company H, Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers.

MASSACHUSETTS IN THE CIVIL WAR. 101
He was promoted second lieutenant, November 3, 1862, and first
Ueutenant, August 13, 1862. He was severely wounded at the
Battle of Goldsboro, N. C, December 17, 1862. The severity
of his wound compelled him to resign August 16, 1863. Lieutenant
Mann was born in Boston, Mass., July 19, 1837, and at the age of
six months was removed with his parents to their old home in
Portsmouth, N. H. Here Master Mann went through the various
grades in the public schools, thereby securing a good and practical
education. Lieutenant Mann, at the breaking out of the Civil War, like
other young men, stirred by the excitement of the times, and
beUeving that his duty was to help preserve the integrity of his
country, man-fashion, went to the front.
His father was Joseph Mann of old Colonial stock, his grand
father and great-grandfather having fought in the Revolutionary
War. His mother, Harriett Fitzgerald, was of the Fernalds of
Portsmouth, N. H., whose ancestors also participated in the Revo
lutionary conflict. These Fernalds were the original owners, by
grant, of the present site of the Portsmouth Navy Yard. They
ceded it to the United States Government for a small compensation
to accommodate the government.
Lieutenant Mann's parents died when he was but a mere
child, and he was brought up and educated by his grandmother
Fitzgerald. His -wife is Martha Cutter Mann, daughter of Captain
Cutter of the war of 1812.
Lieutenant Mann was a good officer and a brave one, and when
he resigned because of disability brought on by his wound, the
officers and men regretted parting with so good a man and officer.

LIEUTENANT HENRY TAPPAN MERRILL.
Lieutenant Merrill was born in Winthrop, Maine, April 12,
1841. He was the son of James Hooper and Mary Bodge Merrill.
During his childhood, the famUy moved to Norway, Maine. From
Norway, at the age of seventeen, he was put to work among mer-

102 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
chants in the city of Portland, but after a short stay in Portland,
the young man, with his family, moved to Haverhill, Mass., where
they resided at the breaking out of the Civil War. When the ex
citement attending the secession of many southern states from the
Union, and the armed revolt of those states spread over the country
during the spring of 1861, young MerrUl ^^as among the first to
enroll himself as a volunteer, and joined Company F, of Haver
hill. Soon afterwards the company became part of the Seven
teenth Massachusetts "^'olunteers, and camped at Lymifield, Mass.
Before leaving for the seat of war, he -was made the commissary-
sergeant of the regiment.
The intelligent discharge of his duties and his gentlemanly
deportment soon brought him further promotion, for on July 3,
1862, he was made second lieutenant in his regiment. Unfor
tunately, the malarial climate of North Carolina was too much for
him. He broke down in health and found himself compelled to
resign May 11, 1863. The army surgeons told him that he must
resign if he wished to save his life. It pained him to leave his
regiment, associates in the service, and particularly was he pained
to leave the service of his country's Flag for which he was willing
to die. In July, 1865, he married Caroline A. Evans. Three chUdren
came to them, Gertrude, Susan E., and Mary T., the last two
surviving their father, who died at the home of his parents in
Norway, Maine, March 30, 1883. He was a talented musician and
was chorister and teacher in many churches, especially the church
in Dover, N. H. He was a home man, a good husband, a good
father, a respectable and gentlemanly man, and above all, he was
a truly patriotic American citizen.

CHAPTER IV.

Departure for Seat of War — Arrival in Baltimore — Cool
Reception — Expedition to Eastern Shore of Virginia —
He Stole His Own Goose — Topsey — Cherystone Oys
ters — Return to Baltimore — "Recollections of the
War," by Ruel B. Pray.
The Seventeenth Regiment, under command of Lieut-Colonel
Fellows, left Camp Schouler, Lynnfield, in the late afternoon of
August 23, 1861, after farewells of relations and friends, and pro
ceeded by rail to Boston, where it marched by the flank to the State
House, and received its stand of colors from General Bullock, who,
o-wing to the lateness of the hour, was deputed by Governor Andrew
to act in his stead. Then it took up the hne of march to the Bos
ton & Albany Railroad Station, where the cars were again taken,
and the journey to "the front" was resumed at 10 p. m., among
encouraging cheers from the few friends assembled to see them off.
It was slow coaching in those days, for the regiment did not
arrive in New York City until about eight or nine o'clock the next
morning. At Ne-w York, the men were marched to City Hall
Park, where they were halted for a short time. Little notice was
taken of these men in the big city — a devoted band of patriots
going forward to peril their lives to preserve the integrity of their
country. Indeed, in the multitudes that thronged the streets,
as was afterwards proved in the draft riots, there were, no doubt,
thousands opposed to the war, and even in sympathy 'with the re
bellion. After partaking of some refreshments, the regiment resumed
its march, going to the landing of the ferry at Courtland Street,
where it crossed to jersey City, and took cars for PhUadelphia
[ (103)

104 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
over the Pennsylvania Railroad. But even on this road the trans
portation was very sluggish, and it was not until about six o'clock
the following morning that it arrived there. But what a contrast
it was to the way the regiment was treated in New York, when it
marched to the old Cooper's Shop, so-called, and were treated to a
royal welcome and a splendid repast by the loyal people of the
Quaker City. They ¦\\ ere again among warm-hearted friends, and
whatever might betide, the men of the Seventeenth will always
retain in their hearts a grateful remembrance of Philadelphia.
We got a little refreshment here before we again marched to
the North River Landing to cross to Jersey City. Here we left
the ferry boat and took the cars awaiting us for Philadelphia, over
the Pennsylvania Railroad. We arrived in Philadelphia the next
morning tired and dusty, for we had been in heavy marching order
for about thirty-six hours. Here we left the cars and marched to
the famous Cooper's Shop, where we struck it rich.
No cheer ever awaited soldiers that was more appreciated
than that of the noble-hearted Quakers of Philadelphia. Lava
tories and clean towels, hot coffee and delicious rolls, meats— in
fact, a magnificent breakfast was given us. Much has been
written in glowing terms of the city of brotherly love. Those
only who were there and partook of the great hospitality of Phil
adelphia during the march of the Union soldiers to the front, can
paint the picture as it deserves.
The ladies were more than kind as they graciously looked out
for the comfort of every man inthe Cooper's Shop, and men never
left it more refreshed than the soldiers whose good fortune led
them through Philadelphia on their way to the front. Night or
day this good work never stopped. No hungry soldier ever left
Philadelphia. Thousands upon thousands were fed and refreshed
during the long years of the struggle.
After a good and hearty breakfast, the regiment again took the
cars, at 9 a. m., and at 4 p. m., arrived in Baltimore. Here the men
of the regunent realized that they were in an unfriendly environ
ment, in striking contrast with the community which they had
left five hours before. Sour and unfriendly faces were seen on
every hand, and they realized that they were among people who had

Lieut. Reul B. Prat

DEPARTURE FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. 105
attacked and murdered their comrades some few months before.
But this did not make them unhappy, as they felt they would soon
be further south where the rebels were in arms in the field.
The regiment was marched about a mile outside the city, and
camped without tents. The following day, August 26th, when it
was expected the regiment would take cars and proceed to Washing
ton, and thence to the front, it was ordered to pitch tents at Stew
art's Grove, where Nim's Battery was already located, the place
being named Camp Andrew, after our Massachusetts war governor.
Here the regiment learned that they were halted to do duty, for a
time, at least, for no one loaew when orders from the War Depart
ment would cause them to strike tents and start for the scene of
hostilities. As it was they were not allowed much rest or idle
time. Companies were dispatched on special duty to different
points in and around Baltimore, to guard powder magazines and
stores of war material, having to sleep on arms, to be turned out
at all hours of the night, to be reviewed and inspected by general
officers. This round of duty was varied by street drills and other de
monstrations calculated to impress the disloyal element of Balti
more that any hostile demonstration on their part would be sternly
repressed and punished by the Lincoln soldiers from Massachu
setts. It was the "ounce of prevention" which had a most salu
tary effect. Those who had been ready to give expression to their
feelings in words of scorn and insult (notably the women) soon
ceased to make themselves obnoxious. The soldiers were orderly
and well-behaved, and, according to orders, did not resent such
abuse, but did their duty faithfuUy. This disarmed their enemies
to a great extent, and made them more tolerant.
And yet this round of duty on the part of the men, which was
performed 'with cheerfulness and urbanity, was rendered under the
most unfavorable conditions. The men had to sleep on the ground,
or on pieces of boards picked up anjrwhere, and it was not until the
first week of October that they were furnished with straw for
bedding. This was indeed a luxury that all appreciated.

106 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
BALTIMORE, MD.

Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment
Up to October 13, Lieutenant-Colonel FeUows was in com
mand of the regiment, but on that day Col. Thomas I. C. Amory
assumed command.
Early in November it was found that the rebels were Ukely to
become aggressive in the Maryland peninsula known as the Eastern
Shore of ^''irginia, and an expedition from Baltimore was planned
to go to that place, attack the armed bands there and destroy their
works. This expedition was composed of the following military
organizations: Pennsylvania Cavalry, Second Massachusetts
Light Nims' Battery, Fifth New York Zouaves, Seventeenth
Massachusetts \'olunteer Infantry, Sixth Michigan Volunteer
Infantry, Second Delaware 1'oluntecr Infantry, Fourth Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, jMaryland Purnell Legion.
This expedition, consisting of some several thousand men, —
infantry, cavalry and artillery — sailed from Baltimore on Novem
ber 15, 1861, under the command of Brigadier-General Lockwood,
six companies of the Seventeenth accompanying it, who were under
the command of Colonel Amory. These six companies were, C,
E, F, G, H and K. The other four. A, B, D and I remained in
Baltimore under command of Major Jones Frankle. The expedi
tion landed at Newto-wn, Md.,on the Pokomoke River, where it
arrived about noon on the foUowing day, and went into camp.
All kinds of rumors in regard to the enemy were in circulation —
that they were in force about five miles distant, etc., and expecta
tions of active hostilities were indulged in. But the only sanguin
ary occurrences for the next two or three days consisted in the cap
ture and slaughter of southem geese and other fowls, the members
of the Seventeenth, of course, being more or less concerned in these
hostilities, though they were not alone the aggressors, as others who
came under the eye of General Lockwood were arrested and sent
back to Baltimore, receiving severe punishment for such infringe
ment of the army rules.

departure for the se.'Vt of war. 107
STOLE HIS OWN GOOSE.
Army life is often rendered tolerable and even agreeable by
the occurrence of incidents which have the flavor of humor and
even comicality to make them memorable. The soldiers in the
war of the Rebellion were mostly young men, and were blessed
with an appetite which, when on the march and loaded with heavy
equipment, the army rations of "hard tack" and indigestible
"salt horse" did not always satisfy, and when a halt was made
more or less "foraging' ' was indulged in, for variety of food in the
army, as well as in civil life, was the "spice of life" and of gas
tronomy. What wonder, then, that the marchers with ravenous
appetites sought gratification in the pursuit of poultry, sweet
potatoes and other "varieties," even though foraging was for
bidden by the officers, to whom it was a source of constant trouble.
The following story has some really comical features, and is
well worth incorporating into this narrative, as it presents one
of the humorous phases of army experience. The expedition
under General Lockwood to the Eastern Shore of Virginia had
landed on November 17, 1861, and had camped over night at a
place called New Town, on the Maryland portion of the peninsula.
Here is the story :
"November 18, 1861. — In camp at New Town. In the
forenoon a large part of Company "H" started out on a private
foraging expedition, and returned later with a lot of geese. To
reach the company quarters they were obliged to pass where they
could be seen from regimental headquarters. As they were re
tuming in single file, each with a white goose under his arm, and
some with an additional one over the shoulder. Colonel Amory 's
attention was called to this breach of discipline, and he was ob
liged to investigate. When the men with the geese arrived at
their tents, there was a great emptying of knapsacks, and most of
the geese were tran,sferred to where the clothing had been. Some
of the birds were hidden under blankets, in knapsacks and in any
place that offered a chance for concealment. During this opera
tion many of the tent doors had been tied up, and when the colonel
arrived in the company street, it took some time before all the

108 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
tents could be examined. The knots in some cases appeared quite
hard to untie. In one tent, while the colonel was waiting, one of
the men crawled out under the canvas at the back, and four geese
were passed out to him before the colonel could enter. The re
sult of the search was that Colonel Amory secured eight geese out
of about forty that were brought into the company tents.
The men who were absent without leave were now ordered to
do guard duty with knapsacks and in heavy marching order. At
this time the guard duty was being clone by each company in turn,
instead of the usual custom later of detail from the several com
panies. This day being Company " H 's' ' turn, the duty had been
performed by the members of the company who had remained in
camp. The men who had each succeeded in "saving his goose"
went on duty, patrolled their beats, some of them with a goose in
his knapsack during the whole tour of duty. The man who was
on duty at headquarters can be imagined patrolling his beat with
the contraband article in his knapsack and fearing that at any
moment it would be discovered.
The captured fowls were sold by auction to the officers and the
proceeds paid over to the owner, who afterwards appeared and
made claim for his property.
Captain Lloyd, being the purchaser of one of the geese — a
fine, large bird — had it sent to his cook, with orders to have it
prepared for use the next day. Now, George Woodcock, the cap
tain's cook, liked to have a quiet game of cards occasionally, and
after dressing and putting the goose to cook in a camp kettle over
his private fire — it being after dark by this time — thought it a
good chance to go to one of the tents and have a game of cards
'with the boys. Captain Lloyd, being officer of the day, made a
tour through the camp and saw the fire and the goose cooking
in the camp kettle. Soon after he went to a tent where several
of the officers were passing the time together, and informed them
of his discovery, and also that the bird was nearly done. As it
was being cooked after hours, he suggested it would be the proper
thing to confiscate it for "the mess.' ' This proposition was unani
mously agreed to, and after waiting till the bird was ready (George,

departure for the seat op war. 109
in the meantime, being engaged inthe game of cards), it was con
fiscated and heartily enjoyed by "the mess."
The next day, at noon halt, when George appeared with some
"hard tack and salt horse," the captain inquired for his goose, and
asked why George had not brought it instead of the other "grub."
George 's reply was that he had gone away from the fire for a little
while, and that some "blanlcety-blank sucker" had stolen it,
and he only wished he knew who it was.
Those who had helped the captain eat his goose the night
before soon heard of the loss, and it required considerable "com
missary' ' for the captain to set matters right with them.
It was at this place that General Lockwood made himself
particularly unpopular with the troops, by ordering some members
of the brigade, who had been detected in foraging, to be sent back
in irons to Fort McHenry.
On November 19, the expedition started on its raid into Vir
ginia, crossing the State line, the companies of the Seventeenth
being in the advance. On this march earthworks and barricades
were encountered, and two rebel cannons were captured. The
men marched sixteen miles on this day, and rejoined the brigade
at Oak Hall, Va. On the 21st, a march of twenty-seven miles
was made, the expedition reaching Drummondstown, Va. On
the way a battery of sixteen guns was passed, and several prisoners
captured, but there was no fighting. The next day two gun-car
riages were captured, but no guns, the rebels having either moved
them to the main land or buried them.
During the ten days following its departure from New Town
the expedition marched about ninety miles without encountering
any opposition, and arrived at Cherystone Landing cold and
hungry, severe weather having set in. The famous Cherystone
oysters, however, served to allay hunger to some extent, and were
devoured in liberal quantities. The return to Baltimore was
attended with more or less hardship to the boys of the Seventeenth.
A steamer of 200 tons was employed to carry the six companies of
the regiment. The vessel had gone only a few miles on her return
trip when a storm arose, and she was forced to return. From the
time of embarkation, on December 2, the men had to bear the

110 the seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
discomforts of that steamer, including the lack of water. They
were, however, young and optimistic, and took these experiences
as they did other hardships of solcUering as being part of the pro
gram of army hfe, and simply joked one another about it, with
such remarks as "^^lly did you go for a sojer?' ' etc.
The result of this expedition was that whatever rebels there
were in that section of ^' irginia either became peaceful citizens or
joined their brethren across the bay in old Virginia.
After the arrival at Baltimore, the men of the Seventeenth
found comfort in a return to their straw beds, as well as new uni
forms and two months ' pay.

TOPSEY.

Topsey was short on the. names of men, as the foUowing
anecdote will show. During General Lockwood 's campaign
through the eastern shore of Virginia and Marjdand in November
1861, chasing the command of the Confederate General Wise
the 17th, Massachusetts Volunteers with other regiments of the
Union command halted at a rich plantation for the purpose of
resting and securing fresh water. The rest lasted half an hour or
more. The master of the estate was not in evidence, neither were
his two sons, the latter probably being in the Confederate Army.
The presence of five thousand Union soldiers was a surprise
and a source of instant attraction to the hundred or more slaves
of the place, who poured out to look at the Yankees. The darkies,
in order to obtain a good view of the army, clambered to the
roofs of the sheds, the shacks, and some of them even up into the
trees, perched on the limbs like so many crows. One Topsey took
to the upper rail of a Virginia rail-fence, looking wonderingly at
the army. A lieutenant of the Seventeenth Massachusetts
was resting against the same fence, some forty feet from the girl,
and at once became interested in her girations and spasmodic
movement towards him.

DEPARTURE FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. Ill
She appeared to be about seventeen years old, well developed,
bright looking, with bright snappy eyes and a mouthful of hand
some teeth as white as ivory. She wanted information and seemed
determined on getting it. Seeing the Ueutenant, she moved
towards him, conforming to the zigzag shape of the fence, and
finally reaching him, she placed her hand on his shoulder, and
with eyes snapping and mouth open exclaimed, "Massa! Massa!
has all you uns got naims?' ' Poor Topsey, during her seventeen
short years of existence had probably heard such names as Tom,
Jack, BiU, Joe, Jim, Ned, Pomp and maybe Charley.
But she could not understand how five thousand men could
each have a name of his own, or so named as to be readily dis
tinguishable from all the others. Poor Topsey, poor slaves of the
.South at that period; how innocent, how obedient, how respectful,
and under all the circumstances how self respecting.
The program now was to provide more comfortable quarters
.as the stay of the regiment in Baltimore for the winter seemed to
Jiave been decided upon by the War Department. By December
18, lumber ha'ving arrived, work on a new barracks was begun, and
in twelve days after the various companies of the regiment were
more comfortably housed than they could be in shelter tents.
During the winter months following, the Seventeenth Regi
ment was engaged in a variety of duties, its companies being de
tached for guard duty at various points in and around the city,
always discharging such duties faithfully and to the satisfaction
•of the miUtary authorities. Its members also grew in favor with
the people of Baltimore — the loyal people, especially, for there
were many of them in that city.
The Northern people had but a faint idea of the conditions ex
isting in the border towns and cities of the Middle States, in regard
to the loyalty and disloyalty of their people. The feeling was
intense on both sides, and men were not only outspoken where they
dared to be — especially when under protection of loyal troops —
but were prepared to suffer the consequences of their temerity if
the fortune of war turned the scale against them. Baltimore

112 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
loyalists were no exception to this rule, and the loyal men there
were free to back their convictions by acts of friendship and good-
'will towards the men in blue.
The friendly feeling between the people of Baltimore and the
men of the Seventeenth had grown to such an extent, that the
officers, to mark their recognition of it, and partly to break the
monotony of camp life in 'winter, gave a military ball to their
friends of the city and comrades of other commands. It was a most
successful affair, and was attended by many ladies of the city.
On March 8, when news of the encounter with the rebel iron
clad, "Virginia," (formerly U. S. warship "Merrimac") and the
sinking of the frigate "Congress" and "Cumberland", and two
sloops of war was received, there was a scare in Baltimore, as it was
feared the "Virginia' ' might steam up to that city and lay it under
contribution or destroy it. Colonel Amory was ordered to take
the regiment to Patterson's Park to aid in the defence of the city
in case of emergency, but the result of the fight with the "Ericsson
Monitor' ' a day or two later relieved the apprehension of the
authorities in this respect.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE WAR.

By Lieut. Ruel B. Pray.
(In 1895, Lieutenant Ruel B. Pray, then a resident of Tops-
field, Mass., but connected with newspaper publications in Essex
County, contributed a series of "Recollections of the War" to the
"Topsfield Townsman," which are very readable and interesting
because they are the result of personal observation and experience
as an officer of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Lieutenant Pray had also served in the merchant marine and in the
na'vy of the United States, and was as keen an observer as he was a

Capt. N. P. Fuller.

Capt. Enoch F. To-\ipkins

'^ .-

Capt. George W. Kenney.

Adjt. Henry A. Cheever.

DEPARTURE FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. 113
ready writer. As the war recollections can only properly be in
cluded in this memorial history of the regiment (he had written
also of service in the army), extracts only can be given, owing to
the great amount of material on hand, and much to the regret
of the compiler) .

"Can it be possible that time flies so swiftly, that thirty-four
years seem but yesterday? Nevertheless, it is true. What events
have grown yellow in history since those memorable days? Those
stirring times come back to us with freshness. We can almost
hear the familiar sound of the rattle of the trappings of war, the
voices of our early comrades long silent in death. Those were the
times when we were in the vigor of early manhood, before the
frosts of winter had touched our hair. In camp at West Gloucester
the Danvers Light Infantry saw the first experience of a soldier's
life, roughing it. Most of the members of the company were young,
unmarried men, with little or no care for their individual wants.
The State and government had nothing to do with us at that time,
it being previous to muster into service. With a strong hope of
early mustering, and also to keep the men together, and hold our
organization, we had pitched our tents, borrowed ones, loaned us
by the Methodist Society of Topsfield, on a high elevation of land
back of the Currier farmhouse. The land was pasture land.
Save the tent we had no shade to shelter us, for there were no shade
trees to rest under to break the rays of the noonday sun. No regu
lar rations were issued to us like the late Coxey tramps. All that
fell into our nets were our fish.
The good people of Danvers gave large quantities of cooked
provisions, as weU as vegetables. Sergeant Inman was com
missioned to collect these offerings to feed the company. I have
often thought that many of the good friends of the boj''s sometimes
went short themselves to send food to this company. The prox
imity to the seashore was the large factor in locating this camp at
West Gloucester , where we all could fall back upon clams and shell fish
that were found on the coast. The clams were abundant, and good
food to get up the grit that was to come later to the boys. Here

114 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
we lived and drilled the men many weeks, doing the tour of guard
and miUtary duty as regularly and orderly as we did after our
muster into the United States service. Often the men went
hungry, the clam banks having heavy drafts made upon them by
the continued digging and drainage they were subjected to. While
this was a little troublesome at times, when pinched by the gnaw
ing of hunger, it was passed over without a murmur of complaint.
The boys felt that it would be but temporary, for Sergeant Inman's
cheery face would appear again before many days with provisions
and letters from our friends — and when I say friends, it means
friends in the broadest sense of the word.
Danvers was proud of her boys, and almost every family in
town was represented in the company by relatives and friends.
The old town was not only doing a noble work in supplying the
Light Infantry with food, but the men who were married and had
left dependent ones at home were kindly considered by the good
people and suljstantially cared for. Seventy or eighty men in
camp with dependent ones at home was no small undertaking, yet
it was done and well done all by contributions. It has always
seemed to the writer that more patriotism was shown at that time
than has ever been exhibited since the war. It was hardly dreamed
that it would be necessary to call for a draft to fill quotas. Every
thing that came to us there was through a purely spontaneous
patriotism. Our first death among the commissioned officers in the regi
ment occurred in Stewart Grove, Camp Andrew, October 27, 1861,
when First Lieutenant George W. Tufts of Rockport, Mass., be
longing to Company G, died of typhoid fever. He left a widow at
home where his body was forwarded by the colonel. He was a
quiet, gentlemanly soldier, much respected by his brother officers
and men of his company. Perhaps as free from sickness as it was
possible for one thousand men to be at any place, yet we had some
typhoid fever at this camp. James E. LoweU and WiUiam Sillars
died of it. They were Company C men belonging to Danvers.
Private WilUam Sillars was but nineteen years old — a fine young
soldier and a brother of Captain Maleohn Sillars. His body was

DEPARTURE FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. 115
sent to Danvers for interment, the captain accompanying the
remains. Private Sillars died January 3, 1862.
December 25, 1861, another Danvers man of Company C —
Simeon Coffin, twenty-one years old died. On October 30, 1861,
Company C lost Justin Flint, aged twenty-one. FUnt was a
Middleton man.
On the 8th of March came an order in gr^at haste to the
Colonel to take eight companies of the regiment and march at once
to Patterson's Park, on the opposite side of the city, near the water
defence. The " Merrimac,' ' under the rebel commander Buchanan,
an ex-officer of the United States Navy, had steamed around Sew
all's Point, and had attacked the fleet of war vessels in Hampton
Roads, and had sunk the "Congress" and the "Cumberland,"
two sloops of war, formerly frigates in the old navy; and with a
determination to destroy every seaport on the Atlantic coast, they
would undoubtedly have accomplished it but for the presence of
Lieut. John L. Worden, U. S. N., and the first monitor. The
fifteen-inch gun in the turret was too much for the Monster
"Merrimac," which was heavily armored by bending T-rails
around her bends and sides, making her almost invulnerable to the
ordinance then carried by the ships of our navy. The monster,
ha'ving demolished the larger part of the fleet the day before, came
bravely on with the assurance of easy victory, when suddenly out
darted the "Monitor" from under the quarter of the "Congress,"
and steered straight for the " Merrimac' '
Buchanan had given the officer of the deck orders to run down
the "Monitor' ' by ramming her with the iron-covered bow. This
slipped off the "Monitor," giving the latter only a slight shock.
Worden, as soon as he came in position, trained his turret on her,
fired the fifteen-inch gun at the monster and backed off a few yards
to swing his turret and deliver his broadside of one gun. The shot
pierced the railroad armor of the "Merrimac," threw the whole
ship's company into confusion and stopped for all time the further
career, the hope of the rebel navy.
Now what the military authorities at Washington expected
the old Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers to do against the

116 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
"Merrimac," with our old kicking Belgian rifles (the arms we were
supplied 'with), I never could find out.
The question of supremacy being settled at Hampton Roads
by the ingenuity of Ericson, and the courage of Lieut. John L.
Worden, U. S. N., we again occupied our old camp at Stewart's
Grove, where the order came for the Seventeenth to join the Burn
side expedition in North Carolina.
The delay in getting transportation kept us in Baltimore
anxiously awaiting orders. In the meantime the news of our de
parture was soon noised around the city, and the loyal citizens
of Baltimore notified Colonel Amory that in token of the high es
teem the command was held in the monument city they had ordered
a stand of colors made especially to present to this command, and
prior to our departure the presentation took place,the regiment being
mustered for that purpose. Many ladies were interested and con
tributed towards the colors and were present to enliven the occasion.
Colonel Amory, a quiet, unassuming gentleman, received the colors
and made a patriotic response to the presentation speech. The
parting from our Baltimore friends was like severing the bonds of a
much longer acquaintance. Many of the officers had their wives
and children boarding with them in the city, and while the regi
ment was preparing to move South, their families belonging North
were also getting ready to return to their homes.
At last a dispatch came, announcing the arrival of the trans
port steamers to take us to Newbern, N. C. We broke camp at
Stewart's Grove, where hundreds of citizens came to say good-bye,
and with platoons in line and files dressed, field and staff in position,
the colonel gave the order to "Forward, march.' '
With three cheers for our friends, and colors dipping salute,
the band playing "The Girl I left Behind Me," we marched down
West Baltimore Street for the wharf to take the two steamers. It
was a sorry parting to those whose wives and little ones had been
'with husbands and fathers while the command was stationed in
Baltimore.

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DEPARTURE FOR THE SEAT OF WAR. 117
The embarkation was soon effected, shore fasts were cast off,
and heading down the bay, we were fast leaving friends and the
beautiful city that had been our home for seven months. Our
lines were cast in pleasant places in Baltimore. What the future
had in store for us the good God alone knew.

CHAPTER V.

Baltimore to Newbern — In Burnside 's Ninth Corps — First
Brigade of Foster's Division — Colonel Amory Com
manding THE Brigade — At the Front — Picket, Scouting
and Fighting — Jackson Place, Red House and Deep
Gully — Neutral Zone — Malaria — Conversion of
Mrs. Cleave — Trenton — Turkey Fallon — Laughable
Matter — Plymouth .-^nd Tarboro — Short of Rations —
Battles of Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro.
On March 27, the regiment left Camp Andrew, Baltimore, for
North Carolina, and embarked on two steamers, "The Star of the
South" and the "Marion," and was escorted to the wharf by
Reynold's Battery, who fired a parting salute in its honor.
The voyage at first was not unpleasant as far as the weather
was concerned, but the accommodations on the boats were so bad
that the men were uncomfortable, being crowded, and those who
were quartered below were in a miserable condition, which was great
ly aggravated after it began to blow hard (as it nearly always does at
Cape Hatteras) ; and the men, most of whom were new to sea life,
became seasick.
The entrance to Pamlico Sound was through Hatteras Inlet,
which had been defended by an earthwork fort that had been taken
by the first coast expedition, under General Butler, to enable
General Burnside to enter the Sound and effect the capture of
Roanoke Island and Newbern. The entrance through this inlet
was known as the " Swash,' ' and after what seemed an interminable
delay, the steamers bearing the officers and men of the Seventeenth
got inside and awaited pilots.
[118]

AT THE FRONT. 119
WhUe awaiting these people, who soon appeared in the sound
like a flock of gulls swooping along for finny prey, the men had an
opportunity of looking with wonderment at their new environment.
The extreme eastern section of North Carohna consists of a
narrow strip of land extending along the coast, and separating the
ocean from the interior or sound waters. The strip is sandy,
varying in width from one-fourth of a mile to five miles. In
places it is entirely bare of vegetation, being merely an ocean sand
beach. In other places, especially near Hatteras — where it is
widest — it is covered by a growth of live oaks, red cedars (which
latter, even in calm weather, look as if a hurricane were blowing
them into fugitive resistance), and some mainland trees, and a shrub
called yeopon, from which a tea is made by the natives. This
strip of land is called "The Bank" (sand bank would be more
appropriate). It is broken by four considerable inlets, namely,
Hatteras, Ocracoke, Beaufort, — and at the mouth of the Cape
Fear River. Through these inlets, vessels from the sea enter the
interior waters. Root crops, sweet potatoes and ground nuts are
the principal products, as the high winds are hostile to the culti
vation of corn and other grains.
The inhabitants of this strip of land live mainly by fishing and
pilotage, a number of these gentry soon putting in an appearance
and taking charge of the transports, and on the first of April, 1862,
the transports headed southwest towards the entrance of the Neuse
River, a large stream which drained a large area of swampy land,
for the mainland part, immediately bordering on the sounds to the
east, is but slightly elevated, and abounds in large swampy areas.
The city of Newbern was reached about noon, though the
regiment did not land till about 4 :30 in the afternoon, when it was
escorted by the 24th Massachusetts Regiment to the place selected
for its camp outside the city, and near where Fort Totten was
located. The city of Newbern is located at the point of the junction of
the Trent River 'with the Neuse River. It is an old city, having
been founded by a Swiss nobleman. Baron de Graffenreidt, who
emigrated from Berne, Switzerland, in 1709, being foUowed the
second year, by 1500 people of his native place. He called the

120 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
city New Berne in honor of the city of his birth, though it must
have been a " come down' ' for those mountaineers to settle in such
a level, swampy region.
Before the war, Newbern was a port of entry and enjoyed a
considerable trade in naval stores and cotton. Now, however,
on the arrival of the Seventeenth, it presented a somewhat war-
battered appearance, with vacant spaces on some of its streets
covered with ruins of burned buildings.
The regiment was not permitted to take a long rest before
assimilation into the army corps already in possession of the de
partment, for on the day following its arrival in Newbern it was
brigaded as the First Regunent of the First Brigade of the First
(General Foster's ) Division of the Ninth (Burnside's ) Army
Corps. Colonel Amory was given command of the brigade.
The different companies were now assigned to duty, princi-
I)a]ly on picket, at different points outside Newbern, from eight
to ten miles distant.
The general policj' of the officers in command of the depart
ment was a defensive one, and therefore invited attack or harassing
demonstrations on the part of the enemy, which made outpost
duty somewhat lively and often interesting. This was a novel
experience for the men of the Seventeenth, who at first enjoyed it
keenly, especially as the weather was mild and vegetation made the
surroundings attractive, the deciduous trees coming into leafy and
flowery luxuriance.
One thing, however, was soon realized, and that was that
marching over the roads, 'with mud ankle-deep and water knee-
deep, and skirmishing in swampy woods, was no fun for the boys,
though they usually made light of such hardships, and tried tp
look on it as excitement and adventure.
Our regiment was not allowed to rest long in the city of
Newbern, one wing, under Colonel Fellows, going to Batchelder's
Creek, April 11, 1862, and the Red House, April 16, 1862; and the
other wing, under Major Frankle, going to the Jackson Place
April 11, 1862. Their movements were all conducted from these
points until April 29, 1862, when the right wing joined the left

AT THE FRONT. 121
wing at Jackson Place. On the 29th of May, the whole regiment
was recaUed to Newbern.
One of the first expeditions in which the regiment engaged
was with the 23d and 27th Massachusetts Regiments, about eight
miles from the Jackson Place, towards Trenton, on the Trent Road,
to break up a rebel camp at the Merritt House. The rebels
apparently were aware of their coming and had "skedadled,"
leaving a noonday meal of meat and sweet potatoes cooking, which
was enjoyed by our men as far as it went.
On this raid the regiment came near losing some of its members.
Companies C and F were deployed as skirmishers, and some of the
men, seeing others in the woods, and thinking they were some of
the enemy. Company C fired on Company F, and F returned the
flre, but the mistake was quickly discovered, and fortunately no
one was hurt.
Throughout April, and up to the middle of May, the various
companies of the regiment were kept busy on outpost duty, making
small raids in difl'erent directions outside of Newbern; engaging in
skirmishes, capturing a few prisoners; killing some of the Con
federates (mostly North Carolina Troops), and confiscating con
siderable live-stock, provisions, etc.
The first disaster marking loss of life was on April 10, 1862,
when a party composed of men of Company H started out on a
scout. In crossing the Trent River, the boat being overloaded,
it upset, and three of the men of Company H were drowned. This
scouting party went to PoUocksville and captured a cavalry picket
outpost. The necessity of maintaining a strong picket force around
Newbern to prevent raids and surprises by the enemy, kept the
various companies on picket duty most of the time, so the old
battalion drUl was becoming a thing of the past. Daily and nightly
attacks by small parties of rebel cavalry and infantry, and bush
whackers kept the men on picket on the alert almost constantly,
while false alarms often disturbed many a comfortable siesta.
The turpentine woods also were frequently set on fire, making
night more or less luminous, and keeping our men on the qui vive.

122 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
So frequent were the attacks on picket guards that fires were
rarely allowed on outposts at night, though the monotony of
keeping watch in the dark hours of the night was something trying,
for the least noise, the cracking of dry branches, the baying of dogs
in chase of game, or the footfalls of a deer or other wild animal
would cause apprehension that the enemy was closing in, and
frequently the picket post would be aroused by such trivial causes.
From time to time, where a fire was lighted on an outpost a
shot from some concealed bushwhacker would ring out, and it
would sometimes be a fatal one, for those fellows were usually good
marksmen. The consequence was that from time to time the news
would come that a sentry on such a picket line had been shot the
night before. Poor fellow !
It was a lesson which the officers would use to impress their
men as to the necessity of caution and watchfulness while on
picket. Did the men heed it? Not always; and hence the lesson
was repeated from time to time.
But the guerillas were not the only trouble to the boys in blue
in North Carolina. In that swampy country malaria was more
dangerous, if not more fatal than the bushwhackers' leaden bullets.
The warm season in that country sets in early, and the mercury in
the thermometer climbs up into the nineties in April and May,
when Massachusetts is chilled and shivering in the northeast
¦winds. Our soldiers, being unacclimated, rapidly succumbed to "the
shakes,' ' and the mornings surgeon's call showed a rapid increase.
Men were taken down sick, unfit for duty, who a few hours before
felt all right; but 'with the shivers running down the spine, which a
little later would turn to fever, they would throng to the doctor's
tent, and get the bitter draught as remedy — whiskey and quinine.
The next day the victim (in his first experience) would feel so
well that he \\ ould marvel at the skill of the surgeon the medi
cinal value of whiskey and quinine, and feel fully competent to go
on duty. But the surgeon, 'wiser by experience, would not permit
him to do so. The day following he would know why. And thus
he might go on, 'with occasional spells of freedom from the inter
mittent fever, until he had taken so much quinine that he was no

AT THE. FRONT. 123
longer able to master the "hard tack' ' with his loosened teeth. It
was a serious situation indeed, but no better remedy being avail
able, whiskey and quinine became a regular morning ration in the
North Carolina district.
The contests at the outposts, though on a small scale, were
lively and continuous. One day it would be the capture of one of
our cavalry videttes and perhaps one of our infantry pickets, and
on the next day, three or four of the rebel cavalry unsaddled —
kUled or wounded. The day following perhaps four or more rebels
would be captured. Then scouting parties, would penetrate the
enemy's territory, and return with an assortment of mules, vehicles,
hams, bacon, corn and fowls — "confiscated,' ' of course.
Added to this service and other discomforts, the season was a
rainy one. Indeed, it was remarked that during the war, the
'wind-stornis and rains were unusually heavy. To the men of the
Eighteenth Army Corps in North Carolina, the early spring was
not onJy a hot one, but a rainy and windy one. The wind and
rain would come together. The wind would blow down the tents,
and the rain would soak their exposed occupants.
Another discomfort were the insect pests — hungry fleas,
wood ticks, ravenous mosquitos, biting flies and an army of gray-
backs that never "ceased from troubling," and it can be judged
what an amount of patient suffering was required of the men who
endured and tried to enjoy life in spite of them.
The first expedition in which the Seventeenth Regiment parti
cipated, 'with other organizations, was on May 15, 1862, after being
under arms most of the night. In company with the Twenty-fifth
Massachusetts, a squadrOn of the Third New York Cavalry, and
two guns of the Fourth Rhode Island Battery, the expedition started
at 2 :30 a. m., taking the Trent Road. The road was ankle-deep in
mud, and the small streams or branches were more than knee-deep.
The expedition, when within two miles of Trenton, encountered
a force of the enemy about 100 strong. These, the cavalry, after
a short engagement, routed. A house where the headquarters of
the rebels had been located was burned, and the expedition returned
to Newbern by 1:30 o'clock p. m., having marched twenty-six
miles and cleaned out a nest of rebels — a small force, it is true, but

124 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
a much larger one was looked for. The casualties in this expedi
tion were, two men of the Third New York Cavalry wounded;
while the enemy had nine killed and wounded, who fell into our
hands, besides several others that they carried off in their retreat.

DISASTER TO COMPANY I.
On the 22d of May occurred the most serious disaster that had
as yet befallen the regiment. Company I, under command of
Captain Thomas Weir, went out on a scout toward PoUocksville.
When near that place, after securing considerable plunder, and
meeting with little or no resistance. Captain Weir and his company
started on their return to camp, when they were attacked by Con
federates in ambush, and Company I lost one man killed, three
mortally wounded and six badly wounded.
Of this unfortunate episode, Lieut. James Moroney, who had
been promoted from second-lieutenant in Company E to first-
lieutenant in Company I, and who was present at the catastrophe,
writes :
"There was a widow woman by the name of Fosque, who lived
outside our lines on the PoUocksville road. She held a protection
from us. She came to camp one day and said the rebels were com
ing to take her property away from her. The colonel gave Captain
Weir an order to take the company out there. So we started out
in the morning. I think it was about the 22d of May, 1862. We
had about thirty-five men. We threw out skirmishes as we went
along to guard against surprise. We had been there once before.
We started to return to camp about two o'clock in the afternoon.
We had with us two little mule teams, and had not marched far
when John O'Leary came back to the left of the company, where
my position of first-lieutenant was, and said he was sick, and wanted
to ride back to camp. I told him I did not have charge of the com
pany, and directed him to go and see the captain. He did so, and
the captain gave him permission, saying he could ride after we got
on the hill which we were then ascending. O'Leary then put his

AT THE FRONT. 125
rifle and shoes into the wagon; but the poor fellow never got over
the hill alive. He was the flrst man shot, and the shot that killed
him seemed to be the signal for the rest of them to flre. There was
not a man in our company that ever saw one of them.
"The Confederates lay there in the thick brush on the top of
the hill, and fired down on us as we were marching by. The bluff
was about twenty-five or thirty feet above the road — a better spot
could not have been selected for an ambuscade. About twelve
of our men were hit, the head of the company suffering most, as
they did not allow us to get far before they fired. John O'Leary
of Lawrence was killed outright. The orderly sergeant, Charles
W. Judge of Haverhill was badly wounded, and carried a ball
in his body until he died. James W. Brown of Boston received
wounds of which he died a few days later. Daniel Farrington of
West Newbury was badly wounded and lived only a few weeks.
The others were not so dangerously wounded.
"This accident, which could not have been avoided, was never
reported to General Foster, who was in command, and when he
heard of it, he demanded an investigation from headquarters and
Captain Weir had to be courtmartialed. The court found him
guilty of neglect of duty for not throwing out skirmishers to guard
against surprise on his return to camp.
"I sincerely think that there was not a braver or more compe
tent officer in the regiment than Captain Thomas Weir.' '
Of this incident, the editor has recently received the following
account which is circumstantial and accurate, being the relation of
an officer who commanded the expedition sent to the rescue of
Company I :
"When the regiment was at the Jackson Place, about six mUes
outside Newbern," he 'writes, "Colonel FeUows received informa
tion from outside the Union lines that the Confederates had been
ordered to gather in all the cattle, horses and such supplies as they
could find in the neutral zone lying between the opposing forces,
so as to prevent the Union troops from taking possession of them.
"In order to defeat this scheme. Colonel Fellows, on May
22, 1862, ordered Captain Thomas Weir to march his company
out on a foraging expedition to the estate of the widow Fosque,

126 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
on the PoUocksville road, where, as it was well-known there were
some good cows, horses and other property, which could be used by
the Union forces to advantage, and thus defeat the designs of the
Confederates on the much-coveted property.
"Captain Weir obeyed the order promptly, and succeeded in
getting in the property referred to, and started to return to camp,
when he was ambushed by a greatly superior force of the enemy.
Captain Weir had only thirty-five men and officers in his command
that day, and when he had placed some of them in charge of the
horses, some in charge of the cows, and others in charge of the team
hauling several bales of cotton, there were but few fighting men left
to the captain to act as skirmishers and guard his flanks, so that, as
a matter of fact, there were no skirmishers thrown out, because
there were not enough men to do much -with. Thus it was with Cap
tain Weir as he marched away from Mrs. Fosque's house that day.
"He had not proceeded far, however, when a volley from
'ambush killed one of his men, wounded orderly Sergeant Charles
W. Judge and others, and stampeded the horses and cattle that were
not in harness. The enemy had chosen an elevation in a thickly
wooded spot on the side of the road, from which they delivered a
well-directed fire from Harper's Ferry breach-loading rifles (as
was afterwards proved) without fear of the fire being returned from
the surprised and disorganized men of Company I.
"Captain Weir and Lieutenant Moroney tried their best to
raUy the men, but in the confusion, finding it unwise to make a
stand against a concealed enemy on the open road, ordered their
men over the fence on the opposite side of the road, where partially
protected by fence and trees, the men maintained a fight which
could not last long against such odds in number and in position,
for it afterwards developed that a full company, 'with breech
loaders, were opposing them; but finding it would be useless to
prolong such a contest. Captain Weir marched his men away
through the woods from the scene of disaster and reached the
regimental camp about an hour later.
"When Captain Weir made his report of the experiences of
the morning, Colonel Fellows, then commanding the regiment, de
termined to punish the Confederates if possible, and regain the lost

AT THE FRONT. 127
property. He ordered Captain Splaine, with Company A, and
Captain McNamara, with Company E, to proceed to the scene
of the trouble as soon as they could get there.
"It is but justice to say here that Captain Weir tried to make
a stand upon the open road, and to rally his men, then somewhat
scattered and confused. Sergeant KiUoran suggested, and even
shouted at the top of his voice : 'Let us charge them.' But how
many were there to charge with? There Avere only about a dozen
men near enough to help Captain Weir to make any sort of a fight.
"A battalion of two companies (A and E), under Captain
NcNamara, marched in quick time to Deep GuUy, when a halt
was made, and then skirmishers were thrown out, and the com
mand moved up to near the "forks of the road," where another
halt was made for consultation. At this juncture Captain Mc
Namara relinquished the command of the two companies to Cap
tain Splaine, who at once made proper disposition of the men, and
moved promptly towards the enemy, taking the middle of the
Pollocks'ville Road himself, with his skirmishers on either side,
kept dressed on him by the edges of the road.
"Upon swinging from the Trent Road, into the PoUocksville
Road, the captain placed Lieutenant James Splaine in command of
a platoon some distance in advance of the forks, with instructions
to guard the approaches by the Trent Road and to guard and pro
tect the rear of the companies then advancing toward the enemy.
"As Captain Splaine and his skirmishers swept on toward the
scene of the ambuscade, he saw some Confederates talking with
the wounded men of Company I, who, when they saw the rescue
party coming, hastily rejoined their own command, and soon after
ward Captain Splaine's skirmishers and the rebels became actively
engaged. "Some lively firing was indulged in; Captain Splaine ordered
his men to move double-quick, and they drove the enemy before
them in short order, recovering the dead and wounded and part of
the property abandoned by Company I.
"In the light and quickly-ended skirmish, one of the enemy
was evidently wounded, for he was compelled to abandon his

128 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Harper's Ferry breech-loading rifle, which proved how the enemy
was armed. "The march back to camp, with dead, wounded, some horses,
cows and considerable cotton was made through a thunder and rain
storm unparalleled in the memory of the writer of this narrative.
There was no sleep that night, for the camp was literally afloat.
"Captain Splaine was thanked most warmly by Colonel Fellows
for the prompt and successful manner in which he accomplished the
object of the movement, and was at once rewarded by being invited
to remain at headquarters that awfully stormy night, a courtesy
rarely extended to the officers of the line. It is needless to say that
the invitation was accej^tcd by the captain.
"Captain Weir was suspended from duty, and sent before a
courtmartial, charged with neglect of duty for not having thrown
out skirmishers when he had taken up his line of march after leav
ing the plantation of Mrs. Fosque. No witnesses were heard on
behalf of Captain Weir, not even the captured rifle.
"Captain Splaine, the flrst Union soldier on the scene after
the disaster, and commanding the Union forces, was not sum
moned. The court found Captain Weir guilty and sentenced him
to be dismissed from the service.
"Almost without exception, the officers and men of the regi
ment sympathized with Captain Weir, and they also believed, as
the surA'iving memljers of the command believe today, that Cap
tain Weir had not been justly dealt with, and all then believed, as
all the survivors behove, that the regiment lost a good and a brave
officer when Captain Weir was sent home to private life.
"The full truth of the attack on Company I came to light on
the evening of the day when the battle of Kinston was fought,
December 14, 1862, Captain Splaine being acting provost-marshal,
that evening, while Major Frankle the Provost marshall was ab
sent, trying to save some cotton which the retreating Confederates
had set on fire, — was accosted by a rebel prisoner, who inquired
about Captain Weir. He stated that he was the captain in com
mand of the rebel company that had ambushed Conipany I. He
said that Captain Weir had made so many successful raids into
rebeldom, and had captured so much property, that the command-

AT THE FRONT. 129
ing officer at Kinston had made up his mind that it was about time
to wipe him and his company out. This rebel captain was placed
in command of fifty picked men (the majority of them armed with
Harper's Ferry breach-loading rifles, and a few armed with smooth
bores, from which they flred "buck and baU") to carry out his
'wishes. This force was ordered to go and not return until they had
finished up Weir's marauding company. They succeeded pretty
well, as the facts related show.
"Is it any wonder, then, that fifty well-armed men from am
bush routed twelve or fifteen who were marching in an open road
unaware of any such danger as that which came suddenly upon
them?' '
While the Seventeenth Regiment was stationed at the Jackson
Place, some miles out of Newbern, during the spring and early
summer of 1862, several expeditions were organized and went forth
to interrupt the communications and seize upon the supplies of
the Confederates stationed and operating in that section of North
Carolina, resulting in hard marches, some fighting, the destruction
of bridges and other public property, the gathering in of supplies,
and occasionally a -few rebel prisoners. On these raids there was,
as a matter of fact, more or less of individual foraging, notwith
standing the well-known prohibition of the officers of such work.
There were few exceptions to this rule, however, but one of these
was notable enough to furnish material for a story and a sobriquet
for one of the actors in the little drama.

Turkey Fallon.

It appears that Sam Reed of Company A, on one occasion,
because the captain would not allow him to "hook" one, actually
bought a turkey at a farmhouse, near the Merritt House on the
Trent Road, the latter place being well-known to members of the
Seventeenth. Sam wrung the neck of the bird and carried it to
the quarters of his company at the Mangan Place (the inner picket
guard). He then hired a colored "mammy" to cook the turkey.

130 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
she agreeing to have it cooked and ready for him at an hour speci
fied, for which ser'vice she was to receive a quarter.
When Sam was making his bargain with the colored woman,
he was not aware of the fact that another party was an attentive
listener to it. This was a comrade concealed in the bushes near
by. This fellow, taking advantage of the knowledge thus gained,
presented himself about fifteen minutes before the specified time,
and asked "Is me turkey cooked?" The mammy replied, "Yes,
Massa; all ready, Massa." The man said, "Well, here's the
quarter and give me me turkey.' ' And she gave the bird to him.
A few minutes after the man left with the turkey, Sam Reed
put in an appearance and asked for his turkey, but to his surprise
and the indignation attendant upon a disappointed appetite, he
learned that some one had got ahead of -him and secured the bird.
Sam asked the mammy who the fellow was, but all the information
he' could get from her was "Dat de gemman had come, paid de
quarter and took dat turkey away wif him. ' ' Sam asked the woman
to describe the man, and what he said when he called for the
turkey. To all his inquiries she said, "AU I know. Mars, he was
a Yankee man, a sojer, an' I thought he wus de same gemman dat
had guv me de turkey to cook.' '
Of course, Sam was -wild over the loss of his turkey, which he
had paid a dollar and a half for. He rushed to Captain Splaine
and told him the story of his loss, and said the captain was to blame
for the whole thing, for if he had not been so strict with his men the
bird would not have cost him (Sam) anything.
The captain pacified Sam, and told him that if he would keep
his mouth shut about the matter, they would soon find out who
the thief was. Sam agreed to keep silent about it, and had not to
wait many hours before the culprit was fully known, much to his
satisfaction. It came about in this way : At roll call that evening,
all the men not on guard were paraded. The orderly sergeant
called the roll from memory, and the captain noticed that the name
of Martin Fallon had not been called. He said, "Sergeant Mason,
I did not hear you call Fallon's name. Why is it?' ' The orderly
replied that Fallon was a very sick man. "Trot him out," said
the captain. And sure enough, when Fallon was trotted out he

AT THE FRONT. 131
presented a woe-begone appearance — face flushed, showing that he
was feverish. Martin was evidently a very sick man.
The captain looking at him a moment, asked: "What is the
matter with you, Fallon?"— " Oh, then, captain," he replied,
"but I'm awful sick!"
The captain approached Fallon, and with a show of knowing
something of medical practice, felt his pulse, looked at his tongue,
raised the lid of one eye and looked in. Then, speaking so loud
that every man in the company could hear him, said: "Martin
Fallon, turkey does not agree with you, does it?' '
Martin looked guilty and hung his head, but made no ans wer.
Then the captain said: "Martin, you stole Sam Reed's turkey,
and I'll give you until twelve o'clock tomorrow to pay him one
dollar and fif tj^ cents. Ifyoudon'tpay him, I'll courtmartial you.
"Will you do it?' ' — "I wiU, sir,' ' was Martin's answer.
It appears that when he obtained possession of Sam's turkey,
Martin went into the bush and ate everything of it but the bones.
He must have eaten three pounds of turkey meat, and it was no
wonder he was sick. When Martin recovered from his surfeit of
turkey, he took some of the boys to the place where he had devoured
it. The men of Company A, and some of those of the other com
panies who knew of the affair, called him "Turkey Fallon,' ' and to
this day he is known by that name. When any of the boys attempt
to joke Colonel Splaine about his countryman, Martin Fallon, the
colonel wittily replies: "No, no, sir; that is a mistake," and
adds, "Can't you tell by the man's appearance, his name, his
accent, where he came from;" and adds that he knows by all the
peculiarities referred to, as well as his weakness for poultry, that
Turkey Fallon must have been born in the neighborhood of Con
stantinople; and that he has the name, the accent, the appearance
and some of the habits of the people of that region.
"From what has already been told of the duties of our troops
in the district in and about Newbern; the designs of the Confeder
ates to gather in live-stock, provisions and other property in the
neutral zone surrounding that city, and the efforts of the Union
forces to prevent such a seizure, it can be judged what a hardship

132 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
it was to planters and dwellers in that section. They naturally
sympathized with their own people, but if they held intercourse
'with the Union forces, they were suspected by the Confederates of
gi'ving information as to their movements, while the Union troops
not only suspected that they gave information of army movements,
but when picketing or bushwhacking was indulged in, at night,
it was believed that it was these professed non-combatants who did
the shooting. They were thus between the upper and nether
millstones, and suffered accordingly.
Some harrowing tales might be told to illustrate this, but the
writer can say from personal experience (and he slipped out beyond
the outposts on more than one occasion while on picket) that the
men he met were friendly and never attempted to take advantage
of his or their (for he was usuallj'^ accompanied by a comrade)
isolated position, which might invite treachery under existing con
ditions. The attack on Company I was at first thought to be the work
of men not in the Confederate service^ — guerrillas, in fact; but it was
soon proven that it was the work of Confederate soldiers, who were
simply carrj'ing out the orders of their superior officers.
That the people of North Carolina were not all hostile to the
Union was evidenced by the fact that several regiments were re
cruited from these people and officered by commissioned and non
commissioned officers from the Seventeenth and other Northern
regiments. The rank and file of these regiments, that is, the
natives of North Carolina, — literally took their lives in their hands,
for if not Idlled in action, they knew that if taken in battle, sure
death awaited them.
Dr. Galloupe, while a prisoner at Kinston, N. C, on his way
to Libby prison, in Richmond, tells of the execution in that city
of twenty-five North Carolinans captured while in the Union ser
'vice. They were hanged like common malefactors, and the doctor
was in'vited by his captors to 'witness the execution, which, how
ever, he very properly declined to accept.
One of the early expeditions (June 27) in which the Seven
teenth Regunent participated was that to Swift Creek, some twenty
miles from Newbern, on the north side of the Neuse River. To

AT THE FRONT. 133
get there the troops were carried in transports about half the dis
tance up the river, and had to march over land from the landing-
place. The vUlage of Swift Creek was located on the other side of the
creek that gave it its name. This creek was crossed by a bridge,
on the approach to which the enemy was sighted and shelled, upon
which they retired in haste. In "Soldiering in North Carolina,"
an account of this affair runs as follows :
"Upon approaching the bridge leading across (the creek) they
(our men) were fired upon by the rebels (without sustaining any
damage) who had a battery masked by a breastwork or fort of
shingles. The Seventeenth charged across the bridge in fine style
(the bridge was a hghtly built one) and swayed and shook under the
combined weight of sixty men in such a manner as to lead to the
belief that it would break down — but it didn't, but upon crossing
they found the enemy had flowm.
"Three companies went- up the road in pursuit some distance,
but the rebels were nowhere to be found. The regiment halted
near a dwelling-house when some of the men went into an adjoining
negro hut, where a pot of meat and cabbage was in process of
being cooked, which they proceeded to confiscate; but just as they
had commenced their feast, an officer came and drove them off,
saying: 'Dom thee, did thee coom here to ploonder?' At the
same time, it was asserted, though I don't believe it, that the officer
who thus drove them from the feast had his pockets filled with
'ploonder.' "Three prisoners were taken; one of them a lad about sixteen
years old was thus interrogated by the Major (Frankle) :
" 'What for you be guerrilla?'
" 'I'm not a guerriUa, .sir; I'm in the regular Confederate ser
vice?' " 'What for you lay in ambush, then?'
" 'I didn't lay in ambush, sir; I was standing behind a tree.'
" 'Ha, you be one rascally guerrilla, and we will string you up
to a tree when we arrive in Newbern.'
"But it is needless to say this threat was not carried out.' '

134 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
STORY OF MRS. CLEAVE.
Mrs. Cleave's conversion, which had its inception later in
the season of that year (1862), is related by Colonel (then captain)
Splaine, who commanded Company A of the Seventeenth at the
time, and is as follows :
During the second expedition of the Seventeenth Regiment to
S'wift Creek (in August, 1862), Captain Splaine found that his
company was entirely out of rations, and, as he was opposed to
pilfering or borrowing from the natives, he decided to report the
matter to Colonel Fellows, then in command of that regiment.
The colonel instructed the captain to take a few men with him and
seize supplies for his company, but only to take from people who
apparently had some to spare. The captain learned from some intel
ligent colored people that a Mrs. Cleave had enough and to spare.
Acting upon this information, the captain, with a few men,
visited the home of the good lady, and made known his wants.
He told her he would give her a receipt for the goods, and would
make the price so liberal that she could well afford to go to New
bern and draw the money from the chief quarter-master.
Mrs. Cleave %\as not pleased at the captain's visit or his pro
position. On the contrary, she was mad "clean through," and
called him and his men "Yankee thieves and robbers," and added
that if she had three hundred men, each as good as herself, she
could whip the whole Seventeenth Regiment before breakfast.
The captain finding the lady defiant and non-compliant, proceeded
to the storehouse and took what he wanted. Then he placed a
liberal value on them, for which he gave her a receipt, which was
scoffed at, Mrs. Cleave averring that it was only "a Yankee trick,' '
and she would never get a cent for her provisions. But the captain
pledged his word of honor that the paper was as good as gold, and
added, "If the quartermaster refuses my receipt I will myself pay
you the next time we come to Swift Creek.' '
The captain noticed that Mrs. Cleave had a sick child about
three years old, and said: "As there is no physician of your own
people in town, I 'will bring the .surgeon of my regiment to see the
child, and he will prescribe and give you medicine for it." She

AT THE FRONT. 135
said she wanted none of his doctors or their medicine, and that aU
the Yankees were cowards and thieves. The captain, however,
brought the doctor, who prescribed for the child, and left with the
mother medicine enough to last through the little one's sickness.
When about to leave the house, Mrs. Cleave said: "Why don't
you people go up to Kinston, where you will get all the fighting you
want?" She added that her husband was up there and would
help to give the Yankees a warm reception.
The captain asked her husband's address, and promised her
that he would call upon him when he reached Kinston, which he
hoped to do some day. She replied, "My husband keeps a tobacco
warehouse on  Street, but you will never get any of his tobacco,
and wiU never go into Kinston alive, except as a prisoner of war.' ' —
"Time will tell,' ' replied the captain.
The fourteenth day of the following December the battle of
Kinston was fought, and after Kinston was taken, true to his prom
ise, the captain called at the warehouse of Mr. Clleave (who, how
ever, was not there to welcome him), with a squad of his men.
They found that Cleave, relying upon the defeat of the Yankees,
did not begin in tune to carry off all of his tobacco, and of course,
the boys sampled the goods; and it is fair to assume that the boys
of other companies — ancl regiments, too — did about the same thing.
In other words, the Cleave tobacco warehouse was minus its stock
of weed the following morning.
Captain Splaine, not finding Mr. Cleave at his place of busi
ness, left word with some of the neighbors to give his compliments
to that gentleman, and to say that in visiting his warehouse he was
only keeping his promise to Mrs. Cleave that he would call upon
her husband when he visited Kinston.
During the following summer, the regiment again made an
expedition to S'wift Creek, and after wiping out Captain White's
shingle battery, entered the town and settled down for a few day's
rest. While Captain Splaine was resting in the shade of a tree, one
of his sergeants, followed by a young negro, came up and reported
that the black man wished to speak with him. The captain said,
"WeU, young man, what can I do for you?"- — "Is you Massa
Splain?" Upon being answered in the affirmative, the colored

136 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
boy said that his "Missus" had sent her "complemts" to the
captain and requested him to call upon her. The captain inquired
who the lady was, and to his surprise the boy told him it was
Mrs. Cleave. "WeU, weU," he said, "I had forgotten. Does
Mrs. Cleave reside here now?" — "Yes, Massa," answered the boy.
Looking at the boy, the captain asked: "Is the madam angry
'with me?" To which the messenger laughingly replied, "Oh,
no, massa; but I reckon she wants to see you right bad.' '
Captain Splaine made his way to Mrs. Cleave's mansion. On
seeing him approach, she came out on the piazza, and, much to
his surprise, greeted him warmly and welcomed him to her house.
She said :
"Captain Splaine, you are a gentleman, a man of honor, and
I think a man who never breaks his word.' '
Puzzled at the change in the lady's manner and her flattering
language, the captain inquired as to what it all meant.
"WeU, sir," she said, "When you were here a year ago, I
supposed you were a pack of cowards and thieves. You seized
my supplies, and gave a receipt which I regarded as worthless, but
when I presented it to the chief quartermaster at Newbern, I
received a liberal compensation and in good money. Your doctor
treated my child and left medicine for it. The child recovered and
has not been sick since. You promised to visit my husband at
Kinston and sample his tobacco, and in this you kept your word,
too. If you promised to go to Richmond and call upon President
Davis, I feel that somehow or other you would keep your word.' '
To this last compliment, the colonel naively replied, "Rest
assured, madam, that I am constantly praying for the opportunity
of doing so."
She continued, "I thank you, captain, for all you have done
for me, and I thank you for caUing upon my husband, even if you
did sample his tobacco; and now I want you to do me a favor."
The captain promised, provided that the favor would not imply
dishonor or treason to his flag.
"No, sir," she said, "You could not be guilty of either. The
favor I ask is that you bring a few of your officers to dine with me
today."

Qw. Master Robert Harris.

Lieut. James Moronet.

1st Lieut. Ezekiel F. Mann.

Michael Welch, Co. "K.'

AT THE FRONT. 137
The captain remonstrated, and said, "As you have been sit
uated of late you cannot have much good money to spend for such
entertainment." But he added, "If you are set on giving us a
dinner, have your servants get us up a nice little meal for four of us,
and I will pay them liberally for it."
"No, sir,' ' she said, " You dine with me or we will fight again.' '
The captain seeing that discretion was the better part of valor,
surrendered to Mrs. Cleave, accepted her invitation, and he, with
Colonel Fellows, Doctor Hines and Adjutant Cheever, dined with
her that day, and were royally entertained during the afternoon.
She now came to look upon the Seventeenth Regiment and its
officers as her friends.
During the conversation of the afternoon, she remarked that
the war was a cruel thing, and regretted that some means could
not have been employed to prevent the outbreak of hostihties, and
intimated that if all the people, or a majoritj'' of them knew the
Yankees as well as she did, there would never have been any war.
When the officers bade her good-bye, she said:
"Gentlemen, if you ever come to Swift Creek again, I hope
you will honor me with a call.' '
Mrs. Cleave was a woman of strong characteristics, — strong
in her likes and dislikes, and strong in her love for her southern land.
Who could blame her?
Here is another incident of a S'wift Creek raid, which may not
be out of place in the present connection: (I quote from "Soldier
ing in North Carolina' ' again) :
"August 23d (1862), six companies of the Seventeenth went
to Swift Creek again, accompanied by a section of the New York
Marine Artillery and four boat howitzers. Lieut-Colonel Fellows,
who had command of the expedition, having missed the boat that
conveyed the regiment and artillery across the river, to the com
mand devolved upon the major, who marched them about a mile
from the landing, and halted to await the colonel's coming.
"The column halted opposite a dwelling, and, as is often the
case under Uke circumstances, there was a rush for the well to fill
canteens. Two of the men, however, strayed into a field, and were
making a flank movement upon a pile of tumble-down log out-

138 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
buildings, supposed to abound in hens, chickens, eggs, etc. One of
the men, a very tall and large specimen of humanity, was named
Gilman; the other was a small man named Bill Collins.
"The valiant, major detected this unauthorized affair, and
being determined to put a stop to all such unmilitary proceedings,
sang out :
" '^^'hatfor you stray off that way? Come back, I say to you!
Doubel quick !' (The major had not then fully mastered the pro
nunciation of English and his enunciation was amusingly pecuUar.)
"The little man obeyed, and came back at a dog trot. Oil
man, however, hastened back slowly — at much too slow a gait to
suit his impatient superior, who yelled out again :
" 'Doubel quick! — I say — Dou-Bel quick!'
"But no faster came Gilman on, and the major, who was a
little (or rather medium-sized) man, rushed to him, and seizing
him by the coat collar, as he was crossing a fence, dragged him over;
then drawing his sword, and flourishing it about the head of the
still doggedly defiant Gilman, said,
'You think because I am smaU, I be afraid of you? I wiU
let you know. Dou-bel quick, now, or I will make two Gilmans of
you!' " 'I 'm on guard, sir.' " ***********
"When the expedition arrived at the bridge over Swift Creek
it was evening. Our cavalry, which had preceded them, were
bivouacked on the other side, and our men at first took them to be
rebels, but were soon undeceived.
"There was a .storehouse in the village of S'wift Creek, contain
ing a variety of articles in the dry goods, grocery and merchandise
lines. Some of the boys smelt the plunder, and proceeded to con
fiscate. The -wife of the owner of the store, suspecting what was
going on, went to Colonel Fellows and told him the men were
breaking in, and he immediately repaired to the scene of operations,
to put a stop to such work. A member of Company K, who had
been left on the watch, gave 'warning of the colonel's approach, and
the raiders fled.
" ' What ho, there! — ^What does aU this mean? What are
you doing here?' (To the man) .

AT THE FRONT. 139
" 'I'm on guard, sir.'
" 'AU right, madam,' said the colonel, 'you see there is a
guard on.'
"What plunder the boys obtained it would be needless to state.
"The expedition returned to Newbern, burning the bridge
after them.' '

A LAUGHABLE EXPERIENCE OF THE HISTORIAN.
In the autumn of 1862, Company K of the Seventeenth was
on picket duty at Evans' Mills, some six miles south of Newbern.
The duty there was not arduous, and as the rebels did not trouble
us much, — though a 'vigilant watch against surprise was always
maintained, — the boys of Company K had a good time of it, and
had liberal treatment in the matter of passes to the city.
One day, on my return to camp from Newbern, where I had
been on pass — feeling well and lighthearted — I encountered an
adventure which maj' be worth telling for its oddity, if for no other
reason. I had just come into the clearing of the plantation, when I
saw on the road approaching me, a negro boy — a chap about
twenty or twenty-five years of age — having on his head an almost
rimless hat. As he approached, I recognized what might be called
a character. His clothing, like his hat, was a reminder rather
than the actual thing, in sartorial equipment. But it was not the
makeup of the darkey that attracted me as he came closer. It was
the face of this colored nondescript, which was distorted or illumi
nated 'with the most comical expression of internal fun and merri
ment I had ever seen. So comical did it then seem to me that I
could not refrain from laughing outright as the boy came close
to me. This seemed to be a signal for him to let loose an almost
irrepressible series of "yah-yahs" and yells, which only a donkey
can excel in.
While this outburst greatly excited my risibles, I was not
carried away by it, but simulated the yell-laughter of my opponent,
and yeUed and ki-yied in chorus with him to beat the band. I sat.

140 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETT'S REGIMENT.
down on the side of the road to enjoy the fun, and the darkey laid
down in the sandy road and rolled around and laughed in a con
tinuous paroxysm of yelling laughter. The more he laughed, the
more I laughed, and the more I laughed the more frantic became
his shouts and yells. I soon realized, however, that with me, at
least, the laughter had assumed a form of hysteria, and that my
best safety was in immediate flight.
I got onto my feet, still laughing, and turned my back on the
writhing, wriggling, yelling, shrieking darkey in the road. I did
not dare to look back, but I could hear his yells and shrieks for
half a mile. Not a single word was exchanged between us; it was
laugh answering laugh. I wondered if the poor boy sur'vived. As
for me, the muscles of my chest were so sore for many days that if I
even tried to clear my throat it produced an agony almost un
bearable.

PLYMOUTH AND TARBORO EXPEDITION.
On August 31, 1862, General Foster, in command of quite
an army, of which the Seventeenth Massachusetts was a part,
started from Newbern, and marched to Washington, N. C. There
was some light skirmishing on the way, the losses on both sides
being light. After resting at Washington, the army pushed on,
going through Plymouth, Jamestown and Hamilton, e'vidently
heading for the Welden Railroad, with the intention of destroying
the road, and thus interrupt traffic, and cut off supplies to Lee's
army. The light resistance offered by the enemy meant that at a
point many miles in their rear their forces were being concentrated
for the purpose of giving stubborn battle to Foster's command,
and prevent the destruction of any of the main arteries of supply.
Finally, Foster found himself confronted by a large body of the
enemy, which compelled the utmost caution, and it looked probable
that the forces would clash at any moment.
On the evening of the 8th, Foster selected nOt only a camp, but
also a battle ground, threw out pickets and Skirmishers, looked the

AT THE FRONT. 141
field over carefully, instructed his officers what to expect under
certain circumstances, and then laid do-wn with his troops to rest
for the night. There wasn't much sleep, however, tor any one,
for there came upon the troops one of the heaviest rainstorms ever
knorni in that rainy region. Such a soaking did it give, that next
morning the muskets of the men were almost useless. It is safe
to say that of the twelve thousand muskets in the expedition
there were not a thousand that were serviceable.
The troops had slept or lain in as much water as on land during
the night, and General Foster, as soon as he was informed of the
actual situation ordered a hasty retreat, even forbidding the
making of fires for cooking or any other purpose, so that the enemy
would not readily trace his line of retreat by the smoke. Hard
marching was persisted in until the command was considered safely
beyond the reach of the enemy.
The expedition entered Plymouth two days afterwards, where,
after a much needed rest, water transport was taken for Newbern.
The expedition was a trying one, the marching heavy, the weather
bad, and all in all, the troops suffered a good deal without having
accomplished anything worth mentioning.

THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION.

Battles of Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro.
From services of a peculiarly local character in North Carolina,
in and around the city of Newbern, and taking part in expeditions
to various points in that state, either alone or in conjunction with
other military organizations, the Seventeenth Massachusetts Vol
unteer Infantry was, in December, 1862, called upon to participate
in one of the most considerable military demonstrations yet made
in North Carolina, which had for its object the destruction of rail
way communication between the extreme southern states and Vir-

142 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
ginia by the coast-wise system of railway, the most important line
of transportation in that section of the Confederacy.
This was to be effected by the burning of the railway Ijridge
across the Neuse River, near Goldsboro and the destruction of the
track of the Wilmington & Welden Railroad, some seventy miles
above the city of Newbern. The movement was made in connec
tion with the military operations in Mrginia, where General Burn
side was in command of the Union forces in front of Fredericksburg,
and active hostihties had already begun.

Short Rations.
Although the best possible preparations may be made to
supply an army with food during an active campaign, yet there
are times when unforseen circumstances occur which upset the
best laid plans, often resulting in shortage of supplies and conse
quent suffering, hunger and many other discomforts. Such a con
dition of affairs occurred during the early part of General P'oster's
campaign of the Goldsboro Expedition.
The distances from Newbern to Kinston, N. C, being only
thirty-five miles, and the little army moving by slow stages, it was
not expected that any one would go hungry, as the men were sup
plied with one day's rations, and the presumption being that they
's\'ould be in touch at all times with the supply train which accom
panied the troops.
Things ^\'ent all right during the first day's march, but on the
second day no rations were forthcoming, and the little army moved
along, skirmishing and joking, without a bite to eat. On the
following morning, there being no rations, and as word had come
that the wagons were stuck in the mud several miles behind. Cap
tain Splaine, ever watchful for the welfare of his company, deter
mined that his men at least should have something to eat before
going to sleep the coming night, and, acting upon that idea, he
detailed A. Park Lewis of Company A, gave him an order on the
quartermaster for a box of hard bread, some coffee and sugar, and
also handing him his pistol, instructed the soldier to go back until

AT THE FRONT. 143
he found the army supply wagon, and bring the goods up to the
company. Lewis hesitated a moment, and then inquired :
" How can I bring all that stuff?' '
To this the captain replied by instructing the soldier to cap
ture two " contrabands' ' make a handbarrow of the box by cutting
two strong poles and binding them to the box with mthes, and
then by keeping up a good gait, it would be only a question of time
when the much-longed-for hard tack would be at the disposal of
his hungry men. Lewis, who was a sturdy, brave young man,
readily understood his captain's orders, and started at once to obey
them. After Lewis had gone, the captain feeling might j' hungry, gave
to Charley Keyes, another of the men of Company A, a five-dollar
bill, told him to go around to the men of the different regiments,
and buy some hard bread, adding, "If you can't do any better,
give the five dollars for three hard breads.' '
Keyes was absent about an hour, and upon his return reported
that he couldn't get a bite of any thing for love or money. The
captain thanked the soldier, though he felt both hungry and gloomy
but, true to the old adage that "every cloud has a silver lining,"
he soon realized a relief which was as welcome as it was unexpected.
Captain McNamara's boy (John Lynch), appeared on the
scene, and asked if_ he had seen Lieutenant Splaine (the cap
tain's brother) that morning. The captain said that he had not,
and Lynch remarked that as he had been unable to find him, he
thought it might be best to offer the breakfast he had prepared
for him to Captain Splaine. The captain remonstrated with Lynch,
saying : "Keep it, and no doubt the lieutenant will soon appear.' '
But Lynch, evidently liking the captain better than the captain's
brother, insisted that he should have the food prepared for that
officer. Hunger is a great persuader, and thinking that perhaps
his brother had secured something to eat somewhere, the captain
ate the proffered food.
In the meantime the lieutenant Splaine asked his captain
(McNamara) if there was anything to eat. The captain said
there was, and that Lynch had gone looking for him, and had taken
the food with him. The lieutenant went skirmishing after Lynch,

144 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
to get his breakfast, being hungry as a bear. He found his servant
talking 'with Captain Splaine, and asked for his breakfast. Poor
Lynch looked confused, and afraid, too; but after waiting awhile,
made answer that he had given it to the lieutenant's betters. " My
betters. Who are my betters?" — "Your brother, the captain,"
replied the man.
At this stage the lieutenant looked wild, and acted as though
he wanted to strangle poor Lynch. But the captain no^v broke in
and reminded his brother that the soldier had done his best to find
him, and thinking that maybe he had joined some other officers
who happened to have something to eat, thought it best to relieve
the sufferings of his officer's brother.
"Your betters" was justified by the explanation that a cap
tain (to the man) was better than a lieutenant, and therefore should
have the precedence in the matter of breakfast, when there was
only one breakfast for two.
This comical explanation somewhat mollified the lieutenant's
temper, if it did not allay his hunger.
About this time the order to fall in came down the line, and
soon after " Forward, march !" If a well-fed citizen of Massachu
setts had seen those gallant feUows swing along, joking and laugh
ing, or singing " John Brown's Body Lies Mouldering in the Grave,"
he would not suspect that ninety percent of them were at that
moment feeling the pangs of hunger. Such was the stuff that the
boj's in blue were made of. Such men are capable of overcoming
all obstacles in war as in peace.
Well, the little army moved on and covered seventeen miles
that day. Park Lewis and his contraband train had marched
back eight miles to the quartermaster's resting-place in the mud,
then marched up again eight miles, and then had to march seven
teen miles more before catching up with Company A, making
thirty-three miles of marching that day. He and his contrabands
were cheered to the echo when they appeared. No conquerer
could have been given a more hearty reception and praise than was
bestowed on Lewis and his supply train.
Quickly the box was opened, and in order that the greatest
good to the greatest number should be secured, the captain care-

AT THE FRONT. 145
fully counted the hard breads, finding just 612 in the box. Each
man of Company A got a fair share of the bread, sugar and coffee,
and then the captain sent some supplies to regimental headquarters
some to the regimental hospital, a few to each of the the company
officers, and last, but not least, he sent some to John Lynch, who so
kindly gave that breakfast to him in the morning. It is safe to
say that Company A was the happiest company in that little army
that night.
Progress was slow on account of the road being blockaded by
trees felled across it by the enemy, the line having to halt while the
pioneers removed them. On the third day the line of march was
resumed towards Kinston at 7:30 a. m., the men eager for the en
counter, .though rations had given out, o'wing to the non-arrival
of the supply train, which was delayed by muddy roads, over
which the artillery and ammunition wagons were given the prece
dence. About 11:30, the battle of South West Creek was invited by
our artillery, they shelled the woods where the rebels were known
to be in force, but drew no response from the latter. The regi
ments, as they arrived, were placed in position for the battle that
seemed ine-vitable on the foUo-wing day, which was Sunday. The
supply train having arrived in the meantime, rations of hard
bread and coffee were issued to the men, who bivouacked there for
the night.

THE GOLDSBORO EXPEDITION.
(As Described by a Private in the Ranks.)
In "Soldiering in North Carolina," written and published by
the editor of this memorial history, there is an account of the Golds
boro Expedition, which has perhaps variety enough to make it
admissable for publication in the present connection. This book
was -written at a time when the events, scenes and incidents por
trayed were still vividly fresh in the memory of the author, who,
Uke Captain Moore, was in the habit of making notes of passing
events and happenings. At the time of the expedition, it may be

146 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
stated, the Seventeenth was doing provost duty in Newbern.
Extracts only are given.
Leaving Newbern.
"At three o'clock on the morning of Thursday, December 11,
1862, we were awakened by the bugle call, and after a hasty meal,
formed in the yard of our (Company K's) quarters, and proceeded
to the place of rendezvous for the regiment on  — Street. A
gray, frosty mist enveloped the city, which was alive with march
ing men, — horse, foot, artillery and forage and ambulance trains.
"As early as was the hour, however, the whole population — ¦
especially the negro portion — were abroad in the streets, and many
fervent prayers and good 'wishes for our success were showered
upon us by the poor negro women as we passed along. 'Oh,'
exclaimed one, 'I know de Lord, am walking alongside ob you,
and you wiUbestde rebs, I knows — I knows!' — 'Aunty,' sang out
a soldier in the ranks, ' If I don't come back, you'll never get paid
for them clothes you washed for me.' — 'Nebber mind de clo's,
honey,' exclaimed the generous old woman, and then changing
her tone, she continued, 'Oh, Lord! — de Lord! — Oh, good Lord!
Nebber come back! — Oh, de poor sojer! Lord help de poor sojer! —
Amen for de poor sojer! Amen! Glory!' We halted on the Trent
road just beyond Fort Totten, and awaited the movement of the
various bodies of troops that were to precede us. The morning
broke clear and cool, and beheld a fine array of infantry, with their
polished arms, cavalry and artillery, taking up their line of march,
with an elasticity of step, and a merry hum of voices that unmis
takably showed how high the spirits and expectations of all were
aroused, and that it required only an able general to lead such
an army from victory to victory.
"As we advanced into the country, the evidences of former
strife everywhere met the eye, in the deserted plantations, houses
burned to the ground or partially destroyed, and an air of ruin and
desolation pervading all.
"After a tedious, plodding march of about fourteen miles,
the army bivouacked for the night on a plantation which seemed
more fortunate than many others we passed. But its time had

AT THE FRONT. 147
come, and as regiment after regiment arrived and stacked arms,
it was a curious study to watch the rush they made for the nearest
fence, the eager scramble for rails and the disappearance of fences,
as if by magic. As night darkened over the scene, the countless
bivouac fires rose in all directions, casting a lurid glare up to the
sky, and forming about as picturesque a scene as could possibly be
imagined. And the sound of voices and laughter, the neighing
of horses and unearthly braying of mules, all combined to render
that (my first) bivouac a something to be remembered. Beyond
where we encamped Thursday evening, the rebels, having notice
of our approach, blockaded the road for two miles, by felling trees
across; but the pioneers set about removing them during the night,
and when the army resumed its march in the morning the way was
cleared, and we passed on ' into the bowels of the night.'
"About 10 A. M. on Friday, a skirmish occurred near Trenton,
between our advance guard of cavalry and some rebel cavalry and
infantry, in which the latter were routed, with the loss of three or
four killed and several wounded and taken prisoners. Our advance
reached Southwest Creek about noon on Saturday, and the enemy,
about two thousand strong, were posted beyond with a battery com
manding the road. The Ninth New Jersey and Morrison's Bat
tery were sent forward to feel their position, and a smart cannonade
of some two hours' duration took place, when the Ninth New Jer
sey made a detour through the woods putting the rebels to flight.
They made another stand about four miles this side of Kinston,
when the same force pushed after them, and engaged them for
abouthaff an hour, when the rebels again fell back." ******
Battle of Kinston.
"On Sunday morning, the 14th, we resumed our march on
Kinston. From the place where we had encamped, the road woimd
through low, swampy ground for about two miles, when we came
out upon higher land, where our advance (the Ninth New Jersey
and Wessell's Brigade) had bivouacked for the night. The ad
vance was already in motion, and our regiment followed. In the
low ground of Southwest Creek, we saw the evidences of yesterday's

148 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
strife — two caimon captured and a few dead rebels. When we
passed the lowlands, we saw abundant evidences of hasty prepara
tion for resisting our advance; but I suppose, as a very considerable
body — who expected us on the other road, where they were strongly
entrenched — could not be got up in time. General Evans thought
it prudent to abandon them. We had not proceeded far, however,
when the crack of musketry told us that our advance was driving
in the enemy's pickets; and soon, as we shortened the distance be
tween us and the scene of the coming battle, the more regular and
deliberate volleys of small arms announced that the battle had
opened in earnest. Soon the artillery came galloping up, and took
position just as we reached the wood skirting the battle-field. We
were halted and ordered on to the right of the road to support a
battery. The enemy were advantageously posted in a swamp,
and on a rising ground beyond, about a mile from the bridge lead
ing across the river to Kinston.
"The action, which was commenced by our advance in the
morning, was sustained with vigor, until the main body of our
forces came up, when the battle became more earnest and terrible,
and as battery after battery arrived in position, and opened their
fire on the enemj% the ground fairly shook with their repeated
reverberations, while the sharp roll of musketry — whole battalions
delivering their fire at once — filled up the intervals. The rebel
position was well chosen, under cover of dense undergrowth of
wood, their foreground protected by groves of pines, which, how
ever, offered no impediment to our artillery, which mowed them
down like grass. *******
"We stood a few minutes in the position we had first taken, the
caimon booming away like thunder, and the bullets began to whiz
athwart our line quite lively — hurting nobody, however, — when the
artillery officer, who was on horseback said, 'Here they come; the
devils are on us!' We could see the gleam of bayonets at the edge
of the wood, and fully expected a charge. Colonel Fellows ordered
the men to fall back a few yards to a fence, unsling our blankets
and fix bayonets. This was done, and we awaited with anxiety the
onset of the rebels. *******

AT THE FRONT. 149
"WhUe we were in position awaiting the onset of the enemy,
an incident occurred, which showed how severely men will look
upon others going into the same danger they are in themselves. A
negro teamster with his ammunition cart, was ordered forward to
supply another battery on our right, whose caissons were running
low of ammunition. The poor fellow thought he was going to his
death, and if ever mortal fear displayed itself upon the countenance
of any human being, it was upon that poor darkey's face. I shall
never forget the wild roUing of his eyes, nor the frenzied and agon
ized expression of his face as he hesitatingly guided his team in
front of our regiment, urged on by our men with such encouraging
remarks as 'Go it, nig; don't be afraid' — 'You're a gonner, old
darkey,' — 'good bye ' — 'Won't the rebs chew him up?' etc.
"We waited some time for the rebels to appear, but they came
not. In the meantime the battery we were supporting was ripping
up the woods in fine style — at every discharge cracking off the pine-
trees as if they had been pipe stems. At length an order came for
us to proceed further down to the right, where the Ninth New Jer
sey and a battery had preceded us, and here we crossed a swamp
and turned the enemy's left.
"We were to push on, but our lieutenant-colonel, awaiting
orders, halted us in a clear field beyond the swamp, and ordered
us to lie do'wn. The Ninth New Jersey were off in the woods to our
right, and when I first beheld them, I took them for rebels. From
the position occupied, we could see the Long line of entrenchments
in our front, but we did not suppose a river intervened, which was
the case. During the movements just recorded, the firing had
been rapid and tremendous, and from the cheers of our men we
could clearly infer that the rebels were giving way. Then was the
golden opportunity for us — for, had we advanced as we did after
wards, instead of taking a few hundred prisoners, we should have
captured an entire brigade — but it was lost. * * * *
"Colonel Amory coming up, the regiment rose like one man,
and on the order being given to forward at the double quick, rushed
down 'with a yell. As we neared the bridge, we beheld a rout — an
almost indescribable body of men running for their lives. All
discipline seemed lost, and casting aside guns, equipments and

150 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
clothing, and in fact, whatever might retard their flight, they fled
like a herd of frightened deer, while close upon their heels came on
the charging columns of our men. It was a magnificent, and yet
it was a pitiable sight. As intimated before, we succeeded in bag
ging a goodly number, but the bridge being set on fire, we were
forced to give over the pursuit until the flames were extinguished.
"While lying down in the fleld, I observed a substantial looking
two-story house in our front, and near the bridge, a large portion
of the rear of which had been shattered by a shell evidently the work
of the enemy. I found this the case when we halted near the
bridge, from which position I could observe that the missile had
entered the roof of the piazza, gone clear through the house, burst
ing as it was penetrating the rear wall, and making the havoc
described. Standing upon the piazza, the picture of anguish and
despair, were two women, who seemed watching the rout of their
army with a terrible and heart-sick interest, perfectly heedless of
the missiles of death flying around thick and fast. Some of our
officers, taking pity on the poor women, and solicitous lest the ex
posure would endanger their lives, approached and advised them
to retire to a place of safety. But they resolutely refused to stir
from their dangerous position. Doubtless they had friends near
and dear to them in the flight, and anxiety for the fate of the loved
ones made them forget the natural timidity of their sex, and thus
risk their lives.
"The brigade of General Wessell's opened the battle in flne
style, driving in the rebel advance, and alone sustained the onset
of the rebels, until the brigades, commanded by Colonels Amory,
Heckman and Stevenson, got into position, where they formed the
right wing of our line of battle, — Stevenson and Heckman center
and Amory the right.
"General Evans commanded the rebel army, which consisted
of over five brigades of about fifteen thousand men, including a
brigade of home guards from Raleigh. Other troops were from
South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. * * * The fire of the
rebels upon our attacking columns was rapid and well-directed, and
did great havoc among them; but our line kept steadily though
slowly, (from the nature of the ground,) advancing upon them, and

AT THE FRONT. 151
after a severe contest of five hours, and just as the Seventeenth
Massachusetts and Ninth New Jersey had succeeded in turning their
left flank, an impetuous charge was made, and the day was ours. *
"Men were detailed to put out the fires (on the bridge), which
had been kindled by the retreating rebels, which in a short time was
accomplished, and the Seventeenth Massachusetts crossed over,
followed by the Ninth New Jersey; and here I had an opportunity
of seeing some of the most terrible evidences of human strife.
The bridge was actually paved with cast-off arms and equipments,
while in the midst of where some of the fires had been, I beheld one
of the most sickening sights that ever met my gaze. Some of the
poor fellows who had been wounded by our fire on the retreat, or
been trampled down in the rush of the flying host, were burnt to
cinders, and I could actually see the fat seething and boiling in the
hollow of the ternple of one of the charred remains.
"Upon reaching the other side of the river we halted, amid a
promiscuous mass of dead, dying and wounded men — of clothes,
arms and equipments. It was here that the Ninth New Jersey
picked up (captured) the battle flag of the Twenty-second South
Carolina Regiment — a magnificent silk banner, with the palmetto
tree on one side of the field, and a wreath of stars on the other, and
the red, white and red bars.
"A few yards from where we halted was an abandoned field-
piece, with its caisson, which the rebs had left in their flight. It
was the same cannon that had fired the last rebel shot in the battle
and wounded two or three men. * * *
"After a short halt, we advanced up towards the town of
Kinston, whither the Ninth New Jersey had preceded ug. * * * *
At the entrance to the town the Ninth New Jersey were halted, and
when we came up, mutual cheers were exchanged. Just then.
General Wessells came riding up at the head of his brigade of
Pennsylvanians and New Yorkers. * * * *
"The rebels, after collecting their stores and all the cotton
they could gather into a heap, set them on fire. They also set
fire to the railroad depot, a handsome brick structure, but it was
extinguished by our men before it had made much headway.

152 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
"Previous to our entering the town, a flag of truce, demanding
its surrender had been sent in; but it was found the enemy had
abandoned the town, and a messenger was sent back acquainting
General Foster with the fact, and the party kept on to flnd the ske-
dadlers, if possible. About two miles beyond the town they came
up with Evans, who sent back word to General Foster to have the
women and children removed, as he was going to return the fire,
which all the time had been kept up by our heavy guns upon his
retreating forces. This was simply a ruse to gain time; for, after our
forces had been brought up and disposed in line of battle, and the
cavalry and skirmishers had advanced up to where they expected
to find the enemy, it was ascertained the birds had flown."
Surrender of a Confederate Company.
While se'^'eral companies of the Seventeenth were chasing the
Confederate rear guard, the commander of Company A observed
a company of the enemy hiding— some of them secreting them
selves in a culvert, and others lying down near by, on the side of
the highway, at a point where there was a very palpable depression
in the roadbed, which offered temporary protection. The enemy,
in securing this hiding-place, hoped to remain undiscovered until
nightfall, when they could rejoin the main body on the hills above.
"The commander of Company A found himself so near the
detachment referred to that he made up his mind that General
Evans wouldn't dare fire upon him for fear of hitting his own men,
became emboldened, and after instructing the men of his company
as to what was expected of them, he ordered a rush at the enemy,
which lesulted in the surrender of First-Lieutenant Evans and
thirty- three enlisted men. Lieutenant Evans was the nephew of
General Evans, then commanding the Confederate army on the
heights beyond.
"Our regiment, which had been detailed from the brigade,
when we entered Kinston was ordered on provost duty, in view
of the anticipated flight,was ordered to rejoin the brigade ; but when
the skedaddle was discovered, we were again assigned to provost
duty, and such marching and countermarching, and shifting, and

AT THE FRONT. 153
looking around for vacant places to serve as quarters for the
night, as the men of Company K had, never feU to the lot of so
tired and hungry a set of men to experience. I suppose some of
the other companies could boast of similar experiences.
"The gunboats had come up to a blockade about four mUes
below the city, which was defended by an earthwork fort, and
after we had driven the rebels out of Kinston, we could hear the
continuous boom of heavy artillery in that direction. A squad of
the Third New York Cavalry started for the scene, and surprised and
captured the fort that was pounding away at the gunboats, with
nearly all in it.
"The result of our day's work may be summed up in a few
words: We beat the rebels from a strong position, took over 500
prisoners and eleven pieces of artillery. * * *
"On Monday morning, we were awakened early, and, with
the Ninth New Jersey, took up the advance. Re-crossing the bridge,
we passed over the battle-field, and here I observed a fine mastiff
lying down beside the body of his dead rebel master. I had often
read of such things, but I had at last the privilege of seeing for my
self that noble instinct of affection which binds so closely the ties
between man and the inferior animals. *****
"The army bivouacked for the night within about four miles
of Whitehall. * * * * About nine o'clock Tuesday, our advance
came up with the enemy at Whitehall, who, after a short skirmish,
retired across the river, burning the bridge behind them.' '
Engagement at Whitehall.
"Upon the advance of our forces towards the river — a feint
being made as if we intended to cross — the enemy opened on us
from the opposite side, 'with artillery and musketry. They had
also a number of sharpshooters in the tree tops and other advanta
geous positions on the other bank, who kept up a continuous fire
upon us, with perfect impunity, too, for we could not see them, but
they could see us, and picked off many of our poor feUows.
"The Seventeenth was ordered down to the near river bank,
on the right of the road, and got into a hornet's nest and no mistake,

154 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
for the shells burst around and among us, and the bullets made the
air vocal with their insinuating whizzing; but, though we had quite
a number wounded, not one of our number was killed. While
being actively engaged upOn the river bank, our own artillery came
up, and commenced pelting at the rebs in glorious style. We had
six batteries (forty-two pieces) in the expedition, and here they
were all brought into play. The enemy had a good share of artil
lery, and when they all got into full working order, what with the
bursting of shells and the rattle of small arms, the ground fairly
shook with the reverberations.
"The wooded bank of the river, on which the Seventeenth was
posted, becoming dangerous from the fire of our artiUery, which
ripped through the trees and drove the splinters about in all direc
tions, wounding some of our men. Colonel Amory sent in his aide
for Ivieut-Colonel Fellows to draw his men further to the rear. I
was sitting cosily on the edge of the sloping river bank, with my
legs astride the butt of a tree, and anxiouslj^ dodging my head about
in search of a sharpshooter, who was, as I had occasion to believe,
engaged exclusively in the endeavor to put me out of suspense and
existence at the same time, when the aide came up and inquired
where the Lieut.-Colonel was. Perhaps it was officiousness on
my part to direct him in the most safe and expeditious way to find
Colonel Fellows, who, as usual, was at the front; for, 'without
noticing my directions he proceeded further, and came near faring
worse. Just as he was taking advantage of an opening in the
underbrush to go down along the bank, whizz, bang, came a shell
from the enemy, which passed within two feet of him. He drew
back pale, and looking frightened enough; but, rallying, he pro
ceeded a few yards further, but just as he had found another opening
one of our batteries sent a discharge ripping through the woods
just in front of him again, when, thinking probably he had gone
far enough in that direction, he came to the right about, and sought
the path I had pointed out to him in the first place.
"Our regiment was 'withdrawn about one hundred yards to
the rear, ordered to lie down, and remained there under fire for
three hours. * * * * Before the engagement had shown any sign
of abating, the Seventeenth was ordered to take up the advance for

AT THE FRONT. 155
Goldsboro. We had to pass across the battle-ground under fire
every step of the way, but, strange to say, no casualties occurred
during this movement. We halted opposite a house * * * *
when we were accosted by an enthusiastic but prudent defender of his
country, who had taken shelter in the lee of the house, safe from the
enemy's bullets, who exclaimed, "I say, boys, ain't we giving 'em
hell?' ' Bestowing on the hero a few 'Oh, you be d  ds, ' we
resumed our march, and soon left the fierce cannonade far behind
us. "The battle of Whitehall was little more than an artillery
duel. * * * * I think there must have been a great deal of lead
wasted and iron thrown away. The only sensible impression made
by our projectiles that we could see was upon the frame of a gun
boat on the stocks at the other side of the river, (intended for an
ironclad), and this was certainly riddled up in fine style. The
mention of a gunboat, or frame of one, puts me in mind of a daring
act performed the evening previous to the battle by one of the
Third New York Cavalry. He stripped off, swam the river and
was in the act of setting the gunboat on fire, when he was discovered
and fired upon, and had to dive into the river, leaving his work un
done, and swim back again amid a perfect shower of bullets not one
of which, strange to relate, touched him. * * * *
"Our regiment was followed by the Ninth New Jersey and
others, until all the infantry were under full headway, leaving only
a battery and a company of cavalry to engage the attention of the
enemy until nightfall. We continued our march to about five
miles of Steep Creek, and eight of the Wilmington Railroad, and
halted for the night." Battle of Goldsboro.
" On Wednesday morning our regiment, followed by the Ninth
New Jersey, again took up the advance and proceeded cautiously
along to within about two miles of the railroad, where, as we came
out upon the brow of a hill, we could see about a mile in our front,
the gleaming of the enemy's arms, as they slowly withdrew. Our
advance companies came up with them, and quite a skirmish en
sued, in which Sergeant Hardy of Company F was killed. Lieut-

156 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Colonel Fellows seemed in his element, and went on even in ad
vance of the skirmishers. A battery had been placed on the hUl
just mentioned, and commenced shelling the retreating rebels.
We advanced through a wood, skirting the mill-pond, and just
on the farther edge of the wood, where we struck the country road,
we came upon a deserted rebel camp, the fire still burning, and in
the ashes of which many roasted sweet potatoes were found.
"After a short halt we advanced along the county road about
an eighth of a mile to the south of the railroad bridge over the Neuse
River, on arriving at which place abundant evidences were manifest
of a hasty preparation to receive us, abandoned in greater haste, the
hoes and shovels used in making the rifle-pits and breastworks
being left in confusion along the track. Axes were immediately
brought into requisition, the telegraph poles cut down and the
wires destroyed. We halted a few minutes just beyond the rail
road, and two -companies being sent out as skirmishers to the left,
took up our march on the track towards the bridge, which it was
the purpose of the expedition to destroy. This bridge was a mag
niflcent structure (magnificent is too superlative, fine is better),
about two hundred feet long, and is said to have taken twelve
months to build.
"The Seventeenth had proceeded but a quarter of the distance,
however, when they were opened upon by a battery placed on the
track across the bridge, which, having the exact range of our posi
tion, sent shot and shell into us with terrible accuracy. The track
was immediately cleared, the regiment dividing, taking each side
of the railroad (the bed of which there rose to an elevation of about
ten feet), and gradually advanced toward the bridge. The fire
from the battery and sharpshooters on each side of the railroad,
became so continuous and heavy that it was difficult to tell whether
moving along or lying still was most dangerous; but we kept pres
sing on, returning the fire as best we could. Our firing was rapid,
but, though the bullets flew into where the enemy were supposed
to be, yet I doubt if they did much execution.
"While advancing cautiously onward, and during one of the
pauses in our progress, rendered prudent by the iron and leaden
hail directed against us, an incident occurred which impressed me

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BATTLE OF KINSTON,
AT THE FRONT. 157
at the time as being truly ludicrous. A Company K man, named
Gately, who was hugging the side of the railroad with commenda
ble zeal, was approached by a rebel of the canine species, who, with
the instinct that often ¦approaches to reason, and is at times wonder
fully developed in this species of animal, seemed to realize that he
was in the midst of danger, and sought the nearest place of shelter.
For this purpose he insinuated himself between the soldier and the
ground. The man, not relishing the companionship, from pruden
tial reasons, no doubt, — an inch of elevation in the position he then
was, affording so much of an additional mark for bullets or erratic
pieces of shell, — endeavored to dislodge him, saying, 'Clear out,
d  n j^ou.' But the dog would not stay repulsed, and again
returned. 'Give him the butt of your musket,' suggested Phil
Mealley (another of Company K's men), 'Knock him over into the
ditch.' This suggestion was acted upon and the dog driven off.
"As we were marching down the railroad in the first place,
and when the enemy opened upon us, the cry was raised among the
men — Billy Patterson's stentorian voice being among the loudest —
'Unfurl the flag. Let the d  d rebs see what we fight under.
Show them our colors.' A man named (Michael) Carney of
Company I, who was color-sergeant, immediately responded to
the call, and shook out the folds of the old 'star spangled banner,'
and there he stood on the railroad track alone, a mark for the
enemy's sharpshooters, but strange to relate, though two of the
color guard who were lying down behind him were wounded, he
received not a scratch. This act of true bravery, no matter how
ill-advised it may have been, is, I think, deserving record, and the
honor of the deed should be given to the man who so nobly faced
death while upholding his country's flag.
"Having progressed in the manner described about an eighth of
a mile, when, from the skirt of the woods bordering the field on the
left, came whiz-z-z, a volley of musketry fired by file, followed in
half a minute's time by another volley delivered at once. (I should
judge from the length of the line that not less than three regiments
fired each time.) And then commenced a scene that it would be
vain to attempt to describe, especially for an actor in it. In less
time than I can relate it, every man who was not wounded, had

158 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
jumped, tumbled headlong or rolled over into the ditch at the right
of the track and the regiment was apparently thrown into the
wildest confusion. I have been told that those who witnessed the
scene thought for the moment that the Seventeenth was cut to
pieces, but were agreeably surprised to see the brave fellows spring
up again, and commence a rapid fire upon the enemy, using the
elevated bed of the railroad as a breastwork. There were
several men wounded from these volleys. The rebels, evidently
mistaking the distance (about 200 yards), and the height of the
railroad bed, did not fire high enough, and most of their bullets
lodged in the bank at the left — an extremely lucky circumstance
for us all, as was also the interruption to our progress thus given;
for had we crossed the bridge few of us would have returned to tell
the tale. ******
"After a while, Morrison's Battery came thundering along and
got into position in the field at the right of the railroad, and com
menced hurling shot and shell into the enemy in fine style. * **
One of our fellows had taken shelter behind a log, and a non-com
missioned officer, observing the act, routed him out, telling him
to go forward and do his duty. The man departed and the officer
took his place, snugly ensconcing himself behind the log.
"Lieut-Colonel Fellows was continually going up and down
the line, encouraging his men, showing them by his example a pat
tern of the most fearless bravery. Lieutenant Graham of the Ar
tillery (not the Artillery, but the North Carolina loyal mounted
infantry) went forward with combustibles to fire the bridge, but
soon returned pell-mell, and jumping behind a log, exclaimed,
'D  n them; they won't give a fellow the ghost of a chance out
there.' An order was given to form into firing line * * * * and
we marched out from behind the embankment, and were halted
in the rear of Morrison' Battery, and ordered to lie down in a
hollow made by taking earth from the bed of the railroad. The
rebels seemed to have the exact range of the position, and the
way the shell and solid shot scattered and tore up the earth about
us, and in our midst was a caution. Colonel Fellows alone stood
up, and some of the officers were remonstrating with him upon the
rashness of thus exposing himself, when a shell at that momenii

AT THE FRONT. 159
came screaming by, apparently within a few feet of his head.
'Phew! There she goes!' exclaimed the colonel, and replying to
the officers, he said, 'Well, it appears to me that it is just as safe
standing here as lying down. If a man is to be hit, he'll be hit
lying down as weU as in any other position.' — 'Poor philosophy,'
colonel, I thought, 'but very inspiriting words.'
"Lieutenant Barnabas N. Mann then came forward with a
bundle of prepared combustibles in his hands, and called for two
volunteers to accompany him to the bridge to operate with another
party in an endeavor to fire the same. The men, Besse and Ed
mands of Company A, were instantly forthcoming, of course, and
the trio started on their dangerous errand. We watched them
with anxiety, and saw them gain the bridge amid a perfect death-
shower of bullets, one of which, unfortunately, hit our brave Lieu
tenant Mann on the plate of his sw^ord belt, causing a severe wound.
They returned with the wounded officer, reporting that they had
succeeded in their enterprise.
"Faint cheers were now heard from the rebels, and on looking
to ascertain the cause, it was discovered that a train had arrived
"with re-inforcements, which could be seen debouching from the
cars, and forming in line of battle across the railroad. Captain
Morrison, learning this, immediately jumped upon the railroad and
directed the fire of his battery. The first shell fell rather to the
left of the rebel line. The second fell in their midst, almost on the
railroad track, and the way they scattered into the woods was
amusing. A 'monitor', or battery, came up with this train, and
immediately commenced shelling us, every shell bursting directly
over our heads. At the third fire from Morrison's Battery, the
shell exploded the engine, and a column of white smoke shot up
into the air, carrying with it, no doubt, the lives of many poor
rebels. The enemy's fire began to slacken, smoke could be seen
issuing from the bridge, and soon the whole structure was wrapped
in flames. The most important part of our work was accomplished.
"In the meantime the work of tearing up the rails and sleepers
of the railroads, and setting them on fire, was efficiently performed
by the gallant Fifth Massachusetts Regiment and the New York
'^^avalry — the latter destroying another railroad bridge about two

160 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETT'S REGIMENT.
miles north of the great bridge; and when the fight was concluded
I had time to notice the smoke of hundreds of fires extending as
far as the eye could reach on the bed of the road, indicating how
completely the work of destruction had been accomplished. , , ^
"Our regiment marched out from under fire, and was received
with cheers from all the other regiments that had come up to our
support. We then took up the advance on the return movement,
but had not proceeded far when we heard firing and cheers of men,
indicating that the fighting was not yet over, and soon an order
reached us to halt. We were formed in line of battle, in case
the forces in front would be compelled to retreat, but after a half
hour's suspense in this position, we were ordered again to the
scene of our late labors, where we arrived in time to see the tail
end of the fight, and to find we were not needed.
"It appears that just after we had retired from the field, and
towards sunset, the rebels having crossed the county bridge, some
half a mile above, to the number of three or four thousand,
came down and charged across the railroad upon Battery B, Third
New York Artillery. They formed in three lines of battle, and came
on with a terrible sweep, intending to crush all before them.
The captain of the battery ordered his pieces to be loaded with
double charges of canister, and when they came within about sixty
yards, sent a hail-storm into their midst, which mowed them down
like grass, and before they could rally or fly, sent another discharge
into them, which threw them into such confusion that they incon
tinently fled and were seen no more. The Fifth Regiment was sup
porting this battery, and received great praise for its gallant be
havior. About forty prisoners were taken, and if the artillery sup
ports had charged, no doubt many more would have been captured.
"Our aid not being required, we went to the right-about and
again took up the backward track; but though night had fallen on
the scene, our way was not in darkness, for some of the men —
stragglers, perhaps — of the advance regiments had amused them
selves by setting the woods on fire on both sides of the road. The
scene was grand. The huge pitch pines, which had been stripped
to obtain the green from which turpentine and rosin were made,
were ignited and burned fiercelj^, and lined our road on either side

GOLBSBORO, N.
I So/ei/^e, of Bstl-le.

AT THE FRONT. 161
hke flaming sentinels. The underbrush had also caught, as well
as the dried leaves, and with their volume of light added, rendered
our pathway as clear and distinct as if the noonday sun poured
down his burning beams. The heavy and regular tread of the
marching battalions, the rumbling of the artillery and the baggage
wagons and ambulances, the braying of mules, the confused hum
of voices, the occasional cries of pain from the wounded men, the
flerce flaming, cracking and crackling of the trees on fire, the
occasional crashes of the falling giants of the forest, and the illumi
nated cloud of smoke which hung over all, made up a picture of
sight and sound, that once witnessed can never be forgotten.' '
And all this and many other scenes of warfare, equally striking,
are today only pleasant memories, more or less distinct, in the
minds of the few remaining participants in them.

THE LOSSES IN THE THREE BATTLES.
Kinston — Ninth New Jersey, 2 kiUed, 22 wounded, 2 missing.
Whitehall — 44 wounded. Goldsboro — 11 wounded.
Fifth Rhode Island, 1 killed, 4 wounded.
Third New York Artillery — Battery B, 2 wounded; Battery F,
2 wounded. Twenty-fourth New York Independent Battery — 1 killed.
Wessell's Brigade, 85th New York, 3 wounded. 96th New
York, 1 kiUed, 6 wounded. 22d New York, 2 kiUed, 16 wounded.
The 101st Penn. did not lose any in kUled or wounded. 85th
Penn., 9 wounded. 103d Penn. ('with only 450 men) had 14 killed
and 58 wounded.
Casualties in Second Brigade, Colonel Stevenson. 10th
Conn., 11 kiUed, 86 wounded, of whom 10 died shortly after. 24th
Mass., 1 killed, 7 wounded. 44th Mass., 8 kiUed, 13 wounded.
Fifth Rhode Island, 1 kiUed, 3 wounded. Battery B, 1st R. I.
ArtiUery, 1 killed, 8 wounded, 18 horses killed and wounded.
Casualties in Third Brigade, Colonel Lee, 5th Mass., 7 wounded
Third Massachusetts, 2 wounded. 27th Mass., 3 wounded. 46th
Mass., 2 killed, 3 wounded.

162 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMEIJT.
Casualties in First Brigade, Colonel Amory, Seventeenth Mass.,
1 killed, 29 wounded. 45th Mass., 6 kiUed, 12 wounded. 23d
Mass., 14 kUled, 52 wounded. 51st Mass., 2 wounded. 43d
Mass., 2 kiUed, 1 wounded.
Artillery Brigade, Colonel J. H. Ledlie — 2 staff wounded.
Battery B, 4 wounded. Battery F, 8 wounded. Battery E, 3
wounded. Battery I, 1 killed. Battery K, 2 kiUed, 5 wounded.
24th Battery, 1 killed.
Casualties in 3d New York Cavalry — Co. A, 3 wounded, 7
horses killed. Company B, 7 wounded, 10 horses killed. Com
pany E, 2 wounded. Company K, 2 wounded.
Total, 72 kiUed, 460 wounded.
The following Massachusetts Regiments participated in these
battles :
Third Regiment, Colonel S. P. Richmond.
Fifth Regiment, Colonel George H. Pierson.
Eighth Regiment, Colonel J. F. Coffin (Garrisoned Newbem
while the other troops were away.)
Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment, Lieut.-Colonel John F.
Fellows. Twentj'-third Regiment, Major John G. Chambers.
Twenty-fourth Regiment, C'olonel T. G. Stevenson.
Twenty-fifth Regiment, Colonel Josiah Pickett.
Forty-third Regiment, Colonel Charles L. Holbrook.
Forty-fourth Regiment, Colonel Francis S. Lee.
Forty-fifth Regiment, Colonel Charles R. Codman.
Forty-sixth Regiment, Colonel George Bowles.
Fifty-first Regiment, Colonel A. B. R. Sprague.
The other regiments and batteries engaged were :
Battery F, First R. I. Regiment, Captain James Belger.
Fifth R. I. Regiment, Captain Job Arnold.
Third N. Y. Cavalry, Colonel S. H. Mix (Cos. A, B, E, D, K.)
Third N. Y. ArtUlery, Colonel J. H. Ledlie (Batteries B, C,
F, I, K.)
Twenty-second N. Y. Infantry, Colonel Walter Phelps, Jr.
Eighty-fifth N. Y. Infantry, Colonel J. S. Belknap.
Ninety-sixth N. Y. Infantry, Colonel Charles 0. Gray.

AT THE FRONT. 163
Tenth Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel E. D. S. Goodyear.
Twenty-fourth N. Y. Independent Battery, Captain T. E. Lee.
Ninth New Jersey Infantry, Colonel C. A. Heclanann.
The Eighty-fifth, One Hundred and First, and One Hundred
and Third Pennsylvania Regiments.
The Killed and Wounded in the Goldsboro Campaign.
The following letter from Colonel Splaine will be read with
Interest by many of the comrades who can appreciate its senti
ments :
" To Thomas Kirwan,
"Historian of the Seventeenth Infantry.
"Dear Comrade:
"When reading your account of the Goldsboro Campaign, I
was impressed with the meagre detail concerning the killed and
wounded of the regiment during that expedition. You are not to
blame for not giving the names, for you had but very little official
data concerning that movement at your coinmand. The printed
accounts relating to the part taken by Massachusetts soldiers in
the Civil War, issued by the Commonwealth, simply state that the
soldier was either killed, discharged for disability or by expiration
of service. Immortal honors to the memory of those who were
killed; but how about those who were severely or slightly wounded?
Slight wounds were often as painful as severe ones.
"I remember distinctly that we had many men wounded at
Kinston (December 14, 1862), Whitehall (December 16), and Golds
boro (December 17, 1862). I 'will not attempt to name all of the
men of my own company who were wounded in the three fights,
although there were quite a number, for fear it would look like neg
lecting other companies of the regiment whose losses were quite as
heavy as my own.
" I feel it a positive duty, however, to mention James McKnight,
who was shot down by my side in the battle of Whitehall. His
ankle and leg were shattered, necessitating amputation of the limb.
The amputation was performed right there on the field. Poor Jim!'
He lived some years after this, but an untimely death was the final
result. We are consoled, however, for his loss by the fact that he

164 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
is sur'vived by his gallant brother of the same company and regi
ment, John W. McKnight of Beverly, Mass., who is respected wher
ever known as a good citizen, a patriotic soldier, and as one who
retains to the last the respect and confidence of his old commander.
There was one kUled and several men of the regiment of every
company wounded in the battle of Goldsboro, and three com
missioned officers severely wounded there. They were Captain
George W. Keimey, First Lieutenant Barnabas N. Mann and
Second Lieutenant Ezekiel F. Mann ; but there is no mention of the
wounded in the volume issued by the state, so that when a man was
discharged for disability, we do not know whether it was for the
loss of a limb or for malaria. h > Js^-^
" It is well-known that the Seventeenth Regiment was the only
Infantry coinmand actively engaged at the Goldsboro bridge, and
it is also well-known that that railroad bridge was burned by men
of our regiment — and I think the command was most fortunate in
escaping ^\ ith the loss of only one killed and twenty-nine wounded.
Sergeant Hardy of Company F was the man killed. There were
other regiments in the Goldsboro fight, but ours was the only one
at or near the bridge.
"By adding these few remarks to your account of the Golds
boro Campaign you will oblige,
Henry Splaine."

STORY WITH A SEQUEL.

By the Historian.
Stories of the war, with sequels, are not uncommon, and this
one may be perhaps among the least wonderful and exciting.
During the fight at Whitehall, on the Goldsboro Expedition,
while the Seventeenth Massachusetts was lying in a field near the
burned bridge, under a hea'vy cannon and musketry fire, I left my
place in the ranks, and went down to the river-bank, about 150 or
200 feet distant. I selected a tree about fifteen inches in diameter.

DEC. Ik

..*

'*'.'.''¦':'

BA TTLE OP WHITE HALL, N. C. \
DEC. 16, Inez

at the front. 165
growing on the edge of the steep bank, and got behind it, with my
legs embracing it; my feet hanging over the bank.
I was looking for experience and soon found it. I had scarcely
settled myself when the zip of a ball reminded me that some one
on the opposite bank desired to ha'\je a little sport with me. The
opposite shore was heavily wooded down to the water's edge, so
that those under it were invisible to me. I had not long to wait,
however, for a second salute, the firer of which I located approxi
mately by the smoke which arose from the discharge. I returned
the compliment, aiming below where the smoke ascended. We
exchanged shots for perhaps half an hour, some of them coming
very close to my head and body, chipping the bark from the tree,
and two tearing holes in my clothing.
SudderUy, I felt a hot, burning pain in the lobe of my right ear.
At first, I thought it was the sting of a bee, but realized on reflection
that it couldn't be that, as it was December, when the bees were
in their hives. I put my hand to the lobe of my ear, which began
to swell and was painful, and then I realized it must have been
caused by the "windage," so-called, or vacuum created by the
passage of a ball at high velocity. I took it as a hint to evacuate,
returned to the regiment, which was still lying down and resumed
mj' place in the company's ranks.
Some ten years later, I was in North Carolina, doing a mining
business in the foothill counties above Charlotte, which city I
made my headquarters. It was during the Ku-klux excitement,
and United States troops — cavalry, infantry and artillery — were
quartered in the counties of Mecklenburg, N. C. and York, S. C,
the disturbances being in the adjoining counties in both states.
At the Mansion House in Charlotte, where I stayed when in town,
there were several army officers and their wives. These officers
" had been in the Civil War, and as the hotel was also a rendezvous
for a number of ex-confederate officers, it can be understood that
in the evening, when the public room was well occupied, stories
and reminiscences of the late war were frequently heard.
One evening, while in this company, the talk turned on "close
caUs' ' in the strife of war — narrow escapes, in fact. Some wonder
ful and thriUing stories of such escapes were related, and being

166 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
called upon to contribute any experience of the kind which I had
had, related the above episode, with considerable misgiving as to
its unimportance. To my surprise, when I had finished, a gentle
man present (Dr. McCoombs), who had been a regimental surgeon
in the Confederate Army said: _^"I know the man who was shooting
at you at Whitehall. He is chief of police at Charlotte, and I
know would like to meet j^ou."
"I should like to meet him,' ' I said.
"I'll bring him in to see you tomorrow,' ' said the doctor.
The next day the doctor came in accompanied by a fine,
stalwart six-footer, whom he introduced as City Marshal of Char
lotte. We soon compared notes and were satisfied as to our mutual
identity. He was as pleased to meet me as if I was a long-lost
brother, instead of a whilom enemy, and on my part I was equally
pleased to meet him.
The story spread among the habitues of the hotel, and a move
ment was at once made to commemorate the occurrence by a supper.
This took place on the evening of the day following, and was largely
attended by Confederate officers^fine, hearty fellows all.
Of course, the story of our duel across the Neuse at Whitehall
had to be repeated, speeches were made, and the last remembrance
(a hazy one, I own) which I have retained of this occurrence is,
that the city marshal and I were embracing "over the bloody
chasm.' '
THE RETURN MARCH

From Goldsboro to Newbern.
On December 18th we marched to 'within four miles of Kinston
on our return march towards Newbern.
On December 19th, we took up our field hospital, left near
Kinston, where Doctor Galloupe had been compelled to leave many
of our wounded, among whom was one of the Seventeenth, whose
wounds were so severe that the surgeon had removed the right arm
from the socket and had amputated the left leg near the hip.
The 'writer of this sketch remembers talking with Doctor
Galloupe about the man just referred to, and as they approached

AT THE FRONT. 167
the field hospital, the doctor remarked that he did not expect to
find him alive; but to his great surprise, the patient was doing
well and finally recovered. But many weeks afterwards, when
the man was able to undertake a journey North, and while await
ing a furlough which had been applied for and was a long time com
ing, the poor soldier contracted malaria, which caused his death.
The writer is unable at this late day to state the name of the
soldier referred to, and yet recalls the fact of having made applica
tion for an indefinite furlough for the man .
The march homeward from Goldsboro brought the command
back to fields of victory, marched over but a few days previously.
The interest taken in those scenes by the officers and men was very
marked and interesting, many relating incidents of the conflicts
and telling of personal experiences during the hours of danger; but
some of them forgot to speak tenderly of the comrades they had
seen go down in glory.
On December 20th, many of the regiments were allowed to cut
loose, to make their way to Newbern, then thirty-five miles distant.
Among the regiments were the Ninth New Jersey and the Seven
teenth Massachusetts — old and tried friends — but on this occasion
a friendly rivalry sprang up between them, to see who could reach
Newbern first. It was nip and tuck for a long time, and at last,
the Seventeenth being well in advance. Colonel Fellows concluded
he would halt the Seventeenth, and give the men a chance to make
a little hot coffee, but just as the coffee was getting warmed up, the
Ninth New Jersey came tearing along, and then Colonel Fellows
shouted, "Fall in. Seventeenth!" Coffee-pots were emptied of
their contents, or some of the men drank the coffee as they marched,
and entered the gates of Fort Totten, winners, after a smart march
of thirty-five miles. When the troops reached Newbern, they
were thoroughly exhausted, and were granted a much-needed rest
before resuming any very severe duties.
Soon thereafter came Christmas, many of the boys receiving
presents from their friends in Massachusetts. The good cheer
of a soldier's Christmas, coupled with the recent successful campaign
made it more than an ordinary Christmas to the Seventeenth
Massachusetts.

CHAPTER VI.

Relieved from Provost Guard and Back in Barracks at the
South Side of the Trent — The Johnnies Came to Collect
a Year's Rent — Battle of Blount's Mills — Charge the
Causeway — Gum Swamp Expedition — Trenton and the
Barber of Seville — Plenty of Water Down There —
Winton or Mt. Tabor Church — The Captain's Shower
Bath — Escorting the Colors — Captain Mac and the
Laughing Mule — Didn't Blame the Captain.
After the return of the troops from the Goldsboro Campaign,
the Seventeenth Massachusetts did provost duty in the City of
Newbern, housed comfortably, and had an opportunity to rest and
clean up. This could not last, for an order was issued sending the
regiment across the Trent into barracks, which the Seventeenth
had erected the year before, and which had been occupied by
several regiments alternately — the last being the Forty-fifth Reg
iment. It took the Seventeenth a few days to settle down in
their old quarters.
No sooner had the regiment become settled than it was dig
and delve, and throw up a line of rifle pits around and at the
opposite end of the county bridge. As days came and went, rumors
were rife of danger everywhere, and 'with frequent orders to be
ready at a moment's notice, and many orders to cook three days'
rations, the regiment was kept busy.
Pickets were driven in on the Trent road, and three men killed.
There were rumors that Newport Barracks were being attacked
and bad reports came from Little Washington. On March 14,
the regiment went to a review, which was changed into a defence
[168]

AT THE FRONT. 169
of Fort Anderson. On April 7th, it crossed the Neuse River,
and moved towards Blount's Mills.

ATTEMPTED TO COLLECT A YEAR'S RENT.
On the morning of the Wth of March, 1863, the many Union
commands in and about Newbern, having performed their various
duties incident to that time of day, and enjoying the repose that
came from long-continued inacti'vity, were suddenly aroused by
the sudden and excited appearance of aid-de-camps from the head
quarters of the general commanding, ordering all troops under
arms. The long roll was beaten, and then it was hustle and hustle.
Fall in. Seventeenth!
Then the sudden booming of artillery coming from the west
erly side of the Neuse River plainly told that the enemy in force
had suddenly attacked Fort Anderson. The Seventeenth was
double-quicked to the long bridge spanning the Trent River.
Now could be seen the many gunboats composing the Union
flotilla getting under way and taking part in the defence of Fort
Anderson. The boats hurled shell after shell over the fort into
the ranks of the attacking enemy.
The graceful movements of the gunboats up and down the
harbor, while keeping up an incessant fire on the enemy, the
screaming and bursting of shells, coupled with the steady fire of
artillery and infantry from Fort Anderson, presented a spectacle
long to be remembered.
These conditions lasted about two hours, when the Johnnies
made up their minds that the anniversary of the capture of
Newbern by the Union troops, under General Burnside, was not
a favorable day for the collection of a year's rent. The enemy
was repulsed 'svith considerable loss, whUe the Union loss was
very small.
During the afternoon, the many commands were returned
to their stations of the morning, to take a rest and consider the
impertinence and the impropriety of any landlord attempting
to collect rent during the middle of the month.

170 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
BATTLE OF BLOUNT'S MILLS.

To Charge the Causeway
By AN Officer of the Seventeenth.
(The following article, descriptive of an episode of the war
in North Carolina, which might have eventuated in a tragedy
not unlike the "Charge of the Light Brigade" in the Crimean
War, when "somebody blundered,' ' if Colonel Amory, in command
of the brigade of which the Seventeenth was a part, had not inter
fered, is by an officer of the Seventeenth who was present at
the engagement, and is a truthful description of the occurrence.)
In the early spring of 1863, when the Union lines were extended
from Newbem to Plymouth on the northeast and to (Little)
Washington on the north, the Confederate generals evidenty
saw an opportunity to damage the prestige of our arms in North
Carolina, and invested Little Washington, which was about
seventy miles from Newbern. The garrison at this place was small.
It consisted of eight companies of the Twenty-Seventh Massa
chusetts Infantry, one company of the First North Carolina
Infantry (Buff aloes), one company of the Third New York Cavalry,
Battery G, Third New York Artillery — less than seven hundred in
all. This garrison had been reenforced by a portion of the
Forty-Fourth Massachusetts, and a number of negros willing to
fight, who had been given arms by Colonel Lee of the Forty-Fourth.
The whole garrison thus re-enforced numbered not over one
thousand men.
The rebels began to invest the town, and cut off supplies and re
enforcements, but General Foster, who was in Plymouth, ascended
the river on March 30th, and took personal command. Defences
were strengthened, and every preparation made to defend the
town to the last extremity; but the odds were all against him and
his handful of men.
As a matter of fact. General Foster was hemmed in at Wash
ington, N. C, besieged on one side by the Confederate General
Hoke, thereby cutting off all means of escape by land, whUe
retreat by water was rendered almost impossible by a portion of

AT THE FRONT. 171
the command of General D. H. HiU, who occupied a strong
position on a promontory at a narrow point of the river, some
fourteen miles below the town.
This position was well chosen, being high land, was easy of
access from a good public road, and was easily made almost
impregnable from the water side, while its elevation gave the
gunners in it complete command of the river. Many heavy guns
and some smaller ones were mounted at this point, and it is safe
to say that, as our navy was then represented in North Carolina
waters, it could have disposed of any naval force we could send
against it.
The position referred to was known as "Hill's Point," for it
was General D. H. HiU of Lee's army, who was conducting the
movements which were intended to culminate in the capture of
Little Washington and General Foster's little force of defenders in it.
General Hill, having cut off the retreat of the Union forces by
water, now turned his attention to finding a position where he
could successfully deal 'with a comparatively small army that was
marching overland from Newbern, with the object of raising the
siege and rescuing the garrison.
Hill chose "Blount's Mills" as the ideal spot where with
his ten thousand veterans, he could resist the onslaught of forty
thousand; and he chose wisely. He selected a long ridge of high
land — almost terraced in shape on the side of approach — with his
center resting in front of a causeway, which constituted at once the
mill dam of Blount's Mills, and the only passable road for artillery,
the only other road or way of approach being at least twenty
miles away, and out of the question.
Hill's position gave him every advantage that he could desire.
The form of his works enabled him to concentrate the fire of every
piece of artillery he had, and that of the majority of his infantry,
upon this causeway — the only possible way that an attacking force
could reach him. The position was impregnable, and Hill knew it.
At the base of Hill's position was an almost interminable
swamp, running for miles to the right and left of the causeway.
It was impassable at any other point, and dangerous everywhere
else to every living thing except snakes and mosquitos. The road

172 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
from Newbern to the causeway ran parallel with the swamp, and
did not extend beyond it, turning into the causeway at right angles.
Surveying this swamp from the road, the writer recalled the lines
of the poet Moore :
" By that lake whose gloomy shore
Sky-lark never warbled o'er.' '
The scene was not only dismal, but silent as a graveyard.
This silence, however, at that time, was not destined to last long.
The reader must remember that the road ran parallel ¦with the
swamp, and now that the Union force (under General Spinola)
had come up, it found itself in line on this road, with its right
resting at the end or junction with the causeway. The right of the
line was the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry then commanded
by Colonel Fellows, Colonel Amory being Acting Brigadier-
General on this occasion.
It would appear that General Hill, well knowing the exact
position that Spinola's troops must occupy, had caused his engineer
to measure with accuracy the distance between the two lines, and
his artillery had their shell fuses cut to suit the distance, so as to
quickly deal destruction to the Union forces as they arrived and
took up position.
While approaching the scene of coming conflict, some colored
men cautioned General Spinola, Colonel Amory and others, of
the close proximity of Hill's army, remarking that there was a
"right smart good lot of rebels" up there. Spinola, Amory and
others did look carefully over the ground, too. At the right of
the line, or head of the causeway, all any one would need to do
was to look into the muzzles of Hill's guns to see the reception that
awaited the attacking force.
The place, which a few minutes before was so silent, now
became the scene of a one-sided conflict, for Hill, having perfect
range of the Union forces, opened 'with all his artillery, dealing
death and destruction right and left. Belger's Battery, which was
supported by the Seventeenth Massachusetts, -waiS almost com
pletely knocked out. Its captain and lieutenant were wounded.

AT THE FRONT. 173
and had to be removed from the fleld. Nearly all their horses
were killed and many of the men wounded.
At this juncture, the first piece of real generalship was shown
on the Union side. It was by Colonel Fellows, who saw at a
glance that the enemy had perfect range of our lines, and, waiting
for a lull in the noise of battle, cried out in his loud and very
musical voice, "Seventeenth, fall back." And immediately
after, in a low tone, said, "Halt! Lie down."
The enemy heard his command to fall back, but not hearing
the second command to halt, took it for granted that the Union
troops had fallen back some distance, and they lengthened their
fuses, which caused the explosion of their shells some distance
beyond our lines.
There was very little infantry firing, as the enemy was not to
be seen, because of the intervening trees and undergrowth. Belger's
men were frequently assisted by men of the Seventeenth in hand
ling their guns. The battery did splendid work and elicited great
praise from the officers of rank in charge of the movement.
About this time. Adjutant Cheever of the Seventeenth came
down the line, inquiring for Captain Splaine, and said "Captain,
you are ordered to the right of the line." The captain, as he
received the order, looked Cheever in the face, and thought he
saw signs of emotion which should not belong there under ordinary
conditions, and inquired hurridly but quietly, "Cheever, what is
it?' ' Cheever glanced at the captain, lowered his head and said,
"You charge the causeway." Captain Splaine answered, "We will
charge it," and at once ordered his company to "Right dress!
Front! Fix bayonets!" and glanced along the line. His glances
were answered by those of his unflinching men, ready to obey his
next order with equal alacrity. They suspected that there was
something special, maybe something desperate, to be attended to.
"Without doubling, right face! Support arms! Forward, march!"
shouted the captain, and as the company swung along, the com
mander said "Step, step, step, step!" and along they marched
'with heads erect, preser'ving the cadence of the march, reached the
right of the line and reported to Colonel Fellows: "Halt! Front!
Right dress! Front! Present arms!" thus saluting the colonel

174 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Colonel Fellows looked at Captain Splaine and his company,
and said, " Do you know what you are up here for?' ' The captain
replied that he was there to charge the causeway. "Yes, sir,"
replied the colonel, "but you marched up here as though you were
going on dress parade." The only answer of the captain was
"Colonel, we are soldiers." "Rest your company, captain, and
await orders." said the colonel. The captain ordered arms
and in place, rest.
Then he went quietly among his men, telling them of the
movement they were about to undertake, and instructing them
as to what should be done under contingencies that were likely
to occur in case the charge was made. While awaiting orders the
men examined their muskets, cartridge boxes, cap boxes, read
justed their belts, straightened their caps, smoothed out their
blouses, and seemed very determined to be in the best possible
trim when the order came.
At this moment Colonel Amory rode up, looked at the com
pany, and asked Colonel Fellows, "What is this company doing
here?' ' On being answered that it was there to charge the cause
way, he exclaimed, "What ! Who ordered it?' ' "General Spinola,' '
was the answer, and then 'with a painful look on his face, he actually
scowled at Captain Splaine, and said "Don't dare to move, sir,
until I return." His scowl was not intended for the captain,
but for a combination of circumstances which makes it possible
to have a man in command of an army who didn't know any better
thanto order a single company to charge across a causeway into the
"jaws of death,' ' without a solitary chance of securing correspond
ing, or at least, commensurate results for the sacrifice that was
to be made.
Just as Colonel Amory was about to turn his horse's head, a
shell, in its shrieking flight, passed between the colonel and his
horses' head. The big black horse trembled perceptibly, but the
rider sat like a statue, apparently not noticing it. Colonel Amory
then went in quest of General Spinola. Shells and bullets were
flying about pretty lively during all this time; many of the men of
the regiment were wounded, but fortunately none were killed.

AT THE FRONT. 175
In a few minutes. Colonel Amory, accompanied by General
Spinola, returned to where he had left the company in question,
and then there was fun for the boys. Colonel Amory told the
general that he protested against sending that company over the
causeway, and added : " If you order it forward, I shall order it back
and will take the responsibility!' '
Colonel Amory was re-enforced by Colonel Fellows, and there
was a lively time between them. The upshot of this colloquy
was that this company of the Seventeenth was ordered back to
its position in line. If it had charged over that causeway, not a
man would have returned to tell the story.
Let me contrast the commanding officers in this episode which
was so near to a tragedy. The general — well, we may call him a
"bully boy" who knew comparatively nothing about military
matters. He certainly was not a great general. Colonel Amory
was a regular army officer, and as well able to command an army
as a regiment; tall, dignified and soldierly in bearing. Colonel
Fellows was a trained soldier from boyhood; tall, handsome,
educated and soldierly in every respect. Thinlt of these two able
officers playing second fiddle to a man who hardly knew the right
flank from the left! Captain Splaine thinks that they, by the ex
ercise of their good judgment and firmness in dealing with an in
competent commander, saved his life and the lives of the men of his
command. The company over which so much fuss was made
was Company A of Newburyport.
This engagement of Blount's Mills was fought on April 9,
1863. It may be added that, though General Foster was "bottled
up' ' in Little Washington for the time being, he soon found a way
to draw the cork. He had gone to Plymouth in the steamer
"Escort," and when the investment of Washington was reported
to him, he took the steamer to Washington, where he put the
defences in such good shape that the Confederates paused before
making a demontration to take the place. Finding the expedition
for the relief of the beleagured town unsuccessful, he. took the
"Escort" down the river past the fort, under a murderous fire
from cannon and rifles, which riddled the upper works of the steam
er, and arrived safely in Newbern, where he at once organized a

176 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
new expedition, and within a week marched to the relief of Little
Washington, the project to capture which had been given up
before the arrival of the expedition.

GUM SWAMP EXPEDITION.
On May 22, 1863, the Seventeenth Massachusetts, several
other regiments, some artillery and quite a command of cavalry,
under coinmand of General Innis N. Palmer, proceeded part way
by rail to Gum Swamp, where it was known that quite a large body
of the enemy was basking in the sunlight of imagined security, and
doing a little prowling around without much molestation from
Union forces. The expedition went in to camp a short distance
from the terminus of the railroad, and next day moved forward,
pushing the enemy's skirmishers before them. The firing was
desultory, wifh a few wounded on each side. The Union force
then camped for the night, and next morning the boys were pushed
rapidly forward, meeting the enemy in considerable force. A
line of works was encountered, and after consultation between
General Palmer and the regimental commanders, it was decided
to move on the works. There was some artillery firing, and the
rush for the defences, which were carried, but not until Colonel
Jones of the Fifty-eighth New York was kiUed, and a few men in
each regiment wounded.
Colonel FeUows commanded the Seventeenth Massachusetts
and Colonel Amory was acting brigadier-general.

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE.
During the summer of 1863, a large body of troops, commanded
by Colonel Amory, marched to Trenton by way of the south side
of the Trent River. The Seventeenth Massachusetts, under
Fellows, was part of this force. The march was tedious, slow and
hot, and several unimportant skirmishes with the Confederates
took up the attention of the column on the way. On arriving at

-— — — '2^_'Z3^

Capt. James Splaine, Co. " A '

Sergt. Granville Hardy.

John W. McKnight.

James McKnight.

AT THE FRONT. 177
Trenton, the whole force settled down to await developments, as it
was currently reported and believed that the Johnnies stationed at
Kinston would come out and try conclusions with the Yanks.
The men were taking a good rest, and ha'ving ample shelter from
the sun, were quite happy, yet constantly on the watch against
surprise. After the troops had been resting for about three days. Captain
McNamara of Company E, Seventeenth, was possessed of the idea
that he needed a shave, and summoned the regimental barber.
Jack O'Hara, to do the work. "Give me a shave. Jack," said the
captain. "All right, captain," responded Jack, who, by the way,
was a member of the captain's company, "I 'will be with you in a
moment.' ' In a few minutes he returned with a tin dipper and a
lathering brush. The next thing was to find a seat for the captain.
This was found in the shape of one of twin trees that had been cut
dcwn, leaving the other standing. Seated on this stump, with his
back leaning against the tree, the captain waited for the tonsorial
artist to begin. Jack got up a rattling lather, which he spread
thickly over the captain's face. He then put his hand in the
pocket where he usually kept his razor, but no razor was to be
found, and it now dawned on him that he had forgotten that in
strument which was left in camp forty miles away. " My heavens,
captain, I have left my razor in the camp !' ' The captain, thinking
he was about to lose his shave, which he needed badly, exclaimed,
"The de'vil, damn you, you fool, what did you do that for?"
Jack said, "Please, captain, don't be angry, and I will run down the
line and borrow a razor.' ' And he departed. But he never came
back. His attempt to borrow a razor was fruitless, and fearing
the consequences of the captain's wrath, he did not show up, and
was not seen by the captain during the rest of that short campaign.
With Captain McNamara was his trusted friend. Captain Henry
Splaine. When it became evident to the latter that Jack was not
coming back, the reason for which he guessed, and as McNamara
was about as mad as a March hare, he tried to comfort him, as weU
as mollify his wrath, by excusing Jack, whom he suggested, think
ing that the expedition was only for a day or so, did not think it
worth whUe to take his razor with him, and the same reason no

178 THE SEVENTEENTH M.iSSACHUSBTTS REGIMENT.
*
doubt prevailed with many other owners of razors; but of course,
he would yet fimd one somewhere, and would no doubt be back
soon. It may be stated that near where the officers were there was a
dense willow hedge of stunted growth. The two actors in this
comedy, it was evident could not see through that hedge. If they
could, probably this story would never have been told. Captain
Splaine now said to his friend, after his effort to soothe his wrath,
"Captain, I hsive often heard that it was a bad thing to allow
lather to dry on one's face, as it was likely to make the face sore, or
maybe cause skin disease. Now, if you will consent, I will keep
the lather moist until Jack returns." Mac consenting. Captain
Splaine proceeded to lather his face, and so industrious was he in
his new job that in a short time the lather on Mac's face stood out
in bold rehef.
During this operation, Splaine was most voluble, his victim
submitting quietly, but hoping that Jack would soon return with
the razor. FinaUy, seeing that he could do no more in the lather
ing business, Splaine now said: "Mac, I am now satisfied that Jack
has been unable to borrow a razor, and is afraid to come back with
out one. I think, therefore, I had better shave you myself.' '
Thereupon, Captain Splaine drew his sword, holding it in his
right hand, and seizing the end of Captain Mac's nose between the
thumb and forefinger of the left hand, proceeded to shave his vic
tim in a most unheard-of way. He scraped and scraped, tearing
off heaps of lather, and no beard, for of course the sword wasn't
sharp enough to shave a scalded pig. This curious scene lasted
for a while, until the victim began to realize the ludicrousness of
the situation, and begged Splaine to desist. This the latter was
loth to do, when Mac was seized with a fit of laughter. He was not
the only one, however, who was moved in this way by the comic-
cality of the scene, for, from behind the 'willow hedge came a
chorus of laughter. Mac continued to laugh, and in doing so,
gulped down enough of the lather to nearly strangle him. Splaine,
however, scampered off as quickly as he could, for in the laughter
beyond the hedge, he recognized familiar tones. As he went away,
he 'wiped the lather off his sword, so that his men wouldn't suspect

AT THE FRONT. 179
anything funny, for he was a rather strict disciplinarian, and on
duty something of a martinet.
After a while he joined his company and laid down a little way
from the men to get a rest, but he wasn't permitted to rest long.
An orderly from regimental headquarters came along, speaking
in turn to each commissioned officer, saying: "Wanted at head
quarters, sir." The same message was for Captain Splaine, who
joined the other officers as they moved to headquarters, all wonder
ing what was up. Splaine suggested that perhaps a new move was
on foot, such as taking a dash at the outskirts of Kinston, have a go
at the rebs, and then fall back on Newbern over the Neuse road.
When all had reached Colonel Fellows' headquarters, they were
cordially received by him. He said, " Gentlemen, the day is warm,
and I know you must be tired waiting around here, and in order to
break the monotony, I have invited you here, and have ordered
Sergeant Rankin to give each of you a little medicine, and as you
drink it, I want you to drink to the health of "The Barber of Se
ville." The majority of the officers were puzzled at the curious
request, but two of their number suspected what it implied. It may
be explained that about that time there was on the boards in the
North and West the opera of "The Barber of Seville.' '
As captain Splaine approached headquarters, he saw on his
left the identical 'willow hedge behind which he had shaved Cap
tain McNamara a half hour before, and now, coupling the title of
the toast 'with the scene behind that hedge, he concluded that
laughter which he had heard was in reality that of the whole field
and staff, including Colonel Amory, from the piazza of the house
in which they were now drinking the health of "The Barber of
SevUle." The medicine disposed of, Colonel Fellows said: "Gentle
men, give me your attention for a moment, and I will tell you what
I meant when I asked you to drink the health of "The Barber of
Seville!" Then he related what he and the others of the field and staff had
'witnessed beyond the 'willow hedge. The officers greatly enjoyed
the story as Colonel Fellows related it. But Splaine, though he

180 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
felt like laughing 'with the rest, remained silent and enjoyed the
joke of drinking to his own health.

PLENTY OF WATER DOWN THERE.
In the summer of 1863, the Seventeenth Regiment was ordered
to S'wift Creek to destroy or capture a force of Confederates that
had full sway in that section. The command, under Lieut. Col.
John F. Fellows, took steamer up the Neuse River to a landing
about eight miles from that village. While going slowly up the
river, the weather being too hot for comfort on deck, the officers
gathered in the cabin, and passed the time pleasantly in telling
stories. Among the stories told was one about a gentleman who
had an unfortunate impediment in' his speech, and who resorted to
many expedients to hide or amend it. The story was a good one,
and elicited many expressions of sympathy from all who heard it.
Among the listeners to the story was Captain J. R. Symonds
of Company K, who said that it reminded him of a story about the
mate of a ship, who had an impediment of speech, which compelled
him to say all he had to say by singing it. The captain was a good
story-teller, and had a way of his own that was hard to imitate.
The story was that a ship was approaching the coast of New
England in foggy weather, and the captain being a very careful
man, and desiring to make doubly sure of his whereabouts, ordered
his mate to throw the lead. The mate was the one already men
tioned, who had the impediment, and as he hauled up the lead
after his first sounding, sang out (to the air of the hymn "There
'will be no more sorrow there' ') "There is plenty of water down
here-r-r-ah!" Afthe next throw of the lead he sang: "FuU fifty
fathoms down here-r-r-ah!" At the third trial he warbled: "Oh,
there are twenty-five fathoms down here-r-r-ah !' ' And once more
he shouted: "Only ten fathoms down here-r-r-ah!" Again he
shouted 'with all the power o his lungs, finding the water rapidly
shoaling: "I would have you keep clear of here-r-r-ah!" And
then the danger became so apparent to the mate that he forgot the
impediment in his speech, and shouted, excitedly, "For heaven's

AT THE FRONT. 181
sake. Captain, put her about at once!" The shock occasioned by
a full realization of the danger the ship was in, cured him of the
impediment. The officers listened with unusual interest and attention to
Captain Symonds' recital, which was made more realistic by the
way in which he acted the part of throwing the lead by the mate.
Just as he concluded his story the steamer came to a stop and
anchored, the captain of the boat explaining that the water was too
shoal to permit him to approach the landing-pier, and the troops
could not land until the scows, which were being towed by another
steamer, came up. After a short wait, the scows came up and
landed the troops. Captain Symonds, with Company K, was
among the last to reach the landing, and the captain, who could
not swim, in attempting to get on the wharf, fell into the water.
There was excitement among the officers and men, and efforts
were made to save the captain by the men of his company. When
the captain struck the water, he went down, and when he came up,
there was "Gurgle, gurgle, blub-blub-save me! Save me!" At
the most there wasn't over seven or eight feet of water, and it was
dollars to pennies that he would come out all right.
When the captain came to the surface, he flung his arms around
one of the wharf piles, and in this position uttered his appeal to be
saved. Just as he spoke, one of the officers who heard his story
on the steamboat, in a spirit of mischief, leaned out over the wharf
and shouted: "Captain Symonds!" But the only response of
the captain was: "Save me! save me!" He called to the im
perilled man several times, who flnally said: "Yes, yes; what is
it?" And then the officer (whom we shall call Captain S.) sang
in a loud voice to the tune employed by the mate) "Is there
plenty of water down there-r-r-ah?' '
Captain Symonds was mad clean through, used many words
not to be found in the Lord's Prayer-, and threatened that when
he reached terra firma he would bring the joker to a speedy and
disastrous reckoning.
The captain was rescued from his unpleasant position, and a
fe'w minutes afterwards took command :of his company like a little
man, up to Swift Creek, which was just ten miles distant. One of

182 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
the captains in that regiment steered clear of another one for a
few days, or until the anger of Symonds had subsided, and when
they did meet, the jolly good old captain enjoyed the joke about as
well as any of the others. It was related of Captain Symonds by
his intimates that, though noted as a good story-teller, he never
afterwards told the story of — "Oh, there's plenty of water down
there-r-r-ah!"
WINTON OR MT. TABOR CHURCH.
On July 24, 1863, the Seventeenth Massachusetts, under
Lieut.-Col. John F. Fellows, went on board a transport and sailed
from Newliern, and made a landing on the Chowan River, near
Winton, two days afterwards. Here the Seventeenth was joined
by several other regiments and a battery of artillery, all under
command of General Heckman. Shortly after landing, the troops
were pushed forward, with the Seventeenth in advance. After a
march of about a mile, the expedition came upon a line of earth
works, behind which the army appeared to be in force. Company
G, under Lieut. C. 0. Fellows, formed the skirmish line here. The
firing was pretty lively, the rebels defending their position stub
bornly, and a portion of the Seventeenth was moved up to support
the skirmishers. Lieut-Col. Fellows formed from column into line
and moved forward. Company B, under Captain Enoch F.Tomp
kins, got the advance and was first in the works.
Lieutenant J. A. Moore, with ten men of Company B as skir
mishers now advanced on the double-quick, and when about seven
ty-five yards from the second line of works on the opposite side of
the creek, the rebels fired a volley which went over the skirmishers
and wounded three men in the regiment in the rear. Lieutenant
Moore was the first man to cross on the stringers of the bridge —
the enemy having thrown the planks into the stream — and the first
into the works and through the rebel camp. The rebels retreated
pell-mell. Several men of the Seventeenth were slightly wounded. Cap
tain Splaine being wounded in the left arm. In crossing the dis
mantled bridge several of the men shppedoff the stringers and got

AT THE FRONT. 183
a ducking in the creek. The rebels, in their haste, left their garri
son fiag, which was flying when Lieutenant Moore's skirmishers
went through the camp. The garrison flag, however, never be
came United States property, for the reason that a certain captain
who was willing to rest while others were chasing the enemy, took
possession of it, secreted it, and finally sent it home to his family.
General Heckman thanked Colonel Fellows and his command
for their gallantry during the fighting of the day.

THE CAPTAIN'S SHOWER BATH.
During the hot days of 1863, when the Seventeenth was sta
tioned on the south side of the Trent River, the officers and men
found it pretty difficult to get a comfortable or clean wash or bath
because the river was muddy, and was dangerous to bathe in, on
account of the water-snakes, alligators and other undesirable
things in it, one man having lost his life the previous year by a
snake bite while bathing. But even with this experience, many of
the men and some of the officers risked it, and would take a dip
in the water sooner than go dirty, and to cool off in the hot days
after a hard day's drill or march.
Among the officers was one who did not go into the muddy
waters of the river. He frequently lectured his fellow-officers be
cause they were not as 'wise as he was in providing a suitable equip
ment for taking a comfortable wash and shower bath without risk
ing the doubtful and dangerous aid of the river water.
The other officers knew about the captain's hygienic outfit,
but didn't think much about it, or regarded it as a fad of his. He
was certainly cleanly in his habits and dress, and was fond of good
things to eat. He would boast of these good things, and tell how
fond he was of fresh " cukes' ' and sweet June butter. He certainly
liked good eatables, but he enjoyed them alone, for he never asked
a brother officer to dine or sup with him. He was fond of other
things, not so palatable to others. He was cruel and tyrannical
to the men of his company, and to those of other companies when
they happened to be under his command.

184 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
When enlisted men would forget to observe in the smallest de
tail some rule of military etiquette — rules sometimes unnecessary
and often unwise — he was fond of making them march around in
the hot sun, carrying a log of wood on their shoulders as punish
ment. As a mUitary man he was not in it with many of the other
officers. He was proud, selfish and overbearing, and never was a
favorite with either officers or men, or even with a small minority
of them. (When the survi\dng officers and men of the regiment
read this anecdote, they will not have to be told the captain's
name.) Well, once on a time three of the officers conspired to give that
captain a shower bath that he was not prepared for, and they did
it in good shape. The captain's apparatus was rigged in his bell
tent. It was a wooden structure about eight feet high, upon which
was supported a tin pan of about eight gallons capacity, with a
perforated bottom, and just above it was a small wash-tub hung
on a pivot. Attached to the top side of the tub was a strong cord,
which when pulled by him, would empty the tub into the pan, the
result being a cooling shower in the operation.
One day when the captain was away from his tent, the con
spirators had the tub filled 'with river water, and meeting him when
strolling about the parade ground, entered into conversation.
One of them suggested that it was a good day to have a swim. The
other said, "No; the sun is too hot, and I hate to go into that
muddy river." The captain said, "I have been telling you folks
for a long time how you could have a nice bath in your own camp
at any time, and it doesn't cost much to do it." Another of the
officers said, "How do you do it? I never saw anything of the
kind." Thereupon the captain said, "Come along and I will
show you all about it," and remarked that he had had a splendid
bath about two hours before.
The four officers entered the tent where the outfit was, pro
ceeded to inspect it, and asked many questions about it, as to the
cost of the rig and its operation. The captain readily answered
the queries, explaining its simplicity of operation, and to illustrate
the working of it, stood under the pan and said, "You stand right
here, and after giving yourself a good rubbing with soap, you pull

AT THE FRONT. 185
this cord and the tub empties its contents into the pan, the shower
then comes from there upon you, cleansing and cooling you at the
same time.' ' Suiting the action to the word, he pulled the cord,
the tub discharged its contents, the pan did its work cheerfully,
and the captain got a shower bath he had not bargained for.
To say that he was surprised and thoroughly mad is putting
it mildly. He was furious, and swore that if he knew who played
that trick on him he wouldn't hesitate to kill him. His handsome
uniform, it can be conceived, presented a sad appearance. He was
compelled to take another bath, and send the uniform to a tailor
in the city to be cleaned, dried and pressed.
Just who the three conspiring officers were (they had prevailed
upon their servants to fill the tub with river water, and mum was
the word) deponent saith not; but one of them is alive and well at
this writing, and tells the story 'with much gusto.

HE DIDN'T BLAME THE CAPTAIN.
During the early summer of 1863, the Union and Confederate
forces stationed near and about Newbern and Kingston, N. C,
respectively, were comparatively inactive. The weather was
warm and because of the lull in activity, the inhabitants of the
neutral zone had a season of rest. During this season of quiet the
duties of the Union troops were mainly of the routine order, such
as batallion drills, company drills, guard duty and dress parade.
During this period of rest, the commanding officers of the
regiment and other commands were indulgent to their men,
permitting various kinds of amusement unknown to soldiers
employed in more active campaigning. The enlisted men were
given passes to almost anywhere 'within the lines of the Union
army, but generally they all headed to Newbern, where they had a
chance to do a little shopping and get lunch and refreshments of
a better order than the sutler could furnish. They also availed
themselves of the opportunitj' to visit friends in other regiments
and fraternize with new friends and acquaintances among them.

186 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Among the men indulged with liberal passes was John C-n-y
of Company A, Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry. On the
occasion in question John made his way from the camp of the
Seventeenth Regiment, on the south side of the Trent River, to
Newbern. He was a good fellow, an honorable man, and above
all, a brave American soldier, with an intense love for his country.
While in Newbern, he met many kindred spirits, as good and as
loyal men as he was. They lunched and refreshed together, and
discussed the war situation until their loyalty was at fever heat.
They cared nothing for any country but the United States. They
knew no flag but Old Glory.
Well, the day was drawing to a close, and John, like his
associates, started for camp, which he reached late in the after
noon. On his way to camp, he no doubt brooded over the senti
ments enunciated by himself and pleasant associates of the day,
and the spirit of patriotism, etc., stirred him to the depths. In
fact, John's American eagle soared high and, circling round in the
blue air above the sordid earth, was ready to swoop down upon
anything offensive to John's high notions of true and loyal Ameri
canism. (John, it may be said parenthetically, was of Irish parents,
born in Boston and educated there, and was a fine specimen of a
good, kind, generous and brave Irish-American boy — gentle to all,
except when his patriotic Americanism was aroused, and then — but
to our story.)
As he entered the camp in this mood, John saw Mike Sullivan
(an Irishman, a foreigner), another member of Company A,
coming across the parade ground. In the mood he was then in,
the sight of Mike aroused and intensified John's Americanism until
all the Irishism in his nature was overwhelmed. It maddened him,
and rushing at Mike in true Know-Nothing style, caUed him an
"Irish son-of-a-gun." He struck at Mike and continued to call
him that same funny name. His blows were numerous, hard
and rapid, and had it not been that Mike was an athletic fellow
and well able to parry the blows, he might have suffered. He
did not take the offensive, being too busy defending himself.
John's captain, Henry Splaine, was in his tent about 100 feet
away from the curious encounter, and upon the first hostile move

AT THE FRONT. 187
on John's part was inclined to interfere, but upon hearing the
language used by John, he sat back and laughed himself almost sick
at the fun, though, of course, if the thing had gone too far, he
would have put a stop to it. First Sergeant Joseph C. Richardson
of Newburjrport also witnessed the encounter. He rushed
forward, separated the men, and sent John to his tent until further
orders. A number of the men of the company also saw the en
counter, but made no talk about it.
That evening at roll-call. Sergeant Richardson, in calling the
names of the men, omitted that of C-n-y. The captain, looking
at the Sergeant, remarked: "I observe that you skipped the name
of C-n-y. Why did you do that?"
The sergeant, who was not a tatler, approached the officer,
and saluting him, said in a low tone: "When C-n-y came back
from pass this afternoon he was somewhat irate and had a little
difficulty with Mike Sullivan. Fearing they might become
bad friends, I restrained John and ordered him to remain in his
tent untU further orders." The captain then inquired "Has he
calmed do'wn, and is he now fit for duty?' ' The sergeant replying
in the affirmative, the captain ordered the man restored to duty.
Thus matters stood for several days, when the truce which
one would imagine had existed between the opposing armies was
suddenly broken by the Johnnies, who became decidedly hostile
and aggressive. They made a lively demonstration towards
Batchelder's Creek, placing our troops there on the defensive,
the commanders of the companies of the Seventeenth were sum
moned to Colonel Fellows' tent, informed of the situation and
ordered to supply their men with three days' cooked rations and
sixty rounds of ammunition, as the regiment would march early
next morning for the scene of hostilities.
An early start was made the next morning, the command
reaching its destination early in the afternoon. Colonel Fellows'
command was thrown forward with orders to do picket duty, and
use every precaution to guard against surprise by the enemy.
Captain Splaine was ordered to picket a certain section of the front
line, and after carefully looking into the situation, detailed a
certain number of the men for that duty, and ordered Sergeant

188 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
J. Q. A. Johnson to post the men at points already explained by him.
In about an hour's time, the sergeant returned and reported
that he hadn't men enough to cover all the posts shown him.
One post was still to be filled. "Is this a very important post,
sergeant?' ' The sergeant said it was the most important post of
the lot, adding that he must have an extra good man there, as with
out such a man the enemy might get through, turn our flank and
endanger the whole regiment.
The captain paused, looked along the line of the company,
and said :" Well, sergeant, if this post is as important as you say, it
behooves us to put the best man we have on that post." He
added: "Sergeant, put none but Americans on guard tonight.
Put C-n-y there." There was a dead silence for a moment, but
the boys could not stand it any longer, and they snickered very
perceptibly along the line. Sullivan never budged, but looked
squarely to the front, yet one could see that his face took on a
flush ; but poor C-n-y, who became fully alive to the importance
of the order, shouldered arms, marched two paces to the front,
threw his left arm across his musket, giving the sergeant's salute,
and said: "Captain, I don't blame you. "
He went to that important post to do his duty as a true
soldier, and right well he did it, as he always had done.
The joke on C-n-y soon became common property, and often
the boys were wont to say, when the occasion seemed to warrant
it: "Put none but Americans on guard tonight." This saying
sur'vived while the company was in service, and often since at
company or regimental reunions, when the men indulged in anec
dotes about their service in the army, the story of John C-n-y
and Mike Sullivan was sure to be told, always ending 'with "Put
none but Americans on guard tonight.' '
John, at this 'writing, is ahve and well, and is a good and
respected citizen, as he deserves to be. Some three months ago
of this year (1909) John called at the State House in Boston to see
his old captain, now Colonel Splaine, and told the story himself,
as above related, and no one present enjoyed the anecdote more
than Johii, himself. Some of John's old comrades asked Colonel

AT THE FRONT. 189
Splaine recently why or how John could have spoken to poor
Mike as he did on that occasion. The colonel smiled and said
"I guess John must have been attacked by that new malady called
'dementia Americana.' "

CAPTAIN MAC AND THE LAUGHING MULE.
In the fall of 1863, the Seventeenth Regiment was snugly
housed in barracks on the south side of the Trent River, near
Newbern, N. C. The principal duty of the regiment was company
and battalion drills and dress parade. Detachments were sta
tioned at Evans' Mills, Beech Grove Station and Brice's Ferry.
The company drills were conducted on the open plain beyond,
and in full view of the camp and Colonel Fellows' headquarters.
These drills were interesting, because the men had become as
proficient in drill and disciphne as regulars, and their officers
knew their business to a T. The battalion drills during the after
noons were sights worth seeing. Colonel Fellows commanded at
all these drills, he being the active commander nearly all of the
time, as Colonel Amory was almost invariably detached as brigade
commander, and at times performing even higher duties.
These drills under Colonel Fellows would put any regular
army officers to the blush. Fellows, the superb drill-master,
would put the regiment through a course of evolutions that would
thrUl the beholder. There he was, that handsome, elegant gentle
man, every inch a soldier, his great stentorian, yet musical voice,
ringing out, to be easily heard a mile away, giving orders that none
but skilled veterans could obey, for it required a knowledge of
tactics and drill on the part of the men, as well as the officers, to
obey such intricate orders as he gave. It would be "Double
column at half distance — march!" Form square, double quick —
March!" "Reduce square — march!" "Right companies, right
into line, wheel!" "Left companies, on the right into line,
battalion guide right, double quick — march!" "To form oblique
square; guides on the line; column at half distance, by division,
on third division, right in front, double quick — march" "Right
and left wheel, double quick — march ! Guides post, fix bayonets !' '

190 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
These movements are only a sample of what was ordered by
this fine drill master, and as promptly and exactly executed by
the officers and men of the battalions. The best official function
of the day was dress parade. On these occasions every man, from
the colonel to the drummer boy, looked his best. What a hand
some line those boys would form. Their accoutrements shone
brightly ; their arms glistened in the sun ; their poise was admirable,
their soldierly bearing superb ; not a waver nor a motion, while the
music played from right to left and from left to right again, as the
line stood at parade rest. The adjutant would command: "At
tention, battalion! Present arms!" salutes his colonel, retires to
the rear of the commanding officer, and then Colonel Fellows would
resume command, ordering "Shoulder arms!" and such other
orders as he deemed fit, his musical voice vibrating in the silent
air. The orders of the day and other instructions were then read
by the adjutant, and then the companies were dismissed for the
day. The active duties of the day disposed of, the officers were
wont to gather in small groups to enjoy themselves as circum
stances would perinit, and if the evening happened to be cool they
would naturally seek the society of one another in their quarters.
But as time wore on, the quarters of the more popular officers
became the resort of the greater number. One of the most popular
was Lieutenant Charles O. Fellows — tall, handsome, brave,
dashing, hospitable, entertaining — a worthy son of his gallant
father, Colonel Fellows. If any officer failed to be properly
entertained in Lieutenant Fellows' quarters it was surely his own
fault. It was in these quarters, when they came together, that the
officers raUied one another about mistakes made at drill, dress
parade, or performing some other duty equally important. The
gatherings here were more instructive than the printed tactics,
because the officers had an opportunity to compare notes, and the
less efficient ones gained points from the more efficient.
As a "school of the officers," the quarters of Charley Fellows,
as he was famUarly known, was a useful institution for the dis
cussion often entered into by the officers had a most beneficial

AT THE FRONT. 191
effect on the less efficient among them. When they grew tired of
discussing tactics, some of them would tell stories or guy one another
or criticise any defect of toilet. It was no place to be ungentle-
manly, to tell foolish anecdotes or other pointless stories, and yet
it was one of the most hospitable places to be found in the army.
Many an entertaining story was told there. Wit and sometimes
sarcasm reigned. Some of the stories told were about strong men,
boxers, runners or jumpers, many of the feats related being almost
incredible. It remained for Captain McNamara, however, to
cap the climax.
The story he told once on a time was so unreasonable, so
evidently false, that all present told that he was making it out of
whole cloth. They guyed him, said he was crazy, and that none
but a fool would tell such a story. In their criticism of the captain,
they became so loud and boisterous that the attention of the officer
of the day. Captain Splaine, was attracted to the tumult. He said,
"Come, gentlemen, there is too much noise here. Kindly speak
low. You know it's against camp regulations to make so much
noise at this hour.' '
Captain Tompkins, familiarly known as "Old Tomp," said
"H  , Splaine, how can we help it? If you had heard it, you
would be more severe on Mac than any one of us. Why, Splaine,
the damned lie he told would make a mule laugh.' '
At this, Captain McNamara very excitedly said, "I will
leave it to Splaine if I am not telling the truth, and I'll bet he has
seen the same thing himself.' '
Splaine said he had not heard the story, and therefore couldn't
give an opinion upon a thing he didn't know anything about.
Thereupon Mac told the following story :
"When I lived in the old country, there resided near me a
great jumper. He had outjumped every competitor, had outrun
every runner he contested, and no one knew how far he could
jump. Finally, the people became so interested in the man's
power as a jumper, they determined to put him to the severest
test, and for this purpose made up a long purse for him, if he would
give a public exhibition of his great jumping capacity. Side bets
were made, the man himself taking many of them. He wagered

192 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
that he could jump across a river which, at the point named, was
a quarter of a mile wide. I saw him jump that river," said
Captain Mac. And again the officers howled at him.
"I don't care," said Mac, "it's true, and I loiow that Splaine
will say it is true."
It was well knoOTi that Captain Splaine was the chosen and
tried friend of Captain Mac on all occasions, and now Mac thought
and hoped he would give a decision favorable to him and save him
from the ridicule of his fellow officers. Captain Tompkins here,
broke in saying that, while he was willing to leave it to Splaine
he would first ask Mac a few questions.
"All right," said Mac. "How wide was the river?" "A
quarter of a mile.' ' "Have you got the cheek to ask us to believe
that a man jumped across a river a quarter of a mile wide?' '
Mac's answer was: "Why couldn't he and why shouldn't he?
Sure, he had a mile of a run to it. It's the last feather that breaks
the camel's back."
And now the laughter and uproar was almost beyond control.
When the noise of the outburst had subsided. Captain Splaine was
called upon to render his decision. Mac looked at him imploringly
for a judgment favorable to him. The crowd cried, "Fair play,
Splaine; we want your decision!" Poor Splaine was in a trying
position. He felt greatly embarrassed, but couldn't endorse so
palpable a lie. At the same time he didn't wish to hurt the feelings
of his friend.
While pausing, embarrassed at his peculiar position something
happened which enabled him to attempt a compromise, and to
avoid the painful task of deciding that Captain Mac had been
lying. This " something' ' was a noise from 'without, which sounded
like: "Hee-a haw-a, haw-a, hee-a, hawa-a."
That noise was loud enough to be heard all over the camp,
and Captain Mac and his associates heard it very plainly. Here
was Splaine's opportunity to avoid giving a positive opinion; but
when he did speak, he made things much worse for Mac. Looking
at the latter, he said, "So help me jiminy Johnson, Captain Mac,
even the headquarters mule is laughing at you.' '

AT THE FRONT. 193
McNamara was wild. The officers were beside themselves
¦with glee at the strange turn things had taken, and stamped
Mac as the biggest Munchausen in camp.
The noise made on this occasion, however, was too much for
the forbearance generally shown by Colonel Fellows, who came
along, asked what the uproar was about, and suggested that it
was about time for the officers to retire for the night. Then looking
into his son's quarters, he said, "Lieutenant Fellows, report at
headquarters at once.' '
The majority of the officers, seeing the lieutenant go to head
quarters, and fearing that the colonel was about to scold him,
loitered around in the darkness to learn something about it.
Their fears were soon dispelled, for the laughing at headquarters
became so boisterous that the officer of the day began to think it
was about time to enforce regulations there also.
It appears that when Charley reached headquarters, the
colonel sternly asked him what all that noise in his quarters meant.
Charley related the incidents connected with Mac's story, and the
part the colonel's mule had played in it, on hearing which Colonel
Fellows and his staff could not contain themselves, and gave full
vent to their merriment, and laughed most heartily about Mac
and the Mule.
Next morning. Captain Splaine, as old officer of the day,
called at the colonel's headquarters to make his report about his
duties of the night before, and turn over his instructions to the
new officer of the day. Colonel Fellows inquired of the captain
about the fun of the night before. The captain told the whole
story as related, and there was fresh laughter and more merriment.
The whole party went out to see the mule, and being joined by
other line officers, proceeded to inspect it.
Captain Splaine paid particular attention to the animal,
fondling and patting him, but taking good care to keep away from
his heels, as he was known to be a great kicker. "Fine mule,' ' said
the captain, "fine mule, bless him, for he has a devil of a fine laugh
in him." Captain McNamara never heard the last of the mule story,
and if at any time he inchned to swerve from the truth in his

194 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
relations, some one would remind him to be careful lest the mule
might hear him. ESCORTING THE COLORS.
During the late summer and fall of 1863, the Seventeenth
Massachusetts was stationed in Newbern, N. C, doing provost
duty in that city. A dress parade of the whole regiment each
evening finished the duties of the command for the day. And such
parades ! About 800 men attired in their best, their brasses bright,
their belts and boxes polished, their shoes shined, their gloves
snow white, their muskets shining like silver, were in line on
those occasions.
At the time in question, Colonel Amory was in personal
command of the regiment, and did his best to make the parades
as spectacular and. attractive as possible. These parades were usu
ally wtnessed by generals and other officers who were not actively
employed at the time. Leading citizens and prominent persons
from the northern states also attended to 'witness these parades.
To the civihans they were most attractive and made them wonder
how it was possible that a body of men could do so many things in
unison and so gracefully and so mechanically, at the command
of a single officer.
A variation in the performance came at one cf these parades
one evening, when Adjutant Cheever, after it was over, approached
one of the captains and said" Captain S., Colonel Amory orders you
and your company to escort the colors to headquarters.' '
"Escort the colors to headquarters!" exclaimed the captain,
who knew that this ceremony had never been carried out in that
department before, and perhaps had never been attempted in
the volunteer army. "Yes, sir," said the adjutant, who saluted
and walked away.
Why was this unusual order given? The answer is that,
shortly before, a few officers had remarked that Captain S., was
so well posted that he could not make a tactical mistake on
battalion drill, and that he could not be feased on any matter
relating to tactics.

AT THE FRONT. 195
On the evening before gi'ving the unusual order in question,
the same statement was made at the supper of the field and staff
at Colonel Amory's headquarters, upon leaving which the colonel
said: "I 'will puzzle him before tomorrow night." When asked
how he could do it, he declined to explain. Hence the order on
the following day to escort the colors to headquarters.
When the captain received the strange order, though he had
made no special study of that most interesting movement, he
prepared to carry it out as if it were only a common company drill.
He made proper disposition of his company, received the colors
and guard in due form, and started his colunm, having to make
various wheels and movements in the course of his march, so that
he could arrive at headquarters "right in front." The towering
Colonel Amory, with mischief in his eyes, watched the company's
progress and 'with quick long strides he reached headquarters
before the company did, and took position on the front steps lead
ing up to the door of the headquarters building.
The company soon after arrived, halted and wheeled left into
line, presented arms, etc., when Lieutenant P. C. Mason placed
the colors in the outstretched hand of Colonel Amory.
The colonel then said: "Captain, I have seen the escorting
of the colors done only twice in my life — once in the regular army —
and on that occasion the movement was not properly executed. I
have seen it today for the second time, and the movement has been
properly carried out."
He then congratulated the captain, the lieutenant and the
men on their success and soldierly bearing, and said: Captain,
let Lieutenant Mason march the company to quarters, and you,
sir, will dine at headquarters tonight."
The modest captain reluctantly accepted the invitation. He
found a good dinner, and spent a most enjoyable evening at head
quarters. Colonel Amory admitted the joke of trying to puzzle
the captain, and again congratulated him and his company on
their clever performance of a difficult undertaking.
Hurrah for the volunteers !

CHAPTER VII.

In the City on Provost Guard — Batchelder's Creek by
Colonel Splaine— A Civic Hero in the Muddy Trenches
• — Siege of Washington, N. C, With Signal Guns —
Second Direct Attack on Newbern — Colonel Amory
AND THE Daughter of the Regiment — A Moonlight Drill
Capture and Fate of a Confederate Spy — Muster Out
OF THE Old Seventeenth Regiment and Birth of the
New Organization.
The regiment, ha'ving been back in Newbern since October 1,
1863, and again comfortably housed, while doing provost guard
duty. Colonel Amory in command of the regiment, everything
went merry as a marriage bell until February 1, 1864, when the
most serious disaster which had befallen the regiment came.
The men had been doing their prettiest and behaving their
best, and had gone through enjoying their third Christmas in the
army, little dreaming what the morrow might bring forth. In a
little more than a month they found out.

THE BATCHELDER'S CREEK AFFAIR and THREATENED
ATTACK ON NEWBERN.

By Colonel Henry Splaine.
About one o'clock of the morning of February 1, 1864, a dis
tant rumbling, like thunder, was heard by the guards and others in
and about Newbern. Many good sleepers, soldiers among them,
[196]

AT THE FRONT. 197
knew nothing about the cause of that noise until the following
morning. The Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry was then doing
provost guard in the city and its immediate suburbs, the right wing
being quartered in houses in the city proper and the left wing in
tents a short distance in the rear of Fort Totten.
At the hour above named. Colonel Fellows received an order
from General Palmer, commanding the forces and defences of New
bern to send such officers and men of the left wing of his regiment
stationed at Fort Totten as were not actually on guard duty, to Bat
chelder's Creek, to re-enforce Colonel Classon, and to send a com
petent officer to command the detachment. Colonel Fellows, in
obedience to General Palmer's orders, directed a certain officer, who
had been promoted only a few days before and whose new grade
just fitted him for the task in hand, — as there were only 110 en
listed men hurriedly called together for the emergency — to take
command of. The newly promoted officer hesitated and said that he
did not have a horse to ride, whereupon Colonel Fellows directed
his quartermaster to prepare a certain horse for the officer at once;
but to this offer the officer demurred, saying that he did not know
anything about the horse, and therefore was afraid to ride him.
Colonel Fellows, who was now so disgusted at the manner in which
the officer was trying to evade the responsibility of taking the de
tachment to the point of danger, said to his adjutant (Cheever) :
"Go at once, 'with my compliments, to General Palmer, and say
that I have already taken command of the detachment myself, and
have started on the march. After that, you, adjutant, join me
as soon as you can.' '
Colonel Fellows, the brave and dashing officer, in his anxiety
to obey the order of the general, sprang into the saddle, 'without
even waiting for his sword, which was being passed to him by one
of the attendents, saying, "I haven't time — I have my belt and
pistol, but can't wait for the sword!' '
He would not wait for anything, so anxious was he to reach
the point of danger as quickly as possible, to assist his comrades in
defending Colonel Classen's position, the holding of which was so
important to the safety of the city itself. The march was a hurried

198 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
one, the little band under Colonel Fellows reaching the point of
conflict long before daybreak.
The rumbling which had been heard about one o'clock contin
ued, until it dawned upon all in the city that the noise was the
thundering of Confederate artillery. And now could be heard the
clattering of horse's feet everywhere on the streets, the riders of
which, whether they were aids or orderlies, were bearing the news
of the conflict at the outpost — or with orders to commanding
officers to hold their troops in readiness for any contingency.
During the early morning, rumors of the disaster to our forces at
the outpost were freely circulated, but no one wanted to believe
them. Later on, however, these rumors were confirmed, when
Colonel Classon, with his command on platform cars, steamed
into Newbem. But where was Colonel Fellows and his detach
ment of the Seventeenth? There was no news from them, and
all were wondering what had become of them.
It appears that when Colonel Fellows and his command re
ported to Classon they were immediately put into action, and
right well did they acquit themselves; but at a critical moment
they were neglected, deceived and deserted by Colonel Classon,
who hurried his men on to the steam-cars, and retreated to New
bem, leaving Colonel Fellows and his handful of men to their fate.
After maintaining the conflict against thousands of the enemy
for'a time, finding his little band was literally surrounded by the
Confederates and knowing that it would be futile to attempt to
escape as an organized body. Colonel Fellows ordered his men to
save themselves. The best military men in Newbern said that
the colonel had acted wisely. A heavy fog prevailed that morning,
and this, together with the smoke of the conflict, enabled quite a
number of the officers and men to escape through the woods. Lieu
tenant Cann, 'with his platoon almost intact, escaped through the
bushes, and found themselves in the deserted camp of Colonel
Classon. The garrison flag was flying, but was saved by Lieuten
ant Cann and his men, who also destroyed all the tents and military
storesthere, by burning them; and as the lieutenant and his men
were going out from one side of the camp, the Confederates were
coming in at the other side.

AT THE FRONT. 199
Eight officers, including Colonel Fellows, and sixty-two en
listed men, were captured by the Confederates. A few men were
killed and several wounded. Dr. I. F. Galloupe, who was well
mounted, might have escaped, but he refused to leave Adjutant
Cheever, who was wounded. He remained with him and rendered
all the surgical aid he could, and while doing so, was captured, to
gether with his patient. Of the sixty-two enlisted men of the Seven
teenth who were captured that morning, only four ever returned to
freedom, the other fifty-eight having died in Andersonville prison
of starvation. When the extent of the disaster became known to General
Palmer, it was hurry, skurry — hustle, bustle — aids and orderlies
riding like mad in all directions. Telegraph wires were hot with
messages to all outlying posts, and all men, no matter where sta
tioned, were ordered to concentrate at Newbern. The right wing
of the Seventeenth Massachusetts, housed in the city proper and
doing provost duty, was at once sent to the line of works flanking
Fort Totten and the provost duty was performed by the clerks and
other civil employees of the government.
By early afternoon every available man was in position in the
defences of the city, and as the commands from the outlying dis
tricts reported for duty, they were assigned to positions in the
works, or kept as reserves at a convenient distance behind those
already in the works. As night approached, a strong line of
skirmishers was thrown out in front of the works, and extended
from the Neuse River to the Trent River. The writer remembers
well that his company was placed as skirmishers across the Neuse
road, and extending to the main gate of Fort Totten. The assis
tant adjutant-general of the district placed these guards, and the
instructions given to the 'writer were that there was no organized
body of Union troops outside the lines then, but there doubtless
were a few scattered bands or individuals after the flght of the
morning. "These latter," he said "you ¦will admit, of course;
but if any large body of organized troops approaches, you may
rest assured it is the enemy, and it will be your duty to fire upon it.' '
My men were in line when these orders were given me; but after
the departure of the assistant adjutant-general, I said to my men:

200 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
"Take your orders from me, and upon your lives do not fire until
I order you to.' '
The night wore on, and just at one o'clock A. M., of February
2d, a noise in front of the pickets stirred every one up. There was
a clanging of sabres, clattering of hoofs and the low-toned words
of command by officers as the command neared the skirmishers.
Realizing that the approaching body was an organized command,
and perhaps a large one, I called to my men: "Steady there!
I will do the challenging !' ' Whereupon I ran forward and shouted :
"Halt! Who goes there?" The answer came: "Twelfth New
York Cavalry." — "Who commands you?" "Colonel Savage." —
"Is Colonel Savage present?"— "Yes."— "Then teU him to dis
mount and advance alone to be recognized.' '
Colonel Savage met me in the middle of a muddy pool, having
a length and width of about 300 feet, a depth of about three feet.
Here we met, shook hands — as I recognized him and gave him
permission to pass with his command inside the works, and added :
"For G  sake, colonel, march your men in through this gate.
It will be dangerous for you and your command to go in any other
direction, for the guards are all ordered to fire at any organized
body of men coming from 'without." Notwithstanding the re
quest and words of caution from me, Colonel Savage headed
his column in another direction, supposedly to avoid the mud
puddle. My lieutenant. Mason, was in command at the other
gate, and had he not been thoroughly instructed by me as to how
he should receive organized bodies from without, firing would
have been the result. Lieutenant Phil C. Mason knew what his
orders meant and knew how to obey them.
If that fine regiment of cavalry had been fired upon by my
pickets, all the batteries of Fort Totten would have been opened,
and the firing would have extended along the infantry line for half
a mile on either flank of the fort, and Colonel Savage and his com
mand would have been 'wiped off the face of the earth. What was
true of my part of the line was true of all parts, for the instructions
were substantially the same to all commanders. It 'will be seen
what a calamity was averted by the intelligence of a few line

AT THE FRONT. 201
officers who knew what to do at a correct time — who knew more
than some of their superiors about the art of war.
Feeling ran high in Newbern among the troops, — especially
so when they discovered that the enemy was in force and com
manded by the doughty warrior. General Pickett, who had led
the memorable rebel charge at Gettysburg. Some even thought
that the city would fall, but all were determined to make a stub
born fight.
The most sensational thing of all happened on the third night
of the Confederate investment, when our war steamer "Under
writer' ' was blown up by Captain Howard and his men of the Con
federate na'vy, who came down the Neuse River in boats, with
muffied oars, and boarded the ship at one o'clock in the morning,
and after robbing her of everything they wanted, blew the ship and
some of her crew to fragments. The spectacle was awful and awe-
inspiring. At this terrible sight, and the thunderous noise ac
companying it, all sprang to arms, not knowing what would
happen next.
Later in the night, the Confederate bands struck up some lively
mihtary airs, which called forth a musical response from the band
stationed in Fort Totten. Tired, weary and sleeping in the muddy
trench, I was awakened by Lieutenant Phil Mason, who called
my attention to the music. I listened for a moment, and then said,
"The enemy is retreating. Their music is only throwing dust in
our eyes to cover their retrogade movements." When broad
daylight came, it was discovered that the enemy had departed.

A CIVIC HERO IN THE MUDDY TRENCHES OF
NEWBERN.
Following the disaster at Batchelder's Creek on February 1,
1864, and the investment of Newbern by General Pickett's Con
federate forces, the feeling was intense among soldiers and civilians,
many believing that the city was doomed to fall into the hands
of the enemy; but the best efforts of both commanders and sub-

202 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
ordinates were put forth to make the best possible resistance.
As a consequence, every man who was well enough to stand up was
brought to the defence of the city.
These efforts were not confined to the officers and enlisted
men of the army. The patriotic citizens doing business there and
the civilian employees of the government also became imbued with
the spirit of resistance, and determined to assist the troops in
every possible way in their power. Notable among the young
men among the government employees was one who had made
every effort, but without success, to become an officer or a soldier
in the Union army, and his failure to be one or the other was
through no fault of his. He had graduated from Harvard College
shortly after the war broke out, and at once tried to enlist as a
private soldier, but was rejected on the ground that he was not
strong physically. Failing in this, he made another attempt
and through the good offices of influential friends, was promised a
position on the staff of a general officer, but after waiting a con
siderable time, and receiving no encouragment that the promised
position would be given him, he made up his mind to go to the
front on the civil list among government employees. He did so,
and found himself doing the duty of chief clerk in the commissary
department at Newbern, N. C.
On the occasion of the investment of that city by General
Pickett, this young man organized a company of civil employees,
had them uniformed, armed and otherwise equipped for field
ser'vice, and marched them up to and into the trenches near Fort
Totten. By this patriotic action, both he and his associates
took their lives in their hands, so to speak, for had the city fallen
and the enemy discovered they were not regularly enlisted men
they were liable to be shot. No one knew better than the young
civilian captain the risk they were running, but they cast their
lot with the Union troops, come weal or woe, and took the respon
sibiUty. They occupied a position on the right of Captain Splaine's
company of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers. The
veterans could not help admiring the gallant bearing of this young
ci'vilian captain and his men. They were all young, intelUgent

AT THE FRONT. 203
boys, and presented a neat, soldierly appearance, and the captain
elicited favorable comment from the army officers for the way in
which he handled his company. Many of the soldiers remarked:
what fools these fellows were to leave their comfortable quarters
down town to come out and sleep in the muddy trenches; but they
came and roughed it with the enlisted men for three days and
nights, and held themselves ready to fight to a finish.
On the night of the third day, they, as well as the soldiers
'witnessed a spectacle which they must have long remembered.
It was the blowing up of the Union gunboat "Underwriter."
This was accomplished by Captain Howard and men of the Con
federate na'vy, who came down the Neuse River in boats, boarded
the gun boat quietly, captured the guards without firing a shot,
took from the ship what they wanted and blew up the vessel,
sending her crew into eternity. The scene was awe-inspiring and
stiU lingers in the memories of the survivors of the siege of Newbern.
After Pickett's forces had retired from in front of Newbern,
the civilians returned to their quarters and regular employment,
after receiving the thanks of General Palmer and many other
officers who had 'witnessed the heroism shown by the young
captain and his men in the hour of peril. Captain Splaine and
others remarked at the time that it was a pity that the young man
commanding that company wasn't a commissioned officer in the
army. If he were, the army would have had a brave and dashing
officer, who would have reflected honor and credit on his country,
his State, and himself. This young man, it may be stated, was
Frederick T. Greenhalge, afterwards the efficient and popular
governor of Massachusetts, whose untimely death prevented him
from succeeding himself in that high office.

DAVID WALLACE.

Three Confederate Soldiers Surrender to Him.
On the morning of February 1, 1864, after the disaster to a
detachment of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment at Batch-

204 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
elder's Creek, Da%dd Wallace, like many others of the command,
sought refuge in the forest, hoping sooner or later to reach the
L^nion lines. During that day and the follo\\ing night, he struggled
in vain to find succor, and although he frequently heard human
voices and the rumbling sound of artillery wheels, he did not dare
to venture out , fearing that he would march into the arms of the
enemy. On the morning of February 2d, he was so tired, cold and
hungry that he made up his mind to seek shelter and food at any
cost. Soon he saw smoke "that so gracefully curled" through
the evergreens, and being very cold, determined to approach the
fire. He found a camp fire, and near it a booth made of boughs,
and within the booth the trappings of soldiers. He took a seat
on a log near the fire and awaited developments. In a short time
three Confederate soldiers, evidently the proprietors of the booth,
appeared. Da'vid did not stir, belie-ving that the jig was up, but to his
surprise the enemy seemed more embarassed than himself. They,
belie'ving that Da-vid represented a considerable Union force,
became alarmed, advanced and surrendered to Da^vid. Soon
realizing the advantage thrust upon him, Da-vid put on some
friUs, accepted the surrender, and marched the three to Newbern,
as prisoners of war.
General Pahner warmly thanked Da-vid for his discreet and
gallant conduct.
SIGNAL GUNS.

Siege of Washington, N. C, and Evacuation of the Town.
On April 14, 1864, six companies of the Seventeenth Regi
ment, then stationed in Newbern, were ordered to board trans
ports for Little Washington, to re-enforce the troops there under
command of General Harland. The singular thing about this
movement was the fact that although the major part of the
regiment, carrj-ing the regimental colors -with them, the command
ing officer at that time saw fit to remain at his comfortable quarters

AT the front. 205
in Newbern, and sent Captain J. R. Symonds of Company K,
in command. The regiment was unused to such tactics. Colonel
Amory was acting brigadier-general, and Colonel Fellows was a
prisoner of war at the time. It seemed that the man who had
succeeded to the command of the regiment thought more of his
personal safety than about its welfare or reputation. The officers
and men of the six companies were not displeased at this change
of commanders. They didn't love or respect the one who re
mained in Newbern, but they did know Captain Symonds, and
trusted him. They knew he was brave and patriotic, painstaking
and honest, and never failed to look after the comfort of his men.
The regiment, with other commands, reached Washington
late that night, but did not land until next morning. On landing
they were assigned to positions along the line of defensive works,
the companies, with the exception of those of Captain Splaine and
Smith, being separated, these companies being stationed on the
extreme right, occupying Fort Mclver. Captain Symonds made
headquarters near the latter companies, and kept himself in
constant touch -with the other four.
The officers and men now settled down to duty, observed their
surroundings, and prepared to do their part in the defence of the.
town, the chief duty being to watch and be ready at all times
Not more than half the men were allowed to sleep at one time, the
other half remained awake and under arms, ready for any emer
gency. They were confronted by a superior force under General
Hoke, who was known to be an able and aggressive commander,
and that he and his army were then flushed -with their recent capture
of Plymouth, N. C, -with many prisoners and a large quantity of
supplies. Hoke's army had Washington completely invested,
and it seemed only a question of time as to when the assault would
begin Things went on in this way for several days, when General
Harland made up his mind that he would find out whether Hoke
was in force or not and for this purpose detailed about forty
skirmishers from the Seventeenth Massachusetts to make a
reconnoisance along the enemy's center.

206 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The skirmishers were placed in command of Capt. George W.
Graham, a cavalry officer, who knew nothing about infantry
skirmishing, though Captains Splaine and Smith and Lieutenant
Fellows offered their services to command them. General
Harland thanked these officers, but remarked that he would
not make any change then. The men, kno-wing their business,
deployed mostly on their o-wn hook, and went forward against the
enemy. AVhen they reached a gro-wth of timber they found Hoke's
skirmishers, and an active fusillade ensued. Hoke's men had
-witnessed the approach of our men across an open area of about
a third of a mile, and had ample time to meet them.
One of the incidents worth noting, which was plainly visible
to officers and men in the works, was the encounter between
Crofts of Company C, Seventeenth Massachusetts, and a rebel
skirmisher. Each, as he saw the other, jumped behind a stump.
Both dodged and ducked for a while, but finding that such strategy
didn't count, both levelled their rifles across the stumps and
flred. The rebel was the better marksman, and poor Crofts
rolled over a corpse, -with a bullet in his brain. They fired simul
taneously. Keefe, of Company H, Seventeenth, was also killed,
and a few others slightly wounded. Graham did not await the
"recall" on the bugle, but ordered the men to fall back, and on
reaching the works, assured General Harland that Hoke's army was
outside in full force, and evidently intent on mischief. The
bodies of Crofts and Keefe were recovered and buried in the yard
of a house in the town which can be located even at this late day
by Captains Splaine, Smith, Fellows, or Sillars.
For several days after the skirmish, the orders were to watch
and wait, -with equipments on and arms at hand, ready for any
emergency. A feeling of gloom pervaded the ranks of the defend
ers, for it became more and more evident from day to day, that
the to-wn was doomed. The only means of retreat was by water,
and the question with the commanding officers was, had Hoke
the force at command to prevent the escape of the besieged
Union force on transports? The crisis came nearer and nearer,
for Hoke's lines were being dra-wn closer, and it seemed a
question of only a few hours when the assault would be made.

AT THE FRONT. 207
Finally, on April 22, General Harland called the commanders of
regiments, batteries, etc., together, and told them to quietly make
preparations to evacuate the town, but not to advertise it among
the troops or inhabitants. On that evening, Captain Splaine
commanding at Fort Mclver, received orders to fire, at 10 p. m.,
that night, three guns — a single gun first, and then, after a lapse
of two minutes, two guns in quick succession. Then he was to
disable the guns. When the captain read his orders, he knew
what they meant. It was a signal to General Foster, at Newbern,
seventy miles distant, that General Harland had decided to evacu
ate Little Washington. The three shots fired by Captain Splaine
were not blank cartridges, but shell from two big 64-pounders.
They were fired into General Hoke's camp, where they exploded,
causing considerable trouble and excitement, the rebel general,
supposing that the Yanks were about to assume the offensive.
The noise waked up the garrison and caused them to spring to
arms, thinking that some unexpected move on the part of the
enemy had been discovered.
After the firing, Splaine, pursuant to orders, spiked the guns,
and threw them -with their carriages, do-wn from the parapet into
the ditch, a distance of thirty feet. They were so spiked and
thoroughly put out of commission that "no sound could awake
them to glory again.' '
Colonel Splaine says that the destruction of those fine guns,
after their discharge, was among the most painful duties he ever
had to perform.
The evacuation began next morning, and as the Union troops
were in motion towards the transports, the Confederate cavalry
and infantry were at the heads of the streets and inside our line
of works. There was no firing, the Union troops being -willing
to get out of the to-wn and the Confederates desirous that they
should. All the members held to arms on the transports, and a
few small gunboats were in readiness to protect and cover embarka
tion. Finally, the transports steamed down the river, with the
gunboats in the rear. Very few army stores or supplies fell into
the enemy's hands, and it may be added. Little Washington itself
did not long remain in the possession of the captors. It was again

208 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
occupied soon after by the Union troops, Hoke finding it im
practicable to hold the place.

MAY 5, 1864.
SECOND DIRECT ATTACK ON NEWBERN BY
CONFEDERATES.

Colonel Amory Developing the Enemy's Position.
On May 5, 1864, General Hoke, commanding a considerable
Confederate army, made an unexpected attack on our small force
at Evans Mills, sweeping everything before him, and pushed on
towards Newbern, with the evident intention of capturing the
city and its defenders. At the same time, a detachment of his
command moved against Brice's Ferry, for the purpose of prevent
ing any attempt by the Union forces to interfere with his lines
of communication and supply, and also to keep open his only
road of retreat in case he failed in capturing the city.
Still another detachment of Hoke's army made a demonstration
against Batchelder's Creek, which was about ten miles out on the
Neuse Road, for the purpose of confusing the Union general as to
his real intentions. It did not take long to divine the meaning of
these movements, and accordingly prompt and intelligent dis
position of the various commands in and around Newbern was
made, to meet the attack of General Hoke.
On the south side of the Trent River, in addition to the
Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, a detachment of which
held Brice's Ferry, there was Fort Gaston, commanding the
county bridge and the open plain eastward from the Trent River;
and there was Fort Spinola on the banks of the Neuse River
commanding the river, the long bridge and also a portion of the
plain already referred to.
These two forts were well manned and well supplied with
artillery and ammunition, and no doubt would have made them-

AT THE FRONT. 209
selves felt in case Hoke's command had come to close quarters.
Between these forts the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry
held a line of earthworks, which, although not the strongest,
yet would have sheltered the men fairly well if the enemy had seen
fit to advance across the plain.
At this juncture, at about 10 a. m.. Colonel Amory, then
commanding our brigade, came rushing over the county bridge,
having with him a section of field artillery and a small cavalry
escort. He, with his small command, dashed across the plain,
which was about 1,200 yards from the bridge, and there opened on
Hoke's command for the sole purpose of dra-wing the enemy's
fire, by which he could readily understand the whereabouts of
Hoke and the make-up of the Confederate forces.
The position of Colonel Amory, near the edge of the woods,
blazing away at the enemy, looked so isolated and dangerous, that
the writer of this sketch, then a captain in the Seventeenth
Massachusetts, said to the major commanding the regiment:
"Why wouldn't you order my company over there to protect
our colonel. The enemy may burst from those woods any moment
and either kill or capture the little party." The answer of the
major was that he had no order to do so, and therefore would not
take the responsibilty. The captain then said, "If I take the
responsibilty, -will you let me go?" To which the major answered,
"No, sir."
General Hoke was too skillful a commander to respond to
Amory's in-vitation to expose his whereabouts just then, and after
shelling the woods for about an hour. Colonel Amory and party
-withdrew, but not until after a monitor car had been sent do-wn
the railroad track, supported by Captain Mullally and his company,
who skirmished continuously on and into the woods. No enemy
appearing, the company was recalled. On the foUo-wing day.
General Hoke sent, under a flag of truce, a demand for the sur
render of the city, and giving a short respite for the removal of
the women and children.
The Confederate major who commanded the flag party, and
after Hoke's letter had been forwarded to General Palmer, talked
pleasantly to the officers and men composing our outpost, and

210 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
remarked, as he could see the Gaston House from where he sat
on his horse: "We -will have supper in the Gaston House tonight.' '
To this remark, Warren Haines of Company F, ever ready with
his cutting wit, asked the major: ""Have it hot or cold. Major?"
The surrender was refused, and some time before the next morning,
Hoke's army had been suddenly recalled by his government, and
sent where he was of more importance than capturing Newbern.

BIRTH OF THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT.
Colonel Splaine thinks that it is worth relating here that,
during the very time that the gallant Colonel Amory was endeavor
ing to draw the flre from Hoke's position, and almost unnecessarily
exposing himself in the service of his country, something of great
and interesting importance was taking place at his residence across
the Trent River, in the Governor Stanley House, where his wife
and children resided. The something referred to was the birth
to the wife of the colonel of a beautiful baby girl. Mrs. Amory,
in her suffering moments, heard the booming of artillery, and ask
ing the attending physicians and others what the noise meant, was
told that it was practice day for the artillery, but the trained ear
of the noble wife, who had campaigned so much with her gallant
husband, could not be deceived, whereupon she exclaimed, "Those
are shotted guns, and I fear the enemy is attacking our position."
The first intimation that Colonel Amory had of the happy
situation was when he with his section of artillery and cavalry
escort were near the county bridge. Returning from his artillery
challenge to Hoke, he met one of his staff officers coming at full
gallop to appraise him of the event at home. It is needless to say
that Colonel Amory hurried his horse, to congratulate his wife
and others there, and also to hail his new daughter, Laura Carolina
Amory, the future daughter of his own regiment.
The presence of Colonel Amory at his home, and his assurance
that there was no danger to the city or her family, helped Mrs.
Amory to recover rapidly and they were -visited and congratulated

AT THE FRONT. 211
by all the officers of rank, and by many prominent ladies from
the North who were making short visits to their husbands or friends.
A few weeks afterwards, several officers of the Seventeenth
visited the home of Colonel Amory to pay their respects to Mrs.
Amory and to welcome the daughter of the regiment to membership
in the command. There are a few officers of the regiment still
alive at the writing of this sketch, who saw the baby girl before
she was able to see them.
It was a season of joy and triumph for the Amory family,
Laura receiving more attention than any one else, while her
heroic father was being complimented by every one for his spirited
attack on Hoke's army at the critical moment when Laura was
born. But among all who congratulated and complimented
the family, there was no one prophetically wise enough to see in
the very near future how much sickness, death and sorrow awaited
the Amory family.
Soon after the incidents above related. Colonel Amory was
ordered to Beaufort to take command of that sub-district of
NorthCarolina, his family going there to reside with him.
On July 17, 1864, Colonel Amory's regiment, the Seventeenth
Massachusetts was mustered out after a service of three years,
the veterans of the command being organized as a veteran battalion
and Colonel Amory still retaining the colonelcy. The reorganized
regiment a few weeks afterwards was sent to Newport Barracks,
or Shepardsville, a section of the colonel's sub-district of Beaufort.
During the latter part of September, the veterans were per
mitted to go home on forty days' furlough, and while in the North
the members learned with profound sorrow of the death of their
beloved commander, his wife and her mother, all having died at
Beaufort on the seventh day of October, 1864.
That terrible scourge, the yellow fever, broke out in Newbern,
and soon spread to outlying districts. The scourge reached
Beaufort and carried off the adult members of the Amory fa-mily,
leaving the four helpless chUdren in the hands of strangers. For
tunately there were two brothers of Colonel Amory in the Second
Heavy ArtiUery stationed at Newbern, Major William A. and
Lieutenant Robert G., who, with the prompt and active assistance

212 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
of Colonel Jones Frankle, commanding their regiment, the Amory
children were soon properly cared for, the three elder being sent
to their grandparents in Jamaica Plain, Mass., while Laura, the
baby, then only five months old, was sent to her aunt then residing
in New York.
In a short time, Laura, in charge of a faithful and intelligent
colored nurse, both accompanied by a commissioned officer,
the latter armed wth letters of introduction, reached the home
of the baby's aunt in New York. The door bell was rung, but a
servant looking out of a window and observing the colored woman
bearing in her arms a baby, caUed the aunt, saying "Here is a
colored woman with another baby." It appears that on the day
before Laura's arrival, a foundling had been found on the door
steps, and the aunt fearing that a repetition of what happened
the day before was about to be enacted, promptly ordered the
party away; but as the party turned to go, it was noticed that the
nurse and baby had a companion, in the person of the commis
sioned officer, who was holding in his hand some letters.
Upon seeing this the aunt called the party back, read the
letters, cordially welcomed the visitors, and at once proceeded
to make her baby niece comfortable and happy. Within a year
the little girl was claimed and taken home by her paternal grand
parents to Jamaica Plain, Mass., where she was re-united with
her older brothers and sister.
At the age of six she was adopted by her uncle, Major Charles
B. Amory, of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and
-with his family was taken to New Orleans, where the major resided
during twenty years, engaged as a cotton merchant. Laura grew to
be a handsome girl, and became highly educated and accomplished.
She became a reigning belle among the four hundred of that
southern city. In the course of time she married Thomas C.
Dugan, a rich sugar merchant of that city. He died some ten years
afterwards, when Mrs. Dugan became a resident, alternately, of
New York, New Jersey, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park and Wellesley.
She has travelled extensively through the European countries,
but of late has spent much of her time in looking after the educa
tion of her brother's children.

AT THE FRONT. 213
In 1899, she was induced to attend a reunion of the veteran
soldiers of her father's regiment at Haverhill, Mass., where she was
adopted as the Daughter of the Regiment. She has attended a
few gatherings since, and is always a welcome guest. When she
-writes or speaks about the veterans of the Seventeenth, she calls
them her soldiers. She never spoke a truer word, for they are to a
man ready to die for her protection. She is not only the Daughter
of the Regiment, but also among those warriors she reigns as their
queen, and the queen of her father's own regiment, the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Volunteers.
The -writer has just learned that during the spring of 1911,
the Daughter of the Regiment had become the beloved wife of
Hon. Amory Appleton Lawrence of Boston.

A MOONLIGHT DRILL.
In the latter part of June, 1864, the Seventeenth Massachusetts
Regiment was tenting on the south side of the Trent River, near
Newbern, N. C. The officer in command was Major Luther Day,
Colonel FeUows then being a prisoner of war, and Colonel Amory
in command of a brigade. At the time the event to be narrated
took place. Captain Splaine was officer of the day, and having
completed his rounds among his guards was sauntering towards
his tent, noting as he went, what a beautiful night it was. The
hour was midnight. The moon shone resplendently, and the stars
seemed to sparkle with unusual brilliancy. As the captain
wonderingly gazed upon the brilliant spectacle, and thought what
it implied — a universe of grand and glowing orbs, no doubt the
abodes of life and enjoyment — he said to himself, "Astronomy
must be a fascinating and improving study. If I live through this
war, I will obtain some standard works on that science, and try
to understand something of its revelations.' '
At this moment he was rudely awakened to things terrestrial
by a voice, which said, "Look here, Splaine, I want to talk with
you. You have the name of being a good drill-master, and now

214 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
that we are alone, no one else to see or hear us, I want you to give
me a good drilling in the manual of arms. It is something I am
woefully deficient in and I am ashamed of myself for it.' '
It was, indeed, a great come-down for Splaine, to be dragged
from the contemplation of the heavenly bodies to a moonlight
drill in the manual of arms. The voice that shattered his abstract
musings came from a fellow-officer of the Seventeenth, whom we
shall call Captain Squad. At a glance Captain Splaine saw that
his brother officer had been making the rounds of the officers'
quarters, and having finished up a pleaseant evening among
hospitable friends, was in a mood to enter into any diversion,
even a drill in the manual of arms.
It was well known that Splaine was not devoid of humor,
and was fond of mischief, but not to injure anyone. He was always
ready to help a friend, and willing to take the worst end of a
joke rather than offend a brother officer, even when the latter was
at his mercy.
In reply to Squad's request, he said: "Well, captain, if you
get a musket, I'll do the best I can for you.' '
Captain Squad went to the tent and soon returned with the
desired weapon. Assuring himself that it was not loaded, Splaine
chose a position with his back to the moon, making his pupil face
the moonlight. The position assigned to Squad was in front of a
stunted pine tree about twelve feet high, but quite bulky. Splaine
addressed his pupil as he would a squad of men on drill. He began;
"Squad, take the position of a soldier under arms. Squad,
shoulder arms! Present arms! Now, extend the fingers of your
right hand do\vnward a little! There, all right! Steady now!
Squad, shoulder arms! Squad, order arms! Shoulder arms! Squad,
support arms! Squad, shoulder arms! To fire by platoon, squad,
ready, aim, fire ! Recover arms ! Shoulder arms !
Here the squad interrupted by asking some fool questions,
but the drill master soon suppressed him by saying :
"No back talk sir; no impertinence, sir! Even if you are my
superior officer, you must obey my orders while I am instructing
you . Steady, squad, about face ! ' '

AT THE FRONT. 215
This movement was not well executed, the squad making
complaint that the sand where he was standing was soft and loose.
Splaine said, "Never mind the sand on the ground. I want
sand in the man. Steady, about face! Order arms! That's
no way to do it! Do it -with a snap. Shoulder arms! Squad,
charge bayonets! Squad, shoulder arms! Squad, order arms!"
At this stage of the drill a voice from behind the pine tree said,
in a loud and authoritative tone: "That is the durndest looking
squad I ever saw!" It was the voice of Major Day, and was
unwelcome, as it spoiled the fun. It ended the drill, and besides
depriving Splaine of a good deal of enjoyment, it ended Captain
Squad's ambition. He felt humiliated and became angry, not
with himself or Major Day, but with Splaine, who neglected rest
and comfort to gratify his desire. Squad was so beside himself
-with rage that he threw the musket at Splaine and called him,
among other things the evil genius of the regiment. Splaine
dodged the musket, and Squad retired to his tent, muttering
curses as he went.
Major Day then wanted to know why Splaine called his
friend "Squad." Splaine said he couldn't call him battalion,
company or platoon because he was none of these things, and he
couldn't call him recruit, for he wasn't a recruit, so he had called
him "squad" in the absence of any other title, and added that he
wouldn't have made much of a mistake if he had called him
" awkward squad.' '
It wasn't more than two days before every officer in the regi
ment knew the story of the famous moonlight drill and the cir
cumstances attending it, and it was not a rare thing to hear some
of them singing —
" I'm a raw recruit from a country town,' ' etc.
Captain Squad heard it, but never noticed it. He was game
and took his medicine like a little man.

216 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
CAPTURE AND FATE OF A REBEL SPY.

By Wm. H. Eaton, Company B.
During the early summer of 1864, Company B, Captain
Tompkins, was on outpost duty at Evans Mills, an important
strategical position some six miles south of Newbern, and west of
the railway running from the latter city to Morhead City. At
that time the rebels were active in that section, threatening to
cut off the Union forces in Newbern from communication by rail
-with the sea, the design evidently being to "bottle them up" in
the Newbern district.
To guard against this, our forces in this section of the district
were required to be particularly vigilant, especially in that section
where the Evans Mills were located, and where a blockhouse had
been estabhshed, and other works of a defensive character con
structed. At this post also was stationed a company of the Second
Carolina Mounted Infantry in command of Captain Graham.
One day the outer vidette brought in word to the picket at
the inner bridge that a suspicious person had been seen lurking
around for two hours or more; that the vidette had given chase to
him, and that he had escaped in a swamp. This intelligence being
quickly conveyed to headquarters (in the old Evans House)
the company was at once ordered out and proceeded to the place
where the fugitive had disappeared. This was a pond rather than
a swamp, with water from knee high to waist deep. In about the
center of this pond was a large hillock covered with coarse cane
grass, about twelve feet high above the water surface. The
company was deployed from the road on both sides of the hillock,
and the men were ordered by Captain Tompkins to cross over
to deep water and search the hillock thoroughly. This was done,
but no one was found there.
Two members of the company, William H. Eaton (who was
acting headquarter's clerk) and George Pitman, Jr., continued the
search, the latter saying, "Billy, you go to the right, and I -will go
to the left, and make all the noise you can in the water." This
suggestion was made at the rear of the hillock, and both started

AT THE FRONT. 217
again to go around it on opposite sides. As the two men came
around and turned to meet each other, a strange thing happened.
A man lifted his head above the water and stood up. As quick as
a flash the soldiers grabbed him, Eaton by the right shoulder and
Pitman by the left, and took him and his belongings onto the road.
They marched him to headquarters where he was searched.
In his pocket was found a waterproof tin can, in which, on oiled
silk, were complete dra-wings of the camp and fortifications of
Evans Mills, finely executed. He had with him a six-shooter
carbine. The prisoner, who did not reveal his name, was carried to
Newbern, tried by courtmartial, convicted as a spy and shot.

MUSTER OUT OF THE OLD SEVENTEENTH.
About the first day of July, 1864, Major Day, then command
ing the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, was notified that
orders were soon to be promulgated for the muster-out of the
regiment, and that it would be well to begin preparations for that
event. There was also at the same time a confidential letter
from General Palmer, commanding the district of North Caro
lina, to every commissioned officer of the regiment, asking each
to state whether he would like to remain in the service instead
of going home -with his regiment. What the answers were, no
one except the officers themselves. General Palmer and his assistant
adjutant-general, ever knew.
The object of these inquries was to enable the general to
select from among those signifying their desire to remain in the
service, a sufficient number of suitable and efficient officers to take
charge of the veteran volunteers who had re-enlisted in the field,
and some recruits whose term of enlistment would run on for
from about four months to two years.
The officers did not hear from General Palmer in answer to
their confidential replies until the 15th of the month, and it may
be assumed that while some of them may have been disappointed,

218 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
others had received even more consideration than they had ex
pected from the general.
The preparations for the muster-out went on from day to day,
until about every detail was finished, except to receive and read
the official orders and muster-out rolls — requiring arduous and
patient work to prepare. Government property no longer needed
was invoiced to the quartermaster; officers final account, including
arms, camp and garrison equipage, clothing, ammunition and other
stores, had to be figured up, acted upon, and final returns niade
to the authorities in Washington, without whose receipt and a
statement that the accounts were correct, and that the officer was
not indebted to the government, the said officer could not receive
his final pay.
Things went along in this way for two weeks, some of the
officers and men elated at the prospect of getting home, while
some of the officers were somewhat gloomy, not knowing what the
outcome of their letters to General Palmer would be.
At last, on July 14th, the first order was received, and the
second and final order was received on July 15th. Here they are:
Headquarters.
Special Orders, District of North Carolina,
No. 80. New Berne, N. C, July 14, 1864.
extract.
I. All enlisted men of the 17th Regt. Mass. Vol. Infy,
now on detach service, will report in person to Major L. DAY,
commanding, regiment, at the camp, before twelve o'clock, M.,
tomorrow, the 15th inst. This is Imperative, and the officers now
in charge of these men will be held strictly accountable for the
prompt and complete execution of this order. Major DAY will
report to these Head-Quarters any and every instance of failure in
these men to so report. When they do arrive they vrill remain
in camp with their companies.
By command of Brig. Gen'l I. N. Palmer: J. A. Judson,
Assistant Adjutant General.

at the front. 219
Headquarters.
Special Orders, District of North Carolina,
No. 81. New Berne, N. C, July 15, 1864.
EXTRACT.
III. The term of service of a portion of the 17th Regiment
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry having expired, the following
orders in execution of the provisions of Circular No. 35, current
series from War Department, Adjutant General's Office, are pub
lished for the information and guidance of all concerned.
The re-enlisted men (veterans) and all recruits (drafted and
volunteer), who have joined the regiment since the date of its
original muster-in, except those men enlisted under the authority
of the Honorable Secretary of War given to the Governor of the
State of Massachusetts by telegram dated Washington, D. C,
July 21st, 1862, and published in General Orders, No. 28, series
of 1862, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; all those men who
enlisted prior to the date of the orders referred to, and WHO
RECEIVED NO BOUNTY; and to those men who enlisted in
the regiment in the State of Massachusetts after its muster-in
and prior to its lea-ving for the seat of war, will be formed into
three companies of the legal maximum standard. The remainder
of this same class not sufficient to form a full company will at
the same time be organized as a company. The men who com
pose this last will be selected from those who have the least
time of the whole to serve. These companies (new organization),
wiU be designated " A," " B," " C," and " D," and wiU be officered
by the foUo-wing named officers :
Col. Thos. I. C. Amory,
Capt. Henry Splaine,
Capt. Wm. W. Smith,
Capt. John E. MuUally,
1st Lieut. Thos. F. Newton,
1st Lieut. James Splaine,
2d Lieut. Joseph A. Moore,
2d Lieut. Lewis Cann,
Assistant Surgeon G. W. Clarke.

220 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
The small company ("D") will be officered by one of the
above mentioned 1st Lieutenants only.
The companies will be organized in the following manner to
facilitate future musters-out :
Company "A" will be composed entirely of veterans. Com
pany "B" -nill be composed of the remaining veterans, and a
sufficient number of men (to complete the maximum organization
— not veterans) who have the longest time to serve. Company
"C" will be composed of the next class of men whose terms of
service next expires. Company "D" will be composed of the
remainder. The officers -will be assigned according to present rank —
the senior officers to the company longest to serve.
In the expectation that the regiment will be filled up, it will
retain its own designation, the 17th Massachusetts Volunteers,
and the regimental colors will be retained by Colonel Amory.
All Quartermaster's property, Clothing, Camp and Garrison
Equipages now in the hands of the Company Commanders and
not necessary for the new company will be immediately turned
over to the present Regimental Quartermaster, who is hereby
directed to receive the same as of such condition as he may see
fit to determine. He will then turn in this, and all other Quarter
master's property for which he is responsible to the proper officer
of the Quartermaster's Department at New Berne, N. C, retaining,
however sufficient to provide for the comfort of the regiment on
the voyage to the place of enrollment.
The necessary Ordnance and Ordnance stores, to provide
for the new organization, will be transferred to the new Com
mandants of Companies by the officers now responsible for them
to be received as of such condition as the receiving officers may see
fit. The remainder of the public property in the hands of the
regiment will be taken to the place of enrollment, and there trans
ferred to the proper officers.
These arrangements concluded, the remainder of the regi
ment, under the direction of the Senior Officer to be mustered
out, -will then proceed to the place of enrollment (via Fort Monroe,

AT THE FRONT. 221
Va.,) there to be mustered out and paid off in accordance with the
Mustering Regulations of the Army.
The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transportation.
" Fort Spinola' ' Wharf will be the place of embarkation.
IV. The Commanding General takes this occasion to ex
press his regret at the loss of the 17th Massachusetts Volunteers.
The officers and men have served faithfully, and they have fairly
earned the glad welcome they will surely receive in the Old Bay
State. To the veterans of the regiment he also wishes to express his
regret that he is not able, at this time, to permit them to go home
with their comrades ; but he hopes soon to be able to grant them
the furlough so long deferred.
By command of Brig. Gen'l I. N. Palmer:
J. A. Judson,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Upon receipt of the final order (dated July 15, 1864, above
given) and the officers having about completed their returns and
other accounts with the government, and also knowing as to
whether they were going home or were to remain in the service,
there was much consultation among them as to present conditions
and future prospects. It was the breaking up of comrade associa
tion, which, as the time approached, caused much mutual friendly
regret. Some were pleased to go home, others would have been
-willing to remain if chosen, while those who had been chosen to re
main were proud of the honor conferred on them ; but whether going
home, remaining, or willing to remain, a gloom pervaded the
whole camp.
Officers and men who had been together during three years of
honorable service were now about to separate — some for a short
time, some for a longer period, and some perhaps forever. They
had shared in the pleasures and social life of the camp when relaxa
tion was possible and permissable; they had shared in the hard
ships of the march, the bivouac and the battle; they had suffered
hunger, thirst and other privations ; they were loyal and brave to
gether, and had been at all times ready to peril their lives,separately

222 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
or together for the preservation of the Union and the honor and
glory of their country's flag.
On Saturday, July 16, 1864, it being the day after receiving
the final order for muster-out, the old regiment broke camp and
marched from the south side of the Trent River to Fort Spinola
on the Neuse, where they boarded the steamers "New Jersey"
and "Parthenion" for Fortress Monroe, on their way home to the
place of enrollment for final muster-out and pay.
As the old regiment was breaking camp on that July day, it
was a moving spectacle to see the officers and men who were going
home and those who were to remain inthe service, mingle, speak a
few words, shake hands and say good bye.
Colonel Amory was not present to bid farewell to the officers
and men of his regiment. If he were he would have been proud
to thank his command for the honorable and efficient services which
they had rendered their country, and he would wish them godspeed
to their and his own state of Massachusetts. He was then on duty
as commander of the sub-district of Beaufort, and could not be
present. Colonel Fellows was not there to take home the regiment of
his pride, or to wish the members a fond farewell. Colonel Fel
lows, at this time, with seven of his officers and sixty-two of his
men, were languishing in Confederate prisons, as a result of ha-ving
been neglected, and even deserted, by other commands in the
battle of Batchelder's Creek on February 1, 1864. Some of the
officers returned physical wrecks, while of the sixty-two enlisted
men, fifty-eight were starved to death in Andersonville prison.
Had Colonels Amory and Fellows been present they no doubt
would have told the officers and men of the regiment that they had
left their state in honor, had served their term of enlistment in the
field with honor and that now they would have taken them home
in honor, without a single blot or stain on the character of officers
or men, that no act of theirs had sullied the reputation of their
splendid regiment or dimmed the lustre of a single star on the im
perishable Flag they carried.
The regiment was under command of Major Luther Day, who
marched it to Fort Spinola for embarkation for Fortress Monroe

AT THE FRONT. 223
and Massachusetts. As the regiment took up their march, Captain
Splaine, who was to remain in command of the veteran battalion,
shouted to the officers and men who were about to become his
subordinates : "Every mother's son of you — officers, men, guards,
cooks and all — go to Fort Spinola, see your old comrades off, and
cheer them as they go. Lieutenant Moore and I will keep cainp
until you return. I shall expect you all back at a reasonable
hour!" Thus ended the service in the field ofthe gallant old Seventeenth
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

Richard Poetill.
Albert J. Cook.

Andrkw p. Lewis.

Benjamin P. Pogers.
Samuel J. Ford.

CHAPTER VIII.

Birth of The New Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers
— Captain Henry Splaine Assumes Command — Command
Transferred to Newport Barracks — Captain Splaine
in Command of Post — Altercation With Captain Graham
— General Palmer Fears Attack along the Whole Line
— Some Recruits Arrive — Chase of Nickerson, the Rebel
Scout — Capture of Sergeant Perkins- — More of Cap
tain Graham — Capture of Captain George Bell of Con
federate Army — Ordered Home on Veteran Furlough
— Yellow Fever Breaks out — Death of Colonel Amory
— View of Newbern after Furlough — Trading Day at
Outposts — Regiment to be Filled up — Unlawful Keep
ing of Recruits in Second Heavy Artillery — Arrival
op Lieut.-Col. Fellows, Commissioned as Colonel —
Captain Graham again — General Grant and the Sen
try — Many Recruits from Second Heavy Artillery —
Failure of Colonel Fellows to Muster — Eight Full
Companies Organized — Leaving Newport Barracks for
THE Field.
(An officer of the Old and New Seventeenth Regiment con
tributes the following in regard to the formation of the new regi
ment) :
On July 17, 1864, the Seventeenth Regiment Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry, ha-ving taken its departure from the seat of
war, after a service of three years, for the purpose of final pay and
muster-out of the United States, Captain Henry Splaine (officially)
assumed command of the veterans who had re-enlisted in the
field, and some recruits who had enlisted for two or three years.
[225]

226 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The companies were organized in accordance with the provisions, of
Special Order No. SlfromHeadquarters, District of NorthCarolina,
dated Newbern, North Carolina, July 15, 1864, Brigadier-General
I. N. Palmer commanding.
Headquarters.
District of North Carolina,
Special Orders. New Berne, N. C, July 15th, 1864.
Extract.
III. The term of service of a portion of the 17th Regiment
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry having expired, the following
orders in execution of the provisions of Circular No. 36, current
series from War Department, Adjutant General's Office are pub
lished for the information and guidance of all concerned.
The re-enlisted men (veterans) and all recruits (drafted and
volunteer) who have joined the regiment since the date of its
original muster-in, except those men enlisted under the authority
of the Honorable Secretary of War given to the Governor of the
State of Massachusetts by telegram, dated Washington, D. C,
July 21st, 1862, and published in General Orders No. 28, series of
1862, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; all those men who enlisted
prior to the date of the orders referred to, AND WHO RECEIVED
NO BOUNTY; and to those men who enlisted in the regiment
of the State of Massachusetts after its muster-in and prior to its
leaving for the seat of war, will be formed into three companies of
the legal maximum standard. The remainder of this same class
not sufficient to form a full company will at the same time be
organized as a company. The men who compose this last will be
selected from those who have the least time of the whole to serve.
These companies (new organization) will be designated "A,"
" B," " C," and " D", and wiU be officered by the following-named
officers :
Col. Thomas I. C. Amory, 1st Lieut. Thomas F. Newton,
Capt. Henry Splaine, 1st Lieut. James Splaine,
Capt. William W. Smith, 2d Lieut. Joseph A. Moore,
Capt. John E. Mullally, 2d Lieut. Lewis Cann,
Asst. Surgeon, G. W. Clarke.

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 227
The smaU company ("D' ')wiU be officered by one of the above
mentioned 1st Lieutenants only.
The companies will be organized in the following manner to
facilitate future musters-out :
Company "A" will be composed entirely of veterans. Com
pany "B" will be composed of the remaining veterans, and a
sufficient number of men (to complete the maximum organization —
not veterans) who have the longest time to serve. Company " C '
-will be composed of the next class of men whose terms of service
next expire. Company "D" will be composed of the remainder.
The officers will be assigned according to present rank — ^the
senior officers to the companies longest to serve. In the expecta
tion that the regiment -will be filled up, it will retain its own designa
tion, — -the 17th Massachusetts Volunteers, — and the regimental
colors -will be retained by Colonel Amory.
All Quartermaster's property. Clothing, Camp and Garrison
Equipage now in the hands of the Company Commanders and not
necessary for the new companies will be immediately turned over
to the present Regimental Quartermaster, who is hereby directed
to receive the same as of such condition as he shall see fit to deter
mine. He 'will then turn in this, and all other Quartermaster's
property for which he is responsible to the proper officer of the
Quartermaster's Department at New Berne, N. C, retaining, how
ever, sufficient to provide for the comfort of the regiment on the
voyage to the place of enrollment.
The necessary Ordnance and Ordnance stores, to provide for
the new organization, will be transferred to the new commandants
of Companies by the officers now responsible for them to be re
ceived as of such condition as the receiving officers may see fit.
The remainder of the public property in the hands of the regi
ment will be taken to the place of enrollment, and there transferred
to the proper officers.
These arrangements concluded, the remainder of the regiment,
under the direction of the senior officer to be mustered out, will
then proceed to the place of enrollment (via, Fort Monroe, Va.),
there to be mustered out and paid off, in accordance with the
Mustering Regulations of the Army.

228 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transportation.
"Fort Spinola' ' Wharf will be the place of embarkation.
IV. The Commanding General takes this occasion to ex
press his regret at the loss of the 17th Massachusetts Volunteers.
The officers and men have served faithfully, and they have fairly
earned the glad welcome they will surely receive in the Old Bay
State. To the veterans of the regiment he also wishes to express his
regret that he is not able, at this time, to permit them to go home
with their comrades; but he hopes soon to be able to grant them
the furlough so long deferred.
By coinmand of Brig. Gen'l I. N. Palmer: J. A. Judson,
Assistant Adjutant General.
In obedience to the provisions of the foregoing order, Captain
Henry Splaine, the senior officer present, assumed command of the
veterans and other enlisted men remaining in service after the
muster-out of the three-years' regiment, organized them into com
panies and assigned the officer in the following order:
COMPANY "A."
Captain Henry Splaine,
1st Lieut. James Splaine,
2d Lieut. Joseph A. Moore.
COMPANY "B."
Captain William W. Smith,
1st Lieut. Thomas F. Newton,
2d Lieut. Lewis Cann.
COMPANY "C."
Captain John E. Mullaly,
2d Lieut. Malcolm Sillars.
COMPANY "D."
2d Lieut. Lewis Cann.

the new seventeenth. 229
2d Lieut. Joseph A. Moore was detailed as acting adjutant
and acting quartermaster of the battalion.
In assigning the men to the different companies, the first
official act of Captain Splaine was to assign Charles S. Bolton
(of Company H, old regiment) to Company A of the new command,
in justice to Bolton, who had been deprived of the right to serve
in Company A, notwithstanding that the law and regulations under
which he had re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer gave him that right.
At the time of his re-enlistment, he and many others (too many, in
fact) in other companies had chosen to serve in that company,
but there was not room for them, and as a result they were re
manded to their own companies. Bolton alone persisted, as his
right, to serve in the company of his choice, and although he never
refused duty in his own company, he made it hot for some of his
superior officers because they had not done him justice. The
matter became so warm that it was referred to the general com
manding the district, and by him to General B.F.Butler, then in
command of the department. The result of this agitation was that
Bolton was held to duty in his own company, and deprived of his
veteran furlough of forty days in his state.
The new command now settled down to business. The camp
was remodeled and greatly reduced in size. Guard duty and com
pany drills became the order of the day. The closest attention
was paid to the comfort of the men; their uniforms and equipments
were thoroughly cared for, and it is safe to say that in a few days
they were fit for any service required of them.
The command, however, was destined to stay in this camp
only a few days, for on July 26, 1864, in compliance with orders
from District Headquarters, the battalion broke camp and pro
ceeded to Newport Barracks, in the town of Shepardsville, some
twenty-six miles below Newbern, on the line of the railroad to
Beaufort, where it relieved the Ninth Vermont Regiment, Colonel
Ripley, — the Ninth proceeding the same day by rail to Newbern.
The battalion of the Seventeenth Massachusetts reached Newport
Barracks so late that evening that the officers and men had very
little opportunity to look around and see where they were at until
the next day.

230 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Upon assuming command at Ne'wport Barracks, on July 27th,
Captain Splaine found himself at the head of his own battalion,
two companies of New York Cavalry — Captains Cummings and
Span — one company of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery
— Captain N. P. Fuller; and last, but not least, a company of the
Second North Carolina Union Volunteers, commanded by the
notorious Capt. G. W. Graham — making in all a command of about
700 men for Captain Splaine to look after. Graham's company
was composed of loyal North Carolinans, commonly called "Buffa
loes." The regiment to which this company belonged was infan
try, but they were mounted and performed the duty of cavalry.
They were a brave and daring set of men.
The order from General Palmer, under which Captain Splaine
and his command went to Newport, instructed the captain to oc
cupy the quarters vacated by the Ninth Vermont, the latter in turn
to occupy the quarters vacated by the Seventeenth near Newbern.
The Ninth "\^ermont had been stationed at Newport Barracks for
some time, and had constructed some comfortable little huts, which
afforded them good shelter during the winter months.
During Captain Splaine's first day's duty at his new post, his
attention was called to some excitement among the soldiers near
the quarters of the men of his battalion. On reaching the scene
of the disturbance, he found that Captain Graham's men had re
moved many of the huts of the Ninth Vermont from the company
streets, lea-ving them in a very irregular and dilapidated condition.
They had stolen the houses while the Ninth Vermont were vaca
ting their camp, and before Captain Splaine's men had reached it.
When the captain reached the scene of disturbance, he found his
men demanding the restoration of the stolen property, and Gra^-
ham's men, backed by their captain, determined not to give it up.
Captain Splaine asked Graham what the trouble was. The latter
said his men had taken the houses from the quarters of the Ninth
Vermont, and were going to keep them as they had as good a right
to them as any body else. Captain Splaine cooly said :
"Now, Captain Graham, we will read General Palmer's order
sending me do-wn here to relieve the Ninth Vermont Regiment. It
says : 'and to occupy their camp, and also to utilize any barracks,

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 231
houses or huts used by the said Ninth Vermont, for the purpose of
comfortably sheltering your command during the winter months.'
Now, you see, captain, that the order which I have quoted to
you makes my command the owners of the property in dispute,
and I want it restored at once. At the same time, if you feel
that it would humiliate you or your men to move these huts
and the lumber back, I will, if you -will send your men to their
quarters, have my men do the work. You know, captain, that your
men and mine are fighting in the same cause, and that there is
enough to do to take care of the common enemy without fighting
among ourselves.' '
Graham and his men were ugly. Splaine's men were not a bit
angelic, and there was grave danger of a clash. If a single hostile
move had been made by either side, the Lord only Imows where it
might have ended. Graham msisted that his men would keep
what they had taken. Splaine was provoked, but maintained his
temper and dignity. Finding Graham would not yield, he now
asserted his authority as commanding officer, and ordered him to
return the property. Graham's right hand reached for his pistol.
Splaine reached for his o-wn in a flash, and obtained a position on
the right of his opponent, which is a decided advantage when two
men are handling pistols. Splaine ordered Graham to send his
men to their quarters, adding that he (Splaine) would send his
to theirs, and that then the two officers would have a better oppor
tunity to settle their differences. At this, Graham did order his
men to their quarters, but they did not go. "Pretty discipline,
captain, isn't it?" said Splaine. "I will show you what disci
pline is. — Seventeenth, go to your quarters!" and every man of
them obeyed the order.
About this time, one of Graham's men approached Captain
Splaine in a threatening manner, using offensive language, when to
his utter astonishment he was quickly disposed of, and fell back
ward over a log. Much surprised at his reception, the fellow picked
himself up and sought his quarters. At this stage of the affair,
Capt. Splaine again asked Graham if he would send his men to their
quarters. Graham said he would not restore the property, but the
men could go to their quarters if they wanted to. At this Captain

232 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Splaine shouted to Graham: "These huts are going back, even if
they have to be carried over my dead body! Shall I order my men
to arm and take the property by force? Or will you submit to
la-wful authority and act like a gentleman and an officer?' '
Both officers were gripping their pistols and their eyes were
flashing. The men of Captain Splaine's command, hearing his
loud words, and fearing for his safety, moved like a wave towards
the spot where the argument was being held. At last Graham
seemed to realize that he had met a man who was not a bit afraid of
him. He dropped his hand from his pistol, faced to the right,
saluted Captain Splaine, and said: "Well, captain, your men are
welcome to take the property. We won't have any trouble over
it." Splaine's men at once began to remove the property in dis
pute, and before they had fully finished the work, some of Gra
ham's men were helping them to move the little houses up the hill.
In regard to Graham, it may be said that for nearly two years
he had bullied nearly every officer who had in any way antagonized
him, and on more than one occasion had blackened the eyes of some
of those who had opposed him, in argument or controversy over
cards. He was known to have pummeled one officer of high
rank so thoroughly that that gentleman was off duty many days.
But when he undertook to ride roughshod over the commander of
the New Seventeenth, he found a man who feared neither his fists
nor his bullets. After the altercation here described, Graham be
haved quite well, and things went along quite smoothly at Newport
Barracks afterwards.

AT NEWPORT BARRACKS.
The new Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers settled down
to business at Newport Barracks. Our organization was a batta
lion of four companies — A, B, and C being full to the maximum,
while Company D, was, for the present, a mere squad. Recruits
soon began to arrive, making Company D begin to look like a real
company. Companies A and B were made up of veteran volun-

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 233
teers, while Company C was partly veteran and partly men who
had enUsted for two years.
The battalion commander was busy for a few days visiting
the many outposts to be guarded, and making proper distribution
of his men, to secure the safety of the post. These posts had to be
visited each day and night by the officer of the day, and two or
three times a week by the post commander. The front to be
guarded was about fourteen miles, requiring quite a number of
men on duty at all times, and the active vigilance of the officers of
the command. The companies were drilled regularly, and kept
toned up to a high pitch of excellence. The company quarters
were neatly kept, and the welfare of the men, with regard to com
fortable quarters, healthful surroundings and proper supphes was
at all times properly looked after by their officers.
It would have been hard at that time to find a small command
like ours in such a high state of efficiency and contentment. All
of the officers and a great majority of the men were veterans; all
knew their duties and performed them.

GENERAL PALMER FEARED ATTACK.
The new Seventeenth Massachusetts had hardly settled down
at Newport Barracks and made the acquaintance of the various
commands there before it looked like active campaigning once
more. On July 31, 1864, Captain Splaine, commanding the post,
received a telegraphic dispatch from General Palmer, in command
of the District of North Carolina, that General Ransom of the Con
federate Army, was going to attack Newport Barracks as part of
a general movement against Newbern and other stations held by
Union troops in the State and ordered the captain to hold his com
mand of 700 men, infantry, cavalry and artillery ready to evacuate
his position. The captain at once asked for an interview with th6
general, which was granted. At. this interview he tried to convince
the general that with proper preparations he could hold his position
against three times his numbers, and urged that, with Fort Ripley

234 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
as a pivot of operations, new lines of defence could be promptly
established in such a manner as to protect his supply of fresh water
for his command. The general, however, would not listen to any
suggestions, and peremptorily ordered Splaine to carry out his
original instructions.
Hardly had the captain returned from his interview when he
received a confidential letter from Colonel Amory, commanding
the sub-district of Beaufort, advising him that there was danger of
an attack on Newport, and that he should be on the alert every
minute. Then it was watch and wait, day after day and night
after night — waiting for information and watching for the enemy.
The officers were all tired out from such duty as patrolling the
roads, visiting the pickets and detachments, some of whom were
stationed miles away. At last the air cleared, and it was found
that although the general movement reported as being in progress,
on the part of the enemy, had actually been prepared and was about
to be launched upon the various posts, something had happened to
stop the whole proceeding. It was surmised at the time that the
enemy's troops had probably been sent where they were more
imperatively needed.
After the Ransom scare, the command at Newport Barracks
settled do-wn to their ordinary military work — company drills,
guard mounting and outpost duty taking up the time of all. About
this time a number of recruits for the Seventeenth arrived from
Massachusetts, and the fourth company, which had heretofore,
been little more than a squad, now seemed to acquire the propor
tions of a good, smart-looking company.
About this time, the officers of the regiment, feeling that the
re-enlisted men had not been fairly treated, again made applica
tion to the general commanding for the furlough for forty days,
which the law had provided for all men who had re-enUsted in the
field. While awaiting the general's reply, the command was busy
chasing some Confederates who had torn up the railroad tracks
between Ne-wport Barracks and Newbern.

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 235
CHASE OF NICKERSON, THE REBEL SCOUT.
Personal daring and adventure were of frequent happening
among the men of the Union Army during the Civil War, and per
haps in no section of the South occupied by them were these quali
ties more conspicuous than in the Department of North Carolina,
where the duties of a soldier were often of a desultory nature,
affording opportunity for adventure in the interims of active work.
During the month of August, 1864, the reorganized Seven
teenth Massachusetts Regiment was then stationed at Newport
Barracks (Shepardsville), N. C, and everything being rather quiet
Captain Henry Splaine, at that time in command of the battalion
of veterans and other bodies of troops at that station, went on an
expedition -with a force of fifty cavalry, under Capt. George W.
Graham, and accompanied by Captain Atwill, to Young's Cross
Roads, forty-six miles distant, for the purpose of attacking, and
perhaps capturing a force of Confederate cavalry known to be
stationed not far from the Cross Roads.
The command started late in the afternoon, and proceeded
about thirty miles before camping for the night. They stabled
their horses in an abandoned church, with a few'men to look after
them, and with the rest of the men chose a good defensive position,
and, after posting a few pickets, laid down to rest. The night
passed quietly, and early in the morning the party pushed on to the
Cross Roads.
Thejr had no sooner turned into the square than Nickerson,
the noted rebel scout, was encountered. No shots were then fired,
but the command, without waiting for orders, rushed towards
Nickerson. The daring scout refused to surrender, and turning
his horse's head, made a bold attempt to escape. Captain Splaine
mounted on a splendid horse, and in the lead, shouted the com
mand: "Leave him to me!" at which order Captain Graham
brought his men do-wn to a slow gallop, and witnessed the running
duel between Splaine and the fleeing scout.
The pursuer gained on the rebel, and Nickerson, finding that
he was being overhauled, turned in his saddle and fired, but missed
his man. Now, Splaine, aiming between his horse's ears, let go-

236 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
at the scout. His fire was quickly returned, the bullet, like the first
one, whizzing by Splaine's left ear. The latter fired a second shot,
and the scout a third, with no better result, and finding his pursuer
gaining on him, he threw his left leg over his horse 's neck and made
good his escape.
Nickerson 's horse, finding himself riderless, slackened his
speed, as did Splaine's also, and the latter now secured the horse
and led him back to the command that had been slowly following
him during the chase. When the captain rejoined his men, the
entire party of forty-six rose in their stirrups and gave him three
cheers. Splaine had a joke on himself at the time, but kept it concealed
just then. It appears that the horse ridden by him was a very
powerful and fast one, and in the chase had actually run away
with him, despite all his endeavors to control him. Of course,
the captain was willing to try conclusions with Nickerson, but he
was not a bit willing to be galloped into ambush or mayhap the
enemy's camp. The slackening of Nickerson 's horse saved him.
The horse of the scout was slightly wounded, proving that the
captain 's shot was, a good line one.
The command now faced about and soon afterwards crossed
the White Oak River, at a point where the bridge had been burned
down some time before. They had just reached the high land
across the river, when they saw a man mounted on a white horse
going rapidly towards the rebel camp, probably to notify them that
the Yanks were coming. Splaine always believed that the man
on the white horse was Nickerson, who, after escaping through the
swamp, had secured a fresh mount, and was making his way to his
comrades, who were in camp some two miles beyond the Cross
Roads. After Splaine's command had gone about three-quarters of a
mile, they espied three mounted men coming towards them, who
had evidently been sent out to ascertain the cause of the firing
which had occurred in the chase. Graham drew his men into the
woods, saying : "We will fire on them when they come up." Splaine
shouted: "No, that would be murder!" and added: "Let us three

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 237
officers dismount, and take the three fellows when they come up,
and give them a fair fight.' '
The three officers dismounted, crossed the road, and took up a
position nearly opposite that of the company, where they waited
the coming of the three Confederates. As they approached.
Sergeant Perkins in command, said to his comrades: "Say, fellows,
what if the Yanks are in the woods?' ' At that moment the three
officers rose up and demanded surrender. Sergeant Perkins aimed
and fired at Captain Splaine, but missed him. His carbine was
now empty, and Splaine covered him with his six-shooter, ordering :
"Throw up your hands, or I'll bore a hole through you." Seeing
that he was slow in coming to time, the captain shot the tall,
sugar-loaf hat off the sergeant, to remind him of what was coming
if he didn't surrender. The sergeant then quickly dismounted
and surrendered. In the meantime, Captain Graham and Atwill were having
conclusions with their men, who absolutely refused to surrender
and dashed away to freedom. Graham jumped into the saddle of
Perkins and gave chase. Splaine, taking charge of the cavalry,
ordered three men to look after the prisoner and the horses of
Graham and Nickerson, and started after Graham and the "rebs,' '
who were riding for their lives in advance of them. Shortly after
this, Graham saw something which frightened him, and wheeling
about shouted : " Get out of here ! They have fixed a trap for us!"
"What is it?" demanded Splaine, "for if they don't greatly out
number us, we -will give them a hot battle.' ' Graham explained
that the enemy was strong, and had arranged a pitfall into which
the Union horses would fall if the pursuit was continued.
Graham now insisted upon retiring by a ford across the river
close to where the command then was, but the captured sergeant
assured the officers that the ford was then impassable, owing to
recent rains, which had swelled the river. Graham tried it, how
ever, and found that the sergeant had told the truth. Graham,
then, anxious to learn the strength of the Confederates asked the
sergeant how many men he had up there, to which the latter re
plied: "I reckon there are about twenty-five." Graham told the
man he was lying, and if he wouldn't tell him the truth he would

238 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
blow his head off. Graham meant it. The prisoner did something
and said something, which aroused the pity of Splaine, who spurred
his horse between the two men, saying: " Graham, I command here,
and as an honorable man I must protect my prisoner." Graham
scowled and said: "Would you take the part of a d  d rebel?' '
To which Splaine made answer that while he would not yield the
palm to any man on earth in the matter of loyalty to the Union
cause, he would not allow any man to murder a defenceless prisoner.
He added: "If you are thirsting for honorable battle, follow me,
and I will lead the command against the Johnnies up yonder."
After a while Graham cooled down, and then the whole com
mand recrossed the White Oak River and took up the march for
camp, calling, however, at the opposite side of the ford, where
Graham had stationed a sergeant and five men earlier in the day to
guard against any attempt of the enemy to cross the ford in the
rear of the command. Upon reaching the ford it was found that
the guard had disappeared, and the officers were puzzled as to
whether they had not fallen into the enemy 's hands or had made
their way to the home camp.
The facts were, that the guard, hearing the firing and seeing
nothing of their friends, became alarmed, and belie-ving that the
whole command had been captured, made their way as fast as they
could and gave the alarm in camp.
When the three officers, with the cavalry, arrived in camp
that night, they found the place in an uproar. Capt. W. W. Smith,
in command during Captain Splaine's absence, had 150 veterans
in line, and was about to march to the rescue of the missing troop
and officers. When the command reached camp the "vets" were
returned to their quarters and thanked for their willingness to help
their comrades. The prisoner. Sergeant Perkins, was a member of
the Sixth Georgia Cavalry, or First Confederate Regulars. He was
a good, respectable fellow, and was treated well by Captain Splaine
and went away to prison the next day.
Captain Splaine though tired after his ride of ninety-four
miles, fearing that the enemy might foUow and make trouble for
his pickets, secured a fresh horse and -visited the outposts of his
command, which required a ride of twelve miles. He told the

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 239
guards what had happened during the day, and cautioned them not
to be caught napping. He had ridden 106 miles in thirty hours,
and taking out eight hours for sleep and time to eat, was in the
saddle by actual count twenty-two hours. During the day he had
had two single-handed encounters, capturing Sergeant Perkins and
horse, and the horse of Nickerson.
Captain At-will was a brave and gentlemanly fellow, and
afterwards became colonel of an infantry regiment, Graham was a
brave, but a bad man. He wouldn't halt at murder. He never
halted at robbery. He was a scourge to the poor people inhabit
ing the netural zone. Wherever he went with his command, if
not accompanied by a superior officer or some other command, he
robbed and pillaged and sometimes committed arson, or perhaps
even a, worse crime. It is true that he was brave and did some
good fighting, and his success enabled him to deceive the command
ing general, who gave him carte-blanche to go about wherever
he wanted to, not kno-wing, however, that he was a ravening wolf
in sheep's clothiug, and that wherever he went as a lone and
independent coinmand, he left a trail of misery and desolation
behind him. He finally received his deserts, however, for he met
a most miserable and dishonorable death.
It appears that, after the close of the Civil War, Graham
was commissioned a captain of cavalry in the regular army, and
later on was promoted to major. Up to his old tricks, he sold
government horses and sold them as his own property. After a
time, he was detected, courtmartialed and sent to prison. He
was to marry an estimable lady the evening of the day on which
he was arrested. The marriage never took place.
Some time afterwards he made his escape, and raised a small
band of robbers who stopped at nothing. Among their daring
crimes was the robbery of an army pajnnaster on his way to pay
off some troops. The Graham gang wounded some of the guards
and drove the others away, then robbed the paymaster, after
wounding him, of all the money he had. This was in the western
country. Soon after this, Graham organized a large body of
desperadoes, attacked a mining camp, drove the miners out, and
then worked the mine for himself and companions. The owners

240 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
made their case known to the authorities in that region, who, in a
short time, raised a large posse and went for Graham and his gang.
The commander placed a large body of men in ambush on the only
road over which Graham could retreat, and with the main body
of his forces attacked the desperadoes. Both sides lost men in the
fight, but the Graham party was routed. Graham and his surviv
ing men took to the only road open to them and rushed along it,
hoping to escape; but the men in ambush opened fire on them,
Graham among others being killed, several bullets having entered
his body. Others of his gang were killed or wounded and only
a few of the party effected their escape.
Graham was given many credit marks for acts of bravery
during the Civil War, but there was one given him which he
did not deserve. At the battle of Goldsboro, General Foster
desired that the railroad bridge across the Neuse River should
be burned, and detailed Captain Graham for the task. Graham
made the attempt, and, although wearing the uniform of a Con
federate officer, failed to burn the bridge. He ran down the track
towards the bridge, with the portfire in his hands, to set it on fire,
but the rebel fire was so hot that he soon returned pell-mell, and
jumped behind a log lying beside the track, saying the place was
too hot, and it was no use to try it, as it could not be done.
FoUo-wing this failure, Colonel Fellows of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Regiment, received an order to destroy the bridge.
He detailed Barnabas N. Mann to take volunteers from the regi
ment to do the work. When a call for volunteers for this work
was made, there was no lack of response. Selecting his men, the
lieutenant went tothe bridge, set fire to it, and while returning to
the regiment, was shot in the abdomen.
The truth of this statement was often vouched for by Colonel
Fellows and other officers of the regiment, and is now confirmed
by Colonel Henry Splaine, who commanded Company A at the
battle of Goldsboro, and who witnessed the whole affair from first
to last. Lieutenant Mann recovered from his wound, if it could
be called a recovery, for he never was a well man after, and in a
few years died from the effects of that injury received while per-

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 241
forming the heroic feat for which the credit was claimed by another
— Graham. Even at this late day. Colonel Splaine names the two men
from his company who, with other volunteers, accompanied
Lieutenant Mann and fired the bridge. These men of Company
A, were WUlard Edmands of Saugus and Lewis F. Besse of Chelsea.

CAPTURE OF A CONFEDERATE OFFICER.
StiU tiring of inactivity at Newport Barracks, Captain Splaine
determined to make a trip to the enemy's territory across Pamlico
Sound. For this purpose he took with him Captain Graham and
ten picked men of the latter's command (loyal North Carolinas) .
All were weU mounted and armed to the teeth. They left the camp
just before sundown, August 24, 1864. After a ride of ten miles
they met the first excitement of the expedition. They entered a
gorge or gully, the descent into which was deep on both sides.
As they were about to make the ascent from it, they were startled
by a -wierd sight; it looked as though a command of giants had
suddenly sprung from the soil, and with huge and dangerous
looking implements of war, perhaps to -wipe out of existence any
Yankee force that might be encountered. If Captain Splaine's
command had been superstitious, they could not be blamed if
they ran away. Instead, the order was : " Halt, Ready !' ' and then
the commander dashed forward, and cried, "Halt! Who goes there?'
An answer came back: "It is us, Massa. Who is yous?' ' "Stand!
Advance one, and be recognized!" The leader came forward and
explained that he and his companions were a party of colored men
riding home from a farm, which they were working on shares.
They were mounted on mules, and what, in the atmospheric
mirage, which made giants of the riders and mules, look like
terrible weapons of destruction, were really only longhandled hoes,
spades, forks, etc. To the little force in the gully, the peaceable
darkeys presented a truly formidable appearance. It was a
dark place, and almost entirely covered by tall trees. The soldiers
now stood aside and let the cavalcade march by.

242 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
After this experience, the command proceeded about ten
miles and went into camp for the night, one man being placed on
guard,with orders to awake a certain man in one hour and put him
on guard, and to so change guards until morning. The party
moved forward quite early, reaching South River in good time,
where they found a scow on which they crossed over. Here they
found some colored people whom they could trust, and placing
their horses in charge of their new friends, they proceeded further
on. They soon found a serviceable sloop of about thirty tons,
commanded by its owner, assisted by a negro sailing master, who
was a competent mariner.
In this sloop the party crossed Pamlico Sound, landing at
Smith's Creek the following forenoon. They found the negro
sailing master to be loyal, but would not trust the owner. During
the sail across the Sound, they found an opportunity to talk
to the saiUng master, who promised loyalty and obedience. When
about to leave the sloop at Smith's Creek to go a short distance
inland, Captain Splaine gave the negro a spare pistol, with orders,
"If the owner of this sloop attempts to sail away, leaving us at the
mercy of the enemy, it will be your duty to overpower him and
hold the boat for us.' '
On landing, the party found themselves at the door of a fine
mansion. As they were about to ask for a drink of water, a stately
woman came forward and asked if there was a commissioned officer
in the party. Upon being answered that there were two, she
demanded their protection. Captain Splaine assured her that no
harm would come to her, her family or her property, and remarked
as a bit of strategy, that his command was only the advance guard
of a large body of men whom he expected along soon.
The party now moved rapidly forward, and halted at a farm
house to rest, and where they ate some watermelons. The only
occupant at the time was Miss Betsey, who was very communi
cative and of an inquiring mind. She didn't get much information
from any of the party, however.
The men had purchased some nice watermelons of Miss
Betsey and had seated themselves in the yard to eat them,
Graham and his men seating themselves in the shade of a high

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 243
board fence. Captain Splaine, however, always on the lookout
against trouble, seated himself on the steps of the front door, in
the glowing sun, but from which position he had a full view of
all approaches to the house.
They had not been long seated when Splaine discovered some
one approaching. The newcomer proved to be a handsome
Confederate officer, well mounted. He rode slowly to the gate
at the highway end of a private road leading up to the house,
stooped from his saddle, unlatched the gate, rode in and latched
it again. He then rode slowly up to the gate in the high board
fence, and as his horse poked its nose over the fence, he shouted,
"O Betsey! Open the gate!" From the first. Captain Splaine
had watched the movements of the newcomer. He saw that he
had locked himself in, as all the fences were too high for his horse
to jump. Just before the Confederate officer and reached the gate to
the yard, Splaine signaled to his companions to keep still, and
drawing his pistol, reached the interior gate at the same moment
that the call to Betsey was made. Splaine and the newcomer
reached the gate at the same time, the former saying to the
Confederate: "My prisoner. Pass me that pistol, butt foremost;
and be very careful how you do it; for if you attempt any funny
business, I will blow your head off.' '
The Confederate officer was a handsome and dignified gentle
man, but did not like to surrender his pistol. Evidently
believing his would-be captor was alone, and thinking that sur
render under such circumstances would be disgraceful, he hesitated
and fumbled -with his weapon, hoping to finally get the drop on his
adversary, and make him the prisoner or kill him.
All this time Splaine didn't blink an eye, but kept a steady
gaze on the Confederate. Finally becoming impatient at the
dilatory tactics of the latter, he commanded an immediate surrender
of the pistol or he would fire. Becoming satisfied that further
delay was useless, the Confederate surrendered his pistol, butt
foremost. Upon receiving the surrender of the officer. Captain
Splaine ordered Graham's men to open the gate, and take possession
of rider and horse.

244 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMBNT.
AVhen the prisoner dismounted and surveyed his captor, he
said, "Are you not Captain Splaine?" The latter gave an affir
mative answer, and in turn inquired: "How do you know me, sir?' '
The prisoner answered "I saw you at my father's house when I
was last home on leave of absence.' ' "Where does you father live,
and what is his name?" "He resides near your camp at New
port Barracks, and his name is Jabez Bell," the prisoner answered.
"Then you are Captain George Bell?" said Captain Splaine.
The prisoner said he was, and added that when at home the last
time he had spared his captor's life. Being asked how it happened.
Bell explained the matter. He said, "You rode out to my father's
house one day, dismounted, and after securing your horse, seated
yourself near my father on the piazza. As I saw you coming, I
ran into the barn, where I found a loaded musket, which I aimed
at you." "Whjr didn't you fire, George?" said Splaine. "I
thought it would be murder, and desisted."
At this, Splaine said: "Well, Captain Bell, one good turn
deserves another, and on our way back to Newport Barracks, we
will stop at your father's house, have dinner there, give you an op
portunity to meet your father, mother, and your sisters Alice and
Susie. \\e -mil make a long stop there, to give you an opportunity
to talk all you want to -with your folks; but remember that I won't
let you go into that barn." Captain Bell ancl Graham and his
men laughed heartily at this sally.
When Captain Bell arrived at that interior gate and called on
Betsey to open it, he received no response. Instead of answering
his summons, she was running as fast as her dainty feet could carry
her, across the country to notify Captain Bell's men of his capture.
Captain Splaine, noting her movement, said to Graham: "Let
us get out of this cage, and take up a position nearer our boat.' '
Splaine walked with Bell and treated him kindly, but at the
same time was drawing from him all the information he could. He
gathered from him that his command was collecting supplies for
General Lee's army and shipping the stores northward as rapidly
as possible. Splaine finally said: "On your honor, captain, how
many men have you over yonder?' ' Bell said he had twenty-five

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 245
men, well mounted and armed with carbines. "Have they any
pistols, captain?' ' asked Splaine. — "No pistols,' ' was the reply.
Having reached the cross-roads, Splaine now said to Gra
ham: "There are twenty-five of them armed with carbines.
There are twelve of us armed with revolvers.- We will give them
battle if they foUow us." A proper disposition was now made
the little band ; but after waiting a whole hour and finding no enemy
in sight, the party marched to the landing, where they found their
negro sailor and his master awaiting their return. The party tried
to hoist Captain Bell's horse into the sloop, but, failing in this,
made a present of the animal to Mrs. Smith, for whose family the
creek had been named.
The party set sail, recrossed Pamlico Sound, reaching South
River next morning. Captain Splaine noticed that Captain Bell
had his pockets well filled with some substance, and ordered him to
show what he had in them. He had many letters from officers
and men in Lee's army to their folks in the country where Bell and
his men were collecting supplies. Of course, Splaine took posses
sion of them, and when opportunity offered read them all. While
the letters contained no information as to army movements, many
of them were interesting reading, as showing the straits to which
even Lee's army was driven in the matter of supplies, to say nothing
about comforts and luxuries.
The party landed near a poor-looking farmhouse, and inquired
of the woman if she would kindly prepare breakfast for them, and
they would pay her well for her trouble. She made answer that
she had nothing more than she and her children needed. Captain
Splaiae's party produced bacon and coffee, and asked the woman
to cook the bacon and fry some eggs, which she did.
While breakfast was cooking, Splaine was reading the letters
he had taken from Bell. Among them, curiously enough, he
found one from the husband of their hostess, addressed to her.
The letter was full of love, loyalty and sympathy for his family.
He was sorry to know how poor they were, but he hoped for better
times. He told how poorly Lee's army was provided for — with
little coffee or sugar; but that the little he was getting, he was saving
for his wife, and would bring it home soon, as he expected to get a

246 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
furlough. He referred most tenderly to his wife's physical condi
tion, and hoped to be home to help her through her trouble.
After breakfast. Captain Splaine told his hostess that he had
a letter for her from her husband. She was startled and alarmed,
fearing that her guest intended harm because her husband was a
Confederate soldier. But the captain spoke kindly to her, when
she felt reassured and became calm. She read the letter, and then
calling her little ones around her, read their father's letter to them.
They all wept, and thanked Captain Splaine for the letter.
The captain paid her more than well for the meal, and then
turned over to her all the supplies his party had with them. The
party now re-crossed South River on the same old scow, resumed
their march, and when night came, took shelter in a block-house
occupied by a negro family, consisting of father and mother and
six children. They all bunked together on the floor, under the
only window in the building. Splaine and Graham secreted their
pistols, laid do-wn on the middle of the floor, had the prisoner lie
between them, and cautioned him that if he attempted to escape
from the building the guards outside would shoot him do-wn.
There were, as a matter of fact, no guards outside or inside.
The party had gone for two days and two nights without sleep,
and in that warm August weather it was hard to resist the temp
tation to sleep. Some time during the night. Bell, finding the two
officers sound asleep, got up from between them, reached the
window, threatening the negroes with death if they uttered a cry,
placed his hands on the window-sill, and plunged head first through
the window. He escaped.
The sleeping captains were awakened by the breaking of the
-window and the cries of the colored people. It was too late, how
ever. The bird had flown. The officers went out, found their
men sound asleep and made up their minds that pursuit was use
less. They returned to the block-house, taking their men with
them, and flnished their much-needed sleep.
After a breakfast of hog and hominy, — which was paid for, —
an early start was made the next morning. At noontime, after a
lively ride, they reached the home of Captain Bell's people, where
they were served -with dinner. During the meal. Captain Splaine

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 247
told the family of his adventure with Captain Bell, but before he
could finish the relation, Miss Alice cried out: "Where is my
brother? Have you murdered him?" Splaine replied: "Oh,
no ! Americans don't murder. They fight, as true soldiers should.
We captured your brother and brought him across Pamlico Sound,
and we intended to bring hun here to see you all, but while we were
sound asleep he made his escape.' '
At this, Alice clapped her hands gleefully, and said: "I'm
so glad! I'm so glad!" At this Splaine said, jokingly: "You
little rebel," Alice replied: "Call me a rebel or anything you
want to, but I can't help saying that I am glad my brother has
escaped.' '
After dinner, the scouting party rode into their own camp,
where they had a much-needed rest.
During the sail across Pamlico Sound, Captain Bell, in a spirit
of friendship, said: "Captain Splaine, you are too fond of riding
alone through the country around Ne-wport Barracks. Stop it,
or you will come to grief. Don't tempt the goddess too far."
Splaine did not forget that warning.

On the heels of this excitement came the unwelcome rumor
that yellow fever had broken out in Newbern. On September 24,
1864, Captain Splaine received orders to take his veteran volun
teers home to their State for forty days. The captain visited Gen
eral Palmer and Surgeon-in-chief Hand at Newbern, to find out the
truth of the rumors about yellow fever, and so convinced was he
ofthe danger that he wouldn't allow anyone to land from a train
at Ne-wport Barracks. Even Captain Graham was peremptorily
refused permission to visit the city. Every precaution consistent
with military duty was taken to guard the command against the
a-wful peril, which had now begun to assume dangerous proportions.
Pine branches were kept burning in the company streets day and
night, and at reveille each morning the men were served with hot
coffee -with a " stick' ' in it.
Final orders came to start North with the veteran volunteers,
but Captain Splaine prevailed upon General Palmer to permit him to
take transport at Fort Spinola wharf, so as to avoid going into

248 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Newbern. By these means the battalion went North and returned
without the loss of a single man. Lieutenant Malcolm Sillars was
left in command of the recruits, Lieut-Colonel Curlis of the Ninth
New Jersey Volunteers, commanded the Post.
The battalion sailed from Fort Spinola Wharf September 23,
1864, making Fortress Alonroe on the 25th. Several hours' delay
occurred here, until Captain Splaine communicated by telegraph
with General Butler, who was at Bermuda Hundreds. General
Butler authorized the battalion to proceed, and said the leaves
of absence for the officers would follow by mail to Boston. The
battalion reached Boston, September 28th, and was entertained in
Faneuil Hall by Mayor Lincoln. Colonel Fellows was present,
having been exchanged, to welcome his old comrades-in-arms.
While the officers and men were at home enjoying themselves
they received the sad news that Colonel Thomas I. C. Amory had
died at Beaufort, N. C, of yellow fever, on the seventh day of
October, 1864.
A short time after this. Captain Splaine was commissioned
major, upon the recommendation of Colonel Fellows, then an ex
changed prisoner of war, and employed on special work, at %he
State House, Boston, Mass., by Governor Andrew.
The furlough of the command expired just before presidential
election, and the battalion was retained in Massachusetts, so that
the men inight vote for the candidate of their choice, the candidates
being Abraham Lincoln on the Republican ticket, and General
McClellan on the Democratic ticket.
The command started from Boston, November 10th, reaching
New York the following day, and waited there for transportation
until the 16th, when passage was secured on the "El Cid " transport,
and arrived at Newbern on Sunday, November 20th, at 10 A. M.,
and at Ne^vport Barracks the same night.

RETURN TO NEWBERN AFTER FURLOUGH.
When they arrived at Newbern, after a furlough of forty days,
in their home state, the officers and many of the men of the re-

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 249
organized Seventeenth Regiment had an opportunity to see the
city as it appeared after the scourge of yellow fever, which had lasted
nearly two months. In that time, manj^ officers and men of the
army, civilians in the employ of the government, and a number
of the unfortunate inhabitants of the place, went down to un
timely graves. Among the soldiers who died there, the Seven
teenth lost a number who had been on detached service when the
regiment went home on veteran furlough, and who preferred to
remain at their posts rather than go home with their comrades.
When the command was going on furlough. Captain Splaine
urged every man so detailed to join the command, and told them it
was a good opportunity to avoid some contagious disease which was
then prevalent in the city; but they didn't heed the warning advice.
Nearly every man of them died. When the dread disease of
yellow fever became established in Newbern, some of the superior
officers of the garrison found it convenient to go to other sections
of the department, and by this move were, perhaps, fortunate
enough to save their lives.
To the returning officers and men of the Seventeenth the city
presented a desolate and forbidding appearance. Many houses
had been burned in efforts to stop the spread of the disease, leaving
the bare chimneys to mark their former existence, while the remain
ing houses were black from the smoke of fumigation. Even the
trees showed the effects of fumigation, being blackened and leafless,
and everyone seemed in despair. The troops and surviving civil
ians seemed sorrow-stricken and disheartened, and looked as if
they had been deserted and neglected.
To form an adequate idea of Newbern, as seen by the officers
and men of the command on that Sunday, November 20, 1864, one
would only have to recall the awful picture in Byron's " Darkness.' '
The officers and men of the Seventeenth now learned for the
first time the full extent of the misfortunes which had come to
Colonel Amory and his family. The colonel had died. His wife
and mother also died, leaving three beautiful children. Fortunately
their uncles, R.. Gordon Amory, and his brother Major William A.
Amory (both commissioned officers in the Second Massachusetts
Hea-vy Artillery), were in Newbern, and, with Colonel Frankle,

250 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
looked after the children. If the officers of the Seventeenth had
been present at the time of the deaths in the Amory family, they
would have rendered every assistance in their power to the bereaved
ones. The youngest of the children, Laura Carolina, the "Daugh
ter of the Regiment,' ' was at the time only five months old.
Back at Ne-wport Barracks, the Seventeenth again settled
down to military life, and soon became more efficient than ever in
all things pertaining to their duties.

NEWBERN DURING THE RAVAGES OF YELLOW FEVER.

By Roland F. Lewis.
After re-enlisting, I was detailed to General Harland's head
quarters, and assigned to the sanitary department, as yellow fever
and small-pox were then raging in and about Newbern. I was
placed in charge of a force of four hundred and fifty colored men,
¦with orders to clean up the city and restore it to a sanitary condi
tion. With this force I di stributedsome two hundreddcarloads
of lime about the yards of houses in and about the city, cut do^wn
the trees, and at night burned over two hundred barrels of turpen
tine and about five hundred cords of wood.
My instructions were to keep the city enveloped in smoke in
order to destroy the germs of the fever. I saw my comrades dying
every day. One of them I recall, was Sol Parks of the 23d Massa
chusetts Regiment, who died of the black vomit at my head
quarters. He was a Newburyport boy. I visited the*Foster and
Stanley General HospitaL-
At the time when ^tJhe Seventeenth weiif home on veteran fur
lough General Harland requested me to remain with him, which
I did, and after the city was cleared of fever, I came home on fur
lough. The men in the government harness shop, who had yellow
fever, recovered and returned to work. These men made a full
set of horse equipments and presented them to me for the many
little acts of kindness I had rendered them whUe they were sick
¦with the fever. The great fire on Middle Street, in Newbern, broke

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 251
out while I had charge of the pump department and cisterns of
the city. It destroyed a great amount of property, including a
large hotel and many business establishments.
On my return from furlough, in company with Henry Dixey,
whom we always called "Duchey," we took the United States
steamer "Undine," commanded by Captain Simmons, to go
through the Dismal Swamp Canal. We were frozen in the canal,
and in company with the whaler, "General Shepley," remained
there some two weeks before we could proceed.

TRADING DAY AT THE POST.
Among the" institutions' ' at the post was one known as " Trad
ing Day,' ' which meant that on Wednesdaj^s the people residing
in the neutral zone were permitted to come to a certain place just
inside the picket line for the purpose of swapping products of their
farms and industries for certain necessaries and comforts of life
furnished by northern traders from within. All of this was done
under the supervision of Captain Splaine, who was careful to see
that no goods contraband of war went out, which could be used by
the armed enemy. Many of the outsiders would come near the
trading post on Tuesday evening, and remain on the roadside over
night, so as to commence trading in the morning.
On one of those Tuesdays, Captain Splaine rode far outside
the trading post to see for himself what sort of people he was deal
ing with, and as he was about to turn back, he noticed a man about
half a mile away coming towards him. The captain drew his
horse into the woods, and as the man came in front of him, rode out
briskly. He halted the man, asked who he was and where he was
going. The stranger seemed greatly surprised, but answered that he
was going down to the trading post. He was reminded that
Tuesday was not trading day, and was asked what he had to sell.
He replied that he had nothing to sell, but expected to see some
friends there. He was asked if he was not a Confederate soldier,
and replied that he was not. Captain Splaine noticing that he
had something bulky in his inside pocket, demanded to be shown

o.r^-?

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.

what was there. The fellow objected, saying that what he had was
his private property. The captain then said that he would march
him in as a prisoner of war.
This intimation brought the fellow to his senses, and he con
sented to show quite a number of letters for persons inside the lines,
but in passing over the letters, he shpped one from the bunch, and
by a quick movement, secreted it in his clothing. "That letter,
sir!" shouted the captain. The fellow declared it was only a
letter from his mother. "That letter, sir, or I march you in a
prisoner!' '
The letter was reluctantly surrendered. It was addressed
to "Capt. George W. Graham, Newport Barracks." That was
enough for Captain Splaine, who demanded to know who had sent
it. The answer was that a farmer some miles outside had asked
him to deliver it to Graham at the trading post. The captain
ordered the fellow to face about and not come near the trading post
until the next day.
Upon his return to camp that afternoon, the captain read the
letters he had taken from the fellow, and when he came to the one
addressed to Captain Graham, he found that it was from Captain
^IcDuffie of the Confederate Army, suggesting plans to further a
former scheme, by which Graham was to ship through the Union
lines certain important army supplies, and that the payment was
to be in gold.
Captain Splaine kept his own counsel, but rode out to the
trading post the next morning, and to his surprise found Captain
Graham ahead of him, and in very earnest conversation with the
man from whom he had taken the letters the day previous. The
two captains saluted and spoke very pleasantly, although Graham
must have known that Splaine held a secret which meant hanging
if divulged. The Captain McDuffie referred to had married a Miss Jones,
who was the sister of Captain Graham' s adopted wife.
After the incident just related Captain Splaine studiously
avoided riding into the country alone -with Graham, and the latter
was more than kind and attentive to his commander thereafter.

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 253
Why was not Graham hanged? To this question Splaine
answered : "Don't ask such questions. 'Pity, forgive and forget. ' "

December 12. Rumors are rife that the regiment is to be
filled up, and that many of the officers of the old regiment are
coming back. Early in December Captain Splaine tried to muster
on his commission as major, but was refused muster on the ground
that, according to army regulations, a battalion of only four com
panies could not have a major. It could, however, have a lieu
tenant-colonel. Whereupon the captain wrote to General Grant,
stating the facts, and asking for an order to muster as major, and
on the same day wrote to Governor Andrew, asking for a com
mission as lieutenant-colonel. General Grant, who was never over-
fond of red tape, sent the order for Captain Splaine to muster as
major, and the same mail brought a commission as lieutenant-
colonel. The captain, never liking the position of major, chose
to be mustered as lieutenant-colonel, and was so mustered Decem
ber 19, 1864.
December 23. The fleet intended for attack on Wilmington
has put in at Beaufort, and our trains are busy carrying them
fresh water.
December 25. Our fleet is bombarding Fort Fisher. We hear
their guns plainly.
December 28. Received copy of orders from the War Depart
ment for the transfer of several hundred men from the Second
Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, there being several hundred too
many men in that regiment. (This transfer was brought about by
Colonel Fellows, formerly lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and
recently an exchanged prisoner of war.)
January 2, 1865. First Lieut. Joseph A. Moore made ad
jutant, and on the 7th, Lieut.-Colonel Splaine relieves Lieut.-
Colonel Curlis, Splaine being made provost marshal of the whole
command and Charles E. Flanders, Company "D," clerk and
assistant. January 9. General Palmer orders the retention of 150 of the
surplus men to be .transferred to the Seventeenth from the Second

254 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Hea-vies, to fill vacancies which "might occur." (This is in
direct violation of the order from the War Department.)
January 15. Plainly heard the bombardment of Fort Fisher.
January 16. Received 37 men, being the flrst of the surplus
ordered from the Second Massachusetts Hea-vy, and on Januaryl7th
there came 73 more. Company E is now organized, making five
companies to date.
January 18. General Palmer issued a special order for the
retention of 50 additional surplus men in the Second Heavy, to
fill vacancies made by prisoners of war. (Upon receipt of this
order, Colonel Splaine wTote to Governor Andrew, telling him
about the measures adopted in Newbern, to prevent the carrying
out of the governor's wishes and the order of the War Depart
ment. It will be seen that General Palmer's first order retained
150 men in the Second Hea-yy to fill vacancies which might occur,
and that his second order retained 50 men to fill vacancies made
by prisoners of war. Now, these 200 men would have made the
Seventeenth 1,000 strong, and Colonel Fellows could have mus
tered as colonel, for the new regulations provided that no more
commissioned officers could be mustered unless the commands
to which they were assigned were up to the maximum number of
men. Each new company organized had, by orders from the War
Department, to be of the full strength of 100 men, so that when
all who were transferred from the Second Heavy were assigned,
there were only eight full companies, which precluded Colonel
Fellows from being mustered as colonel.)
January 20. Colonel John F. Fellows, commissioned colonel
of the regiment by Governor Andrew, arrived in camp, and was
warmly greeted by the officers and men.
(Now rumor had it that a number of the officers who had
gone home ^ith the old regiment, were being recommissioned
for the new one, which was regarded as an injustice to the ones
who remained in the service, and feeling ran so high that Captain
Smith and Lieutenants Moore and Cann threatened to resign.
Colonel Splaine fully informed Colonel Fellows of all that was
going on in Newbern, called his attention to the special orders
of General Palmer to keep 200 men on the waiting list of the

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 255
Second Heavy Artillery, and suggested that he inform Gover
nor Andrews of what had been and was being done. This Colonel
Fellows did, but no one knew what the answer was, or what
action the governor had taken.)

CAPTAIN GRAHAM ONCE MORE.
About this time (the latter part of January, 1865), a Con
federate blockade runner for Wilmington, having lost her bearings,
owing to bad weather, ran on the beach in Bogue Sound, about
fourteen miles south of Fort Macon and about eight miles distant
from NewT)ort Barracks. The crew of the vessel made their
escape into rebeldom, taking with them as much money as they
could conveniently carry. She had taken a cargo of cotton to
England and was returning -with a load of war material and plenty
of gold coin. She was now taken possession of by Union troops
from Fort Macon, and a few days afterwards, a force of men
from the gunboats at Newbern, was sent to look after the ship.
Unloading had continued several days, until it had become
common knowledge that a large amount of gold coin was being
taken from the ship, and was being carefully guarded. One night,
there being no moon, and things appeared gloomy along the shore,
the guards were surprised by a party of Confederates on the bluff
shore, who opened a fusilade upon them. The guards, fearing
they would be overpowered and captured, fled, leaving the enemy
in possession. They remained long enough in possession to get
away with a few thousand dollars in gold, and nothing else.
About two weeks after this, quite a display of gold coin was
made by Graham's men and they seemed anxious to get rid of it,
dollar for dollar, for paper money. A five dollar gold piece could
be bought for five dollars in bills, when, as a fact, it was worth
more than double the amount at the time.
This news reached Colonel Splaine's ears, and he immediately
investigated the affair. The inference he drew was that Graham
and some of his men made their way out of camp that night and
personating the Confederates, frightened the guards away, and then

256 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
plundered as they pleased, but took nothing but coin. Splaine
promptly convej'-ed to his superior officers his impressions of the
robbery but met with nothing but unsatisfactory encouragement,
and leaving the case in their hands, it seemed to fade from the
minds of everybody.
January 23. Hospital Steward Cotting, who remained by
Adjutant Cheever, when the latter was supposed to be mortally
wounded at the battle of Batchelder's Creek, February 1, 1864,
and who was released from rebel prison only a few days ago,
reported for duty. He was promptly recommended by Colonel
Splaine for a commission (which he received a few days afterwards) .
January 26. Nine deserters from Company B, Seventeenth
North Carolina Confederate Regiment, arrived in camp and were
properly disposed of.

GENER.IL GRANT AND THE SENTRY.
At daybreak, on Sunday, January 28, 1865, while Private
Herbert Splaine was on guard at the wharf at Moorehead City,
he noticed two boats approaching the landing, that seemed to
have l^nion soldiers on board. As the boats drew nearer, he
could see that the occupants were commissioned officers, though
they wore overcoats such as the enlisted men generally wore.
The sentry hailed the party and ordered them to halt, one to land
and give the countersign. The answer was: " Commissioned officers
without the countersign." The sentry then ordered: "Heave to,
and send one officer ashore to be recognized." Whereupon a
captain came ashore and the sentry being satisfied that everything
was all right, said "Advance, officers." At this command, about
twelve officers landed. After looking around a moment, one,
who appeared to be in authority, inquired of the sentry if there
was a telegraph office near by, and being told there was not, he
asked how near was the nearest commissioned officer of the
command. The sentry replied that he was about three miles away.
Then the officer in authority said "Sentry, give your musket to
Captain  , who will do guard duty while you are gone,
and bring a commissioned officer to me at once." The sentry

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 267
said: "Oh, no, sir; I wouldn't dare do that." And -when'asked
why not, he said, "That brother of mine would kill me for doing it.' '
When asked who his brother was, his answer was : " Colonel Splaine,
in command of my regiment." The officer said "I guess your
brother must be a strict disciplinarian." The sentry . answered :
"Yes, sir." The officer then inquired the sentry's name, and the
answer was: "Herbert, sir." The officer then said "Herbert, give
your musket to the captain, and take his pistol. Go rapidly,
capturing the first conveyance you can find, and keep going until
you find a commissioned officer, and bring him to me." Herbert
remonstrated, saying he could not do it. Whereupon the officer
threw back his coat and said, " Herbert, I must order you to do it."
Herbert looked at the officer a moment and then exclaimed,
excitedly "Great Scott! General Grant."
He almost threw his musket at the captain, grabbed the pistol
and ran up the road with all his speed. At the cross road, about
a fourth of a mile away, he encountered a colored man, mounted
on a good horse, and without any ceremony ordered him, by order
of General Grant, to dismount. The man quickly obeyed him
upon seeing the pistol pointed at his head. Herbert jumped
into the saddle, rode fast, and found Capt. William W. Smith
of the Seventeenth Massachusetts, to whom he gave the order of
General Grant. Captain Smith at once mounted his own horse,
and he and Herbert returned to where the general and his party
were awaiting them. The general wished to be put into com
munication with General Palmer at Newbern, and Captain Smith
facilitated matters, finding shelter and food for him and his party
in a nearby farmhouse.
About an hour afterwards, a train came thundering down the
track, and the two generals had ample opportunity to transact
their business, after which General Grant and his party retumed
to their boats. The general was pleased with his visit, and
laughingly extended his hand to Herbert Splaine, saying : " Herbert,
give my compliments to your brother, the colonel, and tell him
that I say you are a good soldier. Good-day.' '
The party consisted of General Grant, General Rawlins and
other members of his staff, and one or two members of the cabinet.

258 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Captain Smith and his sentry never tired of telling the story
of how they met General Grant, and it may be said that the Splaine
family regard the episode as one well worth speaking of once in a
while. February 9. Ninety-seven men arrived from the Second
Heavy. Capts. James Splaine, Charles 0. FeUows and Thomas
R. V. Keenan were mustered as captains this day.
February 10. One hundred and fifty-five men arrived from
the Second Heavy.
February 14. Capt. William W. Smith became major, and
First Lieutenants Moore, Webber and Cann became captains.
Second Lieutenants Sillars and Hyde became first lieutenants,
and James Stewart became first lieutenant and adjutant. Ser
geants Symonds, Roberts and Cotting became second lieutenants.
February 15. The regiment has been organized up to and
including Company H. Much time is now spent in looking after
the interests of the newly-made and newly-arrived commissioned
officers; but all the time of the commanding officer is not given
them, for he spends much time watching company drills, instructing
where he can. He is ably assisted by his officers, who are working
all the time, and the men are not idle, for, scenting the coming
struggle, they are up and doing.
The visit of General Grant told its own story, and the Seven
teenth guessed that it meant business, and were preparing accord
ingly. They were right in their conclusions about the visit of
the commander-in-chief, for just now (12 o'clock at midnight,
March 1st) Colonel Splaine has received orders to take the field
¦with his regiment.
Poor Colonel Fellows, failing to muster, is preparing to go
home to Massachusetts.

LEAVING NEWPORT BARRACKS FOR THE FIELD.
In obedience to the order received at 12 o'clock the night
before, the Seventeenth Massachusetts broke camp on the morning
of March 2, 1865, and reported to General Palmer, by telegraph,

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 259
as ready to move. Orders were received to wait until the following
morning, as all the trains were busy; but when the regiment did
move, it was to report to General S. P. Carter. Here was a whole
day's rest under arms, which enabled those so disposed to review
the happenings of the two months just passed.
Two months before the command was only a battalion of four
companies. Now it was a regiment of eight full companies, and in
fine condition for the coming campaign, in which it was now
ordered to take part.
It would perhaps be well to review here, briefly, some facts
and incidents connected ¦with the history of the old and new regi
ments. Colonel John F. Fellows, as is well known, was com
missioned by Governor Andrew to command the regiment, and
an arrangement was made between the governor and the War
Department to have transferred from the Second Massachusetts
Hea^vy Artillery (Colonel Frankle's regiment), at Newbern, N. C,
about 600 surplus men, to the Seventeenth Massachusetts, which
number would have made the latter 1000 strong. The order from
the War Department was issued, and transfers had begun.
At this time a special order was issued by General Palmer
that 150 of the surplus men should be retained in the Second Hea^vy
to fill vacancies which might occur in the future; and later on issued
an order retaining 50 more of the same regiment to fill the places
of prisoners of war. These special orders were in direct violation
of the arrangement between Governor Andrew and the War
Department. Colonel Fellows was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the old
regiment in August, 1861, and was the actual commander of it
three-fourths of the time while he was with it. His service with
his regiment, during two and a half years, were of such a high
order as to command the admiration of all who knew him. He was
taken prisoner at Batchelder's Creek on February 1, 1864, and was
held by the enemy until August 2d of the same year. Governor
Andrew knew Colonel Fellows personally and knew his worth. He
trusted him in 1861, when he made him commander of the regi
ment. He trusted him again in 1865, when he commissioned him a
fuU colonel of the regiment; and to further help Colonel Fellows, he

260 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
prevailed upon the War Department to make the transfers of men
referred to, in order to fiU the regiment.
Colonel Fellows was neither coward nor laggard. Had he
been, he would not have been over-anxious to serve again after
his sad experience in the rebel prison. Colonel Fellows was in
strumental in having the surplus men transferred from the Second
Hea^vy, and the transfers made it possible for many of the officers
of the Seventeenth to go up a grade in rank, and in some instances,
two grades. Colonel Splaine and Captain MuUaUy were the only
exceptions, their positions not being affected by the coming of
the surplus men.
Colonel Fellows was cheated out of the colonelcy of the Seven
teenth Massachusetts directly by the special orders of General
Palmer to retain 200 of the surplus men in the Second Heavy to
fill imaginary vacancies. What prompted General Palmer to take
the stand he did against Colonel Fellows, no one knows today. It
was evidently a conspiracy to keep Colonel Fellows out of the col
onelcy of the regiment, and whether it was General Palmer and
Col. Jones Frankle of the Second Heavy or others, it was a
mean, cruel and vindictive piece of trickery^ — unbecoming brave
and patriotic officers.
They cheated the man who was always at the front of his
command, who was neglected and deserted in the Battle of Bat
chelder 's Creek, where he was taken prisoner. They cheated the
man who was in a rebel dungeon for six months, andwhowasone of
the prominent Union officers chosen by the Confederates to be
placed under fire of the Union batteries in Charleston, with the belief
that the batteries would not fire because of their presence there.
But the batteries did fire, and the firing only helped to fire the
patriotism of the brave officers so exposed.
They cheated the man who had been thus imprisoned, covered
¦with filth and slowly starving to death. They cheated the man
who, seeing his companions in prison without a cent of money
among them, and no succor in sight, gave his note for $500 in gold,
payable at any bank in Boston, in order to help his associates to
get soap, towels, combs, brushes, food and clothing, in a word to
save their lives. (That note was honored in Boston, at the instance

THE NEW SEVENTEENTH. 261
of George 0. Carpenter, and subsequently paid by Colonel Fel
lows.) The same General Palmer was now placed in command of all
the Union troops in North Carohna, and, under General Schofield,
was to open up communication with and supply General Sherman 's
army, after its memorable march through the South; but Palmer
was so dilatory that he was superseded by General Cox of Ohio.
But General Palmer and others were not a bit dilatory in cheating
Colonel Fellows out of his well-earned colonelcy.
The command Palmer was to have, was equal to that of any
army corps, but now he was relegated to the command of a division.
Yankee colonels were never favorites in North Carolina. If they
had been. Colonel Thomas I. C. Arnory would have come home a
major-general and Colonel Fellows a brigadier. The officers who
were favored there were Middle States men, men with no such
high qualifications as were possessed by Amory and Fellows.
Many of the Middle States men were advanced rapidly.
Intrigue against Colonel Fellows was not a thing of recent
origin. It had its birth in his o-wn regiment, during the latter
part of 1862 and the early part of 1863. A certain clique of officers
of the Seventeenth, who were more ambitious for promotion than
for a chance to meet the enemy, believing that Colonel Amory
would soon become a brigadier, were on the lookout for coming
honors; but when it became evident that Amory was being slighted,
they found themselves in a quandary as to how their cherished
hopes of promotion could be made to bear fruit.
Their next plot was to drive Colonel Fellows out of the regi
ment. They tried to poison Colonel Amory's mind against him,
but that high-minded gentlemen would not entertain a single
thought or feeling of ill-will against his worthy and tried lieutenant-
colonel. They tried to poison Fellows' mind against Amory; but
that true and loyal soldier, loyal always to his chief and his flag,
could not be coaxed to do or say anything which could be con
strued into any act or speech resembling insubordination or disre
spect. They tried to poison the minds of officers of the regiment
outside of their o-wn clique against Fellows, but the majority of the

262 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
officers knew their places too well, and could not be seduced from
their loyalty to both Amory and Fellows, who were the la-wful
commanders of the regiment. If Fellows could have been dis
posed of, a certain field officer would become lieutenant-colonel,
and a certain captain would have become major.
Now to resume our narrative :
On March 3, 1865, no better off in the matter of transporta
tion than the day before, the regiment still waited. Late in the
afternoon, however, it was learned that a train was being sent
do-wn from Newbern for its transportation. The train came, and
just after midnight the command rolled away from Ne-wport
Barracks, lea-ving poor Colonel Fellows standing on the platform,
wa-ving his hat in farewell to his old associates in arms. It was an
affectionate, but a sad, parting. There he was left alone to make
his way to Chelsea, Mass., as best he could.
The following letter from Major-General J. G. Foster, com
manding the Department of the South, shows unmistakably the
high esteem in which Colonel Fellows was held by the predecessor
of General Palmer, in command of the Department of North
Carolina.
Headquarters,
Department of the South,
Hilton Head, S. C, December 23, 1864.
J. F. Fellows, Esq.,
Late Lt. Col. 17th Mass. Vols. Boston, Mass.
My Dear Sir:
Your communication of the 2d inst., requesting a recommenda
tion for a position in Maj .-Gen. Hancock's new veteran corps, is
received. I most cheerfully recommend you for an appointment in said
corps. While serving with me in North Carolina, I always found
you an able, efficient and brave officer. I consider you perfectly
competent for the command of any regiment, and believe you
could induce many of your old regiment to re-enlist under you if
you should succeed in obtaining the appointment.
Respectfully yours,
J. G. Foster, Maj. Gen. Commdg.

CHAPTER IX.

Roster of Field, Staff, Non-Commissioned Staff, Company
Officers and Enlisted Men of the Reorganized Seven
teenth Regiment, Massachusetts Veteran Volunteer
Infantry. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Art. — Artillery k.— Killed
Assig. — ^Assigned Must. — Mustered
Bat. — Battalion M. O. — Mustered out
Com. — Commissioned no. fur. rec. — No further record
Co. — Company organ. — Organization
d. — Died pris. — Prisoner
drum. — Drummed pro. — Promoted
disabil — Disability rec. — Recommended
Disch. — Discharged re-enhst. — Re-enhsted
Expir. — Expiration regt. — Regiment
gr. — Grave regtl. — Regimental
H. Art. — Heavy Artillery ser. — Ser-vice
hon. — Honorably sub. — Substitute
hospl. — Hospital transf. — Transferred
Inf. — Infantry vols. — Volunteers
Reorganized Field and Staff and Non-Commissioned Staff
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas I. C. Amory, Colonel; 36; July 1, '64; Boston; d. October 7,'64, at Beaufort, N. C.
of yello-w fever; brevetted brigadier-general.
JohnF. Fellows, Colonel; October 9, '64; Chelsea; not mustered.
Henry Splaine, Colonel; 27; June 16, '65; Haverhill ; not mustered as Colonel.
Henry Splaine, Lt.-Col; 27; Aug. 10, '64; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
William W. Smith, Lt.-Col.; 27; June 16, '65; Danvers; M. O. as Major.
Henry Splaine, Major; 27; Aug 4, '64; Haverhill ; pro. Lt.-Col. Aug. 10, '64.
William W. Smith, Major; 27; Aug. 4, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
John E. Mullally, Major; 26; June 16, '65; So. Danvers; M. O. as Captain.
Daniel S. Allen, Surgeon; 46; Feb. 20, '65; Gloucester; M. O. July 11, '65.
George W. Clark, Asst. Surgeon ; 29 ; July 3, '63; Boston; dismissed Dec. 23, '64.
Joseph A. Moore, 1st Lt. and Adjt. ; 21 ; Jan., '65 ; Gloucester; pro. Captain, assigned to Co. B.
James H. Stuart, IstLt. and Adjt.; 29; Mar. 4, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry B. Webber, Rgtl. Qm.; 29; Aug. 3, '64; Haverhill; pro. Captain Mar. 4, '65; assigned
to Co. E.
Horace Dexter, Regtl. Qm.; 38; Feb. 1, '65; Cambridge; M. O. July 31, '66; commissioned
Captam June 16, '65.
James H. Stuart, Sgt. Major; 28; July 1, '64; Boston; disch. for pro. to 1st Lt. March 3, '65.
Malcolm Sillars, Qm. Sgt.; 27; Jan. 5, '64; Danvers; disch. for pro. 2d Lt. July 4, '64.
[263]

264 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
George W. Hewes, Qm. Segt.; 28; Sept. 1, '64; HaverhiU; commissioned 2d Lt. July 16, '65;
M.O.July 11, '65.
Henry B. Webber, Com. Sgt.; 28; Jau. 1, '64; Haverhill; pro. 1st Lt. and Qm. Aug. 15, '64.
Edwin A. Moulton, Com. Sgt.; 25; Mar. 1, '65; Salisbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward P. Cotting, Hospl. Steward; 25; Aug. 3, '63; Worcester; pro. 2d Lt. March 3, '65;
assigned to Co. C.
Algernon S. Nichols, Hospl. Steward; 18; Mar. 4, '65; West Canibridge; M. O. July 11, '65.
George E. Moore, Prin. Musician; 27; Apr. 1, '65; Shutesbury; M. 0. July 11, '65.

Company "A", New Organization
NAME-. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry Splaine, Captain; 25; Jan. 31, '62;Haverhill; pro. Major Aug. 4, '64.
James Splaine, Captain; 24; Feb. 9, '65; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Splaine 1st Lt.; 22; Dec. 24, '62; HaverhiU; pro. Captain Feb. 9, '65.
Malcolm SiUars, Ist Lt.; 26; March 4, '64; So. Danvers; M. O.July 11, '65.
Thomas F. Newton, 1st Lt.; 34; July 3, '62; HaverhUl; transf. to New Co. B; transf. to
N. C. Union Volunteera.
Joseph A. Moore, 2d Lt.; 20; July 22, '63; Gloucester; pro. 1st Lt. Aug. 30, '64; transf. to
new Co. C.
Henry G. Hyde. 2d Lt.; 22; Sept. 1, '64; Danvers; pro. 1st Lt. Mar. 4, '65; transf. to Co. E.
Eben Symonds, Ist Sgt.; 22; Dec. 5, '63; Maiden; commissioned 2d Lt. Mar. 3, '65.
Thomas A. Murray, 1st Sgt.; 20; Jan. 2, '64; Newburyport; commissioned 2d Lt. June 1, '65;
M.O. as .Sgt. July 11, '65.
Elisha Young, Sgt. ; 34 ; Jan. 1 , '64 ; Newburyport; disch for disiabiUty June 29, '65.
Andrew J. TUton, Sgt.; 23; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Andrew Templeton, Sgt.. 21; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. O.July 11, '65.
John Cowan, Sgt.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Salisbury; transf. to Co. D.
Areatus H. DUIingham, Sgt.; 31 ; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Dunn, Sgt.; 32; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; commissioned 2d Lt. June 1, '65; d. June 3,
'65.
Patrick H. Donovan, Corp.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
Taylor J. VaUer, Corp.; 23; Feb. 13, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Daniel Lynch, Corp.; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Albert J. Cook, Corp.; 23; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
WiUiam W. Marshall, Corp.; 25; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Albert F. Austin, Corp. ; 24 ; Jan. 4, '64 ; Newburyport; transf. to Co. D.
Joseph W. Haynes, Corp.; 26; Jan. 5, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
RolandF. Lewis, Corp.;21; Jan. 5, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
Andrew P. Lewis, Corp.; 21 ; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; transf. to Co. F.
RandaU P. Newman, Corp.; 21; Dec. 5, '63; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles E. Batchelder, Musician; 21; Jan. 1, '64; Wenham; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dennis Dwyer, Musician; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward G. Boyle, Musician; 21; Feb. 14, '64; Boston; transf. to Co. D, Mar. 6, '65.
George A. Johnson, Musician; 20; Jan. 1, '64; Maldea; transf. to Co. D, Mar. 26, '65.
Thomas Ahem, Private; 29; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. O.July 11, '65.
Charles Ames, Private; 38; Feb. 13, '64; Charlestown; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry BeU, Private; 26; Jan. 5, '64; Brookline; M. O. July 11, '65.
Lewis F. Besse, Private; 38; Jan. 4, '64; No. Chelsea; transf. to Co. F.
Henry A. W. Blackburn, Private; 18; July 16, '64; Faxton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. July 27, '65.
Charlea H. Blake, Private; 20; Jan. 5, '64; Salisbury; disch. July 25, '65.

COMPANY A, NEW ORGANIZATION. 265
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John B. Blodgett, Private ; 24 ; Jan. 5, '64; Sturbridge; transf. to Co. B.
Charles S. Bolton Private; 25; Feb. 29, '64; Boston ; wounded Mar. 8, '65; M. O. July 11, '65.
Patrick Bohan, Private; 26; Jan. 16, '64 ; Lynn; transf. to Co. B.
Charies H. Brackett, Private; 18; Feb. 9, '65; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Addison Bricket, Private; 22 ; Sept. 20, '64; Haverhill; disch. Juue 30, '65.
Francis Buckley, Private; 24; Sept, 5, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from 2d
Regt. H. Art.
John Burke, Private; 37; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; disch. for disability Feb. 25, '65.
John Bushman, Private; 21; Feb. 13, '65; Worcester; M. O. July 11, '66.
Andrew Byer, Private; 19; July 19, '64; Milton; transf. from 2d H. Art.; M. O. July 11, '65.
Daniel Callahan, Private; 25; Aug. 5, '64; Grafton; disch. June 12, '65; transf. from 2d
H. Art.
Timothy Calnan, Private; 19; Aug. 18, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d H. Art.; M. O. July 11,
'65.
James F. Casey, Private; 21; Sept. 10, '64; Lawrence; transf. from 2d H. Art.; M. O. July 1, '65.
Henry Chase, Private; 26; Do. 3, '63; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry Clark, Private; 27; July 25, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d H. Art.; M. O. July 11, '65.
George I. Clapp, Private; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Chelsea; disch. July 25, '65.
Levi F. Colbath, Private; 29; Jan. 1, '64; HaverhUl; disch. July 12, '65.
David Cole, Private; 28; Jan. 5, '64; Chelsea; transf. to Co. B.
John Conboy, Private; 21; Jan. 26, '64; Lynn; pris. of war Mar. 10, '65; disch. June 17, '65.
Edward Conley, Private; 40; Aug. 25, '64; MUford; disch. July 27, '65; transf. from 2d
H. Art.
Timothy Connelly, Private; 23; Jan. 5, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles A. Corey, Private; 21; Aug. 19, '64; Great Barrington; transf. from 2d H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Frank Croston, Private; 25; Sept. 6, '64; Bradford; transf. from 2d Rgt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Thomas Curtin, Private; 26; Jan. 5, '64; Haverhill; d. June 6, '65, at Greensboro, N. C.
James L. Dale, Private; 23 ; Jan. 4, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Jesse L. Dame, Private; 21 ; Jau. 1, '64; Beverly ; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Dane, Private; 24; Feb. 13, '64; Medford; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Davidson, Private; 19; Dec. 28, '63; Wenham; transf. to Co. E.
Charles H. Davis, Private; 19; Jan. 1, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
William L. Davis, Private; 41; Mar. 14, '64; FaU River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles Donahue, Private; 20; Sept. 1, '64; To-wnsend; transf. from 2d H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Michael Dooley, Private; 41; Jan. 1, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Doonin, Private; 31 ; Jan. 5, '64; Georgetown; M. O. July 11, '65.
Daniel J. Dwyer, Private; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Frederick Eaton, Private; 30; Jan. 2, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Ellis, Private; 21; Jan. 25, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Fahey, Private; 46; Feb. 1, '64; Lynn; transf. to Co. B.
Thomas, Farrell, Private; 42; Sept. 7, '64; Great Barrington; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.;M. O.July 11, '65.
James Finn, Private; 31; Jan. 5, '64; Rockport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry A. Flanders, Private; 20; Feb. 16, '64; Lynn; pris. Mar. 10, '65; disch. June 5, '65.
Samuel J. Ford, Private; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Boston; transf. to Co. E.
Hiram S. Foss, Private; 20; Aug. 25, '64; LoweU; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M.O.
July 11, '65.
Albert Gale, Private; 22; Feb. 29, '64; HaverhUl; disch. July 22, '65.
WUUam Gannon, Private; 21; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
George A. Gardner, Private; 18; Sept. 2, '64; Dighton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.

266 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Dennis Gleason, Private; 20; Sept. 6, '64; Tewksbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
John F. Glynn, Private; 31; Aug. 25, '64; LoweU; M. O. July 11, '65; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.
Charles H. Gove, Private; 21; Dec. 28, '63; Rockport; d. Sept. 29, '64, at Newbern, N. C.
John C. Grover, Private; 20; Dec. 28, '63; Melrose; M. O. July 11, '65.
Stephen S. HaU, Private; 29; June 3, '64; Upton; transf. to Co. C.
George W. Herrick, Private; 44; Sept. 5, '64; Milford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
killed in action Mar. 8, '65, Kinston, N. C.
George W. Hewes, Private; 27; Jan. 5, '64; HaverhUl ; transf . to N.C. S.Qm. Sgt.,Sept.l,'64.
Jeremiah B. HUl, Private; 42; Dec. 27, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Richard Higston, Private; 45; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; transf. to Co. B.
Benjamin'Huddle, Private; 19; Jan. 1, '64; Salem; disch. Aug. 9, '65.
JohnH. IngersoU, Private; 21; Dec. 30, '63; Gloucester; disch. July 24, '65.
Edwin Janes, Private; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Salem; disch. June 5, '65.
William Jones, Private; 24; Aug. 18, '64; West Cambridge; transf. from 2d H. Art.;
diach. July 24, '65.
George M. Keen, Private; 21 ; Jan. 4, '64: Medford; transf. to Co. E.
Packard Kennedy, Private; 29; Jan. 4, '64; Georgetown; M. O. July 11, '65.
Samuel Kezar, Private; 37; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joseph W. Lawton, Private; 34; Jan. 1, '64; HaverhUl; M. O.July 11, '65.
Simon L. Lee, Private; 27; Aug. 18, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d H. Art.; transf. to Co. H.
George H. Lewis, Private; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Medford; d. May 12, '65, at Raleigh, N. C.
John Lynch, Private; 41; Jan. 4, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
James I. Marshall, Private; 20; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Masterson, Private; 30; Jan. 1, '64; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dennis McCarty, Private; 27; Jan. 5, '64; Boston; d. Sept. 29, '64, at Newbem, N. C.
Patrick McCarty, Private; 21; Dec. 12, '63; Boston; deserted Nov. 10, '64, while on furlough.
Jesse McLoud, Private; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Rockport; disch. July 27, '65.
Owen McGauley, Private; 27; Dec. 11, '63; Georgetown; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas McGrath, Private; 20; Jan. 5, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Timothy Meaney, Private; 31; Mar. 30, '64; Abington; M. O. July 11, '65.
Benjamin Nolan, Private; 19; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; M. 0. July 11, '65.
Hiram C. Norcross, Private; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Manchester; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Noyes, Private; 18; Feb. 24, '65; Newbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
James O'Connell, Private; 27; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d H. Art.; d. of
wounds at Newbem, N. C, Apr. 8, '65.
Charles P. Ordway, Private; 23; Jan. 4, '64; East Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Francis Peabody, Private; 21 ; Jan. 4, '64; Boston; d. Oct. 3, '64, at Newbem, N. C.
Joseph Perkins, Private; 23; Jan. 4, '64; Newbury; pris. of war Mar. 8, '65; disch. July 19, '65.
Richard Putrill, Private; 20; Jan. 2, '64; Newburyport; transf. to Co. F.
Alfred Putnam, Private; 28; Sept. 6, '64; HaverhUl; disch. June 30, '65.
George B. Reed, Private; 18; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; Transf. to Co. B.
John Reeves, Private; 24; Dec. 30, '63; Rockport; disch. June 30, '65.
Albert Remington, Private; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Sturbridge; M. O. July 11, '65.
John P. Richardson, Private; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry Rivers, Private; 27; Dec. 6, '63; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Benjamin P. Rogers, Private; 20.; Jan. 1, '64; Newbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Silas H. Rogers, Private; 36; Jan. 1, '64; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
Ezra Rumney, Private; 30; Jan. 5, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d H. Art.M.O. Julyll,'66.
Benjamin A. Sargent, Private; 26; Feb. 29, '64; HaverhUl; transf. to Co. F.
Llewelln Sawyer, Private; 25; Feb. 13, '64; Hubbardston; disch. July 24, '65.
Thomas B. Simonds, Private; 20; Sept. 20, '64; Haverhill; transf. to Co. F.
John S. Smith, Private; 46: Feb. 11, '64; Taunton; M. O. July 11, '65.

COMPANY B, NEW ORGANIZATION. 267
NAME. R.ANK. AGE. . DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Herbert Splaine, Private; 39; Sept. 13, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '65.
Moses N. Stanley, Private; 33; Jan. 1, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael SuUivan, Private; 31 ; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; transf. to Co. F.
Henry Thomaa Taylor, Private; 24; Dec. 4, '64; Rockport; disch. June 23, '65.
Alphonso W. Thoms, Private; 19; Oct. 8, '61; Boston; disch. expiration of term Oct. 7, '64.
Martin Watson, Private; 20; Jan. 1, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Francis Whittier, Private; 18; Dec. 17, '63; Haverhill; disch. July 22, '65.
Byron A. Woodbury, Private; 25; Jan. 1, '64; Gloucester; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga., Feb.
1, '64; No. of grave, 6483.
Miles Woodman, Private ; 42 ; Nov. 14, '61 ; Boston ; transf. to Co. D.
Caleb S. Woodwell, Private; 25; Dec. 14, '63; Newburyport; M. O. Aug. 11, '65.
Francis B. Wyman, Private; 23; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Andrew Andrews, Private; 22; Dec. 10, '64; Newport, N. C; M. O. July '65, Colored Under
Cook.
George Andrews, Private; 39; Dec. 16, '64; Newport, N. C; M. O. July 11, '65, Colored Under
Cook.

Company "B", New Organization
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
WUliam W. Smith, Captain; 24; July 5, '63; Danvers; promoted maj.; transf. to Field and
Staff. ^
Joseph A. Moore, Captain; 21; Mar. 4, '65; Gloucester; M. O.July 11, '65.
Thomas F. Newton, 1st Lt.; 33; Aug. 14, '62; HaverhUl; M. O. for promotion Nov. 18, '64.
N. C. Vols.
Horace Dexter, 1st. Lt.; 38; Jan. 19, '65; Cambridge; transf. to Field and Staff as Regtl.
Quartermaster. ^
James M. Stuart, 1st Lt.; 29; Mar. 4, '65; Boston; transf. to Field and Staff as Adjutant.
Henry G. Hyde, 1st Lt.; 22; Mar. 4, '65; Danvers; transf. to Co. E. gj,- g|^B|
Lewis Cann, 2d Lt.; 23; Apr. 26, '63; Danvers; pro. 1st Lt.; transf. to Co. D. '.'^
Orrin B. Cooley, 2d Lt.; 39; Feb. 7, '65; Longmeadow; M. O. July 11, '65 as 2d Lt.; com
missioned 1st Lt. June 30, '65.
James Smith, 1st Sgt.; Mar. 25, '64; Danvers; pro. 2d Lt. Sept. 19, '64; transf. to Co. H.
Robert Smith, 1st Sgt.; 20; Jan. 6, '64; Danvers; pro. 2d Lt.; transf. to Co. G.
Thomaa Cochran, Sgt.; 21; Jan. 1, '64; FaU River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Richard W. Fuller, Sgt.; 21; Dec. 8, '63; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Timothy W. Hawkes, Sgt.; 26; Jan. 6, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. D, Dec. 28, '64.
Joseph G. Martin, Sgt.; 37; Feb. 29, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. G, Mar. 4, '65.
John R. Nelson, Sgt.; 21; Dec. 24, '63; Foxboro; M. O. July 11, '65.
John F. Wells, Sgt.; 26; Jan. 2, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '66.
Thomas S. Clymonts, Corp.; 21; Dec. 5, '63; New Bedford; transf. to Co. H., Mar. 4, '65.
Joseph Cooper, Corp.; 42; Feb. 17, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Solomon Martin, Corp.; 20; Jan. 5, '64; Newburyport; transf. to Co. D, Dec. 28, '64.
Charles F. Meader, Corp.; 21; Jan. 1, '64; Haverhill; transf. to Co. H, Mar. 4, '65.
JosephE.Mills, Corp.;20;Dec. 4, '63; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
JonasS. Monroe, Corp.; 32; Feb. 22, '64; So. Danvers; M. O.July 11, '65.
John B. Moores, Corp.; 28; Jan. 5, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. G, Mar. 4, '65.
Fred A. Nourse^ Corp.; 22; Jan. 14, '62; Marblehead; pro. Capt. 1st N. C. Colored^U. Vols.
Sept. 19, '64.
William H. Ogden, Corp.; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. G.
WUliam PoUett, Corp.; 21 ; Dec. 29, '63; Fall River; transf. to Co. H.

268 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. . RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas Ray, Corp.; 28; Feb. 9, '64; Fall River; killed in action Mar. 8, '65, Kinston, N. C.
Patrick Sexton, Corp.; 22; Jan. 2, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. C.
Jacob Schanks, Corp.; 22; Dec. 5, '63; Ipswich; M. O. July 11, '65.
Simon Steele, Corp.; 21; Jan. 5, '64; HaverhiU; disch. July 29, '65.
Aaron Warhurst, Corp.; 30; Dec. 23, '63; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charies F. Wells, Corp.; 20; Feb. 18, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Abel R. Wilson, Corp.; 21; Jan. 5, '64; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
John C. Kinsman, Corp.; 29; Dec. 4, '63; Boston; deserted Nov. 9, '64.
Henry Foster, Musician; 18; Feb. 19, '64; Cambridge; transf. to Co. H.
Hiram T. Foster, -Musician; 20; Dec. 10, '63; Cambridge; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles Hartman, Musician; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Danvers: transf. to Co. H.
George C. Wilson, Musician: 20; Jan. 4, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
George Austin, Private; 42; Sept. 3, '64; Taunton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Bailey, Private; 21; Aug. 8, '64; Orange; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch,
June 21, '65.
Horace Baldwin, Private; 44; Jan. 5, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Abraham Barrett, Private; 26; Jan. 4, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
John B. Blodgett, Private; 24; Jan. 5, '64; Sturbridge; d. Feb. 25, '65, at Newbem, N. C.
Patrick Bohan, Private; 24; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Frank Brady, Private; 20; Dec. 9, '63; Lawrence; deserted July, '64.
Patrick Buckley, Private; 24; Mar. 6, '65; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward R. Bugbee, Private; 29; Sept. 10, '64; HolUston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Patrick Burke, Private; 30; Feb. 29, '64; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Burke, Private; 24; Deo. 13, '63; HaverhUl; deserted Mar. 30, '65.
WUliam Byme, Private; 24; Feb. 13, '64; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
William Chambers, Private; 26; Dec. 4, '63; Chelsea; M. O. July 11, '65.
James N. Chase, Private; 27; Sept. 17, '64; Shrewsbury; transf. 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles .^. Cheever, Private; 38; Jan. 18, '64; Lynn; transf. to Co. H.
PhUo Clark, Private: 39; Feb. 4, '65; Huntington; M. O. July 11, '65.
David Cole, Private; 28; Jan. 5, '64; Chelsea: disch. June 26, '65.
Joseph H. Coley, Private; 20; Dec. 5, '63; Danveis; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUliam R. Crawford, Private; 21; Dec. 10, '63; Danvers; deserted Nov. 16, '64.
William Crockett, Private; 25; Jan. 4, '65; Springfield; deserted June 30, '65.
WUUam H. Cruse, Private; 27; Dec. 7, '63; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
John L. Cunningham, Private; 38; Jan. 4, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joseph F. Dakin, Private; 29; Jan. 1, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Richard Davis, Private: 22; Aug. 22, '64; Easthampton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
George H. Dole, Private; 30; Dec. 1, '63; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomaa Fahey, Private; 45; Feb. 1, '64; Lynn; d. June 28, '65, at Greensboro, N. C.
George Fish, Private; 45; Jan. 5, '64; HolUston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Patrick Gaynor, Private; 32; Dec. 30, '63; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUUam E. Gihnan, Private; 33; 1,'64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
David Gleason, Private; 43; Feb. 16, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Gleason, Private; 21; Dec. 28, '63; Fall River; deserted Nov. 9, '64.
Joseph Godfrey, Private; 22; Dec. 23, '63; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Aaron Guilford, Private; 25; Dec. 15, '63; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Horace Hamblet, Private; 21; Aug. 1, '64; Newburyport; transf . from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
John Haskins, Private: 45; Dec. 26, '63; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.

COMPANY B, NEW ORGANIZATION. 269
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas Henry, Private; 20; Aug. 16, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M.O.
July 11, '65.
Thomas Hessan, Private; 35; Dec. 28, '63; Salisbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomaa Hickey, Private; 21; Feb. 15, '65; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Patrick Hill, Private; 22 ; Feb. 13, '64; Lawrence; d. May 5, '65, at Beaufort, N. C.
Richard Higston, Private; 45; Jan. 15, '64; Lynn; d. June 6, '65, at Greensboro, N. C.
Sewall B. Holbrook, Private; 20; July 5, '64; Milford; M. O. July 11, '65.
James W. Hurd, Private; 27; Sept. 7, '64; Wobum; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George C. Irish, Private; 26; Dec. 2, '63; Gloucester; M. O. July 11, '65.
James H. Kiely, Private; 20; Jan. 1, '64; Marblehead; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUliam H. Lane, Private; 21; Sept. 6, '64; Southampton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
transf. to Co. D.
James Lee, Private; 28; Sept. 9, '64; Danvers; transf. from 2d Regt. H._Art; diach.
June 30, '65.
John Lee, Private; 22; Mar. 12, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '66.
John Leonard, Private; 35; Feb. 2, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Long, Private; 23; Dec. 27, '63; Blackstone; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael Lynch, Private; 18; Nov. 26, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas McDermott, Private; 30; Jan. 2, '64; Chelmsford; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles H. Mclntire, Private; 21; Feb. 27, '65; Salem; deserted June 19, '66.
Philip McMahon, Private; 31 ; Jan. 26, '64; Melrose; M. O. July 11, '65.
Luther Moritz, Private; 25; Jan. 4, '64; HaverhiU: M. O. July 11, '65.
Andrew MiUan, Private; -26; Jan. 1, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
(also known as Mullen.)
James B. Murphy, Private; 20; Sept. 2, '64; Milton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Thomas Murphy, Private; 25; July 6, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUUam Norria, Private; 35; Dec. 26, '63; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
Maurice O'Riley, Private; 24; Dec. 26, '63; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
OliverParker, Private; 22; Dec. 15, '63; So. Danvers; d. Oct. 3, '64, at Newbem, N. C.
Henry Parks, Private; 23; Jan. 18, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 16, '66.
James M. Patterson, Private; 41; Dec. 11, '63; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
David Pettingill, Private; 35; Sept. 24, '64; Hingham; disch. June 30, '65.
George Pitman, Private; 36; Feb. 15, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '66.
Nathaniel A. Pope, Private; 23; Oct. 19, '64; Roxbury; transf. to Co. D.
Sylvester Powell, Private; 27; Jan. 19, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Frank Powers, Private; 22; Feb. 11, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '66.
John Purtill, Private; 42; Dec. 10, '63; Newburyport; M. O. July 17, '65.
Joseph Quinn, Private; 20; Jan. 5, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
George B. Reed, Private; 18; Jan. 16, '64; Lynn; M. 0. July 11, '65.
Albert Remington, Private; 22; Jan. 5, '64; Sturbridge; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Riley, Private; 27; Dec. 27, '63; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomaa A. Rogers, Private; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Marblehead; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joseph Roland, Private; 37; Jan. 6, '64; Boaton; M. O. July 11, '65
WilUam B. Sargent, Private; 30; Jan. 1, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joseph E. Smith, Private; 39; Jan. 1, '64 ; Haverhill ; M. O. July 11, '66.
Allen Soper, Private; 31; Feb. 25, '65; Marblehead; M. O. July 11, '65.
Simon S. Steele, Private; 19; Jan. 4, '64; Haverhill; disch. July 29, '65.
James P. Stevens, Private; 30; Jan. 5, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Bartholomew Sullivan, Private; 25; Jan. 1, '64; Lynnfield; M. O. July 11,['65.
Philip Sullivan, Private; 22; Sept. 23, '64; Danvers; disch. June 30, '65.
Ezra Tennaut, Private; 22; Oct. 27, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65
John Thedford, Private; 37; Mar. 9, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.

270 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles A. Thresher, Private; 20; Dec. 22, '63; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Wilbur ¦Whiton, Private; 27; Jan. 24, '65; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
George H. 'Whittemore, Private; 21; Nov. 12, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
William Wilson, Private; 25; Mar. 12, '64; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
John S. Winslow, Private; 28; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUlard Winslow, Private; 24; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; disch. June 15, '65.
Hugh Young, Private; 23; Feb. 22, '64; Hopkinton; M. O. July 11, '65.

Company "C", New Organization
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John E. Mullally, Captain; 24; Dec. 29, '63; So. Danvers; commissioned Major, June 16, '65;
M. O. as Captain July 11, '65.
Joseph A. Moore, lat Lt.; 21; Aug. 30, '64; Gloucester; appointed Adjt. Jan. 3, '65; tranaf.
to Field and Staff.
Malcolm SUIars, 2d Lt.; 26; July 22, '64; So. Danvers; pro. lat Lt. March 4, '65; tranaf. to
Co.H.
Edward P. Cotting, 2d. Lt.; 27; March. 4, '65; Worcester; commissioned 1st Lt. Jime 16,
'65; M. O. as 2d Lt. July 11, '65.
Uriah Robertson, 1st Sgt.; 28: Jan. 5, '64; Danvera; pro. 2d Lt. Mar. 4, '64; transf. to Co. H.
HenryG. Hyde, 1st Sgt.; 21; Feb. 29, '64; Danveis; pro. 2d Lt. Sept. 1, '64; transf. to Co. H.
Brotherton Martin, 1st Sgt.; 23; Dec. 5, '64; Newburyport; com. 2d Lt. June 1, '65; M. O.
aslstSgt. July 11,'66.
Levi Cox, Sgt.; 39; Dec. 19, '63; Maiden; d. Nov. 7, '64 whUe on furlough in Mass.
George ElweU, Sgt.; 33; Jan. 1, '64; Rockport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dominick Kenny, Sgt.; 31; Jan. 4, '64; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
Patrick Moloney, Sgt.; 26; Jan. 1, '64; Stoneham; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edwin A. Moulton, Sgt.; 23; Jan. 4, '64; Amesbury; transf. to N. C. S. aa Commissary Sgt.
Ariel S. Noyes, Sgt.; 34; Feb. 16, '64; Haverhill ; wounded Mar. 8, '65; disch. June 21, '65.
Charies E. Barry, Corp.; 20; Dec. 15, '63; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry A. Cook, Corp.; 21; Dec. 30, '63; Gloucester; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUliam H. Davis, Corp.; 26; Dec. 27, '63; Rockport; transf. to Co. F.
Patrick Fallon, Corp.; 24; Mar. 14, '64; Quincy; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Graham, Corp. ; 31 ; Feb. 10, '62 ; Chelsea; transf. to Co. D.
Frank McLaughlin, Corp. ; 21; Sept. 16,'64; HaverhiU; disch. June 30, '65.
John McGlinchy, Corp.; 30; Dec. 7, '63; Boston; disch. Aug. 10, '65.
Johu F. MiUs, Corp.; 25; Jan. 1, '64; Bradford ; transf . to Co. D.
Patrick Nalty, Corp. ; 21 ; Jan. 5, '64; West Newbury ; transf. to Co. D.
George Pitman, Jr., Corp. ; 20; Feb. 26, '64; Danvers; disoh. June 28, '65.
Henry B. Skinner, Corp.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Peter J. Soley, Corp.; 25; Jan. 2, '64; Haverhill; deserted Nov. 10, '64.
Joseph A. Welch, Corp.; 24; Jan. 4, '64; Haverhill; tranaf. to Co. D.
Charles M. Woodbury, Corp.; 22; Dec. 12, '63; So. Danvers; d. June 8, '65 in MoDougal
Hosp'l, New York City.
Thomas Hancock, Musician; 21 ; Feb. 16, '64; Chelsea; M. O. July 11, '65.
Samuel E. Tucker, Jlusician; 18; Jan. 5, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Acton, Private: 30; Dec. 25, '63; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles F. BlaisdeU, Private; 24; Feb. 28, '64; Wobum; d. of wounds Mar. 14, '65, at New
bem, N. C.
Michael Brannigan, Private; 20; Dec. 12, '63; Wobum; d. at AndersonvUle, Ga., July 19,
'64;No. of gr. 3587.

COMPANY C, NEW ORGANIZATION. 271

NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Brown, Private; 40; Sept. 2, '64; Hawley; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach. June
30, '65.
Nicholas Brown, Private; 24; Nov. 15, '64; Lynn; transf. to Co. D.
Warren A. Burpee, Private; 30; Dec. 29, '63 ; Gloucester; diach. June 30, '65.
James A. Byrne, Private; 37; Dee. 11, '63; Danvers; lost atsea, June 7, '65.
Thomas Caine, Private; 33; Feb. 25, '64; Amesbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Lawrence CaU, Private; 21 ; Oct. 8, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dennis Cashman, Private; 18; Jan. 18, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '66.
Paul Chagnette, Private; 28; Sept. 9, '64; HaverhUl; disch. June 30, '65.
John Coffey, Private; 21 ; Sept. 17, '64; HaverhUl; disch. June 30, '65.
George W. Coleman, Private; 25; Nov. 10, '63; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Conboy, Private; 21 ; Aug. 22, '64; Roxbury ; disch. June 30, '65.
Cyms W. Crocker Private; 35; Sept. 20, '64 ; HaverhUl ; disch. June 30, '65.
James Cunningham, Private; 36; Jan. 12, '65; Taunton; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Curran, Private; 23; Oct. 10, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael Curtin, Private; 23; July 29, '64; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
Theodore Curtis, Private; 30; Dec. 3, '63; Saugus; M. O. July 11, '65.
¦WUliam D. Curtis, Private; 18; Dec. 3, '63; Saugus; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Dailey, Private; 21; July 23, '64; Chelsea; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Caleb Davis, 3d, Private; 21; Sept. 19, '64; Lowell; disch. June 30, '65.
Charles H. Davis, Private; 21 ; Feb. 2, '64 ; Andover; disch. June 30, '65.
Henry M. Derx, Private; 19; Dec. 26, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Peter Devine, Private; 18; Nov. 17, '63; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
¦William Doody, Private; 25; Aug. 17, '64; Lawrence; disch. June 30, '65.
¦WiUiam H. Eaton, Private; 18; Jan. 13, ' 64; Lynn; disch. July 29, '65.
William Ellison, Private; 22; Jan. 4, '62; Saugus; disch. Jan. 4, '65; expir. of term.
Martin Fallon, Private; 39; Sept. 3, '64; Newburyport; disch. June 30, '65.
George W. FUnt, Private; 18; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; disch. June 7, '65.
WarrenA. Flint, Private; 44; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; disch. June 17, '65.
Enos Floyd, Private; 43; Sept. 3, '64; Newburyport; disch. June 30, '65.
Daniel Flye, Private; 23; Feb. 13, '64; Saugus; d. July 6, '65, at Raleigh, N. C.
Lawrence Fox, Private; 43; Oct. 15, '64; Danvers ;M. O.July 11, '65.
John Fraher, Private; 25; Dec. 29, '63 ; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
To-svnsend P. George, Private; 21; July 26, '64; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
Peter Godfrey, Private; 27; April 12, '64; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joshua Grant, Private ; 34 ; Sept. 26, '64 ; Amesbury ; disch. June 30, '65.
Wmiam Green, Private; 19; Feb. 14, '65; Mendon; M. 0. July 11, '65.
Stephen S. Hall, Private; 29; June 30, '64; Uptom; disch. July 24, '65.
John Harkins, Jr., Private; 18; Oct. 26, '64; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Hart, Private; 20; Jan. 6, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '66.
Alfred Hopkirk, Private; 23; Dec. 1, '63; Wenham; d. Oct. 1, '64, while on veteran furlough.
WUUam Howard, Private; 21; Sept. 24, '64; East Boston; M. O. July 11, '66.
Thomas Hawks, Private; 21 ; Aug. 13, '64; Newburyport; disch. June 30, '65.
Nelson Hughes, Private; 21; Aug. 9, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Albert Jeffers, Private; 42 ; Jan. 13, '64 ; Lynn ; disch. July 25, '66.
George W. Jeffers, Private; 18; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
William H. Jeffers, Private; 20; Jan. 13, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '66.
Thomaa Kelly, Private; 25; Feb. 10, '62; Roxbury; disoh. Feb. 10, '65; expir. of term.
Thomaa J. Kelley, Private; 32; Nov. 20, '63; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
WilUam W. Kenney, Private; 35; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; M. 0. JuUy 11, '65.
John Kirby, Private; 19; Sept. 3, '64; Taunton; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art. disoh. July
27, '65.

272 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
David B. Lowe, Private; 22; Feb. 10, '62; Gloucester; absent, sick at M. O. ; nojur. rec.
Michael Lynch, Private; 18; Nov. 26, 64; Boston; transf. to Co. B.
GeorgeH. Mabee, Private; 24; Dec. 3, '63; Roxbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dennis Mahoney, Private; 27; Nov. 22, '61 ; Boston; disch. Nov. 17, '64; expir. of term.
WUUam H. Martin, Private; 18;; Oct. 21, '64; Newburyport: M. O.July 11, '65.
James J. McCormick, Private; 22; Jan. 28, '62; Lynn; disch. Jan. 27, '65; expir. of term.
Henry McGaffey, Private; 28; Sept. 17, '64 ; Haverhill ; disch. June 30, '65.
Benjamin MUler, Jr., Private; 30; Sept. 17, '64; HaverhUl; disch. June 30, '65.
Charles A. Miner, Private; 18; Sept. 13, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '65.
Est-wick MorriU, Private; 30; July 11, '64; Salisbury ; M. O. July 11, '66.
Le-wis J. Morrill, Private; 26; Dec. 21, '64; Lynn; M. O.July 11, '65.
George Moriey, Private; 40; Mar. 6, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Daniel Murphy, Private; 24; Aug. 5, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '66.
Owen Murphy, Private; 28; Spt. 20, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. H.
Timothy Murphy, Private; 34; Sept 17, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '65.
Algemon S. Nicholas, Private: IS; Dec. 26, '63; HaverhUl; transf. to N. C. S. as Hosp'l
Steward.
James Nulty, Private: 18; Dec. 31, '63 ; Amesbury ; M. O. July 11, '65.
John O'Brien, Private; 34; Jan. 1, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUliam H. Paisley, Private; 32; Jan. 5, '64; SaUsbury; pris. Feb. 1, '64; d. in Anderson
ville, Ga., Apr. 17, '64:No. of gr. 598.
Charles E. Pangbom, Private; 19; Aug. 19, '64; Fitchburg; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charies H. Pendexter, Private; 26; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; disch. July 15, '65.
George W. Pevere, Private; 23; Sept. 19, '64; HaverhiU; disch. June 30, '65.
Walter S. Philbrick, Private; 30; Sept. 17, '64; HaverhUl; disch. June30,'65.
Warren C. Philbrick, Private; 36; Feb. 25, '64; Lynn; disch. July 12, '65.
Nathaniel A. Pope, Private; 26; Oct. 19, '64; Boston; transf. to Co. D.
John W. Quimby, Private; 25; Sept. 19, '64; HaverhiU; disch. June30, '65.
MUton Raddin, Private; 18; Dec. 31, '63; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Jay Rascot, Private ; 24 ; Sept. 6, '64 ; Haverhill ; disch June 30, '65.
Francis H. Rathbum, Private; 27; Sept. 6, '64; Marlblehead; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.; d. Apr. 12, '65 on Steamer "Escort."
Ezra Remington, Private; 18; May 29, '64; Sturbridge; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward Ring, Private: 34; Dec. 24, '63; Brighton; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry S. Robinson, Private; 18; Oct. 21, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Robinson, Private; 27; Feb. 24, '65; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Albert M. Sargent, Private; 24; Sept. 13, '64 ; Haverhill ; disch. June 30,'65.
George W. Stanwood, Private; 21 ; Sept. 7, '64; Newburyport; disch. June 30, '66.
Calvin B. Stockbridge, Private; 36; Sept. 17, '64; Haverhill; disch. June 30, '66.
Phillip Sullivan, Private; 22; Sept. 23, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. B.
PatrickToomey, Private; 25; Dec.26, '63, Wobum; M. O. July 11, '66.
WUliam Tracy, Private; 29; Aug. 5, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
John H.Tucker, Private; 42; Nov. 19, '63; Salem; disch. July 20, '65.
WUUam F. ¦White, Private; 44; Aug. 30, '64; Framingham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
WelUngton S. ¦White, Private; 20; Aug. 30, '64; Framingham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
John F. WUbur, Private; 21; Aug. 5, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
John S. Winslow, Private; 28; Feb. 22, '64; Lynn; transf. to Co. B.
WUlard Winslow, Private; 24; July 14, '63; Lawrence; transf. to Co. B.
Edmund E. Woodward, Private; 24; July 14, '63; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
Hugh Young, Private; 23; Feb. 22, '64; Hopkinton; transf. to Co. B.

company d, new organization. 273
Company "D", New Organization
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Lewis Cann, Captain; 24; Mar. 4, '65; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Lewis Cann, 1st Lt.; 24; Nov. 20, '64; Danvers; pro. Captain March 4, '65.
Timothy Hawks, 2d Lt.; 28; Apr 20, '65; Danvers; commissioned 1st Lt. June 1, '65;
M. O. July 11, '65 as 2d Lt.
Joseph A.Welch, 1st Sgt.; 24; Jan. 4, '64; Haverhill; commissioned 2d Lt., June 1, '65;
M. O.July 11, '65 as 1st Sgt.
Leonard W. PhiUips, 1st Sgt.;23; Jan. 25,'62; Bradford; transf. to Co. H. Feb. 26, '66.
Albert F. Austin, Sgt.; 23; Jan. 4 '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry Holland, Sgt. ; 23 ; Jan. 10, '62 ; Waltham ; disch. Jan. 9, '65, expir. of term.
Solomon Martin, Sgt.; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '66.
PatrickNalty, Sgt.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; West Newbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUUam T. Parks, Sgt.; 26; Nov. 17,'64; Newburyport; disch. July 22, '65.
MelvUle Maley, Sgt.; 21 ; Sept. 20, '64; Danvers; transf. to Co. H.
Charles G. Allen, Corp.; 22; Sept. 7, '64; Sandisfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. of
wounds Apr. 1, '66.
John Condon, Corp.; 26; Sept. 2, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Jacob Galucia^, Corp.;18; Nov. 4, '61; So. Danvers; disch. Nov. 6, '64, expir. of term.
John Graham, Corp.; 31; Feb. 10, 62; Chelsea; disch. Feb 11, '65 expir. of term.
Albert F. Johnson, Corp.; 22; Sept. 1, '64; Enfield; transf . from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George W. Jones, Corp.; 19; Sept. 10 '64; Chicopee; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John McCormack, Corp.; 22; Nov. 20, '61; So. Danvers; disch. Nov. 21, '64, as "James";
expir. of term.
Thomas S. McKenna, Corp.; 25; Sept. 16,'64; Boston; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from 2.d
H. Art.
Edward D. Metcalf, Corp. 26; Sept. 3, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 5, '66.
George A. Metcalf, Corp.; 28; Sept. 3, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; disch.
June 30, '65.
John F. Mills, Corp.; 25; Jan. 1, '64; Bradford; disch. July 27, '65.
Frank B. Poison, Corp.; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Lowell; d. Aug. 28, '64 in Anderson-viUe, Ga.;
No.otgr.7080.
James A. White, Corp.; 19; Sept. 6, '64; Acushnet; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from 2d
Regt. H. Art.
Edward G. Boyle, Musician; 18; Feb. 14,'64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Groom, Musician; 18; Jan. 4, '62; Lowell; disch. Jan. 4, '65, expir. of term.
George A. Johnson, Musician; 19; Jan.l, '64; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
John W. TwitcheU, Musician; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Chelsea; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga., Aug. 12,
'64;gr. No. 5428.
Samuel "Whittaker, Musician; 27; Jan. 1, '64; Boston; d. in AndersonvUle, Ga., Apr. 20, '64;
No. of Gr. 635.
William Allen, Private; 21; Sept 7, '64; Sandisfield; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Jamea Anderson, Private; 26; Jan. 23, '62; Medford; disch. Jan. 22, '65; expir. of term.
George Atwill, Private; 23; Sept. 5, '64; Taunton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James W. Barry, Private; 44; Sept. 7, '64; Great Barrington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
George W. Bean, Private; 24; Sept. 3, '64; HaverhUl; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.

274 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles Bishop, Private; 19; Aug. 6, '64; Chelsea; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 27, '65.
Lucius L. Bonney, Private; 25; Sept. 19, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. at Raleigh, N. C, May 16, '65.
James Boyle, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '64; Lynn; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh. June
30 '66.
Matthew Boyle, Private; 26; Sept. 2, '64; Blackstone; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Thomas C. Boyle, Private; 33; July, 4, '62; HaverhUl; disch. April 10, '65.
WUUam H. Briggs, Private; 24; Sept. 13, 64; Quincy; tranaf from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Benjamin H. Britton, Private; 31; Sept. 19, '64; Marlboro; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from
2d Regt. H. Art.
WUliam Broderick, Private ; 18 ; Sept. 7, '64 ; Great Barrington ; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art. ;
disch. June 30, '65.
Curtis H. Brown, Private; 35; Sept. 1, '64; Granby; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. at
Newbem, N. C. Mar. 31, '65.
Nichols Bro-wn, Private; 24; Nov. 15, '64; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles E. Burwell, Private; 38; Aug. 31, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
Joseph Campbell, Private; 28; D.ec. 5, '61 ; So. Danvers; disch. Jan. 7, '65, expir. of term.
WUliam H. Campbell, Private; 31; Jan. 31, '62; Chelsea; disch. Jan. 31, '65, expir. of term.
WUUam H. Carieton, Private; 22; Sept. 10, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
WUliam Carter, Private; 32; March 6, '65; So. Boston; M. O. July 11, '66.
William H. Chamberlin, Private; 21; Sept. 17, '64; Natick; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
William R. Champlin, Private; 21; Sept. 16, '64; Granville; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
Charles A. Chesley, Private; 21; July 20, '64; Newburyport; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. May 28, '65.
Thomaa Clark, Private; 22; July 27, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; deserted
July 1, '65.
John Cobley, Private; 32; Aug. 26, '64; Sturbridge; disch. June 30, '66; transf. from 2d
Regt. H. Art.
Reuben H. Coffin, Private: 20; Jan. 27, '62; Danvers; disoh. Jan. 27, '65; expir. of term.
Pardon H. Corey, Private; 27; Sept. 2, '64; Mendon; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June30,'65.
William L. Crosby, Private; 31; Sept. 3, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Ira Currie, Private; 18; Sept. 1, '64; Enfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. May 25, '65.
Michael Curtin, Private; 23; July 29, '64; Lawrence; transf. to Co. C. ; transf. from 2d
H. Art.
William H. DaUy, Private; 21; Sept. 19, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Gardner M. Dean, Private; 19; Sept. 2, '64; Draout; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 25, '65.
Frederick A. Delano, Private; 34; Sept. 2, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. July 3, '65.
Samuel A. DoUiber, Private; 20; Jan. 1, '64; Marblehead; d. Jan 1, '65 in AndersonviUe,
Ga.;No. ofgr., 3579.
Daniel G. Donovan, Private; 41; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.

COMPANY D, NEW ORGANIZATION. 275
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
George Drury, Private; 18; Aug. 25, '64; Grafton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
John Duffy, Private; 19; Sept. 13, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Johu Dwelley, Private; 39; Sept. 7, '64; Fall River; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Joel W. P.- Evans, Private;22; Jan. 31, '62; Chelsea; disch. June 30, '66, expir. of term.
WUUam Fay, Private; 26; Sept. 17, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; disch. June
30, '65.
Robert M. Field, Private; 35; Dec. 8, '64; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '66.
James Finnerty, Private; 23; Feb. 15, '62; Danvers; disch. Feb. 14, '65; expir. of term.
John G. Fish, Private; 39; Sept. 17, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Nahum Fisher, Private; 29; Sept. 19, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Henry F. Ford, Private; 22; Sept. 3, '64; Marshfield;transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
John L. Graham, Private; 18; Aug 29 '64; HaverhUl; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Loring Graves, Private; 35; March 26, '62; Chicopee; disch. Mar. 25, '65, expir. of term.
Michael Guynan, Private; 35; Feb. 10, '62; FaU River; disoh. Feb. 10, '65, expir. of term.
William D. Hayden, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Chicopee; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
William E. Henrie, Private; 30; Deo. 5, '63; Boston; d. in AndersonviUe, Ga., Jan. 1, '65;
grave No. 3168.
Edwin J. Horr, Private; 21; Aug. 27, '64; Dana; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh. June
30, '65.
James H. Jones, 2d, Private- 28; Sept. 2, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
James O. Judkins, Private: 29; Sept. 7, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
diach. June 30, '65.
John W. Keith, Private; 24; Sept. 1, '64; Enfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 25, '65.
Richard Kennedy, Private; 23: Sept. 16, '64; Carlisle; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
May31,'65.
John Kilkelly, Private: 20: Sept. 17, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
John Kirby, Private; 19; Sept. 3, '64; Taunton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; transf.
to Co. C.
Charles G.Knox, Private; 21; Sept. 12, '64; Chester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Michael Kohane, Private; 28; Sept. 7, '64; Salem; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
"William H. Lane, Private; 21; Sept. 6, '61; Southampton; M. O. July 11, '65; transf. from
2d Regt. H. Art
Jeremiah J. Lee, Private; 21; Mar. 10, '62; Boston; disch. Mar. 9, '66, expir. of term.
William Llewellyn, Private; 28; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Jeremiah Looby, Private; 24; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art. disch.
June 30, '68.
Dennis Mahoney, Private; 23; Sept. 8, '64; Bradford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Daniel Mason, Private; 26 ; Jan. 10, '62 ; Haverhill disch. Jan. 9, '65. expir. of term.

276 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
George H. McClellan, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '64; Salem; transf. from 2d. Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Dominick McDavitt, Private; 31; Feb. 15, '62; Danvers; disch. Feb. 14, '65. expir. of term.
Thomas McEntee, Private; 23; Sept. 16. '64; Roxbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Daniel McKenny, Private; 21; Dec. 12, '64; So. Danvers; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M.O. July 11, '65.
John W. McKnight, Private; 21; Feb. 17,'62; Newburyport; disch. Feb. 12, '65, expir. of term.
John McMann, Private; 24; Feb 3, '62; Boston; absent on detached service at M.O. of Regt.,
July 11, '65.
Charies E. MUls, Private; 19; Feb. 28, '62; Haverhill; disch. Feb. 19, '65, expir. of term.
George E. Moore, Private; 27; Feb. 9, '65; Danvers; transf. to N. C. S. as principal Musician.
William B. Moulton, Private; 18; Oct. 19, '61; Lynn; disch. Oct. 18, '64, expir. of term.
Humphrey O'Leary, Private; 20; Nov. 26, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
John F. O'RUey, Private; 19; Sept. 5, '64; Groton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 30, '65.
Edgar A. Parker, Private; 25; Nov. 2, '62; HaverhUl; disch. Nov. 1, '64, expir. of term.
Edward Pettes, Private; 19; Sept. 15, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch. June 30,
'65.
James C. PhUlips, Jr., Private; 26; Sept. 3, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art. ; pris. Mar. 8, '65; disch. June 30, '65.
William S. Pike, Private: 42; Aug. 23, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt. R. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Nathaniel A. Pope, Private: 26; Oct. 19, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
James M. Powers, Private; 32; Dec. 22, '63; Medford; transf. to Co. C, Mar. 26, '66, absent
pris. of war; d. in AndersonvUle, Ga., Aug. 17, '65; No. of gr. 4714.
Charles Quinn, Private; 40; Sept. 22, '64; Fall River; disch. June 30, '66; transf. from 2d
Regt. H. Art.
John E. Quinn, Private; 21 ; Dec. 31, '63; Boston; captured pris. of war Feb. 1, '64; no fur.
rec. A. G. O., Mass.
Charies Richards, Private; 19; Sept. 17, '64; Deerfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Henry H. Robbins, Private; 35; Jan. 31, '62; Lynn; disch. Jan. 28, '66., expir. of term.
Patrick Ryan, Private; 43; Sept. 9, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Benjamin F. Savory, Private; 18; Sept. 5, '64; Marblehead; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Jeremiah Shea, Private; 35; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Sullivan, Private; 21; Sept. 10, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Charles E. Smith, Private; 28; Sept. 2, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 22, '65.
James B. Studley, Private; 20; Sept. 2, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 16, '65.
Eben S. Thomas, Private; 44; Sept. 5, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30,'65.
Nathaniel J. Thoms, Private; 43; Feb. 15, '62; Saugus; disch. Feb. 12, '65, expir. of term.
WUUam H. Tolman, Private; 22; Sept. 2, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Patrick Troy, Private; 34; Dec. 17, '63; Boston; d. in Andersonville, Ga., Jan. 1, '65; No.
of gr. 3848.
Aaron E. Underwood, Private; 42; Sept. 15, '64; MUford; transf. from 2d[Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.

COMPANY E, NEW ORGANIZATION. 277
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Daniel Wait, Private; 44; Sept. 1, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Thomas Ward, Private; 32; Jan. 10, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Leroy Warfield, Private; 20; Sept. 3, '64; Blandford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George Wentworth, Private; 43; Dec. 13, '64; Lyun; M. O. July 11, '65.
WUUam N. Wheeler, Private; 28; Sept. 12, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Georgena "WTiite, Private; 22; Sept. 3, '64; Marshfield; transf. from 2d Reg. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George W. "Whitney, Private; 18; Sept. 5, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. May 24, '66.
Charles D. Williams, Private; 37; May 13, '64; Boston; M. O. .IiUy 11, '65.
Calvin W. Willis, Private; 49; Nov. 28,'63; Medford; d. iu AndersonvUle, Ga.,'July 17,
'64;no.of gr. 3469.
Artemus "Wilson, Private; 34; Feb. 14, '62; Danvers; disch. Feb. 13, '65, expir. of term.
MUes Woodman, Private; 42; Nov. 14, '61 ; Boston; transf. from Co. A.; M. O. July 11, '65.
MUio Woodman, Private ; 42 ; Dec. 8, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.

Company "E", New Organization
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry B. Webber, Capt.; 29; Mar. 4, '65; Groveland; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry C. Hyde, 1st Lt.; 22; Mar. 4, '66; Danvers; transf. to Co. B, June 30, '65.
John G. Cowan, 1st Sgt.; 20; Jan. 4, '64; Salisbury; Com. 2d Lt. June 1, '65; M. O. July 11,
'65; as 1st Sgt.
Thomas Davidson, Sgt.; 19; Dec. 28, '63; Wenham; M. O. July 11, '65.
Adoniram J. Gilman, Sgt.; 24; Jan. 4, '64; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
Harry K. Herman, Sgt.; 21; 21; Jan. 26, '64; Boston; transf. from 1st Battery Light Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
Hugh Strain, Sgt.; 22; Jan. 2, '64; Rockport; disoh. July 22, '65.
Thomas D. Bassett, Corp.; 20; Sept. 19, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. Hy. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Michael J. Donahue, Corp.; 25; Sept. 6, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Robert Ellis, Corp.; 25; Sept. 15, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Samuel J. Ford, Corp.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
George M. Keen, Corp.; 21; Jan. 4, '64; Medford; M. O. July 11, '66.
WilliamJ. KellUier, Corp.;21;Dec.24, '63; MUford; M. O. July 11, '65.
William D. MitcheU, Corp.; 23; Feb. 29, '64; Groveland; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael Tracy, Corp.; 19; Sept. 8, '64; Middleboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
William Andrews, Private; 24; Sept. 1, '64; Medway; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Reynold Amold, Private; 36; Sept. 9, '64; Attleboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
WUliam BaUey, Private; 32; Sept. 7, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.
AUen L. Barrington, Private; 34; Sept. 3, '64; Colrain; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.

278 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Anthony Becume, Private; 37; Sept. 5, '64; West Boylston, transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John W. Bixby, Private; 21; Aug. 30. '64; Webster; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John E. Boyle, Private; 25; Sept. 5, '64; Braintree; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
William Brand, Private; 21: Sept. 9, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Joseph J. Brooks, Private; 37; Sept. 3, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Clement P. Brown, Private; 18; Sept. 8, '64; Seekonk; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
John Brown, Private: 21; Sept. 8, '64; Middleboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Dam'el Buckley, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Roxbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Henry C. Burgess, Private; 30; Sept. 10, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Charles Cadieux, Private; 18; Sept. 6, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Thomas Callahan, Private; 28; Sept. 20, '64; Charlestown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
Peter Campbell, Private: 31;' Sept. 12, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
WUUam H. Casmer, Private; 21; Sept. 18, '64; Chester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Jonathan E. C'haffee, Private; 24; Sept. 17, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
Edward B. Chime, Private; 31; Sept. 6, '64; Marblehead; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Timothy Connelly, Private; 21; Jan. 5, '64; Haverhill; transf. to Co. A.
Timothy Corcoian, Private; 27; Sept. 10, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
Henry A. Cowles, Private; 20 ;[Aug. 31, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Carleton Creely, Private;_21; Sept. 3, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles H. Crosby, Private; 18; Sept. 10, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
Isaac T. Cushing, Private; 18; Apr. 6, '64; Acushnet; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George H. Cutter, Private; 24; Sept. 3, '64; Southbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Richard H. Davis, Private; 23; Sept. 10, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
WUliam H. Day, Private; 27; Sept. 13, '64; Cambridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H; Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.|3
Michael Duffy, Private; 31; Sept. 6, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Volney H. Dunbar, Private; 19; Sept. 10, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
Stephen Dunn, Private; 44; Aug. 26, '64; Sturbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Michael Dwyer, Private; 20; Sept. 3, '64; Lawrence; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.

COMPANY E, NEW ORGANIZATION. 279
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Patrick Dwyer, Private; 28; Sept. 20, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Michael Fitzgerald, Private; 25; Sept. 14, '64; So. Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Murty E. Flemming, Private; 28; Jan. 1, '64; Boston; prisoner Feb. 1, '64; transf. to Co. H,
as absent prisoner ; d. Apr. 1 , '64 at Andersonville, Ga. ; grave No. 286.
Patrick Gorman, Private; 29; Sept. 20, '64; Cambridge; transf, from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Frederick O. Grout, Private; 26; Aug. 31, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
John Haley, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Royal Hammond, Private; 21; Sept. 6, '64; Winchester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
Arthur Hathaway, Private; 19; Sept. 3, '64; Dalton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Hills, Private; 24; Sept. 10, '64; Amherst; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 8, '65.
Aaron H. Holt, Private; 42; Sept. 2, '64; Phillipston; trans, from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Webster Hofses, Private; 18; Sept. 7, '64; Lunenburg; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles Johnson, Private; 22; Feb. 3, '65; MUbury; disoh. June 9, '65.
Orville D. Keis, Private; 18; Sept. 19, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Samuel Kenny, Private; 33; Sept. 12, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
WUliam O. Lynn, Private; 20; Sept. 3, '64; HoUand; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Cornelius Manley, Private; 23; Sept. 1, '64; Lexington; tranf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Timothy McCarthy, Private; 18; Sept. 6, '64 Lexington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Luke McGrath, Private; 20; Sept. 1,'64; Lexington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Patrick McQuade, Private; 25; Sept. 12, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
John H. Messenger, Private; 20; Sept. 5, '64; West Stockbridge; disch. June 30, '65.
James Monkhouse, Private;27; Sept. 2, '64; Oakham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles M. Morse, Private; 19; Sept. 9, '64; Attleboro; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from 2d
Regt. H. Art.
James Murphy, Private: 42; Sept. 6, '64; Easton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
James Murray, Private; 18; Sept. 5, '64; So. Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Joel H. Nash, Private; 37; Sept. 2, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art. disoh.
May ig, '65.
Matthew Noland, Private; 20; Sept. 1, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Henry L. Norris, Private; 24; Sept. 6, '64; Reading; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Albert F. Parker, Private; 18; Sept. 1, '64; Townsend; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.

280 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.

NA.ME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
George E. Peck, Private: 19; Sept. 10, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
Edward B. Pike, Private; 23; Sept. 19, '64; Canton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Albert T. Poole, Private: 28; Sept. 5, '64; Braintree; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John F. Poole. Private; 42; Sept. 5, '64; Braintree; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Edward O. Randall, Private; 27; .Sept. 1, '64; Enfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Peter Rice, Private; 38; Sept. 7, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
AA'illiam A. Rich, Private: 40; Sept. 5, '64; Northboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Charles E. Ricker, Priv.ite; 32; Sept. 6, '64; Newton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Alfred RUey, Private: 19; .Sept. 2, '64; Northampton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
WiUiam Ritchie, l'ri\-ate; 19; Sept. 5, '64; Stoneham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Russell, Private: 23; Sept. .S,'64: Wobum; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
:«!, '65.
Alphonso Sargent, Private; IS; Sept. 17, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '6o.
Oscar L. Sawver. Private; 20; Sept. 2, '64; Phillipston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art. ; disch.
June.'UI, '65.
Augustus Scleg, Private; 25; Aug. 30 '64; Webster; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James Shoughroiv, Private; 18; Aug. 29, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Rsgt. H.
.¦^.rt.; di^c-h. June 30, '65.
Charies J. Snow, Private: 22; Sept. 21, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
iliscli. June :J0, '66.
James M. Snow, Private: 23; Sept. 3, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
May 30, '65.
WUliam Stacy, 2d, Private, 35; Sept. 5, '64; Marblehead; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. May 29, '65.
John Stone. Private; 3S: Sept. 18. '64; Roxbury; M. O. July 11, '66; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.
WiUiam Switzer, Private; 27; Sept. 6, '64; Woburn; disch. July 24, '65.
Martin C. Thayer, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Belohertown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
James Thomas, Private; 25; Sept. 12, '64; .Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; transf.
to New Co. F.
Peter Toolen, Pri\ate: 21 ; Sept. 3, '64; Carlisle; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Andrew Toomey, Private; 27; Sept. 6, '64; Braintree; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Joshua Tucker, Private; 19; Sept. 2, '64; Dartmouth; transf. 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
26, '65.
Albert H. Jl. Tyler, Private: 18; Sept. 1, '64; Orange; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Frank E. Varnum, Private: 19; Sept. 20, '64; Falmouth; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
George D. White, Private; 18; Aug. 30, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
diach. June 30, '65.

company f, new organization. 281
Company "F"^ New Organization
NAME. RANK. AGK. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles O. Fellows, Captain, 20; Fob. 11, '65; Chelsea; M. O. July 11, '65.
Eben Simonds, 2d Lt., 24; March 4, '65; Maiden; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas James, 1st Sgt.; 26; Sept. 12, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 14, '65.
Joseph G. Kelly, 1st Sgt.; 35; Jan. 5, '64; Haverhill; commissioned 2d Lt., June 16, '65;
M. O. July 11, '65 as 1st Sgt.
WiUiam H. Davis, Sgt.; 26; Dec. 26, '63; Rockport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Andrew P. Lewis, Sgt.; 22; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
Benjamin A. Sargent, Sgt.; 26; Feb. 29, '64; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '66.
Lewis F. Besse, Corp.; 38; Jan. 4, '64; No. Chelsea; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charies E. Flanders, Corp.; 20; Dec. 7, '63; Salisbury; M. O. July 11, '66.
BemardMcGaw, Corp.;21; Aug. 23, '64; Mendon; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch. June 30, '65,
Richard PurtUl, Corp.; 18; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. 0. July 11, '65.
ThomasB. Simonds, Corp.; 23; Sept. 20, '64; HaverhiU; disch. June 30, '65.
Michael Sullivan, Corp. 31; Jan. 4, '64; Newburyport; M. O. July 11, '65.
John H. Tyler, Musician; 20; Jan. 5, '64; Wenham; M. O. July 11, '65.
John C. Allen, Private; 22; Sept. 7, '64; .Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James P. Beal, Private; 20; Sept. 6, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Lewis W. Benson, Private; 18; Sept. 3, '64; Brimfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
George Bowers, Private; 30; Sept. 1, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Joseph G. Bums, Private; 21; Sept. 13, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Walter Chamberlain, Private; 33; Sept. 3, '64; Middleboro; disch. June 30, '65; transf.
from2dRegt. H. Art.
Patrick Connell, Private; 27; Sept. 3, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
William M. Comey, Private; 24; Sept. 2, '64; Franklin; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Garrett Condon, Private; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Maiden; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Leon Coster, Private; 39; Sept. 1, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John H. Copp, Private; 38; Sept. 5, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James Cox, Private; 27; Sept. 14, '64; Westboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Cunningham, Private: 32; Sept. 3, '64; Roxbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
Dauiel Dailey, Private; 21; Sept. 7, '64; Lawrence; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Hiram W. Doane, Private; 21; Aug. 31, '64; Worcester; transf. from 2i.l Regt. H. Art.;
d. in Dale U. S. Gen. Hosp'l, June 30, '65.
John Dyer, Private; 25; Sept' 16, '64; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. .\rt.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Farrell, Private; 22; Aug. 29, '64; Holyoke; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Nympha P. Felton, Private; 39; Aug. 5, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2<1 Regt. H. Art.;
disch, June 30, '65.

282 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. R.ANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Edward Fitzgerald, Private; 18; Aug. 29, '64; Holyoke; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Edward Fraher, Private; 30; Mar. 16, '65; Lynn; d. June 27, '65 at Greensboro, N. C.
George M. Fry, Private; IS; Sept. 5, '64; Athol; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Richard Garvey, Private: 44; Aug. 3, '64; Roxbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; absent
atM. O.July 11, '65.
John Ga-vin, Private; 28; Sept. 2, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
DeWitt C. Graves, Private: 19; Sept. 10, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
George G. Hall, Pri\-ate; 25; Sept. 10, '64; Natick; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles Hamilton, Private; 35; Aug. 23, '64; Brookfield; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Daniel Harrington, Private; 22; Sept. 1, '64; Lee; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
AppoUas Hathaway, Private: 37; Sept. 7, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
George H. Hathom, Private; 23: Aug. 29, 64; Williamsburg; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Hannibal A. Hathom, Private; 20; Aug. 29, '64; Williamsburg; transf. from 2d Regt.;
H. Art. ; disch. June 30, '65.
Thomas Henry, Private; 30; Sept. 17, '64; Webster; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James Jaques, Private; 36; , Sept. 2, '64; Blackstone; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Lemuel F. Johnson, Private; 29; July IS, '64; Wrentham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 17, '65.
WUUam Johnson, Private; 27; Sept. 19, '64; Concord; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; transf.
to Co. H.
Roland R. Joslyn, Private; 23; Sept. 2, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Charles R. Kaplinger, Private; 19; Aug. 26, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
John Kelly, Private; 18; Aug. 19, '64; Great Barrington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disrh. June30, '66.
Lawrence Lane, Private; 21; Sept. 5, '64; HaverhUl; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Edward R. Lay, Private; 30; Aug. 24, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Charles W. Locke, Private; 26; Aug. .5, '64; Swanzey; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. March 26, '65 at Newbern, N. C.
Frank Longdo, Private; 18; July 29, '64 ; Wendall ; killed in action Mar. 8, '65.
James C. Magoun, Private; 19; Aug. 31, '64; Pembroke; transf. from 2d Regt. H.Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Mahan, Private; 24; Sept. 15, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Timothy Malony, Private; 21; Sept. 20, '64; Falmouth; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
John McGrath, Private; 2S; July 18, '64; Douglas; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
May 25, '65.
Warren E. JIcKee, Private; 21; Aug. 29, '64; Wobum; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.

COMPANY F, NEW ORGANIZATION. 283
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Melvin, Private: 27; Aug. 23, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh. June
30, '65.
John W. MUler, Private; 30; Aug. 26, '64; Williamsburg; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. July 27, '65.
Jonathan H. Miles, Private; 24; July 18, '64; Lynn; disch. May 25, '65.
Andrew J. Moore, Private; 26; Aug. 20, '64; Westfield; disch. June 30, '65.
John C. Morae, Private; 28; Sept. 16, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach,
June 30, '66
Joseph H. Morse; Private; 18; Sept. 17, '64; Boston; tranaf from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
Juue 30, '66.
Patrick Navin, Private; 27; Sept. 21, '64; Chicopee; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Alexander Noble, Private; 24; Aug. 16, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Patrick O'Brien, Private; 24; Sept. 14, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art. r
disch. June 30, '65.
WUliam H. Phelps, Private; 23; Sept. 1, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Nathaniel Phillips, Private; 38; Sept. 2, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch..
June30, '63.
John Ragin, Private; 21; Sept. 14, '64; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. Art.; disch. June-
30, '65.
George E. Rand, Private; 19; Sept. 9, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Reardon, Private; 29; Sept. 20, '64; Fall River; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
WiUiam Rice, Private; 35; Aug. 25, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Moses G. Robbins, Private; 39; Aug. 3, '64; Charlestown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
transf. to Co. H.
Benjamin Roberts, Private; 36; Sept. 19, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. June 25, '65. at Greensboro, N. C.
Thomas J. Russell, Private; 22; Sept. 6, '64; Nantucket; disch. June 30, '65.
Auatin Sackett, Jr.' Private; 26; Aug. 20, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Peleg Sampson, Private; 44; Sept. 2, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. Art.; disch, June-
30, '66.
Daniel D. Sanford, Private; 17; Sept. 10, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art. ; diseh. June 30, '65.
John Shaughnessy, Private; 37; Sept. 7, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt., H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Francia A. Shaw, Private; 31; Sept. 5, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Slatterly, Private; 25; Sept. 3, '64; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '66.
Edward Smith, Private; 18; Sept. 19, '64; Great Barrington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 16, '65.
Warren F. Smith, Private; 43; Aug. 12, '64; Methuen; transf. trom 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. May 26, '65.
Augustus Snell, Piivate; 37; Aug. 26, '64; Sturbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Edward W. Spencer, Private; 31; Sept. 10, '64; No. Bridgewater; tranaf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.; disch. June 1, '65.
William L. Stagg, Private; 25; Sept. 13, '64; Towsend; transf. from 2d Regt. H Art.;
killed in action Mar. 8, '66.

284 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.

NAME. RANK. .\GE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Taylor, Private; 33; July 26, '64; Pepperell; tr.ansf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
Tune 8, '65.
Charles E. Thompson, Private; 26; .lug. 29, '64; Greenwich; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
WUUam S. Thorp, Private; 2S; Aug. 24, '64; Westfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 10, '65.
John Toomey, Private; 26; .Sept. 2, '64; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.: disch.
June 30, '65.
Francis A. Tuck, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Colrain; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Wright Walker, Private; 22; Sept. 19. '64; -Vshl.-ind; transf. from 2d Regt.; H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John M. Watts, Private; 23; Sept. 15, '64; Boston; transf. Irom 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 14. '65.
John Welch, Private: 21; Sept. 5, '64; Haverhill ; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
George W. Wheeler, Private; 24; Aug. 29, '64; Greenwich; transf. from 2d Regt.; H. Art.;
disch. Aug. 12, '65.
Jonathan W. Whitne;', Private; 42; .Sept. 5, '64; Hubbardston; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
Charles M. "\Miittemore, Private; 21; Aug. 26, '64; Sturbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
rt.; d. Apr. 25, '65, at Raleigh, N. C.
WUliam T. Wilcott, Private; 18; Sept. 3, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30. '65.
Simeon Young, Private; 37; .\ug. 26, '64; Sturbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Zahn, Private; 20; Sept. 20, '64; Roxbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
.30, '65.

Company "G" New Organization
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Thomas R. Keenan, (.:apt; 27; Feb. 23, '66; Lynnfield; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Smith, 2d Lt; 30; Dec. 20, '64; Danvers; Com. 1st Lt., June 1, '66; M. O. July 11, '65,
aa 2d Lt.
Josepn G. Martin, 1st Sgt: 37; Mar. 1, '64; Danvers; Com. 2d Lt, June 16, '65; M. O. July
1, '65, as 1st Sgt.
Charles F. Meader, Sgt ; 21; Jan.l, '64; HaverhUl; M. O. July 11, '65.
John B. Moores, ,Sgt.; 28; Jan. 5, '64; Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
William H. Ogden, Sgt.; 23; Jan. 1 '64: Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry B. Nichols, Sgt.; 28; Sept. 7, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
•>0, '65.
Samue H. Jones, Corp.; 25; Aug 30, '64; Lawrence; transf . from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
James Kerrau, Corp.; 37; Sept. 13, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Thomas Morol, Corp.; 26; Sept. 20, '64; Boston; transf. 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
WiUiam H. Nason, Corp.; 21; Sept. 19, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Charles R. Vincent, Corp.; 25; Sept. 1, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch
-Tune 30, '65.

COMPANY G, NEW ORGANIZATION.

285

NAME. R.ANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Benjamin F. "White, Corp.; 26; Sept. 1, '64; Pembroke; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Augustine Whitney, Corp.; 22; Aug. 30, '64; Leominster; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Henry Abbott, Jr., Private; 22; Aug. 19, '64; Gt. Barrington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 7, '65.
William Adams, Private; 19; Aug. 3, '64; Charlestown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch,
June 30, '65-
Henry H. Albee, Private; 19; Aug. 31, '64; Chariton; trfinsf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Michael T. Ames, Private; 34; Aug. 30, '64; Shirley; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Jonas Bartlett, Private; 37; Aug. 29, '64; Lawrence: transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Beaty, Private; 41; Aug. 30, '64; Milford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Henry Belden, Private; 20; July 25, '64; Leverett; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. Mar. 30,
'65; on U. S. Transport "Northem Light.' '
Michael Boyle, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Ware; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Edward M. Bryant, Private; 20; Aug. 31, '64; Scituate; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Thomas Burke, Private: 23; Aug. 30, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '66.
Michael Casey, Private; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Lee; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June 24,
'66.
James Conlan, Private; 19; Sept. 3, '64; Townsend; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Matthew Conness, Private; 35; Aug. 31, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Morris Consil, Private; 34; Sept. 16, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Michael Cozzena, Private; 24; Aug. 31, '64; Pittsfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diseh,
June 30, '65.
John D. Cram, Private; 29; Aug. 8, '64; Charlestown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. June
21, '65, at Greensboro, N. C.
Atwel J. Cross, Private; 19; Aug. 17, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 27, '65.
William Danielson, Private; 21; Aug. 15, '64; Orange; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Patrick Diamond, Private; 44; Aug. 29, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art. ; disch. June 30, '65.
Hugh Downey, Private; 27; Sept. 2, '64; Wobum; transf. from 2d Regt.; H. Art.; disch.
July 28, '65.
Ransom Dunbar, Private; 24; Sept. 20, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
George Dunn, Private; 29; Sept. 19, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Patrick O. Dwyer, Private; 36; Sept. 2, '64; Oxford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
George W. Eaton, Private; 19; Aug. 29, '64; Bradford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch-
July 24, '65.
George W. Farrell, Private; 42; Aug. 8, '64; Watertown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.

286 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
John Fary, Private; 23; Sept. 2, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Fay, Private; 18; Aug. 25, '64; Wobum; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
George M. Fay, Private; 18; enrolled at Rehoboth, Aug. 26, '64; transf. from 2d H. Art. Dec.
16, '64. ;M. O.June 30, '66.
John Finnigan, Private; 21; Aug. 15, '64; Milford; disch. June 24, '65; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.
James L. Fisher, Private; 20; Sept. 2, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
John Fitzpatrick, Private; 21; Sept. 2, '64; Boston; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '66.
John Flahive, Private; 21; Aug. 15, '64; Westboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Henry T. Goetein, Private; 18; July 26, '64; Deerfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Andrew Guinan, Private: 21; Aug. 31, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. 0.
July 11, '65.
John Hariiky, Private; 25; Sept. 2, '64; Wobum; disoh. June 30, '66; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.
Edward Harrighy, Private; 26; Aug. 8, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt.; H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Thomaa Harris, Private; 36; Sept. 19, '64; Marlboro; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Howard, Private; IS; Sept. 1, '64; Pembroke; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Nelson Hughes, Private; 21; Aug. 9, '64; Boston; tranaf. to Co. C.
Rufua Hunt, Private: 22; Sept. 1, '64; Otis; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach. June 30, '65.
Patrick Kearey, Private; 34; Sept. 12, '64; Spencer; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
Arthur Keefe, Private; 23; Sept. 1, '64; Maldea; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
Michael Keith, Private; 22; Sept 5, '64; Lexington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diseh.
June 30, '65; as Keefe.
George W. Knight, Private; 23; Sept. 2, '64; Milford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
James Lawler, Private; 25; Aug. 31, '64; Pittsfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Daniel Leary, Private; 25; July 29, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. Apr. 9,
'65, in Hospital in New York.
Joseph E. Lewis, Private; 26; Sept. 2, '64; Tyngsboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
WUUam H. Lightbound, Private; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Otis; traiisf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Michael McCoUigan, Private; 40; Aug. 10, '64; Boston; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. 0.
July 11, '66.
William McGrath, Private; 44; Aug. 30, '64; Chicopee; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John McVey, Private; 28; Aug. 20, '64; Greenfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Edward MiUen, Private; 31; Sept. 1, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diseh. June
30, '65.
Richard MitcheU, Private; 26; July 11, '64; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas Morgan, Private; 23; Sept. 21, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.

COMPANY G, NEW ORGANIZATION. 287
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Jamea Murphy, Private; 19; Sept. 2, '64; Northhampton; transf. from 2d R gt. H. Art,;
M. O. July 11, '66.
Jajnes B. Murphy, Private; 20; Sept. 2, '64; Milton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; transf.
to Co. B.
Thomas Murphy, Private; 24; Aug. 31, '64; Pittsfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
Johu Navan, Private; 23; Aug. 20, '64; MUford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65.
John O. Nay, Private; 21; July 20, '64; Newburyport; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John Niles, Private; 31; July 28, '64; Georgetown; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d. May
2, '65; at Beaufort, N. C.
Hugh Nugent, Private; 23; Aug. 31, '64; Pittsfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
John O'Brien, Private; 25; July 20, '64; Plymouth; disch. May 26, '65; transf. from 2d Regt
H. Art.
WiUiam P. O'Brien, Private; 20; July 26, '64; Adama; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 26, '65.
Patrick O'Connors, Private; 23; Aug. 16, '64; Ashland; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
John O'Mara, Private; 22; Aug. 31, '64; Pittsfield; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Patrick O'NeU, Private; 10; Aug. 13, '64; Chelsea; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Charies M. Peabody, Private; 31; Aug. 24, '64; Bradford; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '66.
John Pearsons, Private; 32; Sept. 3, '64; Colrain; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Cornelius H. Poat, Private; 42; Aug. 5, '64; Chelmsford; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. Apr. ig, '65; at Beaufort, N. C.
Michael Powers, Private; IS; Aug. ig, '64; Deerfield; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 7, '65.
Henry H. Prouty, Private; 34; Aug. 2g, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Henry'C. Reed, Private; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
July 24, '66.
Renzo Sargent, Private; 18; Aug. 17, '64; Clinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '66.
Edward Schofield, Private; 31; Aug. 27, '64; Medford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 15, '65.
Charies W. Seiders, Private; 23; Aug. 26, '64; Springfield; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disoh. June 30, '65.
Patriek Shea, Private; 22; July 27, '64; Boston; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. July
ig, '65.
Thomas Shea, Private; 21; Sept. 1, '64; Maiden; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June
30, '65, as "Timothy."
Alonzo Sinclair, Private; 21; Aug. 12, '64; Fitchburg; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Alexander G. Smith, Private; 25; Sept. 3, '64; Oakham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. May 26, '65.
Matthew Stephenson, Private; 42; Sept. 1, '64; Maiden; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
diach. June 28, '65.
Henry J. Stevens, Private; 33; July 25, '64; Lynn; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch
June 24, '65.

288 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
N.\ME. HANK. .^GE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Michael Sweeney, Private; 2S; Aug. 27, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; disch.
June 30, '65.
George W. Temple, Private; 42; July 23, '64; JIarlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
Orrin L. Torger, Private; 21; Aug. 17, '64; Pro vincetown ; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. July 16, '65.
Abram A. Tyler, Private: 28; May 13, '64; Adams; M. O. July 11, '65.
Thomas H. Welch, Private: 10; Sept. 1, '64; Townsend; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Emerson WUcott Private; 43; .\ug. 31, '64; Brookfield; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art.;
d. .\pr. 10, '65, David Island, New York Harbor.

Company "H" New Organization.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT,
Enoch F. Tompkins, Captain: 33; Apr. 22, '65; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '66.
Malcolm Sillars, 1st Lt. ; 26; Mar. 4, '65; So. Danvers; commissioned Captain Aug. 4, '64;
M.O. July 11, '65 aa 1st Lt
James Smith, 2d Lt. ; 30; Dec. 20, '64; Danvera; commissioned 1st Lt. June 1, '65; transf.
toCo.G.
Uriah Robertson, 2d Lt; 30; ilar. 4, '65; Danvers; commissioned 1st Lt., June 1, '65; M. O.
July 11, '65, as 2d Lt
Leonard W. Phillips, 1st Sgt.; 23; Jan. 25, '62; Bradford; d. Oct. 5, '64 at AndersonviUe,
Ga.;gr. No. 10383.
Thomas Clymonte, 1st Sgt; 21; Dec. 4, '63; New Bedford; commissioned 2d Lt, June 16, '65;
M. O. July 11, '65 as 1st Sgt.; re-enlist. Dec. 4, '63.
Owen Murphy, Sgt.; 28; Sept 20, '64; Danvera; disch. June 30, '65.
William PoUett Sgt.; 21; Dec. 28, '63; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '66; re-enlist Dec. 28, '63.
Melvin Maley, Sgt.; 21; Sept. 20, '64; Danvera ; disch. June 30, '66.
William J. Bradley, Corp.; 21; Jan. 24, '65; Lynn; M. O.July 11, '65.
WUUam B. Campbell, Corp.; 24; Sept. 19, '64; Mariboro; disch. June 30, '65; transf. from
2d Regt. H. Art.
William E. Flagg, Corp.; 21; Jan. 24, '65; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '66.
John Hadley, Corp.; 30; Sept. 8, '64; Grafton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch. June 30,
'65.
William H. Hendereon, Corp.; 18; Sept. 18, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Bernard McGaw, Corp.; 21; Aug. 23, '64; Mendon; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Edward North, Corp. ; 21; Feb. 9, '65; Danvera; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward W. "Wheeler, Corp.; 21; Dec. 20, '64; Fall River; re-enlist. Dec. 21, '63; M. O. July
11, '65.
Henry Foster, Muaician; 18; Feb. 19, '64; Cambridge; re-enlist. Feb. 19, '64; M. O. July 11,
'66.
Charles Hartman, Musician; 20; Jan. 5, '64; Danvera; re-enlist Jan. 5, '64; M. O. July
1,'65.
John W. Twichell, Musician; 23; Jan. 1, '64; Chelsea; re-enlist. Jan. 1, '64; d. Aug. 17, '64 ,
in Anderaonville, Ga. ; gr. No. 5428.
Thomaa W. Bagley, Private; 18; Jan. 13, '65; Amesbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charles H. Bald-win, Private; 20; Dec. 24, '64; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
James C. Bates, Private; 33; Sept. 9, '64; Abington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.

COMPANY H, NEW ORGANIZATION. 289
f NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry Behan, Private; 21 ; Jan. 18, '66; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Joseph E. Brigham, Private; 21; Sept. 19, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.
disch. June 30, '65.
Jobn M. Brown, Private; 19; Jan. 25, '65; West Newbury, d. June 9, '65 in hospital. New York.
George Burnett, Private; 21; Jan. 26, '65; Charlestown; disch. July 28, '65.
Charies A. Cheever, Private; 38; Jan. 18, '64; Lynn; re-enlist. Jan. 18, '64; M. 0. July 11, '65.
WinfieldS. Church, Private; 18;Dec.20, '64; FaU River; disch. June 29, '65.
Henry A. CoUms, Private; 19; Jan. 13, '65; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
David H. Cook, Private; 18; Jan. 31, '65; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
Dennis Desmond, Private; 22; Jan. 11, '66; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Desmond, Private; 22; Jan. 16, '65; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '66.
Michael J. Donahue, Private; 18; Sept. 14,'64; LoweU; transf. from 2d Regt. H.Art.; M. 0.
July 11 '65.
Peter F. D-wyer, Private; 19; Sept. 15, '64; Waltham; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
WiUiam Emeraon, Private; 33; Sept. 3, '64; No. Bridgewater; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H.
Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
John Fitzpatrick, Private; 30; July 15, '64; Amesbury; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward Gallagan, Private; 21; July 30, '64; Athol; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
James Gallagan, Private; 21; Sept. 6, '64; Wobum; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '66.
George Gardner, Private; 18; Sept. 3, '64; Attleboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Asa Gentia, Private; 32; Jan. 26, '66; Haverhill; M. O. July 11, '65.
James GiUeland, Private; 36; Jan. 2, '64; Lawrence; d. Oct. 10, '64 at Anderaonville, Ga.,
gr. No. 11157.
John Goggin, Private; 43; Jan. 11, '65; HaverhiU; M. O. July 11, '65.
John Gravat, Private; 21; July 30, '64; Athol; transf, from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O. July
11, '66.
Joseph Greenhalge, Private; 23; Sept. 21, '64; Fall River; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Morris Haley, Private; 22; Sept. 20, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Henry S. Henderaon, Private; 21; Sept. 17, '64; Northfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Robert Heron, Private; 34; Dec. 27, '64; Lynn; transf. trom 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O. July
11, '66.
Robert Hock, Private; 26; Sept. 12, '64; Boston; transf . from 2d Regt.H. Art ; M.O.July
11, '65.
John H. Huddell, Private; 18; Jan. 31, '66; So. Danvers; M. O. July 11, '65.
William Johnson, Private; 27; Sept. 19, '64; Concord; transf . from 2d Regt. H. Art. ; disch.
June 30, '65.
Andrew Jonea, Private; 10; Jan. 28, '65; Fall River; M. O. July 11, '65.
Jamea Kaler, Private; 21; Sept. 12, '64; Eaat Bridgewater; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Patrick Kelly Private; 25; Sept. 7, '64; Uxbridge; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; diach.
June 30, '65.
Alonzo C. Kezar, Private; ig; Jan. 31, '65; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
Timothy Kniffick, Private; 22; Jan. 4, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry KroUman, Private; 20; Sept. 17, '64; GranviUe; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.

290 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. ftANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Moses Lanoaster, Private; 39; Sept. 3, '64; Heath; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art; d. of wounds
Mar. 15, '65.
John Landen, Private; 19; Sept. 12, '64; New Bedford; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Daniel Leary, Private; 33; Sept. 19, '64; Worcester; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disoh.
June 30, '65.
James Ledwith, Private; 22; Jan. 11, '65; Fall River; transf. from 2d Regt.H. Art; M. O.
July 11, '65.
Simon L. Lee, Private; 27; Aug. 18, '64; Bostou; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O. July
11, '65.
William S. Maloney, Private; 32; Sept. 17, '64; Granville; tranaf. from 2d Regt H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
James Maxwell, Private; 28; Sept. 19, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Hugh MeCann, Private: 30; Dec. 29, '64; Salem; M. O. July 11, '65.
George E. McClosky, Private; 18; Sept. 15, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d. Regt. H. Art.;
killed in action Mar. 10, '65, at Kinston, N. C.
WiUiam McGunnigle, Private; 18;Feb.l, '65; Stoughton; M. O. July 11, '65.
Charies H. Mclntire, Private; 21 ; Feb. 27, '65; Salem; transf. to Co. B.
George E. Melendy, Private; 20; Aug. 29, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Lewia Morey, Private: 18; Jan. 4, '65; Boston; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael Morrisey, Private; 23; Feb. 2, '65; Worcester; M. O. July 11, '65.
Michael Mulvaney, Private; 19; Sept. 17, '64; Palmer; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M.O. July 11, '65.
Charles Murphy, Private; 20; Feb. 27, '62; Cambridge; d. in Anderaonville, Ga., Sept. 5,
'64;no. ofgr. 7862.
Hugh E. Murphy, Private; 21; Mar. 3, '65; Danvera; M. O. July 11, '65.
Jeremiah Murphy, Private; 26; Jan. 18, '65; Lawrence; d. May g, '65, at Raleigh, N. C.
MichEiel Neighland, Private; 21; Sept. 3, '64; Framington; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. July 30, '65.
Jerome M. Newton, Private; 36; Sept. 16, '64; Springfield; tranaf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
WiUiam O'Brian, Private; 42; Sept. 8, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
WUUam O'Hern, Private; 42; Sept. 15, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
George Orall, Private; 24; Jan. 27, '65; Haverhill; d. Apr. 23, '65 at Morehead City, N. C.
Francis A. Orcutt Private; 10; Feb. 3, '65; Lynn; M. O. July 11, '65.
Henry Pepin, Private; ig; Jan. 23, '65; Woroester; M. O. July 11, '65.
James Peppard, Private; 26; Sept. 17, '64; Blackstone; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Reynolds, Private; 24; Jan. 13, '65; Taunton; M. O. July 11, '65.
Edward Richardson, Private: 21 ; Jan. 27, '65; Templeton; M. O. July 11, '65.
Moses G. Robbins, Private; 30; Aug. 3, '64; Charlestown; disch. June g, '65.
Charles O. Robinson, Private; 21; Jan. 31, '65; Salisbury; M. O. July 11, '65.
William H. Russell, Private; 19; Sept 1, '64; Sandiafield; transf. from 2d Regt.H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
Thomaa Scanlan, Private; 20; Feb. 23, '65; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.
Herman Seyfurth, Private; 24; Jan. 18, 65; Concord; M. 0. July 11, '65.
Moaes Sherman, Private; 28; Sept 17, '64; Marahfield; transf. trom 2d Regt. H. Art.; diaob.
June 20, '65. *
JosephW. Silver, Private; 23; Jan. 13, '65; Ipswich; deserted June 26, '65.
John W. Smith, Private; 22 ; Feb. 20, '65; Lawrence; M. O. July 11, '65.

UNASSIGNED RECRUITS, NEW ORGANIZATION. 291

NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Henry Snow, Private; 18; Feb. 14. '65; Greenfield; M. O. July 11, '65.
Jamea P. Stevens, Private; 30; Jan. 5, '65; Boston; transf. to Co. B.
John SulUvan, Private; 25; Feb. 1, '65; Northampton; disch. July 25, '65.
Leonard L. Walker, Private; 34; Sept.. 19, '64; Marlboro; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.
John Wall, 1st, Private; 30; Sept. 2, '64; Boston; transf. from 2d Regt. Art.; disoh. June
30, '65.
John Wall, 2d, Private; 40; Sept. 5, '63; So. Boaton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Alexander D. Washburn, Private; 22; Aug. 20, '64; No. Bridgewater; transf. from 2d Regt.
H. Art.; disch. June 30, '65.
Emory Watkins, Private; 42; Feb. 17, '65; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M.O. July 11, '65.
Orrin H. Watkins, Private; 19; Feb. 10, '65; Hopkinton; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
M.O. July 11, '65.
Robert Welch, Private; 19; Aug. 1, '64; Townsend; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
for disabil. June 24, '65, hosp'l, Newark, N. J.
Thomas Weller, Private; 21; Aug. 15, '64; Boston, transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; M. O.
July 11, '65.
George H. "Wheldon, Private; 21; Sept. 10, '64; Springfield; transf. from 2d Regt H. Art.;
diach. June 30, '65.
John Wigley, Private; 31; Sept. 3, '64; Dorchester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; disch.
June 30, '65.
Jamea Winter, Private; 18; July 25, '64; Georgetown; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.

Unassigned Recruits.
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OH CREDIT.
Daniel C. Aiken, Recruit; 23; July 14, '63; Lawrence; disch. May 22, '65, under President's
Proclamation.
Henry A. Brown, Recruit, 23; July 19, '63; Boston; disch. May 22, '65, under President's
Proclamation.
George Burgess, Recruit; ig; Aug. 13, '64; Wendell; desert, at Camp Distribution, Alex
andria, Va.;letterWarDepart. July 3, '93, on file in Adjt Gen's office, Mass.
Thomaa Casey, Recruit; 18; Aug. 5, '62; Bradford; unofficially reported discharged, Jan, '63.
George C. Keefe, Recruit; 21; June '64; Boston; disch. May 6, '65, under President's Procla
mation.
James Larter, Recruit; 20; Apr. 12, '65; Boston; disoh. May 6, '65.
WUliam H. Littlefield, Recruit; 18; Oct. 20, '62; Boston; disch. for disabiUty at Alexandria,
Va., Dec. 12, '62; letter War Department Jan. 26, '64, Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
WilUam F. Lougee, Recruit; 19; Feb. 10, '65; Boston; d. at Galloupe's Island, Mar. 10, '65.
Edward Plummer, Recruit; 25; Sept. 3, '64; Dorchester; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.; d.
Oct. 19, '64, at Newbem, N. C.
WiUiam Wallace, Recruit; 28; Feb. 25, '65; Boston; disch. May 6, '65.
WiUiam E. "Wheeler, Recruit; 24; May 20, '64; Chicopee; disch. May 17, '65, under President's
Proclamation.
George A. WiUey, Recruit; 10; Sept. 2, '64; Bemardston; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
d. Jan. '65, at Newbem, N. C.
Jphu H. WiUiams, Recruit; 21; Sept. 10, '64; Haverhill; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.;
disch. June 30, '65.

292 the seventeenth massachusetts regiment.
Enlisted Men who are Recorded as Having Enlisted in
OR FOR THE SEVENTEENTH ReGIMENT.
NAME. HANK. AGE. DATE OF ENHOLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
James Allen, Recruit; 20; July 31, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Albert Baker, Recruit; 22; Sept. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry Barton, Recruit; 21; Aug. 5, '62; Maiden; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James Bates, Recruit; 33; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry Becket, Recruit; 22 ; Aug. 9, '64 ; Danvera ; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen 's office, Mass.
George Bennett, Recruit; 24; Nov. 30, '62; West Newbury; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office,
Mass.
Joseph Bennett, Recruit; 22; Nov. 30, '62; West Newbury; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen'e office,
Mass.
William H. Blake, Recruit; 27; Aug. 28, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Horatio N. C. Blanchard, Recruit; 35; Aug. 10, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office,

Stilson Boynton, Recruit; 35; Aug. 19, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
George W. Brooks, Recruit; 24; Oct. 22, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Boston.
James Burke, Recruit; 23; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Burpee, Recruit; 21; Aug. 9, '62; Gloucester; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James S. Chase, Recruit; 19; May 10, *61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Leonard Chase, Recruit; 25; May 10, *61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen 'a office,
Mass.
Thomas Clark, Recruit; 32; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. in Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
George Clinton, Recruit; 22; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
H. A. Cole, Recruit; 24; July '61; Beverly; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Edward Conner, Recruit; 20; May 10, '61 ; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen 's office, Mass,
Charles Cook, Recruit; 21; Oct. 21, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Michael Cooley, Recruit; 21; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William J. Cross, Recruit; 27; Oct. 21, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office. Mass.
James M. Crafts, Recruit; 41; Oct. 21, '62; Maiden; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Neil Doherty, Recruit; 22; Aug. 12, '61; Boston; nofjir. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James Dolan, Recruit; 41; Aug. 4, '61; Salisbury; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Thomas Dougherty, Recruit; 21; Aug. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen 'a office, Mass.
James Dowd, Recruit; 25; July 10, '61; Lynnfield; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John H. Ellsworth, Recruit; 23; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
D. W. Farmer, Recruit; 21; July 10, '61; Rockport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James Fitzgerald, Recruit; 25; Aug. 9, '61; Fall River;no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
JamesGildare, Recruit; 22; Oct. 29, *62;Boston;bofur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Gray, Recruit; 27; Oct. 25, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen'a office, Mass.
William Guilfoil, Recruit; 21; Oct. 21, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Jeremiah Mackett, Recruit; 39; Aug. 19, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William Haggerty, Recruit; 23; July 22, '62; Lawrence; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office. Mass.
Thomas Hanley, Recruit; 21; Oct. 27, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Harris, Recruit; 21; Sept. 30, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Edward Harrison, Recruit; 22 ; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass,
William Henry, Recruit; 23; Aug. 10, '61; Andover; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Enoch M. Henrich, Recruit; 41; Nov. 11, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen 'a office, Maaa.
John Hewins, Recruit; 18; Oct. 14, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Richard Holden, Recruit; 23; Aug, 27, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen 'a office. Mass.
Charles Hopkins, Recruit; 26; Aug. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Nathaniel T. Horn, Recruit; 23; July 27, '61; Roxbury; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
JohnG. Ivers, Recruit; 22; Dec. 14, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maaa.
William Jackson, Recruit; 45; May 10, '61; Lynn; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.

OTHER ENLISTED MEN. 293
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Charles Johnson, Recruit; 21; Sept. 3, '64; New Salem; transf. from 2d Regt. H. Art.
William Johnson, Recruit; 21; Jan. 11, '65; Sturbridge; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
George Jones, Recruit; 21 ; Oct. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Jones, Recruit; 21; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William H. Jones, Recruit; 36; July 22, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Samuel Kegan, Recruit; Aug 23, '61; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Robert Kirmit, Recruit; 21; Oct. 29, '62; Boston ; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Elden H. Lamson, Recruit; 31; Feb. 5, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Larkin, Recruit; 39; Oct. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William Layton, Recruit; 38; July 22, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Lee, Recruit; 21; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
David H. Levenworth, Recruit; 21 ; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Thomas Lewis, Recruit; 20; July 29, '61; Fall River; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Charles Littlefield, Recruit; 36; Aug. 12, '61; Gloucester; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Benjamin F. Locke, Recruit; 28; Feb. 4, '62; Amesbury; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
George Maiden, Recruit; 21; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Timothy Maley, Recruit; 27; Sept. 2, '64; Greenfield; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Heury G. Marden, Recruit; 44; Sept. 1, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William F. Mason, Recruit; 25; Dec. 28, '62; Chelsea; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Michael McCarty, Recruit; 19; Oct. 12, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Daniel McCoUagh, Recruit; 26; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Owen McNally, Recruit; 37; July 2, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Wiliam Morrill, Recruit; 26; Sept. 28, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William H. Motley, Recruit; 21 ; July 10, *61 ; Rockport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office. Mass .
John Murray, Recruit; 21; Oct. 21, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Robert Neville, Recruit; 21; Oct. 13, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Thomas Newton, Recruit; 34; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Michael O'Flaherty, Recruit; 30; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's, office,
Mass.
Charles E. Oliver, Recruit; 22; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James O'Neil, Recruit; 21; Oct. 27, *62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John O'Shea, Recruit; 25; May 10, '61; So. Danvers; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
J. O'SuUivan, Recruit; 22; July 31, '61; Great Falls, N. H.; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office,
Mass.
Sylvester Parshley, Recruit; 18; July 10, '61; Salem; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
William B. Porter Recruit; 25; May 10, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office,
Mass.
Peter Quanton, Recruit; 19; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Andrew Quinn, Recruit; 25; Oct. 14, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Patrick Quinn, Recruit; 22; Sept. 5, '62; Lynn; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
E. R. Raney, Recruit; 39; July 2, '61; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Raymond, Recruit; 23; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Daniel Ready, Recruit; 28; Sept. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
George H. Roberts, Recruit; Haverhill; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Samuel Roberts, Recruit; 31; May 10, '61;. So. Danvers; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office. Mass-
Charles W. Seymour, Recruit; 24; Jan. 1,62; Danvers; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Thomas Stokes, Recruit; 33; Oct. 2, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
James Sullivan, Recruit; 21; Oct. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Thomas SuUivan, Recruit; 21; Sept. 3, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Edwin Thomas, Recruit; 21; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt, Gen's office, Mass.
William Thomson, Recruit; 29; Oct. 22, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry Tighe, Recruit; 38; Aug. '62; Boston; no fur, rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
David Welch, Recruit; 26; Oct.l, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.

294 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
NAME. RANK. AGE. DATE OF ENROLLMENT. RESIDENCE OR CREDIT.
Stephen H. Welch, Recruit; 26; May 10, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office,
Maas.
Charles West, Recruit; 21; Jan. 14, '64; Cohasset; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Tobias White, Recruit; 21; Oct. 24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maaa.
William White, Recruit; 23; Oct. 2, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maas.
George H. Whittemore, Recruit; 18; Aug. 17, '61; Newburyport; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's
office, Mass.
Thomaa Wilkinson, Recruit; 21; Oct. 29, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
John Williams, Recruit; 23; Oct. 13, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maas.
John Williams, Recruit; 33; Sept. 1, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
David R. Willie, Recruit; 24; Feb. 3, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen'a office, Mass.
Joseph Wing, Recruit; 18; Oct. 21, '61; New Bedford; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maas.
Charles Wilson, Recruit; 30; Oct. 22, '62; Boston ; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry Wilson, Recruit; 25; Oct. 23, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Meiss.
James Wilson, Recruit; 24; Oct.24, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Henry Withington, Recruit; 18; Oct. 14, '62; Boston; no fur. rec. Adjt.General 's office, Mass.
Caleb L. Woodwell, Recruit; 35; Aug. 23, '61; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Mass.
Benjamin F. Young, Recruit; 18; May 10, '61; Reading; no fur. rec. Adjt. Gen's office, Maaa.

CHAPTER X.

BIOGRAPHIES.

With Portrait of Field, Staff, Line Officers and a few
OF THE Enlisted Men of the Reorganized, or Veteran
Seventeenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry. COLONEL HENRY SPLAINE.
Henry Splame, (colonel of the new Seventeenth Massachusetts
Infantry) was born in Aharlow House, Barony of Muskerry,
County of Cork, Ireland, August 6, 1837. He received his early
education in public and private schools in the city of Cork.
When but fourteen years of age (namely, October 3, 1851) he came
to the United States with his family and settled in Haverhill,
Mass. Here he continued his studies under the direction of
his parents, who were educated and accomplished.
In Haverhill he was taught the shoemaking trade, at which
he worked until the breaking out of the Civil War, when the mili
tant spirit of a war-like ancestry moved him to leave the work
bench and don the uniform of a soldier, in the cause of freedom and
his adopted country. He was one of six brothers who fought
in either the army or the navy of the United States in that war,
all serving until the close of the war, the surrender of General Lee
and the collapse of the Rebellion.
Colonel Splaine is one of nineteen children, thirteen boys and
six girls. His father was Richard Splaine, Esq., formerly of
Aharlow House, County of Cork, Ireland. He was of a long line
of estated gentlemen, and of direct descent from one of two
[205]

296 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
brothers who accompanied William the Norman from France to
England, participating in the battle of Hastings, which resulted
in the conquest of England. A descendant of this brother went
to Ireland years afterwards and founded the house from which
Colonel Splaine derives his ancestry.
A militant and adventurous strain has always run through the
Splaine family, there having been several of them in wars during
and after the conquest of England, and notably during the last
two centuries. For example. Colonel Abraham Splaine of the
British Eighty-First Infantry, who was a cousin of the subject
of this sketch ; Captain Philip Splaine, killed at Cape Coast Castle,
Africa, was a cousin; Lieutenant William Splaine, who died in
Canada years ago, was also a cousin; Jerome Splaine, a brother,
was killed at the battle of Khars during the progress of the Cri
mean War; another brother, Edward Splaine, was honored with
the Queen's Medal for heroic conduct in the defence of a bastion
of a fort during the battle of Inkerman, the piece of artillery
in the fort becoming overheated, burst, killing twelve of the
seventeen men under the command of said Edward Splaine.
Edward was one of the six brothers who served in the Civil War.
Colonel Splaine's maternal grandfather, John O'Mahoney,
Esq., was a sculptor of distinction in Ireland, and in the early
part of the last century (from 1800 to 1818) had for a pupil,
James Barry, Esq., founder of the house of sculptors of that name
in the United States, some of whom have attained the highest rank
among the leading American sculptors.
Colonel Splaine's mother was Honora, daughter of John
O'Mahoney, the sculptor. She was a noted Irish beauty in her
section of the country, was an accomplished and amiable woman,
and was the first of the old Irish or Celtic race to marry into the
Splaine family.
When the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment left Linnfield
in August, 1861, Colonel Splaine was in Company E, a first lieu
tenant, but on January 31, 1862, was promoted to the rank of
captain, and assigned to Company A of that regiment, until the
expiration of the term of the old regiment, when he took command
as captain of the newly organized veterans, July 17, 1864. Shortly

Lieut. Eben .Si.vhinds.

BIOGRAPHIES. 297
after, when the regiment began to be recruited up to its maximum
of eight companies, he was commissioned major and lieutenant-
colonel, August 10, 1864.
On March 4, 1865, he was appointed Acting Brigadier General
in command of the third brigade, second division. District of
Beaufort, North Carolina. He was commissioned colonel June 16,
1865. These promotions, it may be said, were the reward of
meritorious and efficient conduct in the field during four years of
continuous service, when he was at all times with his command.
Though usually fortunate in the many encounters in which
he participated in North Carolina, he was wounded in the left
arm at Winton (or Mt. Tabor Church), North Carolina, July
26, 1863. Colonel Splaine personally is a warm-hearted, chivalrous,
generous and charitable man, unassuming in manner, and modest in
bearing, as men of ability always are. He is thoroughly democratic
in temperament, notwithstanding that in his lineage he is aristo
cratic, and in that respect has something to be proud of, he being
a cousin in the second degree of a baronet, as his father and Sir
Richard Moore were full first cousins. Colonel Splaine being,
therefore, cousin of the present baronet of that name. Colonel
Splaine's grand aunt, Ellen Gilman of Old Park, County Cork, Ire
land, married Sir Emannuel Moore, thereby becoming Lady Moore.
As to his own immediate family, it may be recorded that he
married Margaret J. Weir on November 16, 1858. From this
union were born eight children, six sons and two daughters,
namely, Richard Edward, Anne Maria, Henry Thomas, Herbert
James, William Francis, Norella, David Jerome and George Weir.
Mrs. Splaine died November 15, 1881.
Colonel Splaine is a member of Theodore Winthrop Post,
No. 35, Department of Massachusetts, G. A. R,, and a member of
the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM W. SMITH.
William W. Smith was born in Tarifville, Conn., June 17,
1839. He was one of eight children born to John Smith and his

298 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
wife, Margaret Sinclair, who were both of Scottish birth, and who
landed in New York from Scotland about 1829. In the city of
New York the oldest boy was born, the younger members of the
family being born in Tarifville, Conn., to which place the family
removed in 1830. The boys were Archie, Daniel, Robert, James
John and Williani W. The girls were Margaret and Jeanette.
From Tarifville, the family removed to Danvers, Mass., in 1846.
Margaret became Mrs. White and Jeanette became Mrs. Crowell.
When the excitement caused by the secession of the southern
states reached Danvers, the young men of that town, like those of
other towns, organized a splendid company, which at once went
into camp and drilled every day. Soon they were equipped and
ready for service. N. P. Fuller was elected captain, William W.
Smith first lieutenant and Ruel B. Pray second lieutenant. The
company joined the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers at
Lynnfield, July 10, 1861. It was designated as Company C, and
was placed on the left flank of the regiment, thereby gaining the
second position of importance in that regiment.
Lieutenant Smith and his three brothers were all members
of this company. They were William W., Daniel, Robert and
James. Daniel died while a member of Company C.
William W. Smith was commissioned first lieutenant August
21, 1861; captain, July 31, 1862; major, August 4, 1864; and lieu
tenant-colonel, June 16, 1865.
Colonel Smith was a brave and patriotic officer, of commanding
presence, a good disciplinarian, watchful over the welfare of his
men, and was at all times ready for duty. He never missed a
march or a fight that his company took part in. Shortly after the
close of the war, he married Miss Carrie Goldwaithe of Danvers,
and soon afterwards removed to Kansas. He is now a resident of
Topeka in that state, where he has become a successful lawyer,
and where he is well known in public life.

MAJOR JOHN E. MULLALLY.
John E. Mullally was born in Boston, August 22, 1838. His
father was John Mullally of Templemore, Ireland, who, shortly

BIOGRAPHIES. 299
after going to Halifax, Nova Scotia, married Mary Stewart of that
city, whose father was a sea captain. There were born of this
union four boys and three girls. The four boys served with dis
tinction in the Union army, three of them in the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Infantry, and one in another regiment. After
leaving the Seventeenth, one of the brothers, William Mullally,
having served four years in the Volunteers, joined the regular
cavalry, and went down in glory in the celebrated General Custer
disaster. A few years before the breaking out of the Civil War, the
family moved from Boston to Danvers, where, after attending.
public schools, as they had done in Boston, the sons took up the
shoe business for a livlihood. When excitement ran high about
recruiting and drilling for the inevitable conflict between the North
and the South, Major Mullally was among the chief organizers
of the "Foster Guard," of South Danvers. The major, for his
activity and patriotism, was elected second lieutenant May 10,
1861, which was confirmed later when the Guards were incorporated
into the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry as Company B,,
at Lynnfield, Mass., July 10, 1861.
Lieutenant Mullally went to the front with his regiment,.
was promoted to first lieutenant December 13, 1861; captain,
December 29, 1863; and major, June 16, 1865. He served
out his term of three years and re-enlisted in 1864, to help finish
up the war. He was never sick, never absent, always on duty,
and took part in every march and fight that his company and
regiment was engaged in. He was a brave man, an efficient
officer and a good drill master. He was beloved by his own men,
and was a most companionable and pleasant gentleman among
commissioned officers.
During the war he married Miss Ellen Dawes of Boston,
daughter of Robert J. Dawes of London, England, and Annie
Dawes of Halifax, Nova Scotia. From this union were born Annie
D., Bertie B. (Mrs. Lott) Nellie F. (Mrs. Peters), John Robert,
and Katie E. (Mrs. Mossman), the latter having died in 1900.
The Dawes family take special pride in the fact that a relative
of theirs, Robert F. Daws, was noted as a friend and associate
of Paul Revere during the Revolutionary War.

300 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
CAPTAIN JAMES SPLAINE.
James Splaine was born in Aharlow House, County of Cork,
Ireland, in March, 1839. He was educated in public and private
schools near his home and in the City of Cork. With the other
members of his family, he left his native place in 1851, reaching
Boston, Mass., October 3d of that year, and Haverhill, Mass.,
the same day. He lived in the latter city until the breaking out of
the Civil War, when catching the prevailing enthusiasm for ad
venture, his militant nature prompted him, as it did many young
men of Massachusetts, to enlist for service in the cause of the Union.
He was full brother of Colonel Henry Splaine, and is therefore
entitled to every consideration accorded his brother on account
of parentage and lineage.
He enlisted as a private in Company E, unattached. Seven
teenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Capt. M. C. McNamara
of Haverhill, April 21, 1861 ; and was elected third lieutenant shortly
afterwards. Soon after this the War Department ordered that
third and fourth lieutenant should be dropped, which placed
Lieutenant Splaine back in the ranks. Soon after this however,
he was appointed first sergeant of the company, in which capacity
he went to the front. After a service of seven months as first
sergeant, he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant,
January 31, 1862, and on December 24 of the same year, was
furthur promoted to the rank of first lieutenant; and finally after
the reorganization of the Veteran or new Seventeenth Regiment,
he was promoted to a captaincy (in Company A,) August 10, 1864.
Captain James Splaine was about six feet in height, well
proportioned, of graceful carriage and soldierly bearing. He was
a good drill-master,, liked by his men, companionable among the
officers, generous, forbearing and forgiving. He made an enviable
reputation as an intrepid and brave officer. He served all through
the war, having been in every engagement in which his regiment
participated. One of the veteran comrades who served under Capt§,in Splaine
in Company A of the new Seventeenth, said to the compiler of
this^history : " Captain Jim Splaine was a fine man, a noble fellow.

1. Lt.-Col. Wm. W. Smith.
2. David Wallace. Co. "E"
3. Lt. William H. Turner.
4. Lieut. James Inman.
5. Lieut. Linus B. Comins.
6. Capt. John K. Lloyd.
7. Wm. D'Arcy Haley.
8. Rufus Hart, (.'o. "C."
9. Wm. j. Murphy, Co. "C."

10. Lieut. Edward P. Cotting.
11. Lieut. Henry F. Merrill.
12, Lieut. Jere A. Greeley.
13. (apt David F. Brown.
14. Capt. Horace Dexter.
15. Capt. Thomas R. Keenan.
16. Lieut. Dl. L. Getchell.
17. Capt. Geo. H. ^Iorrell.
18. Ad.iutant Barnabas A. Mann,

BIOGRAPHIES. 301
He was one of the bravest officers in the Seventeenth Regiment.
He never sent his men where he did not go himself. He led them.' '
Captain Splaine never married. He died in Lynn, Mass.,
at the age of thirty-five.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH AUGUSTUS MOORE.
Joseph A. Moore was born at Gloucester, Mass., February 11,
1844. After completing his studies in the Gloucester High School,
and in Philadelphia, Pa., at the age of fifteen years he began his
studies to become a civil engineer in the office of John B. Henck,
who was afterwards Professor of Civil Engineering in the Massa
chusetts Institute of Technology.
In July, 1861, at the age of seventeen years, he enlisted as a
private in Company H, Seventeenth Regiment, Massachusetts
Volunteers, and was promoted through the different grades (includ
ing that of regimental adjutant) to captain, being commissioned as
captain of a veteran company before he was twenty-one years old.
His promotion was, it may be said, the result of good conduct,
zealous and meritorious action in the service, and coolness and
bravery in times of peril. His promotion in the service was as
rapid as it was almost singular, and he developed a fine capacity
in every line of duty he was called upon to act in.
Among the other duties Captain Moore was called upon to
discharge was that of acting assistant adjutant-general of the bri
gade commanded by Colonel Henry Splaine. He was assigned in
this capacity to the Third Brigade, and afterwards to the third
division, 23d Army Corps, and when discharged in July, 1865 was
acting in this capacity. He was highly recommended by his regi
mental, brigade and division commanders for a captaincy in the
regular army, but sickness, brought on in the line of duty, prevented
him from obtaining the position.
It is an old saying that "Blood will tell," — or rather it is a
recognition of the now acknowledged fact that heredity from a dis-

302 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
tinguished ancestry has much to do with the makeup of an indivi
dual in matters physical, intellectual and moral, and Captain Moore
is a fine illustration of the truth of this theory, as his ancestry on
both sides, for several generations (which is here briefly noted)
will testify. William Moore, who was a cousin of Sir Hamilton Moore, set
tled at Fresh Water Cove, Gloucester, Mass., where he built a
house in or before the year 1757.
In the summer of 1776, while in a boat off Old House Gove,
and in view of his home, William Moore and his son Joseph, — who
was born at Gloucester, November 28, 1763, were taken prisoners by
Captain Lindsay, claiming WiUiam Moore as a British subject
liable to service in the British navy. On the refusal of Moore to
join the crew of his vessel and act as pilot along the Massachusetts
shore and become a traitor to his adopted country, he was sent to
New York as a prisoner of war, and died on board the prison ship
"Jersey,' ' remaining loyal to his adopted country to the last.
His son Joseph, then a mere lad, was set on shore between
Kettle Cove (now Magnolia) and Manchester, and returned to his
home. Joseph Moore was twice married, — first to Hannah Pul
sifer, February 16, 1794; and second, to Betsey (Elizabeth) Fellows,
September 26, 1814. The latter was a descendant of William Fellows,
who settled in Ipswich, Mass., in 1642. By his first wife he had
three children, and by the second wife, eight children, — one of
whom, — Joseph, Jr., born January 27, 1817, — was the father of
Captain Joseph A. Moore.
Joseph Moore, Jr., married Mary Olive Lane August 19, 1841,
— Captain Joseph A. Moore being an only child. Mary Olive
Lane was the daughter of Moses Lane and Olive (Fellows) Lane
of Ipswich, Mass., — the latter being a daughter of Nathan Fellows,
who was a soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. Moore died at Roslin-
dale, Mass., at the home of her son, March 12, 1908, aged eighty-
seven years, seven months and eleven days, and was buried at
Mount Adrish Cemetery, Annisquam, Mass.
Mrs. Moore had also a line of ancestors with interesting pio
neer histories. John Lane, who was born about 1653, came to

BIOGRAPHIES. 303
Gloucester ffomFalinouth,Maine,about the close of the seventeenth
century, probably on the destruction of that place by the Indians.
He was the son of James Lane, and went with his father, in 1658,
from Maiden, Mass., to Casco Bay, where he lived until driven
away by the Indians in the first Indian War. His father was killed
in a fight with the Indians. One of the descendants of John Lane
was Moses Lane, who was born December 14, 1781. He married
Olive Fellows of Ipswich, Mass., who had a son (Moses Augustus)
and a daughter (Mary Olive) mother of Captain Moore. Moses
Augustus Lane, uncle of Captain Moore (born January 11, 1823)
was a gunner (warrant officer) in the United States navy from 1852
to his retirement, January 11, 1885, and served all through the war
of the Rebellion. He died October 31, 1888.

CAPTAIN CHARLES 0. FELLOWS.
Charles Oliver Fellows was born in Boston, on February 8,
1845. When but a mere child his family moved to Chelsea, Mass.,
where Charles spent his early boyhood, and where he attended the
public schools of that town. During his thirteenth year he was
sent to Peacham Academy, Vermont, where he studied for a period
of a year and six months. He then returned to his home in Chelsea.
Like most American boys, young Fellows longed for adventure,
and sooner than settle down to mechanical or commercial pursuits,
he sought a sea-faring life, which would give him an opportunity
to see strange lands and peoples. He accordingly shipped before
the mast, and made several voyages to foreign lands, his last cruise
being from Liverpool to Boston in March, 1861. On his arrival,
he found the country deeply agitated by the secession of several of
the Southern States and the prospect of civil war.
Young Fellows had been home scarcely a month when the cry
"To arms!"was sounded. Though sixteen years of age, he was
among the first in Chelsea to enroll himself in Company H of the
1st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, in command of Captain
Carruth. The boy soldier soon found ample opportunity for his

304 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
adventurous spirit, for it was not long after enlistment when his
regiment participated in the battle of Bull Run, which was fought on
July 21, 1861. He saw some other fighting and some severe ser
vice during the fall of 1861, and then, to his surprise, he found him
self transferred to the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment, and
commissioned second lieutenant on December 13, 1861. He was
promoted to the rank of first lieutenant August 13, 1862, and
finally became captain August 4, 1864.
Captain Fellows was a "chip of the old block," as the saying
is, his father being lieutenant-colonel of the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts, and also a soldier from his sixteenth year. Captain
Fellows' military spirit seems to have come to him by inheritance,
his gallant father having been of Revolutionary and 1812 war
lineage, while on his mother's side (she being Mary Louise Sprague
of Salem), he inherited equally proud and patriotic blood, the
Spragues having figured conspicuously in both wars.
Captain Fellows was a tall, handsome and dashing young
fellow, an expert at drill, a good commander and a most compan
ionable young gentleman. He was liked and respected by officers
and men, and was a brave, capable and patriotic officer, never
having missed a march or a fight that his company or regiment
participated in.
Captain Fellows was married November 27, 1867. Seven
children were born to them, six girls and one boy, all now
hving except one daughter, all now married except one daughter.

CAPTAIN THOMAS R. KEENAN.
Captain Keenan's first military service in the Civil War was
as private in the Thirteenth Massachusetts Infantry early in 1861.
He was second heutenant in the Seventeenth Massachusetts In
fantry in 1862 and first lieutenant in 1863. He was captain in the
56th Massachusetts Infantry during part of 1864, and became
lieutenant in the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery during
the latter part of that year. He then returned to the Seventeenth

1. Lieut. John B. Hill.
2. Asst. Suec. Chas. G. A. Eayers.
3. Doctor I. F. Galloupe.
4. Capt. M. C. M'Namara.
5. Lieut. Samuel G. Roberts,

6. CoRPL. Andrew J. Tilton.
7. Capt. I. N. Richardson.
S. Capt. Levi P. Thompson.
9. Asst. Surg. Wm. H. W. Hinds.
10. Capt. Henry B. Webber.

11. Capt, Lewis Cann.

BIOGRAPHIES. 305
Massachusetts February 3, 1865, as captain. He was finally mus
tered out of service July 11, 1865.
Captain Keenan was born at Lynnfield, Mass., 1841, and was
the son of Doctor Keenan, an Irish gentleman of undoubted good
standing both in his native land and the land of his adoption.
Captain Keenan's full name was Thomas Romnej^ Van Tromp
Keenan. He often told the writer that there was a strain of noble
Dutch blood in his veins, of which he seemed to be very proud. He
was six feet six inches in his bare feet, straight as an arrow, and was
soldierly in bearing, and a handsome fellow. He was well educated
and suave and gentlemanly in his relations with everyone. His
conduct was at all times above reproach, and he commanded the
respect of all the officers and men of the regiment.
He was brave to a fault, and never shirked any responsibility
or duty which fell to him. He was a proficient drill-master, a
good disciplinarian without being cruel, and was indeed an officer
his men were proud to follow.
Captain Keenan saw considerable service in several regiments.
He was shot through the neck, in action, in 1864. He never
fully recovered from the effects of this wound, which finally caused
his death early in 1867.

CAPTAIN LEWIS CANN.
Lewis Cann was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, in 1837, and
was the second son of Samuel and Mary Anne (Shaw) Cann. Lewis
settled in Danvers, Mass., in 1852, and, in 1859, married Miss
Eliza A. Webb of Danvers, Mass. From this union were born
six children — Lewis A., Herbert L., Emma Jane, William W.,
Francis W. and Elmer E.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, when excitement
ran high, Lewis Cann, like many others, being stirred with patriot
ism, joined Company C of Danvers, which organization became
part of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. As an
enhsted man he proved to be a good soldier. He was neat and
orderly and respectful to his superiors. He had not served very

306 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
long before his good qualities became so apparent that he was made
sergeant of his company. New honors awaited him, for on April
26, 1863, he was commissioned second lieutenant, and on May 4,
1864, he was promoted to the position of first lieutenant, and finally
became captain November 21, 1864.
As a soldier and a commissioned officer. Captain Cann was all
that his superior officers could wish for. He was a model soldier
and officer; was a good drill-master, a fine company commander
and brave and patriotic. He was tactful, resourceful and never
lost his presence of mind, even under the most trying circum
stances. The writer recalls two occasions in the service of Cap
tain Cann, where his coolness and bravery enabled him to save
his company from capture by the Confederates. The first occasion
was at Batchelder's Creek, N. C, February 1, 1864, where a de
tachment of his regiment was deserted and was being surrounded
by a large force of the enemy. When the command was called
upon to surrender. Captain Cann, with his company, made a bold
dash for the woods, and, although bullets flew thick and fast, the
little command escaped with the loss of a very few men.
During this daring movement. Captain Cann and his little
company reached the camp of the One hundred and thirty-second
New York Infantry, and although the captain knew that his posi-'
tion was a dangerous one, he delayed long enough to destroy
nearly all the camp and garrison equipage, and such other stores
as would be of use to the enemy. He then pulled down the gar
rison flag and saved it, and as he and his men were going out at
one side of the camp the Confederates were rushing in at the other
side. He made a long detour to avoid the enemy and reached his
camp in Newbern the next day.
The second occasion where Captain Cann's coolness and brav
ery enabled him to save his company from capture was on March
9, 1865, at the battle of Wise's Forks, N. C, when he and his com
pany were detached and connected, temporarily, with the brigade
of Colonel Upham of General Carter's division of General Schofield's
army. Captain Cann and his company were doing picket duty on
the extreme left of the brigade, and observuig that the Confederates
were marching clear around the brigade, he at once notified the
brigade commander of the danger, but was told to retum to his

1.

R. P. Newman.

7.

Herbert Splaine.

2.

Lieut. Thomas W. Foster.

S.

Geo. F. Putnam, Co. "C."

3.

Lieut. Chas. C. .Morse.

9.

Capt. Sidney C. Bancroft

4.

Sergeant Frank G. Kelley, Co.

"G."

10.

Chas. E. Flanders.

5.

Sergt. Michael Carney.

11.
J. B. Moores.
«.
Joseph G. Kelley.
12.
Amos Homans.
13. 1st Lieut. Michael Burns.
BIOGRAPHIES. 307
post, and hold it if possible. Bad conditions became worse, until
finally the enemy charged the position, capturing the whole brigade
except Captain Cann and his company. Upon being called upon
to surrender, the company answered with a volley, then made their
escape through the thicket, and joined their regiment on the fol
lowing morning. During this movement. Captain Cann lost two
men, taken prisoners, and had four others wounded. This feat, at
the time, was regarded by all concerned as a wise and brave act.
When Captain Cann reported to his regiment with company al
most intact, he was warmly congratulated and thanked by Colonel
Splaine for his bravery and well-timed. dash through the cordon
which the enemy had almost completed around General Upham's
brigade. Well may Captain Cann's children be proud of their gallant
father; well may the mother be proud of her children's father;
and well may his town, state and nation be proud of Captain Lewis
Cann.

CAPTAIN MALCOLM SILLARS.
Malcolm Sillars is a native of Ryegate, Vt., where he was born
September 17, 1837. When but eight years of age, his parents
removed to North Andover, Mass., where he went to school in
1850,' when his family removed to Danvers, Mass., where he con
tinued his education in the public schools of that town. His
first work was in Stevens' factory in North Andover, where flannel
goods were made. In Danvers he worked in Tapley's carpet
factory, but this work not being to his liking, he started in to
learn the trade of shoemaking in a shoe factory in Danvers.
Malcolm and his brother William Sillars, who was younger,
worked at the same business until the breaking out of the Civil
War in 1861, when both enlisted in Company C, which was after
wards incorporated in the Seventeenth Regiment Volunteer
Infantry. His father, Donald Sillars, also enlisted in Company K,
23d Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. His brother,
William died in Baltimore of typhoid fever, and his father

308 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
killed ill the attack on Newbern, N.C, when that city was captured
by the troops under General Burnside.
Captain Sillars enlisted as a private, but soon after the regi
ment reached Baltimore, Md., he was promoted to the rank of
corporal, and in North Carolina was promoted to first sergeant.
Afterward, on January 4, 1864, he was again promoted to quarter
master-sergeant of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment.
On July 4, 1864, he received his commission as second lieutenant,
and was assigned to Company H of that regiment.
When the term of enlistment of the men of the regiment
expired, about one-third of the officers and men re-enlisted for the
war. Lieutenant Sillar's was one of them. He was promoted to
first lieutenant, September 1, 1864, and to captain August 4, 1864.
It will thus be seen that from the time of his enlistment on
April 23, 1861, until his muster-out, July 11, 1865, about four
years and three months, his rise from the ranks was steady and
continuous, his promotion being the result of devotion to duty and
efficient service as a soldier. What is most remarkable in his case
is that during his whole term of enlistment, and amid the fatigues
of the march and perils of the field, as well as danger from malaria,
he was never sick or unfit for duty during the whole term of his
service. After his return from the war, he entered politics, and was
elected to the State Legislature from Danvers in 1886 and 1887.
In the latter year he projected a comprehensive plan for the en
largement, or rather the extension of the State House, and advo
cated the taking of the old reservoir lot on Beacon Hill for that
purpose. (Curiously enough, the compiler of this memorial
history, who was on the staff of the "Boston Herald' ' was appraised
of the project at the time, and wrote up the scheme, which was
published in the "Sunday Herald" of May 15, 1887.) This
scheme, which later bore fruit in the present remodeled State House
and its extention, was afterwards appropriated from the originator
without credit. It was first known as the "Sillars Plan,' ' and was
received by the press and public throughout the State with such
favor that it was ultimately adopted and carried out in the State
House as it is today.

Roland F. Lewis.

BIOGRAPHIES. 309
Captain Sillars has for many years held the office of inspector
in the District Police of Massachusetts, and up to July, 1908, was
on active duty. At that time he was taken sick with stomach
trouble, from which he suffered greatly, but he is now on the fair
road to recovery. His iron consititution will no doubt pull him
through all right.
Among his other services to his country. Captain Sillars has
the honor of being the father of one of the largest families in
Massachusetts, and one of the finest also. On August 20, 1861,
he married Sarah Putnam Fuller, daughter of Daniel W. and
Clarissa (Putnam) Fuller. By this marriage there were five sons
and two daughters, three of the sons and one daughter of whom died
in infancy, and two of the sons and one daughter are living;
namely, Henry M., born May 16, 1864; Walter A., born June 15,
1866; Ahce P., born July 20, 1870. His wife, Sarah P., died
November 20, 1874. On September 10, 1876, he married Sarah
E. McDermott, daughter of Charles and Mary (Donnelly) Mc
Dermott. By this marriage there were thirteen children; seven
daughters and six sons, namely, Elizabeth, born October 30, 1877
Malcolm, born December 8, 1878; Mary, born March 29, 1880
Helen M., born January 24, 1882; Charles D.,born August 6, 1883
James McC.,born August 8, 1885; Susan, born November 8, 1886
Alexander M., born January 24, 1888; William A., born February
15, 1889; Sarah E., born December 25, 1891; Blanche Janet, born
March 11, 1895; Fred G., born February 23, 1897; and Pauline R.,
born July 14, 1898. Thus, in all. Captain Sillars is the father of
twenty children, sixteen of whom are living; a family any man may
well be proud of, and may they prove worthy successors of noble
parents. There is no "race suicide' ' in this fine family.

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES SMITH.
Lieutenant James Smith was one of four brothers who joined
Company C of Danvers, at the out-break of the Civil War, as a
private. He is a full brother of Lieut.-Col. William W. Smi^h,

310 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
of the same regiment, and is therefore, entitled to all the honor of
race and parentage that his brother. Colonel Smith can boast.
Lieutenant Smith, although a private at the opening of the
war, soon forged his way to the front, becoming in turn, sergeant,
1st sergeant , 2d and 1st lieutenant in his own regiment. During
his long term of service he showed himself at all times an able,
brave and upright soldier and officer. He was a man of unblemish
ed character; dear to his associate officers and men, and as one who
reflected honor on his company, his town, state and nation.
He has been a successful farmer and merchant in his adopted
state of Kansas, where he now resides, admired and respected in
his declining years by all who know him. Lieutenant Smith has
helped with material and good advice in the writing of his regi
mental history.

ROLAND FRANK LEWIS.
(One of the Committee on History.)
Roland F. Lewis was born in Salem, Mass., October 28, 1844.
On July 1, 1861, when but a schoolboy in his seventeenth year,
he enlisted for three years in the Kimball Guards of Rockport,
on Fire Island, Salem, Mass., which was mustered in as Company
G, of the Seventeenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
He participated in all the marches and campaigns of the regiment
in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. He re-enhsted in the
field to serve in the new organization of the Seventeenth, in
Company A, and served with it to the end of the war, having an
honorable record as a soldier.
After his discharge he was employed in New York, and later
learned a trade, and worked for ten years at Beverly. In 1886,
he was appointed watchman in the United States Sub-Treasury
in Boston, which position he has held ever since.

BIOGRAPHIES. 311
RICHARD PURTILL, ALBERT J. COOK, BENJAMIN P.
ROGERS, SAMUEL J. FORD, ANDREW P. LEWIS.
Andrew Park Lewis, Jr., was born at NewburjT)ort, Mass.,
January 19, 1843. He was enrolled as a member of the "City
Grays" of Newburyport, May 10, 1861, which corps afterwards
became Company A, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry
Volunteers, and was mustered into the United States service at
Lynnfield, Mass., July 22, 1861.
Lewis, after serving his term of enlistment, re-enlisted as a
veteran volunteer on January, 4, 1864. He was private and cor
poral in Company A, and was transferred to Company F, as
sergeant in February, 1865. He was on all marches and in all
fights in which his regiment and company participated. He was
mustered out at the close of the war, July 11, 1865.
Albert James Cook was born at Newburyport, Mass., Sep
tember 8, 1841. He was enrolled in the "City Grays" of New
buryport on May 10, 1861, which corps afterwards became
Company A, of the Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers
and was mustered into the United States service at Lynnfield,
Mass., July 22, 1861.
After having served his term of enlistment in the field, he
re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, January 5, 1864. He was
private and corporal in his company, and was on all the marches
and in all the engagements in which his company and regiment
took part. He was mustered out of service at the close of the
war, July 11, 1865.
Samuel James Ford was born at Newburyport, Mass., June 12,
1843. He enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Massachusetts
Regiment, October 26, 1861. He re-enlisted in the field as a
veteran volunteer on January 4, 1864. He served as private and
corporal in his company, and was transferred to Company E,
February 9, 1865. He was mustered out at expiration of service,
July 11, 1865. He participated in all the engagements in which
his company and regiment took part, and never lost a march.

312 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Richard Purtill was born at Newburyport, Mass., July 22,
1847. He enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Massachusetts
Regiment, March 1, 1862, and re-enlisted in the field as a veteran
volunteer on January 5, 1864. He was transferred as corporal
to Company F, in February, 1865.
Purtill was the youngest man bearing arms in the regiment
at the time of his first enlistment, he then being only fourteen
years and eight months old.
Richard Purtill's father, John Purtill, served in the same com
pany and regiment with his son during the war. They never
missed a march or an engagement in which their regiment partici
pated. Both were mustered out of service at the close of the war,
July 11, 1865.
Benjamin Proctor Rogers was born in Byfield, Rowley, Mass.,
1845. He was enlisted in the "City Grays" of Newburyport,
May 21, 1861, which afterwards became Company A, of the
Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment, and was mustered into the
United States service at Lynnfield, Mass., July 22, 1861. He
enlisted in the field as a veteran volunteer, January 4, 1864.
Rogers took pa.rt in all marches and fights that his company
and regiment were engaged in. He was mustered out of service
at the close of the war, July 11, 1865.
The writer of the foregoing sketches has good reason to know
whereof he writes when he says that the five men whose portraits
are grouped at the opening of these sketches, were good, brave,
patriotic and well-tried soldiers in the service of their country.
Their unselfishness is well proven when the reader realizes that
the cost of the portraits and the sketches herewith given has been
defrayed by themselves, thereby making no cost to the committee
on History.

CHAPTER XI.

Taking the Field — March 4, 1865 — Splaine's Brigade — Com
position OF — General Carter Commanding Division;
General Cox Commanding the Corps and General
Schofield Commanding the Army — Skirmishing with the
Enemy — Throwing up Works at Wise's Forks — A Real
Romance of the War — Charles S. Bolton, a Hero — Bat
tle of Wise's Forks, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 — Captain Fish's
Pop Guns — Strengthening our Works — A War Song — -
Capture of Upham's Brigade, as told by General Car
ter — Complete Victory, with Joy around the Camp Fires.
To resume our narrative: The command reached Newbern
at 5:30 on the morning of the 4th of March, 1865, and proceeded
at once by train to Batchelder's Creek, and thence by march to
Core Creek reaching there at 4:45 p. m. Here Colonel Splaine
received orders to take command of the Third Brigade, second Di
vision, District of Beaufort, the division being commanded by Bri
gadier General S. P. Carter. Splaine's Brigade consisted of the
Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteers, Twenty-fifth Massachu
setts Volunteers, Third New York Heavy Artillery and five hun
dred men of western regiments who had been unable to join their
own command. These latter were organized into a battalion and
commanded by the senior captain.
On the morning of March 5th, at 7 a. m., took up the march
for Dover Cross Roads, reaching that point at 4 :30 p. m. On March
6, at noon, took up the march for Wise's Forks, the Seventeenth
Massachusetts of Splaine's Brigade having the advance.
About 3 p. M., the brigade was resting on the railroad bed, —
General Carter and staff being in the act of selecting a defensive
[313]

314 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
position, as they knew the enemy was in close proximity, — when
suddenly firing was heard in the direction taken by Carter, and
almost immediately after a staff officer came galloping back with
the report that Carter's party had been fired upon and was in dan
ger of capture. Thereupon Splaine sprang into his saddle, shout
ing: "Major Smith, bring the brigade up in quick time! First
company of the Seventeenth forward, double quick!' ' and on reach
ing the scene of the firing, ordered : " First platoon as skirmishers I
Second platoon in reserve! Give it to them, lads!" There was brisk
firing for a few minutes, the men of the Seventeenth driving the
enemy and capturing two of them. Captain Thomas of General
Carter's staff had his hat shot away, and although the party escaped
uninjured, it is safe to say that were it not for the prompt action
of the men of the Seventeenth, Carter and his party would have
been captured and perhaps injured. Splaine's brigade now coming:
up, was at once assigned to a place on the extreme left of the posi
tion, which a few days after became the scene of the battle of
Wise's Forks. Shortly afterwards the divisions of Palmer and
Ruger came up and were posted further to the right. Activity was
now the order of the day, and everyone helped to throw up breast-
Works, which were greatly strengthened the following day, as will
be more fully told in Comrade Hugh Young's account of the battle,.
which follows.
On March 7, work on the line of defences continued, and when
night came the troops were well entrenched and ready for anything.

A REAL ROMANCE OF WAR.
Just here it may not be out of place to relate a peculiar and
unusual circumstance of the war — a romantic incident, in fact.
The morning report for March 7, of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts,.
a part of Splaine's brigade, showed one captain absent without
leave. Captain Harrington, in command of that regiment, was
called to headquarters to explain the absence of the missing man.
He stated that the young man was about to marry an estimable

splaine's BRIGADE. 315
young lady residing in Newbern, the daughter of an army officer,
not a combatant, and that all preparations had been made for the
wedding, invitations sent out, etc., when the forward movement
of the army was announced.
Then the young captain applied to General Palmer for leave
of two days to fulfil his promise of marriage. This request was
refused. The yoimg captain was in a sad plight. What was he
to do? Should he refuse, then, the maiden of his choice, and disap
point her and their many friends, or was he to disobey the orders
of his superiors in the army? He very gallantly chose the awfully
dangerous course of leaving camp without leave sooner than break
his promise to the woman he loved.
Upon receiving this information. Colonel Splaine requested
Captain Harrington to change the morning report, but received a
flat refusal. Splaine said, "You will, captain;" and the captain
answered that he would not. Splaine then turned to headquarters
clerk and said, "Make out an order for Captain F. of the Twenty-
fifth Massachusetts and a sergeant and ten men of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts to proceed to Newbern for the purpose of storing
knapsacks and certain camp and garrison equipage hastily left be
hind and now improperly stored, — the officers and men to return
to their commands as soon as the work has been done.' '
Splaine rode over to the headquarters of General Cox and ex
plained the facts to him. His approval was freely given, and the
sergeant and ten men went to Newbern on the next train, the
sergeant taking a confidential letter from Colonel Splaine to Cap
tain F. telling the captain what had transpired at the front and
advising him to see that the property referred to was stored with an
authorized quartermaster, to consummate his marriage as he had
agreed to and then return to the front with all haste.
Harrington was compelled to change the morning report, and
gallant captain F. was saved from a courtmartial. The captain
was married according to program, stored the property, taking the
quartermaster's receipt for it, and in command of the detail, re
turned to his regiment on the 9th of March. He was not back
more than an hour when he was ordered to take charge of his
company on the skirmish line, and he had not been out there more

316 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
than two hours before he was wounded. The wound was a bad one,
but not necessarily dangerous.
Colonel Splaine learning from the surgeon that Captain F.
could bear a short ride on the train, had the young hero sent to his
bride that same afternoon. Although she nursed him tenderly,
he was never able to rejoin his regiment. He recovered his full
strength in time, and was honorably discharged. Colonel Splaine
knew the bride personally, and knew her to be a charming daugh
ter of Massachusetts. (Within recent years Colonel Splaine has
learned that the couple reside in the western country, living happily
and prosperously and blessed with many children.)

A HERO OF COMPANY A, SEVENTEENTH.
In the afternoon of March 7, Colonel Splaine sent for Charles
S. Bolton of Company A, and said to him: "Bolton, I have your
furlough at last. Here it is, and transportation also, and now I
want you to take the next train for Newbern, and there board the
first steamer going North." Bolton asked if the next day would
not do as well. Colonel Splaine said that the soldier must go today
and that the train would ,start in about an hour's time. Bolton
said, "Well, colonel, I don't see any need of hurry about it. I
have my furlough, and that is the main thing.' '
Becoming a little irritated at the obstinacy of the soldier,
Splaine said, "Now, Bolton, you know that I have worked like
a beaver to secure your furlough, which has been unlawfully kept
from you for over a year. You know that my first official act,
after taking command of the regiment,was to place you in Company
A, the company of your choice at re-enlistment, and which right
had been denied you by officers high in rank. You are the only
one of the veterans who re-enlisted in the field who has not been
home to see your friends, and now here you are, with furlough and
transportation in your hand, and yet you hesitate about going
home."

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BATTLE OF WISE'S FORKS,N.C.,Ma.r^ 8,9 ,10^1865
Original P/cin of Battle, Ground , by Colonel Spla'inr^,

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splaine's brigade. 317
Bolton still stubborn, said: "Colonel, you seem to be in a
hurry to get rid of me. Why won't you let me remain until to
morrow?" Colonel Splaine said : " Now, no more nonsense about
it. Start for that train and go home and see your friends while
you have the opportunity to do so. This may be a very long march
and as we go into the interior, circumstances may arise which will
destroy your chances of ever enjoying that furlough among your
friends." Bolton said: "Ah, colonel, I know what the trouble
is. You know that we are going to have a battle and don't want
me to take part in it, for you fear that I might not go home to my
friends with a whole skin." — "No, No, Bolton. I simply want
you to go home on your well-earned furlough, — and now start for
the train." Bolton, still declining to take the advice of his commander,
said he preferred to wait until the morrow. Colonel Splaine, feel
ing for the poor fellow, thought he would tell him something that
would send him running for the train. He said: "Well, Charley,
I may as well tell you — but you must not tell anybody else — we
fight tomorrow, and therefore I want you to go right home and
enjoy your furlough." Bolton looked at his commander a
moment, and then said: "I won't go home, but will stay with
my comrades and help them to fight it out.' '
He stayed with his command, and on the morrow, in Splaine's
old veteran company, Bolton had all the fighting he wanted. At
one time during the day, when his company and others had cap
tured a piece of cannon from the enemy, his command was over
powered and compelled to make a hasty retreat. Bolton, among
others, was badly wounded, and in order to save himself, crawled
under the bank of a stream, where he laid twenty-two hours, partly
immersed in the water, and when found by his comrades next day,
was more dead than alive. During his hiding he did not dare to
call for help, fearing that such calls would bring enemies instead of
friends. The surgeon said it was fortunate that Bolton's wounded limb
had lain in the water so long, as the chill produced by the water
probably saved his life, but it was probable that amputation of
the leg would become a necessity. As time went on, however, the

318 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
surgeon concluded that the wounded man was doing so well that he
had hopes of his recovery without having to resort to amputation.
After many weeks Bolton was so far restored to health that he
was sent home on an indefinite furlough, — not his veteran furlough,
and was finally discharged with honor from the army in which he
had so bravely served.
Charles S. Bolton was a brave soldier, and later became an
honorable citizen of Roxbury, Mass. He served for many years
as superintendent of Faneuil Hall, but up to the day of his death
was not free from suffering on account of his wound, and was com
pelled to wear crutches all the time. He is survived by a son, Hon.
Fred E. Bolton, who is well-known among prominent Bostonians,
and who, at this writing, is one of the principal assessors of Boston.

The next day, March 8, 1865, the battle of Wise's Forks
opened. This battle, together with a preliminary account of the
assemblage and movements of the Union troops engaged in it, is
well and graphically described by Private Hugh Young of Com
pany B, Seventeenth Massachusetts, as follows:
BATTLE OF WISE'S FORKS.

Union Forces Engaged in it; Their Movements and Incidents
Leading up to it.
By Hugh Young, a Minute Man of '61.
Hugh Young enlisted in the Civil War at Lynn, Mass., April
15, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Massachusetts Militia, for three
months' service, and was discharged therefrom August 1, 1861.
His next enlistment was in the United States Navy at Boston,
Mass., September 27, 1861, for one year, during which time he
served on the barque "Ethan Allen" and on the ship "National
Guard,' ' and was discharged from the last named vessel at the city
of New York, September 30, 1862.

splaine's brigade. 319
He again enlisted in Company F, Eighth Massachusetts Regi
ment Infantry at Boston, Mass., for nine months, and served from
October 31, 1862, until the regiment was mustered out August
7, 1863. His last enlistment was at Lynn, Mass., February 22, 1864,
in Company C, Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment. In July
of the same year he was transferred to Company B of the same
regiment, and discharged therefrom July 11, 1865, at Greensboro,
North Carolina, and received honorable discharge papers at Read-
ville, Mass., July 27, 1865.

Part I.

On the second of March, Carter's division was ordered to the
intersection of the Neuse and Dover roads, leaving one brigade
there, moving thence by the Dover road to the crossing of Core
Creek, and Palmer's division was to march by the railroad, send
ing artillery and wagons under escort of Carter's division. Heavy
rains so increased the difficulties of moving through a country
which at best is an almost continuous swamp, that it was not until
the 4th that the two divisions reached their destination.
Our brigade (the third of Carter's division) was composed of
the followiag troops: The Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry,
commanded by Major W. W. Smith; Company A, Third New York
Artillery, commanded by Captain Samuel P. Russell; and the
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Infantry, commanded by Captain
Samuel Harrington; and four hundred provisional troops from
Camp Distribution, Virginia. The following were announced as
officers of the brigade : Captain J. A. Moore of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts, acting assistant adjutant general, acting assistant
inspector general and acting aide-de-camp; Lieutenant Horace
Dexter, Seventeenth Massachusetts, Brigade quartermaster; Assist
ant Surgeon John T. Walton, One hundred third Pennsylvania
Infantry, brigade surgeon; the brigade being commanded by Lieu
tenant-Colonel Henry Splaine of the Seventeenth Massachusetts,
and the division by Brigadier-General S. P. Carter. Our brigade was
fortunate in being under the general direction of these officers . The

320 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
division commander brought with him from the western armies,
a high reputation for every soldierly quality, and the brigade com
mander was personally known as a brave and gallant officer, whose
lead it was an honor to follow.
On the 4th, Ruger's division of the Twenty-third corps having
arrived at Newbern, was ordered to join Palmer at Core Creek,
which it did on the evening of the fifth, at which time also the re
pair of the railroad to Core Creek was completed. There being
but fifty wagons for all purposes in the whole district, but little
quartermaster's stores accompanied the army, and, although we
were short of rations, on the same date, — the 5th, — an order was
issued for further advance.
"Headquarters District of Beaufort,
Core Creek, N. C, March 5, 1865.
"The first and second divisions, district of Beaufort, will move
at seven o'clock tomorrow morning to position at Gum Swamp,
beyond the crossing of the railroad and the Dover Road. The
Infantry of General Palmer's division will move directly up the
railroad; wagons and artillery moving by the most practicable
route to the rear onto the Dover road, and thence to Gum Swamp,
in rear of General Carter's division and train. General Carter's
division will move by the Dover road. General Ruger's division.
Twenty-third corps, will remain in camp tomorrow, but General
Ruger will cause a working party to be put on the cross-road lead
ing from the railroad to the Dover road near General Carter's
present camp, and have the roads put in thorough repair for passing
teams and artillery. "By command of Major-General Cox.
Theo. Cox, Major and Assistant Adjutant General."
On March 6, the cavalry on the Trent road was ordered to
advance and open communication with the column by way of Wise's
Forks, if practicable. One squadron and the company of Captain
Graham (First Regiment, North Carolina Union Troops,) with
two howitzers, were detached and ordered across the Neuse road
to observe and guard it, and the brigade of Carter's division re
joined the command.

1. Major Jones Frankle.
2. AVilliam H. Eaton, Co. "B."
3. 1st Lieut. Henry G. Hyde.
4. Joshua Younger, Co, "G"
5. Sergt. Joseph C. Richard.son.
6. Herman F. -AIoRSE, Co. "G"

7. Capt. Thomas O. AA eir.
S. Thomas H. Jackman of Peaijody.
9. Major Luther Day.
10. Lieut. Ja\ies Smith.
11. John H. Tyler, Co. "G."
12. Lieut. Thomas AV. Goodwin.^Co. "A.'

13. Rufus L. Gilman, Co. " F.'

splaine's brigade. 321
Classen's brigade of Palmer's division being thrown forward
as an advance guard toward Wise's Forks, at a point near Tracy
Swamp, met the enemy in a pretty strong position. Captain Gra
ham, however, with his howitzers, aided by two companies of the
One hundred thirty-second New York Infantry, under Captain
Green, drove the enemy from position to position until finally
Wise's Forks was reached about 4 p. M.,-on March 6th.
Although the railroad had only been completed two miles be
yond Core Creek, and the troops were short of rations, on Tuesday
morning, the seventh inst.. General Cox ordered a further advance,
and Palmer sent his second brigade (Classen's) forward to the
Dover road crossing of Southwest Creek, one mile and a half in
front of Wise's Forks, and his other two brigades were ordered to
advance. The first brigade was sent up the railroad with Colonel
James Stewart's Ninth New Jersey Infantry in advance. This
brigade was composed of the Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery
serving as infantry, and was commanded by Brigadier-General
Harland, U. S. A. The advance guard encountered the pickets
of the enemy near the British road. The skirmishers pressed on
vigorously, driving the Confederates into their works. Here was
discovered a work of the enemy mounting two pieces of artillery,
which opened fire upon our advance; but by a well-directed fire
from a section of Captain Mercer's Battery C, Third New York
Artillery, aided by the skirmishers of the Ninth New Jersey, the
guns of the enemy were soon silenced. The Twenty-third Massa
chusetts Infantry, Colonel John M. Raymond, furnished a gallant
support for this section.
The third Brigade, under command of Colonel Horace Bough-
ton, consisting of the Eighteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and two
battalions of provisional troops, were moved to the crossing of the
railroad at Southwest Creek to command that point.
General Cox directed Carter to support Palmer, and Carter
marched his division from Gum Swamp (where it had encamped
the preceding night) toward Wise's Forks, below Southwest Creek,
and five miles from Kinston, where we arrived on the afternoon of
the seventh, and that night bivouacked in a pine grove; and from
there the second brigade (Colonel Upham) of Carter's division

322 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
moved down the British road to Jackson's Mills, near Southwest
Creek, and relieved the second brigade, first division. The second
brigadeofCarter'sdivisionwascomposed ofthe Fifteenth Connecti
cut Infantry, Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Infantry and a batta
lion of provisional troops, the brigade being commanded by Colo
nel Charles L. Upham of the Fifteenth Connecticut. A detach
ment of the Twelfth New York Cavalry was ordered to scout the
country well to the left of Upham's command, and to protect that
flank, one section of Battery I, Third New York Artillery, being
sent to help Upham in maintaining his position, this point being
about two miles west of Wise's Forks on the Dover road. Ruger's
division was now ordered from Core Creek to Gum Swamp, ar
riving there about noon, where it would be about three miles from
Palmer and Carter, and could support either in case of need.
In the meantime, the Twelfth New York Cavalry, Colonel
James L. Savage, had dismantled all the bridges over Southwest
Creek, while Upham's, Harland's, Boughton's and Classen's bri
gades had found the enemy strongly entrenched, and a brisk skir
mish took place, which after a while died down to picket-firing fer
the night, a chain of pickets being new established from right to
left for six miles along our front and flanks.
The march from Newbern to Wise's Forks, over reads and
swamps softened by recent storms, made heavy marching for the
troops. The roads most ef the way were heavily blockaded by
felled trees, which had to be cut through to allow the passage of
our wagons, and our pioneers were often compelled to stand knee
deep in water while corduroying the roads with brush and logs to
enable our artillery and wagons te pass over them. The laugh of
hundreds sounded along the column as some one in the darkness
would walk into the mire; then when a dry spot of ground was
reached the victims proceeded to empty the mud and water from
their shoes and to wring it from their stockings and then resumed
their march.
Meanwhile Colonel Wright's men were rapidly rebuilding the
railroad connecting Newbern with Kinston, the whole scene being
enlivened by an occasional brush with Whitford's Confederate
Cavalry.

splaine's brigade. 323
At Wise's Forks, the first brigade of Carter's division (Colonel
Adam J. Malloy commanding) , consisting of the Eighty-fifth New
York Infantry and two battalions of provisional troops, was placed
with its left resting on the Dover road and the third brigade ef the
same division, under command of Colonel Henry Splaine, was sta
tioned on the south side of the same road, nearly in line with the
first brigade. Our army was not expected to take the aggressive until the
railroad should be further advanced, or supplies for the troops
received by the river; but in the interval, to carry on a detaining
engagement, pending the arrival of General Couch's troops, then
marching from Wilmington to join us in an effort to form a junction
with Sherman's army, which at that time was stubbornly fighting
its way north against the Confederate army under General Joseph
E. Johnston. In the meantime, eur brigade had been ordered to throw up
breastworks. But picks, spades and axes we had none, for like
everjdihing else, except ammunition, there was a scant supply, and
no one would lend us the needed implements. Despite that fact,
however, in a short time a few axes suddenly appeared in eur bri
gade. Query, — where did they come from? Colonel Splaine said
the men were honest enough to steal them . It was evident he knew
the facts. But few logs, however, could be laid for works that
night, and the troops, tired from the march, despite the incessant
firing of the pickets, were soon in the land ef Nod, but with the
soldiers receptive ear ever en the alert to awaken him when needed.

324 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
Part II.
A Sharp Fight — Capture of Our Second Brigade by the
Enemy — They Advance on Our Works — Fighting for
Time — Ruger's Division Comes to Our Aid — Repulse
of the Enemy — Heroic Attempt to Capture a Gun From
THE Enemy — Notable Career of General Carter —
Scenes at Our Works — Death of Corporal Kay — Build
ing Breastworks Under Difficulties — A Cold Storm
AND A Cheerless Bivouac
General Schofield having arrived at Newbern en the 7th, was
now, en the morning ef the 8th, on the field with General Cox.
At early dawn our cavalry reported a strong force in our front, and
from citizens and negroes who came within our lines, it was learned
that the enemy in our front consisted of a division under Major-
General R. F. Hoke, aided by a force under Major General D. B.
Hill, and that they were being rapidly re-enforced by General
Joseph E. Johnston; and it was not long before they vigorously
attacked our advanced posts. The firing soon became heavy, and
as horses, riderless and wild with the furious tumult, came bounding
toward eur works, some wounded and limping, and ene, I remember
with the saddle under his body, we all knew there was warm work
ahead. "Fayetteville, March 7, 1865, 2 p. m.
"General Braxton Bragg :
"I have instructed Major-General Hill, Smithfield, to join
you for battle. At present they are S. D. Lee's corps, commanded
by General Hill, and three brigades of Stewart's. Cheatham's
corps and the remainder ef Stewart's were te leave Chesterville
by raihoad on Sunday. When they come up, Stewart will com
mand, and the force be more than doubled. J. E. Johnston,
"War Records. General."
Vol. XLVII, Part 2, Page 1340.' '
About this time, up dashed to our works a gun ef the Third
New York Artillery, which, quickly unlimbering in the rear of our

splaine's brigade. 325
brigade, entered lively inte the dispute by tossing shells ever inte
the right ef the enemy's lines, to which their artillery quickly re
sponded with shot and shell, and with- a range and vigor which
seemed to imply: "You Yankees shall never join Sherman."
Though we had two batteries in our division, but not wishing te
develop our lines to Bragg, we were using but two pieces of artillery
at our works on the left.
At this time the second brigade ef Carter's division, composed
ef the Fifteenth Connecticut and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts
Regiments and a detachment of western troops, — all commanded
by Colonel C. L. Upham ef the Fifteenth Connecticut — was
defending the crossing of the British and Dover roads (about two
miles in advance of any support,) when about ten o'clock a. m.,
the enemy opened on Upham with artillery, which was returned
by his guns, and the skirmish line became briskly engaged. Re
ceiving information that a body of the enemy was moving upon a
road to his left, Upham ordered the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts
into the woods at his left, forming a line at right angles to the
Fifteenth Connecticut, with skirmishers thrown out on both
flanks, when the enemy was soon discovered in the thick under
brush, they having through the negligence of the cavalry vidette,
completely outflanked Upham's position. Immediately on being
discovered,- they opened a heavy fire ef musketry, which was kept
up on both sides for about a quarter ef an hour, considerably re
ducing the strength of the command. At this time, by a well-
directed charge of the enemy, the Twenty-seventh was forced back
onto the rest of the brigade, which immediately broke, when
they discovered that the brigade (which numbered about two
thousand men) was entirely surrounded, and were thus obliged to
surrender with the loss of one field piece captured by the enemy.
The entire brigade, with the exception of three officers and a
few enlisted men who escaped when the regiments broke, were
thus captured. It was afterward ascertained by officers captured
at this time (from Surgeon Mathus, Twenty-eighth Georgia Regi
ment, A,, M. D.), that the rear attack was made by the whole of
Hoke's division, aided by a force from another Confederate com
mand under General D. B. Hill.

326 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
Upham's loss in this engagement was as follows: killed, one
officer and ten enhsted men; wounded, five officers and forty-five
enlisted men; captured or missing, thirteen officers and ene thou
sand eight hundred and ten enhsted men; total killed, wounded,
captured or missing, one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-four.
Among the captured and most severely wounded was Lieut.-Col.
M. G. Bartholomew, commanding the Twenty-seventh Massa
chusetts and Captain Julius Bassett of the Fifteenth Connecticut
was killed in action. Colonel Upham had been twice warned by
Captain Lewis Cann ef the Seventeenth Regiment that his brigade
was being overpowered, but Colonel Upham did not have time
to make proper disposition of his command, either fer defence or
retreat. Captain Joseph M. Fish, formerly a corporal in Company I,
Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, and now commanding a
company of flying artillerj^, was sent to support Colonel Upham.
Fish had two mountain howitzers, which he called his "pop guns,' '
and before starting he boasted, "Wait till I get eut there with my
pops, and then you will hear seme noise and see some fun." He
went with his command of a hundred mounted men and his pops.
Surely he popped a lot out there, and did some excellent work,
but shortly afterwards he popped in behind the works with only
three of his men to tell the tale,and his pops popped no mere forever.
"Special Order.
"No. 37 Headquarters, near Kinston.
"March 8, 1865.
" 1. Maj.-Gen. D. B. Hill will move immediately to the front
with all his command, and take the line new held by Maj.-Gen.
R. F. Hoke. A staff officer with guides will be left to direct such
troops as may arrive te the same point.
"2. On being relieved, Maj.-Gen. Hoke, with his division,
will move to the right, to turn the enemy's position, and strike
him in the flank.
"3 Brigadier-Gen. L. S. Baker's command during this
operation will be under Maj .-Gen. Hill.
"4. As seen as it is perceived that Maj. -Gen. Hoke's move
ment is successful, and the enemy's line wavers, Major-Gen.

splaine's brigade. 327
Hill will attack vigorously in front, and push the enemy with his
whole strength.
"5. Maj.-Gen. Hill should be in position seas to enable Maj.-
Gen. Hoke to move by 5 a. m.
"6. On arrival of Brig.-Gen. Haywood, he will take position
in rear ef Maj .-Gen. Hill as a reserve.
"7. Lieut.-Col. Starr, commanding the artillery, will report
to Maj .-Gen. Hill. "By order ef General Bragg.
"Francis S. Parker,
"Acting Assistant Adjutant General.
"War Records. Vel. XLVII, Part 2, Page 1340."
The success ef Bragg's first onset new led him to think he had
the whole ef Cox's command broken. Learning his mistake, he
adjusted his lines anew, and moved promptly on our main line
in an attempt to bore in between Carter's and Palmer's divisions.
In this advance he briskly attacked a small earthwork,
defended by Company D, ef the Seventeenth Massachusetts,
Captain Lewis Cann, who after making a stout but prudent
resistance, retired with a loss of five men, and with much skill,
conducted his small force in safety to eur works.
At this juncture. Colonel Splaine, in command of the third
brigade, received an order from General Carter to send out 200
men to aid in retarding the enemy's progress. Three companies
of the Seventeenth Massachusetts, A, Captain James Splaine;
C, Captain John E. Mullally; and F, Captain Charles O. Fellows,
under command of Major William W. Smith of that regiment,
were sent out on the main road toward Kinston, with instructions
to assist in checking as long as possible the advance ef the enemy,
who, flushed with their success in the capture of eur second
brigade, seemed determined te push matters. Evidently General
Cox needed time to make preparations along his line ef works.
His army, already toe small, was new further reduced by the less
of Upham's brigade, to about eleven thousand men.

328 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
With the three companies. Major Smith moved promptly toward
the enemy, and engaged them with much spirit and effect. It
was a case of fighting for time, taking advantage ef the shape of the
ground and of every cover, to prolong the fighting. This small
force, led by Major Smith, intrepidly fought the enemy every
inch ef the way, losing several men in killed, wounded and mis
sing, in their efforts to retard Bragg's advance, until by sheer force
of overwhelming numbers, they were gradually forced back until
they reached a light earthwork, occupied by a detachment ef
men under command ef Lieutenant Malcolm Sillars of the Seven
teenth Massachusetts, where a short stand was made before they
retired to our main works, thus gaining us valuable time te form
lines of defence.
At one time during this warm fighting, the fire of the three
companies of the Seventeenth Massachusetts was so well main
tained against the Confederate advance that a piece of the enemy's
artillery was temporarily abandoned; whereupon Captain James
Splaine, with Company A, was ordered to charge and take posses
sion of it. There his charge was met by a countercharge from the
enemy, and for a few minutes things were lively over the piece.
Men on both sides, not having time to reload, used their bayonets
and clubbed their muskets. Splaine's men had cut the harnesses
off the dead horses, and had nearly succeeded in securing possession
of the piece, when the enemy threw forward a large body ef troops
to help their friends at the guns. These men afterwards had the
laugh on one of their number who, in the excitement of that fight,
while vigorously slashing with his knife at the harness on a dead
horse, suddenly discovered with disgust that there was a chain
trace inside the leather casing.
At this point Major Smith sent forward on the double-quick
the companies of Captain Fellows and Mullally, who promptly
advanced, cheering as they went to help their comrades, when to
their utter disappointment and surprise, they were charged upon
by a whole regiment of the enemy, whe compelled our men to re
treat pell-mell, leaving a number of their men on the field. Upon
their return to the general line, Major Smith, his gallant officers
and men were warmly greeted and congratulated by General

splaine's BRIGADE. 329
Carter and Colonel Splaine for their heroic fighting against the
enemy. Boston, Mass., March 22, 1909.
Thomas Kirwan, Esq.,
Historian Seventeenth Infantry.
Dear Comrade:
Referring to the action of Companies A, C, and F, in attempt
ing to capture a piece of Confederate artillery outside our main
lines at the battle of Wise's Forks, I beg you to correct a statement
made by me shortly after the close of the war and printed in the
report ef the Adjutant General of Massachusetts for 1865.
My statement in that report was that, "Captain Splaine
with Company A, was ordered to charge a piece of Confederate
artillery and secured possession of it, but that while disengaging
the dead horses from the piece, a large body of rebels drove him
from it, which compelled him and his company to abandon it."
I also stated it as my opinion that, "if Company A, had been
properly supported by the other two companies, the enemy would
have been repulsed and the coveted piece of artillery would have
been captured and held by the Union forces.' '
I never received a report of the fight referred to, and I based
my report te the Adjutant General ef Massachusetts solely en
what I heard officers and men ef the regiment say about the
affair; but during the last five years, two ef the captains who
were engaged in the struggle and several men who participated in
the same fight have called my attention to the case and have
told me that my report of 1865 had done them great injustice.
• I have carefully inquired inte the whole matter, and I am
new ef the opinion that my report made so many years ago was
not correct, and I am ef the opinion that all three captains, their
officers and men are equally deserving ef praise. The conduct of
all three captains and all three companies was admirable and
heroic, and I desire now to place myself on record as believing that
the reports upon which I based my official report were erroneous
and misleading.

330 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
Whoever knew Captains Mullally and Fellows would know
that they would net fail in the hour ef danger. All honor to the
three Captains. All honor te the three Companies.
Respectfully yours, Henry Splaine.
During this interval, active preparations had been made for
the defence of our breastworks. General Cox had ordered Palmer
to send a brigade rapidly to the left to support Carter, and with
the rest of his division to make a vigorous demonstration of cross
ing the creek in his front, and Palmer hurried the following troops
to strengthen Carter; Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery
(serving as infantry), commanded by Lieut.-Col. A. B. R. Sprague;
One hundred thirty-second New York Infantry, Lieut.-Col.
J. H. Hitchcock; and a provisional battalion, under command of
Col. Frank S. Curtis. General Ruger's division also being ordered
up, moved promptly to Carter's aid, while Carter, supported by the
brigade from Palmer, maintained the fight until Ruger arrived,
when the enemy was met, handsomely repulsed and driven back
to their lines in the advance that so quickly followed the rout of
our advance posts.
Ruger's division now filled the space between the two wings,
speedily connecting a line of breastworks of a mile and a half
in length. The country between us and the enemy was ef tangled
wood and swamp, which impeded movement and prevented either
side from seeing far. Palmer was now on the right, covering the
railroad, and Carter en the left, covering the Dover read.
On the main line, trees had been felled, with which te com
plete our breast works, but we had scarcely commenced to lay
the logs when we were ordered to move forward in line with tHose
of ether troops across the road — a proceeding, I remember, which
brought en a lively tilt between officers of different commands
and some sarcastic comments from the men, it being claimed
that eur brigade had first set the line by brigade orders, and that
they should have aligned on us. But that matters net. The legs
were moved to the new point, but before we had time te cover
them with earth, the enemy's artillery had opened upon us so

splaine's brigade. 331
heavily with shot and shell, killing and wounding several, that we
were ordered to lie down, an order which it is needless to say was
quickly obeyed.
The artillery fire ef the enemy was particularly directed to
where our brigade was stationed, they having secured a good range
of our artillery piece, which was firing rapidly from a slight em
inence directly in the rear of Company B, of the Seventeenth
Massachusetts of which I was a member, and which was com
manded by Lieut. H. G. Hyde, our captain, Joseph A. Moore,
being on the brigade staff, where he rendered valuable service
all through the campaign.
On matters ef interest I will here digress. Perhaps in no ether
army in the world was the family more numerously represented
than in the Union Army. Relatives serving together could be
found in and about all bodies ef troops during the war, and ours
was not an exception, for among others, eur colonel and major
each had three brothers in the regiment, while a father and two
sons named Jeffers, from Lynn, Mass., shared their hard-tack,
and marched together in Company B.
Being a brigade orderly, a bearer of dispatches, it made me
well acquainted with officers of various commands, among them
being our brave and genial commander. General S. P. Carter,
whose notable career in both the army and navy during our Civil
War, is well worth mention, and whose unique record was kindly
furnished the author by Messrs W. C and F. P. Church, proprietors
of the " Army and Navy Journal.' '
At the outbreak of the war, Brigadier-General S. P. Carter
was an officer in our navy, with the rank ef lieutenant. He
was promoted to lieutenant commander, July 16, 1862. Early
in the war, he received a commission in the army, while still
retaining his status in the navy. He was appointed brigadier-
general of volunteers May 1, 1862, and mustered eut as such
January 15, 1866, reverting to his status as a naval officer with
the rank ef commander, to which he was promoted June 25, 1865.
His status was the same as that of William Nelson, whe was a
lieutenant in the navy at the outbreak of the war, was appointed
brigadier-general, U. S. A., September 16, 1861, and major-general

332 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
July 17, 1862. Nelson was killed by General Jeff. C. Davis
at the Gait House in Louisville, in a personal altercation, Sep
tember 29, 1862. General S. P. Carter died in Washuigton, May
26, 1891, with the ranks of rear-admiral, U. S. N., brigadier-
general and Isrevet-major-general, U. S. A.
When army officers indulge themselves in their usual gibes at
the expense ef the navy officers' assumed incapacity as shoremen,
it may be well to remind them that the first important cavalry
raid into rebel territory, during our Civil War was commanded by a
naval officer, Brig.-Gen. Samuel P. Carter, Lieut. U. S. N. For
this raid, made in December, 1862, Carter was thanked in general
orders by the general-in-chief of the army, the commanders ef
the Department of Ohio and the District ef Kentucky. He was
also recommended for promotion to a major-general.
But to return from this digression.
There the men lay, undergoing the most trying ordeal to
which troops can be subjected, being under fire without the privilege
of returning it. There was, however, enough te engage our at
tention, and bur sight was not idly roaming. The shot and shell
crashing through and the tearing limbs from the trees was a spec
tacle which could not be ignored, while other events that made
the scene more vivid were rapidly transpiring about us, among
which were the following :
As Charley Pendexter of my company was walking towards the
works, a piece of flying shell struck the barrel of the musket with
such violence that it knocked him down, but not before he had
performed a series of gyrations more comical than I ever witnessed
in a circus. He seemed too astonished to join in the laughter that
came from the men at his enforced gymnastics, for besides receiv
ing a severe shaking up, he also had a damaged musket.
Te my right, on the ground, lay Andrew Mellen, and close
on Mellen's right, sitting with his back te the legs, was Corporal
Thomas Kay of our company. MeUen and myself had just been
talking with Kay, and had advised him to lie down, to which he
replied that he was all right. Hardly had he said these words,
when a sohd shot struck one of the logs. Mellen nudged me.
I thought he had been hit, for his face was covered with blood.

splaine's brigade. 333
He seemed tee amazed to speak, as he pointed towards Kay.
The shot had torn a large splinter from a log and it had cut off
the top of Kay's head from the eyes up, as though done with a
guillotine, and spattered his brains all over Mellen. A convul
sive shudder, and Kay was dead. We drew him away from the
legs, spread a blanket over him and buried him that afternoon.
Poor Tom ! We all knew him as a good fellow and a brave soldier.
During a lull in the firing, in the afternoon, we became anxious
to finish our delayed works, but spades we had none with which
to cover them with earth. Time was precious, and all in the bri
gade were ordered by Colonel Splaine te utilize their bayonets,
tin plates and dippers (rather primitive methods) for that purpose.
So digging with bayonets, and shovelling with plates, dippers and
fingers, we started in lively at eur tasks. The boys worked like
beavers, and the way we made the dirt fly was a caution. It
was a novel sight, and ene that brought smiles and jokes from the
men. Nevertheless, in a short time we completed respectable
looking breastworks, but none too soon, as the enemy again opened
on us lively with shot and shell.
All was new bustle behind eur works. The scene was a
stirring ene. Mounted aides and orderlies were galloping hither and
thither, and the wounded were being brought in. Meanwhile,
companies and regiments (reliefs) were moving to and fro from the
front, where skirmishing continued with varied success through
out the day.
Toward night a cold storm set in, which alternated between
rain and sleet and snow, and the greensward of eur camp, from the
tramp of men and horses, was soon churned into a sea of mud,
which clung tenaciously to all of us. Besides we had no tents,
and the men suffered much from the cold. The march and field
work soon destroyed clothing. The fact was, as stated by General
Cox, that our force was rapidly put en the march at the risk of
being short of rations, a prediction that was seriously verified
by the troops.
But in the gloomiest hours ef the march or bivouac, there
frequently occurred incidents that cast the sunshine ef merriment
on the dark lines in the soldier's life, and such was the following :

334 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Charles Bachelder ef Company A, a drummer, who, while trying
te shield himself from the rain, had utilized his blanket for a tent
on a pole between two trees, while putting the finishing touches on
his primitive structures, a fragment of flying shell struck the blanket
near where he stood, sadly demohshing the whole business, and no
doubt convincing Charlie that there was no rest thereabouts for
the weary; and acting, I presume, on the old adage that "misery
likes company,' ' it greatly amused all whe saw it.
During the day we captured a number of prisoners belonging
to Georgia regiments, and ene of them, a wag of a fellow, raised
hearty laughter among our men when he inquired: "Where the
devil is that regiment, I want to see it that leads en Sunday and
fires all the week." He referred te one of eur battalions, who,
being armed with Spencer seven-shot rifles, had astonished the
enemy by effective work on the skirmish that day.
Troops in North Carolina could usually depend upon having
a good, almost storm-defying camp fire, the pitch pine wood,
with its resinous aroma, making a brisk blaze. And as the men
stood that evening (I see them new in fancy) around the sputtering
camp fires, faces begrimed with sooty smoke, with drenched and
bespattered clothes take it all in all we were an odd looking crowd,
while here and there throughout the grove could be seen groups
of men curled up in their blankets, doing their best to revive
exhausted nature by stealing a nap under adverse circumstances,
tattoo at last warning all that even a couch in the mud in that
tentless bivouac was a welcome privilege to the wearied troops.

splaine's brigade. 335
Part III.
Skirmishing Resumed — The Attempt to Flank our Right —
Reminiscences of the Service — The Dead Sharpshooter
IN the Tree — A Strange Burial — The Dead Alive —
Stormy Weather and Lack of Rations — Soldiers on the
March — The Army Growler — Extending our Breast
works — Our Left Re-enforced — A Soldier's Benefactor
— A Luxurious Bed — The Night Alarm — A War Song.
Near Kinston, March 9, 1865.
Major General Hoke will move to the attack immediately,
advancing his left flank and gradually taking up the movement te
the right, thus making an oblique assault on the enemy. His
command will keep well closed to the right, so as not to leave an
interval. Major General Hill will take up the attack as seen as
General Hoke is fairly engaged. The attack must be vigorous and
determined, as success must be achieved.
By order of General Bragg,
F. S. Parker,
Assistant Adjutant General.
The 9th was ushered in with cold, stormy weather, the enemy,
flushed with their success of the 8th, promptly renewed the skir
mish all along the line, which for a time, was lively on the extreme
right, where Hoke endeavored te push beyond Palmer's right, be
tween it and the river. But General Cox, never caught napping,
prevented this by sending Colonel Thomas' brigade of Ruger's
division to strengthen that flank, when finding us strongly en
trenched, the enemy soon retired, after which hostilities assumed a
desultory character, being only light skirmishes along our front;
and eur brigade skirmish line, composed ef some companies of the
Seventeenth Massachusetts and Company A, Third New York
Artillery, were on the skirmish Hne all day.
The enemies' batteries frequently dropped shells throughout
the day about General Harland's brigade, evidently intending to
develop eur right of line. As orders were given net te return

336 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
the fire, they did not succeed. Some prisoners taken that day
were found to belong to both Stewart's and Lee's corps of the Ten
nessee, and it was learned that the army in our front, 14,000
strong, was commanded by General Bragg in person, and that it in
cluded the troops of the North Carolina District under General
Hoke, strengthened by that part of Hood's army of the Tennessee,
which had reached North Carolina under Generals Stewart, Loring,
Clayton, Baker, D. B. Hill and others. Indeed, rebel generals
were numerous in our front.
On that day another of these strange events of which war is
so prolific was brought to light by some ef our men, who discovered
a Confederate sharp-shooter perched in a tree between the lines,
where it was supposed he had gone on the morning of the 8th, when
the enemy held that portion of the field for the purpose, no doubt,
of picking off men inside eur works. His rifle, which had fallen
from his grasp, was on the ground. Ne notice being taken of the
order to come down from the tree, soon led us to believe that he
was dead, which proved to be the case, he having been killed, no
doubt, by a stray bullet from his own er our men during the fray.
They took his body down out of the tree and buried it. He was
found sitting astride a limb, with a piece of cord around his body,
with which he had secured himself te the tree. His well-filled
haversack, and other belongings, which were hanging near him,
well attested the fact that he had made elaborate preparations for
a personal siege of the works, and that he had died while fighting
on his own hook.
Again at roll-call that day more names were unanswered, and
famihar faces missing, and a party went out from our works to bury
the dead. One of the first bodies found and recognized by members
of his own company was that of Levi F. Colbath ef Company A,
with whose name is connected a most singular event. He had been
shot through the breast, and his body, which had been partly
stripped of its clothing, with others, was quickly buried, and the
men left their comrades in their lonely graves in the swamp.
Genial, jolty Colbath, — ene of the brave boys whe had enlisted in
the field, — how we missed him !

Chas. S. Bolton.

Hugh Young.

General T. J. Henderson.

Col. James Stewart, Jr.

splaine's brigade. 337
Colbath's effects, — letters and pictures, precious keepsakes,
— were seen found behind the works, and with a letter of sym
pathy and condolence, were sent by Captain James Splaine to
Colbath's wife in Haverhill, Mass. Such heart-breaking mis
sives entered many homes in the North during those trying years.
Colbath was mourned for by all, and his death was published in
the local papers. But strange to relate, scarcely three weeks
afterwards, whe should walk into his own heme to astonish wife
and friends, but Levi F. Colbath in the man and body, — the man
who was dead, yet living. He had been captured by the enemy,
and liberated on parole. The man buried as Colbath had belonged
to some other regiment. Comrade Colbath died but a few years
age in Dover, N. H., where he had resided, a well-known and
respected citizen, since the war.
As a case ef mistaken identity it was indeed strange, and ene
that goes far towards proving the adage that truth is stranger
than fiction. The happy outcome of the affair but increased our
interest in the soldier buried as Colbath, fer whe shall ever know
who that strange comrade was, or what were his last thoughts and
wishes in that Carolina swamp? And might not he, somewhere
in the North, have loved ones who anxiously watched for the letter
that never came, and perhaps —
"In a little white cot, in the land of the North,
They're waiting his coming again.
They dream not his body all mangled and torn
Is laid in the ranks of the slain.
"Sleep, soldier, sleep, in thy rough southern tomb.
While above thee the winter winds rave.
In summer the birds will thy requiem sing.
And willows weep over thy grave;' '
Our officers and men that evening, — for we were all en the
same plane, — were tired, drenched and hungry; the bivouac was
a cheerless ene. The weather was bitter cold, we had no tents and
our haversacks were empty. And how we wished for coffee, the
soldier's panacea ! But all this was nothing new to the men. They

338 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
had had such experiences before, when it was ludicrous to hear
some of them make light of their hunger by loudly ordering the
most tempting, but impossible dishes, — dishes that would do credit
te a Delmonico. Was it any wonder, then, that the young soldier
often yearned for something his mother used te make? But did
they murmur at their lot? Seldom, indeed. The army was no
place for weaklings, and when such were in the campaign, where
strength and stamina were needed, they were soon shifted to the
rear by the hardships encountered. The thing called pride was a
strong element in the soldier's makeup. Often men stricken with
sickness on the march could not be prevailed upon to leave the
ranks, until from sheer exhaustion, they were forced to drop by
the roadside. Pertinent to this last, let me say that I have seen the troops
days and nights on the march, in the heat ef the summer and the
storms of winter, at times plunging through the mud and drenched
to the skin by torrents of rain, — yes, some of them even catching
sleep as they marched, yet seldom did I know the spirit of cheerful
ness to forsake them. I do not mean by this that soldiers on a
forced march are in a mood te display much merriment, for such
severe toil is a bar to that. One of the most notable things about
a march ef this kind, — at least tp me, — was the sullen silence of
the men in the ranks; vital force was toe precious te be wasted in
mere conversation. Except when a man made a mis-step, or came
to some unusually bad piece ef read, and relieved himself by a
burst of profanity, the only sounds were the regular tramp, tramp,
of falling feet, the monotone of a commander to "Close up, men,
close up !' ' or the jingle of a tin cup as it bumped against a canteen.
But with all this, in every company, battery, troop, er even
squad, at least one man could be found in whom the great Amer
ican sense of humor was highly developed. He could see only
the ridiculous side of every hardship, of every phase of army life.
He could find a joke where one would never dream it could exist.
Every personal pecuharity of either superior or equal was the sub
ject of his keen wit. When the rations were poor, he would remind
us that mother's pies would be all the more appreciated when we got
home. On a mud march he would yell out: "Oh, why did you

splaine's brigade. 339
enlist?" and "Why don't the army move?" (This was a slap at
the arm-chair critics at heme.) These men were known as the
life of the the camp, the march and the bivouac, — men ready with
a volley ef jokes to enliven ethers; and even at this distant day
it is amusing to remember some of the jests that were made while
passing other troops in the night, when in answer to the inquiry,
" What regiment is that?' 'with the true reply would promptly come
back "The Tenth Ireland," "The Third Nova Scotia," "Lemon
ade this way,' ' or ether such humorous remarks. Thus at all times
and under all conditions was illustrated in the strongest light the
self-rehant and independent character ef the American soldier.
They were all in the same boat, se te speak. These were some of
of the accompaniments of war. They all knew it, and uncom
plainingly made merry ever their distress.
Did I say alU No, not quite all of them, for occasionally
we got a rap from the regular chronic growler, who seemed to be
a necessary adjunct of the service; and to him I pay tribute, while
mentally I doff my hat to his memory, for, to use a term, he was
a daisy. Though called a nuisance by some, yet he was a source
of amusement to many. He enjoyed his growl, and whe among
the comrades that does not remember him? Every regiment had
a few of these growlers, who, whether in storm er sunshine, in
victory or defeat, would invariably find fault with nearly every
thing that came in their way. But aside from that peculiarity,
never did I know one who was not a thorough soldier.
But to renew the narrative : Apprehending an attack on eur
left. Colonel Splaine ordered the line of breastworks te be well
extended in that direction, and that an abattis and entanglement
of felled timber also be made along the whole line; and Captain
Howard's battahon of Malloy's brigade was directed by General
Carter to aid our brigade in extending the works across and be
yond the Trent road. Our cavalry, always in demand, were or
dered to scout and picket the country beyond the left to the upper
Trent road. Two batteries of Ruger's division were ordered to
park in the rear of the left of Carter's position, to be used as occa
sion should offer.

340 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Scouts are the eyes and the ears and the nose ef an army corps.
They spread themselves eut before, creeping stealthily ahead to
watch the enemy, te note his position and strength. They listen
fer every sound that will betray his presence, for every beat of
hoof or fall of foot. Like bloodhounds, they scent every trail.
The information they obtain is sent back by relays ef mounted
men to their general, and upon this information, whether it is
valuable, accurate or net, or whether it is used for all it is worth,
depends absolutely the fate of the army. It is a matter ef history
that nearly every battle lost or wen, according te the value ef the
previous reconnoissance, the victors have won through knowing
the position, the movements and the numbers of the enemy, and
the defeated have lost through ignorance en tliese points.
About nine o'clock, we had finished our breastworks, sur
mounting all with good top logs; and a dirtier looking let of men
it would be hard to find anywhere, fer hauling, pushing and tugging
at logs, and the shovelling ef muck, did not promote cleanliness
or encourage the use of dress suits. It was hard work in bad
swamp mud, trampled and kneaded by thousands ef feet inte a
pasty quagmire. At last the troops, tired from their work,
wearily sought the soaked ground, and were soon lost in sleep, obli
vious to their rough surroundings, yet ever ready te spring into
line at the first blast ef the bugle er the long roll; for on such
occasions, each man, from the highest te the lowest, sleeps, wakes
and has his being with the senses ever alert for a summons to
instant duty; and if it is a false alarm, the disgusted warrior can at
least comfort himself with the memory of a few happy moments
of excitement and doubt.
It was about eleven o'clock that night when I returned from
our outposts, where I had been with instructions from Colonel
Splaine to the officer in charge of our picket line, Capt. Malcolm
Sillars, when, after lying down on my pine bough bed, I was
shortly awakened from a sound sleep by some one calling me.
Stepping over my sleeping comrades in the dark, I soon found the
person wanting me, who proved to be an eld acquaintance of mine,
Jerome Kelty, formerly ef Lynn, Mass., but then serving as
Charles Allen in Battery I of the Third New York Artillery,

splaine's brigade. 341
and belonging te the gun near by. On going with him, he took
from the gun's caisson a bundle, and while saying, "Make yourself
comfortable. Young, it's a cold night,' ' he spread it on the ground.
Ye gods! What a luxury was before me! A buffalo robe, fer
such it was, for a soldier's bed. And as if but yesterday, I recollect
how we sat there, smoked our pipes and talked of heme and the
prospects ahead. Only, an incident, perhaps you say, but it was
such that helped to soften the hardship and relieve the strain of
the soldier's life. At last, thanking my benefactor, and bidding
him good-night, as I drew the warm folds of the robe about me for
a nap, I can truly say that I prized my buffalo bed as among the
finest in the land.
But hew sharp are the lines ef war. A few days afterwards
pdor Kelty was killed, and his bed was a soldier's rough grave.
Can I forget his kind act? No, never; fer comrades know that
the rations shared on the toilsome march, and the drink from
"the same canteen" were factors in creating the deep fraternity
that was born of the peril and hardships of war.
A night's unbroken rest is a rare exception to soldiers at the
front, and such it proved with us. The weather was raw and cold
the balance of the night, and the picket firing for a time was very
heavy indeed. About two o'clock the next morning, a heavy
volley at the front, and the long roll, brought all our men promptly
to their feet and in line. A force of the enemy, apparently several
regiments, came down as their skirmish line, but after a while
they retired.
The privates of the army had theories of their own, as well as
the generals, and sometimes grasped the true condition of affairs
as readily. So, when shortly afterward a low sounding fire was
heard from one of the enemy's field guns, after a short discussion
among the men, it was decided by some that the advance of the
enemy, and their signal gun in the early morning, was simply a
ruse ef the Johnnies to draw our attention directly to the front,
while they would be moving to the right er left to flank our works;
with what truth the morrow would show. Meanwhile, our out-
pests had been strengthened, but no further alarms occurred that
night.

342 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Part IV.
The Calm Before the Storm — A Daring Reconnoissance —
Bragg Plans for our Defeat — Fraternal Compliments
Between Officers — A Trick of the Johnnies that
Failed — The Assault on our Left — The Attack on our
Center — A Disastrous Repulse of the Enemy — Arrival
OF Couch's Divisions — Scenes on the Battlefield —
Retreat of Bragg's Army — Burial of the Dead — Joy
Around the Camp Fires — A Heavy Rain Storm.
All were on the alert at the gray of dawn, on the 10th, which
brought -mih it light snow and rain. Picket firing, which was
brisk during the night, had gradually fallen away, until at day
break only here and there shots were heard along the line, and the
morning passed inactively. A stillness reigned that was unusual
at such a time, and the anxious looks on the faces ef the men
plainly said: "What's up new?' '
Generals Cox and Carter, realizing that the enemy were
concentrating in front of eur left, sent Colonel Splaine, attended
by Captain Moore, assistant adjutant-general on Splaine's staff.
Doctor Walton, acting brigade surgeon, and a detachment of the
Twelfth New York Cavalry, to reconnoitre the Confederates'
position, with instructions also not to return until he had seen the
enemy and made an intelligent estimate of their strength. These
orders were obeyed te the letter, as the following account will show.
When the little band had reached the outer edge ef the woods
en eur side ef the general line. Colonel Splaine was accosted by
his brother. Captain James Splaine, who was there en duty, and
who inquired whither they were going. Upon being told the nature
of the order. Captain Splaine remarked that there was no need of
going any further, for they could see them right there at the edge
of the other woods. It being then raining, thereby obscuring the
view, and being unable to see the enemy distinctly enough to
satisfy his mind as te their position and strength. Colonel Splaine
said to his brother, "I am ordered to see them, and I shall obey."
So the colonel and his party went, they saw and they returned.

splaine's brigade. 343
When about seventy yards from the enemy's line, the part
was addressed by a noble looking Confederate officer, who had been
leaning against his piece of artillery. As he spoke, he drew a white
handkerchief from his breast, and waving it, said, "Come in."
They did net ge in, but hesitated, for the purpose of parleying
with the rebel officer, so as te gain time; and during this time
Splaine was using his field-glass with good effect, counting and
locating the enemy's flags, batteries and battalions.
Now, the Colonel took his turn at the handkerchief tactics,
and waving his, said to the other side, "Won't you please come
here? I want to speak with you on a most important matter,"
all the time using his field-glass and noting the makeup of the
Confederate hest. To this the Confederate officer answered,
"Oh, come in, it's all right!" But again Splaine repeated his
request fer a parley on that most important subject. Now, the
Confederate officer, becoming exasperated at the coolness of the
little band, yelled out angrily, "If you don't come right in, I will
fire." At this critical moment, Splaine having learned all he needed
to knew about the enemy, said to his associates, "We are in a bad
fix. Obey me, and we will come eut all right; otherwise we perish.' '
To this his command replied, " Give us your orders and we will
obey them."
Splaine then said, "If we attempt to turn now, they will
sheet us down. We must pretend we are going to surrender, and
so sure will they be that we mean it, that they will become care
less while glorying over their fancied prize; and when we are almost
within their lines, I shall order, 'One, two, three, turn,' and at
that command turn quickly, and lying low upon your horses, ride
for dear life," and added laughingly, "May the devil take the
hindmost." (Splaine was the first going in and, of course, the
last coming out; and even at that the devil hasn't got him yet.)
When the Union party turned their horses to make the race
fer life, they were net more than twenty yards from the enemy.
The surprise among the Johnnies at this supreme piece of Yankee
impudence, trick and cheek was se great that they completely
lost their heads; and before they recovered, the little squad had

344 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
got well under way before the first shot was fired after them,
and then several shots, and as the Rebs recovered from their stu
por, their fire was increased until thousands ef bullets were speed
ing after Splaine's brave little band. He declared afterward that
as he entered the shelter ef the weeds where he had left his brother
anxiously waiting, it appeared as if every leaf in the forest was
falling upon them from the effects of the enemy's bullets.
While the party were riding for dear life, the bullets of the
enemy played queer pranks on their clothing, but fortunately
none of the men were injured. It seemed miraculous hew they
all escaped with their lives. Colonel Splaine lest a heel off one
of his boots, had his right shoulder strap shot away, and a third
bullet entereil the seat of his army saddle. Captain Moore,
while turning in his saddle to look at his Confederate friends, lost
his pistol, it being shot from his hand, other bullets cutting two
holes through his uniform. Doctor Walton, not less fortunate,
had his clothing cut by bullets. Members of the cavalry escort were
treated about as badly, as attested by the riddled condition of their
clothing. They all thanked their stars fer their narrow escape,
and they were all heartily cheered by the portion of the army
that had witnessed a part ef the enterprise.
This, at the time, was considered one of the most daring and
successful reconnoissances of the campaign, and one ef which the
result en the same day was most important to the National army
and disastrous to the enemy.
Upon the return of the party te the works, a consultation
was held between Generals Cox and Carter and Colonel Splaine,
and as a result of the same, plans were made to meet the attack
of the enemy.
The brigade of Splaine now held the left ef the Union line.
Captain James Tucker of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Regi
ment had command of the brigade line of skirmishers and, as it
proved, it was this line and regiment which was to receive the first
shock of the impending onslaught; for Bragg, anxious for victory,
appeared to think that the time had come when his army must
break the Union line and disperse the threatening army of Schofield.

splaine's brigade. 345
General Carter and Colonel Splaine, having looked over the
lines, and knowing that so much was at stake, as the enemy would
hazard all in an attempt to turn this, the left of our line ef battle.
General Carter asked to be strengthened, and General Cox
ordered re-enforcements te be sent him; whereupon the Ninth
New Jersey Infantry, Colonel James Stewart, Jr., was sent on the
double-quick from Palmer on the right, to cover the new extension
of Carter's line. At the same time the batteries of both Ruger's and
Carter's division were parked in our rear, to be used wherever
needed in the expected attack.
About eleven o'clock in the forenoon a rattling musketry fire
on the lower Trent road denoted the fact that the enemy's advance
had struck eur skirmishers, who, though stubbornly resisting,
were gradually driven in by the overwhelming masses of the enemy.
Though anticipating the attack, se little was it expected at the
moment it was made, that the horses of the artillery park were net
in harness. The enemy had moved rapidly, and eur cavalry,
posted to give warning, did not succeed in communicating until
the force of the enemy was well developed. There was not a
moment to spare. The four batteries were rushed by orders
of General Cox to the points needed, and were placed on and near
the Trent road, at eur works. Our turn had come. Now for
work, — to smash down the living barrier that stood between our
forces and Sherman's army. Yes, we could now give them a
sample of what the Union troops had te take from the Confederates
in at least eighty percent of the breastwork fights during the war.
Conducting a defensive battle behind breastworks on the
inner circle in their own territory, with no lines of communication
to guard, a choice of any objective point at which to strike, less
exhausting marches, and as things count in war, where one defender
of breastworks is equal to three assailants, usually gave the
Confederates a great preponderance of strength.
But why do they hesitate? Would they never emerge from
the woods? Seconds seemed hours te our men, who, with every
muscle tense, stood anxiously watching the fringe of trees in our
front. Our using but little artillery on the Eighth and Ninth
had evidently deceived them. Twenty-one guns belonging

346 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
to four batteries (as close as they could work them) now con
fronted the enemy, and a portion of which were sending showers of
shrapnel among them in the timber. They loiew they had yet to
meet our infantry fire in the charge yet to come. How could they
escape even a portion ef it? They will try, so as one man they
drop to the ground, and send forth their sharp yell. We see their
ruse; what tricks in the game of war! Brave but deluded men.
They would not grant that we possessed even schoolboy sagacity.
General Carter shouts out, "Not a shot, men; it is their eld game.
No, our infantry will not, as the enemy hope, waste a volley en the
blank air, 'Tis human targets they are waiting fer."
At this time, and right in the face of battle, there occurred
ene of the most gracious and gallant acts between man and man
that I ever remember to have witnessed, and one that eloquently
showed the fine stuff some men are made ef. As the Ninth New
Jersey Infantry, led by its colonel, James Stewart, Jr., came
swinging along on the double-quick to re-enforce us, upon halting
his men. Colonel Stewart said, "Splaine, where do you want me?"
when quick came the response, "Your right wing on the right of the
road, your left on the left of the read, on the right, by file into line,
double quick, march!" When this disposition of the Ninth had
been made, Splaine rode down te Stewart, saluted, and said,
"Colonel, you are my senior, and therefore you now command the
brigade." The lion-hearted Stewart looked at Splaine a moment, and
then said, "The honor of the day belongs to you, and I will not do
anything to dim the lustre ef your achievements. Give me your
orders and I shall obey them." And all through the battle the
noble Stewart and his gallant New Jersey Volunteers fought under
the junior commander.
Foiled agaui the Confederates soon rise to their feet and
emerge from their cover. Out into the open they come screaming,
yells and flags flying, a great gray biUow surging along towards
our position. They fire a volley as they press forward en masse
formation. It is Hoke's division, six thousand strong, and their
deep lines reaching way back into the timber. It was a grand
sight, from war's viewpoint.

splaine's brigade. 347
With stern, set faces along the lines of blue, our men lay
waiting the onset. We are cautioned te maintain eur position
ready, but not to fire until ordered. Our artillery men are plying
well their destructive art; with guns depressed for close fire, they
are quickly changing from shell to canister, their guns being
doubled-shetted with those deadly missiles that are new cutting
lanes through the enemy's ranks. Yet, on, on they come, through
shell and canister. Their assault is furious, determined and per
sistent. With desperate abandon they breast that iron storm,.
while vainly striving to reach our works.
But look! They have already reached their goal, when
quick as thought the word is given and up rose the men ef Splaine's,
brigade, the Twenty-fifth, and Seventeenth Massachusetts and
Company A, Third New York Artillery, and a battalion of four
hundred provisional troops of Splaine's brigade, and the Ninth
New Jersey — all gallant troops, who pour a well-sustained fire
straight into the enemy's front and right flank. The fight, a
compact one, is now on, and the battle rages in all its fury. The
artillery is worked with grand rapidity and makes such a rapid
succession of crashes that you can hardly tell where one ends and
the other begins, which, with the incessant roll of the musketry,
as it re-echoes from the woods, makes it seem as though pandemo
nium were let loose.
With the desperation of madness, the enemy rushed against
this terrible fire, almost reaching the muzzles ef the guns, only tobe
hurled back again and again by the fire in front of them. Under
the rolling veil of smoke their lines are seen, many of them are
down, their splendid column is tern and rent and shattered.
Flesh and bleed could not endure it. A brief time more, when they
waver, then break and plunge inte the woods. They are rapidly
retreating in confusion from the field, and leaving about two
hundred prisoners in eur hands.
Anticipating an assault elsewhere on eur lines, our troops were
forbidden te fellow the enemy, which fact allowed them to take
many of their dead and wounded with them in the retreat, and pre
vented us from capturing more prisoners.

348 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
(Colonel Splaine has often been asked how he accounted for
the small losses sustained by his brigade during the battle ef Wise's
Forks, and he always answers by saying that his line of works was
so perfect that his men were protected as well as it was possible
te protect men in the field; and he calls your attention to the fact
that General Jackson, in the battle of New Orleans had con
structed his lines of defence se perfectly (a portion ef the defences
being made up of bales of cotton,) that his losses in that memorable
battle were only eight men killed and thirteen wounded, while the
losses of the British were, killed, wounded and missing, including
their commander, about 2000. Colonel Splaine says that General
Jackson knew how to defend his position with the material at hand,
and adds that Jackson's defences were net a bit better than these
employed at Wise's Forks.
The men of Splaine's brigade, having no entrenching tools,
dug with their bayonets, shovelled with their hands, platters and
dippers, and cut down trees with axes hypothecated from other
commands. Before the fight at the works opened, Splaine had his
men fell trees with the sharpened points towards the enemy,
and had erected a line ef chevaux-de-frise, overhanging the trench,
which latter was about six feet deep and six feet wide, makirig an al
most impassable barrier. In felling trees, it made an open space,
over which the enemy must pass through the tangled and sharp-
pointed trees, thus giving our men an opportunity to mow down
the exposed Confederates before they could reach his lines.)
Begrimed by the smoke of battle, our men had ceased firing.
Then went up from them glorious, mighty cheers fer victory and
eur commanders, — cheers which had scarcely died away, when
firing and the sharp, familiar yell is again heard on our right.
Hill and Baker's force of the enemy were charging on the center,
where Ruger's breastworks were held by a single rank. The Ninth
New Jersey, from Carter's left, were sent double-quick te support
the center. Again the artillery of both divisions was concentrated
to bear upon the enemy and opened with good effect. Thus being
made strong, Ruger was enabled to deal the enemy a destructive
repulse and a severe lesson.

splaine's brigade. 349
The enemy in this attack drove in eur skirmish line, and appar
ently they were disappointed in drawing the fire ef a line ef battle
behind breastworks. When within one hundred yards of Ruger's
works, his whole line opened upon them, and after a short struggle,
their line was broken, and they fell back in disorder; whereupon
some ef Ruger's troops went over the works and pursued them with
a strong line, taking ene lieutenant and thirty-four enlisted men
prisoners; and by steadily pushing forward, Ruger's men retook
their original line. The engagements lasted about two hours.
The plan of the enemy seemed te be, that by moving on the
lower Trent road, it would lead te the rear of our left line of breast
works, and cause us to change front te rear, se that the attack in
the center would find only a skirmish line, or at most, a feeble line;
and thus they would crush us between two attacking forces. But
they had found an immovable obstacle te their march of victory;
their plan of battle failed. Raleigh, N. C, March 11, 1865.
General :
Should Sherman and Cox unite, their march into Virginia
cannot be prevented by me. In that event, if I understand your
letter ef February 3, you will meet us at the southern edge of Vir
ginia te give battle. Would it not be practicable instead to held
ene of the inner lines of Richmond with one part of your army, and
meet Sherman with the other, returning to Richmond after fighting?
I should be glad te know as much as you think prudent to com
municate, of the effect upon your position ef the interruption by
the Federal army of the railroad by Raleigh. If the possession of
the road by Raleigh is necessary fer the subsistence ef your army,
unless it is improper te ask, I should be glad to be informed. I beg
you to inform me of everything in your affairs which is connected
with my operation, such as may be dependent upon them, that I
may de my utmost to aid you. I shall also be grateful fer any
instructions you may have to give me. I am.
Very Respectfully,
General R. E. Lee, General-in-Chief. J. E. Johnston, General.
(Extract of Confederate correspondence. Volume XLVII.,
Part 1, pp. 1052-1054, official records of the Rebelhon.)

350 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The triumphant cheers of Ruger's men were now answered
all along our line, for a victory was won that gave us an important
step forward in the campaign; fer to unite with Sherman was the
single desire that dominated our troops.
We will now return te the left, where death and joy (war's
paradox) ruled the hour. Our men had gene over the works, and
were viewing war's harvest. The storm of death had passed away,
but all around was the lament of "after the battle.' ' The wounded
whose cries were a medley, chiefly of groans, were being brought
to the field hospital on stretchers, where Surgeon Mulford and his
assistants were busily engaged in ministering to the wounded.
Ah, how vivid today is my memory of that desolate scene of al
most fifty years ago, as again I see the light rain fall upon the up
turned faces of the dead! — a scene which causes one to ask what
would be the value of what is called glory, if weighed en the battle
field and among the dead.
Sherman said that war is hell, and the scenes before us verified
his words, for the ground in the open, and away back inte the tim
ber, was thickly strewn with the dead and the wounded, — some in
groups, as they fell and died across one another. Men were lying
in every possible attitude, with every conceivable expression on
their countenances. The faces of these were frequently distorted,
and gave every evidence of the mental and physical agony they
had unconsciously passed through.
At one place lay ene of the dead, with legs nearly severed from
the body, his plastic features plainly shewing the anguish he had
endured. Some had been killed by a single bullet, the wounds
scarcely perceptible, and the features as placid as though the tired
soldier had calmly laid down to rest.
General Schofield had now arrived on the field from Newbern,
and was in consultation with General Cox; and seeing the persistent
character of Bragg's efforts, he sent urgent messages te General
Couch to hasten the marching of his command; and te General
Grant the following dispatch was sent :

splaine's brigade. 351
Wise's Forks, March 10, 1865.
Lieutenant-General Grant :
The enemy made a heavy attack upon eur center, and left
today, but was decisively repulsed with heavy loss, — his dead and
badly wounded men left upon the field. We took several hundred
prisoners. Our less was small. General Couch is only twelve
miles away from here tonight, and will be up early in the morning.
We took prisoners from Lee's and Stewart's corps. They say two
«orps are here, and the rest of Johnston's are coming.
J. M. Schofield, Major-General.
Gum Swamp, March 10, 1865, 2:30 p. m.
Colonel Savage :
You must get scouts through to General Couch at speed, say
ing that I have been attacked today by Lee's corps and ether troops
but have repulsed them; still, his presence at the earliest moment
and by forced marches, is very important. General Schofield is
here, and directs that he take the shortest and quickest route to
this point, without regard to his dispatch dated last evening. This
word must go through tonight if horse-flesh will carry it.
J. D. Cox, Major-General.
Majer-GeneralD.N. Couch, withtwodivisionsof the Twenty-
third corps, arrived near to our forces after a five days' forced march
through rain and mud from Wilmington, — a speedy passage, con
sidering the wretched condition of the roads and swollen streams
over which they had to pass; and it was undoubtedly the arrival
of these commands that caused the hasty departure of Bragg, he
having left our front en the evening of the 10th.
In the afternoon, men from our brigade were employed in dig
ging trenches in which to burj-- the enemy's dead. While our men
were bringing the bodies te the trenches, ethers were searching the
thicket for these of the enemy whe, with animal instinct, had
crawled in there to die unseen; and with the rude tenderness of
soldiers, we laid them in their graves, with only their gory garments
around them.

352 THE SE\-ENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
That evening there was a happy commingling of our troops
all along the line. The events of the day were discussed, the old
war songs were sung, and "Sherman! Sherman!" was talked of
everywhere one turned, among the men; while around the camp-
fires, wit flashed forth in many a happy jest, the hardship of the past
fer the time being forgotten in the joyful gayety that prevailed in
camp. The less to our forces while defending eur breastworks against
the assaults of Bragg's troops, was as follows : Killed, five officers
and sixty enlisted men; wounded, twenty-five officers and 294
enlisted men; captured or missing, twenty-three officers and 1930
enlisted men; total, killed, wounded and missing, 2337.
The prisoners captured by us numbered 266. A conservative
estimate, verified by prisoners taken, placed the less te the enemy
in killed, wounded and prisoners at 1500. The nature ef the en
gagement was the eft-repeated one, ef destructive repulse from a
force behind breastworks.
After this decisive battle,' — ene ef the last for the eld flag and
an undivided Union, — our division commander. General Carter,
promulgated the following congratulatory order :
Headquarters 2d Div., Div. District of Beaufort.
In THE Field Near Kinston, N. C.
March 12th, 1865.
Te Major Theodore Cox,
Major :
Extract, ***** j (jggire to make special mention of Col.
John Malloy, 17th Wis. Vols, comdg. 1st Brigade, and Lt. Col.
Henry Splaine, 17th Mass. Vols., comdg. 3d brigade, fer the con
spicuous and meritorious part taken by them in the battle of the
8th, 9th and 10th inst. They were cool, collected and brave, and
the unusual skill and energy displayed by them in the disposition
and management of their brigades at a critical moment in the con
flict, resulted in securing te eur Arms a signal and decisive victory.

splaine's brigade. 363
It is to be hoped that the Comdg. Genl. may take steps to have
these gallant officers suitably rewarded.
Your obedient servant,
S. P. Carter, Brg., Genl.
Comdg. Division.
Official, H. H. Thomas,
Captain and Asst. Adjt. General.
It was about ten o'clock that evening when a heavy downpour
of rain put out our fires and turned our empty camp-ground into
a scene of miniature lakes and streams, and sleep to most of us, —
except what we could get by sitting with our backs to seme friendly
tree, — seemed eut of the question. We were soon soaked from
head to foot. Everything we possessed at that time was a reser
voir. The storm lasted fer half an hour. But even this condition
of affairs did net prevent most of the men from getting that rest
which soldiers secure often under the most trying conditions; and
thus the night was passed, until the enemy was aroused at dawn
by the reveille from a score of bugles along our lines.

During the hottest of the battle ef Wise's Forks, Sergeant
Kelley was sent with Corporal Charles E. Flanders of the same
company, to observe the effect ef the Union Artillery fire on a cer
tain portion ef the enemy's line. The danger was great, and the
work was so faithfully performed, after a narrow escape from being
taken prisoners, that Colonel Splaine complimented both men on
The Field.

During the heat of the fighting at Wise's Forks, Corporal
Flanders was detailed to accompany Sergeant Joseph G. Kelley,
for the purpose of observing the effect of our artillery fire on the
enemy's right flank. Both performed the task so faithfully that
important information as to the enemy's position was secured.
They narrowly escaped being made prisoners of war. Colonel
Splaine thanked them for their gallantry and good judgment.

354 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
WISE'S FORKS, 1865.

Capture of Upham 's Brigade and Honorable Mention.
By General Carter.
In his report ef the movements and operations of his division
from the 7th to the 10th of March, 1865, Brigadier-General S. P.
Carter, in command of the Second Division ef the Corps, thus
describes the events of the battle of Wise's Forks (which he desig
nates "The battle of Kinston"), leading up te the capture of Up
ham's brigade.
"On the morning of the 8th, Colonel Upham reported that
during the night he had advanced his skirmish line to within a short
distance of the creek, and that the men were all protected by rifie
pits. There was some artillery firing, principally by the rebels, but
only an occasional shot from the skirmish line. In the forenoon I
rode up to Dover road and examined a portion ef Colonel Upham's
lines, and had from him a statement that the orders of the preced
ing day had been carried out. While there, I received a note from
Major Clarkson, Twelfth New York Cavalry, advising me that
negroes reported some 2000 rebels had passed down the Trent road
early that morning. I showed the note to Colonel Upham, and
advised the major-general commanding of the fact. I sent at once
to headquarters, and ordered 200 men ef the Seventeenth Massa-
¦chusetts te be moved up te strengthen the pest at the intersection
of British and Dover roads.
"After advising Colonel Upham to use great vigilance, and
directing the pickets at the intersection of British and Dover roads
to throw up works for their protection, I started on my return to
Wise's Forks. Just before reaching that point, I was overtaken by
Major West of the Twelfth New York Cavalry, who reported his
pickets were being driven in at the bridge. Immediately on reach
ing headquarters, a note was dispatched to Colonel Upham, advis
ing him of the fact, but as the orderly did not return, it is supposed
he was captured.

splaine's BRIGADE.

355

"The Eighty-fifth New York Infantry (Captain King) was
hurried up the Dover read to report te him, with instructions to be
ready for immediate action, as the rebels were reported moving in
the direction of the road en which he was marching. Seen after
ward, a staff officer of Colonel Upham rode up and reported that
their brigade had been attacked, and nearly the whole ef it killed,
wounded or captured, and one gun of Battery I, Third New York
Light Artillery lost. I at once started up the Dover road to learn
for myself the true state of affairs. When near the intersection ef
the British and Dover roads, I came in sight of the abandoned gun,
which had been retaken by the detachment from the Seventeenth
Massachusetts Infantry, but before they could cut the traces ef
the dead horses, by which it was encumbered, they were attacked
in such heavy forces that they were forced back in the direction of
Wise's Forks. After falling back a short distance they reformed on
each side of the road, a line ef skirmishers advanced and a portion
of our lost ground was regained. The Eighty-fifth New York
Infantry failed to form a junction with Colonel Upham and re
turned through the weeds with small loss.
"The Ninth was employed in extending and strengthening eur
works. The enemy at one time drove the skirmishers from their
advanced rifle pits, but they were soon afterwards retaken. The
works ef my left were carried, with the approval of the major-
general commanding, east of the Trent road, and were providential
ly so formed as to aid materially in repulsing the rebel attack en the
following day. * * * * About noon, on the 10th, the left of our
skirmish line was driven in by the enemy, who advanced in strong
force (understood to be Hoke's division) up the Trent road, and
attacked on our left with vigor. In less than an hour they were
repulsed by Splaine's brigade and driven back with loss and in
confusion. Some time afterward an attack was made by the enemy
on our right, but was easily repulsed. ******.
"While my thanks are due to all the officers of my command,
for the gallant manner in which they performed their duty during
the attack and repulse of the enemy, I desire particularly to men
tion Colonel Malloy of the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, com
manding first brigade; and Lieut.-Colonel Splaine, Seventeenth

356 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Massachusetts Infantry, commanding third brigade. They were
cool, energetic and prompt in the performance of their whole
duty. It is hoped they may be suitably rewarded for the invalu
able services they rendered in securing to our arms a decisive
victory." My sincere gratitude is due to Captain J. Waldo Denny of
the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers, for the many items
of information regarding the battle of "Wise's Forks," furnished
by him. His timely and courteous assistance has rendered my
task much easier than it could possibly have been without his aid.
Hugh Young.

CHAPTER XII.
After the Battle — Enter Kinston — General Henderson,
THE New Brigade Commander — Story of Mrs. Dr. Miller
OF Kinston, N. C, Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 — On to Raleigh — Gen
eral Schofield's Order of Good News — ^War is Hell —
Lee's Surrender — Battle of Averysboro — Assassina
tion of Lincoln — Stonewall Jackson's Horse — March
TO Greensboro — Splaine's Irish-African Friend — Had
Never Seen an Irishman — Graham and Greensboro —
A Sad War Story — A Massachusetts Secessionist — Hugh
Young's Glee Club — ^War Song — In Command at Greens
boro — Quarrel with Worthington — Mayor Scott of
Greensboro Thanks Regiment — One-Year Men Sent
Home — Fourth of July Salute — Muster-out of the Vet
eran Regiment — Remarks by Benjamin P. Rogers — Col
onel Splaine's Valedictory — A Verse.
On March 14, 1865, and after the command of General Couch
reached Schofield, from Wilmington, the army took up the march
for Kinston. The most unpleasant feature ef the battle just
finished was encountered in moving about two miles along the
main road, where the contending armies had lost many men and
horses; and now, it being six days since the opening ef the fight,
and the weather fairly warm, the stench from the swollen and putrid
carcasses ef dead horses and bodies ef half buried men, made the
short march almost unbearable. At least a hundred swollen car
casses ef animals were strewn along the road, and of the hundreds
of bodies ef men buried, many ef them, owing te the hurried re
treat ef the enemy from the battlefield, showed here and there
a leg or an arm protruding above the ground. Many of the officers
and men of the now advancing Union Army were made sick at
their stomachs by the stench, and it was a common remark among
[357]

358 THE seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
them that they would rather go into another fight than march
through that awful place.
On the 15th the command entered Kinston, being compelled
te cross the river on pontoons, the enemy having burnt the only
bridge leading te the town. It marched through and beyond the
town, and there threw up some pretty good defensive works, as on
the heights beyond could be seen detachments of the army of Bragg
and Hoke.
On the 19tli, heavy firing near Smithfield was heard. Splaine's
brigade was broken up, and the Seventeenth Massachusetts now
became part ef the first brigade, second division. Division of Beau
fort, Colonel Classen commanding. On the 2nth, marched to
Whitehall, and en the 21st entered Goldsboro, and at ence threw
up breastworks. No chances could be taken, as everything de
pended en meeting and supplying Sherman's army.

SHERMAN'S ADVANCE ARRIVES.
On March 22d, while still at work on lines of defence, about
2 P.M., word that Sherman was within five miles was received, and
later in the day his advance joined our forces. Next day (23d)
the Seventeenth Massachusetts was ordered to Bear Creek to
guard that point, and at the same time get out some heavy timber
for Sherman's construction corps to build a bridge across the stream,
the former bridge having been burned by the enemy.
Colonel Splaine, who had resumed command of his regiment,
first threw up works to defend his position, after which more than
half the men were kept busy cutting down timber, and shaping
the same for bridge purposes. This work lasted all that day and
part ef the following day. On the 24th, the regiment being short
of rations. Colonel Splaine ordered Captain Charles 0. Fellows,
with two companies, to take wagons out with them, and te sieze
enough foed to last a few days-. After Captain Fellows' force had
departed. Colonel Splaine decided to follow, and found the two
companies at a rich farmer's house taking the necessary supplies.
Fellows had thrown eut skirmishers, as he well knew that Wade

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT, 359
Hampton's Confederate Cavalry were prowling around in that.
section. Just as Captain Fellows was about to march back to camp, the
sergeant of the pickets came running in and reported that a con-.
siderable command of cavalry was approaching. Splaine told
Fellows te get into position fer a fight, while the Colonel dashed
out to the skirmishers, te view the approaching command.
Adjusting his field glass, he beheld a sight which made him
burst out laughing. He saw in the distance about three hundred
men, all mounted, and dressed in all conceivable raiment. He at
once concluded that they were a body of Sherman's "bummers,"
so-called; but, taking no chances, sent an officer with a flag ef truce
te communicate with the party, and if it should be the enemy, to
demand their surrender or fight after the flag returned; if friends,
to halt them and bring their chief officer in for consultation. The
colonel's guess was right. They were "bummers' ' commanded by
a sergeant, the latter reporting to the colonel. After a parley, they
were ordered inte camp, where they were detained until the Seven
teenth returned to Goldsboro, when the gang was turned ever to
the proper officer.
In the meantime the construction corps, under competent
engineer officers arrived, and in four hours had the bridge built,
— though the span was sixty feet, — se that an engine was run over
it. The bridge was a good one and may stand there today.
On the 25th the regiment was ordered back to Goldsboro. On
the way it stopped at a farmhouse and had dinner prepared and
eaten there. The colonel, noticing that the people of the house
had net eaten any dinner, took the father of the family inte his
confidence, and found that they had net eaten anything for two
days, because they had nothing te eat, Hampton's men having
stripped them of everything they had in the shape of food. Feel
ing for the poor people, the colonel gave them everything there
was to eat in his headquarters donkey-cart, hiding it under a bed.
There was enough food there to keep that family fer two weeks.
At supper-time, when the regiment halted, and all hands hungry,
there seemed to be no supper for headquarters. Splaine seeming
anxious about something to eat, suggested to Major Smith that he

360 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
should find the cook and hurry up the supper. The major was
absent about fifteen minutes, when he returned accompanied by
the cook, who very sheepishly reported that there was nothing to
eat, for the reason that at the farmhouse, where the command had
dinner, some soldiers, he supposed, had stolen every bit ef food
there was in the cart.
Splaine, after scolding the cook roundly, ordered him to go
among the company officers and borrow some hard tack, sugar and
coffee. The cook came back well supplied, and headquarters had
something te eat and drink.
After supper, the command took up the march and reached
Goldsboro late at night. On March 30th, lots were drawn among
the captains of the Seventeenth, to choose one to command a firing
party to execute Private Preble ef the Twelfth New York Cavalry,
Troop D, whe had been courtmartialed and sentenced to death.
Captain Thomas R. Keenan was chosen, and on the next day,
March 31st, the brigade was formed in three sides ef a square,
and in that presence, Preble was shot te death. His crime was an
awful one. An odd feature of the execution was that hundreds of
the Confederate soldiers witnessed the execution from across a
stream about three hundred yards away. Ne shots, however,
were fired by either side.
On the second of April, the regiment was placed in the third
brigade, third division of the Twenty-third Army corps. The
brigade was composed of the One Hundred Twelfth Illinois, One
Hundred Fortieth Indiana, Sixty-third Indiana and Seventeenth
Massachusetts, Colonel and Brevet Brig.-General Thomas J.
Henderson of the One Hundred Twelfth Illinois commanding;
Brig.-General Carter commanding the division and General Cox
the corps ; the Twenty-third and Tenth corps making Sherman's
center under Major-General Schofield.

GENERAL THOMAS J. HENDERSON.
General Thomas Jefferson Henderson ef the One Hundred
Twelfth Illinois Infantry Regiment was commander ef the last

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 361
brigade in which the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment
served before the close ef the war. On April 2, 1865, the brigade in
which the Seventeenth had been serving, was reorganized, and
the Seventeenth assigned to the brigade of General Henderson.
Henderson's brigade new consisted of the One Hundred Twelfth
Illinois, Seventeenth Massachusetts, One Hundred Fourth Ohio
and the Sixty Third Indiana Volunteers Infantry Regiments.
It was an ideal brigade, and was commanded by an ideal brigade
commander. General Henderson brought with him a high character as a
commanding officer, having served under Generals Wright, Burn
side and Schofield in Kentucky, Tennessee, Atlanta Campaign of
Georgia in Tennessee, and closed his service in North Carolina
at the close ef the war. He was brevetted brigadier-general for
meritorious service and gallantry in action in the Atlanta and
Tennessee campaigns, and especially at the battles of Franklin
and Nashville. He was a brilliant man, a brilliant soldier, was a
strict disciplinarian in the true meaning of the word, and he soon
endeared himself te every officer and man of his splendid brigade.
General Henderson was born in Brownsville, Tennessee,
November 29, 1824. He was educated in the Brownsville Male
Academy and in the common schools of Tennessee and Illinois,
and at Iowa City University ef Iowa City, Iowa. He is descended
on his father's side from the Hendersons of the Highlands of
Scotland, who settled in Hanover County, Virginia, many genera
tions ago; while on his mother's side he is descended from the Ed
mund Howard family ef North Carolina, many of whom moved
into Tennessee. General Henderson's wife, Harriet Butler Hend
erson, was born in New York City in 1830, and is the daughter of
Henry Butler and Rebecca Green Butler of New Haven, Conn.
The general's wife is descended from Samuel Green the celebrated
printer ef Cambridge, Mass.
There were born to General and Mrs. Henderson four children,
three daughters, being the beautiful and accomplished Mrs.
Gertrude R. Dunbar, Mrs. Sarah Ella Durley, and Mrs. Mary
Louise Farnsworth; and one son, Mr. Thomas Butler Henderson.

362 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
General Henderson was an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln,
and while a member of the Ulionis legislature, when a mere youth,
voted consistently and persistently for Lincoln to be United States
Senator. He changed his vote finally, at the request of Lincoln,
to Lyman Trumbull, in order to defeat Stephen A. Douglass.
The friendship se pleasantly formed between Lincoln and Hender
son, in their youth, lasted without interruption, up to the death
of President Lincoln.
Mr. Lincoln wrote several letters te Henderson, thanking
him for his friendship and support on various occasions, photo
graphic copies of which are now (1910) in the possession of Colonel
Splaine, but are not for publication.
General Henerson served as a member of Congress from
Illinois continuously for twenty years, ten terms, from the 44th
to the 53d Congresses. At the present writing, he is chairman
ef the Board of Commissioners for the government of the National
Soldiers' Hemes.

STORY OF MRS. DR. MILLER OF KINSTON, N. C.

Part I.

Another of those curious episodes which are not ef unf requent
occurrence in the stirring times of warfare, and which serve to illus
trate the adage that "truth is stranger than fiction, "had its incep
tion at the time of the battle of Kinston, N.C, December 14, 1862.
On that day, after the Union forces had taken possession of the
city and settled down for the night, some in vacated dwellings,
some in fields behind their stacked arms, while others patrolled
the city and suburbs, others doing picket duty out of the city
and well towards the lines of the Confederate army, many officers,
among them Captain Henry Splaine of Company A, Seventeenth
Regiment (who has given the story to the compiler ef this history)
strolled through some of the principal streets, in order to witness
the sights in a city just captured by their own forces.

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 363
The streets presented a gloomy appearance, the lighting being
bad, except, perhaps where seme general officer had selected some
imposing residence as his headquarters, and such places as these
presented an inviting appearance, by contrast, at least. One
of these conspicuous residences attracted the attention of Captain
Splaine, because he noticed a number of Union soldiers under arms
in front ef it, and heard some hurried orders being given by an
officer whose voice sounded familiar te him. Upon drawing near
he found the building te be the headquarters of the provost guard,
under command of Major Jones Frankle of his own regiment, whe
was provost marshal ef the Goldsboro Expedition. The captain
also noticed that at some distance beyond the provost guard
station a large fire was burning, which caused some excitement.
Major Frankle hurridly got his guards together to proceed
to the fire, with the purpose of not only saving property, but per
haps life as well. When he caught sight ef Captain Splaine, he ex
claimed, "You are just the man I want! Held up your right
hand ! and before the captain realized what it was all about, he was
sworn in as acting prevost marshal.
The fire was the work of rebel soldiers, who, under orders,
had collected all the bales of cotton te be found in Kinston and
set them en fire. As the flames spread, the conflagration became
spectacular; but through the exertions ef eur men, under direction
of the provost marshall, most of the cotton was saved.
Captain Splaine, now finding himself filling the important
position of acting provost marshal, settled down to the business
on hand. He was not long in making the acquaintance of several
Confederate officers captured that day, among whom was Lieu
tenant Evans, who, with his entire company, had been captured
that day by the captain's own company.
While conversing with these officers, a handsome woman
entered the office whose dress and bearing betokened refinement
and respectability. At the same time it was evident that she had
dressed hurridly fer the street, and was very much excited. After
looking around for a moment, she asked in a loud voice, "Is there
a commissioned officer present?" "I have the honor te be one
madame," replied Captain Splaine. She then said "Then sir

364 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
I ask your protection;" and added, "I am a Northern woman."
To this remark the captain replied, "It makes no difference,
madam, whether you are from the North or the South, you shall
be protected' ' ; and added that it gave him great pleasure to be in
a position which enabled him to be of assistance to the lady.
The lady then informed him that she was Mrs. Dr. Miller,
that her husband was a surgeon in the Confederate Army, that
since the entrance of our troops inte the city her home had been
invaded by Northern soldiers, who demanded that she should
furnish them foed, and cook it for them; that she had shown her
willingness to comply by putting her servants to work, cooking for
them, but had found it impossible to please them; that a number of
them became abusive, had demolished some of her furniture, and
had even threatened her own safety, as well as that of her servants.
She finished by saying that they were a pack of uncouth men.
When the story was told, the captain said, "Madam, I will pro
tect you and your property, no matter at what cost.' '
He then wrote a "safeguard," and looking over the guards
present, espied his brother Herbert, to whom he said, "Take this
safeguard, go with Mrs. Miller, and give her the protection which
she requires. Take with you half a dozen men and clean out that
gang of fellows who are making trouble. After you have restored
quiet again in the lady's house, you may dismiss your guards, but
remain in the house and protect it until further orders. Be sure
te keep your musket leaded at all times and have your bayonet
ready at hand." (A safeguard,it may be explained,is a written in
strument given to guards in charge of a building or other property
in time of war, its possession and terms being inviolable, the penalty
fer forcible disregard of its authority being death.)
In choosing his brother for this dehcate and important task, he
chose wisely, fer his brother, though peaceable ef disposition, when
on duty was inflexible and would not be trifled with.
The guard and Mrs. Miller departed for her home, but not
until after she had obtained the full names ef the captain and his
brother and thanked the officer for his prompt response to her
application for protection. On reaching the lady's home Herbert
and his fellow-guardsmen made short work of the turbulant

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 365
fellows who had literally taken possession of the premises. After
quiet was restored, the guards retired, one by one, leaving the
captain's brother in full charge. It is needless to say that the
latter was furnished with good food and other creature comforts
such as he had not enjoyed since his entry inte the service.
After Major Frankle and his provost guard had returned,
after extinguishing the big fire, and the major had assumed his
duties. Captain Splaine visited the home of Mrs. Dr. Miller, te
see that the protection he had given her was ample, and that his
brother was properly cared for, as well as properly instructed in
his duties. The captain spent a pleasant half hour chatting with
Mrs. Miller and his brother. During the visit he learned much
about the lady's history. She was of a most respectable Northern
family, as will be seen later.
The captain called again the next morning and instructed
his brother that he must be among the last to leave the city, and
to see to it in the meantime that the property and person of the
lady be protected te the last. Mrs. Miller was most profuse in
her thanks to the captain and his brother, saying, among other
things, "I hope, captain, to be able to shew you some time that I
gratefully appreciate your kindness for having protected me, my
children and my property. You are a chivalrous and honorable
man; your brother is a true soldier, and in bidding you good bye,
I wish to add that I hope God may bless you and yours.' '
Herbert remained until the army had marched out of the
city and falling in with the rear guard did not catch up with his
regiment until night.

Part II.

When Mrs. Miller said she hoped some time to be able to
show that she gratefully appreciated the kindness shewn her,
neither she ner the captain expected that the time would come
when she would have the opportunity of redeeming that premise;
but, as the sequel will show, she not only had that opportunity,
but that she nobly redeemed it.

366 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The captain occasionally recalled that Mrs. Miller episode,
but as time wore on, and as the excitement of the campaign and
his duties as an officer absorbed most of his attention, he simply
remembered it as ene of the many opportunities that an officer
had of smoothing the rough front ef war and shedding a ray ef
happiness upon those who suffered much in its vicissitudes.
A whole year passed before the captain was vividly reminded
of his kindness to Mrs. Miller. In the latter part of 1863, the
government saw fit to re-enlist the men whose terms of service
would expire the following summer, that is, as many of them as
were willing to re-enlist. In December, 1863, Captain Splaine,
with sixty-four of the men of his company, whe had re-enlisted,
marched to the paymaster's office in Newbern to get their pay and
bounty. Arriving there, the captain made known his errand to
the paymaster, who told him that there were a number of men
ahead of him, and that he and his men would have to await their
turn. The captain said, "All right, sir,' ' and proceeded to mingle
and cenverse with a number of the officers who were there for the
same purpose as himself. After a short time, the paymaster came
out among the officers and inquired whether any of them had
taken part in the battle of Kinston, fought about a year before.
A number ef the officers answered in the affirmative. Then the
paymaster said there was an officer there somewhere who had
protected his daughter after the battle referred to, saving not
only her property, but perhaps her life, and that if he could find
that officer, he would hke to reward him. "I have forgotten
his name,' ' he said, " and I wish I could find him.' '
The facts related by the paymaster, recalled to Captain
Splaine the incidents already related, and he inquired, "Do you
mean Mrs. Dr. Miller, major?" The major at once said, "Mrs.
Dr. Miller ! What do you know about her? She is my daughter,
sir." The captain said, "Then, sir, I am the officer you are looking
for. I protected your daughter, and am proud ef the fact.' '
"And your name?' ' demanded the major.
" I am Captain Splaine.' '

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 367
"That's it! That's it," said the major, and taking the
captain's hand, tears rolling down his cheeks, cried, "I thank you,
sir! I thank you! May I not reward you? Sir, may I not off' er
you seme consideration for having protected my daughter?' '
Te all of which the captain replied that he was already well
paid fer simply having done his duty as a soldier and a gentleman
in the case of Mrs. Miller. The major inquired, "How have you
been paid, sir?' ' To which the captain made answer that he had
the proud satisfaction of having done right when he protected
the lady, and added, "I would have protected a Southern lady as
quickly as I protected your daughter, although perhaps the
pleasure at meeting a Southern lady at such a time might not
have been so great. My country pays me for the faithful per
formance of my duty, and I cannot therefore take pay from
any other source.' '
The major, finding the captain inflexible in the matter ef
compensation, excused himself for a moment. The captain then
noticed that several clerks had been summoned by the major,
and a few minutes later his sixty-four veterans were called up by
them and were given their pay and bounty as veteran volunteers.
Again there was a hasty consultation by the major with one ef
his clerks, followed by the temporary absence of the clerk, accom
panied by two colored men, upon whose return there was a general
suspension of clerical and other official business, special attention
being paid to a hamper, which, when opened, proved te be a
basket of champagne. There also appeared at the sahae time a
box of nice cigars. Then the major, to explain matters to the
assembled officers and others present, said :
"Gentlemen, give me your attention for a moment;" and,
when all showed a willingness to listen, he told the story of his
daughter, Mrs. Miller of Kinston, and of the protection afforded
her by their brother officer. Captain Splaine. The captain felt
flattered, and yet embarrassed at the recital ef the major, and still
mere so when every officer and clerk came forward, shook him by
the hand and congratulated him for his gallantry in caring for the
major's daughter at a time when there was danger te her and
discomfort all around her.

368 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The good things which had been brought in by the clerk
and his colored assistants were now dispensed by the major to all
present, and warm and patriotic remarks were freely offered by
the officers, all joining in the hope that the lady in question might
live a long and happy life, and that her father, the gallant major,
might seen be united with her under peaceful and happy conditions.
About a month after the events just related, the major chanced
to meet the captain en the street, and joyfully informed him that
he had succeeded in communicating with his daughter. He took
from his pocket a letter written by her, and passed it to the captain
to read. The letter was full of expressions of devotien and love
for her father, and after writing two pages about the family, she
expressed herself as highly pleased that her father had been able
to find Captain Splaine and thank him fer her, and also expressed
the wish that her father and the captain shpuld become fast friends.
The friendship between the two officers se peculiarly formed, it
may be said, lasted while they were stationed near te each other;
but in a very short time the major was ordered away to another
station, and they never met again. The captain was sorry to
lose his friend, and often thought of the strange chain of circum
stances which had brought them together; but as time rolled on,
he began to think that the end of the Mrs. Miller episode had come
at last. Not yet, however for the strangest and most interesting
part was yet to come.

Part III.
In the late winter of 1864, and the early spring of 1865,
Captain Splaine now lieutenant-colonel in command of the new
Seventeenth Regiment (his old regiment reorganized)then stationed
at Shepardsville, otherwise known as Newport Barracks, North
Carolina, was ordered to take the field with his regiment, in a
movement under General Schofield, having for its object the
opening up of communication with General Sherman, and the
supply ef his army then on its way to Virginia in the comprehensive
military operations to end the war.

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 369
At this time. Colonel Splaine's wife and their only son were
on a visit to North Carohna, living with Uncle Nat Porter, who,
with his daughter Nan, had given them a pleasant home for the
time being. When the regiment started on its last campaign,
the wife and son were left behind, but were well provided with
funds. While on the march from Newbern to Kinston, the colonel
was appointed acting brigadier-general, which was rapid promotion
for a young man whe was only a captain four months before.
The only protection which he could give his wife and son in
his absence was a letter addressed to any commissioned officer
of the United States Army, asking for such protection and care
as they might stand in need of. Eight days after his departure
from Newbern, the battle ef Wise's Forks was fought, and during
the fight Mrs. Splaine could distinctly hear the artillery booming
in the distance. Knowing that her husband and his two brothers
were in the fight, it may be judged that she suffered great mental
agony while waiting to hear the details of the battle.
On the eve of the battle, the colonel had written his wife,
begging her to go North as soon as she could get away, as he
knew that the enemy was in force, and evidently intended to
make things pretty warm in North Carolina, and that in case of a
reverse to the Union arms she and her son might suffer at the hands
of men who, perhaps, might not accord to her the consideration
which every gentleman owes to a lady. In reply she said that
she could not go home, as she felt it to be her duty to remain near
her husband and his brothers, so that she might act as nurse in
case any of them should be wounded, or, if her own should escape,
then she would feel it a duty (noble woman) to nurse any Union
soldier who was wounded or sick and required such care.
The battle of Wise's Forks was fought and the victory rested
with the Union troops, whose victorious columns pushed on and
into Kinston, where they rested several days. The colonel,
while there, thought of Mrs. Miller, but his duties were so pressing
that he could net find time to look up friends, his purpose being
to look for the enemy and whack him when he could. Besides, he
concluded, in all probability, she and her family had left Kinston.

370 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
The army pushed on to Goldsboro, and united with Sherman's
army, the latter then much in need ef supplies. From Goldsboro,
the colonel wrote to his wife, again begging her te go home, but
upon comparing notes afterwards, this letter never reached her.
After Sherman's army had rested, had been refitted and supplied,
the cry was: "On to Raleigh!" where it was expected that short
work would be made of General Joe Johnson's army. Before
leaving Goldsboro, the colonel wrote te his wife again, urging her to
go North, but this letter, like thousands of ethers sent at that time,
never reached its destination because ef the irregularity of the
mails and the general interruption of all lines of communication.
Mrs. Splaine, not hearing from her husband, became desperate,
and made up her mind to follow the army, and, if possible, join
the colonel. She reached Kinston ene afternoon, finding her
self a stranger in a strange city. She could not ge any farther that
day, as there were no trains leaving the city until the next day.
She inquired for a hotel, but was told that there was none in the
town. She then inquired for a boarding-house, and was told that
it was difficult to find one.

Part IV.

Here, indeed, was a situation that was most discouraging,
and called fer all her fortitude to face, but she set out bravely to
encounter it. She now spoke with several colored women, who
gave her little or no encouragement, until she came upon one of
the real old-fashioned mammies, who told her that there was only
one genteel boarding house in town, and that it was kept by a
peat lady who was "right 'tickler 'bout de kind ob folks she took
m." The good mammy, fearing that disappointment would
attend Mrs. Splaine's efforts with the "great lady," said that if
the lady "won' take you in, missus, an' you will come wif me,
honey, I will take yous to my own house an' wait on you, mam —
'deed I wiU, mam. I will find suffen te eat for your se'f and de
dear lil' bey."
Mrs. Splaine now said to herself, well if the "great lady"
refuses me, I am at least sure ef some sort of shelter by the

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 371
good old colored woman.' ' In a few minutes they reached the house
of the "great lady." It was a fine house, considering the style
ef houses in Kinston over forty years age. On looking at the
building, Mrs. Splaine saw signs in the windows, which read:
"Respectable ledgers taken. Best ef references required."
She thought, "Well, I am all right now, for surely she won't refuse
me." Upon rapping at the door and waiting for a few minutes,
a lady answered the summons and asked what she could do for the
new-comers. Mrs. Splaine said she was going up the country to
join her husband, who was an officer in the Union Army, and not
feeling well, and having her boy to care fer, she desired te rest
for a few days before resuming her journey. She added that she
had plenty of money and was willing to pay well for the accom
modation which she desired and needed. The lady said she was
very particular about the character ef applicants fer accommo
dation, and asked if Mrs. Splaine had any references as to her
identity and respectability. The latter being an entire stranger
in the place, and supposing some local reference was required,
replied that she had none.
"Then, madam," said the lady, "I cannot receive you."
Mrs. Splaine then said she did net know any one in Kinston
who could answer for her, and again pressed her request fer accom
modation, adding that she would deposit sufficient money to meet
all contingencies. The lady then said, "Is there no other way by
which you can establish your identity and respectability?' '
Mrs. Splaine thought a moment, and then remembering the
letter given her by her husband to any commissioned officer ef
the army, replied, "All I have is a letter given me by my husband,
which you may read if you desire".
The lady read the letter very carefully, looked inquiringly
and in silence at the new-comer. Then she asked, "Madam, are
you the wife of Colonel Splaine?' '
" I am,' ' replied Mrs. Splaine.
"Was Colonel Splaine ever a captain?' '
"He was."
"Was he in the battle of Kinston over two years ago?' '
"He was."

372 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMBNT.
" Has he any brothers?' '
The answer was in the affirmative.
"Kindly name the brothers who served with him when he was
captain,' ' requested the lady.
The answer came : "James, William and Herbert.' '
At this confirmation of the identity of the stranger, the lady
returned the letter, while her manner became most cordial. She
new said: "Mrs. Splaine, you are most welcome to my house.
Your husband. Captain Henry Splaine, and his brother Herbert
protected me, my family and my property at a time when I was in
dire distress. I will protect you and your son now.' '
She advanced and embraced Mrs. Splaine and her son. At
this juncture Mrs. Splaine dismissed her mammy escort, but not
until she had paid her well for her proffered hospitality.
"Come in, at once," said Mrs. Miller. "Make yourselves
at home, and remain as my guests as long as you please.' ' Both
ladies wept. The lady, as it must be guessed, was no other than
Mrs. Doctor Miller of Kinston, N. C The time had come when
she found herself in a position to repay the captain who had pro
tected her two years and four months before.
The servants were at ence set to work to provide the new
comers with a substantial meal. The evening was spent as
pleasantly as could be expected under the circumstances. It was
a curious situation that surrounded the new friends: Doctor
Miller was a surgeon in the Confederate Army, and Mrs. Miller
did not knew whether he was dead or alive. Colonel Splaine was
in the Union Army, pushing on against General Johnston's forces.
Notwithstanding these conditions the ladies drew some enjoyment
from the new acquaintanceship and the similarity of their present
condition in regard to the absence of their husbands. But Mrs.
Splaine's son, a boy of six years, fully enjoyed himself. He was
soon boss of the house, and had lots ef fun with the colored people.
It was learned that Mrs. Miller, not having received any
financial assistance from her husband for a long time, conceived
the idea of opening a genteel boarding and lodging house. In the
course of the sojourn in Mrs. Miller's house, the ladies talked on
many subjects, but the one which pleased the hostess most was

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 373
that in connection with the battle of Kinston in 1862, and the
train of strange circumstances which brought Mrs. Splaine and her
son as guests under her reef.
Mrs. Splaine now wrote to her husband, telling him of her
experience since his departure from Newbern, and her happy
meeting with Mrs. Dr. Miller. The colonel answered the letter,
sending warm greetings to that lady, thanking her for her kindness
to his wife and child, and directing his wife to go North as soon as
she had become rested.
At the proper time, when she had recovered from her fatigue,
Mrs. Splaine, accompanied by Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Captain
Webber of the colonel's regiment, went to Newbern, where she
took a steamer for New York. Mrs. Miller absolutely refused
to take any compensation fer the time that Mrs. Splaine and her
son were guests in her house. But this would not do. Mrs.
Splaine, with true woman's wit, made Mrs. Capt. Webber the
medium through whom Mrs. Miller was surprised with a full and
liberal payment fer her kindness to mother and son.
During Mrs. Splaine's life after the war, she corresponded
with Mrs. Miller, and received many pressing invitations to
repeat her visit to Kinston, N. C Mrs. Splaine and Mrs. Miller
were good women — good mothers and good wives. In stature
and general appearances they were not unlike, being stately
and attractive in many ways. Mrs. Splaine died in 1880, and Mrs.
Miller in 1900. The boy whe figured in this story is alive today,
and is well known among billiardists in Boston. His full name is
Richard E. Splaine, but is commonly known as Ned Splaine.
He, at the age of 25, married Margaret Griffin, the beautiful
daughter of the late Dennis and Margaret Griffin of Quincy street,
Charlestown, Mass.
And once more Colonel Splaine had almost forgotten about
Mrs. Miher, until meetuig a lady not long ago, in the State House,
who knew her well and had spent some days with her in Kinston,
N. C, a short time before her (Mrs. Miller's) death. This lady,
when asked if she knew Mrs. MiUer, replied, " Did I know her well?
I guess I did, and I knew her whole family. She was the daughter

374 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
of Major Henry and the sister of General William Henry of the
Union Army."
The compiler of this history, while talking with Colonel
Splaine not long since, asked the truth of the narrative. The
colonel replied, "Every word of it is true; and speaking of Mrs.
Splaine and Mrs. Miller, — they were beautiful women, dear and
devoted friends, and both have gone beyond. May they meet
in heaven."

ON TO RALEIGH.

The regiment soon found itself at heme under the new brigade
commander, Brevet-Brigadier-General Henderson ef Illinois. He
was educated, brave, affable, but a disciplinarian. He had seen
plenty ef fighting in Sherman's army, and bore the enviable name
of being a splendid commander. On April 8, a telegram from General
Grant to General Sherman gave this important information: April 2d, 1865.
To Major-General Sherman :
Lee's men are scattering and going to their homes by thou
sands. I will push him te the end. Push Johnston in the mean
time, and let us finish up this job at once. U. S. Grant, Lieut.-General.
(An official copy of this dispatch is in the hands of Colonel
Splaine at this writing.)
This good news was immediately followed by the news that
Richmond had been captured, along with 25,000 prisoners and
500 pieces of artillery. General Henderson deemed the news so
important that he invited all the officers of his brigade to head
quarters, announced the good news and all made merry and were
happy. The cry now was: "On to Raleigh!" and on April 10,
Sherman's army began its march for the capital of the state.

the seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 375
Headquarters Dept., North Carolina,
Goldsboro, N. C, April 7, 1865.
Special Field Orders,
No. 24.
The following orders were re-pubhshed fer the information
ef this command : Headquarters Mil. Div. of the Miss.
In the Field, Goldsboro, N. C, April 6, 1865.
Special Field Orders,
No 49.
The following telegram just received is announced with great
pleasure and satisfaction by the General-in-chief for the informa
tion of the army. City Point, Va., April 6, 1865.
To Major-Gen. W. T. Sherman:
On Monday morning the second (2) we charged and carried
the enemy's entire line south ef the Appamatox, defeated and drove
back Lee's army and the same evening enveloped tetersburgh
from the Appomatox above, te the river below. About one (1)
o'clock Monday morning Petersburgh was evacuated and we took
possession of it at 8:15. Weitzel took possession of Richmond
with his command north of the James. Jeff Davis and his cabinet
and Lee with most of his army are retreating in hot haste towards
Danville; the ether column is falling back on Lynchburg. We are
pressing vigorously. Our prisoners will number from twelve thou
sand (12,000) to fifteen thousand (15,000) with several hundred
pieces of artillery. Much of the tobacco and cotton in Petersburgh
and Richmond was burned by the enemy. He also attempted
to burn Richmond. Weitzel succeeded in putting out the fires,
but net until several districts were in ruins. Everything is quiet
there new and the people receive eur army with great rejoicing.
(Signed) G. S. Bowers,
A. A. G.

376 the seventeenth Massachusetts regiment.
Army commanders will order a salute of one hundred guns to
be fired from each permanent fert in the Department of North
Carolina, and Department of the South in honor of the event.
By order ef Maj . Gen. W. T. Sherman,
(Signed) L. M. Dayton, A. A. G.
So much of the above order as directs a salute of one hundred
guns te be fired from each permanent fert, in the Department of
North Carolina, will be executed under the directions of Brig.-Gen.
I. N. Palmer Comdg. District ef Beaufort and Brig.-Gen. Jas. R.
Hawley Comdg. District of Wilmington.
By order of Maj.-Gen. Schofield,
(Signed.) J. A. Campbell,
Lt. Col. and A. A. G.
Official,
W. F. Henderson,
Captain and A. A. A. G.

^ HAD NEVER SEEN AN IRISHMAN.
During the first day's march from Goldsboro, the Seventeenth,
having halted for dinner. Colonel Splaine was destined to receive a
benefit because he was Irish. A gentleman came from a nice resi
dence near by, and asked the colonel what part of the country his
regiment came from. The reply was from Massachusetts. "Then
you are aU Yankees?" queried the visiter. "Net quite aU, sir,"
replied Splaine. "The great majority of my men are Yankees,
but we have seme Irish, English, a few French and a few Germans.' '
The visitor said, "Now, do say, have you an Irishman here?"
and continued by saying that although he was fifty years of age,
he had never seen an Irishman; and then, in a confidential way,
said, "I understand that they are very repulsive-looking people."
Havuig thus dehvered himself, he asked the colonel to show him
an Irishman. The colonel, new called up Mike Sulhvan, to whom
he spoke and then dismissed him, without revealing the true
reason for summoning him. Mike was not a handsome man, but

the seventeenth MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 377
he was intelligent and a brave soldier. The visitor remarked that
Mike was not a repulsive-looking man, and added: "Well, well;
that is the first Irishman I ever saw." The colonel said, "He is
not the first you have seen." The visiter insisted that he was.
The colonel said, "No, sir; you saw me.' ' The visiter said the colo
nel must be joking, but the latter was so emphatic in his assertion
that he was Irish that the gentleman begged his pardon, and in
vited the officer up to his house that he might present him to his
wife and daughters. The colonel, whose larder had been rather
lean of late, anticipating the gastronomic delights which southern
hospitality might yield, consented te ge.
When the colonel reached the house and was presented to the
ladies, his host remarked : "Only think of it. Colonel Splaine is an
Irishman,' ' and added that he had always thought the Irish were
very repulsive-looking people. The eldest girl, — a beautiful and
accomplished young lady, — said, "Why, paw, what are you saying.
If you had been in Baltimore as much as I have, you would have
seen many Irish people, and I want you to know that they are
among the first in the world.' '
Splaine, who was more interested at that time about the
cuisine of the house than the Irish question, was soon relieved of
anxiety when he beheld the conventional southern mammy trundle
in "right smart" a table laden with good things te eat. He did
justice te himself and the whole Union Army as well.
After the repast, the whole family entered into social conversa
tion. They were bright and refined people, but strongly "secesh.' '
Upon being asked what the war news was, the colonel told of the
fall of Richmond, and that Grant was chasing Lee's demoralized
army. The news was a great shock to them. They couldn't
imderstand how such things could have happened, and were dum-
founded. The colonel, new feeling that the object of his expedition
had been accomplished, bade the family farewell, and returned to
his command.
"WAR IS HELL!"
A few days out from Goldsboro, the Union troops, in pursuit
of Johnston's army, — General Henderson and staff, halted en the

378 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
roadside one day for dinner. At that time. Colonel Splaine,
mounted, was walking his horse slowly along the road, killing time,
as his regiment was having its noonday meal. Upon seeing
Splaine, the general requested him te dismount and have something
to eat. The colonel was willing, but circumstances over which
neither had control compelled them to wait a considerable time be
fore they could attend to the eating. Loud noises on the hillside
above attracted Henderson's attention. He listened for a moment,
jumped to his feet and looked angrily in the direction of a respect
able-looking farmhouse, from which arose the screams of women,
barking of dogs, cries of hens and chickens and quacking ef ducks
and geese. He was about te start for the scene of the disturbance,
but ene of his staff told the general to sit down and enjey his meal,
and he (the staff officer) would run up and stop the disturbance.
The general, however, insisted en going himself, and did go unat
tended. When the soldiers whe had caused the disturbance saw
the general coming, they skedaddled, and the commotion subsided.
The general was absent about an hour, and when he returned he
was silent and looked sad. His subordinates, judging that some
thing unusual had happened, made no reference to his visit to the
farmhouse. After a long pause. General Henderson broke the silence by
saying, "My G-d, this is awful! What do you suppose I found at
that farmhouse?' ' He said he found the men of his own regiment,
his own neighbors and sons of neighbors from Illinois robbing his
own cousin's house. At this announcement, the whole party be
came interested, and sympathetically inquired what it all meant.
The general then explained that Mr. Howard, his own cousin, was
proprietor of the house which was being robbed.
The general found in the house his aunt and two cousins, —
young women, — but no men, as the latter had all joined the Confed
erate army, and were probably killed during the war. The general,
after this recital, ceased eating for a moment, and exclaimed, "War
is hell !" just as surely as Sherman said it. The hour he spent with
his relatives revived the lost relationship ef the southern and
western families of the Howards, — formerly of Sampson county.
North Carolina, — and the sadness which he felt at finding his own

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 379
men robbing his cousin's home, must have been mingled with a
degree ef satisfaction at having been on the spot to protect his
helpless relations, though he had never seen them before.
After all, the robbery in question, which so grieved the good
general, was simply a case ef foraging. It should be understood
that it was ne small undertaking to supply an army ef ninety
thousand men, especially when it is considered that the railroad
lines, — the only means of transporting the immense stores needed
fer the sustenance of Sherman's army, — were nearly worn out, and
that these lines were being tapped quite often by the enemy's
cavalry. The men ef Henderson's regiment were short enough of rations
and their visits to the substantial farmhouse on the hillside was
simply to obtain a few additions to their scant grub, — a few hams,
some chickens and potatoes. Henderson was a sensitive and
honorable commander, and never permitted his men to crowd the
poor natives.
NEWS OF LEE'S SURRENDER.
On the 12th of April, 1865, while Sherman's army was halted
for dinner, and the ninety thousand men composing that grand
army were scattered along either side ef the main road te Raleigh,
some quietly sleeping after eating, others in the act of eating, and
still others joking, smoking, jesting or singing patriotic songs, and
all receiving the warm rays of an April sun, — which was fully as
warm there as in Massachusetts in June, — a single horseman, hat in
hand, bowing to the right and left, rushed along the roadway and
in a loud voice tried to tell the army something; but his words
were so indistinct that no one could understand him, and only
laughter and derision greeted his progress. He was a staff officer
whe had been chosen by General Sherman to announce something
important to the army — something se important that it drove the
poor fellow crazy. He spurred his horse madly, rode wildly and
tried to tell something, but he could not find words te tell it, and
when he reached the end of the line, a general officer placed him
under restraint, and seeing that he was hopelessly insane, and

380 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
knowing him to be one ef General Sherman's staff, had him taken
back under cavalry guard. After a lapse of half an hour, another
officer was sent from Sherman's headquarters to tell the same story.
He was a major, — a noble-looking fellow, — well mounted, a grace
ful rider, and just such a soldier as one would pick to lead a charge.
As he came down the road bowing gracefully to the right and left,
he shouted in a loud and distinct voice, "Boys, Lee's army has
surrendered!' '
That was enough, and then there were ninety thousand crazy
men along that road. They yelled, huzzad and cheered again and
again. They rushed at one another embraced, kicked, thumped,
wrestled, turned somersaults, rolled and tumbled, and in fact did
everything but bite one another. They were uncontrollable, be
yond all restraint and discipline. They did all sorts of mad, crazy
thuigs. The news meant the near approach of peace, when all would
return to their homes and friends, welcomed and praised for the
heroic part they had taken in suppressing the rebellion, and bring
ing te all the people the blessings of peace and prosperity.
The men of the Seventeenth conceived and quickly executed
the plan of cutting down a straight tree, and had it trimmed by the
pioneers, fastened the regimental fiag to the small end, inserted
the large end in a deep hole and raised it toward the sky. When the
pole was securely held in the ground, the stars and stripes were
cheered and cheered, men from ether commands joining in the
demonstration, until a great crowd collected about it.
Colonel Splaine wondered how his men could have accomplished
such a task so quickly, but they did it in less time than it takes to
tell it. At this time General Thomas J. Henderson rede along the
highway to see what all the commotion meant. As soon as the
men espied him, they shouted, "Speech! Speech!" The general
declined, but the rush for him was se great that Colonel Splaine
said, "You had better say something, general, er they will tear
you off your horse! They are crazy, — say something!" After
a moment of hesitation, he replied. He took his hearers in imagi
nation back to the days just before the war, when heavy and fore-

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 381
boding clouds hung ever the nation; told about the opening of the
fratricidal war; of the many disasters to the Union Armies during
the four years of its continuance, and how often he had feared that
the result would be disastrous to our forces, and the life of the
nation crushed out; but new, happily, "the clouds that lowered
above our house' ' had been dispelled, and under the blessed dis
pensation of Almighty God, the sunshine of peace, fraternity and
union was returning and warning the loyal hearts ef these whe had
despaired or doubted so long. He then paused and said, "It is
no use; I can't make a speech. My heart is too full." The men
still clamored for a speech, and then the general, raising his hat high
above his head, and looking reverently at the flag ef the Seven
teenth waving on high in the blue vault, said, "The only speech I
can make is, let us pray.' ' As he said this, the tears ran down the
bronzed cheeks of the hero. The men bowed their heads in solemn
silence fer a moment, and then, looking up gave vent to a wild
cheer which could be heard fer miles. Then looking up at that flag,
the vast throng sang "The Star Spangled Banner,' ' and when that
anthem was finished, some singer started "Home, Sweet Home,"
during the singing of which, by the assemblange, there were many
more wet eyes than dry ones among them.

Now, it was "after Johnston!' ' and for the purpose of bringiag
him to bay, the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps were detached
and sent in pursuit of the wily Confederate commander. Johnston
led them a lively chase, and in order that no battle would be fought
near Ra,leigh, deflected his course from the main road leading to
that city. Johnston was fighting the Union advance daily, attack
ing small bodies with great advantage, but when the main body ef
the Union Army was ready to punish him, he was not to be found.

BATTLE OF AVERYSBOROUGH.
As'our theme is stih war, the writer sees nothing amiss in re
verting to the battle of Averysbereugh, fought on March 16, 1865,

382 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
between the army of General Joe Johnston and the Fourteenth
Corps of General Sherman's army. Fer weeks Sherman had been
trying to bring on a general engagement with Johnston; but the
latter, knowing that Sherman outnumbered him about as four to
one, dechned to meet him, contenting himself with harassing his
enemy whenever opportunity offered.
At last Johnston, by skilful manoeuvring, drew the Fourteenth
corps from Sherman's main body, and there was trouble for the
latter at once. Through the masterly skill ef Johnston, his army
gave the Fourteenth corps a sound drubbing, killing and wounding
many, taking many prisoners and capturing many pieces of artillery.
The writer has talked with several commanders, (some of them
regular army officers,) about the battle of Averysbereugh, and all
of them agreed that it was the most skilfully conducted fight on the
part ef the Confederates that there is any record ef in the annals
of war. With his smaU, half-starved, half-clothed, unpaid army, with
scarcely ammunition enough to finish the fight, he won a battle
under circumstances so adverse to his side that his victory was all
the more notable, and stamped him as the equal of any commander
then living. LINCOLN'S DEATH.
On April 13, Carter's Division was halted on the brow of the
highland overlooking Raleigh, a small body of cavalry being sent
in to ascertain conditions there, and on the 14th, the army marched
into and through the city, going inte camp on the opposite side.
Carter's division, of which the Seventeenth was a part, encamped
just outside of the city, and settled down fer a much needed rest.
On April 17, there was a rumor that President Lincoln had
been assassinated, but nobody wanted to believe it, and all re
garded it as a hoax; but on the 19th the story was confirmed. The
sad news cast a deep gloom over Sherman's army, and some of the
more reckless of the men threatened to wreack vengeance on the
people. If Johnston's army had been then surrounded it is not
difficult to guess what might have occurred.

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 383
On account of the assassination ef Lincoln, and fearing that
some of the soldiers might attempt te avenge his death on the
people, Sherman called all the regimental commanders together,
and told them that he would hold each one responsible for the good
behavior ef his men during the awful excitement consequent on the
president's death. It is safe te say that net manyef those colonels
slept for the three nights following, doing patrol duty themselves
and watching their guards and men every minute of the time.
Soon the men began to realize that the defenceless people were not
to blame, and that, after all, it was not the hand of a Southerner
that committed the terrible and cowardly crime. Quiet now ob
tained, and there was no longer any danger of trouble.
On the 21st ef April, the Twenty-third Army corps was re
viewed by Generals Grant and Sherman. The Ninth New Jersey,
the One Hundred Fourth Ohio and the Seventeenth Massachusetts
were specially mentioned for their soldierly bearing and marching.

SURRENDER OF GENERAL JOHNSTON'S ARMY.
On the 26th of April, 1865, General Joseph E. Johnston's
army surrendered to General Sherman. General John C. Brecken
ridge, former vice-president ef the United States, conducted the
negotiations for Johnston, receiving the same terms as those
accorded to General Lee by General Grant. This action en the
part ef Sherman was resented by Secretary of War Stanton, who
declared that Sherman had transcended his authority, and threat
ened te have the army of Johnston recalled and new stipulations
imposed. Sherman wen in the controversy, and the two became
bitter enemies while they lived.

STONEWALL JACKSON'S HORSE.
On May 4, General Henderson, with his brigade, except the
Seventeenth, took train for Greensboro, N. C, leaving the Seven
teenth to march the distance, guarding baggage wagons and am-

384 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
bulances. With the Seventeenth was Lieutenant Schaffer of
General Henderson's staff. The march was taken up on the fifth
of May, and soon Colonel Splaine found that Schaffer and himself
could net agree about marching a regiment under a hot sun.
To digress for a moment, it may be said that while Colonel
Splaine was seeing General Henderson off, among the many parolled
Confederate officers on the cars was a colonel, who, on seeing
General Carter's horse, exclaimed, "Oh, there is Billy!" Splaine
inquired what he meant, and was told that General Carter was then
mounted en Stonewall Jackson's horse. The Confederate colonel
called the attention of other ex-Cenfeds. on the car to the horse,
and all agreed that it was the horse in question. They had served
on Stonewall's staff and remembered the horse well. The fact
was, however, that the horse was given te General Carter by Colo
nel Splaine at the battle of Wise's Forks, after the former's horse
had been shot from under him. Jackson's horse was captured at
Mosely Hall, the home of Jackson's father-in-law.
Attention may also be called to a gathering of generals at a
review of the troops by Lieut.-General Grant, on the 22d of April,
in the city of Raleigh, N. C There were present on that occa
sion one lieutenant-general, fifteen major-generals and twenty-
five brigadier-generals. Such a gathering of generals was perhaps
never before seen on this continent.

THE MARCH TO GREENSBORO.
To resume the narrative ef the march to Greensboro : Colo
nel Splaine found that Schaffer wanted to march double-quick
time for 105 miles, while the colonel knowing that the war was over
was determined not to kill his men to please Schaffer or any one
else. On May 6, it being very warm, the command made twenty-
two miles, many of the men becoming prostrated from the heat.
The command reached the beautiful town of Chapel Hill that
night. The next mornmg Colonel Splame told Schaffer that he would
march his regiment as he pleased, and if the staff officer did not

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 385
like that way of doing business he could start ahead, taking in his
ambulances and wagons the men who had been prostrated the day
before, and some others who were not in good marching order, to
guard the train; and added, "Lieutenant Schaffer, if you and I
keep company much longer, and you continue to be as disagreeable
as you have been, I shall feel constrained te place you under arrest.
New, ge in peace, and behave yourself.' '
On this day the Seventeenth was marched forty minutes in
each hour, resting twenty minutes. By this means the command
got along comfortably; but the next day the regiment was marched
during the cool ef the morning and late afternoon, thus avoiding
the terrible midday heat.

COLONEL SPLAINE'S IRISH-AFRICAN FRIEND.
During the afternoon the command reached the Haw River,
which they forded, some of the men being compelled to swim part
of the way. While they halted on the other side there came along
a man, carrying a basket en his arm. While waiting fer all the men
to cress and get in condition to resume the march, the colonel en
gaged the man in conversation. He was a respectable appearing
person, with light flaxen hair and sandy whiskers. When asked
if he belonged up at the big house on the hill, he said that he did.
He was then asked if he was superintendent or foreman. He said
he was neither. He was asked if he was steward, butler er mechan
ic, and he returned the same answer. " Then what are you?' ' — " I
am a slave." The colonel was surprised, and said, "Why, man,
you are as white as I am.' '
The men, now marching in route step, pushed up around the
colonel's horse, and the stranger, eager to get some news er hear
the conversation. The colonel then inquired how the man became
a slave, and he answered, "Well, you see, sir, my mother was an
octoroon and my father a white man.' '¦ — Your mother was a slave,
then?" — "Yes, sir." — What was your father's name?"^ — "Burns,
sir." — "And what countryman was he?" asked the colonel, un
prepared fer the revelation that followed. " He was an Irishman,
sir." , .'

386 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
On hearing this answer, there was a roar ef laughter from the
men, and one, bolder that the others, shouted, "Colonel, that's
one on you!"
The colonel retorted by saying, " Only the half of him belongs
to me; the ether belongs to you, for his mother was a good Ameri
can." This sally from the colonel created lots of merriment, and
the laughter became general when the beys in the rear were made
acquainted with what had taken place at the head of the column.
The big house on the hill was the residence of Judge Ruffin, whose
son fired the first shot of the war when he fired on Fert Sumter in
the spring ef 1861.

A SAD WAR STORY.
On the following morning the boys were started out before
five o'clock, and marched during the cool ef the forenoon. When
it was about time to go into camp for the warm part ef the day, the
colonel, as was his went, dashed ahead, with the view ef finding a
shady place near a well of water or a brook. He soon approached
a place which showed evidences of former opulance, but which was
now desolate and deserted — a wreck ef war. The mansion house
had been burned down, as had many of the smaller slave houses
or quarters. While surveying this sad spectacle, the colonel heard voices
from the other side ef a hedge across the road from the ruined
houses, and en approaching it, he beheld a sight which amazed him.
He asked of an eld gentleman en the ether side: "What are you
doing there, sir?" The answer was : "We are plowing, sir. You
see, Sherman's men destroyed our houses, killed our cattle, drove
our servants away, took all there was to eat, and all the seed we
had for planting. A friend who was more fortunate than I was,
has kmdly given us a little seed, and now we are trying te plant it,
though it is late in the season, hoping we may be able to raise
enough to keep us from starving next winter.' '
The gentleman — and a gentleman he was — was holding the
handle of a jack-plow (a light plow, such as the Southern farmer
would hitch a small mule or large donkey to, to do his light plow-

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 387
ing). While he was holding the handles of the plow, and
pushing it with all his energy, what was pulling at the other end?
It was not a mule or a donkey. No, incredible as it may seem,
it was no animal, but it was his two beautiful daughters ! Great
God! What a sight! War is hell, indeed! The colonel said,
"Take your daughters into one of the shanties. My regiment
is marching up, and I do not want my men to see them under the
present conditions. My men will halt only a few minutes, and
after we have departed, you will find a good horse hitched to that
farthest shanty." "Whose horse?" he asked. "Mine," said
the colonel. "My servant is riding my spare horse, and he must
now march like the other men.' '
In conversation with the gentleman, it was learned that his
wife had been dead a few years, that his two sens had lest their
lives in Lee's army, and that his daughters had acquired their
education before he lest all he had at the hands of Sherman's men.
The regiment new came up, but halted only long enough to
permit the colonel te make the promised transfer. Poor John
Lynch, alias Captain Mack's boy felt mighty sore when told to
take his traps off the horse, and hitch the animal to the shack.
Ljmch inquired how he was going to carry the stuff for head
quarters. He was told that the colonel would carry some of it
and the adjutant the rest.
The colonel now shouted, "Major Smith, march the regiment
to that grove ahead, where you will find a nice stream ef water.
We will camp there till late in the afternoon.' '
After the command had passed on, the gentleman and his
daughters again appeared, inspected their new horse, and were
profuse in their thanks for the gift. The gentleman said, "Colonel,
if we of the South had known you people of the North as well
before the war, as we know some of you now, there never would
have been a war between the two sections." As the colonel
turned his horse to go, all three, father and daughters, shook his
hand and wished him Godspeed. Who could help feeling badly
at the sad plight of this stricken family, even to shedding of tears?
Colonel Splaine related that three years ago he met a Georgia
colonel of the old Confederate army at the State House in Boston,

388 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.'
and told him the story. The ex-Confederate listened to the
recital with tears in his eyes, and remarked: "It is too bad that
I can't reward you for your generous aid to that family." The
colonel rephed that he felt compensated fer his act in the con
sciousness that he had done a generous act to a good family in
dire distress. 
A MASSACHUSETTS SECESSIONIST.
On May 9th, and when Colonel Splaine thought it about time
to halt fer twenty minutes, he rede ahead to find a suitable place
to rest. He found an attractive village ef about thirty houses,
all painted white. An air of neatness pervaded the place. He
espied an old-fashioned well, with an eld-fashioned sweep be
side it. He thought: "Here is just the place for the boys to get
a nice drink of cool water." As he drew nearer, however,
he discovered that there was no bucket attached to the pole, and
said to himself, "Where, Oh where, is the Old Oaken Bucket
that hung in the well?' '
He now beheld a respectable looking man observing him,
and anxious to know something about "the moss-covered bucket,'
called the man to him, and saluting, said, "How do you do, sir?"
The man in turn saying, "Howdy, sir?" Then the colonel
inquired what had become of the "iron-bound bucket that
hung in the well." The man, looking somewhat stern, replied
that he did not know anything about it. The colonel said his
regiment was coming up, and as the boys would be thirsty, it
would be nice to restore it to its former position, "the moss-
covered bucket that hung in the well." The man then said,
"Sir, I don't knew anything about the bucket, and I don't
care anything about it." And he added: "Sir, I am a Massa
chusetts man. I have lived here twenty years, and, sir, I want
you to know that I am a secessionist of secessionists, and, sir,
my name is Eldridge. I was born in Massachusetts and was
brought up there, and if I had my way, I wouldn't give one of you
as much as a drink of water." The colonel retorted: "My
friend, I am sorry to find a son of that grand old Common-

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 389
wealth who entertains the sentiments you have just expressed;"
and then added: "Did you have to leave that State because you
had committed some awful crime?" Eldridge was furious, but
dared not retaliate.
The regiment new marched up. The colonel commanded:
" Halt ! In place ! Rest ! Sergeant, take four men, fix bayonets,
face the man about, — don't kill him, — but be sure to make him
find that 'old oaken bucket that hung in the well.' See, where
the water dropped on the sand as the bucket was carried into
the back yard." The sergeant obeyed orders, and gently, yet
firmly persuaded Eldridge to find the missing utensil, which was
then fastened to the sweep, and Mr. Eldridge was compelled
to draw water until every man in the regiment, the colonel in
cluded, had slaked his thirst and every canteen was filled.
As the work of drinking and filling canteens went on, the
men who were not actually drinking, sang "The Old Oaken
Bucket That Hung in the Well." That song reminded many
of the boys of the hemes they had not seen for a long time, and
perhaps reminded Eldridge of "the scenes of his childhood."
The colonel now ordered: "Fall in, battalion! Right face!"
and loud enough to be heard by all the men, said, "Mr. Eldridge,
you degenerate son of noble sires, if the war was not over, I
would try you by drum head courtmartial, and if you were found
guilty, I would— yes, I would  " "What, sir?" asked Eld
ridge, new covered with sweat after his work of drawing water.
"I would, yes, I would, sir," said the colonel. "Good-bye,
you disgrace to Massachusetts. Forward, march!" and as the
command moved on, many of the boys regarded Eldridge with
looks. which plainly shewed that they would like te de what
their commander thought.

AT GREENSBORO, N. C
On to Graham that night, and the next day. May 10, in the
afternoon, the regiment entered Greensboro, having marched
one hundred miles in five days. The command was welcomed by

390 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Generals Carter and Henderson. The regiment got a much-
needed rest for a few days without performing any duty. On the
following evening, the regimental "Glee Club" of which Hugh
Young was the leader and alto, assisted by T. P. George, first
tenor; A. J. Gilman, second tenor; Benjamin Sargent, baritone;
Albert Sargent, bass; serenaded the regiment, singing patriotic
and other stirring songs.
After the serenade, the Glee Club, led by the colonel and
ether officers of the Seventeenth, called en Generals Carter and
Henderson, and gave them a sample of what Hugh Young's
singers could do in the way ef vocal music. The glee club was an
institution. After the muster-out of the old regiment, in July, 1864, the
club, through its fine singing, relieved the monotony of camp-
life. It was heard by every officer in Schofield's command, and
even by General Sherman. The glee club, indeed, was well-
known throughout the army, and its members were the pets of
their ov.-n regiment.
(The following is a sample ef the patriotic and pathetic songs
frequently sung by Hugh Young's quartette, to thousands of
attentive listeners, in the armies of General Sherman and Scho
field.) THE PATRIOT'S GRAVE.
Air — The Rover's Grave.
We laid him away in the cold, damp ground,
By the banks of a southern stream —
Afar from his home, in a stranger land,
'Neath the heat of the tropic sun's beams.
Choeus.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, in thy rough southern tomb,
While above thee the winter winds rave.
In summer the birds will thy requiem sing.
And willows weep over thy grave.
No coffin enclosed his mangled remains,
No shroud, save his uniform old;
But his name is entwined in the laurels of fame.
And on memory's pages enrolled.
Choetjs.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, etc.

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 391
He sleeps, all unheeding the cannon's deep roar
Or the sound of the murmuring stream.
While armies march o'er him in death-dealing war,
He sees not the rifles' bright gleam.
Chokus.
Sleep, soldier, sleep,etc.
For his country he fought, for his country he fell —
A martyr to liberty's cause.
Fair Freedom he loved, and to see her prevail,
He died for her flag and her laws.
Chokus.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, etc.
In a little white cot, in the land of the North
They are waiting his coming again.
They dream not his body all mangled and torn
Is laid in the ranks of the slain.
Chorus.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, etc.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, in thy rough southern tomb.
While above thee the winter winds rave.
In summer the birds will thy requiem sing.
And the willows weep over thy grave.
Chorus.
Sleep, soldier, sleep, etc.

The Seventeenth Massachusetts was now ordered on pro
vost duty, and Colonel Splaine was made commandant of the
town. Orders were issued for a thorough cleaning up of the town,
and where the natives were toe poor to do it, or no men were at
heme, negroes were employed and paid by the United States
Government, until Greensboro was seen as clean and as sanitary
as Boston. The streets were scraped and swept every day, the
trunks of the shade trees on the streets whitewashed, some very
old rookeries torn down and their lumber burned. All houses
were cleaned inside and out, the natives entering heartily into
the work of sanitation.
The town authorities, headed by Major Scott, assisted
Colonel Splaine in every way. All went well, until the colonel

392 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
requested Mr. Worthington, the depot master and agent of the
railroad running through the town, te have his employees clean
up around the station. Worthington refused, telling the colonel
that he wasn't going to be dictated to by a northern mudsill,
and if the colonel wasn't wearing that uniform coat, he, Worth
ington, would show him what he meant. The colonel simply
said, " Are you a gentleman?' ' Worthington claimed that he was.
"Then, sir," said the colonel, "I will send a gentleman to see
you, and, waving the privilege of my coat, will meet you in any
way approved ef by gentlemen.' '
That afternoon Captain Keenan of the Seventeenth called
upon Worthington with a note from the colonel, demanding
satisfaction. After reading the note, Worthington wilted,
apologized and requested a call from the colonel, to whom he
made a formal retraction and apology. After that the work of
cleaning went on in good shape.
About this time a number of prominent people from Illinois
called on General Henderson, and settled down in camp. The
proficiency of the Seventeenth at battalion drill was se marked
that the general, in order te entertain his visiters, bargained with
Colonel Splaine that thereafter his command would be excused
from all other duties if he would give them a battalion drill and
dress parade in the afternoon. This was dene, and such drills
and such parades! The visitors and the general enjoyed every
part of them, and the Seventeenth had a fine time.
About this time Adjutant James H. Stewart, who had been
left behind en account ef severe sickness at Chapel Hill, returned
to camp, and was warmly greeted.
June 1st was made a day of penitence and sorrow in the
whole army on account of the death of President Lincoln, a
memorial day, se te speak. Captain Moore was now made acting
assistant adjutant-general to Henderson's brigade.
On June 16, 1865, Lieutenant-Colonel Splaine was com
missioned colonel; Major Wilham W. Smith, heutenant-colonel;
Captain John E. Mullally, maj or, and First Lieutenant Malcolm
Sillars, captain.

THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. 393
On June 1, 1865, the following named sergeants were com
missioned as second lieutenants; Robert Smith of Danvers;
Joseph A. Welch, Haverhill; John Cowan, Salisbury; Brotherton
Martin, Newburyport; Thomas A. Murray, Lynn; John Dunn,
Newburyport; Thomas S. Clymonts, New Bedford; Joseph G.
Martin, Danvers; Joseph G. Kelley, Haverhill; and George
W. Hewes of Haverhill.

STRICKEN WITH SICKNESS.
Sickness now prevailed in the Seventeenth, and men were
dying at the rate of four every day, and the only firing to be heard
was the volleys over the graves of departed comrades. The col
onel and several of his officers visited the hospitals in and around
Greensboro about every day to encourage the sick and soothe
the dying in their last moments. One impressive case was where
the colonel carried a second lieutenant's commission to Sergeant
John Dunn of Company A. He found the sergeant dying, soothed
him and placed the commission in his hand. The dying man knew
his commander, kissed his hand, drew the commission close to
him, kissed that too, and died almost immediately after.
Another case was that of Delano of the Seventeenth. When
the regiment was going home, the surgeons reported that the
man was dying and nothing could save him. The colonel, on a
visit to the hospital, said, "If he must die, why net let him die
in my hands? I will take him along, and perhaps a change of
climate may do him good." The doctor said, "No use," but
the colonel persisted, and finally won his point. He took the
dying man along, and after the command had been on the salt
water only four hours, Delano showed signs ef improvement.
He has been improving ever since, and lives today to thank
his commander fer having saved his life.

AMOS HOMANS.

Amos Homans was born a slave in Middleton, Hyde County,
N. C, September 20, 1839, and was the property of Mr. Riley Mur-

394 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
ray. Homans worked on Murray's plantation until seme time
after the breaking out of the civil war, when he concluded to be
free. He ran away from his master, and made an effort to reach
Newbern, where he believed there was a Union army. He was
captured by Confederate troops, but not until after he had been
shot in both legs.
Homans was taken to Greensboro, where he was let out to
work fer a new master, his wages, however, being sent regularly
te his owner, Riley Murray. He finally found his way among
Union troops, and en June 21, 1865, joined the Seventeenth Massa
chusetts at Greensboro. His special patrons and protectors were
Nat. Pope ef Danvers, Mass.; Billy Stackpole ef Ipswich, Mass.;
and Sergeant Martin of Rowley, Mass.
At Greensboro, Homans became cook te Captain James
Splaine, Company A. Upon the mustering out of the Seventeenth,
Homans came to Massachusetts as the servant ef Captain Lewis
Cann. He resided and worked hear his captain, in Danvers, Mass.
for about three years, after which he removed to Beverly, Mass.,
where he has resided up to the present time. He is now janitor of
the Odd Fellows Building in that city. He married a good woman
and is the father of four children who are now grown up and are
respectable members of the community.
Hemans never fails to attend the reunions of Company A,
and also the annual regimental reunion. He likes te meet his eld
comrades and protectors, and especially likes to meet his first
captain's brother. Colonel Splaine.
On June 19, Henderson's brigade was broken up. On June
28, Captain Joseph A. Moore was made acting assistant adjutant
general of General Carter's third division. On June 30, the men
of the Seventeenth whe had enlisted fer one year were mustered
out, and on July 1, under command of the gallant Captain Enoch
F. Tompkins of Haverhill, started fer Massachusetts for final pay.
They were a good body ef men, and as they started, the regiment
saluted them, and all the eld vets, cheered them.

MUSTER OUT AND RETURN HOME. 395
A FOURTH OF JULY SALUTE FROM REBEL CANNON.
Just prior te July 4, Colonel Splaine conceived the idea of
firing an immense salute on that anniversary, and for this purpose
had cleaned up 112 cannon, surrendered by General Joseph E.
Johnston to General Sherman at the close of the war. He had
the guns loaded with Johnston's powder, five pounds to the gun,
and then get permission from General Ruger to do the job.
At twelve o'clock, noon, on July 4, 1865, he rode into the cen
ter of the great park. He had stationed a man holding lanyards
between every two guns, and fired his pistol, which was the signal.
The 112 pieces went off at once, and with them Splaine off his
horse; the fifty-six men were thrown off their feet, and nearly all the
darkies in town went off to the woods, believing that the Day ef
Judgment had come. The only thing seriously hurt was a let of
window glass, but that was expected.
Colonel Splaine thought it highly proper to close the war
officiafly by celebrating the nation's birthday with the guns and
powder ef the beaten enemy.

MUSTER-OUT OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND RETURN
HOME.
On July 8, orders came to muster out all men of the Third
Division, Twenty Third Army corps, of which the Seventeenth
was a part. Fer three days it was write and write en muster-rolls,
and en the 11th of July, the Seventeenth was mustered out of the
service of the United States by Captain A. B. Smith, mustering
officer ef the Twenty Third corps.
On July 12, the regiment marched to the railroad station at
Greensboro. The command saluted General Carter as it marched
by, the gallant third division commander making a nice speech to
them. Mayor Scott of Greensboro presented an address ef thanks
to Colonel Splaine and his men fer having thoroughly cleaned up
his city. That night the train passed Danville, reaching Burks-
viUe the next day, and remained there until the 15th; thence by^

396 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
train it was carried to City Point, Va., passing through Petersburg
on the way. At City Point the steamer "Ranger" was boarded
at midnight. The regiment reached New York July 18, and Read-
vihe, Mass., en the 19th. The officers and men were allowed to
go home until the 26th, when they all returned and were finally
paid oft' en that and the next day.
Thus ended the service of the Seventeenth Massachusetts
Volunteer Infantry, — a regiment which had served its country for
a period of four years and three months. It was an honorable,
hard-working and hard-fighting regiment. The officers and men
had earned the respect of every general they had served under,
and had won the good will of the inhabitants of that portion of the
South in which they had served. They were obedient to discipline,
respectful and brave. They returned to their friends, who proudly
welcomed them home. They came home to be as good citizens
as they had been good soldiers.

SUMMARY OF LOSSES.
During its term of service the Seventeenth Regiment lost in
killed, wounded, died of wounds, died in Confederate prisons, dis
charged on account of wounds or ether disabilities, — six
hundred fifty officers and men.

ONE OF THE BOYS OF '61.
(Benjamin P. Rogers of Newbury, Mass., ef Company A,
Seventeenth Regiment, contributes the foUowing readable sketch
of the history of the regiment.)
At a time when all boys back on the farms in New England
were aroused by patriotic tendencies, which were the result of
reading accounts ef the John Brown episode, and later, his execu
tion in 1859, I "was one of the number, and work en the farm be
came irksome; but time wore en, and when, in April, '61, rebel
guns were trained en Fort Sumter, the farm and the onion-bed had

MUSTER OUT AND RETURN HOME. 397
no longer any charm for me, and although only sixteen years of
age, I felt that when my country needed me, when that starry em
blem of liberty and freedom had been insulted, then my patriotic
impulse knew ne bounds.
I left my work, told my mother (my father had long since
passed away) of my intentions, and with great anticipation of my
pride and soldierly appearance when I should have donned the
army blue, I hastened away from home with a light step and a long
stride, fully determined to enlist, and if need be, to shed my blood
in defence of my country.
I soon reached the city of Newburyport, and on May 21, 1861,
Benjamin P. Rogers enlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Regi
ment Massachusetts Volunteers, — the company being known as
the "City Grays" of Newburyport. On August 23, 1861, we
started for the seat of war. On reaching Baltimore, Md., and be
cause we had slept in the open air, we thought we were having a
taste of real warfare. Here six companies ef the regiment were
ordered into Maryland and Eastern Shore of Virginia, General
Lockwood in command. Came back to Baltimore after an ab
sence of two weeks.
Our next move was to Fortress Monroe on steamer "Star of
the South." Arriving at the fort, we were ordered te proceed to
Newbern, N. C, and ascended the Neuse River, April 1, '62,
landed at Newbern, N. C, and immediately went into camp fer
some time.
On June 23, 1862, we found ourselves at Swift Creek (correct
ly named,) where only a short scrap took place, and where we re
mained only ten days, and on July 4, we marched twenty-four
miles back to Newbern, and into camp, where we had some good
times together. I can distinctly recall, after nearly fifty years have
elapsed, a prize fight which took place in the camp, between Com
rades Edmunds and Corporal Young. Besse acted as a backer
for Young, while Austin did the honors for Edmunds. The battle
was short, spicy and decisive, fer Young wen the honors in a single
round. Our next duty outside of camp life was picket duty. There
we enjoyed ourselves in card playing, shaking dice and an occasional

398 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
bit of foraging was indulged in on the sly; but we believe this
was pardonable when the lot of the average soldier is considered,
for surely the hungry soldier loves the taste of a tender chicken and
bacon, and many a time has the writer aided the "boys" in "con
fiscating' ' these necessaries.
By some men Company A was considered a hard crowd, and
perhaps we were; but Company A, (as well as the entire regiment
Seventeenth Massachusetts) were never found wanting when
there was work to do, and be it said to the honor of the men of Com
pany A, they all loved their commander. Captain Splaine, and were
ever ready to follow him as captain ef Company A, or as colonel of
the Seventeenth Regiment, and that same love exists now (inten
sified by the lapse of time) as we meet our gallant colonel and shake
his kindly hand at eur annual re-unions.
Our let up te the time ef our re-enlistment in 1864 (January
2) was indeed varied, but we bore all hardships without much com
plaint. We had expected furloughs in early February, but fate
had decreed otherwise, and a small "scrap" took place, with the
result that out of a force of ene hundred fifteen men, sixty-five were
left en the field, and here our gallant Colonel Fellows was captured.
All signs now pointed to an early closing of the war, and
the time was fast coming when we all must bid farewell to the
Southland and to the graves ef fallen heroes scattered far and
wide. Neither the bugle notes ner the rattling drum beats to dis
turb the sleeping soldier boy, as he sleeps the sleep that knows no
waking by mortals, for the beys have answered their last roll-
call; and yet there is comfort to me in the belief that once more I
shall meet those who have passed out into the spirit land before
us, whether they sleep their last sleep in a quiet cemetery, beneath
the billows of old ocean, er en the battle fields of the Southland.
There will come an awakening, and we shall all meet again, and I
am looking forward to that time when we shall see as we are seen,
and know as we have been known.

We left old Massachusetts
Our country's cause to win;
To fight for God and home-land
With misled foes within.

MUSTER OUT AND RETURN HOME. 399
We left our cheerful firesides,
Dressed in our " army blue' ',
Determined at all hazards
To ne'er disgrace its hue.
We followed close Old Glory,
So dear to every son.
Each stripe a blaze of glory,
Each star a statehood won.
But now our conflict ended.
The bugle calls no more;
No drum-beat wakes our slumber
As in the days of yore.

VALEDICTORY OF COLONEL SPLAINE.
As the last surviving commander of the regiment, I
desire te say a final word, er if the reader please, fire the last
shot before the history goes te press.
In justice to myself and to the officers and men with whom I
served, many of whom were under my command, I feel it a duty to
convey to my surviving comrades, to the surviving kindred of my
departed comrades, and te the public generally, the high regard
in which I held the officers and men of my regiment, and the
esteem in which I hold my surviving comrades today, their families
and the families of our comrades who have been mustered out
forever. Colonel Thomas I. C Amory — the brave, educated and
trained soldier — large in stature as in mind — must have been
proud to find himself in command of a regiment whose officers
and men, with few exceptions, were the sturdy sons of his native
Massachusetts, whose unselfish patriotism made it an easy
task for their commanding officers te mould them into disciplined
and valuable soldiers, to whom an approving word er glance ef
the eye would stir within them emotions of pride and satisfaction,
a colonel proud of his regiment, a regiment proud ef its colonel.
Colonel Amory's knowledge of the art of war was se evident that
he was frequently in command of brigades and divisions, thus
removing him at times from intimate and constant touch with
his regiment.

400 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
Lieutenant-Colonel John F. Fellows of Chelsea, Mass.,
was generally the active commander. He was a trained Massa
chusetts soldier. He was educated, handsome, patriotic, brave,
and in the duties of commanding officer ef his regiment, he was
painstaking and earnest. In campaigns, his well-known com
mand: "Forward, Seventeenth!" was as familiar to the ears of
his officers and men as was their daily hard tack to their stomachs.
Colonel Fellows was proud ef his regiment, because they were
volunteers like himself, doubly proud because his officers and men
gave him their undivided loyalty and confidence. His command
only ceased when he became a prisoner of war.
I was the third and last commander of the regiment, taking
command July 17, 1864, when the three years' men were' mustered
out. My regiment was mainly composed of veteran volunteers,
most of whom had served in the old regiment. If Colonel
Amory was proud ef being in command ef the old Seventeenth
Massachusetts Regiment, and if Colonel Fellows was doubly
proud as commander of it, I can only say that I was trebly
proud when I found myself in command of substantially the same
gallant regiment. Proud! I was the proudest man on earth!
Colonels Amory and Fellows had military training, which to a
great extent enabled them to readily assume command and
receive the promotion which they so richly deserved; but in my
case, promotion came only after the hardest kind of study and
work. I knew my officers and men, and they knew me. Con
fidence and respect was mutual. Discipline without cruelty
was strictly enforced, not for the pleasure ef the commanding
officer, but for the benefit and safety ef the men, who were likely
to be called upon any minute te meet the enemy; and when they
were caUed upon, as in the well fought battle of Wise's Forks,
they showed the value ef discipline. There they displayed
their true bravery, their patriotism and devotion to their country's
flag, by achieving a victory over superior numbers, and winning
the admiration of the commanding generals for their gallant
conduct in a stubborn fight, which lasted three days.
No wonder I was proud of my men— men who gave me their
willing obedience, and who seemed even to anticipate my every

MUSTER OUT AND RETURN HOME. 401
order, my every wish. The field, staff and hne officers of the
regiment were a brave, patriotic and intelligent body of gentle
men. By close application, they soon raised themselves te as
high a standard of excellence as was attained by those of the
same rank in any volunteer regiment in the service. The enlisted
men — eighty percent of whom were of good old Yankee stock,
and twentj' percent representing all the ether civilized nations
of the earth, made up a regiment of brave, patriotic and self-
respecting men.
Because of the sudden call to arms, at the breaking out of the
Civil War, many officers were hastily chosen in order to complete
organizations for the field, when, if there had been ample time
to make careful selection, some who were chosen officers would
have remained in the ranks, and some who continued in the
ranks would have been chosen te wear the sword. Many of
the enlisted men were the equal in ability and intelligence of
many of the officers whe commanded them. But all could not be
officers, neither could all be enlisted men ; but enlisted or com
missioned, all aided in preserving the Union of the States.
The creeds of the officers and men of the Seventeenth were
about as many as were the nationalities they represented in the
command, but I never knew of any strife, wrangle or angry
argument among them about religion. There was one altar
common to all, and that was the altar ef their common country,
one religion, in other words, that was common to all, which was:
God and their Country's Flag. This idea is finely expressed by
the poet in these lines :
" What though ten thousand altars bear
Each for heaven a different prayer;
By light of moon or Mght of sun.
At Freedom's we should all be one.' '
Short biographies of several of the officers have been written,
because some of these living have responded te the requests for
facts pertaining to their personal history, and some of the
families of deceased ones have furnished short sketches ef them.
Were it possible I would have biographies of all the officers

402 THE SEVENTEENTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
printed in the history; and not only that, I would have short
sketches ef every enlisted man who did honorable service in the
regiment. But this is manifestly impossible, because the law
of the State, relating to regimental histories, distinctly provides
that the book must net contain mere than 500 and not less than
400 pages. To give a short sketch of the 2,000 and odd men who
served in it, would require a book of 5,000 pages. But there is
no need of this, for the men wrote their own biographies when
they offered their lives that the nation might live; and dearer
to the heart than any written history is the proud recollection of
their sacrifices and privations in the field, and the fond memories
of the friendships and associations then formed and se proudly
and firmly cemented on the fields of honor, marched ever by the
victorious troops of the North.
Annually, when our comrades strew flowers on pretentious
tombs or on simple mounds, with unpretentious headstones, of the
departed heroes, they are reminded that even the fragrance of
the flowers is not as sweet as the proud and fond recollections
which crowd upon them, recalling their youth and the young
comrades whose memories they revere and honor for "all they
were and all that they dared to de." Shall the friendship and
fond ties, so bravely and patriotically formed, die in a short time?
No, not for many generations to come, for they have become
traditions in the families of the veterans, and as the peet says :
' ' Long, long be my heart with such memories filled ;
Like the vase in whioh roses have once been distill' d.
You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will,
But the scent of the roses will linger there still.' '
To conclude, I reverently bow te the memory of my deceased
comrades, and offer my humble tribute of condolence te their
bereaved families and kindred. My surviving comrades, their
families and kindred, I respectfully salute, and say to them all,
that were it possible that all were alive and young again, and that
our country was threatened from within er without, and the
governor of the State should say, "Here are fifty regiments —
take your choice." I would command as I often did before:
"Fall in, Seventeenth!"
Henry Splaine.

THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD.
Bt Theodore O'Hare.

"The muffled drum's low tap has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet
The brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping-ground.
Their sUent tents are spread;
And Glory guards with sacred round
The Bivouac of the Dead.' '

The End.

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